USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 41
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1893-W. A1. Vrooman
A. E. Rudolphi
John Schmidt
1894-Ira B. Gage
Hiram Arthur
Fdwin M. Lindsley
1805-W. D. Jones
Iliram Arthur
C. W. Bakeman
1896-W. D. Jones
A. M. Moon
Richard Holmes
1807-G. F. Bishop
D. F .. Connine
Richard Holmes
1808-T. G. Rix
D. F Connine
Charles Antisdel
1899-Frank W. Richey
D. E Connine
Charles Antisdel
1000-F. W. Richey
B. R. Thomas
R. Holmes
1001-Milton P. White
Harry L. Rutter
Richard Holmes
1902-\V. D. Jones
Abner MI. Moon
Charles Antisdel
1903-W. D. Jones
H. L. Rutter
Charles Antisdel
1904-C. L. Merwin
H. L. Rutter
Charles Sterrett
1005 -- C. L. Merwin
H. L. Rutter
Charles Sterrett
1006-G. R. Herkimer
II. I. Rutter
A. C. Taylor
DOWAGIAC CITY ALDERMEN.
1877-Philo D. Beckwith, George W. Adams, Hiram Scoville. Daniel Blish, F. O. Van Antwerp, Alexander H. Mason .*
1878 -- Theodore N. Winchell. Lorenzo Dillingham, Thomas J. Edwards.
1879-Gideon Gibbs, Willard Wells, William P. Grannis.
* Three were chosen for one year and three for two years, three being chosen at each annual election thereafter.
First city officers elected April 3, 1877.
Mayor 11877-Freeman J. At- well
1878-Thos. W. Adams
Julius O. Becraft
1879-Burgette L. Dewey
ISSO-Hiram Scovill
1886-P. D. Beckwith
406
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
1880-Willis M. Farr, Mark Judd, Silas Doolittle. 1881-Thomas J. Edwards, Myron Stark, Thomas Harwood. 1882 -- M. D. Jewell, John H. Conklin, Philo B. White. 1883-Harmon Defendorf. James Coleman, Charles H. Bigelow. 1884-Joseph Keen. J. H. Conklin, Charles Starrett.
1885-David Blish, James Coleman, Thomas J. Edwards. +886-Joseph Keen, Richard Holmes, 11. A. Farwell. 1887-No record.
1888-No record.
1880-W. D. Jones, Wm. Hyslop, L. J. Carr.
1800-J. A. Lindsley, Jas. P. Bond, C. W. Bakeman. 1891-No record.
1892-J. A. Lindsley, Abijah II. Pegg, Hiram Powell.
1893-W. D. Jones, Chas. T. Amsden, Frank Richey. 1804-A. E. Hilton, Henry Michael. W. H. Taylor. 1895-Joseph Keen. Wm. Judd. Martin Arnold.
1806-John Schmidt, Cyrus Tuthill, Wm. H. Harmon.
1807 -- Marvin Defendorf, W. F. Judd. Arthur K. Beckwith.
1808-Joseph Keen, Cyrus Tuthill, Elmer Pollock.
1899-S. W. Emmons. Charles Lameraux, Martin Herold. 1900-C. S. Hubbard, Levi Gray, F. W. Van Antwerp. 1901-S. W. Emmons, Coy W. Hendryx. Joseph Keen, Nicholas Hodgeboon ( vacancy ).
1902-Frank Hartsell, Levi Gray. Farnum Reed.
1903-Albert E. Hilton, Clarence Merwin, Joseph Keen. 1904-Frank Hartsell, Joseph Breck, Benjamin Gebhard. 1905-William Wells. Smith M. Baits, Malcolm A. Campbell. 1900-Frank L. Hartsell, 11. E. Agnew. B. J. Gebhard.
MARCELLUS OFFICERS.
President
Clerk
Treasurer
Assessor
1870-David Snyder
1880- David Snyder
C. E. Davis
W. R. Snyder
188I David Snyder
W. R. Snyder
1882- Horace Carbine
N. W. Bucklin
1883-C. E. Davis
Adam H. Kester
Byron R. Beebe
1884-C. E. Davis
Joseph Cromley
Geo. I Nash
1885-J Albert Jones
R. T. Edwards R. T. Edwards
H. C. Lambert
G. G. Woodmansee
1886-Byron R. Beebe 1887-Edwin P. Avery 1888 W (. George 1880-Thos. H. Cooley 1800-Geo. I. Nash
Isaac M. Smith
C. L. Kester
I'mn. G. Roy
1801-H. C. Lambert
Isaac M. Smith
Chas. T. Nash Chas. T. Nash
Chas. Wing
Isaac M. Smith J. A. Sipley
D. H. Palmer
E. E. Schall
D. H. Palmer
E. P. Hartman
I. A. Sipley J. A. Sipley
C. H Iludson
Geo. R. Clemens
C. H. Hudson
R. J. Walker W. R. Walker
R. T. Edwards Isaac M. Smith
F. P. Hartman
Wm. G. Roy
W'm. Wikel
Geo. I. Nash
Isaac M. Smith
C. L. Kester
Geo. I. Nash
Geo. A. Paxon
1802-11. C. Lambert 1803-Alexander Taylor 1894- Alexander Taylor 1895 --- Alexander Taylor 180G-D) H. Palmer
L B. DesVoignes L. B. Des Voignes I. B. Des Voignes 1 .. B. DesVoignes Geo. R. Clemens R. T. Edwards
C. E. Davis
W. R. Snyder
C E. Davis Adam II. Kester
G P. Worden
Jas. Cowling
407
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
1897 -- D. H. Palmer Geo. R. Clemens H. F. Bent F. S. Hall
1898-M. B. Welcher Geo. R. Clemens H. F. Bent S. W. DeCou
1899 -- M. B. Welcher
Geo. R. Clemens Bert S. Jones F. S. Hall
1900 -- J. A. Sipley Geo. R. Clemens Bert S. Jones H. M. Nottingham
1901-J. A. Sipley
Geo. R. Clemens Clyde Goodrich
F. S. Ilall
1902-T. E. Warr
Geo. R. Clemens
Bert Ward
F. S. Hall
1903-J. J. Nash
W. MI. Beadle
Bert Ward
F. S. Hall
1904-J. J. Nash
WV. M. Beadle LeRoy S. Long J. B Fortner
1905-C. E. Davis
W. M. Beadle
LeRoy S. Long J. B. Fortner
1906-C. E. Davis
WV. M. Beadle C. W. Dailey LeRoy S. Long
At the first election six trustees were elected, three for two years and three for one year. At each election thereafter three trustees were elected for two years and to fill vacancies as they occurred.
1879-Kenyon Bly, two years: W. O. Mathews, two years ; Lean- der Bridge, two years; B. R. Beebe, one year: Alexander Taylor, one year ; R. R. Beebe, one year.
1880 -- Alex. Taylor, F. S. Sweetland, John Bane.
1881-W. O. Mathews, Solomon Stern, Wm. Lutes. Vacancies,
L. C. Burney, T. H. Cooley. 1882-Alex. Taylor, I. M. Smith, J. A. Jones. Vacancy, W. R. Snyder.
1883-David Snyder, Chas. Edwards, Isaac Zeigler. 1884-C. H. Hudson, J. C. Joiner, I. M. Smith.
1885-Thos. H. Cooley, L. B. DesVoignes, Addison E. Sill.
1886-Joel J. Nash, Geo. W. Krowl, Jas. S. Cowling. 1887-Chas. Edwards. J. O. Apted. F. H. Drummond. 1888 -- David Snyder, Wm. Lutes, C. F. Davis. 1889-G. P. Worden. E. M. Keteham, O. W. Remington.
1890 -- David Snyder. R. D. Snyder, William Lutes. 1891-J. A. Jones, Alex. Taylor, H. C. Loveridge. 1892-W. O. George, G. W. Krow1. Roht. Milliman.
1893-Solomon Stern, Clark L. Beele. Ernest Shillito. Vacancy, Peter Schall.
1894-C. Lomison, Geo. W. Jones, HJ. E. Moon. 1895-Solomon Stern, Ernest Shillito, J. J. Nash. 1896-G. W. Adams, Al. B. Welcher, G. W. Krowl. 1897 -- C. E. Carpenter, I. M. Smith. C. H. Hudson. 1898-J. J. Fisher. G. W. Krowl, D. H. Palmer.
1809-H. F. Bent, S. W. DeCou. Clyde Goodrich. Vacancy. . 1. A. Nashı.
1900-Joseph Gearhart, Thos. Warr. Abram Huff. 1901-S. W. DeCou. T. W. Holmes. H. F. Bent. 1002-T. H. Cooley, C. C. Long. Alex. Taylor. Vacancy, C. Lomison.
1903-C. Lomison, Thos. Warr, E. S. Conklin. Vacancy, Solo- mon Stern.
405
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
1904 -- C. E. Carpenter, I. M. Smith, H. J. Hoover. 1905-1. E. Bailey. W. O. George, C. C. Long. 1900-R. E. Yeuells, Il. J. Hoover, J. E. Spigelmyer.
VANDALI.A.
President Clerk -
.Issessor Treasurer
1875 -Geo. J. Townsend Jos L. Sturr
1870-Gen J. Townsend Jos. L. Sturr
(icc Longsduff
1 Alexander
1877 -Gen J. Townsend Jos L. Sturr
Geo. Longsduff
J. Alexander
1878-John H1. Fast Jos L. Sturr
R. S. Pemberton
1. Alexander
1870-John Alexander Jos. L .- Sturi
M A. Thompson
Wm. Green
1880-John Alexander V A. Thompson
Jos. L. Sturr
Win. Green
1881 -- Geo. Longsduff
Jos. L Sturr
Jos L. Sturr
W'nı. Green
1882-Geo. Longsduff
Jos. L. Sturr
Jos. L. Sturr
Wm. Green
1883 -- Geo. Longsduff
Jos. L. Storr
Jos. L. Sturr
WVm. Green
1884-H. 1I. Phillips
Jos. L. Sturr
Geo. Longsduff
Lot B. James
1885 H. II. Phillips
Chas F. Johnston
1. L Tharp
WVm. Green
ISS ;- Geo. J. Townsend R. S. Pemberton
Geo. Longsduff
J V. Curtis
1888-W. IF. Honeyman R S Pemberton
1880 -- W. Il. Honeyman R. S Pemberton
J. Alexander
Joel Shilling
1800- W. J. Honeyman C. Fellows
ISOI L. L. Lovenberg
F. M. Dodge
3. Alexander
Toel Shilling
1.402-W. C. Rinehart
F. M. Dodge
C. L. Pemberton
Joel Shilling
1803-I .. Osborn
C. 11. Dodge
J. N. Curtis
Joel Shilling
1804 -- L. Osborn
( 11. Podge
L. L. Lavenberg
Iel Shilling
1805-L. Osborn
C. Il. Dodge
Geo. Longsduff
S. A. Bogue
1806-W. H. Honeyman ( Il Dodge
Lewie Freer
1807-W. H. Honeyman F. M Dodge
Geo, Longsduff
S. H. Thomas
1808-W. O. Sisson
F. M. Dodge
Leslie Green
E. F. Lewis
1800-Geo. Longsduff F. M. Dodge
H. S. Eist
Thos I. Mcaloy
1000-Lot B. James
F. M. Dodge
H. S. East
Thos J Mealoy
1001-Lot B James
F M. Dodge
H. S. East
F. E. Faulkner
1002-J. M. Bonine
D. M Dodge
H. S. East
F E. Faulkner
1003-Wm Green
Percy E. Lutes
H. S East
Geo. J. Townsend
1004-F. F. Lewis
S. A. Bogue
H S East
J. M. Ponine
11,05 E. F. Lewis
WV. H. Pemberton
TI. S. Fast
S. A. Rogue
:006-E. F. Lewis
W. H. Pemberton S. A Bogue
Oscar Loupee
Trustees
1875-J. B. Lutz, Geo. Longsduff, G. S. Osborn, J. H. East. Leander Osborn. W. F. Bort. After this year but three were elected, three holding over.
1876-Wm. F. Bort. John King. John F. Lemon
1877-Wm. Green. W. O. Sisson. Chas R. Dodge
1878-H. H. Phillips. Leander Osborn. James B. Bonine
1870-F. H. Reiff, Wm. Mulrine, Geo. J Townsend
1880-Peter Snyder. Leander Osbern. Alex. L Thorp.
1881-R. S. Pemberton, Alex. L. Thorp. Wm. Mulrine.
1882-Leander Osborn, H. A. Snyder, Geo. W. Van Antwerp.
1883-W'm. Mulrinc. D. K. Thurston. Peter Smith.
1884-Peter Smith, Wm. Mulrine. W. O. Sisson.
1885-N. J. Crosby, W. H. Honeymin. O. C Grenell.
1886-B. L. Rudd, Nelson J. Crosby, W. H. Honeyman.
1887-S. W. Van Antwerp, Wm. Mulrine, Chas. R. Dodge
1888-Edwin Ely. E. T. Lundy, Geo. M. Wilson. 1880-WY C. Rinchart. E. M. Alexander. L. L. Lavenberg.
1800-James B. Bonine. Edwin Elv. E. M. Alexander.
1891-W. Carl Bogue. C II. Bonine. E. C. Doane
1892-Geo Longsduff, D. K. Thurston, O. C. Johnston. 1893-Chas R Dodge, L. L. Lavenberg. C. II. Bonine.
Gen. Longsduff
W'm. Given
18NOW .. O. Sisson
Leslie Green
R S Pemberton
I'm Green
J. Alexander
Joel Sholing
Gico. Longsduff
Muss. Thomas. Higgins
Thomas T Higgins
409
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
1894-W. H. Honeyman, E. F. Lewis, W. Carl Bogue. 1895-Chas. W. East, L. J. Reynolds, Jonas Ruple.
1896 L. L. Lavenberg, Jolin N. Bonine, James M. Bonine.
1897-Henry O. Deal, Chas. W. East, Lot B. James. 1898-Fred W. Williams, John N. Curtis.
1899-G. L. Hollister, Chas. W. East, C'has. R. Dodge. 1900-James M. Bonine, C. F. Fellows, John A. Bonine.
1901-Fred G. Pollock, G. L. Hollister. C. H. Bonine.
1902-Lot B. James, E. F. Lewis, Edwin Ely. 1903-D. K. Thurston, Geo. Longsduff, Harry J. Keen.
1904-Wm. Oxenford, Geo. Longsduff, Lot D. James.
1905-Harry J. Keene, F. W. Harris, George Longsduff.
1906-F. B. Lewis, B. L. Evans, Lot B. James.
IION. THOMAS T. HIGGINS.
For many years Hon. Thomas T. Higgins has been regarded as a representative and prosperous farmer of Cass county, and at the present time he is making a notable record as a member of the general assem- bly, being now for the second term representative from his district in the Michigan legislature. To the energetic natures and strong mental- ity of such men is due the success and ever increasing prosperity of the Republican party, in this state and in the hands of this class of citizens there is every assurance that the best interests and welfare of the party will be attended to, resulting in a successful culmination of the highest ambitions and expectations entertained by its adherents. Throughout his life Mr. Higgins has been a loyal citizen, imbued with patriotism and fearless in defense of his honest convictions, and he is now advocat- ing in legislative halls and before the people the principles which he be- lieves will best advance the welfare of the commonwealth. Such is the inan whose life history forms the theme of this article. He makes his home on section 17. Jefferson township, and when not engaged with the weighty duties of his office his time and energies are concentrated upon the successful conduct of what is one of the best improved farms in Cass county.
Mr. Higgins was born in Randolph county, Indiana, on the 10th of February, 1844. and is of Trish lineage. the family having been founded in America early in the eighteenth century. The name Hig- gins was known in the old Emerald Isle as Higginson, but now is known as Higgins. The representatives of the name in America are descended from Thomas Iliggins, an early settler of Delaware, and the family has furnished to various states prominent representatives, who have held important public positions. This number includes Gov- ernor Higgins, of New York, who is a second cousin of the subject of this review. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Higgins, was a native of Ireland. His father, James T. Higgins, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, at the old home of the family in 1807. and there spent the
410
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
days of his boyhood and youth, while in the public schools he acquired his education. In 1829, when a young man of twenty-two years, Pres- ident Andrew Jackson gave him charge of the mail route from New Castle to Fort Delaware. While still a young man he assumed the work of grading the first interurban railroad in the country, from New Castle to Chesapeake Bay, working under Joseph Cannon. Much of his life, however, was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was mar- ried in the east but at an early day the spirit of the pioneer led him to the wilds of Indiana, and for some time he resided in Randolph county, whence in 1858 he came to Cass county, Michigan, settling in LaGrange township, where he purchased a tract of land and improved a farm. He voted for Mcclellan in 1864, but early gave his political support to the Republican party. However, he cast his ballot for Fre- mont, its first presidential candidate, and for Lincoln in 1860. He wed- ded Miss Mary Higgins, who was a native of New Jersey and was de- scended from the same ancestry. She lived to be fifty-nine years of age, while James T. Higgins, the father, reached the very venerable age of ninety-one years. In their family were eight children. three sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to manhood or womanhood, but only three are now living: Thomas T., of this review; George; and Mary, the wife of William Hass, of LaGrange township.
Hon. Thomas T. Higgins was the eldest son and fifth child in his father's family. He was reared in Richmond, Wayne county, and in Randolph county, Indiana, and was a youth of sixteen years when he eame with his parents to Cass county, Michigan. His early education had been acquired in the schools of Richmond. and he afterward con- tinued his studies in what is known as the Mechanicsburg school in LaGrange township. He has largely been dependent upon his own re- sources from the age of sixteen years and his inherent force of char- aeter, his utilization of opportunity and his unremitting diligence in everything that he has undertaken have constituted the basis of his success. When about twenty-one years of age he went south and was employed as government teamster for about three months. This was at the close of the war. He then returned to Cass county, where he legan farming on his own account and throughout his aetive business career he has carried on general agricultural pursuits.
In 1867 Mr. Higgins was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Rathbum, a daughter of Lucius and Sarah ( Gliek) Rathbum and a native of Jefferson township. her people having located in Jefferson township. Cass county, at a very early day. Mr. Higgins lived upon his father's farm for a time and afterward upon his father-in-law's property, but in 1869 took up his ahode upon the farm on which he now resides on section 17. Jefferson township. At that time only twenty aeres of land had been cleared and cultivated. He at onee, however, continued the work of development, placed the greater part of the land under the plow and has put all of the improvements upon
411
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
the property, which is now a splendidly cultivated farm, comprising two hundred acres of rich and arable land, from which he annually harvests large crops. His first home was a log cabin, but this has long since been replaced by a more commodious and substantial modern resi- dence. In all of his farm work he is energetic and painstaking. He thoroughly understands his business, and in fact thoroughness is one of his marked characteristics, manifest in all that he has undertaken in every relation of life. He is also thoroughly reliable in his business transactions, his name being a synonym for integrity and straightfor- ward dealing.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have been born five children : J. P., who is now living in Dowagiac. wedded Miss Mabel Palmer and is engaged in real estate: Florence, who is the wife of Fred Shurter, a resident farmer of Jefferson township: Claude, who was a mail carrier on a rural route, but now an agriculturist : he wedded Leona Gifford; Leila. the wife of Fred Whitmore. also living in Jef- ferson township; and Elsie. the wife of Henry AtLee, of the state of Washington.
In April. 1871, Mr. Higgins was made a Mason and is one of the oldest representatives of Cassopolis lodge. He also belongs to the Chapter at Cassopolis and is a prominent representative of the frater- nity here. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican. taking an active interest in the local work of the party and doing everything in his power to insure its success. He has held various local offices, but still higher political honors awaited him, for in 1903 he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature by a vote of two hundred and fifty-two. He proved an active working member of the house and that his constitutents regarded favorably his efforts in their behalf is shown by the fact that in 1905 he was re-elected by a largely increased majority of nine hundred. He has delivered various campaign speeches and is a forceful, earnest speaker, and is today accounted one of the prominent representatives of the party in the county. He has also left the impress of his individuality upon state legislation. He has never pretended to be an orator and the members of the house who at first were not inclined to pay much attention to the speeches of the farmer representative soon found out that they had to cope with a force on which they had little reckoned. His earnestness and his honesty were not alone his strong characteristics, although these traits are most commendable. His fellow members found, too. that he had been a student of the questions and issues of the day and that he had a keen and shrewd insight into matters which came up for discussion. A pub- lication of recent date said: "He is always steady and honest and when he set himself the other day to oppose the attorney general's bill to allow the institution in Ingham county of state cases against parties of all sections of the state he won a victory. The house voted the bill down. His speech on that occasion is regarded as his best address to
412
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
the legislature." Mr. Higgins also won wide attention by a plan for the solution of the primary reform problem and his suggestion won approval from both wings in the reform fight. In regard to this meas- ure the reporter for the work of the house, H. M. Nimino, said: "Rep- resentative Iliggins of Cass has come forward with a solution of the primary reform muddle that has already found favor with several of the opponents of direct nominations, including Governor Warner. His compromise proposition is this: Retain the state conventions to name candidates to be placed on the party ballots and give the people a chance to choose the nominee by direct vote from among the candidates for state offices so endorsed. Higgins has also accepted the suggestion that cach candidate be endorsed by at least twenty-five per cent of the del- egates of the state convention before his name can go on the ballot. His measure has received the endorsement of many men prominent in the ranks of the Republican party, including Governor Warner, Chair- man Stone of the house elections committee. banking commissioner Moore and others." As stated, Mr. Higgins has made himself felt as a forceful factor in the affairs of the commonwealth, and that he has won the confidence and support of his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact of his largely increased majority at his second election. His career has been one of activity, full of incidents and results, and by his excellent public service und upright life he has honored the commu- nity that has honored him with official preferment.
GEORGE W. JONES.
George W. Jones, at one time closely, actively and helpfully con- nected with the substantial development and progress of Marcellus and Cass county, was born in Preble county, Ohio, on the 3rd of April, 1824, and died April 29. 1896. He came to Michigan about 1830, in company with his parents. Henry and Hannah Jones, who locate.1 on Young's Prairie. In the spring of 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, he made his way to California. where he turned his attention to mining. After two years, learning that unless extraordinary efforts were made the large possessions of his father- nine hundred acres-would be lost. he returned to his home to do his share toward saving the property. Six weeks after his return the father died, leaving the weight of heavy financial obligations on his shoulders. He was appointed administrator of the estate, which, however, was much encumbered, and capable financiers said that he would never be able to pay off the debts. Nothing daunted, however, and with reso- lute spirit and determined energy, he set to work, and with the assist- ance of his two younger brothers. F. J. and J. G. Jones, after eleven years, as the result of good financiering, economy and unfaltering labor, he was enabled to divide twenty-two thousand dollars among the eleven heirs to the estate. Having purchased the interest of some of the other
413
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
heirs in the home property, he erected on the farm the present fine res- idence now owned by his heirs. Two years subsequent George W. Jones, in company with Orson Rudd, purchased two hundred and seven acres of land on which is now located the village of Wakelee and in 1882 he owned three-fourths of the original purchase. In all of his business undertakings he displayed remarkable foresight and sagacity. With prophetic eye he seemed to see the line of the railroad and recog- nized that the present site of Marcellus would prove an eligible one for a village. Accordingly he bought two hundred and eleven acres of land at what was then considered the extravagant price of thirteen thou- sand dollars. In 1870 he began to lay out the village, and the success that attended his efforts may be readily learned by a visit to this enter- prising and prosperous town. In 1877, becoming impressed with the fact that Marcellus needed a bank, he opened such an institution, al- though he had had no previous experience in the banking business. He made his son, C. S. Jones, his cashier, and the new enterprise proved successful beyond his anticipation. He displayed marked business abil- ity, executive force and correct judgment, and whatever he undertook seemed destined to win success. The secret of his prosperity, however, is found in his unremitting diligence, careful study of any plan which he formulated and his determination in carrying it forward to com- pletion.
On the 28th of December, 1853, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Emma B. Sherman, a daughter of E. B. Sherman of Cassopo- lis, by whom he had two sons. Frank S. and Carroll S., the latter the present cashier of the bank, which was incorporated as a state bank in 1897. Carroll S. Jones was married to Miss Bessie E. Caul, a daugh- ter of Andrew F. Caul, one of the prominent farmers of Marcellus township, and they have two children. Donna V. and Carroll B. The senior brother, who is unmarried, is president of the bank.
In 1870 George W. Jones was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 20th of November of that year. On the 15th of March, 1876, he wedded Miss Lizzie Osborn, a daughter of Nathan Osborn, who was a real estate dealer and one of the pioneers of St. Joseph county, Michigan. He was circuit judge of that county and held other positions of importance. His birth occurred in Con- necticut, but his daughter. Mrs. Jones, was born in St. Joseph county. Michigan, was educated there and became a resident of South Bend. She was one of eight children, being the fifth in order of birth. Her brother, Hon. James D. Osborn, was on the bench of the circuit court at Elkhart, Indiana, and another brother, Hon. George W. Osborn, represented St. Joseph county in the Michigan legislature. Unto Mr. Jones by his second marriage were born two children: Henry B., who is now a banker at Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and Vera May, the wife of Walter F. Smith, of Goshen, Indiana, a real estate dealer of that place.
414
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
Mr. Jones was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, but did not become a member of any church, although he frequently attended religious services and contributed liberally to their support, being a firm believer in Jesus Christ and His teachings. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy. but he was without aspiration for office. preferring to give his time and his energies to his business interests. which were capably managed, winning for him a gratifying measure of prosperity as the years went by. He died in 1896, honored and re- spected by all who knew him not only by reason of the success he had achieved. but also because of the straightforward business policy he had ever followed.
ALEXANDER TAYLOR.
Alexander Taylor, who is giving his attention to the management of a farm in Cass county and who in various offices has proved his lov- alty to the general welfare, maintains his residence in Marcellus. He was born in Scotland in 1845 and is a son of Alexander and Helen ( Stuart) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father who was a cattle dealer, spent his entire life there. The mother was a descendant of the famous royal house of Stuart. By this marriage there were nine children. all of whom came to the United States. namely : William, who died in Canada: Jane, who is the deceased wife of Will- iam Matthewson, a farmer of Will county. Illinois: Alexander, of this review : John, a stonecutter of Illinois : Ellen, the wife of Joseph Thomp- son, a Chicago mechanic: Jessie. the deceased wife of Walter Grave, a farmer of Will county, Illinois ; Mary A., the wife of Albert French, a capitalist of Chicago: Isabella, who married Allen Fleming, an agri- culturist of McHenry county. Illinois; and William Andrew, who died in early life.
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