USA > Michigan > Macomb County > History of Macomb County, Michigan > Part 87
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GEORGE R. KIDDER, son of Sidney M. and Lorette Fisher Kidder, born in Berlin Township April 26, 1846, commenced business as a carpenter in Almont: bought a farm . in Dryden and went to farming: from there to Capac as a grain merchant. then as a keeper of a grocery store; afterward bought a farm in Berlin; from there as a cabinet-maker in Bruce: then to Armada as a butcher; in 1877, invented a land-roller, upon which be ob- tained a patent: in 1878. took out letters patent on barn door roller, which has become very popular both in the United States and Canada; also invented a farm gate. Mr. Kidder married, May 4, 1870. Lora Dodge, daughter of Stephen Dodge, of St. Clair County. They have two children -- Mattie, born February 22, 1871; Ruth, born August 22, 1873. Mrs. Kidder was born March 4, 1847. Mr. Kidder now lives in Armada Village, and is iden- tified with the Democratic party.
SIDNEY KIDDER, deceased, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., about the year 1810: removed to Romeo in 1836; began life as a country merchant in the village of Ro- meo: a few years later went in company with Mr. Oel Rix and formed a partnership for the prosecution of the same business; from there went to Berlin, St. Clair County, on a farm, then back to Bruce for six years on a farm. He was living in St. Clair Count. at the time of his death, which occurred with his own hands; in 1857, married Lorette, daughter of Luke Fisher; they had three children, all living. Mrs. Kidder died in February, 1868.
CHARLES A. LATHROP, son of Edward and Emma Andrews Lathrop, was born in West Springfield, Mass .. October 25, 1816. His father and grandfather were natives of the same place. his great-grandfather, of Norwich, Conn., descendant of Rev. John Lath- rop, of Barnstable, England, who settled in Barnstable, Mass., where he was the head of a colony. Mr. Lathrop's father died at Armada Village September 11, 1563; mother died several years later. They had eleven children, all living but two. In 1847, Mr. Lathrop. in company with his brother, opened a store of general merchandise, it being the second in the place. The first bill of dry goods amounted to $90, and was purchased of Zach Chandler, of Detroit. Two brothers have been with him in the business, but both have retired, and Mr. Lathrop conducts it alone. He was married. in May, 1858, to Rachel A. Youngs, of Armada, and they have had two children-Charles E., born June 17, 1859, is in the store with his father: Lillie A., born October 1. 1860, married Edwin F. Phillips and lives in Armada Village. Mrs. Lathrop was born January 6, 1532. Mr. Lathrop was an early officer in the township and the village; in politics, first a Whig and now a Re- publican.
DAVID McCROSSIN, M. D., son of James McCrossin, of Ireland, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., November 13, 1813; came direct to Michigan, arriving December 7, 1854. He had visited this county some years before and bought land on Section 11, Armada Township: moved the family in 1854, and settled in Berlin, St. Clair County, remaining twelve years; then to Armada Village, where he still resides; moved from Ontario County through Canada with wife and one child, three trunks, and a hen-coop lashed on behind, in which were two Shanghai chickens. the first of the kind introdneed in these parts. Mr. McCrossin studied medicine at Springwater. Livingston County, with Dr. Arnold Grey:
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admitted to practice in Ontario County in 1829, which avocation he pursued during his active life: married, June 2. 1831, Amanda Short, who died February 5, 1851: four chil- dren. all living; married, September 25, 1851. Mary L. Wait, of Washington County, N. Y., and has one child. Dora. born June 14, 1854. living at home. Mrs. MeCrossin was born September 3, 1825. Mr. McCrossin was successful in his practice: in politics. a Whig, afterward joining with the Republican party. The fathers of both Mr. and Mrs. McCrossin served in the war of 1812, and the grandfather of Mrs. McCrossin. Peleg Wait. was a Revolutionary soldier. The families were from Vermont and Rhode Island.
THOMAS McILWRICK was born in Paisley, Scotland, December 24. 1826: served the regular term of five years as a cabinet-maker. and came to America in 1848. The vessel in which he came was four months and eight days between ports. He worked a short time in Detroit. then reached the "Scotch settlement" in Bruce, and labored in the ' trade of house carpentering eight years: married Eliza Learmont, who was born in En- gland June 21. 1833, and have no children. except an adopted daughter. In 1851, he bought land on Section 6, Armada Township, and began to be a farmer, in which he has succeeded. He has several relies of the old country of great age: Republican in politics. and Presbyterian in form of worship.
JOHN McKAY, son of Robert and Jean (Gray) McKay, was born in Bruce Township August 16, 1843; married February 21, 1866, and settled on a farm on Section 19, Armada, known as the Joseph Bennett farm. on which he has resided since that time. His wife was Lucinda, youngest daughter of Uriel Day, of Armada Township; was born October 16. 1842. Their children are: Robert U., born July 24, 186; Olive J .. born Jannary 11. 1871. Mr. McKay's farm consists of 300 acres. in fine cultivation: makes a specialty of Durham cattle, of which he has a superior herd. He has held responsible offices in township and society: a charter member of the Grange, No. 414; also of Pomona Grange, of Macomb; a member of several agricultural organizations, and President several terms, also a member of the Executive Board of the State Short-Horn Breeders' Association; Congregational in worship, and Republican in politics.
GURDON H. MILLARD, son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Hopkins) Millard, he of Ohio and she of New York, was born in the city of Detroit February 2. 1841; learned the trade of fine coopering at Clarkston two years: entered the army in August, 1861, Company H. Fifth Michigan Volunteer Infantry; was discharged November 25, 1562, and again pur- sued his trade at Clarkston eight years: in 1872. begin the study of dentistry; was licensed to practice by Detroit Dental Association; pursued this business at Clarkston, at Birming- ham, and in 1875 came to Armada, where he is still in practice. His business is largely on the increase, and his work first-class. He married, October 15, 1863. Elizabeth Low- rie, of Oakland County, who was born May 25. 1844. They have two children-Fred A .. born February 6, 1867: and Frank G., born January 1, 1872. Mr. Millard's father was a soldier in the Mohawk war: his mother was a relative of the Hopkins of Revolutionary fame.
GEORGE M. MILLS, son of Asa, and Lucetta (Banister) Mills. natives of Orange Connty, N. Y., was born in Richmond Township September 9. 1839. Until arriving at majority. he lived on the homestead and attended the schools of the place. He then bought forty acres of land, to which he added 140 in Richmond. He sold this property in 1872, and bought the Erie Butterfield farm, Armada, which is his present home. He was married. May 15. 1867, to Miss Elizabeth McGreggor, daughter of Robert McGreggor, of Ray. She was born in Ray June 16, 1848. Their children are as follows: Elmer, born January 24, 1868. died March 24, 1873; Lillian, born February 25, 1873: Delmer, born April 6. 1875. Mr. Mills has held offices in township: a member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, and Democratic in politics. His farm lies in the outskirts of the village of Armada, and consists of 160 acres of fertile land.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
MARTIN M. MILLS is the son of Asa D. and Lucetta Banister Mills, natives of New York State; he was born in Bruce Township, Section 25: was married to Emma Gould March 11, 1860; lived one year in the village of Almont. thenee to Armada Village, thence to Richmond Township, where he lived for eight years; then to the township of Shelby four years: then to Armada Township, Section 36, where he now resides. They have four children --- John. born October 3. 1866: Eddie, born June 3, 1869: George, born July 15. 1873: Della M., April 3, 1880. Mr. Mills' parents were of American origin. He is a farmer in easy circumstances, and prosperous. He makes the diseases of eattle and horses a study. and his services are often required in the neighborhood where he lives. Grandfather Timothy Banister served in the war of 1812, and received a pension.
REV. JAMES H. MORTON, son of James Morton and Margaret Borland, natives of Scotland, was born April 11. 1833, in Ayrshire, Scotland; came to Macomb July 18, 1844: settled on Section 7, Armada Township: attended school at the Romeo Academy some years: taught in the public schools winters until reaching majority; afterward entered Jefferson College. of Cannonsburg, Penn., a short time; again engaged in teaching: in company with a brother, carried on a foundry business in Armada Township: also at La- peer City: in 1858, entered the local ministry of the Methodist Protestant connection: then entered the conference of the same church, which relation was maintained for sixteen years -three years in Western New York, and thirteen years in Eastern Michigan. In the autumn of 1875, he severed the connection with the Methodist Protestant Church and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation still exists. He is at present Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Armada Village. Mr. Morton was married. November 19, 1857, to Harriet L., daughter of Henry Strong, of Lapeer, formerly of Con- necticut. She was born in 1838, and died May 1, 1859: one son died in infancy: married again, March 19. 1863. to Mrs. Anna Silsby. daughter of Benjamin Elliott. of Lenawee County, Mich .: six children, five living at home; the oldest, John, died May 12, 1882. Mrs. Morton was born January 20. 1843. Mr. Morton has been connected with the litera- ture of the county, and is an acceptable minister in the church to which he belongs: in politics, faith and practice, always a Republican. In 1878, he, with his wife. made a visit to the old home in Scotland, and spent some weeks in reviewing the scenes of his child- hood. A series of twelve letters written by him were published in the papers of the State.
THEODORE G. MOSHER, son of Jabez and Ann Tubbs Mosher, natives of New York, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., October 23. 1832; removed with the family to Macomb and settled on Section 2, Armada, in 1840; married, October 23. 1854, to Urilla Eaton, of Connecticut; she died July 17, 1856: married, April 5, 1858, Jane C. Eaton, a sister of his former wife, born February 7. 1835; one child, Everett, born October 23, 1859. living at home. Mr. Mosher began business life as a farmer: located on the land on which he now lives in 1865: the farm now consists of 306 aeres, Sections 1 and 2, Armada Town- ship. In 1875, he erected a fine residence. and has surrounded himself with all that is necessary to a prosperous business. In politics, he is a Democrat.
JABEZ MOSHER, deceased. was born in Western New York February 28, 1800. He removed to Macomb County in 1840 and settled on land in Section 2, Armada Township, which he recovered from a wilderness and added 120 aeres; married Ann Tubbs, a native of the same place; raised a family of nine children, seven of whom still live. He was a prompt and energetic man, thoroughly alive to all the interests of the new county, and a member of the Whig party. He died where he had lived, on the homestead, January 23. 1855. Mrs. Mosher died October 1. 1876, at the age of eighty years.
ELI G. PERKINS, son of Conde Perkins and Hannah Griffiths, he of Connecticut and she of Vermont, was born in Canada, August 1, 1822. His father. Conde Perkins, was a volunteer of 1812: started for the battle of Plattsburg. but, the conflict being over. was
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discharged. Grandfather Nathan Griffiths served during the entire term of the Revolu- tionary war, being at the headquarters at Valley Forge, and participating in all its scenes. He was under the immediate command of Washington, and was honorably dis- charged at the close of the war. Mr. Perkins came to Macomb in March, 1838; made a clearing on his land in 1844; subsequently opened a cooper-shop in Richmond Township, which he operated until 1853, when he went to Iowa; he returned after a short stay there, rented the Gower farm; subsequently located on Section 14, Richmond Township, where he lived four years, and next on Section 2, Armada, where he now resides. Mr. Perkins married Miss M. A. Mosher, daughter of Jabez Mosher, Ontario County, N. Y., September 16, 1844. There were six children by this marriage-James G. B., born April 22, 1845: Gleason A., November 5, 1846; Helen M., March 7, 1849, died December 14, 1854; Ro- setta A., March 28, 1851; Eli E., January 10, 1853, died October 11, 1854; Eli F., born March 4, 1856. Mrs. Perkins was born in Richmond, Ontario County, in 1825. Mr. Per- kins has a farm of 135 acres, well cultivated. His sheep-farming operations have been a success. Politically, he is a Greenbacker. Freeman Perkins, brother of Eli G., served in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry; was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and died from harsh treatment while in the Confederate hotel at Andersonville, on his journey homeward.
COL. NORMAN PERRY was born in Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y., April 20, 1796. In 1816, he accompanied his father's family to Leroy, Genesee County, where they took up new land, and where Norman lived eight years. In the fall of 1824, he
started for Michigan; found the Hoxie settlement, and located eighty acres of land east of the village of Romeo, at a place since known as the " Branch." Upon this land he erected his cabin, built of logs, floored with puncheon and shingled with " shakes," and cleared about four acres. Having accomplished this, he returned to Genes-e County. In March, 1825, he was married to Miss Susan Scott, and started a few days after for his new home. Mrs. Perry was the daughter of Capt. David Scott, the first settler in the county of Clinton, Mich., a lady remarkably gifted in those qualities which made the pioneer life one of contentment and comparative happiness. In their journey they were accom- panied by Reuben R. Smith, who settled on a farm close by. The journey to Buffalo was made with teams, taking two days, over roads which were both difficult and dangerous to travel. At Buffalo, they took passage on the steamer Superior for Detroit. From this place they proceeded by way of Royal Oak in search of Bailey's or the Hoxie settlement, which point they reached after two days' floundering in the mud, and over logs and cause- ways for twodays. They remained over night at the settlement, and in the morning set out to find the cabin at the Branch. They had no sooner reached it than they found that, in order to institute housekeeping, they had to go back to the village for the necessary arti- cles. While he was gone, the young wife left alone in the hut in the woods, went up in the chamber of the cabin and lay down upon some boughs to rest. While there, two men, who had built further down the creek, came along the path to the village, and, seeing that the house was open, stopped to see how neighbor Perry was getting along. One of the men stepped up the ladder, and, looking into the chamber, exclaimed, "Great heav- ens! there's a woman here!" This was the young lady's first introduction to her neigh- bors. They had purchased a cow on the way to Detroit, and driven it to the farm, but the first night the animal became homesick and returned. Mr. Perry followed her twenty miles or more, but, finding her still ahead, and gaining on him, he gave up the chase and returned. Mr. Perry always lived upon the farm. and died July 19, ISSO, at the age of eighty-four. He was a frugal and industrious man, a good manager, and forward in all the necessary works of improvement in the new settlement, and many of the meetings for the transaction of township business were held at his house. Noah Webster settled a lit- tle farther down the creek in 1825, and in the following spring, Josiah Hamlin built a
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
blacksmith shop, and was a great help to the settlers. The oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Perry, now Mrs. John Selleck, was the first child born east of Romeo. Mr. Perry was a member of the State militia, and received a Lieutenant's commission in April. 1829, bear- ing the signature of Gen. Cass. In July, 1830, he was made a Captain of State militia by Gen. Cass: in September, 1831, was advanced to Major by Stevens I. Mason, and pro- moted Lieutenant Colonel in February, 1532, by Mason, Governor of the Territory.
MRS. SUSAN (SCOTT) PERRY, daughter of Capt. David Scott, of Clinton County, Mich., was born at Shoreham, Vt., February 21, 1802; moved with her parents to Le Roy, N. Y., thence to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and, after six months, returned to Le Roy; after a few years, moved to Covington, N. Y., and lived until 1825; in March of that year, marriel Norman Perry, and moved to Macomb County and settled at the Branch, two and a half miles east of Romeo, Mich., on Section 31. Armada Township. Mr. Perry bought 320 acres of land, which is still occupied by the family; have had seven children, all of whom still live-Delia, born Jannary 19, 1826, married John Selleck, and now re- sides in Ray Township, and was the first child born in the township of Armada: Ozni S., born October 3, 1827, now at the old place; Elem Maria, born January 10, 1831, married James Sanford (deceased), now lives at Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich. ; Manly C., born Jan- nary 4, 1833, lives in Richmond Township; Norman, born August 7, 1840, married Ellen Warner and lives at the old home: Norton M., born October 20, 1840, married and lives at Lansing, Mich. ; Marshall, born August 10, 1844, who is unmarried, and, with Norman, owns and occupies the homestead. Mrs. Perry is a happy and cheerful old lady, full of neighborly deeds and kindnesses.
W. DURFEE PETTIBONE, son of Anson and Hannah (Blakely), was born July 24, 1834. His father, a native of Vermont, was born at Bennington April 15, 1794. His mother was a native of the same place, born June S, 1797. The family moved from Ver- mont to New York, and settled on a new farm in Wyoming County, N. Y., and lived till 1845. In the year 1831, he had visited Macomb County and located 620 acres on the ridge near where the village of Armada now stands. This farm he improved and occu- pied to the time of his death, which took place April 20, 1864. He was married, January 1. 1822, to Hannah Blakely, and had six children, two living. Mrs. Pettibone also died at Armada. The subject of this sketch spent his early years on the homestead farm, and attended school in the public schools of the village, and taught school one year. He was married, March 28, 1860, to Annie A., daughter of Edward Lathrop, born in Pittsford, N. Y., April 27. 1837. Their children were -William E., boin September 13, 1864, died March 4, 1874; Jennie, born December 11, 1866, died February 3, 1867; Eda, born June 23, 1868, died December 11, 1869: Fanny, born June 4, 1870: an infant daughter died October 12, 1875; Robert E., born April 29. 1878. Mr. Pettibone inherited 300 acres of the home- stead, and has added 200 acres, erected tasty and complete buildings, good fences, etc. He was a charter member of the Armada Agricultural Society, and an officer therein; an officer in village and district; a member of the Congregational Church and Sabbath school, and a Republican in politics: a strong temperance man.
EDWARD PETTIBONE, son of Anson and Hannah (Blakely) Pettibone, natives of Vermont, was born July 10, 1828, in Wyoming County, N. Y .; came with his father's family to Macomb in 1845; has always lived on the homestead, situated on Sections 24 and 19. Armada and Richmond Townships; married, January 1, 1860, Antoinette Butler, daughter of William Butler, of Buffalo: she was born May 19, 1824; has one child, Mary. born January 16, 1862. Mr. Pettibone received from his father's estate 300 acres, and has purchased sixty acres in addition -one of the best locations in the town on " the Ridge " near the village of Armada; always voted with the Republican party. Mrs. Pettibone died March 6, 1874.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
AUSTIN H. PHILLIPS. son of John H. and Clarinda Briggs Phillips, was born in Armada August 17, 1854. He attended school at Armada, lived on the homestead, and was married. December 30, 1876, to Lillian, daughter of Ezra Sibley, of Armada. She was born May 1, 1859. They have two children-William Sibley, born June IO. 1878: John Alva, born February 18, 1880. Mr. Phillips is a farmer, meeting with good success. He is a member of the Baptist Church of the village, and Superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is a Republican in politics.
JOHN H. PHILLIPS, son of John Phillips, was born in Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., February 17, 1811. He was a farmer in New York, and moved to Macomb in 1848. He settled on a farm in Armada, in Section 17, which he kept for three years. He then re- moved to a farm adjoining the village of Armada, consisting of 200 acres, which he kept until his death, which took place May 16. 1879. His wife. Clarinda S. Briggs of Livings- ton County, N. Y., was born in 1824; she died in May, 1864. They had nine children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Phillips was a strong advocate of temperance, having taken the pledge when a small boy, and kept it sacred: a Baptist in religion, and anti-slavery in politics.
GEORGE W. PHILLIPS. son of Ira and Martha (Day) Phillips, of Livingston County. N. Y., was born at that place July 17, 1829. His father was born in October, 1802. A farmer in the East, he sought the West to pursue the same calling, arriving in Macomb County September 6, 1831, and immediately entered upon 160 acres of land in Section 19. Armada Township, where he reared a family of three sons, and died on the homestead September 4, 1855. Mrs. Phillips died July 14, 1860. G. W. succeeded his father on the homestead; was married, in 1856, to Lydia, daughter of A. W. Sterling, of Romeo, and has children as follows: Carrie E., born December 16, 1857; Frank I., born May 24, 1859: George W., born July 24, 1861: Charles J., born April 29. 1863; Hattie M., born July 17, 1866; Fanny S., born May 22, 1870: John S., born March 17. 1872; L. Minnie, born June 8. 1874. Mr. Phillips has always been foremost in the agricult- ural interests of the county; a charter member of the county agricultural society, and, from the third year of its existence an officer, and seven times its President; an officer of the State Agricultural Society twenty-two years, and President in 1880 and 1881; a member of the State Board of Agriculture eleven years; also a leading officer in the Armada Agri- cultural Society and the Union Farmers' Club. Mr. Phillips is a fine musician, a promi- nent man in society, and a Republican.
HENRY PRATT, son of Josiah Pratt, a native of Vermont, was born in Westminster, Upper Canada, February 13, 1845; moved with his father's family to Section 1, Armada Township, in 1850; married. March 17, to Helen, danghter of John Stonehouse: one child, Nellie S., born March 25, 1881. Mrs. Pratt was born in Canada October 14, 1843. Mr. Pratt has added fifty-two acres to the homestead, built a fine residence, and has brought the farm into good condition for general farming, in which he has met with good success: grandfather served in the war of the Revolution as a soldier, and was discharged at its close.
JOSIAH PRATT, deceased, son of Josiah Pratt, a native of Massachusetts, was born in Vermont January 8, 1793: spent a portion of his life in Canada, and removed to Ma- comb County in 1850. He was married, first to Rebecca R. Jackson, who died in 1837; married Maria Gilbert, who died January S, 1847; he then married Charlotte Wann, who died July 10, 1870. Mr. Pratt died at the homestead some years since. He was the fa- ther of twenty-three children, fifteen of whom are living. The elder Pratt was a soldier of the Revolution, and was granted a pension to himself and his widow. The son was drafted by the British in the war of 1812, and served a short time reluctantly.
WILLIAM E. PRESTON, son of Earl C. and Harriet Fox Preston, was born at Eastford, Conn., June 20, 1822. His father was a native of Eastford. and his mother of
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
Woodstock, in the same State. The family are descendants from one Preston, who left England for America in 1640, but of whom very little is known. His descendant, John Preston, of Andover. Mass., who is the fifth lineal ancestor of the subject of this sketch, was married. in 1706, to Mary Haynes, of Newbury, Mass., and afterward settled in Win- dom, Conn. Said Mary Haynes was the daughter of Jonathan Haynes, of Haverhill, Mass., of which family the following bit of history is related: On the 15th day of An- gust, 1696, he and his four children-three boys and the said daughter Mary-were in the field near their house, the father reaping and the children picking beans. While thus engaged, the Indians, who were at war with the whites, surprised them and carried them all to Pennacook, now the city of Concord, N. H. There they separated. one party going to Maine, taking the father and one of the boys, Thomas by name: the other going to their home in Canada, and taking with them the other three children. The father and Thomas succeeded in escaping. They pursued their way through the forests. making toward home as best they could. The old man gave out, and could go no farther, and sank down to die. The boy, in despair. climbed a high hill and looked around. Nothing but the in- terminable forests met his vision. In his trouble, the little fellow cried aloud, and the only response was an echo. At length his ears caught a familiar sound-that of a saw- mill. He proceeded in the direction of the sound. and at length came to a white settle. ment on the Saco River. Here he got help and rescued his father, who soon recovered strength sufficient to pursue his journey home. The other children were taken to Canada and sold to the French. Mary was afterward redeemed by 100 pounds of tobacco, which was hanled to Canada on a hand-sled. The boys never came back. They were seen fifty or sixty years afterward by troops from Haverhill during the invasion of Canada in the French and Indian war. They were wealthy farmers. and one of them asked for his sis- ter; said that he remembered her, and that one of her fingers had been cut off by a little boy when a child, which was true. William E. Preston was married, in 1846, to Lovinia Leonard, the daughter of Halsey Leonard, of Woodstock, Conn. Their children are Charles C., born November 5, 1847; Mary L., June 21. 1850: John L., April 15. 1853: Hattie L., April 6, 1856: Bert C., January 2, 1859; Anna C .. April 20, 1861. Mr. Pres. ton came to Macomb in 1855, settling on a farm two miles south of Armada Village, which he afterward sold, and, removing to Armada Village in 1867, engaged in the mercantile business, in which he still continues. The family of both Mr. and Mrs. Preston are from a long-lived New England ancestry.
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