USA > Michigan > Wexford County > History of Wexford County, Michigan, embracing a concise review of its early settlement, industrial development and present conditions > Part 48
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was built under the management of Rev. Father Ziegler. After that date mass was said occasionally in Cadillac until 1882, when Rev. P. M. Uytdewilligen took charge of St. Ann's parish. The interior of the church was then finished and services were held quite regularly. In 1886 Father Uytde- willigen was replaced by Rev. Louis Barous, who worked faithfully until 1894, attending Reed City, Evart, Luther, Lake City and a few other places. During his pastorate here the pastoral residence was purchased and inany other improvements were made. Father Barons celebrated the golden jubi- lee of his sacerdotal ordination in June, 1894, and shortly afterwards resigned his charge on account of old age. He was suc- ceeded in July of the same year by Rev. A. Zugelder, who began the work with zeal and success. The church property was greatly beautified under his care.
In August, 1895, Father Zugelder was transferred to Provemont, and the present pastor, Rev. L. M. Prud'homme, assumed the charge of this parish. Since November, 1897, Father Prud'homme has had an as- sistant. The first assistant was Rev. G. Guthausen, who was succeeded in July. 1898, by Rev. A. Eickelmann. In August, 1809, Father Eickelmann was promoted to the pastorate of Byron Center, Michigan, and Rev. B. H. Kettmann came here in his place. On January 1, 1903, Rev. Father Kettmann was promoted to the pastorate of Remus, Michigan, and his successor was Rev. James A. Golden. The missions attended from Cadillac are Lake City, Jen- nings and MeBain, Missaukee county, Ma- rion, Osceola county, Frankfort. Benzie county. Fife Lake, Grand Traverse county. and Temple, Clare county. St. Ann's parish
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WEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
has grown from a membership of forty fam- ilies, which it had in 1880. until now it has at least one hundred and fifty families in the city of Cadillac alone, besides several families living on farms in the vicinity.
The beautiful and substantial new church edifice of brick and stone will be dedicated in the early part of September. this year (1903). The building, when finished and properly furnished and dec- orated, will cost about fifteen thousand dol- lors and will seat over five hundred people. St. Ann's parish has kept pace with the growth of the prosperous and thriving city of Cadillac and its church accommodations are now unsurpassed in Wexford county.
FREDERICK W. HECTOR.
Frederick W. Hector, who is supervisor of Clam Lake township and one of the lead- ing, progressive and prosperous farmers of Wexford county, is a native of Sweden, born on the 12th of June, 1847. The first fifteen years of his life were passed in that coun- try, and during the last fifteen years of that time he was engaged in gardening. On leav- ing that country he went to Denmark, where he followed gardening on his own account for three years or until 1865, when attracted by the possibilities of the new world in a business way he resolved to try his fortune in America and sailed for New York, taking passage on a westward-bound vessel that weighed anchor in the harbor of Copenhagen in May, 1865, and reached its destination in June. On reaching this country he made his way to Manistee and entered the employ of the late John Canfield. for whom he worked
at scaling logs for seven years. At the end of that time he came to Wexford county. settling at what was then called Clam Lake. but is now the city of Cadillac. This was in June, 1872, and for about three years after his arrival he was employed at different oc- cupations, but chiefly at scaling logs and at tallying.
About 1875 Mr. Hector invested the money which he had earned in forty acres of land, forming the nucleus of his present landed possessions. This tract is on section 8, Clam Lake township, and upon it he has since resided. Since he made the purchase he has given his time and attention almost wholly to general farming and dairying, and as his financial resources have increased he has added to his land until he now has a valuable and extensive farm of two hundred and eighty acres, of which one hundred and twenty acres is cultivated, the green fields giving promise of rich harvests in the au- tumm. He has erected a fine set of farm buildings, including a modern residence, a large barn and sheds for the shelter of his stock and farm implements. None of the equipments of the model farm of the twen . tieth century are there lacking.
On the 7th of April. 1870, in Manistee, Michigan, Mr. Hector was married to Miss Otillie Corcart, a native of Germany, born on the 23d of December, 1848. They now have five living children, as follows : Emil ; Otto; Theressa, the wife of Edward J. Smith, of Cherry Grove township: Albert and Del- phina. They have also lost four children. who died in early youth.
Mr. Hector's official connection with Wextord county has been of a character to make him a valued citizen of his community. He has held the office of justice of the peace
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and his decisions were strictly fair and im- partial. Hle was also township treasurer and township supervisor, and in matters of pub- lic moment he is deeply interested, acting for the good of the community along many lines of progress and substantial upbuilding here. When the village of Clam Lake, now Cad- illac, the county seat, was incorporated. he was elected one of its trustees. He has wit- nessed almost the entire growth and develop- ment of the county and has taken an active part in reclaiming its wild lands for the uses of agriculture. He has seen great advance along other business lines and feels a justi- fiable pride in what has been accomplished in the county. That his own labors have been well directed and guided by sound business judgment is proven by his success, for he is now one of the wealthy farmers of the coun- ty, with an attractive home, a valuable farm and other interests. Progress might well be termed the keynote of his character, in both public and business life. He has allowed no obstacle to deter him from a course which he has marked out, and he has employed only honorable means to gain the ends which have been his goal. Fraternally he is a member of Cadillac Tent. No. 232, Knights of the Maccabees, the Order of Mutual Protection and The New Era.
WILL.FORD D. FALES.
A lifetime spent in the pursuit of one call- ing will usually result in substantial success. Such is found to be the case in the life of Willford D. Fales, one of the substantial citiezns of section 6. Cedar Creek township. He was born in the town of Pembroke, seven
miles from Niagara Falls, New York. Jan- uary 29. 1848. His parents were Dexter and Sarah ( Wood ) Fales, natives of New York, good, industrious people who always merited and received the good opinion of every community in which they lived. The subject of this article was the second of a family of three children and when he was but an infant his parents moved to Pennsyl- vania where they remained until the subject was four years of age. He was then taken to New York and for the next three years lived in Steuben county, and at the age of nine years came to Kent county, Michigan, where he grew to manhood, his time being occupied in the ordinary labor of the farm. From Kent county he went to Muskegon. where he resided for two years, being en- gaged in the same pursuit, spending, how- ever, his winters in the woods lumbering. His mother died in 1852 and his father in 1874.
In the spring of 1869 Mr. Fales came to Wexford county and located upon eighty acres of land in section 6, Cedar Creek town- ship, which he still owns and upon which he resides. This little farm he has since splendidly improved, erected upon it good. substantial buildings, set out an orchard of four and one-half acres. embracing fruit trees of all kinds suitable for this climate. the greater part, however, being many fine varieties of apple trees. Sixty acres are now clear and in a splendid state of cultivation, and no more desirable little farm home is to be found in the county of Wexford.
On the 5th day of April, 1871, Willford D. Fales was united in marriage to Miss Mary Am Blackall, a native of Kent county. The ceremony took place in the city of Grand Rapids, and the contracting parties imme-
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WEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
diately thereafter took up their abode on the subject's farm in Cedar Creek township. One child was born to this union, Marion B., but the faithful wife and mother did not long survive, as she died in 1872 after a brief illness, leaving her beloved babe to the care of its sorrowing father. In Ottawa county. Michigan, on the 3d day of August, 1873. Willford D. Fales was again married, his bride on this occasion being Miss Julia E. Gillat, a native of Ottawa county, where she was reared and educated. They took up their residence soon after the ceremony on the subject's Cedar Grove township farm, and there they still reside. To this union four children were born, viz .: Herman C .: Lottie M .. wife of William Moffitt ; Ira D. and Grace E.
In all local affairs, particularly contem- plated improvements, Willford D. Fales takes a deep interest and he has always done his full share toward advancing the welfare of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Fales are mem- bers of the Freewill Baptist church, devout worshippers and active and zealous in the cause of religion. He is a public-spirited enterprising citizen who always conscien- tiously performs the duties required of him, both public and private, and his character in the community where he has lived so long is above reproach. He is a Prohibitionist. and takes high ground on the subject of temperance.
EDWARD COX.
The true source of man's dominion on earth is said to be derived from the pursuit of agriculture. The calling is certainly the most independent one in which man can
engage. Others may receive better remun- eration for their services and pile up bigger fortunes than does the agriculturist, but his calling is the one whose success is absolutely indispensable to the workl's prosperity. The subject of this review. Edward Cox, of section 36, Greenwood township, is a suc- cessful farmer, and one who has devoted nearly all the years of his life to the calling. lle has been contented with his lot and the returns from his labor, without feeling en- vious of those in other lines of labor whose compensation seems to be so great that it is sometimes deemed wholly disproportionate to the service rendered.
Edward Cox. the subject of this review. was born on a farm in Summit county, Ohio, July 15. 1845. His parents were Richard and Philena ( Tibbet ) Cox, both worthy and highly respected people in the region where they lived. Both are now dead, having passed away many years ago. They were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this review was the third. When he was nine years of age, in 1854, the family moved to Indiana, where they continued to reside until a short time previous to the war of the Rebellion, when they moved to Otta- wa county, Michigan.
In July, 1862, Edward Cox enlisted in Company F. Fourteenth Regiment Michi- gan Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was during the greater part of the time of its service under the command of General Will- iam T. Sherman, served all through the .At- lanta campaign and took part in most of the battles fought in that hostile section. He was still in the service at the time of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at .A[ ... pomattox and was not mustered out of the service until after the close of the war.
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WEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
On his return from the scene of hostili- ties Mr. Cox again took up his residence in Ottawa county. Michigan, and devoted him- self to agricultural pursuits. October 3. 1865, he was united in marriage to Alcena Ellis, a native of Ohio, born in Summit county, July 9, 1839. She was the daughter of Jesse and Sally ( McMullen) Ellis, and of a family of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, she was the youngest child. Both parents have been dead many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox six children have been born, viz. : Milton married Nellie Spears and resides in Levering, Michigan : Merton married Cora Woods, and resides in Greenwood township: Viola is the wife of Thomas Maxurd, of Cadillac : Riley married Ruth Christian, and lives in Greenwood township; Charles married Lillie Gross, and lives in Cadillac: Paulina is the wife of Robert Garrow, of Cadillac.
In the autumn of 1872 the family moved from Ottawa to Wexford county, and set- ild on a quarter section of land in section 36, Greenwood township, entering it as a homestead. There they still reside, each year adding to the prosperity which has come to them through industry, and they are stead- ily accumulating a competency which will be more than sufficient to supply them with abundance for their old age. Seventy-five acres of the original homestead has been cleared and constitutes a fine, fertile farm. sufficiently productive to give them a very satisfactory income. Mr. Cox has been hon- ored by the voters of Greenwood township. at different times, with the offices of super- visor, treasurer and clerk. Indeed, there are few offices in the township which he has not filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. The only fraternal society
to which he belongs is the Oliver P. Mor- ton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Manton. He is a worthy citizen whose serv- ices to the public in the township of his resi- dence are highly appreciated. He is a reg- ularly commissioned correspondent in the agricultural department of the state of Mich- igan.
HEMAN B. STURTEVANT.
From an early epoch in the development of Wexford county until a recent date He- man B. Sturtevant was numbered among its residents and the part which he played in its development, progress and improvement well entitles him to representation among those who have formed its history. He is now living in Owosso. A native of New En- gland. he possesses many of the sterling traits which have ever been characteristic of the people who come from that section of the country. He was born in the township of Weybridge, Addison county, Vermont, on the 30th of May. 1840. His father, Milo Sturtevant, was also a native of Addison county, but his mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Taft, was born in Pitts- ford, Vermont. The father devoted his en- ergies to agricultural pursuits as a life work and thus provided for his family. Both he and his wife died in Weybridge, her demise occurring when she was about forty-two years of age, while the father died at the age of fifty-one years. They were the parents of six children, five sons and a daughter.
Of this family Heman B. Sturtevant was the second. He attended the common schools in his youth and was reared in Way- bridge, Vermont, upon his father's farm, re-
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WVEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
siding at that place until the fall of 1859. when he arrived in Michigan, taking up his abode in Livingston county. He attended the normal school at Ypsilanti, this state, and subsequently engaged in teaching school through the winter months for about two years or until after the inauguration of the Civil war. Hle had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, had no- ted the threatening attitude of certain states below the Mason and Dixon line and he re- solved that if an attempt was made to over- throw the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Accordingly in 1861 he offered his services to the government, becoming a mem- ber of Company E. Seventeenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he served un- til .April. 1862, when he was honorably dis- charged, on account of physical disability. In the meantime, however, he had partici- pated in two very important battles of the war-those of South Mountain and Antie- tam.
After leaving the army Mr. Sturtevant made a short visit to his ohl home in the Green Mountain state and then again located in Livingston county, Michigan, where he continued his education, realizing its impor- tance as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life. He entered the preparatory school at Ann Arbor with the intention of pursuing a college course, but he was obliged to relinquish that plan on ac- count of ill health. Being advised to engage in outdoor life he then turned his attention to farming in Livingston county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for two years On the expiration of that period he removed to Shiawassee, where he also car- ried on farming for two years. At the end of that time he took up his abode in Owosso
and represented its business interests as an enterprising merchant. He remained there until November. 1869, when, disposing of his store, he came to Wexford county, es- tablishing his home in Sherman and at the next regular election of the county officers he was chosen by popular ballot for the posi- tions of county clerk and register of deeds. llc acted in that dual capacity for six years. retiring from the position, as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all. Hle then resumed merchandising and also en- gaged in real estate business in Sherman, be- ing an active representative of commercial life here until the fall of 1901, when he re- turned to Owosso. He is, however, still largely interested in lands in this county and in the manufacture of limber and his invest- ments not only return to him a good income, but contribute to the general prosperity of this section of the state. Upon his removal he not only discontinued his mercantile af- fairs here, but also resigned from the office of justice of the peace, which he had filled continuously from the spring of 1870 until the fall of 1901. "His even-handed justice" was a characteristic of his official service and "won golden opinions from all sorts of peo- ple." For eight years prior to 1901 he served as supervisor of Hanover township and in the discharge of his official duties he was always loyal and reliable. He took a very active part in politics, never failing in his support of what he believed to be right. He was also active and prominent in church work in this county, hokling membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while for more than twenty years he was superinten- dent of its Sunday school in Sherman and was a most active and helpful laborer in the cause of Christianity here.
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WEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIG.IN.
Mr. Sturtevant was married in Unadilla. Livingston county, Michigan, November 26. 1863. to Miss Rhoda A. Dunn, who was born in that place on the 4th of August, 1842. There her girlhood days were passed in the home of her parents. Hillier and Lois (Dunn) Dunn, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Connecticut. Re- moving to the west. they became residents of Unadilla, Michigan, where both resided until called to the home beyond, the father passing away at the age of fifty-five years. while the mother's death occurred when she was fifty-six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Sturtevant have adopted a daughter. . \se, nath, who is now the wife of Vincent C. Wall, of Sherman. Michigan. Mr. Sturte- vant still retains his membership in Sherman Lodge. Free and Accepted Masons, and he is now an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, with which his wife is also identified. Such in brief is the life history of one whose efforts have ever been discern- ingly directed along well defined lines of labor, whether for the benefit of himself, his country or his county. He has been as loyal to his town, state and nation in times of peace as he was when he followed the starry banner upon the battlefield of the south and his has ever been a creditable and honorable record, winning for himself the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.
HENRY C. AU'ER.
Henry C. Auer, a prosperous and popu- lar merchant of Cadillac, is a native of New York, born in Moscow. September 15. 1860. Jlis parents were John H. and
Auer, natives of Germany. The family, in 1864. moved to Almont. Lepeer county. Michigan, but remained there only about four years, when they moved to Reed City. Osceola county, then known as Todd's Slashings, and settled on a farm three miles from that place. There were seven children in the Aner family, of whom the subject was the sixth. The father is now living a retired life in Reed City. The mother died when the subject was three and one-half years old.
The early life of Henry C. Auer was spent beneath the parental roof until he was seventeen years old. He had attended the public schools and was studious and ambi- tious, so that when he laid aside his books to face the world and battle for a fortime, his mindi was well stored with useful knowledge. Having secured a position as clerk in a gen- eral merchandise store at Nirvina, Lake county. Michigan, he immediately en- tered upon his duties and gave satisfaction both to the patrons of the establishment and his employers. Thirsting for more knowl- edge, he returned to keed City, procured a place as clerk in a hotel and was given an opportunity to attend school during school hours. When school closed he was offered a place in the Brotherton Hotel at Flint, Mich- igan, as clerk, remained there until the man- agement changed, when he again returned to Reed City. Then for two and a half years he was employed in the mercantile estab- lishment of D. M. McClelland. In August. 1882, he came to Cadillac and entered the employ of W. R. Dennis & Company, deal- ers in clothing and gents' furnishings goods. remaining in their service for nearly six years.
In Cadillac. Wexford county, December 25. 1885. Henry C. Auer was united in
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WEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
married to Miss Capitola Havens, a native of Almont. Michigan, born in . August, 1859. Iler parents are natives of New York state. Her father is dead, while her mother yet lives. One child. Harold Clement, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Auer. He is a manly, intelligent youth, now in his seventh year.
His experience in the clothing and gents' furnishing line was such as to make Henry C. Auer thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business. Accordingly, in 1888. he entered into partnership with P. Medalie in that line of business, the firm name being H. C. Aner & Company. The new firm pros- pered from the beginning and for five years the partnership continued. when it was dis- solved by mutual consent. Henry C. . Auer purchasing the interest of his partner. Since that time he has been conducting the business alone and with most flattering suc- cess. He has a large trade, quite an exten- sive scope of country to draw from and with his well-known fair, honorable business prin- ciples, the number of his patrons is steadily increasing. He is too busy a man to interest himself greatly in politics, hence he has neither aspired to nor held a political po- sition of any kind. He is interested in true Christianity, sincere religion and good mor- als and is a member of the First Congrega- tional church at Cadillac. He belongs to three fraternal societies and makes it con- venient to give each some attention. He be- longs to Cadillac Lodge No. 46, Knights of Pythias, to Cadillac Tent. K. O. T. M. and to the camp, Modern Woodmen of America. By zeal, economy, close applica- tion to business and indomitable persever- ance, from a most humble beginning he has placed himself among the leading and most successful merchants of northern Michigan.
ISAAC NICHOLS.
In Clam Lake township, upon a good farm, Isaac Nichols makes his home and de- votes his energies to general agricultural pur- suits. He was born in Ontario county. Canada, on the 22d of March, 1847, and is a son of John and Sophia (DeBoyse ) Nichols. His parents are both now deceas- ed, his father having passed away in Can- ada when but thirty years of age. The moth- er long survived him, however, and spent her last days in the home of her son, Isaac, in Clam Lake township, where she died in her eighty-second year.
In the Dominion Isaac Nichols was rear- ed upon a farm. He attended the public schools and when not engaged in the ef- fort to master the branches taught in such institutions he devoted his labors to the work of the farm and thus gained practical ex- perience in the occupation which he has chosen as his life work. He remained in Canada until about twenty-six years of age and then determined to seek a home in the United States. Many are the sons of the Dominion who have crossed the border in order to enjoy the better business oppor- tunities, with livelier competition, that are to be found in this country. It was in the month of September. 1873, that Mr. Nich- ols arrived in Wexford county with his fam- ily and he settled upon the farm where he now lives and it has been his home continu- ously for thirty years. He here owns one hundred and twenty acres of land and with unfaltering energy he has continued the work of cultivation and improvement here until he now has over one hundred acres un- dler the plow. He has also erected a modern brick residence and made other valuable in-
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