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 126

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 126

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In the following list the names of the principal officers of the village are given, together with the date of their term of office:

PRESIDENTS.

Benj. Fairchild.

1871

Wesley P. Andrews. .1876-8

H. C. Russell.

1872

John A. Spooner 1879

J. H. Maze

.1873

Henry C. Russell. 1880

H. C. Russell

1874-5

Daniel C. Lyle. 1881

RECORDERS.

J. H. Maze 1871

1872

R. E. Wamsley .

.1878-9

Freeman Addis

1873-4

Frank W. Huuter .1880

H. S. Gardner

1875

James W. Cloes. 1831

TREASURERS.

E. P. Hayes

1871-2

E. C. Wamsley 1878

W. A. H. Gardner

1873 -- 4

W. P. Andrus

1879

Enoch Hinman.

1875

R. E. Wamsley

1880 -- 1

H. C. Russell. 1876 -- 7

MARSHALS.

(No marshal). 1871

Ezra Curran .. 1876

Win. H. Laurens

1872 -- 3

.John Lovejoy

1877-8

G. W. Hogle.

1874

J. H. Rawson. 1879

H. A. Robinson.

1875

Loren Powers. 1880 -- 1

TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE.

Edward C. Wamsley, Russell Kromer, M. H. Slawson, Franklin T. Johnson, Jacob Bickhart, G. W. Hogle, 1871. N. R. Hill, E. R. Benedict, H. P. Andrus, - Howard, 1872. B. Prentice, C. Buck, J. A. Spooner, 1873. John A. Spooner, Isaac Corer, G.

L. M. Sellers. 1876-7

E. J. Roys.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

R. Congdon, W. H. Sansun, E. J. Roys, B. Prentice, 1874 ; Lu- cius Torrey, J. D. Clark. W. Barclay, Wesley P. Andrus, 1875. H. W. McBryer, J. O. Benedict, James Slemmons, 1876. George A. Roys, J. D. Clark, J. C. Chapman, L. W. Stiles, 1877. Henry W. McBryer, J. H. Wetback and H. M. Rudes, 1878. George A. Roys, D. C. Lyle, A. C. Marshall, E. R. Benedict, O. B. Hill, 1879. B. V. Hartupee, S. E. Andrus, O. B. Hill, 1880.

PRESENT OFFICERS.

President, Daniel C. Lyle ; Recorder, James W. Cloes, S. E. Andrus ; Treasurer, Ransom E. Wamsley ; Assessor, William P. Skinner; Village Attorney, Frank W. Hunter ; Marshal, Loren R. Powers ; Trustees, Samuel E. Andrus, W. H. Cornell, W. P. Fairchild, B. V. Hartupee, George A. Roys, Newell F. Slawson.

OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY.

The Old Settlers' Society of the towns of Tyrone, Solon, Nelson and Spencer, in Kent county, of Ensley. Newaygo county, and of Pierson, Montcalm county, may be said to have been organized at the Fairchild House, Cedar Springs, Feb. 1, 1879, with Charles S. De Cou, President, and N. R. Hill, Secretary. Obadiah Smith, N. R. Hill, B. Fairchild, and G. W. De Cou were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and set of by-laws.

The society has not kept up an active organization. The few years that have passed since organization have not witnessed any of those organized assemblies of pioneers common to similar so- cieties in this county.

THE CEDAR SPRINGS UNION AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

In 1876 a society to encourage agriculture and horticulture was organized here, with N. R. Hill, President; Mrs. L. A. Gardner, Vice-President; E. C. Russell, Secretary; John W. Phelps, Treas- urer. A fair was held annually until the organization of the new society in 1879.

A meeting convened at the office of D. C. Lyle, Aug. 26, 1879, and resolved to establish, or rather re-organize, the society. With this view a constitution, drafted by D. C. Lyle, was adopted, and the following officers elected: Jolin V. Crandall, President; E. R. Benedict, Secretary; John A. Spooner, Treasurer; H. C. Russell, E. C. Walmsley, A. B. Fairchild, N. F. Slawson and T. J. Hop- kins. A series of by-laws, submitted by E. R. Benedict, was accepted. C. S. Kidder was appointed Vice-President and D. C. Lyle, Assistant Secretary. The corresponding secretaries, repre- senting the 12 towns in the county belonging to the Cedar Springs district, were as follows: Tyrone, H. H. Wylie; Nelson, B. F. De Cou; Spencer, M. Hatch; Oakfield, F. Addis; Courtland,

Mpm B. Ricketts

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NELSON AND SOLON TOWNSHIPS.

W. H. Myers; Algoma, Neal McMillan; Sparta, H. Myers; Al- pine, Norton Fitch; Plainfield, Isaac Post; Cannon, G. C. Ander- son; Grattan, H. Lester. Secretaries were also appointed in Pierson, Maple Valley, Winfield and Reynolds townships, and in Montcalm, Ensley, and Grant in Newaygo county.

The first annual meeting was held on the grounds, Oct. - 7, 1879, when Geo. W. De Cou was elected President; E. R. Benedict, Secretary; John A. Spooner, Treasurer; J. V. Crandall, F. C. Stegeman, W. F. Carpenter, H. C. Russell, Freeman Addis, Di- rectors. The corresponding secretaries in the townships were appointed at this meeting, and held office until Oct. 10, 1880, when the second annual meeting of the society was held. The officers elected at this meeting for 1881 are: President, John V. Crandall, Ensley; Secretary, E. R. Benedict, Cedar Springs; Treasurer, John A. Spooner, Cedar Springs. Board of Directors: Wm. H. Myers, Courtland; W. F. Carpenter, Ensley; H. C. Russell, Cedar Springs; Freeman Addis, Oakfield; T. I. Phelps, Sand Lake.

The first fair was held Oct. 7, 8, 9 and 10, 1879, on the grounds purchased that year. This purchase was made by a stock com- pany, composed of 22 members, who were also members of the . society. To this company three have since been added. This com- pany paid $2,500 for the land. The association made the improve- ments; but the lands, improvements, etc., form the property of the company until fully paid for by the society. Up to the present time the Agricultural Association has not made any payment to- ward the purchase of the lands. The total premiums paid at this first exhibition was about $900. The buildings of the society, and other improvements effected on the grounds, are valued at $900. The premiums offered at the annual fair of 1881 amounted to $1,443.

VILLAGE SCHOOLS.

The people of Cedar Springs have, as a general rule, taken a deep interest in educational matters. In the township history of Solon reference is made to the schools of the village. From the old log shanty of 1857, to the frame building of later years, and upward still to 1872, when the present pretentious structure was completed , the people have manifested throughout a strong desire to equal, if not to excel, the inhabitants of other divisions of the county in this regard.

Miss Clarinda Stillwell is accredited as being the first teacher- summer of 1857. She is now Mrs. Leathers, and resides in Illinois. She was followed by Prof. Bicknell and wife. The Professor was afterward County Superintendent of Schools, and now resides, as a farmer, near Cedar Springs. The next was Anna Lot. She was the first in the county to get a State certificate. She now dwells in Alpine, as Mrs. Chauncey Field. Then followed Jenny Lane, who has since passed away. Charles Borst had charge. Charles Borst,

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Miss Maud Lane and Mrs. Borst, had charge of the school for one year. Mr. Walbridge was appointed Principal in 1876, and was succeeded by Prof. Fallas in September, 1880.

The present Board of Education comprises E. R. Benedict, Director; E. F. Chester, Moderator; D. C. Lyle, Treasurer; E. L. Phelps, T. J. Hopkins and J. A. Spooner.

The instructors are W. A. Fallas, Principal; Miss Jessie Thomas, Assistant in High School; Miss Della Moore, Grammar Depart- ment; Miss Sadie Collins, Intermediate Department, and Mrs. E. P. Price, Primary Department.

Under this corps of preceptors the various departments of the school have attained a rare excellence, and have won from the peo- ple of the district every mark of confidence.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH,

of Cedar Springs, was organized Feb. 12, 1859, with 29 members. Had no settled pastor until November, 1863, when the Rev. A. Wellman became pastor. He stayed but a short time. In April, 1854, Rev. N. Stillwell took charge, and remained until October, 1867, during which time the Church increased to 84. Rev. Charles Oldfield took charge Oct. 31st, 1867, and remained until June, 1870, during which time a house of worship was erected, costing about $4,000, and the membership became 105. He was followed, for 10 months, by Rev. J. G. Spooner, who was succeeded by the Rev. J. Payne (before and since of the order of United Brethren). In October, 1872, the Rev. Mr. Oldfield again took charge, and remained until succeeded by Rev. W. S. Wilkinson, the present pastor.

M. E. CHURCH.

The Methodist Episcopal Society of Cedar Springs was organ- ized Oct. 6, 1866, under Presiding Elder J. Coggeshall and Orison A. Pierson, Secretary; B. W. Smith, Preacher in Charge; F. Deitz, Preacher; D. J. Gilbert and J. D. Town, Local Preachers; H. Streeter, S. Brown, Jos. Clark and W. H. Clark, Stewards; George Jocelyn, Exhorter; E. Jewell, L. Smith, A. Dean, S. Ackley, O. E. Pearson, A. Angell, Leaders. The original members included the following named persons: Bradford Baily, Emity Baily, Sandford Baily, Ebjona Baily, Emily Clark, Mary Carpenter, Sarah Farr, Chester Ford, Dilla Ford, Edward Jewell, Sarah A. Jewell, Samuel Pangborn, Rachael Pangborn, Samuel Runches, Elizabeth Runches, James Rounds, Abby Ackert, Barton Eddy, Marion Eddy, Thomas Totten, Herkiah Lacy, Mary Lacy, William Brown, S. L. Ackley, Evalina Ackley, Warren Ackley, Fanny P. Fairchild, Joel Pangborn, Sarah A. Pangborn, Mary C. Goldsmith, Eliza Hopkins, Ida Jewell, Charles Farr, Lucy A. Brown, George Robertson, Margaret Boles. In 1870 B. Fairchild became a mem-

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NELSON AND SOLON TOWNSHIPS.

ber. The first Trustees of the M. E. Church, after the division of the Cedar Springs circuit, July 17, 1869, were Edward Jewell, Benjamin Fairchild, Orison Pearson, William H. Clark and Brad- ford Bailey. At the same time the M. E. Church of Oakfield and Courtland was organized.

During the first years of the organization, services were held in the village school-house. The corner-stone was laid Aug. 17, 1870, during the pastorate of Rev. John Graham. The dedication of the church took place June 7, 1871. Sermons were delivered by Rev. J. M. Reid, of Chicago, and Rev. G. B. Jocelyn, of Grand Rapids. Rev. A. J. Eldred was the Presiding Elder. The build- ing committee in charge of the construction of the church, com- prised Benjamin Fairchild, Edward Jewell and H. M. Rudes. E. P. Hayes was subsequently appointed, vice H. M. Rudes, resigned.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The society of this Church was formed at Cedar Springs Sept. 5 1867, by Rev. John S. Kidder, Scribe; Rev. Riley H. Hess, Mod- erator; Rev. I. Barker and Rev. M. Smith, Councilors. The or- ganized members were: John S. Weller, Mrs. W. A. H. Gardner, Curtis Buck, Dr. C. S. Ford, Drusilla Ford, Hiram Slawson, - Hall and wife, Mrs. Mary P. Hatch, Eusebia Slawson, Deacon Shaw and wife. The pastor was Rev. J. S. Kidder, who continued preacher until 1869. Services were then discontinued until April 12, 1874, when the Church was reorganized, the council consisting of Rev. J. S. Patton, E. S. Grabill, P. F. Warner and Le Roy Warren. The new organization comprised, in addition to the members of the old one, the following members: Alex. Massie and wife, Joseph Amond, Sarah Amond, Anna Amond, James Allen, Mrs. Allen and Mary Ann Allen. The pastors since re- organization were : Rev. Miller, John Faucett, J. Malcolm Smith, D. W. Francis, W. H. Carinduff, whose term of service expired in April, 1881.

The services were held in Tisdall's Hall until the completion of the present church, in the winter of 1875-'76. The cost of this building was $2,800, and the lot $250. The present membership numbers 47, of which 16 are males and 31 females. In a report made to the Home Missionary Society March 1, 1880, by Rev. Mr. Carinduff, the average attendance was reported at 85; con- versions during the previous year, 10, and membership of Sabbath- school and Bible class, 70. The Sabbath-school library was then valued at $75.

THE LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

was organized Sept. 8, 1881, with Mrs. Dr. Chester, President ; Mrs. Wilkinson and Mrs. G. D. Wamsley, Vice-Presidents; Mrs. Curtis Buck, Cor. Sec .; Mrs. Maud Wamsley, Rec. Sec .; Mrs. J. A. Spooner, Treasurer, and Mrs. E. M. Sprague, Librarian. The

1252

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

membership is 60, all ladies of the village. The association pro- poses to establish a library of 60 volumes, and increase that num- ber annually. A literary society will be organized in connection with the association.

MASONIC.

Cedar Springs Lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., was chartered Jan. 10, 1867, with Dr. C. S. Ford, W. M .; M. H. Whitney, S. W .; A. B. Fairchild, J. W .; R. W. Jewell, T .; H. C. Russell, S .; Curtis Buck, S. D .; J. D. Clark, J. D., and M. Buck, Tyler. Previously the lodge was organized under dispensation Oct. 22, 1866, with the principal officers named above, together with L. Wilcox, Secretary; D. Spaulding, Treasurer; John Bronley, S. D .; G. Pratt, J. D., and D. O. Ingleright, Tyler. Those were the charter members. The Worshipful Masters since that period have been Dr. C. S. Ford, 1868; M. H. Whitney, 1869; C. S. Ford, 1870; Jacob Beckhart, 1871; C. S. Ford, 1872-'73-'74; M. H. Whitney, 1875; E. Grosvenor, 1876; Curtis Buck, 1877. The present officers are: Dr. C. S. Ford. W. M .; C. F. Chester, S. W .; H. D. Streeter, J. W .; W. H. Cornell, Secretary; H. C. Russell, Treasurer; W. H. Gavitt, S. D .; H. M. Morse, J. D .; Isaac Corey, Tyler. The present membership is 129. The Masonic Hall, in the National block, was fitted up in 1866 by the society, who rents it at $60 per annum.

ELMWOOD CEMETERY.

On the west side of the State road, immediately outside the northern limits of the village, is a neat burial place. North of it is the grave of an Indian who was buried there in accordance with his dying request. The grounds were formerly the farm of Mr. Prentice. The old log house has disappeared, but its precise lo- cation, near the family burial lot of N. R. Hill, may still be noted.

INDUSTRIES.

The Cedar Springs Flouring Mill was built in 1875 by Solomon Ipe, at a cost of $12,000. Three run of burrs are in use, for both merchant and custom work. The product is shipped to Pittsburg, Pa., and Petoskey, Traverse City, and along the line of the G. R. & I. R. R. These shipments amounted to 15,000 barrels in 1880. The full capacity is 80 barrels per 24 hours.

The Shingle-Mill in connection with this industry was built at the same time. A 65- horse-power engine drives the machinery of both mills. In 1866 Mr. Ipe erected a portable steam shingle- mill on sec. 23.

Wamsley Bros. & Co.'s shops give employment to 11 men, and in 1880 manufactured 50 wagons and buggies and three cutters. The workmen occupy two buildings-a blacksmith and a wagon

NELSON AND SOLON TOWNSHIPS. 1253

shop-each 22x40 feet. These shops were built in 1879 on the same site where stood similar shops which were burned a few days previously.

M. J. Clark & Co.'s Shingle-Mill, four miles north of Cedar Springs, is another important industry.

Spooner & Baker, proprietors of the Cedar Springs Planing- Mill, which was built in 1871 by Jacob Bickhart, at a cost of $7,000, was purchased by Spooner & Baker in March, 1880. The new owners have made improvements valued at $2,000 more since they purchased it. A 25-horse-power engine affords full power. The capacity is 100,000 feet per week, and the annual capacity about 4,000,000 feet. . They manufacture sash, doors, blinds and mouldings, and also run a turning mill in connection with these works, and give annual employment to eight men.

J. R. Borst's Shingle Mill was built in September, 1876, by Peter Benson, at a cost of $4,000, and was purchased by Mr. Borst in February, 1877. A 30-horse-power engine affords full power. The mill gives employment to 17 hands. Its daily ca- pacity is 40,000 shingles, and total product for 1880 of 13,500,000.

The Cedar Springs Grain Elevator was built by J. O. and E. R. Benedict in the fall of 1879, at a cost of $2,500. The height is 45 feet and each floor 24x26 feet. The capacity of this grain store is 10,000 bushels. The annual shipment of grain 7,000 bushels. Pelton's Lumber and Shingle Mills were purchased by Chaun- cey Pelton in 1870. The concern was formerly operated by Boles, Darling & Hendrick. The original buildings were destroyed by fire. Three mills, built successively by Mr. Pelton, were burned, and the present structure was erected in 1878, for the purposes of a shingle-mill. This industry gives employment to 17 men, and turns out 40,000 shingles per day. During the year ending September, 1881, the product of this mill was 10, 000, 000 shingles, all of which were shipped to Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. The value of the mill and machinery is estimated at $5,000.

Enoch Hinman's Stave Factory was built in March, 1869, at a cost of $6,000, for Richards & Sharer. The size of the main building is 70x50 feet, with engine-house and 30-horse-power engines. It gives employment annually to 30 men and boys. The capacity is 25,000 daily, and 6,000 headings. The total product for the year ending October, 1881, was 3,000,000 staves and 800,000 headings, all shipped to Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Baltimore, Md., and Minneapolis, Minn.

C. J. Tompsett's Saw, Shingle and Lath Mill was built in 1879 at a cost of $10,000. The engine in use is a 45-horse power, together with the labor of 18 men. The daily capacity. is 20,000 feet of lumber and 40,000 shingles. The total product of the mills for 1880 was 2,500,000 feet of lumber and 8,000,000 shingles, shipped principally to Indianapolis.

Johnson & Link's Saw-Mill was constructed in 1872, at a cost of $9,000. The capacity of the factory is estimated at 65,000 feet of

1254

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

lumber per 24 hours, and the logs sawn during the year 1881 at 5,000,000 feet, the main portion of which found a market at Chi- cago. The mill and works connected with it give employment to 25 men, forming a very important factor in the economy of the village and township.

W. L. Barber's Stave and Lumber Factory was built by W. L. Barber in 1878 at a cost of $15,000. The size of main building is 80x40 feet, together with two stone sheds of the same dimen- sions. This industry offers steady employment to 25 men. A 175-horse-power engine drives the machinery. The capacity is 25,000 feet of lumber, 30,000 staves and 25 cords of bolts per day. The product is shipped to Chicago and St. Louis.

The Cedar Springs House, operated by William Hollenbeck, is the principal house of the village. It is admirably managed, and forms one of the most agreeable hotels of the county. The build- ing has 100 feet frontage on Main street, 20 rooms for guests, with sample rooms, etc. The establishment gives employment to eight or nine hands, is well furnished throughout, and favorably located. The house was built by Benj. Fairchild, under whom it was con- ducted for many years.

Knight's Hotel, the property of Homer R. Knight, and the Farmer's Home, with Alanson Rexford, proprietor, are both favorably known hotels.

An account of the Cedar Springs Clipper is given on pages 436-9.

REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF NELSON AND SOLON TOWNSHIPS.

The history of a township, however minute in particulars, could never be complete in itself without its valuable auxiliary, biogra- phy. For this reason, much time and labor have been expended in an effort to have this section of the history of Solon and Nelson townships and Cedar Springs village as full as possible. Many events are here treated which came under the notice of the general historian in his dealings with township history, and thus a record, at once complete and instructive, has been secured.

Oscar Allyn, of the firm of Allyn & Brown, meat merchants, Sand Lake, was born in Olive, Ottawa Co., Mich., Oct. 13, 1859. He is a, son of Isaac A. and Mary L. Allyn. He came to Sand Lake and followed farming and lumbering till 1878, when he engaged in his present business. He was married Feb. 18, 1880, to Minne A. Gauyette, and they have one child-Harry E. Politically, Mr. A. is Republican.

Charles F. Bell, harness-maker, Cedar Springs, was born in Rathboneville, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, 1849. At the age of 17 he served an apprenticeship at his trade in Greenwood, N. Y. In 1869 he went to Norwich, Conn., and in 1874 came to Cedar Springs, where he has since followed his trade. He was married April 30, 1877, to Georgia A. Robison, by whom he has had one child- Charles M., born Jan. - , 1878. Politically, Mr. Bell advocates the doctrines and principles of the Greenback party.

E. R. Benedict, jr., member of the firm of J. O. & E. R. Benedict, dealers in sawed and shaved shingles, Cedar Springs, was born in Bedford, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, April 17, 1840. His parents, Julius S. and Mary Benedict, were natives of Addison Co., Vt., and removed to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1815. Mr. Benedict was born April 11, 1806, and Mrs. B. Aug. 20, 1808. Mr. B. died April 10, 1877.

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NELSON AND SOLON TOWNSHIPS.

Mr. B., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm till 20 years of age, when he obtained employment in a dry-goods store in Bedford, as a clerk. He remained in that position till March, 1862, when he entered the Commissary Department of the army as clerk, which position he occupied with ability two years. At the expiration of this time he returned to Ohio, and with his brother, J. O., engaged in the grocery business in Akron, and remained there two years. In January, 1868, he came to Cedar Springs with J. O. Benedict, and they have engaged in buying and selling shingles since. For the last two years they have also dealt in grain. Mr. Benedict was married Nov. 2, 1865, to Agnes W. Langmuyr, daughter of John and Sophia Langmuyr, born in Bedford, Ohio, May 5, 1843. Two chil- dren were the fruits of this union, viz .- Edna L., born Dec. 25, 1867, and Florence D., born June 18, 1879. Mr. B. is a member of the Church of Disciples of Christ, and in politics he is a Republican. He is one of the enterprising citizens of Cedar Springs.

J. O. Benedict, senior member of the firm of J. O. & E. R. Benedict, was born in Bedford, Ohio, March 29, 1832. He was reared on a farm, and in early man- hood learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed 12 years. In 1864-'65 he was engaged in the grocery business with his brother E. R., in Akron, Ohio. In March, 1868, he came to Cedar Springs and engaged in the shingle trade, and since in the grain business with E. R. Benedict. Politically he is a Republican, and is ranked with the enterprising men of Cedar Springs.

John Berridge, Supervisor of Nelson, was born in Oakland Co., Mich., April 28, 1845; is a son of John and Dorcas Berridge. He was reared on a farm and received his education in Pontiac Union School. He taught school one year, then went to Lansing and was a member of the firm of Berridge & Christian, confectioners, for three years. In 1872 he came to Sand Lake and ran a grocery two years. He was engaged in butchering up to 1877, when he was elected Justice of the Peace. He read law and now practices; was elected Supervisor in 1879, and re-elected in 1881; and was appointed Notary Public in January, 1881. He also holds the offices of Village Clerk and Village Attorney. Mr. B. was married March 8, 1871, to Arvesta E. Austin, a native of Massachusetts, born Aug. 23, 1858. They have three children; of these Mabel is living. She was born Feb. 23, 1878.

C. C. Bicknell was born in Massachusetts, April 30, 1831. He is the son of James and Lucy (Cady) Bicknell, both natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. Mr. Bicknell was reared on a farm and obtained his education in Ober- lin College, Oberlin, Ohio. He came to Cedar Springs in 1865. During the war Mr. Bicknell was General Agent for the Freedman's Aid Society in the North- west. For the last 20 years he has been prominently identified with the Sabbath- school Union, in which he is a very earnest worker. Mr. Bicknell has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and was prominent in securing and building the fine school edifice which adorns Cedar Springs. Mr. Bicknell was the first County Superintendent of Public Schools in Kent county. During his term of office he edited and published a paper entitled the Common School Gazette, devoted to the interest of education. Mr. Bicknell was married in 1852 to Miss McRee, daughter of David and Sallie McRee. Mrs. Bicknell was born in Warrenville, Ill., Aug. 2, 1837. Her father was one of the early pioneers of Chicago.

William Black, grocer, Cedar Springs, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, July 5, 1843. When three years of age his parents, James and Georgiana Black, emigrated to America and settled in Ontario, and in 1865 removed to Stephenson Co., Ill. In 1866 Mr. Black came to Ce lar Springs, and was engaged in a shingle-mill till November, 1872, when he embarked in his present business. Mr. B. was married July 31, 1873, to Margaret Dobson. This union was given two children, viz .- Georgiana M. and Lee. Mr. Black is respected for his honesty and uprightness. In politics he votes for the man and not the party.

Wm. J. Black was born in County Down, Ireland, June 7, 1827; is son of Robert O. and Susanna Black; came to America and lived in New York three years; came to Courtland in 1846 and farmed for a time, then went to Rockford and followed merchandising six years. In 1877 he came to Sand Lake and was agent for Labar Heath & Co. At present he is agent for Watkins & Ferry. He was married Oct. 15, 1856, to Harriet E. Stocum, by whom he has had two children, viz .- Orrin Orr, born Sept. 15, 1858 (married Nora Cronier), and Cora, born March 20, 1860, wife of A. C. Powell.

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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 126

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