USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
Not long after he was again at his work in the fields in Newberg township, being employed for some time as a farm hand by the month. He also engaged in grubbing stumps and any other work necessary for clearing and improving the land. In 1868 he married Miss Narcissus T. Pemberton, a daughter of R. S. and Margaret ( Miller) Pemberton.
Reason S. Pemberton died at his son's residence in Marcellus, April 27. 1806. after a long and painful sickness, aged seventy-four years, one month and four days. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, March 23, 1822, and came to Cass county, Michigan, in 1836, with his uncle, Joseph Pemberton, with whom he made his home, having been left motherless when very young. Like a great many of the early
500
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
pioneers, his advantages for getting an education were very poor, and young Reason, like many a poor boy of those days, began to use the axe, the tool that has felled the forests of Michigan, converting the land into vast fields for the present generation. Notwithstanding the meager chanches for obtaining an education, he always had a strong desire for learning. Having gained a copy of that important factor in pioneer educa- tion, Webster's elementary spelling book, he soon learned to read and spell. That, with the Testament and a few books he borrowed, constituted young Reason's library, which he read and studied by the light of the fireplace. Three months of schooling in an old log schoolhouse in Indiana, where he had gone from Michigan, completed his early educa- tion, during which time he put in good work learning to "cipher." After having taught a few terms of school he was married, in 1840, to Margaret Miller, a German girl of thrifty parentage, and with his wife returned to Michigan, where they made their home and lived until the death of Mrs. Pemberton in 1885. at the age of sixty-four years. The hardships and trials of this couple were like those of all pioneers. The log cabin, with its fireplace, the small piece of cleared land, sur- rounded by the deep tangled wildwood, with its deer, its wolves and its Indians, were all well known to the early pioneers. Twelve children were born to this couple, seven of whom are now living, and all were present at the time of his death but one, Mrs. J. A. Powell, living in Oklahoma. Mr. Pemberton and his wife united with the Christian church at Vandalia during the early days of its organization. In 1855 he became a charter member of the Vandalia F. & A. M., in which organization he remained an active and faithful member till deathı. He has held, during his career, all the township offices, from supervisor down to constable, and for over twenty years held the important posi- tion of justice of the peace. "Uncle Reas," as he was known, had a remarkable memory for retaining dates and events and reproducing them with clearness. In his official capacity he was frequently consulted in matters pertaining to law, and although only self-taught on the sub- ject, his opinions on such matters have been a guide to a great many people. Being a life-long Democrat, he subscribed for and donated to the National Democrat during its early struggles for existence, and the paper was always a welcome weekly visitor, furnishing the literary matter for the family.
The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Vandalia, conducted by Rev. George Barrows, and attended by a large number of relatives and friends. The F. & A. M. organizations of Marcellus and Vandalia, with visiting members from Cassopolis and Dowagiac, at- tended in a body, and with the ceremonies of their order interred the remains in the Vandalia cemetery, there to await the resurrection morn. In his death was lost an honored and respected neighbor, brother and father.
501
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
Wisdom and love have ordered all the past, All shall be blessedness and joy at last ; Cast off the cares that have so long oppressed, Rest, sweetly rest.
Margaret Pemberton, wife of R. S. Pemberton, Sr., died at her residence in Vandalia, after a short illness. She was the daughter of Jacob and Barbara Miller, and was born in the German state of Hesse Darmstadt, March 10, 1821. In 1832 she came with her parents to America, and the family (father, mother and six children), settled near Fredericksburg, Maryland, where they lived until 1836, when they emigrated to near Cadiz, Henry county, Indiana, where her parents commenced the laborious task of making a farm in the wilderness, in the work of which she bore no small part. In 1840 she was married to R. S. Pemberton, and in 1842 she came with her husband to Penn town- ship, Cass county, Michigan, where she continued to live until her death. After their arrival in Michigan they moved from place to place for a time, but in 1847, they bought land a short distance northeast of this village and began in earnest the experience of the trials and vexations, the joys and freedom of pioneer life. They continued to live on the farm until 1877, when they moved to this village, where they after- ward resided. She was the type of a class of pioneers that are fast passing away. She was the mother of twelve children, seven of whom are now living, and excepting one (Barbara), were with her in her last sickness. Traits of character-a cheerful disposition to do the work which fell to her lot, unceasing care for her family, active sympathy for those in affliction- these she possessed to a high degree. The funeral was held at the Disciple church, of which denomination she was a men- ber for forty years, having obeyed the gospel under the ministration of Ruben Wilson in 1845. The burial took place at the graveyard near the village. Elder Brown officiating.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis began their domestic life upon a farm which he had purchased in Newberg township, and there he carried on general agricultural pursuits for about three years. after which he engaged in digging wells, giving about fifteen years of his time to that business. He then began following the more advanced methods of driving wells, and he has also engaged in farming in Penn township. He bought the property that he now owns about 1875, and he lived upon the place until 1890. He now enjoys a well earned rest in Vandalia. where in 1898 he erected one of the finest residences of the village. He rents liis farm and is practically retired from active business, although he is now one of the trustees and stockholders of the Vandalia creamery. He also loans money and in this has been quite successful.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born a son and three daugh- ters: Frank B., born August 12. 1870, who is now engaged in drilling wells in Cass county; and Fancheon D., born October II. 1885, is the
502
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
wife of William D. Kimmick, who is living upon the old homestead. Two daughters are deceased, Birta M., born April 18, 1874. and died May 10, 1874; and Vadie E., born August 7, 1876, and died June 28, 1879. The parents are members of the Christian church, taking an ac- tive part in its work and contributing generously to its support. Mr. Lewis has been a life-long resident of Cass county, and has rejoiced in the fact that this county has won a place among the leading counties of the great commonwealth. The result is due to the aggregate endeavor of its many public spirited, energetic and enterprising citizens, in which class he belongs. In politics he is an earnest and unfaltering Republi- can, and his fellow townsmen have called him to various offices. He acted as supervisor of Penn township for four terms and he is now pres- ident of the village of Vandalia, serving for the second term in that position, giving to the city an administration that is characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good and by practical and progressive methods for the benefit of the town. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic at Jones, Michigan, W. J. Maple Post, and thus main- tains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Indolence and idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature, and whatever work he has undertaken, whether in his private business life or in be- half of the community. has been characterized by close application and an unfaltering purpose that has enabled him to carry forward to suc- cessful completion the task that has claimed his time and energies.
ALLISON D. THOMPSON.
Allison D. Thompson is numbered among the old settlers of Cass county and makes his home on section 16. Milton township, where for a long period he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. He has attained the age of seventy-three years, his birth having occurred in Delaware, June 25. 1833. His father. Shelley Thompson, was also a native of Delaware, and in the year 1836 sought a home in the middle west, settling in Milton township. Cass county. Michigan, where he took up land from the government, for at that time much of this portion of the state was still unclaimed by settlers or speculators. The virgin forests stood in their primeval strength, the streams were un- bridged and the land uncultivated. Shelley Thompson became one of the pioneers of Cass county and was closely identified with its early history as it was reclaimed for the uses of civilization, and its wild land was transformed into productive fields.
Allison D. Thompson was but three years of age at the time of his parents' removal to the middle west, and was reared upon the old homestead in Milton township. The mode of life at that day was very different. for pioneer conditions existed on all hands, and invention had not brought about the revolution in methods of farm life that is now familiar. His education was acquired in one of the old log school
1
503
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
houses common to that day, and he shared with the family in the hard- ships of frontier life, assisting in the strenuous task of developing a new farmi. He has always remained a resident of Cass county, and the changes which have occurred and the events which have wrought its history have left their impress upon his memory, so that he is well in- formed concerning the county's development and progress. He has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Julia Adams, by whom he had two children, a son and daughter. The latter is Mrs. Belle Parvis, of South Bend, Indiana, and the son, Jesse, is now de- ceased. For his second wife, Mr. Thompson chose Mary E. Parvis, whom he wedded in 1870. She was born in Delaware, February 23. 1849, and is a daughter of Solomon and Ellen (Fowler) Parvis, who came to Berrien county, Michigan, in 1860.
For two years after his first marriage Mr. Thompson was a resi- dent of Howard township, and for twelve years lived in Pokagon town- ship, where he was engaged in farming, but the greater part of his life has been spent in Milton township and he is well known as one of its leading settlers and representative agriculturists. Unto him and his wife have been born four children: Bertha, who is now the wife of Bert Kizer, of Niles, Michigan; Arthur, who was born in Berrien county, Michigan, where the parents lived for about two years, his natal day being December 3. 1874. He was reared, however, in Milton township, Cass county, and was educated in the district schools of that township and of Pokagon township. He was married on the 16th of May, 1895, to Miss Mary E. Reid, a daughter of Alexander and Emma (Dupert) Reid. There is one child of this marriage who is yet living, Helen May. Two children of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Thompson are de- ceased. Arthur Thompson is now looking after the interests of the home farm, which comprises one hundred and fifty-nine acres of rich land. It is under a high state of cultivation and is improved with many modern equipments and accessories.
Mr. Thompson, of this review, is a member of the Gleaners and his political allegiance is given to the Democracy. He has a very wide and favorable acquaintance in Cass county, and through the years of his residence here has so lived as to win and merit the esteem and good will of all with whom he has been associated. He carried on farming actively for a long period and has now given over the super- vision of his farm to his son, while he is leading a more quiet life. his rest being well merited because of his activity in former years.
HENRY ANDRUS.
Henry Andrus, editor of the Edwardsburg Argus and a prominent temperance worker of Michigan, was born in Waterloo township, Lyon county, Kansas, near the town of Wilmington, on the 26th of October. 1861. IIis paternal grandfather, Hazzard Andrus, was a native of
504
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
Kings county, New York, born October 3, 1788, and in 1835 came to Michigan with his family. He had been married in the Empire state in 1824 to Miss Fannie Bishop, and they were the parents of nine children, five of whoin are deceased. The living are: James H., of Edwardsburg: Mrs. Porter Lybarker, of Mason township, Cass county; Nelson, of Dayton, Washington; and Riley, who is living at Dayton, Oregon. The grandparents remained residents of Edwardsburg until called to their final rest, Hazzard Andrus passing away on the 3d of March, 1862, while his wife, long surviving him, died January 29, 1894.
James H. Andrus, father of our subject, was born in Ontwa town- ship, at the north bank of Eagle lake, July 30, 1837, and remained a resident of this township until 1860, when he went to Kansas, where he was married on the 7th of October of that year to Miss Cylinda M. Haring, a daughter of Henry and Nancy Haring, who had also removed from Cass county to Kansas in that year. In 1862 Mr. Andrus returned with his family to Michigan, and in the course of years there were born unto him and his wife four children, three sons and a daughter. The latter, Cora M., died July 2, 1877. Those still living are: Henry; William Riley, of Michigan City, Indiana ; and George S., of LaCrosse. Wisconsin. The mother, who was a native of New York, born Decem- ber 9, 1840, was but two years of age when brought by her parents to Michigan, the Haring family being established in Mason township. Her death occurred October 4, 1903.
James H. Andrus enlisted in Company L, Second Michigan Cavalry Volunteers, in 1864, and served till the close of hostilities, when he received his honorable discharge and returned to don the civilian's garb.
Henry Andrus was brought by his parents to Cass county in 1862, the family home being established in Edwardsburg, but after a short time a removal was made to Mason township, and later to Calvin town- ship. In the year 1869, however, the family returned to Edwardsburg. Henry Andrus attended the district schools of Mason and Calvin town- ships, and following the removal to Edwardsburg continued his educa- tion in the high school of this city. At the age of eighteen years he began working in the office of the Edwardsburg Argus, then published hy John B. Sweetland, and remained in the employ of that gentleman for nearly twenty years, or until the death of Dr. Sweetland on the 19th of February, 1899. He then purchased the printing office of the heirs and has continued the publication of the paper to the present time. He is a well know newspaper man and his journal has a wide circulation, which makes it as well a good advertising medium. He therefore re- ceives a good patronage in that direction, and the Argus has proved a profitable investment.
Mr. Andrus is widely known as a leading Prohibitionist of Mich- igan. Throughout his entire life he has been a strong advocate of the temperance cause, and since attaining his majority has given his ballot for the support of the party that embodies his views on this question.
505
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
In 1896 he received the Prohibition nomination for lieutenant governor, and in 1898 was honored by his party with the nomination for auditor general, while in 1902 he was a candidate for representative to the state legislature. He is now serving as a member of the board of education of Edwardsburg and for twelve years has held the position of director. Through the columns of his paper, and individually as well, he has co-operated in many movements for the general good, and is the cham- pion of every plan formulated and measure instituted for the develop- ment of his city along the lines of material, individual and moral progress.
On the 3Ist of December, 1882, Mr. Andrus was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Kitchen, a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and a daugliter of Nelson and Subrina ( Eves) Kitchen, who removed with their family to Cass county in the spring of 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Andrus have become the parents of two sons: George R., born October 13, 1883, and Charles H., born June 14. 1894.
GEORGE HAMMOND REDFIELD.
George Hammond Redfield, who follows farming and also oper- ates a cream separator business at Edwardsburg, is a native of Ontwa township, born August 21, 1855, and in the years of an active manhood has made a creditable business record. His father, George Redfield. was a native of Connecticut, horn October 6, 1796, and in 1800 went with his parents to Ontario county, New York, where he was reared and acquired his education. His youth was spent upon a farm about three miles from Clifton Springs, New York, the famous hospital resort. In 1825 and 1826 he engaged in teaching school in Milledgeville, Georgia, which was then in the heart of the slave country. He after- ward returned to his father's farm and aided in its further development and improvement up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in Ontario county, New York, on the 9th of January. 1835, the lady of his choice being Miss Julia Mason, of Palmyra, New York. They be- came the parents of three children, Ann Maria, Julia and Louis H., de- ceased. Coming to the west, they settled in Ontwa township. Cass county, Michigan, in 1835, and in August. 1848, George Redfield was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In September, 1851, he was again married, his second union being with Jane E. Hammond, a daughter of Judge Hammond, of Essex county, New York. She was reared and educated in the Empire state and her death occurred in 1865. By this marriage there was one son and three daughters, the eldest being George Hammond, of this review. His sisters are: Bertha, now the wife of H. E. Bucklen, of Chicago; Myra J., the wife of W. C. Hewitt, a pro- fessor in the State Normal School at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the author of a work on political science; and Abby, deceased at the age of twenty-six. All of the children of the second marriage were born in Cass county.
506
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
On coming to Michigan George Redfield, Sr., took up his abode upon a farm, purchasing eight hundred and four acres of raw land from the government. He cultivated this tract, which was located in the southeastern part of Ontwa township, and in the development of this property contributed largely toward the substantial improvement of the county. His attention was given to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred October 31, 1887. Ile was a lifelong Democrat, and in early life took an active part in politics. In 1841 he was elected rep- resentative to the state legislature, and in 1842 and 1843 served as state senator. He was also presidential elector in 1844 and in 1845 he was appointed state treasurer by Governor Barry. In 1850 he was appointed secretary of state, and he was a member of the convention that framed the constitution of Michigan. Thus he was most active in public life. and left the impress of his individuality for good upon the measures which have formed the political history of the state. He had a very wide and favorable acquaintance among the distinguished citi- zens of Michigan, and his name is engraved high on the roll of her honored men.
George Hammond Redfield was reared upon the old farm home- stead, where he remained until 1873, when he became active in the oper- ation of his father's grist mill in Jefferson township, there residing until 1878. 1Te then removed to Mason township, locating on a farm which he received from his father, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, which at that time was partially improved.
Mr. Redfield had been married on the 18th of July, 1875, to Miss Julia A. Van Antwerp, a native of Ontwa township, born December 18, 1851. and a daughter of Simon and Louisa ( Hewitt) Van Antwerp. The latter was a daughter of Dethic Hewitt, one of the honored pioneer residents of Cass county, who made his home in Edwardsburg and for forty years filled the office of justice of the peace. Simon Van Ant- werp, father of Mrs. Redfield, was a native of the Genesee valley, New York, and his wife was born in Pennsylvania. They became pioneer residents of Cass county and the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Redfield is the house in which they ate their first meal after arriving in this county. Mr. Van Antwerp was a Republican and throughout his active business career carried on agricultural pursuits, but at the age of fifty- four years retired from farming and removed to South Bend, Indiana, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1866, when he was sixty-one years of age. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Redfield was the third in order of birth. The others were: Lynn; Elber, who died in infancy; Louis ; Daniel; and Lucy. All were born in Cass county. Mr. Van Antwerp was twice married, his first union being with Nancy Halsted, a native of New York, whom he wedded in Scotchville, New York. They were the parents of three children : Louisa; Jonas, dleceased ; and Elsie. The wife and mother died in Calhoun county, near Marshall, Michigan, and
507
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
later Mr. Van Antwerp married Louisa Hewitt, who became the mother of Mrs. Redfield.
Following his marriage Mr. Redfield settled in Jefferson town- ship, where he lived for three years, and then removed to Mason town- ship, where he made his home until 19044, when he took up his abode in Edwardsburg. He has led a most busy and useful life, winning suc- success as a farmer by the capable manner in which he has cultivated his fields and cared for his crops. He has also operated a creamery, and both branches of his business have proved profitable.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Redfield have been born two sons, but Louis Harold, born August 18, 1877, died on the ioth of December, 1881. The surviving son, George Russell, was born January 8. 1891, on the old homestead farm in Mason township. Mr. Redfield has never fal- tered in his allegiance to the Democracy, supporting that party since age gave to him the right of franchise. He was justice of the peace in Ma- son township for twenty-two years, was township clerk for six years and was also township treasurer. He has also been a member of the township board, has taken a most active interest in politics, has proved a capable officer and has done everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Bristol. Indiana, and to the Maccabees tent at Un- ion. Michigan, and to the Michigan State Grange, and his wife also holds membership relations with the last two. Mr. Redfield is a worthy and prominent representative of an honored pioneer family and has carried forward the work which was instituted by his father, becoming through the careful direction of his business interests one of the sub- stantial citizens of this part of the state.
ALFRED SHOCKLEY.
In a review of the history of the county back to pioneer times it will be found that Alfred Shockley was a resident here in the early days and he now makes his home on section 9, Milton township, where he has a good farming property. He has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Sussex county. Dela- ware, on the 17th of June, 1829. His father, Littleton Shockley, was a native of Maryland, where he was reared. By occupation he was a farmer. thus providing for his family. In the year 1833 he came west- ward to Michigan, settling in Milton township. Cass county, where he took up land from the government. Michigan was still under territorial rule, and there were more Indians than white people in the state. The greater part of the land was still unclaimed and the work of improve- ment and development had scarcely been begun. At long distances could be seen a pioneer cabin to show that an attempt was made to claim the district for the uses of civilization. Mr. Shockley cast in his lot with the early settlers and shared in the arduous task of reclaiming the re-
505
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
gion and developing a new farm. When quite young he was left an orphan and he lost all trace of his people, so that little is known con- cerning the ancestral history of the family. His death occurred in the 'Sos, and thus passed away one of the worthy pioneer settlers of the community. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily Messick, was a native of Delaware and was there reared. She, too, reached an advanced age, passing away in her eighty-second year. There were eight children in the family, four of whom reached adult age.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.