History of Branch county, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 41

Author: [Johnson, Crisfield] [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 500

USA > Michigan > Branch County > History of Branch county, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 41

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).

Being unwilling to exceed my proper limits, I must defer at this point.

In many, if not indeed in all of the advantages which our State has conferred upon the people, the citizens of Branch County have been sharers. I ean by no means look at any of my publie aets with half the satisfaction I find in thinking of this fact. That these advantages have been duly appreciated is attested by what may now be seen on every side. But if for no other reason I can boast at all, I find not a little pleasure when I remember the honor my fellow-citizens bestowed on me by placing me on the list with others who were the first ones elected to bear an

Photos, by E. Kindmark Coldwater.

L. D, CRIPPEN.

MRS. L. D. CRIPPEN.

HARVEY HAYNES.

Photos. by E. Kindmark, Coldwater.

MRS. IL. HAYNES.

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HISTORY OF BRANCHI COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

official place among them after the Territory of Michigan had assumed the dignity of a State.

Yours truly,

W.M. B. SPRAGUE.

LORENZO D. CRIPPEN

was one of the earliest settlers in Coldwater. He came in the spring of 1835. Adopting this as his future home, he did what he could to build up the town, and all local pub- lie enterprises of his day felt the benefit of his capital and the influence of his advice. fle was born in Fairfield, Herkimer, Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1806. Son of Bradley and Esther Crippen, who came to Coldwater in the fall of 1835. The Crippen family were an important accession to Coldwater. Possessed of considerable means, they purchased a large tract of land adjoining the public park and court- house.

Lorenzo D. Crippen, being an active business man, soon gained a prominent aud influential position in the affairs of the county. He early engaged in the mercantile business ; was interested in the first furnace, the early mills, etc. When the tide of emigration came, and men were seeking situations, Mr. Crippen could find just the place for them. Whether it was for a day's work or to establish some in- portant business,-in locating the county-seat, a railroad depot, or any important publie enterprise,-requiring sa- gacious and prompt action, parties always found a response in him. He was married, Dec. 13, 1827, to Miss Ruth 11. Haynes, daughter of James and Abigail Haynes, formerly of Highland, on the Hudson. They removed to Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1825, where they remained until the spring · of 1836, when they came to Coldwater and settled on the farm now the home of their son, Harvey Haynes.

Politically, Mr. Crippen was a Democrat ; in religious belief a Spiritualist, although he contributed to the erec- tion of all churches in Coldwater in his day. Ile died April 20, 1864, leaving a wife and three children,-James B., who died October, 1869; Jeanette, who married Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, of New York ; and J. D., of Coldwater.

HON. HARVEY HAYNES.

Among the pioneers of Branch County who are conspicu- ous not only as identified with the early reminiscences of the county, but from the fact that by their force of character and intelligence they have commanded positions of influence, is the name of Hon. Harvey Ilaynes. The good old county of Ulster, in New York State, claims him as her son by birth, though Branch Co., Mich., presents a stronger claim by adoptiou. Mr. Haynes was born Jan. 24, 1817, and in early life moved to Mouroe Co., N. Y., and later, accom- panied his father, James Haynes, to Michigan, locating on the spot where he now resides, in 1836. In early life he studied law, and during the time engaged in teaching ; but his tastes having inclined him to farming pursuits, he has always been absorbed in that occupation.

Many offices of trust in connection with his township have been bestowed upon him, be having for twelve years

held the positions of assessor and supervisor. In 1864 he was chosen by his constituents to represent them in the Legislature, and this honor was conferred upon him again in 1870. During the latter term the bill locating the State Public School was passed, and the commissioners appointed to choose a site, determined upon Coldwater as the favored spot. Mr. Haynes took an active interest in the project, his position as chairman of the State Prison Committee afford- ing him an opportunity of exercising a considerable influ- ence in the matter. The land on which the buildings are located was purchased of him, and adjoins his residence. He is also secretary of the Branch County Pioneer Society, an important organization in the county.

Mr. Haynes was married, March 4, 1840, to Eliza, danghter of Dr. Hiram Alden, one of the earliest repre- sentatives to the State Legislature, and State railroad com- missioner at the time of his decease, in 1838.

HARVEY WARNER, ESQ.,*

one of the very oldest of the pioneers of Branch County, was born at Glen's Falls, Warren Co., N. Y., April 5, 1809. In 1818 the family left that county and settled in the town of Penfield, Monroe Co., in the same State, soon after which the father died, leaving the family in rather limited circumstances. By this event Harvey was under the necessity of looking after his own fortune. Obtaining such limited education as he was able, he went at an early age to learn the carpenter and joiner trade, and made such proficiency that at the age of twenty he was a master workman. There was much talk at that time about the " Michigan Territory," and the young man seizing the idea of emigrating to the wilds of the Territory, accordingly, July 12, 1830, found his feet treading the Indian trails of his future home.

It was then that he began to fully realize that life is an active and earnest warfare. Stopping a short time in Tecumseh, then a mere hamlet, he pressed on the following winter to this beautiful valley, where he resolved to stop and commence life's work in earnest, and has lived in Cold- water township ever since, being the oldest inhabitant in the township. His services as a mechanic were soon brought into requisition, and he had the pleasure of erect- ing the first frame dwelling-house, as well as the first frame store, ever erected in Coldwater. A few years later he erec- ted the Methodist Episcopal church in Coldwater, which was the first and only church in the county for several years.

At early moru and dewy eve the sound of his hammer was heard, intermingled with the sounds of his cheery laugh and joeund voice. But official positions were to he filled, and the young mechanic was soon favored with posts of honor and responsibility. He was the first postmaster in the township, having received his commission in January, 1832, and served in that capacity a number of years. In 183.1, while Michigan was yet a Territory, he was commis- sioned a justice of the peace by the Governor and Legislative

# Written by his friend, Hon. Harvey Haynes.

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

Council. After Michigan became a State, the people eleeted him to the same important position, which he continued to hold for twenty-four years, and during all this time he was emphatically a man of peace. In only one instance did he deviate from the golden rule, and we hope to be pardoned for referring to it. In the early settlement of one of the towns of the county there was a small church organized, but there was no place to hold their meetings except in a very rude log school-house, and one of the distriet board held the key, fully determined that this small Christian band should not occupy the same.

In this dilemma good Deaeon HI. sought the advice of the young justice of the peace. His Honor refused to give advice (which was very proper), but, with a twinkle of his eye, said, " The members of your church and society own by far the larger part of that log house, and if I were in your place I would go on Sunday morning next and ask the director respectfully for the key ; if he refuses to give

tice, when he repeated to them the conversation he had with the good deacon the previous week. This so overjoyed the attorney that his sides fairly shook with laughter, while the distriet officer took his hat and sullenly left the office a wiser, if not a better, man. This is the only time the Es- quire was ever known to disregard the beautiful saying, " Blessed are the peace-makers," etc.

In 1848, Mr. Warner was elected judge of probate for the county ; he was also re-elected in 1852, aud during his eight years of service in that capacity no man ever looked after the business with more fidelity. He was also elected a delegate from Ilillsdale and Branch Counties to a conven- tion held in September, 1836, to take into consideration the propriety of our admission as a State by relinquishing our claim to the " disputed tract," upon which Toledo is situ- ated. He has also held the position of president of the village board before the town put on city airs. He is now, at the age of seventy, living on his beautiful farm, one mile

Photos, by E. Kindmark, Coldwater.

HARVEY WARNER, ESQ.

MRS. HARVEY WARNER.

it up, I would get several members of the church, and, with a good oaken rail, I would batter the door off its hinges and hold meetings as usual." No further suggestions were ne- eessary, for the good deacon was of the Cromwell stripe, who put their trust in God, but kept their powder dry. The next day the house was filled with ardent worshipers, and few meetings were ever held by the little church, we will venture to say, where each could sing, with more Christian devotion,-

" Shall we gather at the river," etc.

Early on the following morning the district officer hast- ened to the village of Coldwater, sought the prosecuting attorney (the late Governor Coe), and the twain started for Esquire Warner's office, who, by the way, was anticipating a call from the litigious gentlemen, and was fully prepared for the emergency. After the usual salutation the business. . that had brought them to the office was laid before the jus- -

south of the city, engaged largely in the cultivation of fruit. He is at present president of the Branch County Pioneer Society. In 1831 he married Miss Henrietta Anderson, one of those noble pioneer wives whose words of cheer and comfort often gladdened the hearts of their suffering neigh- bors. They have had six children, five of whow are now living. They have fourteen grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. Their eldest daughter, Mrs. P. P. Wright, of New Jersey, was born May 25, 1832, and is the oldest living white child ever born in Coldwater. When this child was but a few days old the father, with nearly all others who were old enough to bear arms, was summoned to the field in what was known as " Black Hawk's" war, leaving the women and children of the settlement to the tender mercies of the red man.

'This aged couple are now enjoying good health, Mrs. Warner doing the entire work of the household.

MRS. ANDREW S. PARRISH.

A Stanich C

MRS. ASA PARRISH

PHOTOS BY YINDMARK, COLDWATER

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

JAMES M. LONG, M.D.,

was born in the city of New York, Nov. 14, 1828, of Eng- lish and Scotch-Irish parents. His grandfather, on his father's side, was a ship-owner and shipping merchant, and possessed of large landed estates. Ilis father and two brothers (of his father) entered college and graduated as physicians and surgeons. One of the brothers settled in London, the other in Liverpool, England, in the practice of their chosen profession, but his father settled in New York City, in charge of the large shipping interests of the firm.

Photo, by E. Kindmark, Coklwater.

JAMES M. LONG, M.D.

In the year 1833, at the age of five years, he accompanied his mother on a visit to" his grandfather, at Liverpool, where he remained for two years. On the death of his father he, with his mother, returned to New York ; and in 1837, on the death of his mother, he was left in care of an uncle, and in the same year removed to Windsor, Vt. At the age of sixteen, having chosen medieine as a profession, he entered the college at Woodstock, Vt., graduating in 1850, and married his present wife, Mary J. Emerson, at Keene, N. HI., Nov. 27, 1851, locating in the practice of his profession in the city of New York. With a view of gaining a more perfect knowledge of surgery and its practice he matriculated in the Fourteenth Street Medical University, and also became a private student of the late Dr. Valentine Mott, attending two full courses of lectures, with free access to the hospitals. Continuing in the practice of his profes- sion, in the year 1857 he suffered severe losses by fire, and having about that time become interested in the West, removed to Detroit. Ilis attention was drawn to homo- opathy, and he became so strongly impressed in its favor that he became associated with Dr. Day, a homeopathic physi- cian of considerable note, placing his knowledge and experi- ence in surgery against Dr. Day's knowledge and practice of homeopathy. This partnership proved both pleasant and profitable, but, being discontinued, he was induced to take the practice in Coldwater vacated by Dr. White, and in the

year 1861 removed to Coldwater, where he has since con- tinued in active practice. Having been thoroughly pre- pared in the schools of medicine and surgery, endowed by the Creator with an active, well-balanced mental capacity, which is constantly gathering strength by daily experience, enabling him to render that enlightened and mature judg- ment so essential at the bedside of the sick, together with an ardent love for, and untiring devotion to, his chosen pro- fession, has early placed him in high esteem with the people. Ilis practice has been large and varied. Frequent have been the calls from professional brethren for counsel, or from the siek for his services, in neighboring towns or dis- tant cities. lle is largely known and highly esteemed by leading men in his school of practice in and out of the State.

As a citizen, he is ever solicitous for the public health, having served many years as a member of the city board of health, and ready to lend a helping hand, by material or personal aid, to every good enterprise calculated to benefit others or improve the city.

ANDREW S. PARRISIL.

the subject of this sketch, was born Sept. 15, 1834, in the town of Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y. In 1836 his father, Asa Parrish, moved with his family to what is now Cold- water, and was among the carly settlers of that beautiful little city. llere Mr. Parrish grew to manhood, receiving such education as could be obtained at that early day. He early showed a natural ability as a mechanic, and he set himself to work to make himself a master of the trade he had chosen. So well did he apply himself, that he is now one of the best machinists and mechanical engineers to be found in our State. When the Rock Island and Illinois Central Railroads were built, he was employed by those companies, and was connected with the civil engineers in the construction and building of the same. Soon after the completion of these roads he was for six years a marine engineer. He is now, and has been for ten years, master foreman of the locomotive department of the Kalamazoo division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Rail- road, located at White Pigeon, in this State, which position he fills with marked ability. For many years Mr. Parrish has been a member of the Masonic order, and is now hold- ing the office of Junior Warden in Jacob's Commandery of Knights Templar, held at Coldwater. For his first wife he married Miss Sarah E. Hale, daughter of Andrew Hale. She was born in New York, Sept. 22, 1833, and died Sept. 12, 1859. Their union was blessed with one child, Nellie E., who was born Nov. 25, 1858. On the 16th day of January, 1861, Mr. Parrish was again married ; his choice being Miss Sarah A. Whitcomb, daughter of S. H. Whit- comb, one of the early settlers of Coldwater. Miss Whit- comb was born in Vermont, Jan. 3, 1834. To Mr. Parrish and his second wife there has been born eight children, as follows: Asa L., born Feb. 13, 1862; Junior, born Sept. 10, 186.1; Eda A., born April 19, 1867 ; Laura D., born July 21, 1869; Tessy G., born Feb. 2, 1871; K. Otis, born Oct. 26, 1872; Ida Bell, born March 11, 1874; and Mer. C., born May 10, 1876. Mr. Parrish and family

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

now reside at White Pigeon, where his duties demand his presence. But he still looks with pride and affection upon Branch County, the home of his childhood and young man- hood. In politics Mr. Parrish is an ardent Republican.

ASA PARRISII

was born at Mendon, N. Y., March 4, 1811, son of Abram Parrish, who raised a family of twelve children. Asa Parrish was married, in 1832, to Ann Eliza Sprague, sister of Dr. William B. Sprague, one of the early settlers of Coldwater. She died, Aug. 27, 1837, leaving two sons,- Andrew, who resides at White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., and Abram, who died in 1844 when eight years of age. Mr. Parrish was married, Jan. 1, 1839, to Lois E. Gilbert, sister of William S. Gilbert. She came to Coldwater May, 1838, and kept house for her brother, who married Mr. Parrish's sister at the same time and place. Mr. Parrish and his wife were members of the church in New York, and upon the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Coldwater united with that body, where they became active and consistent members. He was a class-leader for many years. To them were born four children, three daugh- ters and one son. Lois E., wife of J. Mussell White, of Chicago, is the only one now living.

Mr. Parrish came to Coldwater in 1836, and in the fall of that year contracted with Dougherty, Sprague & Co. to run a saw-mill they had just completed. Here he worked for a year or two. The demand for a furnace here was great ; there were no plows made at that time nearer than Ypsilanti. Mr. Parrish built the first furnace in Branch County; with his limited means it was a large under- taking. Soon L. D. Crippin took an interest with him. A few years later he built a steam flouring-mill, with four run of stone. When the Michigan Southern Railroad was being built, he took contracts for building most of their important bridges, and also for the Michigan Central road, including the pile-bridge at the grand crossing, ten miles east of Chicago, which is three and three-fourths miles long. From this time Mr. Parrish's health gradually gave way, and he died Nov. 18, 1855. He was in politics a Whig, and strongly favored the abolition of slavery.

LORENZO D. HALSTED.

One of the successful business men of this county, Lo- renzo D. Halsted, was born July 12, 1820, in Tompkins Co., N. Y. When Lorenzo was but five years old his mother died, and the family was practically broken up.

At the age of ten years he went to reside with an uncle in Chemung Co., N. Y., and there at that early age was required to learn the tailor's trade, at which he worked diligently until he was a little past sixteen years of age, during which time he acquired a fair knowledge of the business.

His uncle was so exacting with him that he resolved to leave and " paddle his own canoe." With just five dollars in his pocket, which he had earned by working over-hours at night, he took leave of his uncle, and wended his way

to Albany, where he supposed he had a brother living. Arriving in the strange city, and not finding his brother, as he fondly hoped, and his money growing beautifully less, and too rapidly to suit his boyish ideas of economy, he re- solved to enlist in the navy, a recruiting-office for that arm of the government service having been established near by.

L. D. HALSTED.

When the recruiting officer applied the standard, it was found that the young tailor wanted about two inches of reaching the required altitude. Where there is a will there is a way. Remembering that he had a sister in Cold- water, Mich., then a wild wilderness country, he turned his face in that direction. By driving a horse on the tow-path of the Erie Canal, and thereby working his passage, he was enabled to reach Buffalo without further depleting his purse.

Upon arriving in that eity he boarded a steamboat, and by doing odd jobs paid his way to Detroit.

When he reached that city, he came across a teamster who lived near Coldwater, and by keeping him company, walking most of the way, he reached the little inland village Sept. 10, 1836, with a thimble and one lone dol- lar in his pocket. Soon after his arrival he commenced plying his needle ; but, as the people were poor, and many sick, he struggled in the valley of poverty. March 8, 1843, he married Miss Laura Lake, who lived about fourteen years, when death entered the household and called her away.

Dee. 8, 1858, he married Mrs. Loomis, daughter of Emerson Marsh, Esq., also a pioneer. About the time of his marriage with Miss Lake he established in a small way a ready-made clothing-store, and was thereby the pioneer in that branch of trade. By striet attention to business, coupled with industry and economy, he was soon on the road to competence.

For twelve years he has added each year a house and lot

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

to his possessions, taking his net profits only from his ex- tensive trade. To his large clothing business he has en- gaged extensively in the manufacture of furs with eminent success, thus showing what may be done from small begin- nings by industry, sobriety, and economy. Who that has

never attended school since he was eight years old could do better?

By his latter marriage he has had two children,-a son and a daughter ; the former of whom died when about two years old ; the latter, a young lady, Miss Laura Halsted.

Photos, by E. Kindmark, Coldwater.

LUKE H. WHITCOMB.

MRS. L. H. WHITCOMB.

LUKE H. WHITCOMB

was born Feb. 6, 1SOS. He is the son of Zachius Whit- comb, of Brandon, Vt., who died there Feb. 25, 1830, leaving six children,-three sons and three daughters. The subject of this sketch began to learn the cabinet business when nineteen years of age. When he was twenty-two he commenced business for himself, at Brandon. Was married, May 26, 1831, to Miss Abigail McConnell, daughter of John McConnell, of Rutland, Vt. In July, 1836, Mr. Whitcomb came to Coldwater, where he worked at his trade a short time, then commenced for himself, making sash and doors. William S. Gilbert soon arrived from Brandon, and they united their interests and added the manufacture of furniture to the small business just started by Mr. Whit- comb. The firm of Whitcomb & Gilbert continued some twelve years, and became an important industry in Branch County. Since that time Mr. Whiteomb has continued in the manufacturing business.

Mr. Whitcomb came to Coldwater some two years before he brought his family ; meantime he had built a house near where they now live. Here they commenced pioneer house- keeping, but soon sickness entered their new home, and for several months they and their children were all sick, more or less ; but all recovered, and in after-years three other - children were born to them, being six in all,-three sons and three daughters. Marian B. married George Hawley, a farmer in Kansas; Sarah A. married Andrew Parrish, son of Asa Parrish, a prominent pioneer of Coldwater; William W. died April 28, 1862; Laura M. died Nov. 20, 1856;

Edwin P. married Melissa Parker; Mercelles L. married Augustus Gilmore. Mr. and Mrs. Whiteomb united with the Congregational Church at Brandon, and transferred their membership to the Presbyterian Church of Coldwater. They have always taken a deep interest in church matters. Mr. Whitcomb taught the first singing-school in Branch County, and for ten years was chorister in the Methodist church at Coldwater.

WILLIAM S. GILBERT

is one of the pioneers who have witnessed the tranforma- tion of the primeval forest into cultivated fields, and the growth of the city of Coldwater from a small hamlet. He was born in Warren, Vt., Nov. 23, 1809. When eighteen years of age he went to learn the carpenter and joiner trade, and followed that ealling in his native town until 1836, when he emigrated West. Ile worked on what is now the International Hotel at Niagara Falls for a time, and arrived at Coldwater Sept. 11, 1836. Here he formed a copartnership with 1 .. H. Whitcomb for the manufacture of sash, doors, and furniture. This association was eon- tinned some twelve years. In 1850 he engaged with Asa Parrish in the construction of railroad-bridges, and contin- ued in that occupation some four years, during which time they built several of the most important bridges for the Michigan Southern and the Michigan Central Railroads. In 1851 he purchased a farin three miles from town, which

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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

he carried on for seven years. Preferring mechanical work to the arduous labor of the farm, he returned to Coldwater and engaged in building houses for himself, erecting one each season for six consecutive seasons.

She departed this life Dec. 10, 1878, leaving one son, Ed- ward P., who resides at Coldwater, having buried a daugh- ter in 1856.

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History of Branch county, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 41

Author: [Johnson, Crisfield] [from old catalog] Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Abbott Number of Pages: 500

Author: [Johnson, Crisfield] [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 500