A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 108

Author: Coolidge, Orville W
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1314

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REV. EDWARD FREDERICK STRICKLAND, a man of broad scholarly attainments and keen intellectuality, devoted a third of a century to the work of the min- istry as a representative of the Baptist de- nomination.

Dr. Strickland is a native of England, was born in London, in the year 1820, and acquired his early education in the schools of Scotland. He is also a graduate of the Metaphysical College in Boston, Massachu- setts, graduating in November, 1868. The late Rev. George C. Laurimore, D. D., of New York, and Dr. Strickland were baptized at the same time in 1856, by Dr. Everts at Walnut Street Church in Louisville, Ken- tucky. His last charge was at Des Moines, Iowa, where, in 1890, he retired from the active work of the ministry. He had preached with much success, laboring zeal- ously and effectively for the benefit of his fellowmen, so that his efforts were of no restricted order, his influence proving a potent element for good in every community in which he lived and labored. An earnest, fluent and forceful speaker he impressed his hearers with the deep truths which he uttered and which he presented to them in clear, logical form, appealing strongly to both the intellectual and spiritual nature of his audi- tors. In 1890 he came to Benton Harbor and purchased property on the bluff over- looking Colfax avenue. Here he has since lived.

On the 17th of June, 1852, Rev. Strick- land was united in the holy bonds of matri- mony to his present wife, who was born in Nottingham, England, and is a most faithful helpmate to her husband in his church work, while their congeniality of tastes has made their married life most companionable. Their union has been blessed with six chil- dren : Edwin, born in London, England. Fannie Eva, born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is the wife of Major Conlin, of the United States army and now lives at Detroit, Michi- gan. Agnes, born in Bedford, New York, became the wife of Frederick H. Denman, of Battle Creek, Michigan. Nellie R. Strick- land, born in Dayton, Ohio, is the wife of Robert Conners, of New York. Dacon, born in Northville, Michigan, is the Mabel wife of George Mack, of Boston, Massachu- setts. Ethel Ann, born February 21, 1875, at Chelsea, Massachusetts, is the wife of Mr. John Edwards, of England. Dr. Strickland has always been a deep student not only of

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

theology but of social and economic ques- tions affecting the welfare of the race, and is a man of broad, scholarly attainments. He has now passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey and the years of his active and earnest labor in the ministry are crowned with well earned ease.

Rev. Dr. Strickland was prelate of Malta commandry, Benton Harber, from its foundation, as a mark of the Sir Knights' appreciation of his work they unanimously elected him associate prelate with remittance of dues and fees during the remainder of his life. Dr. Strickland is the oldest Knight Templar holding the honorable office of as- sociate prelate in the state.

SIMEON BELKNAP, M. D., one of the capable members of the medical fra- ternity of Michigan, now practicing in Niles, was born in Barnard, Windsor county, Ver- mont, October 16, 1837, and comes of Eng- lish and Scotch ancestry, the early repre- sentatives of the name in America having crossed the Atlantic during the colonization period of the new world. They made set- tlement in Connecticut, where Simeon Belknap, grandfather of Dr. Belknap of this review was born, and when about twenty- one years of age moved to Randolph, Ver- mont, where Seymour Belknap, his father, first opened his eyes to the light of day. Thus for several generations the family was represented in Vermont. Seymour Belknap married Miss Lydia Campbell, a daughter of Sylvanus Campbell, and was a native of Vermont and of Scotch lineage.

Dr. Simeon Belknap spent his early boy- hood days in the state of his nativity and prepared for college as a student in the school at Newburg, Vermont. Upon the comple- tion of his literary course he entered upon the study of medicine which he carried on under the preceptorship of Dr. Huntington of Rochester, Vermont, until he matriculated in the medical department of the State Uni- versity of Vermont. He therein pursued the regular course and was graduated in the class of 1860, subsequent to which time he spent one year in a hospital at Boston, Massachusetts, thus

supplementing his

theoretical training by broad and varied ex- perience. He then located for practice in Rochester, Vermont, entering into partner- ship with his former preceptor, Dr. M. W. Huntington. They conducted a large prac- tice there but, attracted by the west with its broader possibilities, Dr. Belknap came to Michigan in 1873, settling in Niles, where he built up an extensive and lucrative prac- tice. For eleven years he was a partner of the late Dr. E. J. Bonine under the firm name of Bonine & Belknap and on the disso- lution of that partnership he entered into business relations with his son, Fred R. Belknap. To his profession he brings a well trained mind, great physical endurance and abilities of an unusually high order. His talents, both native and acquired, entitle him to prominence in the ranks of the medical fraternity and his labors have been an im- portant element for good in the localities in which he has resided.

Dr. Simeon Belknap was married in 1861 at Rochester, Vermont, to Miss Addie M. Rice, who was a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, although the state of her nativity is Ver- mont. She was born in 1840. Her father, Uriah Rice, was a prominent citizen of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and for many years filled the position of superintendent of schools there. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Belknap were born two sons, Dr. F. R. Belknap of Benton Harbor and Simeon Belknap, Jr., who lives in Niles, Michigan. In the line of his profession he is connected with the American Medical As- sociation to which he has belonged since 1855 and since 1880 he has been a member of the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine. He was also a member of the Pan American Medical Congress and was United States Pension examiner and surgeon appointed in 1876, but during President Cleveland's ad- ministration he was removed for political reasons and was out of office for four years. When the Republicans again came into power he was re-appointed and has filled the position to the present time, acting all of the time as secretary of the board of Niles. He is a member of the National As- sociation of Railway Surgeons, is also member of the Big Four Railway

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Surgeons Association and is physician and surgeon for the Big Four Railroad, the In- terurban Railroad and surgeon for the Mich- igan Central Railroad. He still makes his home in Niles but in 1898 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 22d of June of that year. Dr. Belknap still practices his profession and through- out the years of his active connection with the medical fraternity has kept abreast with the advancement that has been continuously made as investigation and research have broadened the knowledge and promoted the efficiency of the members of the medical fra- ternity.

JOHN F. WILSON. Among the younger business men of St. Joseph is num- bered John F. Wilson, who is conducting a bakery here. He is one of the native sons of this city, his birth having occurred on the 2d of January, 1874. His father, John W. Wilson, was born in New York on the 16th of November, 1832, and was one of a large family. During his boyhood days his parents removed to Michigan, settling in Warren, Macomb county, where he was reared to manhood. In 1855, in company with Thomas Rimes of St. Joseph, he came to this city in a fishing smack, which left port at a point on Lake St. Clair. For sev- eral years he folowed the business of fish- ing. In 1865 he turned his attention to the bakery business on Ship street, where the Zordell harness shop is now located. Subse- quently he removed to the Preston building and there purchased from John Wilkinson a bakery and restaurant business conducted in the Wilkinson Hall, a frame building on State street, where now stands the Martin Block. When this building was torn down Mr. Wilson removed to a building located on the site of the John Kibler Block and afterward to a building just across the street, which was destroyed by fire in September, 1901. A few years ago, however, the stock was removed to the Economy Block and Mr. Wilson retired from active business at that time, being succeeded by his son, John F. Wilson. He was for many years a promi- nent and enterprising business man of the

city and his name is closely associated with the early commercial development here. John W. Wilson was married in St. Joseph on the 21st of August, 1860, to Miss Susan Maria Olds, and unto them were born five sons and a daughter. In community affairs Mr. Wilson was actively interested, rejoicing in the advancement made by his adopted city and assisting in as far as possible in the work of public improvement and upbuilding. He creditably served as a member of the board of city aldermen from the first ward for two years, beginning in April, 1899. He led a life of well directed activity and actuated by a spirit of service in behalf of his family and his community. He died January 25, 1903, respected by all who knew him. The members of the family are : Hurlbut O., a resident of St. Joseph; W. L .; Mrs. John Eklund, who is living in this city : John F .; Charles E., who resides in White Cloud, Michigan, and Harry Lee, whose home is in Grand Rapids. Michigan.

John F. Wilson was reared in St. Joseph, where he has spent his entire life. His edu- cation was largely acquired in the public schools here although he also pursued a com- mercial course in Benton Harbor College. At an early age he entered the employ of his father and learned the bakery business, which he mastered both in principle and de- tail. He continued with his father until the latter's retirement from business life, when he became his successor and is now proprie- tor of a good bakery. His business has con- stantly grown and he has now a gratifying trade. He is respected by all not alone be- cause of the success he has achieved but also by reason of the straightforward, hon- orable methods that he has ever followed.

In 1898 in the city of his nativity Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Dora A. Foltz, who was born in Bremen, Indiana. They have one child, John Charles, whose birth occurred in St. Joseph, October 26, 1905. Mr. Wilson is independent in his politica! views. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has taken the various degrees up to and including those of the council. He is like- wise connected with the Eastern Star and his name is one of the membership rolls of the

ELI A. GRIFFIN

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Elks lodge and the Maccabees tent. He has many warm friends in Berrien county and is best liked where best known.

EDWIN C. GRIFFIN. Various busi- ness interests have claimed the attention and co-operation of Edwin C. Griffin, who be- longs to that class of representative Ameri- can men, who while advancing individual success also contribute to the public pros- perity. He is now proprietor of a drug store which has been conducted continuously in Niles since 1883 and who has varied busi- ness investments, while at the same time he finds opportunity to support progressive public movements.

Mr. Griffin was born in Niles in 1857 and is the only child of Eli A. and Harriet M. (Nichols) Griffin. The father was born at Poplar Ridge, New York, in 1833, and was a son of Samuel H. and Maria B. (Culver) Griffin, both natives of the Em- pire state, the former born in Dutchess county. In their family were five children, of whom two died in infancy in New York, while only one is yet living, namely, Mrs. Lucy G. Finley, who was married in 1862 to Thomas J. Finley. They had two chil- dren : Ruhamah, the wife of William P. Lardner; and Belle, who married Frank Landon, but both are now deceased. They left a son Worth F. Landon, who lives in Chicago.

Eli A. Griffin was the eldest of the five children in his father's family. He was en- gaged in the dry goods business in Niles, Michigan, at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and in 1861 he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Com- pany A, Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He became captain of his company May 19, 1869, served in the Atlanta campaign, and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea; was wounded in action May 27, 1863; resigned on account of wounds July 17. 1863; was made major Nineteenth Michigan Infantry October 22, 1863, lieu- tenant colonel April 20, 1864; died June 16, 1864, of wounds received in action at Golgotha Church, Georgia. June 15, 1864, while commanding the regiment, being at that time about thirty-three years of age.

He had married Harriet M. Nichols, who was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and long survived him, passing away in 1889, at the age of sixty-two years.

Edwin C. Griffin was reared in Niles and began his education in the public schools here but afterward attended the high school at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in the class of 1875. He then went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, be- came a student in the College of Pharmacy and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1879. In the meantime, in 1878, he passed the examination before the New Jersey board of pharmacy and while still in school he acted as manager of a drug store at Camden, New Jersey, owned by Mr. Lee, who was the secretary of the secretary of the State Board of Pharmacy, of New Jersey. Mr. Griffin continued as manager for two years. He now holds diplomas from Illi- nois and Michigan, having passed the ex- amination before the board of pharmacy of those states as well as New Jersey. Fol- lowing his graduation he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he had charge of the Hyde Park Pharmacy for a year. Subsequetnly he went to Colorado, where he remained for two years, conducting a large drug store at Durango. He owned several stores while in Colorado, going to Del Norte and later to Durango, while subsequently he pur- chased a stock of goods and went by team to New Mexico. He sold the first bill of goods in Durango and as there was no build- ing in the town to be had he opened his store in a tent. He continued in business on the line of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad to the termination of its track and then proceeded by team for a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, selling his goods from place to place. He eventually reached New Mexico and disposed of his stock at Trespiedras or Three Rocks. In 1883 after a varied career as a pioneer mer- chant of the west he returned to Niles and in that year opened a drug store, which he has since conducted with gratifying success. He carries a large line of goods and has a well appointed store, neat and attractive in its appearance by reason of his careful man- agement. He is always reliable and straight-

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forward in his dealings and has a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the drug business and of the use of the different rem- edial agencies by reason of his study and be- cause of a varied experience. He is also interested and actively associated with the Building and Loan Association of Niles, of which he is financial secretary and treasurer. He is also a director of three other building and loan associations all of this city.

Mr. Griffin was married in Niles in 1884 to Miss Jennie W. Woodruff, a daughter of D. O. Woodruff, an early settler of Berrien county, Michigan. They have two children, Harriet C. and Jeanne, both born in Niles. The family attend the Episcopal church and are prominent in social circles. Mr. Griffin has always taken an active part in city af- fairs and at present time is serving on the board of public works. In politics he is a Republican and his efforts in behalf of pub- lic progress have never been limited to party allegiance, for he has given his co-operation to various measures and movements for the public good. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the lodge, council, chapter and commandery, in all of which he has held various offices. He is now and has been for the past fifteen years secretary of the chapter. He is recognized as one of the progressive citizens of Niles, is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. He has found in the every-day duties of this work-a-day world incentive for his best effort and he has not only profited by the control of pri- vate business interests, for other enterprises have felt the stimulus of his wise counsel and energy. The city of Niles has been greatly improved through the building and loan association with which Mr. Griffin is connected and his patriotic devotion to the general good is an acknowledged fact in his life record.

GEORGE GRAHAM is a retired old settler living at Berrien Springs with an income derived from five hundred acres of valuable farming property. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1826. His father, John Graham, a na-

tive of Pennsylvania, spent his entire life in that state. He was a merchant and also owned a stage line between Philadelphia and Pittsburg in early days before railroad travel. He died in his native state in his forty-fourth year. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Kimmel, and was also a native of Pennsylvania, was acci- dentally killed in Berrien county, when she had reached the age of seventy-six years. There were seven children in the family, of whom Goerge Graham is the eldest. His residence in this county dates from 1843, arriving here when a young man of seven- teen years. He remained for three years and being pleased with the county, its productive- ness and its business opportunities he then returned to Pennsylvania and brought to his new home his mother, two brothers and two sisters, making the journey with teams across the country. They located on a farm in Oronoko township and a part of the land which they owned is now comprised within the corporation limits of Berrien Springs. Mr. Graham cleared and cultivated the fields and was engaged in general farm- ing until 1879, when he erected his present residence in Berrien Springs, where he has since made his home. As the years passed by he carefully directed his farming opera- tions and his business capacity and enter- prise were indicated by the excellent suc- cess which attended his efforts. He owns now about five hundred acres of land, a large portion of which is in Berrien Springs and all adjoining the village. From this he derives an excellent income so that he is en- abled to enjoy the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He has been a resident of the same township for sixty-three years and was closely identified with the early history of the county, aiding in the advancement of those measures and movements which have for their object the welfare and up- building of this part of the state.

Mr. Graham was married in December, 1849, to Miss Mary B. Garrow, a daugh- ter of Jolin and Mary Garrow, who came from Auburn, New York, the place of her nativity, to Michigan and spent her remain- ing days in Berrien county, her death oc-

GEORGE GRAHAM

MRS. GEORGE GRAHAM

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

curring May 3, 1902. The deepest regret was felt throughout the community at her loss, for she was a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind. By this marriage seven children have been born: William H .; Harry K .; Julia, the deceased wife of Sam- uel H. Kelly, of Benton Harbor; Addie, the wife of T. L. Wilkinson of St. Joseph and Berrien Springs, being a member of the firm of Dix & Wilkinson; and three, who died in childhood.

Since his retirement from the farm Mr. Graham has engaged in loaning money and this also adds materially to his income. He started out in life a poor boy and began working by the month as a farm hand. The first year he received only his board in com- pensation for his services and the second year he was paid six dollars per month in addition to his board. He has accumulated all that he possesses through his own in- dustry and thrift and is today a prosperous citizen. In early manhood he voted for General Zachary Taylor and for John C. Fremont. He was a Whig prior to the or- ganization of the Republican party, since which time he has been one of its stalwart supporters. He cast two ballots for Abra- ham Lincoln, and voted for each presidential nominee of the party since that time, and in 1904. he met with the Fre- mont voters in Jackson at the semi- centennial anniversary of the organi- zation of the Republican party there. He has held local offices, including that of presi- dent of the village. He is well known in the county where he has lived so long and in public affairs he has taken an active and helpful part. He has now reached the age of four score years and is a venerable citi- zen, respected and honored by all who know him by reason of what he has accomplished and the honorable methods he has followed. His life record should serve as a source of inspiration and help to others, being a prac- tical proof of what may be done in the busi- ness world through industry, guided by sound judgment and supplemented by in- tegrity.

EDWARD H. KINGSLEY, engaged in the furniture trade in St. Joseph, dates his residence in Michigan from 1851. In fact this was the year of his birth, his natal place being Niles. He is a son of George W. Kingsley, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and who in early manhood sought a home in the great and growing west, ambitious to profit by its broader op- portunities. Coming to Michigan in 1833 he settled in St. Joseph. He had learned the mason's trade and became a contractor in that line, working for the Michigan Cen- tral Railroad Company at the time its line was extended to St. Joseph, in the mean- time having removed his family to Niles. In 1851 he again took up his abode in St. Joseph, where he continued his business as a mason contractor up to the time of his de- mise. He was thus closely associated with building operations in his adopted city and his excellent workmanship may still be seen in many of the substantial structures here. He held various offices of trust, including the position of township trustee and at all times he was loyal in citizenship, his labor, co-operation and influence being a resultant factor in various movements for the public good. He wedded Miss Marian Conkhrite, who was born in Lockport, New York, and they became the parents of eight children, but five have passed away. Those still liv- ing are: Edward H .; Mary L., the wife of L. T. Burridge, of Benton Harbor; and Charles E., who is living in St. Joseph. The father's death occurred in St. Joseph in 1876 at the age of sixty-one years, and the mother is still living, now making her home in Ben- ton arbor.

Edward H. Kingsley, although born in Niles, was reared in St. Joseph, where he at- tended school and on attaining manhood he worked with his father at the mason's trade for a number of years. This association was maintained until the father's death, when he succeeded to the business, continuing his operations in that line until 1887, when he engaged in the lumber business in Georgia, remaining in the south for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to

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St. Joseph, where he again resumed mason contracting and was a factor in building operations here until 1898, when he became connected with other industrial interests of the city. He purchased an interest in a box and basket manufacturing business at Bangor, Michigan, the product of the fact- ory being used by the fruit packers of the state, and while thus engaged he still re- tained his residence in St. Joseph. He re- mained in this business for two years and then again resumed mason contracting here but shortly afterward went to the state of Washington, where he organized the Michi- gan Box Company, of which he was man- ager for one year. On the expiration of that period he sold out and returned to St. Joseph, where he again followed contract- ing until August, 1905, when he purchased an interest in a furniture store, which for a short time had been conducted under the name of Baitenger & Church, and afterward became The Baitenger & Kingsley Com- pany. A more detailed account of the busi- ness is given in connection with the sketch of G. M. Baitenger on another page of this work. They carried, however, a large and well selected line of furniture of various grades and kinds in order to meet the varied tastes of the general public and they also do a picture frame and undertaking business.

Mr. Kingsley has witnessed almost the entire growth and development of this city and matters of local progress are ever dear to his heart. Every movement for the gen- eral good receives his endorsement and in al of his efforts for the public welfare he is intensely practical. Before St. Joseph was incorporated as a city he served on the village board of trustees and after the city had received its charter he was elected as supervisor of the first ward for a term of two years and when the wards were redis- tricted he was chosen supervisor for the third ward, filling the office for four years. He was also appointed to the board of public works for a term of two years and later was reappointed for a five years' term. His political allegiance has always been given to the Republican party and his devotion to

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A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 108

Author: Coolidge, Orville W Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Coolidge, Orville W
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1314