USA > Michigan > Hillsdale County > Compendium of history and biography of Hillsdale County, Michigan > Part 54
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Mr. Smith married, in 1856, Miss Sarah La- vina Bates, a native of Huron county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Potter) Bates, of that county, a most estimable lady, who has shared his trials and triumphs with a gracious and cheerful companionship. She is an adherent of the Quaker faith and has been through life faithful and earnest as an exemplar of the teach- ings of that admirable sect. They have one child, their daughter, Lottie Louise (Smith) Marvin, a graduate of the Union School at Hills- dale, and an accomplished musician, well-trained abroad in her art. In politics Mr. Smith is Republican, seeking to secure by his suffrage and his influence the best results for the county, state and nation. The home of the family in Hillsdale is a center of refinement, of generous and con- siderate hospitality.
CHAUNCEY STIMSON.
Chauncey Stimson was a native of Allegany county, New York, born near the town of Bel- mont on January 1, 1814. His parents were Barney and Amanda Stimson, also natives of New York, prosperous farmers of that state, where the father died, the mother passing from life in Hillsdale county, Michigan. In his native state Mr. Stimson grew to manhood, received a common-school education, learned his trade as a carpenter. After completing his apprentice- ship he worked at his trade in New York state until about 1836, then came to Michigan, settling in the town of Hillsdale, which at that time con- sisted of a few rude shanties. His home was on the site now occupied by the residence of F. W. Stock. Here he worked industriously at
his trade, building many of the more pretentious structures in the early history of the town. He erected the first courthouse and several of the best business blocks. When the village was in- corporated he became its first president. He also served as supervisor of the township from time to time. Later, he moved to a farm in Fay- ette township, where he resided until his death on May 7, 1895. He was twice married. first to Miss Amanda Potter. His second mar- riage was with Miss Mary Simons, a native of New York, and occured in 1851. They had four daughters, only one of whom is now living, Belle, the wife of A. C. Ackerly, who. with her family now resides on the home farm with her mother.
Mr. Stimson was a Republican in political views from the organization of the party. He gave it a loyal and ardent support, without seek- ing any of its honors or emoluments for himself. He was also an active member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was both well- known and highly respected throughout the county. His long life within its borders of nearly sixty years, was not only a stimulant, but an incitement to productive endeavor on the part
of others, and exemplified in many commend- able ways the most desirable and serviceable traits of American citizenship. He was laid to rest at the honorable age of four-score years. with many demonstrations of popular approval and esteem. His name is still revered among the people to whom his life was useful, as that of one of the most valued to the early pioneers and as one of the most respected men of the county.
ELBERT STEVENS.
Descended from a good old Connecticut an- cestry, which sought peace and prosperity with freedom of opinion and action in the New World early in its Colonial history, whose offspring have at every subsequent period been potential elements of productive industry in New England, Elbert Stevens, now of Hillsdale township, Michigan, has exemplified in his western home
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the qualitics of thrift, industry and foresight, for which the family has ever been distinguished, and, as well, the manly virtues of local pride, serviceable interest in the welfare of his com- munity, the broad and abiding patriotismi whichi have characterized its members wherever they have lived. Hc was born in Fairfield county, Conn., on November 8. 1839, the son of Alfred S. and Amanda ( Kellogg) Stevens, who were born and reared in the same neighborhood. His father, a farmer, followed that industry with dili- gence and profit in his native state for a long time. In the spring of 1874 his wife died, and, a year later he removed to Michigan, where his son was already living, and in this state he re- mained until his death in 1891. In fraternal re- lations he was a valued member of the Masonic order. His family consisted of three sons, two of whom are yet living in Connecticut. Their grandfather on the paternal side, Abner Stevens, a noted carpet-wcaver of Connecticut, died in that state after a long life of usefulness in his chosen line of work.
Elbert Stevens grew to man's cstate in his native county and was educated in its public schools. As soon as he was able, under his father's directions, he learned his trade as a mason, and at it he worked in connection with prosperous farming operations in his home county until 1870, when he came to Michigan and settled in Hillsdale county, renting a farm not far from the town of Hillsdale. In 1874 hc bought the farm on which he now lives and since that time it has been his home and the object of his care, the seat of his efficient labors and the source of his livelihood. He has added much to its improvement and value, making it desirable and attractive with the comforts of life and the evidences of his taste. In 1863 he married with Miss Cordelia F. Huested, a native of Connecti- cut, born on June 24, 1842, a daughter of Jona- than and Ann (Wilmott) Huested, of Fairfield county, in that state, of which they were also natives. Mr. Stevens is a progressive and broad-minded citizen, who, for sixteen years, has served the township as a justice of the peace. He is a Republican in political faith, a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church in reli- gious affiliation, giving helpful support and ap- preciatcd counsel to both organizations. He is looked up to as a leading and representative man in this section and has the regard and good will of all who know him.
WILLIAM TAYLOR.
The American republic, with its once bound- less wealth of unoccupied land, which has not inaptly been called "the great charity of God to the human race," has laid every clime and na- tion of the civilized world, and many portions not civilized, under tribute for its development and for the expansion of its greatness, being particularly indebted to good old England for a sturdy and productive element of its population. In this element William Taylor, now one of the well-to-do and enterprising farmers of Fayette township in this county, has an honored place. He is a scion of old English families, being born near London, on April 23, 1848. His parents were George and Sarah ( Hough) Taylor, also natives of England, belonging to families resi- dent in that country from tinc immemorial. Farmers in the old country, they came to the United States in 1854, settling in Ontario coun- ty, New York. After a residence of some years there they moved to Wayne county, where, in course of time the mother died, since which event and for a number of years the father has been a resident of Michigan. They were the parents of seven sons and one daughter, and three of the sons live in Hillsdale county. Two sons served gallantly in the Union army during the Civil War as members of New York regi- ments, winning high praise by their valor and other soldierly capabilities.
William Taylor grew to manhood and re- ceived a common-school education in Ontario county, New York, and, after leaving school he continued to work on the paternal farm. In 1875 he moved to Akron, Ohio, rented a farm in the neighborhood of the city, living on this and working it successfully for eleven years, then. in 1866, he came to Michigan and purchased
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the farm of sixty-six acres on which he has since resided, it being a part of the old Chauncey Stimson place. This he has greatly improved and developed, for it is now one of the most desirable little farms in this part of the county. In 1871 he was married in New York, to Miss Julia Case, a native of that state. They have two children, Laura, wife of G. E. Donahue, of this county, and Irma, living at the father's home. His wife died on November 20, 1900. The second marriage occurred on October 15, 1902, with Mrs. Ada (Wixson) Rennison, a native of Kalamazoo county, Mich., being a daughter of Asa and Jane (Reed) Wixson, the father a native of Canada and the mother of Michigan. The lives of both ended in Kala- mazoo county. In political faith Mr. Taylor has been a lifelong Republican, but he has never taken an active part in the management of his party or sought any official position for himself, although giving its policies and candidates his firm and helpful support. He is cordially and intelligently interested in the welfare of his com- munity, especially in the progress and improve- ment of the line of industry in which he is en- gaged, being therefore an active and zealous member of the grange in his neighborhood. Among the men of thrift and enterprise in the township none stand higher in public esteem and confidence.
LUCAS H. TERPENING.
Lucas H. Terpening, the active, energetic and capable supervisor of the Third ward in Hills- dale, who is now capably serving his sixth term in the office, is a native of Cayuga county, New York, where. he was born on February 15, 1830, his parents being John E. and Harriet (Hollis- ter) Terpening, also natives of New York and born in Saratoga county. The father, a farmer, was one of the pioneers of Cayuga county, set- tling there in 1824 when he was twenty-one years old. His first wife died there in 1837, hav- ing been the mother of five children, two of whom are living, her son Lucas and a daughter. · The father remarried, his choice being a Miss
Mary Rich by whom he had one son who is also living. John E. Terpening served as a justice of the peace for twenty years and was highly respected for the justness of his course in the office and for his general uprightness of life and conduct. His father, Lucas Terpening, was also a native of New York and a prominent farmer. In the War of 1812 he was a major in the U. S. army and rendered efficient service to the Amer- ican cause. He died at a good old age in Cayuga county of his native state.
Lucas H. Terpening was reared and educated in his native county, finishing his school days with a term at the Red Creek Seminary. He re- mained at his father's home until 1854, when he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, purchased a farm and remained two years. In 1856 he came to Hillsdale county and bought a partially im- proved farm in Reading township, on which he lived twelve years. He then took up his resi- dence at Hillsdale where he has since maintained his home. In politics he is a firm and unwaver- ing Republican, having been one of the organi- zers of the party in this state. His first vote was cast for John C. Hale for president, his next for Gen. John C. Fremont for president. In 1896 he was elected as supervisor of the Third ward of Hillsdale city, served continuously for a period of five years, then declined another nomination. In 1903 he was again elected to this position and is now filling it with credit to himself and general satisfaction to the people. While living in Read- ing township he served four years as school in- spector and once as census enumerator.
Mr. Terpening was married in 1851 to Miss Amanda Cadwell, a native of Saratoga county, New York. They have had two children, one of whom is living, Charles H., agent of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Hills- dale. His first wife died in 1897, and, a year later, Mr. Terpening married with his second wife, then Miss Ann Bryant, a native of Ver- mont. In many public capacities Mr. Terpening has given the community of his residence good service, his excellent judgment and breadth of view being highly commended in reference to all matters of general interest. He was a member
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of the building committee that erected the new also served as coroner for a number of years, courthouse at Hillsdale, and was the one who suggested the addition of a ladies' reception room to the building. His suggestion being adopted, he was chosen to superintend the construction and equipment of this room, and its beauty and harmony stands forth in the general approval of the public as a memorial of his foresight and artistic taste. His work on the committee in every way was diligent, faithful and effective. He is one of the most respected citizens of the community, considered as one of its most truly representative men.
ARVID S. THOMAS.
With a creditable record as a Union soldier in the War of 1861-65, with a career of useful- ness and productive energy in the pursuits of peace in this state since he was eighteen years old, Arvid S. Thomas, the county treasurer of Hillsdale county, is entitled to honorable men- tion in any record of the achievements of the progressive men of southern Michigan, and he has well carned the high place he now occupies in the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens. He is a native of Orleans county, New York, born on February 24, 1834, the son of Zimri and Mary A. (Sanderson) Thomas, the former born and reared at Rome, Mass., and the latter in Ontario county, New York. His father, a farmer and merchant, also conducted a hotel for a period of twenty-five years. He brought his family to this county in 1852, located on a tract of sixty acres of uncultivated woodland in section No. 35 of Allen township, and also bought eighty acres of section No. 26, which lay near by. It was all wild and unbroken forest land, given up to the unrestrained luxuriance of Nature, wholly untouched by the hand of the husbandman. He devoted fourteen years of arduous labor to clearing it and reducing it to systematic productiveness, and then, in 1866, moved to Hillsdale, where he resided until his death in 1892. He was prominent in the local affairs of the county and represented it in part in the lower house of the Legislature in 1866. He
and was for a long time a justice of the peace. His 'wife died on December 25, 1876. Their family consisted of seven children, five of whom reached years of maturity, of these three are now living, their son Arvid, one of his brothers and a sister. The grandfather, David Thomas,, was a native of Massachusetts, but, for many years he was a prosperous farmer in the state of New York where he died. Arvid Thomas had one brother, Albert P. Thomas, who, as a mem- ber of the First Michigan Sharpshooters of the Civil War, was seriously wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania, Va., being discharged on ac- count of the disability thus incurred. But he immediately reenlisted in an Illinois regiment, in this serving to the end of the war. He afterward died in Van Buren county in this state.
Arvid S .. Thomas was reared and educated in his native state, finishing his education, begun in the public schools, at the Springville (N. Y.) Academy. He came to Michigan with his par- ents in 1852, and assisted in clearing up the farm in this county. In 1859 he went to California, making the five months' trip overland by way of the Platte River. The party with which he trav- cled was composed of Hillsdale county people, its only survivors at this time being L. S. Ran- ney and himself. Mr. Thomas then engaged in mining on the American River, California, and in parts of Nevada, remaining in that country until 1863. He returned by the isthmus of Panama and New York, and, in 1864, enlisted in Co. G, Thirtieth Michigan Infantry, and served six months in Kentucky, Georgia and other Southern states, engaged mainly in guard duty. He then came back to his former home and started the farming industry which he has since steadily conducted, in which he has risen to high rank.
Mr. Thomas was married in 1866 to Miss Frances Hamlin, a native of Hillsdale county being a daughter of James D. and Lucy A. (Ches- ter) Hamlin, both pioncers of 1843 in Allen town- ship. They are now both deceased. This Mrs. Thomas died in March, 1890, leaving no chil- dren. In December, 1893, Mr. Thomas con- cluded a second marriage, uniting himself with
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Mrs. Adella Maylett. In politics he has been a lifelong Republican, and has served the town- ship as supervisor, as highway commissioner, and, for eight years, as a justice of the peace. These various offices he filled with such ability, and in a manner so satisfactory to the people · generally, that, in 1902, he was elected county treasurer. In this more important position he has not disappointed the expectations of those who elevated him to it. He belongs to both the Masonic order and to the Grand Army of the Republic and takes a leading part in the working of each order. Throughout the county he is well-known and highly respected by a large circle of cordial and appreciative friends who know his worth and value it.
PHILIP B. TOLFORD, M.D.
Philip B. Tolford, M. D., of Pittsford, this county, is the third representative of his family in descent who has resided in Michigan. His grandfather, Hugh Tolford, was a pioneer in Lenawee county, and the Doctor's father, Joshua P. Tolford, was the first white child born in that county. The Doctor himself is a native of Lena- wee county, born on June 3, 1873, and there the life of his mother, whose maiden name was Har- riet M. Camp, also began. His parents, pros- perous farmers, are living on the old homestead with a record of usefulness and productive in- dustry which does them great credit and has won for them the universal respect and good will of all who knew them. Their family consisted of two sons and one daughter, all of whom are residents of this state.
Doctor Tolford received his preliminary scholastic training in the public schools of his native county, finishing his literary education at Adrian College. After leaving college he began the study of medicine, under the competent in- struction of Dr. A. C. Wood, of Sand Creek, and in 1895, he entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, and was duly graduated from that institution in April, 1898. He settled at Pittsford, Michigan, immediately thereafter and entered upon a practice, which has steadily
grown in volume and value, becoming more and more representative of the best classes of the community from year to year. He is well estab- lished in the confidence of the public as a care- ful and skillful medical practitioner and sur- geon, while among his professional brethren, he is regarded as a studious and progressive mem- ber of one of the most learned and intellectual professions known to mankind. While deeply and intelligently interested in the literature of the profession, a close observer of all phases of the practice, he is no sense an experimenter or an empiric, but gives to his life work his undivided and most conscientious attention.
Doctor Tolford married on October 27, 1899, with Miss Mabel A. Peebles, a native of Lenawee county, Mich., and they have one child, their son, Wayne E. Tolford. In politics the Doctor is an active Democrat, zealous and diligent in the serv- ice of his party, serving it ably as chairman of its township committee, giving its campaigns his close personal attention and its candidates his ac- tive aid. In religious affiliation he belongs to the Congregational church and is one of the trustees of the local congregation of which he is a mem- ber. He is one of the rising young men of the community, and by his elevated professional tone and ability, as well as his social graces, force and integrity of character, he justifies the high esteem in which he is generally held.
JOHN TONER.
Among the successful and prominent farmers of Adams township, Hillsdale county, Michigan, is John Toner, the subject of this sketch. A na- tive of Seneca county, New York, he was born on February 24, 1845, the son of Michael and Mary (Donnelly) Toner, both natives of Ireland. His father, a mason by trade, with his family came from Ireland to the United States in 1845, settling in Seneca county, N. Y., where he followed his trade, mostly at the inchoate city of Seneca Falls, up to 1862. In that year he answered to the call of patriotism and went to the defense of his adopted country in the great Civil War as a mem- ber of Co. G, of the One Hundred and Forty-
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eighth New York Infantry, and there served for a period of twenty months. During this time he participated in the battles of the Wilderness, An- tietam, Spottsylvania and several smaller engage- ments. Owing to wounds received in the serv- ice, he was discharged, and returned to his home in Seneca county, where he continued to reside until his death. The mother passed away during the period of the Civil War, in 1864. In their family were two sons and five daughters. The subject of this sketch and one sister are now resi- dents of the state of Michigan. Both sons, as well as the father, were soldiers in the Union army. The brother was severely wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, dying some years thereafter from the effects of the injuries there sustained.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Seneca county, N. Y., and received his early education in the public schools in the vicinity of his boyhood home. After the completion of his school life, he engaged in farming, which he followed up to 1864, when he enlisted in the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and was in active service for one year. He was under fire at the battles of Winchester, Cold Creek and Pe- tersburg, yet was fortunate enough to escape without serious injury. After receiving an hon- orable discharge from the army, he returned to his former home in Seneca county, where he re- mained up to 1870, when he had an opportunity to dispose of his New York property to advan- tage, and he removed his residence to Michigan, and settled in the county of Hillsdale. He located on a farm in Cambria township, and made that his residence for about twelve years. At the end of that time he removed to Adams township, where he now resides and has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. In addition to his own property, he has had charge of the farms of Chauncey Cook, and has met with marked suc- cess in all his business undertakings.
In the year 1866 Mr. Toner was united in marriage in the state of New York with Miss Bridget M. Collins, a native of Canada, a daugh- ter of Martin and Catherine (Moroney) Collins, natives of Ireland. The parents of Mrs. Toner died in Auburn, N. Y., where they were well-
known and highly respected citizens. To Mr. and Mrs. Toner have been born seven children, Catherine, now Mrs. Ralph Brown, of Hillsdale county ; Ellen, now Mrs. Oscar Anderson, of the same county ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Harry Gibson, of Toledo, Ohio : Isabel, now Mrs. Frank Powder- ly, of Hillsdale county; Agnes L., Grace C. and Ariel S., who are still at home with their par- ents. Mr. Toner is an independent and has never fully identified himself with any political party. He believes in voting for the best men, for those principles, which, from time to time, according to the varying conditions of the country, best commend themselves to his judgment. All of the members of his family are active members of the Roman Catholic church, and take a fore- most interest in all works of religion and charity in the community where they maintain their home. He has never affiliated with any secret society, but is one of the representative men of his county, widely known, successful in business, held in high esteem by all classes of his fellow citizens.
GEORGE R. TRAVIS.
This enterprising and progressive farmer of Moscow township was born in Hillsdale township on September 23, 1846. His parents were Isaac B. and Nancy (Havner) Travis, the former a native of New York, the latter of Maryland and a sister of Mrs. Amie Kesselring, of this township. (See sketch of Levi Kesselring on another page.) The father, a carpenter and farmer, came to this county in 1836 and purchased land two miles north of Hillsdale, which he assisted in clearing and getting ready for cultivation. A few years later he moved to Moscow township, and settled on the farm on which he lived until his death in 1897. He was averse to public life and never sought office, but yielded to the importunities of his friends and fellow citizens and served for a number of years as a justice of the peace. His widow survived him for two years and died in 1899. The paternal grandfather, Cornelius L. Travis, also a native of New York and a farmer, came to this county in 1836 with his family, and for many years carried on a prosperous farming
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industry, also administering with credit, and to the satisfaction of the people, the official duties of a justice of the peace at Hillsdale .and Jonesville. His death occurred about 1883. Both he and his son and also their wives were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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