A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 73

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 73

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Henry Hoyt Barlow was reared in Hastings to his sixteenth year. when he entered the University of Michigan, which institution conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at the time of his graduation with the class of 1870. He was then but twenty years of age. He returned home and spent about a year in his father's store. In 1871 he was ap- pointed superintendent of the city schools of Hastings, and after acting in that capacity for a year he took up the study of law. In 1872 he came to Coldwater and entered the law office of the late Judge N. T. Loveridge,

580

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

with whom he formed a partnership in November, 1873. This relationship was continued for fifteen years, and for two or three years Mr. Barlow was a partner of H. C. Loveridge, since which time he has been alone. His legal business has constantly grown in volume and importance and men- tion of the bar of Branch county at once suggests Mr. Barlow as one of its leading members.

Mr. Barlow was married, in 1874, at Coldwater, to Miss Emma Etheridge, who died leaving two sons. Nathan and Burt E. The former is a graduate of the Northwestern University, and having completed liter- ary and medical courses in the University of Michigan is now engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Stronghurst, Illinois. Burt E. pur- sued a literary course in and is a law graduate of the University of Michi- gan, and is now practicing with his father, the firm of Barlow & Barlow being a prominent one at the Coldwater bar.

JOHN DUNLAP.

Jolın Dunlap, an intelligent, enterprising and influential farmer, is liv- ing in California township. It was in this township that he was born on the 5th of November, 1850. His father, William Dunlap, was a native of Ireland, born in county Antrim, and in that county he was married to Miss Jane Adams, a native of the same county. Soon after his marriage he came to the United States, locating first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whence he afterward made his way into the interior of the country, settling first in Lenawee county, Michigan, in 1830. After six years there passed be removed to Branch county in 1836, becoming a pioneer resident of this locality, who aided in reclaming a wild district for the purposes of culti- vation. He secured one hundred and sixty acres of land from the govern- ment which was mostly unimproved. He has in his possession two of the parchment deeds executed by President Andrew Jackson, and

which are valuable souvenirs. This property was situated on sec- tions four and five, California township, and not a furrow had been turned thereon, but he at once began the work of development and in the course of years placed the entire tract under the plow and gathered from the cul- tivation of his fields bounteous harvests. He made his home ever after- ward upon this farm, both he and his wife dying here. Theirs were the usual experiences of pioneer life, a home remote from other settlers, land that was uncleared and uncultivated demanding arduous labor in its de- velopment; few comforts in the house, either in the way of furnishings or in supplies for the larder, and yet there was much happiness in that pioneer existence. At no time has the feeling of hospitality been surpassed and the early settlers were always willing to help one another in their work. Mr. Dunlap was for several years the owner of the only wagon in the town- ship and this was in great demand by the other pioneers. In his family were five sons and one daughter, all of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Thomas, who is now living in Algansee; William, who was a surveyor and died in the state of California; Matilda, who died in this county ; Alexander and James, who died in California township; and John,

581

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

of this review. The death of the father occurred in June, 1884, after a residence of more than a half century in Michigan. His wife survived him until December 24, 1887. Both were devout Presbyterians in religious faith and at all times were true and loyal to the church, giving their aid and influence for the moral development of the community. Mr. Dunlap was a Democrat in his political views, but without aspiration for office. He concentrated his attention and energies upon his business affairs and he assisted all of his sons in securing farms, buying land and helping them -to clear their fields.

John Dunlap, the youngest of his father's family, was reared upon the old homestead farm and remained with his parents up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 22nd of October, 1874, Miss Ellen Vance becoming his wife. She was born in Maryland, September 22, 1856. and when eight years of age was brought to Branch county, Michigan, by her parents. Her father, Alexander Vance, was born in Ireland, November 28, 1833, and was married there in 1853. when twenty years of age. to Mary Barnhill. Soon afterward he came to America with his wife, and for three years they resided in Brooklyn, where he was employed as conductor on a street car. They then removed to Baltimore, where for ten years he managed a six hundred acre farm, but attracted by the possibilities and opportunities of the middle west, he came to Branch county in 1864 and purchased eighty acres, to which he afterward added fifty acres. The orig- inal tract was cleared, it being one of the first farms that was settled in this township. He gave his further attention to the development of the prop- erty and became recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the com- munity. In his family were ten children, of whom six are now living, Mrs. Ellen Dunlap being the fifth in order of birth. The mother departed this life in 1880 and Mr. Vance is now living among his children. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belonged.

Mr. Dunlap first became the owner of real estate in 1872. His orig- inal farm comprised eighty acres, to which he afterward added until within the boundaries of his place are now comprised one hundred and twenty acres. He is an intelligent agriculturist, carefully directing his labors so that the farm produces excellent crops. In all of his work he is practical, and a glance at his place indicates the careful supervision of a painstaking owner who thoroughly understands his work.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have been born three daughters and one son : Jane, who died at the age of twelve years; Ella, the wife of Clarence Goodwin, a resident of California township; Belle and James, at home. Mrs. Dunlap is a member of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Dunlap belongs to Greenleaf Lodge, No. 349, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His political allegiance was originally given to the Democracy, but at the time of the Mckinley campaign he became an advo- cate of Republican principles and has since supported the party. He served as supervisor for two years, has been township treasurer for two years, highway commissioner for two years and moderator of the school district

582

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

for several years. He is a prominent man of the township and uses his in- fluence for the betterment of the county, belonging to that class of citizens who always uphold the legal and political status of every community.

GEORGE A. BURTON.

George A. Burton, who for eighteen years has efficiently served as superintendent of Oak Grove cemetery in Coldwater. was born near Batavia, New York, November 2, 1852, a son of George and Amanda (Holbrook) Burton. His father was born in Massachusetts, April 3, 1791, eight years before George Washington died, and was married twice, having five children by the first marriage, although only two came to Michigan: Nathan A., who died in Kalamazoo in 1892; and Mrs. Potter, who died in Reading in 1899. Mr. Burton of this review was the only child of the second mar- riage. The father died May 24, 1863, in Oakfield, New York. The mother, who was born in Genesee county, New York, October 23, 1820, came to Michigan with her son, G. A. Burton, after the death of her husband and spent her remaining days in Branch county, passing away July 1, 1877.

George A. Burton was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his mother to this state and after attaining his majority he began farming on his own account, living in Butler township for nine years. He then left this county and spent the succeeding year in Petoskey, Michigan, after which he took up his abode in Coldwater township, where he devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until he assumed his present position as superintendent of the Oak Grove cemetery. This is one of the finest cemeteries in southern Michigan and its beauty, artistic arrangement and excellent condition are largely due to the efforts of Mr. Burton. Al- though he has never made a systematic study of landscape gardening, he has natural ability in that direction and has greatly adorned the cemetery through his care of flowers, grass and trees, until its beauty is noted by all.

On the 15th of December, 1874, Mr. Burton was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Holmes, who was born in Kent county, Canada, February 27, 1855, and was educated in the schools of Canada and Homer, Michigan. Her father, Irwin Holmes, and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Elspeth Grant, were both natives of Canada, and the latter died when their daughter was only four years of age, while Dr. Holmes passed away in the spring of 1898. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burton have been born two children : Luella M. Burton, has been provided with liberal educational advantages and for the past two years has acted as state factory inspector. She has be- come known throughout the United States for her beneficent work in this regard, doing much for the amelioration of the hard conditions under which the factory girls have labored. Lyman D. Burton, the son, was reared upon the old homestead and is one of the prosperous young farmers of the county. He married Miss Elizabeth Hoffert, and with their adopted child they reside upon the Burton farm in Coldwater township. Mrs. Mary Burton has a brother, Lawrence Holmes, of Homer, Michigan, and a sister, Mrs. Maggie Irish, of St. Louis, Missouri. The husband of Mrs. Irish is

Coo

Geo. a Burton

Mrs George a Burton

583

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

superintendent of Shaw's Botanical Gardens at St. Louis, and has held that position a number of years.

Mr. and Mrs. Burton reside in a pleasant home in the cemetery grounds. His long retention in his present position is evidence of his worth. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county to which he come in his boyhood days and where he has now made his home for about forty years. As to the religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Burton, they are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Coldwater. They are both devotees of the principles laid down in the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows' fraternity, he being a member of the Subordinate Lodge No. 31, the Encampment No. 86, and Canton Milnes No. 21, passing all the chairs. Mrs. Burton and her daughter are members of the Rebekahs, they having also passed all the chairs. and father, mother and daughter have been del- egates to the Grand Lodge at various times. Mrs. Burton at the present writing is deputy of the order. Mr. Burton is a stanch Republican in his political views. They have an old violin which is over a century old, hav- ing been passed down from generation to generation, while also in their home is one of the old coverlets as a souvenir, which was woven by some of their early progenitors.

IRA KELLSY.

Ira Kellsy, whose home is on section seven. Ovid township, where he owns and cultivates a farm, belongs to that class of valued and represent- ative citizens that the Empire state has furnished to Branch county. His birth occurred in Castile, Wyoming county, on the 7th of November, 1823, and he has therefore passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. His father, Ransom Kellsy, was a farmer by occupation and became one of the early residents of Ovid township. His birth occurred in Washing- ton .county, New York, where he was reared and married. He wedded Miss Tina De Groaff, who also spent her childhood in the Empire state. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, Ira Kellsy being the second in order of birth. The father continued to make his home in New York until called to his final rest, and he cast his ballot for the men and measures of the Democratic party.

Ira Kellsy was reared in the state of his nativity and came to Branchi county in 1848, when a young man of twenty-five years, for he believed that he might enjoy better business opportunities and more rapidly acquire a competence in this new but growing section of the country. He bought forty acres of land in Ovid township and carried on farming for four years, after which he returned to New York. Later he went to Illinois, whence he afterward came to Branch county and located upon the farm which is now his home in Ovid township. His entire life has been devoted to gen- eral agricultural pursuits and he has a well improved property that an- nually returns to him a gratifying income.

In February, 1866, Mr. Kellsy was married to Miss Katherine Lock- wood, a daughter of Uriah Lockwood, one of the pioneer settlers of Branch county, who came from New York to Michigan in 1836 and entered a

584

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

quarter section of land from the government. He and his sons cleared the farm which is now the home of our subject. Unto Uriah and Charity Lockwood were born ten children, five sons and five daughters, most of whom were reared in Branch county. In his later years Mr. Lockwood divided his property among his children. He was a Whig in his political views until its dissolution, then he joined the ranks of the Republican party. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout the commun- ity, and his death, which occurred in September, 1865, was deeply regretted by many friends. It was in the following February that Mr. and Mrs. Kellsy were married, and they located upon what had been her father's farm, Mr. Kellsy giving his time and labors to its further development and improvement. He has been a life-long Republican, unfaltering in his support of the party, yet never seeking office for himself. He has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey and his has been an honored and upright career, characterized by activity in business and re- liability in all trade transactions, so that he receives the respect and con- fidence of all who know him.

REVEREND WILLIAM T. LOWRY.

Reverend William T. Lowry, now engaged in the insurance and coal business of Coldwater, has been identified in various ways with the ma- terial, intellectual and moral progress of the city, and his labors have al- ways been a helpful and beneficial factor. His birth occurred in Monroe county, New York, March 3, 1840. His father, James Lowry, was also a native of the same county and there spent his entire life, passing away at the age of forty-eight years. He was of English lineage and always followed the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family. He married Agnes Richmond, a native of Scotland, who came to America when a young lady. William T. Lowry is their only son, and he has but one living sister, Margaret, who is the widow of C. C. Beardsley.

Rev. William T. Lowry was reared in Wyoming county, New York. and after attending the common schools continued his education in Middle- bury Academy. He was at one time a fellow student of Mr. Folsom, whose daughter, Frances, became the wife of Grover Cleveland. Later Mr. Lowry pursued his education in what is now called Colgate University of New York, and was graduated from that institution. He entered the theological department in 1866, completing his course in 1868, after which he entered upon the active work of the ministry, locating in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He there remained for three years, after which he came to Coldwater, Michigan, and for ten years was a representative of the ministry in this city. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the gro- cery business, and in other ways he has been closely connected with the ma- terial development and social, intellectual and moral progress of Cold- water. For two years he was superintendent of public schools and through a long period was a member of the board of education, during which time he exercised his official prerogatives in the support of all progressive meas-

585

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

ures for the cause of public education. He is now engaged in the insur- ance and coal business, and in both departments of activity has a good patronage.

Rev. Lowry has been a life-long Republican, somewhat active in the party, which he has supported since he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He was supervisor from the Third ward of Coldwater for about six years, and at all times has been loyal to the public trust reposed in him, enjoying in full measure the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been associated.

EDWIN KELLOW PEARCE.

Edwin Kellow Pearce, a leading dry goods merchant of Quincy whose prosperity is the outcome of his recognition of business opportunities. his unremitting diligence and his keen sagacity, is a native of Devonshire. Eng- land, his birth having there occurred June 1, 1861. His father, Theoph- ilus Pearce, was born in England, was a farmer by occupation and de- parted this life at the age of seventy-eight years. He married Maria Kel- low, also a native of England, and she is now living in Devonshire at the advanced age of eighty-four. They were the parents of fourteen children. seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom have married and reared families of their own.

Edwin K. Pearce spent the days of his boyhood and youth in England. acquiring his education in its public schools, and in 1885, when twenty- four years of age, came to the United States. He had previously served an apprenticeship to the dry goods trade in Plymouth, England. He first located in Detroit, where he entered the dry goods establishment of L. A. Smith & Company as a clerk. continuing with that house for seven years. a fact which indicates his faithful service and his efficiency. On the ex- piration of that period he went to Hillsdale and secured employment in the store of Boyle & Brown, where he remained for six years. In 1898 he came to Quincy and in connection with Mr. Lyon, of Hillsdale, purchased the dry goods stock of J. C. Joiner, the firm of Pearce & Lyon conducting the business for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Pearce purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone. He carries a carefully selected line of general dry goods, cloaks and carpets and has an up to date establishment. In fact his store would be a credit to a city of much greater size than Quincy.

Mr. Pearce was married to Miss Florence Weaver. a daughter of J. C. Weaver of Durand, Illinois, and they have one child, Edwin George. born in 1901. Mrs. Pearce is a member of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Pearce of the Episcopal church, but he acts as leader of the choir in the former. His political views uphold Republican principles, as he has continuously supported that party since age gave to him the right of fran- chise. He has had no occasion to regret his determination to make America his home and enjoy the advantages here offered, for he has found good opportunities and the ready reward of persistent and earnest labor.

586

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

He is today a successful man by reason of his earnest purpose, honorable methods and close application, and is now a representative merchant of Branch county.

GEORGE EDGAR BURDICK.

Although this is essentially the age of the young man, when we see responsible positions well and capably filled by men who are still in their twenties and thirties. nevertheless it is seldom that we find one so young as our subject placed in so important a position as he. For the past three years he has been superintendent of the Branch County Infirmary and Hos- pital, and that he performs his duties in a highly satisfactory manner is evidenced by his retention in this capacity.

Mr. George Edgar Burdick was born in Coldwater township, October 12, 1870, and his entire life has been passed in Branch county with the exception of six years, when he was engaged in the drug business at Marcellus, Michi- gan. He is descended from two of the highly respected and oldest families of this portion of Michigan, the Burdicks and the Howes, his father being James Burdick, who was born in Tioga county, New York, December 18, 1839, and his mother being Minnie Howe, who was born in Kirkland, Ohio, October 24, 1843.

James Burdick's father was also named James Burdick, and his mother was Mary Lewis. They were both natives of the state of Rhode Island and they were married in New York state, being the parents of twelve children, only two of whom are now living-James, the father of our subject, and Mrs. Betsy Harrison, of Climax, Michigan. The father died in the state of New York, while the mother, Mary Lewis Burdick, died in Calhoun county. Our subject's father, James Burdick, was but five years of age when he was brought to Michigan by his parents, their home being first in Calhoun county, although they afterward removed to Branch county, where James Burdick still resides, he being one of the highly esteemed agriculturists of California township. James Burdick has been a life-long Republican and has upon many occasions been called upon to fill positions of public trust and responsibility, being township treasurer for several terms, justice of the peace for an extended period, highway commissioner for several years, and holding other local offices.

James Burdick and Minnie Howe Burdick are the parents of six chil- dren, all of whom are living, as follows: Mrs. Lena Short and Carrie Parker, of Coldwater; Hiram Burdick, of California township; George E., our subject; Arthur Burdick, of Bloomington, Illinois; and Addie Burdick, of Coldwater. Mr. and Mrs. Burdick are still living on their comfortable farm home in California township, where they possess the high regard and esteem of a large circle of friends.

Our subject's maternal ancestors, the Howes, were also early pioneers of Michigan. His maternal grandfather was Hiram Howe, who married Caroline Harrison. who was descended from the same branch of the Har- rison family as the late lamented President Harrison. They were married in

Bes & Burdick.

Mrs. George Edgar Burdick.

587

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Ohio and reared a family of twelve children, only two of whom are now living-Minnie Howe Burdick. mother of our subject, and Frances Howe Gardner, of Coldwater. The Howes and Harrisons were both originally from Connecticut, and they located in Ohio in an early day, afterward coming to Michigan in 1854 and locating in Athens, Calhoun county, where they lived for twelve years, then removing to Coldwater and Branch county, where the maternal grandfather and grandmother of our subject passed the remainder of their lives.

Our subject. George E. Burdick, was reared upon the home farm. securing meanwhile a good common school education, which was supple- mented with a course of study at the Indiana State Normal School at Angola, Indiana, where he completed the commercial course in 1892. Since attain- ing manhood he has been known as a successful farmer and has also been engaged in mercantile lines and various other enterprises. That he has a natural aptitude for his present position is not strange when we consider the fact that his ancestors, the Howes, as well as many present day members of this family, have long been known in the eastern states as prominent in- stitution people, being at the head of reformatories and other establishments of this character there. During the incumbency of his brother-in-law. the late A. T. Short, as superintendent of the Branch county farm. he spent considerable time as an assistant here, and this, together with his eminent fitness for the position, led to his selection to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Short. That the selection was a wise one has been clearly demonstrated during his administration of over two years. The position is a peculiar one, requiring tact and executive ability, and Mr. Burdick has capably met every demand therein. The farm is a large one and the insti- tution has constantly as inmates from thirty-five to forty-five dependents and assistants. Mr. Burdick is a Republican, politically, although never an office holder until the present time, and the tax-payers of the county, as well as the county superintendent of the poor, consider him the right man for the place.

Mr. Burdick was married May 24. 1905. to Miss Cora May Blackman, of Quincy, Michigan, who is the daughter of Dr. Edson Blackman, of that place. appropriate biographical mention of whom and family may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Burdick was reared in Quincy and she graduated from the high school of that place in the class of 1893. afterward filling a responsible position in the Quincy postoffice for two years under Postmaster Mckay. Mrs. Burdick has since her marriage been matron of the Branch county poor institution, and she shares with her husband the duties and cares of the same. It may be readily seen that it is no ordinary task to keep things running smoothly and in order in an establishment of this character, but Mrs. Burdick has filled all requirements of her position in the most admirable manner and she possesses the high regard of all the inmates, besides winning the approval of the superintendents who have an oversight here.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 73

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