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 65

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 65

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).

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP. 657

married Oct. 20, 1853, to Lucy F., daughter of Abraham and Sarah A. (Devore) Johnson, born in Cuyahoga Co., O., July 4, 1836. Four of five children are living-Alvadora (Mrs. Ira Martin), Charles J., Sarah A. and Clarence E. Mr. and Mrs. Dutcher are earnest members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. D. is a radical Re- publican. He owns 160 acres of land in sec. 14, 80 of which he cleared and improved himself.

Thomas Dygert, farmer on sec. 13, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 28, 1819. His parents, Henry and Maria Dygert, were born on the Mohawk. His grandfather (paternal) was a patriot of the Revolution, and his father of 1812. At the age of 15 he " shipped " on the Erie canal as tow boy and worked as a hand 20 years, after which he owned and operated boats on his own be- half until 1866. He was in the employ of Evart's Transportation Line one year. In 1866 he came to this State, and selected a home of 75 acres, where he has since engaged in agriculture. He was married April 13, 1847, to Fanny, daughter of Adam and Hannah Loomis, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. She died Sept. 16, 1855, and left two children-Louisa D. and Adam L. Mr. Dygert was. again married June 29, 1861, to Mary M. Huff. They have five children-Fanny, Charles, Ellen, Lincoln A. and Edgar A. Mr. Dygert is a Republican.

W. K. Fulmer was born in the tp. of Mersea, county of Essex, Pro. of Ontario, Can., June 8, 1838. His parents, John and Eliza- beth (Wilkinson) Fulmer, were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and were of German and Irish ancestry. They both died in Mersea. Mr. Fulmer was reared on his father's farm on concession 3, lot 2, tp. of Mersea, where he remained until 30 years of age. He had the advantages of a thorough common-school education, and was married at 24, at Kingsville, Can .; to Sarah McQueen. The marriage occurred March 16, 1862. Mr. Fulmer managed his father's farm eight or ten years, and then opened a store for the sale of general merchandise in the village of Ruthven, Can. He exchanged his business for a farm near his father's homestead, and in the following April moved to Caledonia, where he engaged in the grain traffic for one year, then removing to Ham- mond, where he has similarly occupied and managed the hotel at that place. May 3, 1881, he returned to Caledonia, and is now the genial and popular proprietor of the Caledonia House, having in connection therewith a livery. Mr. Fulmer owns the celebrated imported stallion "Royal George," which is on exhibition at his stables. He owns also the homestead farm in Canada, and the farm for which he exchanged his business in Ruthven. Mrs. Fulmer died July 30, 1879, leaving four children-Adella D., Wm. Harvey, Ernest A . and Ward, all except the youngest, who is in Canada, liv- ing at home. Mr. Fulmer was married again June 18, 1880, at Grand Rapids, to Mrs. Mate Wheeler, born in New York. He is a Republican.

Peter D. Geib, blacksmith, Caledonia Station, was born in Wool-

658

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

wich, Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., Oct. 25, 1851. He is a son ot Philip and Mary Geib. At the age of 20 he learned his trade, and in June, 1876, went to Putnam Co., Ohio, where he followed it until August, 1877, when he came to Caledonia. He was married Jan. 5, 1879, to Leah, daughter of Michael P. and Sarah Johnson, a native of Waterloo Co., Ont., born April 24, 1859. They have two children-Belle, born Sept. 21, 1879, and an infant, born May 23, 1SS1. Mr. and Mrs Geib are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. G. is a Republican.

John Harper , a native of Vermillion, Richland Co., Ohio, was born Dec. 3. 1827. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Harper, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Mr. Harper came to this county in 1866 and bought 62} acres of land on sec.15, then primeval forest. He also owns now 80 acres in Heath, Allegan Co. He was married Feb. 24, 1850, to Phinette, daughter of Zelotes and Chloe North, born in Lorain Co., O., Jan. 1, 1831. They had five children-Chloe V. born April 14, 1851 (Mrs. Jeremiah Arndt); Eva L., June 30, 1853 (Mrs. Joseph Sherk); Frances E., Dec. 19, 1856 (Mrs. J. H. Schiedel), Henry Z., Feb. 24, 1861, and Silas E., Aug. 12, 1862. Mr. Harper is a Republican.

A. G. Hill, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., was born June 16, 1832. He is a son of Calvin R. and Phebe Hiil, the former born in Massa- chusetts, the latter in Pennsylvania. His parents were among the early settlers of Reading, Hillsdale Co., whither they went when their son was five years old. He grew to manhood in the wilderness, attending the pioneer schools. He came to Kent county in 1853 and followed lumbering on the Grand river two years. In 1855 he went to Newaygo county and pursued the same employ on the Muskegon river upward of eight years. He enlisted in the civil war in Co. B, 1st Reg. Mich. Engineers and Mechanics, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. He was in the battle of Benton- ville, N. C., March 19, 1865, went with Sherman when he " marched down to the sea," and was at the Grand Review at Wash- ington, D. C., receiving his discharged Sept. 22, 1865. He returned home in May, 1866, and located on 80 acres in sec. 15 where he still resides. He was married Nov. 6, 1861, to Eliza, daughter of Hiram and Maria Moore, born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec. 9. 1839. They have two children-Eugene S. born Oct. 16, 1866, and Eva B., Aug. 3. 1873.

A. W. Hill, farmer, was born in Starksboro, Vt., Feb. 6, 1836. Ilis parents, Joseph and Catherine Hill, were natives of New Hampshire. On attaining his majority, he engaged in traffic in live stock; he was married Feb. 1, 1860, to Anna Knowles. They had two children-Lindley M., born April 29, 1862, and Willie D., born Jan. 18, 1864. Mrs. Hill died Feb. 4. 1864, and Mr. Hill was married again July 6, 1864, to Maria M. Chamberlain, born at Hinesburg, Vt., Feb. 12, 1840. She died Dec. 24, 1873, and Mr. Hill was married the third time Oct. 27, 1875, to Mrs. Mary (Hill) Chamberlain, born in Hinesburg, Vt .. Oct. 27, 1855. They have

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP.

had two children -- Jessie M., born Feb. 20, 1878, is living. In 1875 Mr. Hill came to this county and settled on sec. 16, where he owns 80 acres. He has since been engaged in breeding and dealing in Cotswold sheep and thoroughbred Suffolk hogs. His flocks of the former are becoming quite celebrated, and he has received first and second premiums at the county fair. Mr. Hill is a Re- publican and a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1877 he belonged to the Board of Supervisors. Himself and wife are mem- ber of the Free- Will Baptist Church.

Henry Jackson (deceased). Among the most honored of the pioneer corps of Kent county recorded in this volume is the name of Henry Jackson. He was son of Robert and Jane Jackson, born in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 4, 1801. He came to Grand Rapids in 1844 and in 1851 settled on sec. 22 where he " entered " 120 acres of land. He was married Jan. 12, 1832, to Elizabeth, daughter of Urias and Lucretia Story, natives of New Hampshire and Connecticut. Mrs. Jackson was born in New Hampshire, Aug. 24, 1812. They have had six children, of whom three are living-Robert S. (married Nancy J. Barton); Hannah R. (Mrs. Henry Marsh); Joel G. (married Hattie Brown). An- other son, Wm. J., enlisted in the war of the Rebellion April 29, 1861, in Co. K, 3d Reg. M. V. I., and was in the first battle of Bull Run. In the autumn of 1863 he re-enlisted in the 2d Reg. U. S. Colored Troops and was assigned the rank of 2d Lieut. 3

He re- tained his position until his death from yellow fever at Key West, Fla., July 18, 1864. Another son, Allen, and a daughter, Isabel, are deceased .. Mr. Jackson died Jan 17, 1877, at the ripe age of 76 years. He belonged to the M. E. Church, was a man of exalted character and high aspirations, and justly esteemed for his merits. His loss was deeply deplored.

"Another pioneer hath gone, Another veteran's work is done."

Hugh Jamison, farmer and fruit-grower, on sec .. 13, Caledonia, was born in New York city Sept. 8, 1819. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Garland) Jamison, were Hibernians by birth, and emi- grated to America respectively in 1815 and 1816. They settled in Otsego Co., N. Y., and 13 years later in Oneida Co., N. Y., where they died. Mr. Jamison was reared on a farm and educated at the Lancaster High School, at Cherry Valley. He engaged on the Erie canal in 1840 and worked four years, thereafter pursuing boating 16 years. He handled grain from 1855 to 1861, and a part of the time owned and ran three boats between Buffalo and New York. In January, 1858, he purchased 160 acres on sec. 13, this tp., and on sec. 18, in Bowne, and removed his family in 1857 and 1858, following himself, and permanently locating in December, 1861, and has since pursued his present callings. He has 10 acres of orchard, seven of which are devoted to peaches. He was mar- ried Jan. 22, 1848, to Jane, daughter of Abram and Electa Snook,

660

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

born Aug. 13, 1826, in Madison Co., N. Y., and died Jan. 31, 1868. Of four children born to them three are living-Eugene, born March 22, 1849; Adelaide L., April 22, 1851 (wife of Herbert Winks), and Theodore A., Oct. 5, 1853. Mr. Jamison is a mem- ber of the Republican party and formerly belonged to the Baptist Church, and is still a believer in the doctrines of the Christian re- ligion. He is highly respected and esteemed in the community because of his uncompromising honesty and integrity, and also as one of the oldest and representative substantial farmers of the county. His farm comprises 125 acres of land in an advanced state of improvement. It lies partly in Bowne. A portrait of Mr. Jamison appears on another page, from a picture taken when he was 42 years old.

David Kinsey, founder of Caledonia village, was born in Dum- fries, Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ontario, Can., Aug. 22, 1830. His parents, Jacob and Susanna Kinsey, were natives of Ontario. He was reared to manhood on a farm and educated at the common schools. At 19 he began an apprenticeship to the trade of car- penter and joiner, which he pursued seven years. In 1855 he came to Kent Co., Gaines tp., and entered the east half of the southwest quarter and the west half of the southwest quarter on sec. 29. The northern part of these two lots is the site of Cale- donia. The village was laid out and platted by Mr. Kinsey. When he located his farm all was woods for miles in extent, and he was obliged to " underbrush " a road from the " Old Kilmer line," or Battle Creek and Grand Rapids Indian trail, to his farm. For the sake of convenience, rather than of beauty, he built a board shanty 12 by 16 feet, which was the pioneer home for some time, when he built a plank house. Mr. Kinsey offered two village lots to the He also do- man who would build the first house in Caledonia. nated two lots for the site of the U. B. Church. The privations of that pioneer period far outnumbered the comforts. The Indians still considered the territory as their rightful heritage, and the wild animals were more abundant than agreeable. Mr. Kinsey was married Oct. 9, 1855, to Nancy Pletzer, who was born in Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., June 14, 1839. She is a daughter of Nicholas and Mary Pletzer. Their children are-Matilda E., born Sept. 14, 1857 (Mrs. Isaac Wade): Charles H., Feb. 15, 1860; Adah M., Feb. 12, 1864; Owen S., April 29, 1866; Jennie B., April 20, 1871, and James V., Nov. 16, 1873. . Mr. Kinsey owns 222 acres, on sec. 29, valued at $100 per acre. He settled on this land April 13, 1856. He is identified with the Democratic party, and is regarded as one of the most enterprising farmers of this tp.

Isaac S. Kinsey is a native of Dumfries, Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., and was born Jan. 23, 1835. He is fifth son and sixth child of a family of 13 children, 10 of whom are living. His parents, Jacob and Susanna (Stauffer) Kinsey, removed to Gaines, this county, where they purchased 200 acres of land. In April, 1856, Mr. Kinsey of this sketch, in company with his brother, David

661

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP.

(see sketch), came to Caledonia and settled on sec. 31 where he lived until 1867, when he located on his present farm of 120 acres, on sec. 30. At that period the southern portion of Kent county was an unbroken forest, without roads, and the privations were many and hardships great that pioneers were called to endure. Mr. Kinsey was married Feb. 17, 1856, to Wilhelmina, daughter of Peter and Mary A. (Clemens) Erb. She was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Feb. 4, 1836. Of nine children born to them, six are living -Lewis C., born Sept. 5, 1857; John H., May 11, 1864; Susanna, Sept. 27, 1867; Mahala, Marchi 20, 1870; Wesley E., March 18, 1874; Minnie M., March 7, 1876; Mary A., Caroline and Sidney are deceased. Mr. Kinsey is a Republican, and himself and wife belong to the U. B. Church.

Aaron Konkle, senior member of the firm of Konkle & Peck, was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Sept. 24, 1820. He is eldest son of Abraham and Catharine (Driesbach) Konkle, natives of the same county. In October, 1839, they purchased 190 acres of land in Plainfield, where Aaron spent his youth and attended the common schools. At 21 he engaged in lumbering, at Mill Creek, and in 1852 he removed to Grand Rapids and opened a lumber yard in connection with his saw-mill. In 1859 he resumed lumber- ing at the mouth of the Rouge river with his brother, Robert, remaining until 1862, when he returned to the Rapids and engaged as foreman in the employ of C. C. Comstock. In 1866 he went to Wayland, Allegan Co., and lumbered 18 months, then purchased mill property near Grandville and manufactured han- dles until 1868, when he established a handle factory in Caledonia, and has since continued in that business. He employs from 20 to 25 hands, and is carrying on the most important manufact- uring industry at Caledonia, amounting to about $20,000 yearly. He was married June 11, 1844, to Eliza, daughter of Geo. W. and Ella L. (McDougal) Brooks. They had two children-Edna E., born Sept. 5, 1846, wife of Bradford H. Smith, and Caroline I., born April 26, 1848, wife of Wm. S. Emery, of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Konkle died Jan 16, 1855, and Jan. 1, 1856, Mr. Konkle was again married, to Cynthia L., daughter of Robert and Laura (Rich- ardson) Wells, born in Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y., Mar. 31, 1833. They had three children, Kittie E., born Oct. S, 1856; Jennie B., Sept. 20, 1860, and Hattie L., May 11, 1869, died Feb. 9, 1872. Mr. K. is a Democrat in politics.

Jacob A. Liebler, merchant, was born in Waterloo, Pro. of Ont., Can., May 4, 1841. He is eldest son and fourth child of Peter and Mary (Maine) Liebler, the former born in Baden, Germany, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. In 1859 Mr. Liebler bought a farm in Gaines, where he pursued the vocation of carpenter and join- er until 1872. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion March 8, 1862, enrolling in Co. H, 1st Battalion of 16th U. S. Inf. He was promoted in 1863 to 1st Sergeant and was honorably discharged March 8, 1865. He participated in the following battles: Hoover's

662

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mt., Marietta, Peach-Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. " He returned to Gaines upon his discharge. Aug. 17, 1872, he removed to Caledonia, built a store, and in November following he opened a stock of general merchandise and hardware. In the former he has invested $9,000, and sells annually $10,000 worth of goods. In the latter has $2,000, and realizes a yearly trade of $5,000. He was married March 10, 1863, to Elien M., daughter of William and Hannah Kelley, born in Gaines, Jan. 1, 1844, and died June 17, 1879, leaving four children-Euretta B., Theodosia, William K. and Florence. Mr. Liebler was again married, Oct. 17, 1880, to Lena, daughter of Charles and Catherine (Kunkle) Johnson, born in Pennsylvania, June 12, 1856. Mr. L. is a member of the Masonic order, and is a Republican; was Deputy Sheriff of Kent county four years. He is considered as one of the substantial business men of Caledonia, owning two stores, four houses and lots, a farm of 120 acres on sec. 28, and 80 acres in the tp. of Thornapple, Barry Co.

A. E. Luton, M. D., physician and surgeon, Alaska, was born in Elgin Co., Ont., Sept. 20, 1851. His parents, John and Amanda Luton, were natives of the same county. Dr. Luton ws reared on a farm and received his literary education at the High School of St. Thomas, graduating July 21, 1869. He taught school two years and engaged the same time in reading medicine. He "ma- triculated " at Toronto, May 19, 1872, and came to Chicago and entered the Hahnemann Medical College. He also attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, and graduated from the latter in 1874. He was the valedictorian of his class. Soon after receiving his degree he came to Alaska, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He has established a lucrative business, owing to his thorough understanding of the details of medicine. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Republican. He owns considerable village property.

Lafayette Lybarker (deceased) was born in Erie Co., Pa., May 18, 1826. He grew to manhood in his native place and was edu- cated in the common schools. In 1842 he went with his parents to Sandusky Co., O., and at an early date came to Cascade, and later to Caledonia, where he died Feb. 20, 1872. He was married May 30, 1849, to Amanda M., daughter of Abram and Sarah A. Johnson, of New York, born in Euclid, Cuyahoga Co., O., Dec. 12, 1831. They had five children, two of whom are living-Alice J ., born Dec. 7, 1855, and Winfield H., June 1, 1860. Mr. L. was Treasurer of his tp. four terms, and held in the highest esteem for his strict integrity and uprightness. He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church and a Republican; was by trade a carpenter and joiner. Lyman C. Johnson, brother of Mrs. Lybarker, was a soldier in the 16th U. S. Inf., and died at Battle Creek after two years of faithful duty in the service of his country.

A. H. McNeil, son of Hiram and Mary (Griffin) McNeil, was

663

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP.

born in Pro. of Ontario, April 4, 1844. They removed to Caledonia in 1848, and located on sec. 11, on the Grand Rapids stage route. Mr. McNeil was brought up on a farm and received his education at the common schools. When a boy of 18 he enlisted in Co. G, 16th Reg. U. S. Regular Inf., enrolling Jan. 16, 1862. He was in action in the battles at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and Stevison, and was discharged in March, 1864; re-en- listed March 28, 1865, in Co. A, 8th Reg. Vet. Vol., and was hon- orably discharged July 19, 1865, after a long and faithful service in his country's behalf. He was married Nov. 26, 1868, to Nettie Campbell, born in Bowne, March 25, 1849. They have five children -- Kittie M., Abbie, Matie, Bessie and an infant child. Politically Mr. McNeil sustains the principles of the Republican party.

John McQueen, grain dealer, was born Jan. 3, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Dorothy (Mitchel) McQueen, the former born in New England, Sept. 5, 1797, and the latter in Chillicothe, O., Feb. 17, 1807. The great grandsire of Mr. McQueen, on the father's side, was a Scotchman, and emigrated to Canada about the time of the French and English war, through which he served, and was at the siege of Quebec under Gen. Wolfe. Mr. McQueen spent his youth on a farm, and at 18 engaged in trade in horses and cattle, which he continued three years. He opened a general . store at Windsor, which he operated until May, 1868, coming to Grand Rapids and clerking a short time for a hardware house. He then engaged as a farm laborer about five months, when he purchased a team and went into the lumber district of Mecosta county. In March, 1870, he came to Whitneyville, worked a farm two years and managed the hotel at that place one year, then built a hotel at Hammond, which he kept three years. He built a grain elevator and has since dealt in grain at that point. In July, 1876, he came to this tp., where he also deals in grain, and owns a half interest in the Caledonia grist-mill. He is one of the leading busi- ness men at Caledonia station, is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. of O. F. He was married Dec. 25, 1868, to Ann E., daugh- ter of Stephen A. and Elmira (Cross) Hammond. They have one child -- Adelbert A., born Feb. 21, 1871.

Michael Moloney, pioneer, was born in Limerick, Ireland, in Sep- tember, 1820. His parents, James and Sarah (Leo) Moloney were na- tives of Ireland. Mr. Moloney emigrated to America and settled in Freedom, Washtenaw Co., Mich. In 1856 he came to Caledonia and settled on the farm where he now resides (secs. 29 and 30), con- taining 120 acres. In 1875 he purchased 80 acres in addition. Caledonia at that period was in its primeval condition. Mr. M. has cleared and improved 100 acres of his farm, and in 1880 built a handsome two-story residence, costing $2,000. He was married in November, 1851, to Joanna Troy. They have eight children-Sarah (Mrs. Daniel Sheehan), Ellen, James, John, Catherine, Mary, Law- rence and Hannie. Mrs. Moloney is daughter of James and Ellen Troy, and was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, in 1828. The family

664

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

are all members of the Cascade Catholic Church. Mr. M. is a Democrat.

James M. Myers was born in St. Joseph Co., Mich., Nov. 5, 1844. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Myers, were natives of Schuyler Co .. Pa., where the former was born Nov. 6, 1807. They located at Lockport, St. Joseph Co., in 1837, and were among the earliest inhabitants of that place. Mr. Myers, during the winter of 1866, followed lumbering in Ottawa county, and the April follow- ing he located his farin of 96 acres adjoining Caledonia Station. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., and in politics is neutral. He was married May 24, 1868, to Esther Kinsey. Of six children born to them the following are living: Willie J., born June 26, 1869 ; Alva M. and Alvin K. (twins), June 16, 1871; Clarie E., Dec. 11, 1875; and Alice E., Feb. 4, 1881. Clyde is deceased.

Elisha D. Parker, a native of Trumbull Co., Ohio, was born April 28, 1827. His parents. Joseph S. and Eunice Parker, were na- tives of New York. His father is a pensioner of 1812, and he and his wife reside in Ashland Co., Ohio, aged 88 and 86 years respect- ively. Mr. Parker was reared on a farm. He enlisted Sept. 4, 1861, in Co. B, 1st Reg. Ohio Artillery, and served in the Army of the Cum- berland. He was on the march a great deal, and was in the battles of Wild Cat and Mill Springs. He was promoted to the rank of 1st Sergeant and honorably discharged Nov. 13, 1863. He was married Jan 3, 1846, to Phebe R., daughter of John and Betsey (Clark) Pelt, born in N. Y., May 2, 1825. They had five daughters -Betsey M., wife of Daniel LeClear ; Eunice C., wife of Geo. T. Colvin; Irene J., wife of Daniel Morrison; and Charlena, Mrs. Truman W. Colvin. Ida is deceased. Mr. Parker was Lieut .- Col- onel of the State Militia and came to Kent county from Lorain Co., O. He owns a farm of 70 acres on sec. 3, and politically belongs to the National party.

. Francis L. Peck, firm of Konkle & Peck, handle manufacturers, was born in Lancaster, Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1841. He is second son and third child of Joseph and Mary A. Peck, the former a na- tive of Vermont, the latter of " York" State. His father was a millwright and was in the employ of Gov. L. G. Mason; built mills at Winona, Grand Rapids, and Muskegon. In 1854 he removed to De Kalb Co., Ill., and in 1864 to Grand Rapids, returning in 1865 to Erie Co., N. Y., where he died March 10, 1871. Mr. Peck was in the employ of C. C. Comstock at Grand Rapids about three years and subsequently engaged with Mr. Konkle two years, eventually buying a half interest with him. He was married Dec. 31, 1869, to Esther C. Lane, born Aug. 27, 1853, at Spring Lake, Ottawa Co. They have two children -- Florence M., born Nov.22, 1871, and Claud F., born Dec. 7, 1877. Mr. Peck is Secretary of the society of I. O.O.F., and politically is a Republican. He owns three lots and two houses in town.

John B. Proctor, farmer and nurseryman, was born in Rutland Co., Vt., Nov. 28, 1823. His parents, John and Louise (Brigham)

665

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP'.

Proctor, were natives of Groton and Princeton, Mass. His grand- father, Philip Proctor, an Englishman, served in the Revolution under General Washington. The mother of Philip Proctor was a lineal descendant of Sir John Locke. Mr. Proctor was reared a " farmer boy," and educated at Castleton (Vt.) Seminary. He was married Feb. 22, 1851, to Charlotte, daughter of Charlotte and Morris Reynolds, and born in Rutland, Vt., May 4, 1821. They have had three children-John R., Mary L. and William B. (de- ceased). Mr. Proctor came to this county in April, 1867, and bought 150 acres of land on sec. 34. He is a scientific agricult- urist and nurseryman, and imports evergreen seedlings, etc., an- nually from France. Fruit trees from his nurseries are shipped to Illinois, Wisconsin and Vermont, and large quantities find market in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor are connected with the M. E. Church. Mr. P. is a Republican, and was Justice of the Peace 20 years in his native State.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 65

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