USA > Michigan > Branch County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan > Part 75
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Alfonso Judd, the younger, spent the first seventeen years of his life at the place of his nativity and supplemented his early educational privileges by study in Madison Seminary. He came to Branch county, Michigan, in 1865. when seventeen years of age, settling in Matteson township upon the farm where he now resides, and there he devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits.
On the 2d of July, 1871. Alfonso C. Judd was married to Miss Helen Fisk, a daughter of James Edwin and Mary J. (Turner) Fisk, the former a native of Rhode Island and the latter of New York. They came to Michigan at an early day, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this state. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Judd was Nathaniel Turner, also a pioneer set- fler of Branch county, who came here about 1832. His son was supposed to have cut the first tree in Matteson township. Mrs. Judd is the fourth child and eldest daughter in a family of eight children, and was born in Matteson township November 4, 1850. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
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Judd located upon the old homestead farm where he now resides, and with the exception of a period of three years he has always lived here, his educa- tion being given to general agricultural pursuits. He owns and operates ninety acres of land, which is well improved with modern buildings and all the accessories found upon a model farm, including excellent machinery to facilitate the work of the fields.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Judd have been born four children who are yet liv- ing, and they lost a daughter, Katie. Those who still survive are: Lura, the wife of Fred Lock, of Matteson township; Mabel, the wife of Louis Conley, of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Grace, the wife of John Leonard, of Jackson. Michigan : and Earl, who married Lena Wilcox, and lives in Matteson.
Mr. Judd is a Democrat, active in the interest of the party and his fel- low townsmen, recognizing his capability and public spirit, have frequently called him to office. He served as highway commissioner for one year, was treasurer for one year, clerk for three years and is now serving for the eighth year as supervisor. In the discharge of his duties he has been capable and prompt, and he is well known in the county as a man of genuine worth, loyal to his duties in all life's relations. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Bronson and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
SAMUEL R. TURNER, M. D.
Among the recent additions to the professional ranks of Bronson, Michi- gan, is found Dr. Samuel R. Turner, who came here from the neighboring state of Indiana in September. 1904.
Dr. Turner is a native of Freeport, Illinois, and was born May 13, 1858. a son of Samuel and Jane F. ( McGlashon) Turner. His father, a native of Ohio and a farmer by occupation, died in 1864, and his mother, a native of Vermont, died in 1884. Samuel R. received his early education in the public schools of Lake county, Indiana, and subsequently, on choosing the medical profession, went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he took a course in the med- ical department of the University of Kentucky, and graduated with the class of 1888. Returning to Lake county he at once began the practice of medicine there, and practiced in that county until coming to Bronson, with the excep- tion of four years in Lansing, Illinois. He was coroner of Lake county from 1899 to 1904, and was medical examiner for the New York Life and the Aetna Life Insurance companies, and also for several fraternal insurance or- ganizations. From 1901, for nearly four years, he was in hospital service at Hammond, Indiana, where he had excellent opportunities for study and further preparation for his life work.
Dr. Turner has been twice married. In 1883 he wedded Miss Henrietta Burgess, by whom he had four children, viz .: Sue E., Edna, Harold and Wilma. His present wife, nee Kate Weed, he married in 1905. Mrs. Tur- ner is a daughter of Thurlow A. Weed, of Pullman, Illinois.
Politically the doctor is a Republican, and fraternally he is identified with numerous organizations, among them being the Ancient, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, Independent Order Odd Fellows, Maccabees, Modern Wood- men of America and Court of Honor.
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1
JOHN G. MARTIN.
Prominent among the solid and esteemed agriculturists of Branch county and the township of Coldwater is the gentleman named above, who, although not a native of this country, has spent the greater portion of his life here, where he has taken advantage of the resources offered by no other nation and where he has by industry and careful management attained a competence. Not only has he been successful in a substantial way, but he has also achieved success in the way of maintaining for himself a good name, and his de- clining days are being passed in a comfortable home, surrounded by the members of his family and possessing the high regard and esteem of his fellow townsmen.
Mr. John G. Martin is a native of West Kent, England, where he was born February 16, 1836. His father was William Martin and his mother was Mary Delphwade, both also natives of England, where their ancestors had lived for many generations. William Martin and Mary Delphwade were married in England and they were the parents of eight children, as follows: Maria died at the age of two years; Mary Martin Roswell spent her entire life in England, where she died a number of years ago; William Martin is still living and now a resident of Cassopolis, Michigan: John G. Martin is the subject of this sketch; Sarah Martin Vernes died in England : Thomas Martin is still living and a resident of London, England : Richard Martin and Henry Martin died in England where their entire lives were passed. The mother, Mary Delphwade Martin, died in England when our subject was but a child, while the husband and father, William Martin. also passed his entire life in England, where he died.
Impressed with the superior advantages offered in America, our sub- ject, Mr. John G. Martin, and his brother, William Martin, came to this country, arriving here in 1860. John G. located first in Pittsford, Monroe county, New York, where he remained until 1878, then, attracted by the op- portunities offered in the middle west, he came on to Michigan, which state has ever since been his home. In Monroe county, New York, he met and was married, in October, 1864, to Miss Jennie Harmor, who was born in Monroe county, New York, May 26, 1845. Her father was William Harmor and her mother was Lottie Hodges, both natives of England. Jane Harmor was the youngest of eight children, her parents coming from England to the state of New York before she was born. The other children of the family were as follows: Eliza Harmor Strickland lives in the state of New York; William Harmor lives in Wisconsin; John Harmor is living in Branch county, Michigan ; James Harmor; Fannie Harmor Hawley is living; and Harriet Harmor Walhead died in New York state: and Fred Harmor is a resident of Dakota. The father and mother died in New York state.
The union of John G. Martin and Jane Harmor Martin has been a particularly happy one and has been blessed with the birth of seven children. as follows, their births having all taken place in Monroe county, New York: William and Frank Martin live at home; George Martin is one of the suc- cessful young farmers of Branch county and is the present supervisor of Cold-
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water township, performing the duties of his office with credit and ability ; Albert Martin, who was a soldier in the Spanish-American war, now resides in the city of Coldwater. The two daughters of the family, Mary Martin Swain and Emma Martin Tompkins, are both residents of Coldwater city; Harry, the youngest son, died in Coldwater when he was only six months of age. The four remaining sons are all unmarried.
Our subject, Mr. John G. Martin, has always followed farming as a life vocation and in this line he has been eminently successful. For over twenty years he conducted a dairying business near the city of Coldwater, al- though for the past ten years he has followed regular farming. In 1865, re- sponding to the call of the country of his adoption, he enlisted in a New York regiment which was recruited during the last year of the war of the rebellion. His present farm is a fine one of one hundred and sixty acres on sections ten and eleven, Coldwater township, only a short distance from the beautiful city of Coldwater. It is a most fertile tract of land, equipped with excellent build- ings and all of the necessary machinery and tools for successful operation, and it makes a most comfortable home. Mr. Martin is a Republican in politics, al- though never an office holder. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have spent honorable and useful lives and they have reared their children to occupy respected posi- tions in life.
GEORGE MARTIN.
George Martin, who is serving as supervisor of Coldwater township, was born in Pittsford, Monroe county, New York, August 17, 1868. His father, John Martin, was a native of Kent county, England, born January 16, 1836, and was a son of William Martin, who always resided in England. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Jennie Harmor, and her birth occurred in Monroe county, New York, on the 26th of May, 1845. Her father, William Harmor, was a native of England, and married a Miss Hook, who was also born in that country. They became residents, however, of Monroe county, New York, and Mrs. Martin is the youngest of their eight children. She gave her hand in marriage to John Martin in the county of her nativity and they became the parents of seven children: William and Frank, who are residents of Coldwater township; Albert, who is living in the city of Coldwater, and was a participant in the Spanish-American war ; Mrs. Mary Swain and Mrs. Emma Tompkins, who are likewise residents of the county seat: George, of this review; and Harry, born in Branch county, who died when six months old. The parents spent their early married life in Monroe county of the Empire state, and in the spring of 1878 came with their family to Michigan, settling in Branch county. The father had followed farming in the east and continued in this line of labor in Coldwater township, where the family has since remained. For twenty-five years he also con- ducted a dairy business, but he now gives his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits, still making his home in Coldwater township. He served as a soldier of the Civil war in a New York regiment, and his life has been an exemplification of many sterling traits of character and of honor- able principles.
George Martin.
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George Martin was a youth of ten years when brought by his parents from the Empire state to Branch county, Michigan, and here he has since made his home. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm and assisted him in the dairy business. Soon after attaining his majority he began busi- ness for himself as a farmer and has owned at different times several farms. all in Coldwater township. In his business life he has prospered. capably conducting his interests until he has won a place among the men of affluence in his community. His present farm comprises sixty acres on sections thir- teen and twenty-four. Coldwater township, which he has recently acquired and which he is now placing under a good state of cultivation. He has done much to improve farm property in the township and his labors have been of general benefit as well as a source of individual profit.
In his political views Mr. Martin is a stalwart Republican and first voted for Harrison, and has been chosen to fill several very important offices. He has been assessor in the school district for eight years and he served for several terms as township treasurer of Coldwater, and has also been township school inspector. In the spring of 1905 he was elected to the highest town- ship office, that of supervisor, and is considered one of the leading members of the county board. He is not a politician in the usual sense of office seek- ing, but his constituents recognize in him those sterling qualities which make a competent official, and he has thus been chosen for important positions. He is modest in demeanor, is a great reader and keeps in touch with the general trend of thought and events of the world's history. He is thoroughly reliable and highly esteemed, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present his record to our readers.
BENEDICT DALL.
Benedict Dall, proprietor of the Coldwater city brewery, was born in Bavaria, Germany. March 18. 1852, and spent his youth in the fatherland. Educated in the schools of that country, he afterward worked in a brewery until he had mastered the business, and he also spent three years as a soldier in the German army. He came to America in 1883, then a young man of about twenty-nine years, and located in Toledo, Ohio, where he secured em- ployment in a brewery. In 1883 he also came to Coldwater, where he spent two years, and then went to Defiance, Ohio, where the succeeding eight years of his life were passed. during which period he was connected with the Dill Brewery Company. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cold- water in 1895, and established the brewery which he now owns and conducts. it being called the Old Kappler brewery. He has rebuilt and remodeled the plant and it is now thoroughly equipped with the latest improved accessories known to the business. Its output finds a ready sale on the market and brings him a gratifying return annually.
In November, 1888, Mr. Dall was married to Miss Emma Anterman, and they became the parents of ten children: Bertha, Edward, Raymond, Mary, Louisa. Gertrude, Clara, Charlie. Leo and William. Of this number Clara is now deceased. Mr. Dall gives his political allegiance to the Repub- lican party and is a member of the German Benevolent Society. He is well
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known in Branch county and has taken an active interest in its public affairs to the extent of giving helpful co-operation to many measures instituted to advance the material development of this part of the state.
CHARLES W. GRAY.
The name of Gray is widely and favorably known throughout the south- ern part of Branch county, where members of the family have been respected residents ever since the earliest days of settlement. The first of the family to locate here was Abraham Gray, the father of our subject, who was born in New Jersey, February 20, 1816, he being of German-English descent. His father dying when Abraham was but a young lad, he, when. only ten years of age, accompanied his widowed mother, two brothers, Levi and Everett, and two sisters, Delilah and Jemima, when they left New Jersey and removed to Orleans county, New York. Here he grew to manhood, and at the age of twenty years, in 1836, came to Michigan, locating first in Batavia, Branch county, where he remained for a few years, then coming to Kinderhook town- ship. His first purchase was twenty-eight and one-half acres, to which he added year by year, and finally he became the possessor of one hundred and eighty-eight acres, including a forty-acre tract secured by patent from the government. In this connection it is interesting to note that this forty acres has ever since remained in possession of the Gray family, and now comprises a portion of the farm owned by Mr. Charles Gray. The land thus purchased by Mr. Gray in the early forties was uncleared, and he set to work to make a home here.
Abraham Gray was married in Steuben county, Indiana, Jaunary 1, 1838, to Harriet Towsley, who was born near Toronto, Canada, January 13, 1819. she being of Welsh descent, and theirs were the usual experiences of pioneers in a new country. Five children were born unto them, two of whom died in infancy, the three who grew to maturity being: Charles W .: William, who enlisted in the Civil war in Company K, Seventy-eighth New York Infantry, and died in the army: and Helen, who died in 1902. Abraham Gray was a man of prominence in the early history of this portion of the county, and he was highway commissioner of Kinderhook township for several terms, as well as being a school officer for many years. He and his wife were people of upright character and moral lives, and both were in early life members of the Methodist Episcopal church, afterward affiliating with the Free Will Baptist Society. Mrs. Gray died December 31, 1872, and March 8, 1875. Mr. Gray was married to Patience (Davis) Meeks, a native of Washington county, Ohio, who is still living. By a previous marriage she was the mother of two sons and one daughter. After a long and useful life Abraham Gray died at his home in Kinderhook, May 24, 1896.
Charles W. Gray was the youngest son of Abraham and Harriet (Tows- ley) Gray, and he was born in the township of Batavia, Branch county, Michi- gan, May 15, 1845. He grew to manhood upon the home farm in Kinder- hook township, and here he secured a knowledge of agriculture, which was to be of great use to him in after life, at the same time obtaining a good prac-
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tical education. to which he has since added by wide reading and intelligent observation. He was married, May 3. 1866, to Emeline C. Shutts, who was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, September 10, 1844. Her parents were Jonathan and Catherine (Story) Shutts, esteemed and early residents of the state of Ohio. Their union resulted in the birth of three children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Frank D. married Lillie Hurst, and their home is in Washington, District of Columbia, where he is third assistant examiner of patents in the United States patent office. They have three children: Frances, Lowell and Helen. Minnie F. Gray. daugh- ter of our subject, married Vern D. Garn, and they live in Steuben county, Indiana. They also have three children: Vera, Anna B. and Eva. Mrs. Gray died here. April 14, 1895. and Mr. Gray's second marriage was con- summated February 20. 1896, when he was united with Mary Belle Reynolds. a native of Steuben county. Indiana, where she was born July 18, 1863. She is the eldest daughter of Wesley Reynolds and Catherine Milner Reynolds. who were residents of Steuben county. Indiana, for many years, although in later years living in Kinderhook. where they passed the remainder of their lives, her mother dying here November 23. 1874. and her father May 4. 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds had three children: Mary Belle Gray: Joanna M. Harris, who died in Iowa; and Margaret J. Blank, who lives in Nebraska.
The Reynolds family was one of the oldest in this vicinity, Mrs. Gray's paternal grandfather being Bentley Reynolds, who was born in Ulster county, New York, and who was in the war of 1812. He came to this county with the earliest settlers in 1836 and secured land from the government, which he cleared and improved. He died here in 1850. His wife was Polly C. Can- right, also a native of Ulster county. New York, whose parents. John C. and Nancy Myers Canright, came to Branch county in 1835, locating in Kinder- hook township. where Mr. Canright died in 1835 and Mrs. Canright in 1837. Bentley Reynolds and Polly (Canright) Reynolds had a family of eleven children, only two of whom are now living: Malvina Towsley and Mary J. Huyck, both residents of Branch county.
Mr. Charles W. Gray has always called Kinderhook township his home. for he has always retained his property here, although he lived in Steuben county. Indiana, from 1878 to 1888, where he owned a farm, which he sold in the early nineties, since which time he has lived in Kinderhook. Mr. Gray also spent three years in the state of California. His farm in Kinderhook comprises one hundred and twenty acres of the old homestead, which his father cleared, and upon which the son has since made many improvements. It is an attractive spot, with good buildings and showing the care of a prac- tical farmer, as well as of a man who has an eye for neatness and beauty in his surroundings. Included in this farm is the forty acres which his father secured from the government. Mr. Gray's high standing with his fellow citi- zens has led to his selection for public positions. He was justice of the peace for twelve years in Indiana, and also a school officer for many years. Politi- cally he is a Republican, attending well to his political duties, but never seek- ing office. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Congregational church. Their pretty home stands near the western banks of Lake George.
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WILLIAM WILLIS.
William Willis has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's jour- ney, but in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime, for he gives general supervision to his farm work and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He lives on section seventeen, Batavia township, and has placed upon this property excellent improvements, in keeping with modern ideas of agricultural progress. He was born in Portage county, Ohio, his natal day being September 18, 1823, and. was one of a family of nine children born unto William and Betsy (Alford) Willis. The father was a native of Ireland, and when a young man came to America, settling in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, whence he afterward removed to Portage county. There he died when about sixty years of age, after having devoted his life to farm work, his industry and perseverance bringing him a comfortable compe- tence. His wife was a native of Connecticut, but her father was born in England, and when a young man came to America. A soldier, serving on a British man of war, and being captured, he became an American citizen, and remained a loyal supporter of the republic and her institutions up to the time of his death, which occurred in Portage county, Ohio. Of the family of Mr. and Mrs. William Willis only two are now living.
The subject of this review is the only representative of the family in Branch county, and as he is widely and favorably known here, the history of his life cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was reared in Portage county, Ohio, and had but limited educational privileges, for the father died when the son was a year old, and it became necessary for him to earn his living at an early age. He displayed untiring diligence and energy and made a good home for his mother, and cared for her until she, too, was called to her final rest when about seventy-five years of age. In 1859 Mr. Willis was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Norton, also a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Lester and Susan (Johnson) Norton, and a native of Summit county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Willis began their domestic life in the town of Filkin, Portage county, where they remained until 1863, when he sold his property there and brought his family to Branch county, Michigan, having previously purchased the farm upon which he now resides. There were but few improvements upon the place, however, and he has practically erected all of the buildings, investing over three thousand dollars in this way. He has also placed the land under a high state of cultivation, and throughout his entire life has followed farming, with the result that he is today the owner of a valuable property, comprising one hundred and sixty-five acres of rich land on section seventeen, Batavia township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Willis was blessed with one daughter, Gertrude, who is now the wife of Charles Fields, and they have two little daughters, Nora and Lois, both in school.
Mr. Willis has long exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy and has done all in his power to advance the growth and insure the success of his party. He has lived in Batavia township for forty-two years and he has always kept well informed on questions of
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general interest. He has been an intelligent thinker, possesses an excellent memory and in conversation one would not judge that he had by any means attained to his advanced age, for in spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime.
EDSON BLACKMAN, M. D.
Dr. Edson Blackman, well known as one of the most capable medical practitioners of Quincy and Branch county, was born in Morenci, Lenawee county, Michigan, in 1839. His father, Eli W. Blackman, was a native of Connecticut, and was of English lineage. The first record of the Blackman family in America goes back to 1636, and concerns Adam Blackman, a min- ister of the gospel, who settled in Connecticut. Since his death there has occurred a change in the orthography.
Eli W. Blackman was a farmer by occupation and removed to Michigan in 1835, settling in Morenci, where he made his home for almost two decades. In 1853 he took up his abode in Allen, Hillsdale county, where he spent his remaining days. His death occurred in 1866, when he was sixty-six years of age. He was a well educated man, becoming a prosperous farmer, and stood high in public regard. He voted with the Democratic party, but was never an aspirant for office. He married Jerusha Shepard, a native of Connecticut, and of French lineage, her ancestors having settled in the Charter Oak state at a very early period in the colonization of the new world, where successive gen- erations were connected with mercantile interests. Mrs. Blackman survived her husband until 1880, passing away at the ripe old age of eighty years. In their family were four children: Sarah M., the deceased wife of George Marshall. of Allen, Michigan: John, who was killed at the age of twenty years : Edson : and one who died in infancy.
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