USA > Michigan > Ionia County > History of Ionia County, Michigan : her people, industries and institutions, Volume II > Part 49
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Raymond .\. Colwell was about five years old when his parents came to this county and he has lived here ever since. Following his graduation from the Lake Odessa high school he entered Olivet College in 1895 and remained there three years, at the end of which time he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in 1901, being admitted to the bar just prior to graduation. Thus equipped for the practice of his chosen profession Mr. Colwell re- turned home. He opened an office at Lake Odessa in 1902 and practiced there until 1912, in the meantime having served as circuit court com- missioner for about six years. In 1912 he was nominated by the Republi- cans as the candidate of that party for the office of prosecuting attorney for this county, but was defeated in the ensuing election. In December of that same year he formed a partnership with A. A. and 11. A. Ellis, of lonia, for the practice of law and moved to lonia, which has been his place of residence since then. That partnership continued until in April. 1915, since which time Mr. Colwell has been practicing alone.
On June 29, 1904, Raymond A. Colwell was united in marriage to Cora Braden, who was born in Odessa township. this county. daughter of Cyrus F. and Almire C. (Cramer) Braden, natives of this state, who now live at Lake Odessa where Mr. Braden is engaged in the life insurance business. He also owns a fine farm and is one of the substantial residents of that community. Cyrus F. Braden's parents came to this state from
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Ohio and here reared their six children, five sons and one daughter, Cyrus, Joseph. Samuel, Burrell, James and Mrs. VanHouten. Mrs. Braden's par- ents. Emanuel and Mary Ann ( Myers) Cramer, both died at Lake Odessa at advanced ages. Emanuel Cramer was a veteran of the Civil War and he and his wife were the parents of two children, Almira C. and John Fremont Cramer.
To Raymond A. and Cora ( Braden ) Colwell two children have been born, Margaret E. and Frances E. Mr. and Mrs. Colwell are active partici- pants in all worthy measures for the advancement of the interests of the community and are held in high esteem by their many friends. Mrs. Colwell is a member of the Methodist church and Mr. Colwell is a member of the Masonic lodge. the Elks lodge and the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at lonia, in the affairs of all of which popular orders he takes a warm interest.
HENRY LEE.
Henry Lee, well-known farmer of Keene township, Ionia county, Michi- gan, living in section 13, about four miles north of Saranae, was born in that same township on section 24, August 29, 1856, being a son of Hiram S. and Elvida (West ) Lee. Both Hiram and Elvida were born in New York state, where they grew to maturity, married and in 1840 came to Michigan. They located in Fonia county on land on which South Lake Odessa is now located and remained there until 1851 when they disposed of their holdings in that section and came to Keene townsha where they passed the remainder of their lives. Hiram Lee and wife were the parents of five children, but two of whom survive. Amanda is deceased, as is also Hiram N., ex-sheriff of lonia county, and Judson, supervisor of Keene township for over twelve years.
Henry Lee was reared in Keene township, receiving his education in the early schools near his home and remained with the parents until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Julia Lane, born also in Keene township on August 18. 1857. After marriage Henry Lee for a few years farmed the family homestead and later pur- chased the seventy acres on which he now makes his home. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been born two children: Amanda, born on June 13. 1878. is a graduate of the Saranac high school and is the wife of William Delk of Grand Rapids. Mabel, born on March 17. 1885, is also a graduate of
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high school and is now Mrs. Grover Bigler, her husband being a farmer of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Henry Lee is an active worker in the ranks of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, through Saranac lodge No. 168, being past grand of that body, and also a member of the grand lodge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lee are members of the Daughters of Rebekah in which body she is a past noble grand and also a member of the grand chapter. Politically, Mr. Lee gives support to the Democratic party, but has never been vitally interested in politics. He is one of the good farmers of Keene township, conducting the business of his place along approved lines and, with his wife, stands high in the estimation of the community.
THOMAS FROST.
Having worked hard and managed well during his earlier years, Thomas Frost, who has spent his active life in agricultural pursuits, is now living in retirement in the town of Portland, Ionia county, where he has been content to spend his life. He was born in Ionia county, Michigan, De- cember 6, 1848, and is a son of Isaiah G. and Mariah (Vernoy) Frost, he a native of New York city and she of New York state, and there they were married afterwards removing to Michigan, Mr. Frost entering three hundred and twenty acres from the government in Danby township. Ionia county. After living there a year he located in another part of this county and became supervisor and treasurer of his township. Later he farmed another year and was elected township treasurer, serving four years, then went into the hotel business, running the Zarby House for three years then returned to farming, in which he spent the rest of his life. He was a good citizen and a very successful man of affairs. His family consisted of four children, the subject of this sketch being the only survivor; Isaac T. died in 1916; John G. died when twenty-three years old: Sarah married Edmund Hickson and died some years ago.
Thomas Frost was reared on the home farm, where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools. When fifteen years old he left home and went to New York City, where he clerked in his uncle's store for three years, but not finding life in the metropolis entirely to his liking he returned home and resumed farm .work, becoming owner of a good farm which he managed well and kept under good improvements,
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carrying on general farming and stock raising, his place being known as "Frost Corner Farm." He has not been engaged in active work for several years.
Mr. Frost was married in 1875 to Anna Shelton, which union resulted in the birth of one child, a son, Thomas I., born June 24, 1878; he re- ceived his education in the Portland schools and is now living in Florida. He married Margaret Brice.
Mr. Frost is a Democrat, but is not active in the party. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elkks at lonia. He and his wife have been spending their winters in Florida for several years.
CHARLES A. ESTEP.
Understanding every detail of the lumber business and being a man of industrious habits, Charles A. Estep is making a decided success operat- ing a lumber yard in Portland, Ionia county, although the major portion of his active life has been devoted to farming. He was born on the parental acres in Sebewa township, this county, January 20, 1853, and is a son of William and Rebecca ( Shafner ) Estep, natives of Maryland and Ohio, re- spectively, and they were married in the latter state and they established their future home in the southern part of fonia county in Sebewa township. There they carried on farming successfully the rest of their active lives. His death occurred a number of years ago, but she is still living on the old home farm, being now in her eighty-third year. her birth having occurred in 1833. To these parents five children were born, namely: Charles A., of this sketch: Ward B., who was a soldier in the Spanish-American War, is living in the soldiers' home at Grand Rapids; Maude is the wife of Ezekiel Downing: Dora is the wife of Russell Goodmute.
Charles .\. Estep was reared on the home farm where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools and the lonia and Portland schools. When a young man he purchased a farm in his native locality on which he located at the time of his marriage, which took place in 1878. when he was united in marriage with Flora E. Kelly. who was born in Portland township, lonia county, in 1857. He remained on the farm engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising until rgor when he went to Lake Odessa and entered the lumber business (32a)
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where he remained a year, then sold out and came to Portland in 1901. pur- chasing a local lumber yard and in 1912 he bought the lumber yard near the depot, which he is still operating. It was formerly known as the Caswell yard. He owns both the grounds and the buildings there and is doing a large business with the town and surrounding country. He is also owner of a valuable and well-improved farm of two hundred and fifty acres in Orange township, Ionia county.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Estep : William Beach. who is married and is now thirty years old; Hazel K. is a teacher in the Grand Ledge public school.
Politically. Mr. Estep is a Republican. Fraternally. he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to Portland Lodge No. 31. Free and Accepted Masons. He and his family are members of the Baptist church, of which he is a liberal supporter and has been a deacon for some time.
LEDRUE ROLLIN BENEDICT.
Success has come to Ledrue Rollin Benedict, farmer of Orange town- ship, Ionia county, because he has worked for it earnestly and persistently. never waiting for someone else to perform his tasks.
Mr. Benedict was born November 8, 1847. in the above named township and county, a scion of one of the old families of this section of the Wol- verine state. He is a son of Hudson and Caroline ( Sutton ) Benedict. The father was born in New York, but came West when young and was married near Pontiac, Michigan. He came to Fonia county about 1845 or earlier. locating first in Berlin township on the River road. He was a cabinet- maker by trade, at which he worked at intervals after coming here. year after moving to Berlin township he bought a farm in Orange town- ship on which he spent the rest of his life. His wife died when Ledrue R. was sixteen years old, in January, 1864. In March of that year young Benedict enlisted in the second company of sharpshooters, attached to the Twenty-seventh Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and saw service in the Army of the Potomac, his first engagement being one of the greatest of the war- the Battle of the Wilderness-and his last one was at the capture of Peters- burg. Although a mere boy, he proved to be an excellent soldier and was honorably discharged and mustered out at the close of the war. Returning home he took up farming which has engaged his attention ever since. He owns a good place in section 2. Orange township.
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On August 1. 1868, Mr. Benedict was married to Mary E. Taylor, who was born in Orange township, Ionia county, and was a daughter of Samuel and Polly ( Goodnough) Taylor, who came from the state of New York to Michigan in pioneer times, finally locating in Orange township, lonia county, where Mr. Taylor engaged in farming the rest of his life. Mrs. Benedict's death occurred on July 22, 1894. He has never remarried. Ile is the father of five children, namely: Stella, who is the wife of Nelson Willett, and they live two miles southeast of Lyons and have two children, Flora and Jolm; Arton L. lives in Ionia township, married Nellie Adgate, and they have one child, Barton L .: Bertie L. died when six weeks old ; Fred K. lives in Hope, Michigan, is married and has two children, Vera Ruth and Lucile Helen: Nora M. is the wife of Nelson E. Long, and they live near Elm Hall, Gratiot county, Michigan.
Mr. Benedict belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He leads a quiet life on his farm and is known to his neighbors and acquaintances as a kind, generous and honest man.
WILLIAM F. SOULE.
William F. Soule, a successful business man of fonia, this county, in which city he has been prominently identified with the real estate and in- surance business for years, is a native of Ohio, having been born at Chagrin Falls, that state, August 7. 1853, son of Ambrose L. and Sophia M. ( Everest ) Soule, the former a native of New York state and the latter of New Hamp- shire, who later became prominent residents of this county, where both spent their last days.
Ambrose L. Soule was born in 1801, eldest of the five sons born to his parents, the others having been Benjamin, Nathan, Dr. E. L. and Myron. He grew to manhood in New York state, receiving a good education and was reared to the life of the farm. He was a man of strong religions convictions and for years was an active preacher in the Christian ( Disci- ples ) church, not only in Ohio, to which state he had moved from New York and where he was engaged in farming, but after coming to this county. In 1854. having heard fine reports of the possibilities of pioneering in this section of Michigan. Mr. Soule came to this county and located on a tract of land on the river six miles east of Ionia, which he platted after clearing it of the pine timber and thus became the founder of the town of Muir.
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He became an extensive owner of pine timber lands and was prospering largely when he died in 1857, three years after coming to this county.
Ambrose L. Soule was twice married, his first wife, who, before her marriage, was Ruth Paddock, having died in Ohio. To that first union thirteen children were born, namely: Judge Charles E. Sonle, of Grand Haven, this state; James B., of Detroit; Ambrose L., Jr., deceased : Julia. who married .Capt. E. L. Craw, of Grand Rapids, and nine who died in youth. Upon the death of the mother of these children, Ambrose L. Soule married, secondly, Sophia M. Everest, who was born in New Hampshire, daughter of William B. and Lydia M. Everest, both natives of that same state, who migrated to Ohio and thence to Michigan, settling on a farm north of Muir, in this county. William B. Everest was a farmer and mill- wright in the New Hampshire hills and followed the same vocation in this county. He became one of lonia county's best known citizens and lived to the great age of ninety-two years. His wife also lived far beyond the usual allotment of years, she having been ninety at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, Sophia M., Mahala, Clara MI .. H. W .. Frederick, Jane, Charles and Stephen. To Ambrose L. and Sophia M. ( Everest) Soule but two children were born, William F., the subject of this biographical sketch, and Belle, now deceased, who was the wife of Chester W. Chase. Mrs. Sonle died at her home in this county in 1858. the year following the death of her husband, she then being forty-four years of age. She was a devoted member of the Christian church.
William F. Sonle was but a babe when his parents settled in this county and he has lived here ever since. He was orphaned when five years of age and he grew up a farmer boy on the farm of his maternal grand- parents in lonia township. He was attentive to his studies and was given every opportunity to secure an education. After finishing the course in the district school in the neighborhood of his home he attended Hillsdale College for a year and then matriculated at Enreka College, Eureka, Illi- nois, taking the scientific course there, and was graduated from that in- stitution three years later. He then spent about two years at Spring Lake, in Ottawa county, this state, after which he returned to Muir, whence, after two years, he moved to lonia, where he ever since has been engaged in the real estate and insurance business and has been very successful, long having been one of the best known realty men in this part of the state. Mr. Sonle is an ardent Republican and for years has given his earnest attention to political affairs hereabout. He was city treasurer of lonia for one term and in all things is an active promoter of the city's best interests.
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On May 25. 1886, William E. Soule was united in marriage to Mary Burke, who was born at Muir, this county. May 27. 1856, daughter of William and Mary ( Laflin ) Burke, both natives of Ireland and early settlers of this county, who reared their six children, Mary, Hannah, Edward, William, Catherine and John. in the faith of the Catholic church. Mr. Soule is a member of the Christian church and his wife of the Catholic church. Both are properly interested in all good works hereabout and are held in high regard by their many friends. Mr. Soule is a prominent Mason, a member of Ionia Lodge No. 36, Free and Accepted Masons, Ionia Chapter No. 14. Royal Arch Masons, Ionia Council No. 12. Royal and Select Masters, Ionia Commandery No. 11. Knights Templar and of Saladin Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids, in the affairs, of all of which organizations he takes a deep interest. He also is a member of the Ionia tent of the Knights of the Maccabees, with which organization he has been connected for many years.
JOSEPH ALBERT.
Joseph Albert, a well-known, progressive and prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Otisco township, this county, who owns a fine farm of three hundred acres on rural route No. 14. out of Smyrna, is a native son of Ionia county, having been born on the farm where he now lives, October 20, 1845. son of John and Margaret ( Krupp) Mbert, both natives of Germany, who were among the earliest settlers of the northern part of this county and for years accounted among the most influential pioneers of that neighborhood.
John Albert was born in the grand duchy of Baden in 1812 and was trained in the jeweler's and clocksmith's trade. When a young man he came to the United States, landing in New York City with five dollars in his pocket, this sum representing his sole financial possession. For four years he worked as a peddler of clocks and while thus engaged made his way into Ohio, where he made the acquaintance of Margaret Krupp, also a native of Baden, who had come to this country when a girl with her par- ents, the family settling in Ohio, and between the two a life-long attachment sprang up. After awhile John Albert pursued his vocation into Michigan, and in this part of the state became so deeply impressed with the possibilities that awaited the pioneer that he decided to settle here. With that end in view he entered a homestead claim to a tract of land in Otisco township.
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this county, the tract now owned and occupied by his son, the subject of this sketch, and then returned to Ohio, where he married Margaret Krupp. and the two straightway came to this county and entered upon the task of establishing a home on their wilderness homestead, at that time covered by a dense forest. For the first year of their residence here they made their home in a house across the river and then they built a "shack" on their homestead tract and there established their home and reared their children. It was in 1843 that John Albert and his wife came to this county and they were thus among the earliest settlers in that part of the county. They were devoted members of the Catholic church and were among the leaders in the creation of St. Mary's parish in Otisco township, being also leaders in other good works in that neighborhood. As their family grew they gradually enlarged their original humble home and in 1865 built the commodious residence which now still marks the homestead. In 1876 John Albert sold his home farm to his second son, the subject of this sketch, upon the latter's marriage, and he and his wife retired from the farm and for two years made their home in Grand Rapids. lle then bought a farm of two hundred and fifty acres in Kent county and there made his home for twelve years. at the end of which time he and his wife again retired from the farm and returned to Grand Rapids, where they spent the rest of their lives. Mr. Albert dying in 1897 and his widow in 1915. They were the parents of six children, namely: Charles, of Saginaw, this state; Joseph, the imme- diate subject of this biographical sketch: Catherine, wife of Joseph Patte. of Kent county, this state; George, superintendent of the county infirmary of Kent county, and Fred, of Wisconsin.
Joseph Albert has lived all his life on the farm on which he was born and which he has owned for years. He was diligent in his studies as a youth and supplemented his schooling in the district school in the neighbor- hood of his home by a course in the old union school at Grand Rapids. On June 12. 1876, Mr. Albert was united in marriage to Catherine Blason, who was born in Utica. New York, and who had come to this county when a girl with her parents, natives of Prussia, who became well-known residents of the northern part of the county. After his marriage, Mr. Albert bought the old homestead, his parents at that time retiring from the farm, and there he ever since has made his home. He has added to the original tract and is now the owner of three hundred acres of well-cultivated land, one of the best farms in Otisco township. In addition to his general farming. Mr. Albert his given much attention to stock raising, with particular attention to Percheron and Belgian horses and Ohio Improved Chester and Poland-
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China hogs. Mr. Albert is a Democrat and ever has given a good citizen's attention to local political affairs. For more than twenty years he has been the treasurer of his home school district, and in other ways has given of his services to the public welfare.
To Joseph and Catherine ( Blason) Albert three children have been born, Matilda. wife of Henry Rittersdorf, a well-known farmer of Keene township. this county ; Sophronia, who married Joseph Brimyer, also a Keene township farmer, and Theodore, who married Margaret Felyan. Mr. and Mrs. Albert have seven grandchildren, in whom they take much delight. They are devoted members of St. Mary's Catholic church and their children were reared in the faith of that church, the family ever having been active in parish affairs.
FREDERICK ALLEN MASON.
Frederick Allen Mason was born in Albany. New York, on September 23, 1866. He was the son of William and Sarah ( Lindley) Mason, natives of Yorkshire, England. They were the parents of the following children : Charles Arthur, who is deceased; John Dixon, who lives in Birmingham, AAlabama: William Henry, Jr., who is deceased; Endora Martha, who is deceased, and Frederick Allen, who is the subject of this sketch. William Mason was reared in Yorkshire, England, and learned the tanner's trade in Edinburgh. Scotland, and then moved to London and emigrated to the United States in 1856, locating in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Here he engaged in tanning for some years and then moved to Newark, New Jersey, and from there to AAlbany, New York. From Albany, New York, he went to Waterbury, Connecticut, where he died on a farm near Willimantic in 1892 at the age of seventy-four years. His wife died in 1872 at the age of forty years. He was postmaster at Waterbury for many years. He was a Republican in politics, and he and his wife both belonged to the Baptist church.
Frederick Allen Mason. the subject of this sketch, was raised in Waterbury, Connecticut, and graduated from high school there. He began learning the watchmaker's trade, which he has followed ever since. He worked for twenty-three years in watch factories both in the East and West. and spent six years in England teaching the American system of watchmaking. He then returned to America and traveled for the Hamilton Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for four years. He then worked for
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various retail firms and finally engaged in the business for himself in Cen- terville, Maryland. He remained there for two years and then came to lonia. Michigan, in 1912, and bought out the jewelry store of A. G. Bedford. For nearly eighteen years he has been following up the retail jewelry business and he has such a reputation that his services are sought by some of the largest jewelers in the United States. He has chiefly bent his energies to the railroad watch inspection work, as he excelled in the caring tor and repairing of the high grade watches that railroad men are required to carry. He has the finest testimonials as to his expertness as a watchmaker from some of the largest and best watch factories in the United States and England. In his present location he carries a large stock and does a large business.
On October 14, 1905. Frederick A. Mason married Florence A. E. Harrison, of Liverpool, England. She was the daughter of William and Clara J. Harrison. She was the only child of her parents. Mrs. Mason was born in Liverpool, England, and her father was born on the northeast coast of Ireland, and her mother was born in England. Her father was chief engineer on one of the big boats running between New York city and Hong Kong, China.
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