A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 82

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

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Lemander James was reared and educated in his native township, at- tending the district school, his early studies being pursued in one of the old-time log schoolhouses. Later, however, better school buildings were erected and the methods of instruction were also improved. He helped to cultivate the home place and after his father's death he remained upon the farm, assuming its management. His entire life has been devoted to gen- eral agricultural pursuits and he is today the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land that is rich and productive, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. There are good improvements on the property in the shape of substantial buildings and modern machinery and the place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences.

In 1872 Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Kinter, who was born in Batavia township, Branch county. in 1852. and is a daugh- ter of Richard Kinter, a pioneer settler of Branch county. Mrs. James spent her girlhood days upon her father's farm and mastered the branches of learning taught in the district schools of Batavia township. Two children graced this union, Willie and Mabel, but the latter is now deceased. Mr. James votes with the Republican party where national issues are involved, but at local elections regards only the capability of the candidate. He has held several township offices and the trust reposed in him has been well merited, for he has been found faithful, prompt and efficient in the discharge of his duties.

SAMUEL KNAUSS.

Samuel Knauss, who is engaged in the real estate business in Cold- water, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Union coun- ty, December 12, 1840. His parents were Solomon and Sarah (Moore) Knauss, both natives of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and of German de- scent. They removed to Erie county. Ohio, when their son Samuel was a lad of six years, and there they spent their remaining days, both having now passed away. In their family were twelve children, nine of whom reached years of maturity.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Samuel Knauss was reared in Erie county, Ohio, spending his boy- hood days on the home farm until fourteen years of age. At that age his father and sister hired him out to J. G. Sumner, a merchant in Bellevue, to work in his dry goods store for a consideration of fifty dollars for six months' service and board himself, which cost forty-eight dollars. From that time till he was of age he worked for different parties in grocery and dry goods stores. Later he assisted in the cultivation of the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he again started out in life on his own account.

In 1864 Mr. Knauss was married to Miss Jemima Cleveland, and they have become the parents of two daughters: Jennie L., now the wife of L. J. Byers, and Nettie E., the wife of Alfred Pierce.

Following his marriage Mr. Knauss engaged in farming and after- ward followed merchandising as a dealer in agricultural implements at Belle- vue, Ohio, for twelve years. In 1875 he came to Branch county, Michigan, settling in Kinderhook township, where he again carried on agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1904, when he located in Coldwater, where he is now engaged in the real estate business. He has thoroughly informed him- self concerning realty values and is well qualified to place investments and make sales. He has served as under sheriff of the county and he gives his political allegiance to the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Master Ma- son, while his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLIAM WANAR.

William Wanar, who is a practical, progressive and prominent farmer of Batavia township living on section twenty-one, was born in Reichenberg, Germany, on the 15th of October, 1838. His parents were Frank and Anna WVanar. The mother came to America in 1857 and the father crossed the Atlantic in 1882, both spending their last days in Branch county, the fu- neral services of this worthy couple being conducted by Rev. Collin, the editor of this work. The subject of this review was reared in the place of his nativity until sixteen years of age. During that time he acquired a fair public school education and he also learned the butcher's trade. Hear- ing favorable reports concerning America, its business opportunities and the advantages afforded young men he determined to try his fortune in this land where labor is unhampered by caste or class. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and native country and in 1854 sailed for the United States, settling first in Auburn, New York. He afterward lived at Waterloo, Sen- eca county, New York, and in 1857 made his way westward to Michigan, coming direct to Branch county. Having no capital and therefore facing the necessity of at once providing for his support, he worked out by the day and month and afterward spent some time on the road as a lightning rod agent. He followed that business for about eight years, traveling over the country, making sales in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.

On the 19th of October, 1862, Mr. Wanar was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Matilda Morsman, a daughter of John and Eunice (Stanton) Morsman. The father was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1802 and in 1839

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

removed to Ohio, settling in Trumbull county. In 1852 he came to Mich- igan, locating at Coldwater, Branch county. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and his last days were spent in South Haven, Michigan. where he passed away in 1867. His wife lived to the advanced age of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Wanar was the fourth in order of birth in their family of eight children and first opened her eyes to the light of day in Herkimer county, New York. on the 6th of June. 1836. She was in her sixteenth year when she came to Branch county and here she has since lived. Mr. Wanar at the time of his marriage located in Bethel township, where he remained for about two years, when he sold his property there and bought a farm on section two. Batavia township. Locating thereon he at once began the fur- ther development and improvement of that .land and made the place his home for eighteen years, when he traded the property for the farm upon which he now resides on section twenty-one. Batavia township. Here he has lived for twenty-three years, giving his time and attention to the work of tilling the fields, caring for the crops and raising stock. He is truly a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. When he arrived in America he had a capital of four dollars. and he was a stranger in a strange land. unfamiliar with the English tongue and with the customs and manners of the people. Indeed he could not speak a word of the language here used. He worked for four dollars per month for more than a year and during that time acquainted himself with English. He also clerked in a store and he utilized every opportunity to gain a knowl- edge of the methods of business life as practiced in the new world.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wanar have been born two sons: Jay F., who is engaged in merchandising in the town of Olds; and Charles H., who is oper- ating his father's farm. The former married Christine Klose. a daughter of Frederick Klose, and they have three children: Crystal. Lissette and William Frederick. Charles Wanar wedded Miss Mary Jones, a daughter of Charles Jones, and they also have three children: Norine, who is in the eighth grade. and is especially fond of arithmetic and geography: Lorain. in about the same grade, and is an artist in constructing forms and is natural in her tastes: and Mary, who is classed in the same grade as her sisters. The homestead farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land which is well improved, largely owing to the efforts of William Wanar, who has al- ways been a diligent. enterprising man. faithfully performing each task as it has come to him and discharging every duty that has devolved upon him. He has made an excellent business record by reason of his fidelity to duty and the prompt manner in which he has met every obligation devolving upon him and he is regarded as one of the reliable citizens of Branch county. After studying political questions and issues and acquainting himself with the attitude of the two parties Mr. Wanar decided to give his support to the Republican party and has since been a champion of its interests. Both he and his wife are well known in the county where they have so long re- sided and with its history they have been closely identified. His success has been based upon the qualities of strict and unswerving integrity. unabating industry and diligence that never fails and his record has been so honorable

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

and commendable that his methods cannot fail to prove of interest to those who know aught of his career. He is a splendid type of the German-Amer- ican citizen and his history is an excellent example of what may be accom- plished in the "land of the free" where labor finds its just reward.

SETH B. RANDALL.

Seth B. Randall, numbered among the practical, progressive and pros- perous farmers of Coldwater township, was born in Yates county, New York, May 21, 1845, and is a representative of one of the old families that through several generations has been represented in the Empire state. His father, Orson Randall; was born in Putnam county, New York, August 25, 1807, and was married on the 15th of September, 1833, in Milo, Yates county, to Miss Laura J. Gilbert, whose birth occurred at Sharon, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the 27th of November, 1814. Her father, Ephraim Gilbert, died September 30, 1827, and the mother, Mrs. Jerusha (Peck) Gilbert, passed away two days before, so that at the age of thirteen years Mrs. Randall was left an orphan. As stated, she was married in 1833, and in 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Randall came to Michigan, settling first at Allen, Hillsdale county, where the father conducted a hotel for several years, it being one of the pioneer hostelries of that section of the state. About 1840 he came to Coldwater township, Branch county, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land bordering Randall's Lake. It lay on section five. Coldwater township, and was purchased from the government. Upon the farm which he there developed he spent his remaining days, giving his life to its further cultivation and improvement. His wife died on the Ioth of March, 1880, and on that occasion the following lines appeared in the Coldwater Republican :

" Mrs. Orson Randall died at her home in Coldwater township last Wednesday morning after a long and painful illness of some brain trouble, which for nearly two years past has made her entirely blind and helpless. She was sixty-five years of age and leaves beside her husband a family of five children. Thirty-five years ago the family came to the township from Penn Yan, New York, and still reside on the farm on which they then located, and where the children all grew to man's and woman's estate. Hers is the first death that has occurred in the family during their thirty-five years' residence here. She was a member of the Baptist church of this city, and was a lady who was held in the highest esteem by all who were acquainted with her. Her remains were laid in their final resting place in Oak Grove cemetery yesterday."

Mr. Randall survived until September 21, 1889. Since reaching the state in 1840 he had resided continuously here save for a brief period of a few years which he passed in New York. He was a Republican in his political views and was a man greatly esteemed as an important factor in the early history of his town and county. When he passed away the fol- lowing was written in his memory in one of the local papers :

" Another Pioneer Gone .- Orson Randall was born in Putnam county, New York, and moved to Yates county of the same state when a youth.

Willow Bank, country residence of Mr. and Mrs. Seth B. Randall

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

He grew to manhood in that county and was married to Miss Laura Gilbert. who died in Coldwater at the age of sixty-seven years. They packed their goods and emigrated to Michigan in 1840, which was a territory at the time, if my memory serves me right. They located in Allen township the same year and they built them a shanty and had a quilt hung up for a door; and at night they thought the wolves were going to take possession, coming right up in front and around the so-called house. They afterwards built a house and for the accommodation of the public he opened it as a tavern. One man told the writer not many days ago that he had put up at the so called house and he very well remembered the following words on the sign: 'Live and Let Live-O. Randall.' He concluded in after years that keeping a public house was not his calling and so exchanged for a farm on the west side of Coldwater lake now occupied by Seth B. Randall, his youngest son. Five children survive him. He spent the greater part of his life on this farm. He united with the Baptist church and took an active part in its construction. At the close of his declining years he bought a house in the city and lived there until his death. He was honored and respected by all who knew him."

Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard of all with whom they were associated. In their family were five children, all of whom reached adult age, namely : Alonzo, who was born in Milo, New York, July 8, 1834, and is now living in Eaton Rapids, Michigan ; Eunice, who was born in Howard, New York, March 9. 1836. and is the wife of C. I. Fonda : George A., who was born in Allen, Michigan, August 11. 1838, and died at Ann Arbor, Michigan, February 9. 1890: Seth B., of this review ; and Emily R., who was born in Allen, Michigan, March 14, 1841, and is the wife of Wenzell Gruner, a resident of the city of Coldwater.

Seth B. Randall was born in the Empire state during the period in which his parents lived there after their return from Michigan. However, when he was a young lad he was brought to this state and his early life was passed upon the home farm which he now owns. He aided in the work of field and meadow, and in the winter months acquired a good practical education in the common schools. On the 12th of March. 1871, he was married in Cold- water to Miss Sarah E. Giles, who was born in Port Credit, Canada, June 13. 1848, a daughter of Joshua and Helen (Ferguson) Giles, the former a native of London, England, and the latter of the Hudson Bay territory. Her father was a bridge builder under Lord Suffolk in the Hudson Bay territory. Mr. and Mrs. Giles had a family of six children, namely : William John and Thomas A., who died in childhood: Mrs. Jane Brandon, who lives in Toronto, Canada : Mrs. Isabelle Brownridge, of Isabella county, Michigan; Mrs. Cath- erine Stevens, of Grand Rapids, this state ; and Mrs. Randall. Mrs. Randall was a teacher in this locality when she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Ran- dall. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of two sons: George, born December 17: 1876, and now at home with his parents; and Ralph S., who was born April 2, 1884. and is a bookkeeper and cashier in Clarke's drug store in Coldwater.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

Mr. Randall exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and for nine years has served as justice of the peace, while at this writing he is serving his second term as commissioner of Coldwater township. He has lived on his present farm from the age of two years, and it is a splendid property improved with a modern residence and all the equipments and accessories found upon a model farm of the twen- tieth century, located on the banks of Lake Randall. He displays considerable mechanical ingenuity and artistic skill and his home contains many specimens of his handicraft in the way of furniture and decorations. He belonged to Coldwater lodge, A. O. U. W., and is a man uniformly esteemed throughout the community, for his life has been honorable and upright, his actions manly and sincere. In the careful conduct of his business interests he has met with creditable prosperty, finding that success is ambition's answer. Mr. and Mrs. Randall have an old Bible in their home which was published in 1790, which is an heirloom and one of the oldest books found in the county of Branch. They also have one of the old "Longfellow Clocks," the framework of which was made by Mr. Randall. Their pretty estate or country seat is known as " The Willowbank Farm," and lies on the banks of Lake Morrison.

JOHN HULSE.

The farming interests of Branch county have a worthy representative in John Hulse, who is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land in California tonwship. He was born in Cayuga county, New York, on . the 4th of January, 1842, and is the only surviving member of a family of six children born unto John and Charity ( Perkins) Hulse. The family was an old one in New York. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Hulse, spent the greater part of his life in the Empire state, but in his last years came to Branch county, Michigan, and died here. John Hulse, father of our subject, was born in Nester county, New York, November 17, 1802, and in his early life learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in his native state. Hoping to more rapidly acquire a competence in the new and growing west he came to Michigan in 1855, making his way to Branch county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of new land, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. The arduous task of clearing and cultivat- ing the tract was at once begun by him and in the course of years he had placed sixty acres under the plow and was gathering therefrom rich crops. Much of the remainder of the farm has been cleared by John Hulse of this review, but there is still a good tract of timber upon the place. John Hulse was united in marriage to Miss Charity Perkins, also a native of Nester county, New York, born on the 19th of July, 1802. She was a daughter of Ebenezer and Lucy (Cooper) Perkins, who lived and died in the Empire state. Mr. and Mrs. Hulse continued to reside upon their farm in Branch county, the father carrying on the active work of the fields until his life's labors were ended in death on the 18th of January, 1859. His wife sur- vived him until September 20, 1876. He gave his political allegiance to the Whig party, but was without aspiration for office. His wife was a member of the United Brethren church and was a most estimable lady. In their

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

family were six children, of whom one died in infancy. the others being Mrs. Betsy Yarns, who passed away in New York: Martha L., who died in childhood : Mrs. Hannah Jane Hall, who died in California township. Branch county : Hiram, who was a veteran of the Civil war, serving in Company I. Ninth Michigan Infantry, and died at Knoxville, Tennessee: Mrs. Delilah L. Hazen, who died in Iowa: and John, who completes the family.

John Hulse spent the first thirteen years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came with his parents to Michigan. His education, begun in New York. was continued in the public schools of Branch county. He was reared to manhood upon the home farm and as his age and strength per- mitted assisted more and more largely in the work of clearing and develop- ing the land. He has always lived upon the old homestead and succeeded to the property after his parents' death. He operated the farm after the death of his father, starting out in life on his own account when but seven- tecn years of age. Ninety acres of the home place came to him through in- heritance, together with personal property, on condition that he supported his mother during the remainder of her life. She lived for eighteen years thereafter and he did his filial duty, putting forth every effort in his power for her welfare and happiness. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of very productive land and seventy-five acres of the farm is cleared, while fifty acres is still in timber. His fields are well tilled and through the rotation of crops as well as through the timely planting of his seed and his care of the growing harvest he is enabled each year to sell considerable quantities of grain and thus provide a comfortable living for himself and family.

On the 18th of June, 1889. Mr. Hulse was united in marriage to Miss Lavina E. Albright, who was born in Steuben county, Indiana, on the 23rd of November, 1858, a daughter of Christopher and Catherine ( Michael) Albright, the former a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born May 18, 1823, and the latter born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, Octo- ber 10. 1827. They were married in the Keystone state on the 8th of Feb- ruary, 1849, and lived for fifty years in Steuben county, Indiana, but their later years were passed in Branch county, where the father died March 9. 1902, and in his honor the following obituary notice was written: "Chris- topher Albright was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, May 18, 1823, and was joined in marriage with Catherine Michael, February 8, 1849. and the following May they came to Steuben county. To this union were born seven children, four of whom, with his aged wife, survive him. His death occurred March 9, 1902. aged seventy-eight years, nine months and nineteen days. The deceased was held in highest esteem by his friends and neighbors and his life was a blessing of untold value to the community in which he lived so many years. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. A. Sprague, at Fremont, in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a member." The mother survived until January 20, 1905, and at her death the following notice was written: "Mrs. Catherine Albright died last Friday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hulse. She had been in poor health for some time, but had only been seriously sick for a few days.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist Episcopal church, Rev. F. A. Reichelderfer officiating. Catherine, daughter of Philip and Su- sannah Michael, was born in' Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1827, was united in marriage to Christopher Albright, February 8, 1849, came to Steuben county, Indiana, the following May. To them were born seven children, of whom three, with husband, father, mother, two brothers and five sisters, have preceded her to the spirit land. In the year 1852 she united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and has endeavored to live a true Christian life. The God whom she served in life was her support in death. She leaves three brothers, three sons, one daughter, seven grand- children, two great-grandchildren, with a host of other friends to mourn the loss. She departed this life January 20, 1905, aged seventy-seven years, three months and ten days." They had traveled life's journey together for more than a half century. Their marriage was blessed with seven children, of whom one died in infancy, while the others were: Phillip, who died at the age of seventeen years; Wesley S., living in this township; Joshua P., who is postmaster at Fremont, Indiana; Jacob C., who is a preacher of the United Brethren church at Nappanee, Indiana; Susan A., who has departed this life; and Lavina, now Mrs. Hulse. The parents in early life were mem- bers of the German Methodist church and in later years joined the English Methodist church and at all times they were actuated by Christian princi- ples and won the respect and good will of those with whom they were asso- ciated. Mr. Albright gave his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and thus provided for his family.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hulse have been born a daughter and son, Delilah Catherine and Ralph John, both of whom are at home. The parents and children are members of the United Brethren church and are close and earn- est followers of the teachings of that denomination. Mr. Hulse is also a staunch advocate of the cause of temperance and votes with the Prohibition party. While leading a busy life upon his farm, all improvements having been made there since he took up his abode thereon and in the work of which he was an active assistant, Mr. Hulse has nevertheless found time to devote to interests of a public nature. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday school and as a member of the board of trustees in the United Brethren church and has also been assessor of the school district for twelve years, being the incumbent in that office at the present time. The family have a good farm home and their position in public regard is that which is ever accorded in recognition of genuine personal worth and of principles which neither seek nor require disguise.

ARTHUR E. ROBINSON.

Arthur E. Robinson, president and general manager of the Regal Gaso- line Engine Company, was born in the city of Coldwater in 1859. His father, Hiram B. Robinson, was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, where in early manhood he became foreman of a cotton mill, but about 1852 or 1853, on account of failing health, he came to the west, settling in Cold- water. Here he married Miss Laura A. Dunks, a native of New York, who

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 82

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