USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 18
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Mr. Wood was active in procuring a new public library building for the city, and in connection with Mr. J. D. Dort called a meeting on the 4th of July to bring about the abandonment of the original plans and the taking up of the matter of procuring additional funds, so that a larger and better building might be provided, which was accomplished.
Mr. Wood, by invitation, has delivered a number of addresses in different parts of the country, among them being an address at the dedication of the temple of fraternity on the world's fair grounds, Louisiana Purchase Exposi- tion, in 1904; subsequently an address at Toronto before the Canadian Fra- ternal Association, and at various other places.
He was president of the National Fraternal Congress at the time that the Ohio law governing fraternal societies was enacted by the legisalture of the state, and attended the conference and hearing before the joint committees of the house and senate.
He was one of the incorporators of the Man-ta-wau-ka Resort Association, which platted several hundred lots on the east shore of Long lake, Genesee
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county. He also replatted an addition in the sixth ward of the city of Flint, known as the E. O. Wood plat, and erected forty-two houses thereon. In 1907, together with ex-Congressman Aitken, he purchased the farm of two hundred and ten acres, known as the Judge Sumner Howard farm, ad- joining the city of Flint on the south. They had the same made a part of the city of Flint by the legislature of 1907, and in connection with ex-Mayor W. A. Paterson and Flint P. Smith, platted four hundred lots thereon, lying on both sides of the Detroit United Interurban Railway and on the banks of Thread lake.
Mr. Wood took an active part with other citizens, and especially with the officers and committees of the Flint Improvement League, in urging that the new fire station should be located separate and apart from the new city hall, which concerted action on the part of the press and the Flint Improvement League brought about the result desired.
Mr. Wood was earnest in the campaign for the new city hall, and has at all times been an active participant in every movement which has come up for the building of new schoolhouses and public buildings in the city or county.
. He was one of four men, of whom ex-Mayors Davison and W. A. Pater- son, and Flint P. Smith were his associates, to purchase ethe site where the new Hotel Dresden stands, and was active in raising the preliminary funds neces- sary to give the project a start and bring it to a successful outcome.
He has attended state and national Democratic conventions for years, being present at both conventions which nominated William Jennings Bryan, and, although holding a federal position under President Cleveland and Sec- retary Carlisle, who were not in sympathy with the platform in 1896, he openly, actively and loyally supported Mr. Bryan, accompanying him a part of the way on his special train through Michigan.
On the floor of the state convention at Detroit he made the speech which brought about the nomination of Judge George H. Durand for governor, and was one of the principal floor laeders in the state convention at Grand Rapids in 1904, opposing the candidacy of J. S. Sterns, a Republican, who aspired to the Democratic nomination for governor, and materially aiding in the defeat of Stearns and the nomination of Woodbridge N. Ferris. In 1906 he was ap- pointed a member of the James McMillan Memorial Association.
At the time of the preparing of this sketch Mr. Wood, at forty-six years of age, is one of the best-known men in public life of the state of Michigan.
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He married Miss Emily Crocker, daughter of Stephen and Prudence Crocker, of Flint, and four children blessed this union. The oldest son, Dwight Hulbert Wood, a manly and lovable boy, was killed on August 12, 1905, having been run over by a fire department team. The surviving chil- dren are Albert Crocker Wood, Leland Stanford Wood and Mary B. Wood. Mrs. Wood's family and herself have always been workers in St. Paul's Episcopal church, and Mr. Crocker, her father, was one of those who made it possible to erect the church and maintain it in the earlier years.
Mr. Wood and his family spend their summers on Mackinac Island, where they are influential and active in the life of the island during the summer season, and especially earnest in supporting the efforts of the State Park Commission in retaining the original beauty of the park and surround- ings. Their home in Flint on Stevens street contains a carefully selected library of over three thousand volumes. As a whole Mr. Wood is a loyal, dependable, public-spirited citizen, positive in his convictions and true to his friends.
I Wrather.
,
Seo tu Walken.
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HON. LEVI WALKER.
Hon. Levi Walker was born in Granville, Washington county, New York, December 28, 1803. His parents were Josiah Walker and Jemima Tanner, his wife. So near was his birthplace to the border line of Vermont that he often playfully said he was partly a Green Mountain boy.
While he was but a child his parents removed to Summer Hill, Cayuga county, New York. He was partly educated at Homer Academy and finished his couse at Fairfield Institute in Herkimer county.
Having completed his literary studies he began reading law with Judge Reid at Homer. He also read with William J. Bacon, of Utica, New York. In early boyhood he exhibited the thirst for knowledge which characterized him through life. For many years it was his custom always to have a book with him when riding or walking, from which he was memorizing.
He began the practice of law in Genoa, New York, in 1835. He subse- quently removed to Auburn, New York, and entered into a law partnership with Hon. George H. Rathbone, then a member of the United States con- gress. He was associated with Hon. William H. Seward as counsel in the memorable defense of the insane negro murderer, Freeman, to which Charles Francis Adams made eloquent reference in the Seward memorial services.
Mr. Walker was, while yet a young man, the editor of a paper at Brock- port, New York, where he wielded a trenchant pen in the interest of what was then called the "National Republican party." It was the first anti-slavery paper published in New York.
In 1837 Mr. Walker married Miss Louise Bigelow Meech, daughter of Cyperian Meech and Polly Hanchett, his wife. Mrs. Walker was a niece of General Jonathan Woodbridge. Her grandfather was a lieutenant in the French and Indian war. He also kept the tavern in Worthington, Massa- chusetts, where General Burgoyne was brought while being taken as a prisoner to Boston.
In 1847 Mr. Walker removed to Flint, where, ten years before, his brothers, Stiles, James B. and Henry C., had preceded him, and where he resided until the time of his death. He early became actively identified with all business, educational and social interests of the growing town.
For twenty consecutive years next preceding his death he had been a member of the school board of Flint. In this capacity his sound judgment, his practical sense and his far-seeing wisdom were conspicuous. He looked
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upon education for the masses as the bulwark of our political and social insti- tutions, and the splendid school system of Flint, with its resulting excellent schools, is, in an important sense, the work of his peculiar genius.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church and for years served as elder and trustee. Thoroughness, exactness and clearness of perception were his distinguishing traits. As a lawyer he stood in many respects at the head of his profession. A sensitive conscience and a high sense of personal honor kept him free from that peculiar weakness that sometimes appertains to practitioners. An opinion by Mr. Walker was considered almost conclusive on any law point. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years, and in that capacity was conspicuous for his clearness and justice. He drafted the first charter of the city of Flint, as well as the charter in force at the time of his decease, and was the author of the articles of association of the Genesee County Agricultural Society, of the Flint Driving Park Association, the Glenwood Cemetery Association and the constitution of the Flint City Gas Light Company.
Indeed, there is scarcely anything in the recorded history of the city which does not bear the impress of his well disciplined mind.
Mr. Walker and Artemus Thayer were the leading spirits in establish- ing Glenwood cemetery as a beautiful burial place. In 1872 he was elected to the state legislature, where his force of character and superiority were soon manifest. As chairman of the important committee of state affairs he seems to have given his personal attention to every subject that came before it. He included in committee reports a statement of the bill reported on and the reason for the disposition made of it by the committee. In many cases this entailed considerable labor, yet in almost, if not quite every instance, it was per- formed by Mr. Walker himself, in whose handwriting the report appeared. Two of the most frequent applications made to a legislature are for the changing of names and for the appropriation of non-resident highway taxes for the construction of state roads. Trifling as these seem to be, they con- sumed considerable time, and upon these subjects, among others, Mr. Walker submitted elaborate reports, which are likely to settle, or, at least, guide legislative action upon them for the future. He came to be regarded as, with few if any exceptions, the soundest thinker in the house, and was considered the foremost leader of that body. His views upon any subject were care- fully and eagerly listened to.
There is no doubt that his death was the result of the excessive labor
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which he imposed upon himself in his earnest interest for the welfare of the state. He died at Lansing April 26, 1873. retaining absolute reliability of mind to his last moment. His last act was to affix his signature to his will, dictated but a few minutes before his dissolution. Death came unexpectedly, but found his soul ready to test the future life in which he had implicit faith.
Governor Charles H. Cromwell, the speaker of the house that year, said: "It is no exaggeration to say that in the death of Mr. Walker this house has lost one of its best and ablest members. He was remarkable for those peculiar powers necessary for a thorough and just analysis of all ques- tions submitted to him for consideration. Shrinking from no labor, with watchful attention to every detail, he was never satisfied until he had thor- oughly mastered his subject. Then, with clearness of argument and aptness of illustration he presented his views, almost invariably to receive the sanc- tion and approval of his associates."
Mr. Walker was survived twenty-two years by his wife, who died in 1895. aged eighty-four years. She was a woman of remarkable intellectual power and achievement, and retained her brilliancy of mind until life's close. She was very patriotic and performed most efficient service in the Soldiers' Aid Societies. Her heart and soul were in the work of sending supplies to the soldiers. The day following the first disaster at Bull Run she called the first meeting of ladies at her house to scrape lint and make bandages to send to the battle lines. Her interest and labor never failed while there was a soldier to care for.
Her family was an interesting group. One daughter, Flora Louise, died when a small girl. Her son. George Meech, died in 1905. He had succeeded his father as justice of the peace, which office he held consecu- tively for more than twenty-five years. Few of his decisions were reversed in higher courts. The daughter, Helen Victoria, remains at the old homestead. In the literary and intellectual life of Flint she has had much influence. She is the only surviving president of the Ladies' Library Association, being the only young lady who was honored with that position. She has been closely identified with the Columbian Club; was its first president, holding the place for several years. Her church and Sunday school work has been of wide range and deep effectiveness.
So passeth one generation and another cometh that the fullness may remain.
THOMAS P. WOOD.
Michigan had not attained the dignity of statehood when Thomas Par- merlee Wood bade farewell to his friends in New York and bravely under- took the journey into the territory that was then considered the wilds of the far west. There are few men living in the county of Genesee today who have witnessed so many of the changes that have marked its development from a region of primitive forest into the prosperous and beautiful coun- try that it is at the present, and it may be added that few men have been more active in bringing about this wonderful change.
Thomas Parmerlee Wood was born in West Avon, Livingston county, New York, June 5, 1822. His grandfather, William Wood, Jr., born at Westboro, Massachusetts, and his great-grandfather, William Wood, Sr., of Pomfort, Connecticut, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, and partici- pated in the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill. William, Wood, Jr., was with Washington at Valley Forge and Brandywine, and until the close of the war.
At the age of ten years, in 1832, Mr. Wood first came to Michigan. The party left East Avon on the first day of October, in an emigrant wagon, ex- pecting to take the steamer, "Paul Jones," at Cleveland. In this, however, they were disappointed, and the party remained with the "prairie schooner,"
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arriving in Detroit twelve hours ahead of the boat, which had been delayed by head winds.
They reached Whigville on the first day of November, 1832, and found but four families in that section of the country, they being Clark Dibble, Jonathan Davison, Nathaniel Ladd and Robert Winchell. The road to Flint was nothing more than a wagon road through the dense forests. Mr. Wood's first glimpse of that city was not obtained until the year following his arrival at Whigville, when he came through the forest on horseback to obtain medicine for a sick member of the Whigville settlement. He forded the Flint river and went to the trading post kept by a man named Smith, located on the site of the old Crapo store, which has now given place to a large factory building. At that time there were only four families on the south side of the river in the populous district that now comprises the second and third wards. Rufus Stevens and Jonathan Cronk were located across from the present site of the court house, and Mr. Todd had his home a short distance west and south of the river. Dr. Hayes resided where The National Bank now stands. Mr. Wood remained in Whigville for seven years, returning to New York in the winter of 1841 on account of the superior educational advantages afforded in the older state. He entered the Genesee Seminary at Lima, New York, and after completing the course there taught school at Smithtown, Bloomfield and Arkwright, in Chautauqua county. Mr. Wood died at Goodrich on De- cember 28, 1907, at the ripe age of eighty-five years.
In 1846, on the 19th day of August, he was married to Miss Paulina M. Hulbert, of West Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, whose birth occurred October 15, 1822, and when death separated them they had lived togther sixty-one and one-half years. Mrs. Wood survived her husband but a few days, her death occurrng January 12, 1908. They resided at Fredonia, New York, for three years, from 1847 to 1850, when they came to Michigan and bought their home at Goodrich, and at the time of Mr. Wood's death had completed fifty-seven years' ownership of the old homestead, with a continuous residence there for the same period, save a few months in 1852-53, when Mr. Wood came to Flint. Mr. and Mrs. Wood were survived by five children- R. H., A. G., W. H. S., Edwin O., and a daughter, Mrs. Emma Allen.
HON. JEROME EDDY.
Hon. Jerome Eddy, late of Flint, was born at Stafford, New York, in the '20s and died at his home in Flint. When a boy he accompanied his parents to this city and the following year, at the age of nine years, he entered the employ of George Hazelton, who was then conducting a general mer- chandise store here. He finally acquired an interest in the business and con- tinued therein with Stephen Moore as a partner, under the firm name of Moore & Eddy. Subsequently he was associated with Leonard Wesson and later with William A. Morrison in the management of the business. At the close of the war he retired from mercantile life and engaged in the lumber business, operating a planing mill in company with Artemus Thayer. A few years later he came into exclusive control of the plant, continuing in that capacity until about 1877. During the next few years, and before retiring from active business life, he devoted his attention to the handling of real estate and built the brick block on East Kearsley street which bears his name. During this time he was also interested in newspaper work as the proprietor of the "Genesee County Democrat," which he conducted until he transferred the newspaper to his son, Arthur J. Eddy, a senior of Harvard at the time.
Before the war Mr. Eddy was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Curtis, who was the daughter of Samuel and Fanny (Walker) Curtis, who
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emigrated from Wyoming, New York, to Michigan and settled at Groveland, Oakland county, coming later to a farm in Grand Blanc township, Genesee county. From this farm they moved to Flint, where they both ended their days. Mr. Curtis died when past sixty years of age, while Mrs. Curtis attained the remarkable age of almost a century.
Mrs. Eddy has held high honors as a leader in the social and literary life of Flint. Her influence has always been exerted in behalf of progress and educational advancement, and she has taken the lead in art classes, Shakes- perian clubs, etc. She had one sister, Mrs. Waters, who died in middle life at Monroe, Michigan. Mrs. Waters' daughter is the wife of Dr. Southworth, of Monroe. Her only son, Arthur J., is a member of one of the leading law firms of Chicago.
The original Eddy homestead was at the corner of East Kearsley and Clifford streets, the site of which is now occupied by the new public library building. From here the family moved thirty-one years ago to their home on Church street, which is even yet one of the most imposing in the city, and was built by George Hazelton in the '30s. Mr. Eddy belonged to the old school of gentlemen who in years gone by were prominent in Flint business and social circles, and who are now fast disappearing from the city that they did so much to build up. His geniality was proverbial and his kindly and courtly ways are inseparable from his memory. In all the relations of life he played the honorable part, and in his passing he leaves behind him the record of an active, useful and upright career.
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WILLIAM NEWBOLD.
Mr. William Newbold, whose home is at 524 West Third avenue, Flint, was born at Fair Grove, Tuscola county, Michigan, February 24, 1857. His father, Joseph Newbold, came to Ohio from England about 1840. There he married Betsy Tucker, also from England, and moved to Holly, Oakland county, where they lived for about ten years, losing three children, all in one week, during this time. From here they went to Fair Grove, Tuscola county, in the year 1856. At this place four children were born: William, the eldest; John, now a railroad employe at Saginaw; Mrs. Jane Hamilton, of Crowley, Louisiana, and Ella, wife of Moses Walker, of Flint. At the outbreak of the Civil war the father enlisted, and after an absence of only nine months died in a hospital at Nashville, Tennessee. After a short time the mother, with her family of small children, returned to Holly.
William remained with his mother until fourteen years of age, receiving such an education as opportunity afforded. Owing to circumstances he early learned the wholesome lesson of self-reliance, and as he grew to man- hood he developed that spirit of independence that has been such a strong mark of his character. At the age of eleven he began work in Buzzell Brothers' planing mill, which developed into his vocation, that of a stationary engineer. From the age of fourteen to seventeen he attended school in Holly and then until the age of twenty-two did carpentry and other work. At this time he
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went to Leadville, Colorado, where the great silver discovery was made in 1880. The same year he returned to Holly, remaining but one year, when he came to Flint, and for twenty-one years was engaged with Stone, At- wood & Company as stationary engineer of the Flint Woolen Mills.
On July 30, 1885, Mr. Newbold married Miss Anna Lucas, who was born near Strathroy, Ontario, but came to Flint a few years before her marriage. Of this union four children were born-George W., on February 22, 1888; Grace V., on May 24, 1891 ; Alfred T., on October 30, 1894; and Cynthia June, on June 20, 1907. The eldest son, George, died July 29, 1906, after spending the two previous winters in California with his father for the purpose of benefiting his health. Grace V. graduated from the Flint high school. class of 1907. Alfred is still in school.
In the past twenty years he has invested in vacant pieces of property and built inexpensive homes. This has proven a profitable line of investment and in the course of time he has succeeded in coming into the possession of a goodly number of homes of this class, most of which are west of Stone street. These homes are in constant demand by those people who cannot afford to pay high rents for any length of time. This demonstrates the foresight mani- fested on the part of Mr. Newbold in making his investments. His own home on Third avenue is a beautiful and commodious residence.
Mr. Newbold has taken a deep interest in the general affairs of the country and in the advancement of his home town.
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MR. AND MRS. JAMES S. AUSTIN.
James S. Austin, one of the best painters doing business in the city of Flint, was born in Devonshire, England, September 15, 1862. His father, William Austin, was a practical farmer, and died in Devonshire. His mother, Frances (Sanford) Austin, gave birth to fourteen children and proved a capable and efficient manager for this large and interesting family.
James was the ninth child in the order of birth and received such educa- tion as circumstances would permit. Naturally, as he grew to manhood it became necessary for him to turn his attention to some means for making a livelihood, and the usual custom prevailed of becoming an apprentice at some trade. He chose the painter's trade and for seven years applied himself to the learning of his work, and this was done in the most thorough manner. It is generally conceded by contractors and employers in America today that English workmen are among the most thorough employes available. They may not at all times be as quick as the Americans, but they do their work well, and in the long run are the more desirable workmen. This is due largely to their thorough preparation in learning their business. They do not spend a few weeks at their work and then pose as experts, but they are required to learn all phases of their business by actual experience before they are rated as first-class workmen.
At the age of twenty James came to America bent on making his way
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in the world by coming to the land that means opportunity. He arrived at Detroit, and for the next eight years plied his trade in that city. In 1892 he came to Flint and established himself in business, and has so continued up to the present time.
While living in Detroit he was married to Miss Harriet Zuger, who was born at Crystal Falls, Michigan. Their union has been blessed with three sons, William H., Lee J. and Sylvester.
Mr. Austin has not only been a successful business man, but has also been an active and helpful worker among the local lodges. He has held important offices in the order of Odd Fellows, in the Masonic fraternity and in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a leading member in the Loyal Guards, having held the principal chair in Lodge No. I for four years. His interest has never abated and he daily practices the principles maintained by the orders for the spread of the fraternity, benevolence and charity.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
HARVEY STEVENS.
The people of Genesee county, Michigan, have always held in high esteem the men, who, in the trying hours of the republic, donned the blue uniform and marched to the front, risking life and limb and endangering their health in behalf of the cause of the Union.
This county offered many of the best of her citizens to the national cause. Some of the brave boys who went to the front never returned. Others, who were then called "boys," are now grizzled veterans, who came back from the war and took up their usual avocations where they had left them off when they obeyed the call to arms. One of the mostly highly respected of these is Harvey Stevens.
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