USA > Michigan > Cass County > History of Cass county, Michigan > Part 89
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CLERKS.
Ephraim Hyatt. 1843; Ephraim Hyatt, 1844; O. C. Lumbard, 1845; O. C. Lumbard, 1846; William L. Wolfe, 1847 ; Henry McQuigg, 1848; Henry Mc- Quigg, 1849; Henry McQuigg, 1850; O. Blanchard, 1851; O. Blanchard, 1852; J. B. Lutes, 1853; J. B. Lutes, 1854; William L. Wolfe, 1855; J. B. Lutes, 1856; J. M. Lutes, 1857 ; W. O. Matthews, 1858; W. O. Matthews, 1859; H. Dykeman, 1860; J. B. Lutes, 1861; H. J. Ohls, 1862; C. (. Vose, 1863; C. O. Vose, 1864; C. O. Vose, 1865 ; Gideon Beebe, 1866; C. O. Vose, 1867 ; H. J. Ohls, 1868; H. J. Ohls, 1869; H. J. Ohls, 1870; H. J. Ohls, 1871; G. M. D. Clemment, 1872; H. J. Ohls, 1873; H. J. Ohls, 1874; S. D. Perry, 1875 ; S. D. Perry, 1876 ; H. C. Lambert, 1877 ; L. J. Hoising- ton, 1878; L. J. Hoisington, 1879; A. M. Moon, 1880; H. C. Lambert, 1881.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE W. JONES.
Some inen adapt themselves to circumstances and others boldly push forward and make their own, and of this latter class is George W. Jones, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 3, 1824, and is the son
of Henry and Hannah Jones. He came with his parents to Cass County in the fall of 1830, and settled on Young's Prairie, where he grew to manhood estate with little to note other than what befalls the usual lot of pioneer farmers' sons. In the spring of 1849, the golden fields of California attracted him thither- ward, and he turned his attention to mining. In about two years, learning that unless extraordinary efforts were put forth, his father's valuable estate of 900 acres would be lost, he returned home with a. firm determination to do his share toward saving it. Six weeks after his return, his father died, leaving on his shoulders the weight of the business, he being ap- pointed administrator. Good financiers said the estate could never pay its debts, but nothing daunted, he set himself to work, and with the assistance of two younger brothers, F. H. and J. G. Jones, after a term of eleven years, by good financiering, economy and labor, was enabled to divide $22,000 among the cleven heirs. Having bought out some of the other heirs, he erected on the farm the present fine residence of his brother, Jesse G., to whom he disposed of the property.
Two years subsequent to this he, in company with Orson Rudd, purchased 207 acres, on which is now located the village of Wakelee, and now owns three- fourths of the original purchase.
It was at this time that his wisdom and foresight was brought into requisition, for following the line of the railroad with a prophetic eye, he concluded that, for its location, the place where Marcellus now stands was an eligible site for a village, he accordingly pur- chased 211 acres, at what was then considered an extravagant price, $13,000, and in 1868 commenced to lay out a village, and with what success the reader can learn by perusing the history of Marcellus Village.
About four years since, becoming impressed with the fact that his protege, the village of Marcellus, needed a bank, he, without any knowledge of the intricacies of the business, immediately opened up one with his son, C. S. Jones, as cashier, and he has been successful beyond his most sanguine expectations. In fact, success seems to crown his every effort, for, in addi- tion to industry and perseverance, he is possessed of fine business and executive ability. Mr. Jones mentions among his friends and advisors W. G. Beck with, Judge A. J. Smith and others, but more especially Asa Kingsbury. December 28, 1853, he married Emma B., daughter of E. B. Sherman, of Cassopolis, who deceased November 20, 1870, and by whom he had two sons-Frank S. and Carroll S. March 15, 1876. he was united in marriage with Lizzie Osborn, and they have been blessed with two children-Henry B., Vera Mary.
RESIDENCE OF ABIJAH HUYCK, MARCELLUS, MICH.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY. MICHIGAN.
ABIJAH HUYCK.
John Huyck was born in the State of New York September 27, 1783, and deceased in Marcellus Sep- tember 15, 1881. He emigrated to Ohio, and from thence to Lana vee County, Mich., in 1826, and ten years later came to Nicholsville, Cass County, where he labored for about three years in running a mill erected by Alexander Copley. May 3, 1836, he entered 160 acres of land in Marcellus Township, to which there was no road, and he and his sons, who com- menced almost immediately to improve it, followed an Indian trail to their new home, where a rude log house was erected, a small spot of land cleared, and one hundred apple-trees set out. Mr. Huyck believ- ing in the early introduction of fruit trees. The township at this time had only three other resident families. Mr. Huyck and his wife, Mary Christie, who was born August 11, 1792, and deceased May 27, 1854, were the parents of ten children, eight of whom accompanied them to this section of the coun- try. Their names are as follows : Richard J., who resides in Volinia ; Catherine A., in Iowa; Eveline and Delia, in Manistee ; Norman, in Missouri ; William F. and Rosetta, who are deceased ; Edward, George O. and Abijah, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Delaware County, N. Y., October 18, 1818. Abi- jah, who was the eldest son at home, worked for his father until twenty-six years of age, as the family was large, and his services needed, which mark of filial duty is characteristic of the man. Two years later, when in his twenty-eighth year, and $200 in debt, he borrowed $25 and entered forty acres of land, and commenced the laborious task of clearing it up, and he can date his success in life from this starting- point. Although of slight physique, he was endowed by nature with unusual vitality, and has labored not only hard, but incessantly. Whennot working on the farm, through the long winter days, for twenty five years he engaged in coopering, and no matter what pleasure or recreation he indulged in, the time spent was always carned in advance in the cooper shop by overwork, it being one of his principles to waste no time.
In 1862, he erected a saw-mill on the Big Creek in Section 29, and gave considerable attention to the lumber business for a number of years. Notwith- standing his other enterprises, he paid much attention to agriculture, and the small farm of forty acres in- creased year by year until at one time he possessed 487 acres of land, and at the present time has one of the best farms in the township, and a commodious farm house with suitable barns. A view of his residence will be found on another page. Mr. Huyck, who is
the oldest pioneer now living in his township, enjoys the reputation of being a thorough business man, and among the best and most liberal farmers in the coun- ty. He has always taken a deep interest in educa- tional affairs of his township, and donated liberally to the building of the first schoolhouse. Mr. Huyck is a great lover of the manly sport of hunting, and in his early youth and manhood had ample opportunity to indulge in this sport, the woods being filled with game, and for fifteen years, from the first of October up to the holidays, he killed no less than seventy-five and as high as a hundred deer. He was accounted the best shot in the county, and his presence at a shooting match, once a great source of amusement among the people, was the signal for the death of nu- merous turkeys, he shooting from forty to 100 rods without rest. As a consequence, his rifle was always in demand, and in fifteen years he sold fourteen rifles to anxious purchasers.
He was united in marriage December 5, 1847, to Sila Christie, and is the father of seven children, as follows : Mary S., John E., Arthur W., Alice A., Herbert A., Ernest W. and Mabel.
WARREN O. MATTHEWS.
Warren O. Matthews was born in Penfield Town- ship, Monroe County, N. Y., May 7, 1822, and is the son of Jabez and Elenor (Finley). His father died when he was but eight years of age, and his mother soon thereafter opened a boarding house to ob- tain money with which to support her family of three children, to whom she was devoted. She, having married again in 1832, came to the State of Ohio, Huron County, Township of Milan, and Warren O. accompanied her and his step-father to Michigan in 1837, and they settled in Porter Township, Van Buren County, and here it was at sixteen years of age that he completed his education in a log schoolhouse. His education up to this time had been confined to what he could Icarn during the winter months, for, owing to the straitened circumstances of the family, he was obliged to work on a farm during the summer. Being of a naturally robust constitution, his early labors eminently fitted him for his new home in the Western woods, where hard labor was necessary even to an existence. The wages at this time were only 50 cents per day, and being ambitious and unusually skillful with an ax, he soon commenced the laborious but more remunerative task of clearing land by the job, and was so successful that before attaining his majority he purchased forty acres, which was in turn cleared and disposed of to advantage. Eighty acres of wild land was next purchased and cleared up for a home,and no one knows better than Mr. Matthews
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the labor incident to this undertaking. In 1855, he purchased 120 acres in Section 1, Marcellus Town- ship, which he still retains, although a resident of the village. Naturally very public spirited, when the project of the Peninsular, now Grand Trunk, Railroad was proposed, its managers found in him a stanch supporter and hearty worker. He never ceased his labors until the road was a de facto, and then was appointed the first Station Agent, and subsequently the first Express Agent in this place, and is now filling the responsible position of Postmaster. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, he has been Treas- urer of Marcellus Lodge, No. 292, since its organiza- tion, and one of the board since Marcellus been in- corporated as a village. Plain and unpretentious in style and manner, Mr. Matthews can be relied upon at all times, and has always filled with honor to him- self and constituents the different positions to which he has been elevated. July 4, 1844, he married . Emily Wood, by whom he had four children - Lyman, William, Selenda and Eliza. Her death oc- curred January 3, 1864, and November 1, 1864, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Tisdale, and two children have blessed their union-Wallace O. and Stella B.
JOHN C. BRADT.
Cornelius J. Bradt and his wife, Margaret ( Veeder), were both born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenec- tady County, N. Y., and moved to the town of Cas- tile, Wyoming County, of that State. where their son, John C. Bradt, the subject of this sketch, was born October 23, 1824. Although both his parents were born in this country, the Bradt family can trace their ancestry back to Holland. Mrs. Margaret Bradt deceased in 1871, while her husband, Cornelius J., departed this life March 3, 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
J. C. Bradt's opportunity for acquiring an educa- tion was limited to district schools during the winter months. After attaining the age of eleven years, ex- cept thirty-eight months, which time was consumed in attending a select school at Perry, Nunda Literary Institute and the Seminary at Lima ; but being of a studious nature, every opportunity for self-culture has been seized with avidity, and they were very consider- able during the next fourteen years, in which he was engaged in school teaching during the winter season, so that he is now in possession of an extensive fund of information.
He next turned his attention to merchandising, but one year as a clerk demonstrated the fact that it was not congenial employment, and having gathered to- gether his worldly possessions, amounting to $800, he in 1856 came to Michigan, and purchased his present
farm in Marcellus, when in a state of nature, and since then has devoted most of his attention to farm- ing, and has been very successful in his chosen occu- pation, his property being the result of his own indus- try. He is a man of keen perception, quick appre- hension and sterling worth, and these qualities have been fittingly acknowledged by the people of the township, who have elected him to the offices of Path- master, School Inspector and Supervisor, and by the people of the county, who elected him to fill the office of County Surveyor. Mr. Bradt did not suc- cumb to the fascinating wiles of the fair sex until he had attained the age of forty years, when he, on August 17, 1865, met his fate in the person of Miss Elmina Blakeslee, who was born in Perry, Wyoming County, in 1834.
They have been blessed with one child, Charles J., and are now together enjoying the confidence and esteem of the community in which they reside. Mr. Bradt's religious affiliations are with the Baptist de- nomination.
JOHN SAVAGE.
The progenitor of the Savage family, in this coun- try, was an officer in the army of Gen. Wolfe, who came to America about 1758. He took part in the battle of Quebec, and shortly after that event emi- grated to Massachusetts, settling near Salem, where Daniel Savage, the father of John, the immediate subject of this memoir, was born. But little is known of his history further than that he was a typical pioneer, hale, hearty and resolute even in his old age. He was married, in Salem, to a Miss Parish, and it was here that our subject was born, June 1, 1788. About 1800, the family separated, a portion of them removing to Virginia, while the remainder emigrated to the State of New York, the family of Daniel set- tling in Washington County, where they remained until about 1808, when they removed to Camillus, Onondaga County, which, at this time, was on the ex- treme frontier. John was at this time in the prime of his early manhood, and well fitted for the arduous duties incident to the settlement of such a forbidding country, and well prepared to undergo the severe privations and hardships of pioneer life, in a region so far removed from civilization. Some idea can be formed of their sufferings from the fact that during the first year of their residence there, over fifty heads of families died. During the war of 1812, when an invasion by the British was threatened, he, with others, hastened to Sackett's Harbor and Oswego, to defend the frontier. In July of 1812, he was mar- ried to Miss Laura Patch, by whom he had two sons -Harrison H. and Lewis. Shortly after the birth of the second son, Mrs. Savage died, and in 1821 he
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
was again married to Miss Hannah Skinner, who was born in Vermont in November of 1803. She was a lady of remarkable beauty, and possessed of many ennobling traits of character. Mr. Savage resided in Onondaga several years after his last marriage, and was engaged in farming and at his trade-that of a cooper. From Onondaga he removed to Wayne County, N. Y., and from thence to Ohio, where he remained until 1840, when he emigrated with his family to Cass County. He purchased a farm on Section 28, in the township of Marcel- lus, where he was also a pioneer, the first settle- ments having been made only some three or four years previous. After a residence of sixteen years, during which time he became closely identified with all the varied interests of the township, he removed to Cassopolis, but village life was not congenial, and he yearned for the associations of farm life, and the society of his children and neighbors, and he returned to Marcellus, where he died at the home of his son- in-law, Christopher Patrick, in November of 1878, " full of days and honor." His wife died in Janu- ary of 1881. Mr. Savage was a pioneer in the fullest and strictest sense of the term. Born in a new country, and being so well qualified, both mentally and physically, for pioneer life, he became one of that band of adventurous characters who preceded civiliza- tion in its westward march. He was a man of great natural ability. His youth and early manhood were passed far beyond the limits of educational opportuni- ties, but this deficiency was more than made up in after years, by extended reading and close observation, aided by the possession of an extraordinary memory. He was well versed in history, both civil and political, and it is said that he was able to give from memory, with remarkable accuracy, all of the important events in America's history. He was possessed of a large fund of general information, and in many things was re- garded as an oracle. His physical, moral and intel- lectual powers were harmoniously blended, and he retained them in full perfection to the last. He was a man of noble impulses, and with that innate sense of right that made his name a synonym for integrity and generosity. His social qualities were marked, and, perhaps, no one stood higher in public esteem than he.
As before stated, he was twice married, first, to Miss Laura Patch, of Camillus, N. Y. By this union there were two children-Lewis and Harrison H., the former of whom, at the time of his death, was a resident of Oregon, where, by superior ability, he had attained prominence in many ways. He was a prom- inent member of the State Senate from 1872 to 1874. The latter is a resident of Junction City, Kansas.
By the second marriage there were thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy. The remaining ten grew to maturity, and death did not again invade the family circle until March, 1863, when Henry, the second son, was killed at the battle of Spring Hill. Three other sons-John, George and Frank-did honor to the family name in the war of the rebellion. With the exception of two daughters-Laura and Elizabeth, deceased (the former in Minnesota and the latter in Michigan)-all of the family are living, among whom are George and Frank, prominent farm- ers of Marcellus.
HENLEY W. BLY.
The history of Marcellus would be incomplete without a sketch of Henley W. Bly, one of the pio- neers who has gone to his long rest. He was born in the State of Rhode Island, July 29, 1812, and moved from there to Greene, Chenango County, N. Y., where he learned the harness-maker's trade. Thinking a change of location desirable, he moved to Manchester, Ontario County, in the same State, andthere, in addition to his trade, he devoted considerable attention to law practice. Although not a regular practitioner, by due diligence he became possessed of much legal lore, and Manchester being but six miles from Canandaigua, Mr. now Senator Lapham, Mark H. Sibley and Mr. Wil- son, all attorneys of the latter place, intrusted much business to his care, and he became conversant with the law practice of that State.
While a resident here, in 1840, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Cook.
From Manchester they moved to Royalton, N. Y., and two years later, in 1852, came to Michigan and purchased land in Marcellus Township, which was almost in a state of nature, and here he applied him- self assiduously to the task of clearing up and im- proving a wild farm, although laboring under physi- cal embarrassment, for, while young, an overdose of calomel so afflicted him that he was quite lame. Here it was that the true heroism of his wife displayed itself, for, although reared in luxury, she adapted her- self to existing circumstances and did not disdain to assist in outdoor work in order that they might suc- ceed, and it is conceded that she did her part faith- fully and well. With such a wife, and fine business management on his part, it is no wonder that success crowned their efforts and that he became one of the most wealthy and extensive land owners and dealers in the township, and his farm buildings among the best.
For a long time after coming to the township, it possessed no attorney and did much legal business, and in addition, although a Democrat, and this a
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Republican township, he served in the elective office of Justice of the Peace for twenty-six years. He was a man of public spirit and was always ready to encourage public enterprises, and as an illustration, not only gave $500, but the right of way across his farm, to the railroad that passes through this township.
May 21, 1869, he mourned the death of his loved companion, and January 16, 1871, he filled the vacancy in his home by a marriage with Miss Nellie Cook, a sister of his first wife, who is a most estima- ble and highly esteemed lady and who now resides in Marcellus, in widowhood, Mr. Bly having deceased January 6, 1877, leaving no children.
ROSWELL R. BEEBE.
The subject of this sketch, Roswell R. Beebe, was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne County, Penn., Novem- ber 3, 1806, and was the sixth child of the eight chil- dren of Gideon and Lina Beebe, both natives of Con- necticut. In 1821, he removed with his parents to Huron County, Ohio, and there learned the mason's trade, which he followed until coming to Marcellus 'Township in 1848, and locating on Section 1. By patient industry and economy he has succeeded in ac- cumulating a competency, and for the last six years has been a resident of Marcellus, where he is enjoy- ing the fruits of a well-spent though uneventful life, sur- rounded by his family. Although a stanch Republican, he has taken no active part in politics, preferring the quiet of home life to the active scenes of political warfare. January 29, 1832, he married Pamelia Latham, by whom he had four children, viz .: Gideon, Sally, Emory and Bruce. The second and third are deceased. Mrs. Beebe died September 11, 1840, and October 14, 1841, Mr. Beebe married Mary Young, and the fruits of their union have been four children, two of whom, Byron R. and Weltha, reached man- hood's estate. Mrs. Beebe has performed well her part in life's labors and is entitled to credit therefor. During their pioneer days, she cheerfully responded to the many calls for assistance, and her cheerful pres- ence at the bedside of those prostrated by disease was most highly valued, she being known by the affec- tionate title of Aunt Mary by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MASON.
Why not setiled earlier-Elam Beardsley the First Settler-Sad deatlı of Darius Beardsley-The Ross Family-JJotham Curtis-The MINI- ers-Land Entries-Erection of Mason Township-Religious- Schools-Initial Events-Civil List-Biographical.
"THERE is a peculiar felicity in bringing to light
the events of other days; of adding to the pages of history data that are almost lost to the mem- ory of man, are slowly but surely sinking into ob- livion ; of calling to the remembrance of the few now remaining the scenes of their early toil and care, in the days when they were pioneers, many years ago, and laying before the present generation the fruits of pioneer industry and enterprise.
Although in the direct line traveled by the earliest settlers who located in Ontwa and Pokagon Town- ships, they did not make Mason their home, because of the numerous attractions afforded on Beardsley's and other prairies of the county, which claimed their attention, and not until they had been all located, and, in fact, much land adjoining them taken up by actual settlers, did the first settler, Elam Beardsley, com - mence pioneer life in this township, on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 12, which place is now owned by Edward Pipher. He entered this land January 4, 1830, and moved on it this year and erected the first log cabin in the township. It was also on this farm that Mr. Beardsley, in 1830, set out the first apple-trees, which he brought from Butler County, Ohio. The Beardsleys, as elsewhere noticed, were natural frontiersmen, and Elam was no exception, for in 1834, when settlers commenced making im- provements around him, he disposed of his farm to Augustus Bird and emigrated to the far distant West. The first white child born in the township was David Beardsley, son of Darius.
In 1832, Darius Beardsley erected his humble log cabin on Section 14, on the farm now owned by Elias Minnich ; it was simple in construction, having a puncheon floor, shakes for shingles, and the capacious chimney was constructed of mud and sticks, which were used in lieu of mortar and bricks, while the back wall, or where the fire came in actual contact, was constructed of stone.
At this time, they were comparatively alone, their nearest neighbor, Elam Beardsley, residing in Section 12, the others living at Adamsville, five miles distant, and Edwardsburg, four and a half miles; but the solitude of this new country had charms for the ad- venturous pioneer, who, with thoughts on "the future, would forecast the time when fertile fields would yield ample returns for labor bestowed, and neighbors take the place of wolves, bears and deer, then to be found
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
roaming through the broad expanse of territory, at this time unclaimed by actual settlers.
But a terrible and totally unlooked-for calamity was to befall this, one of the first families in the town - ship, and cast a gloom over the adjoining settlement, in Ontwa. One cold day in the winter of 1833 when the snow was two feet deep on the level, and the wintry blasts went surging through the leafless forests, Mr. Beardsley went to Edwardsburg, the nearest trading point, after some necessities for the household, and was detained until toward the shades of evening, before starting out on foot and alone, for his solitary cabin so many miles distant, and this was the last seen of him alive. Not coming home for two or three days. the anxiety of his wife regarding his safety be- came intense, but she could not leave her small chil- dren in the depths of winter, and go in search of him, and could only wait in terrible suspense for some in- formation concerning his welfare, and it came at last, through some of their far-distant neighbors, who found him beside a tree frozen to death, only one- half mile from home and family, where he had either sat down to rest, and been unconciously wooed into death by the extreme cold, or having lost his way in the darkness of the night, giving himself over to des- pair and death, after having totally exhausted his vital energies in fruitless endeavors to reach home. The sad funeral rites were performed at Edwardsburg, to which place the family shortly after removed, where Mr. Beardsley's brother Ezra lived, he being the first settler in that section, having removed his family there in 1826, after having spent the season before in putting out some crops.
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