A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 85

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

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Abram J. Aldrich, when seven years of age, was brought to the city of Coldwater by his widowed mother and here he grew to manhood, at- tended the city schools, and afterward entered the literary department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1865, the degree of Bachelor of Arts being at that time con-

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ferred upon him, while three years later his alma mater honored him with the Master of Arts degree. In the spring of 1866. accompanied by his mother, he returned to the old homestead farm in Girard township, and for seven years was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1873. in connection with his father-in-law. he purchased the Coldwater Republican. which they published under the firm name of A. J. Aldrich & Company, and at that time Mr. Aldrich again took up his abode in Coldwater. He was interested in the Republican and ably edited the paper until 1893. when he sold out. He was a clear and forceful writer and won more than local distinction as an editor. In 1886 he prepared and read before the State Press Association a paper entitled " Relation of the Newspaper to Politics." It attracted much attention and received favorable comment from the press throughout the country. In the same year Mr. Aldrich was honored by an election to the presidency of the State Press Association.

He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and from that time has loyally supported the principles of the Republican party. Although he has never sought office he was for years active in political work and while editor of the Republican his pen materially influenced matters of politics and other questions of public concern.

He was an ardent and able supporter of the civil service and his editorials on that issue attracted wide attention. When twenty years of age he became a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been an active worker of the denomination through many years, while for a long period he has served as ruling elder.

Mr. Aldrich was married in 1870 to Miss Clarissa Stearns, a daughter of George W. Stearns, deceased, of whom mention is made above. She was born in Gorham, Ontario county. New York. October 24. 1842. and like her husband holds membership with the Presbyterian church. They have two children, namely: Mabel A., the wife of Stanley C. Griffin, state agent of the state public schools; and William Irving Aldrich, who resides at Chanute, Kansas.

GEORGE W. STEARNS.

George W. Stearns, now deceased, was born in the town of Gorham, Ontario county, New York, May 14, 1821. His father, Royal Stearns, was a native of Upton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, and was a son of Ebenezer Stearns, who it is thought was a native of England. He was a farmer by occupation and his last years were spent in Upton.

Royal Stearns was reared to manhood in his native town, whence he emigrated to New York state, and after his marriage he purchased a sec- tion of timber land in Ontario county, New York, building thereon a log cabin, in which the birth of our subject occurred and in which the father continued to make his home until his death. He was a public-spirited citi- zen, served as captain of the State Militia and was noted for his industry and integrity of character. The maiden name of his wife was Anna Mapes, and she was born in Coxsackie, New York, her father being Israel Mapes, who at an early day was a slave-holder of the Empire state, having his negro bondsmen until slavery was abolished in New York. He afterward

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engaged in the hotel and lumber business and his last years were spent in Mendon, Monroe county, New York, where his death occurred. For her second husband the mother of our subject married Joshua Hicks, with whom she removed to Macedon, Wayne county, New York, where she resided until the death of Mr. Hicks, when she returned to the old homestead in Gorham and died there October 16, 1875. Unto her first marriage there were born seven children.

George W. Stearns, the sixth in order of birth in this family, resided with his married sister in Ontario county, New York, after his father's (leath, and when his mother was left a widow the second time he returned to the old homestead, carrying on farming there for several years. He came to Coldwater. Branch county, Michigan, in 1867, and continued to reside in this city throughout his remaining days, passing away in 1892. In 1873, in connection with his son-in-law, A. J. Aldrich, he purchased the Coldwater Republican and was interested in its publication until his demise.

While still residing in his native county Mr. Stearns was married, Oc- tober 31, 1841, to Miss Miranda Tufts, who was born in Gorham, New York, February 5, 1819, a daughter of Thomas and Clarissa (Hatfield) Tufts. Her death occurred in Coldwater when she was eighty-one years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stearns were born two children: Clarissa Ar- minda, the wife of A. J. Aldrich; and Irving Ariel, a resident of Wilkes- barre, Pennsylvania.

In New York Mr. and Mrs. Stearns held membership in the Congre- gational church, but in Coldwwater, where there was no organization of that denomination, they attended the Presbyterian church. He cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk and was one of seven men who met in Gorham and organized a section of the Republican party. From that time he was an ardent supporter of the men and measures of the new political organization.

OLIVER J. CLARK.

A worthy descendant of one of the oldest families and first settlers in this part of Branch county, the gentleman named above still resides upon the farm in Kinderhook township which was first settled upon by his father over sixty years ago, and which has ever since remained in possession of the family. His father was Timothy Clark and his mother was Sarah Jane Mills, both worthy examples of the brave pioneers who subdued the virgin forests of Branch county and made homes here for themselves and their descendants. Timothy Clark was born in Broadalbin, New York, March 30, 1819, and when only thirteen years old he accompanied his father, Sam- tiel Clark, to Michigan, coming here in 1837 when the country was wholly new. They first located in Hillsdale county, where Samuel Clark died in' 1841. In 1842 Timothy Clark bought a farm in Kinderhook township, and a few years thereafter he took possession of the same, adding to his property until he finally became the owner of over three hundred acres. He was married, October 9. 1846, to Sarah Jane Mills, who was born in Berkshire, Massachusetts, May 24, 1818, her parents being Alson Mills and

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Sarah Dupee, natives of Connecticut, where they passed their entire lives. Sarah Jane Mills passed her early life in Massachusetts, and when nineteen years of age she went to live with a sister in the state of New York, after- ward coming to Michigan, where she met and married Mr. Clark. The young couple finally located on their new farm in Kinderhook township in the late forties, and here they found plenty of hard work for their willing hands. The land was uncleared and without buildings when they came, but they set resolutely to work, and before many years the results of their labors showed in a comfortable home, with much of the land cleared. buildings erected and a family of children growing up. The children were five in number, as follows: Phoebe died at the age of thirteen years: Harriet mar- ried Elmer Boyd and died in Gilead, this county: Oliver J. is the subject of this review: Etta Van Etta lives in Kinderhook: Ellen M., the youngest. is the wife of Sherman Jones, of Coldwater township. The father. Timothy Clark, died January 8. 1894. while the mother passed away in November. 1899.

Our subject. Oliver J. Clark, was born in Kinderhook, March 15. 1855. and he has always lived here. He grew to manhood upon his father farm, which he helped to clear of timber, he also assisting in all of the other many improvements. July 12. 1873. he was united in marriage with Eliza Whit- comb, who was born in this township December 23. 1857. Her father was Samuel A. Whitcomb, who was born March 4, 1815, and her mother was Anna Mugg, whose birth occurred July 24. 1830. They were married February II, 1855. and were the parents of eleven children, only three of whom are now living: Eliza Clark, wife of our subject : Thomas Whit- comb, who also lives in this township: and Helen Cornish, who is a resident of Hillsdale county, Michigan. Their parents. Samuel A. Whitcomb and Anna Mugg Whitcomb, were among the earlier residents of this part of Branch county, where they were known as people of high standing. Mr. Whitcomb died here April 10, 1885. while Mrs. Whitcomb's death occurred May 4. 1872. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Clark were also early residents of Branch county, her grandfather being Samuel Whitcomb, born June 7, 1778, and her grandmother being Nancy Jacob Whitcomb, who was born December II. 1790. They were for many years esteemed resi- dents of Coldwater.

Eleven children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Oliver J. Clark. all but two of whom have grown to manhood and womanhood. They are as follows: Eddie died February 28, 1875. Fred T. married Eva Tuthill and they live in Kinderhook. Estella M. married Otis Spade and their home is in Coldwater: they have two children, Clark and Bessie. S. U. Clark married Esther Banker and their home is at Youngstown, Ohio. Grace A. is the wife of Harlie Strong and their home is in this township: they have two children. Clyde and Edith Eliza. Gertrude J. is the wife of Levi Clearwater and they live in Kinderhook. Bessie died February 22. 1892. Samuel W., Merl, Byron J. and Rachel Louise live at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark have reared their children carefully and have

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given them excellent advantages in the way of education. They now have the satisfaction of seeing five of them well established in life and with homes and families of their own, while the others are still with them at home. They have taken up the work laid aside by their parents and have made continuous improvements upon the large Clark farm, now comprising two hundred and fifty acres of fertile land. The place is supplied with excellent buildings and all the necessary accessories for successful agricultural oper- ation, and the whole makes one of the fine farm homes of this part of Branch county. He is making a specialty of the O. I. C. hogs, and has been suc- cessful in this line.

Mr. Clark is a Democrat politically and fraternally he is affiliated with the Blue Lodge Masons, in which he has held the leading offices, he having . been worshipful master, senior warden and junior warden. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Waterhouse Cor- ners.

OLNEY W. DRAPER.

Olney W. Draper, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who represents farming interests of Branch county, his home being on section thirty-four, Algansee township, was born in North Fairfield, Ohio, December II, 1838. His father, Reuben Draper, was a native of Vermont, and removed to the state of New York with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Draper, when in his boyhood days. He was descended from New England ancestry, which was represented in the Revolutionary war, and a brother, Nathaniel Draper, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and died on the day when his term of service expired, March 2, 1813.

Reuben Draper was reared to the occupation of farming in the Empire state, and after his marriage he came to Michigan with his wife and family, arriving in Branch county, in 1853. He then purchased one hundred and twelve acres of land from a speculator who had entered this from the govern- ment. the farm being on section thirty-four, Algansee township, where his son Olney now resides. As the years passed by he became a well-to-do and prosperous farmer, his success resulting from his habits of industry, economy and well directed perseverance. He was also a man of upright principles, his life being in harmony with a high standard of ethics, and although not connected in membership relations with any church he was a student of the Bible and closely followed its precepts in his relations with his fellowman. He married Rebecca Olney, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, in 1804, and was also descended from New England ancestry. Her death occurred in 1883, while Mr. Draper passed away in 1894. They were the parents of four children : Jane, living in California township, is the widow of Orrin Whitten, who was a mechanic ; Ruhameh, deceased; David, who died in 1890, at the age of fifty-six years, was a farmer by occupation and at the time of the Civil war enlisted in 1863 in the Fourth Michigan Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. He lost a finger by a gunshot wound in the battle of the Wilderness.

Olney W. Draper, the youngest member of the family, was a student in the district schools in his early boyhood and afterward continued his studies

Mrs. Lowrey Draper

O. W. Draper

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at Reading, Michigan. He engaged in teaching school for six years, and throughout his business career has devoted his energies to farming. He was twenty-six years of age when, in 1864. he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting in the First Michigan Sharpshooters, with which he served until the close of the war, the regiment being assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and was the first to plant a flag in Petersburg on the capitulation of that city. The command also participated in the siege of Richmond and other important movements in that section of the country, and when the war was over Mr. Draper was mustered out at Detroit with the rank of orderly sergeant.

Returning to his home he resumed the occupation of farming, to which he has always given his time and energies, now living upon the old home- stead farm, of which his father became owner more than a half century ago. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Lucy Slater, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, October 23, 1850, and was left an orphan in early girlhood. There is but one child of this marriage, Lorin H., who was born September 9. 1874, and married Mary Hungerford. a daughter of Henry and Sophia Hungerford. of Algansee. There are four children of this union. Harold, Kenneth. Donald and Dessie Marie. The parents are members of the Congregational church, in which Mr. Draper has long served as deacon. He belongs to Quincy post. G. A. R., and has been an earnest Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. In the office of township clerk for eight years he proved his loyalty to the public welfare, and for seven terms he has served as a member of the board of supervisors. He made a creditable military record and his record in days of peace is equally commendable.

JAMES THERON TOMPKINS.

All through the history of the township of Girard the name of Tompkins stands out prominently from the earliest period to the present, and the de- scendants of James B. and Eliza Ames Tompkins, who were among the very first settlers of this section, are still counted with the prominent and esteemed residents of the township. Among these is the subject of this sketch, James Theron Tompkins, who occupies one of the handsomest farm homes in this vicinity, the same being located upon section fifteen of Girard. The farm comprises three hundred and seventy-five acres of fertile farming land, while the buildings are modern, commodious structures, and the whole forms a rural residence and property of an extent and character seldom seen, even in this section of prosperity and plenty.

J. Theron Tompkins was born in Girard. December 27, 1845. his father being James B. Tompkins and his mother Eliza Ames. The father was born in Schoharie county, New York, June 28. 1804. where his early life was passed. Seeking the opportunities of the west, he came to Michigan in the fall of 1830. arriving at Tecumseh, where he remained until July of the following year, spending a goodly portion of this time in surveying the then unbroken wilderness. He then made his way to Branch county and located in the township of Girard, which was to be his home for the remainder of his life. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections

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fifteen and twenty-two, and in later years he acquired a large acreage in various parts of the township. Here he made his home, and here he early made his influence felt in the community and county. Early in the year of 1832 he returned to Tecumseh and married Eliza Ames, the fifth child in a family of twelve children, their parents being William Ames and Polly Brownell, natives of Vermont, where Eliza was born in the town of Col- chester, Chittenden county, March 3, 1813. William Ames was born August 18, 1777, and was a member of the Ames family which gave many prom- inent citizens to the United States. He died April 4, 1840.

James and Eliza Ames Tompkins immediately returned to Girard after their marriage. The township was not then the blooming and fertile coun- try now seen here. Instead there was an almost unbroken wilderness, while bands of the Pottowatomie Indians made this their favorite stopping place. The young couple braved the many privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, and they made for themselves a comfortable home and raised a large family of children. Three of these children died in infancy, Martin died at the age of twenty years, Emma Tompkins Vanderlip is also de- ceased. and William A. Tompkins died July 13, 1905. Those still living are J. Theron Tompkins, Francis J. Tompkins and Mrs. Adaline Tompkins Granger, all of Girard. Mr. Tompkins was a competent surveyor, and dur- ing the earlier years of his residence here his services were in almost con- stant demand. He was the first supervisor of Girard township when it was organized in 1834, and he served his townsmen in that capacity for six- teen years. He also filled nearly every other township office repeatedly and represented his county in the state legislature in 1854. His life was filled with good works, and his death, which occurred August 1, 1879, was deeply de- plored. His wife, who was beloved by scores of relatives and hundreds of warm personal friends. lived to a good old age, retaining her faculties to the last and passing away December 6, 1902, when nearly ninety years old.

The subject of this sketch, J. Theron Tompkins, has passed nearly his entire life in Girard township, where he is known as a man of property and influence. He was married October 3, 1869, to Hattie Olney, daughter of Jesse Olney and Betsy Fox, these names also being intimately associated with the history of Girard township for many years. Jesse Olney was the son of Thomas Olney, while Betsy Fox Olney was the daughter of Lyman Fox, both of whom were pioneers of this section. Jesse Olney died in Girard in 1874, his widow passing away a few years later.

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins have been born four chil- dren, three sons and one daughter, but one is deceased: Harry B. com- pleted the public schools, and is a practical farmer. He is a member of the Tompkins orchestra, so well known in Girard and surrounding townships. His favorite instrument is B flat cornet. J. Roy finished the tenth grade and received his diploma from the public schools in the class of 1901. He is a member of the orchestra and a trombonist. Hazel E., finished the tenth grade in the public schools and received her diploma in the class of 1904. She was a student in the Chicago Musical College in 1904 and 1905, being a student on the violin and piano, having also taught both instruments.

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HON. ALFRED MILNES.

Hon. Alfred Milnes, ex-member of the state senate and of congress. president of the National Burial Device Company and of the Ideal Fixture Company, has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence in business circles and public life in Branch county. His activity has touched along many lines and has ever been exerted along modern lines of progress, becoming a resultant factor for successful ac- complishment in the field of commerce and of politics.

Mr. Milnes was born in Bradford, Yorkshire. England, May 28. 1844, a son of Henry and Mary (Amyss) Milnes. The parents emigrated to America with their family of four sons in 1854, settling in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they remained for five years, when they removed to Newton, Iowa. The year 1861 witnessed their arrival in Coldwater, Michigan. They reached this city on the 28th of May. the seventeenth anniversary of the birth of Alfred Milnes, who has since been a resident of Coldwater. The following year, however, he left home, enlisting on the 30th of June. 1862. as a private of Company C. Seventeenth Michigan infantry, for a term of three years or during the war. £ He took part in all the engagements of his command from the battle of Antietam to that of Appomattox, and was mustered out on the 7th of June, 1865, having done his full duty as a sol- dier. He was then but twenty-one years of age, but no veteran of twice his years displayed greater loyalty or bravery upon the field of battle. Since the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic he has been interested and active in its work, holding membership with Butterworth Post, No. 109, in which he is a past commander. He is in hearty sympathy with the pur- poses and plans of the fraternity and delights in recounting around the camp fires the scenes which occurred on the tented fields of the south.

Mr. Milnes had acquired a fair education prior to the war, putting aside his text-books in order to enlist. Following his return home he became a clerk in his father's store and was thus engaged until 1871, when he opened a grocery store in Coldwater, which he conducted successfully until 1898. having a liberal patronage that brought to him gratifying financial returns.

While thus an active factor in the commercial life of the city Mr. Milnes also took an active part in political work as an advocate of Republican prin- ciples. His first political office was that of alderman, and he has twice served as mayor of the city, becoming an effective force for needed reform and im- provement. In 1888 he was elected to the state senate and by re-election served for two terms, or four consecutive years. In 1891 he was the recog- nized leader of his party, then in its minority, and he instituted into political methods the principles and plans which had made him a successful business man, organizing his forces so as to produce results and win victories. In 1894 he was elected lieutenant governor of Michigan, but in June, 1895. resigned, having been elected to congress in the special election held that year to represent the third district of Michigan. He received the unanimous nomination of his party for the same office in 1896, but was defeated at the polls in the great Democratic landslide of that year. On the 4th of March.

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1898, he was commissioned postmaster of Coldwater and served for four years, at the end of which time he declined to stand again for appointment. He is now one of the board of managers of the Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids.

Mr. Milnes has business relations of importance, having been a director of the Branch County Savings Bank since its organization, and is also presi- dent of the National Burial Device Company, and of the Ideal Fixture Com- pany. He is a valued representative of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and he is equally prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has been very active for fifteen years, serving in the various offices of the local and grand lodges, while for two years he was a member of the sovereign grand lodge of the world. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Foresters, while his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church, of which he is senior warden.

Mr. Milnes was married, in 1868, to Miss Lucina E. Hill, of Quincy, Michigan, and they have had three children : Alfred C., who died in 1882; Maude L., who died in 1894; and Mabel F., now the wife of J. R. Watson, of Jackson. Georgia.

Such in outline is the history of Alfred Milnes, one of the best known men of Michigan, whose life record is inseparably interwoven with the an- nals of the state. He looks at the world from the standpoint of a practical business man, and while he is not without his ideals, toward which he earn- estly strives, he has a clear understanding of conditions, possibilities and opportunities that makes him a man of action rather than theory. He has not only advocated views but has been an effective force, and in a review of the political records of the state one can say that this thing has been done by Mr. Milnes, that this legislative measure owes its existence to his work and influence. He has conserved public progress and the consensus of public opinion regarding his life work is uniformly favorable.

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A twentieth century history and biographical record of Branch County, Michigan, Part 85

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