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 60

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 60

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).

SUPERVISORS.

Gideon H. Gordon 1836

J. M. Pelton 1859

George W. Scranton, to fill vacancy 1837

J. M. Pelton 1860

Julius C. Abel. 1838

S. S. Towner. .1861

Robt. Howlet. 1839

J. M. Pelton. .1862

Robt. Howlet.

1840

James M. Pelton 1863

Robt. Howlet.

1841

Loyal Palmer 1864

W. R. Godwin

1842

Loyal Palmer 1865

W. R. Godwin.

1843

Loyal Pa mer

1866

Eli P. Crossett.

1844

Chas. H. Tobey

1867

W. R. Godwin

1845

Wm. P. Whitney

1868

W. R. Godwin

1846

Wm. P. Whitney

.1869

W. R. Godwin.

1847

Wm. P. Whitney

1870

Elijah McKenney

1848

Elijah McKenney

1849

Wm. P. Whitney

1872

Jerry Boynton

1850

Wm. P. Whitney

1873

James M. Pelton

.1851

James M. Pelton

.1852

Samuel Tobey. 1875

1876

James M. Pelton

.1854

Samuel Tobev 1877

Amos B. Smith 1855

William P. Whitney. 1878

James M. Pelton

1856

Samuel Tobey

1879

J. M. Pelton. .. 1857

Samuel Tobey. 1880

J. M. Pelton ..

1858

Samuel Tobey 1881

CLERKS.

Isaac A. Allyn. 1836

Zenus Smith 1859

Isaac A. Allyn.

1837

Wm. Boynto: 1860

Hiram Janison. .

1838

Zenus Smith 1861

Chas. Edgerly .. 1839

Zenus Smith. 1862

Israel E. Carleton 1840

Zenus Smithı 1863

Israel E. Carleton

1841

Zenus Smith

1864

Nathaniel Emery

1842

Zenus Smith.

1865

Nathaniel Emery

1843

Zenus Smith.

1866

James Scott. . .1844

Silas L. Hamilton.

1867

James Scott. 1845

Silas L. Hamilton .

1868

J. Brockett.

1846

Silas L. Hamilton.

1869

James P. Scott

1847

Silas L. Hamilton

1870

Isaac A. Allyn.

1848

M. W. Adams

1871

Isaac A. Allyn

1849

M. W. Adams.

1872

Wm. C. Hoyt.

1850

M. W. Adams 1873

Wm. Davison.

1851

Wm. B. Crabtree

1874

Win. Davison.

.1852

Jolın Olds 1875

Hiram Harper. 1853

Milton Jaques

1876

Hiram Harper

1854

Byron McNeal 1877

Hiram Harper 1855

Milton J. Jaques 1878

Zenus Smith 1856

Milton J. Jaques 1879

Zenus Smith

1857

Michael J. O'Meara 1880

Zenus Smith

1858

Michael J. O'Meara

1881

Wmn. P. Whitney

1871

Wm. P. Whitney 1874

James M. Pelton 1853

Samuel Tobey.

806

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

TREASURERS.

Roswell Britton. 1837

Samuel A. McKenney 1859

John E. Davis.

1838

Samuel A. McKenney . . 1860

John E. Davis. 1839

Samuel A. McKenney 1861

Hiram Osgood, died, vacancy filled

Samuel A. McKenney . 1862

Samuel A. McKenney. 1863

Miron Roys 1841

Miron Roys.

1842

Samuel A. McKenney

1865

Roswell Britton

1843

Geo. Vannest. 1866

Roswell Britton.

1844

Samuel A. McKenney. 1867

Roswell Britton.

1845

Samuel A. McKenney.

1868

Roswell Britton

1846

Samuel A. McKenney

1869

Chase Edgerly

1847

Samuel A. McKenney

1870

Eli P. Crossett.

1848

Samuel A. McKenney 1871

George Sarviss

1849

Samuel A. McKenney 1872

Wm. Boynton

1850

Samuel A. McKennev 1873

Wm. Boynton

1851

Samuel A. McKenney 1874

Wm. Boynton

1852

Owen Narragang. 1875

H. A. Vannest.

1853

John Homrich 1876

H. A. Vannest.

1854

Jonn Homrich 1877

Wm. Boynton. 1855

John Homrich 1878

Jerry Boynton

1856

Ransom F. Stevens. 1879

Jerry Boynton. 1857

Riggs Whitcomb 1880

Jerry Boynton.

1858

Judson McKenney 1881

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Ephraim P.Walker, Eli Yeomans

Justin Brooks. . 1836-38

Peter S. Foote. 1859

Jacob Rodgers, Nathan Boynton1839

J. M. Pelton 1860

Jacob Rodgers, J. C. Abel .. . . 1840

Edwin Ide. 1861

J. C. Abel, Jacob Rodgers, J. McArthur .. 1841-43

Silas L. Hamilton 1863

J. M. Pelton. 1864

Jacob Rodgers, Timothy Wright Roswell Britton 1845-46

Geo. W. Ewing. 1866

Josiah R. Holden. 1847

Geo. W. Ewing. 1868

Silas S. Cook, George Sarviss, Isaac Winegar

1848

James M. Brown 1870

Isaac Winegar 1849

Loyal Palmer 1871

Wm C. Hoyt, Henry Vannest; Elijah McKenney. 1850

John Hamrich 1873

Reuben Church, Alexander Ew-

Edwin Ide .. 1874

ing 1851

Wm. P. Whitney 1875

Alexander Ewing 1852

Geo. W. Ewing

1876

Eli Young 1853

Isaac Winegar 1877

Z. Smith . 1854

Loyal Palmer. 1878

J. M. Pelton 1855

Stephen A. Cross 1879

S. L. Hamilton 1856

Lucius L. Hickox 1880

S. L. Hamilton

1857

Isaac Winegar

1881

EARLY LAND BUYERS AND SETTLERS.

Among the first land-purchasers of Byron the following names may be placed on record: William M. Ferry, sec. 1, Aug. 7, 1835; Joseph H. Pierce, sec. 2, May 4, 1836; Chauncey Pratt, sec. 4, April 21, 1836; Edward P. Camp, sec. 6, Dec. 7, 1835; Nanc Harmon, sec. 8, Nov. 7, 1836; Alexander Walsh, sec. 10, April 5 1837; Leicethe Buckley, sec. 12, April 19, 1836; Charles H. Oakes

Zenus Smith 1858

Zenus Smith 1862

Timothy Wright, Erastus Yeo- mans . .1844

Wm. P. Whitney 1865

Isaac Winegar. 1867

Wm. P. Whitney 1869

Geo. W. Ewing 1872

by Miron Roys 1840

Samuel A. McKenney 1864

607

BYRON TOWNSHIP.

sec. 14, Dec. 7, 1836; Charles Spalding, sec. 18, Nov. 2, 1835; Hezekiah C. A. Harrison, sec. 25, July 13, 1836; Zenas L. Gris- wold, sec. 31, Nov. 7, 1836; G. Stoddard, sec. 32, July 11, 1836.

Nathan Boynton located a farm in Byron township in the year 1835, but being taken sick, his brothers, Jeremiah and William Boyu- ton, began his improvements for him, and they became citizens of the township in the year 1836, settling in the northwestern part. They were followed in 1837 by John Harmon, Harmon Kellogg, and James B. Jewell, and perhaps a few others, and soon after by Mr. Ella Judson, Larkin Ball, Peter Golden, Eli Crossman, Ama- lek Taylor, Alden Coburn and Benjamin Robinson. William Olmstead came to the town in 1840, and soon after Samuel Hub- bel, Joseph Gallup, Henry A. Vannest, Oliver Harris, Ezekiel Cook, E. R. Ide and James K. McKenney.

SUMMARY.

In the summer of 1836 Byron was an unbroken wilderness. The ruthless arm of the white man, armed with that terribly de- structive weapon, the ax, had never been lifted midst the beauti- ful forests that crowned the sloping hills and shaded the broad green vales. The trackless forests stood in the beauty in which the God of Nature created it. But the day for the pioneer's ax had come, and very soon it was heard in its depths.

During the summer of this year Nathan Boynton located a farm on section 5, and selected a place to build a house, on a little hill near the forks of Rush creek. Mr. Boynton returned to Grandville, where he was taken sick, but, in August or September, sent his brothers, William and Jerry, to build a house for him. The only guide they had was the section line. This they followed until they came to the line between the present townships of Byron and Wyoming, where they, not knowing that there was a variation in the section lines of the different ranges of townships, lost the line, and were a considerable time finding the place Nathan had selected for his residence. After finding it they proceeded to erect a house. It was built of small logs, such as they could carry and put up. The roof was of small basswood, split in two parts, and gutters cut with an ax on the flat side. One tier of these was laid with the flat side up and the other with the flat side down, so that the outside edge of the upper tier fitted into the gutter of the lower. The floor and door of the house were made of plank, or, as woodsmen usually call them, "puncheons," split from basswood trees. The fire-place was built of clay, which Mr. Boynton mixed by treading with his bare feet, and was built up with small twigs. The chimney was built of split sticks, laid up in the same kind of mortar. This fire-place and chimney were used for several years and did good service. Such was the first house erected in the township of Byron.

Jerry and William Boynton soon after located farms on sections 8 and 9 respectively, and commenced improving them, which, by

608

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

their skill and energy, they have rendered very productive. In 1837 John Harmon located on section 9, and during the same year H. Kellogg located on section 3, and James B. Jewell on section 9. Ella Judson followed in 1838. The latter gentleman says that when he built his log house, he had to go a distance of four miles to get men to help "raise," and could get only eight men at that.

The settlers that followed were Larkin Ball, Peter Goldin, Eli Crossett, Amalek Taylor, 'Alden Coburn, Benj. Robinson, Will- iam Olmstead, Samuel Hubbel, and Henry A. Vannest. When Mr. Hubbel's house was " raised," the job could not be completed in one day, and it was so far for the hands to go home, that they stayed and camped out one night, and finished " raising " the next day. All the hard-working men had for supper and breakfast was roast potatoes.

Among the early settlers who came to this township in 1843-'44 were Mr. Fox, Ezekiel Cook, Mr. Tuft, E. R. Ide and James K. McKenney.

During the first year the settlement of Byron progressed very slowly. It required a brave heart and a strong arm to encounter the dangers and hardships consequent upon opening up a new and heavily timbered country. But gradually the forests yielded to the pioneer's ax, and beautiful fields and thrifty orchards, com- fortable dwellings and well-filled barns, have taken its place. Byron has already become one of the foremost agricultural townships in Kent county.

BYRON CENTER

was platted Aug. 6, 1872, for Augustine Godwin, by Surveyor Samuel S. Towner. The first addition was made for Laura L. Bel- den and Russell Nugent, April 25, 1874, the surveying being done by A. Godwin. Since that period the progress of the hamlet has re- sulted in a present population of only 120, being about one-sixteenth of the number of people reported in the township in 1880. The village is made up of a Methodist church, public school, a steam flouring-mill, and a lumber factory. These industries are operated by H. S. Towner and S. S. Towner. The principal stores are those of Brown & Jacques, Byron McNeal, N. Murdock, O. Narregang. There are three physicians-John Campbell, N. Chamberlain, and H. W. Strong; the hotel is operated by C. J. Carroll; the village blacksmith is N. F. Narregang, and the Postmaster, Chester Phil- lips.

ROSS STATION,

in Byron township, is located on the southern line of section 26, on the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, 11 miles due south of Grand Rapids City. The population of the hamlet is 75. The postmas- ter is A. Pelton; the hotel is conducted by N. W. Page; the stores are kept by A. Pelton and James S. Toland. The last named is

609

BYRON TOWNSHIP.

assistant postmaster and station agent. The village was platted for Daniel Ross Jan. 20, 1871, by .Wm. Thornton.

SCHOOLS.

The schools of the township are well managed. The inhabitants have from the earliest times taken a deep interest in the education of youth. The following table shows the condition of the schools. during the year 1881 :

No. of Dis- trict.

No. of Children.

Des. of Buildings.

[Val.School Prop.

No. of Teachers.

Amt. Pd. Total Ex- Teachers. penses.

frame

$ 100

$188

$443

frame

1,500

212

243

frame

200

170

353

4. .

frame

400

134

226

5 fr

brick

1,200

219

735

6 fr

frame

600

240

365

120

frame

1,000

209

425

brick

2,000

260

506

8 ..

570

eight

$7,000

$1,632

$3,296

BIOGRAPHICAL.

How the early settlers succeeded in their battle with the wilder- ness is related in the following personal sketches:

James L. Aldrich was born in Charleston, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., June 24, 1856. He is the eldest son of Louis J. and Sarah A. (Pierce) Aldrich, of English lineage. At the age of 16 he engaged in a flouring mill, where he served an apprenticeship of four or five years, since which time he has operated as a practical miller. In 1880 he entered his present position in the mills of S. S. Towner, at Byron Center. He was married May 16, 1876, at Otsego, Allegan Co., Mich., to Georgia M.Horn. She was born in Otsego, March 24, 1859, and is the daughter of Miles and Elizabeth (Roberts) Horn. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have two children -Edna, born in Otsego, Dec. 20, 1877, and Elton, born in Martin, Allegan Co., April 17, 1879.

Jerry and William Boynton, sons of Caleb and Asenath (Hill) Boynton, were uncles of James A. Garfield, late President of the United States. Jerry was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1814. William Boynton was born at the same place Jan. 22, 1818. The parents went to Stowe, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and re- mained until the sons purchased land in Byron tp., in August, 1835. William bought 40 acres on sec. 8 and Jerry bought 40 acres on sec. 9. They added to their acreage as fast as was practicable until at the time of his death, Nov. 24, 1871, Jerry owned 320 acres of land. On his arrival in the tp. he had just $50, sufficient to bny 40 acres of land, which he at once began to reclaim from its original condition, and worked by the day as opportunity offered.

610

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

They were the first white settlers in the tp. Jerry was mar- ried Feb. 28, 1841, to Harriet, daughter of Jesse and Betsey (Elliot) Wilson, born in Bennington, Genesee Co., N.Y., Feb. 4, 1818. They had two children-Ellen L., born Nov. 2, 1852, and Harriet E., born Aug. 14, 1856. Mr. Boynton's extended landed possessions were divided equally between his two daughters. Mrs. Boynton resides on the homestead with her son-in-law, Edgar M. Pratt. Mr. Boyn- ton held the respective town and school offices during his life; him- self and wife belonged to the M. E. Church. Mrs. Boynton taught the first school in the tp. in 1840. The building was constructed temporarily of boards for the purpose; was located in the N. W. quarter of sec. 5, and she had 14 pupils. Mr. Boynton was a man of ready perceptions, wise and cautious judgment, self-respecting and conscientious. Asa citizen he was highly esteemed; he was eminently public-spirited, and no man was more warmly interested in the welfare of his fellows. He entered heartily into every proj- ect that seemed advantageous, and gave his voice and means to the furtherance of educational and religious measures. In many parts of the tp. are the traces of his labors and energy. As a com- panion he was prized for his remarkable social powers and genial, equable temperament; as a friend in troublous times he fulfilled Christ's law and bore his neighbor's burdens; none sought his aid or advice in vain. He was universally missed and lamented in his death. The portrait of Mr. Boynton, which is presented on another page, was copied from a photograph taken at the age of 55.

William Boynton, one of the first settlers in this tp., was born in N.Y., Jan. 22, 1818. At 18 years of age he came to Detroit and walked thence to the home of his brother Nathan, who came here two years previously. He arrived worn out with fatigue, with one shilling in his possession. He took up 40 acres of land on sec. 8 to which he added, and at the time of his death owned 220 acres on secs. 4, 5, 8 and 16. As a pioneer he met courageously all the exigencies common to that condition. He wasat one time obliged to go eight miles to cradle grain and split rails at 25 cents or one pound of pork per hundred. Could split 600 per diem. Once when re- turning homeward with some pork, he was followed by wolves. Arrived within a mile of home, he was completely exhausted and he threw the meat to his pursuers. His wife heard the cries of the animals, and, coming to his aid, succeeded in getting him home. He had a single-handed encounter with three bears, in which he was victorions. He was married Jan. 7, 1840, to Orpha, daughter of James B. Jewell, of Byron, born Jan. 15, 1825, and died April 10, 1863. Of nine children four are living, born as follows: Sarah J., Jan. 20, 1844, Orpha A., May 14, 1850; William F., March 3, 1853; and Amos S., May 19, 1855. Mr. B. was married the second time at Solon, Cuyahoga Co., O., June 22, 1868, to Lucretia A. Little (widow of Amasa Little), daughter of James M. and Susan (Weeks) Jewett, born in Westhampton, Hampshire Co., N. H., June 24, 1820. He was a member of the M. E. Church. Twenty acres of land

611

BYRON TOWNSHI

}

were inherited by the eldest daughter, Sarah; 160 was divided be- tween the two sons, who settled with the younger sister for her por- tion, and 40 acres were sold. Mr. Boynton's sons make a specialty of Norman-Percheron horses.

William F. Boynton, second son, was married in Solon, Cuya- hoga Co., O., to Nellie M. Little, daughter of Amasa and L. A. (Jewett) Little, born in Solon, O., Oct. 14, 1857. They have two children-Frank L., born Nov. 21, 1876, and Harry L., born Nov. 22, 1880. Mr. B. is a member of the Grange. His wife is a men- ber of the Disciples Church.

Chester J. Carrel was born in Mentor, O., March 6, 1848. His father was of Irish descent and a native of Mentor, born May 26, 1822. His mother was born in Royalton, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1825, of Irish parentage. At 17 years of age Mr. Carrel left his father's farm and engaged in a hotel in Quincy, Mich., where he remained eight years. Two subsequent years he pursued farming and then entered the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co., as warehouse- man in Dorr, Allegan Co., Mich., where he served 18 months. In October, 1874, he came to Byron Center and acted in the capacity of station agent and telegraph operator for six years. In 1876 he purchased a residence on the main business street, which he ex- changed in September, 1880, for a hotel on the same street, near the R. R. The building is two-stories high, has a saloon and feed barn in connection, and can accommodate 16 guests. Mr. Carrel is the local commission agent for the house of J. L. Sebring & Co., Kalamazoo, a firm that, last year, handled 150,000 bushels of wheat .. Mr. Carrel is the second of seven sons who reached ma- turity and became heads of families. All survive except the sixth, who died of lung fever April 19, 1881. Mr. Carrel was married Feb. 4, 1868, to Mary Etta, daughter of Cornelius and Lucinda (Haynes) Shear, of Quincy, Mich., where she was born Feb. 4, 1851. Her parents were of German and English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Carrel have three children, born as follows: Della E., Nov. 21, 1869, at Quincy ; Lulu E., Apr. 6, 1874, at Dorr, Allegan Co., and Leon S., June 2, 1876, at Byron Center.

Norman Chamberlain, M. D., fifth son of John and Sally (Thomas) Chamberlain, was born at Perrington, near Rochester, N. Y., May 11, 1821, of Welsh and English ancestry. He remained on a farm until 10 years of age. Ten years after his birth his father removed to Loraine Co., Ohio, remaining until 1851, when he came to Kent connty, and two years later went to Jamestown, Ottawa Co., where he resided 25 years. In the spring of 1879 he went to Grand Rapids, remaining a year, moving thence to this tp., where he purchased a residence valued at about $1,200. He en- tered upon the study of medicine in 1850 with his brother at Rochester, Loraine Co., O., and has had a successful practice of over 20 years. He was married at New London, Huron Co., O., June 24, 1840, to Relief, daughter of Samuel and Annie (Perkins) Stillwell. She was born at Bennington, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug,

612

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

30, 1821, and belongs to an old American family of English ex- traction. Three sons and four daugliters honor and grace the household of Dr. Chamberlain; Newton L., Surbetus S., Judson, Alice D., Eva, Eurana and Ella. Another son, George A., enlisted at Grand Rapids in Co. D, Sth Mich. Inf., under Capt. Church; saw service in several actions in the Army of the Potomac, and was wounded May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. He was taken to the field hospital at Fredericksburg, and after twice suffering amputa- tion of the leg, died from hemorrhage. Newton L., the eldest son, was at the battle of Shiloh. The night after was dark and cold and, finding the camp rather cheerless, he took an ax to prepare some kindling wood, and cut two fingers from his left hand. Sur- betus lost his right arm at the battle of the Wilderness. The youngest son ran away from home before he was 16 years old, and enlisted at Cleveland O., as bugler of the 21st Reg. Ohio Cav. He was wounded in Tennessee, a bullet passing through his shoulder and taking off the top of the scapula. Dr. Chamberlain is one of the earliest pioneers of Jamestown, and interested him- self actively in its development and improvement, officiating as Treasurer and Justice of the Peace a number of years. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Advent Church. In politics the Doctor was first a Whig, then Republican, and for the last four years has acted with the Greenback party.

John Considine was the eldest son of Dennis and Nora (Gil- ligan) Considine, and was born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. He was brought to the United States when four years old by his parents, who lived in Rochester, N. Y., four years, and then went to Wyoming county and spent the remainder of their lives. In 1849 Mr. C. went to Grand Rapids and engaged in the lumber trade seven years, when he purchased 80 acres of land, sec. 16, Byron tp. He gave 33 acres to his son when he attained his ma- jority. He was married in Bowne, Trent Co., Dec. 25, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of Duncan and Mary (McPherson) Mc- Diarmid, who is of Scotch ancestry, and was born at Wheatland, Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1829. Of nine children four are liv- ing, born as follows: Effie, Aug. 23, 1852; John D., Sept 3, 1854; Mary E., Aug. 16, 1863, and James W., April 25, 1869.

Alonson H. Crocker, eldest son of Noah L. and Betsey (Sadler) Crocker, was born in Cuyahoga Co., O., Nov. 22, 1846, of German and English ancestry. When he was eight years old his father pur- chased 80 acres of land (sec. 11) in Byron. At the age of 23 Mr. Crocker became the possessor of 40 acres of land (sec. 14), to which he has added 100, 60 of which is under cultivation, chiefly devoted to wheat-growing. He was married in Byron Jan. 20, 1870, to Frances, daughter of Aaron and Betsey E. (Jaquay) Willard, born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 24, 1848. A son, Fred. Avery, was born March 4, 1877. Mr. Crocker has two steam threshing-ma- chines and a portable saw-mill, which he has in operation at the proper seasons.

613

BYRON TOWNSHIP.

Noah L. Crocker (deceased) was born at Dover, Cuyahoga Co., O., March 30, 1819. He was the son of Noah and Betsey (Foote) Crocker. In June, 1853, he bought 80 acres of land in Byron, to which, 10 years later, he added the purchase of 40 more. He was an early settler in the tp., and died Sept. 6, 184-, leaving a numerous family. He was one of the founders of the first Meth- odist class in Byron, from which has grown the present prosperous Church at Byron Center. He belonged to the order of Good Templars. He was married at Dover, Nov. 15, 1879, to Betsey E., daughter of Wmn. and Elizabeth (Tryon) Sadler. She was born April 1, 1827. Four children were born to them in Dover and five in this tp. Eight are living. Their births occurred in the following order: Alonson, Nov. 23, 1845; Lewis, born Dec. 22, 1847, died March 22, 1849; Noah W., May 16, 1850; Sanford, . July 19, 1852; Luther M., Nov. 20, 1858; Merton V., June 27, 1862; Eunice L., Ang. 11, 1865; Lenna C., Jan. 14, 1868, and Lida M., Nov. 20, 1869.

Sanford Crocker, son of Noah L. and Betsey E. (Sadler) Crocker, was born in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., O., July 19, 1852. His parents removed to this tp., and he remained with them until 22 years of age, when he bought 40 acres of land (sec. 14), and in the spring of 1879 added by purchase 40 acres adjoining. He was married in Byron May 16, 1874, to Miranda I., daughter of Albinus and Julia (Sadler) Lilly. She was born in this tp. June 12, 1855. Their children were born in Byron as follows: Leo H., July 26, 1876, and Laurel A., Nov. 25, 1878. Mrs. Crocker is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. is a Republican

Stephen A. Cross, fourth son of Shubael and Phoebe (Wilcox) Cross, was born in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 25, 1842. His father was born May 12, 1801, of English ancestry. His mother was born in Rhode Island in 1828. Raised on a farm, he came to Michigan in the fall of 1861 and remained till the spring of 1864, teaching school. In April, 1864, he was appointed to a position in the Quartermaster's Department, in the Army of Cumberland, during the war of the Rebellion, and was stationed at Chattanooga, Tenn., where he served until disabled for service on account of con- tracting chronic diarrhea; then returned to New York and fol- lowed railroading till 1872; he then returned to Byron tp., and was married Dec. 24, 1872, to Ellen L. Boynton, daughter of Jerry and Harriet (Wilson) Boynton, born Nov. 2, 1852. They have three chil- dren, born in Byron tp .-- Arthur B., born Sept. 16, 1874, Clarence H., born April 16, 1877, and Herbert S., born Jan. 6, 1880. Mr. Cross has been Superintendent of schools one year. He is now Justice of the Peace, elected in 1879 for four years. He has 140 acres of land-120 acres on sec. 9, and 20 on sec. 4. He is a member of the Freemasons, and both himself and wife are members of the M. E Church.

Elias W. De Camp, jr., eldest son of Elias W. and Eliza (Price) De Camp, was born Dec. 19, 1833, at Farmington, Ontario

614

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Co., N. Y. At 12 years of age he left home and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1858, when he entered Hillsdale College, Mich., and graduated after four years of study. Aug. 19, 1862, he enlisted at Adrian in Co. I, 1st. Mich. Light Artillery (Capt. J. J. Daniels) and served in the Armies of the Potomac and Cumberland. He was in 23 regular actions at Gettysburg, Atlanta, etc. He served three years and was dis- charged at Detroit. In March, 1866, he purchased five and one half acres of land in Corinth, where he has established his residence. His wife, Marion, daughter of John and Jerusha (Hawes) Packard, was born at Cleveland in January, 1842. The marriage occurred Oct. 3, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. De Camp have had six children, four of whom are living-Clara T., Lelia I., Ethel M. and Levitt D. Mrs. De Camp died Feb. 29, 1880: Both were members of the 1st Congregational Church of Dorr, Allegan Co. Mr. De Camp is a Republican in politics.

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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 60

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