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 138

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 138

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Mr. Norton's father, John Norton, was a pioneer minister of the Free Baptist Church of Michigan, in fact the first minister of that denomination in the State; he acted in the capacity of a zealous and devoted minister of Christ up to his death, which occured in Oakland Co., Mich., in 1832, being only 39 years of age. His wife was a devoted Christian woman, and had preceded her husband to the other world some seven years. With the Christian influences surrounding the son, the subject of this sketch was early instilled with the principles of Christianity, and at the early age of 12 years became a convert. He was reared on his father's farm until 14 years of age, in the meantime receiving such advantages for an education as were afforded by the primitive log school-house. At this time he was thrown upon the world an orphan boy, with no means except his own exertions, united with good principles, to make his way in the world. Mr. Norton worked along in the employ of others until 20 years of age, when he was married; he at this time commenced preparing for the ministry, and made a thorough study of the Bible ; when working in the woods chopping or at other work, his Bible was with him, and at every leisure moment its contents were searched for that which was to be · his guide. Thus for a college, Mr. Norton had old Nature for a preceptor, and the grand old forest trees for a congregation.

He commenced preaching the gospel at 22 years of age, and was ordained as a regular minister when 23 years old. His first charge was the Church at Com- merce, Oakland Co., continuing as its minister until 1851. Until 1853 following be preached in various localities. He was then called and acted as the minister for what was called the Alpine and Sparta Church, on the town line, continuing as its minister until its removal to Lisbon, and remaining in the same charge some five or six years. During this time he also preached for the congregation at Sparta Center, when-the society having increased largely in members at Lisbon-Mr. Norton gave up the charge and devoted his ministerial efforts to the congregation at Sparta Center, acting as its minister 25 years.

Mr. Norton during all this time has been quite extensively engaged in farming, and although receiving some remuneration, in a pecuniary sense he has given far more to the cause of religion than he ever received. The Church at Sparta Center received $750 from him toward its erection, and the one at Lisbon some $500, and there is not a Church in this tp. but what has received material aid from Mr. Norton

Two of Mr. Norton's sons served in the war of the great Rebellion. George enlisted in the fall of 1861. in Co. F., 2d Reg. Mich. Vol. Cav , and died while in the service, at Rienzi, Miss., July, 1862. John enlisted in 1862, in Co. E, 10th Mich. Vol. C'av., and served for three years.

Rev. Mr. Norton's portrait appears in this work on another page.

W. I. Olmsted, proprietor of steam saw-mill and provision merchant, was born in Upper Canada in 1818. His parents. Russell and Sarah (Gage) Olmsted, were natives of Connecticut and New York. Mr. Olmsted was reared a farmer, and pursued agriculture in Canada until 35 years of age, when he came to Genesee

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county, where he converted a farm of 160 acres from a wilderness to a good state of improvement. He came to Kent county in 1869, and purchased the steam saw- mill known by his name, where he has continued to do a good business. He was married in Upper Canada in 1840 to Elizabeth Pearson, born in Avon near Roches- ter, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1819. They have six children-Eliza (Mrs William Merrill, of Genesee county), Charlton, Joseph Moss, Halsey and Mary E. Two children, Helen J. and Sarah E., are not living. Mr. and Mrs. Olmsted belong to the United Brethren society. Mr. O. has been a member 40 years, and has liberally donated to all its requirements. He has been an exhorter a number of years. He is opposed to Church discipline. His portrait is given on another page of this volume.

Charles E. Patterson, physician and surgeon, was born in Paris, Kent Co., Oct. 2, 1856 ; is son of John and Martha (Spaulding) Patterson, the former a native of this State, the latter of New York. They came to this county about 1837, and set- tled at Paris, where they still reside. Dr. Patterson was reared a farmer's boy until 17, when he began the study of medicine, and a year after entered the Col- lege of Medicine and Surgery at Detroit, and graduated March 4, 1879. He com- menced practice at Alpine Station April 14, 1879. A year and a half after, Oct. 14, 1880, he located at Sparta Center. He was married in 1878 to Louisa J., daugh- ter of William and Abigail Tyler, born July 25, 1856, in Kent county. Her father was a native of Canada; her mother of New Brunswick. They were pio- neers of Kent county.

Jeremiah Phelps, farmer, was born in Canada in 1827. He is son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Collins) Phelps, and settled in this county in 1865. He was a tanner and currier by trade, and worked as such in his younger days, and spent several years in California. He was married in Wisconsin in September, 1857, to Armiena Spangenberg, born in 1822, in Pennsylvania. They have five children- Mary J. (wife of Arthur Boys), George A., Ruth M., Olive and William E. Mr. Phelps owns a farm of 80 acres on sec. 10. He commenced working by the month, and, by practicing economy and untiring industry, he has acquired a comfortable independence, and secured the respect of his fellow citizens. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Phelps has filled most of the school offices. In politics he is a Republican. P. O., Sparta Center.

George W. Powers, Deputy Sheriff, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 9, 1843. His parents, Luman and Jane Powers, natives of New York, came to this county in 1847, where the death of the former occurred in 1872, and that of the latter in 1871. Mr. Powers has been engaged in farming from boyhood to the date of his appointment as Deputy Sheriff four years ago. He owns a farm of 80 acres in Algoma, and a house and lot at Sparta Center, where he has also been night patrol for four years. He was married in 1866 in this county, to Emily Ewing, daughter of James Ewing. She was born in 1845. and died in 1878, leaving four children-Hattie C., Mary E., Lulu E., and Freeling W. Mr. Powers was again married at Sparta Center in 1879 to Issie Sherring, born in Canada, in 1859. He is a Mason. .

E. A. Roby, retired nurseryman and farmer, was born March 26, 1811, in Mid- dlesex Co., Mass. His parents, William and Susan Roby, were natives of Massa- chusetts, of English descent. His father died when he was three years old, and he lived in Boston until 1825, when he found employ in a factory, where he re- mained three years, and returned to his native tp., near Boston, and worked as a shoemaker. In 1842 he went to Racine, Wis., where he was one of the earliest settlers. He remained until 1858, 10 years of which time he worked on a farm. He was married in 1830, in Massachusetts, to Chloe A. Twitchell, a native of Mendon, Mass,, born about the year 1808, and died Feb. 9, 1881. Mr. Roby is a self-made man. He went to common school till 12 years old, and has acquired, by reading, a knowledge of most practical service to a man in his sphere in life. He was Alderman of Racine several years, a member of the Board of Education, and Chairman of the Building Committee for the erection of school-houses. In 1868 he located on 15 acres on sec. 23, five of which was devoted to nursery stock. He is a Universalist in religion, a Republican in politics, and a radical advocate of temperance.

· Bliss Sexton, retired physician, was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., July 18, 1805. His parents, Charles and Abigail (Butler) Sexton, were natives of Vermont and Connecticut. Dr. Sexton is third of eight children. In 1810 his parents moved to another portion of Lewis Co., N. Y., and nine years later to Jefferson county.

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In 1824 they went to Otsego county, and a year later to Onondaga county. He came to Washtenaw county in 1833, and to Kent county in 1847. He is a physi- cian of the Botanic school, and practiced two years in Jefferson Co., N. Y. On coming to this county he practiced two years in Grand Rapids, and followed his profession in Sparta until the last six months. He was married in Onondaga county to Abigail North. She, and two children, died, and he was again married, in Jefferson county, to Eliza A. Everett, a native of New York. Dr. Sexton was originator and prime mover in the establishment of the roads from Muskegon to Cedar Springs, and from Englishiville to Croton; he was Commissioner on the former. The Doctor had a large and profitable business, and officiated as Collector of Taxes when Sparta and Tyrone were one tp.

John V. Smith, farmer, sec. 15, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 9, 1820. His parents, William and Polly Smith, were natives of New York. They settled in this tp. in 1856, where his father died in 1869, his mother in 1868. Mr. Smith first purchased 160 acres in the depth of the woods, where an ax stroke had never fallen ; 100 acres of his land was cleared by himself. He was married Dec. 25, 1853, at Seneca Falls, N. Y., to Silvia R. Hine, daughter of Ephraim and Silvia R. Hine, natives of Connecticut. She was born in February, 1821. They have two children-Epliraim C., born April 30, 1855, and David C., June 11, 1857. Mr. Smith is a member of the Grange, and owns 160 acres of land, valued in the aggregate at $9,600. P. O., Sparta.

Kemble C. Spaulding, farmer, was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1831 ; is son of Darius and Alice Spaulding. His parents came to this county in 1863, and passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. Spaulding spent eight months at Rock- ford in 1855, and settled in Newaygo county ; after 18 years, returned to Sparta in 1872. He was married in Newaygo county in 1861, to Sarah Hoyt, born in Kent county in 1846. They have three children-Mary A., Charles D. and Gracie L. Mr. Spaulding's history is that of the best and most substantial pioneers of Michi- gan ; he made himself. Commencing without means, he has a farm of 180 acres, worth $50 an acre, adjoining the village, and is doing a good business in lumber. His mill on sec. 25 cost $2,000, and he owns in addition 80 acres in Newaygo county and 80 in Tyrone tp. He is a member of the Masonic order, and a worker in the temperance movement; has been School Director and Assessor.

Andrew J. Stebbins was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1840. He is son of Gaius P. and Eliza L. (Ladd) Stebbins, the former a native of Massachusetts, and still living, aged 76; the latter born in New York, and died in Sparta in 1876. Mr. Stebbins was a farmer until his enlistment in the war for the Union in 1862. He was a member of Co. B, 21st Mich. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He was in the battle at Perryville, and in several skirmishes. He has been engaged in lumbering since his return home, and owns 90 acres of land. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace 10 years, and is High Priest of Sparta Lodge of Masons, No. 334. He was married in 1866 to Mary V., daughter of Jolin and Rosella Gillam, born in New York in 1847. They have two children -Elsie D., born in 1869, and Orson D., born in 1870. P. O., Sparta Center.

Edward Swarts was born in Seneca Co., O. in 1836; he is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Swarts, both natives of Pennsylvania. Edward was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, and he still continues to follow the same. He emigrated to Kent county in 1853, and in 1875 he leased 15 acres of land for 15 years from the Bloomer brothers, in Sparta tp., on which he planted 2,800 peach trees. They yielded the second year 600 bushels, for which he realized $1,400 ; the third year they bore 2,000 bushels, for which he realized $2,200. This year being the fourth year, they bore 3,150 bushels, for which he realized $6,000. Out of the 2,800 trees first planted he did not lose more than 100, and they were nearly all killed by being blown down by the wind. He did all the pruning and nearly all of the cultivation of the trees himself. Mr. S. has made the grandest success with this orchard of all, perhaps, in the State of Michigan. Last spring he set out 500 trees on his own farm, in Alpine tp .; they are doing well.

Mr. Swarts was married in 1860 to Olive Heath, who was born in Oakland county, this State, and died in 1865. They had one child, which is also deceased. Mr. S. was again married in 1879, to Olive Dressner, who was born in Maine in 1840; a daughter of Joel and Emily Dressner, natives of Maine. Mrs. Swarts has a daughter by a former marriage -Hattie A., born Dec. 21, 1863.

Mr. S. is a self-made man. His opportunity for education being limited, he had no means to start in life with, but by his habits of industry, economy and

Diram Klode.

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perseverance he is acquiring a nice property. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. We give his portrait in this work.

John Symes, farmer and mason on sec. 26, is a native of England, born in 1817' and son of Henry and Elizabeth Symes. He came to Mass. in 1836, and resided three years on what is known as Indian Hill farm. He traveled a year afterward and went to work in Ohio, and three years after to Canada, where he worked the same length of time on the canal, serving one year as foreman of the stone deliv- ery. In June, 1841. he purchased 120 acres of forest land remote from highways or settlements, to which he was obliged to cut a road, a difficult and laborious un- dertaking for a man bred to the vocation of mason, as was the case with him. But he has cleared 70 acres and placed it under good cultivation. He has held the position of Tp. Clerk two years, and is at present Highway Commissioner. He was married in 1839 in Miami Co., O., to Harriet Abbott, born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1811; was the daughter of James Abbott. They have one child-James A. Mr. Symes is a member of both the Masons and Grangers. Mrs. S. taught the first school in Sparta tp., and she practiced obstetrics 30 years. We give Mr. Symes' portrait in this work.

Hon. Wm. H. Taylor was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 20, 1816. His father, David Taylor, was born in Connecticut, of English descent; his mother in the same State, of Welsh ancestors. She died in Calhoun county in 1870, aged about 93. The senior Taylor died in New York in 1849, aged 75. Mr. Taylor was reared to the occupation of farmer, which he pursued until elected to represent the 3d district of Kent county in the State Legislature ; served one regular and two extra sessions. He was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, and filled the position five years, resigning because he became dissatisfied with the administration of Andrew Johnson. He was engaged in trade during the years 1866-'7-'8 at Sparta Center, when he returned to his farm. He settled in this county, on sec. 9, in 1854, where he purchased 120 acres, all timber except 10 acres, with no buildings or other improvements. He has cleared 70 acres, and, among other notable things he has accomplished for the benefit of his own and future generations, has set out six orchards in different localities. He has held the positions of Supervisor, School Inspector, Justice of the Peace and Road Commissioner, each several terms .. He was married in New York in 1840 to Ursula A. Sprague, a daughter of Parmenius and Mary A. Sprague, of Pennsyl- vania. She is of English descent, and was born in Cayuga county, March 30, 1816. They have two living children-Susan M., born Feb. 2, 1843, wife of H. H. Wiley, and Franklin A, born in 1859. Lois S. died Oct. 24, 1850, and Harmon C., born March 6, 1848, died in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the United Brethren Church. P. O., Sparta.

William M. Teeple, farmer, was born in Wayne Co., Mich., in 1840. He came to Kent county in 1862, and was married the same year at Milford to Evaline Anderson, born in Sweden in 1840. They have two children-Theodore and Mildred. Mr. Teeple owns a farm of 80 acres, sec. 15. P. O., Sparta Center.

Samuel Tucker, retired farmer, is a native of England, born in 1814. He came to America in 1842 and settled in Ohio, and in 1849 removed to Kent county, where he first purchased 80 acres of land in its original state of primeval forest. He built a house 18x24 feet, finished it in two weeks, and lived in it 10 years. He was obliged to go to Grand Rapids for milling, provisions, etc., a trip con- suming two days. All transportation was effected by ox teams that were owned by Mr. Tucker, being the second driven into Grand Rapids from Sparta. But one house was on the site of Sparta Center when he made his location, and he went four miles to Church, He was married in Medina Co., O., in 1845, to Abi- gail D. Mills, born in New York in 1824. They have five children living -- Solo- mon J., Joseph D., Charles E., William R. and Minerva C., now Mrs. Loyal Taylor. The following are deceased-Samuel P., Fletcher, Frank and an infant. Mr. Tucker now owns 150 acres of land on sec. 10. P. O., Sparta Center.

Michael Van Wiltenburg was born in Holland in 1847, and was brought to America in 1849. He settled in Ottawa county when he was 20 years of age, and came to Sparta, Kent Co., in 1872, where he established a steam saw-mill, in the operation of which he is associated with William Dresser .. He was married in this county in 1872, to Lovema E. Huse, daughter of Carl and Lydia P. Huse, pioneer settlers in Kent county. She was born in 1850. They have two chil- dren-Delbert and Genie. Both are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Mr. Van Wiltenburg has made his property by his own exertions, and acquired

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most of his education by experience. He has served as Town Clerk and School Trustee. He owns a town lot, on which lie is building a house at an expenditure of $2,000.

Porter Vinton, miller, was born in Syracuse in 1819. His parents, John and Catherine Vinton, were natives of New York. He was brought up in Syracuse, and worked 40 years of his life at the business of a mason, and during the time owned and managed a large farm. In 1849 he went to California and was there six years. A part of the time he worked as brick-layer, receiving $16 per day. He made two trips to South America; the first in 1852, the second in 1855. On his return to Michigan he located at Kalamazoo, where he resided 12 years. He was married at Rochester in 1842, to Sarah J. Huff, born in 1817 and died in 1857. They had four children. Jerome and Nicholas are still living; William and Charles are deceased. Mr. Vinton was a second time married, in 1858, to Eliza- beth Staley. She was born in Buffalo in 1838, and died in 1873; had four chil- dren, three of whom are living-Frank, Walter and Porter. The deceased son was named William. Mr. Vinton was married a third time, in 1874, to Mattie Bowen, born in Canada in 1852. He owns a farm of 90 acres, near Alpine Sta- tion, and built the first grist-mill at Sparta Center, in 1880. It is worth about $6,000, and was in complete running order in two and one-half months from the time it was begun. It has two run of stones.

Wmn. C. Vond was born in Vermont in 1822, and went to New York State in early life; at 21 he went to Muskegon, Mich., where he was engaged in lumber- ing four years, and in 1851 moved to his present location, sec. 9, where he owns 80 acres, worth $4,000. He made his purchase in 1847, when almost the entire country hereabout was in a wild state. No roads made it easily accessible, and Mr. Vond cleared and laid out a passage way to his property, two and half miles in extent. All supplies were brought from the "Rapids." Mr. Vond made his payment on his purchase with money saved from his monthly earnings. He was married in New York in 1851, to Charlotte Varnum, born in 1827. They have four children-George W., Frank, John H. and Sarah A. Mr. Vond has been School Treasurer two terms and is a Mason. P O., Kent City.

Asa P. Wolcott, farmer on sec. 10, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1814. His parents, Elijah and Sarah Wolcott, were natives respectively of Vermont and New Hampshire. He spent the early years of his life as a farmer, and st 21 learned the cooper's trade, working at it five or six years, and at 27 learned the business of a carpenter, following it for five years. In 1844 he came to this county, with but little means. His first location in Michigan was in Ottawa county, and then on sec. 5, Alpine tp., and in 1865 in Sparta. When he first entered the county he cut his road through for 10 or 12 miles. His trade stood him in good stead at this early period, and he " got out " nearly all the barn timber for some distance. He was married in Ottawa county in 1846, to Sarah Spangenberg, born in Wayne Co., Pa., in 1827, They have seven children-George (Sparta), Henry E., John, Hiram W., Ezra A., Mary E. and Myrta. Mrs. Wolcott has been a teacher several years. Mr. W. owns 110 acres of land, worth $65 per acre. P. O., Sparta.

G. R. Wolcott, proprietor of planing-mill, was born in Ottawa county in 1850. His parents, Asa and Sarah (Spangenberg) Wolcott, were pioneers of Kent county. He was occupied on a farm until 1874, when he began working at carpentry, and continued until he met with an accident which rendered him unable to work for a year. He has owned his present business since Jan. 1, 1881; is a Mason, and acting Senior Warden of Blue Lodge, No. 334. He is also a Good Templar.

R. H. Woodin, merchant and grain dealer, was born in Warren Co., Pa., in November, 1830. He spent his early life on a farm, and in 1864 settled in Sparta. Previous to engaging in his present business he followed lumbering for a time. He has $10,000 invested in a stock of general merchandise, and carries on quite an extensive grain trade. His elevator was built at a cost of $1,800, and has a capacity of 6,000 bushels. He was married in Warren Co., Pa., in 1854, to Emeline Alexander, born in New York in 1836. They had two children-Orris H. and Estella (deceased). He was married a second time in New York, to Ade- line Alexander. They have one child-Dana M. Mr. Woodin has held the posi- tion of Highway Commissioner and is a Mason. He owns 40 acres of land and has acquired his property by effort and careful management.

Nathaniel H. Woodman, farmer, was born in Belknap Co., N. H., in 1817; is son of John and Sarah Woodman, natives of the same State. He came to Kent

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county about 1841 and purchased 120 acres of land on sec. 15, in 1846. He was brought up a farmer until 20 years old, when he learned the blacksmith's trade and followed it 30 years chiefly ; at intervals was connected with a butcher's es- tablishment at Grand Rapids. He settled on his farm in 1856, and was married in 1857 to Melinda Downs, born in Maine in 1827. They have three children- John W., Llewellyn M. and Clara G. Mr. Woodman obtained his start in life by saving his earnings at his trade and from his labor by the month on a farm; has cleared about 50 acres where he resides and owns 40 acres on sec. 13. He be- longs to the Grange. P. O., Sparta Center.

SPENCER TOWNSHIP.

This division of the county is comparatively new, its resources scarcely known, and its population only 1,196. Originally it was heavily timbered with pine; but day by day the forest is disap- pearing, and fields and farm houses are springing into existence, where only a few short years ago the wilderness existed. The soil is generally good, and the farms now under cultivation give promise of equaling those of the older settlements.

Of the lakes in this township, Lincoln is the largest. It is a fine sheet of water, situated a short distance east of the center of the township, and is nearly one and one-half miles in length by one-half mile in width. Cooper lake, in the easterly part of sec- tion 35, is a narrow strip of water, surrounded by a marsh. There is a lake in the southwesterly part of section 34, composed of two distinct sections, connected by a narrow neck. Conjointly they are about one-half mile in length. North of Lincoln lake is an assemblage of small lakes, extending through the township into Maple Valley, in Montcalm county.

Black creek is the principal stream that flows through Spencer. It enters from the northwest, and passes southeasterly through the township. It is of sufficient width and depth to float logs, and a number of millions of feet are run out every year. It has several small tributaries, among which are Clear and Butternut creeks.

The first lumbering establishment on Black creek was com- menced in 1853. During the year 1870, one million feet were run out of that stream. The Van Wickle saw-mill is located on the same creek, near the south line of section 25. It was built in the year 1856; H. Van Wickle, proprietor. The Powell steam saw and shingle mill, combined, is situated on the bank of Lincoln lake, on section 27. It was built in 1867; Wm. B. Powell, pro- prietor. The Parks steam saw-mill, near the center of section seven, was built in 1868; E. H. Gibbs, proprietor. The Griswold steam saw and shingle mill, combined, is located near the sonth- west corner of section 29. It was built in the year 1868; Jabez W. Griswold, proprietor. The Spencer Mills, from which the postoffice and settlement derived its name, was built in 1855, by Thomas Spencer, near the southeast corner of section 27. It was burned in the year 1861. The old mills of the southwestern part of the town were burned in 1879. The Pennsylvania mills were built in 1879. These mills are divided into lumber, shingle, lath and planing-mills, and manufacture very extensively, giving em- ployment to about 30 men annually. The Graham lumber-mill was built in 1876, by Graham & Co. This industry employs 15 men.

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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 138

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