USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I > Part 91
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
Madison Irland, farmer, sec. 13, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Jan 22, 1830. His parents were David S. and Elizabeth (De- Bar) Irland, father native of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pa., of Scotch descent, mother a native of Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., of
875
MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP.
German parentage. Madison learned the carpenter's trade in early life, which he followed for 10 years. In 1837 he located at Deerfield, Livingston Co., Mich., and in 1873 in this tp., where he bought 117 acres of land on which he has made a number of good improve- ments. He was married at Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., Sept. 19, 1856, to Emma S., daughter of Thomas and Ann Hough, and a native of Stockport, England. Four children were given them- Franklin, born July 7, 1858; Annie E., Oct. 26, 1864; Emma M., Feb. 12, 1871, and Madison, April 24, 1873. Mrs. Irland died, and Mr. I. was again married to Rachel A. Mead, daughter of Eli and Nancy Thomas. Mrs. Irland was born at Pittsfield, Warren Co., Pa., Sept. 26, 1852. They have 1 child-Elizabetlı, born in Maple Grove tp., April 6, 187S. Mr. Irland is a Democrat.
Henry James, farmer, was born in Chautauqua Co., N.Y., in 1825; parents were Robert and Betsey James, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Vermont; subject of sketch was educated in academy at Fredonia, N. Y .; subsequently tanglit school for eight years; came to Maple Grove tp. in 1860, and bought a quarter section of land on sec. 15 ; afterward purchased 80 acres on sec. 27, in Maple Grove tp. ; Nov. 13, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Mich. Cav., Captain D. H. Darling, and accompanied that regiment in all its meander- ings thirongh the war ; was once sent home for five months as recruiting agent; was discharged Nov. 13, 1865; is a faithful mem- ber of Republican party ; was married Oct. 10, 1852, to Phena M. Parmelee, who was born at Walworth, Marion Co., N. Y .; parents are Thomas J. and Chloe (Atwell) Parmelee; 5 children have been sent to seal this nnion-Harriet E., born in Chautanqua Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1854; Martha A., born at Flint, Genesee Co., Mich., Nov. 20, 1857; Frank G., born at Palmyra, Lenawee Co., Mich., Nov. 24, 1860; George N., born in Maple Grove tp., Sept. 3, 1868, and De Land C., born in Maple Grove tp., April 11, 1873. Mrs. James is a member of the Church of God.
Mr. James has served the tp. in nearly all of its various offices, among which is Tp. Clerk, Tp. Superintendent of Schools, etc. He was appointed in 1867, by the Governor of the State, State Road Commissioner, and served in that office for eight years, and supervised and laid out all the jobs for the building of the Clio and Chiesaning State road; 3,000 acres of land were appropriated for this purpose, and a large amount of money; all this passed throughi Mr. James' hands in payment for work on this road; he has served as Justice of the Peace 12 years, and now occupies that office; lie lias been very active in promoting the cause of edu- cation, in building school-houses, etc., etc., and has been School Director of his district continuously since his residence here.
James V. Judd was born in Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1822. He was the third son of Asahel and Catherine (Vincent) Judd. His father was born in New Britain, Hartford Co., Conn .;
876
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
his mother was born in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y .; both of English descent; by occupation he is a farmer, and he received his education in the common schools of New York. He moved to Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., in 1845, and in 1854 he removed to Maple Grove. He was the fourth settler in the tp. He bought 160 acres of land, and since then has purchased. 100 more, sitnated in sec. 35. He was married Oct. 8, 1840, to Nancy S. Bonck, the daughter of Jacob and Martha Bonck. She died Aug. 8, 1849. Of their 4 children 1 is living-Seymour A., born Sept. 3. 1846 in Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., Mich. Mr. Judd married again, this time Persis L. Ganson, daughter of Nathan and Julia Ganson.> Genesee Co., N. Y. They have 11 children-Ordell, John, Hat- tie, Elmer, Ganson, Albert, Delphina, Cyrus, Pearl, Dorr, Theo- dore. Mr. J. has been Tp. Treasurer 23 years, and was the first Treasurer of the tp. Mr. J. and wife belong to the Church of God, in Maple Grove. He enlisted in Owosso, Shiawassee Co., Ang. 29, 1862, in Co. G, 6th Mich. Cav., under Captain George A. Drew; he served until April 25, 1863, and was discharged on account of disease contracted by exposure. He served as teamster in Washington.
Albert Klees, school-teacher and farmer, was born at Shelby, Richmond Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1853. His parents were Nicholas and Cecilia (Yetzen) Klees ; father a native of Prussia ; mother, of Switzerland, and came to this country in 1833, while the former came some years later. Both are deceased. When Mr. Klees was 16 years of age, he went to Atlantic, Iowa, where he clerked in his uncle's store. He afterward clerked in a store at Shelby, Ohio. In 1874 he entered Kline & Howland's Commercial Academy at Oberlin, O., from which he graduated Nov. 27, 1874. In April, 1877, Mr. K. came to Michigan, and located at Layton Corners, in this tp., opening a general store, in company with a Mr. Keeler. A year later Mr. K. bought his partner's interest, but soon after sold it to his former partner, and purchased 40 acres of timbered land on sec. 16, where he lived until 1880, when lie bought 20 acres on the same section, where he now resides. In 1878 he was appointed P. M. of " the Corners," which position he still occupies. On Nov. 3, 1880, he took charge of the parochial school, and has taught the same up to the present time. He is now serving his fourth term as Tp. Clerk. Mr. Klees was married at Bucyrus, O., Nov. 6, 1874, to Maria Gase. They have 2 children-Ivo Albinus and Urban A. Mr. K. and wife are members of the Roman Cath- olic Church, and lie is a Democrat.
Harrison Magoffin, farmer, was born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1840. He is the second son of James H. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Magoffin ; father born near Gettysburg, Pa., in 1808 ; mother born in Pennsylvania; both of Scotch and Irish descent. Harrison enlisted at Colnnibns, O .. in the Signal Corps U. S. A., attached to Gen. O. O. Howard, under Gen. Sherman, on March 15, 1864, and was discharged Aug. 22, 1865. He was married Oct. 27, 1869, to Laura T., daughter of Madison Bagley, who was born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1850. They
John Northwood .
879
MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP.
have 2 children-Laura F., born in New York, Feb. 6, 1871, and Minnie M., born in Maple Grove tp., Nov. 18, 1880. Mrs. Ma- goffin is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. came to this tp. in 1872, and bought 40 acres of land, 17 of which he has improved. He is a Democrat in politics.
George Miner, farmer, was born in Medina county near Cleveland, O., Oct. 3, 1845. He is the second son of Joseph P. and Levina (Jolison) Miner; father a native of Massachusetts ; mother of New York; both of English descent. George was educated in Ohio, and in 1872, bought 80 acres of land, where he now resides. He was married at Homerville, Medina Co., O., Aug. 11, 1868, to Isabella, daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth Miller, who was born at Cleveland, O., Aug. 11, 1849. Three children have been sent to bless this union-Joseph B., born in Medina Co. , O., July 21, 1869; Amyette, born Oct. 21, 1874, and Mabel M., born Oct. 12, 1879. Mr. Miner believes in the principles of the Democratic party.
John Northwood .- This gentleman is one of the most promi- nent, energetic and enterprising citizens of Maple Grove tp., as well as one of its pioneers. The parents of John Northwood were William, who was born April 11, 1809, in Shropshire, England, and Mary, born in county of Norfolk, England, Ang. 29, 1806. This family located on sec. 35 in November, 1854. They were almost the first settlers in the tp. limits, and were the first family that permanently settled within the borders of what is now known as Maple Grove tp. Joseph Voith, a single man, and his father, had preceded them, however, some 10 days. William Northwood took up 160 acres of land and immediately erected a log shanty 12x14, with a trough roof. Into this building he moved with his family of wife and 2 children. This land was in its virgin state and heavily timbered, and indeed the family were obliged to cut their road through four and one-half miles of forest and underbrush to reach their land on their first arrival. One hundred and twenty acres of this first 160 has been improved by John Northwood, and brought into a good state of cultivation. He has also added to his possessions, so that now he owns 280 acres of land, 170 being improved and subject to the plow.
John Northwood, the subject of this sketch, was born at Addle Hill, St. Paul's Parish, London, England, July 17, 1838; from the age of 4 to 11 years he attended the parish schools of the city of London. In 1849 his parents came from that city with their family and located at Wellington, Lorain Co., Ohio, where they remained for about one year, and then moved to New Hudson, Oakland Co., Mich .; but, not being satisfied with the new home, after about one year they went to Detroit, Mich. There they re- mained until 1854. During all this time John Northwood had been attending school whenever opportunity afforded, but soon after the family's arrival in Detroit, he, being in his 14th year and strong and hardy for his age, shipped as a cabin boy on board of
53
880
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
the steamer " Ruby." This boat ran between Detroit, Port Huron and Godericlı, Canada. He followed the lakes three years, and then came with his father's family when they located in Maple Grove tp.
Jan. 27, 1864, at Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., he was married to Miss Martha Packard, a native of Finshing, and daughter of Origen and Savillah (Hartsock) Packard, the former a native of New IIampshire and of English descent, and the latter from Penn- sylvania, and of German ancestry. At 19 years of age Mr. North- wood had the full charge of his father's family and endnred all the hardships of a pioneer life, not only in cntting and cleaning np the forest, but in hundreds of other ways. He was obliged at different times to pack provisions on his back from Flushing, a distance of 10 miles, as he had no team. The country being sparsely settled. withi bad roads, etc., a team could hardly get through.
In 1861, the war of the Rebellion having broken out, Mr. North- wood entered the Union army as a private, enlisting in Co. C, 16th Mich. Vol. Inf. He served with this regiment up to and throughi the Peninsula campaign. He participated in the siege of York- town, battle of Hanover Conrt-Honse, and the seven days' fight be- fore Richmond. At Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862, he was wonnded in both arms by minie-balls, losing his strong right arm. He fell into the hands of the enemy at Savage Station, Va., June 30, and was by them confined in Libby prison for 26 days, when he was exchanged. He then repaired to Philadelphia and entered a hos- pital, remaining until Aug. 18, 1862, when he was honorably dis- charged from the service. He immediately returned to Maple Grove tp., and resnmed the management of the farm.
Mr. Northwood has always been a Republican, and has served his tp. in nearly all of its local offices. In 1863 he was elected Town Clerk, and the same year was appointed by the Provost Mar- shal of the 6th Congressional District, to the position of enrolling officer, with the rank of 2d Lientenant. As such he enrolled the tps. of Maple Grove, Chesaning, Brady, Chapin, Brant, St. Charles and Fremont. Under this enrollment the apportionment of troops was made out to furnish men under the different calls of Presi- dent Lincoln. In this capacity Mr. Northwood served nntil the close of the war. For the last 21 years Mr. Northwood has con- tinnously held some office in the tp., among which have been Snper- visor, Township Clerk, Justice of Peace, School Inspector and Constable. Mr. N. has also acted as Notary Public for the past 14 years. He has always taken a deep and earnest interest in the canse of education, using his means and influence in promoting the same, and has acted as School Director for the past 14 years, and continuously a school officer in his district since its organization in 1858. Although Mr. N. is not a member of any Church, he has always given liberally of his means to support the gospel.
Mr. Northwood and wife have a family of 2 children-named as follows: Mary S., born Dec. 20, 1864, and John W. (an adopted
881
MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP.
child and his nephew) born June 3, 1870. Mr. Northwood's mother resides with him, and although 75 years of age is still active and enjoying good health.
Mr. Northwood has the best-improved farm in the tp. He has a large two-story-and-ell frame house nicely painted, that cost cash at least $1,500, built in 1873. It is surrounded by neat out-houses, while the grounds are well kept and inclosed by a picket fence. In 1875 he erected a large and commodious stock and hay barn, equaled by none in the tp. The place is a most attractive one, and Mr. N. is surrounded with everything that is calculated to make a liman being comfortable-with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. He is noted for his liberality toward those in needy circumstances; toward all that are worthy, he is ever ready to extend a helping hand. He is held in high esteem by all who know him, both at home and abroad. His portrait is given oll page 877.
Thomas M. Parmelee, third son of Thomas J. and Chloe A (Atwill) Parmelee, was born in Palmyra, Lenawee Co., Sept. 29, 1844. His parents were born in Rochester, N. Y., and of English descent. By occupation Thomas M. is a farmer. He was educated in the common school of Palmyra; came to Flint, Genesee Co., in 1858; remained but a short time there, and removed to Maple Grove the following year, and bought 60 acres of fine land on sec. 26. Mr. P. is one of the earliest settlers in Maple Grove and has done much for the improvement of the tp. He came here when the country was new and settled in the midst of a howling wilder- ness, and with the help of a very amiable and prudent wife he has now a fine farm, in a central location, under good cultivation, with fine buildings. He was married March 24, 1870, to Sarah M. Williams, daughter of William and Hannah A. Williams, who was born in Victory, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1849. Out of 4 children they still have 3, all born in Maple Grove-Emily I., July 4, 1871, Phœbe A., April 28, 1873; George M., April 23, 1878; Carrie A., April 3, 1874, and died Oct. 30, 1876. Mr. P. is a Republican, and has filled numerous tp. offices, among which are those of School Inspector four years and Constable 10 years.
George Rolfe, farmer, sec. 33, was born at Great Milton, Oxford- shire, Eng., Aug. 6. 1831. His parents are Edmund and Sarah (Clayton) Rolfe. Mr. Rolfe came to the United States in the spring of 1853, locating at Waterford, Oakland Co., Mich., and in 1855 in this tp. He took up 160 acres of land under the " gradu- ation act." Hc was one of the first settlers of the tp., and suffered many privations in clearing up his land, and making improve- ments. At one time he was a week in hauling 900 feet of lumber from Flushing to his home. Mr. Rolfe is a Democrat, and a member of the Church of England. He was married March 16, 1863, to Martha, daughter of James V. and Nancy S. Judd. Of their 2 children, 1 is living -- Lucy S., born Sept. 12, 1867. Mrs. Rolfe died March 30, 1875. He was again married, July 28, 1877,
SS2
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
to Hattie H., daughter of Erastus K. and Maria Tothanı, who was born at Clay, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 14, 1853. They have 1 child --- Ichabod, born April 23, 1878.
George Sholler, first son of Nicholas and Barbara (Oswald) Shol- ler, was born in Baden, Germany, June 3, 1833. He emigrated to Canada in 1852, and in 1859 to this tp., where he bought 60 acres of land. He had to cut a road five miles through the timber to his house, and for two years carried his provisions seven miles on his back. On Nov. 18, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Darling. He was disabled at Meriden Hill, by his horse throwing him, and was then transferred to the veteran corps, from which he was honorably discharged Nov. 13, 1865. He was married in Canada, April 25, 1855, to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Barnhart, who was born July 23, 1838. They have 9 children, all natives of Maple Grove tp .- Mary A., born Jan. 13, 1860; Rebecca, born Aug. 12, 1866; Sarah, born Jan. 20, 1868; Adeline, born Nov. 28, 1869; George, born Oct. 5, 1872; Isa- bella, born May 19, 1873; Laura, born Sept. 14, 1875; Clara E., born Oct. 19, 1877, and Lucy M., born Nov. 8, 1880.
Orin L. Slade, second son of John P. and Esther (Trask) Slade, was born at Pennfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1819. He located in Montrose tp., Genesee Co., Mich., in 1855, where he purchased 110 acres of land, lying on the line between this and Genesee connty. Mr. S. has worked at the carpenter's trade for 25 years, but is chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, now owning SO acres of excellent farm land. He was elected Justice of the Peace for Montrose tp. in 1857, and lias filled that position almost every year since. He was married March 9, 1843, to Phobe, daughter of Josepli and Polly Pettyes, who was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1814. Two children have been given them- Franklin W., born in Erie Co., Pa., April 21, 1845, died in Gen- esee Co., Mich., July 17, 1867; and Charles M., who was born near Buffalo, N. Y., May 17, 1848. The latter was married in Maple Grove tp., May 11. 1869. to Roxanna, daughter of Ephraim and Lenora Hoskins. They have 4 children, all born in Genesee Co., Mich .- Eva May, born May 17, 1872; 'Ephraim" L., born Jan. S, 1874; Ernest M., born April 7, 1876; and Amy, born Feb. 10, 1878. Mr. Slade and his father, Orin L., own 140 acres of land in Montrose tp., Genesee Co., and SO acres in Maple Grove tp., Sagi- naw Co. Charles M. has been Constable three years and was Deputy Sheriff two years. Ile is a Republican and a Free Mason. Ibram Smith, second son of David and Martha (Cable) Smitlı, was born at Worcester, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1811. His father and mother were born at Norwalk, Conn .. and are of English descent. Mr. S. learned the wagon-maker's trade, and worked at it for 20 years in Madison Co., N. Y. He was married at Madison, N. Y., to Saralı A. Blakeslee, who was born at New York city in March, 1838. They have + children, all natives of Madison, N. Y. -Maria, Jared B., Elvira D. and Martha. He went to Saline,
SS3
MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Washtenaw Co., Mich .. in October, 1846, and remained there six years. He came to Maple Grove in 1857. He was one of the earliest settlers in the tp., and endured a great many hardships and privations during his early pioneer life. He now owns a fine residence and 80 acres of land, situated on the northwest quar- ter of sec. 30. On locating here, himself and son (then a small boy nine years of age) cleared 45 acres. He had 2 sons in the army of the Rebellion, 1 of whom died in Smithville Hospital Feb. 22, 1864. His wife died in September, 1870, and he was mar- ried again the following year, to Julia Henderson. They have J child, born in Maple Grove tp., Nov. 30, 1872.
Hiram Tozer, who owns 40 acres of good farm land, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1827; parents were David and Annie (Trask) Tozer, theformer a native of Keene Co., N. H., of French descent, the latter of Welsh and English descent; subject of sketch was a blacksmith for 30 years; in 1855 located at Flush- ing, Genesee Co., Mich., and in 1859 in Maple Grove tp., where he bought a farm of 100 acres. On Jan. 1, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 14th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Gage, of Saginaw, and was wounded at Kencsaw Mountain by a shell; was discharged July 18, 1865; was married July 4, 1847, to Mrs. Rebecca Lonnen, a daughter of F. Orvin; 2 children given them-Hiram D., born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1850, and Harvey, born March 27, 1854.
Philander Tozer, son of David and Annie (Trask) Tozer, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1833. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of New York; subject of sketchi was a shoe and harness-maker for six years, since which he has been a farmer: on Sept. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Mich. Cav., under Capt. E. H. Darling; was taken prisoner July 6, 1863, and paroled after one month; was twice wounded, once in the back of the neck, and was discharged Aug. 10, 1865; was married Sept. 2, 1862, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Thomas and Annie Hough, of Flushing, Genesce Co., Mich .; 3 children were given then-Annie, born in Maple Grove tp., Sept. 17, 1867; John B., born Dec. 5, 1870; and Thomas, born April 27, 1872; wife died and was again married Nov. 19, 1876, to Adeline, daughter of Roswell and Calista Hoskins; of their 2 children, 1 is living, Grace A., who was born in Maple Grove tp., Oct. 17, 1877.
Joseph Voith, the pioneer settler of Maple Grove tp., and the second son of Undine and Walbuga (Nasz) Voith, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 10, 1832. He received only a limited education, and in 1852 accompanied his parents to the United States, locating near Winchester, Ind. Mr. Voith has always been a farmer with the exception of a few months engaged in cop- per mining at Eagle Harbor, in the Lake Superior region. His parents gave him $400, and he arrived in Maple Grove tp., Oct. 22, 1864, with $300 in pocket. He purchased 160 acres of land at 182 cents per acre, 60 acres of which he has improved; and it
884
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
is now valued at $4,000. He built a small log hut in the timber, and for 13 years lived alone, having never been married. He was the first permanent white settler in the tp., and was foreed to cut a road six miles in length through the timber and swamps to get ae- cess to eivilization. On Feb. 24, 1865, he enlisted in Co. D, 6th Reg. Mich. Heavy Artillery, under Capt. C. W. Stone. He was discharged at New Orleans, La., Aug. 20, 1865, and returned to his eabin in the timber in Maple Grove tp. His nephew, Frank Voith, has lived with him for several years past. He was born in Houghton Co., Mieh., and is a son of John and Frederica (Fleger) Voith. He received his education in the common sehools of Maple Grove tp. and Hazelton. He was reared on a farm, but has also learned the earpenter's trade and worked on railroad bridges.
Mr. Joseph Voith has improved three farms from the stump. 60 aeres on his own, 25 aeres on George Henege's places, and 40 acres on Jacob Henege's place. Mr. Voith is independent in polities, and believes in voting for the best mien. He voted for Fremont and also for Lineoln, for President, but now rather favors the Demoeratie party. Mr. Voith has served his tp. in various offiees, among which was Justice of the Peace, Constable, etc. Mr. Voith is a member of the Catholic Church; and helped to build the church edifiee in Maple Grove, and when finished, bought and presented a fine church bell to the congregation.
When Mr. Voith first came here there were a good many Indi- ans, while bears, deer, wolves and other game were very abund- ant, and game was about the only fresh meat he had. He killed 10 bueks during the first year, but never killed a doe, although lie had many opportunities. The mosquitoes were very numerous, and he describes them as being so thick as to be like elouds. Mr. V. is a very quiet, industrious, strictly honest and neighborly man, possessing those qualities that are calculated to make friends with all classes. He speaks of the Indians as being honest in their dealings and not guilty of theft, as has been attributed to them. In an early day it was almost impossible to plant except on the knolls, water covering the ground until the first of June.
John Wolfe, son of Jacob and Polly (Leatherman) Wolfe, was born in Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1828. His father was born at Northumberland, Pa., Jan. 17. 1803, and his mother at sameplace, Nov. 20, 1805, both of German descent. He received his education in his native place, and came to Bay City, Saginaw Co .. Mich., in the spring of 1854. He was married at Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., June 29. 1852, to Mary, daughter of Joseph and Angeline Boquett, who was born in Canada, near Montreal. They have 7 children-Mortimer M., Jerome A., Henry J., Della B., Marion C., Clarence and Ray H. Mr. Wolfe came to Maple Grove tp. in April, 1868. and bought $0 acres of land on sec. 30. He sold that and afterward purchased 80 acres on the southeast quarter of sec. 29. In politics he is a Democrat.
MARION TOWNSHIP.
This is the most recent addition to the commonwealth of the county. Like Chapin township, just south of it, it is a fractional township, and forms a Congressional township with the addition of 12 sections of the lands of Gratiot county.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.