Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 72

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

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In 1872 Mr. Blow married Miss Adelia Wallace, the daughter of John and Rachael Wallace, of Canada. To them have been born four children, Burton, Idela, Mabel and John. In politics Mr. Blow is a firm Re- publican, though in early life he was a Dem- ocrat. He served as justice of the peace for two years and also occupied several of the school offices. A man of strong convic- tions and honest purpose, he has long occu- pied a leading place among the best citizens of the township and his advice and counsel are often sought by others. His pleasant home is the center of a large social circle and here a generous hospitality is always in evidence.

GEORGE SMITH.

It is a fact patent to all that the United States can boast of no better or more law- abiding class of citizens than the great num-

George Smith was born in the land of hills and heather on the 4th day of Febru- ary, 1824, and was the son of John and Grace (Douglas) Smith. These parents were farming people and upon their emigra- tion to America settled in Canada, where their deaths occurred. On the 29th of July, 1868, the subject came to Michigan and lo- cated in Banks township, Antrim county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of raw land, and at once began its clearing and cultivation. This meant a vast amount of severe and remitting toil, but, nothing daunted, he persisted and in the course of time found himself the possessor of one of the best farms in the township. The first home of the family was a log cabin,

in which they continued to reside for ten years, when they built their present substan- tial and comfortable home. Mr. Smith made all the improvements on the place himself and was rated as one of the most enter- prising and progressive farmers in the com- munity. Eighty acres of the place are now in active cultivation and produce liberal crops in return for the labor bestowed upon them. During the early days Mr. Smith gave his attention mainly to the raising of grain, but later was engaged largely in the raising of live stock. The place is now

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under the active supervision of the son Albert, who remains at home and carefully looks after his mother's interests and per- sonal comfort. The home is located on a handsome spot near Norwood and com- mands a fine view of Lake Michigan, being considered one of the choice residence lo- cations in the township.

In 1854 Mr. Smith was united in mar- riage with Miss Isabelle Laidlaw, who was born on the St. Lawrence river, Canada, in 1833 and is the daughter of William P. and Jennette (Buchan) Laidlaw, natives of Scot- land, who both died in Canada. The father was born in ISII and died in 1872. To the subject and wife were born seven chil- dren, namely: Janet, who became the wife of Richard Shapton and is living at Charle- voix, this state; John; George William; Al- bert, who remains at home and is conduct- ing the farm; Frank, deceased; Jennie L., deceased; Norman W. Mrs. Smith occupies a high place in the esteem of all who know her, being the possessor of those womanly graces which tend to enhance the social po- sition of the possessor and at the same time blesses in a large measure all who come in contact with her.

JOSEPH HARWOOD.

Among the well-known and highly es- teemed agriculturists of Antrim county, Michigan, is Mr. Harwood, and to his own efforts is entirely due the marked success which had rewarded his efforts since locat- ing here. He is a native of England, hav- ing been born at Cornwall on February 28, 1833. His parents. John and Ann (Son-

dercock) Harwood, were also natives of the "merrie little isle" and there the father fol- lowed mining, he and his wife spending their entire lives and dying in their native coun- try. The subject received a limited educa- tion in his native land and in 1855 emigrated to America, settling first in Wisconsin, where for seven years he was engaged in farming. He then came to Antrim county, Michigan, and took up a homestead, being one of the very first settlers in this county. At that time this section abounded in wild game of all kinds common to this section and the land was all covered with a dense growth of timber, which necessitated much strenuous toil in order to get the soil in shape for cul- tivation. During the last winter Mr. Har- wood lived in an old blacksmith shop, but in the spring he built a log house, eighteen by twenty-four feet in size, and then en- tered upon the task of clearing the land. He is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-one acres, of which he is cultivating eighty acres and reaping therefrom rich harvests of hay and grain. The place is now adorned with a neat and comfortable resi- dence and many other improvements of a modern and substantial character. He is engaged in a general line of farming and is regarded as one of the leading farmers in this county.

In 1857 Mr. Harwood married Miss Sarah Martyn, the daughter of William and Mary A. (Jury) Martyn, the parents being natives of Devonshire, England, where the father was a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Harwood have been born four children, namely : Aaron, who still lives at home, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land: Albert, a farmer also, married Miss Maybe; Daniel and Isabella, who both died

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in infancy. In politics the subject has always been a stanch Republican, not, however, seeking public office of any kind. His fra- ternal membership is with the Patrons of Husbandry, while his religious membership is in the Methodist Episcopal church. In all avenues of activity open to him he has shown a high order of ability and intelli- gence, which, with other commendable traits, have won him the good opinion of all who know him.

DARIUS PATRICK McGUIRK.

One of the native sons of old Ireland who have come to this country and here achieved distinctive success is he whose name appears above. Mr. McGuirk was born in November, 1837, in county Tyrone. Ireland, and is the son of Richard and Ann (McCrystal) McGuirk. The father was a farmer in his native land, and emigrated with his family to Canada in 1844, where he followed the same vocation and there spent the remainder of his days. He was the father of nine children, of whom four are still living. The subject of this sketch spent his childhood in Ireland and in 1846 came to Canada, remaining there about ten years and securing a fair education in the common schools. In 1859 he came to Michigan, set- tling in Sanilac county, where he remained three years, or until the date of his enlist- ment in the Union army during the Civil war. He joined the Sixth Regiment Michi- gan Volunteer Cavalry and saw much ar- duous service in defense of his adopted coun- try. His command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and became a part of

General Custer's brigade, participating in the engagements at Hanover, Pennsylvania, Hunterstown, Pennsylvania, Gettysburg, Monterey, Boonsboro, Falling Waters, Ashley's Gap, Manassa Gap and Chester Gap, where Mr. McGuirk was so severely wounded that he was sent to a hospital at Washington. The wound was in his right shoulder and was of such a nature that he has never entirely recovered the use of his arm. His last engagement was at Fort Stevens, Washington, D. C., during Early's raid, on July 12, 1864, and in December of that year he received an honorable discharge from the service. He then returned to San- ilac county, Michigan, and went into the lumbering business, working in the woods until 1868, when he came to Antrim county and took up a homestead, which he still owns. At that time Mancelona was not in existence and it was necessary to bring all supplies from Elk Rapids, the trip being made by boat to Spencer Creek and from there overland, oxen being utilized to haul the supplies. During the following years Mr. McGuirk labored faithfully to clear and otherwise improve his farm and eventually had the satisfaction of seeing his property on a par with any other in the community. He was energetic and persistent in his oper- ations, exercising sound judgment and a wise discrimination, and at length was en- abled to cease the rigorous labors of the field and retire to a pleasant and comfort- able home in Mancelona, where he now re- sides.

In 1878 Mr. McGuirk was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Finn, the daugh- ter of Martin and Nellie (McClellan) Finn, and to them have been born four children, Charles, Florence, Irene and Grace, all of

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whom are still under the parental roof. In peer county, where he was engaged in a politics Mr. McGuirk lends his support to the Democratic party and takes a deep interest in the welfare of his community. His es- tate now comprises ninety-six acres, of which fifty are under the plow. It is also worthy of note that he was the first super- visor of Custer township, and also held all the other offices of the township at different times, having resided there for twelve years before removing to his present town home. A man of sterling integrity, genial disposi- tion and genuine worth, Mr. McGuirk com- mands the respect and friendship of all who are numbered among his acquaintances.

NATHANIEL WILKS.

This volume would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the gentleman whose name appears above, as he has not only developed one of the fine farms for which this section of the state is noted, but by a life of activity and right living he has impressed his personality upon the com- munity and exerted a no mean influence on the upbuilding and development of the county of Antrim, where he maintains his home. Mr. Wilks is a native of New Bruns- wick, where he was born the 25th day of December, 1849, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Mallory) Wilks. The father, who was a farmer by occupation and who spent his mature years in New Brunswick, was a native of England, while his wife was a native of Maine, though of English de- scent. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools and in early life came to Michigan, locating in La-

shoe and harness business until about 1883, when he went to Elmira, Otsego county, this state, where he followed his trade for four years. He then came to his present location in Antrim county, where he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, of which one hundred and fifty are under the plow. Much of the land had to be cleared before the soil could be cultivated and the greater part of this labor was per- formed by the subject himself, who has all through the subsequent years maintained the place at the highest standard of excel- lence, winning for himself a reputation as one of the progressive agriculturists of this section. He has on the place some fine stock, though he makes no special effort along this line. The orchard is not as large as some others in this section, but the trees are se- lected and produce a satisfactory quantity of fine fruit in season.

On December 5, 1871, Mr. Wilks was married to Miss Emma Eoff, the daughter of Horace and Maria (Pitts) Eoff, natives of New York state. The subject's home has been made glad by the birth therein of six children, namely : Frank and Carrie, who are married, George, Cassie, Hattie and Arthur. In politics Mr. Wilks maintains an independ- ent attitude, preferring to cast his vote for the candidates who in his opinion are best suited for the office regardless of party af- filiation. He has not been a seeker after office, though he has several times been per- suaded to serve in official capacity, having been a member of the school board for years, highway commissioner two years, a member of the board of review one year. In fra- ternal matters his only affiliation is with the local grange of the Patrons of Husbandry,

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in which he takes a deep interest. In mat- ters affecting the general welfare Mr. Wilks has been active and influential, furthering to the best of his ability all movements looking to the moral, educational or material up- building of the community.

WILLIAM JOHN CALL.

One of the prominent and influential citizens of Antrim county, Michigan, is he whose name heads this sketch, than whom no one is more highly respected by those who know him best. Mr. Call was born at Mer- ricksville, near Kingston, Canada, on the 30th of July, 1843, and is the son of Wil- liam and Margaret (Boyd) Call, both natives of Ireland, the former of county Donegal and the latter of county Antrim. The fa- ther was a farmer by vocation and on his arrival in this country first located in Can- ada, where he remained about seven and a half years. He then came to Sanilac county, Michigan, where, until 1867, he fol- lowed agriculture. In the year mentioned he removed to Jefferson county, Kansas, lo- cating at Valley Falls, where he followed farming. His death occurred there in 1872, while his wife survived him a number of years, dying there in 1887. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are still living.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of this state and in 1869 he followed his parents to Kansas, where he remained until 1872. While there he followed railroad work the greater part of the time, being engaged in delivering ties and grading the roadbed on

that portion of the Santa Fe route between Topeka and Atchison, being so employed about two years. In November, 1872, Mr. Call returned to Michigan and settled on eighty acres of land which he homesteaded in Custer township, Antrim county, about three miles west of Mancelona. To this he has added until this tract now comprises one hundred and twenty acres of land, which is now rented by the subject. Mr. Call cleared this farm and had about fifty acres under the plow, conducting farming opera- tions here for about fourteen years. He then moved to Antrim and rented and conducted a hotel for about a year and a half. In Octo- ber, 1888, he purchased a place at Mance- lona, which he transformed into a hotel, which he successfully conducted for twelve years. He was uniformly successful in all enterprises in which he engaged and at the end of the period mentioned he was enabled to retire from active life and enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He still to some extent keeps in touch with the commercial world as a dealer in real estate, of which he has handled considerable, and he is uniformly considered one of the leading and influential citizens of Mancelona. He is the owner of a fine property on State street, and several other pieces of town property, including lot B, block B, all of lot II and the west half of lot 10. Mr. Call is an ardent lover of out- door recreation and has a well-earned repu- tation as a Nimrod and a follower of Izaak Walton. He has killed a good many deer during his hunting excursions and still takes an annual trip to the wilds of the northern peninsula, always bringing home trophies of his trip and proof of his skill as a marks- man.

In 1867 Mr. Call married Miss Eliza-

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beth A. McGuirk, the daughter of Richard and Ann (McCristal) McGuirk, who, though natives of Ireland, became residents of Canada, where the father followed farm- ing. In politics Mr. Call is a stanch Demo- crat and takes a deep interest in the success of his party, his advice being often sought in the councils of the party leaders. Mr. Call held nearly all the official positions within the gift of the voters of Custer town- ship, while he maintained his residence and still maintains an abiding interest in all mat- ters of public importance. He is a close reader and keeps in touch with the great issues of the hour, being able at all times to give a definite expression of his views and a sound reason for the faith that is within him.

JOHN STRAUS.

The history of the Wolverine state is not an old one. It is the record of the steady growth of a community planted in the wilderness in the last half century and reaching its magnitude of today without other aids than those of continued industry. Each county has its share in the story, and every county can lay claim to some incident or transaction which goes to make up the history of the commonwealth. After all, the history of a state is but a record of the doings of its people, and the story of the plain, common people who constitute the moral bone and sinew of the state should ever attract the attention and prove of in- terest to all true lovers of their kind. In the life story of the subject of this sketch there are no striking chapters or startling incidents, but it is merely the record of a

life true to its highest ideals and fraught with much that should stimulate the youth just starting in the world as an independ- ent factor.

John Straus is a native of the dominion of Canada, where he was born March 7, 1865, and is the son of John and Katherine (Demart) Straus, the former of whom was a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Canada. The father, who is the owner of two hundred acres of land, fol- lowed farming during the active years of his life, but is now retired. The subject of this sketch received a good common-school education in his native land and upon at- taining years of maturity adopted agricul- ture as his life vocation, believing that it offered better inducements than anything else for a man of energy and ambition. Eventually he left his native land and came to "the States," settling in Antrim county, Michigan, where he purchased eighty acres of raw land. The prospect at that time was far from inviting, but by dint of much strenuous and persistent toil he eventually had the satisfaction of seeing his acres mostly cleared and in a splendid state of cul- tivation. He carries on a diversified sys- tem of agriculture, raising all the crops in- digenous to this soil and climate. In all affairs of importance bearing on the welfare of his community, Mr. Straus takes a deep interest and he signifies his interest in public affairs by stanchly supporting the Repub- lican party, though he has never been in- duced to accept public office of any nature.

In 1882 Mr. Straus was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth Reitzell, whose parents were natives of Germany, but came to America and settled in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Straus have a pleasant and comfortable

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home, which is brightened by the presence of the following children : Leo, John, Louis, Clayton, Robert, Eddie, Ralph, Julia and David, all of whom still remain under the parental roof. In all the relations of life the subject has ably borne his part and now is in the enjoyment not only of a comfort- able competence, but what is still more to be desired, the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.

PETER GAGIE.

Among the progressive and enterprising citizens of Star township, Antrim county, Michigan, who have successfully directed their attention and labors to the noble work of husbandry, 'and whose prosperity has come solely as the result of personal effort, is Mr. Gagie who is one of the representative agriculturists of his community. Mr. Gagie, though not born on American soil, is as loyal to his adopted country as are her native-born sons, for he has a deep and abiding appreci- ation of her free institutions and the spirit of liberty which here prevails. He was born in England, on the IIth of July, 1866, and is the son of Henry and Margaret (Brown) Gagie, also natives of the "merrie isle." The father was employed in chemical works, and also in the capacity of policeman, while in his native land. The family came to America in 1881 and first located in Jack- son, Michigan, where they remained for two years. They then came to Antrim county and located on one hundred and twenty acres of good land in Star township, which place has been their home ever since. About one hundred acres of this land is under the plow.

all of the necessary clearing having been done by the subject and his father. They have brought this land up to a high state of cultivation and are raising on it all the crops common to this section of country. The farm is equipped with good buildings, in- cluding the pleasant residence, and the sub- ject has been very successful in his efforts, and is recognized as one of the successful farmers and representative citizens of the community. The place was densely covered with the native timber and underbrush when the subject and his father secured it and a vast amount of labor was required to put it into shape for cultivation, but a wonderful transformation has taken place and today few places in the township excel it in gen- eral appearance or productiveness.

The subject was united in marriage to Miss Katie Starke, the daughter of Wilson and Lucinda (Tucker) Starke, and to them has been born one child, Doris. In politics Mr. Gagie was formerly a Democrat, but of late years has affiliated with the Repub- lican party, believing the policy of that party to be that most conducive to the general wel- fare of the American people. His fraternal relations are with the Grange. He and his wife have the friendship of the entire com- munity and are numbered among the sterling citizens of the county.

E. G. CHAPMAN.

Any piece of biographical writing should have an autobiographic quality; should be an impression and interpretation, quite as much as a summary of facts. Facts, to be sure, are of use as wholesome correction of

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prejudice or false statement, but in studying a clean-cut, sane, distinct character like that of the subject, interpretation follows fact in a straight line of derivation. There is little use or excuse for indirection or puz- zling. His character is the positive expres- sion of a strong nature. A partial revelation of his persistent application, sturdy patriot- ism, and eminently successful life will be assured through a perusal of this brief trib- ute. E. G. Chapman, a successful and highly respected farmer of Mancelona township, Antrim county, Michigan, may justly be in- cluded in the list of honored early pioneers of Antrim county and has not only witnessed the wonderful transformation that has here taken place, but has himself borne an im- portant part in the wonderful development which has characterized this section of Michigan during the last thirty years. Mr. Chapman is a native of the Buckeye state, having first seen the light of day in Medina county, Ohio, on the 21st day of May, 1832. His parents, Levi and Lucinda (Turner) Chapman, were both natives of Vermont and the father always followed the pursuit of agriculture. The greater part of his life was spent in Medina county, Ohio, of which he was one of the earliest settlers, what after- wards became the populous and beautiful city of Cleveland then consisting of but a few houses. Levi Chapman's death occurred in 1880.

The subject of this sketch secured his early education in the primitive district schools of that early day, with their punch- eon floors, slab benches and greased-paper windows, and was early inured to toil of the strenuous kind so characteristic of pioneer life. Mr. Chapman remained in his native county, engaged in farming, until 1881.

when he came to Antrim county, Michigan, and purchased eighty acres of wild land, to which he later added by purchase forty acres more, so that he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good, arable land, located about two and one-half miles from the town of Mancelona. His farm products comprise nearly all the crops com- mon to this section, but he devotes especial attention to the raising of potatoes, for which this soil and climate are peculiarly adapted. A ready market is to be had for this product and it has proven a very profit- able source of income. Mr. Chapman has also given bee culture considerable attention, putting on the market a large amount of ex- cellent honey. The home place comprises a good dwelling and the barns and outbuild- ings necessary to the care and protection of stock and farm products, and there is also here an excellent windmill, which greatly facilitates the work on the place. For a man who has passed the psalmist's score of years, Mr. Chapman is remarkably strong physic- ally and his mental powers are as keen and alert as in the days of his prime. His has been a clean as well as a long and useful life and its history contains few blemished pages. He is a typical gentleman of the old school, an honored representative of a class whose ranks are being rapidly depleted, but his strong character has been so deeply stamped upon the minds and hearts of his fellows that his name is destined to live long after his body has passed to the silence of dreamless rest.

It is worthy of note that on May 2, 1864, Mr. Chapman enlisted for defense of his country, joining Company D, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command was assigned to the Army

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of the Potomac. Their term of service was mainly spent in guard duty in Washington, D. C., and they received an honorable dis- charge on September 24, 1864. The subject keeps alive his old military associations through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is an honored member. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which faith he is a firm and consistent believer. His political belief is that in harmony with the policies and principles of the Republican party, but he has never sought public office of any character.

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Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 72

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