USA > Michigan > Calhoun County > History of Calhoun County, Michigan, a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II > Part 60
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lished a lumber yard at the location now occupied by the Grand Trunk transfer depot, and who purchased the Sweetland & Smith business when Mr. Green became a member of the firm. The three partners, William H. Mason, F. M. Rathbun and James Green, had previously been associated together considerably in a business way, and they worked together in a spirit of harmony and unison which was produc- tive of generous results in a financial way, and which was broken only by the death of Mr. Rathbun a few years previous to the death of Mr. Green in 1900. Even at his death the interests of Mr. Rathbun were not withdrawn from the firm, but it was continued under the same name until January, 1899, when the old firm was succeeded by Messrs. Rathbun & Kraft. The Advance Thresher Company, for some time a slender organization, had in 1883 branched out into a flourishing in- stitution, and Mr. Green, who, with his partners, Messrs. Mason & Rathbun, were among the earliest members of the concern, became general superintendent of the company, and he remained the incum- bent of that important position until his death occurred. As super- intendent of the Advance Thresher Company, he was warmly regarded by the hundreds of employes of that concern over whom he had gen- eral supervision, and it is perhaps not too much to say that nowhere was his loss felt more acutely than among the employes of the company of which he was superintendent and a member of the directorate for so many years. As a citizen of the highest rank, he was invaluable to the city. He was always a leader in any enterprise or movement tend- ing to elevate the best interests of the community and his loss was keenly felt in a civic way, as well as from the more personal viewpoint. Mr. Green was an enthusiastic Republican, always active in the inter- ests of the party, but he was averse to publicity of any sort and dis- liked public office. He was prevailed upon on one occasion to become a candidate for the office of mayor of Battle Creek, and he was elected to the office by a flattering majority, filling the place with credit to himself and his city. In his capacity as a citizen, he was known to be thoroughly honest, of unimpeachable character, kindly, straightfor- ward and outspoken. In his residence of nearly a half a century, he found secure position in the esteem and love of his fellow beings. He was a member of the Independent Congregational church, and always an earnest worker in and a generous supporter of that organization. He was also a member of the Battle Creek Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
In February, 1870, Mr. Green was married at Richland, Michigan, to Miss Cornelia Kellog, at the home of Mr. Coy. Their union was a thoroughly happy affair, and one son came to them, Charles C., whose life is outlined elsewhere in the pages of this work. Mrs. Green passed away on March 17, 1898, preceding her husband by a brief period only.
EDWIN S. LEWIS. Although he has been. considerable of a wanderer, living in many places and pursuing several different occupations, Ed- win S. Lewis has finally settled in the locality of his birth, and, so far as present appearances give any indications, he expects to pass the remainder of his life there. He is living on a fine farm of 160 acres, known as the "Old Church Farm," which was obtained from the gov- ernment by one of his ancestors and has never been out of the family since. He also owns another tract of fifty-five acres of superior land, and has one of the most valuable and beautiful rural homes in Marengo township, and one that has few superiors of its size anywhere in the country.
Mr. Lewis was born in the village of Marshall, Calhoun county,
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Michigan, on March 19, 1858, a son of Seth and Celina (Church) Lewis, the former a native of Vermont. The father came to Marshall when a young man and founded the Marshall Statesman. Three children were born in the family: W. R., who is a resident of Marshall; Eber Ward, who died in infancy, and Edwin S.
The father was a Republican in politics and served as postmaster of Marshall three terms. In fraternal relations he was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife both belonged to the Presbyterian church. They were held in the highest esteem through- out the county and deserved the regard and good will so freely be- stowed upon them. For they were upright `and progressive citizens, manifesting always a keen practical interest in the progress and im- provement of their locality and the enduring welfare of all its residents in every way.
Edwin S. Lewis was educated in the schools of Marshall. His first engagement after leaving school was as a clerk in the postoffice, a position which he filled for three years. At the end of that period he went to Nebraska, and during the next two years he was employed on a large cattle ranch in that state. He then entered mercantile life as a partner of Frank Davis, the firm being known as Davis & Lewis. A little while afterward he bought Mr. Davis' interest in the business, and during the next three years conducted it alone.
His next venture in business was as a merchant at Eckford, this county, where he also served as postmaster, remaining three years. From Eckford he returned to Marshall and for some time engaged in the manufacture of windmills. But he still had a warm spot in his heart for Nebraska and went back to that state. There he followed farming six years and afterward handled farm implements for three years at Elba, Nebraska. But Marshall kept beckoning him back with a winning hand, and he once more came to that town, but not to remain in it. He located on his ancestral homestead, and on this he has been living ever since.
On this farm and his other one of fifty-five acres, of which mention has been made, he carries on general farming on an extensive scale, conducts a large and active dairy business and raises large numbers of superior Holstein cattle, making each branch of his business bring him in handsome returns by the vigor, skill and excellent judgment with which he conducts them all, the intelligence he applies to them and the general good management of his affairs which he displays.
On October 31st, 1883, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Frances A. Adams, a daughter of John Adams, who has been a resid- ent of Marshall for about forty-six years, and several times mayor of the town. He was at one time an extensive manufacturer of brass and iron products, and made all the brass and iron castings for the Michi- gan Central Railroad. He has been a very successful man and is well and favorably known throughout this county and a large extent of the surrounding country, in fact in all parts of Michigan and the adjoin- ing states.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have five children: Allan Adams, who lives in Toledo, Ohio, and is in the employ of the Toledo Computing Scales Company ; Mary Hortense, who was educated in the Marshall High School and is living at home with her parents; Dorcas Laura, who also is a graduate of the high school and still a member of the parental family circle; and Elizabeth M. and John D., who are still living with their parents also.
Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Episcopal church, which Mr. Lewis and the other members of the family also attend. In fraternal rela- tions he is a Freemason and holds his membership in St. Albans Lodge
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in the order. In politics he is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party and an earnest and effective worker for its success in all campaigns. He has never been an office-seeker, but served two terms as treasurer of the city of Marshall. He is not only one of the leading farmers in his township, but one of its leading citizens in reference to the control of public affairs and the promotion of public improvements and general progress. The people in all parts of the county have a high regard for him and look upon him as one of their most enterprising, useful and representative men, commendable for the judicious way in which he manages his private affairs, and also for his interest in the general welfare.
HERMAN C. MARKS. As a living example of what resolute working, earnest endeavor and indomitable perseverance will accomplish, Her- man C. Marks stands prominent among the worthy citizens and success- ful agriculturists of Lee township. Throughout his career he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and through his own efforts has ac- cumulated a well-cultivated tract of land in Lee township, in addition to which he is conducting his mother's farm in the same locality. Mr. Marks was born in Germany, July 8, 1870, and is a son of Edward and Amelia (Marine) Marks.
The father of Mr. Marks was a native of the Fatherland, and was born in 1840, his wife, also a native of Germany, having been born the year previous. Mr. Marks died in February, 1912, while his widow survives him and lives in Calhoun county. They were married in Germany, soon after which time, Mr. Marks seeing only long years of hard labor in front of him in his native land, with but little hope of ever becoming independent, he decided to try his fortune in the new world and accordingly set sail for the United States. After landing at New York, he made his way to the town of Albion, Michigan, where he secured employment as a railroad laborer. At the start he had no financial means, but by thrift and industry, assisted by the good man- agement of his wife, he managed to accumulate enough to invest in a farm of eighty acres in Lee township, and later bought other land until he owned 155 acres, in addition to a nice house and lot in the town of Marshall. During the later years of his life he became very success- ful, and was regarded as one of his township's substantial men. He and his wife had a family of six children, of whom four are living at present: Bertha, who married Julius Nagle and lives in Marshall ; Henry, living in Clarence township, Calhoun county; Mary, who mar- ried William Smith, and lives in Detroit; and Herman C., who is the oldest. Edward Marks was a Democrat in his political belief, and with the members of his family, attended the German Lutheran Church.
Herman C. Marks was educated in the district schools of Lee town- ship, and resided on the home farm until 1892, in which year he pur- chased his first land. At the present time he owns sixty acres of land, but is giving his attention also to the cultivation of his mother's prop- erty in Lee township, which he is working on shares. He is acknowl- edged to be a competent agriculturist, and as a man who has been the architect of his own fortunes has the respect and esteem of those with whom he has come into contact.
Mr. Marks was married in 1898 to Miss Ida Hart, daughter of An- drew Hart, who resided all of his life in Angola, Indiana, where he is a successful farmer and stock raiser. Mr. and Mrs. Marks are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes a decided interest in the work of the Gleaners, of which he is an active member, and in politics is a Republican, but outside of keeping himself posted on all
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matters pertaining to the welfare of the township, has not given much attention to public affairs. Both he and his wife have numerous friends in Lee township, where the family is well known.
HOMER A. CLUTE. The manufacturing, financial and industrial in- terests of any community are the source of great pride to its citizens, 'but it is to the farms that the country eventually must turn for its support, and in the hands of the agriculturists lies the possibility of the country's prosperity or depression. Calhoun county has its full quota of manufacturers, financiers, statesmen and members of the various professions, but particularly is it noted for the high standard set by its agriculturists, who have done so much in the past few years towards making this county one of the garden spots of the state. One of the successful agriculturists of Lee township, and a native born citizen of Calhoun county, is Homer A. Clute, who was born in Lee township, March 4, 1872, a son of Henry A. and Florence (Crossman) Clute.
Henry Clute, the paternal great-grandfather of Homer A. Clute, was descended from one of the early Dutch families of the Empire State, three brothers of the name settling in Esopus Meadows soon after the founding of New York City. Henry L. Clute, son of Henry, and grandfather of Homer. A., resided at Johnstown, New York, his native city, until thirty years of age, and was there married. He en- gaged in tanning as well as the manufacture of gloves, and about 1835 removed to Wayne county, New York, where he followed the latter occupation. He also engaged in the manufacture of mittens and in the tanning business there until 1842, at which time he traveled through the West buying deer skins to use in his business. At Windsor, Mich- igan, he exchanged the money he had brought from the East into "Wild Cat" currency, and not being able to secure the number of skins that he had expected, decided to remain in the new country, subsequently investing in eight acres of land in Convis township, at what is still known as Clute's Corners. Soon afterward, Mr. Clute returned to New York, and in 1844 brought his family to Michigan, journeying by canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit, and across country to the new property by team. He settled upon his land and added to it until he had 400 acres, continuing to reside thereon until his death in 1855. His widow survived him for a long period of years.
Henry A. Clute, father of Homer A., was born in Wayne county, New York, and was a son of Henry L. and Alazan (Rhodes) Clute, the latter a representative of an old Connecticut family. Henry A. was but four years of age at the time he was brought to Michigan by his parents, and his education was secured in the district schools, sup- plemented by a short attendance at Olivet College, this, however, being cut short by the death of his father, when he was compelled to take charge of the home farm. That he was an industrious, capable and hard-working lad is shown by the fact that when he was but nine years of age, he hauled seventy cords of wood by a yoke of oxen, over the roads in the midst of winter to Marshall, receiving one dollar per cord when delivered. The outbreak of the Civil War found him hard at work on the home property, and it was not until August 30, 1862, that he felt he could leave the family. On that date he enlisted in Company H, Merrill's Horse, an organization then in the field. He joined his command at Mexico, Missouri, and the regiment was engaged in scout- ing duty all through Missouri, but in 1863 went to Little Rock, Mr. Clute, however, being left at the general hospital at Ironton, being troubled with defective eyesight. He was subsequently put on detached
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duty at St. Louis and treated by a specialist there, and on recuperating rejoined his regiment, with which he served to the close of the Civil War. Returning home, he added to his property and had 387 acres of land in his Calhoun county tract, in addition to 160 acres in the state of Kansas, where he lived from 1882 to 1885. He was engaged in farming and stock raising until his retirement in 1895, since which time he has lived in Marshall, and sold his last land in 1911. For many years he has been connected with the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, being a member of Colegrove Post, of which he was commander in 1903. Formerly a member of the Republican and Greenback parties, at present Mr. Clute is a Democrat, and has served three terms as a member of the board of supervisors of Lee township and one term as a member of the state legislature. In 1867 he was married to Florence Crossman, who died in the faith of the Methodist Church, September 10, 1888, and they had a family of eight children, as follows: Charles, who lives in Marshall; Schuyler, living in Western Kansas; Homer A .; George, living in Convis township, on a part of the old homestead origi- nally settled by his grandfather; Harry, living in Chicago; Grace, who married Fred Wilbur and lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan; Sydney, living on a farm in Marengo township; and Josephine, living with her sister in Ypsilanti.
Homer A. Clute received his education in the district schools of Convis township, following which he attended a business college at Battle Creek for one winter term. Returning to the home farm he worked for one year by the month and another year on shares, and in 1897 purchased 188 acres of the home farm, on which he erected a beautiful country home, modern in every respect and equipped with the latest conveniences, as are his substantial barns and outbuildings. His success in life has been due to his own efforts as he started his career with no advantages other than those of an alert mind, willing hands and determined spirit. He is an automobile enthusiast, owning his own car, which he finds helps him not only in facilitating the discharge of his business duties, but also is a source of much pleasure in taking trips to various points in the state. Fraternally, he is connected with St. Alban Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of Marshall, and the Chapter at the same place, and he and Mrs. Clute are regular attendants of the Baptist Church. A stalwart Democrat in his political views, he has taken an active interest in public matters, and has served as super- visor three terms. Personally, the wide circle of warm personal friends which has been drawn about him, testifies to his popularity with all classes.
In 1895 Mr. Clute was united in marriage with Miss May Carver, a native of Lee township, where her father, Henry Carver, of Calhoun county, settled at an early day. He still resides in Lee township, where he is the owner of a well-cultivated farm. Mr. and Mrs. Clute have one child, Bernadine, a bright pupil in the township schools.
FRANK B. GARRETT. It is always pleasing to the biographer to enter into an analysis of the character and career of a tiller of the soil. Of the many citizens gaining their livelihood, he alone stands a totally independent factor. His rugged honesty and sterling worth are the outcome of a close association with nature and in all the rela- tions of life he manifests that generous hospitality and kindly human sympathy which beget comradeship and which cement to him the friendship of all with whom he comes in contact. Successfully engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of cattle, Mr. Frank B. Gar- rett is a prominent citizen of Calhoun county, Michigan. He is the
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owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres in Pennfield township, where he has resided during practically his entire life time.
Frank B. Garrett was born in Pennfield township, Calhoun county, Michigan, the date of his nativity being the 4th of March, 1856. He is a son of Caleb and Harriet (Bellace) Garrett, the former of whom was born in Canada, the latter being a native of the old Keystone state. Caleb Garrett was a son of Isaac Garrett, who was a British soldier in the war of 1812 and who lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-nine years and eight months. He came to Pennfield township in 1848 and here passed the balance of his life. Caleb Garrett was a young man of twenty-five years when he accompanied his father to Pennfield town- ship in 1848. He was engaged in farming during the greater part of his active career and died in 1910, when in his eighty-eighth year of life. His wife died at middle age. He was a Republican in his political faith after the formation of that party.
Frank B. Garrett was educated in the district schools of this town- ship, and he also was privileged to attend the State Agricultural Col- lege at Lansing and the Parsons Business College of Kalamazoo. In 1893 he purchased a farm consisting of 140 acres of land. He inherited a tract of sixty acres from his father's estate, all of which is now under cultivation.
With reference to his political affiliations, Mr. Garrett is a staunch Democrat, and he is a member of the Grange. On January 16, 1883, Mr. Garrett was united in marriage with Miss Frances E. Olmstead, a daughter of Norman Olmstead, who was born and reared in Ver- mont and who came to Michigan in the 40's. For twelve years Mr. Olmstead ran the stage between Battle Creek and Hastings, after which he engaged in farming. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Garrett,- Harold C., who is now (1912) attending Michigan Agricultural College.
REUBEN J. EMERY. One of the oldest citizens and foremost agri- culturists of Sheridan township is Reuben J. Emery, who was born June 13, 1849, in a log house that then stood in the yard of his present home. Here his whole life has been spent and has been so ordered as to secure for him the high regard of his fellow men both for his personal character and business ability, and to make him one of the representative men of Calhoun county.
Reuben Emery, his father, born near the Delaware river in 1817, was a native of Pennsylvania who came to Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1835. The first few years he worked by the month in Marengo township ; then in 1843 he bought 500 acres in Sheridan township and this forms the present homestead of our subject. Until his death on March 15, 1863, he gave his attention assiduously to the cultivation and improvement of this large estate and from the beginning his efforts were attended by success. A stanch Abolitionist, he was one of that memorable group that gathered under the oaks at Jackson in 1854 when that band of patriots brought into being the Republican party as an expression of their con- victions and determined purpose. Reuben Emery was twice married. His first wife was Harriett L. Rositer, who died leaving a child that shortly afterward joined her in death. His second marriage was to Mrs. Sarah Fanning nee Austin, who was born in New York in 1815 and died in Michigan June 7, 1887.
Reuben J. Emery, the subject of this review, is the only child of this union now living and was but thirteen years old when his father died. A part of his father's estate had been in litigation over twenty years and the case had been carried before the supreme court several times, costing the elder Mr. Emery thousands of dollars. At the age of seven- teen the son took charge of the place and began his labors of restoring
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it to its former condition, the property having suffered from neglect during the years of litigation and after the father's death. Gradually the young man accomplished his purpose, continuing the work that had been begun by removing stumps, repairing old buildings and adding new ones and developing and improving the homestead in various ways. Mr. Emery now owns 450 acres and his farmstead is one of the most valuable in Sheridan township. On this farm was established the old Abbott tavern and the Waterburg postoffice, the latter of which at that time included the people of Albion among its patrons as there was then no office at the latter place. Here also was the old Waterburg sawmill, which sawed the lumber for families for miles around and which stood in front of the Emery home. Mr. Emery still owns the water site.
For the last twenty years Mr. Emery has been extensively engaged as a stockman and in some directions had been engaged in the stock busi- ness some fifteen years earlier. He raises large numbers of Ramboulett sheep and has always been a premium winner at the different fairs at which he has been an exhibitor.
On August 23, 1871, Mr. Emery was united in marriage to Miss Ella L. Bunn, whose parents Matthew and Mary (Burt) Bunn were na- tives of New York state and were early settlers in Calhoun county, Michi- gan. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn established their home in Marengo township, where Mr. Bunn became prominent in the public life of that community. Mrs. Emery was born in Marengo township August 31, 1852. She was educated in the public schools of Battle Creek and in Albion College, of which latter institution she was a student one year, and taught school for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Emery have two children, a son and a daughter. Their son Elmer K. Emery married Miss Mellie Cary, of Marshall township, and to their union has been born a daughter Thelma. Aura L. Emery, the daughter, married Bruce Fish and now resides on a farm in Marengo township.
Mr. Emery is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. He is public-spirited in civic affairs and stands for moral progress both in pub- lic and private life, and as a means toward that end he is a warm advo- cate of temperance. In political views he is aligned with the Progres- sive Republicans. Like his father, it has been his to participate in the organization of a new party to fulfill a purpose for which the old parties have seemed to have inadequate power of accomplishment. He took a prominent part in the convention at Jackson, Michigan, on July 20, 1912, when the first state ticket of the National Progressive party for Michigan was nominated. In 1896 he was a candidate for sheriff and, although defeated by a small margin, he led his ticket by 360 votes. He served as president of the Citizens of Calhoun County Mutual Fire Insurance Company several years and for five years was president of the Calhoun County Agricultural Society. It is to citizens of Mr. Emery's type that Calhoun county owes its progress and strong prestige as a commercial and agricultural center. Mr. Emery also served as a director of the Central Michigan Agricultural Society at Lansing for ten years. Also member of school board for fifteen years.
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