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 130
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R. L. Coster
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OAKFIED TOWNSHIP. 1279
neering, an outlet was effected into Wab-ah-see creek from the head of the Horse-Shoe, a large lake on section 2, which is thus ren- dered nearly dry. Of this marl deposit George and John Brooks are proprietors.
Besides the above there are several small lakes, as Scram's and Addis', on sections 17, 18 and 19; Ziegenfuss, on sections 1.1 and 14, the outlet from which forms the north branch of Wab-ah- see creek; Flat-Iron, near the residence of Harry McArthur, near the southern line of the township; Long lake, on section 34, is one- half mile long, one-eighth wide. On the latter, when it was frozen in March, 1843, occurred the first death in this township among the whites. Orin Gilbert, brother of Rev. D. Gilbert, in endeavor - ing to reach his brother's house from Cook's Corners, was overcome with fatigue and cold, and frozen to death. Soon afterward Tahanah, an Indian, in passing on the trail, discovered him lying on the snow, and first broke the news of his death among his friends. Ever afterward the Indians called this " Dead Man's lake."
The largest lake in Oakfield township is Wab-ah-see, or " Waba- sis," as the whites call it. It is two miles long, about one mile wide, and very irregular in shape. White-fish, at certain seasons and places, abound in this lake. Their coming and going are a mystery. Pick- erel also abounds here. A fearfully gigantic specimen has been sometimes seen. This lake lies mainly in sections 27 and 28, and projects into sections 29, 33 and 34. It is named after the Indian chief, Wab-ah-see (White Swan), who fell under the displeasure of his people for selling their lands and also, as they supposed, for secreting and retaining the gold he obtained by the sale. To obtain this, they deferred his death and banished him to the shores of this beautiful and romantic lake. By some the gold is supposed to be hidden on its shores, and many have sought for it by torchlight and by sunlight, with equal lack of success. Failing to extort money, and maddened by the loss of their hunting-grounds, the big chief, Ne-ogg-ah-nah, with almost fiendish subtlety, induced Wab-ah-see to go beyond his limits, and, in a drunken frolic, killed him with a firebrand. His broken skull is now in a museum in Connecticut, having been sent there by Mr. Hall, of Plain- field.
INDUSTRIES.
The Oakfield Grist-Mill, containing two-run of stones, was erected in 1864, is located upon section 15, on Wabasis creek, the outlet of the lake, which becomes quite a stream, emptying into Flat river in Montcalm county.
The first saw-mill in town was built by John Davis, about the year 1846 or 1847. It was located on Beaver Dam creek, a small stream running into Wab-ah-see lake. Three times it was swept into ruins by the freshets, and as often repaired or rebuilt by the indomitable perseverance of its owner. But at last, patience and
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
capital alike gave out, and a steam mill was erected in its stead. That has been dismantled, and desolation now reigns where sterling enterprise once presided. Says Dillenback, "No inhabitant of Oakfield and adjacent towns, who may read these pages, shall be allowed to forget, for lack of a record here, the history of the old mill on Beaver Dam creek, or the vicissitudes of its cheery and brave hearted owner, who snapped his fingers in the face of the jade, Fortune, when she made faces at him, and went whistling away to the tune of ' Old Ragged,' despite all adversity. (The foregoing quaint cognomen will be understood by every old-time business man of Kent County.)"
The Lillie Steam Shingle- Mill was built in 1861, on section 3. It was burned April 17, 1868, and rebuilt in the same year.
The Addis Shingle and Cider Mills are located on the northwest quarter of section 20, and were built in 1869; John Addis, pro- prietor.
The Oakfield Shingle-Mill is located on Wab-ah-see creek, adja- cent to the grist-miil spoken of above.
Near these mills a little village, consisting of a store or two, a blacksmith shop, and half a dozen dwellings, has sprung up within a few years. This is the only business center in the town.
ORGANIC.
At one time the town was organized under the name of Waba- sis, but by subdivision of the territory, was again incorporated with Courtland, and finally permanently organized under the name of Oakfield, through the influence of Sheldon Ashley, in March, 1849. Its first town meeting was held the first Monday of April, 1849, at a little log school-house in district No. 1, on section 29. This was the first school-house in the town, but the log cabin was replaced in 1852 by a frame structure 36 x 26 feet in size. This is the famous No. 1 that has educated, and sent forth more and better teachers than any other district school in the county. It is known as the White Swan School. First township officers: Supervisor, Thomas Spencer; Town Clerk, Harry Mc Arthur; Treasurer Harry Osgood; Justices of the Peace, Thomas Spencer, Harvey D. Pond, David J. Gilbert. Wmn. M. Gould; Constables, Nathan H. Gould, Giles Mc Arthur, William Chapman, Jesse Stewart; Com- missioners of Highways, Benjamin Morey, William Peterson, Cyrus B. Thomas; School Inspectors, John Davis, Lafayette Knight; Overseers of the Poor, Sheldon Ashley. Harry Osgood.
The following are the township officers since elected:
SUPERVISORS.
Thomas Spencer. 1849
Rufin Caukin. 1865
Harry McArthur.
1850-3
Wm. R. Davis
1866-74
Thomas Spencer.
1854
Harry Mc Arthur. 1875-6
Harry McArthur. 1855-7
William Brown.
1877
Richard L. Wells.
1858. 9
William R. Davis.
1878
John Davis. .
1860
William Brown. 1879
William R. Davis.
1861-4
Neil Stewart.
1880-1
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OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP.
CLERKS.
Harry McArthur 1849
Rufin Caukin. 1862-3
L. F. Knight. 1850-1
Azariah V. Rouley 1865
John Davis. 1852
David Touer. .. 1866-8
La F. Wright. 1863
Azariah V. Rouley 1869-70
Daniel B. Payne 1854-6
Henry E. Rouley. 1871-2
S. Blowless. 1857
Rufin Caukin .. 1873
Chester A. Tillie 1858-9
Edward H. Jones 1874
Daniel B. Payne. 1860
E. H. Jones. .
1875-80
Richard L. Wells.
1861
Henry E. Rouley
1881
TREASURERS.
Harry Osgood.
1849
Geo. Cathey 1868
Eli Wright. 1850
Sılas D. Horton.
1869
Thomas Spencer. 1851
John Ashley.
.1870-1
John D. Moore 1852
Stephen S. Tower 1872
Nathan Gould. 1853
Allen Fry.
.1873-4
William D. Lewis
1854
William Brown. 1875-6
William R. Davis
1855-60
William R. Davis. 1877
David Touer. 1861-2
William T. Drake 1877
John Bevins. 1863-4
William H. Tillie.
1878
John D. Stevens.
1865
William T. Drake.
1879
Harvey A. Rouley. 1866
Lemuel E. Brooks. 1880
William H. Dennis.
1867
Myron A. Potter. 1881
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Harry D. Pond. 1849
Melvin Robinson 1865
Thomas Spencer.
1849
Henry Watson
1866
David J. Gilbert.
1849
John Bevin. 1866
Wm. H. Gould. 1849
John Ashley
1866
Thomas Spencer 1850
Samuel Tower 1867
Harvy D. Pond.
1850
Geo. Cathey. 1868
David J. Gilbert.
1850
Samuel Tower. 1869
Warren Horton.
1851
Henry Watson. 1870
Henry Rich.
1852
Oliver R. Tenis.
1870
Harry Osgood
.1853
Harry D. Pond 1871
David G. Slawson
1854
Rufin Caukin. 1872
F. Ingreham.
1855
Lyman Spaulding. 1872
John Davis.
1855
Oliver R. Tenis. 1873
La Fayette Dewey
1856
William W. Tillie 1874
Thomas Spencer. 1856
Oscar M. Hall.
1875
John Davis. .1856
William W. Tillie. 1875
Chester Tillie. 1857
Moses Reynolds. 1876
Edward Jones. 1877
Jesse Haskins
1859
William W. Tillie
1878
John Davis. 1860
John W. Gilbert.
1879
Chester A. Tillie .1861
Giles Mc Arthur 1880
John Bevins, jr. 1862
Henry Barr .1880
Nathan H. Gould.
1863
Jacob N. Beesher.
1881 .
Volney Caukin.
.1864
Freeman Addis.
1881
-
Dorr Osgood.
1858
The number of children of school age in Oakfield township is 344, of whom 306 attend school. There are seven school districts, and the value of the school property is placed at $3,750. The Hor- ton school-house is a large frame edifice, painted white. It was erected in 1868, and is used as a church, as well as for school pur- poses. It is located on sections 17 and 18, just across the road from
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
the Horton Cemetery, beautifully situated on the southwest corner of section 8. There is no Union school in the town; but its edu- cational interests are, and have always been of paramount impor- tance in the minds of its people. Its first school was organized with but six scholars-all the children then in town, and kept in a private house, with Miss Sarah Davis, now Mrs. Alinon Thomp- son, of Courtland, as teacher. When a school-house was finally erected, Mr. Harry McArthur was installed as teacher, and to his earnest labors many, not only in this town, but in adjacent towns, owe much of their advancement in knowledge.
OAKFIELD CENTER,
on section 15, is distant from Grand Rapids 24 miles, and from Lowell 15 miles. The place was settled in 1874. The postoffice is in charge of Nathan H. Gould. The business men of the village comprise: Moses P. Peterson and Alfred Stevens, store-keepers; E. H. Jones, flour miller; P. P. Henderson, meat dealer; S. Nel- son and Benj. Pitcher, blacksmith; Henry Barr, Justice; Nathan H. Gould, collection agent, and Morris Streeter, Constable.
CHURCHES.
The First Baptist Church of Oakfield was organized June 10 1848, with Sheldon and Rice Ashley, Luther and Nancy Cook, Ken- nicum and Julia Ann Randall, and Jas. Weyley and wife, as charter members. Their house of worship was built in 1862-'3, on section 36, at a cost of $2,500. Sheldon Ashley, one of the oldest resi- dents, was chief in securing the erection of this church, in conjunc- tion with the pastor. The pastors have been Revs. John Rosco, F. Prescott, Mr. Starkweather, C. C. Miller, J. R. Monroe, W. Bevel, O. Kilgore and T. Robinson.
The Second Baptist Church was organized March 25, 1866, under Rev. C. C. Miller, with the following members. Thomas, Sarah, William R. and Lorana Jones; Abigail Potter, Stephen S., Mary A., Ida May and Emma M. Tower; Sarah J. Blanchard, Henry, Sarepta and Jane Rich, John M., May and Arvila Bevins, Sarah Hart, Delinda Fuller, Margaret Malory, Nathan Rand, Sophia Squiers, Abigail Watson, Jason Tuthill, Lydia Bingham, Isaac Allen and Lydia Jane Allen. Trustees, S. S. Tower, Henry Rich, Thomas Jones, N. R. Squiers and Wm. R. Jones. This Church had its origin in a revival in 1865, under Rev. Miller, who continued as pastor until 1871. Their house of worship, a fine frame, was built in 1867, at a cost of $4,150, and was dedicated Jan. 14, 1868. It is on an acre of ground purchased from the farm of Robert Olmstead, on the southeast corner of section 19. In size the building is 36x56 feet, with a tower 95 feet high. Its fine- toned bell cost $400.
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OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Since Mr. Miller's time the pastors have been Revs. J. R. Mon- roe, O. T. Fletcher, Ariel Niles, Wm. Buell, O. Kilgore, and T. Robinson, the present incumbent.
The United Brethren in Christ were organized May 9, 1880, at Oakfield Center, with the following members: Rev. F., and Mrs. H. A. Spaulding, Henry and Eliza Barr, Walter and Sarah Freeman, Wm. and Elizabeth Cornell and Matilda Pitcher. The preachers in charge have been: Nelson Heald, F. J. Leach, and Rev. F. Spaulding, the present incumbent.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in De- cember, 1867, with J. W. and G. B. Bowman, Rev. D. Gilbert, S. E. Elsbay, R. Cankin, H. Smith, S. McArthur, A. S. Frey, and M. Reynolds. Of these, Messrs. J. W. Bowman, Elsbey and Reynolds were subsequently appointed a committee on building a church, which structure was completed and dedicated April 14, 1869, at a cost of $3,400. The pastors of this church have been: Revs. B. W. Smith, J. H. Tanner, J. Graham, E. D. Bacon, J. A. Vanfleet, H. Coggshall, B. H. Whitman, G. L. Cole, C. H. Howe, and J. M. Aiken.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
We complete the history of Oakfield township by giving personal sketches of the principal pioneers and other citizens.
Alanson R. Adams was born in 1811 in Oswego Co., N. Y., and in November, 1836, settled in Wayne county, where he remained 14 years, and moved to Greenville, Montcalm Co. Eight years after he settled in Oakfield, where he bought 40 acres on sec. 1. He was married April 2, 1832, and his wife died in 1842. He was married again in 184- and became the father of six children- E ecta, Amelia, John, Charles W., Frank and Cornelia Minnie. Mrs. Adams died July 23 1874. Mr. Adams is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. P. O., Greenville.
Rozina Barnard was born Feb. 5, 1818, at Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y. She was married Feb. 2, 1834, to William Barnard. He was born in Rodman, Jeffer- son Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1810, and came to Oakland Co., Mich., in 1850; remained six months, and then passed a year in Montcalm county, when he came to Oak- field. About 1868 he bought 80 acres of land on sec. 32, where he died Feb. 7, 1878; leaving six children-Ezra P., born Nov. 17, 1836; Sanford A., Jan. 24, 1849 ; Obed W., Sept. 11, 1852; Alfred E., Oct. 24, 1853; Charles E., Oct. 16, 1855, and Alice R., Oct. 29, 1856. The first four named were born in New York. Mr. Bar- nard served in the civil war six months. The son William N., born June 4, 1840, was also a soldier, and died Aug. 25, 1863, in hospital. Alice has been a teacher eight years. Alfred lives on the homestead with his mother, and is a Republican. Mrs. Barnard belongs to the Baptist Church. P. O., Oakfield Center.
Mrs. Sarah Botsford was born June 28, 1822, in Livonia, N. Y. Her parents died when she was young, and she came to this State in 1836. She was married June 10, 1840, to Benj Botsford and had four children, one of whom is still living. Six years after marriage Mr. Botsford became insane and was in the Asylum at Utica, N. Y., five years without benefit, and died in Grand Rapids in 1867. Her daughter is the wife of William Conell of Oakfield. When first married Mrs. Botsford settled among the Indians at Lincoln's Mills, six miles north of Green- ville, Montcalm Co., her nearest neighbor being 13 miles distant. She is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church.
Rufin Caukin was born July 24, 1833, in Shelby, Macomb Co., Mich .; is son of Ephraim and Betsy Caukin, natives of New York. In 1848 he came to Grattan, Kent Co., and a year and a half later to Oakfield, where, in 1854, he bought 160 acres of land in secs. 31 and 32, and has since actively operated as a farmer. He
1284
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
was married April 29, 1856, to Martha Elsbey of Oakfield. They have tw; chil- dren-Adele, born Jan. 12, 1857, and Eugene, April 5, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Caukin are members of the M E. Church of Oakfield. Mr. Caukin is a Re- publican, and has the office of Supervisor, Town Clerk, Road Commissioner and Justice of the Peace; has always been active in the interests of the common schools. P. O., Oaktield Center.
Joseph C. H. Cranmer was born Dec. 19, 1845, in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y .; is son of Jared and Cynthia Cranmer. He came to Michigan in 1874 and settled in Montcalm county, where he lived five and a half years. and then located in Oakfield, buying 212 acres of land in sec. 34, which he has improved extensively, now having a most desirable grain and fruit farm. He was married July 16 1873, to Melvina Goodrich, of Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y She is a daughter of Griffin and Pbebe Goodrich, and niece of the late Butler A. Good- rich, of Brandon, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Cranmer have three children-Frank Joseph, born Oct. 25, 1875; Leroy Goodrich, Sept. 10, 1876, and Jay, Jan. 20, 1879. Poli ically Mr. Cranmer is a Republican. A fine mineral spring is on the farm, and he is engaged in breeding blooded cattle and short-horn Durham, and in buying and selling stock. P. O., Grattan Center.
John E. Elsbey was born in Milan, Huron Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1826. His parents, James and Rebecca (Rouley) Elsbey, were natives of New York, the former of Irish, the latter of Scotch, extraction. They settled in York, Washtenaw Co., and several years after came to Oakfield (in 1845) and located on a farm on sec. 31, where they lived until death; that of the former occurred in 1872; the latter died in 1878 Mr. Elsbey bought 80 acres on sec. 31, in Oakfield in 1844, and has since purchased 40 more. He has built a convenient and substantial dwelling, with suitable and commodious outbuildings. He was married Nov. 26, 1851, to Martha Cowan, of Courtland. She is daughter of Peter and Catherine (Green) Cowan, born Feb. 27, 1829, in Cambridge, Washington Co. N. Y. They have six children -Annah, born Sept. 17, 1852; Eldorus J., May 6, 1854; George W., Jan. 7, 1857; Arthur W., July 26, 1858; Ivan C., Feb. 17, 1860; Cora M., June 4, 1869. Mr. Elsbey is a Republican ; he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, of Oakfield. P. O., Oakfield Center.
Hughes S. Hill was born Oct. 28, 1834, at Cohocton, N. Y .; is son of Calvin and Phebe Hill ; the former was born in Vermont, in 1797, and died Dec. 31. 1880; the latter was born in Pennsylvania in 1814. At the age of two Mr. Hill came to Michigan with his parents, and when 17 went to learn the trade of bridge-builder, which he followed until 1861. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was in the army three years and three months, spending four months of the time in Libby prison, at Richmond. After his discharge he bought 40 acres of land in Caledonia. Three years after he rented a farm in Courtland, and three years later bought 94 acres on sec 10, in Oakfield. He was married Jan 1, 1867, to Arminda Moore, daughter of Hiram and Maria Moore, born in Hector, Steuben Co .. N. Y., Sept. 5, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have three children-Cora B., born Dec. 30, 1867; Melvin M., July 19, 1873; and Alta W., June 11, 1876. Politically, Mr. Hill is a Republican, and has held the office of Constable one year.
S. D. Horton was born Oct. 4, 1828. in Orange Co., N. Y. ; is son of Warren and Harriet (Derby) Horton, natives of New York. Mr. Horton came to this State in 1849, and settled in Oakfield, Kent Co., where the family purchased 320 acres of land on secs. 7 and 18. The senior Horton was first Postmaster of Oakfield. Mr. Horton, of this sketch, was married in 1856 to Phebe Rouley, of Oakfield ; they have six children-Willis E., born Oct. 24, 1856; Ella, Dec. 15, 1860; Edwin, Dec. 6, 1862; Mary S., Dec. 29, 1865; John B., Aug. 1, 1868; and Jennie, Mar. 2, 1870. Mrs. Horton died at Oakfield June 19, 1874. Mr. Horton is a Democrat politi- cally, and a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 96, at Greenville. Postoffice, Oakfield.
Walter Leeman was born April 1, 1811, in Albany Co., N. Y .; is son of George and Alice Leeman, the former of English descent, the latter of Scotch. Mr. Leeman came to Michigan in 1855. He was married Jan. 23, 1833, to Elizabeth Hays, of Albany Co., N. Y. She died Mar. 10, 1836, leaving two children-Mary Jane, born Oct. 28, 1833, and George, Dec. 26, 1835. Mr. Leeman was married Oct. 19, 1836, to Sally Ann, daughter of Alexander and Lucy McKinley, of Berne, Albany Co., N. Y , born there July 15, 1818. Her parents were of English extrac- tion, born in Albany county. They have the following children-Elnorett, born Sept. 13, 1837, died Dec. 31, 1840; Alexander C., May 22, 1839, died Nov. 27,
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OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP.
1863, in hospital at Nashville, Tenn.,-he was a soldier of the civil war; George W., April 26, 1841; Lucy Ann, July 6, 1843; Cathrine E., Sept. 21, 1845; William John, May 12, 1848; Rachel A., June 18, 1850; Harriet A., Feb 24, 1853 ; Sarah E., Aug. 3, 1855; Almorett Mar. 24, 1859; and Walter W., Oct. 27, 1863. Mr. Leeman has been a farmer all his life, beginning in Albany county, where he lived until 1843, when he moved to Niagara Co., N. Y., and 13 years after settled in Paris. Kent Co. Five years later he went to Montcalm county, where he remained two years, and then bought 120 acres of land on sec. 21 in Oakfield. Five- years after he bought 80 acres on sec. 16, 40 on sec. 4, and 33 on sec. 21. Mr. and Mrs. Leeman are members of the society of United Brethren.
Nancy J. Lockwood was born in Canada Dec. 4 1821. She came to the States in 1833 and was married in Spring Arbor Oct. 18 1840, to Leman Lockwood, of Jackson Mich. He was born Sept. 20, 1820, at Livona. N. Y., and in 1832 came to Michigan and settled at Liberty, Jackson Co. In 1848 they settled on sec. 23, Oakfield, where Mr. Lockwood bought 160 scres of land on which he lived until his death, Oct. 15, 1868. He left four children-John A., born Feb. 2 1842; Lu- cinda, March 11. 1844; Cynthia, March 22, 1847, and Eunice, Nov. 19, 1851. At the time of their location in Oakfield the town was nearly all a wilderness in- fested by Indians and wild beasts. The nearest postoffice was 10 miles away, grist-mill 15 miles, and no schools for the children. Mr. Lockwood was a Republican. He had belonged to the Baptist Church 25 years before his death. Mrs. Lockwood has been a member of the same church 41 years.
J. M. Moore was born Nov. 10, 1848, in Oakfield, Kent Co., Mich. ; is son of Hiram and Maria Moore, natives of New York. Mr. Moore was married Jan. 25, 1870,, to Lucy Prentice, of Canada West. They have six children-Orville A., born Feb. 26,1871; Florence G., July 19, 1872; Arthur C., Sept. 14, 1873; Estella S., Dec. 11 1874; Blanchie M., Aug. 13, 1878, and Clarence R., April 17, 1880. Mrs. Moore is the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Prentice, and was born in Blandford, Oxford Co., Pr. of Ontario, Jan, 14, 1848. Mr. Moore owns 80 acres of land on sec. 7, situated one mile south of his birth-place ; he is a Democrat and himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
Robert Olmsted was born in Hamilton Co., N. Y., Jan. 16, 1823. In April, 1864, he came to this Stateand settled in Oakfield, where he owns 75 acres on sec. 19. He was married to Catherine Williams, of Hamilton Co., N. Y., and they have five children-Daniel, Ida, William, Libbie and Gertrude. Mr.Olmsted is a Demo- crat. P. O., Oakfield Center.
J. M. Parkhurst is a native of Switzerland, born in 1850. He was adopted when eight years old by Alvira Parkhurst, whose name he took. His father's name was Jacob Myers ; his parents came to this country when he was two years old, landing at New York in 1852. They started to go to Rochester, N. Y., and reached Albany, where his father set out to obtain food and was sun-struck on the street, from the effects of which he died. The children were sent to the orphan asylum where Mr. Parkhurst remained until his adoption. He came to Big Rapids, Mich., in the fall of 1873, and two years after came to Oakfield and settled on 140 acres of land on secs. 9 and 16, where he now lives. He was married Sept. 6, 1877, to May, daughter of Calvin and Drusilla Thompson, born Dec. 2, 1855. They have two children-Zilla Mary, born Feb. 5, 1879, and William J., Feb. 28, 1881. The parents of Mrs. Parkhurst were natives of New York, and came to Courtland at an early day. Her father occupied the farm 33 years, where he died. His death took place March 22, 1876; her mother died in 1851.
Harvey D. Pond was born Jan. 9, 1816, in Alstead, Cheshire Co., N. H .; is son of Darius and Persia Pond, natives of Massachusetts, of probable English ex- traction. In September, 1815, he settled in Oakfield, where he bought 200 acres of land on sec. 34, where he has since resided. He was married Feb. 22, 1838 to Elizabeth Ann Wheeler, of Alabama, Genesee Co., N. Y., born June 19, 1819. She is daughter of Simon and Martha (Palmer) Wheeler, the former a native of New York, the latter of Delaware. They have had the following children- Eli, born Feb. 22, 1839, died July 19, 1840; Persia, April 6, 1843, died May 22, 1859; Warren, Nov. 8, 1844; James Judson, April 6, 1847; Evaline, Dec. 22, 1849; Wheeler, April 3, 1851; Martha A., Oct. 5, 1853; Emeline, March 4, 1855, Otis, March 7, 1857, died Dec. 26, 1864, and Rosaltha, April 7, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Pond are members of the First Baptist Church of Oakfield, having joined in 1858. Warren and Judson were soldiers in the Civil war. Mr. Pond is a Repub- lican in politics. P. O., Grattan Center.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
Elza B. Porter was born July 17, 1855, in Alpine, Kent Co, Mich .; is son of Henry B and Malvina Porter, natives of New York. He came to Oakfield in 1880 and settled on the Stevens farm on sec. 17. He was married April 14, 1878, to Lida Garlick of Plainfield, daughter of Robert and Catherine Garlick, natives of New York. They have one child-Ethelyn Lena, born June 24, 1879. Po- litically Mr. Porter belongs to the National party. P. O., O :: kfield Center.
Myron A. Potter, Town Treasurer of Oakfield, was born in the house where he now lives, April 20, 1848; is son of Benj. and Abigail Potter, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York. He owns 107 acres of land on sec. 1, . among the best farms in town. He was married Feb. 27, 1867, to Rebecca Fil- kins of Plainfi ld, Kent Co. They have three children-Charles H. , born Aug. 24, 1870: Clarence C., Nov. 13, 1874, and Katy M., June 9, 1877. Politically he is a Democrat; is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Grattan, No. 196. P. O. Oakfield Center ..
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