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 57
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575
ALPINE TOWNSHIP.
of 160 acres on sec. 17. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and both himself and wife belong to the Church of Eng- land. Mrs. Hill's parents are pioneers of this county.
Anthony Hast, farmer, sec. 30, is a native of Germany, son of John and Barbara Hast, born in 1827. When he was five years old his parents came to America, and to this county in 1838. After a residence of eight years at Grand Rapids, he settled in this tp., where he owns 120 acres of land. He was married in 1844 to Mary Brown, of Huron Co., Ohio. They have had 11 children -John, Caroline, Francis, Richard, Joseph, Josephine (deceased). Martin, Ida (deceased), Charles, Amelia and Alissa. Mr. Hast owns 120 acres of land. and belongs to the old and honored pio- neer element of Kent county.
Charles W. Jenks, farmer, on sec. 35, this tp., was born in 1826 in New York. His parents were Jonathan and Lucy (Whitney) Jenks. He is able to trace paternal ancestry to a period previous to the Revolution, being descended from one of three brothers who came to America from England. Capt. Shay of the Revolu- tion, who fought at Bunker Hill and is better known in the histor- ical annals of this country in connection with Shay's Rebellion, was an ancestor of Mr. Jenks' mother. His parents came to Oak- land county in 1837, where they died. He was married in 1849 to Olive Hilton, born in 1826 in New York. She died in January, 1861, leaving two children-Leonard W. and Kendrick H .; both reside in this county. In 1863 Mr. Jenks was married to Orrilla Hilton, born in New York, and died in 1871. He contracted a third marriage in 1872 with Julia A. Houghtaling, born in Michi- gan in 1846. They have one child-Avery. Mr. Jenks came to this county in 1848 with almost nothing but the natural traits that have given the Peninsular State its prominence,-industry, econ- omy and perseverance. He has a homestead of 140 acres and has- justly earned the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors. Him- self and wife are connected with the Baptist Church.
Luther H. Johnson, farmer and dealer in blooded stock, was born Oct. 1, 1820. His father, John Johnson, was a native of New Jersey; his mother, Harriet Johnson, was born in New York. He was the third of eight children, and settled in this county in 1846. He was married in 1850 in Seneca Co., N. Y., to Delia Caywood, born in the same county in 1824 and died in 1874. They had three children -- Mary (deceased), Ida L. and Julia (wife of Charles Sawyer). Mr. Johnson was married again in 1876, to Mrs. Anna H. Bowman, formerly Miss Anna Harron, born in New York in 1824. Mr. Johnson is dealing to a considerable extent in Durham short-horn cattle. His herd of 25 exhibits some of . the best samples of the breed to be found in the county, several of which have taken premiums above all competitors. The farm in- cludes 155 acres on sec. 33, is well stocked and improved, and its owner ranks with the solid and influential citizens of the county.
John F. Klink was born in Maryland in 1837. He is son of Gottleib A. Klink, a native of Germany, and came to this county
576
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
in 1860. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C, 3d Mich. Inf., and was in the service two years and four months. He was in the battle of Bull Run, in the seven days' fight at Richmond, and in all the Peninsular campaign. He was married in this county in 1864, to Margaret, daughter of Phillip and Elizabeth Failing. She was born April 24, 1846, and was the first white child born in Chester tp. Her parents were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Klink have six children-Mary, born in 1866; Sarah A .. in 1868; George P., in 1870; Henry F., in 1872; Catherine R., in 1874, and Chris- tina R., in 1876. Mr. K. has accumulated his property by his own unaided efforts.
Theodore F. Martindale, son of T. D. and Harriet Martindale, was born in Lake Co., O., in 1828. His parents were natives of Massachusetts. His mother is still living, aged 84. Mr. Martin- dale was married in Lake Co., O., in 1854, to C. E. Call. She was . born in Lake county in 1833. They have two children-Harriet L. and Theodore W. Mr. and Mrs. Martindale are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. M. owns a farm of 80 acres on sec. 34. P. O., Grand Rapids.
Henry Niehaus was born in Prussia. Feb. 10, 1833. He reached America Sept. 3, 1854, and came to Grand Rapids July 22, 1856, where he embarked in the manufacture of cigars, and continued in the business nine years. He alternates his farm work in the sum- mer by pursuing cigar-making in the winter. He is a Republican and served in the positions of Highway Commissioner and School Director, and was elected Justice of the Peace, but did not qualify for the duties of the office. He is one of the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids & Alpine gravel road. He was married in this county to Carrie Eckert, a native of Germany, born in 1836. They have had eight children-Francis W., Henrietta, Henry, Al- bert, Ferdinand, Gustav, Charlotta and Paulina (deceased). Mr. Niehaus owns 120 acres on sec. 23. P. O., Alpine.
D. C. Porter, contractor, was born in Hamilton, N. Y., in 1817. His parents, Curtis and Hannah Porter, were natives of Connecti- cut. Mr. Porter settled in Grand Rapids in 1846, and took posses- sion of his farm of 80 acres in 1869. He was married in 1840, in New York, to Catherine, daughter of William and Elizabeth Ar- nold, natives of Vermont. She was born in New York in 1828, and died in 1841. They had one child, Catherine (deceased). Mr. Porter was married in Erie Co., Pa., in 1868, to Nancy E. Bruner, daughter of William and Isabel (Downing) Bruner. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1843. Mr. Porter is a man of respectable, scholarly attainments, and is quite an enthusiast in the study of geology. He is a Mason.
H. B. Porter, farmer on sec. 20, this tp., was born in New York in 1820. His parents. Curtis and Hannah Porter, were natives respectively of Connecticut and Vermont. Mr. Porter was mar- ried in New York in 1842, to Melsina Smith, born in New York in 1824. They have had 10 children; nine are living -- Frances F.
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ALPINE TOWNSHIP.
(Mrs. Wm. Sheer, of Ottawa county), Altha B., Eba M. (Mrs. San- ford Rogers), Preston S., Delphine A., Bee D., Eliza B., Eva V., and Adly S. Mr. Porter settled in this tp. in 1840, and clainis rank as a pioneer. He owns a farm of 80 acres and has acquired a competency. P. O., Grand Rapids.
John Preston, farmer, was born in 1840 in Ottawa Co., Ohio. He is the son of William and Margaret (Barnhard) Preston. He settled in this county in 1863, and was married in 1365 to Cleome, daughter of Frank and Sarah Greenly, born in this county in 1836. They have one child, Mertie, born in 1871. Mr. Preston adopts the principles of the National party and is a Granger. His farm consists of 80 acres on sec. 17. P. O .. Pleasant.
W. F. Rice, farmer, was born in Canada in 1848. His father, Hugh Rice, was Irish by birth; his mother was a native of Canada. Mr. Rice came to this tp. 18 years ago and owns six acres on sec. 24. He was married in 1872, in this county, to Mary Stone, born in Kent county in 1855. They have two children-Eva May and Leslie E. P. O., Alpine.
Chancy L. Rogers was born in Vermont in 1836. He is son of John and Betsey (Corill) Rogers. His parents came to this county in 1845, where his father died in 1864 and his mother in 1870, aged 72 years. They were among the earliest pioneers. He was married in this county in 1866, to Emma J. Carrier, born in Ver- mont in 1845. They have five children - Webber C., Fred, Ira C., Clara L., and Emery. Mr. Rogers is a Republican; he occupies the homestead of his parents, consisting of 160 acres of land. sec. 28, and is enjoying a well deserved competency. P. O., Grand Rapids.
H. H. Rogers, farmer, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., July 22, 1840. Ile is a son of John and Betsey Rogers. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 5th Michigan Cavalry, and served three years. Enlisted as private, appointed Corporal, promoted to Sergeant Major, then 2d Lieut., then 1st Lieut., when he was appointed Captain of his company, doing the duties of a Captain for one year. Ile was in the several figlits at Gettysburg, battle of the Wilderness, Winchester, Cedar Creek and in several other engage- ments. He received two flesh wonnds. In 1865 he was married to Mattie H., daughter of Eleazer and Harriet Ililer, born in Oilio in 1845. They have three children-John B., Albert H. and Ilattie M. Mr. Rogers owns 120 acres of land, sec. 29, and has held the offices of Tp. Clerk six years and School Director 10 years.
Philip Ruthard is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1834. He came to America in 1546 and two years after to Grand Rapids, and settled in Alpine in 1850. He has a farm of 100 acres on sec. 23, which he has acquired by his own well-directed exertions, hav- ing nothing but habits of energetic perseverance and willing hands as capital to invest. In politics he is a National, and has held the office of Constable and been School Director eight years. He was married in 1860 to Lisette Baumhoff, born in 1844. Their chil-
578
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
dren are-Emma C., Christina, Louisa S., Augusta M. and Ro- sema L.
Samuel W. Sawyer was born in 1820 in Otsego Co., N. Y. He is son of Samuel and Cynthia Sawyer, and was married in Ostego county in 1853, to Mary E. Ball, of the same county. They have one child, Charles W. Mr. Sawyer owns a farm of 80 acres on sec. 33. He is a Republican, highly esteemed as a good neighbor and public-spirited citizen. P. O., Grand Rapids.
Isaac W. Stanley first came to Kent county in 1850, locating in Wyoming tp. In 1856 he moved upon his present farm of 85 acres N. Į of N. W. }, sec. 18, Alpine tp., which he had bought some time previously. This land was covered by forest trees, was in an entirely wild state; 55 acres of this he has brought to a high state of cultivation, all being well fenced, with two-story dwelling, frame, and wood outbuildings. Mr. S. is a Republican; was appointed Postmaster under President Johnson, and kept the same at his house up to the present time. He was born in the town of Bayham, Middlesex Co., Ontario, March 23, 1819, son of John and Mary (Baker) Stanley, natives of Connecticut. Mr. Stan- ley was reared on a farm and obtained his education at the com- mon schools. He was married at Bayham, June 4, 1838, to Chloe Tracy, daughter of Samuel and Chloe (Polley) Tracy, of Oswego, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley have a family of four children-Sarah E., now the wife of Jesse Smith, of Osceola county; Mary A., wife of Wm. Monroe, of Berlin, Ottawa Co .; Isaac W., who is married and lives at Case, Lake Co., Mich .; Rebecca, now the wife of Norman Harris, and living in Ottawa county. Mr. Stan- ley's wife died in August, 1853, and he was again married at Grand Rapids, in February, 1855, to Miss Ruth E. Root, daughter of Sam- uel and Elizabeth (Stimpson) Root. His second wife died two years afterward, and he was again married, to Lucinda Root, sis- ter of his former wife; she died in 1877, and he was married again, Aug. 16, 1878, to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, a native of Clear- field Co., Pa .. He is now living on sec. 18, Alpine tp.
Hiram Stevenson was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., July 8, 1823. He is son of Edward and Phœbe (Spafford) Stevenson. The former was a native of New York, the latter of Vermont. He was mar- ried in Jackson county in 1848, to Lois, daughter of David and Fanny (Crawford) Deming, natives of New York. Three children have been born to them-Sarah A. (Mrs. Arthur Spencer), Mary E. and Edward. Mr. Stevenson is a Republican. A few of the years of his life were spent in Canada, and his opportunities for an educa- tion were very limited. He owns 120 acres of land on sec. 10, and the history of his acquisition is much the same as the general pio- neer element-struggle, self-denial and determination to overcome obstacles. P. O., Englishville.
William H. Stevenson, farmer, son of Edward and Phebe (Spaf- ford)Stevenson, was born in Canada in 1834. He settled in Kent county in 1848, and in 1862 was married to Hattie, daughter of Mary and Minor Johnson, of New York, settlers in Kent county in
579
ALPINE TOWNSHIP.
1846. Mrs. Stevenson was born in New York in 1842. They have five children-Myrta, Luther J., Margaret L., Anna C. and Harrie L. Mr. Stevenson has a farm of 80 acres on sec. 3. In politics he is a Republican and has been Tp. Treasurer three terms, and School Director.
Charles Waterman first came to this county in 1851, and located on the southeast quarter of sec. 16, this tp., on 180 acres of land, then wholly unimproved, being a dense forest. He first built a log house, 20x26, lived in this 15 years, built his present residence in 1867; it is two-story and L frame. Surrounding the house are
three good frame barns. Of this 180 acres, he has improved 120. that is now fine land subject to the plow; he since bought 120 acres on sec. 21, which he has presented to his son Frederick E. Water- man. Mr. Waterman is a Republican and has served his tp. in va- rious local offices, among which are Tp. Clerk, all the school offices, and for 16 years consecutively held the office of Justice of the Peace, and was recently re-elected, making 20 years in all that he served the tp. in that office.
Mr. Waterman was born in the town of Guilford, County of Surrey, England, April 21, 1828. His parents' names were John and Harriett E. (Bonner) Waterman, both natives of the same county. They came to America in 1831, bringing their family of two children. The elder Waterman was a tailor by trade, in England, and fol- lowed the same business in the United States, first locating in the city of Hudson, N. Y., where he remained two years; then at Northville, Mich., one year; then at Salein, Washtenaw Co., Mich. where he bought a farm. Thenceforward he followed farming, and now resides at Northville, Mich., retired from active business, his son running the farm.
Charles Waterman was raised on his father's farm, receiving the advantages of a common-school education. He was married in Salem tp., Washtenaw Co., Oct. 30, 1851, to Miss Phoebe Herrick, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., and daughter of Daniel and Mary A. (Kingsley) Herrick, who were very early settlers in Washtenaw Co .; her father was a farmer; both now deceased. Charles Water- man and wife have a family of two children -- Frederick E., born in 1852, married to Norah S. Dole, and resides near his father's homestead; John C. Waterman, born in 1857, who graduated at West Point, June 10, 1881, receiving appointment of 2d Lient., his post being at Ft. Totten, Dakota.
Lorenzo West, farmer, was born in 1824, in Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y. His parents, Polinus and Desie West, were natives re- spectively of New York and Rhode Island. He located in this county in 1844, and in 1853 was married to Emily J. Norton, who was born in Washtenaw county in 1833. They have one child- Albert H. Mr. West is a Democrat. He owns 40 acres on sec. 25, where, in 1853, he was a limited settler.
Edward A. Wheeler, farmer, son of Edward and Abigail Wheeler, is located on the old homestead of his father, who was among
580
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
the earliest settlers in the tp. He was born May 3, 1841, in Vermont, also the native State of his parents, who removed here in 1844. He was married Jan. 1, 1868, to Jenett Beach, born in Ber- gen county in 1849, and died in 1870. He was married a second time to Tena, daughter of Benjamin and Jane Creveling, of this county. She was born in New York, in 1845. They have had three children-Harry C., Daniel and Cora E. The two eldest are both deceased. Mr. Wheeler owns 80 acres of land on sec. 22. He is a member of the Masonic order. P. O., Alpine.
William W. Wheeler, is a native of Vermont, born in 1840. He is a son of Edward and Abigail C. (Warner) Wheeler, both na- tives of Vermont. They came to Michigan in 1844. The former died in 1880, aged 84; the latter is still living, 82 years old. Mr. Wheeler, of this sketch, enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in 1861. He served three years in Co. F, 2d Mich. Cav., and was in many hardly contested engagements, among them Perryville and Chickamauga. He was married in 1865 to Carrie M. La Barge, of this county. She was born in 1843, in New York. They have one child, Tyler E., born Nov. 25, 1871. Mr. Wheeler's farm of 80 acres is located on sec. 22. He has held the position of Commis- sioner of Highways,
Joseph Wilder was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1842. His parents, Harry and Hannah M. (Warner) Wilder, natives of Ver- mont, came to this State in 1844, and settled in this tp. His father died in 1852; his mother is still living, aged 74. Mr. Wilder is a farmer, and owns 73 acres of land on sec. 34. He was married in Nodawa county, in 1864, to Polly, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Sharck) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to this tp. in 1848. The former died in 1879, aged 78 years; the latter died in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder are members of the Baptist Church. They have six children-Dora E., Claude E., Nelson E., Maude E. Florence E., and Lyman E.
John C. Wilson, son of Nathan and Letters (Cleveland) Wilson (natives of Rhode Island), was born in Washington Co., N. Y., in May, 1811. He was an only son, and remained with his parents until 30 years of age. He set out in life with no help but his willing hands and indomitable will, which good adjuncts have helped him to compass many perplexities, and to overcome many difficulties seemingly insurmountable. He owns 280 acres of land, sec. 33, worth $100 an acre; two miles north of this he owns an- other tract, 240 acres in extent, and still further north an addition- al 80 acres, aggregating 600 acres, mostly in a state of advanced improvement. He was married in Medina, O., to Julia A. Mar- quett. born in New York. She died, leaving one child, Albert E. Mr. Wilson was married in 1860 in Ohio, to Sarah A. Palmer, a native of England. They have three children-Julia A .. Estella L. and Ida L. The grandfather of Mr. Wilson's mother (Cleve- land) purchased 1,000 acres of land in New York of the British Government, and in the centennial year, with his wife and three
W. Border
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ALPINE TOWNSHIP.
children, he revisited the old estate, which was held many years by the Wilsons, but is now in the hands of the Clevelands. He is a Republican, and himself and wife belong to the Congrega- tional Church.
C. H. Wood was born in New York in 1836. His parents, Squire and Jerusha (Taylor) Wood, were also natives of New York. Mr. Wood was married in 1856 to Eliza C. Peck, a native of Erie Co., Pa., born in 1839. They have had four children-Edwin, Ida, George W. and an infant (deceased). Mr. Wood came to this county in 1878; is a farmer by occupation.
Solomon Wright is a native of New York, born in 1821. His parents, Solomon and Mary Wright, came to this county in 1837. He was married to Jane E. Cooper, a native of New York. They have four children-Helen, Florence, William and Nellie C. Mr. Wright is located on sec. 32; he is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. P. O., Grand Rapids.
Jacob Yost, farmer, is a native of Prussia, born in 1819. He left the old country in 1846 and settled at Baltimore, Md., and twenty years after came to this county. In 1845 he was married in Prussia to Helen Kinser, born in 1819. They have eight children- John, Margaret, Henry, Nicholas, William, Mary, Peter and Frank. The family are all members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Yost owns 80 acres of land, sec. 27.
34
BOWNE TOWNSHIP.
This is the southeastern township of Kent county, the center of the town being nearly 25 miles from the city of Grand Rapids. This township is immediately south of Lowell, and east of Cale- donia, while Ionia county is on the east of it, and Barry bounds it on the south. Up to April, 1849, this township formed a part of the adjoining town of Caledonia. At the period of organization the population of that division of the county did not exceed 27. In 1850 it grew to 214; in 1854, to 357; in 1860, 743; in 1870, 1,275; and in 1880, to 1,387. A reference to the statistical section of the county history will suffice to show the increase in value of personal and real estate property in this township. In 1855, 26 years ago, the aggregate valuation was set down at $112,678; 20 years after- ward it reached the sum of $362,210, and to-day the true value of the township may be set down at half of one million of dollars.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS.
Coldwater river, or little Thornapple, may be said to have its origin in this township, though Pratt creek, one of its main trib- utaries, rises in the lake of that name one and one-half miles north of the township line. From north, south and east a dozen streams and rivulets, among which are Duck and Harris creeks, flow on to add to the waters of this river, rendering the complete drainage of the township marshes practicable at little expense. Larkin's lake is the only important body of water in the district. Twelve ponds scattered throughout the northern half of the township, with nnm- erous marshes, justify the opinion that if water in this form be a recommendation, the township is singularly blessed.
Foster lake is one-fourth of a mile in length, on section 24. Campbell lake, on section 19, is about one-half a mile long, while on sections 10 and 23 are two small lakes or ponds, known as " Number Ten lake" and Putnam lake. The swamps may be said to be confined to sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and S. These may be drained, and when such an improvement is effected, the reclaimed lands will be among the richest in the county.
The eastern and northern sections possess a large area of table land, still bearing many large groves of hard-wood timber. The western and southern sections contain a large acreage of rolling land, with oak openings and some tracts of valuable hard-wood. The soil varies but little from that of Caledonia, is rich in all its constituents, and forms one of the best agricultural districts of the county.
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585
BOWNE TOWNSHIP.
.
FIRST SETTLERS.
The pioneers of Bowne were Jonathan Thomas, Frederick Thompson, William Wooley and Israel Graves, with their families. In the pages of the county history reference is made to these early settlers under the heading, " Reminiscences of the Ovidians." They left Ovid, N. Y., in 1836, traveled by boat to Toledo, and made the journey thence to Bowne in two weeks.
Among Jonathan Thomas' first neighbors were Peter McNaugh- ton, who purchased a tract of land on section 5, Sept. 28, 1836; Abel Page, on section 7, July 27, 1836; Mary Hanna, section 18, Sept. 26, 1836; Daniel F. Webster, section 23, July 25, 1836; Charles Butler, section 25, May 12, 1836; Thomas Dunlap, section 27, July 6, 1836; George W. Scott, section 30, March 29, 1836; John Berdan, section 34, May 21, 1836, and Joseph R. Williams, May 14, 1836. David Mc Vean purchased his lands on section 4, April 29, 1837; Alexander Cameron, section 10, April 29, 1837, and Roswell Tyler, on section 15, Oct. 2. Justus G. Beach and Nor- man Foster in 1838.
Thus, as an old resident states, it will be seen, that though Bowne was remote from of any of the river points of settlement, it was at an early day taken possession of. Although there was a scattering of settlers along the river before 1836, that was the year when possession was taken in earnest; and that witnessed the oc- cupation of Bowne by Thomas and his band. It was a venture further from the river than any other of that period.
"At first the settlers leaned on Thomas and the Indians. Thomas had money; they worked for him, clearing his land, and would sell turnips and potatoes to the Indians, getting money and venison. Among the Indians then resident was Pegu-a good-hearted, noble fellow, of whom all speak with respect and gratitude. Another of the early Indian favorites of the settlers was Pokanom- ino, who is now a thriving farmer at Fremont Center. The In- dians of Cascade, Caledonia and Bowne were a mixture of Ottawas and Chippewas. They did not belong to any mission, and were known as 'Robinson's Indians.' The old leader was Casua, who resided three-quarters of a mile from Whitney's tavern. He at- tempted farming. His wife was a most lady-like woman, held in the highest esteem by the whites. A number of their kindred settled around them, among whom she was 'a good mother.' The writer well recollects the first and only time he saw her. She was riding her puny, on her homeward journey from Grand Rapids. We remarked to the man in company that she was 'a respectable- looking squaw,' and received the answer, 'She is a venerable woman.' In fact, human dignity does not depend on complex- ion or race; and we are hapyy to notice that people with souls are beginning to appreciate that fact. What makes the difference? What color is a human soul? In former times, the British military uniform was scarlet. An officer met a little negro boy in the
586
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
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