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 97
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"So far as known the first Randall to sail from England was Wil- liam Randall, who left his native country for America in 1635, leaving the port of London, April 24th for Providence, Rhode Island. William Randall was born about 1600 and died October 13, 1693. He had nine children, the last of whom, Isaac Randall, lived to be 101 years of age. From the family of William Randall, the Puritan, have descended a numerous progeny, whose living representatives may be found in nearly every state in the union."
John Randall, the grandfather of Harvey N., was born in Bridge- water, Oneida county, New York. His wife, Lucinda (Granger) Ran- dall, was born at Sheffield, Connecticut, October 29, 1793. Their fam- ily consisted of five children, namely : John G., who died in 1844; Charles G., who died in 1805; Sarah Ann, who died in 1888; Francis W., who died in 1887; and Harvey, who died January 22, 1897. The father of this family died in 1855 ; his wife, September 22, 1884. They were faith- ful members of the Baptist church.
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Harvey Randall, the father of Harvey N., was born at the family home at Sweden, Monroe county, New York, June 10, 1819. In 1842, he came to Michigan, and six months later was joined by his parents and other members of the family. They settled on Section 19, one and a half miles east of the present village of Burlington. That same year, Decem- ber 28, Harvey Randall was married to Rhoda M. Howard, daughter of Alonson and Priscilla Howard, residents of Tekonsha township.
"After marriage the real, stern work of life began. With no equip- ment but two strong hands, a brave heart, and a courageous spirit, loy- ally and earnestly supported by his wife, he set about establishing a home in the Michigan wilderness. Those early days of trial, against obstacles that would appall a young man of today, were filled with vicis- situdes that would fill a volume with interesting reminiscences. The first child-John Wesley Randall-was born December 3, 1843-now a leading merchant of Tekonsha. Alinda M. (Randall) Nichols, wife of Dr. D. J. Nichols, of West Plains, Missouri, was born April 7, 1846; Arah H. Randall, proprietor of the Tekonsha Roller Mills, was born April 9, 1848; Arthur G. Randall, commissioner of schools of Calhoun county, was born August 9, 1850; Alice A. (Randall) Main, now living on the old homestead, was born April 3, 1855; Harvey N. Randall, the youngest child, merchant and produce dealer of Tekonsha. It was the fortune of this happy family not to be invaded by death, until the death of the mother, April 1, 1867-a period of forty years. A second marriage was made by Mr. Randall July 26, 1888, to Mrs. Charlotte E. Wilson of Tekonsha, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, August 15, 1832, but reared in Ohio."
When Harvey Randall settled here, his land was covered with heavy timber, "which was felled by the owner's ax and heaped into great log piles by the aid of an ox team. Farming at that time was crude, and the tools used were such as could be made at home with ax and saw. Wheat was sown on the virgin soil and dragged in with a bushy tree of moderate size. All the products of the farm were marketed at Marshall, a dis- tance of nearly sixteen miles.
"Upon the homestead this God fearing, industrious couple, raised their family of six children, giving all of them educational advantages not dreamed of by themselves when young. Mr. Randall was a carpen- ter by trade and constructed all of the buildings upon his farm, together with the barns and houses of nearly the entire neighborhood. The Bap- tist church in the village of Tekonsha was designed and built by him in 1870. Conscious of his worth and ability, his fellow townsmen elected him to various offices from justice of the peace to supervisor.
"During the Civil war he served as enrolling officer and at one time assisted in organizing and drilling a regiment of troops, preparatory to their going south. In 1867 he was elected to the state legislature, serv- ing one term, representing his constituency to their entire satisfaction. His greatest efforts were in the interests of the Christian religion. He was converted while a youth and identified himself with the regular Baptist church, of which he was a consistent member for nearly sixty years. During all of this long period he never shirked a duty, whether it came in the way of benevolence or Christian activity. And in all that goes to make up a strong and unfaltering manhood, worthy of the high- est respect of his fellow citizens, he was every inch a man.
"Rhoda M. Randall, wife of Harvey Randall, daughter of Alonson B. and Priscilla Howard, was born in the township of Sweden, Monroe county, New York, August 2, 1821. Her parents were of English de- scent and noted for their intense piety. It was from these pious parents that Mrs. Randall received her deeply religious nature, which so dis-
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tinguished her in after life. Her educational advantages were very meagre, being such as was afforded by the district schools of the day. In her youth she was distinguished for her cheerful, buoyant and trustful disposition, which afterward ripened into a character rich in all the Christian graces.
"In 1842, together with her parents and the following brothers and sisters, she came to Michigan : Alonson B. Howard, Samantha (Howard) Randall; Sophronia (Howard) Granger; George Howard; William Howard; Jennie (Howard) Strong. But two of this large family are now living-George Howard and Mrs. C. R. Strong. As narrated in the biography of Mr. Randall she was married December 28, 1842. Her death occurred April 1, 1887, at her home in Tekonsha, in a startling and unexpected manner. She was in her usual health, and retired at night with her husband, who awoke in the morning to find her dead at his side, with no evidence of the slightest struggle. Her sudden depart- ure was deeply mourned, not only by her large circle of friends and relatives, but by the entire community. She was converted in a series of meetings held in the First Baptist church, Ogden, New York, in 1841. After coming to Michigan, she united with the Baptist church of Bur- lington, and subsequently with the Baptist church of Tekonsha, of which she was a faithful member until her death."
Harvey N. Randall, the direct subject of this article, was reared on his father's farm and educated in the township schools and the school at Tekonsha. His business career began in Tekonsha as a grocer. He was in the grocery business about ten or fifteen years, after which he opened up a stock of hardware, and subsequently he turned from hardware to produce, in which line of business he is now engaged. Also he is inter- ested in banking, being a stockholder and director of the First State Bank of Tekonsha, and he owns valuable property in the town. He takes an active interest in local affairs, and affiliates with the Republican party, not, however, being a politician or an office seeker. As a member of the school board, he gave good service, and he can always be counted upon to support any measure or movement for the betterment of the town.
May 26, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Harvey N. Randall and Miss Dell Warboys, daughter of John and Mary (Smith) War- boys. Her parents, born and married in England, came to America in 1854 and settled in Genesee county, New York. Her father was a butcher by trade, at which he worked for some time after coming to this country. Later he settled on a farm, and he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1906, at the age of eighty years. Her mother is still living in New York state. In the Warboys family were twelve children, all living at this writing. The father was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and, politically, was a Republican. Mrs. Randall was reared in New York. She came to Michigan to visit her sister, and here met and married Mr. Randall, and here she has since remained. She and Mr. Randall have had four children, of whom three are living: Howard, in business with his father; Dana, a teacher in Jackson, Michigan, and Wesley, attending school. Mrs. Randall is a member of the Baptist church.
HONORABLE FRED H. WEBB. Upon the long list of Battle Creek's eminent, useful and loyal citizens no name stands higher or shines with more brilliant lustre than that of Hon. Fred H. Webb, who for forty years has been intimately associated with one of the foremost industries of the city, and in addition has filled most ably and faithfully many public positions of trust and responsibility, while as an active member Vol. II-42
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of the local fire department he won a splendid record for bravery and efficiency. A native of Michigan, he was born, May 10, 1854, at Battle Creek, which has always been his home.
His parents, Caleb and Sarah (Green) Webb, were born, reared, and married in Oxfordshire, England. Immigrating to the United States in 1853, they immediately settled in Battle Creek, Michigan, and here spent their remaining days, the father being for many years sexton of the Oak Hill cemetery. They became the parents of seven children, of whom Fred H. was the first-born.
Spending the days of his boyhood and youth beneath the parental roof-tree, he acquired his education in the grammar and high schools. Be- ginning the battle of life on his own account in 1870, Mr. Webb worked as a farm laborer for two or more years. In October, 1872, he entered the employ of Nichols & Shepard Company, a firm with which he has since beeu actively connected being now one of its oldest representatives. Until 1887 he was employed in the wood working department, being then promoted to time keeper, and in April, 1888, being made pay- master. This responsible position Mr. Webb has since filled with char- acteristic ability and fidelity, having full charge of the payment of the five hundred and seventy employees connected with the operation of the extensive plant.
In October, 1872, Mr. Webb joined the Tempest Hand Engine Com- pany No. 2, a volunteer fire company, and for thirty-one years was con- nected with the city's fire department. In 1875 he attended the Na- tional Firemen's Tournament in Chicago, while there gaining informa- tion of much value to him in regard to the fighting of fire. On March 8, 1880, Mr. Webb formed a new company of thirty members known as the Goguac Hook and Ladder Company, which was a volunteer company for a year and a half. In October, 1881, it became a paid company, its membership being reduced one half. Mr. Webb continued with this company the ensuing thirteen years, the greater part of that time acting as its secretary and treasurer. On February 5, 1894, he was elected assistant chief of the company, and held the position continuously until 1904, a period of ten years, when, just after his re-election for another term, he resigned from the company. As a fireman Mr. Webb did able and faithful service, his record being unparalleled in Battle Creek, and perhaps in the state, and to him the city owes a debt of gratitude for his efficient services in that capacity.
An earnest and active supporter of the principles of the Republican party, Mr. Webb has served his fellow-citizens in many public positions, and has ever discharged the duties devolving upon him efficiently and faithfully. In April, 1893, he was elected alderman from the Fifth Ward, and during that year Fire Station No. 1 was erected. In 1895 he was re-elected to the same office, and again in 1899, after an interval of two years, was again honored with a re-election as alderman. In 1896 Fire Station No. 2 was built. In 1901 Mr. Webb was again chosen alder- man for a term of two years, but resigned the position in 1902 to accept that of mayor of Battle Creek, having been a member of the city council eight years, a longer period than that of any other incumbent. During his first term as mayor Fire Station No. 3 was built, and improvements of great value were inaugurated. As mayor of the city Mr. Webb stood firmly for a strong and clear administration, and for the enforcement. of existing laws. His determined attitude in these respects offended cer- tain classes of the people, and a united effort on their part was made to prevent his again filling the mayor's chair, but the better element rallied to his support, and his stand for law, order and justice was vin- dicated by his renomination and reelection as head of the municipal
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government in 1903, receiving a majority of seven hundred votes at the polls, voters from all political parties casting their votes in his favor. Since that time Mr. Webb has served as a member of the Board of Public Works, having been appointed to the place by ex-mayor George S. Barnes, his brother-in-law.
Fraternally Mr. Webb is a member, and past chancellor, of Battle Creek Lodge, No. 35, Knights of Pythias, which he has represented three times in the Grand Lodge; a member of the Uniformed Rank of Knights of Pythias; and is a charter member, and past commander, of Calhoun Tent, No. 54, Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
Mr. Webb married, June 3, 1874, Miss Carola V. Babcock, and in 1899 erected, at No. 98 Green street, the fine residence which they now occupy, having previously lived in the four-suite apartment building which he erected.
DR. ROSco GENUNG LELAND is an exceptionally promising young physician of East Leroy, although he has been engaged in medical prac- tice only since 1909 in the autumn. In the time which has elapsed since then his advance has been rapid and he has already made an enviable place for himself in professional circles of the community, giving unmis- takable evidence that the coming years will fix him among the leading medical men of this section of the state. He holds a number of offices, in connection with his profession and along other lines, and is a man to whom all who come within the sphere of his influence accord their esteem and confidence.
Dr .. Leland's family was established in Michigan in the year 1835. In that year Andrew Leland, the grandfather of the subject, came from his native state, Pennsylvania, and settled in Michigan. One year later, George Leland, the father of Andrew, followed his son to this state, and here passed his remaining days, as did Andrew. George W. Leland, the son of Andrew and the father of Rosco, was born on September 27, 1846, in St. Joseph's county, Michigan. He was educated in the district schools and spent all his early life on his father's farm in Mendon town- ship. Later he engaged in farming on his own responsibility, owning one hundred and eighty acres of land; he followed that occupation until he retired from active farm life in 1903. He was a Republican in his political faith and was a man of considerable importance in his town. He held the office of county treasurer for one term, and in other ways demonstrated his good citizenship in the years of his activity among his fellow townspeople. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a member of the Maccabees. In 1875 Mr. Leland married Lydia M. Heimbach of Mendon township, St. Joseph county, and she still lives. They had one child, Rosco Genung Leland, of this review.
As a boy and youth, Dr. Leland passed his days on the Mendon town- ship farm of his father, and attended the primary and district schools of Angevine district. While he attended the Mendon high school, as a lad in his teens, he employed his leisure time as an assistant in the First State Bank of Mendon. In the spring of 1903 he was graduated from the high school and in the autumn following entered Kalamazoo Col- lege, where he spent one year in study, then entering the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He pursued a six year course there, receiving his A. B. degree in 1907 and his M. D. in 1909. Although he was a brilliant student during his college course, and neglected none of the other activities that engage the time and attention of the live student, he still found time to act as an assistant demonstrator of anatomy. In the year following his graduation he served as an assistant to Dr. Reuben Peterson, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, and during the sum-
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mer of 1910 filled the position of instructor in obstetrics. That same Fall he came to East Leroy to take up a permanent residence there, and is now enjoying a large and steadily increasing practice. Although Dr. Leland is a general practitioner, he has made somewhat of a specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, and it is expected that he will some day do some original work along those lines. In addition to his other duties, Dr. Leland is a member and takes an active interest in the affairs of the American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society, the Washtenaw County Medical Society and the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine. He is the medical examiner for the Sun Life Assurance Com- pany of Canada, the Michigan State Life Insurance Company, the Ladies of the Modern Maccabees and the Gleaners, and is health officer for the township of Leroy. Like his father, Dr. Leland attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a stanch Republican. He is a Mason and a member of the Phi Chi Greek letter medical fraternity.
Dr. Leland was married to Miss Clara Etta Doane-Carson on June 23, 1909, and they have one child, Elizabeth Carson Leland. Mrs. Le- land is the daughter of James and Liola Doane Carson of Owosso, Shi- awasee county, Michigan, but after the death of her father, who was a teacher, she made her home with an uncle, Dr. Jabez Perkins, who died in 1907. She was graduated with the class of 1901 from the Ypsilanti Normal College and took her A. B. degree from Mt. Holyoke College at South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1907.
HONORABLE JOHN WAGNER. A man of rare ability and integrity, well educated and public-spirited, the late Hon. John Wagner was a worthy representative of those brave pioneers who settled in Calhoun county at an early period, and in the great work of transforming the country roundabout from its original wildness to a magnificent agricul- tural region contributed his full share, having cleared and improved a fine farm in Leroy township. Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 18, 1818, he was there brought up and educated, obtaining a good knowl- edge not only of the German tongue, but of the English language.
Emigrating to America in 1838, he lived for seven years in Cleve- land, Ohio, and there won for himself a bride. Coming from there to Michigan with his family in 1845, he purchased eighty acres of land in Le Roy township, Calhoun county, and, as his means were very limited and his energy and ambition very great, he not only worked his own land but for several seasons earned money as a farm laborer, being em- ployed by neighboring farmers. Prosperity smiled upon his every ven- ture, and through wise investments he acquired a good property, at the time of his death, which occurred December 13, 1876, having been the owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres of as rich and produc- tive land as could be found in his community.
A stanch Republican in politics, he served his fellow-citizens in many offices of importance and trust, in each position performing the duties devolving upon him ably and faithfully. For five years, from 1865 until 1870 he was supervisor of Le Roy township; in 1868 he was elected to the state legislature, and while a member of that body was ever true to the interests of his constituents. Elected township treasurer in 1864, he served in that capacity for three years, and in 1873 was again hon- ored with an election to the same responsible position. Mr. Wagner was liberal in his religious views, and a faithful member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, at his death being interred with the imposing ceremonies of that order, the burial services being beautiful and impressive.
Mr. Wagner married, in Cleveland, Ohio, Susan Grant, who was born
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in London, England, April 25, 1823, and at the age of seven years came to the United States with her parents, who were among the older and more prominent settlers of Cleveland. Of the eleven children born of their union, two sons and five daughters grew to years of maturity, and four are now living, as follows: Julia, widow of Asbury Lybarker ; Jose- phine, wife of Richard Vaughn; Frank N., married Aylett A. Wagner; Cora, wife of Henry Blackett. Mr. Wagner is a member of the State Central Committee of the National Progressive Party of the 3d district. .
JOHN A. WAGNER. Prominent among the rising young attorneys of Calhoun county is John A. Wagner, of Battle Creek, who has started out in life with fair prospects for a brilliant professional career, his knowl- edge, energy and ability being sure to win him great success in life. A native of Calhoun county, he was born, May 26, 1885, in Le Roy town- ship, of honored pioneer ancestry, his grandfather, Hon. John Wagner, of whom a brief account is given elsewhere in this volume, having been an early settler of this county.
Frank N. Wagner, his father, was born in Le Roy township, and is now living retired from active business pursuits at Battle Creek, Michi- gan, having a pleasant home at 50 Franklin Court. He married Aylett Amanda Addington, who was born at Battle Creek, a daughter of the late De Witt C. Addington, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this biographical work. Of the two children born of their union, one, De Witt Clinton Wagner, the first-born, lived but eight years, and John A., the younger child, is the special subject of this brief sketch.
Receiving his rudimentary education in Calhoun county, John A. Wagner was graduated from the Battle Creek high school with the class of 1905. His natural talents and mental calibre led him to choose a pro- fession, and he subsequently studied to such good purpose that, in 1908, he was graduated from the University of Michigan with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Two weeks after receiving his diploma, Mr. Wagner began the practice of his profession at Battle Creek, and is meeting with well merited success, having won a fair share of patronage. While a student, he ever maintained a high rank for scholarship and good con- duct, at his graduation from the Battle Creek high school, having been president of his class, and while at the University of Michigan being secretary of the Students' Lecture Association, and, likewise, president of the Taft Republican Club. Fraternally Mr. Wagner belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a member, and the commander, of Calhoun Tent, No. 54, Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
On June 29, 1909, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage with Alice M. Goucher, who was born in Convis township, Calhoun county, Michigan, a daughter of Franklin and Lucy (Ackerson) Goucher, neither of whom are,now living. Her father was also a native of Convis township, being of pioneer descent, but her mother was born in New Jersey. Mrs. Wag- ner was educated in Battle Creek, being graduated from the high school in 1905, in the class with Mr. Wagner, and afterward taking a course of study in the Michigan Business College. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have one child, Alice Belden Wagner, who was born at Battle Creek, July 24, 1911.
DE WITT C. ADDINGTON, M. D. Distinguished as one of the pioneer physicians of Calhoun county, De Witt C. Addington, M. D., was for nearly half a century actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Battle Creek, during which time members of three generations, with- out doubt, were benefited by his medical skill and advice. His long and varied experience, his promptness and success in the conception and
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treatment of disease in its various phases, and his untiring devotion to his many patients, entitled him to be called the "Good Physician." He was born, December 12, 1828, in Aurora, Erie county, New York, and died at Battle Creek, Michigan, December 2, 1903.
His father, Hawkshurst Addington, a son of Hosea Addington, was born on Long Island, New York, and as a young man moved to Erie county, New York, where he became a man of prominence and influence. . He was at one time an extensive landholder, but subsequently lost a part of his property through speculating in Buffalo land. He married Hul- dah M. Abbott, who was born in Bennington, Vermont, a daughter of Seth Abbott, who was a worthy representative of an honored New Eng- land family, and both he and his wife spent their later years in Erie county.
Receiving his elementary education in the public schools of his na- tive county, De Witt C. Addington continued his studies for a time at an academy in Buffalo, New York, and from the age of eighteen years until twenty-two years old, taught school, after which he served as township superintendent of schools. He then entered the office of Drs. Nott and Prindle, the leading physicians of Erie county, who wisely directed his reading for three years. He subsequently attended a course of lectures at the Buffalo Medical College, and when through; at the solicitation of his father, who had a very extensive and practical knowledge of indi- genous plants and their uses, entered the office of Dr. Blakely, a promi- nent botanical physician, with whom he remained three years. Having spent seven years in preparing for his profession, Dr. Addington was engaged in the practice of medicine in his native county four years, and was afterwards located at Mckean, Erie county, Pennsylvania, for two years, meeting with good success in both places.
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