USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 51
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only one public road in the township when he located here. He has ever favored good roads, good schools and in fact all interests that tend to advance the material, intellectual, political, social and moral welfare of the community. In a review of his life history is seen that he has ever been busy and active, and upon the substantial qualities of persever- ance and diligence he has placed his dependence with good results.
JOHN LEWIS ROEBECK.
The farming interests find a worthy representative in John Lewis Roebeck, who is living on section 6, Milton township. He has here one hundred and twenty acres of land that is arable and productive. responding readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it, and he has made it a valuable property. Moreover his fidelity to the public good is manifest in various offices which he has ably filled. A native of Germany, he was born in the province of Posen on the IIth of December, 1840. His father, John Roebeck, was also a native of that country and came to America about 1873. His last days were spent in Niles, Berrien county, Michigan, where he departed this life when about sixty-five years of age. In early manhood he had married Anna Kruger, who was also born in Germany and died in that country. There were three children in the family, two daughters and a son.
John Lewis Roebeck, of this review, was reared in his native country and attended the common schools until fourteen years of age in accordance with the laws of that land. His youth was also given to farm labor and when about twenty-five years of age he entered the em- ploy of the government, being overseer of the government forest re- serve until 1871. Thinking that he would have better advantages in the new world and that business opportunities might more readily come to him here, he sailed for the United States in 1871. first locating in Michigan City, Indiana. He scorned no employment that would yield him an honest living and began here by chopping wood. For six years he remained in Michigan City, and then removed to Vandalia, Cass county. Michigan, where he entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company as a section hand. being thus engaged for three years. He was then appointed night watchman at the handle factory in Vandalia, occupying that position for two and a half years, after which he purchased a farm in Penn township, comprising eighty acres of land. He then located upon this farm, which he sold after two years, at the end of which time he rented a farm in Calvin township. There he continued to reside for about three years, when he went to Jefferson township, where he again rented land, living on three different farms in that township during a period of eight years. All this time he worked energetically and persistently, and as the result of his earnest labor and his industry he acquired the competence that enabled him to purchase the farm upon which he now resides on section 6, Milton township. Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land which has been
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made arable and productive by reason of the cultivation which is be- stowed upon it. Year after year he has worked hard in order to make his farm a valuable property, and is now enjoying the fruits of his toil in the ownership of richly cultivated fields which annually return to him good harvests.
Mr. Roebeck was married in 1862 to Miss Amelia Hanke, also a native of the province of Posen, Germany. Unto this union have been born ten children: Charles, at home; Anson, a farmer of Berrien county ; Frederick, at home; Hermann, of whom mention is later made ; Emma, at home; Bertha, the wife of Yust Reum, of Milton township; AAugusta, the wife of Wilhelm Reum, of Milton township; Minnie, the wife of Edward Geidemann, who is living in Niles; Hattie, at home; and Catherine, who is engaged in teaching. The family circle yet re- mains unbroken by the hand of death, and five of the children were born in Cass county. Hermann Roebeck, who was born in Penn township, January 6, 1878, took an active part in politics and was elected recorder of deeds in 1900. He held the office for four years, having been re- elected in 1902. Ile was township clerk of Milton township at the time he was chosen to the county office, and at all times he has been found faithful and loyal to the trust reposed in him. For one term he was school inspector. In the spring of 1906 he was elected supervisor of Milton township on the Democratic ticket. He now resides in Milton township, although he was engaged in the real estate business in Niles, Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge at Dowagiac.
Jolin L. Roebeck exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and has been called upon to fill a number of public positions by those of his fellow townsmen who recognize in him a trustworthy and progressive citizen. He has been justice of the peace for two terms and his decisions were fair and im- partial. He was highway commissioner for one term and is now a mem- ber of the board of review. Mr. Roebeck has a wide and favorable ac- quaintance in this county and with pleasure we present the history of his life to the readers of this volume.
JOHN MARCKLE.
John Marckle, one of the leading and energetic farmers of Milton township, who resides on section 20, was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 25. 1841. His father, Peter Marckle, was a native of Ger- many, where he was reared and educated. He came to America prior to his marriage and in Ohio was joined in wedlock to Miss Catharine Klein, who died during the early boyhood of her son John. There were three children in the family, of whom Mr. Marckle, of this review, is the second child and eldest son.
He was only six years of age when he accompanied his father on the removal from Ohio to Indiana, locating in St. Joseph county, where
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he continued until about twenty years of age. No event of special im- portance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boy- hood days, as he worked in field and meadow during the greater part of the year, and in the winter seasons attended school. He then came to Cass county, Michigan, making his way to Milton township, where he worked by the month as a farm hand until after the inauguration of the Civil war. He then enlisted for service in the Union army in 1862 as a member of Company F, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer In- fantry. He joined the army as a private, but after about six months was promoted to second sergeant and carried the colors for two years. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Iuka. Hatch's Run and many others, including the engagements at Vicksburg. Mechanicsburg and Little Rock, Arkansas. He reported every day for duty and was always faithtul to the call made upon him for any service that contributed to the interests of the army and thus led to the final result which crowned the Union arms. He was more than four years in active service, having enlisted on the 22d of February, 1862, while on the 6th of March. 1866, he was honorably discharged. He proved a brave and loyal soldier on many a southern battlefield and participated in the grand review in Washington, D. C., where the victorious Union troops marched through the streets of the city and passed the reviewing stand where they were cheered by the president and other distinguished men of the nation as well as by thousands of northern people who rejoiced that the war was over and that so many soldiers had been spared.
When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Marckle returned to Cass county and bought the farm upon which he now resides. He has added to this place until he has two hundred and six acres of land which is well improved. By following the rotation of crops and care- fully cultivating his fields he has made his farm very productive, and the rich land returns to him a gratifying annual income from the sale of his harvests.
Mr. Marckle was married in 1867 to Miss Elizabeth Landgraf. a native of Germany and a daughter of Michael Landgraf, who was also born in that country. This union has been blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. Flora, who is now the widow of Charles W. Zeitter. Mr. Marckle has always taken an active interest in public affairs and does everything in his power to promote the best interests of the community, displaying the same loyalty which he manifested when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. He has always voted with the Democracy and is firm in support of his honest convictions. He believes that the principles of that party contain the best elements of good government, and he has never wavered in his allegiance thereto. He has been justice of the peace and township treasurer and has held all of the school offices. He served as highway commissioner in an early day and is interested in every movement that pertains to the upbuilding of the schools. the improvement of the roads or the substantial devel-
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opment of the county in any direction. He was also a member of the grand jury in 1905. In a review of his life work we note many salient characteristics which are most commendable. Without extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the outset of his career he has labored energetically and persistently year after year. He started out when a poor boy, having no capital save his strong determination and willing hands. These qualities have constituted the basis of his success, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.
GEORGE W. SMITH.
In a history devoted to the early settlers and the men who in later years have been factors in the substantial growth, progress and upbuild- ing of Cass county, mention should be made of George W. Smith, who at an early day in the development of this part of the state took up his abode in Cass county. He now resides on section 16, Milton township, where he has good farming interests, owning and operating one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, which constitutes a neat and well kept farm. He was born in Kent county, Delaware, January 10, 1831. His father, Manlove Smith, was also a native of that state, and was there reared, married, lived and died, passing away when about sixty years of age. His wife, who hore the maiden name of Mary M. McKnett, was a native of Delaware, and died when about fifty-eight years of age. In their family were seven children, of whom two passed away in infancy, while five reached manhood or womanhood. Only one daughter is now living.
Mr. Smith is the youngest of this family and was only two years old when his father died. and a little lad of but six summers at the time of his mother's death. Thus left an orphan he was reared by his eldest brother, with whom he remained to the age of sixteen years on the old family homestead in the east. He then started out in life for himself and whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own enterprise and labors. He worked as a farm hand by the month or day and to some extent was employed in a store owned by his brother at Greenville. Delaware. The opportunities of the new and growing west, however, attracted him, and he resolved to seek his fortune in Mich- igan. Accordingly he made his way to this state in 1854. settling in Cass county, and for more than a half century he has resided here, being actively connected with its farming interests to the benefit of the county and to the promotion of his own individual resources.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Smith chose Miss Josephine B. Powell, to whom he was married on the 16th of December, 1856, her parents being Thomas and Mariam ( Bowman) Powell, who were also natives of Kent county, Delaware. They came to Cass county in 1834. locating in Milton township, when there were few settlers in this part of the state. All around them was wild and
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unimproved. The timber was uncut and the land uncultivated, but they cast in their lot with the early settlers and aided in reclaiming this district for the uses of civilization. Mrs. Smith was less than a year old when brought by her parents to Milton township, and has always resided in this county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith located on the old family homestead in Milton township, where they remained for about four years, when they took up their abode upon the farm where Mr. Smith now resides. Here he has lived for forty-six years and the splendid appearance of the place with its well tilled fields, good build- ings and modern accessories, is indicative of the practical and enter- prising spirit of the owner.
As the years went by six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith : Truman M., who is now living in Houston, Texas ; Thomas F., at home; Redora M., the wife of Arza G. Griffin, who resides in Aurora, Illinois : William C., who married Pearl Clark and is living in Granger, Indiana : Robert G., deceased, and Clarence P., who married Miss Ger- trude Abbott and is living in Milton township. All were born in Milton township, Cass county.
Mr. Smith has been a lifelong farmer and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a well improved farm. He started out in life on his own account empty-handed, but has worked earnestly and persistently, and as the years have gone by has achieved both success and an honored name. He has been identified with the county from its early history, and while carrying on his individual busi- ness pursuits has at the same time promoted public progress along lines of substantial advancement. He has taken an active and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the general welfare, and for many years has supported the Republican party. For about sixty years he and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held all of the offices, taking an active part in its work and doing all in his power to promote its influence and growth. He has been true to its teachings, and his close adherence to its principles has made his life an upright and honorable one. He has been straightforward in his business dealings, considerate of the rights of others and true to high and manly principles, and as one of the early settlers and successful farmers of the county he certainly deserves mention in this volume.
WILLIAM E. PARSONS.
William E. Parsons, prominent among the old settlers of Cass county, his home being on section 23. Milton township, has for more than a half century resided in this part of the state. He has seen the country develop from a wild region with only a few white inhabitants to a rich agricultural district containing thousands of good homes and acres of growing towns inhabited by an industrious, prosperous, en-
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lightened and progressive people. IIe, too, has participated in and assisted the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to produce a change that is so complete that the county of today bears scarcely any resemblance to the district in which he spent his boyhood days.
Mr. Parsons is, however, a native of Milton township, born Jan- uary 18, 1851. His father, Benjamin Parsons, was a native of Dela- ware and came to Cass county, Michigan, about 1845, settling in Milton township. He died when forty-five years of age and was long survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Abbott and was a na- tive of Delaware. Her death occurred in Milton township in 1892, when she had reached the age of sixty-five years. They were the parents of seven children, one of whom died in infancy, while all the others reached manhood or womanhood and are still living.
William E. Parsons is the second child of the family and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of farm labor and school work in his youth. He attended the common district schools, thus acquiring a good practical education, and he has always followed the occupation to which he was reared. engaging in general farming. He has also carried on threshing for about twenty-five years in this county, and has thus be- come well known here.
Mr. Parsons has taken an active and helpful interest in public affairs, his progressive citizenship standing as an unquestioned fact in his career. He votes with the Democracy and has held many offices in his township. He was treasurer for two years and supervisor for six years, being elected to the latter office for several terms. His entire life has been passed in this county and he is closely indentified with its farming interests. He now owns ninety-two acres of good land on section 23. Milton township, and has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation, adding to it modern equipments and so developing the fields that he now annually harvests rich crops.
JOHN H. YOUNG.
John H. Young, residing on section 9. Milton township, and now filling the position of township treasurer, was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana. September 2, 1861. His father, Jacob Young, was a native of Germany and was brought to America when only nine years of age. the family home being established in Ohio. There he was reared to the age of sixteen years, when he removed to Indiana with his parents. George and Catharine Young, who located in St. Joseph county, being among the early families of that part of the state. Having arrived at years of maturity Jacob Young was married there to Miss Catharine Cocher, who was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in St. Joseph county, Indiana, where her people located upon a farm. Mrs. Young
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passed away in October, 1903, but Jacob Young is still living. There were three children in the family: Millie, now the wife of Frank Kieffer, of South Bend, Indiana; John H., of this review, and Kittie, who is the wife of William Reaves, of South Bend, Indiana.
John H. Young, the only son of the family, was reared in the county of his nativity, and pursued his education in the Harrison Prairie schools. He remained at home until twenty-eight years of age, assisting in the work of the farm, and the knowledge thus gained of the practical methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the fields enabled him to successfully carry on general farming when he secured a home of his own.
Mr. Young was married in 1889 to Miss Cora Butts, a daughter of Mrs. Mary J. Butts, of Milton township, Cass county, in which locality Mrs. Young was born. Mr. Young has been a resident of Mil- ton township for sixteen years, and has been active and influential in public affairs. He is a stanch supporter of the Democracy, holding office for a number of years. He was elected township treasurer in 1905 and hias acted in other local positions. He was also elected highway commissioner but refused to qualify. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, for he is ever loyal to the general good and puts forth his hest efforts for the welfare and up- building of the community.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young have been born two children, Charlie and Lloyd. The family home is on a farm of one hundred and seventy acres, all of which Mr. Young cultivates, giving his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In tilling the soil he has followed practical meth- ods and has secured excellent results, and he annually gathers golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon his place. Socially he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and with the Masons. He is also a member of the Methodist church, and these membership relations indicate the character of the man and the principles which govern his conduct and are manifest in his daily life- principles which in every land and clime command respect and awaken confidence.
LEWIS C. VAN ANTWERP.
Lewis C. Van Antwerp, who is conducting a meat market in Ed- wardsburg, was born in Ontwa township, May 10, 1856. His father. Simon Van Antwerp, was a native of New York and became one of the pioneer settlers of Cass county, Michigan, his youth, however, being passed in the Empire state, further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of G. H. Redfield on another page of this work.
Upon the old home farm in Ontwa township Lewis C. Van Ant- werp spent the first four years of his life. His father then removed to South Bend, Indiana, where his death occurred when the son Lewis
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was but eleven years of age. The latter afterward returned to Ontwa township and has since been a resident of Cass county. He devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits between the ages of eleven and thirty-six years, and also engaged in operating a threshing machine in his early manhood. About the time he attained his majority he rented land from George Redfield and was engaged in farming for several years. Later he removed to Mason township, where he rented another farm of Mr. Redfield. When his financial resources made other purchase possible he added five acres from Mrs. Joy, and then twenty-six acres of land to the other tract, buying the latter of George Ketchum. All of this was wild and unimproved, but he cleared and cultivated it, transforming it into productive fields. As the years went by his labors brought to him a good financial return and his farm work resulted in the improvement of a splendid property. He resided thereon until 1892, when he removed to Cassopolis, where he embarked in the butchering business, continuing in the trade there for seven years. In 1899 he came to Edwardsburg, where he again opened a meat market, and has since been identified with the business interests of the city in this way.
Mr. Van Antwerp was married in 1883 to Miss Bertha L. Schutt, a daughter of A. S. and Lydia Schutt. and a native of Noble county. Indiana, born July 7. 1858. She resided there with her parents until about ten years of age when, in 1868, the family removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, where Mrs. Van Antwerp lived until she reached womanhood. She has become the mother of two children : Blenn, who was born in Mason township. April 19, 1885, and Harmon, born in Cassopolis. December 9. 1898. The elder was graduated from the high school of Edwardsburg.
Mr. Van Antwerp is a Republican and a member of the Woodmen camp at Edwardsburg. He has little desire for public office. preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, and whatever success he has attained is attributable to his close application, earnest purpose and honorable methods.
E. F. LEWIS.
E. F. Lewis, who for many years was engaged actively in farm work, but who now rents his land and makes his home in Vandalia. where he took up his abode about 1898, has been associated with events which have molded the pioneer history of the county and have contrib- uted to its later development. He is one of the older native sons of Cass county, his birth having occurred in Newberg township on the 8th of November, 1847. His father, J. W. Lewis, was a native of New York, in which state he was reared, but was married in Ohio, the wedding taking place in Medina county, where he won the hand of Miss Emily Ferguson, a native of that county. In the year 1840 they came to Cass county. Michigan, and settled in Newberg township, where their remaining days were passed. Both had died at a comparatively
Respectfully yours i. F. Lewis
yours Verti Francissus Lewis.
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early age, the father in his forty-fifth year, while the mother was about thirty-six years of age at the time of her demise. In their family were five sons: Francis S., who, enlisting for service in the Civil war as a defender of the Union in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, Company I, gave his life for his country at the battle of Stone River in 1863; James H., who also died at the battle of Stone River while serving as a member of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, to which his brother also belonged; E. F., of this review; Misael B., now living in St. Joseph county, Michigan; and Charles E., who maintains his residence in Pennsylvania.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for E. F. Lewis in his boyhood days. He was reared in his native township and attended the common schools, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the play-ground and the work of the home farm. However, in 1864, he responded to his country's call for aid. His two elder brothers had become soldiers and had given their lives in defense of the Union in the previous year, and E. F. Lewis, although only sixteen years of age, thrilled with the spirit of patriotism, offered his aid to his country, being enrolled with the boys in blue of Company H, Nineteenth Michigan Volunteer In- fantry, as a private. He served until the close of the war, took part in the battle of Savannah, and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea, and through the Carolina campaign. Although he enlisted during the latter part of the struggle he tasted fully the fortunes and experiences of war, and all of the hardships meted out to the soldier. Following the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee he took part in the grand review in Washington, D. C., where the victorious Union army marched past the stand upon which the president viewed the troops. It was a glad day for the soldiers, knowing that this meant the close of their military service, which had been long and arduous, and that it also meant that victory had perched upon the Union arms and that the country was not to be dismembered, to the dissatisfaction of the south. Mr. Lewis received his honorable discharge at Detroit. Michi- gan, and was mustered out at Washington.
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