USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 69
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CHARLES A. CONOVER.
Charles A. Conover, son of the late Jefferson S. Conover, was born in Lafayette, Indiana, May 11, 1865. He was reared in Coldwater and at- tended its public schools, while later he completed a commercial course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. Since that time he has been closely identified with the Conover Engraving & Printing Company of Coldwater, succeeding his father in the ownership of the business in 1900. Alert, enterprising and notably prompt and energetic he has made this a profitable and extensive business interest, having now a large patronage which indicates that the class of work executed in the plant is of superior character.
In politics Mr. Conover is a Republican, active and influential in com- munity affairs and has served as alderman of his city and as a member of the cemetery board. He succeeded his father as grand secretary of the grand chapter, R. A. M., of Michigan and has since held that position. He is also grand recorder of the grand council, R. S. M., of this state and is a worthy successor of an honored sire in his relations of Masonry. He also belongs to the Presbyterian church.
In 1887 Charles Conover was married to Miss Juno Edmonds, and their union has been blessed with three children, Charles Junius, Edmond WV. and Fred Eric, the last named being deceased.
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY
LEANDER S. BURNETT.
Leander S. Burnett, deceased, who was known among neighbors and friends as a representative and reliable citizen of Union township and one well worthy of the regard in which he was uniformly held, was born De- cember II, 1841, on the farm on section fourteen on which he always re- sided. His parents were Orris and Diantha (Millerman) Burnett, pioneer settlers of Branch county, and one of the first families to settle in Union township. Under the parental roof Leander S. Burnett spent the days of his childhood, his education being acquired in the public schools, while the periods of vacation were devoted to the labors of the fields. He was a life- long farmer and won a creditable measure of success in the tilling of the soil and in the care of his crops. He followed progressive methods of farm- ing, placing his land under a very high state of cultivation and using the latest improved machinery in the care of his fields. The only time when he put aside farm work was when in 1864 he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting as a private in a regiment of Michigan Light Artillery. He went to the front and was with the army for about a year, when the war ended and he returned to his home.
On November 29, 1866, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage to Miss Mary Olney, who was born in Girard township, October 2, 1846. Her father, James H. Olney, was a native of New York and on coming to Branch county with his parents when but twelve years of age settled in Girard township. He was one of the pioneers of the locality, the parents casting in their lot with the early residents who had come to reclaim this frontier district from the domain of the red man and utilize it for the pur- poses of civilization. Here Mr. Olney was reared and educated, and he be- came familiar with all of the experiences and conditions of pioneer life. . He married Catherine M. Vincent, a native of New York, who in early girlhood days came with her parents to Branch county. They were the parents of one son and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Burnett is the second in order of birth. Her father was married the second time, Emily O. Johnson becoming his wife, and by that union there were five children, two sons and three daughters who reached adult age. Mrs. Burnett's own brother, Sylvester L. Olney, resides in Traverse City, Michigan. Asenath is the wife of James E. Embly of Mendon, Michigan. Mrs. Burnett's half brothers and sisters are as follows: Nora and Cora, now deceased; Mattie, the wife of Edward Ostrom, who is living in Homer township, Calhoun county, Michigan; Clarence, who is a farmer of Union township; and Clifford, who is living in Homer township, Calhoun county.
Mrs. Burnett was reared in Girard township, and in 1866 she gave her hand in marriage to Leander S. Burnett. They located on the farm where she is now living, their original home being a log cabin, in which they resided for nine years, when it was replaced by a more commodious and modern residence. One daughter was born unto them. Lulu Bell, the wife of Charles G. Van Schoick, a leading and enterprising farmer of Union town- ship. There is one daughter by this marriage, Beulah Van Schoick.
L.J. Burnett.
My Lo.S. Burnett.
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY
Mr. Burnett was a lifelong Republican, interested in the work of the party, its growth and success, yet never seeking or desiring office for him- self. He and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Union City, was active in its work and contributed generously to its sup- port, while for some time he held the office of trustee. He was a member of the Grange and he likewise held membership in Corbin Post No. 88, G. A. R. He passed away May 7, 1904, and his remains were interred in Riverside cemetery at Union City. He had many friends who had learned to know and esteem him for his sterling worth, and his loss was therefore deeply re- gretted by those with whom he had come in contact. Mrs. Burnett still re- sides upon the old homestead farm. having here eighty acres of well improved land. She has spent all of her life in Branch county, the Burnetts and the Olneys both being pioneer families of this portion of the state identified with its entire history.
JOSEPH NELSON SALISBURY.
Joseph Nelson Salisbury, manufacturer and lumber dealer, is closely identified with the business and civic life of Quincy, both by reason of his own energetic and public-spirited activity and also as successor to his father. whose connection with Quincy dates from the early days of its history as a center of population, and who has always been regarded among the strong- est characters in the town.
Joseph B. Salisbury, the father, died in October, 1902, being at the time one of Quincy's oldest and most highly esteemed business men. His honorable career . was thus sketched by one who had known him from boy- hood : "Joseph Blackmar Salisbury first saw the light among the hills on the Hudson river at Athens, New York, June 2, 1831. Left fatherless at an early age, he has given us another example of a boy's self-dependence, fighting the battle of life alone with a success crowned with an honorable manhood. While in his teens he came to Newark, New York, to live with his uncle Horace Blackmar, who was a prominent merchant and business man of that place, whose advice to the boy was, 'the only way to do busi- ness is the right way,' emphasizing the word 'right,' and Joe has remem- bered it. He remained with his uncle until the high tide of emigration to California swept him across the isthmus and Pacific ocean to the gold fields. Joe's story of the three years' struggling in the mines and of his trials in getting there would make an interesting book. In the fall of 1854 he came to Michigan and joined his interests with W. J. Barnes in the lumber busi- ness, locating on section twenty-six. three miles southeast of Quincy, where they erected a sawmill. In the fall of 1863 he moved to the village of Quincy and purchased the interest of J. R. Daggett in the planing mill and lumber yard, which he continued until his death. Mr. Salisbury has been in business in Quincy forty-eight years. He made his business a success. He has earned a record of honorable dealing and integrity of character well worthy of emulation. Joe Salisbury had many good traits. Being mortal. he must have had some faults, and he had some good qualities the world will never know how to appreciate. Well, Joe has gone ; he can't come back. We
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY
may say what we will, he can't fight back, but that noblest trait in us, char- ity, constrains us to remember his virtues and forget his faults. A mourn- ing community went with him to the grave, where the beautiful ceremony of a fraternal brotherhood left him with God. The sweet aroma of the bank of flowers, wet with tears, will linger there while friends, with the love of sweet and enduring memories, shall pay tribute to his rest." Joseph B. Salisbury married, May 10, 1851, Margaret Ann Barnes, whose death oc- curred February 21, 1895. They were parents of five children, namely : Joseph N., Carrie Lillie, Willard Andrews, Rolzamund B. and Flora Adell.
Mr. Joseph N. Salisbury, the only living son of this late Quincy busi- ness man, was born in Newark, Wayne county, New York, in 1853, but was reared mainly on a farm in this county, attending school in the country and in Quincy. He early became associated with his father in the lumber yard and sash and planing mill, and at his death became proprietor of the factory and business. Interior wood finishing, sash and general planing work constitute the output of the mill, and his large retail lumber yard is the only enterprise of the kind in Quincy. Like his father, Mr. Salisbury is successful in business affairs, and is one of the prominent men of affairs of his town. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Mas- ons and Maccabees, and. a Republican in politics, has served two terms in the village council and is always ready to promote by personal effort the welfare of his community.
In 1877 Mr. Salisbury married Margaret Ann Rose, who was born in Kingsville, Canada, in 1855. Her father, Benjamin Rose, also a native of Canada and of Irish stock, was a farmer and came to Michigan from Can- ada in 1870. locating at Jonesville, whence, after a successful career in farming, he retired and moved to Quincy in 1886, and died the following year in his sixty-fifth year. His wife, Hannah Rose, also a native of Can- ada, is still living, in her eighty-ninth year, making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury. She is a Methodist; her husband was a Baptist. Mrs. Sal- isbury is next to the youngest of the seven of her parents' nine children that reached adult age, the others being as follows: Benjamin, a wholesale mer- chant in South Bend; Mariam, widow of Upham Waldo, of Chicago; Maria, twin sister of Mariam, and married Melvin Ganyard and is living in Oak- land; Silence, widow of Henry O'Reilly, lives in San Francisco, California; Myra is wife of Gabriel Blum, a merchant of Martinez, California. Mrs. Salisbury's mother by a previous marriage has two living children: Chloe, the wife of Frank Post, a mine operator in California, and Phoebe, wife of William Doe, a molder living in Detroit. Mrs. Salisbury is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury have one child, Rose, who is at home.
GEORGE H. SEYMOUR.
George H. Seymour, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, and a respected and trustworthy representative of the financial interests of the county, was born in Union City, June 26, 1867, being the second son of Henry and Carolyn (Tutherly) Seymour, whose history is given on another
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY
page of this work. At the usual age he entered the public schools and passed through successive grades until he became a high school student in Union City, graduating in the class of 1884. When he had put aside his text-books he entered upon his business career as a teller in the Union City National Bank, which position he filled with ability and credit from Au- gust, 1884, until March, 1888. In the latter year he came to Sherwood, accepting the cashiership in the Farmers and Merchants Bank, which has been his business association from that date to the present time. The suc- cess of the bank is largely attributable to his efforts for he is a popular offi- cial, obliging to its patrons and at the same time carefully conducting the affairs of the institution, which is capitalized for ten thousand dollars, with Henry Seymour as the president. George H. Seymour is also engaged in the insurance business, representing the New York Underwriters Agency, the Hanover, and the North British Companies.
In November, 1888, Mr. Seymour was united in marriage to Miss Maude L. Hubbard, a daughter of Russell D. and Julietta (Cooley) Hub- bard. They now have one son, Leon H.
Mr. Seymour is a stalwart and unswerving Republican, having taken an active interest in the party and exerted his influence in its behalf since at- taining his majority. He is now filling the position of village treasurer and was formerly president of the village. He has been a member of the school board for twelve years and was township treasurer for four years and his support of progressive community interests has been of marked value in this part of the county. He belongs to Sherwood lodge, No. 421, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Unitarian church in Sherwood. His entire life has been passed in Branch county and his life history is in contradistinction to the old adage " That a man is never without honor save in his own country, and that among his own kin," for in this locality where he has always lived Mr. Seymour has so directed his efforts as to win suc- cess and an honored name simultaneously.
WILLIAM N. CONOVER.
William N. Conover, a retired farmer now living in Coldwater, was born in the town of Sparta, Livingston county, New York, August 29, 1837, his parents being Garrett and Jane (Hall) Conover, both of whom were natives of Cayuga county, New York. His grandfather, John Conover, was also a native of the Empire state and was of Holland descent, and from the same country the maternal ancestry is traced. Mrs. Conover died when her son William was only three years old, leaving two children, but the daugh- ter departed this life several years ago. For his second wife the father married Sarah Howell and they became the parents of four children, after which the mother's death occurred. In 1847 Mr. Conover had removed to Huron county, Ohio, and it was there that he was married for the third time, Miss Mary Wright becoming his wife. There were two children by that union. Mr. Conover always devoted his time and energies to agri- cultural pursuits and his death occurred in Fairfield, Huron county, Ohio.
William N. Conover was reared on the old homestead farm and left
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY
the parental roof when twenty-two years of age. He was married in 1861 to Miss Sevilla Trauger, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, and was of German lineage. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Huron county. Ohio, and Mr. Conover continued the cultivation of his land until in 1862, when he could no longer content himself to remain at the plow while the Union was in danger. He therefore enlisted on the 9th of August as a member of Company D, One Hundred and First Ohio Infantry, joining the regiment as a private. In February, 1863, being unable to endure the hardships of war, he was honorably discharged on account of disability at Bowling Green. Kentucky. He now maintains pleasant rela- tions with the soldiers of the war through his membership in Butterworth Post, G. A. R.
Returning to his home in Ohio Mr. Conover remained in that state until 1864, when he came to Branch county, Michigan, and settled in Algan- see township. Three years later he sold his property there and removed to Ovid township, where he successfully carried on farming until 1889. He was practical in his work, systematic in his methods, utilized the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and altogether was known as an enterprising agriculturist. Success attended his labors and with a well earned competence he retired to Coldwater to enjoy the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. and Mrs. Conover became the parents of one child, Lottie, who was married to Adelbert Leroy, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She died in 1902, leaving one son, Lavern, who is now sixteen years of age. Mr. Conover has always been an advocate of Republican principles, but has never had any political ambition, content to devote his attention to his business affairs, and now after many years of close connection with agricultural in- terests he is enabled to live retired, enjoying the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
JOHN A. GREENAMYER.
John A. Greenamyer, a representative farmer of Ovid township living on section twelve, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 28th of January, 1858. His father, David Greenamyer, was also a native of that county, born in 1820 and was reared in Ohio, where he followed the occu- pation of farming. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pur- suits and thus he provided for his family. He was married in Ohio to Miss Margaret Snook, a native of that state, born in 1827. She was reared and educated in Salem, Ohio, and came of a family of Pennsylvania Dutch an- cestry. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greenamyer were born ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom two are now deceased.
John A. Greenamyer, the fifth child and third son in his father's fam- ily, was about seven years of age when his parents left Ohio and removed to Branch county, Michigan, settling upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. It comprised one hundred and sixty acres of land and the father secured eighty acres of this. He erected all of the buildings upon the place and added many modern improvements, converting the property
Julia E. Talbott
Leroy Vallott
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY
into a well developed farm which yielded him a good income as a reward for the cares and labors he bestowed upon the fields. In politics he was a life-long Republican, interested in the growth and success of his party, and he was widely and favorably known in this section of the state. He car- ried on the active work of the farm until 1901, when he retired from busi- ness life and took up his abode in Coldwater.
John A. Greenamyer was reared upon the old farm homestead and pursued his education in the district schools of Ovid township, therein mas- tering the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He al- ways remained at home during the period of his boyhood and youth and assisted his father in the farm work until he attained his majority. He then left home and started out upon an active business career as a farm hand. He worked by the month for five years and then returned to the old home- stead, which he purchased from his father. He now has eighty acres of land all under cultivation and neatness and system pervade the place and indicate the owner to be an enterprising agriculturist, who thoroughly un- derstands his business and directs his labors so as to meet with success. In all his work he has been encouraged and assisted by his estimable wife, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Belle Strobec. They were married on the 20th of April, 1887. Mrs. Greenamyer was born in Ovid township on the 25th of August. 1864, and is a daughter of Addison and Hannah ( Pen- der) Strobec, early settlers of Branch county. They came from Lenawee county during the epoch of pioneer development here and established their home in Ovid township, where they reared their family. Mrs. Greenamyer spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and acquired her education in the district school near her home. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters. all of whom were born upon the farm where they now reside, namely: Ralph, Starr, Arlene and Rex, twins, Clifford and Marie.
In his political allegiance Mr. Greenamyer is an earnest Republican and has capably filled local offices, acting as township treasurer for two years in Ovid township. He is well known and his co-operation can be counted upon for any measure for the benefit of the community. He belongs to the Order of Mutual Protection at Coldwater.
LEROY B. TALBOTT.
LeRoy B. Talbott, a prominent farmer residing on section fourteen, Union township, was born in Cazenovia township, Madison county, New York, November 8, 1830. His father, Lorenzo D. Talbott, was also a native of the Empire state, and was a son of Samuel Talbott, whose birth occurred either in Nova Scotia or England. The great-grandfather, Edward Tal- bott, was a native of England and was a military officer, becoming com- mander of the warship Prince of Wales. He was connected with the no- bility of his native land. In the maternal line Mr. Talbott is descended from one of the old families of New York of Holland-Dutch ancestry. His grand- father was John Nichols. His mother bore the maiden name of Catherine M. Nichols and was born in New York, giving her hand in marriage in
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Madison county, that state, to Lorenzo D. Talbott. They took up their abode in that county, but their last days were spent in Michigan, both passing away in Union City. The father was eighty-three years at the time of his demise, while his wife passed away at the age of about seventy years. In their family were two sons and a daughter. The brother, E. H. Talbott, was killed in California by being thrown from a horse, while Malissa Ann, the sister, is now the wife of Oved Alvord of Creston, Iowa.
LeRoy B. Talbott, the eldest of the family, was reared in the county of his nativity to the age of fifteen years, and in 1845 came with his parents to the middle west, the family home being first established in Mentor, Ohio. Mr. Talbott remained there until 1866, and was married in that place to Miss Julia Griswold, the daughter of Harry Griswold and Betsy (Ackley) Gris- wold. Mrs. Talbott died March 16, 1905, her death being greatly deplored by many friends, for she had endeared herself to a large circle of acquaint- ances with whom she had come in contact. She left one daughter, Myrtie, now the wife of Frank Baker, of Detroit, and they have a daughter, Lila. At the time of Mrs. Talbott's death the following lines were written :
" Miss Julia E. Griswold was born in Mentor, Lake county, Ohio, No- vember 15, 1841, and passed to higher life, March 16, 1905, aged sixty-three years. She was married to L. B. Talbott August II, 1861. Two children blessed this union. The white messenger came and plucked one from the parent stem in its infancy and bore it away to the great beyond. A husband and daughter, Mrs. Frank Baker, of Detroit, and a sister, Mrs. Cale Lin- coln, are left to mourn the loss of wife, mother and sister.
"For some years, Mrs. Talbott has been failing, and for the past few months she has been treated for a complication of diseases; no positive decision could be reached. She spent a few weeks at the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, she returned home, and has been gradually going down ever since. On the evening of the roth she was stricken with paralysis from which she never rallied. The sleep that forebodes so much took possession, resisting all care and entreaties of loving friends that she might be spared to them.
"Mrs. Talbott was highly esteemed in the neighborhood where she has lived thirty-eight years; endearing herself to those with whom she came in contact and to-day they mourn with those who mourn the loss of she who
Waited in the gloaming, And at the early morn ; She awaited the angels coming, She listened for their songs.
"Day and night was the watch kept, lovingly attending to the little that could give comfort to the body as it lay so helpless; each one knowing that they were helpless to stay the hand of the dread archer, who, sooner or later, would snap the bow and send the arrow that would sever the cord that binds to earth.
"Thus she lingered, day by day, growing weaker and weaker, until the two worlds that had been so slowly approaching each other, rested for one
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brief moment on the threshold. and the life went out like the snuffing of a candle. The veil was lifted and the spirit left its clay casket and entered her eternal home.
"Home! Yes, home of the soul, In Heaven's land not built with hands ; Beyond the stars in God's own land; And written on a golden scroll: 'Home of the Father, home of the soul.'"
In the year 1866 Mr. Talbott came to Branch county, purchasing a farm whereon he now resides. He has made all of the improvements here including the erection of his present modern residence and his large and substantial barns. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and the latest improved machinery is used in facilitating the farm work. The homestead comprises one hundred and fifteen acres of land and is one of the good farms of the county owing to the care and cultivation which Mr. Talbott has bestowed upon it. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and his practical knowledge and experience enable him to so conduct his business interests as to derive therefrom a gratifying income. Since age gave to him the right of franchise he has been in sympathy with Republican principles and has voted for the party since it has had a presidential nominee in the field. He is well known in the county, his residence in Union township covering almost forty years and it is known that his aid can be counted upon for the furtherance of every progressive and beneficial movement. His worth is acknowledged by many friends who entertain for him kindly regard.
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