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 62

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 62

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Michael J. O' Meara is the oldest son of Darby and Mary (Beland) O'Meara, and was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, in 1843. He was reared on a farm until the age of 16, when he enlisted in Co. K., British Fusileers, under Capt. Hazlerigge. At the end of two years the regiment was transferred to Quebec, Can., where he con- tinued in service two years and nine months, when he went to North Orange, Essex Co., N. J., and engaged in agriculture 18 months. He spent a short time in Chicago, going thence to Grand Rapids, where he resided two years, moving to Byron Center, where he purchased

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BYRON TOWNSHIP.

a residence on Hanover street, valued at $700. Dec. 13, 1869, he was married to Florence, daughter of Amaziah and Elizabeth (Kelly) Wedgewood, a native of Maine. Three children have been born to them-Forrest, at Grand Rapids, April 16, 1871; Agnes, April 13, 1875, and Edward, March 29, 1879, at Byron Center. Mr. O'Meara is a Democrat and a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He is now acting as Township Clerk, to which office he was chosen at the last election.

Caroline Phelon, widow of David Phelon, and daughter of Ozro and Sally (Blakeslee) McNeal, was born in Ridgeville, Warren Co., O., Sept. 22. 1839. Her father was born in Connecticut. of Irish lineage, and died Feb. 16, 1810. Her mother was a native of Connecti- cut, born March 7, 1815, and died Feb. 27, 1871. She was married in Ridgeville, Sept. 11, 1864, to Napoleon Heston, by whom she had two children, born in Ridgeville, as follows: Carrie M., May 15, 1867, and Ozro E., Aug. 20, 1865. She was married the second time Sept. 10, 1869, to David Phelon. From this marriage were born four chil- dren, viz .: Byron L., Oct. 28, 1872; Hattie'S., March 15, 1875; Allen S., April 27, 1877, and Nellie D., May 28, 1879. Mr. Phelon moved his family to Byron in March, 1876, where he owns 80 acres of land.

Edgar M. Pratt, second son of Marshall and Catherine (Laverty) Pratt, was born in Walker, Kent Co., Dec. 14, 1854. His father was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., and is living in Wyoming. His mother was born in Oakland county, and died in 1863. He came to this tp. in 1866, and Feb. 10, 1875, was married to Harriet E., daughter of Jerry and Harriet ( Wilson ) Boynton, born Aug. 4, 1856, in Byron. He is a member of Wyoming Grange, and works 115 acres, a part of the Boynton homestead on sec. 9. His father was: a pioneer in Walker, where he settled about 30 years ago.

William R. Pursel was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, 1843. His parents, William and Jane Pursel, were of German and Irish extraction. He was married in Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, 1866, to Flora J., daughter of Isaac D. and Susan (McCrossen). Hazen, born in Ontario Co., N. Y. They have one child, born June 4, 1877. The life-long pursuit of Mr. Pursel has been mill- ing. He went to Grand Rapids in 1866, where he remained three years, going thence to Gaines, where he was employed three years in the saw-mill of his father-in-law. At the end of that time, 1874, he purchased a grist and saw mill combined of J. D. Hazen, where he carries on an extensive business, manufacturing 500,000 feet of lumber annually. In the flouring mill two run of stones do a. custom business, amounting yearly to about 20,000 bushels, of wheat and other grains. The mills exhibit the latest and best improvements. In August, 1862, he 'enlisted in Living- ston county, in Co. G (Capt. Cornell), 130th N. Y. Vol., Inf., where he served in the army of the Middle Department under Gen. Peck, 11 months; then entered service in the Penin- sular campaign, under Gen. Keyes. He was afterward transferred into the 19th N. Y. Cavalry, and thence to the 1st N. Y. Dragoons.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

He was in 44 regular engagements, besides participating in num- berless skirmishes. Through all these he passed without receiving a wound. In politics Mr. P. is a Republican.

Frederick Pysher, eldest son of Anthony and Almira (Coon) Pysher, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 23, 1826, of Ger- man ancestry. In 1847, when he had attained majority, he came to this tp., and three years later bought 40 acres of land on sec. 2, and in 1863 added 40 more. He was married April 6, 1844, to Marinda, daughter of Roswell and Berthena Munger, of this tp., born in Lorain Co., O., Aug. 28, 1837. They have three children- Sarah E., born Jan. 26, 1865; Carrie T., born Sept. 26, 1867, and Fred, born June 27, 1871. Mr. Pysher is a member of the order of the United Sons of Industry. He has experienced all the hard- ships of pioneer life.

Jacob Ranch, only son of Henry and Catherine (Nicely) Ranch, was born in Rockport, Cuyahoga Co., O., Sept. 10, 1827, of Ger- man ancestry. In July, 1852, he bought 160 acres of land on sec. 6, this tp .; he now has 104 acres with 70 under cultivation. At the time of his purchase his land was covered with timber, and no roads were laid out until he was instrumental in having the proper papers executed and the road built which now runs by his place. He was married in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., to Electa, daughter of Jacob Snyder. Five of seven children are living-Nelson J., Clarissa, Ada, Eddie and Harvey. Mrs. R. died April 17, 1869, and was succeeded by Anna Jane, daughter of Robt. and Mary A. (Hunt) Howarth, born in Liverpool, Eng., Aug. 3, 1849. They have four children-Blanche, Stella, James and Henry. Mrs. Ranch had one son, Frederick, by her first husband. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1865, U. S. steamer " Dakota," Capt. Gess, and did duty until Nov. 2, 1868, when he returned to New York and was paid off. He is now in Byron.

Ransom F. Stevens, second son of Benjamin and Lavica (Foote) Stevens, was born in Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., May 20, 1820, of English and Irish ancestry. When he was 11 years of age his father purchased 80 acres of land in Avon, Lorain Co., O. Left home at 21 and worked as a farm hand until he was married in Euclid, April 8, 1846, to Finetta, daughter of Cyrus and Triphena (Beers) Ruple, born in Euclid, July 17, 1828, of German ances- try. They have three children, born in Ohio-Mary A., Feb. 22, 1847, Cyrus B., Jan. 9, 1850, and Elihn B., April 29, 1854. In August, 1846, he bought 40 acres in Brighton, Lorain Co., and after two years sold and bought 50 acres in Avon, which he sold in 1870 and bought 53 acres in this tp., with 40 under tillage. Mr. and Mrs. S. are connected with the M. E. Churchi.

Henry W. Strong, M. D., Byron Center, seventh son of Ansel and Polly (Sanborn) Strong, was born Ang. 4, 1837, at Monroe, Mich., of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father was born in Vermont, in 1804, and his mother in 1800. Dr. Strong traces his lineage direct from the earliest settlers of Massachusetts, among whom

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BYRON TOWNSHIP.

were three brothers, Strong, of Irish birth, one of whom subse- quently returned to his native country. Dr. Strong was reared on a farm until 18 years of age, when he learned the joiner's trade, ' pursuing it for three years, after which he devoted two years to photography. In the fall of 1864 he entered the office of Wm. Crispell, M. D., of Liberty, Jackson Co., where he read medicine 18 months, and afterward alternated farm labor with his studies, which he completed at Ann Arbor in 1864. He began the practice of his profession at Reading, Hillsdale Co., Mich., continuing there until June 2, 1869, when he came to this tp. and settled on sec. 27. In the spring of 1872 he built a handsome residence on Main St. The buildings on his premises cost $3,600. Dr. Strong was married July 2, 1856, at Moscow. Hillsdale Co., Mich., to Ro- celia H., daughter of Darius and Samantha (Butler) Ford. She was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1839, and died Oct. 11, 1858, at the city of Jackson, leaving a daughter, Rocelia, one day old. He married, July 2, 1862, Lucelia, daughter of Edwin and Betsey (Weston) Butler, who was born of English ancestors at Janesville, near Syracuse, N. Y., in 1843. From this union a son, Edwin B., was born at Liberty, Jackson Co., July 6, 1863. Mrs. Strong died March 14, 1867, and April 4, 1868, her husband con- tracted a third marriage with Mrs. Sarah Barnes, widow of Willard Barnes and daughter of W. D. Storrer. Dr. Strong belongs to the following organizations: Mich. Lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M .; Lodge No. 244, I. O. of O. F .; Mich. Med. Society; Western Mich. Med. Association and Grand River Valley Med. Association, of which latter he has been President.

Adelia C. Sullivan, wife of John W. Sullivan, and second daughter of Job and Caroline (Porter) Whitney, was born in Shelby, Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1840. In the spring of 1864 she came to Byron with her parents, and is in possession of 40 acres of land inherited from her father's estate, 12 of which are tillable. She was married Aug. 31, 1868. Mr. Sullivan was born April 2, 1846, at Wyoming, Wis. Of six children born in this tp., four are living. They were born as follows: Edwin P., Aug. 16, 1869; Burt, Aug. 20, 1871; Frank W., April 17, 1873; Alice J., April 23, 1874; Frederick, May 8, 1877, and Eunice C., April 3, 1881. Burt died June 12, 1873, and Frank six days after, both of diphtheria.

Hiram C. Thompson, son of Isaac R. and Milly A. (Herrington ) Thompson, was born in Northampton, Summit Co., O., July 12, 1834. He came with his parents to this tp. in 1854, and July 2, 1856, was married in Wyoming to Mary M., daughter of Henry and Sally (Ellis) Tibbitt. She was of German and Welsh ancestry and was born at Northampton Jan. 2, 1842. Three children were born to them in Byron -- Georgie E. , July 15, 1858; Eben N., June 2, 1861, and Ernest L., Sept. 30, 1863. Mrs. Thompson died May 9, 1866. Mr. T. was married Aug. 20, 1871, to Harriet E., widow of Ashbel P. Orsborn. She was born in Erie Co., Pa., March

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

18, 1840. Their children's record is as follows: Homer E., born July 17, 1874, died Feb. 19, 1881; Abby D., born Nov. 30, 18-, died Jan. 20, 1881, and Horace M., born Jan. 21, 1881. Of six children born to Mrs. Thompson by her first marriage but one sur- vives -- Celam P., born May 7, 1860, in Wayland, Allegan Co. Mr. Thompson was one of the pioneers of this tp .; both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Isaac R. Thompson, eldest son of Robert and Frances (Enas). Thompson, was born in Otsego, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1808, of Irish and English descent. When he was eight years old his. parents went to live in Summit Co. He was married in Geauga. county Sept. 20, 1832, to Milly A., daughter of Hiram and Milly (Bradway) Herrington, of English and Scotch parentage. Their two. children were born in Northampton, Summit Co., O., as follows: Hiram E., July 12, 1834, and Eliza A., May 1, 1843. The grand- father of Mrs. Thompson served nearly seven years in the war of the Revolution as drum-major and was shot by a cannon ball. Her- father, then a boy of 11, saw the disastrous tea party in the Boston. Harbor, in which England indulged. Mr. Thompson was a. pioneer in Byron, where he encountered all the hardships incident to primary settlers in a new country. In October, 1854, he pur- chased 80 acres of school land (sec. 16) at $4.00 per acre; 54 are- still in his possession, with 33 under cultivation. Both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Hiram S. Towner, eldest son of Samuel and Cerelia L. (Blakes- lee) Towner, was born at Dover, Cuyahoga Co., O. Jan. 16, 1851,. of English and Welsh descent. At 29 he engaged in the: flour, feed and grain business at Byron Center (north side), and operated eight months, when he removed the machinery to the- south side of the village, where, jointly with his father and brother,. he built a grist-mill. He sold his interest to the other parties- and engaged by the day in his father's saw-mill. His residence is- situated on the N. E. corner of Towner's plat. June 1, 1872, he- was married at Saranac, Ionia Co., Mich., to Emma M., daughter- of Knowlton S. and Sarah (Sheppard) Pettibone, who was born in Grand Rapids June 8, 1847. They have had four children -- Lonie. C., born Dec. 5, 1874; Harry M., June 6, 1876; Bessie F., June 17, 1879, and Arthur James, born May 10, and died May 13, 1881 .. The elegant brick residence, now owned by H. N. Cooper, was- built by Mr. Towner in 1876, being the first of that material built. in this tp. "Mr. T. is a Republican.

Samuel S. Towner, of Byron Center, was born at Willsborough,. Essex Co., N. Y., March 4, 1821. He is the eldest son of Samuel U. and Sophia W. (Smith) Towner; the former was born in Ver- mont Jan. 9, 1797, and the latter was born March 20, 1802. Mr. Towner was reared on a farm, and at 23 years of age went to. Cleveland, O., where, he engaged four seasons as a ship carpenter. In the fall of 1852 he came to Byron Center and acquired by pur- chase 160 acres of land on sec. 21, and gave his personal attention

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BYRON TOWNSHIP.

to its improvement. He has now 80 acres in a prime state of cul- tivation. In the fall of 1871 he built a steam saw-mill at Byron Center, with an engine of 30-horse power and upright saw, and en- gaged in the manufacture of lumber for the Widdicomb Furniture Co., of Grand Rapids. He runs through annually an average of from five to six hundred thousand feet of lumber, besides a large amount of custom sawing. In the fall of 1880 he built a grist-mill with four sets of burr stones; he is doing a considerable amount of cus- tom work, and manufacturing his own brand of flour for the Grand Rapids market. Mr. Towner was married Oct. 20, 1847, to Cerelia L. Blakeslee, daughter of James and Fanny (Lilly) Sher- man, of Dover, Cuyahoga Co., O. She is of English descent, and was born at Ridgeville, Lorain Co., O., Oct. 1, 1830. They have had five children, as follows: Fanny S., born July 4, 1849, died Dec. 27, 1870; Hiram S., Jan. 16, 1851; Wilbur M., June 19, 1853, died July 7, 1854; Cassius B., Sept. 6, 1859, and Middie C., June 15, 1868. The two eldest were born at Dover, O .; the three last named were born in this tp. Mr. Towner enlisted in the war of the Rebellion March 6, 1865. He was enrolled in Co. C., 10th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Thomas, of Lapeer, Mich. He served in the army of the Cumberland, and was discharged Nov. 21, 1865, at Jackson, when he returned to Byron. He has been Supervisor and Township Commissioner, besides filling other local offices. Politically Mr. Towner is a Republican. The por- traits of himself and wife appear on pages 618 and 619 of this volume.

Samuel U. Towner, second son of Truman and Sarah (Upson) Towner, is of Irish and English descent, and was born at Bridge- port, Addison Co., Vt., Jan. 9, 1797. His father was a physician. At 16 years of age he enlisted, May 27, 1813, in the "war of 1812," enrolling at Willsborough, Essex Co., N. Y., in the 29th Reg. U. S. Inf., under Capt. Van Buren. He was in the engagement at God- manchester on the Chateaquay river, Canada, and in the attacks at Lacole Mill and Plattsburg, N. Y. May 3, 1820, he was married at Willsborough to Sophia W. Smith, daughter of Sylvanus and Rena (Rich) Smith, born at Willsborough March 20, 1802. Her ancestors were English. They have seven children-Samuel S., James W., Martha, Maria, Augustus, Emily and Caroline. Mr. Towner is a pioneer in Byron. He came to the tp. in May, 1851, and located 160 acres on soldier's title, which he afterward sold to his eldest son, residing himself at Columbia, Lorain Co., O., chiefly for the benefit of his children, there being no schools in Byron) at that time. In the fall of 1865, with his wife and three youngest children, he transferred his residence to this tp. Politically he is a radical Republican.

James M. Watts, eldest son of James and Margaret (Van Horn Watts, was born at Upper Wakefield, June 17, 1811. His father was born May 18, 1783; his mother, Nov. 15, 1791. When he was 12 years old his parents bought 150 acres of land in Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y., and four years after he began to hire among

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

neighboring farmers to aid in support of a family of 10 children at home. In the spring of 1836 he went to Washtenaw county, stayed 18 months and returned to New York. He was married at Bingham- ton, Oct. 22, 1838, to Hannah, daughter of Amos Randall, born Oct. S, 1818, in Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y. There are four children-George H., born in Pittsfield, Washtenaw Co., Sept. 12, 1839; John R., in Middlesex, N. Y., 1842; William H., in Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1844; and Elizabeth A., in Geneva, Sept. 6, 1875. In the spring of 1860 he bought 80 acres of land on sec. 18, Byron tp., 35 under cultivation. Mr. Watts was married a second time, in January, 1871, to Emma, daughter of Sydney and Diana Draper, of this tp. George H. Watts enlisted in Canandai- gua, N. Y., and was wounded at Petersburg in the shoulder and taken prisoner. William H. enlisted at Grand Rapids in the " new 3d," under Capt. Morn, and was transferred to Capt. Ferris. .

Prentiss Weaver, son of Sebia and Dora (Sesson) Weaver, was born in Tolland, Conn., March 16, 1825. His father purchased a farm in Genesee Co., N. Y., when he was three years old, where he remained until the age of 22. In the fall of 1847 he located 80 acres of land on sec. 34, this tp. He went back to New York and returned to Byron in the spring of 1849. He was married April 11, 1849, in Genesee Co., to Mary Vickery, daughter of William and Catharine (Willis) Vickery, born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., April 29,1821. Their three children were born in this tp .- Linas, Sept. 22, 1852; Dora C., Feb. 7, 1859; and Wm. Frank, June 11, 1860. His land was ,covered with the unbroken forest. He paid $65 for 80 acres of land and bought a pair of three-year old steers. He cleared a place for a log house, which still stands. He now owns 520 acres in this tp., with about 200 under tillage; also 10 acres near the fair grounds, sec. 6, in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, and 5 acres sec. 1, Wyoming; also 120 acres in Newaygo county. His wife died Sept. 7, 1861, and he was married Oct. 7, 1862, to Roxy, widow of Fayette Lamb, and daughter of Alva and Eliza (Ogden) Russ, born in Orleans Co., N. Y., April 27, 1828. She is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Weaver and his brother each sent proxies to the country's service during the Rebellion, though neither was drafted. He bought a farin of 75 acres in Paris, a gift to his eldest son.

Amaziah Wedgewood, son of Chase and Martha (Mitchell) Wedgewood, was born in Lewiston, Me., March 10, 1804. His father was of English descent and a native of New Hampshire. His mother was descended from a French family of Maine. When eight years old his parents removed to New York, where he lived with them until he was 24, when he was married in Avon, Somer- set Co., Me., to Elizabeth Kelley, daughter of Charles and Judith (Wilber) Kelley. She was born of Irish parents May 15, near Port- land, Maine. The marriage took place Jan. 7, 1830; 10 of 11 chil- dren are living-Ursula, Frances, Eunice, Charles H., Amaziah, Angeline, Helen, Gustavus, Florence, Isabel and Orin. In October,

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BYRON TOWNSHIP.

1852, he went to Warrenville, Cuyahoga Co .; four years after to Byron, settling on 40 acres of land, sec. 17. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and his wife belongs to the society of Disciples. Charles H., the eldest son, enlisted at Grand Rapids under Gen. Sherman and served about three years in the Army of the Cum- berland. Mr. W.'s grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and was at Bunker Hill.

Riggs Whitcomb, eldest son of Alden and Susan (Guest) Whit- comb, was born in Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1821, of English ancestry. He ivas married Aug. 7, 1842, to Elizabeth Stevenson, daughter of Hiram and Mary (Boyles) Stevenson, and born Sept. 12, 1822, at Worcester, Otsego Co., N. Y. They have four children, one born in New York and three in this tp. They are: Byron, Sarah, George and Alden. In November, 1850, Mr. Whitcomb went to Ohio, and two years later bought 40 acres of land on sec. 28, this tp., where he resided one year, and then bought 40 acres on sec. 29. In 1857 he made another pur- chase of 40 acres on sec. 33, and took possession of itin 1858. He now owns 100 acres, with 65 under improvement. At the time of his purchase his land was covered with timber, and it cost from $1.25 to $17.00 per acre. When he fixed his residence here his sole effects were a small load of furniture and three or four dollars in money. He has cleared a fair proportion of his estate and been reasonably successful in his business ventures. Mr. Whitcomb is descended from patriotic stock. His grandfather was a " Green Mountain boy," enlisting as a private at 16 years of age and serv- ing through the entire period of the Revolution. Mr. W. enlisted at Grand Rapids, Jan. 5, 1864, in Co. F, 14 Mich. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Nicholson, and served until the close of the war, actively en- gaging in a number of battles. At Bentonville he was wounded in the right arm and in the right side almost simultaneously, and was sent to the hospital at David's Island, N. Y., from whence he was transferred to Harper's hospital at Detroit. His son Orrin enlisted at Grand Rapids in the same regiment when 16 years old, and died at Franklin, Tenn., of consumption. Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb have lost nine children, named as follows: Byron, who died in New York; Sarah Ann, who was burned to death in Ohio at four years of age, by an accident, her clothes catching fire; Charles A., who died, aged one year; Orrin, who died while serving in the war of the Rebellion, in Tennesee; Orrin 2d, who died while an infant; Amos, who died aged nine years; Elton, who was accidentally killed by a circular saw at the age of 21; Annette, aged 21 years; and Alice, aged 14 years.

Job Whitney (deceased) was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., June 16, 1806. He is of English ancestry and the first son of Samuel and Hannah (Carpenter) Whitney; he lived in his native county until 11 years old, when his parents went to Shelby, Orleans Co., where they passed the remainder of their lives. When 26 years of age Mr. Whitney was married in Shelby to Caroline Porter. She was born in Massachusetts in October, 1808. Of five children, born

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

in Orleans Co., N. Y., three are living, whose births occurred as follows: William P., Dec. 10, 1835; Adelia C., Oct. 23, 1841, and James B., Dec. 10, 1845. Mrs. W. died Feb. 23, 1848, and her husband was married May 11, following, to Catharine M., daughter of Downey and Aurora (Cartiss) Kellogg, born in Sheffield, Berk- shire Co., Mass., Dec. 2, 1808. Mr. Whitney belongs to the pio- neer element of this county. He purchased 80 acres of land in Wyoming in 1845, and the following year 40 more, and moved to the tp. Nine years later he purchased 40 acres in this tp., sec. 2, and himself and son bought 160 acres situated directly opposite in sec. 3; 55 acres of this land was in his possession at the time of his death. The homestead of 40 acres with fine house and barns is held by his wife, and will at her death revert to the youngest son. Mrs. Whitney is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Whitney is remembered as a just and upright man by his friends, and by his family as an affectionate husband and father. While living in Wyoming he served two years as Supervisor. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a firm believer in Christi- anity, and was a Baptist in belief.

Calvin W. Winchester was born in Chester, Geauga Co., O., June 20, 1837. His father, Layden Winchester, of English de- scent, was born in Connecticut, Jan. 23, 1798. He is a hale old man of 83, seeing as well as ever without the use of spectacles. He lives with his son. Mr. Winchester's mother was born in a small town named Jericho, in Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1796. She is Scotch by descent and exhibits the tenacity of life of her ancestral race, being still remarkably active although 85 years old. When Mr. W. was 17 his father purchased 80 acres of land in sec. 10, to which 50 more were afterward added; 40 of this comprises the estate occupied by Mr. W. of this sketch. He was married in Dorr, Allegan Co., July 31, 1859, to Cleona, daughter of Alonzo P. and Caroline M. (Blakeslee) Terrell, who was born at Ridgeville, Warren Co., O., May 29, 1844. They have five children, born in Byron, as follows: Ozro L., May 7, 1860; Dora A., Ang. 30, 1866; Inis A., July 30, 1868; Roye A., April 13, 1878, and Lera C., Sept. 19, 1880. Mr. W. has held the office of magistrate. He is a Greenbacker, and himself, wife and two daughters are members of the Christian Church.

John C. Winchester, second son of Layden and Clarissa (Camp- bell) Winchester, was born in Ellery, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1828. He is of English and Scotch descent. Four years after his birth his parents located at Chester, Geauga Co., O., where they purchased a farm. In May, 1852, Mr. Winchester bought 80 acres of land in Byron tp., in sec. 14, 50 of which are now under cultiva- tion. Sept. 9, 1855, he was married by the Rev. James Ballard to Mary A., daughter of Seth and Amelia (Pittsinger) Chilson, a native of Trumbull, Ashtabula Co., O., where she was born Feb. 19, 1838. Her ancestry is German and English. Two children have been born to them as follows: Cora A., in Byron, May 18,

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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 62

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