History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 121

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434

USA > Michigan > Kent County > History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 121

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[THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

of Lowell was organized Feb. 13, 1856, by Rev. James Ballard, Hammond and Hemmingway, with the last-named as first pastor. The original members of the society were Mrs. Harriet Shepard, - Bigelow, Mrs. Bigelow, Deacon Babcock, Mary Jane Babcock, Mrs. Dr. Brown, Mrs. Thankful Clark and Mrs. Stoughton. Rev. D. L. Eaton has been associated with the Church as its pastor for many years, and, under his administration its progress and pros- perity have been marked indeed. The present membership of the society is 60, and of the Sabbath-school, 100. The value of the church building, furniture and grounds is estimated at over $4, 000. This church was erected in 1858, at a cost of $2,500, under the auspices of Rev. Mr. Eaton ; since that period many improve- ments have been effected, and nothing beneficial left undone which might suggest itself to a truly Christian pastor.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

The First Baptist Church and Society of Lowell organized as a corporate religious society Aug. 14, 1858. Three years previously a Baptist society was in existence. Corporate members : Robert

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Hunter, jr., Joseph Wilson, John Taylor, Cyrus Clark, James W. Buttolph, Daniel Severy, Jacob Chapman, Robert D. Winegar, Cornelius Carter, Stephen Goodman and Jolin Blain, with their wives. First Board of Trustees : Jacob Chapman, Joseph Wilson, Cornelius Carter, John Taylor, Cyrus Clark, John Blain ; Stephen Goodman, Chairman, and Robert Hunter, jr., Clerk ; Cyrus Clark, Treasurer.

A church building was erected in 1859, at a cost of about $1,000, on a lot at the corner of Bridge and Jackson streets, 90x132 feet. The first deacons were John Blain and Cyrus Clark ; first pastor, Rev. Mr. Howell, now dead. Regular service has been held con- tinuously to the present, 1881, under the following pastors : Revs. Clutz, Conley, Hicox, Goodman, Reed, Baker (dead), Dunham, Saxton. The present pastor is Rev. Charles Oldfield, who has filled that position for nearly four years. Present membership, 120. Present Board of Trustees : W. H. Eddy. William Ricketts, E. W. Dodge, Charles B. Carter, Robert D. Winegar, Milton C. Barber, W. H. Eddy, Clerk of the Board; Theodore B. Carter, Clerk ; W. H. Eddy, Treasurer. Present Deacons : Aaron Bunse, William H. Eddy and L. F. Chase.

This Church has paid its pastors an average salary of $600 per year ; it has a flourishing Sabbath-school of 100 scholars, under Superintendent M. C. Barber.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The date of the visit of the French missionaries to the Indian village at this point cannot be ascertained. The locality was visited within the pioneer times by Rev. Frederick Baraga, Rev. Andreas Vizoiski, and other priests of the Grand Rapids Mission. During the last quarter of a century the visiting priests were Rev. Messrs. Rievers, McManus, Tierney, Savage and Flannery. Pre- vious to 1879, the Catholics of Lowell worshiped in private houses. In that year, however, the present church was erected and dedicated. This structure was built by B. G. Wilson from plans furnished by Architect Grady, of Grand Rapids. The total cost was $3,300, collected by the building committee, composed of Rev. Father Savage, Messrs. Allen Browne, John M. Flanagan, George Wilhelm and John Giles. The congregation numbers about 200.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The M. E. Society of Lowell was formed in 1855, with Rev. Isaac N. Bennett as Pastor, and J. Martin, Class-leader. Among the first members were John K. Gillett, John Martin, William Pearsall, John Hart, George Post, John Martin, John Almon, J. H. Hooker, Charles Broad and their wives. The place of worship until 1869 was the "old red school-house." In 1862 the society purchased the lot on which this building stood, and, in 1869, entered upon the building of the present brick structure. The

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LOWELL TOWNSHIP.

cost of building, furniture and grounds was $8,400. Among the popular pastors of this Church were Revs. Daniel Bush, Pratt, Beach, Childs, McKnight, Cawthorne, Haviland, Bignall, Bangs, Mont, J. M. Fuller, Henry Reisner, Sprague, Barnes, Mills, Buell, Rodgers, Ball, Crawford, Bangs and Bray. The present pastor is Mr. Ballantyne. The total number of members enrolled is reported to be 100, while the Sunday-school numbers more than that.

THE LADIES' LITERARY SOCIETY

was organized March 3, 1877. The formal meeting was attended by Mrs. J. M. Hine, Mrs. M. N. Hine, Mrs. E. R. Craw, Mrs. D. L. Eaton, Mrs. R. W. Graham, Mrs. R. J. Enos, Mrs. M. M. Perry and Miss F. Robinson. The first officers elected were Mrs. Enos, President ; Mrs. Owen, Vice-President ; Mrs. M. M. Perry, Secretary ; Mrs. Craw, Treasurer; Miss Jennings, Critic ; Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Owen and Mrs. D. L. Eaton, members of Ex- ecutive Board. The first regular meeting was held at the house of Mrs. C. T. Wooding. The officers of the society since its organi- zation are : Presidents-Mrs. R. J. Enos, 1877 ; Mrs. J. C. Scott, 1878 ; Mrs. M. M. Perry, 1879 ; Mrs. J. W. Weekes, 1880 ; Mrs. E. A. Chapman, 1881. Secretaries-Mrs. M. M. Perry, 1877 ; Mrs. E. E. Wisner, 1878 ; Mrs. N. A. Stone, 1879 ; Mrs. E. R. Craw, 1880 ; Mrs. R. H. Peck, 1881. Treasurers-Mrs. E. R. Craw, 1877 ; Mrs. Brower, 1878; Mrs. C. T. Wooding, 1879 ; Mrs. K. M. Strong, 1880; Mrs. S. P. Hicks, 1881.

The society now claims a membership of 25. The regular meetings are bi-monthly. The exercises are literary, biographica and historical.

MASONIC.

Lowell Lodge, No. 90, F. & A. M., was chartered Jan. 16, 1857, with Wm. H. Dickenson, W. M .; Cyprian S. Hooker, S. W., and Thomas Daniels, J. W. The formal meeting was held April 8, 1856, when the lodge was organized under dispensation, with W .. H. Dickenson, W. M .; C. S. Hooker, S. W .; and Thomas Daniels, J. W. I. B. Shear was appointed Secretary; B. Hoag, Treasurer; E. Dunning, S. D .; A. R. Hoag, J. D .; C. W. Gregory, Tyler; Jacob Thorn and Simon Pettit, Stewards. The number of members at the present time is 157. The present officers are: J. L. Look, W. M .; E. Bailey, S. W .; E. R. Craw, J. W .; W. E. Keyes, Treasurer; Harmon Nash, Secretary; W. S. Barnes, S. D .; C. G. Stone, J. D .; W. J. Medler, Tyler; Geo. R. Sayles, Chaplain.

Hooker Chapter, No. 73, was founded Jan. 10, 1871, with John S. Hooker, H. P .; Arvine Peck, K .; C. S. Hooker, Scribe. The H. P.'s of the chapter since chartered were: John S. Hooker, 1871; C. S. Hooker, 1872; J. S. Hooker, 1873; I. F. Cumming, 1874; A. J. Howk, 1875; E. F. Doty, 1876; E. F. Doty, 1877; Emerson Bailey, 1878-'9; W. J. Ecker, 1880-'1.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

I. O. O. F.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows organized a lodge in the village s me years ago. This lodge has been transferred to Bowne, where it possesses a large membership.

BUSINESS INTERESTS.

The Loan National Bank was founded May 17, 1865, by W. W. Hatch, Robert D. Winegar, Abiel S. Stannard, Sylvester Train, Julius M. Ware, J. Eli Chapin, Francis King, Edwin R. Craw, James C. Burroughs, Myron H. Norton, Henry Green, Peter Hornbrook, John Kopf, Ambrose J. Ecker, W. B. Mason, Jos. Amphlet, Arba Richards, Wm. R. Mason, Joshua W. Mann, Ephraim J. Booth, McDole Shaw, Edward Bradfield, James B. Sprague, Jared Sprague, Roger L. Gue-t, D. W. Edie, Charles John- son, Amasa F. Lee, John R. Norton and Judson West. The first Directory comprised Arba Richards, E. J. Booth, J. E. Chapin, J. W. Mann, W. W. Hatch, M. H. Norton, A. S. Stannard, A. F. Lee and J.C. Burroughs. The capital stock was $50,000. In 1871 this amount was raised to $100,000, and reduced to the original amount in 1879. The bank now does a business of over $100,000 a year. The present stockholders are: Edward Bradfield, H. H. Bradfield, E. J Baarth, Noah Bishop, E. Bowen, R. E. Burroughs, L. Babcock, E. R. Craw, O. R. Eaton, C. C. Eddy, R. L. Guest, Richard Hornbrook, Ruby Hunt, M. N. Hine, J. W. Hine, Emeline Hine, McCarty, H. A. Rice, Win. Ricketts, Emily Richards, C. G. Stone, N. A. Stone, A. S. Stannard, H. M. Snyder, E. A. Sunderlin, J. C. Train, C. T. Wooding, Mary S. Ware, J. M. Weatherwax. The Presidents of the bank from 1865 to the present time are named as follows: W. W. Hatch, 1865; H. A. Rice, 1871; W. W. Hatch, 1872, and C. T. Wooding, 1879-'82.

The Lowell Mills, built in 1867 for W. W. Hatch and E. R. Craw, form one of the leading manufacturing industries of the county. The building is frame, three stories in height, with base- ment. The motive power is derived from the waters of Flat river which drive the James Leffel wheels of 125-horse power. The capacity of the mill is 200 barrels per day, up to which it has been worked. Up to the close of 1881 it contained but four run of stone: at this period the owners added two run. The original cost of the building, machinery, etc., was $25,000, to whichi $10,000 must be added for improvements made in building and machinery since 1867. The Holly pumps are attached to the mill to be used in case of fire. and are supposed to be equal to such an emergency should it unhappily arise. The present proprietors, Stiff & Stiff, purchased this concern from W. W. Hatch, June 19, 1881. They operate custom and merchants' department, and leave nothing undone to merit the local and inter-state patronage extended to their mills.

LOWELL TOWNSHIP. 1209

The Lowell Woolen Mills were built in 1867, by C. A. Clark. In 1868 he disposed of his interest in this new industry to M. R. Blodgett, who operated the mills until 1871, when they fell into the hands of W. W. Hatch. Four years later C. E. and II. F. Clark acquired the property by purchase. They are young men of enterprise and energy, and have remodeled the establishment, put in a full set of machinery with all modern improvements, and are doing a fair business. The machinery is driven by water- power. The capacity at present is two jacks, one with 180, the other with 200 spindles. The building is a wooden structure, 120 feet long and two stories high, above the basement. The products of this mill are well received in the market, and give entire satis- faction. They have an extensive local trade. The manufactured goods comprise cassimeres, flannels, sheetings, plain and fancy yarns, etc. The mills are capable of producing from $40,000 to $50,000 per annum. Since Clark Brothers have operated these mills, the annual trade has averaged $15,000. The factory em- ploys six hands.

The Lowell Elevator was built by Mckay for James S. Dougall, in 1877, at a cost of $6,000. The capacity of this large grain store is $10,000. The wheat is shipped direct to New York.

Planing Mill .-- The first planing mill was built on Bridge street, in 1855-'6, for Knight Bros. In 1862 they moved the machinery into Avery & Johnson's shop, near the site of Avery & Wood's present mill, which building, with the machinery, was purchased by Avery & Johnson in 1866. A year later the struct- ure and machinery were destroyed by fire. In 1868 the present mill was built by Avery & Johnson, who operated it until the latter sold his interest to John Huggins in 1870, and he in turn sold his share in the concern to his partner in 1874. Two years later E. W. Avery sold the mill to Thomas Johnson, from whom it passed into the hands of C. T. Wooding, of the National Bank. The present operators are H. D. Wood and F. W. Avery, who lease the building and machinery from C. T. Wooding. The concern is valued at $12,000.

Goodrich Kopf's Furniture Factory was built in 1881 for the proprietor, at a cost of $3,000. The concern was opened May 7, 1881, as a bedstead, bureau and table factory, since which time business has made such progress as to warrant .the building of a large addition in 1881. It is supposed that the value of manufact- ured goods for the first year will equal $7,000. The machinery is driven by steam-power, Woodbury's 20-horse-power engine being in use. It is the intention of the operator to introduce additional machinery, and to increase his present corps of 10 workmen.

Kopf's Furniture Factory was built in 1867 by John Kopf, at a cost of $12,000, including machinery, water-power, etc. The value of manufactured goods per annum averages $20,000, the sales being effected in Kent and neighboring counties. The fac- tory gives employment to 15 hands. The warehouse and finish-

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

ing room was built in 1872. It is well supplied. The company, which includes Hill & Trask, has a salesroom in the village of Lowell. Cogswell built a saw-mill in 1856, which now forms a portion of Kopf's factory.

Tucker's Steam Saw-mill was built in 1869 by E. W. Tucker, on the banks of Grand river, north of the railroad depot. This was burned in June, 1881. The mill was operated by S. P. Knapp, until he disposed of his interest to F. O. Taft in 1880. The last- named operator erected a large steam saw-mill in September, 1881.

King, Quick & King .- Powlison, Quick & Smith built the saw- mill in 1871. Mr. Smith disposed of his interest in the saw-mill in 1872 to F. King. In December, 1873, Mr. Powlison disposed of his interest to F. King and R. Quick, and in April, 1874, Mr. Quick sold his interest to Francis King. Dec. 1, 1879, Reuben Quick bought a third interest in the concern, which he now oper- ates with F. King and F. T. King, partners, the latter buying a third interest at the same time that Mr. Quick did. The capacity of the steam mill is about 6,000,000 feet annually. Steam-power is used.

The shingle-mill was built in 1879 for King, Quick & King. The daily capacity of this mill is about 60,000.

The lumber yard was established by Mr. Dodge in 1864. The business was purchased by Powlison & Quick in April, 1869. In 1872 Mr. Powlison sold his interest to King & Quick, and since that time this lumber business has been carried on under the same proprietors as the saw-mills. The company also operate a steam saw and shingle mill at Greenville, with a capacity of 5,000,000 feet lumber per annum, and 50,000 shingles per day. The busi- ness is all done through the Lowell office.

The firm of King, Quick & King give employment to 100 men. This number includes the lumber employes in Montcalm.

Dougall's Elevator .- Wilson, Gardner & Co.'s steam planing- mill, and sash, door and blind factory, was built in 1868, where the Dougall elevator now stands The mill did not pay. It was purchased by A. R. Hoag, of Vergennes, from whom it was leased by James S. Dougall, enlarged and converted into an elevator in 1877.

Wisner's Flouring Mill .- The first. grist-mill was built by Cyprian S. Hooker in 1847. It was located on the east bank of Flat river, fronting on Bridge street. This mill was operated by water-power derived from a dam on the quarter line of section 2, or little south of the school building of district No. 1. The race leading to this first mill is submerged by the waters of the dam, as constructed in 1850. It contained but one run of stone; but when the capacity is limited, a " single man could shell corn just as quickly as the mill could grind it." This was the substance of a statement made by the Supervisor of Lowell in 1850 before the County Board when it had been intimated to him that he assessed the mill at Lowell at too small a sum. Its real capacity was about four bushels

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per hour. In 1854 Mr. Hooker sold the mill to Tolford & Chapin, of Grand Rapids. In 1856 Wm. W. Hatch purchased a third interest in the concern. Before this a run of stone had been added, the water-power increased, and an era of improvement entered upon. Tolford disposed of his interest to Chapin about 1857, when Cha- pin & Hatch became the proprietors. James O. Fitch purchased half of Chapin's interest in 1858, and in 1859 disposed of the other half to E. R. Craw, who then became partners with Mr. Hatch. Toward the close of 1859 Fitch sold his third interest to Hatch & Craw, who continued to conduct this industry until Jan. 9, 1880, when Mr. Craw retired, selling his interest to Mr. Hatch. A day later the last-named gentleman sold the mill, machinery, and one-half the water-power to E. E. Wisner. The capacity of the inill is 100 barrels of flour and 100 bushels of feed per 24 hours. Seven hands are employed during the year. The building and machinery are valued at $12,000.

Fort' s Western Medicine Manufacturing Co. was formed in 1870 with a nominal capital of $100,000. E. M. Fort was Secre- tary and Treasurer. Previously the originator of this enterprise carried on a prosperous business here.

Bradley & Sunderlin's Vinegar Factory is located south of Grand river, at Segwun. This building was erected in 1868 by Edwin Peck. F. O. Taft purchased the concern 10 years later, and in July, 1880, sold his interest therein to Bradley & Sunderlin. The present proprietors manufacture vinegar and cider and operate a fruit evaporator. The annual product is about 400 barrels of vinegar, $1,000 worth of cider and $5,000 worth of evaporated apples. The building and machinery are valued at $1,200.

The Agricultural Implement Factory, a half-mile south of Kopf's furniture house, is operated by McFarlane. This was formerly known as the "Tucker factory." The principal articles produced are cradles, rakes, fork-handles, spade-handles, and wood-work for children's perambulators, which are prepared here and shipped to New York city.

In addition to the factories just named are a few wagon-shops, cooper-shops and blacksmith-shops, referred to in other pages.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

The most vital element in the history of Lowell village and town- ship consists of the personal history of such families as have taken a prominent part in the development of this section.

F. D. Adams was born in Vermont, Feb. 21, 1838. His parents, John and Betsey (Atkins) Adams, were natives of New Hampshire, of English descent. His father died when he was four years old, and his early life was spent in a sturdy and creditalle endeavor to fit himself for the career of a worthy American citizen. He attended the common schools of Vermont, and at a suitable age learned the wheel- wright trade. In 1862 he went to Grattan tp., and, together with his brother, manufactured wagons on quite a large scale; he also operated in merchandise and ran a grist-mill. In 1863 he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Co. D, First Mich. Engineers. He was elected 2d Lieutenant, and in 1864 promoted to 1st

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Lieutenant ; the same year reached the rank of Adjutant and was Re imental Inspector. In 1865 he resigned to attend to personal business matters. In 1871 he was married to Jane, daughter of Shendon Ashley, born in New York. Mr. Ashley is a pioneer of Kent county, living in Grattan, and at 75 years is as active as a man of 20. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have four children-Persis E., George Sheldon, John Francis and Charles Edwin. Mr. Adams moved to Lowell in 1875, and is engaged in the management of a 2,000-acre tract of land in Dakota, one- fifth of which is under improvement this current year. Mr. Adams is an eminent representative of the self-made men of this State and county. His career as a business man and citizen is without blemish ; he has attained comp tency by the same method which has won the position he occupies in the business and social world. He has labored with a purpose, and in his manhood's prime has the satis- factory evidence of a well directed past and an assured future.

George Brigham Balcom was born Jan. 1, 1840, at Meridian, Cayuga Co., N. Y, and a year later bis parents removed to Red Creek, Wayne Co., N. Y. He at- tended the Union Academy at five years of age, and at eight had become unusu- ally proficient in music under his father's instruction. At Clyde, Wayne Co., whither his parents after removed, he studied five years under the best musical instructors. In 1858 the family removed to Lowell. In May, 1861, he enlisted as "Fifer," in a military company raised in Lowell, but in despair of arriving at distinction " whistling on a stick " he sought other fields for fame and, at the expiration of 90 days, responded to a call as leader and instructor of a regimental band for the 2d Mich. Cav., Frank Sylvester, Band Master. They wintered at Benton Barracks, and ill health compelled him to apply for a discharge the fol- lowing spring. Aug. 15, 1863, he re-enlisted and was enrolled one of the first musicians in Custer's Band, 1st Brig., 1st Div. " Kilpatrick's " Cavalry, Charles H. Axtell, Band Master. The latter returned home the following December, on recruiting service, and Mr. Balcom was detailed in his place. At the opening of the spring campaign of 1864, Gen. Grant closed communication between Washing- ton and the front, and Mr. Axtell waited, like Micawber, on one side of the bar while the band on the other "tooted" its way through every engagement of the brigade from the Wilderness to City Point, where Mr. Axtell resumed his post. Mr. Balcom shortly after was sent to New York Hospital to be treated for rheumatic neuralgia. A few weeks after he was sent home on a furlough, and later on was transferred to the new Harper Hospital, at Detroit. Four months after he was discharged from the service. In November, 1865, he opened a jeweler's store in this village, associated with E. W. Haxley. Mr. Balcom has been engaged in teaching music since he was 10 years old, and is well known as a composer and arranger of band music. He came to this county in 1858, and was married in 1860 to Augusta Carpenter. They have one child-George A., who is learning the jeweler's business with his father. In 1876 Mr. B. went to California for his health, returning in 1878.

W. R. Blaisdell was born in Orange Co., Vi., in 1830. He is the son of Joseph S. and Anna (Turner) Blaisdell, both natives of Massachusetts, and of English lineage. They settled in Barry county in 1835. In 1855 Mr. B. came to Lowell, and carried on an extensive and prosperous business as tinsmith and hardware merchant, selling out in 1862, because of failing health. He bought a small farm and has a neat and substantial residence. He was married in 1852 to Eliza M. Campbell, a native of New York, of Scotch descent, born July 29, 1832, in Erie county, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Blaisdell, having no children, have devoted much time and money in caring for and providing a home for destitute orphans. Mrs. B. is a member of the Congregational Church. Her husband is an out-and- out Republican.

C. D. Blakeslee, wagon manufacturer, was born in Canada in 1830 His parents, Enos S. and Deborah (Rouse) Blakeslee, were of German descent, born respect- ively in New York and Canada .. He labored 18 years at the carpenter's trade, which he has pursued at times since the age of 22, alternating with his present calling. He is engaged a portion of the time superintending the men on his farm. His shop has been in operation six years, and his business includes repairing, jobbing, etc. He came to Lowell in 1862; was married in '61 to Harriet Yeat- man. They had four children, only one of whom is living. Mrs. Blakeslee died in 1873. Mr. Blakeslee married in 1874 to Mary Ferky, a native of Michigan. They have two children.

Sylvester Brower was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1832. His parents, Z. H. and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Brower, were nativesrespectively of New Jersey and

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LOWELL TOWNSHIP.

New York, the former of Holland Dutch ancestry, the latter of English descent. They came to Keene, Ionia Co., in 1841, where Mr. Brower, of this sketch, was trained in the common schools. In 1864 he moved to Lowell, where he has pur- sued his vocation as a contractor and builder of brick and stone work. A great number of the best brick buildings here and in Ionia county were constructed by him. He is at present engaged in superintending the work on a brick block in Lowell village. He was married in 1854 to Alida J. Young. They have one child-Lilly May.

W. M. Chapman, son of Milton J. and Mary (Packard) Chapman, was born in Oakland Co., Mich., in 1855. His father was a native of New York, of English ancestry; his mother of Michigan, of Scottish descent. He acquired his education by his own efforts chiefly, and is engaged in teaching. He was married in 1879 to Eliza Weeks, of Ohio, and they have a daughter-Gladdys, born March 1, 1880. Mrs. Chapman commenced a successful career as teacher, when 17, in Ohio. She has taught three years in Michigan, in Lowell. Both are members of the Con- gregational Church.

La Fayette Chase was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1824. His father, Rev. Amos Chase, a Baptist minister. was a pioneer in Western New York and in Kent Co., Mich. He was an itinerant preacher in both States. His mother, Mary (Sheppard) Chase, was a native of Connecticut. Mr. Chase, of this sketch, and his father's family came to this county in 1844; the first four winters he taught school, farming during the summer; the latter business he followed in the town of Ada, until 1854, when he bought an interest in a flour and saw mill in the tp. of Cannon : to this business was also attached a wagon factory. In 1869 he sold out his farming and other business, and opened a general store at Ada ; 1871 moved to Greenville, Montcalm Co., traded there four years, and in 1875 moved to Lowell and opened his present business. Mr. Chase has seen the Grand River Valley in its primitive state, when Grand Rapids was only a hamlet and the vil- lage of Lowell had no existence even in man's imaginations. He was a pioneer school-teacher in this county : is accustomed to meet men who were his scholars that are gray with age and ripe with experience. He was married in 1857 to Margaret M. Moffitt, a native of New York, of English descent. They have had five boys, three of whom are living-George M . is practicing medicine in School- craft; Emmet E. is engaged in the bakery business with his father, and Lewis S., the youngest, is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Chase are members of the Bap- tist Church. Mr. Chase was Sabbath-school Superintendent 17 years in succession in Ada ; has served in the same capacity in Lowell, where he has been Deacon many years.

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History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 121

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1434

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434