Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 8

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

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On leaving the Ionia high school, Mr. Densmore turned his attention to teaching and during the ensuing three years was en- gaged in that line of work in the county of Ionia, the meanwhile giving his leisure to the study of law, for which profession he early manifested a decided preference. He began his preliminary legal reading under the able instruction of Judge Morse, of Ionia, but later entered the office of Cook & Daball at St. John's, where he pursued his studies until his admission to the Clinton county bar in the year 1883. Mr. Dens- more brought to his profession a mind well disciplined by close and conscientious study,

C. E. DENSMORE.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

and immediately after being admitted to the bar he began practicing at Ovid in partner- ship with A. D. Griswold, the firm thus con- stituted soon taking high rank and com- manding its proportionate share of the legal business. The meanwhile Mr. Densmore had become quite an important factor in local politics, and from his twenty-first year has ever taken an active part in every campaign on the "stump" and otherwise, being an ef- fective campaign speaker, proving a ju- dicious adviser in the councils of the party. an able leader and an indefatigable worker in the ranks. When Judge Morse's name was mentioned for the supreme bench Mr. Densmore advocated his candidacy and after that gentleman's nomination he threw him- self into the ensuing contest with all the power at his command and to his efforts as much perhaps as to any other cause was due the Judge's triumphant election to the high- est judicial tribunal in the state.

Immediately after the election Mr. Densmore removed to Bellaire, where he has since remained. At that time there was not legal business enough in the place to support an attorney, therefore he leased an eight-acre tract of raw land which he cleared off and put under cultivation. He then accepted an agency for the sale of Blaine's "Twenty Years in Congress," in which he was emi- nently successful, and he was later offered the general agency for the work, at a good salary, in the territory known as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. However, he de- clined the offer, as he desired to make a special effort to establish himself in the prac- tice of his profession at Bellaire. With the growth of the town his legal patronage in- creased and in due time he rose to a con- spicuous place among the leading members

of the local bar and built up an extensive and lucrative clientele. He continued the practice with encouraging success until No- vember, 1902, when he received the nomi- nation by his party for county clerk, to which office he was elected by a handsome majority and to the duties of which he has since de- voted a .considerable part of his attention. Prior to the above year the office of county clerk was combined with that of register of deeds, but in 1902 they were separated, con- sequently to Mr. Densmore belongs the honor of being the first distinct clerk of the Antrim county court. His administration of the office thus far fully justifies the wis- dom of his election, as he is careful and con- siderate in the discharge of his functions, courteous in his relations with the public and it is a fact freely admitted by all that the county has never been served by an abler or more popular and painstaking official.

Mr. Densmore is still engaged in the practice of law and in connection with this and his official duties he does a large and profitable real estate and insurance business. As a lawyer he has always been a safe coun- sellor and judicious practitioner and from the beginning of his professional career he has aimed to acquire a critical knowledge of the underlying principles of jurisprudence, coupled with the ability to clearly present and successfully maintain the soundness of his opinions. The first case in which he ap- peared as counsel seemed to foreshadow the future career of the young and ambitious at- torney as there were opposed to him three of the oldest and most experienced lawyers of the Antrim county bar, against whom, single handed and alone, he made a gallant and persistent fight, which ended in a com- plete victory, the jury after but a brief de-

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

liberation bringing in a verdict for his client. Mr. Densmore has made a very creditable record as a lawyer and in consequence of his determination to adhere to his profession gives promise of a future of still greater brilliancy and usefulness. Deeply interested in the growth of Bellaire and Antrim county, he gives his encouragement and sup- port to all progressive measures for their advancement, materially and otherwise, and in everything relating to the public welfare his opinions carry weight and influence. Although an ardent politician, with strong convictions and always loyal to the interests of his party, he is not a bitter partisan and he numbers among his warmest friends and greatest admirers many who hold opinions directly opposite to those he advocates. On March 16, 1887, Mr. Densmore contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Harriet L. Dawson, a union blessed with six children whose names are as follows : Ethel M., Shir- ley A., Ford, Jennie L., Clark W. and Nellie, all living but Clark W., who died when three years old.

Mr. Densmore was initiated into Bellaire Lodge, No. 398, Free and Accepted Masons, soon after its organization, and from that time to the present has been an active and influential worker in the brotherhood, hav- ing for a period of three years held the office of worshipful master. He is also a charter member of Bellaire Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and a leading factor in the Order of the Eastern Star, in both of which organiza- tions he has been honored at different times with important official positions. He has held about all the minor offices in the town, of which he has been president. No man could have the interest of a town more at heart than has he. It was through his per-

sistent and able efforts that a majority vote was cast in a hard fought campaign for erect- ing the new court house in Bellaire.

PERRIN C. WELLMAN.

This well known and highly respected citizen and prominent farmer of Custer township, Antrim county, is to be considered in this connection as one of the worthy pioneers of the state, thus being specially eligible for mention in this publication. Mr. Wellman is a scion of a family which was founded in New England in the colonial epoch of our national history, while the name which he bears has long been identified with the annals of the state of New York. The subject was born in the old Empire commonwealth, his birth having occurred in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 4th of August, 1853. He is a son of Alfred and Theodosha (Covey) Wellman, both of whom were likewise born and reared in that state, the date of the father's nativity hav- ing been 1823, while his wife was born in 1831, both being now deceased. The father was a mason by trade, but devoted the major portion of his active career to agricultural pursuits. This worthy couple became the parents of five children, all of whom are liv- ing, namely : William, Perrin C., Morris M., Charles H. and George. In his political proclivities the father was originally a Whig, but he identified himself with the Republican party at the time of its inception and ever afterward continued a stalwart advocate of its principles. The parents of the subject came to Michigan in. 1858 and were num- bered among the pioneer settlers of Kala-

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

mazoo county, whence they later removed to Ionia county, where they passed the re- mainder of their lives, the father dying in 1893, in Montcalm county, while the de- voted mother was summoned into eternal rest in 1876. The Wellman family is of stanch Welsh extraction, the original progenitor in America having been the great- great-grandfather of the immediate subject of this sketch.

Perrin C. Wellman was a child of about five years at the time of his parents' removal from New York to Michigan, and he was reared to manhood in the southern part of the state, while he has ever been accustomed to consecutive toil and endeavor, and thus knows the basis of success and the dignity of honest labor. It should be stated that in 1864 his father enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of the Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and serving until the following year, when he was dis- charged, by reason of disability. During the major portion of his military service he was a nurse in hospitals in Arkansas. Barnabas Wellman, the grandfather of the subject, was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812; and the great-grandfather, who likewise bore the name of Barnabas, was drum major in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution. The great-great- grandfather also bore the same patronymic of Barnabas, and was a sea captain.

The subject became a farmer in Mont- calm county, this state, where he continued to reside until 1895, in the spring of which year he came to Antrim county, purchasing land in Custer township, where he has since continued to make his home, while the fine improvements on the place have been made

by him, the place being now one of the model farms of this locality. His estate com- prises one hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty are under cultivation, while he also has good orchards and raised no small quantity of the smaller fruits, this section of the state being specially well adapted for fruit culture, in which line its reputation is constantly being heightened through the able efforts of its enterprising citizens. In political matters Mr. Wellman is found ar- rayed as a supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and he ever manifests a public-spirited interest in local affairs, giving his aid and influence in the furtherance of all measures for the general good. He has served as supervisor of Cus- ter township, of which he was treasurer for three years, and has also been a valued of- ficer of his school district. He holds the confidence and esteem of the people of his community and is one of the substantial and influential citizens of Custer township.

In the year 1880 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Wellman to Miss Frances Cooledge, who was born in Ingham county, this state, being a daughter of Elisha Cool- edge, who was one of the early settlers of that county, in which is located the capital of the state. He was a harnessmaker by trade, but devoted the greater portion of his active life to agricultural pursuits, having been one of the representative farmers of Ingham county. Mr. and Mrs. Wellman have five children, all of whom remain at the parental home, while to all have been or will be accorded the best of educational advant- ages. The names of the children, in order of birth, are as follows: Earl, Raymond, Jay. Ola and Charles.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

NAPOLEON BARNES.

The history of the loyal sons and repre- sentative citizens of Antrim county would not be complete should the name that heads this review be omitted. When the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the Southland, threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fervor to the call for volunteers and in some of the bloodiest battles for which that great war was noted proved his loyalty to the government he loved so well. During a useful life in the region where he lives he has labored dili- gently to promote the interests of the people, working earnestly and with little regard for his personal advancement or ease. He has been devoted to the public welfare and in all of his relations his highest ambition has been to benefit the community and advance its standard of citizenship.

Napoleon Barnes first saw the light of day near Lunda, New York, on the 20th of December, 1848, the son of L. D. and Dortha (Newton) Barnes, the father born in Connecticut in 1811, the mother a native of New York state. L. D. Barnes learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed for a number of years and at the same time devoted his leisure moments to the study of law, which vocation he never followed to any great extent. Leaving his native state, he located in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and gave his attention to fruit raising, in which he attained a definite success. He was the father of six children, namely : Delia, Jane, Sheldon, Rosa, Zetta and Na- poleon. Napoleon Barnes accompanied his parents to Pennsylvania when he was ten years of age and thus acquired his educa- tion in the schools of New York and Penn-

sylvania. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Barnes responded to the country's call for aid in suppressing the southern rebellion and enlisted in Company E, Second Provisional Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, which was assigned to Grant's army and which took part in all the battles of the Wilderness, in- cluding the sanguinary struggles at Peters- burg and Weldon Railroad. He saw much active service, through all of which he passed unwounded and received his honorable dis- charge in October, 1864. Returning to his parental home in Pennsylvania, he there re- mained until 1866, when he went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, but the following fall came to Antrim county, where he remained until 1877, employed at various occupations, but in the latter year he went to Colorado, where for three years he was engaged in mining, also following the same occupation in New Mexico for the following nine years, meeting with but indifferent success. He then went to California and Oregon, where he remained about six months and then re- turned to Antrim county and took up a tract of land in Helena township, to which he has since devoted his attention. The tract com- prises three hundred and twenty-four acres. thirty of which are under the plow and about eighty of which are covered with valuable timber. While in the West Mr. Barnes se- cured a valuable collection of mineral ores which he values at two thousand five hun- dred dollars and which includes some very rare specimens. Since returning to Antrim county Mr. Barnes has devoted his attention entirely to his farming operations, though he has but recently made any serious attempts to increase his acreage or otherwise improve the place. He has formulated plans which when followed out will make of his place one

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

of the best farms in Antrim county. He Phoebe ( Russell) Lyon, the former of whom gives much attention to the raising of live stock and has some fine specimens of Berk- shire hogs and thoroughbred cattle.

Mr. Barnes maintains allegiance with no particular party, but is strictly independent in the casting of his ballot, holding that per- sonal qualification for office should rank above party claims.

In November, 1903, Mr. Barnes married Miss Hannah Campbell, a daughter of Angus Campbell, and Mrs. Barnes has proven to him a worthy helpmeet and be- cause of her high social qualities and her genuine worth has endeared herself to a large circle of friends. In all of the relations of life Mr. Barnes has proven his qualities as a gentleman in the fullest sense of the word and few men retain a higher meed of public confidence and esteem than does he.

HENRY E. LYON.

Few men of Antrim county were as widely and favorably known as the late H. E. Lyon, of Helena township. He was one of the strong and influential citizens whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section of the state and for years his name was synonymous for all that constituted honorable and upright manhood. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with every-day com- mon sense, were among his chief character- istics and while advancing individual suc- cess he also largely promoted the moral and material welfare of his community.

Mr. Lyon is a native of the old Empire state, having been born on the 6th of March, 1852, and was the son of George H. and

was born in Shelburn, Vermont, October 21, 1821. The father was a music teacher by profession, going through the country and conducting the old fashioned singing schools, which, though primitive in method, were effective in results. He was also en- gaged as a common-school teacher and was a man of much ability, and highly respected in his community. The subject's paternal grandfather, Asa Lyon, was born in Weston, Connecticut, June 14, 1773.

Henry E. Lyon received a good com- mon school education and immediately upon the completion of his school days he secured a license to teach and followed the pedagogic profession for about eight years. Feeling that the opportunities of this vocation were too limited for one of his energy and temper- ament, he abandoned the school room and came to Michigan, locating first near the village of Clam Lake, where he took up a tract of land and devoted his attention to its clearing and rendering fit for cultivation. He was assisted in this labor by his father and after bringing it up to a high state of cultivation, he disposed of it and purchased another place in the same locality, the one on which his widow now resides. The place comprises ninety-four acres of land, twenty- one of which are under cultivation and on the remainder is some excellent timber. Mr. Lyon was engaged during the remainder of his years in the pursuit of agriculture, not allowing his attention to be diverted into other channels of activity and the result of his devotion was seen in the splendid con- dition to which he brought the place and the good returns which he obtained as a result of his labor. He devoted his activities to general farming, not making a specialty of

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

any one line, and was during his later years considered one of the leading farmers of his locality. He was an uncompromising and earnest Republican and served his fellow citizens in several capacities, having been township clerk, supervisor and a member of the school board. His only fraternal af- filiation was with the Grange, of which he was an active member and took a deep inter- est in its welfare.

On the 20th of August, 1876, Mr. Lyon was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Thayer, daughter of Lucius A. and Helen Thayer, who early in life resided near Grand Rapids, this state, but later came to Antrim county, being among its early settlers, as may be inferred from the fact that Helena township was named in honor of Mrs. Lyon's mother and that her family name was perpetuated in Thayer Lake. Lucius and Helen Thayer became the parents of eight children, namely: George, Helen, Anna, Hattie, Fred, Abbie, Carrie and Edward. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon were born four chil- dren, namely : Frank H., who is a stationary engineer near Alden; Corea E. is the wife of Palmer Henderson; Fred R., who remains at home, and Ruth.

All the years of Mr. Lyon's manhood were characterized by an unfaltering devo- tion to the principles of right and his interest in the improvement of his locality was shown by the aid he gave to various improvements and advancements. His name was

a synonym for integrity and his life's history proves conclusively that honor may be won by perseverance, strong determination and diligence. In public office he was found loyal to the general good and, ever straight- forward and trustworthy, he enjoyed the public confidence to a marked degree.

JOHN P. LINCE.

The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid ful- some encomium and extravagant praise ; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life-a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pro- nounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well.

John P. Lince was not born under the stars and stripes, but he is no less a staunch and loyal son of his adopted land. His birth took place at St. Mary's, Canada, on the 22d of June, 1854, of which place his parents, Edward and - (Pickard) Lince, were residents. They followed farming while in Canada and when the subject of this sketch was but four years old they moved to Sanilac county, Michigan, where Mr. Lince took up a homestead. Subsequently he disposed of this property and moved to Macomb county, this state, where he died in 1864.

John P. Lince attended the district schools of Michigan as opportunity offered and acquired a fairly comprehensive edu- cation. In early life he started out upon his own responsibility, being employed as a lumberman in the woods of Sanilac and Macomb counties for a number of years. In 1870 he settled in Antrim county and took up a homestead claim of ninety-three acres

7 [

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

situated on the shore of Torch lake, two miles north of Alden. His first home was a rude cabin, built of slabs, but this has been subsequently replaced by a comfortable and commodious residence, to which have been added from time to time many modern con- veniences and today Mr. Lince is the pos- sessor of one of the most comfortable homes of his township. On this place he has car- ried on general farming, in connection with which he has given some attention to hogs and Durham cattle. He has exercised a wise judgment in all his efforts and has been favored with a gratifying degree of success.

Politically Mr. Lince is a Republican, be- lieving that the policies of that party are most conducive to the welfare of the Amer- ican people, and has been honored by electors of his township with several public offices, all of which he has filled with honor to him- self and to the satisfaction of his constitu- ents. Fraternally, he is a member of the Grange at Alden, taking an active interest in the movements of the order. His relig- ious affiliation is with the Methodist Protest- ant church.

In 1877 Mr. Lince married Miss Abbie Sheldon, daughter of William and Mar- garet Sheldon, residents of Canada. They were farming people and in an early day came to Kalkaska county, Michigan, but later removed to the state of Washington, where their deaths occurred. To Mr. and Mrs. Lince have been born six children, namely: Edward; Margaret, the wife of Edward Dunn, a lumberman; Charles, Lulu, Ernest and John, all of whom except Mar- garet remain under the parental roof.

Mr. Lince possesses a progressive spirit and his devotion to the welfare of his com- munity has made him a valuable citizen to

his township. He is quick to adopt advanced methods of farming and his sound judgment arrives at quick conclusions as to methods that are advanced. He realizes that industry is the foundation of all true success and has won for himself a place among the prosperous agriculturists of the township.

GEORGE BOUNDY.

George Boundy is one of the energetic and persevering men whose industry and thrift have placed him among the substan- tial citizens of Antrim county. Born March 4, 1852, in Cardiff; Wales, he inherited the hearty and indomitable spirit of that sturdy people whose character and principles were no less strongly founded than their own rugged hills. Like many of his country- men, young Boundy left the fatherland to do for himself in the land of freedom and equality. His parents, Samuel and Sarah (Small) Boundy, were farming people and are both deceased, the former in 1892, the latter in 1903. The subject of this sketch emigrated from his native land at the age of sixteen years and first located in the do- minion of Canada where he remained variously employed until 1879, in which year he came to "the states." He spent some time looking about for a favorable location and finally decided that Antrim county offered the best inducements and he took up forty- six acres of land in Helena township, which he still owns. He at once erected a small cabin and then settled himself to the. task of clearing and rendering it fit for cultiva- tion, a task herculean in its proportion but one which he successfully accomplished. He was one of the first settlers in this township

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

and has been a witness of its improvement and progress and an active participant in the wonderful development of this region which is today one of the choicest sections of the commonwealth. About thirteen years ago Mr. Boundy moved onto the farm where he now has his home, there being eighty acres in this tract, yielding abundant returns for the labor bestowed upon them. He does not confine himself to any specific line of agriculture, but carries on general farming. raising all the crops common to this section of the country. He gives some attention to live-stock raising, breeding fine cattle, Berk- shire and Poland China hogs.

On May 17, 1890, Mr. Boundy was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Mary Leonard (nee Drake), widow of Thomas Leonard and a daughter of George and Margaret (Curns) Drake, her parents being natives of Ireland and farming peo- ple. To Mrs. Boundy's union with Mr. Leonard were born seven children, namely: John, Kate, Elizabeth, Hugh, Daniel, Thomas and James, while to her union with Mr. Boundy have been born three children. Margaret. William and Roy. In politics Mr. Boundy has always maintained an uncom- promising allegiance to the Republican party and has been honored to the election of township overseer, commissioner, member of the school board and other positions of responsibility. Fraternally he is a member of the Grange and his religious affiliations are with the Catholic church, in which faith he was reared and to which he has been faithful. Because of his genial disposition. courteous manner and genuine worth Mr. Boundy has endeared himself to a host of acquaintances who are loyal in their friend- ship, and his home is a center of gracious hospitality.

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Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 8

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