USA > Michigan > Branch County > History of Branch county, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 34
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THE LEWIS ART GALLERY.
Coldwater derives much importance in the southern por- tion of the State from its extensive collection of works of art, known generally as the Lewis Art Gallery. The build- ing is very centrally located on Chicago Street, and adjoin- ing the residence of its founder, Mr. H. C. Lewis.
It is unnecessary to indulge in fulsome praise of the munificence which inspired the establishment of this gallery, or to discuss the publie spirit and generosity displayed by its projector. It is sufficient to say that it has given great pleasure not only to the citizens, but to those who are enabled by close proximity to the city to visit it frequently, and its influence upon the taste of the community is even more apparent here than in larger cities, where a love of art is fostered and encouraged by the presence of good pictures. The collection is thrown open to the publie on Saturday of each week, and during the winter the apartments are com- fortably heated, and no restrictions are placed upon visitors other than are demanded by the observance of the rules which govern good breeding.
The gallery is divided into two compartments, the first being principally hung with foreign pictures, and copies of the famous pictures of artists of repute abroad. The farther compartment embraces a collection of portraits of much merit,-many of them originals, others excellent copies,- the subjects being celebrated English, French, and Ameri- ean characters. These portraits, together with a large pro- portion of the pictures, are from the Thompson collection, very well known to Bostonians, and which were originally intended to form the nucleus of a gallery to be ultimately donated to the city of Boston. Some slight circumstance diverted the collector from his original purpose and con- signed them to the auction-room, from whenee many of them came to Coldwater. The remainder of the collection adorned the palatial halls of the late Le Grand Lockwood's residence at Norwalk, Conn.
We regret that it is not possible to obtain from Mr. Lewis, who is abroad, a history of the pictures and many incidents relating to their purchase, which would be of much interest to the reader. A brief review of some of the most interesting works is all that we are able to offer
131
HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
under the circumstances. Among the copies of the old masters in the first gallery, and perhaps the chef d'oruere of the collection, is a superb copy of Murillo's " Concep- tion," displaying not only the individuality of this great master, but his remarkable grace of outline and harmony of color. There is also a fine copy of Raphael's " Transfigu- ration," and three copies of Correggio,-an "Adoration," " Christ and Mary Magdalene," and " Christ and the Woman of Samaria at the Well,"-all indicating the abso nte mastery of this artist in the wonderful effects produced by the skill- ful handling of light and shadow. There is an excellent copy of the "Aurora" of Guido, and another of Claude Lor- raine's " Harbor of Civita Vecchia." In this gallery is also a charming little interior of modest proportions, " The First Attempt to teach a Child how to Walk," full of the cheerful life and warm color of the Dutch school.
Among the pictures which we are informed belonged to the Lock wood collection are Eastman Johnson's " Boyhood of Lincoln," a work which considerably enhanced the already wide reputation of the artist, and which may be regarded, perhaps, as second to none in the gallery in point of merit. " A Roman Beauty" is one of the most superb bits of coloring, and near it hang Kaufman's pic- ture of " Admiral Farragut in the Shrouds of his Vessel at the Battle of Mobile," a work of considerable repute. and a " Chimney Sweep Making his Toilet," remarkable for its spirit and conscientious drawing.
Among the portraits are an excellent copy of Gilbert Stuart's " Washington," the original of which adds to the fame of the Lennox Gallery, New York ; a strong drawing of Benjamin Franklin, and another of President Wayland, and many admirable portraits of female celebrities. Indeed, the whole collection of portraits is so excellent as to add greatly to the interest of the gallery.
Among the larger pictures are an " Emigrant Train Attacked by Indians," by Charles Winsor, a work of con- siderable reputation, remarkable for its vigorous handling and its truth to nature. It is regarded as one of the most valuable in the collection. Near it hangs " Mary Queen of Scots Accusing John Knox of Treason," a work of much historical interest, and " The Angel Appearing to Hagar in the Wilderness," said to have been pronounced almost faultless as an anatomical study.
" The Sleeping Beauty," by Wight,-the subject taken from one of Tennyson's poems,-attracts attention not only from its size, but from its fine coloring and its happy effect of drapery. One of the most conspicuous gems of the whole collection is a picture of the Dusseldorf school, " Luther taken Prisoner to the Castle of Wartburg." The media- val tone of the picture, the fine drawing, and its suggestive character all combine to make it one of the choicest works upon the walls of the Lewis Gallery. There are also many choice bits of statuary both in bronze and marble, but our limited space does not admit of so extended a notice of this very pleasant and instructive place of resort as its merits deserve.
MASONIC LODGES.
Freemasonry first had a permanent foothold in Cold- water in 1847, there having been many Masons in the village prior to that time, but no organized lodge. From
that period to the present the institution has grown and prospered until it has become an established power in the city. No special events have marked its progress, how- ever, other than participation in occasional public cere- monies to which the various lodges were invited ..
Tyre Lodge, No. 18 .- This lodge, which ranks as the oldest in the city, holds a charter bearing date April 1, 1847, its first officers having been John T. Haynes, W. M .; Henry Buell, 8. W .; Amos Bacon, J. W .; Samnel P. Noyes, Treas. ; Andrain Abbott, Sec. Its carly members were Ichabod Davis, James Shoecraft, Myral Comstock, Elisha Warner, Bradley Crippen, William Keyes, Samuel Etheridge. Its officers have been from that date, succes- sively :
1848 .- George W. Davis, W. M .; E. G. Parsons, S. W .; D. Haynes, J. W .; Dorset .J. Goff, Treas. ; Henry C. Gil- bert, Sec. ; J. S. Davidson, S. D. ; L. D. Halsted, J. D .; S. C. Ilanchett, Tyler.
1849 .- George W. Davidson, W. M .; Harvey Warner, S. W .; Elisha Warren, J. W. ; D. J. Goff, Treas .; Ilenry C. Gilbert. Sec. ; Lucins E. Mills, S. D. ; L. D. Halsted, J. D .; E. Lawrence, Tyler.
1850 .- John T. Haynes, W. M .; Albert L. Porter, S. W .; L. E. Mills, J. W. ; Daniel Mills, Treas. ; N. T. Waterman, See. ; John II. Stevens, S. D. ; L. D. Halsted, J. D. ; D. Haynes, Tyler.
1851 .- Lucins E. Mills, W. M .; Elijah C. Sternes, S. W .; A. T. Macary, J W .; D. J. Goff, Treas. ; N. T. Waterman, See. ; M. Mansfield, S. D .; L. D. Halsted, J. D. ; B. II. Cutler, Tyler.
1852 .- A. T. Macary, W. M .; Mortimer Mansfield, S. W. ; Louis T. N. Wilson, J. W. ; Harvey Warner, Treas. ; Corydon P. Benton, Sec. ; S. P. Noyes, S. D .; D. J. Goff, J. D .; B. II. Cutler, Tyler.
1853 .- Wales Adams, W. M .; Albert L. Porter, S. W .; C. P. Benton, J. W. ; Daniel Mills, Treas. ; Seaman L. Dart, Sec. ; D. Littlefield, S. D .; E. C. Sternes, J. D .; B. II. Cutler, Tyler.
1854 .- Mortimer Mansfield, W M. ; C. P. Benton, S. W .; A. F. Bidwell, J. W .; Elihu Mather, Treas. ; Franc. B. Way, Sce .; S. L. Dart, S. D .; G. H. White, J. D .; E. C. Sternes, Tyler.
1855 .- Corydon P. Benton, W. M .; S. L Dart, S. W .; Origen Bingham, J. W .; Elihn Mather, Treas .; J. C. Montgomery, Sec .; R. 11. Drake, S. D .; A. Pierce, J. D .; J. G. Buffham, Tyler.
1856 .- Corydon P. Benton, W. M .; S. L. Dart, S. W .; Wm. J. Jones, J. W .; A. MeCrea, Treas .; J. F. Pratt, Sec. ; J. B. Stevenson, S. D .; B. M. Bordine, J. D .; B. II. Cutler, Tyler.
1857 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. D .; W. J. Jones, S. W .; R. II. Drake, JJ. W. ; A. McCrea, Treas. ; David Bovee, Sec. ; J. B. Stevenson, S. D. ; H. W. White, J. D .; B. M. Bordine, Tyler.
1858 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; John II. Beech, S. W .; Almon L. Lytle, J. W. ; A. Allen, Treas. ; D. Bovce, Sec. ; E. W. Markham, S. D .; John G. Buffham, J. D .; Ariel Pierce, Tyler.
1859 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; A. L. Lytle, S. W .; David Bovee, J. W. ; C. P. Benton, Treas. ; P. P. Nichols,
132
HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
See. ; Frank Plogart, S. D .; M. Mansfield, J. D .; J. G. Buffham, Tyler.
1860 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; A. L. Lytle, S. W .; D. Bovee, J. W. ; A. Allen, Treas. ; John Murphey, Sec. ; F. Plogart, S. D. ; Wm. H. Abbot, J. D. ; R. H. Drake, Tyler.
1861 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; A. L. Lytle, S. W .; D. Bovee, J. W .; A. Allen, Treas. ; John Murphey, Sec. ; F. Plogart, S. D .; O. C. Graham, J. D .; R. H. Drake, Tyler ; Rev. H. Safford, Chaplain.
1862 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; A. L. Lytle, S. W .; D. Bovee, J. W. ; A. Allen, Treas. ; John Murphey, Sec. ; O. C. Graham, S. D. ; N. Rosenbaum, J. D. ; R. H. Drake, Tyler ; Rev. H. Safford, Chaplain.
1863 .- Seaman L. Dart, W. M .; A. L. Lytle, S. W .; D. Bovee, J. W. ; A. Allen, Treas. ; George Ferguson, Sec. ; O. C. Graham, S. D .; N. Rosenbaum, J. D .; George Man- sel, Tyler.
1864 .- D. Bovec, W. M .; O. C. Graham, S. W .; Geo. Ferguson, J. W. ; A. Allen, Treas .; C. J. Manvel, Sec. ; D. Cooley, S. D. ; J. L. Ilill, J. D. ; Geo. Mansell, Tyler.
1865 .- D. Bovec, W. M .; O. C. Graham, S. W. ; N. Rosenbaum, J. W .; R. II. Drake, Treas. ; C. J. Manvel, Sec. ; M. G. Townsend, S. D .; J. L. Hill, J. D .; Geo. Mansell, Tyler.
1866 .- D. Bovee, W. M .; John Murphey, S. W .; Nathan Rosenbaum, J. W. ; R. H. Drake, Treas. ; Gco. M. Dumon, Sec. ; II. J. Woodward, S. D .; Wm. Anderson, J. D. ; H. Toland, Tyler.
1867 .- David Bovee, W. M .; O. C. Graham, S. W .; N. Rosenbaum, J. W. ; A. McCrea, Treas. ; R. A. Hall, Sec .; H. E. Macary, S. D .; Z. C. Cheeny, J. D .; S. Dar- row, Tyler.
1868 .- D. Bovee, W. M. ; D. B. Purinton, S. W. ; R. A. Hall, J. W. ; R. H. Drake, Treas. ; Geo. M. Dumon, See. ; Z. C. Cheeny, S. D. ; J. L. Hill, J. D. ; Geo. Firth, Tyler.
1869 .- D. Bovee, W. M .; Wm. C. Burns, S. W .; R. A. Hall, J. W .; R. H. Drake, Treas .; Gco. M. Dumon, Sec. ; J. A. Ashbaugh, S. D .; A. Smith, J. D .; D. Fox, Tyler.
1870 .- D. Bovee, W. M .; W. C. Burns, S. W .; R. A. Hall, J. W .; George Starr, Treas .; G. M. Dumond, Sec. ; J. A. Ashbaugh, S. D .; A. Smith, J. D .; G. H. Taylor, Tyler.
1871 .- D. Bovee, W. M .; J. A. Ashbaugh, S. W .; G. H. Taylor, J. W .; R. A. Hall, Treas. ; C. F. Stygles, Sec. ; H. A. Wolcott, S. D .; Wm. Draubaugh, J. D .; G. Firth, Tyler.
1872 .- D. Bovee, W. M .; J. Ashbaugh, S. W. ; G. H. Taylor, J. W. ; R. A. Hall, Treas. ; D. B. Purinton, Sec. ; H. A. Wolcott, S. D .; A. J. Foster, J. D .; Geo. Firth, Tyler.
1873 .- The same.
1874 .- D. Bovee, W. M .; A. J. Foster, S. W .; G. H., Taylor, J. W .; R. A. Hall, Treas .; D. B. Purinton, Sec. ; D. S. Phinney, S. D .; Geo. Firth, Tyler.
1875 .- D. Bovee, W. M. ; A. J. Foster, S. W .; Wm. C. Burns, J. W .; R. A. Hall, Treas .; D. B. Purinton Sec. ; D. S. Phinney, S. D .; Wm. Draubaugh, J. D .; Gco. Firth, Tyler.
1876 .- D. Bovec, W. M .; A. J. Foster, S. W .; E. W. Holmes, J. W .; R. A. Hall, Treas. ; D. B. Purinton, Sec. ; D. S. Phinney, S. D .; J. W. Brown, J. D .; Daniel Fox, Tyler.
1877 .- D. Bovee, W. M. ; A. J. Foster, J. W .; E. W. Holmes, J. W. ; R. A. Hall, Treas. ; D. B. Purinton, Sec. ; L. A. Peckham, S. D. ; J. W. Brown, J. D .; D. Fox, Tyler.
The following statistics give an idea of the working of the lodge since its organization :
Initiated. Raised.
Died.
lodges.
memb's.
December, 1847.
11
10
0
1
24
1848
34
25
0
63
1849
3
3
1
1
64
1850.
2
1
1
49
=
1851
0
11
2
61
¥
1853
5
3
1
59
1854
19
10
C
81
1855.
S
12
1
2
0
89
1858
5
1
1
0
77
1859.
15
1.2
1
100
=
1860
18
15
0
6
119
186]
9
11
0
?
118
=
1862
26
99
1
4
150
1863.
26
22
2
5
174
1864
41
29
4
204
1865.
26
14
2
220
1866.
99
13
4
228
1867
30
25
2
1
10
245
1869
26
21
1
12
243
1870
S
18
2
3
251
1871.
S
6
3
1
250
1873.
3
4
3
G
247
1874.
4
5
3
3
252
1875.
9
5
3
3
249
66
1876
6
5
5
5
249
1877 ..
2
3
0
237
1878.
1
3
3
999
It will be seen by the foregoing table that the total membership the first year of its organization was 24, show- ing a decided growth from that time to the present.
Its officers are D. Bovee, W. M .; A. J. Foster, S. W .; E. W. Holmes, J. W. ; R. A. Hall, Treas. ; D. B. Purin- ton, Sec. ; Charles E. Fanning, S. D .; G. W. Fox, J. D .; Daniel Fox, Tyler.
The following impressive dirge is used by the lodge in ceremonies attending the burial of its members :
" Soleinn strikes the funeral ehime, Notes of our departing time : As we journey here below, Through a pilgrimage of woe !
" Mortals, now indulge a tear, For mortality is near ! See how wide her trophies wave O'er the slumhers of the grave !
" Here another guest we bring, Seraphs of celestial wing, To our funeral altar come, Waft this Friend and Brother home.
" Lord of all ! below-above- Fill our hearts with Truth and Love ; When dissolves this earthly tie, Take us to thy Lodge on high."
Coldwater Lodge, No. 260 .- This lodge was organized from Tyre Lodge, No. 18. Several members being desirous to establish another lodge in Coldwater, made application
5
5
1
636635 2 6 6 3
80
1856
15
11
94
1857.
8
1
251
186%
15
6
3
4
251
1872
6
2
From other Total
5
50
1852
133
HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
to the officers of the Grand Lodge of the State for a dis- pensation, which was granted Feb. 10, 1869, with the following gentlemen as its first officers : Thomas S. Dorsey, W. M .; Nathan Rosenbaum, S. W .; George Ferguson, J. W .; H. J. Woodward, Sec. ; S. S. Scovill, Treas.
Its present officers are N. Rosenbaum, W. M .; A. E. Thompson, S. W .; E. S. Taylor, J. W .; S. II. Egabrood, Sec .; John P. Fiske, Treas.
The regular communications are held the first Monday evening of each month. The lodge has a hall, spacious and well appointed, in which the meetings are held.
Jacob's Commandery, No. 10 .- The following gentle- men first applied for a dispensation to organize a command- ery in Coldwater : Franklin T. Eddy, Wales Adams, Nor- man L. Southworth, Asa G. Rose, Joseph A. Rose, Charles II. Putnam, Richard HI. Drake, Artemus Allen, Leaman L. Dart, Lyman Sleeper. The application bore date March 3, 1860, and the charter was granted June 6 of the same year, with its first officers as follows : Franklin T. Eddy, E. C .; N. L. Southworth, Gen. ; Artemus Allen, Capt .- Gen. ; S. L. Dart, Recorder. Its present officers are R. A. HIall, E. C .; S. S. Scovill, Gen .; R. G. Chandler, Capt .- Gen. ; D. B. Purinton, Reeorder. Its present membership numbers seventy.
Temple Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M .- The charter of this chapter bears date Jan. 13, 1859, the following gentlemen having applied for a dispensation : Edwin Perry, John II. Beach, N. L. Southworth, David Burns, E. Mather, Samuel Etheridge, Wales Adams, Abram McCrea, S. L. Dart, Levi Daggett. Its first officers were Edwin Perry, High-Priest ; John II. Beach, King; N. L. Southworth, Seribe.
Its present officers are A. J. Foster, High-Priest ; Wm. C. Barnes, King; Sylvanus S. Scovill, Seribe ; J. Wesley Brown, Treas. ; David B. Purinton, Sec.
This chapter has been prosperous since its organization, and increased its list of members until it now numbers one hundred and twenty-seven on its rolls. The regular meet- ings are held the first Wednesday of each month.
Mount Moriah Council, No. 6, R. and S. M .- This organization was formed November, 1859, under a dispen- sation granted by the T. I. G. P. of the State of Michigan. Its first officers were S. L. Dart, T. I. G. M .; M. Mans- field, D. I. G. M .; R. II. Drake, P. C. of W .; J. B. Stev- enson, C. of G. ; D. Bovec, G. S. ; F. T. Eddy, Recorder ; A. Allen, Treas.
Its present officers are D. B. Parinton, T. I. M. ; John P. Fisk, D. I. M .; J. A. Ashbangh, P. C. of W .; W. C. Barnes, C. of G .; M. II. Parker, Treas. ; S. B. Kitchel, Recorder ; A. A. Unangst, S. and S .; D. Fox, Sentinel.
Its regular meetings are held the first Thursday of every month.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.
Coldwater Lodge, No. 31 .- The Order had its first organization in the city as early as the year 1848, Cold- water Lodge, No. 31, having been formed in February of that year. No authentic record of the transactions of the body can be obtained, but from one of the oldest members we learn that it was for a time prosperous, but the harmony which at first characterized its sessions unhappily termi-
nated in discord, and the lodge surrendered its charter in 1855, and for a time was practically defunct. It at this time owned some property, which was scattered among its members, and four cemetery lots which had been deeded to it by the corporation reverted again to the donors. Dec. 17, 1871, the lodge was resuscitated with the following officers: Gilbert Sherman, D. D. G. M. ; II. D. Warren, N. G .; JJ. A. Brookins, V. G .; A. Halstead, Re- cording Sec. ; Il. N. Moore, Treas. ; Hiram Baker, Per- manent Sec.
. The lodge having been again established on a flourishing basis, an effort was made to redeem the lots which had been awarded to the original body by the corporation. These it was learned had been sold and were already in use, but a compromise was effected by which other lots of equal value were given the new organization.
The present officers of the Coldwater Lodge are Alfred Milnes, D. D. G. M .; L. A. Peterson, N. G .; J. S. Con- over, V. ( .; C. W. Johnson, Recording Sec .; W. II. Allen, Permanent Sec. ; Alfred Milnes, Treas.
The present membership is seventy-five.
Bethesda Lodye, No. 268 .- This lodge was organized November 5, 1875, by George Dean as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State.
Its first officers were Theodore Lyman, N. G. ; James Anderson, V. G .; Charles D. Wright, Recording Sec. ; James A. Brookins, Permanent Sec. ; Thomas Smith, Treas. Trustees : James Anderson, Thomas Smith, J. IT. D. Warren.
Its present officers are S. Egerbroad, N. G .; David Bartlett, V. G .; J. II. D. Warren, Recording Sec. ; M. H. Parker, Permanent Sec .; James Anderson, Treas. Trustees : Gilbert Sherman, Charles Chapman, James Anderson.
OAK GROVE CEMETERY.
The original plat comprised in this cemetery was owned by individual parties, and embraced about eighteen acres. The deed conveying it to the Oak Grove Cemetery Asso- ciation bears date July 15, 1854, and the party making the conveyauce is George A. Coe.
In the year 1869 it was deemed best to enlarge the dimensions of the inclosure, and about one hundred acres more were added, the deed of conveyance having been given by C. V. L. Kibbe to the city of Coldwater in that year.
The original association included the following list among its first officers : Orsamus B. Clark, President ; George A. Coe, Clerk ; James Pierson, Collector ; George A. Coe, Treasurer ; John Luck, Sexton.
The following description of the ground embraced in the original plat is found in the records: " All that certain piece or parcel of land situate, lying, and being in the town of Coldwater, in the county of Brauch and State of Mich- igan, described as follows, to wit: Beginning at a point on the north line of the Chicago Road, on the west bank of Coldwater River, at a cedar stake ; northwardly, westwardly, and sontherly, along the centre of the ditch at the base of the hill, and around the same until it intersects the north line of the Chicago Road, and from thence eastwardly, along the north line of the Chicago Road, about one hun-
134
HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
dred rods, to the place of beginning, containing about eighteen acres, more or less, and being a part of the north half of the south west fractional quarter of section seventeen.
" The object of such association or corporation is declared to be the dedication of said piece of land for a cemetery or burying-ground, and the fencing, improving, ornamenting, and keeping the same for the purposes aforesaid."
Oak Grove Cemetery is remarkable for its picturesque location and its varied natural beauties. Its walks and drives-which are numerous and traverse nearly the whole extent of the grounds-are lined with luxuriant shade trees, and the beautiful sloping hills of the north end look out upon an expansive sheet of water, which adds greatly to the attractiveness of the location. The vault, situated in the central portion of the grounds, is bordered with a very tasteful arrangement of hedge, and displays much taste. There are also various plans for improving and beautifying the inclosure, which will from time to time be carried out. Many fine monuments and memorial-stones mark the graves, and the attentive care given the private lots is evidence of the tender memories that departed friends have left behind.
Altogether, this cemetery impresses the visitor not only by its exceedingly beautiful natural advantages, but by the admirable manner in which art has added to their at- tractions.
THE BAR OF COLDWATER.
While the bar of this county has never produced a Cicero, or a Demosthenes, a Webster or Clay, it is thought that it will compare favorably with the bar of any interior eounty in the State. In the spring of 1837, E. G. Fuller, Esq., a young attorney from New York State, while journeying westward towards Chicago and Milwaukee, in search of a place to locate, was induced by the beauty of Coldwater and the surrounding country, to rest over the Sabbath. He discovered that there was no attorney here, and was finally induced to settle in the young and rising village of Coldwater.
Some amusing incidents occurred at this first admission to the bar. A committee of three gentlemen, " learned in the law," was appointed to examine the young attorney, and report as to his legal attainments.
The first question asked was as to his politics. On being told that he was a " Jackson Democrat," two of the com- mittee expressed entire satisfaction ; the other one, however, had a question or two more to ask. " Did he ever expect to run for the Legislature ? and if so, did he expect to be elected ?" After this question was answered, the trio of " legal lore" were entirely satisfied, and the first attorney of Branch County was duly admitted to practice in all the august courts of the State. Very soon after he was com- missioned by the Governor of the State as prosecuting at- torney of the county, and held the office for several years.
Iu 1844 he was elected judge of probate for the county, and served four years to the entire satisfaction of' his con- stituency. Since his retirement from the probate judgeship he has devoted his time mainly to the practice of his pro- fession and in supervising the culture of a farm which he owns in the south part of the city. He is a good law-
yer, still in excellent health, and practicing in California, where he is temporarily sojourning with a son.
In 1838, or about that time, another attorney found Coldwater a place of sufficient attraction to " pitch his tent." This was Edward A. Warner, Esq., an agreeable and intelli- gent young man. He soon obtained a good practice, and was constantly working his way upward in the hearts of the pioneers, when death claimed him as her own. He has been sleeping in the "silent city," over the river, nearly thirty-five years.
George A. Coe, Esq., fresh from his studies in Roches- ter, N. Y., found the quiet little village of Coldwater, in 1839 or 1840. Polities ran high in those days, and Mr. Coe, being a good Whig, was doubly welcomed by the Whigs, as both of the former gentlemen were Democrats. Possessed of fine personal appearance and social attractions, he at once became a great favorite, and business flowed in upon him abundantly. He was soon after elected justice of the peace, member of the Legislature in 1848, State senator, and lieutenant-governor in 1854 and 1856, pre- siding in the Senate chamber with great satisfaction. Indeed, as a presiding officer he had few equals. After his retirement from legislative duties he was again elected justice of the peace and supervisor, both of which offices he held at the time of his death, in 1869. lle was a good lawyer and a general favorite in society.
Louis T. N. Wilson, Esq., a pioneer boy, entered the office of Lieutenant-Governor Coe, and commenced the study of law, Jan. 16, 1843. Being a bright and active young man, full of ambition, he soon acquired a sufficient knowledge of the profession to procure his admission to the bar.
In the spring of 1851 he was elected justice of the peace, in 1854 State senator, and in 1870 prosecuting attorney, all of which positions he filled with marked ability. Offi- cial positions, however, interfered with his legal business, and he now devotes himself strictly to his profession. He possesses a bright, active mind and great brillianey of speech, added to a thorough knowledge of the law.
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