USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 84
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years he held the office of justice of the peace. At the early age of fourteen years he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, there- after living a consistent Christian, ever exemplifying in his life the noblest elements of manhood.
James M. Truitt, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Cass county, was born in Milton township, this county, April 28, 1837. This township has practically been his home throughout his entire life, and everything tending to advance the best interests of this region has re- ceived his earnest support and attention. During his boyhood days he attended school in a little log schoolhouse near his home, and for a number of years thereafter he operated a threshing machine with his brother Henry. In 1856 he assumed the management of the old home- stead, there remaining until 1860, when he took up his abode on another farm, and in 1878 he moved to Edwardsburg and engaged in the agri- cultural implement business, there also becoming director of the Ber- rien County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Returning again to his home in Milton township, he has since devoted his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. Having been reared in this vocation, he is eminently successful, and has long been numbered among the progressive and suc- cessful farmers of the township.
On the 22nd of April, 1860, Mr. Truitt was united in marriage to Margaret Hicks, who was born in Niles, Michigan, in 1839. Her par- ents were John and Lettie Hicks, natives of England, but their mar- riage was celebrated in Niles, and Margaret was their only child. Dur- ing her infancy she was left an orphan and was reared by her uncle, Perry Hicks. Mr. Truitt is an earnest supporter of Democratic prin- ciples and he received the appointment of deputy revenue collector of the second division of the fourth district, including eight counties, and this important position he occupied for four years. He held the office of county drain commissioner of Cass county from 1896 to 1899, was justice of the peace in Milton township for twelve years and deputy sheriff two years. In his fraternal relations he is an Odd Fellow, and in Masonry has reached the Knight Templar degree. He is a charter member of the Grange, and has served as president of the Patrons of Industry of Milton township, from which he was transferred to the Al- liance order and again elected president. Mr. Truitt does not regard lightly his duties of citizenship and his obligations to his fellow men. He is honorable in his dealings, straightforward in all life's relations and commands uniform respect throughout Cass county.
CHARLES G. BANKS.
In the death of Charles G. Banks Cass county lost one of her most prominent and useful citizens. He was numbered among the early settlers of Cassopolis, and was a citizen whom to know was to respect and honor because of his worth and ability. He was born in Chenango
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county, New York, on the 13th of January, 1825, a son of Walter O. and Polly (Dunbar) Banks. The father's birth occurred on the Hud- son river at New Baltimore, New York, in 1792, and his father, Adam Banks, was a native of Germany. Both Adam and Walter O. Banks were ship builders. The latter was married to Miss Polly Dunbar, who was born in Saratoga, New York, in 1794, and was a daughter of Nehe- miah Dunbar. At the time of their marriage the young couple settled near McDonough in Chenango county, New York, in 1813, and Mr. Banks there built a log house, in which his family of ten children were born, including Walter O. Banks, who was the fifth son. The rafters of the log house were round poles from the wood. There was not a sawmill within a distance of forty miles. When removing from the old house Walter O. Banks blocked out and made a cane from a rafter, which he gave to his son, Charles G. This was in 1860, and the cane is still in the possession of the family. Many interesting incidents of pioneer times were related, and Mr. Banks often told a humorous story con- ceining Ben Wilson, who he said used to drive across the country from the Otselic to the Chenango river, a distance of forty miles, making the journey with a heavy wagon, following a road that was made by blazing trees. The wolves and bears would sometimes follow him, and Mr. Banks related that one time when alone, in his dilemma to keep the wolves out of his wagon, he began singing a song, which was all that was necessary to make the animals leave.
Charles G. Banks was reared in the place of his nativity and was educated in the common and select schools, studying for a time under Mrs. Warren at Macedonia, New York. On leaving that institution he became a student in Oxford Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1841. He worked in order to pay his tuition and roomed with a young man, the two boarding themselves. Thus he pursued his college education, and on the completion of the course he made his way westward to Cassopolis, where he engaged in teaching school for several years. It was his intention to build an academy, but on account of ill health he had to abandon his work as an educator. He taught in the district, select and high schools for eight years, and proved a capable teacher, whose ability was widely recognized by all who came under his instruction or knew of his methods. In 1848 he began surveying, and was elected county surveyor about that time. The first survey he made was for his father-in-law, Pleasant Norton, in Jefferson township in the vicinity of Mud lake. The plat had forty-three angles. He surveyed the greater part of Cass county, and in this connection accomplished an important work. He was elected many times as county surveyor, and followed the profession for a half century. No man was more familiar with the county than he, and it was said of him that he knew every crook and corner in Cass county. In 1854 he began keeping books for S. T. & L. R. Read, prominent merchants of Cassopolis, with whom
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he remained for six years, during which time he frequently went with them to buy goods. Ile afterward went into business with John Tiet- sort, under the firm name of Banks & Tietsort, which connection was continued from 1863 to 1873. At a former date he had been associated in business with W. W. Peck for about three years, and after his re- tirement from commercial life in 1873 lie gave his attention largely to surveying. He was without doubt the best informed man on section corners and old survey lines in Cass county. He wrote a fine record and possessed a memory that enabled him to recall and repeat with accuracy early events, and with all he was an honest, upright man. In all of his business transactions he was successful, and as the years passed accum- ulated a comfortable competence.
On the 14th of November, 1850, Mr. Banks was united in mar- riage to Miss Amanda Norton, the second daughter of Pleasant Nor- ton. She was born December 22, 1831, in Champaign county. Ohio, and was brought to Michigan by her aunt, Mattie Norton, when she was six months old, the journey being made on a pony to Jefferson township. Cass county. Mrs. Banks remained a lifelong resident of this county, and passed away September 4, 1893. She had become the mother of three children : James K., who is now cashier of the First National Bank of Sheldon, North Dakota; Emma J., the wife of M. L. Howell, a prominent attorney of Cassopolis, whom she married October 11, 1870; and Cora L., who on the 4th of September, 1886, became the wife of Alfred T. Osmer.
Mr. Banks was in former years identified with the Democratic party. hut afterward usually voted for temperance men. He served as township superintendent of schools, township clerk and always took an active and helpful interest in public affairs. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cora L. Osmer, in Dowagiac, where he had been living about a year, June 11, 1906, after an illness of long standing. The body was brought to Cassopolis and placed by the side of his wife in Prospect Hill cemetery. He had a very wide acquaintance in the county, where he had resided almost continuously since the fall of 1844, covering a period of about sixty-two years. He was therefore a witness of almost its entire development, and assisted in the work of transition as pioneer conditions were replaced by the ev- idences of an advanced civilization and modern prosperity.
COY W. HENDRYX.
For a number of years Cov W. Hendryx has practiced at the bar of Cass county, and during that time his rise has been gradual, but he today occupies a leading position among the representatives of the legal profession in Dowagiac. ITis reputation has been won through earnest, honest labor. and his high standing is a merited tribute to his ability. TIe was born in Cuba, Allegany county, New York, July 20, 1861.
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and is a son of James and Eunice ( Tryon) Hendryx. His grandfather, Nathan H. Hendryx, was a native of New York, and in Madison coun- ty, that state, his son, James H., was born. In the family of James and Eunice Hendryx were seven children. The father was a stanch advocate of Democratic principles, and his death occurred in 1873.
Coy W. Hendryx was reared to manhood in the county of his na- tivity, Allegany, and his early educational training was received in the graded schools of Cuba. He next entered Cook Academy at Havana, New York, and for a time thereafter conducted his studies in the col- lege at Newton, near Philadelphia, graduating in that institution in 1878. During the following two years he was engaged in teaching school, and then became principal of the schools at Clarksville, New York. In 1879 Mr. Hendryx came to Dowagiac, Michigan, and be- gan the preparation for his chosen profession by entering a law office, and three years later, in October, 1882, was admitted to the bar. In December, 1886, he was admitted to practice in the United States courts. His practice has since gradually increased, as he has demonstrated his ability to successfully handle the intricate problems of jurisprudence, and today he has a large clientage, which connects him with the leading litigated interests of the circuit. \ Democrat in his political affiliations, he has held the office of circuit court commissioner, and in 1886 was ap- pointed United States commissioner for the western district of Michi- gan, an office he held twelve years.
In 1885 Mr. Hendryx was united in marriage with Harriette, a daughter of Charles G. Guilford, a prominent farmer of Cuba, Allegany county, New York. She was born and reared in that city, completing hier education in Alfred University. Three children have been born of this union, Ruth, Irene and Olive. Mr. Hendryx is a Mason and is also identified with the Legion of Honor. He is a broad-minded, progres- sive man and public-spirited citizen, and in all life's relations is found true to all the duties of professional and social life.
FRANK P. JARVIS.
Frank P. Jarvis, who follows the occupation of farming, was born August 18, 1852, in LaGrange township, where he still makes his home. His father, Norman Jarvis, was one of the early settlers of this coun- ty, where for many years he followed the occupation of farming. He was born in North Carolina in 1819 and was a son of Zaddock Jarvis, likewise a native of the old North state. The grandfather was a farmer and about 1834 settled in Cass county, Michigan, being one of the first residents within its borders. The family home was established in La- Grange township, where the grandfather purchased some land. becom- ing owner of about two hundred acres, most of which was raw and un- improved. He cleared the tract, however, and reared his family upon this place.
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Norman Jarvis was only four years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan and amid the wild scenes of frontier life he was reared upon the old homestead, the family living in a log cabin while his education was acquired in a log schoolhouse. He shared with the other members of the family in the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and also assisted in the arduous task of developing new land. When about twenty-one years of age he bought land in LaGrange township. coming into possession of about two hundred acres that was partially improved. He had been married a short time previous to Miss Margaret Simpson, a native of Ohio, born in the year 1823. She was reared in her native state and with her parents came to Cass county at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis became the parents of ten chil- dren, seven daughters and three sons, all of whom are living, Frank P. being the fifth child and second son. In his political views the father was a Democrat and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He prospered in his business undertakings and at the time of his death was the owner of two hundred and seventy acres of rich and productive land, the greater part of which had been improved by him. He passed away in 1903 at the age of eighty-three years, respected and esteemed by all who knew him.
Frank P. Jarvis was reared upon the old homestead farm and as- sisted his father in its cultivation and improvement until twenty-four years of age, when he made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage, on the 14th of February, 1876, to Miss Clara Cooper, a daughter of Cicero and Hannah (Reams) Cooper. The father was a native of Jefferson township, Cass county, born in February, 1840, and was there reared and educated. After putting aside his text-books he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He voted with the Dem- ocracy up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1869. Mrs. Cooper was born in Jefferson township, Cass county, on the 29th of October, 1839, and was there reared, both she and her husband being pioneer people of this part of the state. They became the parents of two sons and three daughters, of whom one died in infancy. Mrs. Jar- vis, who was the second daughter and third child of the family, was reared upon the okt home farm in Cass county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis located on a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in LaGrange township, the greater part of which had been cutivated, and there they resided for fourteen years. In 1891, however, Mr. Jarvis sold that property and removed to Pokagon township, settling on section 25, where he purchased one hundred and fifty-nine acres of improved land. To the further cultiva- tion and development of this place he has since devoted his energies and now has an excellent farm, from which he annually harvests good crops. To him and his wife have been horn two children, but Burton, who was born January 3. 1878, died in infancy. Norman, born September 28,
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1880, in LaGrange township, is still at home. Mr. Jarvis is a Democrat where national issues are involved, but at local elections regards only the capability of the candidate and often casts his ballot without regard for party ties. He has contributed in substantial measure to the agri- cultural development of the county and at the same time has promoted his individual success until he is now classed among the men of affluence in Pokagon township.
VIRGIL TURNER.
Virgil Turner, a representative of farming interests in Ontwa town- ship, was born in Sullivan county, New York, December 18, 1837, a son of Henry and Lydia A. (Johnson) Turner, who were also natives of the Empire state, where they were reared and married. The father learned the carpenter's trade in early life and became a contractor and builder. Both he and his wife continued residents of New York until called to their final rest. In their family were five sons and two daugh- ters, of whom Virgil Turner is the third child and third son. Two of the sons died while serving their country in the Union army, these being John and Andrew. The others are Virgil, Nelson, Nathaniel, Susan and Alice, all of whom were born and reared in New York.
Virgil Turner remained under the parental roof and worked for his father until eighteen years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. Thinking that he would have better business opportuni- ties in the west, he came to Adamsville, Cass county, and began working for M. G. & N. Sage of Ontwa township, with whom he continued for about a quarter of a century. He learned the miller's trade in their employ and became an expert workman. That he was ever faithful and loyal to his employers is indicated by the fact that he was retained in their service for so extended a period.
Mr. Turner has been twice married. In 1856 he wedded Miss Ann Caldwell, a daughter of William Caldwell, who was born in Ireland, which was also the native country of Mrs. Turner. She there spent her girlhood days and when a young lady came to the United States, making her home with relatives in Cass county. Her death occurred in 1883, and she was survived by her three children: Alice, who is now engaged in teaching school; and Milton E. and Etta E., twins, who were born and reared in this county. For his second wife Mr. Turner chose Mrs. Digama Adams, the widow of M. S. Adams, of an old pioneer family of Cass county and a farmer by occupation.
In 1876 Mr. Turner located on land known as the Snow lot, com- prising eighty acres, and there he made some good improvements. He resided there until the time of his second marriage, when he removed to his present farm, which belonged to his wife. The place comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. He is energetic and enterprising in
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his farm work and his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. In his political views he is a Democrat, has served as a member of the school board for eighteen, years and has been a mem- ber of the board of review for ten years. He belongs to St. Peter's Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M., at Edwardsburg, and has been identi- fied therewith for thirty-five years, during which time he has been most loyal to its teachings and tenets, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.
HENRY KIMMERLE.
Henry Kimmerle, born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1830, was of German parentage. His father and mother, Jacob and Catherine ( Hass) Kimmerle, came from the fatherland in early life and settled first in Phil- adelphia and afterward moved to Ohio, where the father died. Soon after his death Henry, at the age of four years, with his mother and other relatives came to Cass county, where, with the exception of six years, his entire life was spent.
At the time of his coming to Cass county the country was new and undeveloped, schools were of the primitive type and were few and far between. These conditions, together with the fact that the family was in meager circumstances, gave Henry very limited opportunities for an early education, and what he did receive was almost entirely the re- sult of his own efforts.
In every respect he was a self-made man, and heing of an observ- ing and inquiring turn of mind. he gained knowledge in the school of experience, his education continuing throughout his whole life. He gave careful thought and attention to any subject in which he became inter- ested, searching for the truth. He was not easily influenced or biased by the opinions of others.
His dominant characteristics were originality and concentration of thought and purpose; faithfulness to his affairs in life and an indomit- able will to succeed in whatever he undertook. The possession of these qualities, coupled with the fact that he was early thrown upon his own resources, won for him a degree of success in the financial world en- joyed by few of his contemporaries.
In 1849, when less than eighteen years of age, and with but a few dollars in his pocket, he joined a party of prospectors and started for the gold fields of California, little realizing the trials and hardships he would be called upon to endure. The party's provisions were drawn by oxen, and in relating the experiences of those early days Mr. Kim- merle has often been heard to say, that he walked the entire distance to California. This is no doubt true, as it was only by favoring the oxen in every possible way that the party was able to get any of them through alive. As it was many died from overwork, starvation and thirst, necessitating the leaving of some of the wagons along the way
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while the burdens of the others had to be reduced to smaller propor- tions. After six months of travel and hardships the party reached the promised land, where six years were spent by Mr. Kimmerle amidst the exciting scenes of the great Eldorado. He engaged in mining for a short time only, and then spent several years in freighting goods by mule pack trains up the mountains to the miners. Money was plentiful but food scarce. He often sold flour at one dollar a pound and eggs at fifty cents apiece.
In 1855 he returned to Cass county by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York, bringing with him enough gold to lay the foundation of his future prosperity. The following year he married Mary J. Hain, only daughter of David Hain of LaGrange township, and lived in the Hain household four years, when he bought an ad- joining farm and built a house. On this spot, four miles west of Casso- polis, he spent the remainder of his days-forty-five years. Most of the land was covered with a heavy growth of timber, requiring much time and labor to clear off and convert into a farm, which now, with the buildings, is one of the best in the county.
Mr. Kimmerle was far-sighted and conservative in business and active both in mind and body to the close of his life. While conserva- tive and careful in business he was benevolent and kind, and free from avarice. He sympathized with those less fortunate financially than himself, and his dealings were always just and honorable with never a suspicion of dishonesty nor a desire to take advantage over those with whom he dealt. Through his easy business methods with the needy and deserving people of his community many were enabled to get a start, and rightfully looked upon him as a friend. In politics Mr. Kimmerle was a life-long Democrat, and while never seeking an office, he was al- ways interested in both national and local politics.
He died in March, 1905, and is survived by his widow and three children-Charles Henry, Mrs. Josephine Hoy, Mrs. Mary King. Two sons, Schuyler and William, died in early childhood, and one daughter, Lois, died at the age of twenty-one years.
JOHN H. WATSON.
John H. Watson, who after many years of active connection with farming interests is now living retired in Dowagiac, was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Warren county on the Ist of May, 1833. He is a son of Robert Watson, a native of Virginia, who settled in Ohio at an early period in the colonization of the latter state and aided in its pioneer development. Later he again made his way to the frontier. when he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in Niles about 1838. This section of the state was then largely wild and unimproved and he aided in planting the seeds of civilization and of development which in later years have horne rich fruits. He was a miller by occu-
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pation and worked in some of the first mills in Niles. Later he removed to Silver Creek township, Cass county, where he invested his earnings in land and engaged in farming until he came to Dowagiac in 1865. He had led a busy and useful life and on locating in this city he retired from active business cares, spending his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of a well earned rest. He lived to the ripe old age of seventy-nine years. From the organization of the Republican party he was one of its strong and stalwart advocates, and he held a number of township offices, the duties of which were faithfully performed, for he believed it the privilege as well as the duty of every American citizen to uphold his political views and to do what work he could in behalf of his county, state or nation. His life was ever upright and honorable. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and was a licensed min- ister of that denomination. Ilis influence was ever on the side of right and truth and his influence was a potent element for good in every community where he was known. In early manhood he married Miss Sarah Hannan, a native of Ohio, in which state her girlhood days were passed. During her last days, however, she was a resident of Wayne township, Cass county, where she died at the very advanced age of eighty-four years. In the family were nine children, one of whom died in infancy, while five of the number are yet living, namely : Wealthy Ann, the wife of John Robinson: Mary Ellen, the wife of Lewis Emmons, of Pokagon township; Matilda, the wife of John Hart- sell, who is residing in North Wayne, Cass county; Archibald; and John.
John H. Watson was the fifth child and third son in the family and was only five years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. The first few years were spent at Niles and he was about nine years old when he came to Cass county with his parents. He remained upon the old home farm until twenty-one years of age, assisting in the arduous task of cultivating and developing new land and transforming it into productive fields. In early manhood he chose a companion and help- mate for life's journey, being married in 1854 to Miss Ceretta Powers, a daughter of N. H. Powers, who was born in Ohio and died in May. 1903. In 1855. the year following his marriage, Mr. Watson removed to Carroll county, Iowa, and located a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he lived for three years, but preferring Michigan to Iowa, he return to Cass county and took up his abode in Pokagon town- ship, where he purchased land, and thereon devoted his time and ener- gies to general farming until 1899. In that year he retired from active business life and removed to Dowagiac, where he has since made his home, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born four children: Emma, who died at the age of two years: Charles H., who was born in Greene county, Iowa. August 31, 1858, and is now a resident of Woodford
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county, Arkansas, where he is engaged in the lumber business; Alma L., the wife of Leslie Byers, of Dowagiac; and Eugene L., who died at the age of thirty-three years.
Mr. Watson has sold his farm, which was in Pokagon and La Grange townships, and is now living a retired life in Dowagiac. He has been a resident of Cass county throughout his entire life with the exception of a very brief period. He has also given his political alle- giance to the Democracy, but he has been without aspiration for office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs until later years, when he is now enjoying a well-earned rest.
The Publishers, in acknowledging their indebtedness to the Editor, Mr. L. H. Glover, whose true historical instinct, keen memory for dates and facts and unabating interest in every department of the undertaking insure to the public the faithfulness of the endeavor and the value of the volume as a history of the county, take this opportunity in the closing pages of the volume to give a brief sketch of the life of the Editor.
Having considered on previous pages the sources of emigration of the early settlers, it is not surprising to find that Mr. Glover, like so many of his fellow citizens, is a native of New York state. Born in Orleans county, February 25, 1839, he is none the less practically a native son of Michigan, since his parents moved west to White Pigeon prairie, in St. Joseph county, in the same year. His father, Orville B. Glover, who was born at Upton, Mass., April 11, 1804, died at Edwards- burg in 1852: and his mother. Julia Ann (Carr) Glover, who was born at Albion. N. Y., June 28, 1818, died at Buchanan, Mich .. in 1893.
The family came to Edwardsburg in 1840, and when the boy. Lowell, first came to a knowledge of circumstances and events beyond the walls of his own home he looked about upon the people and the en- vironments which characterized the Edwardsburg of sixty years ago. Edwardsburg in those days was the metropolis of the county, and by its situation on the Chicago road had a thriving, bustling air such as stimulated more than one boy to rise above the commonplace in life.
Mr. Glover's early experiences were marked by a brief period in the village school and by a period spent as a clerk in one of the early mercantile enterprises of Edwardsburg. An accident by which he lost his right hand when about sixteen years old limited his choice of pur- suits, and it was about this time that his decision to become a lawyer became a definite aim to be striven for without ceasing.
After a residence at Edwardsburg until April. 1861, he moved to Cassopolis that he might have the association and opportunities of study offered in a lawyer's office. His preceptor was the late Judge Daniel Blackman, to the value of whose example and the strength of whose character Mr. Glover never ceases to give credit. In October,
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1862, he was admitted to the bar after an examination in open court, and as elsewhere mentioned, is at this date the oldest lawyer in length of active practice in the county. Mr. Glover has been a life-long Demo- crat and confesses to having often offered himself upon the altar of sacrifice as that party's nominee to various offices. In April, 1862, he began official service through his election as a justice of the peace of LaGrange township, and with the exception of one year has held that office to the present time. Under Cleveland's first administration he held the office of postmaster, serving from September, 1885, to Novem- ber, 1889. The only break in his long residence and professional activity in Cassopolis was occasioned by his service as deputy commissioner of the state land office at Lansing in 1891-92.
Mr. Glover is himself a true pioneer of the county and took for his wife the daughter of one of the prominent pioneers of Cassopolis and the county. October 3. 1865, he married Miss Maryette, youngest daughter of Joseph and Caroline Harper. The one daughter of their marriage, Fanny Eugenia, is the wife of John F. Ryan, of Marquette, Mich.
Since the death of C. W. Clisbee, in 1889, Mr. Glover has been historian of the Pioneer Society. Before, as well as since that tiine, he has been enthusiastic in his interest in Cass county history. His painstaking care in the preservation of historical material and his recog- mized cyclopedic knowledge of Cass county, led to his selection as the editor of this history, and it is a simple statement of fact that the worthy fulfillment of the publishers' purposes is due to the conscientious thor- oughness of the Editor.
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