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 49
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POSTOFFICE.
The first postoffice of Ada was administered by Mr. Hills. He was succeeded by W. W. Wilcox, and he in turn by Rev. S. E. Faxon. Mr. S. E. Faxon, sr., is the present Postmaster.
CHURCHES.
First Congregational Church was organized in Cascade, Sept. 24, 1849, under the name of Cascade. The original mem- bers were Sherman S. Bailey, John A. Barker, Christian Denison, Delia G. Bailey, Hezekiah Howell, Margaret Howell, Caroline Barker and Charles Coger. Rev. T. Jones, of Grand Rapids, Chairman of Council, and Rev. H. Roote, of Grandville, Scribe,
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presided at organization. In April, 1860, the Church voted to be known thereafter as the "First Congregational Church of Ada," the place of worship having changed to this place.
The first pastor was Rev. R. J. Hess, who continued in the pas- toral office until August, 1859, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Ballard, who remained until 1863. Rev. Nathaniel H. Evarts came in October, 1863, who was pastor until 1866. Suc- ceeding him came Danforth L. Eaton, Jan. 1, 1867; Edwin Booth, March, 1870; Jesse A. S. Worden, Oct. 1, 1876; and Austin H. Norris, May 28, 1880, who is now pastor. The deacons of the Church have been S. J. Bailey and Jesse A. Barker, elected Sept. 24, 1849; Abraham Heaton, June 25, 1854; John Foster, July 8, 1865; John Foster, March 27, 1870; and Stephen H. La Barge and W. G. Schenck, July 6, 1872.
The Church voted to build a house of worship Sept. 26, 1870. The house was dedicated Jan. 10, 1872. Rev. J. Morgan Smith, of Grand Rapids, preached the sermon; $500 were raised on the day of dedication and the house was called The Booth Congrega- tional House of Ada. The house is 32 x 50; modern English style, brick on stone foundation, with stained-glass windows. Present officers comprise A. H. Norris, Pastor; Stephen H. La Barge and William G. Schenck, Deacons.
The Church met and adopted articles of association for the for- mation of a legally incorporated society Nov. 8, 1870. The first Board of Trustees comprised H. Howell, Mrs. E. Bradfield, and William G. Schenck. The present board is composed of Anderson Wride, Mrs. S. H. Livingstone, George Crowe.
Anderson Wride, George Crowe and Mrs. S. H. Livingstone, Trus- tees. The present membership is 54. The number attending Sunday-school is 80, under Deacon Stephen H. La Barge as Superintendent.
The Second Congregational Church was organized Dec. 15, 1875. It was formed 'by the union of the Presbyterian and Wesleyan Methodist Churches, though the latter did not give up its organi- zation. Their first pastor was Rev. Darius Bettes, who was fol- lowed by Rev. Levi F. Waldo, April 1, 1878. He was succeeded by A. H. Norris, May 23, 1880. The original number of mem- bers was about 25, which at last reports was reduced to 21. The members are regularly incorporated as a society with seven trus- tees, clerk and treasurer. They have worshiped in the school- house most of the time since organization, but are now making preparations for building a frame building 33 x 48, with projections at front and rear. The estimated cost unfurnished is $1,500. They unite with the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Sunday-school this summer under Superintendent Alfred Depue. The number in school is about 50. The present officers are : Pastor, Rev. Aus- tin H. Norris; Deacons, John D. McNaughton and Archibald McMillan; Trustees, John Spence, John McPherson, John McMil- lan, Dugald J. McNaughton, William P. Russell, Robert Turn-
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
bull, and V. R. Smith; Clerk, D. J. McNaughton; and Treasurer, V. R. Smith.
The Baptist Church was organized about the year 1850, under the labors of Rev. Amos Chase, then in his old age, living with his son on a farm in the township of Ada about three and one-half miles from the village. Prominent among his co-workers in the formation of the society as constituent members of the Charch are the names of Henry Holt and wife, Harvey Barclay and wife, L. F. Chase, son of the pastor and his wife, with others who bore burdens willingly to establish the new interest in the then new country. In 1862, on account of the infirmities of Father Chase, the Church called to the pastorate Rev. S. E. Faxon, jr., under whose labors a church edifice was erected and nearly en- closed. This was done with an amount of labor little understood by those who have labored only among well-established Churches. After three years of labor the pastor resigned, and was followed by Rev. Volney Powell who labored until the house was completed and dedicated in 1867.
Rev. Charles Hulbert was next. He, after a short pastorate, was followed by Wm. Buell, who labored here for two years, when he was followed by N. Stilwell, who remained three years. During this period the Church gained a little, step by step. Rev. H. Petitt came, and though he stayed but one year, yet he established the Church in firmer work than it had previously enjoyed. He was followed in 1880 by Rev. D. Gostelow, who is now the pastor. The Church has been recognized as growing in favor and vitality for the last 20 years, numbering at present 137 members. Amos Chase died in the field and was buried by the society of that Church which he established.
The M. E. Church services were first held in the old school- house near the site of the present brick structure, in 1865. Among the original members were Wm. Sexton, 'Mrs. Sexton, Mrs. Ferris, Mrs. J. L. Clements, Gordon Chapel, Thomas King and G. W. Reikert and Mrs. Reikert. The pastors of the Church from the period of organization to the present time are : Revs. Daniel Bush, Hauerlin, Tanner, Bacon. Hollister, Whitman, Warner, Cleghorn, Thoinas, Spencer, Hine, Hankenson, Reil, Rork and Thomas.
The present church was built in 1871 by John Hopkins. The present membership is 80. The Sunday-school is under the super- intendency of Mr. McKeel.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
To complete a history it is essential that the persons who con- tributed to make subjects for its pages should be dealt with partic- ularly. In local history this becomes an absolute necessity, for without personal sketches of its principal citizens, much of all that could interest and instruct would be lost. Consequently the plan
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has been extended to this section of the work as well as to the oth- er chapters of township history, with the result, let us hope, of giving perfect satisfaction.
John Ames was born in the parish of St. Stephens, Pr. of New Brunswick, Dec. 31, 1821. He is a son of Elijah and Susannah (Stone) Ames, the former a native of Mason, N. H., born Feb. 14, 1785, the latter born in Machias, Me., April 24, 1788. The an - cestors of Mr. Ames were English and akin to the celebrated Ames, manufacturer of agricultural implements in Massachusetts. Mr. Ames' mother died May 12, 1828, and his father Oct. 13, 1842. Soon after the former event he made his way into Wash- ington Co., Me., where he engaged in lumbering until 1850. In September of the following year he purchased his present farm of 135 acres on sec. 4, of a squatter who had built a log "shanty," cleared a small patch of ground and set out nine apple trees, six of which are still living and bearing fruit. Indian trails were then the only thoroughfares, and Mr. Ames has been a participator in all the pioneering enterprises of the town. He was married March 16, 1852, to Margaret, daughter of Isaac and Mary Tomlinson, born in Tecumseh, June 19, 1831. Three of five children are living: Mary E., born April 30, 1856. Mrs. Albert Fairchilds; Alice, June 4, 1861-wife of Judd Potter-and Willis, Sept. 3, 1862. Mrs. Ames died Oct. 26, 1870. Mr. Ames was married a second time Sept. 2, 1873, to Sarah, daughter of John and Susan Russell, na- tives of the Empire State. Mrs. Ames was born in Monroe Co., Mich., March 22, 1848. They have two bright little daughters ; Myrtie A .. born May 19, 1875, and Martha M., May 28, 1879. Mr. Ames is a Republican in political faith and he and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
William H. Banks (deceased) was born in Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., April 16, 1806. His parents, Henry and Susanna Banks, were natives of England, and in 1818 settled in Wheatland, Livingston Co., N. Y. He served an apprenticeship with his father at the age of 21, and worked as a mechanic eight years. In March, 1832, he entered 200 acres of land in Commerce tp., Oakland Co. The Indians were then in possession of this State and Pontiac was but an Indian trading post. In November, 1867, he sold and went to Grand Rapids for the purpose of educating his children. In 1868 he purchased a pine tract in Montcalm county and engaged in lumbering until 1871, when he settled on affarmin Ada. He was married Oct. 1, 1834, to Jane F. McWilliam, born at Schenectady, N. Y., May 1, 1812, daughter of William and Margaret Mc William, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Banks have eight children-John W., James A., William H., Alice S., wife of Levi Moore; Mary J., Mrs. W. M. Hathaway; Margaret A., Charlotte A. and Joseph R. Mr. Banks died Sept. 19, 1876. He spent his life in usefulness and was an exhorter of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for a number of years. He was a public-spirited man and actively interested in all politi-
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
cal and religious affairs. In early life he was a Whig, but became a Republican, and an uncompromising Abolitionist. His loss to family and friends is one that cannot be repaired.
Benjamin Beach, one of the oldest pioneers of this township, was born near Lake George, Warren Co., N. Y., March 14, 1804. He is the son of William and Lucy (Gleason) Beach, the former born Ang. 18, 1776, the latter May 14, 1786. Mr. Beach died June 29, 1857. Mrs. Beech died Aug. 21, 1862. Benjamin Beach, father of William Beach, was renowned for having served through the entire period of the Revolutionary war-seven years. Mr. Beach, of this sketch, is the oldest of 12 children, five of whom are living. He was reared on a farm, and in 1828 engaged in a saw-mill in Essex Co., N. Y., and a year later returned to Warren county. In 1831 he was married and went to Glens' Falls, and in 1832 to Syracuse, where he operated a salt block one year. He went thence to Oswego county, and subsequently to Onondaga county. In May, 1836, he came to Port Huron and became one of the corps of engineers engaged in surveying the D., G. H. & M. R. R. He went back to New York in the fall, and in August, 1837. he " squatted" on the place where he now resides, a part of which he entered in August. 1838. He has by subsequent additions in- creased his farm to 120 acres. At the time of his "locating " the Ottawas were very numerous, and were frequent, visitors at the pioneer home. Sometimes nearly a score of them would call in a day, and Mr. Beach was familiarly known to them as Flint, and highly considered from his skill as a deer hunter. His farm is in fine condition, 112 acres being in tillage. He was married April 28, 1831, to Betsey, daughter of Horace and Charlotte (Frazier) Ward, born at Springfield, Vt., Sept. 24, 1812. They completed a half century of happy married life, Apr. 28, 1881. Following is a record of their children-Sarah S., born March 6, 1836, now Mrs. Mark Spencer, dec .; Warren, May 24, 1841, married M. A. Put- ruff, dec. ; Martha M., April 12, 1839. now Mrs. Geo. Strong; Orrin, March 9, 1844, married Anna E. Friedewick ; Alice J., Dec. 17, 1848, now Mrs. Wallace Langs; and Seymour, March S, 1853, mar- ried Rosa B. Culver.
Samuel Beach, farmer, was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 13, 1833. His parents, Samuel and Harriet (Treadwell) Beach, were also natives of Yorkshire. In 1842 they settled near Syracuse, N. Y., and in 1843 came to Calhoun Co. In 1845 they moved on sec. 11, Ada, where Mr. Beach, sr .. entered SO acres of land. He died July 3, 1848, and his wife Feb. 10, 1870. Mr. Beach was bred a farmer, and in 1857 located on the farm he now occupies, 120
acres on sec. 16. He proved his single-heartedness toward the land of his adoption by enrolling himself to maintain her flag over an integral Union. He enlisted Aug. 29, 1864, in Co. B, 3d Reg. M. V. I., Capt. Moore, in the brigade of Gen. Thomas. He was in the fights at Decatur and Murfreesboro and received his dis- charge May 19, 1865, He was married Nov. 11, 1857, to Emily, danghter of John and Ann Findlay, of Scotland, born May 30,
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1836. They have five children-Gertrude M., born Aug. 8, 1860, (Mrs. Wm. Collar); Theodore E., July 27, 1863, married M. J. . Schenck; Chas. E., Jan. 14, 1867; Mina E., July 18, 1870, and Roscoe, April 16, 1877. Mrs. Beach is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Beach is a Republican.
Thomas Boylon was born in the county of Lowth, Ireland, April 15, 1827. He came to America with his parents, Cornelius and Mary McCabe Boylon in 1834. They settled in Seneca Co., N. Y., moving in the fall of 1840 to Livingston Co., Mich. Mr. Boy- lon wås bred on a farm and has spent most of his life as an agricult- urist; has operated a thresher for 30 years. In 1856 his father settled in Vergennes and he passed five years there, locating on 160 acres on sec. 7, this tp., in 1861. This farm includes the old Indian reservation. Mr. Boylon was married Feb. 5, 1860, to Susan A. Murray, born in Troy, N. Y., Feb. 24, 1841. They have had 11 children, of whom five are living-Mary, James, Michael F., Lillie and Anna. During the diphtheria ravages of 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Boylon lost four children within six weeks- Thomas F., Catherine, Cornelius and Susan. The family are con- nected with St. Andrew's Catholic Church of Grand Rapids. Mr. Boylon belongs to the National party and has been Justice of the Peace six years.
W. P. Carl, farmer, sec. 29, was born in Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 12, 1819. He is the son of David F. and Sybil Carl, of New York. His father served in the war of 1812 and his mater- nal grandsire was a soldier at Bunker Hill. He early learned the blacksmith's trade of his father and traveled, working at his trade until 1848, when he entered 40 acres on sec. 29, in this tp. He pursued his trade the next three winters in different places in this State and returned to his farm, where he built a shop and fol- lowed his business until 1878. He was married April 15, 1850, to Calphurnia N., daughter of Moses and Jemima Parker, born at Clear Creek, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Ang. 27, 1825. Three of their children are living-Wilson J .. Lucy E. and L. L. Perry is deceased. Mrs. Carl died March 24. 1875. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is a Republican. He served as Deputy Sheriff of Kent county in 1879. Mr. Carl retains his old home- stead.
L. B. Chapel was born in Oakland county, and is son of Gurden and Rachel Chapel, the former born in the State of New York, the latter a native of Ontario. They settled on a farm five miles north - west of Ada in 1844, and with all the experiences of the pioneer, Mr. Chapel grew to manhood. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Buena Vista for a term of years, and since abandoning it he has been occupied with farming. He was married in 1850 to Helen M. Dennison, born in New York of English parentage. They have five children, as follows: Augusta A., Addie O., William A .. Elmer E. and Royal A. Mr. Chapel was a soldier of the late civil war; he enlisted in 1864 and was honorably discharged in 1866. His
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
regiment was one of the last four from Michigan that were dis- charged. He belongs to the National party in politics, and owns a farm of 100 acres on sec. 27. Mrs. Chapel is connected with the M. E. Church.
Amos G. Chase, M. D., was born in Italy, Yates Co., New York, May 29, 1820, and is a son of Rev. Amnos and. Mary (Shepherd) Chase. Dr. Chase acquired his early education in the common schools, and in 1842 came to Lenawee county, with his father return- ing to New York in 1843. In June of the same year they came to this county, where the senior Chase entered sec. 10 of Ada entire and also 30 acres on sec. 11, also 80 acres on sec. 36, Cannon tp. The father returned to New York and after some months came to this county and subsequently to Kent. Dr. Chase began the study of medicine with Dr. G. W. Walker, of Ada. He was under his instructions 14 months, when Dr. Walker died and Dr. Chase suc- ceeded to his field of practice. In 1872 he attended the Detroit Homeopathic Medical College and graduated in the spring of 1873, resuming his practice in Ada, where he is the only physician. In July, 1876, he opened drug store in conjunction with his son, F. C. Chase; he has a full stock of drugs, and the annual transactions average about $5,000. Dr. Chase was married Nov. 6, 1845, to Betsey, daughter of Calvin and Lydia A. Kelsey, born in June, 1828, in Wales, N. Y. They have three children, Harriet S. (wife of John M. Butler), Fred C. and Clayton V. Dr. Chase is a mnem- ber of the Masonic order and is a Republican. He performed the duties of Justice of the Peace one term and of Township Treasurer one term.
John L. Clements, pioneer of Kent county, was born in Seneca, Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1811. He is a son of Samuel and Catherine Clements, the former a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and the latter of Essex Co., N. J. They were among the first set- tlers of Lima, Washtenaw Co., where they settled in 1825. He followed the Lakes as sailor boy three seasons, and in 1837 returned to "fair Washtenaw " and kept hotel at Mill Creek one year. From that time he worked a part of his father's farm until 1846, when he entered into a partnership in a grist-mill in Grand Rapids, known as Clements and Sweet's mill. His relation continued until 1854. when Mr. C. navigated Grand river with the steamer "Por- ter." In April, 1855, he purchased 400 acres of land on secs. 33, 34 and 35. During the next two years he constructed the dam and built the " Ada Mills." The expense was $7,000. He ran the mill two years and sold out, since which time he has been occupied in farming. In the spring of 1857 he platted South Ada. He was married in December, 1838, to Zipporah R., daughterof Wm. G. and Polly Beach, born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. They have one child, Edward B., born July 24. 1844. He was educated at the Pontiac High School and is also a graduate from the Law Department of the State University at Ann Arbor. He took his degree in 1871. Mr. Clements has held various offices of public trust, among them
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that of Justice of the Peace 12 years. He served one term as Su- pervisor in Washtenaw county. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns a valuable farm of 260 acres.
Cornelius Courtwright, a leading citizen of Ada, was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1821, and is a son of Moses and Esther Courtwright. His grandsire, Gideon Courtwright, was a hero of the Revolution. Mr. Courtwright, of this sketch, was bred on a farm and obtained his education in the common schools. In 1844 he entered 120 acres of Government land on secs. 10 and 15, Grattan tp., and found home and employ among the farmers of Plain- field until 1847, when he went to Muskegon, where he pursued lum- bering three years and returned to this county and purchased 80 acres on sec. 16, Ada. He was married April 17, 1851, to Sarah Nay- smith, born in York, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 26, 1827. They have one child, Edgar J., born Jan. 22, 1858. He was reared on his father's farm and married Feb. 4, 1878, Libbie Mason, born in Troy, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1854. Mr. Courtwright is widely esteemed for his benevolent character and honorable record.
George Crow, son of Elias and Philatha Crow, was born in Newfield, Niagara Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1832. His parents be- longed to the pioneer element of Ada and assisted in all its im- provements, such as making roads, building school-houses etc., and his father was one of the organizers of the township. His father was born in New York in 1799, and his mother in 1800. They were married in 1820 and came to Detroit in 1830. They went to Jackson county in 1831 and three years later took up a claim in Ionia county; a short time after, they came to Ada and Mr. Crow entered 137 acres. He died in 1841, and his wife Feb. 8, 1875. George Crow was married July 5, 1856, to Emily A., daughter of James and Isabella Grant, born Aug. 27, 1836, in Argyleshire, Scotland; she died May 25, 1874, leaving one son and one daughter --- Harriet J. and Wm. E. Mr. Crow was married Jan. 14, 1875, to Isabella Grant, sister of his first wife, born in Scotland in 1842. She died Jan. 21, 1881, and left two little children-Claud G., born Feb. 26, 1876, and Maud E., June 9, 1877. Mr. Crow enlisted in the war for the Union Aug. 31, 1864, in the Thirteenth Mich. Independent Battery, and received his honorable discharge in July, 1865. He resumed farming, and in 1875 located 80 acres on sec. 27. He also owns 40 acres on sec. 22. He is a Republican in politics and a Congregationalist in religious faith. He is now serving the second term as Town Treasurer.
Mahlon Dennis. farmer, was born in Walpole, Prov. of Ont., March 8, 1829. He is son of Adam and Leah Dennis ; the for- mer was born in September, 1792, and the latter, Feb. 21, 1795. The father was a teamster for the British in the war of 1812. In 1840 he brought his family to this tp., where he had previously pre-empted 80 acres on sec. 24. In 1851 he purchased his home- stead on sec. 32, and took possession of it. He died there .Nov.
17, 1868, and his wife also, Feb. 21, 1872. Mr. Dennis of this sketch is fifth son and sixth child of a family of nine children, of
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
whom six are living. He was married Aug. 31, 1857, to Mary, daughter of John and Margaret Camp, born in Elgin Co., Prov. of Ont., April 5, 1838. They have one child left of three-Ettie E., born May 25, 1862. She is a young lady of fine attainments. Mrs. Dennis died March S, 1866, and July 3 of the same year Mr. Dennis was married to Mary A., daughter of Isaac and Re- becca Camp, born May 16, 1838, in Elgin Co., Ont. They have three children-Amelia R., born April 10, 1867; Asa M., Sept. 11, 1870, and Arby J., July 9, 1876. Mr. Dennis, wife and daughter Ettie are members of the Baptist Church. He is in possession of the family homestead ; is a Democrat in political faith and one of the most respected and esteemed citizens of Ada. The farm was in its primal state when it came into Mr. Dennis' hands, and he has cleared and improved it until it ranks with the major portion of the county in beauty and fertility.
Luther Densmore, carpenter and joiner, Ada, was born in Pot- ter, Yates Co., N. Y., July 9, 1833. His parents, John and Eliza- beth Densmore, were also natives of New York. Mr. Densmore's grandfather, David Densmore, was a Revolutionary patriot.
At the age of 21 Mr. Densmore served an apprenticeship of five years at his trade. He served one year in New York State, and then in 1855 came to Ada and served four years with Henry Hoyt and John Schenck. Since that date he has followed his trade, and for the last four years he has been foreman in the Bridge Depart- ment of the D., G.H. &M. R. R. October, 1864, he enlisted in Co. B, of the New 3d Mich. Inf., under Capt. Moore. He participated in the skirmishes of Murfreesboro and Decatur, and at the close of the war moved off to Texas and was mustered out at Victoria, Texas, and discharged at Detroit, June, 1866. He enlisted as Cor- poral and was promoted to Orderly Sergeant the autumn of 1865. Mr. Densmore was married Oct. 18, 1858, to Miss Gertrude Holt, daughter of Henry and Mary Holt, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., born Mar. 27, 1835. They have three children-Georgia H., born May 24, 1860, wife of William H. Smith ; Jessie E., born July 19, 1862, and May L., born May 7, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. D. is a Republican.
Michael Farrell, a prominent Irish farmer of Ada, was born in Waste-math, Ireland, July 24, 1811. In May, 1835, he emigrated to America and remained in New York till 1837, when he came to Detroit and was engaged as State foreman and contractor on the M. C. R. R. till 1844, when he came to Kent county and entered 960 acres in Ada, Grattan and Cannon tps. Since that time Mr. Farrell has followed agricultural pursuits. He was mar- ried Feb. 15, 1836, to Miss Mary McCormick, daughter of Wm. and Catharine McCormick. Mrs. Farrell was born in County Waste-math, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1817. This union was given 11 chil- dren, viz .:- Hannah, William, Garrett, Catharine, Michael, Margaret, Charles (deceased), Mary A .. Eliza J., Julia and Ellen.
Mrs. Farrell died Mar. 9, 1878 ; Mr. F. and family are members
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of the Catholic Church. Mr. F. is a Democrat in politics. He
owns a valuable farm of 720 acres.
James Grant, pioneer, was born in Murrayshire, Scotland, in September, 1813. His parents, Lewis and Jane Grant, were natives of Scotland, descendants of French ancestors who migrated to Scot- land about 600 years ago and founded the distinguished 'Grant " clan of the Highlands of "Albin." He was married in May, 1835, to Isabella Spence. Of nine children born to them six are living-William (see sketch), John, Geo., Albert, Robert and Jane. Mr. Grant came to America in 1850 and the same year to Kent county, purchasing 40 acres on sec. 5, Ada tp. Mrs. Grant died Feb. 21, 1861, since which time Mr. Grant resides with his children. He is a Republican and belongs to the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
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