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 47
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1854 .-- Ang 30, the steamer " Humming-bird " was blown up by a boiler explosion, while on the way to Grand Haven.
1857 .- June 9, an unfinished brick building at Grand Rapids caved in while 28 men were at work; no lives lost. June 22, Cornelius Stoutjesdyk, a Hollander, fell from a four-story building, at Grand Rapids, and was crushed to death. Sept. 25, an extensive conflagration at the city destroyed property valued at $100,000; 25 buildings were totally consumed.
1858-March 23, a fire destroyed 10 stores at Grand Rapids; loss about $10,000. March 25, murder of John Burke, by Sheriff Anson N. Norton. March 30, death of T. B. Cumming, Secretary and acting Governor of Nebraska, a former citizen of Grand Rapids. April 6, a terrible conflagration at Grand Rapids, caused by incendiaries ; eight manufactories and the Grand river bridge were consumed. May 13, first time in 6,000 years that people were enabled to leave Grand Rapids at 8:30 a. m., and arrive at Detroit at 7 p. m. the same day. June 22, three boys were drowned at the Rapids. During this month the weather was ex- ceedingly warm ; on the 28th the thermometer registered 104 ° in the shade. An immense independent celebration at Grand Rapids, July 5. July 13, arrival at Grand Rapids of the first train over the D. & M. R. R. Sept. 28, meeting of the third Congres- sional Democratic convention at Grand Rapids. Oct. 8, first ap- pearance of the Grand Rapids Journal ; Thomas D. Worrall, editor and publisher. Oct. 12 and 13, meeting of the Grand River Valley Presbytery. Nov. 9, burning of the "old red warehouse,"
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built at Grand Rapids in 1836, by Louis Campau, one of the old- est structures in the county. Nov. 20, Augustus Neal, a miller at the Rapids, was accidentally suffocated with the fumes of charcoal Nov. 25, the Pearl street bridge over Grand river was completed, at a total cost of over $16,000. Population of Ada village, 188, and of Lowell, 469.
1859 .- Feb. 7, a fire destroyed nine stores at Grand Rapids, valued at $17,000. Feb. 4, purchase of the city cemetery by the common council of Grand Rapids. March 10, first anniversary of the mission Sabbath-school of west Grand Rapids. August, a cen- sus of townships was taken with the following results : Oakfield, 1,087 ; Nelson, 465 ; Solon, 394 ; Courtland, 947 ; Grattan. 1,- 127 ; Cannon, 1,060 ; Algoma, 992 ; Plainfield, 1,239 ; Alpine, 1,217 ; Sparta, 902 ; Tyrone, 172.
1860 .- Aug. 30, grand festival at Grand Rapids, in honor of Rev. Andrew Vizoisky, deceased. Sept. 8. the brick school-house in district No. 5, Paris township, was dedicated by the Mayhew Common-School Association. During this month the salt wells were brought into full operation, the brine yielding 27 per cent. pure salt. Sept. 26-9, 12th annual fair of the Kent County Agri- cultural Society at Grand Rapids.
1861-Jan. 6, dedication of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Cascade, by Rev. Thomas Brady, of Grand Rapids, and Rev. Mr. Rivers, of Grattan. Jan. 13, death, at Grand Haven, of George Thompson, a pioneer resident of Grandville. Feb. 3, death at Grand Rapids, of Mrs, Ann Smith, an honored pioneer of Kent county. Feb. 28, murder of Daniel Barber, a constable and col- lector of Algoma township, by Wm. C. Kingin. In March, a cotton factory was established at Grand Rapids. March 31, Michael Eilaw, a highly respected citizen, committed suicide while suf- fering from temporary insanity. In April, the cantonment Ander son was established at Grand Rapids. April 11, four stores were consumed by fire ; loss about $14,000. May 21, a fire in Spencer township destroyed a large saw-mill and 25,000 feet of lumber. May 26, James A. Hammond, of Saranac, a member of Co. D, 3d Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., was accidentally drowned. Number of children of school age in the county, 10,214 ; amount of school inoney apportioned by the State to the county, $4,289.88, -equal to 42 cents to each child. May 21, the "Union Guards," for home protection, was organized at Grand Rapids. June 18, de- parture of the 3d Mich. Inf. from Grand Rapids for Washington. Timothy Howard, a farmer of Vergennes, was brutally murdered by John Lancaster, his hired man. July 17, organization of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Grand Rapids, by the Grand River Valley Presbytery. Aug. 13, the Grand Rapids Cavalry Company was mustered into the U. S. service. Nov. 13, depart- ure of the 2d Mich. Cav. from Grand Rapids. Dec. 31, the vil- lage of Lowell was partially destroyed by fire.
1862 .- In January, the manufacture of kerosene was begun at
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Grand Rapids. March 15, Lieut. Worden, a former resident of Algoma township, in command of the "Monitor" at Hampton Roads, succeeded in disabling the rebel war iron-clad "Mer- rimac." May 15-18, convention of the General Congregation al Association of Michigan at Grand Rapids. June 13 and 14, dur- ing the severe rain-storm at Grand Rapids, one woman was killed by lightning and considerable damage was done to prop- erty. May 23, Louis Campau's old white horse died. This ani- mal was the " snow" horse of the village, being the first to appear on the streets after a fall of snow.
1868 .- Aug. 16, Francis Baar and John Gerlich, aged 11 and 15 years respectively, were drowned at Grand Rapids. Aug. 12, a large Sunday-school picnic was held at Sharp's Corners, East Byron, in which 1,200 people participated. Oct. 6, destruction of the Valley City Woolen Mills at Grand Rapids by fire ; loss, $25,000. Oct. 13, reunion of the officers of the 6tlı Mich. Cav. in the city. Sept. 14, Mrs. Catharine Hill, who settled in Wyoming township, Michigan, in 1836, died. During the month of October occurred the death of Mrs. Julia M. Cole, who settled at Grand Rapids when 14 years of age. Nov. 3, premature discharge of a cannon at Grand Rapids, during a ratification meeting, destroying the right arm of John Bero, an ex-soldier. Oct. 28, at Saranac, Mich., murder of Dr. Perry, a leading physician of Lowell, by Philip Taylor, Deputy Sheriff of Ionia county. The month of No- vember was one of fatal accidents in Kent county ; four men were accidentally killed and several maimed and wounded. Nov. 17, convention of the Kent County Sunday-school Association at Grand Rapids. The same day the Universalist church at Grand Rapids was dedicated. Nov. 30, 11th annual reunion of St. Andrew's So- ciety of Grand Rapids. The same day occurred the death of Capt. Harvey K. Rose, an old and respected resident of the valley city. Dec. 22, the Grand Rapids Legal Association met at the Rathbun House.
1869 .- Feb. 9, organization of the Grand Rapids & Lake Shore Railroad Company, with Lowell Hall, President and Dennis W. Bryan, Secretary. Feb. 24, track of the Kalamazoo, Allegan & Grand Rapids railroad completed to Wyoming township. March 1, celebration of the completion of the K., A. & G. R. R. R., con- necting Chicago with Grand Rapids via Kalamazoo. April 6, death of Sarrell Wood, an old and highly esteemed citizen of Kent county. May 11, convention of the Surveyors and Civil En- gineers Association at Grand Rapids. May 18, death of James Lyman, an old merchant and honored citizen of the Valley City. June 15, meeting of the Associated Press of Michigan at the city. July 6, first annual meeting of the Grand Rapids Horse Association. Aug. 3, death of Mrs. Sophie Campau, who settled in this county, with her husband, Louis Campau, in 1827. She was the mother of the second family in the county, and was the second white woman who came into the valley. Aug. 18, Miss Sophia Hulbert was drowned at Ada in the Thornapple river. Aug. 25, Jedediah
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Ausburn died in Wyoming township, aged 101 years and five months ; he settled in the county in 1864. Oct. 5, opening of the 21st annual exhibition of the Kent County Agricultural Society, with a magnificent display. Oct. 19, completion of the new brick Congregational church at Grand Rapids. Dec. 28, reunion of the 21st Mich. Vol. Inf., at which 200 members were present.
1870 .- April 12, meeting of the State Pomological Society at Grand Rapids. April 5, first annual meeting of the Gaines De- tective Association, of Gaines township. May 18, engagement of Rev. J. P. Tustin, Rector of St. Mark's Church, Grand Rapids, for three years' service in Northern Europe, in the interests of the Continental Improvement Company of Michigan. In June was established the Metropolitan Cheese Factory in Grattan township, by L. K. Madison. Aug. 17, laying of the corner-stone of the M. E. church of Cedar Springs. Aug 8-10, at Grand Rapids, meeting of the county school superintendents of the State, followed by the teachers' association. Census returns of Grand Rapids showed a population of 16,587. Sept. 26-30, State Teachers' Institute at Lowell. Sept. 18-21, first annual meeting of the State Pomologi- cal Society at the city. Oct. 8, death of Eliphalet H. Turner, who settled on the "Turner farm" in Paris township, Aug. 11, 1833, and who subsequently was one of the most enterprising citizens of the Valley City. In September a mineral spring at Cascade was discovered. Oct. 19 and 20, State Convention of Universalists at Grand Rapids. Oct. 11, arrival of the first train from Fort Wayne, Ind., over the G. R. & I. R. R., at Grand Rapids. Nov. 10, death of Charles Kelly, of Gaines township, a pioneer farmer of Kent county. Nov. 29, completion of the iron bridge over the east canal at Grand Rapids. Dec. 2, first brush factory was established at the city. Dec. 6, railroad connection established between this city and Whitehall, by the C. & M. L. S. R. R. Dec. 9, death of Ira S. Hatch, who located at Grand Rapids, 1839, and who was once marshal and chief engineer of the fire department. Dec. 13, annual meeting of the State Pomological Society at the city. During the year, discovery of "gold " in Ada township, by Charles Holt.
1871 .- Feb. 15, death of Nathaniel P. Roberts, who located at Grand Rapids in 1833. Feb. 22, reunion at Grand Rapids of the 3d Mich. Vol. Inf. March 28, death of Lucius Patterson, an old pioneer of the county. April 13, death of Louis Campau, the founder of the " Valley City." April 18, great fire at the city, re- sulting in the destruction of 24 buildings, with a total loss of $275,- 000 ; insurance, $100,000. April 19, three boys accidentally buried in a sand-bank and suffocated to death. April 25, grand peace jubilee at the city, in honor of the close of the Franco-Prussian war. May 16, organization of the Northern Michigan Agricult- ural and Mechanical Society at Grand Rapids. May 23, reunion of the 10th Mich. Cav., at the city. June 13, laying of the corner stone of the Second-Street M. E. church at Grand Rapids. July 1, death of Julius C. Abel, who located at Grand Rapids in 1836,
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and was one of the two lawyers then residing in Kent county. July 4, Harry Ward, of Grand Rapids, murdered Oliver Cook, an old resident of Byron township, at Grandville. July 20, grand celebration at Rockford, on the occasion of breaking ground for the Grand Rapids, Greencastle & Rockford railroad. July 24, a man named Keating, living near Grattan Center, was buried in a well seven hours, but was finally rescued alive. July 28, grand ten-mile race at the fair ground was won by "Fred," the prop- erty of Mr. Kelsey, of Grand Rapids. Aug. 7, bridge at Lowell carried away by flood. Sept. 12, first union fair of the Northern Michigan and Mechanical Society and the State Pomological So- ciety at Grand Rapids ; immense attendance. Oct. 17-19, the first fair of the Lowell District Agricultural Society. Oct. 3, State Pomological Society met at Spring Lake. Nov. 24, Jerry Boynton, an old settler, died in Byron township. Dec. 19, preliminary or- ganization of the Grand Rapids & Lansing Railroad Company.
1872 .- Jan. 3, golden wedding of Chauncey and Polly L. Curtis, of Plainfield, aged respectively 75 and 70 years. Jan. 16, session of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. of Michigan at the city. The same day, death of Mrs. Mary Pierce, an honored pioneer of Kent county. Feb. 20, Sweet's Hotel was partly destroyed by fire; loss, $75,000. May 7, a fire at Grand Rapids destroyed property valued at $50,000. May 13, passenger traffic on the Grand Rapids & Newaygo rail- road was opened. May 15, census returns published: credited Grand Rapids with a population of 19, 130. May 8, Squiers' Opera House and mill property, at the city, was totally destroyed by fire; loss $60,000. May 7, Reynolds, of Gaines township, killed his wife, mortally wounded his son, and committed suicide. May 24, laying of the corner-stone of the Baptist church at Grand Rapids.
June 11, annual meeting of the State Medical Society at Grand Rapids. June 18, Lowell Horse Association met at Lowell. Sept. 16-21, the Union fair at Grand Rapids; 40,000 people in attendance; also, a grand parade of Knights Templar, with 1,200 in line. Sept. 17, death of Hon. Truman H. Lyon, sr., who came to this State from New York in 1836, and to Kent county in 1840. Sept. 12, organi- zation of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, at the city, with a capital of $200,000. Oct. 2, fire at Grand Rapids destroyed a small frame house, in which Mrs. Frances M. Wallace was burned to death. Oct. 8, organization of the Grand Rapids Chair-Manu- facturing Company, with a capital of $200,000. Oct. 31, extensive conflagration destroyed property valued at $225,000. Nov. 26, the old Congregational church of Grand Rapids, built by Louis Campau in 1837, was destroyed by fire. The same day two men were killed by a railroad accident. Dec. 31, Daniel Ball, an early pioneer and steamboatman, of Kent county, died at Jamestown, N. Y.
1873 .- Feb. 4, death of Daniel Reeves, a soldier of the war of 1812, aged 79 years. Feb. 25, old settlers' reunion at Grand Rapids; 60 pioneers were present. May 6, meeting of
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the State Pomological Society at Ada. June 17, death of Wm. H. Godfroy, who located at the Valley City in 1835. On this date, also, the toll regime on Pearl street ended. July 13, great con- flagration; 14 acres burned over; 200 buildings destroyed; to- tal loss estimated at $190,000; insurance, $165,000. Aug. 5, a joint- stock company was formed at Grand Rapids to build a street rail- way. Aug. 28, re-union of the 1st. Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf. was held at Grand Rapids. Sept. 22, opening of the State fair, and Michi- gan Bee-Keeper's Association, at Grand Rapids; immense crowds in attendance. The railroad disaster at Lowell, resulting in the death of three men and wounding 15 or 20 others, occurred the same day. Sept. 20, Hon. Wilder D. Foster, a member of the 42d and 43d Congress from this district, and an honored pioncer of Kent county, died. Oct. 7, fifth annual convention of the Ger- man Workingmen's Aid Association of Michigan, was held at Grand Rapids. Oct. 16, a meeting of the Presbyterian synod of Michigan, at Grand Rapids. Dec. 11, death of Philander Tracy, who first came to Grand Rapids in 1835-'6, and permanently loca- ted in 1845.
1874 .- Feb. 27, a convention of the Kent and Ottawa Council of Patrons of Husbandry was held at Grand Rapids. March 6, first appearance of the Ada Dramatic Association. March 17, first celebration of St. Patrick's Day at Grand Rapids. April 27, a meeting at Grand Rapids in favor of woman suffrage. A perma- nent organization was effected. The Grand River Conference of the Congregational Church met at Lowell in April. June 6, con- siderable damage done in the Grand River Valley by severe rain storm. June 2, burning of the Union Stave and Chair Company's Works at Grand Rapids. June 15, Sweet's Hotel at Grand Rapids was raised four feet and one inch. June 10, a meeting at St. Mark's church of the 40th annual convention of the Diocese of Michigan. Aug. 12 and 13, the amateur regatta of the Grand Haven and Spring Lake Rowing Association was rowed at Spring Lake. Aug. 18, a grand picnic of the Patrons of Husbandry of Michigan was held at the Kent county agricultural fair grounds. Aug. 25, annual meeting of the Michigan Association of County Superintendents of Schools. Sept 7, The disaster at Cedar Springs, caused by the blowing up of a shingle-mill; the building was de- molished, two men were killed and several wounded. Sept. S. a convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Michi- gan, was held at Grand Rapids. Sept. 26, death of John W. Pierce, of Grand Rapids. Sept. 28, Union fair of the Kent Agri- cultural and Grand River Valley horticultural societies at Grand Rapids. Sept. 29, death of John W. Squiers, a prominent citizen of the Valley City. Dec. 2, organization of the Protestant Episco- pal Diocese of Western Michigan, and the appointment of Rev. George D. Gillespie, of Ann Arbor, as Bishop. Dec. 23, 24. 25, a convention of the Michigan Patrons of Husbandry at Grand Rapids.
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1875 .- Feb. 2, annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Society of Kent county. Feb. 24, the consecration of Rev. G. D. Gillespie, as Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Western Michi- gan was performed. April 1, deatli of Andrew Cole, an old and honored pioneer of Vergennes. April 14, the fifth annual reunion of the Michigan soldiers and sailors was held at Grand Rapids ; several regimental reunions. The establishment of the Grand Rapids Business College in its new building took place in May. The census returns showed the population of Grand Rapids to be 34,700. May 30, the corner-stone of St. Mary's Catholic church, at Grand Rapids, was laid ; several thousand persons were present ; Bishop Borgess presided. June 2, the first session of the Superior Court of Grand Rapids was opened. June 22, the business portion of West Grand Rapids was destroyed by fire ; 62 buildings were burned ; total loss, $220,000; insurance was very small. June 26, death of Mrs. Mary Newton, of Grattan township, a pioneer of Kent county. July 12, the Rogue river dam, at Rockford, was carried away by a freshet. July 27, six prisoners were liberated from the jail at Grand Rapids, through a hole in the wall. Aug. 10-11, the second annual regatta of the Grand Haven and Spring Lake Rowing Association. Aug. 3, the memorable celebration, at Grand Rapids, in honor of Daniel O'Connell ; several thousand participated. Aug. 24, the picnic of the Sons of Industry at Reed's' lake. Aug. 31, the 15th annual meeting of the Michigan State Sabbath-School Association at Grand Rapids. Nov. 30, deatlı of Mrs. Robert Hilton, an es- teemed pioneer settler of this county. Dec. 29, annual meeting of the State Teachers' Association at the Valley City.
1876 .- Jan. 10, death of Charles McCarthy, who located in Walker township in 1836. Jan. 11, an explosion at Grand Rapids killed one man and scalded two others. Jan. 15, death of Hon. Samuel M. Garfield, of Paris township, who represented Kent county in the Legislature in 1872-'4. Jan 25, a convention at Grand Rapids of the F. & A. M. of the State of Michigan. John F. Godfroy, one of the first pioneers of Kent county died the same day. Feb. 8, death of Hon. Byron D. Ball, State Senator in 1870 and Attorney General of Michigan in 1872-'3. Feb. 3, deatlı of Lucas Robinson, an esteemed pioneer of Lowell. Feb. S, a suc- cessful re-union of the pioneer settlers of Kent county, held at the Valley City. Feb. 22, Isaac Leonard, an early settler and mem- ber of the Masonic order, died. Feb. 18, death of Mrs. Ezra Reed, in Muskegon, whose husband kept a hotel in the "old yellow warehouse" at Grand Rapids in early days. Mrs. Mary L. Squiers, who located in Kent county in 1838, died the same day. Feb. 14, organization of the Sparta Lodge, No. 334 (Masonic), at Sparta, with 27 members. Feb. 17, death of Samuel A. Mckinney a pioneer of Byron. March 3, death of Damen Hatch, at Canan- daigua, aged 76 years , an old resident of Kent county. April 10, golden wedding of Smith Lapham and wife at Rockford. . May 11, State Republican Convention at Grand Rapids. Mrs. Lageweg,
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who, with her husband, was the first Holland settler at Grand Rapids, in 1847, died in July of this year. Oct. 17, meeting at Grand Rapids of the Grand Lodge I. O. G. T. of the State of Michigan. Dec. 8, fifth annual convention of the Y. M. C. A., of Michigan, at Grand Rapids. Dec. 19, dedication of St. An- drew's Catholic church.
1877 .- Jan. 8, death of Hon. Henry Seymour, Representative of the Michigan State Legislature from this district in 1865, State Senator in 1867, and Sergeant-at-arms of the Senate in 1871. Jan. 16, third annual re-union of the Michigan Association of Veterans of the Mexican war, at Grand Rapids. Jan. 23, a meeting of the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Michigan ; also a meeting of the . Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias of Michigan was held at Masonic Hall at Grand Rapids. Jan 31, suicide of Michael Schoendorf, in Byron township, aged 60 years. Feb. 24, meeting, at the house of Prentis Weaver, of ladies, -all widows but one, whose united ages were 643 years, the eldest being 75 on that day. April 26, celebration of the 58th anniversary of Odd Fellowship in America. May 2, death of William A. Tyron, of Grand Rapids, a former proprietor of the Kent House, now Bridge Street House. May 8, State Sportmen's Association and grand baby show at the Valley City. May 15, annual meeting of the State Homeopathic Medical Society at Grand Rapids. May 9, John W. Crawford, of Grand Rapids township, who located in this county in 1845, died. During the year ending this month, nearly one million pounds of wool were purchased by Grand Rapids dealers. July 26, annual encampment of the 2d regiment of the State Militia at Camp "Custer" at Reed's lake. July 31, organization of a company to build the Grand Rapids & Walker gravel road. Aug. 16, anni- versary celebration of the battle of Bennington by former residents of the Green Mountain State. Aug. 21, grand base-ball tourna- ment at Grand Rapids. Sept. 5, annual conference of the M. E. Church of Western Michigan at Grand Rapids. Sept. 21, laying of the corner-stone of the Grace free chapel (Episcopal) at Grand Rapids. Sept. 23, F. R. Lewis, of Thornapple, was instantly killed by a gun-shot, fired by George Watson. Oct. 4, annual State convention of the Universalists of Michigan at the city. Oct. 11, State convention of Baptists in the city. Oct. 29, completion of the iron bridge of the D., G. H. & M. railroad over the river at Grand Rapids. Dec. 4, eighth annual meeting of the State Pomological Society at the Valley City. Dec. 30, 41st anniver- sary of the organization of the Park Street Congregational Sunday - school was celebrated at Grand Rapids.
1878 .- Jan. 16, completion of the Roman Catholic church at Grattan. Jan. 23, opening of the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Michigan, at Grand Rapids. Jan. 24, com- pletion of the Grand Rapids & Walker gravel road. Jan. 26, meeting of the Old Residents' Association, of the Grand River Valley. Feb. 13, Grand Encampment of the I. O. of O. F., of Michigan, at the Valley City. Feb. 27, meeting of the Millers'
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State Association of Michigan, at Grand Rapids. March 17, a woman was burned to death at Grand Rapids, occasioned by the explosion of a kerosene lamp. March 21, James Crumback, of Gaines, aged 70 years, was fatally stabbed by his grand-daughter, Pauline Cole, aged 16 years. April 9, a fire at Rockford destroyed 25 buildings, together with other property valued at $50,000. May S, death of Capt. Robert S. Parks, who located at Grand Rapids in 1843. May 28, Fourth Annual State Convention of the W. C. T. U. at the city. July 4, great Independence celebration. July 21, Bishop Borgess, of Detroit, held extra services at the city. Aug. 7, Gen. James Shields feted at the city by the Mayor, Com- mon Council and prominent citizens. Aug. 14, Old Settlers' Asso- ciation of Northern Kent held a grand picnic at Lowell. Aug. 23, . during the jail delivery, four prisoners escaped. Aug. 25, a woman 60 years of age committed suicide. June 30, suicide of a commer- cial traveler at Sweet's Hotel. July 10, meeting of the Grand Lodge of Sorrow, of the Masonic Order, at the Valley City. Aug. 10, Mrs. Phillis Ringuet died, whose parents settled in this county in 1836; also, Mrs. Catherine Moerman died, an honored pioneer lady of 90 years. Aug. 13, encampment of the 2d Regiment of the State Militia, at Reed's lake, was begun, Aug. 28, death of Michael Shields, 1st Chief Engineer of the Grand Rapids fire department, appointed in 1837. Sept. 19, John Naysmith, an aged pioneer of Ada township, died. Nov. 20, meeting of the Western Michigan Medical Society at Grand Rapids. July 26, Ransom E. Wood, for 20 years a resident of Grand Rapids, died in New York. In early manhood he began business as a grocer, of the firm of Burnham & Wood, in New York city, where he formed those business habits which laid the foundation of his pecu- niary success in life. He came to Grand Rapids about 1855, and resided here till 1874, when, with his family, he went to Europe, returning to New York with the intention of making his home in Detroit for the future. He lost his wife by death in Eng- land, shortly after his arrival there. Mr. Wood was very highly esteemed while living here, and enjoyed the warm friendship of a large circle of prominent' citizens. He built the home and ar- ranged and ornamented the beautiful grounds so well known, east of College avenue, now owned by D. H. Waters.
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