A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 66

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

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

which has made him one of the substantial and representative residents of this part of the county.

JOSEPH J. DEUEL. There are in Jo- seph J. Deuel many characteristics that render him a representative citizen of Ber- rien county and one well worthy of mention among the leading agriculturists of this part of the state. His life record began in Nor- wichville, Oxford county, Ontario, Canada, on the 25th of September, 1839. His father. Abner H. Deuel, was a native of Dutchess county, New York, and was mar- ried to Jane Duncan, whose birth occurred in the same county. The wedding cere- mony, however, was celebrated in Ontario, Canada, and about three years after their marriage they returned to the Empire state. In the spring of 1860 they came to New Buffalo, where their remaining days were passed, both departing this life here. The father died in 1893 at the advanced age of eighty-three years and the mother passed away in 1906 at the extreme old age of ninety years. In their family were six chil- dren. Charles, who served in the Forty- second Illinois Infantry in the Civil war, is now living in Elmira, Michigan. Joseph J. is the second in order of birth. William A., who was also a defender of the Union cause in the Civil war, is now living in Den- ver, Colorado, and is general superintend- ent of the Moffet Railroad System. He has been continuously with the railroad service since he left the army, beginning on the Union Pacific in 1867. He was first brakes- man, afterward promoted to conductor and later became division superintendent of the same line. He was afterward general sup- erintendent of the Rio Grande Railroad and later returned to the Union Pacific Railroad but is now connected with the Moffet Sys- tem as general superintendent. The only interruption to his railroad service was four years spent in the position of sheriff of Hall county, Nebraska. Hannah M. is the wife of Lyman Barnes, of Virginia. David is a resident of Shelby, Michigan. Abraham Deuel is represented on another page of this work.

Joseph J. Deuel, whose name introduces

this review was only about a year old when his parents removed to Niagara county, New York, where he remained to the age of ten years, when he returned to the old home in Ontario, there living with an aunt until twenty years of age. On the 21st of April, 1860, his father came to New Buf- falo and Mr. Deuel joined his parents here, residing in New Buffalo township on the old homestead, two miles from the village of New Buffalo. He carried the first mail bag from New Buffalo to St. Joseph, going on foot, this being about 1862, and he carried on foot for a time, then on horseback and later by stage. He gave his attention to farm work until the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted in Berrien county on the 7th of March, 1864, as a member of Company E, Twelfth Michi- gan Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Bos- tic of Niles. The command was sent to Lit- tle Rock, Arkansas, and operated on the White and Red rivers. Mr. Deuel partici- pated in the engagements at Clarendon and took part in long marches and many minor military movements. He became quarter- master's clerk and was honorably discharged at Camden, Arkansas, in March 1866. He then hired out to the United States govern- ment at one hundred and fifty dollars per month as quartermaster, commissary clerk, and chief clerk, continuing in the govern- ment employ until the 4th of July, 1866, when he returned to his old home in Michigan.

Mr. Deuel had a little farm which he had purchased at the time of his marriage and he took up the work of improving and cultivating it. The place comprised fifty- three acres of rich land and in addition to its improvement Mr. Deuel also worked at carpentering and contracting, being thus identified with building operations during the greater part of his life. Selling his farm. he removed to New Buffalo and became connected with the New Buffalo Land Improvement Company. He has about six hundred acres of land on the lake shore, which is owned by Floyd R. Per- kins, of Chicago. Mr. Deuel taking charge and operating it for Mr. Perkins. He

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has laid out a park of four acres here, which is a fine place bordering Lake Beaver and the river. There are natural springs and in the park are a number of deer. Mr. Deuel has also started extensive fish ponds here and has about forty-five thousand fish, including trout and some gold fish. Mr. Deuel also looks after various real estate in- terests. The company has a sixty acre lease of land on which they are making the ex- periment of developing a paint factory, brickyard and pottery, fine brick being made from the soil.

On the 2nd of February, 1862, Mr. Deuel was married to Miss Mary A. Hunt, who was born in New Buffalo township, August 19, 1844, and is a daughter of David M. and Hannah (Holbrook) Hunt. The father was born near Lafayette, Indiana, and the mother near Buffalo, New York, and both spent their last days in Boyne City, Charlevoix county, Michigan, Mrs. Hunt passing away when only twenty- six years of age, while Mr. Hunt departed this life in 1895 at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Deuel have been born four children : Agnes M., the wife of Jared K. Quantrell, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; David Abner, who died at the age of four and a half years ; Marietta, who died at the age of two and a half years; and Jacob Morris, of Boyne Falls, Michigan. Mr. Deuel was a Repub- lican, and cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, but during the past twelve years has given his political allegi- ance to the Democracy. He was super- visor of his township for one year, and treasurer for two years and for a number of terms has been justice of the peace, ren- dering fair and impartial decisions in the dis- charge of his duties. He has filled nearly all of the township offices and has been an able official. He was a member of Minor Pratt Post, G. A. R. until it was discontin- ued, and in times of peace he is as loyal in citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. A man of good business ability and enterprise, he is now carefully directing the real estate interests in his care and is developing a most attract- ive resort in New Buffalo township.

ALEXANDER HALLIDAY, residing in Lincoln township, is a native of Scot- land, his birth having occurred in Berwick- shire, near the English border, on the 24th of June, 1842. His parents were Andrew and Helen (Redpath) Halliday, and his paternal grandfather was Alexander Halli- day, Sr., who had two sons in the ministry of the Episcopal church, laboring in be- half of the cause of Christianity in England and Scotland. The year 1844 witnessed the arrival of Andrew Halliday and his father in Norfolk county, Ontario, where he se- cured large tracts of land. His attention was then given to agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years of age. His wife long survived him and died at the old homestead in Canada, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Mr. Halliday has no brothers or sisters in the United States, but has three brothers and two sisters living in Canada. His brother Robert died in Cali- fornia five years ago.

Alexander Halliday of this review spent his youth in his parents' home, was educat- ed in the public schools of Canada and in early life learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for a few years. When twenty-two years of age he went to Kan- kakee, Illinois, where he worked as a mill- wright and carpenter. He began a contract- ing business there, in which he continued for eight years, or until 1870, when he came to Berrien county with the intention of engaging in the production of peaches, which were bringing high prices at that time. He bought raw land near Lake Michi- gan about two miles from Stevensville, for which he paid one hundred and ten dollars per acre. It was destitute of improvements. . Prices had become greatly inflated with the discovery of Michigan's fruit raising pos- sibilities and improved land sold for five hundred dollars. Mr. Halliday invested his money in property, secured his land and set out peach orchards but when the trees were coming into bearing the yellows destroyed them and all of Berrien county and south- ern Michigan were left without peach or- chards. He then began growing berries until it was possible to once more engage in

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

the cultivation of peaches, when for a second time he set out his orchard. He now has forty acres planted to fruit and his place is an indication that he is one of the leading horticulturists of the county. He has erected a handsome home, commanding a fine view of the lake for miles southward to the Indiana bluffs. In the rear a fine view of the country may be obtained, with its outlying farms and orchards, even across the St. Joseph river. In fact his home is splendidly located and constitutes one of the attractive farm properties of Berrien county.

Mr. Halliday exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have fre- quently called him to public office. He has served for two years as tax collector, also as township treasurer, and for fourteen years was township supervisor, during which time the county seat was removed from Berrien Springs to St. Joseph. He was also a member of the building commit- tee at the time of the erection of the new court house. In all these relations he has proved a capable official and one whose de- votion to the general good has resulted most beneficially to the county. Lincoln has al- ways been a Republican township, and the fact that Mr. Halliday has so long been con- tinued in office is incontrovertible proof of his ability in the discharge of his duties and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He has frequently attended the state conventions of his party as a delegate and he stands firm in support of its principles, yet he has not been a poli- tician in the sense of office seeking. The honors which he has had in this direction have come to him largely unsolicited and he was at one time named as the candidate of his party for the office of sheriff.

In 1869 Mr. Halliday was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Doyle, a native of Pennsylvania, who for some years en- gaged in teaching in the Keystone state and in Illinois, spending a part of that time in the College of St. Anne. Mr. and Mrs. Halliday have no children of their own but reared an adopted son, Charles, who be- came a member of their household at the age

of five years and remained with them until his death, at the age of twenty-six years. Mr. Halliday is a very prominent Mason, who has taken the degrees of the York and Scottish rites and of the Mystic Shrine, and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He has also displayed many of the sterling traits of his Scottish ances- try, possessing the determination and per- sistency of purpose which have made the Scotch a thrifty and prosperous race. Al- though he has met some reverses and obsta- cles in his business career in Berrien county he has through his persistency of purpose and laudable ambition gained a place among the substantial horticulturists and respect- ed citizens of the township.

JAMES H. FLOOD, of Hagar town- ship, was born on the farm where he now lives in March, 1854. His father was Wil- liam Flood, a pioneer of this township, who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. In 1847 he came to America, resolved to test the truth of the reports which he heard concerning the business opportunities and advantages of the new world. He hoped that he might more readily acquire a com- petence than in his native country and crossed the Atlantic with the intention of coming to Wisconsin, but meeting an old countryman in St. Joseph he decided to re- main in Berrien county. This was in the year 1847. The traveler of today cannot realize the conditions which he faced at that time, for much of the land was still covered with its native growth of timber and there were few cultivated tracts. The streams, too, were unbridged and the work of reclaiming the district for the uses of the white race had scarcely been begun. Mr. Flood secured one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hagar township, which was cov- ered with fine timber, much of it being cut for the best timbers used in building the harbor of St. Joseph. He sold considerable timber and ties and carried on the work of improving and cultivating his property un- til he had placed about one hundred acres under cultivation. As he prospered in his undertaking's he bought several other tracts

Joseph Jermant

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

which he gave to his children while he still lived. Soon after the war he erected the present residence which still stands upon the old homestead. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Rose Lynch, also a native of Ireland. In his political views he was a Democrat, giving his support to the party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen. His death occurred in August, 1876. His widow afterward acted as administratrix of his estate. She survived her husband until January 8, 1900, when she, too, was called to her final rest. She had continued to op- erate the farm for some years after his death, giving personal supervision to the property and its development. Their son Patrick was a farmer, who carried on agri- cultural pursuits in this district and died at the age of sixty years. John, another son of the family, was a sailor for thirty- five years. James and Thomas remained upon the old homestead farm for some time and Thomas now lives in Chicago, but his business interests are still in Berrien county.

James H. Flood, whose name introduces this record, has passed his entire life on the shore of Lake Michigan, was reared to farm labor, spending the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. The public schools afforded him his educational priv- ileges and after he had entered upon his business life he and his brother Thomas operated a sawmill at Riverside for a time. They also improved land in different lo- calities and after about twenty years he pur- chased his brother's interest and has since carried on general farming. He now con- tinues to live upon the old homestead. He has one of the best farms in the county, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, which is very valuable and a richly product- ive tract. Upon it are good buildings and all modern equipments, and in fact none of the accessories of a model farm are here lacking.

In his political views Mr. Flood is a Democrat of the old type, believing in sound principles and honest dealing in politics as well as in business life. He is a man firm in the honest convictions, true to the light as he sees it under all circumstances and is one

of the substantial citizens, his fellowmen re- cognizing his many genuine and admirable qualities in giving him therefore their high respect.

JOSEPH TENNANT, sheriff of Berrien county, has been connected with this office for a number of years through his incumbency in his present position or as deputy, and is an officer in whom his fellow townsmen repose trust and confidence, recognizing that he will defend to the best of his ability the rights and liberties of all. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 22, 1846, and was but five years of age when brought to America by his parents, William and Rachel (Mc- Faddyen) Tennant, both of who are now deceased. The father died when his son Joseph was but sixteen years of age. He had settled in this county in what is now the village of Eau Claire, in Berrien township, when it had but a small population and much of the land was at that time un- claimed and uncultivated. His labor proved an important factor in the development of that part of the county, where he made his home up to the time of his death. In the family were eleven children, but only six of the number came to America, and three of these are still living, namely: W. James, a resident of Oceana county, Michigan; Mrs. Mary Evans, who is living in the same county; and Joseph, of this review.

Upon his father's farm in Berrien town- ship Joseph Tennant spent his childhood days and pursued his education in what was known as Farmer's Schoolhouse in Berrien township, mastering the branches of learn- îng usually taught in such institutions. He worked upon the farm from the time of early . spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn and throughout the re- mainider of the year pursued his studies. He continued in farm labor until the establish- ment of the village of Eau Claire, when, in the new town, he began buying grain for the Niles Milling Company, which he repre- sented for six years. He had charge of the grain elevator for that firm and also bought wheat there. In the meantime he was called to public service by his fellow townsmen,

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who recognized his worth and ability and his devotion to the public good. He was justice of the peace in Berrien county for twenty-four years, and no higher testimonial of his capability could be given than the fact that he was so long retained in office, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial so that he "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." At the same time he was agent for agricultural implements and con- ducted business as a grain buyer. Once more he was called to public office how- ever, when appointed deputy sheriff, serving first under James Clark and afterward under Sheriff B. R. Stearns for four years. He was likewise deputy under Sheriff E. H. Ferguson for four years and for a similar period under Fred B. Collins, and then in 1904 was elected to the office of sheriff, which position he is now filling, so that his connection with the position will cover on the expiration of his present term about twenty years. He has discharged his duties fearlessly and his nature awakens a feeling of safety among law-abiding citizens and is a menace to all who do not hold themselves amenable to law and order. He is prominent in politics and his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens are indicated by the fact that he was elected on the Democratic ticket by seven hundred and fifty majority, while the nor- mal majority of the county is about sixteen hundred Republican.

Mr. Tennant was married to Miss Eleanor Miller, a daughter of Humphrey Miller, of Ohio, and they have three chil- dren, Mollie, Hale and Nettie. The elder daughter, now Mrs. Winter, has one child, Eleanor. The younger daughter, Mrs. Net- tie Fryetag, is now liivng in Napoleon, Ohio, and has two children, Catherine and Louisa. The son Hale is a graduate of Ben- ton Harbor College, also of the University of Michigan in 1905, as B. S., and is now truant officer of Berrien county.

Mr. Tennant belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also an ex- emplary representative of the Masonic fra- ternity, the Maccabees tent and the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. He is

much esteemed throughout the county as a man of good principles and exemplifies in his life the strong and sterling character- istics of his Scottish ancestry, representing a race of people long noted for their in- tegrity, fidelity to duty and their tenacity in pursuing a course which they believe to be right.

THOMAS P. FLOOD, living in Hagar township, owns valuable property interests and has a beautiful summer home here, while his winter residence is at No. 173 North Paulina street, Chicago. He was born on the old farm homestead near Riverside, Ber- rien county, on the 26th of August, 1858, and was connected with his brother James and his mother in the ownership and the con- duct of valuable farming interests until about three years ago. He is a son of William Flood, who is mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the history of James H. Flood.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and aided in the conduct and management of the property left by the father. On the 29th of October, 1903, he was married in Chicago, to Miss Margaret E. Weldon, of that city, who was born in New Jersey, but was reared and educated in Chicago. In her girlhood she pursued a business course in Bryant & Stratton's Busi- ness College of that city. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Rosemary and Ellen. During the past three years Mr. Flood has made his home in Chi- cago in the winter months, while in the sum- mer seasons he comes to Berrien county and spends the hot period of the year at a beauti- ful summer home on the lake shore. This is situated in Hagar township, where he owns fifteen acres, constituting one of the delight- ful summer homes of this part of the state. He owns three farms in Hagar township, together with residence property in Benton Harbor and his invested interests here return him an excellent income. In his political views he is a Democrat, advocating principles expounded by Grover Cleveland. He repre-

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sents one of the old and prominent families of the county and is widely known here, hav- ing an extensive circle of warm friends.

CHRISTIAN MILLER. Among the worthy residents of Berrien county of foreign birth is numbered Christian Miller, a native of the province of Saxony, Germany, born September 12, 1836. Reared and edu- cated in his native country he was married in 1857, to Miss Anna Sophia Weber, who was likewise a native of Saxony, born Feb- ruary 9, 1839. It was in war times-in the year 1861-that Christopher Miller became a resident of Chicago. He had been a coal miner in Germany, and afterward worked for three months on a farm. Subsequently he learned the cooper's trade, which he fol- lowed in Chicago for three years during the period of the Civil war. He had been in this country for a year when he was joined by his wife. In 1866 they removed to Michi- gan, and Mr. Miller purchased twenty acres of land in the midst of the forest. So dense was the timber that he had to cut a road to his new possession. He built a house of rough boards and it was necessary to clear a space on which to erect a little structure. For forty years Mr. Miller has remained upon his place, carrying forward the work of cultivation and improvement as the years have gone by and as he cleared away the timber and prepared the land for the plow he determined to give part of his attention to horticultural pursuits and planted peach orchards. For his first twenty acres of land he paid five hundred and twenty-five dollars, which he had saved from his earnings as a cooper in Chicago. He worked by the piece there and earned good wages. After coming to Michigan in 1866 he returned to Chicago on one or two occasions in order to make money at his trade that he might thereby be enabled to continue his farm work. He cleared his first five acres in four weeks and paid for the plowing with a double barrelled gun. After returning from Chicago he cleared six acres of land for a home, taking out the grubs, his wife assisting him in this work. He paid one hundred dollars for a wagon and twenty-nine dollars interest thereon. Times were hard and money scarce

in early days but he persevered in his under- takings and in the course of years his labors were crowned with success. In early days he raised very fine peaches, which brought a high price on the market. As his financial resources permitted he bought more land from time to time until he became the owner of eighty acres, which he still retains. He has cleared it all and has about forty acres planted to fruit, peaches being his principal crop although he has made considerable money from pears.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born six children: Augusta A., the wife of William Dunn, a merchant at Derby, Michi -. gan; Eba, the wife of Rev. Frederick Ewald, a minister of the Evangelical church, at Elkhart, Indiana; Minnie, the wife of Fred Schroeder, of Royalton; Martha, the wife of Charles Johnson, of Stevensville; Anna, the wife of William Schneider, a section boss at New Buffalo on the Michigan Central Railroad ; and Frank, who is assisting in the operation of the home farm.

Mr. Miller is a Mason, belonging to the lodge and chapter and is also connected with the Grange. He and his wife hold member- ship in the Evangelical Association and are most prominent and worthy people of Lin- coln township. A self-made man Mr. Miller owes his success entirely to his own efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him. She aided him in his cooper work, in the arduous task of clearing a farm and hauled ties to St. Joseph, Michigan, where they were sold. In former years theirs was a strenuous exist- ence but now they have a good farm prop- erty which has been brought under a high state of cultivation and which yields to them a good financial return because of the well kept orchards and the fine variety of fruit raised. They have never had occasion to regret their determination to seek a home in America, for in this country where effort is unhampered by caste or class they have made steady advancement to a place among the substantial residents of Berrien county.

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A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 66

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