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 30
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William A. Brown is a prominent member of the Howard City Grange and is a man who takes an active and influential part in the agricultural affairs of Reynolds township and Montcalm county. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican, being an interested worker in and a supporter of the prin- ciples of this party.
JOHN C. COLLINS.
John C. Collins, a real estate, loan and insurance dealer of Howard City, was born in lonia county, Michigan, June 10, 1856. the son of John and Mary (Stack ) Collins, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts and the latter in New York state. John Collins moved with his parents from Massachusetts to Washtenaw county. Michigan, when quite small and there was reared to manhood. After living for a number of years in Washtenaw county, be removed to lonia county and purchased some school land, which he cleared and on which he put out a crop of wheat. He then returned to Washtenaw county for his wife and, after loading all of their belongings on an ox-cart, they started for their new home in Ionia county. Upon their arrival, they immediately set to work and erected a shanty and went to house- keeping. John Collins lived on this farm until late in life. when he and his wife moved to Howard City, where they died, he in 1905 and she in 1905. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and active supporters of this denomination. In politics, he was a Republican and always took an active part in all political affairs, having served as supervisor of Orleans township and as justice of the peace, and always having taken a deep interest in educational affairs. John and Mary (Stack) Collins were the parents of
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five children, Mary, the wife of Charles Bras, of Lansing, Michigan; John C., the subject of this sketch; James A., of Otsego, Michigan; Agnes, the wife of Ira HI. Clark, of Lansing, Michigan, and William H., a resident of Howard City.
John C. Collins was reared on a farm in lonia county and received his education in the public schools, which he attended in the winter, working on the farm in the summer. In 1874 he came to Howard City and began clerking in a dry goods and clothing store at a small salary, remaining there until the fall of 1876, when he went to Morley, Michigan, and worked for eight months in a dry goods and shoe store. From Morley he went to Big Rapids, where he stayed six months and then returned to Howard City and was married. After his marriage, he engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with a Mr. Bras under the firm name of Bras & Collins, which arrangement continued until 1884. when they were burned out. In the same year, Mr. Collins erected a building on Main street and conducted a mercantile store alone for a few years, when he took his brother, J. . A., into the partnership and later sold his interest to his brother, W. H. He then purchased a farm in Pierson township and operated it for a number of years, when he sold it. Since about 1896 he has been engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business.
On August 3, 1878, John C. Collins was married to Christena J. Robbie. who was born in Canada. February 21. 1860. the daughter of William and Helen ( Stevens) Robbie. Mr. and Mrs. Robbie were both natives of Scot- land. she born in 1831 and he in 1820, and were married one year after emi- grating from that country to Canada. Mrs. Collins came with her parents from Canada to Michigan when she was eight years of age and received her education in the public schools of Howard City. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been born three daughters: Marjorie, a graduate of the How- ard City high school and the widow of G. A. Collins; Iva, a graduate of the high school and the wife of Charles I. Huff, and Hazel, also a graduate of the high school and the wife of J. W. Pemberton. Mr. and Mrs. Collins also have two grandchildren.
Fraternally. Mr. Collins is a member of Howard City Lodge No. 329, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master, and also a men- ber of Greenville Chapter. Roval Arch Masons. He and Mrs. Collins are members of Ivanhoe Chapter No. 128, Order of the Eastern Star, in which she has served in an official capacity and he as worthy patron. In politics, Mr. Collins is a Republican and has served as a member of and president
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of the village council of Howard City, and a member of the board of edu- cation, serving as president of same for a time. He has been secretary of the board of county superintendents of the poor for ten years, and a mem- ber of the board for sixteen years.
J. CLAUDE YOUDAN.
A prominent attorney and well-known citizen of Howard City is J. Claude Yondan, who was born in Essex township. Clinton county. Mich- igan, October 11. 1877, the son of James E. and Adelaide ( Beach ) Youdan, both natives of Clinton county. James E. Youdan was educated in the public schools of Clinton county and later served with an engineering corps, becoming very proficient in that occupation. He was married in Clinton county and came with his family to Montcalm county in 1879, locating in the village of Crystal, where he engaged in the mercantile and hardware business. He followed this line of work until he was elected to the office of county surveyor, in which he had formerly served as a deputy, and con- tinued in that office until his death. James E. Youdan was a very promin- ent Mason during his life and was one of the best informed members of that fraternity in Montcalm county, having served as master of his local lodge for thirteen years. To James E. and Adelaide ( Beach ) Youdan were born two children. E. Duff and J. Claude, the subject of this sketch. E. Duff was an apprentice under his father, learning the surveyor's trade, and. upon the death of his father, was appointed to fill the office of county surveyor. serving two and one-half terms. He is unmarried and lives at Crystal. where he is engaged in civil engineering. also surveying at Greenville and at other towns in the county.
J. Claude Youdan, who was reared in the village of Crystal, was edu- cated in the public schools of that place and was graduated from the Maple Rapids high school with the class of 1897. having taught school before and after his graduation. In 1808 he entered Valparaiso University at Valpa- raiso. Indiana. where he pursued the scientific and law courses and was graduated in 1900 with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws. After his graduation from college, Mr. Youdan was admitted to the Circuit Court of the United States and, after serving for a time in this court, returned home, where he remained for two years, after which he went to Missouri and practiced for one year. He then came back to Crystal
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and was deputy surveyor of Montcalm county for two years, at the same time practicing law at Crystal, but. in 1906, moved to Howard City, where he has practiced ever since. He was elected prosecutor of Montcalm county in 1913 and served in this capacity during the years 1913 and 1914.
In 1902 J. Claude Youdan was married to Blanche Baun, of Edgar county, Illinois. She is a graduate of the normal course of Valparaiso Uni- versity and, before her marriage, was a teacher in the public schools. To this union has been born one son, James Weaver, who was born on August 8, 1912.
Like his father, Mr. Youdan is very prominent in Masonic circles in this county, being a member of Howard City Lodge No. 329. Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master, and is also a past master of Mt. Gilead Lodge No. 285. at Crystal. When Mr. Youdan was initiated into the blue lodge his master mason's degree was conferred upon him by his father. He is also a member of Stanton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; a member of the thirty-second degree at Grand Rapids, and a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics, Mr. Youdan is a Republican and has always taken an active interest in all political affairs, having held various public offices. Mr. Youdan is a progressive, public-spirited citizen and takes a keen interest in all public measures which are for the advance- ment of his city, county or state.
ORLANDO J. KNAPP.
Orlando J. Knapp, retired merchant, ex-official, and a man prominent in public and fraternal life of Howard City. Montcalm county, Michigan, was born in Pierrepont township, St. Lawrence county, New York, on Janu- ary 3, 1838, a son of Isaac P. and Margaret (Chase) Knapp, natives of New York state, in which commonwealth the elder Knapp spent his entire life as a farmer. Isaac P. and Margaret Knapp were the parents of eight children, the subject of this sketch being the only one now living.
Orlando J. Knapp received his education in the district schools of New York state, where he attended classes until he was eighteen years of age, and then, one year later, he moved to the state of Indiana and located in Steuben county, a place which was the home of Mr. Knapp until 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which command Orlando J. Knapp served. as a part of the
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armies of Generals Grant and Sherman. until the end of the war. during his period of service taking part in many engagements, among which was a part in the siege of Vicksburg.
Following his release from military service, at the close of the war. Orlando J. Knapp returned to New York state, where he remained until 1871, and then came to Michigan, locating at Howard City, Montcalm county, where he engaged in the manufacture of wooden eave troughs, for some time and then later. after having recovered from the effects of failing health, Mr. Knapp engaged in the grocery and provision business, shortly afterward erecting the business block which now bears his name in Howard City. After some years as a successful business man, Mr. Knapp retired from active business pursuits and now lives a quiet life at his home in Howard City, in which he has an honored and esteemed place. In addition to his business life at Howard City, Mr. Knapp. during his active days. acquired a farm of one hundred and ten acres, in Montcalm county, a place which is among the most desirable farms of the community.
Orlando J. Knapp was married to Armina C. Edmunds, of Steuber. county. Indiana, and to this marriage were born two children. one daughter. who is deceased. and James H. Knapp, who. after the death of his mother, in 1862, was cared for by a family of Steuben county. Indiana, during the time when his father was serving as a soldier of the Civil War. Later. James II. Knapp went to Michigan, and joined his father at Howard City, afterward securing a farm in Winfield township. Montcalm county, where he now is successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits.
Orlando J. Knapp has been conspicuously affiliated with the official life of Howard City, and Reynolds township, at various times, from January 20, 1899. to the year 1903, having been postmaster of Howard City, and at an carlier time served Reynolds township as treasurer and also as highway commissioner. Mr. Knapp is an ardent Republican and has served as chair- man of the Republican county central committee.
Fraternally, Orlando J. Knapp is a member of Howard City Lodge No. 320, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a charter member and past com- mander of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 252, at Howard City.
Mr. Knapp is one of the honored men and highly esteemed citizens of Howard City and Montealm county, his unselfish devotion to the com- munity and his efforts for the advancement of the locality and its various interests having won for him an enviable place in the roll of valued citizens of Montcalm county.
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RICHARD BANNEN.
Richard Bannen was born on April 2, 1840, in County Wentworth, Ontario, Canada, and is the son of Edward and Catherine ( Traner ) Bannen. Edward Bannen was a native of County Meath, Ireland, removing to Can- ada some years later where he remained until death, following the vocation of farmer as his life's work. Catherine (Traner ) Bannen was a native of Dundas, Ontario, Canada, and was the daughter of James Traner who innnigrated from Ireland. They were the parents of eight children, nearly all of whom were educated in the home under the private instruction of the village school teacher, who was engaged to visit the home of evenings.
Richard Bannen was never fond of his books and, as the school was three miles distant, he received the advantage of home instruction and thereby gained a good knowledge of the principal things which every child should be taught. His initial training in work was received in the woods of Can- ada, and he was employed by one man for more than twenty years in this capacity, saving the sum of three thousand three hundred and thirty dol- lars during the time of service. He was engaged at ten dollars per month which was later increased to twelve dollars, and from this to twenty-six. after he had become a foreman. In 1876. he was appointed to serve as bailiff of the fourth division of the county court of Wentworth, Ontario, Canada, the office being similar to our office of sheriff, and he held this office for a period of fourteen years. Shortly after his arrival in Pine township. Montcalm county, in 1885. he purchased eighty acres of cut-over timber land from which the stumps and undergrowth had to be removed before cultiva- tion could take place. Seventy acres of this property has been cleared and put under a high state of cultivation, and other land has been purchased for his sons. This land is devoted to general farming and stock raising and is well improved and managed. Politically, Richard Bannen is a stanch Democrat and, although he has never aspired to office since coming to the United States, he held many offices while a resident of Canada. He is a man of high principle and has adopted the Goklen Rule as the best and truest policy, and above all things else, admires an honest man or woman.
On April 26, 1864, in Wentworth county, Ontario, Canada. Richard Bannen was united in marriage to Margaret Armstrong, daughter of John and Isabella Armstrong, and they became the parents of -eleven children. whose names follow: Edward, married Flora Blasdal and they have nine children. Cintha, Albert. Marguerite, Ida. Elmer. Myrtle, Thelma, Elva and
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Genevive; John, married Rose Packard and they are the parents of six chil- dren, Isabella, Gordon, Darwin, Eunice, William, and Lewis; Effie, married Albert Wales and they have five children, Mary, Ernest, Ida, Ruby and Maggie; William married Kelsie Hale and they have one child, Truie; Maggie married Walter Whitlow and they have two children, Anna and Reno; Emma married Albert Roush and they have two children. Elma and Zora; Robert married Letha Patton and they are the parents of three children, George. Zelda and Lila. After his wife's death Robert Bannen married Charlotte Wray; Herbert married Myrtle Sissman and they have one child, Estella ; Roy married Flossy McConnell and they have two children. Elden and Milford; Walter married Clara Nelson and they have three children, Ilelen, Otto and Floyd: Isabelle married George Roush who is now deceased.
This family have always been strict adherents of the Presbyterian faith and active in the support of this denomination. The mother of these children is a native of County Wentworth, Ontario, Canada, and is of Scotch descent. her parents having been natives of southern Scotland. Their home was on the line between Scotland and England.
SOLOMON B. NEWCOMB.
The name of Solomon B. Newcomb has long been an honored one in Montcalm county, Michigan, both in politics and civil relations, and his active life toward the betterment of the community will not soon be for- gotten. His birth occurred on February 21, 1855, in Dix township, Schuy- ler county, New York, and he is the son of Waldo and Sarah ( Boss) New- comb. Waldo Newcomb was born in 1821 in Massachusetts, while his wife was a native of Rhode Island. They were married in New York state and located on a farm in Schuyler county, where they lived until her death. Following this the husband removed to Chemung county, New York, later removing to Corning, New York, where he remained until his death. He was the father of ten children, five by his first union and five by his second marriage. Seven children are now living, three by his first marriage: Solo- mon B., Susan, wife of Daniel Butts, of New York state, and Helen, widow of Josiah Alexander.
Solomon B. Newcomb was reared on the home farm until twelve years of age, at which time he began to support himself by working for his board during the winter months and going to school and working as a farm hand
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in the summer. On April 3, 1873, he arrived in Pierson, Michigan, where he was employed as a telegraph operator for the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad. On November 29. 1873, he was promoted to fill the position as agent and operator, which position he held for twenty-seven years. He entered the political life of the county and was elected to serve as register of deeds for two terms. He was appointed as postmaster at Pierson, and his third appointment was dated September 3. 1905. and on August 22. 1914. he took the civil service examination and was permanently appointed to fill the position which he had so ably held on previous occasions.
Solomon B. Newcomb has, by his well-directed efforts, acquired some property, being the owner of five hundred acres of land in Newaygo county, Michigan, and two hundred acres in Pierson township, Montcalm county, Michigan, beside owning town realty. The postoffice building is owned by him. Beside his appointment as postmaster he was elected on the common council and assumed the office in February, 1877. Following this he was elected as village recorder and held the office for a period of seven years. Ile was then elected as justice of the peace. holding the office sixteen years, following which he served as township clerk for one year and supervisor for two years, subsequently being elected as register of deeds.
On August 22. 1876, Solomon B. Newcomb was wedded to Minerva Bradish, and to them were born six children, five of whom are now living. namely : Charles B., a graduate of the schools of Pierson and Howard City and of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, graduating from the latter institution as a dentist; George W .. a graduate of the Pierson and Howard City high schools and now employed as a conductor on an interurban railway in British Columbia: Alice, a graduate of the Pierson and Howard City high schools and the wife of Otto Swanton; Ethel and Mary, both of whom are graduates of the local high school, the Stanton normal and the music and drawing department of the Ferris Institute. of Big Rapids, Michigan.
NOBLE W. MILLER. M. D.
Dr. Noble W. Miller, one of the leading professional men engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, at Howard City, Montcalm county, Michigan, was born in Chicago, Illinois, ou October 3, 1882, the son of William E. and Sophia ( Kueker ) Miller.
William E. Miller was born near Evansville, Indiana, the son of Jacob
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Miller and wife, natives of Germany, who, following their marriage came to America, where Jacob Miller engaged in the duties of a minister of the Lutheran Evangelical church at various places, until his death, which occurred while he was a minister located at Dayton, Ohio. When twenty- five years of age, William E. Miller went to Chicago, where he was mar- ried and where he took up the study of medicine and surgery, graduating from the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons, in 1887, after which he engaged in the duties of his profession, a line of activity in which he is yet engaged. Dr. William E. and Sophia Miller are the parents of four children, who grew to maturity, two of whom are now living: Maude, the wife of G. F. Lohman, of Chicago; Noble W., of this sketch; Jessie ( deceased ), who was the wife of Byron Wilson, of Chicago, and Arthur, who died when two years of age.
Noble W. Miller received his early education in the public schools of his community, after which he attended high school for about two and one- half years and then he became a student at St. John's Military Academy, at Delafield, Wisconsin, a school which Doctor Miller attended for three years. After the completion of his preparatory education Doctor Miller went to Chicago, Illinois, and entered the Chicago College of Physicians and Sur- geons, from which he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 19c6. Then Dr. Miller went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he served as house physician at the Butterworth Hospital. during the years 1906-07. Later. Dr. Miller went to Cuba, Illinois, where he practiced his profession until 1912, and then came to Howard 'City, Montcalm county, at which place he now is successfully engaged in the duties of his profession.
Dr. Miller has taken an active part in the official life of Reynolds town- ship and Howard City. now serving as health officer, a position which he has occupied in a most able and efficient manner for more than two years. In politics, Dr. Miller is a Republican.
On November 25. 1908. Dr. Miller was married to Mabel Butler, who was born in London, Ontario, Canada, of English and Scotch descent. To the marriage of Dr. and Mabel Miller have been born three children, Robert B .. Ruth and Eulalic.
Fraternally, Dr. Miller is a member of Howard City Lodge No. 329. Free and Accepted Masons; he is a member of Howard City Lodge No. 260. Knights of Pythias, and as a progressive physician he is affiliated with the American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Montealın County Medical Society.
(21b)
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GEORGE W. SIPLE.
George W. Siple, a farmer of Pierson township, Montcahn county. Michigan, was born in Union City, Randolph county. Indiana, on October 31, 1869, and is the son of Emanuel and Mary ( Marquis) Siple.
Emanuel Siple was born at Osborn, Ohio, situated between Dayton and Springfield, he being the son of Jacob and Anna (Broscy) Siple, who were born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Clark county, Ohio. Jacob Siple, the grandfather of George W., was the first of his family to come west from Pennsylvania, having made the trip by canal and by walking and driving a mule the long distance to Clark county, where he located on a sixty-acre farm. Later he moved to Randolph county, Indiana, where he became possessed of many acres of land and where he spent the remaining days of his life.
Emanuel Siple, in early life, purchased nine acres of land, which he later sold for two thousand seven hundred dollars and then purchased eighty acres close by. after which he and his family went to Missouri in 1882. There he purchased three hundred and twenty acres, which he sold in 1897. Mr. Siple still resides in Missouri, his home being in Joplin.
George W. Siple remained at home till he was twenty-six years of age, when he married Dell Mitchell, the daughter of Ephraim G. and Sarah (Zumbrun) Mitchell. Ephraim G. Mitchell was born at Morristown, Bel- mont county. Ohio, and was the son of William C. and Mary J. Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell had moved to Belmont county from Virginia, where the Mitchells had settled after coming from Ireland. Sarah Zumbrun, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Zumbrun, was born in Montgomery county. Ohio, where her parents were among the earliest settlers of that section. Great-grandfather Marquis was a Dunkard minister and one of the early settlers of Randolph county.
George W. Siple and wife, soon after their marriage, went to Missouri, where they remained for some time, after which they returned to Indiana, and later came to Montcalm county, where they now reside on their farm of one hundred acres, which they have developed and improved. George W. Siple and wife are the parents of four children : Claudia, Ronald. Anna and Mildred, all of whom are in school.
Mr. Siple is a Republican in politics, and at the present time is serving his community as treasurer of the school district.
Mary ( Marquis) Siple, the mother of George W., was born in Darke
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county, Ohio, and moved with her father. George Marquis, to Missouri in 1859. where they made their home in Cedar county. There Mr. Marquis was the only man who cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln in the county. It was there that Mary Marquis distinguished herself and came near being shot as a spy. She escaped and returned to Ohio, where she met and mar- ried Emanuel Siple. The event that brought her prominence in Missouri was when she notified Lane's forces of the presence of Quantrall's gang and saved the former from destruction by swimming the river with a young horse. The conditions being such that her life was in danger, she returned to her former home in Ohio.
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