History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 99

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 99

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The family record of John and Phebe Lewis is as follows: John Lewis, born Ang. 27, 1794, died March 10, 1867; Phebe (Cace), born Aug. 29, 1797. They were married April 19, 1814. Their children were born in the following order: Jacob, Dec 11, 1815, died May 10, 1852; Rachel M., Feb. 8, 1818; John Q., Jan. 29, 1820, died April 21, 1844; Cornelia, March 23, 1822; Sarah E., April 20, 1824, died Oct. 27. 1850; Ann C., July 6, 1826, died Feb. 14, 1853; Stephen, Nov. 29, 1828, died Oct. 7, 1865; Adeline and Angeline, Feb. 8, 1831, the first died May 8, 1854, the last in Ang., 1832; Philetus, July 5, 1833; Emery A., Jan. 21, 1836; Margaret C., May 18, 1839, died Oct. 17, 1878; Robert B., Sept. 17, 1841. The mother survives 5 of 13 children.

James H. Loomis was born May 15, 1840, in Alexandria, Gene- see Co., N. Y. He received a farmer's education and training, and in 1844 accompanied his father to Michigan, where they located in Liberty. He remained with his father until he was 21, and for

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Mr. Clana, Kennedy

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

four years after he worked by the day in summer and taught school winters. In 1865-'66 he worked farms on shares, and in 1867 rented the place which is now his own, and which he purchased in 1868. He owns 150 acres, valued at $9,000. He has held the offices of School Inspector and Justice of the Peace. Politically lie is a Democrat. He was married April 9, 1865, to Miss Cordelia Crouch, and they are the parents of 4 children, viz .: Franklin A., Mary D., Cora E., and George H. Mrs. Loomis was born Sept. 5, 1844. Mr. Loomis has made his own way in life, receiving from his father $5 to be applied in the purchase of a watch. The Indian trail from Detroit to Chicago runs across his land, and on his farm is an Indian burial ground, where are hundreds of mounds scat- tered in every direction. Many of these have been examined, and cavities discovered. Mr. Loomis has a great number of relics, badges, arrows, Indian pipes, flints, etc.

Wolcott Marsh was born in Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 23, 1825. His parents, Samuel T. and Polly (Barnes) Marsh, were natives of Connecticut and of English ancestry. His father died July 21, 1829, and his mother Feb. 26, 1872. In 1839 he came to Michigan and lived with his brothers two years, working on the farm summers and attending school winters. He worked out sev- eral years by the month, until 1850, when he went to California, where he engaged in mining on a claim of his own. He returned in 1853 and purchased the farm where he now resides. April 24, 1855, he was married to Helen M. Gates. They are the parents of 6 children-Treat W., Fred M., Edith I'., Harry J., Uriel C., and Amasa W. Mrs. Marsh was born July 10, 1836, and died Jan. 15, 1874. Mr. Marsh is a Democrat. He owns 90 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. When he first worked for his brother he had $5 per month; his next pay was $6, and the next year received SS. He remembers them as hard times.

Benjamin Patch was born March 6, 1824, in Vermont, and is a son of Asa and Hannah (Weaver) Patch, natives of Vermont and Rhode Island, and of English ancestry. He was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. His father died in 1833, and mother in 1864. In 1838 he emigrated to Michigan with his uncle and located in Liberty, where he resided seven years, then went to Moscow and worked by the month on a farm, thence to Litchfield, Hillsdale Co., Mich. In 1849 he purchased a farm of 160 acres in that county, where he remained about 15 years, when he sold out and purchased the site of his present home. Was married Feb. 12, 1849, to Lois Sntfin, who was born Jan. 6, 1828, and by whom he has had 7 children. The living arc -- Anthony J., Polly, now Mrs. J. Palmer; Stephen A., George L. and Gifford. He and his wife are worthy members of the M. E. Church. Politi- cally he is a Greenbacker. Mr. P. started out in life a poor boy, but by hard work and perseverance he has made himself a pleasant home. He owns 109 acres of land, valued at $55 an acre.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

Anthony L. Pelham, of Liberty tp., was born in Middletown, Delaware Co., N. Y., Sept. 24, 1818. His father, Abram Pelham, was a pioneer of Delaware county, and a native of Winchester county. He was a farmer by occupation, a Mason of high rank, and an officer in the State militia. Mr. Pelham's grandfather, Richard, was a military man and served his county and lost his life in the American Revolution. Mr. P.'s mother was Mary, nee Every. He came to Michigan in 1835, and first settled in Bridgewater, Washtenaw Co., where he resided 14 years. He next lived in Barry county seven years and then moved to Columbia, where he lived 20 years. In 1881 he sold his Columbia farm and moved over the tp. line into Liberty, where he now lives in independence, surrounded by the comforts of life and a family of 7 children -- Avery, Addison, Stella, Frank, Cora, George and Alice. Stella is now Mrs. James Sickley, a farmer of Woodstock, Lenawee Co. Mr. Pelham married Miss Ann Eliza Banker, daughter of Fredrick Banker, a millwright of Saline, Washtenaw Co., the ceremony taking place June 10, 1847.

Nathaniel Pettengill, wife and 4 children, moved from Andover, Windsor Co., Vt., to this State in 1835. He entered land on sec. 13, built a log hut 12 feet square, and thatched it with hay. For beds they had two bunks, and had a table fastened against the wall. Their cooking was done out of doors until cold weather came, when they built a fire-place of turf and logs in one corner of the room. The structure had one door and one window covered with greased paper. The Indians were more plenty than agreeable, and accord- ing to their custom fired the prairie in the spring and fall. The small abiding place of the family was protected from the flames by raking away the leaves and wetting the hay thatching. The flames in con- sequence leaped from tree-top to tree-top, and left the hut unscathed. A small pig in their possession was penned next the house to pro- tect it from the bears and wolves. They walked 10 miles to church, often driving wolves from the path. After living in this manner three months they built a log house, where they lived one and a half years. Mr. Pettengill married Sophia Putnam, in Andover, May 16, 1823. They were the parents of 6 children, 2 of whom are now living, viz .: William, born May 28, 1824; and Maria, born Feb. 6, 1826. The latter was married in 1849, and is Mrs. M. P. San- ford. Mr. P. died June 20, 1878. Himself and wife were both members of the Baptist Church.

William Pettengill, farmer, sec. 36, Somerset, was brought up on his father's farm and received a common-school education. At the age of 15 he lost the use of his left leg, and for three years was unable to do any work. At 19 years of age he apprenticed himself to B. F. Eggleston, of Jackson, to learn the trade of a tailor. He remained two years, but was obliged by illness to leave the position. In the fall of 1844 he went to Brooklyn and commenced his trade again, with E. Martin, whom he accompanied to Ann Arbor and finished learning the business. He afterward worked in

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

various shops as a journeyman in Michigan and New York. In 1856 he returned to this State and worked alternately on the farin and clerked in his brother's store in Liberty. April 5, 1848, he married Emmalissa Huff. They were the parents of 1 child, which died. Mrs. P. died Feb. 28, 1850. April 19, 1857, he married Celina B. Raymond, of Rochester. They lost their only child. In 1857 he moved to his father's farm, which he superintended six months, then moved to Liberty, going into company with his brother in a general store. In 1867 he disposed of his interest and removed to Jackson, where he remained until 1879, and then took possession of the old homestead. He and a brother were drafted, but he was disabled and his brother was Postmaster. He is a Re- publican.

The personal reminiscences of the Pettengill family are of great interest as affording samples of the experiences of the pioneers of Michigan. Food was almost unattainable, save through exertions and resources that sound like romance in relation. Mr. Petten- gill's family once were obliged to cut some wheat before it had matured, dry it, pound it ont, boil it and eat it with milk, as no otlier subsistence could be procured. At another time they lived wholly on potatoes and salt; the latter came from Monroe, hanled with other supplies by ox teams-usually two or three yokes- wallowing through the mud in which they sank to their sides, and often through fires that ran through the woods singeing the hair off the poor beasts. It was not uncommon for the driver to find himn- self with one leg submerged to his body, and an attempt to extri- cate himself would end in the plunging of an arm to the shoulder in the same element.

In two years after the arrival of this family they were alternately alarmed, interested, and finally amnsed by the performances of a family of 12 wolves that lived in the swamps and on the borders of Grand river. Each of the brutes was readily distinguishable by his voice. Regn larly with nightfall came their concerts, a heavy coarse voice leading, a shriller one following, and the 10 tenors joining in the chorus. They ceased at the close of their vespers in orderly rotation, the oldest desisting first, and so on until the music ended in the fine squeal of a youngster.

The routing of the camp of blue racers is also related, of which all were killed at the outset but one, that sprang from his assailants into the top of a small tree, which was broken down and hung to the ground. His snakeship landed in the branches and gave bat- tle, stretching several feet in the air and seemingly looking about for some means of defense. Finally he flung himself toward the eldest son, a boy about 11 years old, who hit him as he flew through the air and killed him. He was seven feet long, the average length of the entire lot.

Mr. Pettengill and his son William went ont one night to search for the cows and saw a bear approaching. They hid, and when he reached the top of the knoll William sprang and the alarmed brute

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

went down the hill rolling over and over, the boy after him and gaining, until the bear plunged into some brushwood. This was genuine frontier life.

Gross G. Pond, son of Josiah and Naby (Gates) Pond, natives of Vermont, was born Jan. 6, 1828, in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y. He was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to this State with his parents in 1845; remained at home until 21 years of age; was united in marriage Nov. 6. 1850, with Miss Rhoda Orvis, and they became the parents of 1 child-Cynthia, now deceased. Mrs. P. died Feb. 20, 1852. Mr. P. again married July 11, 1852, Miss Sarah Huestis; they have had 2 children, viz .: Emma A., born Feb. 23, 1854, died Dec. 26, 1878; and Sereno G., born Sept. 23, 1855. He worked a farm on shares about 7 years. In 1859, he went to California, returning in 1860. He bought the site of his present home of his father in 1861; being desirous of going to Nevada, where he was employed by the Yel- low-Jacket Mining Company, he sold his farm back to his father, remaining in the employ of that company until 1867, when he re- turned and worked a farm on shares for three years, then purchased the old homestead, where he now resides. He built a beautiful brick residence in 1880. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic order. Politically, he is a Democrat.

. Livermore S. Prescott, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Hanover; was born May 4, 1823, in Uypsum, Rockingham Co., N. H. His parents were John and Lydia (Drake) Prescott, natives of New Hampshire, both deceased; the former died June 11, 1837, the latter in February, 1877. He was brought up on a farm, and re- ceived a limited education in the common schools of his native State. Mr. P. came to Michigan in 1843, and located in Tecum- seh, where he remained a short time; from there he moved to this county, where he has since resided. When he was 21 years of age, he drove stage from Tecumseh to Adrian. He was united in marriage, Oct. 8, 1845, to Elizabeth Powell. They were the par- ents of 1 child, now deceased. Mrs. P. died March 29, 1869. For his second wife he married, Oct. 28, 1871, Helen Melrose, by whom he has had 6 children, 5 now living, viz .: John R., Agnes, George T., Vianna M., and Livermore S., Jr. Mr. P. now owns 220 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. Mrs. P. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a liberal and kind-hearted man, and is much respected by his neighbors.

Arthur B. Root, son of William Root, now a resident of Sum- mit tp., was born April 13, 1846, in Ingham tp., Ingham Co., Mich., and is of English descent. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of this county. He resided in Ingham until three and a half years of age, then moved to Summit tp., and remained there about 27 years. Afterward he purchased a farm in this tp., where he has since resided. Was married June 10, 1875, to Miss Ellen Nixon, and they are the parents of 2 children, viz .: Nettie S., born March 1, 1876, and William,

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

born Feb. 21, 1880. He owns 80 acres of land, which he valnes at 870 per acre. Mr. R. resides on the farm entered by his grandfather in 1837. Politically, he is a Republican. P. O., South Jackson.

Aaron C. Russell, son of John and Almeda (Coleman) Russell, natives of Massachusetts, and of Scotch-Welsh descent, was born in Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1830. Was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to this county with his parents in 1835, locating in Columbia tp., where he resided until 1857, then started ont in the world for him- self; he purchased a farm of 40 acres in Montcalm; after residing there two years, sold out; thence went back to Columbia, thence to Hillsdale county, thence to this tp., thence to Blackman; in 1865, he settled in Liberty, where he has since resided. Married Miss Ann Eliza Huestis, Dec. 25, 1854; they were the parents of 1 child, now deceased. He built his present residence in 1869, and owns 104 acres of land, valued at 865 per acre; farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Liberty. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Cornelius Sloat was born July 4, 1811, in Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y. His parents were David and Charity (Alsduff) Sloat, natives of New York. He was reared on a farm and received alib- eral education in the common schools of his native State. When 18 years of age he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, but on account of poor health he followed it only a short time. In 1831 he emigrated to this State with his parents, locating in Sharon, Washtenaw Co .; here he remained until 1840, when he purchased a farm in Liberty tp, where his estimable wife now resides. Was united in marriage Nov. 7, 1833, to Miss Mary Becker, born Sept. 6. 1815, in Williamsburg, Dundas Co., Canada. Children were- Ellen A., now Mrs. C. P. Hammond; Mary A., now Mrs. L. J. Curtis; Lottie I., now Mrs. S. Smith; Jane E., now Mrs. P. D. Hawley; Francis T., now Mrs. N. Hawley, and Libbie R., now Mrs. I. Hayes. Mr. S. died March 8. 1878; he lived esteemed and died lamented. Politically he was a Democrat.

John Straight, farmer sec. 2, was born March 1, 1804, in Hart- ford, Washington Co., N. Y. His parents, Elijah and Polly (Rex- ford) Straight, were natives of Connecticut. He was brought up a farmer, living at home until he was 21. In 1846 he came to Mich- igan and purchased the farm where he now resides. He married Mrs. Sophia Bryant in March, 1826. She was born July 10, 1794. Four of their 5 children are living, viz .: Lydia A., wife of D. Davis; Elijah J .; Phebe J., wife of Jeremiah Mattison, and Harriet I .. wife to F. P. Smith. Mr. Straight is practically a self-made man, setting out in life with no assistance. He now owns 120 acres of land, valued at $4,800. He is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and politically is a Democrat. His wife is a Baptist. The farm is managed by his son-in-law, J. Mattison, who married Phebe Straight Nov. 24, 1859. Mr. M. was born in Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vt .. May 1, 1833. He came to this State in 1855, and located in Jackson county. At the age of 22 he learned the

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

carpenter and joiner's trade. Mr. and Mrs. Mattison are the par- ents of 2 children, viz .: Norman J. and George W. Mr. M. is a Democrat, and both himself and wife belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. M. has held the office of Constable 10 years, seven of them con- secutively. He lost the use of two fingers by the accidental discharge of a gun, the contents lodging in his arm.

Sylvester A. Strong, Representative from the Third District of Jackson county, was elected in 1878, serving two terms. He was born Sept. 10. 1833, in St. Lawrence county, N. Y .; came with his par- ents to Michigan in 1835; became a resident of this county in 1840, and has since resided here. He received a common-school educa- tion, and chose a farmer's life. He has several times been elected to official positions in this tp., including. Treasurer, Highway Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. Was married March 18, 1855, to Miss Melissa A. Cornwell, who was born Feb. 20, 1833, in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y. His mother died Feb. 28, 1863. His father is now 79 years of age and a resident of Jackson. Mrs. S. is a member of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Greenbacker and a strong Prohibitionist. He erected a beautiful residence in 1880; owns 140 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre. He is en- gaged in buying live-stock. P. O., Horton.

Aaron B. Sutfin was born in Yates county, N. Y., in 1823, and was a son of John and Polly (Baird) Sutfin, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Jersey. They were the parents of 12 children, who were remarkable for their large size and great strength. They came to this State in 1834, where Mrs. Sutfin died at the advanced age of 93. Aaron B. was first married in 18- to Sarah E. Lewis, daughter of John and Phebe Lewis, of this county, who died in 1850. Their children were-Christina and Agnes, both deceased. In 18- Mr. S. married Adaline Lewis, a sister of his former wite, and they had 1 child, Phebe, now Mrs. Charles Price. Mrs. Sutfin died in 1854, and in 1862 Mr. S. married his present wife, Mrs. M. A. Sutfin, daughter of Ariel and Mary Ann (Rathbon) Cornwell, the former a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., and the latter of Preston, Iowa. Mr. C. came to this State in 1836, and voted the first Abolition ticket in his tp .; it was the only one polled at that election. Mrs. Sutfin was born Ang. 30, 1837. She has considerable literary talent and contributed many poems and sketches to the local papers, which have been favorably received, Among these are the following: "Legend of Devil's Lake," "Last Night in the Old House," and "First Night in the New House." Her 2 daughters, Belle B. and Matie A., received their education at the Union school at Hanover under the instruction of Professors Perry and Haskins. The eldest daughter was graduated at that school in June, 1881. Guy C. is Mrs. Sutfin's only son. Mr. Sutfin now owns 252 acres of land, 160 of which is in this county.

Calvin Town (deceased) was born June 17, 1824, in St. Law- rence county, N. Y. He was the son of William and Mary Town, natives of New Hampshire; they came to Michigan in 1846 and

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

located in this tp. Calvin was united in marriage Jan. 6, 1847, with Miss Sabia J. Strong, and they were the parents of 7 children, 6 of whom are now living, viz .: Helen A., now Mrs. G. M. Doty; James, Wilbur, Inez I., now Mrs. J. R. Newman; Emeline P. and Bertie A. Mr. Town was highly esteemed as a man of integ- rity, and liberality in all worthy canses. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church in South Jackson many years before his death, which occurred Aug. 18, 1864. Mrs. Calvin Town was born July 13, 1827. Wilbur W., second son of Calvin Town, was born May 9, 1854, in this tp., where he has since resided. He was brought up a farmer and received a good education in the common schools. After the death of his father he remained on the farm, aiding his mother in its management until he was 20 years old, when he purchased 80 acres of it which he has well improved and values at $4,800. He was married June 26, 1875, to Rose Honghtalin, who was born April 12, 1857. They are the parents of 2 children, viz .: Floyd, born Ang. 4, 1876, and Tracey, born Sept. 9, 1879. Mr. Town is a Republican. P. O., Jackson.

Willard W. Tubbs, son of David and Olive (Kimpton) Tubbs, natives of Vermont, and of English descent; was born Ang. 4, 1809, in Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y .; was brought up on a farm and received an elementary education in the common schools. He re- mained at home until 14 years of age, then followed farmning for five years; then learned the comb.maker's trade, and followed that business four years. He came to Michigan in 1839, and located in Washtenaw county, remaining there about four years, then moved to Napoleon tp., this county. and purchased a farm; remained there four years, and traded that farm for the site of his present home. After farming four years he rented his farm to his nephew on shares and followed the blacksmith's trade three years in Lib- erty, then sold out and returned to his farm, where he has resided ever since. Was married Aug. 7, 1832, to Miss Betsey SarlIs, who was born Sept. 19, 1813, and they are now the parents of + children, of whom 2 are living, viz .: Frances, now Mrs. G. Loomis; and Ellen, now Mrs. A. Brower. Mr. and Mrs. T. are worthy members of the M. E. Church. Politically, he is a Republican. He now owns 225 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. T. is a self- made man; he had very little when he commenced in life, but by per- severance and economy has accumulated considerable wealth, and is esteemed by all who know him.

Moses Tuthill (deceased) was born Oct. 26, 1808, in Suffolk county, N. Y. His parents, Noah and Abigail Tuthill, were natives of New York, and of English ancestry. He attained his majority and education in New York, coming to Michigan in 1832, when about 24 years of age. He located near Manchester, where he remained two years. He returned to New York for a year, coming back to Michigan in 1835, when he purchased a farm in sec. 12, this tp., where he resided until his death, Feb. 16, 1881. At 16 years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

about 15 years. Nov. 1, 1832, he married Jane Neely. She was born Nov. 18, 1802, and died April 27, 1839, leaving 1 son, Hiram. Mr. Tuthill was remarried March 4, 1841, to Lydia Collins. She was born April 10, 1808, and died May 2, 1875. She is survived by 1 son, Noalı, who manages the estate of his father. Mr. Tuthill during his life held the official positions of Tp. Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, Road Commissioner, and was Postmaster for a num- ber of years. He was among the very first settlers in Liberty, and built the first frame honse and first barn in the tp. He was a Demo- crat and a member of the Universalist Church.

John I. Van Schoick, farmer on sec. 31, was born in Sharon, Bchoharie Co., N.Y., Feb. 5, 1818. His father, Joseph Van Sehoick, was a native of New Jersey. His mother, Sarah Van S., was born in the State of New York. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of New York, and was brought up on a farm. He came to Michigan in the spring of 1848, and lo- cated on the place he now owns. His father, who lost his sight, and was totally blind for eight years before his deatlı, came to Mich- igan with his son and died in 1853. His mother died in 1868. Mr. Van S. married Dee. 29, 1847, A. Darling, of Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y. She was born in Niagara county, N. Y., Jan. 4, 1831. They are inembers of the Universalist society, and have had 6 chil- dren, 5 of whom are now living. as follows: Clara, now Mrs. Keyes; Cora May, now Mrs. Geo. W. Cary; Emma D., now Mrs. Albert Densmore; Charles J., Jenney and Ezra D. Mr. Van S. has held the office of Road Commissioner, and owns 143 aeres of land, 10 of which are in Round Lake.

Perry C. Wetherby was born Feb. 12, 1822, in Manlins, Onondaga Co., N. Y., where he attained his majority and education. His parents, Willard and Phebe (Brown) Wetherby, were natives of New York. In 1845 he came to Michigan and purchased the farm where he now resides. His parents eame to Michigan in the spring of the same year. He married Mary E. Haynes Nov. 3, 1847; she was born in Steuben county, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1822. Her father Jonathan Haynes, was a native of New York, and located in 1830 at Nankin, Wayne Co., remaining there four years, removing to Somerset, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he died in 1863. Her mother, Loviee C. Haynes, was born in New York, and died in Somerset in 1874. Of 5 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wetherby 3 are now living-Arthur W., Heber D. and Charles K. The deceased children were-Ellen A., and Chauncey P. Wetherby. Mrs. W. is a member of the M. E. Church; Mr. W. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and owns 120 acres of land, valned at $7,800. Politically, he is a Demoerat.

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History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 99

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