USA > Michigan > Wexford County > History of Wexford County, Michigan, embracing a concise review of its early settlement, industrial development and present conditions > Part 49
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ISAAC NICHOLS GROUP.
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ITEXFORD COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
provements, including the planting of an or- chard of four acres, which yields its fruits in season. His fields return to him good har- vests and in all of his farm work he is pro- gressive, using the latest improved machin- ery in the cultivation of the soil and keeping good grades of stock to assist in carrying on the farm work.
Mr. Nichols was married in Canada to Miss Josephine Watt, a native of Lambton county, Ontario, born July 16, 1848. Unto them have been born four children, who are yet living, namely : Jolm W., Thompson W., Melissa S., who is the wife of Robert Gra- ham, and Louisa, who is the wife of Frank Flynn. They have also buried one son, Isaac. who died in Clam Lake township, when twenty years of age, his loss being deeply mourned not only by his family, but also by many friends. John W. wedded Miss Ber- tha M. Hammond and resides in Clam Lake township: they have one little daughter, Pa- tience 1 .. Thompson W. wedded Miss Anna Stewart and they have two children, Leone J. and Stewart W., a resident of Clam Lake township. John is fitting himself for the profession of dentist and is now a student in the dental department of the Detroit Col- lege of Medicine, a member of the class of 1904.
Matters of public interest pretaining to the welfare and progress of his section of the state received the attention and often- times the active support of Mr. Nichols, who is a wide-awake and progressive citizen. Hle has served as highway commissioner of Clam Lake township, but has never been an active politician in the sense of office seek- ing. preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. Ile votes with the Republican party and is connected with the
Patrons of Ilusbandry. He has a nice home and good farm and all that he possesses has come to him through his own eforts. Ile may well be called a self-made man and deserves all the credit which the term im- plies. His business methods have been such as will bear close investigation and his worth both as a man and citizen are widely ac- knowledged by all with whom he has come in contact. His hope of finding good busi- ness advantages in the United States has been more than realized and by improving the opportunities with which he was sur- rounded he has gained a creditable position among the prosperous agriculturists of his adopted county.
SAMUEL J. CASSETY.
The next best thing to being a native of the state of Michigan is to have lived in the commonwealth the greater part of one's life. Michigan is a great commonwealth, a rich and productive state, and of all of her eighty- five counties there are not many superior to Wexford county as a place of abode. Samuel J. Cassety, a resident of Colfax township and the subject of this biography, has been a resident of Michigan for more than half a century, and of Wexford county during all of the years of its existence as a county and for two years prior thereto. Only a child of seven years when his parents brought him to the state, from that time to the present he has made it his home.
Samuel J. Cassety was born in the state of Ohio, Seneca county. Reed township. September 2. 1845. His parents were Franklin and Charity (Gilbert ) Cassety, the father a native of the state of New
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York, and the mother of Ohio, who made that commonwealth their home un- til 1852, when they moved to Muskegon county, Michigan, settling on a farm in Casnovia township, where they contin- ued to reside until their death, which oc- curred many years ago. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, the subject being the sec- ond child of the family. The other sur- viving members of his parents' family are Eliza, the wife of Dexter Fields, a gardener at Salem, Oregon; Hannah, wife of Will- iam Folston, a ranchman of Oregon. and Alice, the wife of Amos Cobleigh, a farmer also of Oregon.
On the farm of his father in Casnovia township, Muskegon county, Samuel J. Cas- sety was reared and grew to manhood. The educational facilities of the state during his youth were not all that could be desired. nevertheless he managed to secure a good education in all of the common school branches, which has been supplemented by extensive reading on many subjects. There are few men in Wexford county possessed of more general information than is the sub- ject. Farming has been the occupation of his life and he began his lessons in agricul- ture at a very early age. That they were thoroughly learned is amply attested by the success he has attained. He remained a member of the parental household until he attained the age of twenty-three years, most of the time being occupied in the labors of the farm.
April 25. 1868, Samuel J. Cassety was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Field. a native of Ohio, born in Summit county. February 19. 1846. Her parents are Aus- tin and Sarah .A. (Compton) Field, the for-
mer being a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. She died in Ottawa county, Michigan, at the age of forty-six years, being the mother of eight children, of whom Mrs. Cassety was the seventh, the other survivors of the family being Cordelia, the widow of Luther 1'. Doane, now resides in Conklin. Michigan: Aurelia is the wife of Theron Emmons, of Conklin : Dexter lives in Salem, Oregon, and Lester, who married Lucy Do- ane and resides in Kalkaska, Michigan. After the death of his wife Mr. Field moved to Oregon, where he died at the age of sev- enty-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Cassety three children have been born, one of whom died in infancy. The others are Arthur S. and Hugh. Arthur S., who is a merchant at Elton, Michigan, married Anna .\. Gregg and they have one son. Delos C., and Hugh, who is a fariner in Colfax township, married Mamie Hunt, who was formerly a teacher. Mrs. Cassety was prior to her marriage a successful teacher, four years in Ottawa county and one year in Wexford county.
The first three years after his marriage the subject resided upon and cultivated the old homestead. In 1871 he came with his family to Wexford county and took up a homestead of eighty acres in what is now Colfax township. On this land the family have continued to reside up to the present time. This modest little farm he cleared. improved and cultivated, adding to it piece by piece as he was able and the opportunity offered until at one time he owned two hundred and forty acres, one hundred and seventy-six of which was under cultivation. Later he presented one hundred and twenty acres to his sons, so that his present place comprises only one hundred and twenty acres, which he finds quite sufficient to oc-
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cupy his time and attention. The buildings upon the place, residence, barns, stables, etc., are all that could be desired and their neat and well-kept appearance contributes to the general air of comfort and thrift which char- acterizes this model rural home. Even the most casual glance at the farm and appurte- nances will convince a visitor that the owner and occupant of the place is no common Inisbandman.
In politics Mr. Cassety is a Republican, and .although he has frequently labored zealously in the interests of his party, he has never aspired to publie position. His fellow citizens have, however, hon- ored him by electing him to a number of local offices, such as school inspector, school director and overseer of highways, and he is at present serving as one of the county super- intendents of the poor. His standing in the community has always been of the very best and he might have been elected to places of trust and profit in the county had he cared to be a candidate, but his ambition to manage well his own private affairs precluded the possibility of giving any time for holding public positions. Although never having belonged to any religious order, society or church, he is imbued with much veneration for Christianity and there are few, even among church members, who contribute more liberally to the spread of the gospel than he does. Mr. and Mrs. Cassety are among the oldest and best known residents of Wexford county and all who are favored with their acquaintance speak in the highest terms of their many sterling qualities of head and heart. They have lived long and well. have done their duty without fear or favor and the future awaits them with abundant rewards.
EDWARD C. BREHM.
Edward C. Brehm is a representative of agricultural interests in Wexford county, and his farm of eighty aeres is situated on section 34. Clam Lake township. A native of Germany, he was born February 7, 1867. and spent the first sixteen years of his life in the fatherland, where, in accordance with its laws, he attended the public schools between the ages of six and fourteen years. He came with his parents to the United States in 1883 and on landing on the eastern coast of the new world they made preparations to con- tinue their journey across the country, Miel- igan being their destination. A settlement was made in Sherman township, Osceola county, the father securing a farm, upon which the family lived for some time.
Edward C. Brehm remained at home up to the time of his marriage, which important event in his life history occurred on the 13th of April, 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida Discher, a daughter of William Discher, of Sherman township, Osceola county. She was born in Ohio, May 19. 1868, and in her girlhood days was brought by her parents to the Wolverine state, where she has since lived. At the time of their mar- riage the young couple began their domestic life upon the farm where they are now living on section 344. Clam Lake township, Wex- ford county, Mr. Brehm purchasing eighty acres of land, which he still owns. With the exception of fifteen acres he has placed the entire tract under cultivation and the appear- ance of the farm is pleasing, because of its well-tilled fields, its good buildings, and its many evidences of the practical care of a thrifty and progressive owner.
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The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brehm has been blessed with six children, who are yet living: Emma. Ella, Walter, Paul, Arthur and Gustaf. They also lost one son. William. who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brehm have long resided in this section of the state and the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquain- tance. They are worthy representatives of the agricultural interests. Mr. Brehm owes his success to his own efforts. He has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by determined purpose and honorable labor and thus he has steadily worked his way up- ward until he is classed among the substan- tial farmers, and his well improved property is the visible evidence of his life of diligence, perseverance and capable management.
GEORGE C. TEED.
George C. Teed, who carries on agricul- tural pursuits on section 15. Antioch town- ship, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred upon a farm in Livingston county on the with of June, 1852. He is the fifth in a family of eight children, who reached mature years. His father, George T'. Teed, was a farmer and carpenter, follow- ing these pursuits in order to provide for his wife and children. He wedded Miss Mary Richardson and they removexl from Living- ston county, New York, to Michigan, in the winter of 1855. making the journey across the country with horses and oxen. They settled upon a farm in lonia county, and it was there that their son George was reared. He remained a resident of that portion of the state until he was thirty years of age and
from that time when he put aside his school books he devoted his energies in undivided manner to agricultural pursuits. His father died in 1867. when about fifty-four years of age, and after that much of the farm work devolved upon Mr. Teed, of this review. On leaving Ionia county he took up his abode in Kalamazoo county, remaining a resident of Climax township for about five years, or until the fall of 1888. In November of that vear he came to Wexford county and has since been a resident of Antioch township. covering a period of fifteen years. Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land and of this ninety-five acres has been brok- en, placed under the plow and transformed into rich and productive fields. Mr. Teed has erected good buiklings, including a com- fortable residence and substantial barns,- in fact, his is one of the fine farms of the county and his home is surrounded by well tilled fields, returning to him golden har- vests. He is also interested in the breeding of fine blooded stock and thus adds not a little to his income. He uses the latest in- proved machinery in operating his land and all modern equipments and accessories com- mon to a farm of the twentieth century are found upon his place.
Mr. Teed was married in Kalamazoo county, Michigan. on the 14th of May, 1887. to Miss Mary Smith, a native of that county and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Foster Smith, who were natives of Vermont. Re- moving to the west, they spent their remain- ing days in Kalamazoo county. Mr. and Mrs. Teed are the parents of four children : Louis ML .. Stanley W., Lois G. and Willis.
In his political views Mr. Teed is inde- pendent, but keeps well informed on the is- sues of the day and. in his ballot gives his
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support to the man whom he thinks best qual- ified for office. He has taken an active part in township affairs and has been called to serve in positions of public trust, having acted at different times as supervisor of An- tioch township, as township treasurer and as school inspector. He is a staunch advocate of the cause of temperance and both he and his wife are active members of the Metho- (list Episcopal church and take a helpful in- terest in church and Sunday school work. Their lives are in consistent harmony with their professions and they do all in their power to advocate the cause of Christian- ity and to extend its influence in this com- munity. Mr. Teed is also identified with Antioch Grange No. 919. Patrons of Hus- bandry. Those who know him entertain for him the highest regard because he has lived worthily, his life being actuated by upright principles that have been exemplified in hon- orable conduct.
GEORGE S. STANLEY.
George S. Stanley, editor and proprie- tor of the Michigan State Democrat, was born in Chester, England, on the 30th of June, 1858. His parents, being devout mem- bers of the Established church, were desir- ons that he should enter the ministry. Ac- cordingly his education began at a very early age with that object in view. After receiv- ing his preliminary instruction from private tutors, he was entered when twelve years old at the king's school and from that in- stitution passed to the Chester Preparatory College, which he attended one year. While thus prosecuting his studies he concluded to
give up the idea of taking holy orders and devote his life to journalism, a calling for which he had long manifested a decided prei- erence. Mr. Stanley's first experience in his chosen field of endeavor was in the office of the Chester Chronicle, one of the oldest and most influential weeklies in England, where he soon gained a practical knowledge of the profession which he has since followed with such encouraging success. In 1872 he accompanied his family to Canada and dur- ing the ensuing ten years was employed upon a number of the leading newspapers of that country, the meanwhile continually enlarg- ing his experience and developing decided abilities as a clear, elegant and forcible writer. At the expiration of the above per- iod he came to Michigan and for some time thereafter worked on different Democratic papers, but the following year he went into business upon his own responsibility, by es- tablishing in Lapeer county the Columbia- ville New Era. Later, 1890, he established the Michigan Odd Fellow, a bi-monthly de- voted to the interests of Odd Fellowship in this state, which grew rapidly in popular favor and reached a wide and remunerative patronage. After running the two papers jointly for about one year, he disposed of them and purchased of M. T. Woodruff the Michigan State Democrat at Cadillac, which he still owns and personally conducts and which under his able management has be- come one of the leading party organs of the state.
Mr. Stanley is a Democrat of the most or- thodox stamp and since his advent into the field of Michigan journalism he has ren- (lered valiant service for his party in its many hard-fought and seemingly hopeless contests. Wielding a trenchant pen, he has ably and
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fearlessly discussed the leading questions and issues upon which people and parties are divided, proving a formidable but courteous antagonist, and making his paper a power in state and national politics, as well as in lo- cal affairs. He served four years as chair- man of the Democratic county committee and in that capacity effected a more complete organization than had hitherto existed, be- sides doing valuable service in the ranks as a personal worker. He has represented Wexford county in nearly all state and dis- trict conventions of his party since coming to Cadillac. The Michigan State Demo- crat is an ably edited and popular paper. with a large and constantly increasing cir- culation and a liberal advertising patron- age. Mechanically it is a model of typo- graphic art and through the medium of its columns much interesting matter aside from polities finds publicity. The office is fully equipped with the latest modern machinery and appliances used in the "art preservative," and all in all the paper compares favorably with the best local sheets in the state, while for clearness, force, elegance and general literary merit its edi- torials are not surpassed by those of the leading metropolitan journals.
In addition to his merits as a writer. Mr. Stanley is also an orator of recognized ability, his services as such being in great demand on the hustings as well as on the popular platform. A sound, logical rea- soner and a ready debator, he enters heart and soul into every political canvass, and in the two-fold capacity of writer and speak- er, has perhaps done more to strengthen and solidify his party and promote its snc- ress than any other man in the northern part of the state. Personally he is a most
genial, affable and companionabla gentle- man and his popularity is by no means con- fined to his political associates, as he is held in high esteem by all classes and con- ditions of people wherever known. He has a beautiful and attractive home in Cadillac. being a married man with an interesting family of five children, four sons and one daughter.
THOMAS W. CROSBY.
In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their way to success, pos- sibly through unfavorable environment, we find an unconscious recognition of the in- trinsic worth of a character which not only can endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. The sub- ject of this review. Thomas W. Crosby, was not favored by inherited wealth or the assis- tance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he has attained a comfortable sta- tion in life. He is a native of Ohio, born in Lucas county, October 26, 1836. His parents were Van Rensselaer and Lucinda ( Black- man) Crosby, the former, who had been a soldier in the war of 1812, dying about 1879. while his wife died about 1880. The subject's grandfather, Elarcom Crosby. fought in the war of the Revolution and saw General Washington many times.
Thomas W. Crosby, the subject of this review, was reared in his native county of Lucas and there he spent the first twenty- six years of his life. Mind and body were both well cared for. He was well schooled in all of the common branches of education and his life of industry on the farm was pro-
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ductive of desirable physical development. December 22. 1862, he enlisted in the United States service, in Company K. One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and saw service also in the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, his commands being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. At the close of the war, the latter part of April, 1865. the regiment was mustered out of the service, Mr. Crosby receiving an hon- orable discharge at Camp Chase, Columbus. Ohio, July 17, 1865. Returning from the field, he again took up his residence in Lucas county. Ohio, and devoted himself to farm- ing until 1871, when he moved to Big Rap- ids, Michigan, where he remained until Feb- ruary. 1872, when he located in Wexford county and devoted himself to his calling of a millwright. a business he had become skilled in before entering the United States service. In 1877, he purchased eighty acres of land in section 35, Haring township, where he established a home and where he has since resided, devoting himself entirely to farming. His place is well improved and he has erected thereon good. substantial buildings.
On the 22d day of May. 1865. in Lucas county, Ohio, Thomas W. Crosby was united in marriage to Miss Jane D. Ileath, a native of Ohio, born in Holmes county, May 22, 1845, the daughter of Nehimiah Heath, also a native of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Crosby four children were born, viz: Charles, Jen- nie, Minnie and Milo. Jennie died when nineteen years of age: Minnie is the wife of Merton Morford, a resident of Cadillac and in the employ of the Grand Rapids & Indi- ana Railroad, and they have one child. ken- neth.
Thomas W. Crosby has been actively in-
terested in all movements designed for the public good and the development of the township and county in which he resides. He served for a length of time as president of the Wexford County Agricultural Society. has been supervisor of Haring township, and has also been township treasurer. He is an unswerving Republican and has been such since the organization of that party. He is a most genial, companionable man, always disposed to look upon the bright side of life. He is possessed of a rich vein of humor and there are few situations that do not furnish him an opportunity of extracting therefrom a little merriment for his own and his friends' benefit. The real calamity of his life came October 12. 1897, when his faithful and de- voted wife, the mother of his children de- parted this life. He has been true to her memory in death as he was true and devoted to her in life.
Mr. Crosby makes the principle of char- ity his religion and is ever ready to dispense to those who are in need or distress. He has not an exalted idea of the religion which is practiced by many of the-so-called mem- bers of churches and says that many min- isters have missed their calling and a mone- tary consideration is the only goal they are striving to reach.
The following obituary notices will un- doubtedly prove of interest to the reader :
At midnight last Friday, October 12, 1897, Mrs. Jane D. Crosby, wife of T. W. Crosby, passed into rest, at the age of fifty-two years and five months. She had been confined to her bed since last March from the illness which terminated her life, and for a period of about twenty-seven years her delicate health had caused anxiety' to her relatives and friends. Her physical endurance finally succumbed | to bronchial consumption, coupled with Bright's disease. Her patience and cheerfulness in the midst | of suffering was a marvel to her many friends.
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With her husband and three small children, Mrs. Crosby came to this locality in 1872 and the beauti- ful farm home, just east of the present city limits, wrought from what was then a wilderness, attests her thoughtful consideration and the splendid man- agement of her household. She had very many friends with the people of this city, among whom she was regarded as one of the patient pioneers. and at whose suburban home they always found enjoyable entertainment. A few years ago her eld- est daughter, Jennie Crosby, who was greatly be- loved, was taken away by death. The funeral of Mrs. Crosby was held from the family home at two o'clock last Sunday afternoon and was attended by a large gathering of people from the city and sur- rounding country. The ceremonies were conducted by Rev. N. S. Bradley, of the Congregational church.
Miss Jennie Crosby, oldest daughter of Mr and Mrs. T. W. Crosby, died at the home of her parents, one mile east of this city, on last Thursday evening. March 8. 1888. She was born May 9. 1869. at White House. Lucas county, Ohio, and removed to this vicinity in 1872. During her life time in this community Miss Jennie had become greatly en- deared to all with whom she associated, and in her own home was beloved with all the devotion that could be bestowed upon a dutiful daughter and an affectionate sister.
To her invalid mother she had become espe- cially endeared as she every day strove to lessen the cares and duties that necessarily devolve upon the mistress of a farin household and to carry them herself. even in the tender years of her girlhood. She was ever cheerful, happy and hopeful, and was always too active and solicitous for the happiness of others to be mindful of her own comfort or to have room in her heart for a selfish thought. Her death is a sad affliction to her bereaved parents, sister and two brothers.
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