USA > Michigan > Ionia County > History of Ionia County, Michigan : her people, industries and institutions, Volume II > Part 4
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James Dorin was born in London, Ontario, in May, 1841, and came to Michigan with his parents in 1854, he then being about thirteen years old. lle grew up on the homestead farm and in 1861, when twenty years oldl. married his neighbor, Elizabeth Johnson, who was born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1845, and who was about six years old when her parents settled on a farm in Lyons township in 1851, where she lived until her marriage to James Dorin, she then being in her sixteenth year. James Dorin and his wife
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started life together on a small farm and there they reared their family. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom nine are now living, namely: Mary, wife of Richard Clark, of Arkansas; Frank, a farmer of Lyons township, this county: Fred, who is living in California; Grace, wife of James Roberts, of Ithaca, this state; Ellis W., the subject of this sketch ; Guy, a farmer of Orange township, this county; Flora, wife of Charles Morse, also of Orange township; Lavina, wife of Jesse Gurnsey, of lonia township, this county, and Susan, wife of Donald Bradley, of North Plains township, this county. The mother of these children died in 1885.
Ellis W. Dorin was reared on the paternal farm in Lyons township and received his early schooling in the district school in the neighborhood of his home. He was about fourteen years old when his mother died and after that he started out working for himself, a portion of his wages going to the support of the family, for his father had a large family of little children and was not too well circumstanced at that time. On November 20, 1895, Mr. Dorin was united in marriage to Gertrude Crane, who was born in Portland township. this county, in 1874, and who had grown to womanhood on a farm in the neighborhood of the Dorin farm in Lyons township. After their marriage Ellis W. Dorin and wife established a home on a farmi in Portland township, where they lived until 1906, in which year they sold the farm and moved over into Sebawa township, where they bought the old Brown farm and there have made their home ever since. In addition to his general farming Mr. Dorin has given much attention to the raising of pure- bred live stock and his Holstein cattle and Percheron horses have a wide reputation in the neighborhood. His herd of Holsteins is headed by "Ypsiland Major De Kol 89700" and his Percheron sire is "Comet 99613." his stock thus being kept up to high grade. Mr. Dorin is a Democrat and for years has been looked upon as one of the leaders of that party in his part of the county. He is now serving as justice of the peace in and for Sebawa township and in other ways has done his part in local governmental affairs.
To Ellis W. and Gertrude ( Crane) Dorin four children have been born : Josephine, a graduate of the Sunfield high school; Kenneth, a valuable assist- ant to his father on the home farm; Wesley, nine years old, and Elizabeth. seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Dorin are members of the Sebawa Methodist Episcopal church and take an active interest in the various beneficences of the same. Mr. Dorin is a member of Sebawa Lodge No. 351, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife formerly were members of the Daughters of Rebekah.
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IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
MRS. SAMUEL E. TUCKER.
Mrs. Samuel E. Tucker, of Saranac, this county, widow of the late Samuel E. Tucker, an honored veteran of the Civil War, who died at his home in Saranac on November 20, 1914, after having been for years one of the most active and progressive citizens of that neighborhood, is a daugh- ter of David and Eliza (Goodnow ) Livermore, pioneers of this section of Michigan.
David Livermore was born in the state of Vermont and Eliza Good- now was born in New York state. They were married in the latter state and in 1835 came to Michigan, locating at Shelby, in Macomb county, later moving onto a farm in the Mt. Clemens neighborhood in Clinton township, that same county, where David Livermore died nineteen years later. His widow then sold her farm in Macomb county and in 1865 came to Ionia county, where she spent. the remainder of her life. She died in August, 1899. David Livermore and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom but two now survive, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Elias Livermore, who is a resident of Macomb county. Another brother. Leman S. Livermore, a veteran of the Civil War, died on December 30, 1915.
It was on March 30, 1869, about four years after she came to this county with her mother, that the subject of this biographical sketch was united in marriage to Samuel E. Tucker, a veteran of the Civil War, who had come to this state from the East at the close of the war. Samuel E. Tucker was a native of Vermont, but was reared in New Hampshire. In June, 1862, he enlisted for service during the Civil War in the Ninth Regi- ment, New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command until the close of the war. Mr. Tucker became the owner of a quarter of a section of land in the southern part of Boston township. this county, and prospered in his farming operations, coming to be recognized as one of the most substantial and influential farmers in that neighborhood. In addi- tion to his general farming he gave much attention to the growing of fruit and organized the produce business at Saranac, now operated by the Saranac Produce Company. He also was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Saranac and was one of the directors of the same, the stock he held in the bank now being owned by his widow, who also continues to hok the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Boston township. In 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Tucker retired from the farm and moved to Saranac, where Mr. Tucker died on November 20, 1914. He was a Democrat and ever gave close atten-
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tion to local political affairs, but was not an office seeker. He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic and for many years took a warm interest in the affairs of that patriotic organization. Mrs. Tucker is a member of the Relief Corps.
To Samuel E. Tucker and wife ten children were born, of whom eight are still living, as follow : Nina. wife of William Lavander: Emma, wife of Herman Vanderhoff : George, who married Mary Rollands; John J., who married Minnie Chapman: Newell, who married Hester Jackson; Ernest. who married Mabel Jordon: Samuel E., who married Rosa Roth, and Lucinda E .. wife of Herbert Courter
CORTLAND SMITH.
Cortland Smith, well-known farmer and stock breeder, proprietor of the "Brookside Stock Farm" on rural route No. 1, out of Grand Ledge, in Danby township, this county. is a native of Ohio, but has been a resident of lonia county since he was ten years old. He was born in Erie county, Ohio, De- cember 16. 1855, son of A. M. and Eliza A. (Tingue ) Smith, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York state, who were married in Erie county, where they lived until the spring of 1866, when they came to Michigan with their family and located in Danby township, this county. arriving there on April 23 of that year. Mr. Smith bought a farm in Danby township and there spent the rest of his life, his death occuring in 1882. His widow survived him ten years, her death occurring in 1892. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom but four are now living. those besides the subject of this sketch being as follow: Isabelle, wife of James J. Pike, of Grand Ledge. Eaton county: Darwin C., of Detroit, this state, and Celestia, wife of Joseph Astley, of Lansing, this state.
Cortland Smith was about ten years old when he came to this county with his parents and his schooling was completed in the district school in the neighborhood of his new home, attending there until he was eighteen years of age, after which he entered seriously upon the life of a farmer, and at the age of twenty-one began clearing a place for himself. He married Sylvia Il. Peake, a neighbor girl, who was born in Danby township in 1858. daughter of G. W. and Betsey ( Macumber ) Peake, carly settlers of that township. and established his home on the farm of sixty acres long known as "Brook- side Stock Farm," six miles west and two miles north of Grand Lodge, where
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he ever since had made his home and where he has been very successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Smith for years has given special attention to the breeding of registered stock and has made a specialty of Percheron horses, Holstein and Durham cattle and Poland China swine, all his stock being of high grade. He is the owner of the locally well-known Percheron sire, "Victor 56636," and the equally well-known Durham bull, "Corndyke," both of which animals are fine favorites among the farmers of this section. All of Mr. Smith's extensive stable of Percherons are registered and it is undoubted that he has done much toward improving the strain of horseflesh in the southeastern part of the county and throughout the adjacent sections of neighboring counties. "Brookside Stock Farm" is a well-kept place, and is admirably improved, the proprietor being an up-to-date farmer who believes in having things shipshape about him. Mr. Smith is a Demo- crat and gives his earnest attention to local political affairs. He has served his home district as overseer of highways and as a director of schools and in other ways has done well his part as a good citizen.
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith two children have been born, Frank, who died. aged three years, and a daughter, Carrie L., born on March 27, 1878, a graduate of the Portland high school and a well-known music teacher, who married Eugene Lyon, also of Danby township. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a very pleasant home and take a proper part in the social activities of their home neighborhood.
WILLIAM FISHELL.
Farming has been both a pleasant and profitable vocation for William Fishell of Danby township, lonia county. He was born in Genesee county, New York, June 26, 1865, and is a son of Joseph L. and Nancy ( Van Buren ) Fishell, both natives of the state of New York, where they grew up and married and resided there until the spring of 1874. when they came to lonia county, Michigan, locating in Danby township, where they lived until 1903 or until the death of the father, which occurred in that year. His widow survives at an advanced age and still makes her home in Dauby township. Their family consisted of four children, namely: William, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth is the wife of 1. Rice; Mary is the wife of Edward Sprague ; Ettie is the wife of Harvey Rice.
William Fishell was eight years old when he came to lonia county with his parents, and here he grew to manhood on the farm, where he worked dur-
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ing crop seasons, and in the winter time attended the district schools until he was twenty-one years of age when he started out for himself, hiring out one year as a farm hand. He has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising and is now owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty- seven acres, which he purchased with his own earnings, starting without a dollar. He not only cultivates his own place in an excellent manner but farms in all three hundred and twenty-seven acres, also raises considerable live stock and operates a small dairy, keeping from fifteen to twenty cows. For a number of years he was a breeder of Chester White hogs. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished unaided and in the face of obstacles that would have discouraged many men.
William Fishell was married. August 5. 1885, to Effie Sprague, who was born in Ionia, Michigan, where she was reared and attended school. To this union two children have been born, namely: Gertrude, who received her education in the public schools and the Portland high school, and Roy. They are both at home.
Politically, Mr. Fishell is a Democrat and is more or less active in local public affairs always interested in the betterment of his community. He has served as a member of the school board in his district and also as highway commissioner.
CHARLES H. PRYER.
That Charles H. Pryer of Danby township, lonia county, is an enthu- siastic farmer is indicated by the excellent condition his place is in-everything indicating good management and thrift. He was born in the above named township and county, December 16, 1852, and is a son of Thomas and Cor- nelia ( Phillips) Pryer. His father was born, September 23, 1820, in New York City, at the corner of Cherry and Peach streets. His mother was also a native of that city, and there they grew to maturity, attended school and were married. When a young man, Thomas Pryer learned the cabinet- maker's trade. He finally removed to Michigan, locating on a farm in Danby township. After spending two years here they returned to New York, Mrs. Pryer tiring of the lonely life of the frontier, and they remained in the metropolis for two years then returned to their farm in lonia county, where they lived until toward the latter part of his life, when he retired and located in the town of Portland, where his death occurred. his widow sur- viving several years longer. Thomas Pryer started out with nothing, but he
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was a hard worker and when he died owned an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was an honest and friendly neighbor, just in his dealings with everyone. His wife belonged to the Methodist Episco- pal church. He was a member of the Grange. Politically, he was a Republi- can, and he was active in the affairs of his community, serving some time as highway commissioner also treasurer of Danby township. His family consisted of seven children, five of whom survive in 1916, namely: Emily is the widow of George Van Buren: William H. is farming in Danby township; Charles H., of this sketch: Sylvester is also engaged in farming in Danby township; Frank W. is operating a farm in Danby township.
Charles H. Pryer was reared on the farm where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools. He remained on the homestead until he was twenty-one years old. When young he learned the blacksmith's trade, but chose farming for a livelihood, and he has been successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and owns a well improved and productive farm in Danby township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. After his marriage he worked rented land for twelve years.
Mr. Pryer was married in 1879 to Acelia C. Barnard, a daughter of Levi Barnard, who was an early settler in Orange township, lonia county, where Mrs. Pryer grew to womanhood and attended school. Her mother before marriage was Mary A. Page.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pryer one child has been born, Raymond H. Pryer. whose birth occurred August 6, 1889. He was graduated from the common schools of Danby township. He is unmarried and lives at home, assisting his father with the work on the farm.
Politically, Mr. Pryer is a Republican, but he has never been very active in public affairs.
PROF. HARVEY H. LOWREY.
Prof. Harvey II. Lowrey, commissioner of schools for lonia county since the year 1905, is a native son of this county, having been born on a farm in Berlin township, August 14, 1878, son of Ebenezer N. and Carrie Gertrude ( Thomas) Lowrey. the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Canada, pioneer residents of this county, for many years accounted among the best-known citizens of Berlin township.
Ebenezer N. Lowrey is the son of Norton Lowrey, one of the earliest and foremost pioneers of the central part of this county. Norton Lowrey was reared in Ohio on a farm and married there, he and his wife becoming
PROF. HARVEY HL. LOWREY.
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IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the parents of five children, the eldest of whom, Archibald, was killed while serving as a Union soldier in the battle of Stone's River, Tennessee; the others being John C., Ebenezer N., Serona and Jennie. The mother of these children died in Ohio and Norton Lowrey emigrated with his children to Michigan, settling in Berlin township, this county, where he married Mrs. Mary ( Hawley ) Thomas, to which union one son was born, Abram P., commonly known as Pratt Lowrey. Ebenezer Lowrey was a well-grown boy when he came to this county from Ohio with his father and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Berlin township. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth Regiment, Michigan Volun- teer Infantry, and was mustered out with his regiment at the close of the war with the rank of corporal. He was in thirty-nine battles of the war, from the second battle of Bull Run to the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox, and received several wounds, though none of a serious char- acter. the only one which permanently affected him having been a bullet wound in the right shoulder. which made a "left-handed" man of him. He also received a nasty wound in the neck.
.At the close of the war Ebenezer N. Lowrey returned home and resumed his place on the farm. Not long thereafter he married Carrie Ger- trude Thomas, who was born in Canada, daughter of John and Mary ( Hawley ) Thomas, both natives of Canada, where the former died, leaving four daughters, Carrie Gertrude, Emma, Libbie and Hattie, after which his widow came to Michigan with her daughters, settling in this county, where she married Norton Lowrey. After his marriage, Ebenezer N. Lowrey began farming on his own account, first buying a tract of eighty acres, which he cleared and largely improved. He later added to this tract by the pur- chase of an adjoining "forty" and as he prospered bought an additional tract of one hundred and twenty acres, being now the owner of two hun- (red and forty acres and considered one of the most substantial farmers in his neighborhood.
To Ebenzer V. and Carrie Gertrude ( Thomas) Lowrey nine children have been born, as follow: Willard T., who is now living in the state of Washington: Carl J., of Berlin township, this county: Roy R., of Boston township; Harvey H., of Saranac, this county, the subject of this sketch: Ed. M., present sheriff of Tonia county: Earl E., of Berlin township, living on the old home farm: Hazel J., at home, and two who died in infancy.
Harvey H. Lowrey was reared on the home farm in Berlin township. this county, receiving his elementary education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home, after which he entered the high school at Sara-
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nac. from which he was graduated in 1896. Ile then began teaching school and ever since has been engaged in educational work, during which time he has become one of the best-known educators in central Michigan. In order further to equip himself for the profession of teaching, Mr. Lowrey entered Ferris Institute at Big Rapids and was a student in that popular institution for six terms. He later entered the Central State Normal at Mt. Pleasant, from which he was graduated in 1907, and in which scholastic institution he taught during five summer terms. He later took a special course of one term at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. meanwhile continuing his work as a teacher, and was superintendent of the schools at Pewamo when he was appointed. in 1905. to fill a vacancy in the office of county commissioner of schools. In April, 1907. he was formally elected to that important office and has been twice re-elected. now serving virtually his fourth term, during all of which time he has given his best and most intelli- gent thought to the administration of the affairs of the office.
As head of the schools of lonia county, Professor Lowrey has greatly increased the number of rural eighth-grade graduates each year and the increased efficiency in teaching, upon which he constantly has insisted, has made it possible for these pupils to enter any high school in Michigan with- out examination. Professor Lowrey is a regular and interested visitor in the school rooms of the county and these visits often have been a real help to both teachers and pupils. He has assisted the school boards to maintain county uniformity of text-books: has helped to make the directors' annual reports among the best in the state: organized the system of school officers' meetings three years before the present state law made such meetings man- datory; helped organize in Ionia county the second boys' agricultural club organized in the state and is now working with the boards of education to have ten standard schools in this county, which may be increased to twice that muuber before the end of the year. Professor Lowrey has been economical in the administration of the affairs of his office, an instance of which fact may be cited in connection with the work of the truancy depart- ment, it costing this county but little more than one hundred and sixty dollars a year to conduct the same, whereas in other counties of the size of tonia it has cost as high as one thousand dollars a year to look after the truants. He is held in high regard among the educators of the state and is recognized as a leader in the state teachers' meetings, this county being generally considered as one of the best from an educational standpoint in the state. He has also served on the Michigan State Teachers and Pupils Reading Circle boards.
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On August 10, 1800. Harvey H. Lowrey was united in marriage to Evelyn G. Curtiss, who also was born in Berlin township. this county, daughter of Sheldon R. and Abigail N. (Barnard ) Curtiss. the former a native of Ohio, born near Akron. in that state, and the latter of New York. born in Cattaraugus county, that state, for years prominent residents of Ionia county and the parents of seven children, Rosa, Lillie, Arthur, Della, Gilbert, Edith and Evelyn G.
To Harvey H. and Evelyn G. (Curtiss) Lowrey two children have been born, Maurine Margaret and Elaine Rosalyn. Mr. and Mrs. Lowrey are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Saranac, which is their place of residence, and take a proper part in all worthy movements designed to advance the best interests of their community, being held in high esteem by their many friends thereabout and throughout the county gen- erally. Professor Lowrey is a Republican and has for years given his thoughtful and intelligent attention to the political affairs of the county, ever an earnest and consistent advocate of the principles of good government. He is a member of Boston Lodge No. 146. Free and Accepted Masons, at Saranac, and of Saranac Lodge No. 168, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, while both he and Mrs. Lowrey are members of Valley Chapter No. 175. Order of the Eastern Star, at Saranac, in the affairs of which they take a warm interest.
JOHN C. BUTLER.
John C. Butler, well-known farmer and live stock breeder and proprietor of "Nutwood Stock Farm," in Danby township, is one of the worthy citizens of Ionia county, deserving of recognition in this work. He was born at Portland, Michigan, May 8. 1869, and is a son of John and Nancy ( Smith ) Butler. The mother was born in Ohio, from which state she came to Eaton county, Michigan, when a girl, where she grew up and married.
John C. Butler was reared on the home farm and received a practical education in the district schools, and when only eleven years old he was thrown upon his own resources. He worked on the farm in the summer and at- tended school in the winter until he was nineteen. He taught school for five years in lonia and Clinton counties, continuing his studies the mean- while, and later spent a year in the Michigan Agricultural College, then took up farming on the place he now owns, starting out with only forty acres, but by good management, the exercise of sound judgment, and close application
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he prospered and is now owner of a well-improved and productive farm of htree hundred and seventy acres. He has a pleasant home and numerous substantial outbuildings. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. Soon after starting out he began breeding registered Poland China hogs, later Shorthorn and Jersey cattle, and is now specializing in Holstein cattle, Percheron horses and the above-named breed of hogs, in which he has been especially successful. He is an excellent judge of all kinds of live stock and no small portion of his annual income is derived from this department of his business. Everything about his place denotes good taste and good management and it is a pleasure to visit his well-kept farm. His farm is in an excellent location, three miles southeast of Portland.
Mr. Butler was married to Nellie Wilcox, who was born in Jackson county. Michigan. Her parents brought her to fonia county when she was a young girl and here she grew to womanhood and received her education in the public schools and the Portland high school. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have two children, namely: Hammer, who is twenty-two years old; he at- tended the Portland public and high schools and the Michigan Agricultural College, and is now assisting with the management of the home farm: he married Flaudie Fleck. of Mecosta, Michigan, and they have two children. Doris E., the other chikl, is now eight years old.
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