USA > Michigan > Allegan County > A twentieth century history of Allegan County, Michigan > Part 57
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Mr. Crispe is a stalwart Republican and cast his first vote for president for Abraham Lincoln. He has taken an earnest and active interest in party
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affairs, serving as delegate to district and congressional conventions and was a delegate to the national convention, which nominated Benjamin Har- rison in 1888. He served as treasurer of Gun Plains township for five years, and in January, 1877, was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he served for ten years and three months. Beginning in April, 1886, he filled the office of supervisor in a most satisfactory manner for six years. He was one of the building committee when the Allegan courthouse was erected and the fact that not all of the appropriation made was used in its construc- tion shows the economy and ability displayed. He was appointed by Gov. H. S. Pingree as a member of the board of control for the Deaf and Dumb School erected at Flint, Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Maccabees and is a member of Mark Thompson Post, G. A. R., at Plainwell. In his life he has displayed indomitable per- severance and strong intellectuality, together with great breadth of wisdom. His entire life accomplishment represents the result of the fitting utilization of the innate talent which is his and the directing of his efforts in those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. He is a man of indefatigable enterprise and has carved his name deeply on the record of the political and business history of the county, which owes much of its advancement to his efforts.
FRANK P. HEATH has been a resident of Plainwell for about thirty years. He was born in Gun Plains township, December 22, 1857, and is a son of John and Alice Elizabeth (Attleberry) Heath, who removed from Cattaraugus county, New York, to Michigan at a time when the old plank road was the highway of travel. At that date, however, the town of Plain- well had not yet been established. The father located in the northern part of the state for a short time and then became owner of a farm of eighty acres in Gun Plains township. He cleared and cultivated the land, bring- ing it under a high state of improvement, and after living there for a num- ber of years and in other localities at different periods he came to Gun Plains, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1901, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His widow still survives. She was born in England, and came to this country with two brothers, at which time she located at Cattaraugus county, New York. She was but two or three years old when brought to America, but her brothers were grown. She is now living in Plainwell at the age of seventy-eight years.
Frank P. Heath was reared upon the farm until about twenty years of age. He was a youth of about fourteen years, however, when his people removed to town, and he attended several terms of school in the village. After acquiring his education and reaching man's estate, he gave his atten- tion to the merchant tailoring business, in which he continued for fifteen vears. In 1894 he engaged in the dry goods business as a member of the firm of Bishop & Company, and later as a member of the firm of Wag- goner & Heath, which continued until 1906, when he sold his interest to his partner.
Mr. Heath has been active and influential in community affairs, and on the Ist of September, 1898, he was appointed postmaster of Plainwell, filling the position continuously since. He was also township treasurer for two years prior to entering upon the duties of the office, in which he is
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now serving. As his present incumbency indicates, he is a Republican in his political views. Not actively engaged in business affairs at the present time he is, nevertheless, financially interested in the Plainwell Shoe Com- pany, of which he is treasurer and director.
Mr. Heath was married in 1884 to Miss Mary Ella Hitchcock, a native of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Isaac N. Hitchcock. They became the parents of two children: Nina, who died at the age of seven months, and Roy, who attended the dental department of the Uni- versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Mr. Heath was again married, June 16, 1892, when he was wedded to Alice E. Buchanan, a native of Otsego, Michigan, and a daughter of George and Eliza (Darrow) Buchanan. Her parents came from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Allegan county, and later located in Otsego, while subsequently they became residents of Plainwell, the father carrying on general agricultural pursuits until his removal to Plainwell. He died in 1896. His wife survived him seven years. Their daughter, Mrs. Heath, was a teacher in the Plainwell schools for ten years, having charge of the kindergarten for two years, the second grade for seven years and the seventh grade for a year. She was remarkably successful in her work as an instructor, and teachers from nearby towns frequently visited her department to note her methods of teaching. Mr. Heath holds membership relations with the Odd Fellows and with the Knights of the Maccabees. For many years he was one of the repre- sentative business men of Plainwell and his energy and ability were the elements of his gratifying success.
VAN R. HOOPER, whose well-developed and valuable farm was a tract of wild and uncultivated land when it came into his possession about forty years ago, arrived in Allegan county in 1862, and after spending a year in Plainwell removed to his present farm on section six. Gun Plains town- ship. A native of New York, he was born in Cayuga county, November 23, 1823, and is a son of Simeon Hooper, who followed farming in the town of Savannah, Wayne county, New York, and who in June. 1862, came to Allegan county, following his son Van, who had arrived in the previous January. He first went to Plainwell, but soon afterward removed to Tuscola county, Michigan, whence he returned to Allegan county. He also had two sons who came, but did not remain, while Jerry Hooper is now living in Tuscola county.
The other member of the family still living in Michigan is the subject of this review. He was reared in the Empire state, acquired his educa- tion in the public schools and throughout his entire life has followed the occupation of farming, which became familiar to him through actual experience in his boyhood days. Thinking to enjoy better opportunities in the middle west, he made his way to Michigan and after a vear spent in Plainwell came to his present farm on section six, Gun Plains township. He located on forty acres of land which he cleared, and he also cleared forty acres of the sixty-acre tract which he bought just south of his home. This meant arduous and unremitting labor, which he carefully and dili- gently performed, and as the year passed he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, the productiveness of the soil being greatly enhanced through his efforts, so that good crops were annually produced.
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In 1850, while still in the east, Mr. Hooper was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Grawbarger, a native of New York state and a daughter of Henry Grawbarger. They traveled life's journey together as man and wife for more than half a century and were separated in the death of Mrs. Hooper on the 19th of March, 1906, when she had reached the age of seventy-seven years and six months. They were the parents of three children, who lived to adult age, and they also lost one in infancy. Those who still survive are William H., living upon the home farm ; Delavan A., who resides at Martin, and Lester, living at Elk Rapids, Michigan.
In his politieal allegianee Mr. I looper is and has always been a Demo- crat. He served at one time as pathmaster, but though he has always been unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles in which he believes, he has never sought the rewards of office in recognition of his party fealty. He is one of the venerable and honored pioneers of the county, and he and Ilenry Smith are the only two now living between Plainwell and Martin on the old plank road who have lived here many years. He has not only been a witness of the growth and development of the county, but has also been a participant in its changes and interests, and his labors have been a factor in making it a rich agricultural district. He has now reached the age of eighty-three years and can look back over the past without regret, for his duties have been faithfully performed, his work well executed, and at all times he has borne an honored name among his fellow men.
JAMES BROWN, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section eight, Gun Plains township, has made his home continuously on this place since 1850, covering a period of fifty-six years. He is a native of Kent county, England, born May 6, 1824, a son of James and Celia ( Bourn) Brown, who emigrated to the United States in 1847. the family home being established in Monroe county, New York, where they remained until 1850, when they accompanied the son on his removal to Allegan county, and here spent their remaining days. Their family numbered six children, but the three daughters and one son, Henry, have all passed away, while the surviving brother of our subjeet is Burren, also a resident of Gun Plains township.
Mr. Brown was a young man of twenty-three years when he aceompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, and he remained in the Keystone state during the sueeeeding three years, sub)- sequent to which time he came to Allegan county and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, of which only forty aeres had been eleared. He was a young man of ambition and energy and at onee began the arduous task of clearing the remainder of the property, which he soon plaeed under cultivation and in due course of time gathered abundant harvests. It will readily be seen that this was a newly settled country, for many wild ani- mals were still to be found roaming over the prairies when Mr. Brown first located here, and at one time he saw a herd of eleven deer in his wheat field. He has continued the work of development and improvement on his farm to the present time and has now made it one of the productive tracts of his seetion of the state. He has a good house, barn and other outbuild- ings, and in addition to raising the eereals best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged in raising eattle, sheep and hogs, finding this branch of his business a good source of revenue.
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In 1856 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Honeysette, a native of Monroe county, New York, and a daughter of James Honey- sette, who was one of the early settlers of Gun Plains township, where he passed away. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons. Charles wedded Miss Gertrude Wise and makes his home in Plainwell. They are the parents of two daughters, Eva and Eliza. William Brown wedded Miss Jane Norman, by whom he has two sons, Lafayette and Roy. They make their home on the homestead property and the son assists his father in the operation of the farm.
In his political views Mr. Brown is a Democrat, stanch in support of its principles. He is well known in this county, where he has lived and labored through a long period, and where he has so utilized his opportuni- ties that he has accumulated a competence that now provides himself and family with the comforts of life and enables him to rest from the more arduous duties of a business career.
REUBEN HOUSE is the owner of a good tract of land. embracing one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section eight. Gun Plains township. He is a native of New York, born November 28, 1831, on the banks of the St. Lawrence river. in Theresa township, Jefferson county. His father. John House, was likewise a native of the Empire state, where he was reared and married to Miss Catherine Boyer, who was born in Albany, New York. The father came with his family to Allegan county in 1850, and here spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of sixty-six years, while he was survived by his widow, who passed away about ten years ago, when she had reached the extreme old age of ninety-eight.
Reuben House acquired his education in his native state, and was there reared to the age of nineteen years, when, in 1850, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county, this state. He remained with his father for one year, and in 1851 started out in life on his own account, purchasing eighty acres of land, this constituting a part of his present place. He paid five dollars per acre for this property, which was then in a wild and uncultivated state. He broke the land, plowed the fields and planted his crops, which in due course of time brought forth abundant harvests. As his financial resources increased he added to his original holdings by the purchase of an additional forty-acre tract, making in all one hundred and twenty acres.
In 1859, in company with his brother Charles and Everett Watson, he made an overland trip to the west, the party having three yoke of oxen and two cows. They were five months in making the journey to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Carson valley, continuing their journey to the Pacific coast, where he remained for six and a half years, returning to his home farm in 1865. Upon going to the west Mr. House had a family con- sisting of wife and two children, whom he left on the home place, which was leased on the shares during his absence. Upon his return home he resumed his operations on the home farm, and in addition to raising various cereals, was also engaged in raising live stock, having only the best grades of animals. He is meeting with gratifying success in his farni labors, for he follows only the modern and practical ideas of agricultural pursuits, using the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work.
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Two years after his arrival in Michigan, in 1852, Mr. House was united in marriage to Mrs. Rebecca House, nee Smith, the widow of his brother, Moses House. The only child of that marriage died at the age of three months. After losing his first wife Mr. House was married to Eleanor Corey, and their marriage was blessed with three children: Otis, who died at the age of nineteen years; Reuben Augustus, who was born January 15, 1859, and is now a resident farmer of the Yakima valley, in Washington, and Lena B., who was born December 12, 1866, and is now the wife of Elmer Engles, who resides in the northern peninsula of Michi- gan, twelve miles from Marquette. She has become the mother of ten children, of whom four sons and five daughters survive, the record being as follows: Otis, Willis, Clyde, Herman, a son who died at the age of three months ; Ella, Ruby, Gertrude, Lila and Edna. After the death of his second wife, which occurred October 20, 1880, Mr. House was married a third time to Mrs. Laura Ann Losee, a native of Jefferson county, New York, and a daughter of John M. Cooper, who passed away in Watertown, that state.
Mr. House formerly gave his political support to the Republican party, but in more recent years has been a Bryan Democrat. He has taken an active interest in the local ranks of his party, having served as justice of the peace for twelve years, and he was likewise commissioner of highways and school officer. He has been identified with the Masonic order for the past forty years, holding membership with Plainwell Lodge, No. 235. He also holds membership with the Patrons of Husbandry.
When Mr. House located in Allegan county there were many evi- dences of pioncer life still to be seen. Few settlements had been made, the homes being widely scattered, while large herds of deer could be seen roaming over the prairies and one had ample opportunity to indulge his love of hunting. He has seen all this changed, however, as the country has become more thickly populated, thriving towns and villages have sprung up and the work of advancement has been carried forward along many lines. He has lived in the county for more than half a century, so that he has a wide acquaintance and a host of warm friends.
ELEZER C. KNAPP .- More than half a century has come and gone since Elezer C. Knapp, in 1854, arrived in Allegan county and took up his abode on section seventeen, Gun Plains township, where he still lives, being today one of the venerable as well as highly respected citizens of his locality. He was born in Dutchess county, New York, April 14, 1828, and is a son of Peter and Temperance (Conklin) Knapp, who removed from Dutchess county to Wayne county, New York, where the father died. The paternal grandfather was Asa Knapp, a resident of Dutchess county.
Elezer C. Knapp was but seven years of age when the family home was established in Wayne county, he and his mother going by canal from Al- bany, while his father drove across the country, reaching their destination first. In the schools of Wayne county Mr. Knapp of this review pursued his education, after which he learned and followed the carpenter's trade there for two years. In 1852 he went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, the journey being made by way of the isthmus. While crossing that stretch of country he became ill with the isthmus fever,
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being unable to travel for thirty-four days, while for several years there- after he was in poor health. Returning from the far west he made his way to Allegan county, Michigan, traveling by rail to Kalamazoo and driving thence to his farm in Gun Plains township over the plank road. At that time seven stages left Kalamazoo, two going to Allegan and five going to Grand Rapids. Plainwell at that time contained only three dwellings- the home of Judge Anderson and Mr. Woodhams and a little log cabin at Four Corners. Mr. Knapp purchased one hundred acres of land and has cleared all but twelve acres, where his house now stands, it having already been cleared. The farm was covered with a heavy growth of oak timber and much arduous labor was required to cut down the trees and prepare the fields for the plow. He has always followed general farming and stock raising and at one time was successfully engaged in raising Durham cattle. In addition to his home place he also has forty acres adjoining his farm.
Mr. Knapp was married to Charlotte Harvey, a native of Massachu- setts, and unto them was born a daughter, Ida, the wife of Henry Crosby, of Marlborough, Michigan. In 1858 Mr. Knapp wedded Frances Linder- man, a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, a daughter of Jacob and Desire (Conrad) Linderman. There are two children of this marriage : William, of Grand Rapids, who wedded Rose Adams, and has one son, Frank, and Mabel, at home.
In politics Mr. Knapp is a stalwart Democrat and served as road com- missioner for a number of terms. He was likewise supervisor for seventeen consecutive years, has held school offices and has been pathmaster. For a long period he was recognized as a leader in the ranks of the local Democ- racy and his opinions carry: considerable weight in state politics. He fre- quently attended the state conventions, and in 1888 was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at St. Louis, which nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency. He has been a Mason from the age of twenty-one years, having joined the order at Newark, New York. He was instrumental in organizing the Plainwell Agricultural and Industrial Society. of which he acted as president for a number of years and also as one of the directors. This society held annual fairs in Plainwell and its wonderful success was due to his perseverance, energy and determination. for Mr. Knapp is a man of excellent executive ability, recognized as a leader among men, doing much to mold public thought and action and leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the public life of the community.
HIRAM D. KREIGHBAUM, a prosperous farmer of Gun Plains township. residing on section 20, has lived in this locality for the past quarter of a century. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 13, 1848. a son of William and Sarah (Hane) Kreighbaum. The Kreighbaum family was established in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who emi- grated to this country from Germany at an early day, locating in Pennsyl- vania. It was his son, George Kreighbaum, who became the father of William Kreighbaum, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The latter accompanied his parents on their removal to Stark county. Ohio, and there conducted a sawmill, in addition to which he carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He was there married to Miss Sarah Hane, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom
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our subject is the only one who ever came to this state. The father passed away in the Buckeye state, at the age of fifty-six years.
Hiram D. Kreighbaum was reared upon the old homestead farm in Stark county, early becoming familiar with the duties connected with agri- cultural life. . During the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the pub- lic schools, thus acquiring the knowledge which fitted him for the responsi- ble duties of life. He was there engaged in farming until 1880, when he came to Michigan and purchased a small tract of land adjoining his present home property. After making his home there for a few years he purchased his present home, which had been located by Friend Ives, who became one of the earliest settlers of Allegan county. This farm, however, was pur- chased by Mr. Kreighbaum from his father-in-law in 1901, and it is ac- counted one of the most valuable and productive places in the vicinity of Plainwell. He is here engaged in farming and stock raising and is meeting with a very gratifying measure of success, owing to the progressive methods which he follows in the prosecution of his labors.
On the 10th of June, 1875, Mr. Kreighbaum was united in marriage to Miss Flora Shutt, who was born in Portage, Summit county, Ohio, a daugh- ter of Andrew and Margaret ( Moore) Shutt. Her father was a son of Philip Shutt, and was born in Wayne county, Ohio, but removed with his parents to Stark county, that state, when a youth of eighteen years. The mother was born in Stark county, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (White) Moore, the latter a native of New York. Mrs. Kreighbaum's maternal great-grandfather was a native of Ireland, whence he settled in Pennsylvania, where both her grandfather and father were born, the latter removing with his family to Stark county in 1812, being among the earliest settlers of that portion of the state.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kreighbaum has been born a daughter, Blanche, who is now following the profession of teaching and residing with her parents. Mr. Kreighbaum is a stalwart Democrat in his political views and affiliations. In the spring of 1897 he was elected highway commissioner, which position he has filled continuously since with the exception of the year 1904. He has proved a capable official in the discharge of his duties and during his term of service many substantial and needed improvements have been made, the new cement bridge in Plainwell having been con- structed under his able supervision. He has likewise served one term as pathmaster. In his fraternal relations he hold membership with the Mac- cabees.
Mr. Kreighbaum and his family are well known in Allegan county as highly respected people. Their pleasant home is a favorite resort for their many friends, and therein hospitality reigns supreme.
TRAYTON PAGE is one of the prominent representatives of agricultural interests in Allegan county, and comes of foreign birth, his natal place be- ing Cowbeach, Sussex county, England, and the date October 6, 1857. His parents, Moses and Elizabeth ( Martin) Page, were likewise natives of Sus- sex county, and became the parents of six children of whom one is deceased and all except our subject are still residents of England. Ellen is the wife of William Hatt and resides in London. Harriett Esther and Elizabeth are residents of Sussex county, England, and Ruth became the wife of J. Hon-
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eysett and died in Michigan, leaving four children, two of whom were reared by Mr. Page of this review.
Trayton Page was left an orphan at the early age of five years, and he was then taken into the home of an aunt, Mrs. Harriet Hook, with whom he remained for several years. His paternal uncle, Isaac Page, emigrated from his native country to the United States in 1855, and took up his abode in Allegan county, Michigan, where he became a prosperous farmer. When he arrived in this country his cash capital consisted of but twenty-five cents, but he possessed a strong and determined spirit, and at once secured em- ployment and thereby provided for his support. He prospered in his work and was soon enabled to make purchase of land, his first tract comprising eighty acres, which he bought in 1860, but he disposed of this ir 1870, and bought a more desirable property elsewhere, to which he added from time to time until he became possessed of over two hundred acres of land. He was very active in public affairs, and at different times filled a number of positions of honor and trust. His wife was Susan A. Clay in her maiden- hood, who was a native of Virginia, their marriage being celebrated March 24, 1872. In the meantime, in 1868, Isaac Page returned to his native coun- try to pay a visit to his relatives and friends, and upon his return to Amer- ica he brought with him his little nephew, Trayton Page, whose name in- troduces this record. Isaac Page died June 28, 1888.
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