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 127

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 127


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.


Mrs. Black is a daughter of Orin and Roanna Stocum, and was born in Dela- ware Co., N. Y., June 7, 1837. Mr. B. is a member of the society of F. & A. M. Politically he is a Greenbacker.


James Bloomfield was born in 1850, in Ireland; is son of John and Mary Ann (McLean) Bloomfield, natives of Ireland. He came to Kent county in 1863, and worked by the month and by days' work to get a start, and in 1876 bought 120. acres of land on secs. 29 and 30. He now ranks among the successful farmers of the tp. He was married in 1872 to Mary Jane Johnson, born in Canada, of Irish parents. They have two children-Albert E. and Ida May. Mr. Bloomfield has never voted.


J. R. Borst, a shingle manufacturer of Nelson, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y .. June 29, 1838; is a son of Henry J. and Anna Borst. At an early age he learned saw milling, and has ever since followed that vocation. Dec. 19, 1863, he en- listed as a soldier in Co. A, 50th Reg. of N. Y. Engineers and Mechanics. He served till June 28, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge. He came to Kent county in May, 1875; was marr.ed Dec. 16, 1861, to Mary Knight, who was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1840. They have two children-Julius T. and James H.


Mr. B. is Mason and Democrat. He owns a farm of 160 acres on secs. 26, 27 and 35, of Nelson tp.


Horace J. Briggs was born in New York Nov. 18, 1823; is son of Vaughn and Eliza Ann (Andrus) Briggs, natives of Rhode Island. His grandfather, Francis Briggs, settled in Yates county in 1776. Mr. Briggs is the largest land-holder in Solon tp., owning 700 acres. He made his first money working by the month and then made shingles. He has a drawing-knife with which he has shaved nearly a million of shingles. He was present at the organization of Solon in 1854, when there were but two neighbors in this vicinity, and one had not moved his family. Mr. Briggs was obliged to obtain bis provisions from distant points at first, and once carried 67 pounds of flour from Edgerton (Porter Hollow). He built the first barn in the tp .; it is now the property of his brother. Mr. Briggs has been the incumbent of all the town and district offices, and on one recent occasion received every vote polled at the election for Justice of the Peace. He was mar- ried in 1848 to Rhoda M. Downing, horn in New York. They have lost seven out of nine children ; the living are-Cashmer A. and Atlanta E. Mr. Briggs is a Republican. He came to Michigan in 1842 and settled in Macomb county ; has cleared 100 acres with his own hands.


A. H. Brown, junior member of the firm of Allyn & Brown, was born in George- town, Ottawa Co., Mich., May 6, 1852, and is a son of Luther and Hannah Brown. He was married Dec. - , 1870, to Miss Jane Allyn, by whom he has had two children, viz .- Anna G. and Alvin. Po itically Mr. B. votes Republican.


John Butler, hardware and implement de iler, Sand Lake, was born in Ionia Co., Mich., June 27, 1844. His parents, Edward and Anna (Concoran) Butler, were natives of New York and early pioneers of Michigan. Mr. B kept the Sherman House in Ionia three years, and was engaged in manufacturing tobacco five years. In 1870 he removed to Grand Rapids, and kept an implement store one and a half years, then came to Sand Lake He served one year of the war in the employ of the Government. Sept. 23, 1874, he was married to Maggie J. Dapson, daughter of John and Anna Dapson. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Democrat.


Benjamin T. Carpenter, a pioneer of Nelson, was born in Carroll, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 17, 1832; is a son of Timothy and Malinda Carpenter, who came to Plainfield, Kent Co., in 1848. In 1856 our subject came to Nelson and pur- chased land on sec. 18, where he has since resided, pursuing the vocation of farming. He has cleared up a good farm from the " stump," and now ranks with the pioneers of Kent. He enlisted as a soldier in Co. F, 6th Reg. Mich. Cav., Sept. 12, 1862. In 1864 he was promoted to Corporal. He served till the war closed, and received his discharge Dec. 5, 1865. He served in the Cumberland Army, and participated in all the battles that the 6th Cavalry were in, number- ing in all 65 engagements. Mr. Carpenter was married May 11, 1856, to Mary L. Carr, who bore him six children ; four are living, viz .- Amond R., Walter F., Fred and Estella M. Mr. C. is a Mason, and in politics a Democrat. He owns 80 acres on sec. 18 and 80 on sec. 12, Solon tp. Also 160 acres in Emmet county.


H. L. Carter, dealer in furniture, pictures and sewing machines, Sand Lake, was born in Green, Erie Co., Pa., Oct. 28, 1548. In 1850, his parents, Samuel and


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NELSON AND SOLON TOWNSHIPS.


Cynthia (Horton) Carter, removed to Ashtabula Co., O. He was reared on a farm, and was educated in Kingsville Academy. In 1871 he came to Grand Rapids, and served apprenticeship at "photography " with O: W. Horton. He traveled in the pursuits of his profession till 1877, when he came and located at Sand Lake. He was married Dec. 21, 1879, to Emily Hartt, daughter of Samuel and Eliza Hartt, born in Ontario, July 31, 1856. They had one child, Vera May, born Nov. 5, 1880. Mr. Carter is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is Treasurer. Politically he is a Republican.


Dr E. F. Chester, physician and surgeon, Cedar Springs, was born in Oak- land Co., Mich., June 9, 1844. His parents, Elisha and Sarah Chester, were natives of Albany, N. Y , and settled in Oakland county in 1830. When 13 years of age Dr. Chester went to Pontiac, and entered upon the theater of life alone, first becoming a newsboy. In June, 1860, he came to Grand Rapids and clerked in the grocery store of J. H. Martin one and a half years, then entered the drug store of E. B. Escott, and occupied the same position for five years. In August, 1868, he began reading medicine, under the instructions of D. W. and Z. E. Bliss. In 1869-'70 he attended the Ann Arbor Medical University, and in Septem- ber, 1871, went to New York city and took a course in the Medical Department of the New York City University, graduating March, 1872. He then came to Cedar Sprin /s, where he has since practiced his chosen profession.


Dr Chester is a member of the State Medical Society, and also of the National Medical Society. He was a delegate at the latter twice, once when held at Atlanta, Ga., and again at Buffalo, N. Y. Dr. Chester has contributed to the- Philadelphia Medical Journal and also to those of Detroit. Dr. C. was married March 20, 1872, to Miss Alvira Russell, of Plainfield, Kent Co, born May, 1848 .. Dr. C. is connected with the Masonic Order, and is a Republican.


J. S. Cowin, druggist, Sand Lake, was born on the Isle of Man, Sept. 7, 1848. His parents were James and Auna E. Cowin. They emigrated to the United States in 1855, and located in Pontiac, Mich. Our subject obtained his education in the Pontiac high schools, graduating in June, 1868. He then clerked for L. B. Wells & Co., druggists, of that city, one year, and two years for Gustin & Co., of Muskegon, and in 1871 came to Sand Lake, and embarked in his present business. He was married May 20, 1873, to Inez Terry, who died Aug. 22, 1873. Mr. Cowin married the second time, Nov. 8, 1876, to Laura A. Powell, of Rockford, Ill., born July 28, 1857. This union resulted with two children, viz .- Bessie (deceased) and Gertrude, born May 29, 1879. Mr. C. is a Knight. Templar of the Masonic order of Grand Rapids, and also a member of I. O. O. F. society. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns 720 acres of land on secs. 3 and 10, of Nelson tp.


E. E. Crandall, wagon and carriage manufacturer, Sand Lake, was born in Schuyler Co., N. Y., April 3, 1854; is son of J. V. and Mary V. Crandall, who. came to Ensley tp .. Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1856. Mr. C. was rearel on a farm and learned his trade in 1873. In October, 1879, he came to Sand Lake and erected his present shops, which are 50x44 feet in size. He employs four men, and manufactures 40 buggies and wagons annually.


John J. Deen, blacksmith, Cedar Springs, was born in Warren Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1819 His parents were John and Louis Deen. Mr. Deen's grandfather, David Johnson, participated in the achievements for our national independence. Mr. Deen was reared a " farmer's boy," and obtained his education in the com- mon schools. At the age of 22 he learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed it till 1864, when he came to Courtland and subsequently to Cedar Springs, where he has since pursued his trade. Mr. Deen has been married three times. The first time Nov. 23, 1843, to Sallie Goodnow, by whom he had one child-Fanny, now wife of W. Waite. Mrs. Deen died, and Mr. D. married the second time, Hannah Green, and had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Deen dying, Mr .. Deen again married, Mary Goodnow, a cousin of his first wife. Three children ·were the result of this union. All are deceased.


Mr. Deen in politics is a Republican. He owns a commodious residence and lot, and also blacksmith shop and lot.


A. D. Eldridge, of Sand Lake, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., March 18, 1839. He is a son of Caleb and Sarah Eldridge, natives of Berkshire Co., Mass. Mr. Eldridge attended school at Casnovia Hill, finishing his education in the Uni- versity of Hamilton in 1857. In the spring of 1859 he came to Cold water, Mich., where he followed farming till 1870, when he engaged in the wholesale liquor


71


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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.


trade, continuing in that business two years. In 1872 he came to Sand Lake and built a planing mill, in partnership with Andrew Orr. In 1877 he removed the mill to Blanchard, where it burned in 1878. He then, with his former part- ner, built a saw-mill, still operating that under the firm name of Eldridge & Orr. Since 1873 Mr. Eldridge has also dealt in shingles.


Jan. 1, 1862, Mr. Eldridge was married to Sarah L. Noyes, of Coldwater. Of their five children three are living, viz .- Amelia L., Florence A. and Josephine E. Mr. Eldridge is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically is a Dem- ocrat. He served in the Village Council in 1872, and as a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1878. He owns a half interest in a tract of 1,240 acres in Kankakee and Newton Cos., Ind., and where he soon expects to locate.


Prof. W. A. Fallas, of the Cedar Springs Public Schools, is the son of Doctor S. S. and Minerva Fallas. He was born at Fallasburg, Kent Co., Oct. 22, 1842; was brought up on a farm, and received the elements of his education in the com- mon schools. He studied medicine and graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan. After practicing his profession for a short time, he returned to the more congenial occupation of school-teaching, which he has fol- lowed ever since. He was two years in charge of the schools at Cadillac, Mich , four years at Chesaning, Mich., and since September, 1880, at Cedar Springs, Mich.


He was married Oct. 20, 1867, to Miss Flora Gifford, daughter of Horace Gifford, of Jackson county. He has had no children. Mr. Fallas is a Methodist in his religious views and in politics a Republican.


A. B. Fairchild was born Nov. 5, 1826. in New York; is son of Julius and Lucretia (Brainard) Fairchild, natives of New York, of English descent. He was educated in the common schools of Michigan and Indiana and was sent to an academy two years. He is by trade a machinist and passed many years in its pursuit. He was married in 1850 to Mary Drake, who died in 1861, leaving four children. He was again married in 1863 to Mrs. Emma (Rose) Gilbert. They have one child. Mr. Fairchild was in the army in the late war as veterinary surgeon and remained until 1864. He settled at Cedar Springs in 1865 and entered trade, and two and a half years after went to lumbering. At the expiration of 10 years he turned his attention to farming and breeding horses. He has served in several official positions in Nelson and Solon; is a prominent Mason and owns a farm on sec. 13. where he has a fine house.


Dr. C. S. Ford, of Cedar Springs, was born in Florence, Oneida Co., N. Y., March 29. 1831. He is a son of Alva and Mary (Barnes) Ford; the former, a native of Litchfield, Conn., was born Aug. 8, 1792; the latter, a native of New Haven, Conn., was born April 6th, 1793. They were married Oct. 5, 1817. They re- moved to Oneida county in 1817, and to Grattan, this county, in 1852. Mr. Ford died at his daughter's, Mrs. Huston, March 12, 1868, and Mrs. Ford died on the old homestead, Feb. 27, 1859. They had six children, three of whom are living, viz :- Horace B., now of Grattan, and Mary L., wife of Wm. Huston, of Lyons, Ion'a Co. Dr. Ford, is a lineal descendant of one of two brothers, Thomas and Charles Ford, who came across in the " Mayflower " and landed at Plymouth Rock. Dr. Ford's grandfather, Barney Ford, and grandfather Asa Dickson, on his mother's side were both men of Revolutionary fame. The former died at the age of 104. Dr. Ford's parents removed to Jefferson Co., N. Y., when he was but two years old


. He passed his early life upon a farm and received his classical education in Evans' Mills Academy. From 1851 to '53, while he was learning the tin-smith's trade in Plessis, N. Y., he took up the study of medicine, to which he very dili- gently devoted his leisure moments. In 1853 he went to St. Charles, Kane Co., Illinois, where he successfully. pursued his trade two years. He then came to Cooks' Corners Ionia county, and resumed his chosen profession under the pre- ceptorship of Dr. John Avery. He remained under his instruction two years. In the meantime he attended Rush Medical College, of Chicago, on the means which he had acquired while working at his trade in St. Charles, Ills. He came to Cedar Springs soon after and began his practice among the pioneers, for a time traveling on foot. On one occasion he went to see a patient, and in the round trip he walked 56 miles. Such was his experience in pioneer days. He attended Rush Medical College a second term and graduated with honors Jan. 24, 1865. Dr. Ford has established a large and lucrative practice in northern Kent and adjoin- ing counties, at the same time winning the high esteem of the people. He was


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married Sept. 25, 1856. to Drusilla Northway, daughter of Augustus and Margaret (Houghtailing) Northway, natives of Rensselaerville and Davenport, N. Y. The former was born Jan. 1, 1795, and died April 21, 1848; the latter born Aug. 26, 1803, died Dec. 26, 1877. They were married in 1820, and had 14 children; 12 are living. Mrs. Ford was born in Mesopotamia, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, March 29, 1837. This union was blessed with two children. One, Cora Albertie, is living. She was born Aug. 14, 1864. Hattie D. (deceased) was born Sept. 26, 1861, and died March 26, 1863. Dr. and Mrs. Ford are members of the M. E. Church. Dr. Ford is President of the Medical Society of Western Michigan, and a member of the State Medical Society. He is Master of the Masonic fraternity of Cedar Springs, and in politics is a Republican. He served as Justice of the Peace 20 years and during the civil war was Provost Marshal and enrolling officer for this district. His portrait appears on another page of this work.


A. L. Fox, M. D., Cedar Springs, is a native of Mountour Co., Pa. He was born Jan. 23, 1846. His parents, Daniel M .. and Eliza M. (Lichtenwalmer) Fox, were natives of Bucks and Northampton counties, Pa., respectively. They removed to Calhoun Co., Michigan, in 1854, where the doctor passed his youth and early manhood. He received his education in the Olivet College, and commenced reading medicine in June, 1867, with Dr. G. H. Green, of Burlington, Mich. He attended the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, and graduated in Pharmacy in June, 1869, and as Doctor of Medicine in March, 1870. He prac- ticed with his former preceptor in Burlington five years, and two years alone. In May, 1877 he came to Cedar Springs, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his well-mastered profession. Dr. Fox has built up a good practice and an honorable reputation. He was married July 18, 1876, to Miss Cornelia V. Deems, of Lewistown, Fulton Co., Ill., born April 5, 1850. One child was born to bless this union-Ralph Deems, born Sept. 14. 1877. Dr. Fox and wife are mem- bers of the Congregational Church. Dr. F. is connected with the Western Michi- gan Medical Association, and in politics is Republican. He is also a member of the firm of J. R. Fox & Co., druggists.


W. A. H. Gardner, druggist, was born in Hancock, Berkshire Co., Mass, Jan. 1, 1819. His parents, Willett and Abigail Gardner, were natives of Rhode Island. In 1825 they removed to Cayuga Co., N. Y., where Mr. Gardner passed his youth and manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1855 Mr. Gard- ner came to Fairfield, Lenawee Co., Mich., where lie resided till 1867, when he removed to Waupaca Co., Wis. In 1872 removed to Cedar Springs and engaged in the drug business, and has since pursued that trade. Mr. G. was married March 8, 1838, to Sallie Sanford, by whom he had one child-Harrison S., a physician of Cedar Springs. Mrs. Gardner departed this life Nov. - , 1869, and Mr. G. was married the second time, March 7, 1871, to Lucy A. Pierson, widow of H. N. Pier- son (deceased), and daughter of Thomas and Emoret Lazeile, who were early pioneers of Clinton, Lenawee Co. Mrs. Gardner was born in Mt. Morris, Livings- ton Co., N. Y., June 25, 1829. Mrs G. is a member of the Congregational Church, and Mr. G. is a Republican in politics.


Peter Goozen, farmer, was born in Holland in 1824; is son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Zevoult) Goozen, natives of Holland. He settled on sec. 15, this tp., in 1856, and owns 80 acres of good land. He was married in 1854 to Jane Amelia, daughter of Robert and Mary (Ford) Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins was a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Goozen have four children-Elizabeth (Mrs. George Cramer) ; Cora A., Ida I., and William Wallace. Mr. Goozen is a Democrat; he has been Drain Commissioner and School Director, and always taken a great interest in school matters; has one daughter teaching. In 1871 his barn was burned, and in 1880 his house was destroyed by fire. Mrs. Goozen belongs to the Baptist Church.


J. E. Goul, a leading lumberman of Northern Kent, was born in Hudson, Sum- mit Co., Ohio. Jan. 23, 1857. His parents, John and Catharine Goul, were natives of Germany. They removed to Allegan.Co., Mich., in 1858. Mr. Goul was reared on a farm, and was educated in the Allegan High School. In May, 1873, he came to Sand Lake and clerked in a grocery store two years, and subsequently engaged in manufacturing shingles, which he still follows. He owns a shingle-mill in Solon, and is one of the old business men of Sand Lake. He was married Oct. 20, 1880, to Miss Georgia Crabb, daughter of George W. and Anna L. Crabb, born in Jennings Co., Ind., Nov. - , 1861. Mr. G. is a member of the I. O. of O.F., and is a Democrat. He is now President of the village, and has served as member of the Council two years.


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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.


Dr. L. S. Griswold, physician and surgeon, Sand Lake, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Jan. 3, 1852; is son of Jesse and Martha Griswold. He came to Mont- calm Co., Mich., in 1870, and attended Greenville Union School. He commenced the study of his profession in March, 1872, with Drs. Morgan and Mulheson, of Gre nville. He attended Detroit (Regular) Medical College, and gra luated March -, 1876. He came to Sand Lake, where he has practiced with succe-s. He was married June 12 1879, to Miss Mattie Liston, daughter of D. W. and Harriet Liston. Mrs. Griswold was born in Bowling Green, Ohio, June 28, 1857. In politics the Doctor is a Republican.


B. L. Hill was born in Brant Co., Ontario, Feb. 12, 1835. He is son of Amos and Susanna Hill, natives of Maine and New York, respectively. His father went to Brant county in 1839, and in 1854 bought a tract of 800 acres of land in Plain - field and Vergennes tps., this county. The same year our subject came to Flain- field and began clearing his father's land. He pursued farming till 1865, when he removed to Cedar Springs : since that date he lias followed lumbering in this and Montcalm counties. His father died Feb. 15, 1881, at the advanced age of 92 v ears. Mr. Hill, the subject of this sketch, was married in December 1878 to Isabella Graves daughter of John Graves, a pioneer of Plainfield. They have one child- John R Mr. Hill owns 300 acres of land in Solon tp., Kent Co., and Ravenna tp., Muskegon Co. Politically, Mr. Hill votes Republican.


Hon. N. R. Hill, an old and honored pioneer citizen of Cedar Springs, was born in Clarkston, Monroe Co., N. Y., April 10, 1822. His parents, Ira and Betsey (Randall) Hill, were also New York people. Mr. Hill's father served in the 1812 war, and his grandfather, Ebenezer Hill, served as Colonel through the Revolution. Mr. Hill came to Cedar Springs in the early part of the year 1855. and entered 120 acres of land on sec. 30, Nelson tp., a portion of which forms the site of Cedar Springs. Mr. Hill built the first house in the place, which was constructed of pine logs. He laid out and platted the village, and established the postoffice, and served as Post naster three years. He built the first franie house in the village, in 1857. Subsequently he purchased the "fair grounds." and lived on theni four years; then sold, and since has resided in the village that so long ago he founded. Mr. Hill has since followed farming. For a term of years he has lumbered in this and Muskegon counties. Mr. Hill was Justice of the Peace of Nelson aud per- formed the duties of that office for 12 years. He served as member of the Board of Supervisors 10 years, and in 1870 was elected to represent this District in the State Legislature. He served in one regular and one extra session, with much credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.


Mr. Hill was joined in marriage April 28, 1843, to Phebe H. 'Allen, daughter of Aldrich and Levina Allen, born in Essex Co. N. Y., Oct. -. 1822. Two children were the result of this union, viz .- Nellie M. (wife of O. H. Richmond) and Chas. I., deceased. Mrs. Hill departed this life April 26, 1880). Mr Hill is a substantial pillar in the Baptist Church, and has served as Superintendent of the Sunday- school 14 years. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns 240 acres of land in Montcalm and Muskegon counties.


Enoch Hinman, an enterprising citizen of Cedar Springs, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1812. His parents, Henry 'and Laura Hinman were natives of Stockbridge. Mass., and Litchfield Co .. Conn., respectively. In October, 1845, Mr. Hinman came to Boston Ionia Co., Mich., where he pursued the voca- tion of farming till September, 1849, when he came to Kent county. He lum- bered on the Rouge river till 1852, when he resumed farming in Plainfield and fol- lowed it up to 1860. He then bought and shipped shingles for A. Robinson & Son, of Grand Rapids, for two years. He then dealt in that stock for himself till 1864, then he came to Cedar Springs, continuing in the same business till 1866 when he engaged in lumbering. In 1869 he engaged in merchandising, and did busi- ness in that line till July 20, 1878 when he purchased a stave factory and lias since operated it. April 18, 1849 he was united in marriage to Clarissa Moore. This union was blessed with two children. viz .- Mary L. (wife of Jonathan Rich- ardso.), and John B., jr., both residents of San Bernardino Co., California. Mrs. Hinman departed this life Nov. 8, 1850, and Mr. H. again married, Dec. 12, 1866, this time Mrs. Amanda M. Burton, widow of Eber Burton (deceased), and a daughter of Daniel and Olive Burch. Mrs. Hinman was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., May 17, 1827. She had one child by her former husband-Henry Burton. who was married to Emma J. Bennett. Mr. and Mrs. Hinman are consis ent members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Democrat, politically. He owns 169 acres of land in the adjoining townships.


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Thomas J. Hopkins, dairyman, Cedar Springs, was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1832. His parents were Anson and Eliza (Degratt) Hopkins. Mr. H. was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He followed boating on the Erie canal for eight years. He then pursued the vocation of farming up to April, 1873, when he came to Nelson and purchased his present farm. Since June, 1880, he has kept a dairy. He has 22 cows; and supplies Cedar Springs with milk. Mr. Hopkins was married Dec. 25, 1855, to Mary L. Cole, daughter of Eli and Harriet Cole, born in Seneca Co., N. Y., May 29, 1834. 'This union was blessed with seven children, five of whom are living, viz .- Clin- ton H., Harriet E., Ella M., Bertha E. and Rena E. Mr. H.'s nephew, Fred Cole, also lives with him.


Mr. Hopkins owns a valuable farm of 100 acres on sec. 31. Politically he is a Republican.


Solomon Ipe was born in the Buckeye State, Feb. 14, 1839; is son of Jacob and Sarah Ipe, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Mr. Ipe came to Michigan in 1866, and in 1868 built a saw and shingle mill, two and a half miles west of Cedar Springs, on sec. 33, which he operated successfully six years. In 1867 he built the Cedar Springs grist-mill, and still owns it. In 1868 he lost heavily by fire, but has made his losses good since by good manage- ment. During the last few years he has given his attention to farming, and owns 245 acres of land, with good improvements. He was married in 18-, and by the union had two sons and two daughters. His second wife was Mrs. Mary (Good- man) Spicer, of German descent. Mr. Ipe enlisted in the civil war in 1862 in the 8Sth Ohio Vol. Inf., Co. B., and served three months.




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