USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 63
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
Mr. Chapman has been married twice. In April. 1860, he wedded Miss Mary Carrier and unto them were born two children: Irma, now the wife of Professor Seth C. Wilson, of Spokane, Washington, who is principal of the schools of that place: and Clif C., who is living upon the home farm. The daughter was a student in the Valparaiso Col- lege in northern Indiana, and has taken a course in the business depart- ment of the University. She is also educated in instrumental music. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Chapman was married to Miss Olivia E. Rudd, a daughter of Stephen and Lydia (Green) Rudd, who were early settlers of Penn township. Mrs. Chapman was born in that township December 29, 1842. and was married first to John H. Under- wood, by whom she had one son, Hon. Fred Underwood, who is now a member of the state legislature at Bismarck, North Dakota. Hon. Fred Underwood received his education in the Cassopolis high school, and was a student in the Valparaiso College. also in the Kalamazoo Bus- iness College. He has been located in Dakota since 1881.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Chapman concentrated his ener- gies upon agricultural pursuits. He began farming in Newberg town-
59
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
ship, where he remained until 1871, when he went to California, whence he returned by way of the water route and the Isthmus of Panama. On again reaching Cass county he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. In 1881 he went to North Dakota and improved a farm in Ran- som county, spending the summer months there during four years. He still owns that property, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of land, and in his home place he has one hundred and thirty acres of very rich and productive land, no finer farm property being found in the county. In the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 he exhibited six different varieties of his wheat grown on his farm, and was awarded a diploma and medal for the superiority of the cereal, which is an honor rare for old Cass county. He has erected a very attractive residence, which stands in the midst of a well kept lawn, and his barns and out- buildings are in keeping with ideas of modern agriculture. His fields, too, are well tilied and he is making a specialty of raising cattle, having a fine herd of thirty head of Jerseys, all being registered stock. He has never been a follower in business lines, but is a leader in the progress which results in successful accomplishment. He votes with the Dem- ocracy and is in sympathy with the platform promulgated at Kansas City.
The beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, known as "Linden Lea." is beautifully finished in rare woods, and the entrance to the pret- ty home is artistically finished in sumach, showing the beautiful grains of the wood, while the library is finished in red cedar, and the work was accomplished by Mr. Chapman himself. In fact, the residence is finished in different woods.
EDWIN N. AUSTIN.
Edwin N. Austin, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in a practical, progressive and profitable manner, is living in Pokagon township and is to-day the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation, giving proof in its excellent appearance of the careful supervision of the owner. \ native of St. Lawrence county, New York, Mr. Austin was born on the 8th of August. 1850. His father, John W. Austin, was also a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. Coming to the west he settled in Allegan county in 1863, taking up his abode upon a farm. which he cultivated and improved until he had acquired a handsome competence, when he retired from active business life and removed to the city of Allegan, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest, his death there occurring in 1893. He was mar- ried in the Empire state to Miss Lucinda Sage, who was born in New York and was there reared. This union was blessed with a family of four sons and two daughters, all of whom were natives of the Em- pire state. As the result of study and investigation concerning the po-
595
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
litical questions of the day and the attitude of the two parties Mr. Aus- tin gave his support to the Republican organization, and at all times he commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men by reason of an honorable and upright lite.
Edwin N. Austin spent the first twelve years of his life in the county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Allegan, Michigan, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, during which time he actively assisted his father in the work of the home farm. He then left home and came to Cass county, tak- ing up his abode upon a farm in Pokagon township. Here he was married to Miss Rebecca Simpson, a daughter of Moses and Sarah Simpson, pioneers of Cass county, having settled within its borders when the white residents here were comparatively few. Mrs. Austin was born and reared in Pokagon township.
Moses W. Simpson, deceased, one of the pioneers of Pokagon, was born in Pembroke. New Hampshire, May 16, 1808. He was the eldest in the family of Samuel and Rebecca ( Dickerman ) Simpson, which consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters. The elder Simpson was a fariner and was possessed of those elements of character that have always distinguished the sons of the Granite state. Moses was reared on the farm, and the rugged hills and sterile soil aided in the development of a robust constitution and many admirable traits of character. He early evidenced a desire for books, which was fostered by his parents, and he received a liberal academical edu- cation. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, and at that time he was married to Miss Sarah H. Blais- dell, of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, where she was born September 8, 1811. Her parents, Samuel and Dorothy ( Straw ) Blaisdell, were of English parentage and New England birth. In 1836 Mr. Simpson and wife came to Pokagon and settled on the farm which was ever afterward his home. He took an active interest in all matters pertain- ing to the advancement of the township, and largely identified him- self with its growth and prosperity; his ability was soon recognized by his fellow townsmen, and he filled many positions of trust and responsibility with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all. His death occurred on June 16, 1849. In the accumulation of property Mr. Simpson was successful. His social qualities were of a high order and his generosity and hospitality were proverbial. He left two daugh- ters, Rebecca, now Mrs. Edwin Austin, and Lydia T. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Simpson assumed the management of the estate, which she conducted successfully until 1850, when she was again mar- ried, to John H. Simpson, brother of her first husband. He was a native of New Hampshire and a man universally esteemed. He died August 19, 1879, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
Mrs. Simpson resided upon the old homestead until her death, January 4, 1889. a lady very highly esteemed.
596
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
For two years after his marriage Edwin N. Austin lived upon his father-in-law's farm and then removed to his present place, first pur- chasing sixty acres of land, to which he has since added part of the old Simpson farm, so that his landed possessions now comprise one hundred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. He has built good buildings here and has improved the property until it is now one of the valuable and productive farms of the township. In its improvement Mr. Austin has displayed good business ability, execu- tive force and keen discernment and in his business relations has com- manded the respect of those with whom he has had dealings.
GEORGE H. TOLBERT.
George H. Tolbert, who is filling the position of township treas- urer and is accounted one of the representative and enterprising farm- ers of Porter township, his home being on section 28, was born in this township September 30, 1867. His father, Seth Tolbert, was a native of New York, where his childhood and youth were passed. He came to Michigan about 1845, making his way to Cass county, and here he was married in Porter township to Miss Sarah Loupee, a sister of John Loupee and a representative of one of the old and well known pioneer families of the county, mention of whom is made on another page of this work, in connection with the sketch of John Loupee. Seth Tolbert took up his abode in Porter township, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-eighth year. He was a lifelong farmer and was one of the early representatives of agri- cultural interests in his community, where he carried on the work of tilling the soil and raising crops until he put aside the active work of the fields in his later years. He was a member of the Baptist church and his religious faith permeated his life and promoted his kindly and considerate relations to his fellowmen and his honorable dealings in all trade transactions. His political allegiance was given to the Republi- can party from the time of its organization until his demise. His widow is still living at this writing, in 1906, and yet resides upon the old homestead farm. In their family were ten children, of whom George H. was the seventh in order of birth.
In his youth George H. Tolbert was reared and to the public school system of the county he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. His attention was divided between the work of the school- room, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields upon the home farm, and after he finished his education he gave his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits on the old homestead up to the time of his marriage.
It was on February 19, 1890, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Linda Harmon, a sister of Charles O. Harmon, who is mentioned else- where in this volume. Mrs. Tolbert was the third child and only daugh-
597
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
ter in a family of four children, and was born in Porter township March 1, 1872, where hier girlhood days were passed. Their home is now on section 28, Porter township, where Mr. Tolbert owns and operates seventy-six acres of land, which is productive and valuable. There he carries on general farming and stock-raising, keeping good grades of cattle, horses and hogs upon his place, while at the same time cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and annually harvesting good crops. He votes with the Republican party, having been reared in that faith, while his matured judgment sanctioned its principles, so that he has given his allegiance to its candidates from that time. He served as highway commissioner of his township, and in 1904 was elected township treasurer. the duties of which office he discharged so capably that he was re-elected in 1905 and is now filling the position. He and his wife belong to the Grange of which he is now master, and he also be- longs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Tolbert are both devoted members of the First Baptist church in Porter township, and they are both interested in Sunday school work. Mrs. Tolbert was superintendent of the Sunday school for five years, and organist of the church for several years, and she was a successful teacher in Porter town- ship for two years.
JOHN D. ROCKWELL.
Among the citizens of Cass county who have long been connected with its history, their residence here dating back to an early period, so that they are entitled to rank with the old settlers, is John D. Rockwell, now living on section 25. Porter township, where he owns a good farm. He was born in Huron county, Ohio. September 8. 1842. His paternal grandfather was Caleb Rockwell, of English descent. His father, Sam- uel R. Rockwell, was a native of Connecticut and was there reared. In early life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade and also carried on farming. The reports which he heard concerning business oppor- tunities in the west induced him to seek a home in Michigan. and in the fall of 1844 he came to this state. taking up his abode upon the farm in Porter township. Cass county, upon which his son, John D. Rock- well, now resides. He had, however, been a resident of Huron county for a brief period when he traded a farm of eighty acres in that county for one hundred and sixty acres of land here without seeing the place. The tract was an unbroken wilderness, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made. There was not a single building and he built a small frame house in the midst of the forest and began to cut away the timber and clear and cultivate the land. In the course of years where once stood the dense forest were seen waving fields of grain. promising rich harvests and as time passed he became one of the sub- stantial citizens of the community as the result of his carefully directed business affairs. He died December 16, 1884. in his eighty-first year- one of the venerable. respected and honored citizens of the county. He
595
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
was a resident of Constantine for about twenty-two years, having retired from active business life, the evening of his days being spent in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He was also justice of the peace in Porter township for about sixteen years and for a similar period in Constantine and his decisions were strictly fair and unbiased, neither fear nor favor swerving him in his application of the law to the points at issue. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy. He was an honest man, whose integrity was at all times above question and by reason of this and his ability he was called upon to transact many business interests for other people. He was closely identified with the early history of Cass county and his labors contributed to its substantial progress and improvement. He married Mary Ann Bushman, a native of New York, who was born near Rochester and was a daughter of George Bushman. She died in 1856 in the thirty-ninth year of her age, and Samuel R. Rockwell afterward married Celia Butler. There were five sons of the first union: George B., who died in 1904: Fran- cis M., who is living in Three Rivers, Michigan; John D., of this re- view : Henry O., who passed away February 8, 1860; and Edson W., who is living in Porter township, Cass county. The children of the sec- ond marriage are: Ralph, who died about 1868; and Libby, who passed away the same year.
John D. Rockwell was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Cass county, the family home being established in Porter township, where he was reared. His education was acquired in the public schools, pursuing his studies in the little school-house which his father built. Throughout the period of his minority he remained upon the home farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow and in the care of the stoek. He was thus occupied until he attained his majority, after which he operated the home farm for one year. In 1864 he went to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained until 1866. being engaged in mining in that locality. He then returned again to the old home- stead, where he has since resided, his attention being given in undivided manner to agricultural interests.
On the 21st of February. 1867, was celebrated the marriage of John D. Rockwell and Miss Adelia Miller, a daughter of Charles F. and Rebecca (Odell) Miller, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They became residents of Michigan at an early day. settling in St. Joseph county in 1836, when the work of improvement and development had seareely been begun there. They established a home on the frontier, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers and sharing in the hardships and trials ineident to life in the far west-for Michigan was then a border state. Mrs. Rockwell was born in St. Joseph county, March 25. 1843, and was there reared and educated. At the time of their marriage they located on the old homestead farm, which has since been their place of residence. As the years went by Mr. Rockwell gave his undivided attention and energies to the develop-
599
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
ment and cultivation of his land and to the improvement of his farm. which is now a valuable property, supplied with all of the equipments and conveniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. In 1883 he built his present residence, and he now has two houses upon the place, also commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings, fur- nishing ample shelter for grain and stock. His place comprises two hundred and twenty-seven and a half acres of good land, the soil being alluvial and responding readily to the care and labor which are bestowed upon the fields and which return golden harvests. Mr. Rockwell per- sonally manages and operates the farm and is a wide-awake, progressive agriculturist, meeting with very gratifying success in his chosen life work.
Three children were born unto our subject and his wife, namely : Jennie G., who is now the wife of L. N. Ruch, of Chicago; Hattie L., the wife of Phar Stenberg, who resides upon the old homestead in Porter township; and Cora B., who was born December 22, 1874, and died February 16, 1875.
Mr. Rockwell votes with the Democracy, when national questions are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot, support- ing the men whom he regards as best qualified to take charge of the business interests of town or county. He has been school treasurer of his district for twenty years and could have held other offices but would not accept, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs. He is a man of liberal spirit and has contributed to many good causes. He belongs to the Grange and is intensely inter- ested in all that pertains to the agricultural development of the county. He has been a resident of Porter township for sixty-one years and is one of its pioneer and representative citizens, helping to make the county what it is today. His name is closely interwoven with its history and his successful career should serve to encourage and inspire others, for his prosperity is largely due to his own well directed labors, capable business management and keen discernment.
HENRY C. BENSON.
Henry C. Benson makes his home on section 3. south Porter town- ship, and was born December 11, 1845, on the farm where he now re- sides. ITis father, Joseph Benson, was a native of Livingston county, New York, and came to Michigan in 1843, making his way at once to Cass county and took up his abode upon the farm which is now owned and occupied by Henry C. Benson. He was married in Porter town- ship in 1844 to Miss Harriet Weed, a daughter of Seth and Catherine Weed. Her father was for many years a justice of the peace and held the office of supervisor and other local positions, the duties of which were always promptly, faithfully and cambly performed by him. He was a prominent man and teacher in the county and exerted a strong
600
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
and beneficial influence for the intellectual development and moral prog- ress of his locality, also upholding its legal and political status. Joseph Benson, for many years an enterprising and well known agriculturist of the county, died August 8. 1878, when sixty-six years of age. He was at one time a member of the Masonic fraternity and at all times exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. His wife long survived him, reaching the age of eighty-eight years. In their family were two sons, Henry C. and Joseph, the latter still a resident of Porter township.
Henry C. Benson spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. He was educated in the common schools and for a short time continued his studies in South Bend. Indiana, becoming an apt student and readily mastering the common branches of learning. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching, which profession he followed successfully for five years in Cass, Berrien and St. Joseph counties. He was at the same time engaged in farming and fruit-grow- ing, devoting the winter seasons to educational work, while the summer months were given to agricultural and horticultural pursuits.
January 23. 1881, Mr. Benson was united in marriage to Miss Martha V. Roots, a daughter of Windsor and Mary Ann ( Bennett) Roots. Mrs. Benson was born December 5, 1862, in DeKalb county, Indiana, but was reared in Porter township, Cass county, and is the elder of two daughters. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Benson began their domestic life upon the old homestead farm, living with his father and mother until they were called from this life. Two children grace the marriage of the younger couple, namely : Ida May. now the wife of Lewis Arnold, of Porter township; and Jennie D., who is at home.
Mr. Benson owns a farm of more than two hundred acres, which he is carrying on. He has placed his land under a high state of culti- vation and annually harvests good crops as a reward for the care and lahor he bestows upon the fields, and in addition to raising the cereals hest adapted to soil and climate he also raises some stock, mostly, how- ever, for his own use. He has a well improved place and a glance will serve to indicate to the passerby the progressive and practical methods of the owner. In his political adherence he has always been a stalwart Republican, interested in the party and its success and his investigation into the questions and issues of the day has led him to believe that the Republican platform contains the best elements of good government. He has been twice elected to the office of justice of the peace, his second term expiring in July, 1906. He has filled the position for eight years and has ever been fair and impartial in his movements, basing his deci- sions upon the law and the equity of the case. After serving as justice of the peace for eight years, he has been importuned by the best element to again assume the onerous position, and without a dissenting voice from any party, which speaks volumes for his integrity and manhood.
601
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
He has been officially connected with the schools through a long period. serving on the school board for about nine years, and he belongs to the Grange. His entire life has been passed upon the farm which he yet owns and occupies, having lived here for sixty years. The place is en- deared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as those of later years, and the name of Benson has ever stood for progress along agricultural lines, in which regard Henry C. Benson fully sustains the reputation of the family.
SAMUEL H. GILBERT.
On the list of pioneer settlers of Cass county appears the name of Samuel H. Gilbert, who is now living on section 23. Porter township. He dates his residence in the county from 1835. Few, indeed, have longer resided in this portion of the state or have for a greater period witnessed the changes that have been wrought here. He is not only familiar with the history of the county from hearsay but has been an active participant in the work that has led to its present development and upbuilding. The story of pioneer life is a familiar one to him, for he settled here in the days when the homes were pioneer cabins, when much of the work of the fields was done by hand, when the sickle and scythe formed a part of the farm implements, when the houses were lighted by candles and when the cooking was largely done over the open fireplace.
Mr. Gilbert is a native of Onondaga county, New York, his birth having occurred in Lysander township, on the 18th of April. 1824. His father, Stephen Gilbert, was born in Massachusetts and there was reared. When a young man he left New England and went to New York, whence he came to Michigan in 1835, making his way direct to Cass county. He located in Porter township, and at once became engaged in the ardu- ous task of developing a new farm, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-three years of age. His father, Samuel Gilbert, was a native of Huntington township, Fairfield county, Connecticut, born March 10, 1761, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, espousing the cause of the colonists when they could no longer endure the yoke of British oppression. He saw Major Andre when he was hanged as a spy. Mr. Gilbert was under the command of General Washington for one year and three months and for thirty years of his life received a pension of twelve dollars per month from the gov- ernment in recognition of the aid which he had rendered to his country in her struggle for independence. He was supposed to have heen of English descent and he died September 10, 1849. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Almira Colgrove, was a native of Rut- land, Vermont, and a daughter of Calvin Colgrove, of English parent- age. She lived to a very advanced age, passing away in her ninety-fifth year. By her marriage she became the mother of five sons and three
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.