A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 77

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

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Had he done naught but achieve success along mechanical lines we would be justified in presenting his history to our readers as that of a representative citizen of Coldwater, but he is also entitled to mention because of the honors

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he has won in public life and by reason of the honor he has conferred upon his fellow townsmen by capable and progressive service in their behalf. He has given tangible proof of his public spirit by his advocacy of aldermanic measures that have their basis in the general welfare. He served for several terms at different times as alderman of Coldwater, has likewise been supervisor and in 1895 was elected mayor, giving to the city a business-like, practical ad- ministration. For two years he served on the board of commissioners of electric light and water, and was also a member of the board of corrections and charities for six and a half years, and that he made a splendid record is indicated by the set of resolutions adopted by those with whom he served upon his retirement from the board. His political position is never a matter of question. He is fearless in defense of what he believes to be right and has ever been an earnest champion of Republican principles. He has organized and acted as chairman of several local Republican clubs and has been chair- man of the county central committee of his party. To his political work he brings the same power of organization and the same keen foresight that have been salient elements in his business success. Mr. Hilton is also prominent in masonry, and for twenty years was treasurer of the Branch county fraternal benevolent association. A number of important interests of public and private nature have felt the stimulus of his energy and executive ability, and while his efforts have formed no unimportant element in promoting commercial activity here, in citizenship he has also furnished an example that is well worthy of emulation. He was one of the original members of the Independent Light Guards, and after enlistment into the Michigan state troops served for seven consecutive years, when he was honorably discharged.

HERBERT B. LOCKWOOD.

Herbert B. Lockwood, proprietor of a farm on section twenty-nine, Coldwater township, comprising one hundred and fifty-five acres of well im- proved land with all modern equipments, has displayed in his business life great intelligence and unfaltering energy and by the exercise of these quali- ties has gained a creditable name and very gratifying competence. He was born in Ovid township on the 27th of April, 1856, and when eighteen years of age removed to Coldwater township, where he has since lived. His pa- ternal grandfather was Uriah Lockwood, who had a family of ten children, nearly all of whom settled in this part of the state, giving rise to many branches of the Lockwood family now here. His son, Jeremiah Lockwood, father of our subject, was born in Ulster county, New York, February 13, 1817, and was married to Miss Sarah E. Woodward, whose birth occurred in Chenango county, New York, June 23, 1825. She was a daughter of Archibald and Bernetta (Seeley) Woodward, in whose family were three daughters, Mrs. Matilda Sprague, Mrs. Amelia Woodward and Mrs. Lock- wood. The Lockwood and Woodward families were important factors in the early development of this section of the state and were highly respected people. The Lockwoods settled in Ovid township in 1836, when hardly .

an improvement had been made within its borders, and the Woodwards were pioneer residents of Batavia township, afterward removing to Cold-

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water township. Mrs. Bernetta Woodward reached the very venerable age of one hundred and two years, passing away on the 22nd of October, 1897, in Branch county.

Jeremiah Lockwood was a young man of nineteen years when he came with his family to Michigan, taking up his abode in Ovid township, where he performed his full share of the work connected with the development of a new farm and the reclamation of this district for the purposes of civilization. In 1874 the family removed to Coldwater township. Unto Jeremiah and Sarah Lockwood were born four children : Judson and Odessa, who died in infancy: LeRoy, a resident of Coldwater; and Her- bert B., of this review. The father's death occurred in Coldwater township January 24, 1905, while his wife passed away there on the 19th of Octo- ber, 1895.

Herbert B. Lockwood was reared to manhood under the parental roof, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of the farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He is practical and progressive in his methods and as the years have gone by has prospered in his undertak- ings. He now owns the former Woodward farm on section 29. Cold- water township, which his father owned before him and which he had assisted in clearing. The place today comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres of land that is rich and productive, responding readily to the culti- vation bestowed upon it. There are excellent modern buildings upon the place, including a brick residence built in attractive style of architecture and supplied with every convenience. It is indeed a model farm home and everything about the place indicates care and intelligent methods. Mr. Lockwood was associated with Messrs. Van Anken, David Priddy and C. S. Wright in the buying and shipping of live stock for about fifteen years, and the five previous seasons he was salesman for the International Har- vester Company through Michigan.

On the 3d of October, 1876, Mr. Lockwood was united in marriage to Miss Lynn Wilder, who was born in Avon, Lorain county, Ohio. February 24, 1856, a daughter of George P. and Betsy E. (Reynolds) Wilder. Her father was born in Canandaigua county, New York, while her mother's birth occurred in Elizabethtown, Essex county, New York, March 23. 1819. They became early residents of Ohio, where Mr. Wilder died. Mrs. Wilder afterward married I. N. Shaw, and since the death of her second husband she now makes her home proper with Mrs. I. Treat. In the Wilder fam- ily were eight children, all of whom reached adult age, while six are yet living, namely : Mrs. Ann Treat, whose home is in Coldwater; Mrs. Mary Walker, of Ovid; William and James, who are living in Bay City, Michi- gan ; Raymond, a resident of Missouri; and Mrs. Lynn Lockwood. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three sons: Judson, born August 2, 1879, married Clara Lader, by whom he has a son, Howard, and they reside in Coldwater. Carl, born May 4, 1884, is a student in the Cleary Business College of Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he is qualifying for a busi- ness career. Ralph, born August 19, 1892, resides at home with his par- ents.

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Fraternally Mr. Lockwood is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge at Coldwater, and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party. He has served as school officer for many terms and is justly accounted one of the progressive and active farmers of his township. He and his wife have a wide circle of friends and their own hospitable home is the center of a cultured society circle, being a favorite resort with those who know them. Mr. Lockwood is a worthy representative of two of the prom- inent pioneer families of the county, and his lines of life have been cast in harmony with the ancestral history.

P. D. WILLBUR.

P. D. Willbur, for forty-two years in active business in Union City, and now conducting a grocery, crockery and glassware store, was born in Oneida county, New York, in the town of Florence, February 18, 1832. His father, Edwin Willbur, was a native of Madison county, New York, and was married in Oneida county to Miss Eunice S. Bellos, also a native of Madison county. The father engaged in farming in Oneida county for a number of years, and in 1844 removed to Michigan, settling in Barry county. He afterward took up his abode in Calhoun county, where his last days were spent, his death occurring in his fifty-seventh year. His wife passed away in Barry county at the age of seventy-eight years. She was twice married, first becoming the wife of Mr. Willbur, by whom she had six sons and two daughters.

P. D. Willbur, the eldest of this family, was a youth of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Michigan. He spent the remainder of his youth in Barry county and completed his education in the Battle Creek (Michigan) high school. He learned the cabinet maker's trade there and subsequently took up his abode in Union City, the year 1858 witnessing his arrival here. He then turned his attention to the furniture and undertaking business, which he conducted for about twenty years, and on selling out he established his present grocery, crockery and glassware store with his son, W. H., which he has carried on successfully for twenty-two years, so that he has been a merchant of Union City for more than forty- two years. Isaac Tower is the only merchant living in Union City who was here when Mr. Willbur established his first store, and Mr. Tower is now re- tired, so that it leaves Mr. Willbur the pioneer merchant here. Throughout the long years of his connection with commercial interests his name has been a synonym for integrity and straightforward dealing, and his business methods have always been such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

On the 5th of January, 1855, Mr. Willbur was married to Miss Mary A. Palmer, who was born in Oswego county, New York, and is a daughter of William and Mary A. Palmer. early settlers of Battle Creek, Michigan. Her father was born in England, and was one of Bonaparte's guards on the island of St. Helena. He served for sixteen years as a private in the English army. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willbur was born a son, William H., who was born in Union City, Michigan, in 1861, and was educated in the Union City public schools. He wedded Miss Hattie Smith, and they have five children, one

HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY 615

son and four daughters. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a trustee, and he is a Prohibitionist in poli- tics. He is a member of the Blue Lolge and Chapter in Union City, a member of the Maccabees, and his wife is a member of the Ladies of the Tented Mac- cabees and the Eastern Star. He is now a partner of his father, and adds the great energy and enterprise of a younger man to the broad experience and business capacity of the older, so that the partnership is a very strong one and the success which is attending the firm is very creditable and gratifying.

Mr. Willbur was a Republican in politics for many years, but about ten years ago announced his allegiance to the Prohibition party, which he has since supported. His first presidential ballot was cast for John C. Fremont. and he also voted for James A. Garfield and other Republican presidential candidates. He has twice been alderman of the village, but has never sought or desired office. preferring to give undivided attention to his business affairs and content to perform his duties to the village as a private citizen. However, he has never been remiss in the duties of citizenship, and his efforts have ma- terially promoted the welfare and progress of Union City. An exemplary Mason, he belongs to the Lodge, Chapter and Council at Union City, and is thoroughly in sympathy with the teachings of the craft, which has its basic principles in brotherly kindness and mutual helpfulness. He also belongs to Coldwater lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Independent Order of United Workmen, and he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held office and in the work of which he has taken an interested part. co-operating in many of the church activities. In manner he is courteous and pleasant, winning friends by his genial disposition and honorable character, which commands the respect of all. Today he is not more honored on account of the enviable position which he occupies in business circles than on account of the many kindly deeds of his life, which have been quietly and unostentatiously performed.

C. D. WARNER. M. D.

Dr. C. D. Warner, of the Warner Medical Company of Coldwater, was born in Calhoun county, Michigan, December 17. 1840. His father, Elihu Warner, was a native of Connecticut, and when about six years old went to New York with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Warner, who were also natives of the Charter Oak state. After arriving at years of maturity Elihu Warner was married to Lucina Clarke, a daughter of Enoch . and Anna (Hutchinson) Clarke. They became the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters. The eldest died in early life but the others reached ma- ture years.

Dr. Warner, the youngest of the family, was taken by his parents to Hillsdale county, Michigan, when but eighteen months old, and there his childhood and youth were passed. Having studied in the district schools he afterward attended Hillsdale College and later was a student in a commer- cial school of Detroit, Michigan. He put aside his text books, however, for the purpose of enlisting in the Union army, and in 1861 he became a mem- ber of Company G, Second Michigan Cavalry, with which he served as a

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private. With a constitution unable to withstand the hardships of war, however, he was honorably discharged after a year on account of physical disability, after which he returned to Reading, Michigan. He also resumed his studies in the commercial college at Detroit, from which he was gradu- ated, and then went into the copper mines in the northern peninsula of Michigan, working for the Pennsylvania Mining Company for about six months as superintendent of surface work. Later he engaged as contractor in the building of houses and spent about two years in that part of the state. He then located in the village of Reading, where for about ten years he was engaged in the manufacture of White Wine of Tar and of blood and liver pills. In 1889 he came to Coldwater, where he has continued in the manu- facture of the same medicines and is now devoting his attention largely to the White Wine of Tar --- a remedy which has become known all over the world. He also owns farms at Reading which are operated under his super- vision, and has mining interests in Mexico, being a stockholder in the El Cobre mines of Sonora, Mexico. Dr. Warner was married to Miss Julia St. John, and they had a daughter and son: Donna, now the wife of B. L. Van Aken, of Coldwater; and Hiram E., who owns the old home farm at Reading, and is engaged in the sale of the Warner Company's remedies, having control of the business in the states of Indiana and Ohio. The wife and mother died, and Dr. Warner has since married Josephine M. Brown.

Dr. Warner votes with the Republican party, which he has supported since casting his presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. His business ca- reer has been attended with success. When he began the manufacture of Warner's White Wine of Tar he walked from house to house, selling his medicines, which he carried in a grip sack. Later he was enabled to pur- chase a horse and buggy, and so satisfactory did his remedies prove that the business grew rapidly and has now reached extensive proportions, making Dr. Warner one of the substantial citizens of Coldwater. In manner he is genial and affable, readily making friends, and retaining the high regard of all by reason of his social disposition and genuine worth of character.

ALEXANDER MCINTYRE.

Alexander McIntyre is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and fifty-six acres situated on section fifteen, Matteson township. A native of Canada, he was born near St. Thomas on the Ist of December, 1843. His father, William McIntyre, was a native of Scotland and was there reared. In that country he wedded Miss Agnes McColm, also a native of that coun- try, and soon afterward they crossed the Atlantic to Canada, locating near St. Thomas, where William McIntyre followed the occupation of farming up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was about forty-five years of age. His widow still lives in Canada, making her home in Wallace- town, at the age of eighty-two years. In their family were five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom reached adult age.

.Alexander McIntyre, the eldest of the family, was reared and edu- cated in Canada, and when seventeen years of age came to Branch county,

It A Trymolde

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settling first at Bronson. He there turned his attention to the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for two years, after which he went to Coldwater, where he began earning his living by blacksmithing and carriage manufactur- ing, continuing in that business for about five years. He then engaged in business for himself in partnership with Mr. Lockard, renting a shop for the first year, and then building a shop on West Chicago street, where the Harley agricultural implement business is now located. Mr. McIntyre con- tinued in business in Coldwater for about thirteen years. The partnership continued for three years, at the end of which time he purchased his part- ner's interest. He was then alone in business until about 1875, when he traded his property for a farm in Calhoun county, Michigan. There he lived for two years, when he sold out and purchased where he now resides. He has made his home in Matteson township for twenty-eight years, and his farm now comprises two hundred and fifty-six acres of land. At one time his holdings were three hundred and sixteen acres, but he has sold a part of this to his son Frank. As an agriculturist he has been very energetic and progressive, and has annually harvested good crops because of the practical care and labor which he has bestowed upon the fields.

In February, 1865, Mr. McIntyre was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Bearss, a daughter of Henry and Harriet (Darling) Bearss. The father was born in Connecticut and the mother in Albany, New York, and in their family were eight children, six daughters and two sons, Mrs. McIntyre being the fifth in order of birth. She was born in Prattsville, New York. September 22. 1846, and was brought to Michigan when about twelve years of age, since which time Branch county has been her home. Mr. and Mrs. Mcintyre have but one son. Frank, who was born in Matteson township, March 16, 1880, was married to Lottie Sanderson, and is now an enter- prising and leading agriculturist of Matteson township. Mr. McIntyre has always voted with the Republican party. He has been a very successful man, and starting out in life on his own account empty handed has steadily worked his way upward, proving that prosperity and an honored name can be won simultaneously, for in his business career he has gained success, and has also made an excellent reputation as a straightforward, reliable busi- ness man.

NORMAN A. REYNOLDS.

Judge Norman A. Reynolds, who for many years has wielded a wide influence in professional and political circles in Branch county, and is now practically living a retired life at his home in Coldwater, was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 28, 1843, and is a representative of one of the old colonial families that was established in Connecticut during an early epoch in the history of the new world. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Reynolds, belonged to the Fifth Regiment of the militia of Dutchess county. New York. and served in the Revolutionary war under Colonel Philip Van Cortland. He was taken captive and for some time was held as a prisoner of war on a British vessel in New York harbor. He was a son of Caleb Reynolds and a grandson of Joshua Reynolds, of Fairfield county, Connecticut. It is not

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definitely known when the family was established in New York, but Joseph Reynolds, the Revolutionary hero, resided in Dutchess county, and Caleb Reynolds, father of Judge Reynolds, was born in the Empire state. The last named became a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in New York. He married Lydia Robinson, also a native of the same state, and they had a family of eight children, whom they reared upon the home farm.

Judge Reynolds early became familiar with the experiences and labors that usually fall to the lot of a farmer's son, and following his preliminary course of study in the district schools he attended an academy for a time and during the winter of 1860-61 taught school. Prompted by a spirit of loyalty and patriotism, he laid aside his text-books and offered his services in de- fense of the Union which his grandfather had aided in establishing, enlisting on the 7th of September, 1861, as a member of Company A, Tenth New York Cavalry, for a term of three years, and on the expiration of that period he re-enlisted and continued with the boys in blue until the cessation of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged August 8, 1865. He served with the Army of the Potomac and his regiment was one of the most active of that branch of the service, participating in many important and hotly contested engagements. Judge Reynolds closely followed the fortunes of his regiment and rose from the ranks, becoming successively corporal, sergeant, commissary sergeant and second lieutenant. He has always maintained a deep interest in military affairs and was himself a brave and intrepid soldier. Of Butter- worth Post, G. A. R., of which he was an organizer, he served for three years as commander, and in 1883 he was a lieutenant of the Light Guards, while from 1887 until 1889, inclusive, he was captain of that command.

Following his service in the Union Army, Judge Reynolds returned to the parental home in New York, but soon afterward went west, hoping that he might enjoy better business opportunities in the region west of the Mis- sissippi. He visited Missouri and other states, but not finding conditions favorable, he again turned his face to the east. On visiting Branch county, Michigan, he decided that conditions here were more to his liking, and since March 1, 1866, he has been a resident of this county, and from 1866 to 1877 he was a resident of Quincy township. He had previously married in New York, Miss Emma E. Dofferty having become his wife, and the young couple located on a farm in Quincy township. Four years later he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife. In 1872 he married a second time, wedding Miss Emorette A. Harding.

Judge Reynolds continued his farming operations until 1876, when, on account of failing health, he sold his farm, deciding to abandon the arduous labor in connection with an agricultural life. He came to Coldwater in Octo- ber, 1877, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. Immediately afterward he located for practice in Coldwater, and in the fall of the same year was made circuit court commissioner. In 1880 he was elected probate judge of Branch county, and thus served for three terms, or twelve years, at the close of which period he resumed the practice of law, enjoying a large clientage until 1903, when, at the age of sixty years, he decided to retire from professional and business life. His business relations are now largely financial, his attention

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being given to the supervision of his investments. He is also a director of the Branch County Savings Bank, of which he was one of the organizers. He was appointed by Governor Bliss, in 1903, a member of the board of con- trol of the State Public School, and reappointed by Governor Warner in 1905 for a term of six years, being the second treasurer of the board.

In fraternal, religious, social, political and business relations he has al- ways been active, and his sound judgment, clear discernment and indefatigable energy have made his influence a potent and beneficial force along these varied lines. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party. He is a Master Mason, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and president of the Branch County Fraternal Association. His in- terest in his adopted county and her welfare is deep and sincere and his co- operation in progressive public movements has been far-reaching and beneficial. Mrs. Reynolds, who was born in Hillsdale county, Michigan, holds a prominent place in the social and literary circles of the city and is also an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. For seventeen years she has been presi- cent of the Home Missionary Society of her church, of which she was an organizer. She has also been president of the Woman's Relief Corps, and ·is now ( 1905) leader of the Purple Circle Columbia Club, an association formed of eleven different literary societies.

FRANK B. REYNOLDS.

Frank B. Reynolds, only son of Judge and Mrs. Norman A. Reynolds, was born on his father's farm in Quincy township, Branch county, Michigan, on the 20th of January, 1874, and the city of Coldwater has been his home since he was three years of age. Here he grew to manhood and attended school, being graduated from the high school with the class of 1891. He afterward pursued a two-years' literary course in the University of Michigan and then entered upon the study of law in the same institution, being gradu- ated with the class of 1895. with the degree of LL. B. He was immediately admitted to the bar, and in association with his father, then practicing law in Coldwater, he began his professional career. In the fall of 1900. he was elected probate judge on the Republican ticket. and in 1904 was re-elected, so that he is the present incumbent, and as the office had previously been filled by his father for three terms, the name of Reynolds has been associated with the probate bench for twenty years. Frank B. Reynolds had previously served for three years as city attorney of Coldwater and for two terms as circuit court commissioner. He volunteered and served in the Spanish-American war, joining the Thirty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in which he was a color sergeant.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 77

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