A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 109

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

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the public welfare stands as an unquestioned fact in his history.

In June, 1876, Mr. Kingsley was united in marriage in St. Joseph to Miss Cynthia J. Cowles, a daughter of Charles C. Cowles, of Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Kingsley is a member of the Episcopal church and they occupy an enviable position in social circles, where true worth and intelligence are re- ceived as the passports into good society. Mr. Kingsley is a member of the St. Jo- seph Lodge of Masons, No. 437, and in 1900 was high priest of Calvin Brittain Chapter, R. A. M. He also belongs to St. Joseph Council, No. 44. R. & S. M., and to Malta Commandery, K. T., of Benton Harbor. He has thus attained high rank in Masonry and is in hearty sympathy with the teach- ings and purposes of the craft. He has found in his native county the business op- portunities he sought, which, by way, are al- ways open to the ambitious, energetic man, and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses res- olution, perseverance and reliability and in whatever relation of life we find him, whether in political associations, in business or in social circles, he is always an honora- ble and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uni- formly given him.

WILLIAM E. SHEFFIELD, classed with the merchants of Benton Harbor, where since 1887 he has been engaged in the drug business, was born in Kokomo, In- diana, in 1863. His education was ac- quired in Richland county, Wisconsin, and he afterward went to Montcalm county, Michigan, where he learned the drug busi- ness with his father, James A. Sheffield. In 1887 he came to Benton Harbor and established a drug store under the firm style of J. A. Sheffield & Son. From the begin- ning the new enterprise prospered and they built up a fine business, carrying a large and well selected line of drugs and also deal- ing in stationery and books, of which they have a large stock. This business has been largely built up through the efforts of Wil-

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

liam E. Sheffield and since the death of his father in 1899 he has carried on the busi- ness under his own name in a very success- ful manner. His commercial methods are such as will bear close investigation and scrutiny and while keeping in touch with the trend of modern progress in trade cir- cles he is at the same time maintaining a reputation for straightforward dealing that is most commendable.

In 1884, in Ohio, Mr. Sheffield was united in marriage to Miss Ella G. Sheffield and they are accorded an enviable social position in Benton Harbor. Mr. Sheffield is a prominent Mason, having attained the 32d degree of the Scottish Rite. He has also taken the degrees of the York Rite and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. In poli- tics he is a Democrat and is a member of the library board of Benton Harbor. His in- terest in public affairs has led to active sup- port of many plans and movements for the general good. In political thought and ac- tion he has always been independent, carry- ing out his honest views without fear or favor. In business he has achieved success through honorable effort, untiring industry and capable management and in private life has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, def- erence for the opinions of others and geniality.

THERON T. RANSOM, now deceased, was well known in business, social and politi- cal circles in St. Joseph. He conducted a grocery store there for many years and as a builder of a business block and other sub- stantial structures contributed in large meas- ure to the improvement of the city. More- over he displayed in his early life the qual- ities of upright manhood and devotion to duty which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. He won the warm friendship of many with whom he came in contact, so that his death came as a personal loss to the entire community.

Mr. Ransom was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Oberlin in 1840. His parents were William Brooks and Cynthia (Turner) Ransom. The father

lived for many years in Fond du Lac, Wis- consin, where he was engaged in horticul- tural pursuits, owning and controlling a large fruit farm. Subsequently he removed to Berrien county, Michigan, where he also bought a farm devoted to the cultivation of fruit and to the raising of stock. He con- ducted that farm for a number of years but spent his last days in retirement from further labor in St. Joseph, and his rest was well merited because the competence which he possessed had been acquired entirely through his own well directed and honorable labor.

Theron T. Ransom was reared to man- hood in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and after completing his education and entering busi- ness life he was connected with various en- terprises, including mining. He was thus engaged until 1867, when he came to Michi- gan and entered business circles in St. Jo- seph as a grocer. From the beginning his success was uniform and rapid and he soon had a large and gratifying trade, which was accorded him up to the time of his death, many of his patrons giving him their sup- port throughout the entire period of his con- nection with business interests of his city. As his trade grew and his financial resources were correspondingly enlarged he placed his money in the safest of all investments-real estate-and erected a substantial business block, whereby he contributed in large and beneficial measure to the upbuilding and im- provement of the city. He also owned va- rious other properties here. In connection with his other interests he was one of the organizers of the Union Bank of St. Joseph and acted on its board of directors for many years.

In 1868 in St. Joseph Mr. Ransom was married to Miss Mary Adams, a daughter of Charles and Ann A. (Hoyt) Adams, the former a native of Limerick, Maine. Her mother was a daughter of Eliphalet Hoyt, also of Maine, who married Sallie Hoyt of New Hampshire. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ran- som were born two children but only one is now living, Ralph, who is an artist and teacher in the Albion College at Albion, Michigan. He married Nannie Keith, a daughter of W. W. Bean, of St. Joseph.

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Mrs. Ransom of this review is a great lover of antiquities and has a large collection of ancient relics, including many pewter articles. She has a pewter platter which was brought from England in early colonial days and is now more than one hundred and fifty years old. She also has many other in- teresting antiquities and art relics, including a large, beautiful and interesting collection of china.

Mr. Ransom's study of questions and is- sues led him to give his support to the Re- publican party and he was well known both politically and socially in St. Joseph and was recognized at the same time as an important factor in the business life of the community. He would never hold political office although such honors would have been conferred upon him had he consented to accept. In a quiet way, however, he labored earnestly for the welfare of the community and his influence was ever given on the side of progress and improvement. He held membership in the Masonic lodge and when called to his final rest in 1886 was laid to rest with Masonic honors. He was a man of genuine personal worth, whose many good qualities won him recognition from those who have true ap- preciation for the nobler characteristics of life but while he held friendship inviolable and was ever considerate of the thoughts and feelings of others his best traits of char- acter were reserved for his own family and fireside.

PROFESSOR ERNEST P. CLARKE, superintendent of the schools of St. Joseph, has devoted almost his entire life to educa- tional work. He was born in Berrien town- ship, this county, in 1862, a son of Daniel Edward Clarke, a native of Ohio. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, en- listing at Niles, Michigan, as a private of Company I, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer In- fantry, with which he continued up to the time of his death, which occurred in Jeffer- son Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, of typhoid fever. He married Martha Zuver. also a native of Ohio. She yet survives her hus- band and makes her home with her son.

Professor Clarke began his education in

the public schools of Indiana but on account of his father's early death he had to put aside his text-books and earn his own living at the age of fourteen years. He became an employe of William Edwards of Benton Harbor, with whom he remained for two years. After completing a three years' course in the Benton Harbor high school he entered the Michigan Agricultural College, largely working his own way through this institution. He thus displayed the elementary strength of his character and developed the latent energies which have proven a strong and forceful element in his subsequent suc- cess. On leaving college he became a teacher in Hillsdale county, Michigan, and afterward went to Kansas, where he remained for three years as principal of the schools of White City. He then returned to Berrien county. Michigan, and in 1893 was elected county commissioner of schools which position he filled so acceptably that he was three times re-elected and was serving for the fourth term in that office when he resigned to ac- cept the position of superintendent of the city schools of St. Joseph, to which position he was called in 1899. He has since acted in that capacity and has done much for the improvement of the schools, maintaining a high standard of public education and in- spiring the teachers and pupils under him with much of his own zeal and interest in the work, so that the school system has be- come an efficient one and his labors have given uniform satisfaction.

On the 24th of May, 1893, Professor Clarke was married in Kendall, Michigan, to Miss Elnora Wheeler, a daughter of David and Mary (Chamberlain) Wheeler. They have two children, Edward E. and Mary P., both born in St. Joseph. Professor Clarke is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and is a Republican in politics and in social circles he and his wife now enjoy an enviable position. especially where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society. His life record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a "prophet is not without honor save in his own country," for in the county of his nativity he has attained to a position of dis-

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Roger. D. Dix.

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

tinction as one who is closely connected with the public welfare and whose labors have been of direct and immediate benefit.

HON. ROSCO D. DIX. Prominent in political circles in Michigan, an able at- torney of Berrien Springs and the president of the Berrien Springs Exchange Bank, also a recognized leader in the development of the Grand Army of the Republic in this state, no history of Berrien county would be complete without mention of Hon. Rosco D. Dix, whose life record is interwoven with the annals of the commonwealth. He was born in Jefferson county, New York, June II, 1839. His paternal grandfather, Leon- ard Dix, was of Holland Dutch extraction. A native of Vermont, he lived to be ninety- four years of age and died in Berrien coun- ty. His son, Dexter O. Dix, who was like- wise born in the Green Mountain State, re- moved from New England to New York, where he followed the occupation of. farm- ing for a number of years. Coming- to Michigan in 1852 he located in Bainbridge township, Berrien county, where he owned land and also carried on merchandising. He was an active and enterprising business man during the middle portion of the nineteenth century and he also left the impress of his . individuality upon public thought and action, exerting widely felt influence in matters of general moment. He served as supervisor of his township and was always the champion of any movement for the pub- lic good. He married Miss Mary E. Rudd, . a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Nathaniel Rudd of Revolutionary stock. Dextor O. Dix passed away at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife survived to the age of eighty-seven years. In their family were three sons and a daughter.

Rosco D. Dix, the eldest son and second child of the family, was about twelve years of age when his parents removed from Jef- ferson county, New York, to Rochester, that state, and was a youth of fifteen when he came to Berrien county, Michigan. His early education, acquired in the district schools of the Empire State, was supple- mented by study in Albion College, at Al-

bion, Michigan. He was a student there, when, in response to his country's call for aid, he enlisted in the spring of 1861 as a private of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, had noted the threatening attitude of the slave-holding states and had resolved that he would strike a blow for the Union if an attempt was made to overthrow. Accordingly the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns had scarcely cleared away when he offered his services. He was promoted to the rank of first sergeant and was seriously wounded at Knoxville, Tennessee, November 24, 1863, and taken prisoner. Being in- capacitated for further military service he was honorably discharged, and in 1864 he returned to Berrien county, having served for nearly three years as a faithful and loyal soldier who never faltered in the per- formance of any military task assigned him.

Following his return from the war Mr. Dix was elected register of deeds in 1864, which he filled for eight years, being elected four different times. In the meantime he had purchased a set of abstract books and had for some years been engaged in the con- duct of an abstract office. In 1870 he was admitted to the bar and entered upon prac- tice, since continuing as a representative of the legal fraternity of Berrien county. His connection with the abstract office did not comprise the extent of his political service, however, for he was elected commissioner of the state land office and acted in that capacity for four years, while in 1896 he was elected auditor general of Michigan, which position he also held for four years. He has likewise been called to numerous local offices, the duties of which he has dis- charged with promptness and fidelity, and over the official record of his career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.

In 1867 Mr. Dix was married to Miss Virginia M. Kephart, a daughter of Dr. Philip and Susan (Kimmel) Kephart. They are now the parents of one living son and one living daughter, Winfred and Catherine,

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the latter the wife of William H. Humphrey, of Chicago. Mr. Dix is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, com- mandery and shrine. He is also a member of Kilpatrick Post, No. 39, G. A. R., and has held various offices in the department of Michigan. In 1898 he was a member of the national executive committee. He is one of the leading representatives of the Grand Army of the Republic in Michigan and likewise of the Republican party, and has taken an active and helpful interest in both. He has been chairman of the Repub- lican county committee and a member of the congressional committee, and his opinion is often a decisive factor in the councils of his party. In connection with the practice of law he is in partnership with T. L. Wilkin in the real-estate, insurance and banking business as the owner of the Berrien Springs Exchange Bank. For forty-one years he has made his home in Berrien Springs and local advancement and national progress are causes dear to his heart. He activelv inter- ests himself in public affairs and participates earnestly in every effort to propagate a spirit of patriotism and loyalty to American institutions. He is opposed to misrule in municipal and public affairs and wherever there is a public-spirited attempt to drive cor- ruption or other unworthiness out of office he is to be found working with the leaders of the movement. His success in business and the position of honor and trust which have been conferred upon him leave no room for question of his ability and he deserves and is given classification with the promi- nent men not only of Berrien county but of the state.

GEORGE A. FORLER is one of the na- tive sons of Niles, born April 17, 1862. He is a son of George K. Forler, a native of Canada and a grandson of John Forler, who was born in Germany near Strasburg. The grandfather on coming to America settled first in Buffalo, New York. This was in the year 1828, at which time the city of Buf- falo was but a small village. There he owned land which is now in the heart of the

city. After two years spent in Buffalo he removed to Canada in 1830 and there both he and his wife resided until called to their final rest. He had married Katherine Grieger, who was born in Germany, and before their emigration to the new world they had become the parents of two chil- dren, Katherine and Margaret, both of whom are now deceased. Six other children were added to the family in America, of whom three are now living: George K .; Jacob K., who resides in Canada ; and Chris- tian, also living in that country. The par- ents in 1904 celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversity in Niles, on which happy occa- sion all of their children were present and many friends joined with them in good wishes and hearty congratulations. The grandfather was a weaver by trade and fol- lowed that pursuit in Germany but after lo- cating in Buffalo, New York, he carried on farming and subsequent to his removal to Canada he purchased a tract of land, which he cleared and cultivated, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred in 1861, when he was sixty years of age. His wife long survived him, passing away in 1888. when ninety-four years of age.

Their son, George K. Forler, now living in Niles, came from Canada to Michigan ill 1860 and took up his abode in the city which is yet his place of residence. He had learned the carpenter's trade in Canada and he here followed that pursuit until 1862, when with the capital he had saved from his own earn- ings he embarked in merchandising in Niles. For a third of a century he was closely identi- fied with commercial interests here, occupy- ing a prominent position as a merchant and continuing in the trade until 1895, when he retired. In 1864 he erected a substantial two-story brick hotel, called the Forler Hotel. located at the corner of Fifth and High streets. On the street floor was the office of the hotel and also his grocery and provision store. The building was burned in April, 1889, and in November, 1889, busi- ness was commenced in the new building. In his undertakings George K. Forler was very successful, his capable management of his interests bringing him a very gratifying

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degree of prosperity. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Katherine Schmidt, who was born in Ger- many and is also living. They became the parents of nine children : Magdalene, now the widow of Charles Whetstone; William S., who wedded Mary Keochly, and is now en- gaged in the hotel business in Portland, Indi- ana; George A .; Mary, the wife of Alfred Massnick, of Bay City, Michigan; Kate, the wife of Rev. Joseph Reinicke, of Marion, Ohio; John H., who wedded Olive East- wood, of South Bend, Indiana, and now lives in Niles ; Margaret, the wife of J. G. Kaiser, of Erie, Pennsylvania; Annie, the wife of Oscar Massnick, of Detroit, Michigan; and H. C. L. Forler, who married Isabelle Nes- bitt, and is a practicing attorney of Detroit.

George A. Forler, whose name intro- duces this record, entered the schools of Niles at the usual age, passing through suc- cessive grades until he had become a high school student. He afterward attended a business college in Detroit and on returning to Niles entered his father's store, acting as manager until 1893. He then went to Chicago, where he engaged in the grocery business on his own account for two years, or until 1895, when he returned to Niles and purchased his father's grocery and pro- vision business. He has since continued in this line of trade with much success, hav- ing a good patronage which is constantly growing. He is recognized as an enterpris- ing merchant and one who realizes that close application and indefatigable energy con- stitute a safe and sure foundation upon which to build the superstructure of pros- perity. In 1894 in Chicago Mr. Forler was married to Miss Dora Spansail, who was born in Genoa, Illinois. They have three children: Dorothy, born in Chicago; and Gladys and Katherine, born in Niles. Mr. and Mrs. Forler are well known socially, while his business record and position is in accord with the honored name made by his father through long years of association with mercantile interests in Niles.

In his political affiliation Mr. Forler is an earnest Democrat and has served as

alderman from the first ward and was for two terms a member of the school board.

GEORGE MILTON VALENTINE, a representative citizen and distinguished lawyer of Benton Harbor, was born in Pulaski, Oswego county, New York, Janu- ary II, 1849. His father, William Valen- tine, was born at Hoosic, Rensselear county, New York, January 19, 1803, and was a farmer by occupation, following that pur- suit throughout his entire business career. In the Empire state he was married to Miss Samantha Taylor, whose birth occurred in Richland township, Oswego county, New York, October 7, 1811. In the year 1851 they removed with their family from New York to Michigan, settling in Galien town- ship, Berrien county, where William Valen- tine made his home until his death, which occurred in May, 1875. Although farm- ing was his principal occupation he also en- gaged in lumbering to some extent. His early political allegiance was given to the Whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the Republican party. His widow still survives him and now makes her home with her daughter at Coloma, in Berrien county. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are now living, namely : Helen M .; John A., who resides in South Bend, Indiana; Stephen A., living in Granger, Indiana; William H., of Three Oaks, Michigan; Mrs. Nancy J. Brown, of Coloma; Mrs. Julia S. Jeffries, also living in Three Oaks, Michigan; George M., of Benton Harbor ; Charles N., of Fargo, North Dakota; and Andrew P., who is living in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The eldest member of the family, Helen M. Russ, is now deceased.

George M. Valentine, brought to Ber- rien county when but two years of age, ac- quired his preliminary education in the pub- lic schools and supplemented the knowledge there gained by study in New Carlisle (Indi- ana) Collegiate Institute and in the high school at Niles. In early manhood his time was devoted to general farming and school teaching, but regarding the profession of

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

teaching merely as an initial step to other professional labor, he took up the study of law in 1873 and in 1875 was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan. In July of the same year he en- gaged in partnership with W. H. Breece, of Three Oaks, under the firm style of Breece & Valentine, which relation was maintained until February, 1877, when he removed to Benton Harbor, and on St. Valentine's day of that year opened an office. From 1897 until 1901 he was a member of the law firm of Valentine & Ellsworth, general practi- tioners. With the exception of this period he has been alone in practice and has long maintained a foremost place in the front ranks of the representatives of the legal fra- ternity in Berrien county. He served as attorney for the village of Benton Harbor and as city attorney after its incorporation as a city. He is a close and discriminating student, with wide knowledge of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence and is correct in their application. Courts and juries listen to him with attention because of the clear, concise manner in which he presents his cause and his ability in applying legal principles thereto. He is very careful and thorough in the preparation of a case, never neglecting in the least the work that is done in the office and which is the foundation for the successes of the court room. Mr. Valentine is also recognized as a local leader in political cir- ·cles, widely known as a stalwart champion of Republican principles. In 1880 he was elected circuit court commissioner and re- elected in 1882. In 1896 he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of prosecuting attorney, and in 1898 was re-elected. In 1900 he was a delegate to the Republican national convention at Philadelphia, repre- senting the fourth congressional district of Michigan. His opinions are often a forceful element in party councils and are always listened to with attention because he has made a close study of political issues and questions and thus cites intelligently and forcefully concerning those interests affect- ing local and national welfare.

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A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 109

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