Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 90

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

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been unflagging in his loyalty to the town and in his faith as to its future. In a frater- nal way he is affiliated with the local Ma- sonic bodies, as well as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias, in the local lodge of which last mentioned order he has served as chancellor com- mander. The Judge and his wife are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a member of the board of trustees of the local organization.

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On February 22, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Harris to Miss Nellie Noyes, who was born at Norwood, Antrim county, Michigan, being a daughter of Amos B. Noyes, an honored and influential pioneer of that section. Judge and Mrs. Harris have five children, whose names, with respective dates of birth, are here in- corporated; Bessie, a member of the class of 1907 in the local high school, was born July 29, 1890; Lee was drowned in Pine lake, on the IIth of July, 1901, at the age of nine years; Lyle was born on the 13th of Octo- ber, 1893; Kate, October 6, 1896; Helen, April 9, 1903 ; and Althea, June 30, 1904.

LUTHER A. ALDRIDGE.

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such was the record of the well-known farmer, recently deceased, whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man never lived within the limits of the township where he had his home.

Luther A. Aldridge was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on the IIth of June, 1858, being the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children born to his parents, David A. and Martha M. (Grandy) Ald- ridge. These parents both died in Michigan, the father in Springfield township, Kalkaska county, at the age of sixty-four years, and the mother in Huron county,, at the age of forty-seven years. When but five years old the subject accompanied his parents upon their removal to Oakland county, Michigan,

where they lived about one and a half years, and they then resided successively at Sagi- naw, Michigan, one year, Tuscola county, Michigan, three years, and Huron county, Michigan, for several years. In February, 1874, the family came to Springfield town- ship, Kalkaska county, where the subject afterward resided. Here Mr. Aldridge owned two hundred and forty acres of land, ninety-seven acres of which is improved and in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Aldridge also gave considerable attention to logging, in which he was considered a very competent workman.

Luther A. Aldridge was married, in Springfield township, Kalkaska county, Michigan, on November 22, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth A. Eady. She was born in Chip- pewa, Ontario, Canada, on May 25, 1855. and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary' (Hotchkiss) Eady, who were early pioneers of Springfield township, coming here in 1867. They both died here, the father at the age of sixty-five years, and the mother at the age of forty-two years. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Aldridge was the fifth in order of birth. To the subject and his wife have been born seven children, namely : Naomi (the wife of Jesse C. Tolbert), Adolphus E., Mabel C., Thomas A., John E. (died in infancy), Martha C. and Wilbur G. A strong Re- publican in his political proclivities, Mr. Aldridge always took great interest in the welfare of his community and was elected by his fellow citizens to several offices of trust and responsibility, having served one year as justice of the peace and several years as treasurer of Springfield township. Fra- ternally he was a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of

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the Modern Maccabees, the Modern Wood- county, Michigan, on the 28th of March, 1873, the son of Cassius M. and Alphonzy (Hopkins) Dennis. In his youth he attended the public schools in Cass and Osceola counties, supplementing this by attendance at the Reed City high school, from which he graduated in 1890. Prior to and after his graduation he engaged in teaching school in Osceola county and was a year so en- gaged at Prosper, and was also principal of the Tustin school for one year and for part of a year filled a vacancy in the principalship of the McBain schools. After his gradu- ation he entered the law office of Sybrant Wesselius at Grand Rapids in the capacity of clerk and student, and in July, 1894, he, in men of America and the Patrons of Hus- bandry. His time was almost entirely given to his farming interests and the excellent condition of his fields and farm buildings in- dicated his care and supervision. He was both practical and progressive in his methods and to his energy and perseverance was at- tributable the gratifying success which at- tended his efforts. Fidelity was one of his chief characteristics-such fidelity as was manifest in his devotion to family and friends and in his faithful discharge of all the duties of public and private life and which won him warm regard wherever he was known. His death, which occurred on June 6, 1905, was deeply regretted by the connection with W. R. Frantz, purchased the entire community.

HON. ORVILLE DENNIS.

The history of 'a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have con- ferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tribute of admiration and respect to those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Missaukee county, Michigan, who are well known be- cause of the part they have taken in public affairs is the gentlemen whose name appears at the head of this article, and who is now efficiently and satisfactorily performing the duties of probate judge of this county.

Mr. Dennis is a native son of the Wol- verine state, having been born in Cass

· McBain Chronicle of L. VanMeter, and two months later, upon the death of Mr. Frantz, he purchased the latter's interest. In Febru- ary, 1897, Mr. Dennis sold the Chronicle to its present owner and purchased the Mis- saukee Republican at Lake City, which paper he has since successfully conducted. He wields a forceful pen and has brought his paper up to the highest standard of excel- lence. Not only does it excel as a dispenser of news, but on all issues and questions af- fecting the public welfare it takes no un- certain ground and is always to be found on the right side of every moral issue. The Re- publican has become a welcome visitor in all homes where it has entered and wields a positive influence in this section of the state.

Orville Dennis is in politics a stanch and uncompromising Republican and ever since attaining his majority he has taken a keen and intelligent interest in public affairs. In 1900 he was nominated by his party for the legislature and was successful at the polls, as he was also two years later, receiving at

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both elections the largest vote in his county of any candidate upon his entire ticket who had opposition. His record in the legisla- ture was creditable in the highest degree and did much to enhance his reputation for ability and integrity. His stand on all vital questions before the legislature was always on the side of the best interests of county and state and few representatives from this district have ever received such universal commendation as did Mr. Dennis. In 1904 he was the nominee of his party for the posi- tion of probate judge of Missaukee county and at the ensuing election was again suc- cessful, and is now performing the duties of that office. In this connection the follow- ing tribute rendered him by the McBain Chronicle during the campaign of 1904 will undoubtedly be of interest: "This year he was nominated without opposition by his party as candidate for judge of the probate court. Had his legislative record not been entirely satisfactory his political opponents would upon that basis at this time ask for Republican votes for his defeat. As his record has been satisfactory, we can con- sistently and in plain justice ask not only for the entire Republican vote for his election, but for Democratic votes as well. Mr. Den- nis is a particularly strong candidate for the very important office for which he has been nominated. Upon his perfect hon- esty and integrity there is not the slightest blemish and his work as a law clerk and student, and his legislative and newspaper experience and his clerical work for some time in the probate office, make him par- ticularly well qualified for the technical work of the office."

Mr. Dennis was married June 8, 1898, to Miss Mabel Marks, a native of Ohio and

daughter of Willis S. and Celestia (Hen- ning) Marks, both natives of Ohio. Mr. Dennis is a member of the Knights of the Modern Maccabees and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

DRAYTON SEAMAN.

Among those men who, by their industry and business activity, have advanced the prosperity and wealth of northern Michi- gan, the subject of this sketch is prominent. A man of forceful individuality and marked acumen, he has had the foresight to take advantage of opportunities which presented · themselves and has successfully conducted a large and prosperous business. Mr. Seaman, who is a resident of Wexford county, has large lumbering and mill interests in Mis- saukee county, being well and favorably known in both localities. He is a native of Big Rapids township, Mecosta county, Michigan, where he was born on the 5th day of June, 1863. His parents are Warren and Mary E. (Moore) Seaman, who, in 1869, removed to Wexford county, being among the early settlers in that locality. They set- tled in Cedar Creek township, where they have continuously resided since. They were the parents of five children, of whom four grew to mature years.

Drayton Seaman was about six years old when he accompanied his parents to Wex- ford county and there he was reared and re- ceived his education, being indebted to the common schools for the latter. . He re- mained under the parental roof until he had almost attained his majority, when he com- menced life's activities for himself by engag-

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ing in farming and logging in Cedar Creek township, Wexford county, being engaged in this manner for about six years. He then engaged exclusively in the lumbering busi- ness in Wexford and Missaukee counties, giving his attention mainly to logging until 1897, when he built a shingle mill in Wex- ford county, which he operated for six years, and in 1903 he built a saw-mill and shingle- mill in Bloomfield township, Missaukee county. On August 28, 1904, this mill was entirely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of several thousand dollars. This disaster might have discouraged a man of weak heart, but, nothing daunted, Mr. Seaman at once rebuilt the mill and is now turning out a larger product than ever. He gives em- ployment to an average of forty men dur- ing the summer months and from one hun- dred and twenty-five to two hundred men during the busy winter season. A good market is close at hand for the mill products and the demand will undoubtedly compel Mr. Seaman to increase his productive fa- cilities.

On April 4, 1884, Mr. Seaman was united in marriage with Miss Annetta L. Mow, the daughter of Lewis and Lydia Mow, her birth having occurred in Allegan county, this state. Mrs. Seaman has been a helpmate in the largest and truest sense of the word and has borne her husband two bright and interesting children, Bertha A. and Willard D. In his fraternal relations Mr. Seaman is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of the Modern Maccabees, giving a hearty support to the noble principles of these beneficent or- ders. Since entering upon an independent career he has made good use of his oppor- tunities and has prospered from year to year,

conducting all business matters system- atically, and in all his acts displaying an apti- tude for successful management. Because of his many fine personal qualities, he has won and retains the personal friendship of all who know him.

WILLIAM E. CLARK.

Springfield township, Kalkaska county, Michigan, is characterized by her full share of the honored pioneer element who have done so much for the development of the county and the establishment of the institu- tions of civilization in this fertile and well- favored section. The biographical sketches of this volume are largely of this class of useful citizens and it is not in the least too early to record in print the principal items in the lives of these hard working and honest people, giving honor to whom honor is due. They will soon be gone and the past can have no better history or memento than these records. Among the honored old-time resi- dents of Kalkaska county is he whose name appears above. Mr. Clark is a native of the state of Ohio, having been born in Noble county on February 22, 1845. He is the son of Adarial and Henrietta (Ogle) Clark, both natives also of the Buckeye state. They were among the very earliest pioneer settlers of Kalkaska county and spent the last years of their life in Fife Lake, where the father had been engaged in the operation of a hotel. They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. The latter was reared on the parental farm- stead in Noble county, Ohio, where he re- mained until after attaining his majority.

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He received the benefit of a good common- school education and also learned the secrets of successful agriculture under his father's wise guidance. In the early spring of 1864 Mr. Clark enlisted in Company I, Sixty-sec- ond Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went to the South in defense of the national honor. He served twenty-two months and took part in several important engagements, being present at the final surrender of the Con- federates at Appomattox. In the spring of 1868 Mr. Clark accompanied his parents upon their removal to Kalkaska county and he took up a homestead in section 20, Spring- field township, which has since that time been his home and which was the first home- stead taken up in this township. He is now the owner of about three hundred acres of land, of which about eighty are under the plow and in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Clark does not confine his attention to any particular branch of agriculture, but raises all the crops common to this lattitude. He has been uniformly successful in his opera- tions and few farms of the size are more productive than his. All the modern me- chanical appliances and implements calcu- lated to make the pursuit of agriculture an easy and agreeable vocation are employed by Mr. Clark, while his dwelling is supplied with the conveniences and comforts which go to make rural life pleasant and desirable.

Mr. Clark was married, in Brown county, Indiana, to Miss Angela V. Lackey, a native of Washington county, Ohio, where she was born on April 16, 1844. Politically Mr. Clark is a stalwart Republican and has taken an active part in local public affairs. He has held the office of supervisor of Spring- field township for nineteen years, and was township treasurer for eight years, highway

commissioner one year and probate judge of Kalkaska county for four years. Frater- nally he is affiliated with Frank Fowler Post, No. 286, Grand Army of the Republic, at Fife Lake, of which he is a past commander, and also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Clark is one of the leading citizens of his community and enjoys in a marked degree the esteem of his neighbors and friends throughout the township of Springfield.

EDWARD J. STAMPFLER.

Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled for the most part all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. In a civilized community no calling is so certain of yielding a compensatory return as that which is culled from a kindly soil, albeit the husbandman is at times sorely taxed in coaxing from Mother Earth all that he de- sires or even expects. Yet she is a kind mother and seldom chastens with disappoint- ment the child whose diligence and frugality she deems it but just should be rewarded. One of the energetic and progressive agri- culturists of Springfield township, Kalkaska county, Michigan. is he whose name appears at the head of this article. Mr. Stampfler was born in Baltimore township, Barry county, Michigan, on September 21, 1860, and is the eldest of nine children born to Nicholas and Victoria (Reutch) Stampfler, both natives of Germany. Soon after the subject's birth his parents moved to Battle

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Creek, this state, where he was reared until his fourteenth year, when the family re- moved to Pottersville, Eaton county, this state. After a residence there of four years Mr. Stampfler came to Missaukee county, Michigan, which was his home during the following eight years. He then came to Kal- kaska county and located on section 31, Springfield township, where he has since re- sided. He has added to his original tract from time to time and is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, hav- ing one hundred of them under cultivation. As a tiller of the soil Mr. Stampfler is up to date and familiar with every detail of mod- ern farming. His improvements are first- class, his dwelling comfortable and supplied with many of the conveniences which make country life pleasant and desirable, and the well-tilled fields, the general appearance of the premises and the condition of the imple- ments and live stock bespeak the attention and care which are bestowed upon the place.

Mr. Stampfler was married, in Spring- field township, to Miss Nettie A. Aldridge, who was born in Tuscola county, this state, and a sketch of whose brother, Luther Ald- ridge, appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Stampfler have been born five children, namely: Stephen N., George F., Elsie V., Nellie C. and Ethel E. Mr. Stamp- fler has taken an active part in all matters affecting the welfare of the township, serv- ing for three terms as supervisor, four terms as treasurer, and also as justice of the peace and notary public. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Modern Maccabees and the Patrons of Husbandry. He and his wife are among the best known and highly respected people of

the community where they live and their in- fluence has ever been exerted to the end that the world might be made better by their presence.

JOHN G. STRAHAN.

It is no doubt true that Ireland, of all countries of the world, has sent more emi- grants in proportion to population to the United States than any other country, and the reason is well known. For hundreds of years the Emerald Isle has been denied many valuable rights and privileges by Great Britain and the pride and honor of the peo- ple were ground into the dust. They could avoid all this only by leaving the island. much as they loved it, and accordingly thou- sands of them, as the years rolled, have crossed the wide Atlantic to find a home of greater freedom in America. They began to come in large numbers soon after the Revo- lution and have continued to come until the present time. In every state they settled and built up comfortable homes. They were among our first teachers and business men, and today they occupy many of the proudest positions within the gift of the American people.

The subject of this sketch is a native son of Ireland, having been born in Antrim county on the 21st of August, 1853. When he was between three and four years old his parents emigrated to Canada, where they re- mained for about eleven years. Believing that still more favorable conditions might be found in the United States, they came to Michigan, locating first in Lenawee county and later in Monroe county, where the father

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died at the age of sixty-seven years. Dur- ing the years of his youth the subject was reared to a farming life, acquiring at the same time that sturdiness and independence of spirit which seems to be born of close contact with nature. In November, 1877, Mr. Strahan came to Kalkaska county and for ten or twelve years he was employed in the lumber camps of this county. He then bought eighty acres of land in section 6, Springfield township, which is still retained by him and is a part of his present farm. He has added to this tract by purchase from time to time and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of as good land as can be found in this section of the state. This land is all improved and contains good buildings and fences, the general condition and appearance of the place indicating the owner to be a man of good judgment and of thrifty habits. Mr. Strahan does not confine himself to any spe- cial line of agriculture, but produces all the crops common to this section of the country.

Mr. Strahan was married, in Grand Traverse county, Michigan, to Miss Eliza- beth Letson, a native of Kent county, this state, and their union has been blessed in the birth of four children, namely: James G., Lena (the wife of H. C. Gore), Benjamin F. and Martha. Mr. Strahan takes a deep in- terest in the welfare of his community and in the spring of 1905 he was elected to the re- sponsible office of supervisor of Springfield township, which office he is now efficiently and satisfactorily filling. Prior to this he had served as highway commissioner and school moderator, and in all the relations of life he has borne his full share of the brunt of the battle. feeling that every citizen owes it to his country to not only take an interest in public affairs, but to perform to the best

of his ability such duties as may be assigned to him. The subject is a plain and unassum- ing man, well endowed with good sense, and his many sterling qualities of character have won for him a warm place in the hearts of his fellow citizens.

ONAWAY.

One of the most enterprising and pro- gressive of the smaller cities of northern Michigan is Onaway, Presque Isle county, which, though but a few years old, has al- ready a population of over three thousand. This remarkable growth is not in any sense due to "boom" conditions, but has been from the beginning characterized by a steadi- ness and permanency which augurs well for the future solid prosperity of the place. Sur- rounded as it is with vast virgin territory, including hardwood timber lands and as rich and productive soil as can be found any- where, it is not strange that those who have visited this section have been impressed at once with its desirability as a place of great future possibilities. There are here to- day about a dozen lumbering and wood- working concerns, one of which gives employment to several hundred men, and the most conservative estimates are that the timber will last at least fifteen years. Ona- way village was incorporated in 1899 and has been from the beginning favored with a wise and conservative, yet liberal, civil ad- ministration. Public improvements have been made as rapidly as occasion or the public needs demand them, all being of a sub- stantial character and up-to-date in every particular. One of the best examples of

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public utility here is the water works system, generally conceded to be one of the best in the state. The plant, which was completed and accepted by the village in May, 1902, was constructed by the Howe Engine Com- pany, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and cost ap- proximately seventeen thousand dollars. There are two large reservoirs on the hill southwest of the village, each having a ca- pacity of seventy-five thousand gallons, in addition to which there is a receiving reser- voir at the foot of the hill. The pumping station, which is provided with an eighteen- horse-power Howe engine, will throw twelve thousand gallons of water per hour. About fourteen thousand feet of water mains have been laid, and twenty-five double-noz- zle hydrants are scattered throughout the city. The fire department is provided with plenty of hose, a good cart and a full equip- ment of all necessary apparatus, so that the village has splendid fire protection.

In the matter of schools Onaway may justly take pride. The school district was first organized in 1882, at which time there were but six children of school age. In 1898 a graded school was established, the old log school house near what is now known as Shaw's corner doing service. In 1899 a fine, new school building was erected and in 1901 a larger and better building was also erected, followed still later by another smaller building in the southeastern part of the district. The standard of education has been high here from the beginning and no better graded-school facilities can be found anywhere than are provided here.

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Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 90

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