History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 119

Author: D.W. Ensign & Co. pub; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, D. W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 821

USA > Michigan > Van Buren County > History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 119
USA > Michigan > Berrien County > History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 119

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

CAPT. JOSIAH R. HENDRYX.

two saw-mills, Mr. Hendryx being the active man in all these enterprises. As remarked by a writer who a few years ago wrote up the various enterprises of the county, " Capt. Hendryx, mounted upon his faithful Crazy Jane, was the moving power that kept this harp of a thousand strings in constant tune."

In 1853 the Michigan Central Railroad Company estab- lished an office in New York City, and tendered Mr. Hen- dryx a subordinate position in it. He accepted the position, but rapidly advanced until he was the contracting freight agent of this great central route, the New York Central, Canada and Michigan Central each sharing in the payment of his salary, which had increased to three hundred dollars per month and expenses. All of his salary not needed for necessary expenses was sent home and judiciously expended by his son, until they jointly owned six hundred acres of choice land, with good buildings and fine stock. One inci- dent will serve to show how well Horatio managed affairs

472

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

at home during his father's absence. The Agricultural Society offered a premium for the best-kept farm in the county ; all farms entered were visited by a committee ap- pointed by the society. Young Hendryx, then twenty years old, was induced to enter their farm, and we see now a silver cup at their home bearing this inscription : " Cal- houn County Agricultural Society, Oct. 2, 1851. Pre- sented to J. R. Hendryx, as a premium for the best farm." In 1861, Mr. Hendryx resigned his position in New York and returned to enjoy the fruits of his fifteen years' absence. Mrs. H. spent much of her time with her husband while in the city, and accompanied him in many of his business trips in the West.

In the fall of 1852, Horatio, being at his majority and the only living child, became joint owner of all real estate, and in the fall of 1867 they sold their farm, Horatio going to Decatur and engaging in the tanning business, and J. R. moving with his wife to the city of Marshall, where they remained until 1872. Becoming weary of separation from his only child, he removed with his wife to Decatur, and assisted in the business there until the fall of 1874, when they traded the tannery for the two hundred acres where they now live. They commenced at once to make additions, until they now have four hundred and sixty acres with good buildings and improvements.

In politics Mr. Hendryx is a Democrat, but he never gave much attention to parties until the outbreak of the Rebellion, from which time he has been prominent. When charged with disloyalty by the Republican press of his county he proposed, through the Democratic paper, to place one hundred dollars by the side of the same amount of any man in his county and compare war records, and the one who could show that he had given the most time and money to the support of the government during the war could take up the two hundred dollars. It is needless to say that the challenge was not accepted.

Josiah R. and Evelyn Hendryx have had six children, three dying in infancy, one at the age of five years, and the other in his ninth year. His only living child, Horatio J., married Ada Raven, Feb. 5, 1852. They have three living children, viz. : Lillian, now Mrs. C. T. Barter, of Chicago ; Ada, aged fifteen, and Louis, aged thirteen. Three died young, Frankie being killed by the kick of a horse when he was four years old. Ten orphan children have been reared in the Hendryx family, and no corporal punishment has been inflicted under any circumstances. Mr. Hendryx once remarked in a public lecture that he would be proud to exhibit the whole party before that audience. He never made a public speech until he was fifty-nine years old ; since that time he has become somewhat noted for that which has been tersely termed " sledge-hammer oratory." He has never sought office, never but twice been a candidate, and then much against his wishes, but in both cases ran ahead of his ticket ; yet on the stump and through the press he has been a zealous advocate of Democratic principles. His influence and aid has often been sought and cheerfully given for the advancement of all public enterprises. A railroad enterprise from Cold- water north through Marshall being about thirty-five thou- sand dollars short on the subscriptions to its stock, and little hope entertained of raising it, as a last resort called

Mr. Hendryx from Decatur to take hold of the matter. He made public speeches, canvassed all along the line on foot, and finally succeeded in raising every dollar.

He celebrated his seventy-third birthday March 4, 1880, and with his faithful wife, who has shared with him in all life's battles, celebrated their golden wedding March 11, 1880. As to education, Mr. Hendryx has been often heard to say that the outside world has been his school- master ; all he knew of the world he had learned by mixing with it; all he knew of business he had learned by trans- acting it, and if he ever had any polish in his manners, he had rubbed it off from some polished individual with whom he had come in contact.

Mrs. Hendryx is a zealous member of the Baptist Church in Marshall; she united with it by letter in 1840, when the first society was organized, and only two of the original members now survive,-Mrs. Hendryx and Mrs. Lusk. Mrs. Hendryx devotes much of her time in assisting mis- sionary societies and other projects which are intended to promote the spread of the gospel. Mr. Hendryx has always given his support to this church. Although not a professor of religion, he says he never could shut his eyes to the fact that church influences produce salutary results. And now we find this well-preserved old couple enjoying the respect and esteem of the community in which they live surrounded by many friends. They have given to their friends, in this work, a fine view of their home, and their portraits, which will remain as monuments to their memory. They have walked life's journey together for fifty years,-years which have brought sunshine and sorrow to their home; but to- day they enjoy more than ever each other's society and the visits of their many friends, who are always welcome to their hospitable home. Long may they yet live to enjoy the fruits of their industrious youth.

PHILOTUS HAYDON .*

No man who ever lived in Van Buren County was more uni- versally honored and esteemed while living, and more sincerely and generally mourned when dead, than Philotus Haydon, whose portrait appears in connection with this sketch. There are many now in easy circumstances living in this vicinity, where Mr. Haydon lived from the year 1836 to the time of his death, who often refer with emotion to the timely assist- ance he rendered them when struggling for existence in the early settlement of the country. Never was he known to take advantage of a man's necessities, never taking more than simple interest-and often none at all-on even a note. No honest man, however poor, was ever turned away empty- handed when applying to him for assistance. If by mis- fortune he lost a horse or an ox out of his team, he knew right well where to go to supply its place. No one who ever knew this large-hearted man, and reads the above, will say that it does him more than simple justice.

Mr. Haydon was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in the year 1810. When quite a young man he went to Brandon, Vt., and engaged in the mercantile business ; there he mar- ried Mary A., daughter of Aaron W. Broughton of that

# By Capt. J. R. Hendryx.

JAMES M. OSBORN.

MRS. JJAMES M.OSBORN. .

RES. OF JAMES M. OSBORN, . HAMILTON, MICH.

473

TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON.

place, soon after removing to Hamilton, Van Buren Co., Mich., where he located one thousand acres of land in the year 1836, and began at once to make extensive improve- ments, and soon had an abundance with which to supply settlers who came in after him. He sold a portion of his large domain, but at the time of his death, which occurred March 10, 1866, owned about seven hundred acres. The

LITTLE

PHILOTUS HAYDON.

fruits of his marriage with Miss Broughton were two sons,- Charles B., born in the year 1834, who enlisted as a private in the 2d Michigan Infantry at the outbreak of our late civil war, and soon rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and in 1864 died of wounds received at Jackson, Miss. The other son, Arthur W., was born April 22, 1844, and about the year 1870 married Miss Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Hiram Baker, Esq., of Keeler township, and settled on a portion of the old homestead set off to him by the administra- tors, where he now lives in a neat and commodious dwelling on a well-cultivated farm, and ranks among the best citizens of this township. Mrs. (Broughton) Haydon died in 1848, and Oct. 24, 1850, Mr. Haydon married Adelia E. Buck, by whom he had three children,-F. Mortimer, born Feb. 24, 1859 ; Mary A., born Aug. 19, 1861; Blanche, born Aug. 16, 1865. Mortimer is at present engaged in a store in Decatur. Mary A. and Blanche are completing their education in the Ann Arbor University. The mother of these three children died very suddenly in Decatur, Jan. 24, 1877, while coming for her children in attendance at that school. She was a lady of rare accomplishments, loved and esteemed by all who knew her, and, like her honored husband, was most heartily mourned at her death.

Mr. Haydon never professed or talked religion, but would every day of his life do more real Christian acts than nine- tenths of those who do profess and talk much.

In politics he was a Republican, and was an able advo- cate of his principles upon the stump. He served in the State Legislature from 1844 to 1851, also in 1859. Was elected supervisor of his township as long as he could be induced to serve.

JAMES M. OSBORN,

the son of Stephen Osborn, who removed from Connecti- cut to Vermont, and thence to New York, was born in East Windsor, Conn., and engaged in farming with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he rented a farm in Steuben Co., N. Y., and began work for himself. Three years later he caught the " Western fever," and emigrated to Michigan, with his wife and one child. The journey was accomplished with a team and wagon, in which latter were stowed all his worldly goods. His capital was in the form of health and unlimited energy, and possess- ing these he felt assured the labor of his hands would in time bring him prosperity. He and his brother Daniel purchased a tract of ninety-three acres, and worked it in partnership. At the end of four years he sold his interest to his brother, and purchased eighty acres in Hamilton township, to which four hundred acres have since been added. IIis father, Stephen Osborn, settled in the county in the fall of 1844, after his sons had located, and pur- chased forty acres of land, on which he lived until his death. His family consisted of eighteen children, nine by each of his wives,-he being twice married. J. M. Osborn married Miss Julia R. Allen, daughter of Samuel Allen, and she has borne him the following children : Gideon A., Catharine S., Edward A., and Eliza. Three of these are now living. Mrs. Osborn died Dec. 17, 1871, and on the 17th of March, 1872, Mr. Osborn married Martha J. Warren, who was born in Ohio, June 17, 1834. Politi- cally, Mr. Osborn is a Democrat, and is liberal in religious matters. "

ERASTUS OSBORN

is the oldest son of Stephen Osborn, by his second wife, and was born March 24, 1838, in Ossian, Allegany (now Livingston) Co., N. Y. The family was formerly from Vermont, and of Welsh descent. Mr. Osborn's mother was a daughter of Benjamin Hungerford, a well-known woolen-manufacturer in Allegany County, who moved to Michigan in 1840, Stephen Osborn following in 1844, and remaining at Mr. Hungerford's during the succeeding winter. March 24, 1845, Stephen Osborn and family settled on section 20, in the township of Hamilton, Van Buren Co. Mr. Osborn's death occurred in March, 1853, and his widow, having nearly completed her threescore and ten years, resides on the old homestead.

Erastus Osborn, during the year after his father's death, worked with Mr. A. Barney, then for three years " by the job," and for fifteen years with a thrashing-machine. In March, 1858, the rumors from the Pike's Peak mining re- gion induced him to journey thither, but before the com- pany was quite ready to start he was disabled, by the kick of a horse on his knee, and forced to remain at home unth some time after the others had left, sending his teams and effects along with them, however. He overtook them by rail in Illinois. This company was one of the few that made the trip through to Denver, and stayed four weeks in Boulder. Mr. Osborn, whose dreams of fortune vanished when the stern realities of the position became apparent, returned to Iowa, where he remained two months, proceed-

474

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

ing from there homeward, reaching the farm in November, with one hundred dollars left. In company with his brothers, Benjamin and Horace, he commenced in earnest to carve out a home. Hon. Philotus Haydon and Robert Nesbitt, two worthy pioneers of Hamilton township, fur- nished them respectively with land and money, on credit, and gave them some good advice. The struggle to meet these obligations was a severe one with the brothers, but

Erastus (Sstorn)

they finally triumphed, and had cause to keep in grateful remembrance the men who had befriended them. In 1864 a portion of their land was exchanged for what was known as the Whitlock farm. In 1865, Erastus Osborn purchased the interest of his brothers, and now owns the entire farm. March 24, 1864, he was married to Annette M. Lascelle, a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y. Miss Lascelle was a teacher, and under her instruction Mr. Osborn passed a winter when in his twenty-fourth year. He yet insists that she was the best teacher he ever knew. Their children are two in number,-Mary E., born in October, 1865, and Luona A., born in October, 1866. They have both been educated at home, yet Mr. Osborn has been much interested in the cause of education, and has exerted his influence for good schools in his own district. This is owing largely to the fact that his own advantages in this respect were exceed- ingly limited. He has, however, a thoroughly practical knowledge. With neither money nor material, he at one time contracted to build a school-house in sixty days, and successfully completed the work. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 1875 was elected township treasurer, hold- ing the office five successive terms, being elected the first time by twenty-two and the last time by fifty-six majority, and this is an acknowledged Republican township. Mr. Osborn aims to make his " word as good as his bond," and professes no other religion than the desire to do always as he agrees. His experience as a pioneer included such epi- sodes as drawing corn and wheat twenty-five miles, with ox- teams, to market, and selling them respectively for fifteen

and forty cents per bushel. His wife has long been an in- valid, and his efforts have, consequently, been in a great degree single-handed ; yet he has always maintained a large household, and was never known to turn a traveler from his door, whether rich or poor. "'Rastus Osborn will keep you," are words which have been spoken many times to tired and dusty wayfarers, and the assertion was ever fully realized as true. Many families of emigrants have been fed and sheltered by him, and if without food, furnished with sufficient for several meals, and sent on their way re- joicing; and Mr. Osborn is confident that in the North and West are many warm friends who in such manner partook of his bounty. He is a slave to no bad habits; does not use tobacco in any form ; is a man of correct principles ; is far-sighted in business affairs ; possesses fine executive ability and unflagging energy ; is a kind husband and father, a true friend, and ever ready to forget differences which may arise with others. He, in a word, commands the universal respect of his acquaintances.

JOHN BENNETT.

George Bennett was born Sept. 16, 1811, and in 1824 removed, with his parents, to Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Mich., from the State of New York. Oct. 24, 1830, he was married to Miss Eliza Barney, and moved to Una- dilla, Livingston Co., in 1835, with his wife and two chil- dren. Six children were born to them in the latter township, and in 1849 they again directed their footsteps westward, and located in Hamilton township, Van Buren Co. Here a ninth child was born, and here they resided until the spring of 1855, when they left the farm and settled in the village of Decatur, where they are still living. Mr. Ben- nett has been engaged in various occupations,-farming, grain-thrashing, railroading, lumbering, and stone and brick mason-work.

John Bennett, the eldest son of George, was born at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 17, 1834, and on the 17th of November, 1855, was married to Lucy M., youngest child of Calvin D. and Lucy Millard. She was born in Lyme, Conn., March 30, 1836. The newly-wedded pair settled the following spring in Decatur, which was their home until August, 1865. When, in the summer of 1862, the President issued a call for troops to aid in suppressing the rebellion, Mr. Bennett enlisted in the 4th Michigan Cavalry, and served under Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas. He was captured in the Atlanta campaign, and was in prison three months at Andersonville and two months at Florence, S. C. After being exchanged he re- turned to his regiment, and found a second lieutenant's com- mission awaiting him. He took a prominent part in the capture of the petticoated and fugitive president of the Confederacy, for which he was brevetted first lieutenant, and received his share of the reward of one hundred thou- sand dollars, which had been offered. He was honorably discharged after three years of active service, and purchased and moved upon the farm he now occupies. It was then in a sadly-neglected condition, but through the energy of Mr. Bennett and his wife has been brought to its present state of order and thrift.

PHOTOS. BY GOLDER @ ROBINSON.

JOHN BENNETT.

MRS.JOHN BENNETT.

RESIDENCE OF JOHN BENNETT, HAMILTON TE, VAN BUREN CO., MICH.

TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON.

475

Mrs. Bennett's mother, Mrs. Millard, who came with her husband and family to Michigan in 1837, was called upon to endure many hardships in the pioneer days of the settle- ment. Her husband died in 1838, leaving her and a young family to be provided for. Mrs. Millard, who had been reared in a city, was unaccustomed to the privations of frontier life, yet she fought with difficulties and overcame them, as only a pioneer mother in such a strait could. At one time the grist-mill was broken, there was no bread in the house, nor a single ounce of flour in the neighborhood. Her babe was crying for bread, and it seemed in vain. Finally, however, she thought of the coffee-mill, and those of the family old enough were set at work grinding, and at

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS,

whose portrait, together with that of his wife, appears on this page, was born in the town of Andover, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1837. He lived there with his father until Sept. 8, 1857, when, with the family, he removed to Michigan, residing at home until he was twenty-five years of age, and assisted his father in clearing up and paying for two hundred and seventy-eight acres of new land on the west line of the town of Hamilton. In April, 1862, he built a cabin on his father's farm, and on Dec. 25, 1862, he married Jane K. Jacobs, who was born in the town of Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., June 3, 1839. She lived with her father until she was married ; went to housekeeping in April, 1863.

Mr. Adams lived in the cabin on his father's farm until May 1, 1865, and in that humble abode their first child- Emma Jane-was born. In the month of January, 1865, he bought the farm where he now lives, containing one hun- dred and sixty acres. The following April he cleared the spot where his dwelling now stands, and on the 1st day of May moved into it. He at once commenced to improve his land. In the summer of 1866 he built on his place a commodious barn, and in June, 1879, bought fifty-three acres adjoining his first purchase, making his present domain two hundred and thirteen acres, with one hundred and

last meal sufficient for a loaf was prepared, sifted, and baked, and hunger was appeased, and the children's faces were once more wreathed in smiles. The first Sabbath- school and the first common-school in Hamilton township were taught by Mrs. Millard, in her own house, the pupils being her own and the neighboring children. The nearest trading-post was many miles distant, and clothing and all articles of food, except wild game, could be procured no nearer. Game was furnished in abundance by a younger brother, Ralph Mason. Mrs. Millard was a professed Chris- tian for more than forty years, and died at the residence of her son-in-law, John Bennett, Feb. 19, 1872, in the seventy- eighth year of her age.

LITTLE

MRS. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

sixty acres under improvement, including orchards and comfortable buildings.

The fruit of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Adams has been four children,-Emma Jane, born Sept. 17, 1864; B. E., born Aug. 30, 1866; John Q., Jr., born Nov. 19, 1869; Gertie, born March 17, 1876, died Oct. 28, 1877.

It will be seen that the subject of this notice gave the first four years after arriving at his majority to the se- curing of a home for his parents and the younger members of the family, where the father, with two younger brothers, now live, his mother having died Sept. 16, 1878. After achieving this praiseworthy object, he unaided set out to secure the same comforts for himself, and with the hearty co-operation of his frugal and faithful wife has within the short space of fifteen years made himself a comfortable home.

In religious matters Mr. Adams holds liberal views. Po- litically, he is a staunch Democrat, although never taking any active part in politics. He and his wife were charter members of the Hamilton Grange, and have much of the time held office in it since it was organized, six years ago. Mr. Adams was the second in a family of ten children,- six boys and four girls,-all now living but the oldest, who was a daughter, and all but the two youngest boys are married and settled in life. Six of them live in the town of Hamilton and vicinity.

476

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

LITTLE

Photos. by Prichard, Decatur.

WILLIAM HORTON.

LITTLE.

MRS. WILLIAM HORTON.

WILLIAM HORTON.

This gentleman was born in Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, Sept. 21, 1815. Mrs. William Horton was born in Pal- myra, Portage Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1817. Mr. William Horton, Sr., father of the above, died in 1835. His wife died in 1875. The subject of this sketch lived in Ohio until the year 1846, when he removed to Berrien Co., Mich., and purchased eighty acres of land, and after clear- ing up a portion of it he traded it for one hundred and sixty acres in Pipestone township, Berrien Co. He also cleared the latter and improved it to some extent, then sold and bought again in Silver Creek, Cass Co., Mich. The last farm consisted of one hundred and twenty acres. Having a desire to own a larger one, he again sold, and moved to Hamilton township, Van Buren Co., and pur- chased two hundred and thirty-five acres, upon which he is now living. Mr. Horton married Miss Matilda, daughter of Gibson and Mary McDaniel. This union has been blessed with eleven children, of whom six are living. The names are Worthing B., Emily, William, Isaac, Vincy, Gibson M., Dwight, Richmond P., Emeline, Asa, and Eliza. One of the sons is living in California and two are in Missouri. Mr. Horton has always been interested in the advancement of his township, devoting a part of his time to its business. He was an assessor in Ohio, a com- missioner in Berrien County, and at present is a justice of the peace, which office he has held about six years. He is a member of the Disciples' Church. In politics is a Demo- crat. There were eight children in his father's family, of whom but three survive. Mr. Horton is in the sixty-fifth year of his age, and is considered one of the substantial men of his township. His house is always a home for his grandchildren, fourteen' of whom are living, three being deceased ; five of these are at his home at this time.

A. S. WISE.

This gentleman was born in Washington township, Morris Co., N. J., June 14, 1830. In 1832 he removed with his father to Livingston Co., N. Y., the father, Andrew Wise, locating on a farm. In 1855 the son, who until that time had remained on the home-farm, decided to search for a suit- able location in the West for a future home for himself and wife,-he having, on the 22d of March, 1855, married Miss Hannah J. Read, daughter of Ezekiel S. and Delilah Read, who was born in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 1832. Turning their faces westward, they began a long journey. and in the same year they were married located in Hamilton township, Van Buren Co., Mich., on one hun- dred acres of land, which Mr. Wise purchased and which is still their home; to it sixty acres have since been added. Mr. and Mrs. Wise are the parents of two children,-Eda D., born Nov. 2, 1857, and H. Evelyn, born Nov. 15, 1863; both are living at home with their parents, Mr. Wise is also the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land in Oakland Co., Mich. Politically he is a Republican, and has filled several township offices. In religious matters he is liberal. He has been an active farmer through life, and has devoted much time to the improvement of his stock ; sheep, of which he at present has a fine flock, and swine being his specialties.

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History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 119

Author: D.W. Ensign & Co. pub; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Johnson, Crisfield Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, D. W. Ensign & Co. Number of Pages: 821

Author: D.W. Ensign & Co. pub; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, D. W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 821