A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 70

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

USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 70

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EDWARD P. WILCOX.

The farming interests of Matteson township find a worthy representa- tive in Edward P. Wilcox, who resides on section eight, where he owns eighty acres of land, while elsewhere he has a tract of twenty-three acres. The Empire state has furnished a large number of valued citizens to Branch county, including Mr. Wilcox. who was born in Onondaga county, New York, December 10, 1840. His father, Thomas Wilcox, was a native of Vermont and in his boyhood days went from the Green Mountain state to New York with his parents. His father was Stutley Wilcox. of English descent. In the Empire state Thomas Wilcox was reared and became a farmer. In 1856 he removed to Michigan, settling in Jackson county, and his last days were spent in Muskegon county, where he passed away in his eighty-sixth year. In early manhood he had wedded Eliza Hall, a native of New York, in which state her death occurred when she was about fifty years of age. In their family were eight children, seven of whom reached manhood and womanhood, while five are now living.

Edward P. Wilcox was the sixth child and third son and was about fifteen years of age when he came to Michigan, the remainder of his minor- ity being passed upon the home farm in Jackson county, where he gained a good practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the fields and

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

caring for the crops. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account, willing to perform any work that would yield him an honest living and gain him a start in life. He came to Branch county in 1878, locat- ing on a farm in Matteson township which he purchased from Curtis Mc- Carty. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1904. In 1901, however, he located on his present farm on section eight, Matteson township, where he has eighty acres of land that he has placed under a high state of cultivation, while in another tract he has twenty-three acres. His farm work is systematically managed and his untiring activity in business life guided by sound judgment has brought to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

Mr. Wilcox was married in 1881 to Miss Ella Johnson, a daughter of Samuel and Harriet Johnson and a native of Niagara county, New York. They have two children: Clyde, who is living on the old homestead; and Myrtie, the wife of Earl Taylor, a farmer of Matteson township. Mr. Wil- cox has been a life-long farmer and the success that he has achieved is due entirely to his persistency of purpose and indefatigable energy. In politics he is a Democrat and is interested in public affairs, although he has never sought or desired public office. During a residence of twenty-eight years in Branch county he has won the esteem and regard of his fellowmen and the circle of his friends has constantly been extended.

IRA A. MARTIN.

Ira A. Martin, who devotes his time and energies to agricultural pur- suits on section three. Batavia township, was born on the old family home- stead March 15, 1859. His father, Ira Martin, was a native of Jefferson county, New York, and came to Branch county, Michigan, in 1844. He was born in 1820 and was therefore a young man of twenty-four years when he determined to try his fortune in the west, hoping that better opportunities might be enjoyed and that advancement might be more quickly secured in a district where competition was not so great owing to the less thickly settled condition of the country. He spent one year in the city of Coldwater and then removed to Batavia township, where he purchased a tract of land. He was a cooper by trade, but after buying a farm gave his time and energies to its cultivation, raising the various crops best adapted to the soil and climate. Matters of public interest elicited his attention and to many movements for the general good he gave hearty co-operation. He held some local offices and in politics was a stanch Republican. He wedded Miss Mary Loomis, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Eber Loomis. Her mother was a native of Connecticut. Mrs. Martin was born in 1822 and both parents of our sub- ject have now passed away, the father having died in 1897 and the mother in 1903. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are yet living, but Ira A. and Joseph are the only ones who reside in Branch county.

Ira A. Martin was the fourth son and fifth child in the family. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth. He acquired his early education in the district schools of Batavia township and afterward continued his studies in the schools of

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Coldwater. When not engaged with his text-books his time was largely given to farm work upon the old family homestead and he remained with his parents until the time of his marriage, when he took up his abode on the farm where he now lives on section three. Batavia township. Here he owns one hundred and thirty acres of well improved land. carries on gen- eral farming and has a model country home. In the rear are good barns and outbuildings and these in turn are surrounded by well tilled fields, the entire farm presenting a most attractive appearance because of the air of neatness and thrift which pervades every part of it.

In 1889 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Della E. Johnson. a daughter of A. P. and Sylva (VanDusen) Johnson. Mrs. Martin was born in Ohio and was eight years of age when she came to Branch county. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Vesta L., now at home. Mr. Martin is a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, has served as town- ship treasurer of Batavia township and is now filling the office of justice of the peace. He is actively and helpfully interested in public affairs, is a member of the Grange and has a wide and favorable acquaintance in the county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his efforts as to gain success in business and at the same time win the trust and friendship of many with whom he has been associated.

REV. DAVID L. HOLBROOK.

Rev. David L. Holbrook, pastor of the Congregational church of Un- ion City, was born in Yates county. New York, June 5. 1848. his parents being Dr. L. H. and Susan (Jones) Holbrook. His paternal grandfather, Luther Holbrook. was a native of Keene, New Hampshire, and was a cabi- net maker by occupation. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to an early epoch in the settlement of the new world. John Holbrook hav- ing come from England, in 18440. and located in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Dr. Holbrook was born in Utica, New York. and completed his pro- fessional education in Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, in which city he practiced for several years. He died when about fifty-seven years of age. His wife was a native of New Jersey, and with her parents located in Yates county, New York, in her early girlhood. Her father, Joseph Jones, was a surveyor and surveyed much of the land in the western part of the Empire state. He was of Welsh lineage. Mrs. Holbrook died when about seveny-seven years of age. In the family were five sons and a daugh- ter, and with the exception of one son all are yet living, namely: Colonel Stanley H. Holbrook, of Park Ridge, Illinois, who is connected with the T. W. Butler Paper Company, of Chicago: Joseph S .. who is with the Fuller & Fuller Drug Company, of Chicago: William C .. who is a musician with De Baugh's Band; and Anna M., who is a teacher in the kindergarten at Park Ridge, Illinois.

Rev. David L. Holbrook, the eldest of the family. was educated at Amherst, Massachusetts, where he was graduated with the class of 1872. He afterward was connected with the Chicago high school and he com- pleted his preparation for the ministry by graduation from the Chicago

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Theological Seminary with the class of 1877. His first pastoral charge was at Lake Geneva. Wisconsin, where he remained from 1877 until 1892, when he went to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as pastor of the Congregational church from 1893 until 1898. In 1900 he came to Union City, where he has since remained, and under his guidance the work of the church has been well organized and great good is accomplished in its various departments. He has in his labors not been denied the full harvest nor the aftermath, and his influence has been of no restricted order.

On the 6th of September, 1876, Rev. Holbrook was united in marriage to Miss Sarah H. Helm, a daughter of the Rev. James I. Helm, D. D., for- merly rector of St. Paul's church, at Sing Sing, New York, now deceased. Mrs. Holbrook is a native of New Jersey. The marriage of Rev. and Mrs. Holbrook has been blessed with seven children: James L., who died at the age of two years; David H., who is now in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he is teaching in the high school, and who married Gertrude Brewer, by whom he has a son, David; Charles W., who is engaged in teaching in Clinton, Iowa; Frederick S., who died in infancy; Franklin F., who is a graduate of the Union City high school; Eliza S., who has also completed a high school course; and Marjorie, who is a high school student. The Rev. Holbrook is a man of scholarly tastes, continuing his studies and re- searches along many lines and thus promoting his efficiency in his work by the broadening of his knowledge. He presents his thoughts with clearness and force and his long continuance with the different churches with which he has been connected. indicates his standing with his parishioners and the general public.

MRS. C. E. (HOBART) HURD.

Mrs. C. E. (Hobart) Hurd, of Union City, was born in Yatesville, Yates county, New York, January 10, 1821, and became a resident of Michigan in 1841, when she located in Union City. Here she has resided continuously since she was married in 1842 to Dr. W. P. Hurd, who died in 1881. He was a prominent physician for many years in Union City, but gave up the practice of medicine during the war of the rebellion and was later connected with banking interests, being president of the Union City Bank at the time of his death.

JOHN A. STANTON.

John A. Stanton is one of the representative and leading farmers of Sherwood township, living on the old family homestead on section nine. It was upon this farm that he was born May 24, 1869, being the only son and eldest child of Edward D. and Susan (Atwood) Stanton, who are men- tioned on another page of this work. His boyhood days were spent in the usual manner of farm lads of the period and he assisted in the further culti- vation and improvement of the old home place, upon which his grandfather, John Stanton, had located in 1836, taking up the land from the government. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county and aided in reclaiming this portion of the state for the uses of the white race, it having been hitherto

Residence of Mrs. C. E. Hurd.

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the domain of the red man. John A. Stanton has always remained upon the farm and in his youth his time and attention were divided between the work of the school room and the duties of the fields, his education being largely acquired in the schools of Union City.

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Matie Collins, to whom he was married on the 28th of February, 1891. her parents being Joseph and Sophronia (Pierce) Collins. They were early settlers of Branch county, locating in Sherwood township when few homes had been established within its borders. It was here that Mrs. Stanton was born. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton have become the parents of two daughters and a son : Alice, Eslie and Edward.

Mr. Stanton is the owner of four hundred and seventy acres of valu- able land, of which three hundred and twenty acres is the old homestead farm, while ninety-five acres lies in section eleven. He is a most progres- sive agriculturist and his farm indicates his careful supervision in its neat and attractive appearance. Indeed it is one of the most desirable properties of the county and it returns to him a splendid income annually because of the care and labor he bestows upon the fields. He has followed in his fath- er's political footsteps and has been a life-long Republican. He has a wide acquaintance in Branch county and is best liked where best known, a fact which is indicative of an honorable career.

J. B. BRANCH.

J. B. Branch, who entered upon a clerkship at the age of fourteen years, is today at the head of the extensive department store of J. B. Branch & Company, the largest enterprise of this character in this portion of the state. He has steadily worked his way upward, each step in his career being carefully taken, and as the years have advanced his business capacity and enterprise have been recognized and have found their just reward in the handsome competence which is today his.

Mr. Branch is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Fort Byron, New York, April 3, 1853. His parents were Elijah C. and Annette N. (Woodward) Branch, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire. They came to the west from New York when their son was a small boy and settled at Coldwater, Michigan, where they spent the greater part of their remaining days, both passing away in Branch county, the mother's death occurring in 1900, while the father survived until 1902. The remaining children of the family are J. B. Branch and one sister.

J. B. Branch was reared and educated in Coldwater, but had no par- ticular advantages in youth to assist him when he started out upon his busi- ness career. He was only fourteen years of age when he was thrown upon his own resources and since that time all that he has enjoyed or achieved has been acquired through his own well directed labor, guided by sound busi- ness judgment that is the outcome of experience. He first became a clerk in the store of Woodward, Barber & Company and acted in that capacity until 1875. when he became a partner in the firm of Woodward & Branch and established a dry goods store. After two years, however, he sold his

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interest to the partner and joined Mr. Barber in forming the present firm of J. B. Branch & Company, successors to Woodward, Barber & Company. The present partners are J. B. Branch and Julius S. Barber, the former, however, being the active manager of the business. They carry a large line of dry goods, carpets, millinery and in fact conduct a general depart- ment store which is not surpassed by any enterprise of this character in central Michigan. Their building is three stories and basement and there is also an annex. The building is equipped with an electric elevator and on each floor they have a double room which is divided into departments. The business is conducted along strictly retail lines, and throughout his en- tire career Mr. Branch has carried on merchandising, standing today as the leading representative of this line of trade in Coldwater.

Mr. Branch was married in this city in 1876 to Miss Emma Moulton, who was born in Coldwater and is a daughter of Storrs H. and Julianna (Hulburt) Moulton, pioneer residents of this city. The father conducted a furniture store here about forty or forty-five years ago. This he at lengthi sold because of impaired health and both he and his wife died several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Branch have become the parents of two sons and two daughters: Helen M., now the wife of William Coombs of Coldwater ; Leroy J., who is also married and is associated with his father in busi- ness ; Lorene M .; and George M. The first two are twins.

When twenty-one years of age Mr. Branch became a member of the Masonic fraternity and successive degrees have since been conferred upon him until he is now a Knight Templar Mason. He holds membership in the Baptist church and is interested in public progress to the extent of active co-operation in many measures for the general good. His life as a man of affairs is to him only a means to an end for he never allows the duties of his calling to dwarf his finest sensibilities or to thwart his generous ambi- tion. He is genial, courteous and a fast friend to those who enjoy his con- fidence. In all his business enterprises he is eminently successful and is regarded by all who know him as exceptionally sure and reliable.

ORLANDO G. NOYES.

Among the respected and worthy citizens of Coldwater now living re- tired is numbered Orlando G. Noyes, whose birth occurred on Chestnut street in Rochester, New York. August 1, 1839. The family is of English lineage, and the grandfather, Samuel P. Noyes, was born and lived in the east. His son, Samuel P. Noyes, Jr., was born in the southeastern part of Vermont in 1803. and during his active business career engaged in the manufacture of shoe pegs and lasts, conducting a factory in Rochester. He wedded Mary Brezee, who was a native of Connecticut and was of French and English lineage. They became the parents of nine children, of whom one son and one daughter died in early life, while the others reached adult age.

Orlando G. Noyes, the eldest of the seven who grew to manhood and womanhood, was reared in Rochester and in Penfield, New York, and pur- sued bis education in the common schools. He afterward assisted his father in business until the latter's death. When only thirteen years of age he

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

began learning the printer's trade, and to that pursuit largely gave his time and attention until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when in 1861 lie enlisted as a musician of the Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, serving for eleven months. He was captured at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, being taken prisoner by Generals Foster and Wheeler. He was paroled. how- ever, about ten miles southeast of McMinnville, Tennessee, and returned to Nashville, whence he made his way to Columbus, Ohio. Following his dis- charge from the army he returned to Coldwater, Michigan, where he had located in 1846, his parents in that year having established their home here. while the father carried on business as a boot and shoe merchant.

Mr. Noyes worked in the printing office of the Coldwater Sentinel, of which Elihu B. Pond was the editor and proprietor. He continued with that paper for two or three years, after which he entered the office of the Branch County Republican, remaining in that employ until the time of liis enlistment in the Civil war. Following the close of hostilities and his re- turn to Coldwater Mr. Noyes was engaged in the liquor business in con- nection with his father. manufacturing and rectifying whisky for about two years. He also conducted a billiard hall for some time and had a soda water fountain. Later he spent about six months in Chicago, and subsequent to his return to Coldwater he was elected city marshal, which position he held for two terms. Later he and Frank Noyes built and conducted what is known as the Farmers' Feed Stables, beginning the business in January. 1892, and conducting the same until 1904. He then went to Denver, Colo- rado, where he spent three months in visiting his brother, Frank Noyes. an expert violin manufacturer, whose violins are known throughout the world, and have been tested in comparison with some of the old and famous instruments, including the Stradivarius, which are worth four thousand dol- lars. The violins manufactured by Mr. Noyes were found to be of superior grade and workmanship. Following his visit in the west Orlando G. Noves returned to Coldwater, where he is now living practically retired, but he and his brother Frank own property here, including the west half of the Noyes block. The east store of the Noyes block is now owned by the Eldridge heirs, Mrs. Amelia Hobbie, of Kankakee, Ill., Mrs. Florence Vankirk, and Mrs. Josephine Smith. of Nomence. Ill. The three-story brick block at the corner of Chicago and Hanchett streets was built by S. P. Noyes, Jr., and his son, Orlando G. Noves, in 1866, and is known as the Noyes block, lo- cated on the northeast corner of Chicago and Hanchett streets, Coldwater. He resides at No. 34 Hanchett street, where he has lived for fifty-three years.

Mr. Noves is a member of the Masonic fraternity in good standing. and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason September 10. 1869. and has since affiliated with the organization. He is likewise a charter member of But- terworth Post, G. A. R., and of the Union Veterans' Union, and he had the honor of presenting the name of W. W. Barrett, which was accepted.

Mr. Noyes was married in 1884 to Miss Emma Haines, the youngest daughter of Robert and Julia Haines, of Ovid township. Branch county, Michigan. He has lived in Coldwater for fifty-nine years and may well be

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classed with the pioneers of Branch county. In early life he gave his political support to the Democratic party, and in 1872 voted for Horace Greeley, while in 1904 he cast his ballot for Theodore Roosevelt. In 1876 he de- livered many political speeches in behalf of the Greenback party. He has been a close student of political economy and the questions of the day, and few men are better informed concerning the issues which now divide the two great parties. He has contributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding of Coldwater and has much more than a passing interest in its welfare and progress. On many occasions he has given active sup- port to measures for the general good and his labors along this line have been far-reaching and beneficial.

JACOB ENSLEY.

Jacob Ensley was for many years one of the prominent farmers and leading citizens of Branch county, representing its agricultural interests, and when he was called to his final rest deep regret was felt upon the part of many friends. He was a native of Ohio, born on the 22d of May, 1835, his parents being John and Lydia (McClish) Ensley, who were also natives of Ohio. Soon after coming to the territory of Michigan they took up their abode in Batavia township. They had, however, spent four months in Len- awee county, Michigan. Jacob Ensley was the second child in their fam- ily, and was but two months old when brought by his parents to Branch county, the mother carrying him from Jonesville, as she walked that dis- tance. Amid the scenes and environments of pioneer life Jacob Ensley was reared, early becoming familiar with the arduous task of developing new land and opening up a farm. Thus his youth was largely a period of unre- mitting toil, and he gained the experience which enabled him to success- fully carry on farm work when he afterward began business on his own ac- count. He acquired his education in the schools of Batavia township, and desiring to establish a home of his own he secured as a helpmate for life's journey Miss Dora Robinson, to whom he was married on the 3Ist of August, 1862. Her parents were Nahum and Betsy (Golden) Robinson. The father was a native of Vermont, and on leaving New England went to Pennsyl- vania when a young man. He was a miller by trade and followed that pur- suit in the Keystone state and in New York. He was married in Pennsyl- vania to Miss Golden, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania. The mother died in New York when forty-five years of age, and the father afterward returned to Crawfordsville, Pennsylvania, where his last days were passed, his death occur- ring when he was sixty-three years of age. His business career was character- ized by promptness, energy and diligence, and these qualities brought him a gratifying measure of success. Mrs. Robinson was a member of the Methodist church, and both parents of our subject were worthy and respected people, en- joying the warm regard of a large circle of friends. The father served as a pri- vate in the war of 1812. and was always loyal and patriotic in matters of citizen- ship. In the family were eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, five of whom reached adult age.

Mrs. Ensley was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 30th

Mr. 1 So Pierce

OL Lière

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

of August, 1843, spent her girlhood days in her parents' home, and was a young lady of nineteen years when she came to Michigan, arriving in this state in 1861. For thirty-five years she has made her home upon the farm which is now her place of residence. This is a splendidly improved prop- erty, on which is a fine brick building, good barns and other equipments. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ensley were born four children, but Homer is the only one now living. He is carrying on the home farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and is recognized as a progressive agriculturist of this part of the state. The others were: Grant, who died at the age of fifteen years ; Burt, who died when fifteen months old; and Bertha, who passed away at the age of five years.

Mr. Ensley worked persistently and energetically as the years went by in order to improve his property and place his land under a high state of cultivation. He was a resident of Batavia township for more than six decades, having been brought to the county when it was largely an unim- proved part of the state. Much of the land was still in possession of the government, and only here and there was seen the home of a settler, indicat- ing that the work of reclamation had been begun. He was a member of the Grange, and was actively interested in all that pertained to the agricultural development of the county. He also assisted in the promotion of interest for general progress and improvement along material, intellectual and social lines, and his worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged. He died January 6, 1890, and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer residents of the county. Mrs. Ensley still survives her husband and makes her home upon the old farm with her son.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 70

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