USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 64
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daughters, who reached adult age and all were married and reared families.
Samuel H. Gilbert is the eldest living member of the family today. Ile was a lad of eleven years when his parents left the Empire state and came west to Michigan. locating in Porter township, where he pur- sued his studies in a log school-house. He was also educated in a sim- ilar school-house in New York. The methods of instruction were very primitive, in keeping with pioneer times and conditions, and he pursued his studies only in the winter months, for throughout the remainder of the year he worked in the fields and assisted in clearing and cultivating the farm. He was an expert in handling a mall and wedge and was a very strong man in his younger days. . All the farm work became famil- iar to him from actual experience and he assisted in the fields from the time of early spring planting until after crops were harvested in the late autumn.
Mr. Gilbert was married on the 31st of October, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Motley, a daughter of James and Fannie ( Elkington) Motley, both of whom were of English lineage. The mother died in Montreal, Canada. Mrs. Gilbert was born in England. July 5. 1829. and was only six months old when her parents bade adieu to friends and native coun- try and sailed for America. Her mother died when the daughter was but fourteen months old and the father afterward married Bethesda Mc- Neil, by whom he had nine children. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert located on the farm where they now reside, it having been their place of residence for fifty-nine years and he has owned it for a year longer. Full of hope and courage they began the task of establishing a home here in the midst of the wilderness, Mrs. Gilbert carefully managing the household affairs, while Mr. Gilbert performed the work of the fields, transforming the raw and undeveloped land into a tract of rich fertility, from which he annually harvested good crops. In all of his work he has been practical and as invention has given to the world improved farm machinery he has introduced this into his work and thus facilitated his labors. There is little similarity in the methods of farming today, and those which were followed by the agriculturists a half century ago. Then the farmer walked back and forth across the fields, guiding his handplow. His grain was cut with a scythe and bound by hand into sheaves. Today he rides over the fields upon the plow and the cultivator and the harvesting machine and thresher are familiar sights in all farming localities.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have been horn eight children, of whom four are now living: Ida, the wife of Frank L. Orr, who resides in West Pullman, Illinois; Orrin, a contractor and builder, carrying on business in Portland, Oregon; George, a farmer of Porter township: Arthur, a twin brother of George, who follows farming in South Da- kota : and Helen, who died at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a student in Hillsdale College, Michigan, and afterward engaged success-
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fully in teaching school. Mr. Gilbert has led an honorable, useful and active life. He has always been a strong temperance man and is a Pro- hibitionist in his political views, regarding the use of intoxicants as one of the most important questions today before the people. He has never used tobacco in his life and none of his sons is addicted to it. He and his family are members of the First Baptist church in Porter township. in which he has served as trustee for many years, while in the work of the church he has taken a most active and helpful part. He is today the oldest resident in Porter township, having for seventy-one years made his home within its borders and has seen the country develop from a wilderness to its present state of cultivation and improvement, while cross-roads villages have grown into thriving towns and cities. His life has been actuated by many noble principles and toward his fellow- men he has displayed consideration and fairness that have commanded uniform confidence and esteem. His record is indeed in many respects worthy of emulation, showing what may be accomplished through earn- est and persistent effort in the business world and at the same time displaying sterling traits of character which work for development along the lines of truth, righteousness and justice.
JOHN LOUPEE.
John Loupee, who for twenty-five years has resided upon his pres- ent farm on section 21. Porter township, where he owns one hundred and fifty-four acres of land, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August 23. 1840. His father, George Loupee, was a native of Germany and the days of his boyhood and youth were spent in that country, where he was married to Miss Wilhelmina Steiner. also of German birth. Crossing the Atlantic to America with the hope of having improved business opportunities in the new world they located in Wayne county. Ohio, where they resided until coming to Michigan about 1841. at which time they took up their abode in Porter township. George Loupee enter- ing land from the government. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, and had scarcely begun the work of transform- ing the raw wild land into a cultivable farm when death claimed him. His wife lived to be about sixty-two years of age. There were eight children in the family, all of whom reached manhood or womanhood.
John Loupee. the seventh in order of birth, was only about a year old when brought by his parents from Ohio to Cass county, and he has been a lifelong resident of Porter township and is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. Owing to the death of his father he was early thrown upon his own resources, working by the month as a farm hand. He was thus employed throughout the pe- riod of his youth and until his lahors brought him capital sufficient to enable him to engage in farming on his own account. Ilis boyhood
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therefore was a period of earnest and unremitting toil with few advan- tages, educational or otherwise.
In June, 1862, Mr. Loupee was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ann Taylor, a daughter of Dr. Somner Taylor, who became a resident of Cass county sixty years ago and died September 22, 1876. In his family were four children. Mrs. Loupee was born in Huron county, New York, March 23. 1835. and came to Cass county with her parents in 1845. Iler father was one of the pioneer physicians of the county, who engaged in the practice of medicine here in the early days when it neces- sitated long rides over the country through the hot summer sun or winter's cold. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loupee have been born three daugh- ters: Zella, now the wife of Charles Stearns living in Porter township, Cass county ; Frances O., the wife of James Stage, living on the home farm: and Edith I., the wife of William Doane, a resident of Howard township, Cass county.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Loupee located in south Porter township and for twenty-five years has resided on his present farm. which comprises one hundred and fifty-four acres of land that is rich and arable. He now rents the land, leaving the active work of the farm to others, while he is largely living a retired life. His political views are in accord with the principles of Democracy, yet he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to leave office holding to others, while he gives his time and energies to his business affairs. Ile belongs to Siloam lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M., of Constantine. He has for sixty-five years made his home in this county and has been closely identified with its upbuilding, especially along agricultural lines. He is a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he accom- plished, for he started out in life in early boyhood empty-handed, having no assistance from inheritance or from influential friends, but depended entirely upon his own labors, realizing that hard work is a sure foundation upon which to build success. His life has been one of earnest toil, and as the years have gone by he has gained a fair measure of prosperity, dne to his close application and diligence.
JOHN O'DELL.
Jolm O'Dell, one of the prominent and influential farmers and carly scttlers of Porter township, living on section 16, was born Octo- her 30, 1836, in this township and is therefore one of the oldest native sons of the county. He is a son of Nathan and Sarah ( Drake) O'Dell. ITis paternal grandfather, Nathan G. O'Dell. Sr., was born in Virginia, November 4. 1772. The progenitors of this family came originally from England, and although for many generations the ancestors of our subject lived in Virginia, not a single member of the family ever owned slaves, and so far as is known all were opposed to the institution of slavery. Nathan G. O'Dell, Sr., was married to Miss Rebecca Kife,
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who was born in the old Dominion in July, 1780. He was a miller by trade and owned a mill in Virginia, where in connection with the opera- tion of the plant he also carried on farming. Early in 1800, however, he removed with his family to Ohio, settling in Wayne county, where he took up land from the government. It was entirely raw and unim- proved, but his strenuous labors soon converted it into a productive farm. He likewise owned and operated a grist mill, and was for twenty- eight years associated with business interests in the Buckeye state. In 1828 he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in the eastern part of what is now Porter township, Cass county. Here, too, he was a pioneer settler, living upon the frontier and sharing with others in the hard- ships and privations incident to life in a far western district. He con- tinted to make his home in Porter township until his death, which occurred in October, 1835, and his wife followed him to the grave two months later. In their family were nine children: Thomas, the eldest, born June 22, 1796, was for more than forty years a minister of the Methodist church. He went to Iowa, where he devoted his life to his holy calling and there died in 1861. James, born September 13. 1798. married Nancy Carr and in early life came to Michigan, his death occurring in St. Joseph county, this state, September 24, 1835. John, born March 24. 1801, died in Ohio, August 19. 1826, prior to the re- moval of the family to Michigan. Nathan G .. father of John O'Dell of this review, was the next of the family. Elizabeth, born May 21. 1806, was married in Ohio, May 19. 1835. becoming Mrs. Metcalf. Enos P., born August 7. 1808, went to Illinois, where he followed farming until his death on the 22d of February, 1852. Lorenzo Dow. born October 9. 1810, was a member of congress from Ohio and died in that state about 1883. Rebecca. born May 17, 1812, married Thomas Burns, with whom she came to Michigan, and her death occurred in this state in September. 1846. Silas P., born April 15. 1814. died at the age of two years, on the 29th of September, 1819.
Nathan G. O'Dell. Jr., father of our subject, was born in Ohio. October 1, 1803, was there reared and was married in that state in 1828 to Miss Sarah Drake, whose birth occurred April 10. 1810. Imme- diately after their marriage they left Ohio, and with several other families came to Cass county, Michigan, settling in Porter township, where Mr. O'Dell and his father took up government land. He there began the development of a farm and in the course of years brought this land under a high state of cultivation. Unto him and his wife were born five children : James S., was born January 10. 1830. He married Jane Travers, who died about a year afterward leaving a child a few days old, who died when about nine years of age. On the 27th of Feb- 1uary. 1859. James O'Dell wedded Caroline Loupee, who was born in Wayne county. Ohio. November 8. 1837, while her parents were natives of Germany. James O'Dell has four children : Martha, born April 23. 1860: Carrie M., May 18, 1865: Ida, December 1I. 1870; and Ross.
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February 24. 1875. Thomas, born June 30, 1831. married Miss Lavina Travers. He was a farmer by occupation and was a leading and in- fluential factor in local political circles, serving as justice of the peace and as supervisor and also as a member of the state legislature of Mich- igan. He died June 30, 1892, leaving a family of six children. David, horn March 27, 1833, went to lowa and there enlisted for service in the Civil war. After being honorably discharged he returned to Jowa and died soon afterward. Margaret M., born November 9. 1834, was mar- ried to Henry Brown, who died in 1884. She is still living in Porter township. John is the subject of this review. The mother of these chil- dren died in October. 1836, soon after the birth of John O'Dell, and later Nathan G. O'Dell. Jr., was married to Miss Eliza Shivel, hy whom he had two children. Sarah Wealthy, the eldest, born December 25, 1842, became the wife of John Draper and died while her husband was serving in the Union army. Nathan Eben, born December 27, 1843, went into the army when but sixteen years of age and remained until the close of the war in 1864. He married Miss Nettie Motley, and they have three living children and two deceased.
When John O'Dell was only nine years of age he was bound out to Jacob Lintz, of Constantine township, and lived with him for nine years, during which time he worked at farm labor in its various depart- ments. He afterward returned to Porter township. Cass county, where he has resided continuously since. The only educational privileges he enjoyed were those afforded by the district schools and he had little opportunity for that, because he was only nine years old when his father (lied, and he was thus thrown upon his own resources and has since had to provide for his own support. He was married in Porter town- ship. Cass county, to Miss Jane A. Smith, a daughter of Deacon and Cornelia (Hart) Smith. She was born in Porter township May 30. 1842, and there spent her early girlhood days, her parents being old settlers of Cass county. At the time of her marriage the young couple took up their abode in a log house on a forty-acre farm on section 16. Later Mr. O'Dell sold that property for three thousand dollars and bought forty-three acres where he now lives. He has since added seventy-eight acres to this place, making a farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres. It is fine property, well improved with modern equip- ments. There are good buildings upon the place and excellent farm implements, and for many years Mr. O'Dell carried on the active work of the fields, but is now renting his land, leaving the practical farm work to others, although he still gives his supervision to the place.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Dell have been born three children : Lucy, the wife of O. K. Harvey, of Constantine, Michigan: Lydia Grace, the wife of Charles Barnard, who is also living in that place; and Dr. John HI. O'Dell. who is a practicing physician of Three Rivers. Mr. O'Dell is one of the old settlers of the county. and has been identified with its upbuilding and progress through a long period. He has always voted
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with the Republican party, casting his ballot for Lincoln in 1860 and again in 1864, and for each man at the head of the ticket of that party. He and his wife belong to the First Baptist church at Porter, and he has led a life of integrity and uprightness, worthy the regard which is uniformly given him. He has now reached the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, and his entire life has been passed in this county. He can remember in his boyhood days of the forests which covered what are now some of the best farms in the county. There were few roads laid out through the wilderness, and often one followed old Indian trails in making their way among the trees to a given point. The work of development and upbuilding seemed scarcely begun and Mr. O'Dell shared in the task of improving the county. He became familiar with the arduous work of developing and cultivating new land, and for many years was closely associated with agricultural interests, but is now living retired, having a good property which returns him a gratify- ing income, thus supplying him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He can tell many tales of pioneer days which show the onward march of progress, for Cass county has always kept pace with the work of improvement elsewhere, and has become one of the leading counties of this great commonwealth. Although it was once a heavily timbered region it is now one of the good agricultural districts of the state.
E. W. BECKWITH.
E. W. Beckwith, formerly engaged in merchandising, but now de- voting his attention to farming on section 14. Jefferson township, rep- resents one of the pioneer families of this part of the state, the name of Beckwith having been interwoven with the history of the county from 1833 down to the present time. It has always stood as a synonym for business integrity and for loyalty in citizenship, and the rec- ord of our subject is in harmony with that of others of the name. He was born in Cassopolis, Michigan, October 12, 1847. His father, Walter G. Beckwith, was a native of West Bloomfield, New York, and came to Cass county, Michigan, about 1833. Few settlements had been made in this portion of the state at the time, and as far as the eve could see there were uncut forests and uncultivated tracts of prairie. Only here and there had a clearing been made to show that the work of agricultural development had begun, while the now thriving cities were but small villages, or had not vet sprung into existence. Mr. Beckwith took an active part in molding the early public policy of the county. He was one of the first sheriffs and his activity touched many lines that have led to permanent improvement and benefit here. He was president of the State Agricultural Society for about fourteen years, a position which was indicative of the place which he held as a representative of farm- ing interests and of the high regard reposed in him by his fellow agri- culturists throughout Michigan. Far sighted. he extended his time and
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energies not only to his business affairs but to public interests as well, and his efforts were far reaching and beneficial. He voted with the Democracy, and he kept well informed, not only on political questions, but upon all issues and events relating to the progress and welfare of the country at large. In early manhood he wedded Miss Eliza Lee, a native of West Bloomfield, New York. She lived to be about sixty-five years of age, while Mr. Beckwith reached the advanced age of seventy- six years. They were the parents of only two children, who reached adult age, and E. W. Beckwith, of this review, is now the only sur- viving member of the family.
Upon the old homestead farm in Jefferson township E. W. Beck- with became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His early education was acquired in the district schools and was supplemented by study in the Kalamazoo Baptist Col- lege. In 1868 he established a shoe store at Dowagiac, in which he continued for ten years. or until 1878, since which time his attention has been given in undivided manner to his farm pursuits. He has ever labored to produce maximum results with minimum effort, which is the basis of all business success.
In 1870 Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage to Miss Clara Sulli- van, who died leaving two sons: Charles, an electrician engaged in business in Cleveland, Ohio; and Walter, at home.
Mr. Beckwith was reared in the faith of the Democracy, and his mature judgment has led him to the belief that the party platform con- tains the best elements of good government. He has labored earnestly for its success and has filled a number of local offices, acting for eighteen years as superintendent of the poor. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in that order and throughout the county as well he is esteemed as a valued citizen, whose interest in public affairs has been of an active and helpful nature. His co-operation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the general good of the community.
C. CARROLL NELSON.
Among the leading citizens of Cass county whose life record forms an integral part of the history of this section of the state is numbered C. Carroll Nelson, who is now living a retired life and whose position in the regard of other pioneer residents of the state is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as treasurer of the Old Settlers' Association. His career has been a long, busy and useful one, marked by the utmost fidelity to the duties of public and private life and crowned with the respect which is conferred upon him in recognition of his genuine worth. His name is inseparably interwoven with the annals of the coun- ty, with its best development and stable prosperity. He is one of Mich- igan's native sons, his birth having occurred in Washtenaw county on the 31st of July, 1835. His father, I. S. Nelson, was a native of Mas-
Sincerely yours OPhele Peg Relson
Very July yours Colo Telson
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sachusetts, born in Deerfield, whence he came to Michigan in 1830, lo- cating in Washtenaw county, where his remaining days were passed. lus death occurring in 1837. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Arms, was born in Conway, Massachusetts, and following the death of her first husband she gave her hand in marriage to Rulef D. Crego.
C. Carroll Nelson was brought to Cass county in 1842, when a youth of seven summers, the family home being established in Newberg townisitip, where he was reared and educated. After attending the com- mon schools he continued his studies in Hillsdale College for two years and afterward engaged in teaching in the public schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons his labors were devoted to the work of the farm. He was the only child born unto his parents that grew to mature years. He remained at home with his mother until twenty-one years of age and then started out in life on his own account. With a full realization of the fact that advancement can be most quickly secured through close application and unremitting diligence, he worked persistently and energetically and in due course of time he gained a place among the representative agriculturists of his adopted county. He was married on the roth of August, 1861, to Miss Phebe Pegg, a daugh- ter of Reuben and Rebecca (Hinshaw) Pegg, who were pioneer settlers of Cass county. Mrs. Nelson was born in Penn township on December 12, 1840, and has been a lifelong resident of Cass county. Her parents were natives of Randolph county, North Carolina, and came to Cass county in 1828, and her father was also one of the earliest settlers with- in the borders of this county. They were married at what was then called Whitmanville, but is now LaGrange. and they located in Penn township, where they continued to reside until called to the home he- yond. They were the parents of five children. three daughters and two sons, of whom William and Sarah are now deceased. The others are : Mary, Abijah and Mrs. Phebe Pegg Nelson.
The young couple hegan their domestic life upon a farm in Penn township and in 1866 removed to Cassopolis, where Mr. Nelson estab- lished a sash and door factory in company with A. H. Pegg, in which business he continued until 1877, theirs being one of the leading pro- ductive industries of the county. In that year Mr. Nelson met with an accident, losing his left arm and also the sight of one eye. In the same year he was appointed postmaster and entered upon the duties of the office in 1878, filling the position for eight years and eight months in a most capable and satisfactory manner, giving a public-spirited and progressive administration. He then handed over the keys to L. H. Glover, who is editor of this volume, and in July, 1887, he embarked in the undertaking and furniture business, in which he continued until January, 1904. With the capital he had acquired and which was suf- ficient to supply him with the necessities and comforts of life through
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his remaining days, he retired from active business and is now enjoying a well earned rest. IIe has been a representative of agricultural, indus- trial and commercial life and in all departments of labor has displayed perseverance and industry combined with unfaltering business integ- rity.
In politics Mr. Nelson is a stanch Republican and in 1863 he served as supervisor of Penn township. He was also superintendent of the poor from 1873 until 1876 and was village assessor of Cassopolis for about fourteen years. Upon the organization of the Cassopolis Library Association in March, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson took an active part in its work and have since done all in their power for the interests of the library. Mr. Nelson acted as president of the association during the first eight years of its existence and Mrs. Nelson was one of its di- rectors, the first meeting being held at their home. In fact they were instrumental in establishing the library, and this institution, which is now a credit to the village and a matter of local pride, owes its existence and success in large measure to their efforts. For nineteen years Mr. Nelson has been treasurer of the Pioneer Society and active in its work. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his wife holds membership in the Disciples church. Mr. Nelson has been a resident of Cass county for sixty-three years and his wife throughout her entire life, and no couple are more deserving of esteem and confidence or are more justly entitled to representation in this volume than C. Carroll Nelson and his estimable wife. His entire free- dom from ostentation or self-laudation has made him one of the most popular citizens of Cass county, with whose history he has now been long and prominently identified. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have some old and rare relics of "ye olden tyme." They have a linen table cloth which is over a century old, and it was woven by Mr. Nelson's grandmother Nelson. They also have one of the most extensive libraries in the coun- ty of Cass. Mrs. Nelson has several rare bound volumes of collected views and engravings, which as a rare collection could not be found in southern Michigan.
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