History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 118

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166

USA > Michigan > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Michigan > Part 118

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Albert A. Storms was born in Barry, Orleans Co., N. Y., April 2, 1831; is the third son and fourth child of Peter and Filura Storms, both born in Vermont; they left New York and came to Michigan in 1837, and settled in Columbia, Jackson Co. In 1865 Albert moved from Columbia to this tp. and settled on sec. 6, where he yet lives. His father died at this home in 1872, at the age of 77 years; the mother is living with Joseph Storms, a brother of Albert, in Hillsdale county, this State; she is over 80 years of age. Albert A. was married to Miss Ann E. Towers Jan. 27, 1856; she was the daughter of James and Alice Towers, and was born in Knipton, England, July 12, 1841, and came to America with her parents in 1849; they first settled in Madison county, N. Y. In 1851 Mrs. Storms came to Michigan, and settled in Columbia tp. Mr. and Mrs. Storms have 3 children-Alice C.,

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born April 7, 1861; George V., born Nov. 20, 1868, and Frank B., born July 21, 1871. Mr. Storms is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 2, Onondaga. In politics he identifies himself with the Greenback party, was originally a Democrat.

Joel Swain was born Jan. 12, 1821, in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., the eldest son of Aaron and Claramond Swain, the father a native of New York, and the mother of Vermont. They left the State of New York, and came to Michigan in October, 1828, and settled in Lodi, Washtenaw Co .; after living there about two vears they moved to Pittsfield in the same county, where Mrs. Swain died in 1833. Mr. Swain married the second time in 1834, Miss Louisa Morgan, and the same year the family moved to Summit. this county. where Mr. Swain bought 160 acres of Govern- ment land; after improving and living there till 1840, he moved to this tp, and settled on sec. 18. In 1853 he moved to Berrien county, where he died in 1874. Joel, the subject of this sketch, has lived in this county since 1834. and in this tp. since 1840. He made his first land purchase of 64 acres in secs. 9 and 17 in 1844; in 1856 he settled on his present farm, which is in sec. 5. In October, 1850, he was married to Miss Deborah A. Sherman, daughter of Lowing and Hannah Sherinan, who was born in Pern, Clinton Co., N. Y., Oct. 1, 1825, and came with her parents to Romeo, Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Swain have had 5 children-Harvey M., married Almira Hudson; Homer D., (deceased), Lee, Hattie A., and Cynthia E. Mr. Swain has been a member of the Masonic fraternity about 18 years; in politics he is a Democrat; has experienced all that is incidental to pioneer life.

John T. Towers was born in Knipton, England, Oct. 6, 1835, eldest son and second child of James and Alice Towers, both born in England, and came to America in 1849 and settled at Canas- tota, Madison Co., N. Y .; in 1852 they left New York and came to Michigan and settled in Columbia, this county; his father died in that tp. Aug. 27, 1868; his mother is yet living in the 72d year of her age. John, the subject of this sketch, came to this tp. in 1858; remained one year: returned to Columbia, and the next year came back and settled permanently. Feb. 20, 1861, he was married to Miss Cynthia Sherman, the fifth child of Lowing and Hannah Sherman, and was born in Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y., April 1, 1832; her parents were natives of Vermont, and she came to this State with them in 1835; her father died in this tp. in 1860; her mother is yet living on the old homestead with her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Towers. They have liad 3 children- Nora V., born Oct. 8, 1863; Lucy Isabelle, born Jan. 1, 1866; James F., born May 26, 1868. Mrs. Towers is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Towers is a member of the Blue Lodge at Onondaga, the Chapter at Eaton Rapids, the I. O. O. F. at Onon- daga, and the A. O. U. W., Sanborn Lodge, No. 2, at Onondaga; has belonged to the Masonic fraternity abont 19 years, and the Odd Fellows two years, and the United Workmen four years. In

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politics lie is a Democrat, but affiliates at present with the Green- back party. Mr. Towers' father was a soldier in the war of 1812.

Richard Townley is the third son and fourth child of Nicholas and IIannah Townley; his father was the first settler in this tp .; was born in Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Sept. 26, 1821; he came to this county with his father in April, 1835, When he reached his majority he purchased 40 acres of land in sec. 19; he has added 160 acres to the original 40, all in the same see. except 40 acres, which is in sec. 30. He was united in marriage with Miss Louise Van Fossen, Nov. 12, 1843. She was a native of Living. ston county, N. Y., and died Ang. 5, 1875, leaving 6 children- Victoria, Inez, Janet, Irving, Montgomery and Bertha; ali are liv- ing except Inez. Mr. Townley was married to Miss Jane M. Perrine, of Rives tp., Feb. 27, 1877; she was a native of Seneca county, N. Y., and came to this county with her parents in her early girlhood days. Mr. Townley has been Supervisor of his tp. 11 successive years, and was then elected County Treasurer one term in 1878; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as were also his wives. He was a Whig in politics until the Republican party was organized; he is now identified with the Greenback party. He has been a life-long farmer and in that occupation has been successful: had no school advantages after he was 12 years of age; is practical, self-made and a thorough business man.

Marcus P. Wade was born in Wayne county, N. Y., July 27, 1815; the second son and fourth child of Joseph and Rhoda (Run- dle) Wade; came with his parents, brothers and sister to Michigan in 1834, and settled in Washtenaw county, where they lived till April, 1836; then moved to this county, and settled in this tp. His father died July 18, 1846; his mother, Dec. 28, 1861. Marcus P. was married to Miss Nerrissa Cranson, Sept. 24, 1839, a native of Niagara county, N. Y., and born April 8, 1820. She died in this tp. April 13, 1847, leaving 2 children-Ellen L. and Nerrissa A. Ellen L. is the wife of Andrew Healey. and lives at Albion, this State; Nerrissa A. (deceased) was the wife of Erastus E. Thompson, and lived at East Saginaw at the time of her death. Mr. Wade was the second time married, Jan 4, 1848, to Miss Abigail C. Giles; they have a danghter and son-Mina E., now the wife of Theodore Weston, of Leroy, Ingham county, and Charlie A., living at the old homestead with his parents. The present Mrs. Wade was born in Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt., March 12, 1923; came to Michigan and settled with her parents, in Washte- naw county, in 1844. Mr. Wade has been a communicant in the M. E. Church over 40 years; his family are also members of the same church. He was a Whig nntil the Republican party was organized, when he joined its ranks, and from its principles and its doctrines, he has never swerved; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He is an adept at . story-telling :" is prudent and economical, but not in the least penurious. Mr. and Mrs. Wade have a strong love for traveling, and have visited numerous

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

cities in the Eastern and Middle States and many in the West; are famous for the preservation of family relics. Mrs. Wade has an hour glass that has been in the Giles family over 250 years; has also in her possession a bed-quilt made by her grandmother, over 100 years ago, and they have a pair of pillow-cases made by Mr. Wade's mother, over 75 years ago.

Benson J. Wood was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., March 6, 1844, the youngest child of John and Harriet Wood, natives of New York; came with his parents to this county in the spring of 1868, where his father died Ang. 31, 1874. His mother is now living at his home at the age of 74 years. Mr. Wood married Miss Emily A. Whiteman, Nov. 30, 1871. She was born in Han- over tp., this county, Dec. 25, 1845; her parents were born in Gen- esee county, N. Y., and came to this county about the year 1840; returned to N. Y. in 1850, where the mother died in 1861; the father is still a resident of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had 2 children-Frank C. and Mary E. Mr. Wood is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is a Republican; was census enumerater for this tp. in 1880.

Calvin Wood was born in Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 7, 1811; is the son of John and Sarah Wood, natives of the same State. He left his native State and came to Michigan in the spring of 1854 and settled in Rives tp., this county, on sec 19; in 1868 he moved to sec. 13, this tp. He learned the trade of stone- mason, brick-laying and plastering at the age of 16, and followed it as a business 22 years; the remainder of his life he has been a farmer, giving his undivided attention to that vocation. In 1835, Jan 1, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Finch, the daughter of Lewis and Lucy Finch, born in Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 10, 1811. They have had 9 children-James S., married Sarah E. Smith; Mary (deceased), was the wife of T. P. Smith; John W., married Permelia Draper: Lewis F., died in 1862 in the service of his country; Albert, died in infancy; Henry K., married Susan E. Gray; Angeline (deceased); Helen (deceased); Morgan F., married Mary Hay. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Wes- leyan Methodist Church; they joined the M. E. Church about 50 years ago. Mr. Wood is a Republican and a radical temperance man. His father died in New York about the year 1815, and his mother in 1845.

Henry L. Woodard was born in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N.Y., June 2, 1832, the son of John R. and Permelia Woodard, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. John R. came to Michigan in 1835, and purchased 80 acres of Government land in Summit tp., sec. 34, this county. In 1836 the family left New York and came to Spring Arbor, where they remained about three years, then moved upon the land purchased in 1835; the father died in 1847; about a year and a half later the family returned to New York; Henry remained there about three years when he came back to this county and settled on the old homestead in

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Summit tp. He remained here till about the year 1859, when he changed his location to another part of the tp. ; remained about two years and moved to sec. 27. In 1869 he sold his farm and was appointed keeper in the State's prison at Jackson, which position he held about four years when he settled again on a farm he had bought in this tp., where he now lives. Mr. Woodard was married to Miss Marion E. Wheelock May 13, 1855; she was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 15, 1836; was the daugh- ter of Leonard F. and Elizabeth P. Wheelock, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. W. are the parents of 5 children: Carrie H., wife of Champ Green, born Oct. 10, 1858; Leonard R., born Sept. 22, 1861; Libbie M., born Jan. 29, 1863; Minnie R., born Oct. 29, 1864, died Aug. 19, 1865, and Harry L., born July 7, 1870. Mrs. W. is amember of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Woodard is a Greenbacker. His mother is living in Champaign county, Ill., with her youngest son. Elnathan; she was born in 1812.

Jotham Wood was born in Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1819; was the third son and fourth child of Jotham and Anna Wood, natives of New Hampshire. The Wood family left New York and came to Michigan in the spring of 1831, and set- tled in what is now Blackman tp., this county. Mr. Wood, the subject of this sketch, settled in this tp., sec. 22, in the spring of 1843, and here he has resided ever since. He was married to Miss Leonora King, April 6, 1866; she is a native of Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y., and came to this tp. in July, 1853; this has been her home ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of 2 children-Nellie T. and Homer R. In their religious belief Mr. Wood is a Liberalist, and Mrs. Wood a Spiritualist. Mr. Wood is a Greenbacker in the strict sense of the term; was elected Super- visor of his tp. two years. His advantages in school were such as the average boy of his time enjoyed, school in the winter and work on the farm in summer. Mrs. Wood has a Bible that has been in her family 106 years; it was published in 1769.

WATERLOO TOWNSHIP.

The township was first organized by the name of East Portage in March, 1836, and was changed to its present name in the winter of 1846-'7, through the influence of Patrick Hubbard. The first election was held at the residence of Jeremiah Riggs, when 14 voters appeared to deposit their ballots. Andrew Correll (probably) was chosen the first supervisor, and Earl Pierce the first town clerk.

Hiram Putnam was the first white settler in this township. He took up his residence in 1834, on section 1. He was immediately followed by his two brothers (all three being single men), Joseph and Guy. Abram Croman, Sr., came next, in the spring of 1835, with his family. During this season three other families also came in-Patrick Hubbard, Earl Pierce and Andrew Correll. In 1836 quite a number of families came, among whom were William Hall, A. Scidmore, Isaac Smith, Casper Artz, Sloenm Savles, Charles F. Graber, Michael Reithmiller, Jacob IIndler, William Paddock, Solomon and Erastus Nichols, Abram MeMelon, Jeremiah Riggs, Leonard Van Horne, John Schneckenberger, Gilbert H. States, Jacob Harr, Jacob Boyer, John, Jacob and Martin, Jr., Landis and their father. During the next year or two came Lamech Sweet, David Williams, Jackson Simpson, Harmon Marsh, A. T. and Samnel Gorton, Anson Opdyke, Reuben Croman, Garrett and Jacob Brink, George Ingalls, James Osgood and Felix Hess.

The first saw-mill was built by Patrick Hubbard in 1836, and . with this he sawed lumber with which to build a cheap grist-mill in 1838. Waterloo village contains a store, postoffice, wagon-shop, blacksmith shop, school-house, two churches ( Methodist and Bap- tist, the former being very fine), and several fine dwellings. Theic is another small hamlet in this town, at which is situated a grist- mill, a store, etc. There are three other elmurches in the township. th > United Brethren, Lutheran and German Methodist.

There are 10 school-houses, all in good repair, in this township, and a good interest is taken in the schools. A house for school purposes was built in 1837 at the present village of Waterloo, in which Miss Margaret Paddock taught the first school. The Ger- man Lutheran church, three miles southwest of Waterloo village, was built in 1840, in which Elder Fred Schmidt, from Ann Arbor, preached the first sermon. He also preached in the summer of 1836 the first sermon in the township, at the residence of Abram Croman, Sr., also the funeral sermon of Martin Landis, Sr., in Novem- her, 1839. This was death's first victim in the township. Elder Hovey ( Methodist) was the first local minister in the town. He preached

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then at the residence of Patrick Hubbard. The first marriage was Lathrop Hubbard to Miss Christina Croman, in the winter of 1837-'S; Frederick, son of Jacob Landis, was the first white child born in the township, in the fall of 1836; the first postoffice was at Waterloo. in 1838, P. Hubbard being the first postmaster; the first militia company organized at Waterloo was in 1836, Abram McMelon being chosen captain.

Mr. Archenbronn left Germany in 1836, and after 52 days' travel arrived at Ann Arbor. There he halted one day, when he moved to Scio in the same county, staying there three weeks. Subse- quently he moved to Waterloo, and dwelt in Mr. Croman's log house, one mile east of his present location. On arriving in the township he found the brothers Reithmiller with their parents, and the Horr family preceding him in the settlement. John Barber and his family were also in the township. Mr. Barber died Nov. 3, 1880, over 80 years of age, 44 of which were whiled away in this county.

In 1843 the cold winter caused immense trouble among the settlers. The cattle died, and even the deer were found frozen. The swamp grass and fallen leaves caught fire in the fall of that year, and threatened the houses of the settlers with ruin; however, they fought the fiery element and saved their property.

In 1837 the Indians were driven away; but before their dispersal, eight or nine warriors were accustomed to gather round the fire, and make merry at the expense of the family convenience. A large German pipe which hung on the wall attracted their attention during one visit. They took the pipe, filled it with "Kinakinct," struck a light, and having passed it round the circle, left in peace, never to return.

In August, 1860, the water in the marsh rose three feet, and threatened an inundation; but the flood suddenly subsided.

In 1874 a destructive fire broke out in the swamp lands, and so terrible and rapid was its advance, that over 100 men had to go forth to battle with it. Their efforts succeeded in saving the homes of many settlers.

Mr. Archenbronn is happy in his American home, and loves the State ot his adoption.

WATERLOO IN 1846.

Mr. Peter Knauft, Vice-President of Jackson County Pioneer Society, for Waterloo tp., settled near his present location in the spring of 1846. The brown bear, deer, and wolf roamed over the township at that time; it was a wilderness in reality.

In 1847 Mr. Knauff remembers seeing 40 settlers entering the township., and the same year 40 log cabins, dotting the country within a radius of three miles. Since that time Amasa Quigley and his father built a grist-mill, and Uptack erected the Laubengier mill in 1852, a year before Quigley's enterprise was completed. In 1846 there were no less than five saw-mills in the

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

town, the first of which was erected by Patrick Hubbard. Old Mr. Ruchley erected a cider-mill in 1866, which is now operated by his son, Jacob Ruchley.

The great marsh which forms the head waters of Grand river, is in the tp., and occupies a thousand acres of land, which, it drained, could be brought under high cultivation.

The village of Waterloo is the nucleus of what is destined to be an important town. Its growth has been slow, but sure; its inhab- itants in possession of enterprise, and its surroundings prosperous. The soil of the tp. is well calculated for general farming. The timber is fair and the lakes and marshes are numerous, the latter af- fording good meadows. The township is situated in the northeast cor- ner of the county, and is eight by six miles square. It has a large, industrious and enterprising population. The inhabitants are mainly from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Germany, England, Ireland, etc.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

We continue the history of Waterloo township with brief per- sonal mention of many of the representative citizens, living and dead, who have acted well their parts in the drama of life, and assisted in the advancement of education, and a higher form of civilization in this important division of Jackson county:

Cyril Adams, farmer, sec. 7, was born in Sterling, Windham Co., Conn., July 22, 1812, son of Paul and Lydia Adams, nee Derphy. His father died when Cyril was five years of age, and his mother in September, 1848, in Connecticut. His education was in the common schools, and at nine years of age his mother bound him out to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed until he was 16 years of age; he then took up the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed in Connecticut until 1833; moved to Michigan and located in Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where he followed his trade till 1841; then came to Jackson county and lo- cated a farm in Waterloo tp. on sec. 7, consisting of 80 acres of land, which he bought for 20 shillings per acre; began to clear his farm, and worked at his trade occasionally. He was married May 13, 1835, to Frances E. Northam, born in Massachusetts Feb. 27, 1816, and died March 27, 1838, leaving 1 child, Francis L., born Oct. 31, 1836, and died July 3, 1840. He married for his second wife Sarah M. Lovejoy, born in Ontario county, N. Y., Jan. 24, 1822, and the daughter of Palmer and Dorotha Lovejoy, nee Dav- enport. Her parents came to Washtenaw county, Mich., in 1835; her father died in April, 1841, and mother Oct. 23, 1856. They had 12 children, 5 of whom are now living, viz .: Prescott C., born June 11, 1844; Viola C., Sept. 19, 1847; Gilbert D., Sept. 29, 1849; Zebina P .. Feb. 5, 1860; and Estella L., Ang. 5, 1862. The deceased were: Jane E., born April 17, 1841, died April 19, 1841; Albert A., born Feb. 20, 1846, died April 15, 1846; Ruth A., born

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May 25, 1852, died Aug. 30, 1854; Jay B., born July 14, 1856, died Oct. 23, 1869; Florence A., born May 1, 1854, died March 7, 1870; Ruby S., born Nov. 1, 1857, died Feb. 29, 1872; Achilles A., born April 5, 1844, died March 12, 1878. Mr. Adams has continued farming on the same land he bought, and has added to it until he has 207 acres, which is well improved, with good barn, and all his own work. He has lost his hearing in later years. In politics he is a Democrat. A portrait of Mr. Adams will be found on page 911.

John Archenbronn was born April 24, 1814, and is the only child of John and Sophia (Keepengar) Archenbronn. Mr. A. received a fair education at the Government schools in Germany. He served an apprenticeship of three years in the cabinet-maker's business, and followed it for three years. He remained with his parents until coming to America in 1836; he came to Waterloo, his county, the same year, and entered land on sec. 28, which was then wild; there were no roads at that time, and he was com- pelled to follow blazed trees. He built a log house and improved the land, where his parents lived the balance of their lives, after which he sold out. Was united in marriage to Eleanor Makel in 1844, by whom he has had + children, viz .: Catharine, born March 7, 1844, now Mrs. Jacob Rillie, of Waterloo; George J., Nov. 19, 1846; Albert A. A., April 24, 1853, now living with his parents; Chas. F., Jan. 13, 1856. The first Mrs. A. died in Water- loo, Sept. 9, 1862. He was again united in marriage Nov. 22, 1866, to Mrs. Magdalina Garlock, born in Germany, July 6, 1825; immediately after his marriage he removed to the site of his pres- ent home, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the German Lutheran Church. He is a successful farmer.

John A. Baldwin, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Waterloo, was born in the State of New York, Feb. 19. 1811; the second son of Abel and Fanny (Blanchard) Baldwin, nati'ves of Ver- mont, and of English descent. John A. received a limited educa- tion, his youth being spent in farming; emigrated to Michigan about 1836; entered 120 acres of land in Sylvan, Washtenaw Co .; returned to New York State, where he remained one year. In September, 1839, he was married to Zelpha Talbot; they were the parents of 10 children, 7 of them are living-Abel, a resident of Waterloo, born Nov. 10, 1840; Joseph T., born Ang. 20, 1842, also a resident of Waterloo; Harriet Ann, born May 27, 1844, now wife of W. H. Showerman, of Waterloo; Hannah L., Dec. 13, 1846, now Mrs. Zopher Scidmore ; Lovina, Jan. 12, 1849, wife of John Seidmore; Laura. May 23. 1855, the wife of George Baldwin, of St. Joseph county, Mich .; Sally M., Oct. 2. 1858. now residing with her parents. After his marriage Mr. B. returned to Michigan, locating in Washtenaw county, where he resided until 1853. He had previously purchased the premises where he now lives, con- sisting of 280 acres; abont 30 acres were improved, and it is now under a high 'state of cultivation, with ample barns and a commo-

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dious brick residence erected in 1867. Mrs. B. died April 28, 1866. Jan. 1, 1868. Mr. B. married Mrs. Mary Dill, born in Ontario county, N. Y., in October, 1834. Their 3 children are as follows-John J., born Nov. 25, 1867; Louis M., March 21, 1870, died Ang. 1. 1870; William H., born June 7, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the United Brethren Church in Waterloo. Mr. B. contributed liberally toward the erection of the new church edifice. He has always declined publie office, and is a prosperous and esteemed citizen.

Hiram N. Barber was born in Madison county, N. Y., Ang. 12, 1835, and is the oldest son of John and Caroline (Benediet) Barber, of New York, Irish-English descent. He came with his parents to Michigan in 1837, and located temporarily in Ann Arbor, the following year, came to what was then East Portage (now Water- loo), and entered the land where is now the family home. Here Hiram was engaged in farming occupation and attended school for a brief time during his youth; he remained at home until 23 years of age, then worked for others for two years, until his marriage to Christina Frankel, born in Germany Aug. 11, 1861, by whom he has had 6 children, 3 now living-Hiram C., born Nov. 19, 1863; Martha Caroline, Dec. 9, 1872; and Benjamin M., Oct. 2, 1875. Since his marriage he has resided on the old homestead, which he has improved, and erected a residence and barns; it is very nicely located. He has held nearly all the tp. offices. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the United Brethren Church at Waterloo.

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History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 118

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1166

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166