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 66

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 66

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).

Levi C. Rathbun, son of Orsemus and Elizabeth Rathbun, was born in Tioga Co., Pa., Dec. 27, 1839, and came with his parents to the pathless wilds of Michigan in 1845. He grew to manhood in the midst of pioneer life. He enlisted in Co. A, 3d Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., April 27, 1861, and was in the first Bull Run battle. He was seized with sickness in November, 1861, and was in the hospital at Washington, D. C., receiving his discharge May 27, 1862. He draws a pension of $4 per month. He was married April 16, 1865, to Julia M., daughter of Warren and Julia (Seekins) Streeter, born in Polkton, Ottawa Co., Mich., in August, 1848. Mr. Rathbun is a Republican in political principles, and owns 66 acres of land on sec. 26. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun have four children-Sylvia I., Willis G., Charles R. and Lena M.

Orsemus Rathbun, the oldest living pioneer of Caledonia, was born in Tioga Co., Pa., Dec. 20, 1813. His parents, Thomas and Betsey Rathbun, were natives of England, and emigrated to Amer- ica prior to the war of the Revolution. His father served through that war under Washington, and died in 1823. Mr. Rathbun went to Allegany Co., N. Y., where he stayed seven years, and returned to Tioga county, where he purchased a farm and resided till Septem - ber, 1844, when he emigrated to this county. He purchased a tract of land containing 80 acres, and subsequently 160 more, all a dense forest where wilds had never yet re-echoed the ring of the skilled ax of the white man, nor the wild beasts fled in dismay be- fore the crack of his death-dealing rifle. There were but 12 fam- ilies within its borders, and at the election in 1845 Mr. Rathbun was chosen Justice of the Peace, and served one term. He has since been School Inspector and Highway Commissioner. He was married May 24, 1835, to Betsey, daughter of Levi and Betsey Cook, born in Tioga Co., Pa., Aug. 11, 1816. Of their 14 children five are living-Levi C., James, Samuel B., Franklin and Lincoln A. Cameron D., another son, was a soldier in the 21st Reg. Mich. Vols., and participated in the battle of Stone River, where he lost

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

his life and was buried on the battle-field. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. R. is a Re- publican.

John A. Rogers, a pioneer of Allegan county, was born in Steuben county, in the Empire State, March 10, 1828. His parents, Jonathan F. and Martha Rogers, were of New England nativity and Puritan ancestry. His paternal grandsire was an early settler in the city of New York. In 1832 the family removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, in Reed tp., where they were among the first settlers. Mr. Rogers passed his early life in " pioneerdom " in the Buckeye State, and attended the schools held in the log school-houses, which were furnished with slab benches, fire-place, etc. In 1853 he bought 160 acres of land in Allegan county, which he has since increased by purchase to 320 acres, of which 215 are in a state of advanced improvement and valued at $16,000. When Mr. Rogers made his first purchase he borrowed $10 in order to complète it. He traded in cattle for a time, in addition to clearing and improving his farm. In November, 1879, he removed his family to Caledonia. He was. married to Sallie A., daughter of John and Maria (Speers) Hoover, born Feb. 13, 1839, in Seneca Co., O. Of six children three are living-Ladie M. (Mrs. John Cassell), Herman and Hudson. Mr .. Rogers adheres to the Republican party and is Vice-Grand of the I. O. of O. F. His father was a soldier of 1812 and died in March, 1853; Mrs. R., his wife, died in March, 1879, aged 74 years.

Eliphalet Scott, a pioneer of Caledonia, is a native of Hartford,. Conn. He was born Jan. 3, 1824. He is a son of John and Polly (Day) Scott; the former, of Scotch descent, was born July 4, 1777, and died in March, 1851; the latter was born of English ancestry in 1780 and died in May, 1855. Mr. Scott's parents removed to, Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., when he was four years old. His father was a clothier, and in 1838 was utterly ruined by being burned out, and his son, a boy of 14, set out to repair the mischief and estab- lish his parents in a secure home. £ He went to work for a farmer for $6.50 a month, worked nine months without losing a day and saved $35.00. He did chores winters for his board and worked by the day or job until, at the age of 16, he had acquired sufficient money to buy 40 acres of land, on which he established his parents. In 1849 he sold this place and purchased another tract of 40 acres, which he improved and sold, buying a small farm of 20 acres, which. he occupied till May, 1857, when he purchased 60 acres of unbroken forest in Kent county. A pioneer palace 18 by 20 feet was built, which served every purpose as a shelter until 1868, when Mr. Scott erected a residence at a cost of $2,000. In February, 1881, he re- moved to Caledonia, where he owns a farm of 140 acres on secs .. 34 and 35. He was married in June, 1846, to Margaretta Perry .. They had three children, two of whom are living -- John, born Nov. 21, 1847 (married Lois Covell), and Hiram, born July 31, 1850, is. a lumberman and merchant of Ludington. Mrs. Scott died Feb. 17, 1853, and in 1859 Mr. Scott was married again, to Lydia.

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CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP.

Snook, who died in March, 1859. He was again married, Jan. 30, 1860, to Laura, daughter of John S. and Sally A. (Ford) Billington, born in Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., July 17, 1833. They have one child, Anna L., born Feb. 10, 1861, engaged in teaching music. Mr. Scott is a Republican in politics.

John M. Scott, son of Eliphalet and Margaretta Scott, was born in Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 21, 1846, and came with his parents to Kent county in 1857. He was married April 24, 1872 to Lois A., daughter of Willis and Mary (Custer) Covell, born in Plainfield, Oct. 8, 1856. Their three children were born as fol- lows: Albert C., June 18, 1873; Jennie A., born Dec. 20, 1874, and Minnie M., Feb. 6, 1879. Mrs. Scott is a member of the M. E. Church; Mr. S. is a Republican and owns 80 acres of land on sec. 13.

William H. Seibert, blacksmith, was born July 26, 1856, in Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ontario; is son of John and Mary (Sheiry) Seibert. At 16 he began to work at his present calling, which he has pursued since, coming to Caledonia in 1866. He was married Jan. 1, 1877, to Novella, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Hoover) Bergy, born in Ontario, April 18, 1857. They have two children -- Claude Glenn, born March 4, 1878, and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Seibert are zealous members of the U. B. Church. Mr. Seibert belongs to the American Association of Grand Rapids and is a Republican.

Amos Sherk was born June 19, 1830, in Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., Can. He is a son of Samuel and Magdalena Sherk. He commenced at 20 an apprenticeship of three years, learning the wagon and carriage-making trade, at Washington, Ont. He worked two years, returning to his native place, where he engaged in farming until 1863, when he purchased 160 acres on sec. 21, in this tp. He was married in July, 1853, to Martha, daughter of Christian and Magdalena Stauffer, born in York Co., Ont., in July, 1830, and died Oct. 27, 1873. She was mother of eight children, seven of whom are living -- Albert S., born Feb. 11, 1859; Matilda, Aug. 15, 1854 (Mrs. A. E. Siebert); Maria, Sept. 10, 1856; Amanda, Aug. 25, 1861; Reuben, May 14, 1864; Erville, July 23, 1867, and Adah, July 30, 1870. Mr. Sherk was married again May 14, 1876, to Mrs. Sarah (Kinsey) Emmons, born in Waterloo Co., Ont., June 12, 1839. She had five children by her first mar- riage-Julia A., David K., Chas. E., Fred, and Almina E.

Adam B. Sherk, owner of the Caledonia grain elevator, and a pioneer of Kent county, was born in Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., Can., Feb. 21, 1826. His parents, Samuel and Magdalena (Brake) Sherk, were natives of Franklin Co., Pa. His father was born April 19, 1792, and his mother, April 3, 1796. Mr. Sherk's an- cestors on his father's side emigrated to America in 1726 and 1728 respectively, and settled in Lancaster Co., Pa. His grandfathers went to Canada and settled in Waterloo county, where they were pioneers. His father was a teamster on the British side in the war of 1812, and was present at the surrender of Detroit. Mr. S.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

of this sketch is the fourth son and sixth child of a family of 12 children. He commenced an apprenticeship as carpenter at the age of 16, which he pursued till 1860. In October of that year he came to Caledonia, at that date an unbroken wilderness. He bought 120 acres of land on sec. 20, which is now cleared, improved and under a high degree of cultivation. In 1871 he was appointed station agent and served six years. Through his influence the postoffice was established in 1870 and he appointed Postmaster, a position he still holds. He has served as Justice of the Peace 15 years, and as one of the Board of Supervisors four years. He has

been handling grain since 1872, and in 1881 built a grain elevator at a cost of $2,000. Feb. 18, 1850, he was married to Elizabeth Stauffer, a native of York Co., Pro. of Ont., born in August, 1824. She is a daughter of Christian and Magdalena Stauffer, natives of Lancaster Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Sherk have three children- Angelina, born Feb. 4, 1851; Carrie, Aug. 1, 1853 (wife of A. K. Smith, of Petoskey), and Franklin, born Dec. 14, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. S. are zealous members of the Church of United Brethren. He is a believer in the doctrines and principles of the Republican party, is a man of enterprise, has made his mark in life and de- serves the success he has achieved.

- Henry Sherk, farmer, was born in Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., Sept. 21, 1845. His parents, Eli and Mary Sherk, were natives of Ontario; the former was born Oct. 4, 1818, and the latter, Dec. 25, 1821. They came to the United States and settled on sec. 16, Caledonia, in 1866, where the father died, Sept. 23, 186S. Mr. Sherk, of this sketch, was married Nov. 30, 1869, to Catherine, daughter of Casper and Margaret Seibert, born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Oct. 11, 1849. They have two children living-Elizabeth L., born Jan. 15, 1875, and Alverda, Ang. 12, 1878. Olive E. is deceased. Mr. Sherk is a Republican and owns 79 acres of land. He and wife are members of the U. B. Church.

Samuel Sherk, pioneer and farmer, was born in Waterloo Co., Pro. of Ont., Nov. 3, 1822. His parents were Samuel and Magda- lena (Brake) Sherk. He passed his early life on British soil and was educated in the common schools. In October, 1860, he located in this tp., buying 120 acres on sec. 20, then a portion of an almost unbroken forest. By arduous toil and strict economy he has hewed a home out of the woods. Upward of 100 acres of his farm has been cleared and improved by his own hands. He was married Feb. 29, 1848, to Sarah A. Shields, daughter of John and Mary (Keeler) Shields, born in Philadelphia, Pa. Her parents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to this country at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Sherk have had five children, four living-Menno S., born Feb. 4, 1849 (married Belinda Stauffer); Jno S., born July 31, 1851 (married Elizabeth Seibert); Noah, April 6, 1854 (married Ellen Stauffer); Samuel W., April 16, 1870 ; Lydia A., Dec. 6, 1855, and died Sept. 26, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Sherk are members of the Evangelical United Mennonite Church. Mr. Sherk

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is a Republican, is a prominent farmer and a highly esteemed citi- zen.

John W. Shisler was born in Welland Co., Pro. of Ont., Aug. 19, 1840. He is son of Peter and Sarah (Barnhart) Shisler. He spent his boyhood on a farm and was educated at Ft. Edward's University of Ontario. He taught school from his 17th to his 21st year, and in 1861 engaged in mercantile pursuits near Ft. Erie, re- moving in 1864 to Williamsville, New York, where he engaged in farming, and in 1869 came to Caledonia, where he purchased 60 acres on sec. 33. He also owns 100 acres in Thornapple, Barry Co. He was married July 2, 1863, to Phiannah E., daughter of David and Nancy Bovenmoyer, born April 17, 1843, in Erie Co., N. Y. They had five children, four of whom are living-Melvin R., born May 30, 1864; Clara E., Jan. 8, 1871; Newton B., Sept. 13, 1874; and Ivie A., March 18, 1877. Adella E. is deceased. Mr. Shisler has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school of the U. B. Church seven years, in which Mrs. Shisler is also an efficient worker. IIe is a Republican.

Heman H. Smith, farmer, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., July 10, 1822; is son of Levi and Sallie (Higgins) Smith, the for- mer born in 1798, and the latter in 1800. His grandfather enlisted at 16 in the Revolutionary war and was in the service six years. Mr. Smith was educated at a seminary in New York, and taught school for a number of years. He was married Feb. 29, 1844, to Anise Munger, born at Bennington, Wyoming Co., N. Y., March 27, 1827. They had three children, one of whom is living-Helen. Mrs. Smith died Jan. 17, 1850. Mr. Smith was married a second time, March 10, 1852, to Helen C. White, born at Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 13, 1830. Of three children two are living-Lora A., born March 3, 1853, a graduate of Ypsilanti Normal School, and a teacher since the age of 16. She has been two years principal of Grand Haven High School. The youngest, Julia A., was born April 3, 1854, and is the wife of James O. Clark. Mr. Smith settled at Alaska in 1868, where he was engaged in the furniture business until 1876, excepting one year, when he was in charge of the pump works near Grand Rapids. He bought a farm of 50 acres on sec. 9 and moved upon it in 1876. He is a Republican in politics; Mrs. Smith is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

Lewis Spaulding, saloonist in Caledonia, was born in Paris, Kent Co., March 4, 1850. His parents, Orleans and Rilla A. Spaul- ding, were natives of New York, and early pioneers of this county. Mr. Spaulding was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was married Sept. 18, 1876, to Caroline, daughter of Edward Tyler, and a native of Paris. Mr. Spaulding managed a hotel in Cascade one year, and then kept the Half-Way House at Grand Rapids a year; gave his attention to farming one year, and again engaged in keeping hotel two years at Caledonia, since which he has been engaged in the saloon business. He is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

David M. Stauffer was born in Oxford Co., Pro. of Ont., May 9, 1836. His parents, Jacob G. and Eliza Musser, were also natives of Ontario. He was married Jan. 13, 1863, to Amelia Fischer, a native of Saxony, Germany, born April 2, 1841. She is daughter of Wm. and Elizabeth Fischer. Of six children three are living, born as follows: Allen, April 22, 1871; Ella, May 7, 1875, and Owen, Dec. 4, 1877. Mr. Stauffer has a farm of 80 acres on sec. 33, of which he took possession in February, 1868, and where he has since been engaged in agriculture.

John W. Stine, farmer, residing on sec. 33, was born in Albany, Richland Co., Ohio, Aug. 23, 1839. His parents, Samuel and Cath- arine Stine, were natives of Berks Co., Pa., and settled in Richland Co., O., in 1835, where his father entered 160 acres of land. The latter was born in April, 1812. Mr. Stine's mother was born in 1814. He went to California in 1857 and pursued Inmbering and mining until 1861, when he returned to West Salem, O., and en- gaged in a mercantile enterprise one year. He then engaged in farming until 1867, when he removed to LaGrange Co., Ind., and to Kent Co., Mich., in November, 1872, where he now owns 160 acres of land on secs. 27 and 33. He was married in October, 1862, to Phina, daughter of John and Maria Andrews, born in Me- dina Co., O., April 9, 1841. They have had seven children, born as follows: Ira A., July 21, 1863; Alberdie M., Dec. 20, 1865; Oscar O., March 28, 1868; John W., May 8, 1871; John P., Feb. 7, 1873; Blanche V., Oct. 21, 1877; and Eugene L., Jan. 28, 1880. Mrs. Stine belongs to the U. B. Church. Mr. Stine belongs to the Masonic order and is a Republican. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors two years.

A. W. Stow, farmer and live-stock dealer, was born at Monroe Falls, Portage (now Summit) Co., O., Oct. 7, 1830. He is son of Zebulon and Edytha Stow, the former a native of Connecticut, born in 1802; the latter a native of Summit Co., O. They settled in Portage county in 1809, the pioneer period of the Buckeye State. Both of Mr. Stow's grandsires were soldiers of the Revolution, and both were in the war of 1812. Mr. Stow was brought up on a farm, and was a student at the old Hiram College, where he knew " our President," James A. Garfield. He enlisted Sept. 2, 1864, in Co. E, 1st Reg. Mich. Light Artillery, Vet. Vols. He was in the bat- tle of Nashville, Tenn., and was cannoneer from that time, follow- ing Gen. Hood to Pulaski. He was discharged July 30, 1865, and returned to Cascade, where he had settled in '61. In 1869 he lo- cated on sec. 17, this tp., where he owns 160 acres of land. He was married in April, 1856, to Mary Gilbert. They had one child -Almira E. Mrs. Stow died July 20, 1859, and Mr. Stow was married again Feb. 8, 1863, to Clara, daughter of Lyman and Sa- rah Beckley. She was a student at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, under the professorship of Gen. Garfield. Mr. and Mrs. Stow have four children-Lucy. S., Willie, Jerry A. and Ralph A. Mr. and Mrs. S. belong to the Disciples Church at Cascade. He is a Republican. P. O., Caledonia Station.

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CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP.

John M. Sutherland, M. D., was born in Simcoe Co., Pro. of Ontario, Oct. 11, 1850. His parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Sutherland, were natives of Ontario. Dr. Sutherland obtained his education at the High School of Bradford, and in October, 1869, commenced reading medicine in Toronto, where he was engaged four years. He attended the Victoria (Regular) College, and afterward Trinity Medical College, and graduated with honors, in March, 1876. He attended military school while in Toronto, and was awarded a " certificate." He was 2d Lieut. or Ensign of the 35th Battalion, Simcoe Forresters, 18 months. He began the practice of his profession in the spring of 1876, in Woodville, Ont., with Dr. H. P. Clark, re- maining ten months, when he came to Caledonia, and established a large and lucrative practice. He was married June 22, 1881, to Hat- tie, daughter of Wm. Towsley, M. D. She was born in Ovid, Branch Co., Dec. 19, 1860. Dr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and K. of P., also of the Western Michigan Medical Society and State Med- ical Association. He is a zealous Republican.

Albert Tobey, son of Levi and Elizabeth Tobey, early pioneers of Kent county, was born March 21, 1834. His father was born in Connecticut April 15, 1787; his mother in Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1789; they had 11 children, 10 of whom are living-Jedediah W., Samuel, Rebecca, Deborah, Wm. G. W., Mary, Prince W., Abigail, Seth and Albert. The senior Tobey settled in sec. 26, this tp., where he purchased 114 acres of land in January, 1849, where he died Jan. 13, 1868. Albert Tobey has lived from boy- hood on the homestead, and spent his best years in reclaiming it from a wilderness and bringing it to its present highly productive state. He enlisted in the civil war Sept. 7, 1862, in Co. M, 6th Reg. Mich. Vol. Cav. He was in the Army of the Cumberland, and was engaged in the battles of Cedar Creek, Hagerstown and Winchester. In October, 1862, he was taken sick and was sent home on a furlough. He rejoined his regiment and served until November, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He was married June 12, 1868, to Sarah J. Holmes. They have had four children, two of whom are living-Myrtle A., born June 5, 1871, and Edith J., March 15, 1880. Mr. Tobey is a Republican and owns 120 acres of land on secs. 23 and 26.

Michael Vincent (deceased) a worthy and well-known pioneer, was born in Springwater, Livingston Co., N. Y., April 4. 1819. In October, 1856, he purchased 240 acres on sec. 24, subsequently disposing of all but 80 acres, which constitutes the homestead. It was unbroken forest, and required all the pluck and strength of the resolute pioneer to accomplish the weary labor of clearing and im- proving, and Mr. Vincent, in his efforts, built for himself an en- during remembrance in the fair fields which add beauty to this magnificent tp. He was married Aug. 5, 1841, to Sallie, daughter of Amos and Abigail (Barber) Stiles, born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 10, 1819. They had three children, one of whom-Vasco

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

M .-- is living. He was born Jan. 18, 1851. Chester P. was born Oct. 15, 1843. He enlisted in Co. I, 21st Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., in August, 1862. He was in the battle of Perryville, where he con- tracted fever, and died at Bowling Green Hospital, Nov. 15, 1862. He was only 19, but had already an enviable record as a young man of model character. He was eminently fit to yield his life in com- pany with our nation's illustrious dead, the thing we shall honor as long as our flag floats. At the time he enlisted he was Sunday- school Superintendent. Mr. Vincent died Feb. 3, 1874.

Levi White was born at Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1808; is son of Aaron and Auna (Schrider) White. His father was a soldier of 1812, ranked as Lieutenant, and subsequently as Brevet Captain. He was taken prisoner at Black Rock during the burning of Buffalo, and was killed by the British. Mr. White was bred a farmer and received a common-school education. He was married Sept. 29, 1829, to Julia Goodwin. Of six children born to them two are living-Catherine H. (wife of Heman Smith) and Frances (Mrs. Edwin M. Fort). Norman G. White was a soldier of the late war and lost his life at the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. Mrs. White died in September, 1853. Mr. White was again married April 30, 1858, to Mrs. Phebe A., widow of Eli Bronson and daughter of James and Hannah Drake. Mrs. White was born in Greene Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1807. She had one son, Eli Bronson, born Aug. 29, 1837, by her first marriage, who met his death by assassination, in Newaygo county, May 11, 1859. In consequence of this event, and his own life being in danger from the perpetrators of the murder, Mr. White removed to Caledonia, and located on sec. 1. He has held the position of Justice of the Peace 12 years; was elected Supervisor of Ensley tp., Newaygo Co., in 1859. He aided in the organization of that tp. Himself and wife belong to the Baptist Church. Mr. White is a Republican.

Martin Whitney, farmer and stock-breeder, was born near Buf- falo, N. Y., Nov. 24, 1832; is a son of Zerab and Jane (Demond) Whitney, the former born June 16, 1784. He was a soldier of 1812 three years and died Jan. 15, 1873. The latter was born Dec. 22, 1788, and died June 25, 1843. Mr. Whitney's grand- father (paternal) was engaged in the war of the Revolution. The senior Whitneys came to Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1835, and in 1838 located 160 acres of land in Plainfield. In 1843 they removed to Whitneyville in Cascade, where they spent their last days. Mr. Whitney, of this sketch, was married Feb. 20, 1853, to Harriet, daughter of Robt. and Alice White, natives of England. Mrs. Whitney was born in Nottinghamshire, Eng., Mar. 15, 1835, and came with her parents to America in 1844. They have five chil- dren -- Eva J., born Oct. 4, 1856 (Mrs. H. P. Bateman); Ida L., Oct. 15, 1858 (Mrs. Daniel Pierson); Nellie L., Nov. 11, 1860, (Mrs. Geo. H. Jones); Alice M., June 24, 1867, and Orrin C.,

Abugli Jamison

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CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP.

Apr. 5, 1873. In 1854 Mr. Whitney settled on his farm of 80 acres (sec. 13) which was then a trackless wilderness. He has done business with a thresher for 20 years; is a Democrat, but has been a member of the Board of Supervisors four years, a fair rep- resentation of his position in a Republican town. Himself and wife are zealous members of the M. E. Church.

Otis D. Williams was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., May 15, 1830. His parents were Jacob and Rosella Williams, natives of Dutchess and Cayuga Cos., N. Y. Otis was reared on a farm and edu- cated at the common schools. He was fireman on the New York Central R. R. two years, worked at coopering four years and sub- sequentiy followed the Erie canal for a period, and resumed his former business of engineer. He went to Georgetown, Ottawa Co., in 1867, and in 1870 came to Caledonia. He has served in the capacity of engineer for the last 12 years in Konkle & Peck's handle factory. He is a member of the I. O. of O. F., Lodge No. 251, of Caledonia, and at present is Noble Grand. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns a business building worth $1,500, and a house and lot worth $400. He was married Sept. 14, 1853, to Isabel J., daughter of William and Agnes Gordon, born in Scot- land, Dec. 25, 1835. Her parents came to America in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had three children-William G., born Sept. 25, 1855; Clarence A., Jan. 10, 1857, and Jessie R., June 22, 1862.

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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 66

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