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 67
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William J. Wood, pioneer, was born in Caynga Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1818. He is son of Nehemiah and Abigail (Rundel) Wood, the former born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1784, and died in November, 1848; the latter was born in the same county, May 20, 1788, and died Jan. 1, 1879, aged 91 years. Mr. Wood is second son and the fourth child of a family of nine children. His ancestors were of Puritan stock and pioneers of New England. His grandfather, John Wood, went to Ohio in 1820, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. Wood lived on a farm until he was 17 years of age, when he learned the joiner's trade, and worked at it 31 years. His parents went to Livingston Co., N. Y., when he was 10 years old, and in April, 1857, he settled on sec. 24, this tp. He engaged in clearing and improving his land, and interested himself in aiding and comforting his pioneer neighbors. It fell to his lot to help most when death made havoc among the settlers, and he provided the community with coffins at the bare expense of material, without charge for time or labor. Probably this generosity cost, financially, $2,000, but all the sacrifice was amply remunerated by the gratitude of those whose sad necessity added to their united privations as pioneers. The toil of years and burdens of time have bowed the form and bleached the locks of the venerable pioneer, but his noble nature will long be remein- bered and have its influence after he has passed to a home of rest. He was married in June, 1839, to Esther Snyder. They had four
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
children and buried them all. The mother joined her babes in October, 1854, and Mr. Wood again was married in February, 1855, to Mary A., daughter of Amos and Abigail (Barber) Stiles. They have had three children, two of whom are living-Wm. H., born March 18, 1860, and Martha L., June 29, 1858. Mr. Wood owns 60 acres of land, with 52 under cultivation. In 1863-'4 he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, and during that time had charge of the families of 31 soldiers. He was a Supervisor in 1868 and 1872
CANNON TOWNSHIP.
This township is 150 miles northwest from Detroit, has a roll- ing surface and good soil, well adapted to grazing and farming purposes, and well watered by numerous small streams. The town presents a great variety of surface and soil, has half a dozen or more lakes in it, among which Bostwick and Silver lakes are the largest and finest, well stocked with fish, and a favorite resort for fishing parties. The south part of the town, particu- larly along Bear creek, is very rolling, as is also the north and northwest portions of the town. Much of its surface, however, is gently undulating and very desirable for all farming purposes. Silver lake, on sections nine and ten, lying just north of and touch- ing the line of the Grand Rapids & Ionia State Road, as its name indicates, is a most beautiful sheet of water, containing about 300 acres. One mile directly east of Silver lake we come upon Bostwick lake, a huge crystal, in emerald setting. No more beautiful scene can well be imagined. Its waters are very cold, evidently emanating from springs, as it has no visible inlet or natural outlet. This was a favorite resort in early days for fishing parties, and parties of pleasure coming from the village often camped on its banks and tarried over night. A huge canoe, fashioned by. an Indian, from a white-wood tree grown a mile south of Cannonsburg, was trans- ported with a vast amount of labor to its shores and launched upon its waters. The distance traversed was five miles, occupying two days in the transit, and employing four yoke of oxen. There, in the later years, the settlers on lands adjacent to the lake found the deserted canoe, a monster of its kind, over 30 feet in length. Wind and wave have long since done their works upon it, only a fragment of it remaining as a relic in the family of S. B. Kutz. This lake also lies north of the State Road, which bends slightly in passing round its southern shore. It contains about 400 acres. . Bear creek, the principal stream of the town, rising in the north- east corner, flows south about four miles, and then turns abruptly west for six miles, and falls into Grand river about the town line. It has a great deal of fall, perhaps near 200 feet in 12 miles, and furnishes remarkably good motive power for a stream of its size.
In section 1 is a noble hill rising pretty abruptly near 100 feet above the high lands around it, and furnishing a grand view of the landscape for 10 to 20 miles in almost every direction. It is strikingly visible for five or six miles in several directions, and is well named " Prospect Hill," though sometimes known as "Ball-
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
Hill," in honor of John Ball. The top of this hill, or knob, is prob- ably little less than 300 feet above Grand river, and the view from its top is well worth a trip of many miles. These heights were once the property of John Ball. The land was purchased by Thomas Cowan, who converted it into a great orchard in 1868-'9.
The first entries of land in the township of Cannon were made on sections 30 and 31, in 1835. The first entry was made by James S. Potter on section 30. July 15, 1835, and the second entry on section 31, Dec. 4, 1835. These men did not become perma- nent settlers. A few of the purchasers from 1839 to 1845 are named: Hugh E. McKee, section 29, Aug. 19, 1839; James Thomas, section 20, Aug. 12, 1840; Hiram Rood, section 32, Aug. 19, 1839; Isaac Tomlinson, section 31, Oct. 10, 1839; Charles Knapp, section 18, Aug. 10, 1839; Ethiel Whitney, section 19, Aug. 3, 1839; John Boldy, section 19, Oct. 24, 1839; Kendall Woodward, section 7, Aug. 7, 1840; John French, sec- tion 9, Aug. 26, 1844; Alexander Charter, jr., section 19, Dec. 19, 1845.
The first permanent settlers of the township were: Zebulon Rood and Mariette Rood, in 1840; Isaac Tomlinson, Mary Tom- linson in 1839; Andrew Watson, Mrs. Watson in 1839; Ethiel Whitney and Elizabeth Whitney in 1839; Hugh E. McKee and Betsy McKee in 1839; James Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas in 1840; Wm. M. Miller in 1839; A. D. W. Stout and Mrs. Stout!in 1839; Oliver Lovejoy, Rev. Freeze, in 1840.
John French and Collins Leach were squatters within the boundaries of Cannon as early as 1840. The former patented his lands in 1844. Samuel Steele, Eben C. Smith and M. A. Patrick selected their lands in 1844. Demas Hine, John Hartwell, and James Dockeray located in 1845-6.
Among the other early settlers who made their appearance before the organization, were H. H. Worden, Lewis D. Dean, Loyal Palmer, Martin Johnson, Cornelius Wample, Robert Howard, Mindrus Whitney. John C. Chapman, Cornelius Slaght, Harlow T. Judson, John Hartwell, John Bishop, Jared Spring, together with others mentioned in the organic section of this sketch.
In 1844, E. B. Bostwick got the Indians to make a large dug- ont canoe, the first among the white settlers of this township, on Patrick Fingleton's farm. This was brought to Bostwick Place, and the genial Bostwick asked his neighbors, James Thomas, Major Worden, Sydney S. Haskins, Zebulon Rood, Tom Hall. Whisky was plenty. A wagon-load of fish was caught that night. Hugh E. McKee is said to have married Miss Betsey Burgess, in 1841. This is said to be the first marriage. The first white chil- dren born in the township were Jeannette Watson and Mary Stout, born Sept. 27. 1837. The first death was that of Martha Jane Tomlinson, who died May 6, 1842. She was a daughter of Isaac Tomlinson, one of the first settlers.
679
CANNON TOWNSHIP.
The house of Hyde was burned about eight years ago, when the owner was burned to death. When rescued, he was burning; and so unconscions that he was not aware of his terrible sufferings.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CANNON
was dedicated March 27, 1875. The society was formed about 1861. The first members were: Abraham Kromer and wife, Joseph Moore and wife, Jesse B. Armstrong and wife, George Armstrong and wife, Mrs. Schoomaker, Mrs. Allen, Charles Allen, Virgil Haines and wife, Mrs. Carten, Charles F. Judson and Eretta Judson, Mrs. Emily Thomas, Mrs. Lacey, and M. W. Wiley. The church property at Cannonsburg is valued at $5,000. Rev. D. L. Eaton is pastor.
The Congregational Church north of Cannonsburg is the first church building erected in the township. The society was organ- ized June 6, 1846, with the following members: Nathaniel Steele, Sydney Weller, W. C. Youngs, F. B. Ray, Edgar Weller and Thomas Cowan. The present pastor of Lowell and Cannonsburg was one of the early ministers of the Church here.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Methodist church at Steele's Corners was built about 1848. Among the original members were: Eben. Smith and wife, Urias Goss and wife, A. J. Provin and wife, and Mr. Shotwell and wife.
The M. E. church, of Cannonsburg village, was built in 1848. The society was formed about 1846, when services were held in the first school-house. Among the first members were: John Hartwell and wife, Robert Hartwell and wife, Wm. Provin and wife, Thomas Noy and wife, James Thomas and wife, Mrs. Louisa Litle and Isaac Tomlinson and wife.
ORGANIC.
The first record of the township is given under date April 6. 1846. It points out the fact that the Legislature organized the town under the name Churchtown, in the spring of 1846, and that the first meeting was held at the house of C. Slaght. H. T. Jud- son presided as Moderator; H. H. Worden, Loyal Palmer and Harrison Russell, Inspectors; with H. H. Worden, Clerk.
The following is a list of the first Grand Jurors: Ethiel Whit- ney, Willis Aylsworth and H. T. Jndson. The Petit Jurors were: Robert Hartwell, L. D. Dean and John Adams, May 12, 1846. The first license granted by the township Board of Church- town, or Cannon, was that to Cornelius Slaght, granting him to sell ardent spirits June 15, 1846. The first meeting of the town of Cannon (formerly Churchtown) was held April 3, 1848.
680
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
SUPERVISORS.
Andrew Watson. 1846
Geo. W. Van Every 1862
H. E. McKee. 1847
James Dockeray. 1863-65
Norman Ackley 1848
Asa P. Ferry. . 1866-70
James Dockeray.
1849-50
James Dockeray 1871-74
Andrew Watson.
1851
Charles A. Provin. 1875
Timothy E. Wetmore.
1852
Loomis K. Bishop 1876
James Dockeray
1853-54
Albert W. Davies. 1877
David C. Pratt. 1855
Andrew J. Provin. 1878
Benj. Davies.
1856-61
Win. C. Young.
1879-81
CLERKS.
Henry H. Worden
1846
Thomas Noy
1861-63
John Hartwell. 1847
Wm. Pullen. 1864
Leonard S. Jones.
1848-50
Thomas Noy 1865
Matthew A. Patrick 1851-54
W. L. Beardsley
1866-69
James F. Judson. 1855
Thomas Noy.
1870-77
Thomas Noy.
1856-59
Orlando S. Smith 1878
Loomis K. Bishop
1860
Thomas Noy
1879-81
TREASURERS.
Lewis D. Dean 1846
Seymour Chase 1862
Loyal Palmer. 1847
Wm. Hartwell. 1863-65
Hugh E. McKee. 1848
Charles A. Provin. 1866-70
James Nesbitt .. 1849-50
Loomis K. Bishop
1871-75
John Hartwell. 1851-52
Albert W. Davies 1876
Henry H. Worden 1853
Leonard S. Jones. 1877
John Hartwell. 1854
Daniel C. Fletcher 1878
Henry C . Watson. 1855
Wm S. Johnson. 1879-80
Lorenzo D. Hoag.
1856
Charles Hartwell 1881
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
H. T. Judson, John Bishop, De-
mas Hine, Jared S. Spring. . . 1846
Jared S. Spring, Loyal Palmer. . .1847
Charles M. Nichols 1848
Harlow T. Judson 1849
Demas Hine. 1868
James Nesbitt. 1869
Nathaniel Steele 1870
Abram Kromer, A. J. Provin .1871
Harlow T. Judson, H. E. McKee. . 1853
Wm. E. Whitney, Demas Hine. . .1854
John Bishop 1855
Joseph Dockeray. 1856
M. A. Patrick, D. Hine. 1857
Wm. E. Whitney 1858
John Bishop. 1859
Robert W. Love. 1860
M. A. Patrick, Demas Hine. 1861
Wm. E. Whitney. 1862
Henry J. Provin. 1863
Demas Hine 1864
James Nesvitt .. 1865
Wm. E. Whitney, M. A. Patrick .. 1866 M. A. Patrick. 1867
James Weed. . 1850
John Bishop, W. E. Whitney 1851
John D. Bruine. . 1852
Demas Hine. . 1872
M. A Patrick, H. C. Watson 1873
Andrew J. Provin 1874
Ira Ellis. . 1875
Henry C. Watson. 1876
M. A. Patrick, Abram Kromer. .1877
Melvin A. Willett 1878
Abram Kromer. 1879
Henry C. Watson. 1880
C. L. Chamberlin, Rob't Dockeray.1881
Hiram Terry
1857-61
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Cannon have grown gradually from a very small primitive beginning to a pretentious place among the schools of Kent county. There are eight school-houses in the township, all frame.
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CANNON TOWNSHIP.
The primary school money paid into the township treasury during the year 1881 amounted to $367.76; the library money, to $11.85; and dog money, $88.54. The balance was raised by direct taxation in the various districts.
CANNONSBURG
is a flourishing post village in the township of Cannon, on a branch of Grand river, seven miles north of Ada station, on the Detroit & Milwaukee railroad, 150 miles northwest from Detroit. The vil- lage was platted Dec. 1, 1848, for Le Grand Cannon, of Troy, New York, who commissioned E. B. Bostwick to purchase lands in Can- non. Mr. Bostwick platted the village of Cannonsburg. At the beginning of 1852 Mr. Cannon transferred the property to John Ball, on account of his first agent neglecting to pay taxes. Under Mr. Ball the land's were sold to the early settlers. The place was first settled in 1837. Among its present business men are G. C. Anderson, saw, grist and cider mill; Bostwick and Schoomaker, general store-keepers; L. P. Thomas, dealer in cattle; C. L. Cham- berlin & Sons, drugs, hardware and groceries; -. McKay, flouring- mill; John S. Baker and Thomas Noe, boot and shoe stores; James Kavenagh'and John I. Lacey, blacksmiths; J. Murphy, L. F. Reeves, and W. Holcomb, carpenters; Joyce S. Carton and Jacob Bush, wagon-makers; C. L. Chamberlin and A. Clark, physicians; Hiram Ross and F. B. Young, painters.
BUENA VISTA.
The hamlet of Buena Vista, or Imperial Mills, on sec. 30, was known as a postal village up to some years ago. The Department abolished the office some years since. The location of this hamlet is very desirable. With its new mill and the opening up of the neighborhood it gives promise of advancement.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
The Cannonsburg grist-mill was built in 1844-'5, by E. B. Bost- wick. It was the first mill in the town, and among the more in- portant industries of the county at that period. This concern is operated by Mr. McKay and is doing a flourishing trade.
The Buena Vista mill was built in 1848, by Abner and John Brewer. The building was destroyed by fire in 1875. Rebuilt in September, 1881, by Denis Porter, it has again entered upon a career of prosperity. Bear creek offers a never failing supply of water.
In 1855 the cider-mill was built, by Harlow T. Judson. It is now operated as a saw, lath, grist and cider mill, by G. C. Ander- sou.
682
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
The personal history of the township will be found very inter- esting, as it treats of matters more nearly at home and of greater vital connection with the life of the people than more material things.
George W. Armstrong (deceased) was born Oct. 26, 1836; was a son of John J. Armstrong, of Irish descent and in early life a cab- inet-maker, later a farmer. He came to Kent county in 1856 and worked by the month; at the time of his death he owned 240 acres of land; held different tp. offices and was deacon of the Congrega- tional Church of Cannon from its organization until his death, Feb. 11, 1878. He was married in 1858 to Anna E. Wilson, eldest daughter of Amos and Rachel (Brown) Wilson, natives of New York, the former of English and Dutch descent, born in 1812. Mr. . and Mrs. Wilson had two sons and four daughters; five children are living and have families. They settled in Cannon in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong had five childen; one daughter and three sons are living. Mrs. Armstrong is a member of the Congregational Church.
Willis Aylsworth, a pioneer of Cannon tp., was born in Che- mango Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 1818. His parents, David and Ada (Curtis) Aylesworth, were natives of Rhode Island and Connecti- cut. Mr. A.'s grandfather, Pelek Aylesworth, served through the American Revolution. Mr. A., our subject, was reared on a farm and in early life learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed for 15 years. He came to Washtenaw county in 1843, and to Cannon in 1845, and located on section 22, where he owns 120 acres. He was the second purchaser of this land, which had no improvements. Mr. A. has cleared and finely improved 90 acres of it. He was married Aug. 8, 1841, to Mary M. Wilkinson, a daughter of James and Vienna Wilkinson. She was born in Smith- field, R. I., Feb. 7, 1823, They have one child, a daughter, Mary M., born Feb. 6, 1845, wife of Wm. G. Little. Mr. A. is Demo- cratic in politics. He still retains in his possession the farm that he located in pioneer davs.
Wm. Bush was born May 2, 1813 in New York, is son of William and Margaret Bush. He grew to manhood in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and in 1852 came to Kent county and located on 10 acres on section 10, where he has since resided. He was married in 1836 to Eliza Deck, born in New York. Of seven children born to them five are living-James H., Nancy J., Win. H., Rose E. and Charles F. P. O., Rockford.
Philip P. Carlton was born in England, July 20, 1820; is son of Philip and Mary (Pickering) Carlton. His parents came to America in 1830, and settled at Lockport, N. Y., where the senior Carlton was employed in a mill for a time, but soon moved to Pendleton, and from there to Detroit, near which he settled, but becoming dissatisfied with the country, sold out and went to
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CANNON TOWNSHIP.
Canada. Three years after, he came to Ann Arbor tp. In 1838, he moved to Howell, Livingston Co., where he engaged in land speculation, dying in 1864; his wife died in 1860. Mr. Carl- ton, of this sketch, was married Sept. 13, 1843, to Mrs. Martha Willey, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Johnston. She has one daughter by her first marriage-Sarah A. Willey. The chil- dren of the second union are-Wm. T., John, Chas. P. and Elizabeth J. Mr. Carlton owns 200 acres of land on secs. 14 and 15. P. O., Cannonsburg.
M. V. Crill was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 2, 1820; is son of James and Mary (Crouse) Crill, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and English descent. His parents moved to Erie Co., N. Y., when he was six years old; his father was a pump-maker, and the son followed the same business two years after he was 21; en- gaged several years in buying cattle for the Buffalo market. In 1853 Mr. Crill settled in Branch county; engaged in farming and pump-making two years, came to Kent county, and managed a hotel
18 months. He enlisted in the fall of 1861, in the Engineers and Mechanics' Reg., Capt. Fox, now Major Fox, of the 1st Mich. Reg .; was in all the principal engagements, and was present at the killing of Zollicoffer; discharged in 1864. In his absence his wife con- ducted affairs with wise discretion, as did so many hundreds of American wives. He remained on his farm one year after his re- turn, sold out, spent a winter in lumbering, and in 1867 took charge of the Alpine hotel. Seven years later he settled on 80 acres on sec. 27, this tp .; is a Democrat. He was married in 1844, at Alden, Erie Co., N. Y., to Maria Myers, born Aug. 31, 1825. They have three boys and one girl-Henry M., born Sept. 25, 1845, resides in Colorado; Martin K., born March 30, 1847; Hiram and Maria A. Martin is a jeweler in Kansas; Maria, now Mrs. Cudron, lives in Idaho. Mrs. Crill is deceased. He was train master for his regiment for two years.
A. W. Davies was born Ang. 13, 1842, in Jackson Co., Mich .; is son of Benj. and Nancy M. (Squires) Davies, natives of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They settled in Napoleon, Jackson Co. in 1832 and came to the farm now occupied by Mr. Davies, 266 acres on section 12. He is an only child. His father was a
farmer and carpenter and died Oct. 1, 1860. Mr. Davis was mar- ried Feb. 15, 1870 to Aurelia E. Cornell, born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1846. They have one child-Harlan P. Mr. Davies has held the offices of Treasurer, Supervisor and Highway Commissioner. P. O., Cannonsburg.
R. Davies was born Aug. 16, 1826 in Montgomery Co., N. Y .; is son of Joel and Gertrude (Sutfin) Davies, natives of New Jersey and first settlers in Charlestown, Montgomery Co., N. Y., where they died. Mr. Davies received a common-school education; was married to Sarah A. Casler, born in Montgomery county Oct. 30, 1830; they have four children-Charlotte F., Georgia, Herbert and Elsie. Mr. Davies was one of 16 children ; his parents were poor
684
HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
and he commenced hard work early in life; worked farms on shares for many years and becoming tired resolved to try Michigan and moved to his present location, 80 acres on section 1, in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Davies are members of the Congregational Church. P. O., Cannonsburg.
Joseph Dockeray was born June 18, 1821, in Westmoreland Co., England; is son of Robert and Elizabeth Dockeray. They caine to America in 1839 and settled in Orleans Co., N. Y., where the father died. In 1845 Mr. Dockeray settled in Cannon, where he is now located and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was. married July 2, 1846 to Miss Elizabeth Pierson, born in 1826. They have five children-Clarence H., Albert A., Chas. R., Wallace P. and Bryant S. Mr. Dockeray owns 107 acres of good land on sec. 6. P. O .: Rockford.
Robert Dockeray was born Aug. 4, 1829 in Westmoreland, Eng- land; is son of Robert and .Betty Dockeray. His parents settled in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1839 where the father died. Mr. D. was- reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married in 1854 to Lucy A. White, a native of New York. They have four children living-Robert H., Alice, George A. and Ella. E. Mr. Dockeray owns 160 acres of improved land and is breeding short-horn cattle. He is Justice of the Peace. P. O., Rockford.
Daniel C. Fletcher, son of John R. and Barbara A. Fletcher, was born in Brant Co., Ontario, Jan. 10, 1839. He was reared on a farm; and came with his parents to Cannon in 1858. He was married March 25, 1862, to Elmira White, and has two children, viz. : Della May, born Sept. 30, 1874, and John Anson, born May 26, 1879. Richard W. and Mattie are deceased.
Mrs. Fletcher is a daughter of Levi and Eliza J. White, and a native of Ontario,. a Greenbacker in politics.
born May 8, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. F. are Baptists, and Mr. F. is He owns 80 acres of land on sec. 30.
John R. Fletcher was born in Wentworth Co., N. B., Feb. 14, 1814. His parents, Daniel and Nancy (Phillips) Fletcher, were natives of New Brunswick, and of Scotch and Welsh descent. They removed to Wentworth Co., Ontario, when Daniel was- 11 years of age. He passed his early life as a farmer boy and received his educational training in the common school. His- father was a mason, and at an early age he learned that, and followed it for eight years. He came to Cannon in April, 1858, and settled on his present farm. He was married May 27, 1835, to Barbara A. Condon, daughter of Bryan and Susanna Condon, born in Wentworth Co., Ontario, Aug. 22, 1818. Of their nine children, three are living, viz .: Daniel C., Nancy, wife of C. P. Watson, and Samuel L. Mr. and Mrs. F. are connected with the. Baptist Church. Mr. F. is Deacon. Politically he is National. He owns a farm of 40 acres, on sec. 30.
William Hartwell was born in New York, Nov. 18, 1824; is son of John and Elizabeth (Vansize) Hartwell, the latter of Holland descent, the former of English. Mr. Hartwell spent 26 years of
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CANNON TOWNSHIP.
his life as clerk, at Utica, N. Y., Grand Rapids and Cannonsburg. He came to the latter place in 1844, and now owns 240 acres of land, with the best improvements. He lost a fine house, worth $3,000, by fire, and built another, on an improved plan; is giving much attention to breeding fine-wool merino sheep .. Was married on Nov. 8, 1855, to Ann Eliza, daughter of Sidney S. Haskins, of English descent, and among the earliest pioneers of Kent county, and the first settler of Cannon. They have two sons -Albert H. and Frank E., two fine young fellows, alike the pride and comfort of their parents. Mr. Hartwell is a Republican, and has been Tp. Treasurer, and was Postmaster about 10 years at Cannonsburg.
James Howard, farmer, sec. 23, Cannon, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1836, and is a son of Wm. and Martha Howard, who emigrated to the United States in 1836, and settled in Oneida Co., N. Y., and in 1846 removed to Washtenaw county, and in '50 to Cannon, Kent Co. Mr. Howard was married March 20, 1864, to Melissa J. Johnson, born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 8. 1836. This union was given three children, viz .: Frank W., Fred. J. and James R. Mr. Howard settled on this farm when it was in its original state, and by his industry and untiring energy, has made a valuable farın. It comprises 120 acres. He has a peach orchard of 100 trees, among the finest in Kent county. Mr. H. is connected with the Patrons of Husbandry, and politically is Green- back.
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