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 131

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 131

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Lyman Spaulding was born Sept. 23, 1833, in Cohocton, N. Y .; is son of Hiram and Miranda (Quimby) Spaulding. His grandfather, James Spaulding, was born in England in 1772; his wife was a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., born in 1777. Hiram Spaulding was born in New Hampshire Feb. 19, 1795 ; Miranda Spaulding. his wife, was born in Connecticut, Aug. 18, 1800. They had four sons and three daughters. David Spaulding is a resident of Cincinnati, O .. Ira J. of Almno, Mich., Stephen T. of Cohocton, N. Y, Louisa of Alamo. Mich .. Rhoda of Orange- ville, Barry Co .. and Martha of Larkspur, Douglass Co., Col. Mr. Spaulding was married May 23, 1858, to Hester Ann, daughter of Joseph and Charlotte Adams, of Candice, Ontario Co., N. Y., born Sept 27, 1832. Her father was born July 17, 1804, in Decker, Sussex Co., N. Y., and died Sept. 6, 1837; her mother was born Sept. 13, 1804, in the same towo. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding have had one daughter-Jennie, born Aug. 18. 1864, in Col:octon, N. Y., and died Feb. 22, 1876, in Oakfieid. They settled in Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y., and two years after went to Cohocton, Steuben Co. In December, 1866, they came to Otsego, Allegan Co., Mich., where they lived a year, went to Plainwell, and thence 10 Oakfield, where they located on 100 acres on secs. 15 and 22. In 1857 Mr. Spaul- ding entered the ministry, and was a local preacher in the Meticodist Church un- til May, 1880, when he joined the United Brethren of Christ and soon entered the traveling connection of the Church, and is at present acting minister of the society at Oakfield Center.

Morris N. Streeter was born in Napoleon, Jackson Co., Mich., Sept. 9, 1847; is son of Thomas and Maria Streeter, natives of New York. In 1849 they came to Kent county and settled in Cannon, buying 120 acres on sec. 2. The former was born Oct. «, 1823, and died Feb. 20, 1856; the latter was born June 26, 1828, and died April 17, 1871. Mr. Streeter remained on the homestead after his father's death, while his mother lived, and in February, 1878, bought 164 acres on sec. 15, where he has since been engaged in general farming. He was married Feb. 15. 1871, 10 Sirah E., daughter of Harmon and Avice Bennett, born Oct. 11, 1850, in Courtland. Her father and mother are natives of New York, the former born Sept. S, 1808, the latter May 23, 1817; both are now living. Mr. Streeter is a Democrat. P. O., Oakfield Center.

Stephen S. Tower was born in Springfield, Vt., Aug. 16, 1812. His parents, Isaac and Susanna Tower, were also natives of Springfield. His maternal and paternal grandfathers were soldiers of the Revolutionary war: the latter was in the engagement at Bunker Hill. . Mr. Tower settled in Oakfield in 1839, and owns 136 acres of land on sec. 29, where he resides. He was married Nov. 2, 1837, to Mary F. Eddy, of Springfield, Vt., daughter of Rensselaer and Sarah Eddy. born in 1818. The following children were born to them-Susan F., Oct. 7, 1838: Sarah, Jan. 6, 1841; Stephen Schuyler, Sept. 14, 1843: Henry Clay, Nov. 7, 1844 (died Sept. 19, 1863): James W., May 1, 1847 (died April 12, 1848) ; Isaac, Feb. 19, 1850. The latter was killed Oct. 30, 1880, by the caving in of a well. Mr. Tower's first wife died March 6, 1850, and he was married Jao. 6, 1851, to Mary A Muma, of Oakfield, born in Canada Oct. 18, 1830. Six children from this marriage are living-Emma, born Nov. 4, 1851; Ida M., Aug. 10, 1855 : Clyde O., Feb. 7, 1858; Gertrude E., March 30, 1864; Job Arthur, Aug. 14, 1868: Ernest Alton, Dec. 28, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Tower are both members of the Oakfield Baptist Church, of which they were charter members. Mr. Tower is a Republi- cau ; has held the offices of Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. His son Henry was a soldier in the 13th Reg. M. V. I. in the war.

Edward Freakis

1289

OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP.

John S. Watson was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 12, 1840; is son of Will- iam and Sarah Watson, the former born Aug 22, 1808, and died Aug. 22, 1847; the latter Feb. 14, 1812. About three years after the death of her husband, she came to America with three children-Henry, Thomas and John-and settled in Oak- field, where she had friends, and soon after married Joseph Denman of Oakfield. She died July 14, 1874. Mr. Watson lived with his mother until he was of age, and was married Jan. 1, 1862, to Abigail A. Jones, of Oakfield, born Nov. 23, 1844, in Jackson, Mich. She is daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. Jones; her father was born in Hertfordshire, England, May 4, 1810, and died March 25, 1879; her mother was born July 26, 1825, in Saratoga, N. Y., and is still living in Oakfield. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have had four children-Lizzie. born May 9, 1865; Elton J., May 10, 1869 (died May 15, 1871) ; Thomas A., Aug. 19, 1872; an infant son born Sept. 29, 1876, and died Aug. 6, 1877. In 1863 Mr. Watson bought 100 acres of land on sec. 2, Oakfield, and until 1870 operated a lumber mill at Gowan, also the Underhill Mill in Montcalm county. He disposed of the above land in 1880. In 1873 he became possessor of the homestead located on sec. 21, where he now resides. Himself, wife and daughter Lizzie are members of the Baptist Church of Oakfield : he is Deacon and Treasurer of the society. Politically he is a Re- publican. P. O, Oakfield Center.

Walter Williams, of the firm of Peterson & Williams, was born at Jamestown, Ottawa Co., Mich., Feb. 17, 1860; is son of Daniel M. and Mary J. Williams. His father was a soldier in the Civil war, and died Jan. 27, 1863, in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn. In 1865 his mother sold the farm and moved to Grand Rapids. In 1867 she went to Oakfield, and a year later to Ludington. Walter began to acquire his education in Grand Rapids, and Nov. 15, 1872, went to live with his uncle, George Leman, at Evart, where he remained seven years and attended the Evart High School six terms. He returned to Oakfield Dec. 15, 1879, and was in the employ of his brother-in-law thirteen months, when he bought the stock of goods of A. A. Stevens, and conducted a mercantile enterprise alone one month, when he consolidated with his present partner. Peterson & Williams are doing a general mercantile business adapted to a country trade; their stock includes dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, etc. ; the postoffice is also connected with the s'ore. The business was organized March 14, 1881.

PARIS TOWNSHIP.

As early as 1833 this township was settled by Barney Burton, Joel Guild, Edward Guild, Daniel Guild and James Vanderpool. Two years later Abram Larraway and Benjamin Clark located there. In 1836 came Miner Patterson, James Patterson. Jacob Patterson, Orleans Spaulding and Philanzo Bowen. Nicholas Carlton came in 1837 and Hiram H. Allen in the year 1838. Among the other early settlers were De Witt Shoemaker, Clinton Shoemaker, Robert Shoemaker, Alvin H. Wansey, Jared Wan- sey, James Ballard, Stephen Hinsdill and Robert Barr. We would here also make special mention of "Captain Davis," as he was familiarly called, who was the father of Ezekiel W. Davis, com- monly known as "Judge." He settled in the township in the year 1834, and remained a resident up to the time of his death, about 1850.

Mr. Burton built the first log house in the township of Paris, and erected the first barn in the county. He also erected the first frame house in the township, upon the site of the present fine residence of S. M. Garfield.

In the year 1835 or 1836 a man by the name of Sizer was shot by an Indian, near Plaster creek, on what are now the premises of Henry Allen. At that place on the creek was a deer lick, which, of course, was watched by the early settlers as well as by the natives. The parties concerned in the affair to which we refer were both looking for deer, the one not knowing of the presence of the other. As the white man was moving about in the bushes, the eye of the Indian caught a glimpse of his white shirt bosom, which he mistook to be a spot upon a deer about to run. A second more, and the white man fell dead, with a bullet through his heart. You can imagine the terror of the Indian when he dis- covered what he had done, as he supposed his own life must pay the forfeit.

It seems to have been the custom of the Indians to demand a life for a life. One time, while a little Indian girl was taking care of an infant white child, near what is now the city, she accident- ally let it fall from her arms upon the ground, and it was taken up dead. The Indians took the girl with the intention of executing her; but upon the earnest solicitation of Uncle Louis Campau and Joel Guild, and the offer of an amount of money for her life, she was spared.

When Benjamin Clark came into the township, in 1835, he se- lected a piece of land on section 12, located upon it, and has ever since made it his home. When he settled, no one was living in that part of the township, except Alexander Clark.

(1290)

1291

PARIS TOWNSHIP.

Among the first land purchasers were the following: David L. Leavitt, section 4, July 19, 1834; Ezra Turner, section 6, July 22, 1833; Louis Campau, section 5, Feb. 3, 1835; Thomas Davis, jr., section 10, Dec. 6, 1834; John Balas, section 14, Sept. 22, 1834; Abram Laraway, section 17, Nov. 12, 1834; Harvey Weed, sec- tion 21, July 6, 1835; Asher Freeman, section 22, Nov. 23, 1835; Michael A. Patterson, section 26, Jan. 28, 1836; Philanzo Bowen, section.28, Oct. 25, 1834; Henry M. Godwin, section 31, Aug. 8, 1835; and Stephen Cole, section 34, July 11, 1836.

The first school-house erected in the township stood on the cor- ner of the northeast quarter of section 7. It was used for many years, but was finally removed, and the present building erected in 1857. There are several fine school-houses in the township. The Godwin school-house, standing on the old plank road, a short distance beyond the Godwin tavern, is a good brick building, and an ornament to the locality. The school-house on the southwest corner of section 10, built of brick, presents a fine appearance, and exhibits the enterprising character of the inhabitants in its vicinity; also the frame school-house situated near the northeast corner of section 34. We mention these as being particularly good, while, in fact, all of the school buildings in the township are above the average character.

The county-farm and poor-house are located in Paris, on section 16. The farm contains 104 acres or thereabouts, and has the ap- pearance of being well worked. At the time the farm was pur- chased by the county, a log house was standing on it, which was used for a number of years as a poor house. It was removed in 1860, and the present frame building erected in its stead. Several additions have been made to it, until now it is a large structure.

The Bostwick Grist and Saw Mills were erected many years ago, on Plaster creek, on the east line of section 17. Four dams were constructed at different times, but in each instance they were car- ried away. The mills were run at intervals, but never for any great length of time; and were finally abandoned. The Tanner Mills, situated on the southeast corner of section 20, were operated for a number of years, but are now among the things of the past.

The soil of Paris township is quite good. To be sure it has its poor land as well as other townships; but considered as a whole, it is considerably above the average. The soil in the south- easterly and central parts is heavy clay, while in the northerly and westerly parts it is sandy. The timber in the southeasterly and central parts is quite heavy; that in the northerly and westerly parts light and what might be called oak openings. In the south- westerly part of the town is some pine, in places mixed with elm and black oak.

The town of Paris was organized in 1839, then including Gaines. The first meeting was at the house of Hiram Allen, and the follow- ing were elected: Supervisor, Joel Guild; Clerk, Hiram H. Allen; Treasurer, Robert Barr; Justices, H. H. Allen, H. B. Smith, Barney Burton, Alexander Clark. On the records, as elected to other

1292

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

offices are, Stephen Hinsdill, Foster Kelly, Joseph H. Blain, Jacob Pattison, John Kirkland, James Ballard, Rensalaer Mesnard, Jos. K. Palmer. Andrew Mesnard, Daniel Guild, Joseph J. Baxter and Walter Palmer.

Following is a list of officers elected, annually, down to the present time:

SUPERVISORS.

Joel Gu Id.

.1839

Fluman S. Bailey. .1859-60

James A. Davis.

1840

Timothy S. Smith. .

1861-62

Foster Kelly ..

1841

Samuel M. Garfield. 1863-65

Hira » H. Allen.

1842

Timothy S. Smith.

1866

Stephen Hinsdill

1843

Isaac D. Davis ..

1867

Jame : A. Davis

1844

Horace Henshaw

1868

Clinton Shoemaker

1845

John P. Wykes. 1869

James A. Davis.

1846

Samuel M. Garfield 1870-72

Benj. F. Freeman.

1847

Wright C. Allen. . 1873

William S. Parsons.

1848-49

Samuel Langdon

1874-75

Sluman S. Bailey

1850-51

C. P. Friend.

1876-77

James A. Davis.

1852

Samuel Langdon.

1878

Slunan S. Bailey

1853

Jerome E. Phillips 1879

Sluman S. Bailey.

1854

Christian P. Friend.

1880-S1

Timothy S. Smith.

1855-58

TREASURERS.

Robert M. Barr.

1839

Jacob Patterson . 1860

Hiram H. Darling.

1840-41

Joseph S. Bailey 1861

Charles Kelly.

.1842

Parley E. Howe. 1862

Nicholas Shoemaker

1843-45

Lewis M. Carlton

1863-68

Charles Kelley. .1846-47

Everett Hurd ..

1869-77

Hiram H. Darling

. 1848

Hugo B. Ratlıbu

1878

Jacob Patterson.

1849-58

Warren Goodell .. .

1879-80

Aaron S. Skinner.

1859

Everett Hurd.

1881

CLERKS.

Hiram H. Allen.

1839

Edwin Hoyt. 1858

De Witt Shoemaker.

1840

Henry Seymour.

1859

Hiram H. Allen

1841

Owen R. L. Crozier. 1860

Barney Burton.

1842-43

Almon Reed 1861

Isaac A. Allen

1844

Osmond Reed

1862-67

Benj. F. Freeman.

1845

George R. Reed.

1×68-69

Isaac A. Allen.

1846

Jolın Steketce. 1870

William Brewer.

1847

Henry Seymour.

1871-72

Isaac D. Davis.

1848

Evan Hendershot

1873

Orson B. Galusha.

1849

Evan Hendershot

1874-77

Bingham Hinsdill.

1850-51

William Hanna. 1878

Isaac D. Davis.

1852

Evan Hendershot

1879

Henry Seymour

1853

James Hanna.

1879

John H. Slack.

1854

Edwin Hoyt .. 1880

Henry Seymour

1855-57

Evan Hendershot.

1881

THE PARIS BAPTIST CHURCH

was organized April 1, 1869, with members named below: Will- iam, Hannah, Robert, Ann L:, Hiram B. and Mary E. Haynes, William and Mrs. Hendrick, Linus, Elizabeth, Rufus, Emma and Joseph Whitford, Gilman Warner, W. H. Fisher, D. W. Frost,

1293

PARIS TOWNSHIP.

Annis C. Tyler, Ezra N. Sherwood, Mary E. Shear, Ellen Shafer, Harriet and Lemuel Straight, Adelia, Mary J. and Elizabeth L. Davis, Dwight S. and Susan A. Drake.

Names of ministers: C. E. Hulbert, D. Osborn, N. D. Ban- croft, J. Abbott, A. Marsh, A. Bray, C. P. Fessenden, D. Gostelow, I. Butterfield.

PARIS GRANGE NO. 19.

This grange was organized April 10, 1873, with 26 charter mem- bers, consisting of the following persons: Samuel Langdon, Mrs. S Langdon, Isaac D. Davis, Mrs. I. D. Davis, Adelia C. Davis, Lewis R. Davis, Aurelia Davis, Chester A. Parmalee, Orville Parmalee, George Mesnard, Mrs. G. Mesnard, Enoch Mesnard, Noah Mes- nard, Fred. S. Clark, Mrs. F. S. Clark, Joel M. Hubbard, Joseph J. Watson, Mrs. J. J. Watson, Dennis O'Connor, Hiram B. Haynes, Mrs. H. B. Haynes, Germain J. Williams, Mrs. G. J. Williams, E. H. Stiles, L. C. Wightnan, Huldah M. Talman.

This grange, like many others, lost some members and gained some, managing to about hold its own. During the same year two other granges were organized in the town, Floral and Burton Granges. During the winter of 1877-'8, Paris and Floral Granges united under the name of Paris Grange, and in the winter of 1880-'81 Burton Grange also united with them. For several years the grange met at the residence of I. D. Davis, but after uniting with Floral they met at the school-house in district No. 5 until the fall of 1879, when they erected a fine hall on the northeast corner of section 16, valued at $1,400.

The first officers were: Samuel Langdon, Master; Isaac D. Davis, Overseer; Edmund H. Styles, Lecturer; Hiram B. Haynes, Steward; Germain J. Williams, Assistant Steward; Chester A. Parmalee, Chaplain; Joel M. Hubbard, Treasurer; Fred. S. Clark, Secretary; Orville Parmalee, Gate-keeper; Aurelia C. Davis, Po- mona; Lydia C. Wightman, Flora; Mrs. F. S. Clark, Ceres; and Adele C. Davis, Lady Assistant Steward. The present (1881) officers are: Lewis R. Davis, Master; Simeon Wilcox, Overseer; Charles Kellogg, Lecturer; James Hanna, Steward; Edmund H. Stiles, Assistant Steward; Fred. R. Darling, Chaplain; George Meech, Treasurer; Samuel Langdon, Secretary; Milton Davis, Gatekeeper; Mrs. S. Wilcox, Pomona; Mrs. G. Palmer, Flora; Mrs. F. Soper, Ceres; and Mrs. E. H. Stiles, Lady Assistant Steward.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

On the following pages are given short biographical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of Paris tp., some of them old pioneers who have fought their way through innumerable dif- ficulties and privations to their present comfortable station in life.

Hiram H. Allen, farmer, was born May 14, 1804, in Williston, Chittenden Co., Vt. His father, Elihu Allen, was born in 1763, and died in 1816. His mother, Ruth Allen, was born in 1770, and died in 1810. Mr. Allen came to Michigan in

1294

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

the fall of'1830, and settled at Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., buying 160 acres of land, on which he resided seven and a half years, when he sold it, and bought 400 acres of land in Paris. He has tilled this land upward of 40 years, and still owns a half interest in it. He was married, Oct. 16, 1828, to Aurilla Wright, of Williston, Vt., daughter of Abram and Hannah Wright. They had three chil- dren-Wright C., Lucy O. and Mary A. Mrs. Allen died Jan. 10, 1878, in Paris. Mr. Allen is a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids; has been Justice of the Peace 35 years, Supervisor several terms, and Superintendent of the County Poor 10 years; has joined in marriage 60 couples. Mr. Allen's grand- father was cousin to old " Ethan " of Ticonderoga fame ; his stepmother was sister to the great preacher Lorenzo Dow; two of his father's brothers, Nathan and Edward, were soldiers of the Revolution, and he was an eye-witness of the naval engagement on Lake Champlain, having climbed to the top of a beech tree over- looking the lake. Mr. Allen is Vice-President of the Old Settlers' Society.

Freeborn F. Bailey was born Feb. 15; 1823, in Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y. His father, Joseph S. Bailey, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., in 1797, and died in this tp. in 1875. His mother, Sophia Bailey, was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1801, and is still living in Paris. Mr. Bailey settled in this tp. in 1849, buying 90 acres of land, which he has improved until it is worth $70 per acre. He was mar- ried Sept. 18, 1849, to Ellen J., daughter of William and Mary J. Nellis, born Jan. 24, 1831, in Yorkshire Co., England. They buried all their children, three in number, but have brought up and fitted for usefulness three in place of those they lost. Mr. Bailey is a Republican; has been Justice of the Peace about six years, and is at present Notary Public and Postmaster at East Paris. He and his wife are members of the Freewill Baptist Church.

Chancy Blodgett was born in Murray, Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1830. He is son of Norman and Eliza E. Blodgett; the former was born in Vermont in 1805, and died in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1839; the latter was born in 1812 in Connec- ticut, and is still living in Niagara Co., N. Y. His grandparents were both natives of Vermont. Mr. Blodgett came to Michigan in February, 1855, and settled in Caledonia, where he bought 140 acres of land. When he was married, 22 years ago, he moved on this land and occupied it as a home four years, and then sold it and bought 60 acres in Walker. Two years after he sold out again, and bouglit 120 acres on sec. 36 in Paris, which he owned 10 months, sold it, and bought 100 acres on sec. 33, where he now resides. His farm is but one mile south of Bowen Station, has good buildings, and is now estimated at $9,000. Mr. Blodgett was married Dec. 15. 1858, to Cornelia E., daughter of L. H. and Emily Stewart. They have five children-Eugene W., born Jan. 11, 1860; William, May 11, 1861 ; Elburto, Feb. 7, 1863; Jennie, Mar. 1, 1868; Fred., Mar 19, 1870. Politically Mr. Blodgett is a Republican. He served. as Road Commissioner in Caledonia three years, and has been 12 years School Assessor in Paris. He and wife and two eldest sons are members of the Grange.

Thomas E. Brown was born in Croydon, Surrey Co., Eng., June 17, 1830. He is a son of Thomas and Maria Brown; the former was born in 1803, and died in Wandsworth, Surrey Co., in 1870, the latter was a native of Hertfordshire, Eng., born in 1796, and died in 1856. Mr. Brown's grandfather was born in 1761, and died in 1847. He was married March 27, 1853, to Sarah, daughter of James and Elizabeth Hargood, born in Peckham, Surrey Co., Eng., Jan. 1, 1829. They have six children, born in England, as follows: Sarah C., June 7, 1854; Thomas L., Nov. 17. 1855; Frances E., May 25, 1857; George S., Jan. 7, 1859 ; Alfred J., Dec. 5, 1860; Jessie J., Oct. 26, 1862. Mr. Brown came to America in 1873, and reached New York city, June 30; coming directly to Grand Rapids, whence, after a little delay, he came to Paris, where he has since resided, and pursued the voca- tion of market gardener. His ancestry have been gardeners and florists for 200 years past, and his sons are fitted for the same occupation. One of them, Thomas L., is a practical florist as well as market gardener. Mr. Brown's place includes 25 acres of good land, sec. 7, under the highest degree of improvement. His sons Thomas and George are naturalized citizens and are identified with the Republi- can party.

Seeley S. Buck was born in New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 7, 1816. He is son of David S. and Susan (Marsh) Buck, the former a native of New Eng- land, born about 1784, and died about 1842, in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y .; the lat- ter born in 1786, in Litchfield Co., Conn., and died in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1845. Mr. Buck settled in Dexter, Washtenaw Co., in the fall of 1836. Five years later

1295

PARIS TOWNSHIP.

he sold his place and bought 102 acres lying in the towns of White Oak and Stockbridge (residence in latter), Ingham county. Five years after he sold out again and purchased 80 acres, sec. 34, Paris, which he improved and added to until his real estate aggregated 440 acres. By gift and deed to his children he disposed of 140 acres and exchanged 100 acres for city property. He moved into the city of Grand Rapids, March 31, 1880, taking possession of his property on Spring street, which he exchanged Oct. 4, for a valuable house and three lots of land on sec. 6, Paris, situated near the county fair grounds, where he now resides. He was married March 31, 1839, to Abigail Q. V., daughter of Zara L. and Chris- tina (Vreeland) Walton, born in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 2, 1820. The marriage took place at Dexter. Mr. and Mrs. Buck have had four children- Susan A., born Jan. 14, 1841; Adaline, Dec. 10, 1842, died May 9, 1849; Eli S., Jan. 17, 1845; Albert S., July 9, 1852, died Dec. 10, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Buck are members of the Congregational church at Grand Rapids. Eli S. Buck, eldest son, enlisted in Co. A 6th Mich. Cavalry, and was in the Union service during the last three years of the war. He was in the awful stockade prison at Anderson- ville four months, and made three attempts to escape; was recaptured twice, and the third time fell in with Sherman's army near Savannah. Mr. Buck is a Republican in politics and is a fine specimen of the sturdy pioneer element which is one of the substantial institutions of the noble Peninsular State. P. O., Grand Rapids.

George W. Chadwick was born Dec. 28, 1838, in Amity, Allegany Co., N. Y. He is son of David T. and Chloe (Lyman) Chadwick, both natives of Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., the former born July 2, 1808; the latter born March 10, 1808, and died Feb. 26, 1859 at Alfred Center, Allegany Co., N. Y. Mr. Chad- wick came to Michigan in the fall of 1865. He spent nine years at Grand Rapids and in 1874 bought 13 acres of excellent land on sec. 6, Paris, three-quarters of a mile from the city of Grand Rapids. The residence is new and substantial, built in the modern style; the out-buildings are handsome and well located, and altogether the place is most desirable. It is popularly known as the Paris stud farm. Mr. Chadwick was married Dec. 18, 1865, to Lucy M., daughter of Rogers and Han- nah Crandall, of Alfred Center, N. Y., born Jan. 3, 1836. They have three chil- dren-Charles, born Aug. 25, 1866; Orra, Jan. 1, 1868; May, Jan. 23, 1872. Mrs. Chadwick is a member of the society of Seventh-Day Baptists. Politically Mr. Chad wick adopts the principles of the National party ; is also connected with the Masonic order.

Isabella Chesebro was born Feb. 19, 1840, at Albany, N. Y. Her parents, Wil- liam and Ellen McBain, were natives of Scotland and came to America in the fall of 1839. Her father fell into ill health and the family returned to Scotland when she was three years old. Having regained his health her father made prepara- tions to go to America, and left Isabella with her grandmother, who was soon to follow to their new home with the child, but instead, sickened and died, leaving the little girl alone in what was, to her, a strange land; again the father journeyed to Scotland for his daughter, crossing the ocean for the fifth and last time. She lived in Albany county with her parents until her marriage to George J. S. Chesebro, which occurred Aug. 9, 1856. He was a son of Elijah and Susan Chesebro, born in Oct., 1830. In the same year of the marriage they came to Grand Rapids, where Mr. Chesebro was engaged in teaching in the high school. He found his health endangered by his employment, and purchased 40 acres of land on sec. 5, Paris tp., where his wife now resides. He took possssion of his farm in 1858, and in 1863 could no longer resist the summons of his suffering country to its young, strong son's to come to her aid in the hour of her extremest need; and believing it to be his duty he left his young wife and three children and marched with the army under Sherman on the long route through Georgia to the sea. The fatiguing toil of active soldier's life wore him out, and disease found him an almost unresisting victim. He died in camp at Goldsboro, N. C., April 4, 1865, two days after reaching there, cheered at almost his latest breath by the fall of Richmond. He died well, and true to the brave, spotless record of his life. He was a member of the M. E. Church at Grand Rapids, and was a zealous worker in the Sunday-school. . Mrs. Chesebro is a member of the same Church. Three children are living-Jennie M., born Aug. 29, 1857; Crombie S., April. 29, 1860; Edward Grant, June 10, 1863.

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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 131

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