USA > Michigan > Allegan County > A twentieth century history of Allegan County, Michigan > Part 17
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matters which are questions of civic virtue and civic pride receive his endorsement and co-operation and he stands for all that is progressive and beneficial in citizenship.
JOHN KING .- It is customary when the life record of an individual is ended to review the history and note the points worthy of emulation and to voice the praise which is his due. Investigation into the life record of Mr. King shows many traits worthy of emulation, for he lived an active and useful life and though he did not seek to figure prominently in public affairs he was always a faithful citizen and firm friend and a good neighbor. He was born in England, and while in his native land was a cattle drover and farmer. It was subsequent to his marriage that he came to the United States, for in England he had wedded Miss Hannah Weaving, also a native of that country. The voyage across the Atlantic accomplished, they continued their journey into the interior of the country and became resi- dents of Allegan township, Allegan county, Michigan, where Mr. King purchased one hundred and forty acres of land, which he cleared, developed and cultivated with the assistance of his children. The farm when it came into his possession was covered with a dense growth of timber and in the midst of the forest he established his home, after which he began to clear away the trees and prepare the land for cultivation. As acre after acre was thus prepared for the plow he planted his seed and in due course of time harvested good crops. He always remained upon his farm, con- tinuing its management up to the time of his death, which occurred on the fourth of October, 1900, when he was seventy-five years of age. For more than two years he had survived his wife, who died April 28, 1898, at the age of seventy-four years. She was a faithful companion and help- mate on life's journey and they lived together happily as man and wife for a long period, rearing their family of six children, three sons and three daughters. Annic, the eldest, is the wife of Alexander Blaine, a resident of Trowbridge township, and they have two children, Marlow and Bertha. Frank married Etta Cook. Fannie is the wife of Thad Cook,
and has two children, Floyd and Roy. William wedded Ann Ingalls. Mary is the wife of Curtis E. Buck, and to her we are indebted for this history of her parents. John completes the family. In connection with his sister, Mary, he owns eighty acres of land which they work together. This farm was cleared by her first husband, George W. Fritz. The place is now carefully cultivated and the able manner in which the business interests are conducted brings to the brother and sister a good financial income.
HERSCHEL D. LANE, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred acres in Allegan township, where he carries on general farming and raises all kinds of fruits. For the past ten years he has also been an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Durham cattle, and he likewise conducts a dairy business. He is thus living a life of intense and well directed activity that has gained for him a place among the prosperous agriculturists of his native county.
His birth occurred in Cheshire township, September 29, 1861, his parents being Marcus and Hariett (Miller) Lane. The father was born at Hume, Allegany county, New York, March 15, 1827, and in 1851 came
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to Michigan, making his way to Allegan county where lived a brother, whom he assisted in clearing a tract of land and putting in a crop of corn which was planted among the roots and stumps. The result, however, was most gratifying, for eighteen hundred bushels were harvested. It was not the intention of Marcus Lane, however, to make Michigan his home, for he started for Illinois. Meeting with his brother in Buffalo, however, he was induced by him to come to this state and after a short stay here he determined to remain in Michigan. Accordingly he purchased forty acres of land in Cheshire township, whereon he erected a log house. The lumber used in its construction was brought from Pine Grove and the creek lay between his cabin and the source of the lumber supply. He proceeded to the lumber yard with an ox team and on his return found the water in the creek so high that he had to swim his oxen in order to make the crossing. Such were the experiences which the early pioneers met and few residents of these later days can comprehend the hardships and privations which were met by the early settlers. After his cabin was completed Mr. Lane returned to the Empire state, and on the 25th of September, 1851, was united in marriage to Miss Hariett F. Miller, a daughter of George and Mirze Miller. Two weeks after the wedding was celebrated they started for the new home in Michigan. Upon their arrival they took an inventory of their stock of goods which they had to begin life with and found, beside a few household effects, that they had one cow and three dollars in money, but with strong hearts and courageous purpose they set to work to make a home in the midst of the wilderness and were successful in their undertakings. Mr. Lane engaged in buying and selling land, owning at times several hundred acres. He carefully manipulated his business interests and by judicious investment and profitable sales acquired a handsome competence. Prior to his death he engaged in the hardware business with one of his sons in Bloomingdale, Michigan, and was there living, when, in 1893, he was called to his final rest. In the family were seven children, of whom four yet survive: George M., who is living in Chicago, Illinois; Al B., who owns and operates the old home farm in Cheshire township; Herschel D., of this review; and Lena, the wife of Albert Hodgman, who is engaged in general merchandising in Bloom- ingdale. The mother still survives and also resides in Bloomingdale. Mr. Lane, the father, was a most devoted member of the Baptist church in Cheshire township, doing all in his power to promote its growth, extend its influence and advance its upbuilding. In politics he was an earnest Repub- lican and held various offices of trust, the duties of which he performed in most prompt and capable manner.
Herschel D. Lane was reared upon the old home farm in Cheshire township, and was educated in the public schools. He worked with his father in a sawmill during the periods of vacation, and after his school days were ended he was employed for three years in a printing office in Bloomingdale, Michigan. Subsequently he became a clerk in a drug store there and in 1879 he removed to the village of Allegan, where he secured employment in the clothing store of George Kellogg, with whom he re- mained for five years.
It was in Allegan township, December 24, 1884, that Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Edith Jewett, a daughter of Nathaniel and
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Laura (Shedd) Jewett. The father was a brother of the late George E. Jewett, who came to this county at an early day and was a very progressive and successful farmer here and a prominent and influential factor in public life, holding many offices of honor and trust in the township and county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lane has been born a daughter, Laura, whose birth occurred in Allegan township, November 18, 1899.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lane lived upon the farm belonging to his father-in-law for one year, after which they removed to the old Lane homestead in Cheshire township, where they resided for seven years. In 1893 he purchased his present farm of one hundred acres in Allegan township, where he now resides. His time and energies are given to general farming and to the raising of all kinds of fruit. For the past ten years he has also been a breeder of thoroughbred Durham cattle, having now thirteen registered cattle on his place and he is con- tinually increasing the number. He also has a dairy business which is profitable, being capably conducted, so that the products of the dairy find a ready sale on the market. The various branches of his business are thus returning to Mr. Lane a good income and he conducts his interests in keeping with the spirit of modern progress. He is a Republican in politics and was for three years a superintendent on the county board for the poor. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, and in both lodges has held various offices. Wherever known he is recognized as a man of genuine personal worth, of business capacity and enterprise, whose life record is creditable to the county of his nativity.
FRED LIECHTI, living on section II, Allegan township, is a native son of Switzerland, his birth having occurred in the land of the Alps on the 14th of September, 1839. He is the only surviving member of a family of three children, all of whom, however, reached years of maturity. His parents were Benedict and Elizabeth (Leffrel) Liechti. The father died in Switzerland, and the mother afterward came to America, spending her last days in the home of her son, Fred.
In the land of his birth Mr. Liechti remained until twenty-two years of age, and then, hoping to benefit his financial condition in America, he crossed the Atlantic in 1861 and took up his abode in Ohio, where he engaged in farming. The same year, his spirit of patriotism being aroused in behalf of the Union, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Fifty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined the army as a private for three years' service, and after being at the front two years was honorably discharged on account of disability.
After leaving the army Mr. Liechti came to Michigan in 1863 and was first employed in a sawmill in the village of Allegan until 1865, when, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section II, Allegan township. He cleared most of this and has since sold forty acres, but now has one hundred and twenty acres all of which is under cultivation. He has worked hard and is a successful farmer, having now a good property which is all developed and improved.
Mr. Liechti was married to Miss Louise Frey, who was born in Switz- erland in the same locality in which her husband's birth occurred.
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Her father was Jacob Frey, who emigrated to America and settled in Michigan in 1863, his home being on section II, Allegan township, not far from the farm of our subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Liechti have been born ten children, of whom eight are living, as follows: Louise, now the wife of George Swegert, of Hopkins township, by whom she has a daughter, Martha; Mary, the wife of A. L. Rockwell, by whom she has four children, Pearl, Maud, Laura and Mary; Frederick, who married Carrie Johnson, and has two children, Ermie and Corinne: Rose, the wife of John Martin, by whom she has two children, Bertrand and Beatrice ; Alice, the wife of George Miller, by whom she has two children, Lucille and Roland ; Cora, George, and Letta. All were born in Allegan township.
Mr. Liechti holds membership with C. J. Bassett post, No. 56, G. A. R., at Allegan, and he is as true and loyal in his citizenship as when he fol- lowed the old flag on southern battlefields and defended the Union cause. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and which have enabled him to become the possessor of a good home and com- fortable competence. He realized that labor is the basis of all success and through unremitting diligence he worked his way upward.
JAMES A. VAN KEUREN, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Allegan township, was born in this township June 10, 1853, his parents being Philo and Mary J. (Smith) Van Keuren, the latter a daughter of the Rev. Alfred Smith, a minister of the Wesleyan Methodist church. The father came to Michigan in 1838 from the state of New York and found here largely an undeveloped wilderness, in which the work of improvement and cultivation had scarcely been begun. His first purchase brought him sixty acres of land, which he afterward sold, but from time to time he made other purchases. He was a successful pioneer, closely identified with the early growth and progress of the county, and in his private business interests he prospered, becoming owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. He died at the age of seventy-three years, while his widow still survives at the age of seventy-five years.
The public school system of Allegan township afforded to James A. Van Keuren the opportunities he enjoyed in his youth for the acquirement of an education. His father instructed him in the work of the farm and he early took his place behind the plow and has done all parts of farm work. He was for ten years in Casco, where he cleared about sixty acres of land, and upon his father's death he returned to Allegan, where he now owns and occupies a part of the old homestead property, having charge of the farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He is a very diligent and industrious man and a much respected citizen, who in all of his business transactions is strictly upright and honorable.
In 1875, in Allegan, Mr. Van Keuren was married to Miss Ada Boylan, who was born in New York and in her girlhood days came to Michigan with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Boylan. Six children, three sons and three daughters, have been born unto our subject and his wife, as follows : Mary, the wife of Tracy Shirley, by whom she has two children, Floyd and Eunice; Philo, who married Mary Busterfield, and has two
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children, Ellen and Shirley; Jennie, the wife of George Kelley and the mother of one daughter, Helen; Walter, Lizzie and Alfred, all yet at home.
Mr. Van Keuren is a Democrat in his political views but is without aspiration for office, for he prefers to give his attention in undivided manner to his general farming pursuits, in which he is now meeting with a gratify- ing measure of success.
STUART AGAN, who is engaged in farming in Allegan township, was born in Pennsylvania, January 7, 1852, and is a son of Stuart and Mariette (Nieman) Agan. The father came to Michigan in 1854, when his son, Stuart, was but two years of age and settled in Allegan township, where he began clearing and developing a farm, and while engaged in this task he was killed by the falling of a tree which he was cutting in the spring of 1855, being but about thirty-five years of age at the time of his demise. His widow survived him for a long period and died at the age of sixty- two years. In their family were six sons and a daughter, but only three are now living: Samuel, who resides in New Agar township, Newago county, Michigan; Stuart, and Ira, who is living in Allegan township. Following the death of the father the mother remained upon the farm, which she operated with the assistance of hired help.
When Stuart Agan of this review was only eight or nine years of age, he began working at farm labor and throughout his entire life has been connected with general agricultural pursuits. In 1885 he purchased forty acres of land to which he afterward added a twenty-acre tract and later he bought another twenty-acre tract, so that he now has altogether eighty acres of rich and productive land situated in Allegan township, where he is carefully and successfully conducting general farming.
On December 26, 1872, in Allegan township, Mr. Agan was united in marriage to Miss Clara Pullman, who was born near Rochester, New York, and is a daughter of Ellery and Eliza (Avighause) Pullman. Mr. and Mrs. Agan now have a son and daughter, Ernest Gilbert, who was born in Allegan township, and wedded Hattie Blanz of Allegan township ; and Pearl Edna, who wedded Clyde Lorburg.
Mr. Agan is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a well-to-do farmer, much respected in the community where he has spent the greater part of his life, having for more than a half century lived in Allegan township, so that he has witnessed the greater part of its growth and upbuilding. Many changes have occurred and a marked transforma- tion has been wrought and in the work of agricultural development he has borne his share, while in all matters pertaining to the general good he is known as a public-spirited citizen.
FORDYCE D. REED, a progressive farmer and much esteemed citizen of Allegan township, began his life record in Orleans county, New York, in 1850, and was the younger of the two surviving children of Daniel W. and Electa (Hubbard) Reed. The father was born in Chesterfield, Massa- chusetts, and in early life became a resident of the Empire state, where he followed farming throughout his remaining days. He there died at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife, who was a native of Goshen, Massachusetts, passed away at the age of sixty-three years. Their daughter, Pamelia, is now the widow of John R. Seeley, of Holly, New York.
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Fordyce D. Reed was reared upon the old homestead in the Empire state and there remained until twenty-five years of age, when, in 1875, he came to Allegan county and settled in Watson township. He was there employed at farm labor until 1899, when he removed to his present farm in Allegan township. In 1880 he had purchased eighty acres of land situated on section 13, and twelve or fourteen years later he bought an additional eighty-acre tract, but in 1904 he sold sixty acres of the tract, so that he now owns a good farm of one hundred acres in Allegan township, besides eighty acres in Watson township. He has cleared about one-half of this and he is now engaged extensively and successfully in buying and selling stock, to which business he has devoted his energies for the past twenty-five years. In the community he is well known as a leading stock man and progressive farmer and his success is well merited, having come as the direct reward of his earnest labor.
In 1875, in Allegan, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Almina Z. Andruss, a daughter of William B. Andruss, who was born in Cazenovia, New York, and came to Allegan about 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Reed now have four children : Millie A., the wife of Fred Durand, by whom she has one son, Milford; Daniel William, who wedded Nina Hare; May Electa, the wife of Glenn Miner, by whom she has two children, Avis and Laurel; and John Martin, who completes the family.
Mr. Reed exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy and is prominent in the local ranks of his party. He served as supervisor of Watson township, acting in that capacity for two and a half years to fill out an unexpired term and then serving for two full terms. Fraternally he is connected with the Maccabees, the Gleaners and the Grange, and is popular with his brethren of these organizations. In his farm life he is exemplifying the spirit of progress, which is as manifest in agricultural circles as in other lines of business and he is now one of the prosperous stockmen of the county, owning and controlling good interests.
CHAPTER IV.
THE RAILROAD ERA (1868-1906).
Transportation being the key to population, it is natural to ascribe great importance to the period beginning with the building of the first railroad into Allegan county in the sixties. Up to that time, the methods of trans- portation were by the river and the overland traffic which had been greatly accelerated by the building of the plank road in 1854.
In the thirties a Clinton and Kalamazoo River Canal had been pro- posed under the agitation for internal improvements. F. J. Littlejohn made the survey in this county, Allegan village being the western terminus and head of river navigation. Only a few miles of the eastern end of the canal were constructed, and before the movement toward construction of great commercial highways had been resumed after the panic, canals had fallen into disfavor as compared with railroads.
About the same time a railroad had been planned for Allegan county. Its early construction had been expectantly referred to in the "l'lan of Allegan" elsewhere quoted. The Allegan and Marshall Railroad was in- corporated March 4, 1836, two of the directors being John R. Kellogg and Alex. L. Ely. No part of the road was ever graded.
After the Michigan Central was completed across the southwest corner of the state in 1848, various plans were formed to tap this line by a road running north into the developing country, north of Kalamazoo. One line was projected from Lawton, passing through Allegan to Grand Rapids, and another from Kalamazoo via Allegan to Grand Rapids. The time was not yet ripe for these lines.
The first railroad to penetrate Allegan county was the Kalamazoo and Allegan R. R. Joseph Fisk of Allegan and W. C. Edsell of Otsego were directors in the company. Before the road had been completed to Allegan the name was changed to the Kalamazoo, Allegan & Grand Rapids R. R., the incorporation being amended so as to allow the road to be extended to Grand Rapids. The first division of the line was completed to Allegan and the first train came into the village November 23, 1868, Thanksgiving day. Work was at once begun on the northern division, and trains began running to Grand Rapids in March, 1869. The road was leased in that year to the Michigan Southern R. R. Co., and has been operated as a part of the L. S. & M. S. system ever since.
The next complete section of railroad in the county was the line from Allegan to Holland, now a part of the Pere Marquette. This piece of railroad has had a varied career. It was built by the Michigan Lake Shore R. R. Co., which was a consolidation of three other companies, effected in
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1869. Though the survey from Allegan to Muskegon was not adopted till August, 1869, the work was pushed with such vigor that the road between these points-a distance of 57 miles-was opened July 1, 1870. The road went into the hands of a receiver in 1874. and in 1878 a reorganization was effected under the name of Grand Haven R. R.
This branch is now a feeder of the Pere Marquette system, the main line of which in this county was constructed about 1871, under the name of the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore R. R. The company was organ- ized at St. Joseph, Michigan, in May, 1869. to construct a railroad north along the lake shore. The line was completed as far as Pentwater by Jan- uary, 1872. With the hard times of 1873 all large enterprises suffered, and this road was turned over to the bondholders in 1874, and the company was not reorganized until 1877, when the Chicago & West Michigan R. R. Co. came into existence. This name was retained by the railroad until it passed under the Pere Marquette, which extended the system by com- pleting a line to Chicago.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R. was built along the general route planned during the forties. However, Allegan village was left to one side. and the line ran by a more direct route from Kalamazoo through Plainwell . to Grand Rapids. This section of the road was first put in operation in October. 1870.
Only one other railroad line remains to be described-that extending from Allegan southeast to Battle Creek and now a part of the Michigan Central. Long known as the Allegan & Southeastern. the line from Allegan to Monteith was the only portion ever constructed of the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan R. R., an ambitious project that failed dis- astrously in the main. The eleven miles from Allegan to Monteith were constructed by Col. Joseph Fisk of Allegan, the local contractor, in ninety days, being completed in September, 1871. It was planned to build this road from Mansfield, Ohio, to Allegan, Michigan. In 1875 eleven and a half miles were in operation from Allegan to Monteith, and the official railroad map of 1875 shows it as a stump line projecting cast of Monteith a few miles and under lease for operation purposes by the Grand Rapids & Indiana. August 28, 1877, the road was sold under foreclosure of mortgage, the name then changing to the Allegan & Southeastern R. R. Co.
It will be noted that for a few years from 1868, Allegan county was a center of phenomenal activity in railroad construction. All the steam lines now in the county were built at that time, and the only added line of transportation since then was the electric line from Holland to Saugatuck. built in 1896.
The directions of improvement and upbuilding since the beginning of the railroad era have been various. Many figures go to show that the county, rebounding from the disasters of the Civil war. entered upon an epoch of industrial expansion such as had not been equalled in the preced- ing quarter of a century. Having endured and maintained its integrity in the most desperate crisis any nation ever passed through, the people were fairly lifted beyond all previous standards by their new self-reliance and confidence in their ability to effect vast enterprises. Railroads were built in all parts of the United States, population flowed into new areas, and prog- ress continued along broad lines until checked by the panic of 1873.
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