USA > Michigan > Allegan County > A twentieth century history of Allegan County, Michigan > Part 56
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Rev. Fletcher has been twice united in the holy bonds of matrimony. He wedded Miss Alla H. Ladd, a daughter of Henry Ladd, and they had one child, John B., who was married and died in carly manhood, leav- ing a daughter, Altha Fletcher, who lives in Florida. Rev. Fletcher's second marriage on the 14th of January, 1887, united him with Elizabeth Tayler, a native of England, who was four years of age when brought to the United States by her parents, William and Christiana ( Shipp) Tayler. The father was of the parish of Yate, Gloucestershire, England, and was one of the prominent residents of the southwestern part of that county. He was a currier by trade and thus provided for his family in early life. He married Christiana Saunders, nee Shipp, who was born in Chipping, Sodbury, England, June 1, 1808, and when eighteen years of age became the wife of Thomas Saunders, by whom she had one child, yet living, William Thomas, now a resident of Oakland, California. In 1832 Mr.
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and Mrs. Saunders came to America. The voyage was a memorable one because of the great peril in which all were placed. The brig Robert de War, heavily loaded with railroad iron, on the bank of Newfoundland was caught by a northwestern gale and driven before the fierce wind to the Bay of Biscay, on the coast of Spain. It sprang a leak and was greatly disabled in other ways. The pumps were worked night and day for six weeks and one pumper fell dead, while another fell from the mast head and was killed. A part of the bulwark was washed away and much of the rigging was lost. Progress was slow and the renewal of the storm would have cost them their lives. They were nearly starved, so that they ate the crumbs from the biscuit boxes, but a Dutch vessel reached them just in time to prevent starvation. After ninety-three days and nights in peril, exposure and suspense they landed at New York. For a short time Mr. and Mrs. Saunders remained in Massachusetts and then removed to Silver Creek, New York, where, in crossing the stream, Mr. Saunders was drowned. His widow afterward returned to England, and three years later married William Tayler. Seven children were born unto them, of whom three are living-Lydia, the widow of R. L. Hewitt, a resident of Plainwell: Mrs. Jane Johnston, of Los Angeles, California, and Mrs. Fletcher. On coming to Michigan the family located at Ceresco, Calhoun county. The mother of Mrs. Fletcher passed away in Lansing at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hewitt, at the very advanced age of nearly ninety-three years.
Mr. Fletcher is chaplain of Mark Thompson Post, No. 269, G. A. R., at Plainwell. The community affairs here have found in him an inter- ested observer, and to the extent of his time and ability he has labored to promote every movement calculated to advance the welfare of the village in its social, educational and moral development. The influence of such a life is immeasurable. His labors, however, are seen in the lives of those with whom he has come in contact and who bear testimony to the helpful- ness of his precepts and his example. A man of strong mental endow- ment, he has used his talents to the best purpose and zealously and con- scientiously has labored. He is recognized as a man of broad, scholarly attainments, whose sermons are reached through logic and sound deduc- tion, and his strong and clear presentation of the truth has been a most potent element in the moral life of Plainwell and this portion of Michigan.
HERBERT L. BLISS, one of the prominent and enterprising business men of Allegan county; came to Plainwell twenty-three years ago from Alamo. Since that time he has been a valued factor in the business life of the town, his wise counsel, sound judgment and unflagging enterprise proving ele- ments in commercial activity and advancement here. A native son of Michigan, he was born at Cooper, Kalamazoo county, September 28, 1854, and is a son of George W. and Helen M. (Boynton) Bliss, who were natives of Wayne county, New York. After their marriage they removed to Kala- mazoo county, Michigan, and settled at Traverse Station. Mr. Bliss secured a tract of raw land, which he cleared and cultivated and he removed from Alamo to Plainwell, after having purchased and sold several different farms in that locality. About a quarter of a century ago he took up his abode in Plainwell and purchased a grocery store, to which he added a stock of boots
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and shoes. He had formerly spent a brief period in the town but had re- turned to Alamo. A year after his arrival here he was joined by his son, Herbert L., in the eonduet of the business. This partnership was continued for a year when the father sold out but he made his home in Plainwell most of the time until his death, which oeeurred in 1901. He had long survived his wife, who died in Alamo.
Reared under the parental roof Herbert L. Bliss is indebted to the pub- lie school system of the state for the educational privileges he enjoyed. A year after his father eame to Plainwell, he also took up his abode in the vil- lage and the partnership was formed between them for the eonduet of a gen- eral store, as stated. The father sold out a year later to E. A. Owen, at which time the firm of Bliss & Owen was formed. This relation was main- tained for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Bliss sold his interest to his partner. After being out of business for a year he bought out Mr. Owen and has sinee engaged in the sale of shoes, trunks, traveling bags, hosiery, mitts and gloves, sewing machines, books and stationery. He also is in eon- trol of the central office of the Michigan State Telephone Company, as loeal manager, aeting in this eapacity for about seven years. He likewise has an interest in the new shoe factory, which is eondueted under the name of the Plainwell Shoe Company. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and his stalwart purpose and unflagging enterprise have been the salient elements in his sueeess.
On the 27th of August, 1879, Mr. Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Bachelder, of Alamo, Michigan, and they have four children : Charles Lee is pursuing a course of study in the dental department in the University of Michigan; at Ann Arbor. Herbert Ray is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is now practicing law in Detroit. He was married at Ann Arbor, this state. Guy Paul is pursuing a literary course in the University of Michigan. Helen Ada is a student in the Plainwell High School. After losing his first wife Mr. Bliss wedded Mary E. Buxton, a resident of Plain- well, and they have five children : Harold L., John H., Mary L., Fred R. and George E.
In his political views Mr. Bliss is a Prohibitionist. He served as village assessor for a number of years, has also been treasurer of the village, a member of the school board for eight years and now secretary of the board. Community interests awaken his attention and he gives hearty endorsement to those measures which he believes will prove of general good. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal ehureh, and he is eon- neeted with the Modern Woodmen and the National Protective League. In all of his business life he has been honorable and straightforward, winning an unassailable reputation, and gaining suecess as the reward of laudable ambition and elose application.
WILLIAM J. THOMAS, superintendent of the Michigan Paper Company, of Plainwell, in which eapaeity he has given most excellent serviee by rea- son of his thorough understanding of the business in principle and detail. came to Allegan county nineteen years ago, and located in the village where he now makes his home. He was born at Sandy Hill, in Washington county, New York, January 30. 1849, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Harper) Thomas, who were natives of England, and were married in that
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country prior to coming to the United States. They first located at Toronto, Canada, and thence removed to Sandy Hill, New York. The father was a paper maker by trade and followed that pursuit in England, and also after coming to the new world. He made his home at Sandy Hill until his death in 1878.
In that town William J. Thomas was reared and educated. His first work in Michigan was in the paper mill of J. W. French, at Three Rivers. It was there that he brought into use his new process of paper making-a process which has been demonstrated to be most practical and successful. Since 1887 he has continuously served as superintendent of the Michigan Paper Company of Plainwell and the success of this enterprise is attributable in large measure to his efforts. He originated a process which is in use in this plant, whereby stock is taken from the cars into the mill and in seven hours is converted into finished paper. They take the poorest grades and turn out a superior finished product. Mr. Thomas and his wife originated the process after considerable study and experiment and have thus intro- duced into the world an industrial interest of much value. Mrs. Thomas has charge of fifty women employed in the factory. She is an experienced paper maker and has been a splendid helpmate to her husband in his busi- ness life.
It was in 1870 that William J. Thomas was married to Miss Ella A. Hill, a native of Washington county, New York, and a daughter of George A. and Sarah (Lummeraux) Hill. In his political affiliation Mr. Thomas is a stalwart Republican, and for ten years has served as a member of the vil- lage council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of those meas- ures which recognize the needs and possibilities of the city. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church and he belongs to Plainwell Lodge No. 158, F. & A. M., Plainwell Lodge, K. P., and the Knights of the Mac- cabees, and the National Protective League. He is an able business man, alert and enterprising, and of genial disposition, displaying much tact in carrying on the work of the factory. He has indeed earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods which have won him the deserved confidence of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM H. HOOPER, who has devoted the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, his home being on section six, Gun Plains township. was born in Savannah, Wayne county, New York, March 3, 1851. He is a son of Van R. Hooper, a well known resident of this county, and was about twelve years of age when brought to Michi- gan. He attended the district schools and the Plainwell High School, and has lived most of his life in Gun Plains township. He established the vil- lage of Hooper, in Martin township, and for eight or nine years resided there, after which he returned to the home farm and for about twenty years operated a thresher. He had the first steam engine in Allegan county. He has been upon the road selling threshers and other farm machinery, and he now follows general farming and stock-raising, keeping sheep, hogs, cattle and horses. He carefully manages both branches of his business, and in his work meets with a very desirable measure of success.
Mr. Hooper was married, December 19, 1877, to Miss Ella A. Case,
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who was born in Watson township and is a daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Harris) Case. The father was only six years of age when he lost his father. He was born in Henrietta, Monroe county, New York, May 20, 1824, and following his father's demise he lived with an uncle until twenty- two years of age. In 1848 he purchased land in Michigan. Two years later he married Miss Sarah Harris, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Har- ris, and in the spring of 1855 removed with his family to Watson township, becoming one of its earliest residents and sharing in its pioneer develop- ment. In 1870 he sold his original farm property and built the home in which he spent his subsequent years. His wife died November 21, 1893, while Mr. Case departed this life September 18, 1902. They were the parents of the following named : Mary E., wife of James R. Fenner ; Ardell S., the wife of William Shepherd; Ella A., the wife of our subject, and Julia P., the wife of Delavan R. Hooper, a brother of William H. Hooper.
Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hooper have been born four daughters and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Pearlia, the eldest, born November 27, 1879, is the wife of J. C. Oviatt, a resident of Martin township; Della C., who was born Jan- uary 16, 1883, and is engaged in teaching school in Aberdeen, South Da- kota ; Clara E., who was born May 11, 1885, and is the wife of Herbert Haas, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Theda S., who was born August 7, 1887, and teaches school in the home district.
In his political views Mr. Hooper has always been a Democrat and has served as highway commissioner and as drain assessor. He has also twice been the nominee of his party for county sheriff. He belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Maccabees' Tent at Martin. Liv- ing in this county from the age of twelve years he has a wide acquaintance within its borders and has gained many warm friends. The wise system of industrial economics he has followed in his business life and the care with which he has managed his interests have placed him above the ranks of the many, and he is now numbered among the successful few.
CHARLES A. BUSH, the senior member of the well known firm of Bush & Granger, extensive dealers in lumber, lime, building materials and coal, has been a life-long resident of Allegan county. He was born on what is known as the William Forbes farm in Gun Plains township, December 25. 1842, a son of Charles and Sophia (Sutherland) Bush. The father was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1798, and there made his home until 1834, when he came to Allegan county, being one of its earliest settlers. He made his way to Gun Plains township, where, in partnership with a Mr. Watson, he purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land, two hundred and eighty acres of which was entered from the government, and a part of this tract now constitutes the farm of E. A. Springer. In 1838 Mr. Bush sold his interest to his partner. after which he spent a short time in Wiscon- sin. His health had become impaired, and being induced by John Forbes to accompany them to Scotland, he accordingly made the journey in 1839. While in that country he formed the acquaintance of the lady whom he afterward made his wife, she being a sister-in-law of Mr. Forbes. She ac- companied the gentlemen on their return to the United States, and in 1841 gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush. Following their marriage the
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young couple located on a farm which was located in Gun Plains township, and there they made their home until after the birth of their eldest child, when Mr. Bush disposed of that property and purchased the Robinson farm on section twenty, Gun Plains township, which continued to be the family home for many years. The farm was cleared and developed by the father, who likewise erected all of the buildings. His death there occurred in 1878, when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty years, while he is still survived by his widow who, although she has passed the eighty-sixth anniversary of her birth, is still in possession of her mental faculties, and is very active for one of her years. She was born in Dingwell, Rosshire, Scotland, August 18, 1820, and was there reared and educated, remaining in that country until she was a young lady of nineteen years, when, as stated, she came to Michigan, where she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush. In the family of this worthy couple were the following named: Charles A., whose name introduces this review ; Donald S., who makes his home in Gun Plains township near Argenta; William H., a resident of Chicago; Roderick U., who resides in Detroit ; Nye A., who died in Chicago, in April, 1906; Mary, who is now the wife of E. M. Kenyon, of that city ; and Geor- giana, the deceased wife of John S. Madden, of Chicago. The father gave his early political support to the whig party but upon the organization of the new Republican party gave his support thereto.
Charles A. Bush, the eldest son of his father's family, was reared on the homestead farm, assisting his father in the duties and labors which usually fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while in the district schools near his father's home he pursued his studies through the winter months. He remained under the parental roof until 1883, when, thinking other pursuits would be more congenial to him, he went to Plainwell, where he formed a partnership with Henry F. Woodhams and engaged in the lumber business. In 1886 they consolidated their business with that of Riley and Charles A. Granger, and the four gentlemen continued business together for six or eight years, when Mr. Woodhams retired from the firm, and the business was then continued by Mr. Bush and Messrs. Granger until 1898, in which year the latter gentlemen sold their interest to L. R. Delano, father of Mrs. C. A. Bush, and the firm name became C. A. Bush & Company. In 1904 Charles A. Granger again entered the firm, buying the interest of Mr. De- lano, and the business has since been continued under the style of Bush & Granger. The firm now enjoy a large patronage both in Plainwell and throughout the surrounding territory, and its success is largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. Bush, who has been interested in the business for almost a quarter of a century, or since its inception. They carry a large line of lumber, building materials, lime and coal, and their trade in each commodity is extensive, owing to the fair dealing and reasonable prices.
An important event in the life of Mr. Bush occurred October 26, 1892. when he was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Delano, who was born in Gun Plains, a daughter of Luther R. and Maryette ( Anderson) Delano. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bush has been blessed with an interesting little daughter and son: Mary D., whose birth occurred October 8. 1893, and Charles Luther, who was born August 3. 1896.
Mr. Bush has always given his political support to the Republican party, and although Gun Plains township has always been strongly Democratic,
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he was elected supervisor, in which office he served for six years, which indicates his popularity among his fellow citizens. He likewise served as highway commissioner for one year. In his fraternal relations he holds membership with Masonic Lodge No. 235, at Plainwell.
Perhaps no citizen of Plainwell has done more for the upbuilding of its commercial interests than Mr. Bush, who today stands at the head of one of the most important enterprises of this section of the county. He has given his aid to many movements and measures which have tended toward the betterment of his town and community, and by strict adherence to high and manly principles he has won a wide circle of friends both through busi- ness and social relations.
JOIIN CRISPE, president of the Plainwell Shoe Company, and for many years one of the most progressive citizens here, his labors being of direct benefit in the substantial improvement and upbuilding of the town, was born in Sutton, Valance, Kent county, England, June 24, 1839, and is a son of Edward and Elizabeth ( Munn) Crispe. The family is of Norman French origin and because of their religious faith its representatives were forced to leave their native France. They had previously accompanied William the Conqueror and the Normans in their invasion of England in the year 1066. They had been prominent in public affairs in northern France and undoubtedly were representatives of the nobility of the French monarchy, having in their possession the French coat of arms. They also held large landed estates in France and lived there until early in the fif- teenth century, when their attitude against the established church made it necessary for them to take refuge with the Huguenots in England. There they were destined to fame in national affairs in military and civic life, nu- merous members of the family being elevated to knighthood. Their advent in America dates back to the coming of the Pilgrims and they have fur- nished this nation some of its distinguished citizens, including Charles Fred- erick Crispe, who at one time was speaker of the national house of repre- sentatives.
Edward Crispe, father of John Crispe of this review, and fifth son of William and Grace Elizabeth (Goodwin) Crispe, was born in England, May I, 1802. By occupation he was a miller, baker and farmer, owning the Forshan farm. On the 17th of February, 1852, accompanied by his wife and nine children, he sailed for America and located at Cleveland, Ohio. In November, 1854, they came to Plainwell, Allegan county, Michigan, where for a generation Mr. Crispe engaged in the milling business. His death occurred August 21, 1888, when he had reached the age of eighty-six . years, and his wife died January 7, 1884, at the age of eighty years.
John Crispe of this review was a youth of about twelve years when brought to America upon a voyage that covered more than thirty days. He attended school in England and Cleveland, Ohio, and after coming to Mich- igan began learning the miller's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years and nine months in Otsego. When the Civil war broke out he was the first man in Gun Plains township to enroll his name but was not permitted to serve because of defective sight. In December. 1862, however, he enlisted and was accepted as a member of the Eighth Michigan Cavalry under Gen- eral Stockton. He was enrolled as a private, was soon promoted to second
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duty sergeant. His first active service was in pursuit of the wily Morgan, whose raid was terrorizing some of the northern states. They took part in the engagements at Hickman's Bridge. Treflet's Bridge and Buffington Landing, and after covering five hundred and seventy-eight miles, riding by night and day, they finally had the satisfaction of seeing Morgan taken captive. Going south the regiment participated in the siege of Knoxville under Burnside and followed Longstreet's forces to Bell's Gap. Returning to Knoxville, they left their horses and went on foot across the mountains to Camp Nelson, Kentucky. There they remounted and went to Chatta- nooga, thence southward, overtaking Sherman at Resaca. They continued . on the march to Atlanta and were in the engagements at Jonesboro, after which they were in the engagements under General Thomas in the battles of Franklin, Columbia and Nashville. Mr. Crispe was honorably discharged at Nashville September 22, 1865, being mustered out as first sergeant. After the termination of an honorable service in the war he returned to Plainwell and for a time engaged in the livery business. In 1867 he estab- lished the first drug store in the village, which he conducted with a paper and paint store until 1902, when he disposed of the drug store, while in 1905 he sold the paper store. He has always closely identified himself with the interests of Plainwell, fostering new enterprises and assisting in municipal improvements and thus he takes rank among the foremost representatives of the community. He owns a good farm in Gun Plains township and has recently sold one, and he has a fine residence, together with considerable business property in Plainwell. In 1903 he erected a modern two-story ce- ment block, containing stores and offices.
The Plainwell Shoe Company, of which he is now president, was in- corporated in August, 1906, with Mr. Crispe as president: F. F. Patterson. secretary ; E. W. Eady, vice-president: Frank P. Heath. treasurer, and A. J. Mathews, manager. The four first named, together with J. W. Gil- key, F. A. Harwood and John F. Eesley, constitute the board of directors. They purchased the opera house block, which has been remodeled and which has now been placed in operation in the manufacture of shoes. They make some specialties in boys' and women's shoes, and the new enterprise is proving a profitable investment.
In February, 1867. Mr. Crispe was married to Mrs. Amanda Mesick, nee Tibbits, and to them were born three children, Minnie. Guy and Cherry, all of whom were laid to rest in childhood. Mrs. Crispe passed away Decem- ber 21, 1898, and Mr. Crispe was married in the fall of 1901 to Miss Martha Jane Formbaum, who for several years was a successful teacher in the Plainwell public schools. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and is a daughter of Adolph and Mary ( Hess) Formbaum. Her father, a native of Germany, came to this country in early manhood and here wedded Miss Hess, a native of Virginia. He died in Parkersburg. West Virginia, after which his widow came to Michigan, bringing her family with her. Mrs. Crispe was then nine years of age. Her educational training was received in the Plainwell High School and a Catholic convent, which is the pre- paratory department to Notre Dame University. She afterward engaged in teaching in Plainwell until her marriage.
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