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 148

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 148

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).

William Howlitt, farmer, was born in England, Nov. 6, 1817. He came to this country at 25 years of age and settled in Grandville in 1842, working as a farm land two years. In 1846 he bought 120 acres of land on sec. 29, and after-

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ward 40 acres on the same section and 40 acres on sec. 31. One hundred acres are in a state of advanced improvement. He was married in Grand Rapids to Ellen Conaway, a native of Ireland. . They have thirteen children-William E., Joseph, Helen, Daniel, Charlotte, John, Elizabeth, Barney, Thomas, Margaret, Celia, James and Sarah.

James Jewell, only son of James B. and Ruth P. (Taylor) Jewell, was born in Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1830. His parents settled in this tp. in 1837 and the following year they bought 160 acres in Byron. Three years after, they bought 120 acres in Wyoming on sec. 16. Ten or twelve years after, they went to White River, Muskegon Co., and stayed five years. They returned to Byron where the father died in December, 1860. Mr. Jewell of this sketch has spent most of his life in Wyoming, where he owns one house and three lots, valued at $1,000. He has operated with a threshing machine 15 years. He was married at White River in January, 1855, to Harriet E., daughter of Moses and Lydia Carleton, born in Mohawk, Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1834. They have five children-Wil- liam W., Lydia R., George C., James M. and Elmer E. Mr. Jewell is a member of the Grange.

Cyrus Jones (deceased), son of Daniel and Hannah Jones, was born in Platts- burgh, Clinton Co., N. Y., in 1803. He was married in Plattsburgh in 1826 to Phebe B. Turner, born in the same place in 1810. They had nine children, five of whom are living-Julia Ann, Helen, Fidelia, Albina and Everett. Exciting ru- mors of the opportunities for making money with teams in this county reached the ambitious citizens of the Empire State, and under their inspiration Mr. Jones purchased two teams and in 1834 started for the land of promise with his family and possessions. They came from Buffalo to Detroit by water and remained at the latter place ten days, and started for Grand Rapids with a sick child who died on the route. Mr. Jones had 25 cents in cash when he arrived at Gull Prairie, fifty miles from Grand Rapids. He exchanged his horses for oxen and followed an Indian trail. Going down a hill, Mrs. Jones fell from the wagon and narrowly escaped being crushed to death under the wheels. They settled on a farm which is now in the city of Grand Rapids, owned by Mr. Jones' brother, where they remained two years, after which they bought 40 acres in Paris and built a house. Six months after, it was completely wrecked by a cyclone, and they moved to Grandville, where Mr. Jones was engaged in a saw-mill two and one- half years for L. Campau. In 1840 he purchased 120 acres. Of this, 50 acres is in the possession of Mrs. Jones, her son Everett having the remainder. Mr. Jones died Jan. 2, 1881.

Samuel Kiefer (deceased), farmer, son of John and Margaret Kiefer, was born March 1, 1819, in Pennsylvania. He received the education and training of a farmer until the age of 18, when he served a term of three years as tailor, in Northampton, Pa. He opened an establishment in Warren County, N. J., but after two years returned to Northampton, where he remained ten years. In 1854, he purchased 80 acres (sec. 16) in Wyoming, this county. He increased his landed possessions at intervals, until they amounted in the aggregate to 200 acres, three-fourths of which is improved. He was a member of the Grange, and died in Wyoming, Jan. 31, 1879. He was married in Northampton, Pa., in 1842, to Martha, daughter of Morris and Martha Morris, born in same county, in 1823. They have five children :- Margaret E., Mary M., Clara, Robert M., and Samuel W.

George D. Lane was born in Jackson County, Oct. 11, 1840. His parents were natives of New York, where his father was born, March 1, 1805, and his mother, Aug. 10, 1803. They were pioneers of Jackson County, and removed to Spring Lake, Ottawa Co., and a year later to Jamestown, same county. His father died at Middleville, Barry Co., June 27, 1874, and his mother Dec. 19, 1879, in Wyo- ming. Both were buried in Middleville. At 15 years of age Mr. Lane commenced life as a sawyer, which he followed 18 years. In 1873 Mr. Lane came to Wyo- ming, and purchased 25 acres of land on sec. 30, all of which is improved. He was married in Georgetown, Ottawa Co., Nov. 13, 1859, 10 Annis, daughter of Lucius B. and Caroline (Hamblin) Brown, born in Crawford Co., Pa. They have one child : -Harry D., born in Dorr, Allegan Co., Feb. 17, 1862, Mr. Lane belongs to the Masonic order.

Isaac Leroy. son of Cornelius and Clara Leroy, was born in Holland, in 1831, He came to the United States and settled in Grand Rapids, and worked in the hardware business, for Hon. Wiley D. Foster, 23 years. In 1868, he bought 35

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acres of land on sec. 3, all improved. He was married in Grand Rapids, Sept. 14, 1861, to Jane Troost, daughter of Lambert and Roelofje Troost, born in Hol- land, Sept. 10, 1838. They have six children :- Clara, Lambert, Cornelia, Mary, George, and Dora. Mr. and Mrs. Leroy belong to the Dutch Reformed Church.

Willium Manwaring, son of Jabez and Sarah (Hopkins), was born in Coventry, Chenango Co., N. Y., Dec. 8, 1818. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and was married in Broome County, July 4, 1842, to Betsey, daughter of Silas and Patience (Wood) Wood, born near Oswego, July 12, 1819. They have had seven children, five living, three of whom were born in New York, in the subsequent order :- William H., Dec. 22, 1844; Mary A., Sept. 2, 1850; Velma, June 2, 1852; Augusta D., Nov. 7, 1855 ; and Royal P., Feb. 6, 1858. Soon after marriage Mr. M. bought 200 acres in Broome County, and eight years after settled in Wyoming, on 225 acres in sec. 8, near Grandville; 155 acres are improved, and he has a fine house, worth $2,000.

Henry H. Marsten, son of Ephraim G. and Nancy L. (Hastings) Marsten, was born in Orleans County, N. Y., in 1840. He was married in December, 1875, to Sarah J., daughter of the Rev. George Bridgeman, a native of Greece, Monroe County, N. Y., born in 1846. They have two children, born in Wyoming, as fol- lows :- Ira B., Jan. 17, 1879; and Henry H., April 12, 1881. In 1875, Mr. Marsten, bought 60 acres of land on secs. 19 and 30, and soon after 40 acres adjoining, of which 50 acres are under improvement. He is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Good Templars, and the Grange, and is a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Marsten is connected with the Episcopal Church. Mr. Marsten enlisted four times during the war for the Union at Medina, and the fourth time was accepted (Octo- ber, 1865). He was in the service nearly nine months.

Salisbury Mason, son of Martin and Maria (Powers) Mason, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1820. In 1843 he settled in Grattan, on 120 acres of land, where he remained until 1867, when he came to Wyoming tp., and bought 70 acres in sec. 2. He now has 110 acres, with 80 under cultivation. He was married in Grattan, Dec. 6, 1847, to Phebe, daughter of Isaac and Lydia Cuser, born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1829. They have five children :- Frank J., Francis E., Ella V., Ida M., and Glenn C. Mr. Mason was Supervisor of Wyo- ming four successive years.

Marcus H. McCoy was born in Richfield, Summit Co., O., April 23, 1838. His fatlier, Matthew McCoy, was born in the same county, July 4, 1800, of Scotch ancestry. His mother was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., April 18, 1797. Mr. McCoy settled in Georgetown, Ottawa Co., in the fall of 1856, where he lived until his enlistment, at Grand Rapids, Sept. 12, 1861. He served two years in Company C, 2d Michigan Cavalry, Capt. R. A. Alger, in the Army of the Cumberland. He re-enlisted Sept. 12, 1864, at Cleveland, O., in Company H, 177th Ohio Infantry, and was mustered out at the close of the war. He returned to Grandville, Mich., and commenced the furniture business. He sold a half interest, two years later, to Nicholas Shoemaker, who bought out the whole four years after, and Mr. McCoy opened a stock of general merchandise in the central part of the village. In a short time he sold a half of his business to H. W. Davis of Grand Rapids, and two years later became again sole proprietor. In the fall of 1879, he put up a building 50x38 feet, near the postoffice, on the corner of State and Green streets, where he is doing an annual business of $25,000. He was married in Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Co., April 15, 1873, to Ida, daughter of John W. and Mary A. (Turner) Carman, born in Schoolcraft Sept. 1. 1856. They have one child :- Lloyd V., born at Grandville, June 29, 1877. Mr. McCoy has been tp. Clerk two years, Treasurer three years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grange.

Sarah A. McEwan, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Freeman) Peake, was born in New York, April 14, 1809. She was married in 1831 to John McEwan, a native of Scotland, born in 1796. He died in 1856, leaving eight children :- Sarah, Olivia, John, James, Gertrude, William, Chiarles and Dora. In 1855 they bouglit 274 acres of land in this tp., which has been divided among the children, Mrs. McEwan having 40 acres, with 20 under culture. Mr. McEwan was a mem - ber of the Baptist Church, to which Mrs. McEwan also belongs. In 1862 Wil- liam McEwan, while attending school at Grand Rapids with his brother, enlisted in the 3d Michigan Infantry, and was in the army nearly three years. He was but 18 years of age and enlisted without liis mother's knowledge; was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness by a blow from a falling limb torn from a tree by a shell, and was several weeks in the hospital.

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Alexander McInroy, eldest son of Daniel and Mary (Oliver) McInroy, was born in Greenwich, Washington County, N. Y., in 1811. He spent his early life on a farm, and at 21 years of age engaged in the harness business at Argyle, Washington County, but after four years, illness compelled his return to rural life. He was married in Hartford, Washington County, in 1831, to Rhoda A. Cox, born in Argyle in 1806. She died in Wyoming in February, 1875, and Mr. McEwan was married Oct. 14, 1880, to Carro L. Ellsworth, born in Massachusetts in 1850. They have three adopted children :-- William, Walter and Timothy. In 1867 Mr. McInroy bought 80 acres near Grandville and two years after sold his farm and embarked in the mercantile business with John Haven in Grandville. A year later he transferred his business to Quincy, Mich., returning to Grandville. In the fall of 1871 he exchanged his mercantile interest for 71 acres of land, and has since purchased an additional 80 acres, with 70 under cultivation. He has been U. S. mail messenger between Grandville and Forest Grove, Ottawa County, two years. He is connected with the M. E. Church.

John W. Mills was born in New York in 1836. He is fourth son of Harvey and Eunice Mills, and was born on a farm and trained to follow agricultural pursuits. His mother died when he was 13 years old, and he was placed with David M. Miller, who brought him to Grattan in 1854. Four years later he went to Cannon, where he remained four years. He settled in Wyoming in 1862, and in 1865 bouglit 40 acres on sec. 32, subsequently purchasing 20 acres more on same sec., and afterwards 80 acres on sec. 33; has 80 acres under cultivation. He was married at Grand Rapids in 1857, to Betsey, daughter of Harmon Jewell, born in Detroit in 1842. They have two children :- Sabrina and Frederick.

John S. Noel, second son of Peter R. and Lydia A. (Clunk) Noel, was born in Adams County, Pa., Aug. 3, 1835. He came to Kent County in December, 1856, at 18 years of age. Six years later he bought 40 acres of land near Grandville, on which he lived two years, then selling and buying 80 acres on sec. 20, with 65 acres improved. He was married in Grandville in 1862, to Margaret McDouner, daughter of John and Mary McDouner, born in Wyoming, in 1841. They have nine children :- Mary, Maggie, Aggie, Addie, Frank, Kate, Jennie, John and Teressa.

Peter R. Noel, farmer, son of Nicholas and Teressa (Miller) Noel, was born in 1806, in Adams County, Pa., where he was married in 1830 to Lydia A., daughter of Joseph and Mary (Norbeck) Clunk, born in the same county in 1806. They have nine children :- Pius, Mary, John, Agnes, William, James, Lydia A., Fran- cis and Lucinda. They came to Michigan in 1853, and, after spending one year in Grand Rapids and two years in Walker, they bought 80 acres in this tp. They now have 40 acres on sec. 20, with 25 improved. Mr. Noel is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. His wife died April 13, 1880.

Daniel O'Brien, son of Michael and Margaret O'Brien, was born in Ireland in 1833. He emigrated to the United States in 1853 and settled in the city of Law- rence, Mass. He resided there three years and in Grand Rapids two years. He went to Rockland, Ill., and remained nearly three years,{ when he bought 40 acres of land on sec. 11, Wyoming tp., with 25 acres under culture. He was married in Massachusetts in 1877 to Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Mary Dailey, a native of Ireland, born in 1835. They have four children :- Michael, John, Mary and Margaret. Mr. O'Brien and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Albert Olds, second son of Chester and Catherine (Rorabeck) Olds, was born in New York, in 1820. At the age of 23 he settled in Grandville, in 1843. He was married in 1848 in Grandville to Susanna Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1814. She died in 1877, and he was again married in Grandville to Ca- lista A. Mills. In 1868 he bought 80 acres of land on sec. 22, 50 of which are under improvement.

Patrick Quinn, son of Cornelius and Mary (Cavanaugh) Quinn, was born May 1, 1814 in Ireland. He served an apprenticeship of five years learning the coop- er's trade in Ballymore, Ireland. He came to the United States in 1836 and en- gaged in coopering forthe U. S. Fur Company. He continued to work for them five years and then came to Wyoming tp., and bought 40 acres of land, afterwards buying 40 more, and has 60 under cultivation. He was married in Wisconsin in 1842 to Sophia Connors. They have three children-Elizabeth, Mary A. and William. Mrs. Quinn died July 17, 1878.

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Justus C. Rogers, second son of Justus and Lucy (Clark) Rogers, was born in Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt., in 1813. At the age of 23 he was married to Eliza M., daughter of William and Eliza (Page) French, born in Middletown in 1815. Of six children, two are living-Erwin M., born in Wyoming, in 1840, and Dennis L., born in same tp. in 1851. Mr. Rogers settled in Wyoming in 1836 and bought 160 acres on sec. 14. He has now 240 acres and 180 under cultivation. Erwin lives on the homestead. He was married in Grand Rapids in 1866 to Jessie, daughter of Jonathan F. and Harriet (White) Chubb, born in Wyoming in 1842. Their four children were born in the same tp. as follows: Mattie J., March 21, 1868; Lewis C., Oct. 10, 1870; James C., June 10, 1874; Theodore F., June 15, 1876. Mr. Rogers, senior, was Justice of the Peace and Supervisor one year re- spectively. His son is a member of the Junior Old Settlers' Society.

Gilbert B. Richards, farmer on sec. 15, was born in 1840 in Ohio. He is son of Myron and Eliza Richards (the former died in Paris in 1876, the latter is still living). When 13 years of age his parents went to Paris, where his father bought 80 acres on sec. 10. In 1868 he went to Cascade, and in March, 1880, settled in this tp., where he owns 80 acres, with 50 under improvement. He was married in Grand Rapids in 1868 to Olivia, daugliter of H. B. and Maria Smith, born in Ver- gennes, in 1845. In 1864 Mr. Richards, in company with several others, took a trip to Virginia City, Idaho, in search of gold. He worked in the mines several weeks at $6 per day.

John Richards (deceased), was born in 1816 in Cortland County, N. Y. In 1824 his parents went to Pennsylvania, and ten years later to Ohio. In 1856 they set- tled in Paris tp. and bought 125 acres of land, where they remained 13 years, go- ing thence to Dorr, Allegan Co., and seven years after to this tp. Mr. Richards was married in Lorain County, Ohio, in 1838, to Emeline S., daughter of Truman and Electa Wright, born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1816. Mr. Richards died August 24, 1880, leaving seven children-Calista, Frances, Eliza, Jennie, John, Emma and Glenna. The homestead comprises 50 acres of land lying partly in Paris, with 25 acres under cultivation.

David Rose, farmer, was born in Germany in 1826. He is son of George and Mary Rose, and came to America in August, 1851, and located in Bucks County, Pa., where he remained five years. He was married in 1856 to Margaret, daughter of Andrew and Catherine Huff, born in Germany in 1836. They have ten chil- dren-Henry, John, David, George, Andrew, Maggie, Abigail, William, Blanche and Franklin. In 1857 Mr. Rose settled in Paris eight years; he went to Gaines and stayed three years, coming to Wyoming in 1878. He owns forty acres on sec. 26, with 35 under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Rose are members of the German Lutheran Churchi.

Myron Roys, fourth son of Lent and Mary (Holmes) Roys, was born in Shef- field, Berkshire Co., Mass., Dec. 1, 1808. His father was a tanner, and had seven son3 and five daughters. As the children grew large enough they were hired to neighboring farmers until of age. On reaching majority, Myron Roys went in- to the world to help himself, and in 1833 came to Grandville, and in December of the same year located the farm lie now owns-80 acres. He then went to St. Jo- seph County, where his brother had located one year previously, returning in February. He built a small log house, and managed his own domestic affairs while clearing his land. May 2, 1841, he was married to Ann, daughter of James and Jane (Marshall) McCray, born in Ireland in 1820. Their six children were born in Wyoming-James, Mary J., Holmes, Letitia, Frank P. and George M. Mr. Roys has held various offices of trust, such as Supervisor, Treasurer and Constable. He is a member of the Grange and of the Old Settlers' Association. James and Holmes, two eldest sons, enlisted in the war for the Union at Grand Rapids, in the 10th Michigan Cavalry. Mr. Roys has had 460 acres of land which he has divided among his children, with the reservation of 165 acres of improved land for himself. James Roys. eldest son of the above, was born in 1843 and has always resided in this tp. He was married in 1870 to Mary E. Blake, born in Farmington in December, 1847. Their three children were born in Wyoming as follows-Fred B., Sept. 21, 1871, Abbie E., Feb. 6, 1879, and Frank M., April 23, 1876 (died Aug. 17, 1876). Mr. Roys enlisted in the war of the Rebellion Feb. 14, 1865, at Grand Rapids. He served ten months in Company D, 10th Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. Stevenson, and was discharged same year, November 22, at Memphis. He owns a farm of 90 acres on secs. 9 and 4-40 acres improved.

Archibald Salmon, son of Charles and Ruth Salmon, was born in Turin, Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1809. He commenced fitting for a cabinet-maker at 18 years of age,

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serving three years, after which he attended Lowville Academy in Lewis County, nine months. He located in Detroit in 1833, where he worked at his trade two years as a journeyman ; built a shop on Woodward avenue, and two years after lost it by fire, when he came to Grand Rapids, via Grand Haven by steamer -- fare $25. He reached Grand Rapids July 11, 1837, and engaged in cabinet-making with Robert Hilton 18 months, when he purchased his partner's interest. He made the first wooden-seated chairs in the county. In 1851 he exchanged his property for 80 acres of land in Wyoming, secs. 29 and 32. Between 50 and 60 acres have been improved. He was married in Lowville in 1835 to Clarissa, daughter of Adam and Olive Snell, born in Lowville in 1809. They have eight children -- James V., Josephine, Sophronia M., Eliza F., Clarissa M., John C., Elizabeth M. and Henrietta. Mrs. Salmon died Feb. 21, 1873, in this tp.

James V. Salmon, eldest son of Archibald and Clarissa (Snell) Salmon, was born in Detroit in 1836. The next year his parents went to Grand Rapids, coming to this tp. in 1851. They bought eighty acres on secs. 29 and 32. His mother died in 1872, and himself and brother bought the homestead, forty acres (sec. 32) belonging to him, nearly all of which is improved. He was married in Wyoming, in 1865, to Rhoda H., daughter of James and Sarah Root, born in Ohio, in 1841. They have three children born in this tp. :- Ruby M., born Aug. 7, 1869, and Ver- non V., born in 1878. The other is an infant. Mr. Salmon, Sr., is a member of the Early Residents' Society at Grand Rapids.

Nicholas Shoemaker, ninth son of Rudolph and Margaret (Clapsaddle) Shoe- maker, was born at German Flats, Herkimer, Co., N. Y., in 1820. He came to Grand Rapids in 1839, and worked on a farm until 1846, when he invested his capital in eighty acres of land, forty respectively on secs. 29 and 30. Of this, six- ty-five acres are improved, and five acres are located in the suburbs of Grandville, where his residence and store are situated, and where he established himself in 1863. His business is in general merchandise to meet the requirements of a country trade, associated with undertaking. He was married in Grandville in 1844 to Abiah, daughter of Otis and Percy (Humphrey) Freeman, born in Onon- daga County, N. Y., in 1822. They have had seven children, five of whom are liv- ing :- Percy, Rudolph S., Clinton D., Robert and Byron. Mrs. Shoemaker died, and her husband contracted marriage a second time, with Levina McCoy, who is also dead. # The present Mrs. Shoemaker was Elizabeth Chew, adopted daughter of Thomas Howlett. The marriage occurred March 4, 1873. They have two children-Luman N. and Leonard F. Mr. Shoemaker is a member of Blue Lodge of Masons.

Leonard Stoneburner (deceased), was born in Canada, Jan. 15, 1801. His pa- rents, Leonard and Elizabeth (Flansburg) Stoneburner, settled in Rochester N. Y., in his infancy. He was married in Schoharie, Feb. 4, 1830, to Mariah, daughter of Richard and Henrietta Goss, born in Schoharie, July 4, 1808. They have nine children-Mary J., George W., Fanny, Leonard, Daniel E., Sarah L., Loretta A., John and Catherine M. In 1836 they came to Grandville and bought 40 acres of land. Mr. Stoneburner died August 5, 1872. He belonged to the earliest pioneer element of the tp. His wife is still living at the family residence, where she has 10 acres of land on sec. 16.

Daniel E. Stoneburner, sixth son of Leonard and Maria (Goss) Stoneburner, was born March 7, 1842, in Grandville. In 1863 he enlisted at Grand Rapids in Com- pany H, 10th Michigan Cavalry, Capt. Cook, and served until the close of the war. He was married in Paris to Alice, daughter of Josiah and Amanda (Horton) Kil- burn, born in Ohio in 1845. The record of their children is as follows-Ray E., born May 25, 1861 ; May E., born June 18, 1863, and died in August, 1864; Nora M., born May 1, 1867. Mr. S. lost his wife and was married again March 16, 1870, to Harriet, daughter of Ira Miller, born in Pennsylvania in 1846.

Leonard Vanderstolpe, son of Peter and Matilda Vanderstolpe, is a native of Holland, born in May, 1827. In 1853 he came to Grand Rapids, and in 1864 came to Wyoming, and bought thirty-six acres of improved land on sec. 1. He was married in Grand Rapids in 1858, to Margaret Schoff, who died Jan 24, 1879. They had three children, of whom two are living, Mattie and Nellie. Mr. Vander- stolpe was married April 5, 1881, to Joahat Vanderhoo, born in Holland in 1832. Both are members of the Dutch Reformed Church.

Electus B. Ward, M. D., only son of James N. and Mary E. (Backus) Ward, was born on Governor's Island, N. Y. Harbor, Dec. 25, 1856. The name of Ward has been illustrious for many centuries. When William the Conqueror invaded Eng-

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land in 1066, he was accompanied by 710 "noble captains," each bearing but one name, whose records have all been preserved, and among them is mentioned " Ward." Andrew Henshaw Ward, A. M., member of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, has traced the lineage to which Mr. Ward of this sketch belongs, approximately to 1600. His work has been so carefully compiled as to leave little doubt of a clear line of descent from the " noble captain " with a single name to William the "freeman " of Sudbury, Mass. The direct ancestral line is as follows: William, 1600 (ap.) ; John, 1626 (ap.): Joseph, 1677; Nathan, 1721; Daniel, 1764; Charles, 1796; James N., 1824; and Electus B., 1856, a long line of military men with records. The latter is a descendant, on the maternal side, from Hugh Brady, Brevet Major General of the U. S. Army. Gen. Brady was born July 29, 1768. His father and brother were involved in the struggle for American independence, and both lost their lives on the Pennsylvania frontiers, where they were on duty, under orders from Gen. Washington. Gen. Brady was but 11 years old when his father died, but was acquainted with all the sickening terrors of frontier life. His autobiography is in the hands of his descendants, and is, em- phatically, a remarkable paper, preserved, it is hoped, among the State annals. He says therein, " Many a day have I walked by the side of my brother John while he was plowing, and carried my rifle in one hand, and a forked stick in the other to clear the plowshare." Up to the period of his appointment as Ensign in Wayne's army, he was connected with the warfare between the settlers and Indians. He did duty as a recruiting officer for the regular service, and prior to the war of 1812 experienced but few years of private life. He was ordered into service in the second conflict with Great Britain, and his prowess at Bridgewater or Lundy's Lane is commemorated in the written history of our country. He died at Detroit April 15, 1851. His daughter, Mary L., married Col. E. Backus, 3d U. S. Infantry, Regular army, a graduate of West Point, and an aid on her father's staff while commandant of the Army of the Northwestern States and Territories, and was afterward empowered U. S. Commissioner, to effect a treaty with the Fox Indians when they were removed from their reservation. He was in the Mexican war, in active service, where, also, Capt. James N. Ward, an officer on Col. Backus' staff, distinguished himself, and afterward rendered valuable service to the Government in the settlement of New Mexico. James Noble Ward, eldest son and third child of Charles and Catherine T. (Lindsey) Ward, was born in 1824. He graduated at West Point, and was married in 1855, on Governor's Island, to Mary E. Backus. He settled in Detroit in 1858, and a gunshot wound, received in the Mexican war, proving obstinate, he went to St. Anthony's Falls, Minn., to recuperate, but in vain, and died Dec. 12, 1858. He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit. In 1860 Col. Backus went to Mexico and Texas, accompanied by his wife, daughter, and grandson, E. B. Ward. They returned in 1861, and the following year Col. Backus died in Detroit (July, 1862). Mrs. Ward died March 11, 1866, in the same city. The next year he spent in the South, with his grandmother. He attended the Patterson Grammar School six years. During the years 1870 and 1871 he was at Nyack, on the Hudson, and learned practical printing. He returned to Detroit in 1872, and the summer of 1873 he spent in Europe. Returning once more to Detroit, he took a collegiate course of study with Prof. I. M. Wellington as tutor, and fitted for civil engineer. He was married in Detroit Dec. 26, to Mary L., daughter of Samuel G. and Mary M. (Holcomb) Armor. He studied medicine a year with his father-in-law, Prof. Armor, A. M., M. D., LL. D., and following his marriage, he went to Brooklyn, to enter upon a systematic course of study. He continued two years at Long Island Medical College, and graduated in the sum- mer of 1878, practicing in Brooklyn and Detroit two years. In the spring of 1881 he came to Wyoming tp., and established himself on his patrimonial estate of 280 acres, known as Clyde Park. He has expended $12,000 on his residence and the improvements of the grounds. As speedily as possible he is converting a Michi- gan wilderness into a fruit and stock farm. He is making specialties of the cele- brated imported Scotch horses known as Clydesdales, and owns the famous stal- lion " Perfection " (S. S. B.), at the head of eight pure bloods of the same stock. He also owns three head of imported Holstein cattle, recorded Ingomar, Mabel, and Duke of Kent. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have two children :- Hugh A., born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. 16, 1877; and - - -. , born at Detroit Jan. 28, 1879.

Albert H Weston, M. D., eldest son of Henry and Celinda (Wilson) Weston, was born in Watertown, Clinton Co., Jan. 30, 1843. In 1849 his parents went to Lenawee County, remaining until 1845, returning to Clinton County. At 18 Dr.

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WYOMING TOWNSHIP.

Weston went to Dansville, Ingham County, and entered the office of his uncle, D. T. Weston, M. D., and read medicine several years. He took one term at Ann Arbor in 1861, and graduated at Detroit Medical College. He has been engaged in the practice of his profession ever since at Grandville. He enlisted at Maple Rap- ids, Clinton Co., in Company B, 7th Michigan Cavalry, Capt. L. F. Warner-enlisted in October, 1862, and was discharged in December, 1865. He was in 43 engage- ments and skirmishes during the period of 38 months. He was married in Lan- sing, April 11, 1866, to Martha M., daughter of John Shafer, born in New York, in 1842. Mr. Shafer is one of the pioneers of Paris tp. Dr. and Mrs. Weston have two children :- Maurice L., born in Ingham County, Dec. 28, 1866, and Fay A., born in Grandville, Nov. 20, 1868. The Weston residence is on the quarter line road on the edge of the town where the Doctor has 14} acres of land. He also owns 160 acres in Lake County. He belongs to the Masons and Odd Fellows.

Michael Whalen was born in Ireland in 1845. His parents, Edmund and Johanna Whalen, came to the United States in 1849, and settled in Rochester, N. Y. Four years after they came to Wyoming tp. and bought 40 acres of land, and afterward 200 acres more and two city lots with residences on Summit St., near Island. The senior Whalen died in February, 1880, and in the distribution of the estate, Michael Whalen received 90 acres of land and a house and lot in town. He has 40 acres on sec. 27 and 30 in Walker tp. He was married at Grand Rapids in June, 1880, to Anastasia, daughter of William and Maria (Ryan) Riley, born in Walker, in 1861. They have one child -- Johanna, born in Wyo- ming in April, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Whalen belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. Johanna Whalen lives with her son, aged 76.

Horace Wilder was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1816.1! He is a pioneer in the county ; came to Grandville in 1838. He learned the business of a moulder in a foundry and worked at his trade after reaching Michigan; did the first moulding on the Grand River. He was married in Onondaga County to Cor- nelia M. Lindley, born in Seneca' County, N. Y. They have one child-Marion, born in 1842-a millwright and mechanic. Mr. Wilder and his son both enlisted at Grand Rapids in Company C, 1st Regular Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and served in the Army of the Cumberland three years and three months; the former rose to the rank of Corporal, the latter to that of Serjeant-Major. Mr. Wilder owns a residence and five acres of land in the Western Addition, also a mill for working in wood; does some work in iron and all varieties of custom work.

Clark Yemmans, eldest son of Erastus and Hannah (Spencer) Yemmans, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1827. His parents came to Wyoming in 1836 and settled on 80 acres of land previously purchased on sec. 32 by his father, who was among the very earliest pioneers. A bit of land had to be cleared for the erection of the traditionary log cabin. Mr. Yemmans of this sketch was married in Byron to Laura M., daughter of John and Laura Butler, born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1833. They have four children -- Sophronia E., born in Byron in 1850; Erastus J., in Jamestown in 1851; Delia, in Georgetown in 1854, and Hannah in 1857. He bought 80 acres of land in Georgetown, where he lived 21 years. His father died May 21, 1879, his mother, Oct. 2, of the same year. Mr. Yemmans has 63 acres of the homestead in Wyoming to which he has returned, nearly all of which is improved. Forty acres in Georgetown are under cultivation.

Eli Yeomans, third son of David and Catherine Yeomans, was born in Plain field, Otsego Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, 1811. He settled in Rochester, Macomb Co., in 1832, and after a year's residence came to Wyoming. In 1834 he bought 160 acres of land on sec. 30, at $1.25 per acre. He now owns 40 acres improved land on sec. 31. He was married in Grandville in 1840 to Laura, daughter of Alexan- der and Hannah McArthur, born in Vermont in 1813. They have four children, born in Wyoming -- Elliott M., Ellen M., Mary and Josiah F. Mr. Yeomans was the second settler in the tp., and he came here to build a saw-mill.

Elliott Yeomans, eldest son of Eli and Laura M. (McArthur) Yeomans, was born in Wyoming (then Byron) tp., in 1842. His parents came to this tp. in 1836 and are still living. He was married in Grandville, April 24, 1867, to Mrs. Orpha N. Kellogg, daughter of John W. and Abigail Kellogg, born in New York, Jan. 4, 1839. They have one child-Laura A., born April 18, 1874; also an adopted daughter, Emma L., born July 9, 1868, in Jamestown, Ottawa County. Mr. Yeo- mans is a member of the Odd Fellows.

1426

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

CONCLUSION.

The work of the historian is finished; and never has it been the good fortune of the men engaged in writing and compiling local history to share a higher degree of public favor, or meet with a more cordial co-operation thin was extended them during their labors in Kent county.

Before laying down our pen we wish to place on record the two following items, which were obtained too late for insertion in their proper place:

MORRISON VINDICATED.

In the whole history of the early banking institutions of Grand Rapids, the actions of Judge Morrison must be held honorable and sincere in every particular. Hon. John Ball, who was appointed receiver of the People's Bank, stated in a letter, written from Geneva, Switzerland, some years ago, that Judge Morrison carried certain funds to the cashier, Simeon Johnson. What became of the money was known only to Simeon Johnson; nor yet had the pio- neer judge anything to do in the matter of carrying such funds. John Ball, whose entire record is one of uncompromising honor, desired to have this subject dealt with, and to state in these pages that he was mistaken in coupling the name of Judge Morrison with that of Simeon Johnson. O.d memoranda tell the name of him who trans- ferred those inoneys from the bank into the possession of Johnson; but there is no good to be gained from the publication of such name; the actor is dead; Johnson is dead; Rix Robinson, who lost the money died forgiving his unfaithful friends, therefore let the sub- ject close with the statement that Judge Morrison had as little knowledge of the transaction as the receiver appointed by the State Bank Commissioners.

THE OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY OF NORTHERN KENT.

The old residents of the northern townships of Kent county met at the Religio-Philosophical Society's hall at Rockford May 27, 1876. At this meeting a constitution of 13 articles was adopted, the preamble setting forth that the object of the society is to cul- tivate social relations, to collect and preserve biographical subjects, statistics, historical facts and reminiscences.

The election of officers resulted in the choice of Smith Lapham. for President; Barton Johnson and Russell L. Blakeley, M. D., Vice-Presidents; James Dockeray, Treasurer; William Hicks, Secre- tary; Geo. F. Sanders, Marshall, and Horatio N. Stinson, Histo- rian. The officers elected in 1876 held their positions until June, 1879, when Horatio N. Stinson was elected President; O. F. Hyde and Barton Johnson, Vice-Presidents; William Hicks, Secretary; James Dockeray, Treasurer; Smith Lapham, Historian; Russell L. Blakeley, Marshal. Of the original members L. M. Allen, John Darrow and Russell L. Blakeley are deceased. The society's record points out the fact that John Darrow died Jan. 18, 1877; L. M. Al- len, Dec. 27, 1879; Russell L. Blakeley, July, 23, 1881. J.H.

SEP 211939

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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 148

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