USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 48
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FRANK DUNN.
Frank Dunn, who is now filling the position of supervisor in New- berg township and resides on section 22, is one of the native sons of this township, his birth having here occurred on the 8th of February, 1867. He is a representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of the county. His paternal grandfather. Archibald Dunn, came to Michigan when this section of the state was a wild and unim- proved region and cast in his lot with the early settlers who were ex- tending the frontier and planting the seeds of civilization here. His son, Anson L. Dunn, was born in this state and was reared amid pio- neer environments and conditions. He pursued his education in the pub- lic schools and after arriving at years of maturity led a very busy, use- ful and active life. He was a prominent man, who held many offices in his township and proved himself at all times worthy of the trust and confidence reposed in him. He filled the position of county treasurer for four years and was a supervisor for several terms. He made a close study of the needs and possibilities of the county and exercised his of- ficial prerogatives to advance every movement that he deemed would prove of public benefit. His acquaintance was a wide one and all who knew him entertained for him genuine respect and unqualified regard.
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He wedded Miss Mary Gill, who is now a resident of Jones, but Mr. Dunn passed away in 1888. In the family were three children.
Frank Dunn, the youngest of the children, was reared in his native township and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he mastered the common branches of learning. In the summer months he assisted in the farm work and throughout his entire life he has car- ried ou general agricultural pursuits. He now has a farm of two hun- dred and thirty-seven acres, which he rents, while he is interested also in the ownership of the store in connection with his brother at Jones. He possesses good business qualifications, keen sagacity and enterprise, and his labors have been a source of gratifying income. Like his father before him, Mr. Dunn is recognized as a leading and valued member of the Republican party, working earnestly and effectively for its welfare. He has held many offices, serving as township clerk for nine years, while in 1899 he was elected supervisor, which position he has filled to the present time, covering a period of seven years. He is a worthy and capable official, never faltering in the performance of any duty, and that he enjoys the public confidence is indicated by the fact that he has long been retained in the office. Ile is popular in political, business and social circles in the county where his entire life has been passed.
MAY ARNOLD OLDS.
May Arnold Olds, interested in general farming on section 6, Mason township, was here born on the 4th of July, 1858, and thus the home place is endeared to him through the associations of his boy- hood as well as through the connections of later years when he has found in the old farm the source of a good livelihood gained through his untiring efforts to cultivate and improve the fields. He had two uncles, Harvey and Lester Olds, who were among the early settlers of the county and occupied the first store in Adamsville. They were ex- tensive grain dealers, conducting a very important business in that day. His father, Mills Olds, was a native of Cayuga county, New York, and was there reared and married. He wedded Miss Mary Brown Arnold, whose birth occurred in Cayuga county in the year 1822. Be- ing early left an orphan, she was reared by her grandparents, but Joseph Arnold was her guardian. The Olds family comes of English and German ancestry. The parents of our subject were married at Sen- nett, New York, on the 24th of December. 1845, and began their domestic life in the Empire state, whence in 1849 they removed to Cass county, Michigan, locating on section 6, Mason township, where Mr. Olds paid five dollars per acre for a tract of land which was then unimproved. He built a log house and in true pioneer style began life in this district. He placed his fields under the plow, carried on the farm work until he had made excellent improvements upon the farm and converted it into a productive and arable tract of land. There
yours Truly
yours Respectfully Allie Thompson Olds
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he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he was in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy, and though he never sought office or attempted to figure in public life in that way he was numbered among the pioneers of the county who were closely connected with its upbuilding and prog- ress, co-operating in the labors of those who have made the county what it is today. His wife died in her thirty-seventh year. In the family were two sons, but the elder, Stephen S. Olds, is now deceased.
May Arnold Olds, whose name introduces this record, was but six months old at the time of his mother's death, after which he was reared by his aunt, Harriet Olds. His education was acquired in the Adamsville schools and after putting aside his textbooks he entered business life in connection with the conduct of a meat market at Nap- panee, Elkhart county, Indiana. There he remained for four years, but with this exception he has continuously been a resident of Mason township, Cass county, from his birth to the present time. As a com- panion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Allie Thompson, whom he wedded on Christmas day of 1883. Her paternal great- grandfather served for more than seven years in the Revolutionary war, taking part in many important engagements. He lived to enjoy the benefits of liberty, passing away at the very advanced age of ninety years, at which time he was making his home in Kentucky. Her grand- father, Samnel Thompson, was a soldier of the war of 1812. She is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Holmes) Thompson. Her father was born near Coventry in Orleans county, Vermont. December 16, 1818, and came to Cass county, Michigan, in June, 1837, when in his eighteenth year. He located first at Adamsville, where he was em- ployed in a flouring mill and he afterward became a partner with Mr. Redfield in the milling business, conducting that enterprise for six years. In the meantime he had purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, Mason township, and he turned his attention to farming after retiring from the milling business. He voted with the Democ- racy, and held a number of local offices, including that of township supervisor, in which he served for many years, his long continuance in office standing in incontrovertible evidence of his ability and fidelity. He was also connected with the national Democratic paper at Cassop- olis at an early day, and his interest in political affairs was that of a public-spirited citizen, who places principle before mere partisan meas- tres and desires the welfare of the community rather than personal aggrandizement. He was married in February. 1848. to Miss Eliz- abeth Holmes, a native of Rochester, New York, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom two died in infancy, one of these being killed by lightning. Mr. Thompson was twice married, his sec- ond union being with Maria King and there were four children born to them.
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Mrs. Olds is the youngest child of her father's first marriage and was only about six months old when her mother passed away at the age of thirty-six years. Mrs. Olds was born on section 16, Mason township. September 27, 1858, and pursued her education in the schools of Elkhart and in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. She became a successful educator, teaching for eight and a half years in Jefferson, Calvin and Mason townships and also in the city of Elk- hart, Indiana. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons: Henry Thompson, who was born August 31, 1886, and is at home assisting in the improvement of the farm; and Carlton, who was born September 14, 1889, and is now a student in Elkhart.
Following their marriage in 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Olds located in Nappanee and in 1887 returned to the farm upon which they now re- side, having since made it their home, and the pretty country seat is known as "June Mede." Here Mr. Olds has one hundred thirty and a half acres of well improved land and is carrying on general farm- ing, having placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, so that he annually harvests good crops. He organized what is known as the Pullman Telephone Company, of which he is now president, its lines covering Mason township and also extending into Ontwa town- ship. He was the promoter of the telephone company and thus insti- tuted a business which has been not only a convenience but a source of direct benefit to citizens in this part of the county. Ilis political support is given to the Democracy, and he has held the office of jus- tice of the peace, taking an active part in the administration of public affairs and doing all in his power to promote the general welfare. He has been almost a life-long resident of the county, and in all relations has been known as a man of worth and reliability, enjoying in large measure the esteem of those with whom he has been brought in con- tact. Mr. and Mrs. Olds have in their possession some of the old continental scrip money to the value of seven dollars, a part of the money paid Mrs. Olds' great-grandfather when a soldier in General Washing- tou's army.
NELSON A. HUTCHINGS.
Nelson A. Hutchings is probably the oldest resident of Newberg township, for he has lived continuously within its borders for seventy years, and he now makes his home on section 32. As one travels over the county to-day and notes its thriving towns and cities, its highly cul- tivated farms, its business interests, its excellent schools and other pub- lic insitutions, it is almost impossible to realize what was the condition of the county during Mr. Hutchings' boyhood. One looks to-day over broad but richly cultivated fields, but at that time there was an almost unbroken wilderness, the forest trees still standing in their primeval strength. Few roads had been laid out and only here and there was a
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little clearing to show that some progressive pioneer had made his way into the forest and was endeavoring to establish a home.
Mr. Ilutchings was born in Portage county, Ohio, February 16, 1833, and was the sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children. five daughters and four sons, who were born of the marriage of Samuel and Polly M. (Van Curen) Hutchings. The paternal grandfather also bore the name of Samuel Hutchings. The father was born in New York September 14. 1796, and on leaving the Empire state became a resident of Portage county, Ohio, where he remained until 1835. when he re- moved to Cass county, Michigan, being one of its first settlers. He lo- cated in Newberg township and from the government entered a tract of land on section 31. It was entirely wild and undeveloped, but he at once began to clear and cultivate it. and in the course of time improved a good farm. upon which he spent his remaining days, being long rec- ognized as one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists of the community. He died in his eighty-third year, respected by all who knew him. His early political allegiance was given to the Whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican par- ty, with which he continued to affiliate until his death. He held mem- bership in the Baptist church and was well known throughout the coun- ty as an upright, honorable man and a worthy pioneer, whor aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development of this part of the state. His wife, also a native of New York, was born on Christmas day of 1798 and died in the eighty-third year of her age. She was a daughter of Jonathan Van Curen, who was of German de- scent. Of the nine children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings one died in infancy, while the others all reached manhood or womanhood, while two sons and two daughters are yet living.
Nelson A. Hutchings was only three years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. since which time he has lived in Cass coun- ty. He was reared upon the old homestead farm in Newberg township and shared in the usual experiences and hardships of frontier life. His educational privileges were limited. He attended one of the log school houses of the county, where he received instruction in the elementary branches of learning, but experience and observation in later years have greatly broadened his knowledge, making him a well informed man. During the spring and summer months he aided in the labors of the fields, taking his place at the plow almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles. He remained at home until the time of his marriage. On the 17th of October. 1881, he was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Sarah Hartman. the widow of Albert Bogert. She was born in St. Joseph county. Michigan, where she was reared. her father being Reuben Hart- man, one of the early settlers there. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings removed to the farm upon which they now reside, it having been their home continuously since. They have become the parents of one son. Marvin Carlton, who married Jennie Paxton and has one daughter.
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Wilda C. By her former marriage Mrs. Hutchings had a family of two children, Katie L. and Albert J. Bogert.
The home farm of Mr. Hutchings comprises one hundred and twenty acres of good land, which is rich and productive, and he car- ries on general farming and stock-raising, having good grades of stock upon his place. He is a carpenter by trade, however, and in earlier years assisting in building many structures in Cass county, including the "Forest Hall" at Diamond Lake and other well known buildings. lle hias always voted with the Republican party, casting his ballot for each presidential candidate of that organization since attaining his ma- jority. He has held local offices in the township and is deeply inter- ested in the growth and success of his party. At one time he was a member of the Masonic fraternity. As stated, he is perhaps the oldest resident in the township in years of continuous connection therewith, having lived here for seventy years. His mind forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the present with all of its progressive- ness. He can remember when Indians occasionally visited the neigh- borhood, when wild game was to be had in abundance and when inost of the settlers lived in little log cabins. There was a spirit of gener- ous hospitality and helpfulness, however, that existed, which compen- sated for the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He has always rejoiced in what has been accomplished along lines of improvement, but yet has many pleasant memories of the early days.
GEORGE STANDERLINE.
Nature seems to have intended that man in the evening of life should enjoy a period of rest. In his youth he is full of vigor and enter- prise, is hopeful and ambitious. In his more mature years his efforts are tempered by experience and sound judgment resulting in successful accomplishment if he but uses his talents and powers to the best of his ability. If he does this he wins the competence that enables him later to put aside business cares and enjoy a well earned rest. Such has been the career of Mr. Standerline, who after many years of active and hon- orable connection with agricultural pursuits is now living retired in Corey. Ile is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born on the 14th of October, 1830, and is a son of Thomas Standerline, whose birth oc- curred in the same locality. He was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the support of his wife and children. He married Eliza- beth Graham, a native of Lincolnshire, who spent her entire life in Eng- land. In their family were three daughters, George Standerline being the only son. The days of his childhood and youth were spent in his native land and he is indebted to its public school system for the educa- tional privileges he enjoyed. In his boyhood he became familiar with farm work and later engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his own account.
Mr. Standerline was married in his native country in 1854 to Miss
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Jane Hollandtrick, who was born in Lincolnshire, England. October 23. 1835, a daughter ot William and Maria ( Peck) Hollandtrick, who were also natives of that country and spent their entire lives in England. Ten days after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Standerline started for America, for they believed that they might enjoy better opportunities in the new world, of which they had heard such favorable reports. They were seven weeks on shipboard crossing the Atlantic from Eng- land to Quebec, Canada, and thence proceeded up the St. Lawrence river to the lakes. They made their way first to Toledo, Ohio, where they spent one summer, after which they came to Michigan, making their way to White Pigeon, St. Joseph county, Michigan. They resided on Pigeon prairie for thirteen years, on the expiration of which period Mr. Standerline came to Newberg township, Cass county, and purchased a farm on section 25. He was the owner of that property until 1902. when he sold the farm. He had lived. however, in Corey for twenty- two consecutive years, having retired from active business life to enjoy in his comfortable home a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Standerline have been born seven children, who are yet living, namely : Richard, at home; Thomas, a resident of Newberg township: William and George, who are living in Newberg township: James, of Mishawaka, Indiana; Alice, the wife of Marshall Hughes, a resident of South Bend, Indiana; and Annetta, the wife of Frank Rockwell, of Newberg township.
Mr. Standerline is one of the leading and representative citizens of Cass county and has assisted in making it what it is to-day. He has been a Republican since the organization of the party, never faltering in his support of its principles. He served as highway commissioner and school director and at this writing is a member of the board of re- view. Ile has always been interested in public affairs and has labored earnestly for the welfare of the county. He belongs to the Grange and he has many warm friends in that organization and throughout the com- munity in which he has so long lived. He displays in his life many sterling traits of character and his good qualities have won him the genuine and unqualified respect of his fellow men.
WILLIAM STANDERLINE.
William Standerline, township clerk and a prominent farmer of Newberg township. resides on section 28, where he has a well im- proved and valuable farm of sixty acres. He is one of Michigan's na- tive sons and the enterprise and progressive spirit which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of the west find exemplification in his active business career. He was born in Florence township, St. Joseph county, Michigan, October 244, 1858. His father. George Standerline, was a native of England, in which country he spent the days of his boy- hood and youth and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane
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Hollandtrick, also a native of that country. They bade adieu to friends and native land about 1854 and sailed for America, locating first in Toledo, Ohio, whence they afterward removed to St. Joseph county, Michigan, settling there upon a farm. They remained for about thir- teen years in that county and in 1867 came to Cass county, locating in Newberg township. where Mr. Standerline purchased a tract of land. They are still living in this township and in 1905 they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, having traveled life's journey together for a half century, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. As the years went by they became the par- ents of ten children, of whom seven are now living.
William Standerline is the third child and third son in this family and was but nine years of age when brought by his parents to Cass county. He spent his boyhood days in their home, was educated in the district schools and through the summer months aided in the work of the fields, giving his father the benefit of his services in the work of the home farm until after he had attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account.
On the Ist of April, 1882, Mr. Standerline was married to Miss Stella Arnold, a daughter of H. D. and Mary ( Dunn) Arnold. Mrs. Standerline was born in Newberg township, where her parents located at an early period in the development of this county. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children, who are yet living: Del- la, the wife of Guy Harwood, a resident of Newberg township: Bert, who is attending school in Vandalia, Michigan; and Glenn, who is at home.
The farm upon which the family resides comprises sixty acres of good land, and here Mr. Standerline is successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits. He has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually harvests good crops. Everything about his farm is kept in good condition and in his methods he is practical and en- terprising. He has been quite active in local politics, recognized as one of the strong and stalwart advocates of the Republican party. He was treasurer of Newberg township for two years and has been clerk for six years. holding the position at the present time. Having spent the greater part of his life in this county he is widely known and his prom- inence in public affairs has made him a leader in his community. His long continuance in office is indicative of his faithful and capable service. In business matters he is found to be straightforward and reliable, as well as energetic, and the success which he has enjoyed is well merited.
GEORGE W. ROBBINS.
G. W. Robbins, who carries on farming interests on section 27, Porter township, and is numbered among the prominent early settlers of the county, was born December 16. 1840, on the place where he yet
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resides. The family name has long been closely and honorably asso- ciated with the history of the county in the work of development and improvement. His father. Moses Robbins, was a native of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, where he was reared to the age of eighteen years, when. in 1831, he came to Michigan, settling in 1833 upon the farm which is now the home of G. W. Robbins of this review. He was one of the earliest residents of Porter township and he also took up land from the government in Motville township, St. Joseph county, that he traded for the farm upon which our subject now resides. On the latter tract he built a log cabin on the bank of what is now called Robbins Lake. hav- ing been so named in his honor. Subsequently he built the log house in which G. W. Robbins first opened his eyes to the light of day and sub- sequently he erected a brick residence that yet stands on the farm and is one of the okt and prominent landmarks of this portion of the county. He died in 1849 at the comparatively early age of forty-two years, yet during the period of his residence in the county he took an active and helpful part in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization and in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and prosperity. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Davison and was a native of Ohio. She lived to the age of seventy-five years. In their family were five children: Lucinda J., now deceased; William. who is living in Elkhart, Indiana: George W., of this review; Mrs. Nancy Ellen Cundiff, whose home is in Aledo, Illinois; and Mrs. Mary L. Speece, of Porter township.
Mr. Robbins was the third child and second son of the family and upon the old homestead farm he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, alternating his work in the fields through the summer months with attendance at the district schools in the winter seasons. His en- tire life has been passed upon this farm and thus its present state of improvement and development is largely attributable to his persevering and diligent effort. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Sarah J. Rogers, to whom he was married on the 6th of October, 1863. She is a daughter of Jesse and Mary A. ( Bates) Rog- ers and was born in Yates county, New York, on the 17th of October. 1844. In her early childhood, when only about two years old, she was brought by her parents to Cass county, the family home being estab- lished in Porter township, where she has since lived. By her marriage she has become the mother of eight children: Lefy, now the wife of L. C. Chadwick, a resident of Grangeville, Idaho: Linward G., a farmer who owns a good property in Constantine township, St. Joseph county, Michigan : M. L., who is engaged in the grocery business at Elkhart. Indiana : Leslie D., a civil engineer, residing in Mexico: Lyle M. C .. now of Montana: Lena G., who is attending the Hillsdale ( Michigan) College ; and two are deceased.
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