A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 84

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

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Mr. James B. Mintling, the subject of this sketch, was married December

"Maple Grove Farm," Residence of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Mintling.

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7. 1883, to Miss Josie Gillett, who was born at Angola. Indiana, July 6. 1854. She was the daughter of Charles Gillett and Annis Tillotson, the father of New York and the mother of Ohio, although living for many years in the Hoosier state, and afterward removing to Nebraska, where Mr. Gillett died March 12, 1883. Mrs. Gillett is still living at Lincoln. Nebraska. They were the parents of four children, all of whom are still living, they being Mrs. James B. Mintling, of Girard, Michigan ; Mrs. Franc Griswold, of Nebraska ; and Wilkes and Charles Gillett, both of whom are in the far west.

The union of James B. Mintling and Josie Gillett Mintling has been blessed with the birth of three children, all of whom are living at home. Will- iam Charles finished the public school course and received his diploma in 1901, in Nebraska. and spent one year in the Wesleyan University. University Place, Nebraska. He is a prosperous farmer. Julia I. is in the ninth grade, high school course, and is proficient in instrumental music. James Harry is now in the seventh grade, and is bright in his studies.

Mr. James B. Mintling was born and reared upon a farm and early in life he decided upon agriculture as a life vocation. After attaining his ma- jority he went from Iowa to Nebraska with his parents and lived in the vicinity of Lincoln, that state, until coming to Girard in March, 1901. Here he purchased the George A. Russell farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres of fertile farming land on section thirteen. Girard township, which is equipped with fine substantial farm buildings, including a commodious house of modern construction, the whole forming a model farm residence, seldom equalled, even in this land of prosperity and plenty. Here Mr. Mintling has also made his influence felt in the community. He was a township and school officer in Nebraska, and he is also at present the director of the school district in which he resides. He has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs, is an intelligent reader and a discriminating observer and he com- mands the respect and esteem of his friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Mintling are members and active workers in the Girard Methodist Episcopal church and they already love the land of their adoption.

WILLIAM H. LOCKERBY.

It has been a noticeable fact in the history of the world that the lawyer has figured more prominently in public life than the representative of any other profession or business. The reason for this is obvious and requires no explanation, for the qualities which fit one for the successful practice of law also prepare him for the understanding of the intricate questions which involve the welfare of state and nation. Practicing at the bar of Quincy and Branch county Mr. Lockerby has won a notable position as a strong and earnest lawyer and his fitness for leadership has led to his selection for public offices, including that of state senator, from which he retired in 1905 after a four years' term.

Mr. Lockerby was born in West Vienna, Oneida county, New York, February 24, 1859. His father, John Lockerby, was born in Scotland, in July, 1837, and is now living in Quincy. He came to the United States when three years of age with his parents, David and Mary Lockerby, and

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY

located in West Vienna, New York. His educational privileges were lim- ited. He attended school at West Vienna for a brief period and afterward gained some familiarity with the trade of boat building, but his principal occupation was that of farming. He came to Michigan in 1869, and settlea in Quincy township, purchasing a tract of timber land on section four. He at once began to cut away the trees and clear away the brush, thus pre- paring the fields for cultivation. As the years passed he advanced from an humble financial position to one of affluence. In 1890 his health failed and he purchased a home in Quincy and retired to private life. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, affiliates with the Masonic fraternity and gives his political allegiance to the Democracy. His life has been in consistent harmony with upright principles and he has gained and retained the respect and good will of his fellow-men. He married Miss Flavia Hol- lenbeck, who was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1840, and is still living. Her father. Cornelius Hollenbeck, was of Holland extraction and was a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Lockerby was a member of the Methi- odist Episcopal church. They had two children, William H. and Harriet, the latter dying at the age of seventeen years.

WV. H. Lockerby pursued his education in the district schools and the public schools of Quincy, but studied largely at home. He afterward en- gaged in teaching school for five years, and he began reading law with M. D. Campbell, of Coldwater, as his preceptor. He was admitted to the bar there December 14. 1884. and worked in the office of his preceptor for a year afterward, at the end of which time he opened an office in Bronson. After a brief period, however, he returned to Quincy and formed a partner- ship with Milo Campbell, which continued for a year. He has since been alone in practice and has a large clientage, distinctively representative in character. He practices in all of the courts of the state, and was admitted to the federal courts in 1902.

In September, 1882, Mr. Lockerby was married to Miss Cora Gorball, a daughter of Ezekiel and Catherine Gorball, of Girard, Michigan. Her father, a farmer by occupation, was one of the pioneer settlers of Branch county, coming from England to America at an early epoch in the history of this part of Michigan. His daughter, Mrs. Lockerby, was born in Girard, March 6, 1865, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Carroll J., who was born in June, 1883, and died in June, 1890; Metha, born February 18, 1888; and Marjorie, who was born Sep- tember 3, 1899, and died in September, 1901. Mrs. Lockerby is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Lockerby has taken the various de- grees of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the Grange. He is recog- nized as one of the prominent representatives of the county and has filled various local offices, having been school inspector, township clerk and a member of the Branch county board of school examiners for five years. He was also circuit court commissioner for four years and was appointed by Governor Rich a member of the railroad and street crossing board, serv- ing for four years, and during that entire time acted as its secretary. Still higher political honors awaited him, for he was chosen by popular suffrage

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to the office of state senator and was a member from 1901 until 1905. While in the general assembly he was connected with important legislation and was a stalwart champion of many movements and measures which he be- lieved would promote the welfare of the commonwealth. He is public- spirited and progressive to an eminent degree and has the warm friendship and regard of many of the leading men of the state, while in his home town he is popular, no man having a more favorable acquaintance than William H. Lockerby.

HORACE J. WOODWARD.

Horace J. Woodward, the oldest dry goods merchant in years of con- tinued business in Coldwater, is a native of New Hampshire, his birth hav- ing occurred in the village of Swiftwater. Grafton county, on the 24th of April, 1836. His parents were Myron S. and Caroline ( Hutchins ) Wood- ward, representatives of old and prominent New England families. The father was a merchant in Swiftwater and it was in his store that the son gained his first mercantile experience. In the schools of his native town and in the seminaries of Bath village and Newberry Mr. Woodward gained a fair literary education that well equipped him for the practical and re- sponsible duties that came to him in after life.

In the spring of 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Pierce, also a native of the Green Mountain state, and in December of the same year Mr. Woodward and his young wife came to Coldwater. Michigan. On reaching this place he learned there was a vacancy in what is now known as the Central school, the former teacher having become ill. He made ap- plication for the position and his eligibility secured him appointment to fill the vacancy. He then taught until the close of the school year in the fol- lowing spring, ending his labors there as an educator on Friday, and on the succeeding Monday he became a salesman in the store of Gilbert & Barber. This firm was soon succeeded by George C. Stone and Mr. Wood- ward remained in his employ until the spring of 1861, when he joined J. Wesley Brown, a fellow-clerk, and Mr. Gilbert, his former employer, in the formation of a partnership and the establishment of a dry goods busi- ness under the firm style of Woodward, Brown & Company. Mr. Wood- ward went to New York city and purchased a stock of goods, which had not yet been shipped when Fort Sumter was fired upon and the country was precipitated in the Civil war. The future of the new business concern in Coldwater looked dark under the circumstances, but the partners persevered in their undertakings. Eventually the goods which had been purchased were received, and on account of the war prices went up and the firm secured a handsome profit on their investment. Mr. Woodward said that purchase proved the best he has ever made in his extended career as a merchant. The firm of Woodward, Brown & Company, however, had a brief existence, for on account of failing health Mr. Brown sold his interest and withdrew and not long afterward Mr. Gilbert also withdrew.

Julius S. Barber then became associated with Mr. Woodward in the ownership and conduct of the store, under the firm style of Woodward,

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Barber & Company. This had a continuous existence of nearly seventeen years, becoming the leading dry goods store of Coldwater. The uncle, Mr. Barber. however, disposed of his interest in the meantime, and in 1877 Mr. Woodward and Mr. Barber mutually agreed to divide the stock and sever their business relations. Mr. Woodward then rented the store which he now occupies, but he has since purchased the property and has here con- tinued business to the present time, covering a period of twenty-eight years. Soon after the time he went to himself he associated his son, Harry P. Woodward, with him under the firm style of H. J. Woodward & Son, and they have for years enjoyed a large and satisfactory trade, their house being accounted one of the leading and substantial dry goods firms of southern Michigan, while Mr. Woodward ranks as the oldest dry goods merchant of the city of Coldwater in point of continued business. He has paid close attention to his mercantile interests, and this combined with his splendid business ability and the able assistance of his son has made the enterprise a very profitable one. His methods, too, have ever been reliable and trust- worthy, conforming to a high standard of commercial ethics.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodward were born three children, to each of whom they have given splendid educational advantages; Lella G., the eldest daughter, is an art teacher of rare ability, and is now in charge of the art department at Stanley Hall, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Belle R., the sec- ond daughter, is the wife of John T. Starr, of Coldwater. The only son, Harry P. Woodward, is associated with his father in business and is also prominent in commercial circles here. Mrs. Woodward is a most estimable lady of culture and refinment, presiding graciously over her hospitable home. Mr. Woodward has never sought political preferment, nor has he been connected with business interests outside of his store. He has, however, always manifested a spirit of public enterprise and has contributed mate- rially to the upbuilding of the beautiful little city of Coldwater. His home is one of the most magnificent residences here and is modern and attractive in all of its appointments. In church relations he has long been an Episco- palian, and both he and his wife are held in highest esteem by a wide circle of friends.

GEORGE E. WILLIS.

G. E. Willis, well known as a representative and prosperous agricult- urist of Batavia township, his home being on section twenty-one, was born in Portage county, Ohio, on the 17th of November, 1858. His father, George Willis, was also born in Portage county, Ohio, and in May, 1863, he arrived in Branch county, Michigan, settling in Batavia township, where he gave his attention to milling and farming, conducting a sawmill for about thirty-five years. His life was characterized by business integrity and ac- tivity, so that at his death, which occurred when he was seventy-eight years of age, he left to his family an untarnished name. In politics he was always a Democrat. He married Miss Jane Welch, a native of Ohio, who died in Branch county, Michigan, at the age of fifty-six years. They had a daugh- ter and son, the former being Alma, now the wife of C. L. Olds, who is represented on another page of this work.

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G. E. Willis, the younger and the only son of the family, was about eight years of age when he came to Branch county with his parents, and here he was reared and educated, spending his boyhood days in the usual manner of farm lads, who divide their time between the work of the fields. the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. He re- mained with his parents, assisting on the farm and in the mill, until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1877. Miss Carrie Wilcox becoming his wife. She was born in New York and came to Branch county when thir- teen years of age with her parents, Monroe and Melissa Wilcox.

Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Willis took up their abode upon the old farm homestead on section fifteen, Batavia township, and there he engaged in farming and milling until 1905, when he removed to his present home on section twenty-one. He has here eighty acres of land which he rents. The place is well improved and the rental brings him a good annual income.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willis was born a daughter, Fern, who is now the wife of Dr. W. P. Mowry, of Batavia, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. Mr. Willis regards it the duty as well as the privilege of every citizen to support the political principles which he deems will prove of greatest benefit to the country and he therefore gives his allegiance to the Democracy and takes an active interest in the local work of the party. He has served as township clerk for about four terms and has ever been loyal to the trust reposed in him. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Coldwater and the Maccabees tent. He has been a resident of Batavia township for forty-two years, and is therefore largely familiar with its history. The years have brought changes, and in the work of improve- ment Mr. Willis has rejoiced, giving his co-operation to many measures for the general good. He possesses a friendly disposition and courteous manner and his good qualities have gained him a desirable place in the esteem for his fellow townsmen.

HENRY P. MOWRY. M. D.

For nearly thirty years a practicing physician of Bronson, Michigan, and during that time. in various ways identified with the public interests of both town and county, Dr. Henry P. Mowry occupies a representative place among his fellow-citizens.

He was born in Ovid township. Branch county, Michigan, February 20. 1854, son of William P. and Emily C. (Dalton) Mowry, the former a native of Massachusetts who moved to Michigan at an early date and who still lives in Ovid township, and the latter, a native of Ohio, is deceased. He is one of a family of four sons, all residents of Michigan-William S., Charles C. and George D. His early education Dr. Mowry received in the public and high schools of Coldwater, and he took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. M. Long, of that place, after which he entered Hahne- mann Medical College, Chicago, of which institution he is a graduate with the class of 1877. Immediately following his graduation he began the prac- tice of his profession at Bronson. Here he has continued up to the present time, with the exception of one year spent in St. Louis, where he delivered

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a course of lectures on his specialty, the eye and ear, in Henry Medical Col- lege.

Although giving close attention to his professional duties, Dr. Mowry has always manifested a deep interest in public affairs and has filled posi- tions of prominence and trust. He was superintendent of the county poor for six years, filled the office of president of the board of trustees of Bron- son, and is serving as a member of the state board of correction and chari- . ties, having received his appointment to this last named position at the hands of Governor Bliss in 1903. For two years he was surgeon of the pension board. As the result of his years of labor, a fair share of financial prosperity has come to the doctor. He has a handsome home at the corner of Walker and Chicago streets; owns two farms, renting one and himself superintending the operation of the other; and is interested in the banking business, being president of the Burr Oak State Bank.

He married, in 1877, Miss Alice M. Park, daughter of James R. Park, of Ovid township, and they are the parents of two sons, William P. and Lloyd. The older son, following in the footsteps of his father, is a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and is now engaged in the prac- tice of medicine at Sturgis, Michigan. Politically, Dr. Mowry has always affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally he is identified with both the Masons and the Odd Fellows. being a member of the Knight Templars No. 10, of Coldwater, and Bronson Lodge No. 227, I. O. O. F.

MARK H. MANN.

Mark H. Mann is one of the native sons of Girard township, having been born on the 28th of April, 1854, upon the old family homestead in section twenty-two. The Manns were among the early settlers of Girard and the family comes originally from German ancestry. The great-grandfather was the founder of the family in the new world and on crossing the Atlantic from Germany took up his abode in Schoharie county in 1711. Jacob W. Mann, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Schoharie, New York, February 13, 1789, and with his wife, Mrs. Polly Mann, came to Girard township, Branch county, in 1836. Here he entered some land from the government and also made purchase of an additional tract and developing a farm he spent his remaining days thereon. The usual hardships and experiences of pioneer life were to be met, for at that early day few settlements had been made in the county. The land was wild and unimproved and there were long distances between the homes of those who had made their way to the frontier. With characteristic energy, however, Mr. Mann began the development of his farm and actively continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred on the 19th of September, 1846. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Polly Shannon, was a daughter of George and Mary Shannon, also natives of Schoharie county, New York, and there her birth occurred on the Ist of March, 1798. She gave her hand in marriage to Jacob W. Mann in her native county and they became the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Of this family two sons and a daughter also remained resi- dents of Girard township until called from this life.

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Peter I. Mann, son of Jacob W. Mann, was born in Schoharie county, New York, February 27, 1815, and was about twenty-one years of age when the family home was established in Michigan. He attended the public schools of his native state and was early trained to the labors of the farm, so that he had intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the fields and caring for stock when he began life on his own account. He remained upon the old homestead in this county until twenty-six years of age and amid the envi- ronments of pioneer life aided his father in his agricultural work.

On the 13th of January, 1842, Mr. Mann was joined in wedlock to Miss Lavina Grove, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth ( Putnam) Grove. who were also pioneer residents of Batavia township. They became the parents of eight children, of whom three died in infancy, while Nina died in 1880 at the age of sixteen years. Those still living are: Mrs. Mary Williams, a resident of Girard township: Jacob W., of the same township; Mrs. Belinda Hurst, of Coldwater; and Mark H., of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Peter I. Mann began their domestic life upon a farm and continued to reside there for many long years, Mr. Mann being closely identified with the agricultural development of the county. He lived here when it was largely an unsettled district. Indians still visited the neighborhood in the early days and there were wild animals in the forest, while considerable wild game was killed and furnished many a meal to the early settlers. Mr. Mann aided in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization. He was at one time the owner of four hundred acres of very valuable land, which he cleared. cultivated and improved, and he long ranked with the most enterprising and capable farmers of his locality. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party and he was a prominent Mason, having attained the Knight Templar degree in Coldwater Commandery. Both he and his wife reached an advanced age. Mr. Mann passing away on the 8th of January, 1897, while his wife died on the 7th of October, 1890.

Mark H. Mann spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and early became familiar with the work of field and meadow, for dur- ing the summer months he aided in turning the furrows, planting the seed and eventually in harvesting the crops. In the winter season he attended the public schools and thus acquired a good practical education that has enabled him to successfully cope with life's duties. He was married March 5. 1886, and has one son, Rex Mann, who was born in 1887 and is at home. The son graduated in the public schools of Girard township in the class of 1904. He has entered as a student in the Coldwater High School, and is progressing in his studies.

Mr. Mann is now the owner of one hundred and forty acres of choice land in Girard township, on which stands a handsome brick residence built in modern style of architecture. There are also other large and substantial buildings upon the place and his farm is one of the best improved properties in the neighborhood. In all of his work he is practical and progressive, carry- ing forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He, too, is prominent in Masonry, belonging to the various organizations of the craft in Coldwater, including Jacob's Commandery, K. T., Like the others of

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the family he has assisted materially in the development and progress of this part of the state, and his co-operation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the public good.

ABRAM JOSEPH ALDRICH.

Abram Joseph Aldrich, one of the oldest native residents of Branch county, was born in Girard township, February 3, 1843, and was the only child of William and Phoebe Jane (Ransom) Aldrich. The father was born in Macedon, Wayne county, New York, July 26, 1811, and was a son of Abram Aldrich, a native of Upton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, born December 3, 1775. He was married in his native state, whence he removed at an early day to Macedon, New York. In 1832 he came to what was then the territory of Michigan, being one of the first settlers within the present borders of Union township, Branch county. He entered a tract of land from the government, cleared and developed a farm and also erected and operated a saw and grist mill near what is now the town of Hodunk. These were the first mills in this section of the county and people came there from a long distance. Mr. Aldrich spent the remainder of his days here, contributing in substantial measure to the pioneer development and aided in laying the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of the county. He was reared in the Society of Friends, but subsequently be- came a Methodist and died in that religious faith. On the 17th of February, 1801, he married Sophronia Legg, who was born in Orange county, Massa- chusetts, August 7, 1777, and died in Girard township, Branch county, December 30, 1837, while Mr. Aldrich survived her until April 8, 1842. They were the parents of nine children, of whom William Aldrich was the sixth.

William Aldrich came to Branch county in 1832, settling in Girard township, where he also entered land from the government. He engaged in farming and was the partner of his father in the ownership of the Orange- ville mills. He became identified with the Methodist church in early life, but later espoused Presbyterian doctrines. In politics he was a Democrat, and was one of the first justices of the peace in Girard township. His in- terest in public affairs was deep and sincere and he became a co-operant factor in many measures which had direct benefit upon the improvement and upbuilding of the county. He was first married in 1836 to Miss Betsy Fisk, a native of New York, but she survived her marriage only a brief period. In 1838 he wedded Miss Phoebe J. Ransom, who was born in Lloyd, Ulster county, New York, August 4, 1813, and departed this life in the city of Coldwater, November 26, 1877. She was a consistent Christian, holding membership in the Presbyterian church, and she long survived her husband, whose death occurred August 26, 1850.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 84

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