A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 113

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

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While there Mr. Olds married a second time and after a few years, becoming tired of the business of manufacturing brick, he removed to the township of Benton when the whole district was almost an unbroken wilderness. He located on a piece of land on section 27, where he erected a log house and then began to clear away the heavy timber with which the land was well covered. After several years of hard labor, having got his land in a measure cleared up, he built him a new and comfortable frame house, in which he and his family resided for about eight years. He then had the misfortune of hav- ing his house and furniture nearly all de- stroyed by fire, but with renewed energy and strength he set to work to retrive his lost possessions and built another house on al- most the site of the first structure. He con- tinued to occupy it for several years, or until the infirmities of age came upon him and he turned over the care of the farm to his son, with whom he resided for several years, or until the time of his death, which occurred on the 2d of October, 1882, when he had

reached the age of eighty-seven years, three months and seven days.

WILLIAM H. WEBER, of Benton Harbor, is a native son of the county, his birth occurring in Bainbridge township in 1865, but his father, Jacob Weber, was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America after his marriage, settling in South Bend, Indiana, about 1858 or 1859. Sub- sequently he came to this county, establishi- ing his home in Bainbridge township, where he purchased and improved a farm, resid- ing continuously thereon up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1885, when he was sixty-four years of age. His wife died in 1869 or 1870, when about forty-one years. of age. In their family were seven children, of whom William H. is the youngest. Only one other is now living, Carrie, who resides in Chicago. The eldest brother, Jacob Weber, now deceased, was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting from South Bend, In- diana, in the Thirty-eighth Indiana Regi- ment.

William H. Weber was reared upon a farm in his native township and acquired a district-school education. When seventeen or eighteen years of age he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed for two- years and then returned to Benton Harbor, where he accepted a clerkship in a grocery store, remaining there until he entered mer- cantile life on his own account in 1900. He- established a retail grocery store and in ad- dition to a large stock of staple and fancy groceries he also carries a line of crockery. His store is located on East Main street and he has been very successful since starting out on his own account, having at the pres- ent time a fine trade.

In 1898 in Benton Harbor occurred the marriage of Mr. Weber and Miss Anna E. Kinney, a daughter of Patrick M. Kinney, one of the old pioneer settlers of this city. They now have one child, Helen L., who was born in Benton Harbor and is five years of age.

Politically an earnest Republican, Mr. Weber was elected on the party ticket to the office of city treasurer. He filled the office

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

for two terms and is now serving as alder- man. Every measure which comes up for settlement receives his earnest consideration and he is a strong champion of each move- ment which tends to promote the substantial welfare, improvement and progress of the city. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees. Having always lived in this county save for the brief period of two years spent in Chicago he has a wide acquaintance and the fact that he has led an upright life is indicated when we note that many of his stanchest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted from his boyhood days to the present time.

WILLIAM H. BULLARD was born in Auburn, Cayuga county, New York, April 23, 1842. His parents, Ambrose M. and Elizabeth (Ebare) Bullard, were both na- tives of Paris, France, and in 1825 the father emigrated to America, locating in Auburn, New York, where he remained for a number of years. In 1856 he removed westward with his family to Paw Paw, Michigan, where he continued to make his home until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1858, when she was forty-seven years of age. The following year he returned to Auburn, New York, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1864, when he was fifty-three years of age. While in France he formed the acquaintance of Eliza- beth Ebare, and their friendship ripened into love but their families objected to their mar- riage, so they were married at sea while on their way to the new world, the wedding ceremony being performed by a Presbyterian minister. Mr. Bullard was a sculptor and made many beautiful marble statues. In the family were twelve children, five daugh- ters and seven sons, of whom William H. was the seventh in order of birth. Five of the number are now living, namely: Eliza, Stephen, William H., James and Sarah.

William H. Bullard spent the days of his early youth in Auburn, New York, and at- tended school there until 1856, when at the age of fifteen he came to Michigan. The family home was established at Paw Paw, Van Buren county. At the age of nineteen

years he enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the at- tempt of the south to overthrow the Union. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when he offered his ser- vices to the government, enlisting on the 23d of April, 1861, as a member of Com- pany C, Seventieth New York Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Poto- mac under the command of Colonel Sickles. Mr. Bullard was in many hard fought bat- tles, including the engagements of the Wild- erness, which extended over seven days. He was also in the terrible conflict of Gettys- burg, one of the most hotly contested bat- tles of the entire war, in which both armies lost heavily. Mr. Bullard served for three years, three months and ten days and was then honorably discharged in July, 1864. There were five brothers of the family in the Civil war, Stephen serving in the Third Michigan Cavalry, Peter as a member of Company C, Twelfth Michigan Regiment of Volunteers, and James in Company C of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. It was he and a Mr. Monger who captured Jefferson Davis, the leader of the Confederacy. The family record is one of which there is every reason to be proud, for the brothers were brave and loyal soldiers, displaying valor upon many southern battlefields.

Following his discharge from the army Mr. Bullard of this review, located in Misha- waka, Indiana, and in October, 1864, came to Niles, Michigan, where he has since lived. He was a wood-turner by trade and followed that pursuit until he was called to the posi- tion of clerk in the postoffice at Niles. He there served faithfully until his health failed, when he resigned. He afterward became a postal clerk between Cleveland and Chicago in the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad and was thus engaged until he turned his attention to the grocery business, establish- ing a store in Niles, which he conducted suc- cessfully for sixteen years at the corner of Main and South Third streets. While con- ducting his grocery store he secured a pat- ronage which constantly grew as the years passed, so that he was able annually to add to his income. Now in possession of a com- fortable competence for his declining years,

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

he is living a retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

On the 28th of June, 1868, Mr. Bullard was united in marriage to Miss Carrie G. Fisher, a daughter of Iliff Fisher, of Ber- rien Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Bullard have been prominent in social life of Niles and their pleasant and attractive home is the center of a cultured society circle. Both are esteemed and valued members of the Presby- terian church. Mr. Bullard has been a Knight of Pythias for nineteen years. He is chairman of the soldiers' relief commit- tee of Berrien county, in which capacity he has served continuously from the beginning. He was director of the poor farm for some years and the poor and needy have found in him a friend, his benevolent nature respond- ing readily to any call for assistance. In politics he is an earnest Republican and has held various offices of trust and responsibil- ity. He is a member of the Berrien county Republican central committee, and for many years has been active in the affairs of that party. He is deeply interested in the wel- fare of Niles to the extent of giving hearty and helpful co-operation to all measures for the public good. He has resided continu- ously in this city since 1864, covering a per- iod of almost forty-four years, and during this time his life has ever been upright and honorable, winning him the regard and con- fidence of his fellowmen.

CARMI REDDICK SMITH is closely associated with the business enterprises and activity of Niles which have lead to its sub- stantial upbuilding. A native son of Michi- gan, he was born in Girard, Branch county, on the 19th of May, 1862. His father, Mahlon A. Smith, was born in New York and became an early settler of Branch county. His mother was a daughter of John B. Reddick, who came to Michigan in 1832. Mahlon A. Smith, following his removal to Branch county, became owner of three hun- dred acres of land and there carried on gen- eral agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. He cleared most of his land, placing it under a high state of cultivation. In his early life he had followed merchan- dising, but after purchasing the farm gave

his undivided attention to agricultural pur- suits until his life's labors were ended in 1892, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow still survives and makes her home in Coldwater, Branch county, Michigan. In their family were six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom five are living, namely: Carmi R .; Mark H., a resident of Coldwater ; Mabel L., the wife of Rev. John Biery, a Methodist minister; Katherine L., the wife of Rev. R. J. McLandress, a clergy- man of the Presbyterian church of Oconto, Wisconsin; and Benjamin H., who lives in Niles, where he is foreman of the \V. A. Reddick Wire and Shovel Factory.

Carmi R. Smith was graduated from the high school of Coldwater, in the class of 1882. He afterward attended Albion Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1886 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Subsequently he went to Fort Wayne, where he studied law for a short time and then came to Niles, here accepting the position of book- keeper with John L. Reddick, who was at that time engaged in the wood, coal and lumber business. Mr. Smith remained with Mr. Reddick for two years, after which he entered the employ of the Ohio Paper Com- pany as purchasing agent of straw, pulp, etc., thus representing the house for two years. In 1891 he purchased of J. L. Reddick the contract for supplying straw and pulp to the different mills. The contract involved an immense amount of business in securing these materials and Mr. Smith continued in that line of activity until 1903, when he sold his contracts. In 1889 he had pur- chased the J. L. Reddick lumber business and has since continued as a dealer in that commodity, also owning and operating a planing mill. In addition to dealing in all kinds of lumber he carries a full line of sash, doors, glass, mouldings, porch stock and paint. In fact he deals in all kinds of build- ing materials. He is now conducting a large and prosperous business, his sales reaching an extensive figure annually. In the mean- time he had purchased a large tract of tim- ber land in northern Michigan, which he cleared in 1902, having received many thous- and feet of lumber therefrom. In this way he has added to the value of property in that

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

locality, placing the land in a condition bet- ter fitted for cultivation.

Mr. Smith has made his home in Niles since 1886 and has always been very active in public affairs of the city. At the present time he is identified as a director with three building and loan associations in Niles and is president of one of them. He is also president of the Niles Creamery Company and is president of the Business Men's As- sociation of the city. He is a student of the signs of the times, readily recognizing op- portunities and bends every energy to im- prove these, advancing general prosperity as well as individual success.

Mr. Smith is a recognized factor in politi- cal circles, wielding a wide influence. In 1896 he was very active in support of the party and its principles during the Mckinley administration. In 1897-98 he became a member of the state legislature, filling out the unexpired term of E. S. Williams who resigned to accept the appointment of post- master of Niles. In 1903 Mr. Smith was elected mayor of Niles and in October of that year he resigned to accept the unexpired term of postmaster caused by the death of E. S. Williams, whom he had succeeded in the state legislature. Three days after Mr. Wil- liams' death Mr. Smith was appointed to succeed him. He is a stalwart Republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party. He keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day and stands as an advocate of a high type of political honor and reli- ability.

In October, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Mary E. Stafford, of Port Hope, Michigan. She is the daugh- ter of W. R. Stafford, who was a large man- ufacturer of lumber in northern Michigan, and now owner of extensive lands in Huron county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons, W. R. Stafford Smith and Carmi Reginald Smith, both born in Niles. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Smith belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while in the Masonic order he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Niles, and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is quick of appre-

hension and comprehends readily intricate business and political problems. He has done much toward promoting the general welfare, and his career, both public and pri- vate, has been marked by the strictest integ- rity and faithfulness to every trust reposed in him. He is known as an honorable man, a pleasant, social companion, and a devoted husband and father.

CAPTAIN MOSES EMERSON, now deceased, who won his title by sailing on the lakes and the high seas, was for some years a resident of Benton Harbor and had a wide acquaintance in Berrien county, so that his history cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred at Madison, Lake county, on the 7th of August, 1831, and he passed away July 4, 1902, when in his seventy-first year. His father was Joseph Emerson, a son of Joseph Emerson, Sr., who with his two brothers were soldiers of the Revolu- tionary war and fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. Joseph Emerson, Jr., emigrat- ing westward with ox teams, at length reached Lake county, Ohio, where he made a settlement, being one of the early residents of the western reserve. This was about 1805, only two or three years after the ad- mission of Ohio into the Union. The family lived in true pioneer style. Mr. Emerson was numbered among the fearless strivers toward the ever receding west, fascinating for its untried dangers as for its fabled wealth. He was one of those sturdy, grave men, who fought and toiled and hoped and realized in varying measures, leading in sober truth a life fraught with privations, hardships and pleasures such as the colors of no artist have ever been able faithfully to portray nor have the word pictures ever fully reproduced these pioneer experiences.

Moses Emerson was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity and in early life learned the trade of a ship carpenter, after which he became a sailor on the lakes. He was married in Ohio to Miss Helen Palmer, who was born in Concord, Lake county, and was eight years his junior. She was eighteen years of age at the time of her marriage. Her grandfather was Dr. Isaac

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

Palmer, of Connecticut, who in pioneer times removed to the western reserve to practice his profession and Mrs. Emerson now has in her possession a letter which was written to him and which reads as follows :

Canandaigua, New York, August 14, 1799.

Isaac Palmer, Esq.,

Dear Sir :-

I have this moment received a letter from Colonel Sheldon containing your wishes to become a settler in New Connecticut pro- vided some encouragement could be given you. In answer I can only say that I con- ceive that the directors will consider the set- tlement of a physician in that country as ad- vantageous and would not hestitate at giving you the encouragement proposed by Colonel Sheldon. As one of the directors I shall have no objection to giving you one hundred acres and selling you four or five more. I will write Colonel Sheldon on the subject, with whom you may confer. In the utmost haste, I am

Yours, etc., OLIVER PHELPS.

The doctor made the anticipated move and settled at Concord, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days, and his son, Erastus Palmer, father of Mrs. Emerson, also lived and died on the same farm. His youngest son, Charity Palmer, now lives upon the old homestead there.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Emer- son removed to Ohio and he engaged in sail- ing on the lakes. In 1866 he came to Ben- ton Harbor, induced to make the move through an old friend, Martin G. Lamport, who was residing here. Wishing to be near Chicago, Mr. Emerson located at Benton Harbor, purchasing the farm which has since been in possession of the family. He bought seven acres in Pipestone township, where he lived for many years. The place was covered with stumps and apple trees had been set out two years before among the stumps. They have since borne fruit and several of them are still good trees. The

first house was a small frame dwelling. Captain Emerson continued to sail on the lakes for several years and became a captain of different vessels. He was a fine naviga- tor, but, not caring for responsibility, pre- ferred to sail as mate and occupied that posi- tion for many years. Later he turned his attention to farming, having a tract of land near the Morell farm on Empire avenue, which he operated though living in the city. His widow still owns this fifty-acre farm, which is devoted to fruit, including a large apple orchard.

Unto Captain and Mrs. Emerson was born one son, Joseph Henry Emerson, who married Laura Durkee, and for ten years has been in the postoffice in Benton Harbor as an employee.

In disposition Captain Emerson was rather retiring and preferred his home to public life. He enjoyed quite good health until a short time prior to his demise and he lived a Christian life, exemplifying in his daily conduct his religious faith and prin- ciple. He was reared in the old school Pres- byterian church, but in this county attended the Congregational church. His nature was entirely unobtrusive even to timidity and this caused him to desire no position in public life, but all who knew him respected him for his genuine personal worth and his ability was recognized by those with whom he came in contact. His honesty was ever above question and he held friendship inviolable. For forty years Mrs. Emerson has lived at her present home, which is located in the leading residence district of the city. She has long been active in the Congregational church and its societies and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her. Many have benefited by her good deeds in connec- tion with the church and by her private charities. In 1902 she was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband, who passed away on the 4th of July of that year. There are in every community quiet, retiring men who never seek to figure in public life and yet who nevertheless exert a strong and beneficial influence in the community through example rather than precept, and such a one was Captain Moses Emerson.

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

HANS MADISON, who, was among the worthy and respected residents of Royalton township, was born in Denmark, August 16, 1834, and died in Berrien county, May 22, 1903. He became a resident of this county in 1859 and improved a small farm near Tryon's Corners. After six years he pur- chased the present home farm, which was then a new and undeveloped tract of land, bordering the St. Joseph river, five miles above the city of St. Joseph. He also had a pasture bordering the river. He had to develop the entire farm, for the work of im- provement and cultivation had scarcely been begun there. He set out pears and apples, which are still in bearing, and. the place is now a fine farm. Following his marriage both he and his wife worked out for others but by their untiring toil and combined ef- forts they at length achieved success and became the owners of a fine home. Mr. Madison erected a part of the present resi- dence upon taking up his abode upon the farm but afterward added to both the dwell- ing and the barn, transforming them into commodious and substantial structures.

It was on the 14th of November, 1869, that Mr. Madison was united in marriage to Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in early womanhood with a brother. On reaching Chicago they separated. Neither had any money, and in Chicago Mary Johnson met a Mr. Leonard and hired to him to go to St. Joseph. She afterward went to live with Mr. Tryon, with whom she remained until her marriage in the fall of 1869. Mr. Madi- son was at the same time in the employ of Mr. Tryon. He was eleven years his wife's senior and at the time of their marriage he - had paid for his eighteen acres of land, upon which was a good house. He had a pleasant home there but as his family increased he traded it for more land. Since his death his widow has continued to improve the farm and now has about fifteen acres of land planted to fruit. She has also increased the acreage devoted to berries and the place is a splendid fruit farm.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Madison were born five children : Lewis Alfred, a railroad em-

ploye, living in Kankakee, Illinois; Andrew, a contractor and builder at Carl, Michigan ;; Minnie L., the wife of William H. Brunke, a merchant, teacher, farmer and postmaster at Vineland; Anna May, the wife of Otto Buckholts, proprietor of a grocery and market in Chicago; and Hattie L., the wife of William Everett Gates, a professional chef now living on the home farm with her mother ..

Mr. Madison and his wife were anxious to give their children the best advantages possible and the sons and daughters eagerly availed themselves of the opportunities af- forded. Both parents were reared in the Lutheran Church and were earnest Chris- tian people. Mr. Madison was a stanch Re- publican. His last illness continued for only a few weeks and he then passed away in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He was a well respected man and citizen of genuine worth, and in business circles occupied an enviable position because of his trustworthi- ness and his enterprise.

EDMUND B. STORMS, who in former years was identified - with industrial and commercial interests in Niles and since 1902 has filled the position of assistant post- master, is a native son of Berrien county, his birth having occurred in Niles township on the 24th of January, 1853. His father, Lewis V. Storms, was a native of New York and came to Michigan in 1838, when it was still under territorial rule and when the work of progress and development lay largely in the future. He resided in Berrien county and in the midst of a wild region began the development of a farm. Throughout the remainder of his active business career he carried on : general agricultural pursuits, finding that the land was rich and produc- tive, responding readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon the fields. He lived tó the advanced age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. She bore the maiden name of Lydia Baker and was born in Rich- mond, Indiana, a daughter of Nathan Baker, of Pennsylvania. In the family were three children, of whom two are living: Edmund

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

B., of this review; and Martha C., who is the wife of A. D. Young, a resident farmer of Niles township.

Edmund B. Storms was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of such a life for him in his early boyhood. He began his education in the district schools of his native township and afterward attended a select school in Niles, while subsequently he continued his studies in the business college at Kalamazoo, where he was qualified for the practical and he- sponsible duties of a business career. At an early age he became deeply interested in political questions and issues and advocated the principles of the Republican party with enthusiasm and vigor. He has never had any reason to change his views on political questions but has remained a stalwart ad- vocate of the party, which he espoused in early manhood and has been an earnest and loyal worker in its behalf. His fidelity in citizenship and his ability have led to his selection for various positions of honor and trust. In 1886 he was elected treasurer of Berrien county and filled the office for four years, when the county seat was at Berrien Springs. He also served as supervisor and was township treasurer for a number of years. Shortly after retiring from that of- fice he became interested in a manufacturing business under the firm style of the Earl- Storms Manufacturing Company, of which B. F. Earl was general manager and Mr. Storms secretary and treasurer. They en- gaged in the manufacture of furniture spe- cialties and the business was conducted suc- cessfully for a number of years, after which Mr. Storms sold his interest to his partner. He was also at one time engaged in the coal and wood business as a member of the firm of Williams & Storms and later by a change in partnership the name of Storms & O'Bier was assumed. Mr. Storms gave his . attention to that business for six years. He has made his home continuously in Niles since 1891 and has become a recognized leader in Republican ranks in this city. He was alderman for two years from the second ward and gave to each question which came

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A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 113

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