History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 96

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 96

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Jacob R. English was born April 21, 1804, son of Jacob and Mary (Sutton) English, of New Jersey: received a limited edu- cation; with his family removed to Pennsylvania in 1810; returned to New York after a 12 years' stay, and engaged in mercantile pnrsnits in Tompkins county, N. Y .; subseqently he was employed in the mannfacture of fanning-mills seven or eight years, and was married to Miss Jane Updike, of New York, in 1846. They were the parents of 3 sons and 6 daughters, all living. After marriage Mr. E. removed to Stark county, Ohio, where he remained 17 years. In 1852 he came to Michigan, located in Grass Lake tp., where he remained five years, and subsequently purchased his present farm in Leoni. This he improved, converting from a wild state into fertile fields.

Truman Farr was born Oct. 29, 1805, at Fort Ann, N. Y., son of Renben and Lucy Farr; received a liberal education in the com- mon schools of his native county, after which he labored on his father's farm; June 8, 1826, he married Harriet Mead, and their children are-Hortensia, born in 1828; Geo. M., 1830; Mary M., 1832; Horace, 1833; Edwin R., 1837; and D. C., Sept. 18, 1839. Ten years after marriage Mr. F. came to Michigan, and located in Washtenaw county; a year later, took up his residence in Lenawee, where he met with many troubles. His wife and children were suffering from malaria, and himself from enemies, who defrauded him of 160 acres of land. He was employed in a manufacturing establishment 27 years, after which he purchased a farm in Wash- tenaw, where he remained four years, returned to Lenawee county, and lived until 1857, when he moved to Norvell tp., and seven years after purchased a farm in Leoni. In 1867 he returned to

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Washtenaw, and settled on his farm near Leoni village in 1876. He purchased the Richard Scott farm toward the close of 1880, on which he purposes to reside. Mrs. Farr died Oct. 23, 1878.

Andrew J. Freeland was born in Seneca county, N. Y., April 16, 1820, son of Peter and Anna (Demorest) Freeland, of New Jersey; received a fair education in the schools of his native village, and subsequently in the select school at Jackson, kept by Mr. Southwick. His father came to Jackson village in 1835, followed an Indian trait seven miles southwest, now Summit, where he settled. and remained until 1848, when A. J. went to Leoni tp. to work for Col. Shoemaker. In 1851 he was abducted by the rail- road conspirators, tried in Detroit and sentenced to a term of im- prisonment. This incident is given fully in the county history. The troubles of 1851 and his unjust imprisonment have been felt by this man keenly, nor can he forget the series of treacherous arts which were made use of to destroy him, with his fellow citizens. In 1835 he married Miss Matilda Welch, and they had 4 children. His mother died in 1879, aged 86 years.

H. P. Gardner was born July 13, 1843, son of Hiram and Sarah (Crowell) Gardner, natives of New York State, and of Eng- lish ancestry. They came to Jackson county in 1835; entered land in Grass Lake tp., where they resided some six years; located in Leoni in 1843; they are still living, aged respectively 77 and 74 years. The subject of this sketch received a liberal education in the common schools; also attended the Leoni Collegiate Institute for several terms. He remained with his parents about two years, until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 20th Mich. Vol. Inf .; was actively engaged in many battles, including Vicksburg; Jackson, Miss .; Loudon, Tenn .; Blue Spring; Knoxville; battle of the Wilderness, May 8 to 11, 1864; Spottsyl- vania, May 12, where he was wounded. After recovery, was sent on special duty to Washington, where he was mustered ont in June, 1865, by orders from the War Department. An interesting memento in Mr. G.'s possession is a pocket Bible, in which is imbedded a minie ball which was aimed by a rebel sharp-shooter, and would doubtless have accomplished the mission of its sender, had not the little book been there to stay its progress. At the expiration of the war, Mr. G. took up his residence in Jackson, where he engaged in business. He was married Jan. 1, 1866, to E. A. Dipple, born in Darlington, Wis .; they are the parents of 3 children, as follows: Cora E., born Nov. 26, 1866; Nellie G., March 6, 1869; and Willie D., born in Leoni, Dec. 26, 1870. Mr. G. remained in Wisconsin two years; returned to Leoni about 1870, where he has since resided; was appointed Postmaster in 1870, and still holds the position; also station agent, and the only merchant in Leoni; was elected Township Clerk the spring of 1877, and is President of the village. Mr. Gardner is a genial gentleman and very popular with all of his acquaintances.

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LEONI TOWNSHIP.

Edward Greenwood is a native of England, born Jan. 30, 1826, 3d son of Edward and Mary (Weaver) Greenwood. His early education was very limited, although he made quite successful efforts to acquire the common branches after reaching the years of manhood. He was married June 2, 1851, to Elizabeth Towers, born July 21, 1830; they are the parents of 11 children, 4 of whom are living-Eliza Ann, born Aug. 5, '1859; Willard T., April 21, 1861; Mary Jane, Ang. 5, 1869, and Harriet Elizabeth, May 29, 1874. Immediately after marriage, in company with several brothers and other friends, they emigrated to America; they came direet to Grass Lake tp., where himself and wife were employed for about two years; afterward worked a farm on shares for two seasons; then rented a farm three years, until his purchase of 80 acres, one mile east of where he now resides; lived there seven or eight years; sold out and in 1866 purchased the premises which he has since ocenpied. He has made many improvements, including the handsome family residence, which was erected abont 1875. His success in life is the result of frugality, perseverance and in- dustry. Himself and family are members of the M. E. Church at Leoni.

Wm. H. Hudson was born Nov. 27, 1816, in Vermont, son of Samuel and Polly (Field) Hudson; received that education which the curriculum of the common schools then established, offered. In 1836 he traveled westward, arrived at Dunkirk, took a boat to Detroit and thence to Jackson. During this journey he had one companion, his ax, and a little cash. The last two he soon lost; his comrade stole a dog while en route, and sold said animal for $3. On reaching Jackson, Wm. H. was employed in the mill of Ford & Son, with whom he remained seven years. Feb. 3, 1839, he married Miss R. M. Palmer; they have had 6 children, 2 of whom are living. Mr. Hudson entered agricultural life after mar- riage, but returned to his trade, which he followed for a short time, when he moved to Michigan Center in 1846; worked for Col. Shoemaker five and one-half years in the mill; removed to a farm, and ultimately purchased the mill at Leoni, which he conducted three years. In 1856 he entered into partnership with Col. Shoe- maker, and sold his interest to Mr. Wisner in 1863, when he re-en- tered the agricultural lists and now possesses a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved.

O. H. Kellogg was born Jan. 17, 1828, in Tompkins county, N. Y., son of Stephen and Electa (Strowbridge) Kellogg, of the same State; received a liberal common-school education and then entered upon the duties of an agriculturist. His marriage with Hannah Jane Carpenter took place July 4, 1851, and their 2 chil- dren are-Electa M., born May 21, 1853, and Frank E., born in 1855. In 1856 Mr. K. with his family removed to Newaygo county, Mich. ; entered 320 acres of land, which he disposed of in 1858, and removed to Leoni tp., the same year; after varied changes he selected the site of his present dwelling in 1879, improved it, and it now appears to be the home of his future years. He has

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

filled several minor tp. offices in a very efficient manner. His father, Stephen Kellogg, in his 80th year, still lives on the old homestead in New York.

Abram Maxson was born May 10, 1830, in Wyoming county, N. Y., son of Abraham C. and Diana (Matteson) Maxson, of Ver- mont. He came to Michigan with his parents in 1836, who entered 320 acres, secs. 19 and 20, where Mr. Maxson now lives. He la- bored on the homestead farm, in the capacity of a millwright, and on the railroad, until his marriage with Miss Catherine E. Welch in 1850. Subsequently he purchased land near his parents' home- stead, where he dwelt four years. This property he disposed of, and in its stead bought 118 acres on sec. 17, where he resided nn- til 1855. He enlisted in the 26th Mich. Vol. Inf., Sept. 8, 1862, with which regiment he served until the close of the war, and re- turned to his home July 23, 1865. His father died April 4, 1876, at the ripe old age of 80 years. Like many of his neighbors, he surmounted every obstacle, and is now one of the prosperous citi- zens of the county.

Samuel Miller was born July 23, 1840, son of James and Char- ity (Updike) Miller, of New York State. He received a fair edu- cation; was brought up to agricultural pursuits until 1861, when he enlisted in the 12th U. S. Inf .; was mustered into service, but was discharged in the course of a month owing to physical disa- bility. He was married Jan. 22, 1863, to Miss Caroline E. Smith, and they are the parents of 5 children-Eva M., born 1864: Emma J., Dec. 30, 1866; Elgin L., 1868; Emory O., 1871; and Eda S., Nov. 29, 1874. Mr. Miller purchased his farm in 1869; his dwelling was burned in 1876, resulting, it is said, from the explosion of an oil lamp. In 1871 he was stricken with paral- ysis, from which he has now almost recovered; his farm of 200 acres and the improvements make a very valuable property, which his own industry created.

Ansel Norton, a native of Connecticut, was born in 1804. His parents moved to Monroe county, N. Y., in 1806, and to Michigan in 1846. March 3, 1831, he married Maria Morrill, born in Ver- mont in 1814, and they are the parents of Mary R., born Feb. 11, 1832; Ruth M., Dec. 13, 1834; Nathan S., July 15, 1843; and Charles M., Sept. 7, 1848. In 1846 he located 120 acres on sec. 35, Leoni tp., where he lived until 1863, when he moved to his present home.

John Palmer, one of the pioneers of Jackson county, was born in New Jersey, May 6, 1810, and is the son of Edward and Mercy (Hall) Palmer, natives of England. John's education was quite deficient; attended school bnt 13 days in his life; was employed as a farm hand until he went to the State of New York, where his mother resided. Was married in Tompkins county, N. Y., in 1833, to Hannah Laycock. They have had 7 children, of whom 4 are now living-2 daughters and 2 sons, all residents of Michigan. In June, 1835, Mr. Palmer came to Michigan, remaining in Wash- tenaw county one year. The following year he located in Leoni tp.,

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one mile east of his present home. The country was then a wilder- ness. Indians were numerous; 15 or 20 of them would frequently camp on his premises. They were peaceable; would often ask for food, which they would promise to pay for. They would have drunken frolics. On one occasion Mr. Palmer remembers, he approached a party of them who were sleeping off the effects of one of their drunken orgies. One of their number, a sober Indian, was on watch. When asked by Mr. P. if they were drunk, he muttered "No; sick, sick." They finally disappeared the latter part of 1836. Wolves abounded. A yearling "crittur" was devoured by them within 15 rods of Mr. Palmer's house.

Mr. P. cleared over 200 acres of land, also worked at shoemaking jointly with farming, following those occupations many years, con- sidering himself fortunate when receiving 75 cents per day. He accumulated a handsome property, which he resided upon until somne three years ago. Ile had previously distributed his property between his sons. He now owns 40 acres, one and a half iniles west of the old homestead, where he is actively engaged in improv- ing his farm and in making preparation to erect a new residence the coming season. Mr. Paliner has been twice married. The first Mrs. Palner died Dec. 1, 1866, and Mr. P. was again united in marriage July 23, 1871, with Laura H. Addison, born in Dutchess county, N. Y., April 21, 1822. They are both members of the M. E. Church in Leoni. Mr. Palmer has held minor tp. offices. Has been successful, and is a self-made man. After making his first payment on his land, had 25 cents cash capital on hand.

Timothy Pangborn, hotel-keeper, Michigan Center, was born in Champlain. Clinton Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1821, and was the son of Elisha and Betsy Pangborn (deceased), natives of Connecticut. The father died Jan. 16, 1879, in his 99th year, and the mother in 1876, in her 86th year. Both died at Sand Lake, Mich. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of New York State. He followed lumbering with his father, then went to Ohio, where he engaged in the milling business for a number of years, and from there came to Jackson county, Mich., where he dealt in stoves and hot-air furnaces for a number of years, then engaged in the restaurant and oil business, the latter in Canada; after which he moved to Michigan Center, where he opened the Mineral Springs in 1869, and at the depth of 237 feet struck the mineral water which has proved so valuable. Its bicarbonates of lime and magnesia are peculiarly grateful to the stomachs of those who are inclined to dyspepsia, and its iron oxide is of use as a tonic. It also contains bicarbonates of potash, soda and iron, and chlorides of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, with traces of silica and alumina. This water is prescribed for rheumatism, pa- ralysis, dyspepsia and all forms of kidney disease. He now has fitted up one of the neatest and most convenient places in Jackson county for amusement near the lake, and can at all times supply the public with pleasure boats.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

In 1841 he was married to Harriet Beal, who was born in New York State in 1822, and their family consisted of 2 children-Hiram and Edward, both of which are deceased. Ang. 4, 1880 he lost his wife.

Joel F. Parks, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., Dec. 2, 1814. His parents were Moses and Maria (Nelson) Parks, also natives of New York, and of English descent. He received a very fair education, principally at the district schools. His father died while Joel F. was quite young, which event placed him in a responsible position as head of the family, where he remained until of age, when he removed to Genesee county, N. Y., living there some 10 or 12 years. He came to this tp. in 1832. April 15, 1833, he was married to Nancy Richie; they were the parents of 10 children-7 daughters and 3 sons; 8 are now living, nearly all being residents of Jackson county. Mr. P. resided a short distance west of Leoni for many years. In the spring of 1864 he removed to his present location, where he has made many fine improvements. He has held several of the tp. offices, including the Supervisorship three terms. He was First Lieutenant in the Jackson Rifle Co., one of the earliest military organizations of this county; is one of the few remaining pioneers; an active supporter of all religious and charitable objects.

Jefferson C. Plumb was born in Sunbury, Delaware Co., O., Jan. 31, 1818. His parents were Prisman P. and Abigail (Slaw- son) Plumb, the former a native of Delaware, the latter of New York State, and of English-German ancestry. He was educated in the common schools, afterward attending Shaw's Academy at Euclid, Ohio, two terms; during the period of his studies, he was reading medicine and studying the same under the instruction of Dr. Elijah Burton; took a course of lectures at Willoughby Insti- tute; went to Ypsilanti in 1841, where he practiced medicine; also taught school two years; located in various places in Michigan, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession; lectured on physiology and chemistry; was Professor of Natural Sciences and Higher Mathematics in Ypsilanti Seminary, in connection with Prof. Estabrook, where he remained eight or ten years. In the fall of 1866 he was authorized to select a competent professor to fill the chair he had lately vacated in the Ypsilanti Seminary; was placed in charge of the Jackson schools on a salary of $2,000 per year; was tendered further lucrative positions, but in defer- ence to Prof. Lowell, decided to decline them; resumed his old position at Ypsilanti at a liberal salary, where, during a chemical experiment, a severe affliction betel him in the loss of an eye. In 1868, when his eyesight was somewhat restored, his former patrons in Jackson established a select school of which he took charge, and conducted it in the most successful manner, two years. In{1868 he purchased the farm of 160 acres, where he now resides.

When four years old Mr. P. was injured by falling from a fence which caused paralysis of the hip, injuring the nerves of motion, leaving him a cripple for life. He was married in Ypsilanti in

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1843, to Laura M. Knapp; they were the parents of 6 children, but one of whom is living-Frank O., now in mercantile business in Saginaw. Mr. Plumb was married in 1872 to Gertrude B. Sager; this union is blessed with 1 son-Charles G., born Feb. 17, 1873.

William Purdy was born March 7, 1817, in Ulster county, N. Y., youngest son of Enoch and Esther (Lane) Purdy; received a limited education in the school of his native county, worked on the farın, and in the lumber regions of the Catskill mountains until 1842. He married Miss Abigail Cure, and they are the parents of 5 children, 2 of whom are living, viz: Barbara E., born in 1845, now Mrs. Wood, of Grass Lake; and James M., born in 1850. Mrs. Purdy died in September, 1877. In 1851 the family located tem- porarily at Grass Lake, and the following year purchased 93 acres of land from Walter Miller, to which 25 acres have since been added. Geo W. Purdy enlisted in the 12th U. S. Inf., in Septen- ber, 1861; took part in the Virginia campaign and died at York- town April 7. 1862.

Isaac C. Quick was born May 25, 1825, at. Ulysses, Tompkins Co., N. Y .; is the son ot Abraham and Charity (Pichez) Quick, of New Jersey. Isaac C. received the ordinary education afforded by the common schools of his time. His father's family came to Michigan in 1831, resided at Grass Lake abont two years, then removed to the southeast part of Leoni tp .; and again, in 1837, moved 80 rods west of Keywood's Corners. June 19, 1860, Isaac married Miss Lucy Voorhees, and resided at his father's house until 1865, when he removed to his present home. He is the father of 3 children, viz .: Abram D., born April 25, 1861; Augus- tns O., Feb. 26, 1863; and Mary, Sept. 19, 1868; they attend the local school.

John B. Quick was born Sept. 25, 1837, in Leoni tp., son of William and Eliza (Anderson) Quick of New York, who came to Michigan in 1834 and located south of Leoni. John B. labored on the homestead farm until his marriage, in 1858, to Miss Abbie Woodward, of Simcoe, Canada, whose parents were among the early settlers of Waterloo tp. Mr. and Mrs. Quick are the parents of 9 children, of whom 6 are now living, viz .: Mary E., Sarah Elizabeth, Abigail Jane, Cora, Herbert J. and Carrie A. Mr. Quick resided near his father's house until 1862, when he purchased his present farm of 80 acres; he built his present residence in 1875. He devotes his attention to the growth of peaches and ber- ries; has been honored with tp. offices from time to time, and continues to be active in all questions of economy connected with his tp.

A. D. Rogers, son of Isaac and Lucy (Davis) Rogers, of Massachu- setts, was born June 13, 1805; was educated in the common schools of Washington county, N. Y., and afterward, when the family moved to Ashtabula connty, O., in 1815, he attended the Jefferson Acad- emy, and tanght school there, a profession he followed until 1850.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

In 1827 he married Miss Anne Davis, born in New York, in 1809; they are the parents of 6 children, viz .: Urban, born 1838; Isaac, N., 1836; Sophia, 1847; Henry C., 1841; Wm. W., 1846, and Mary, 1848; 2 are deceased. Henry C. served in Col. Shoe- maker's 13th Inf. through its various battles, and fell, mortally wounded, at Murfreesboro, Jan. 6, 1863. Mr. Rogers resided for a time in Michigan, but did not locate permanently until 1851, when he entered land one mile east of his present home; in 1871 he erected a new house and made many improvements. He has taken a deep interest in educational and Church matters, and is esteemed throughout the tp.

Jacob Sagendorph, farmer and stock-raiser; was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., July 5, 1832; he is the oldest son now living of Jacob and Mary (Perry) Sagendorph, natives of New York State, of German descent. His father was one of the pioneers of this county, having located in Leoni tp., on sec. 32, in 1832; he died in 1870; his mother is a resident of Jackson. Mr. S. received a liberal education in common schools and at more advanced insti- tutions; attended the Michigan Collegiate Institute several years; was brought up to farming pursuits. He was married in October, 1852, to Viola A. Wakeman, who was born in Steuben county, N. Y ., in 1836. In 1860 Mr. S. successfully conducted a hotel in Jackson one year; then commenced a mercantile career which con- tinned until 1874, during which time he conducted an extensive business in groceries, provisions, etc. In the latter year he dis- posed of his business in Jackson, and returned to the old homestead in Leoni tp,, where he has since resided. Mr. S. is one of the original Prohibitionists, having been a delegate to the Chicago convention in 1869, and an ardent supporter of the Hon. Neal Dow, for the Presidency, in 1880. He is a gentleman of culture and esteemed by all of his acquaintances. Himself and Mrs. Sa- gendorph were members of the Christian Church while residing in Jackson, but now attend the Congregational Church at Michigan Center.

Henry Scofield, was born in Washtenaw county, Mich., Sept. 14, 1838; he is the son of John and Mary (Johnson) Seofield, natives of New York and New Jersey respectively, and of English descent. Henry received a liberal common-school education, and was reared on a farm. In 1860 he was married to Adelia Lock- wood; they are the parents of 3 children, as follows; Minnie A., born Oct. 9, 1865; Ada May, Feb. 23, 1869; and Etta, Dec. 4, 1872. Mr. Scofield was a resident of Chicago some 15 years, where he was extensively engaged in the commission business, and later in the meat trade. The advanced age of his parents required his return to the old homestead in 1877, where he has since resided. IIe has been School Director constantly since his return to Leoni, also tp. Treasurer in 1879 and '80; is a successful farmer and genial gentle- man. John Scofield, father of Hen v, was born Dec. 5, 1803, in Dutchess county, N. Y. Early in hfc he learned the trade of tanner and currier, also that of shoemaker, which business he com-

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meneed in Penn Yan, New York, abont 1827; was married March 29, 1829, to Mary Johnson, born Dec. 25, 1811; they reared a family of S children. They came to Washtenaw county in 1834, and justly rank with the old pioneers of this State. In 1837 they moved to Grass Lake tp .; entered land there but remained only a short time; returned to Washtenaw county; again removed to Grass Lake tp .; and finally located in this tp. on sec. 23, in the Spring of 1852. Mr. S. is a vigorous and intellectual old gentle- man, and with Mrs. S., who is also active both mentally and physically, are members of the M. E. Church, and conspicuous in all that tends to promote Sabbath-school interests.

Samuel Shaw was born June 9, 1819, at Manchester, England, son of Henry and Mary (Sutton) Shaw; received an education which the public-school system of his native land could then afford; he was reared on the farm, and labored for others on their lands, until 1848, when, with his brother, he emigrated, and settled in Niagara county, N. Y., where he remained two years. In 1850 he came West, located in Lenawee county, Mich., returned to New York, and again sought a home in Lenawee, where he married Mrs. Mary Gallop, in 1852. He is the father of Wesley R. Shaw, born March 7, 1853, now a farmer of Leoni. Mrs. Shaw died in May, 1875. In 1870 she, with her husband and family, moved to Leoni tp., where Mr. Shaw now resides, having recently purchased a farm there. He is a self-made man, and his present easy cir- cumstances are due entirely to his own exertions,

Phebe Sleyton was born Sept. 30, 1805, in Madison county, N. Y., daughter of Ebenezer and Hannah (Bump) Sleyton, of Vermont. Her ancestors were engaged in the battle of Bennington, and she, it is said, went thither with a dinner to the banded patriots. Her parents removed to Tompkins county, N. Y., thence to Madison. In 1835 Mrs. Sleyton came West with her brother-in-law and sis- ter, settled at Michigan Center, and was married July 1, 1838, to James Sleyton, formerly of Niagara county, N. Y. He entered land in Leoni tp. early in 1836, proved a successful farmer, and after a useful life of 72 years, 44 of which were passed in this county, died June 26, 1880. Mrs. Sleyton is a member of the W. M. Church.

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History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 96

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