Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 11

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 966

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SAMUEL J. COLTER.

One of the enterprising and progressive farmers and stock raisers of Echo township, Antrim county, Michigan, is he whose name heads this sketch, who, in association with his father, has achieved definite success in the lines mentioned. He is a native of Wayne county, Michigan, where he was born in 1865, and is the son of Samuel and Rosa (Monroe) Colter. Samuel Colter was born in Ireland in 1822 and spent his youth and early years in his native land; subsequently he came to America and resided for the first few years on Long Island, New York. but later engaged in railroading for ten years. In 1871, desiring to enlarge his sphere of activity, he took advantage of the oppor- tunity which was awaiting a man of energy and ambition, and came to Echo township, Antrim county, Michigan, and homesteaded eighty acres of land comprising his present farmstead. He was the father of four chil- dren, namely: Eliza and Maggie, twins, Thomas, an engineer sailing on the great lakes, and Samuel J. The subject's mother died on the 28th of November, 1897.

Samuel J. Colter was given the benefit of a common school education and has devoted his entire life to farming pursuits. He is now associated with his father in the owner- ship of one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in this township and of this tract they

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

have forty acres under the plow and devote the same amount to the raising of hay. Mr. Colter gives special attention to the raising of live stock, mainly Durham cattle and Ohio Improved Chester hogs. He exercises his right of franchise in the support of the men and measures of the Republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has for two years held the responsible position of treasurer of his township, discharging the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of his fel- low citizens. He is a public spirited man and his co-operation is never sought in vain for the welfare of the general good of the community. His record as an official and as a private citizen has been so honored that he has gained the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens and of all with whom he has been associated.

In 1890 Mr. Colter was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Johnson, daughter of Duncan and Katy Johnson. Mrs. Colter's father was a carpenter, making his home in Canada, and is now deceased. Mrs. Colter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Colter is a Free and Accepted Mason and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange.

JOHN HOSLER.

To his own efforts is the success of John Hosler attributable, for he started out upon his business career without capital or the aid of influential friends, and is today the owner of a good farm in Antrim county. This, too, is the visible evidence of his life of in-

dustry, for when it came into his possession it was entirely unimproved.

Mr. Hosler is a native of the old Empire state, having been born in 1869 near St. Lawrence, New York. He is the son of William and Jane (Binet) Hosler. The father was a native of the dominion of Canada and followed farming pursuits all his life. Most of his life was spent in New York state, but his latter years were spent with the subject, in whose home he died in 1881. He was a man of strong character and pronounced ability and retained through- out his life the sincere respect of all who knew him.

The subject of this sketch is indebted to the common schools for his elementary edu- cation, as he therein pursued his studies until he had largely mastered the course in such institutions. On putting aside his text books, he devoted his entire attention to farming work and the practical knowledge he gained as to the best methods of cultivat, ing fields, raising stock and harvesting the crops has proved of much value to him since he began farming on his own account. In 1871 he came to Antrim county, settling in Echo township when that section was but a dense wilderness and, as Mr. Hosler says, "the only direction in which he could see any distance was straight up." He applied himself indefatigably to the labor of de- veloping a farm, a task which was in due time rewarded and he is today the possessor of a well kept and highly cultivated farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Eighty acres of this place are actually under the plow, in addition to which twenty acres are devoted to orchard purposes and the bal- ance to timber and pasturage. He is diversi- fied in his farming operations and, in addi-

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tion to the cultivation of the soil, he devotes considerable time to the raising of live stock. having on his place a number of fine Poland China hogs and Durham cattle. When he first came to Echo township Mr. Hosler was compelled to carry household supplies from Norwood, a distance of twenty-five miles, and for this reason he is able to appreciate the wonderful growth and development of this region since he settled here. He has always taken a deep interest in the public welfare and is a voter of the Republican ticket, and he has ever striven to advance the varied interests of his community. Though a strict partisan in politics, he has never been ambitious for office holding, preferring to give his attention to his business interests.

In 1885 Mr. Hosler was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Katherine McKay, daughter of Robert and Mary (Mc- Kinnon) Mckay, and to them have been born six children, all of whom are at home. namely : John, William, Ada, Clifford. Sarah and Dewey. The family are highly respected in the community and their home is a center of gracious hospitality. They are prominent in social circles of the com- munity and at all times a courteous welcome is extended to their many friends. Mrs. Hosler is a member of the Congregation- alist church in Bellaire.

ASA M. BEAL.

He of whom this brief sketch is written is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Antrim county, where he has passed practically his entire life, and he is one of the successful and prominent citi- zens of Echo township, having attained pros-

perity through his own well-directed efforts. He has done much to further the upbuilding and material prosperity of the community, is alert, progressive and public spirited and is in every sense eligible for specific recog- nition in a publication of the province as- signed to the one at hand.

Asa M. Beal is a native of the state of New York, having been born in January, 1860. He is the son of Norman and Minerva (Millsbeal) Beal, the former har- ing been a farmer and who settled in Echo township, Antrim county, in 1873. He came to this township in 1873 and took up a homestead claim, which now belongs to his estate. His years were filled with strenu- ous toil and because of his industry and splendid qualities of manhood. he won for himself the high regard of his associates and acquaintances. Norman and Minerva Beal were the parents of two children, the subject of this 'sketch, and Ida, who is the wife of Thomas G. Pierce, pastor of the Presby- terian church at Ligonier, Indiana. Mr. Beal was a staunch Republican in politics and held the office of township treasurer for two years, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.

Asa Beal received his education in the common schools of his community and proved an earnest student, gaining a fair knowledge of the branches included in the curriculum of the schools of his day. Upon attaining maturity he adopted farming as his life vocation and has since maintained his allegiance to this basic industry. He came to Echo township, Antrim county, in 1874 and at once made his home on his father's farmstead, and has since given his attention to cultivating the soil. He is now the pos- sessor of forty acres of good land. thirty-

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

five of which he maintains in cultivation and from which he reaps abundant harvests in re- turn for his labor. He gives his attention to diversified operations on the farm, though being somewhat interested in the raising of potatoes, of which he sells from three hun- dred to four hundred bushels per year. He also raises some fine Durham cattle and Vic- toria hogs, finding in live stock a good source of income.

His political association is with the Re- publican party, in which he has always been an active worker, and he has been honored by election to the township school board, of which body he has been a member for six years. His only fraternal relation is with the order of Gleaners. In 1881 Mr. Beal was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Lucy Gardner, whose parents were natives of Connecticut, and to the subject and his wife have been born two children, Pearl N. and Effie M., both of whom remain under the parental roof and are attending the pub- lic schools.

The property now owned by the subject is an indication of the life of industry and enterprise which he has led; he has kept fully abreast of the spirit of the times, which is manifested in agricultural lines as well as other lines of activity. Both he and his wife are held in high regard socially and their home is a center of gracious hospitality and their friends, whom they number by the score, are always welcome, beneath their hospitable roof.

JAMES W. BARNES.

The general public has ever taken great pleasure in tracing the history of a man who started upon life's career handicapped in

many ways, but who, notwithstanding in- numerable obstacles, pushed forward man- fully and finally reached the goal of success set before him. The career of the widely known and public spirited citizen whose name appears above affords an impressive example of what energy, directed and con- trolled by correct moral principles, can ac- complish in overcoming an unfavorable en- vironment and lifting its possessor from a comparatively humble origin to a position of usefulness and influence.

James W. Barnes is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1837. He is the son of Solen W. and Rebecca (McDonald) Barnes, farming people and who were the parents of twelve children. Sometime after the birth of the subject, the parents removed to Iowa, in which state Mr. Barnes died. The subject of this sketch received a fairly good common school education and is today, as a result of persistent efforts in the acquisi- tion of knowledge, a well informed and in- telligent gentleman. He was early in life inured to the toil incident to the life of a farmer and upon attaining his majority de- cided to adopt agriculture for his life work; that his choice was a wise one has been proven during his subsequent career. In 1875 Mr. Barnes came to Antrim county, Michigan, locating in Milton township, where he remained for a couple of years and in 1877 he took up a homestead claim of forty acres of land in Echo township in the same county. The land was not in an im- proved condition at that time, but by dint of much hard labor and the exercise of wise discrimination in the management of his place he has succeeded in bringing it up to a high state of improvement. The neat and comfortable home, the well-kept fences and

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the highly cultivated fields all indicate to the passerby that the owner is a man of energy, thrift and discriminating judgment, and today his farm is classed among the best of the township.

In 1859 Mr. J. W. Barnes was united in marriage to Elizabeth McDougall and to their union have been born six children, namely : Solen, James, Gertrude, Earnest, Fannie and one deceased. Mr. Barnes be- longs to that representative class of Amer- icans who, while gaining individuality, also promote public prosperity and today he stands among those who have conferred honor and advancement upon their com- munity, not only by reason of his own busi- ness interests, but by an upright life and a commendable course of conduct as well. In religion Mr. Barnes and wife are Seventh- Day Adventists.

OLIVER E. GREEN.

One of the highly esteemed and re- spected residents of Forest Home township, Antrim county, is he whose name heads this Mr. Barnes started in life practically without any assistance whatever and has ac- quired his present competence solely by his own exertions and is consequently justly en- titled to that much abused phrase, a self- made man. In politics he has ever been a staunch Republican and as a result of his fidelity and loyalty to his party he has been honored by election to several public offices, having served as township clerk for twenty- four years, having been out of this office but one year since 1879. He has also been a member of the school board for several sketch. His parents were Alva D. and Alzina T. (Sackett) Green, the father born in Broome county, New York, in 1835, and the mother in Chenango county, New York, in 1836. Alva Green was one of the promi- nent and respected farmers of his locality and followed this pursuit all his life up to his enlistment for service in the United States army. The attempts of the southern states to secede from the Union aroused Mr. Green's patriotism and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F. Eighth New York Volunteer Cavalry, with which company he years. He has performed the duties of these , served two and one-half years, being killed offices to the entire satisfaction of the elec- tors and it is safe to say he will be continued in this position. Fraternally, Mr. Barnes is a member of the time-honored order of the Freemasons and holds membership in Orange Lodge, taking an active interest in the welfare of the order.

while on picket duty in February, 1864. He was married in January, 1856, to Miss Alzina T. Sackett, the daughter of Oliver and Esther (Wing) Sackett, the father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of New York state. Oliver Sackett was a mil- ler and stone mason and spent nearly all of his years in New York state, where he died. He was the father of twelve children, of whom ten are now living. To Alva and Alzina Green were born three children, namely : the subject of this sketch; Esther, born in 1858, is the wife of James Dicken- son, who runs a boat on Crystal Lake ; James W., born in 1859, married Ella Bedell and is a farmer in Forest Home township, An- trim county.

The subject of this sketch attained his education in the common schools of the Em- pire state and by earnest and persistent ap- plication was enabled to acquire a com- prehensive knowledge of the common

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

branches. In 1873 he and his mother came to Michigan and she homesteaded one hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Forest Home township, Antrim county, comprising the farm on which they now reside, a part of the land now being included within the corporate limits of Bellaire. Forty-five acres are under the plow and yielding abundant harvests in return for the labor bestowed upon them. For thirteen years the subject and his mother lived in a rude but comfort- able shanty, but they now have a comfort- able and commodious house and are enjoy- ing life. The farm is equipped with the necessary machinery for the successful culti- vation of the soil and also contains substan- tial and commodious farm buildings for the housing of stock and farm products. Mr. Green took a prominent part in the early settlement and organization of this town- ship and surveyed a number of the early roads. At that time wild game was abund- ant and the prospects were certainly far from inviting, but by dint of perseverance and strennous efforts the early settlers wrought a great change and now few sections of Michigan are more pleasing to the eye than Antrim county.

Mr. Green is an earnest and active ad- herent to the Democratic party and has been honored by election to several offices, hav- ing been a member of the school board and also overseer of highways for several years. His fraternal affiliations are with Forest Home Grange, while religiously his belief is in harmony with the creed of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. He takes a deep in- terest in the welfare of his church and con- tributes liberally to all its benevolences.

Mr. Green is a man of distinct and force- ful individuality and has ever looked at life

from a practical standpoint, placing his de- pendence upon elements that are sure win- ners in the race of life-persistent purpose, indefatigable industry and unabating energy.

OLIVER B. SACKETT.

Prominent among the energetic, far- sighted and successful business men of An- trim county, Michigan, is the subject of this sketch. His life history most happily il- lustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points in his career and have led to desirable and creditable success. His connection with ag- ricultural and business interests has been of decided advantage to Antrim county, pro- moting its welfare along these various lines in no uncertain manner.

Oliver B. Sackett is a native of Chenango county, New York, where he was born on the 25th of May, 1844. He is the son of Oliver and Esther (Wing) Sackett, the father having been born in Massachusetts and the mother in New York state. Oliver Sackett, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, followed the dual pursuits of a miller and stone mason and spent nearly all of his years in the Empire state, where he died. He was the father of twelve children. of whom ten are now living. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools of his native state and succeeded in acquiring a fair and practical knowledge of the com- mon branches taught in the common schools, which has been liberally supplemented through his subsequent years by habits of

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close reading and observation. In 1871 Mr. Sackett came to Antrim county, locating in Forest Home township and has lived in this section ever since. He has devoted a large share of his time to the butchering business and for a number of years ran a successful meat business at Elk Rapids. He also was employed about a year in a wagon factory at Traverse City, acquiring a good working knowledge of that business. Aside from these enterprises Mr. Sackett has devoted his main attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has attained to a definite suc- cess. His home place comprises ten acres of land, of which all is under the plow, and in addition to cultivating the soil, he has found a profitable source of income in fruit raising. He has one hundred and four pear trees, one hundred plum trees, three hun- dred and twenty apple trees and thirty-five cherry trees and a large number of other fruit trees as well as several hundred berry bushes, all in good condition and bearing heavily. He has by dint of persistent in- dustry and intelligent attention to the de- tails of his business been enabled to realize a gratifying income from his operations. Mr. Sackett is a staunch and uncompromis- ing Republican in his political attitude and has been honored by election to several public offices. having served as constable of his township for four years, for six years as pathmaster and also as member of the school board. He takes a deep interest in the edu- cational welfare of his township and has done all in his power to advance his com- munity's best interests materially, morally and educationally. Religiously he is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes a deep interest in the departments of church work, having served for several years

as superintendent of the Sunday school and in other ways has contributed his time and means to advance the best interests of so- ciety. When Mr. Sackett first came to Michigan he did not possess a dollar and made his first money by cutting cord wood. From this humble position he has advanced step by step up the ladder of success and today no man in the township is more highly esteemed nor holds a more influential position among his fellow men than does Oliver B. Sackett.

In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda M. Anderson, to which union were born four children, Lizzie, Alice, An- drew and Tillie. Mrs. Matilda Sackett died and the subject was subsequently mar- ried to Eva Abblett, this union being blessed by the birth of one child, Pearle Maude.

As a business man Mr. Sackett has been conspicuous among his associates, not only for his success, but for his reputation in fair- ness and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently practical and this has been manifested not only in his business un- dertakings but also in social and private life. He was a member and corporal for seven years in the New York state militia, from which he has an honorable discharge.

JERRY G. BEDELL.

The subject of this review, a well known citizen of Forest Home township, Antrim county, Michigan, has been an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of unbending integrity, un- abated energy and industry. He is public

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

spirited and takes a deep interest in whatever tends to promote the intellectual and ma- terial welfare of the community in which he has so long resided.

Jerry G. Bedell was born in the state of New York on the 24th of May, 1868, and is the son of George and Elmira (Janes) Bedell. The father is a native of Oswego county, New York, and in early life fol- lowed the pursuits of farming ; later he was employed on the Erie canal and also to some extent engaged in the lumber and sawmill business. He was born in 1836, living a long useful life and became the father of . ten children, one of whom is dead.

The subject of this sketch was not denied due educational advantages and eagerly im- proved all the opportunities in that line that came to him. He was early inured to the hard labor and early development of the land in those days, thus emphasizing these strenuous traits of character which have ever been exemplified in his career. He is the owner of forty acres of valuable land in Forest Home township, Antrim county, and of this tract has twenty-three acres in a high state of cultivation. When he secured this land it was in the state of primitive wildness, but by dint of hard toil he has brought it up to its present standard of high cultiva- tion, enhancing its value in proportion and he is today considered among the eminently practical and progressive agriculturists of his township. In politics he is a staunch Republican and has held the office of path- master of his township.

Mr. Bedell has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Minnie Thomas, by which union there were born two chil- dren, Gerauld and Sadie. Mr. Bedell's sec- ond marriage, which took place in January,

1900, was to Miss Julia Brunson and to them has been born one child, Lester. Mr. Bedell has followed general farming to the ex- clusion of any special branch of husbandry. He has made an excellent success of life and stands high in his community. He is one of the self made men of this county and is well and favorably known throughout the community.

THOMAS D. AUSTIN.

To say of him whose name heads this sketch that he has risen unaided from com- parative obscurity to rank among the wealthy and prominent representatives of Antrim county, Michigan, is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his life, yet it is but just. to say in a history that will descend to future generations that his business record has been one that any man might be proud to possess. Beginning at the very bottom round of the ladder, he has advanced steadily, step by step, until he is now occupying a position of prominence and trust in his community.

T. D. Austin is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Licking county on the 2d of September, 1843. He is the son of Amos and Euphemia (Rowen) Austin. The subject's father was a native of New York, from which state he removed to Ohio and later returned to New York, where he remained until the year 1861, when he removed with his family to Kent county, Michigan. Amos Austin was educated in the common schools of Ohio. He later took up the study of medicine and in due time was granted a license for the practice of the

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same and followed the vocation of a physi- cian during the remainder of his days. To Mr. and Mrs. Amos Austin were born four children, namely: Kingin and Collinen, twins, now living in Montcalm county ; John (deceased), and Thomas D.

Thomas D. Austin received the advant- ages of a good common school education in his native state, but the foundation of the knowledge which he received in his younger Mr. Austin is a modest, unassuming man, caring not for notoriety, yet he de- serves the mention that is usually given self- made men. In all the avenues of daily life he has been found faithful in his duties as a public spirited man. To say that he is loyal days he has ever added to by close reading and keen observation of men and events, until today he is one of the well informed men of his community. Deciding that the opportunities for advancement offered to young men of energy and thrift were, to his country, state and government would greater in Michigan than in his native state, be putting it lightly, for his noble qualities of character and habit are above vindication and he today occupies a prominent place among the leading citizens of his community. he came to Forest Homè township, Antrim county, where he purchased eighty acres of land. He eagerly took up the task of clear- ing and getting the same ready for the plow and in due time his labor was rewarded by the sight of his well tilled fields and bounti- ful crops. He is now the owner of forty THEODORE N. CHAPIN. acres of land, having disposed of forty, and on which he gives special attention to the growing of potatoes and fruit, having two and one-half acres devoted to the latter. He has today one of the well improved farms in the township, which is manifested by his residence, barn, and well kept fences.

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Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 11

Author: Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 966

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 966