USA > Michigan > Montcalm County > History of Montcalm County, Michigan its people, industries and institutions...with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families Volume II > Part 10
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On May 30, 1903. Mr. Crawford was imited in marriage to Anna M. Courter. the daughter of J. Watson Courter, whose life history is given else- where in this volume. Mrs. Crawford is a graduate of the high school and also attended school at Stanton, Michigan.
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Mr. Crawford owns a small farm of twenty acres two miles north of Sheridan, which he has purchased through his own efforts. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been clerk of the village of Sheridan for about twelve years. Fraternally, Mr. Crawford is a member of Pearl Lake Lodge No. 324, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has filled all of the chairs except that of master. He also holds his membership in the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Crawford has lived in Montcalm county all of his life and has a host of friends, by whom he is well liked and highly respected.
J. H. PROUT.
J. II. Prout, leading business man and prominent citizen of Howard City. Montcalm county, Michigan, was born in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, on September 8, 1864, a son of T. C. and Susanna ( Martin ) Prout, natives of Plymouth, England and Ontario, Canada, respectively.
T. C. Prout came to America, when he was fifteen years of age, and after landing at Toronto, Canada, he engaged in general work for some time and then he engaged in brass fitting and in the plumbing trade, for a short time. Later, T. C. Prout went to a place known as Ilogs Hollow and there became a teamster, hauling flour from the city of Toronto, after which he became a farm helper on the farm of his former employer, a place where the elder Prout was employed as a plowman for some time, after- wards engaging in the raising of fari products, his success in this line having won for him a first prize at the Toronto exposition.
Some time later, T. C. Prout learned the millering trade after which he went to Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, about the year 1862, and after a short time there, during which time he married Susanna Martin, Mr. Prout moved to Nottaway, where he became head miller and where he was engaged for seven years. About this time, Susanna, the wife of T. C. Prout having died. Mr. Prout moved to Wauseon, Ohio, and followed his trade as a miller for some time and then he came to Greenville, Montcalm county, where he was engaged in the operating of the old Greenville mills, until about the year 1874. when T. C. Prout together with a Mr. Simmons came to Howard City, and started the first mills of the community, the grinding process of these mills being done by stones. After five or six years in partnership with Mr. Simmons, the latter went to England, where he remained for about two years and then returned to Howard City and pur-
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chased the interest of Mr. Prout, who at this time went to Big Rapids, where he purchased the Mecosta mills, which he operated a short time and then went to Coral, Michigan, where he operated a small mill for about three years, after which he went to England. He later returned to Howard City, and purchased a mill, which he operated until 1882, when it was destroyed by fire. At this time the elder Pront entered the mercantile business at Mancelona, Michigan, being in business at that place until 1886, he returned to Howard City and built a modern and well-equipped mill, which he operated for the remainder of his days, dying in 1894.
After the death of his first wife, T. C. Prout was married about 1875 to Anna .Andrews, of Wauseon, Ohio, and she now lives at Howard City. To the marriage of T. C. and Susanna Prout were born four children, J. H. and Ada, who survive, and two children who died in infancy. T. C. and Anna ( Andrews ) Prout were the parents of two children, both of whom died in infancy.
J. Il. Prout was educated in the common schools of his community, and lived at home until he was eighteen years of age when he went to Greenville, where he engaged in the milling trade, having learned the busi- ness with his father. After some time as a miller, J. Il. Prout went to Saginaw, Michigan, with Ira C. Alger, a milling engineer, and after a short time in that region returned to Howard City, and there engaged in the milling business with his father, which, after the death of the elder Pront, J. HT. Prout secured and which he has since operated in a most efficient and successful manner, for more than twenty years.
In July, 1892. J. H. Prout was married to Hattie Van Ness, a daughter of John and Emma Van Ness. To this marriage was born one son. who died in infancy. Hattie. the wife of J. 11. Pront, died in July. 1894.
J. 11. Prout was married in 1898 to Ada Ferguson, who was born in Australia, a daughter of George and Sarah Ferguson, the former of whom. was a gold-miner of that country. Mrs. Prout, before her marriage was a school teacher, she having been a preceptress of many schools in several localities.
J. II. Prout is prominent in the official life of Howard City, Montcalm county, he having been a member of the school board for the past six years, and he has served as president of the village for three years and as a member of the village council for six years. In politics, Mr. Prout is an ardent Republican. He is a member of Howard City Lodge, No. 324. Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of the Grand Rapids consistory
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and Shrine. Mr. Prout is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, a Forester and a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, at Howard City.
FRED J. CHAMBERLIN.
Fred J. Chamberlin, the son of Newton and Serepta ( Beals ) Cham- berlin was born on January 25, 1868, at Paw Paw, Van Buren county. Michigan. Newton Chamberlin was a native of New York state and cante with his parents to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where they settled on a farm in 1836. They were among the early pioneers and suffered the hard- ships incident to those times in this region.
Newton Chamberlin remained in Kalamazoo county until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he went to Paw Paw where he was engaged in farming for a number of years. Later he engaged in the produce business at Decatur. Michigan, until his death in 1893.
Serepta ( Beals) Chamberlin, was born in Vermont and came with her parents to Paw Paw township, Van Buren county, Michigan, where they located on a farm. Mrs. Chamberlin died in 1910.
Fred J. Chamberlin was but a baby when his parents moved to Decatur and here he grew to manhood and received his elementary education. In 1880) he graduated in pharmacy at Ann Arbor and the next year engaged in the drug business at Battle Creek, where he remained for the next ten years. In voor he came to Carson City where he bought a drug store and where he is still engaged in the drug business. He handles the Rexall Remedies, being a stockholder in the company.
For some ten years he has been the manager of the Union Telephone Company and the exchange is run in connection with the store.
Mr. Chamberlin was married in 1903 to Lillie M. Ainesley, who was a native of Ohio, but came to Michigan with her parents when but a babe. Her life since that time has been spent in Carson City.
Fraternally, Mr. Chamberlin belongs to the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias and the Maccabees.
ITe has a pleasing personality and is an exceptionally good business man. His progressive spirit and business qualities have been recognized by the people of his home town and as a result he has served them as a member on the council.
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LUCIUS H. GIBBS.
In the memorial literature of Montcalm county no name deserves more distinctive mention than that of the late Lucius HI. Gibbs, who for year: was head of the well-known milling firm of J. H. Gibbs & Son at Edmore, this county, and an active participant in all movements designed to advance the general interest, not only of that section, but of the county at large, whose death on February 6, 1913, was regarded as a distinct loss to the whole community.
The late Lucius H. Gibbs was born at Burlington, Vermont, on August 16. 1859. son of Josiah H. and Amelia E. ( Brooks) Gibbs, the former of whom was born at Westport in that same state, July 26, 1837, son of David and Ruby (Farnsworth) Gibbs, the former of whom, born in Massachusetts in 1800, son of Solomon Gibbs, a hotel keeper. died in 1867, and the latter, born at Fairfax. Franklin county, Vermont, daughter of Josiah Farus- worth. a farmer. died in 1855. David Gibbs and wife were the parents of nine children, of whom Josiah was the fourth in order of birth. On Janu- ary 31. 1858. Josiah Gibbs was united in marriage to Amelia E. Brooks, who was united in marriage to Amelia E. Brooks, who was born at Leroy, Genesee county. New York, daughter of Lueins and Celia (Newcomb) Brooks, both natives of the Empire state. Lucins Brooks was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, and some time after his marriage emigrated with his family to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, whence. in 1850. he migrated to Michigan and became one of the pioneers of Kent county, where his death occurred on February 1, 1891, he long having been regarded as one of the substantial residents of that county. His daughter. Amelia, who was born on February 2. 1842, was about eight years of age when she came to Michigan with her parents, the trip from Ohio being made in a wagon, and she grew to womanhood in Kent county. It was during a visit back to her native home in the East that she married Josiah Gibbs, in 1858. In 1862 Josiah Gibbs and family came to Michigan. settling in Kent county, in the neighborhood of the home of Mrs. Gibby's parents, and there they lived until 1871, in which year they came to Montcalin county, locating at Green- ville, later moving to Cedar Springs and still later to Edmore, where Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are still living, having a beautiful home there and enjoying many evidences of the high regard in which they are held by the entire community. For years. until the time of his practical retirement from the active labors. Josiah Gibbs was regarded as one of the most energetic and
LUCIUS H. GIBBS.
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1:tuential men in his community, and the great milling business at Edmore, which is still doing business under the firm style of J. H. Gibbs & Son, bing now under the management of his grandson, Jay II. Gibbs, is one of the monuments to his enterprise. Mr. Gibbs is also the owner of the electric light and power plant at Edmore, which also is now being managed by his grandson, and is besides the owner of valuable real estate in Edmore and farm land in the vicinity of the village, being looked upon as one of the most substantial citizens of Montcalm county. Josiah Gibbs is a Republican and has served as delegate to various conventions; has also served as vil- inge trustee and as village president. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and takes a warm interest in Masonic affairs. To him and his wife three dildren were born, Lucius H., Nellie L. and Mrs. Carrie E. Roller, the latter of whom is now the only survivor.
Lucius 11. Gibbs, eldest child and only son of Josiah and Amelia E. Brooks ) Gibbs, was three years of age when his parents came to Michigan, and his early education was received in the district schools in Kent county, this being supplemented by a course in the schools of Greenville. When his father started the shingle mill at Cedar Springs, Lucius HI. Gibbs was but a boy, but he spent much time about the mill and gradually became his isther's "right-hand man" about the mill. When the elder Gibbs later started his shingle mill in the Edmore neighborhood. Lucius H. Gibbs became foreman of the same and so continued until the mill was closed in Iobruary. 1880, the available timber thereabout having then become prac- tically exhausted. The next year the father and son, established their flour- till at Edmore. under the firm style of J. II. Gibbs & Son. and during the Later years of his life, Lucius H. Gibbs was practically manager of the same, his father maintaining merely a general interest in the concern. Lucius !1. Gibbs was long one of the most active business men in that part of the vonnty and took a general interest in all movements calculated to promote the prosperity of Edmore and vicinity. He was one of the original share- biders in the Robinson Opera House and a director in the company, besides Wwing financially interested in other neighborhood enterprises. He was an active Republican and a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, Weing a member of the council, the chapter and the commandery of the former order. Mr. Gibbs was a fine. good-natured, jovial man; a firm believer in the adage that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy;" an ardent sportsman, much given to hunting and fishing, and found pleasure in all neighborhood social gatherings, being one of the most popular citizens
(8h)
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of that community, his death in 1913 being widely mourned throughout the countryside. Mr. Gibbs had served as village president of Edmore for ten or eleven terms and during his administration many improvements were made in the place, the village at the same time being kept free from debt, even under a reduced tax levy, an instance of the fine executive powers of Mr. Gibbs.
In 1878 Lucius M. Gibbs was united in marriage to Julia Hanscom, who was born in the state of Maine and who came to Michigan with her parents when a small girl and grew to womanhood in Nelson township, Kent county, in the possession of estimable qualities of mind and heart, and to this union two children, a son and a daughter, Grace and Jay H., were born, both of whom, with their widowed mother, survive. Jay H. Gibbs, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, is now in active charge of the extensive Gibbs interests in and about Edmore and is regarded as one of the most active young business men in Montcalm county.
WILLIAM IT. COLLINS.
William H. Collins, leading merchant and a prominent citizen of How- ard City, Montcalm county, Michigan, was born in Ionia county, this state. on November 15, 1865, a son of John and Mary (Stark) Collins, to whom were born five children, of whom William H., of this sketch, is the youngest.
William H. Collins was reared on the home farm, and educated in the schools of Tonia county, after which he worked as a farmer on the home farm, until at twenty years of age, he came to Howard City, Montcalm county, and was employed as a salesman by his brothers, John C. and J. A. Collins, merchants of Howard City. After some time, William H. Collins purchased the interest of John C. Collins in the store, being the proprietor and manager of this successfully-conducted mercantile house, up to the present time.
During the year 1890. William H. Collins was married to Alma Mer- rill. a native of Mecosta county, and to this marriage has been born one daughter. June F., who after graduating from the Howard City high school. was a student at the State Normal School of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and now is a kindergarten teacher at Lapeer. Michigan. Miss June Collins also is well known as a musician and as a teacher of music in the community of her residence and activity.
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Fraternally, William H. Collins is a member of Howard City Lodge, No. 329, Free and Accepted Masons, and he is a member of Howard City Lodge, No. 260, Knights of Pythias, Mr. Collins being a charter member of the latter organization.
Politically, Mr. Collins is a Republican, and although he has taken no especial part in the political or official life of the township or county, he is known as a man who supports good candidates for office and is known as a citizen willing to lend of his time and efforts for the advancement of political conditions in the community.
FRANCIS S. CASWELL.
Francis S. Caswell, the son of Sheldon and Mary P. (Fisher) Caswell, was born on June 3, 1873, at Carson City, Michigan, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools of that place.
Sheldon H. Caswell was born in Cleveland, New York, on February 15. 1846, and his wife was born at Delhi on March 23, 1846. They were married in their native state and came to Portland, Michigan, in 1869, where they remained until November, 1872, when they came to Carson City. Here Mr. Caswell engaged in the business of moving buildings for some years, after which he became established in the furniture and undertaking business. In December, 1895, he sold the place to his son, Francis S., who has continued the business since that time.
The elder Mr. Caswell was in business for a quarter of a. century, and at the time he came to Carson City, much excitement was caused by the rumor of a railroad. The grade was made, but this road was not con- structed, and the town had no road at all for some fifteen years. Mr. "aswell was thoroughly identified with the new village and served for ten cars on the school board. After selling his business he removed to New York, where he lived for thirteen years taking up his residence in Los Angeles, California.
Francis S. Caswell began his business life at an early age, having con- lucted a news-stand when fifteen years old and at the age of eighteen, had charge of a branch store for his father at Sumner, until the store was dis- continued, at which time he was with his father in the home store until he became the owner of the business.
In 1912, Mr. Caswell erected the finest business block in Carson City,
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the building being of stone and white brick, and represents fifteen years of thought and planning. The building is one hundred and ten feet long. thirty-four feet frontage and forty-two feet high, with large show windows giving most excellent light. The lower and mezzanine floors are devoted to the display of the large stock of furniture, while the upper floor is used as a theater. On the second floor below the theater are two suites of offices. Mr. Caswell carries a large and exclusive stock of furniture, rugs, pianos, sewing machines and undertaking supplies. The stock is larger and of a higher grade. than one would expect to find in towns the size of Carson City.
Mr. Caswell was married on June 21, 1894, to Emma L. Rice, of St. Johns. Michigan, the daughter of Orrin R. and Lucy B. (Brown) Rice. Her father lived the greater part of his life at St. Johns, where he was engaged in farming. Since the death of his wife on October 4, 1910, he has spent the greater part of his time with his daughter at Carson City. Mr. and Mrs. Caswell are the parents of four children : Queenie E ... Lucile M., Francis E. and Dorothy.
Fraternally, Mr. Caswell is a member of the Masonic order and was master of the lodge for three years, during which time the membership was doubled.
JOHN W. HALLETT.
Among the citizens who have been successful as business men and who have taken an important place in the public affairs and official life of Carson City, Montcalm county, is John W. Hallett, who was born on April 5, 1845, in Cayuga county, New York, the son of Isaiah and Isabelle ( West) Hal- lett. the former born in Monroe county, New York, the latter in London, England, where she lived until after the death of her mother and then came with her father to America, the father dying about one year after his arrival in America.
Isaiah Hallett was educated in the public schools of his native county, after which he lived at home until 1849, when he started for the gold-fields of California, Isaiah Hallett making the voyage by boat around Cape Horn. After some time as a gold-digger in California, the elder Hallett died, sur- vived by his wife and three children, who remained at the home place in Cayuga county, New York.
After the completion of his education in the common schools of
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Cayuga county, New York, and at a business college of his locality, John W. Hallett worked on a farm for some time and then, in June, 1864, he enlisted in Battery A, Third New York Light Artillery, with which he served through the Civil War. Following his discharge from military serv- ice, John W. Ilallett returned to farm life, following this line of work until about the year 1873, when he came to Carson City, Montcalm county, and engaged for the greater part of the time in the lumber activities of this region. Later, Mr. Hallett became a salesman in a hardware store for six years and then he became a member of the firm of Heath & Hallett, hard- ware dealers, Mr. Hallett engaging in this business for four years, after which time he purchased the share of his partner and for fifteen years, John W. Hallett conducted the business as the sole owner, then taking as a partner in his business, his son, Roy, who is now actively engaged in the management of the store. During the year 1891. Mr. Hallett erected a large brick business block, in which they are now operating their extensive business. In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Hallett is a stock- holder of the State Bank of Carson City, an institution which Mr. Hallett served as first president and which he now serves as vice-president. John W. Hallett is also interested in other business enterprises.
On March 22. 1874. John W. Hallett was married to Emma D. La Due, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, the daughter of Abraham and Barbara .A. (Scott) La Due, natives of New York state, where the father died. after which the mother came to Carson City, Michigan, where she died. John W. and Emma Hallett are the parents of one son. Roy. who was born at Carson City, on April 2. 1875.
Roy Hallett was educated in the Carson City schools and at a com- mercial college of Rochester, New York, after which he entered the business of his father, where he is now engaged. In 1902. Roy Hallett was married to Anma Caroline Scriven, who was born in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of John Scriven and wife. Roy and Anna Caroline Hallett are the parents of three children, John L., Burton Scriven and Robert Gerald. Roy Hallett is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and is one of the highly- respected business men of Carson City.
John W. ITallett has been prominent in the public affairs of Carson ( ity, having served as the first president of the village after its incorpora- tion. and since that time Mr. Hallett has been a leading and influential member of the village board.
Mr. Hallett is a prominent Mason of Carson City, and with his wife,
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Mr. Hallett is an active member of the Congregational church. The Hal- letts of Carson City, Montcalm county, are among the honored families of the community, their part in the progress and advancement of the various interests of the locality having demonstrated their worth as citizens to Car- son City.
ARTHUR M. STEBBINS.
Arthur M. Stebbins, who has been engaged in the tobacco and jewelry business, in Sheridan, for the past thirty-three years, was born in Lansing- burg, New York, on June 29, 1853, and was the son of W. L. and Lucinda (Francisco) Stebbins.
W. I .. Stebbins, a native of New York state, was the son of Jeremiah Stebbins, who was of English descent. The name was originally spelled Stebbings, and when the first families came to America in an early day the name was spelled Stebbings. Jeremiah Stebbins came to Ohio, where he made his home until his death.
Lucinda Francisco, the wife of W. L. Stebbins was of Hollander descent, but was a native of the state of New York, where she met and married Mr. Stebbins. After their marriage they lived in their native state until 1856, and Mr. Stebbins worked as a mechanic in New York. They then came to Ohio, residing on the homestead, where they took care of Mr. Stebbin's father and the farm until 1858, at which time the father died. W. L. Stebbins and his wife then came to Gratiot county. Michigan, where he bought three hundred and sixty acres of land and here they lived and died, Mr. Stebbins in 1895 and his wife in 1902.
WV. L. Stebbins and wife were the parents of the following children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and six are still living : Edgar, deceased; Arthur M., Clara. the wife of John Hughes, of Gratiot county; Frederick, of Montezuma. Indiana ; Orville M., deceased; Minnie, the wife of James W. Wheeler, of Tola, Iowa; Bessie, the wife of Phelix Amelia, of St. Louis, Michigan, and Myrtle. the wife of Rev. H. H. Ford. of Springfield, Illinois. Arthur M. Stebbins remained at home with his father until he was eighteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter and the harness-maker's trades, at which he worked for some time.
On December 5, 1877, Mr. Stebbins was married to Matilda Simmons, the daughter of Leonard and Mary Simmons. originally of the state of New York. Mr. Simmons was a soldier in the Civil War and served his
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country in a brave and efficient manner. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins they resided for a time in St. Louis, Michigan, and then at Hartford for two years, and in 1882 they returned to St. Louis, the town where they were married and spent the first year of their married life. Since this time, Mr. Stebbins has been engaged in the jewelry business here.
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