USA > Michigan > Wexford County > History of Wexford County, Michigan, embracing a concise review of its early settlement, industrial development and present conditions > Part 52
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the line of his professional work. He is one of the substantial, public-spirited men of his adopted city, has done much to promote its general prosperity, materially and other- wise, and always stands ready to lend his influence and support to all worthy enter- prises. Dr. Curtis was married December 29. 1896, to Miss Marguerite Code, the un- ion being blessed with one child, Velma Irene, who was born July 21, 1898.
WALTER L. STURTEVANT.
Walter L. Sturtevant, who formerly served as sheriff of Wexford county, and is living on section 36. Wexford township. claims the Green Mountain state as the place of his nativity, for he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Weybridge, Addison county, Vermont, on the 10th of January. 1855. his parents being Milo and Elizabeth ( Taft ) Sturtevant, of whose family of six children he was the youngest. . Both of the parents died in Weybridge. The subject of this review spent the first ten years of his life upon his father's farm in that place and then went to Saginaw, Michigan, with his broth- er Ethan .A. Sturtevant, and was reared to manhood in that locality with the ex- ception of a year and a half spent in Wey- bridge, to which place he returned. He pur- sued his education in the public schools of Saginaw and between the ages of fifteen and twenty years he followed the trade of brick- making. On reaching the age of twenty years he again went to his native place in Vermont, where he remained for a year and a half and then again he came to Michigan and once more settled in Saginaw. During
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the following winter he worked in the woods and next went to Midland, where he resided but a short time. Settling then in Owosso. he resided but a short period there and in July, 1878, he arrived in Wexford county. taking up his abode in Sherman, where he entered the employ of his brother, H. B. Sturtevant, with whom he was connected in a business way for ten years. The subject was then elected sheriff of Wexford county in the fall of 1890 and filled the position so acceptably that he was re-elected for a sec- ond term.
On his retirement from office Mr. Sturte- vant returned to Sherman, where he contin- ued to reside for about a year, at the end of which time he settled in Wexford township and since the fall of 1897 he has lived upon the farm which is now his home. He has here eighty-five acres of land, which is rich and cultivable, the entire amount being in- proved. He has followed farming continu- ally since his retirement from the office of sheriff and his labors have been attended with a high degree of success. His buildings are substantial, commodious and modern in con- struction, his riells well tilled and he uses the latest improved machinery in carrying on the farm work. He also has good grades of stock upon his place and fruit trees give a good yield in season.
On the 9th of October, 1881, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Sturtevant and Miss Margaret Crites, who was born in Can- ada, on the 6th of April, 1859. She is a daughter of G. A. and Jane ( McKee ) Crites and by her marriage she has become the mother of one childl. Grace E., who is now the life and light of the househokl. Mr. Sturtevant has been a member of the board of review of Wexford township and has
served as deputy sheriff for a number of years. Fraternally he is connected with Sherman Lodge No. 372. Free and Accepted Masons, and has also taken the Royal Arch degree in Cadillac Chapter No. 302. Royal Arch Masons. In matters pertaining to pub- lic progress he is deeply interested and has given active co-operation to many move- ments for the general good. his assistance being of a practical and beneficial nature. In his business affairs he has prospered and to- day a valuable farm gives evidence of his life of industry. In his dealings with his fellow men he is always fair and just and his integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. He represents a high type of the American citizen and Wexford county is fortunate in that he has allied his interests with hers.
HENRY BALLOU.
The gentleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection enjoys worthy pres- tige as one of the honored citizens of Cad- illac and for a number of years he has been actively identified with the varied interests of the city, occupying at the present time an im- portant position with one of its largest busi- ness establishments. His well directed ef- forts in the practical affairs of life. his capa- ble management of large and responsible trusts, together with his sound judgment and sterling integrity, have brought him con- fidence and prosperity, and his life fitly dem- onstrates what may be accomplished by a man of energy and ambition who places upon honorable endeavor its true value. In every relation of life he commands the re- spect and confidence of his fellow men, and
HENRY BALLOU.
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without a brief record of his life this bio- graphical compendium ot Wexford county : would not be fully complete.
Henry Ballou was born in Otsego, Alle- gan county, Michigan, June 7, 1854, the son ot Byron and Hannah ( Eldred) Ballou. The father was for many years a business man of Otsego, but in 1876 left that place and moved his family to Cadillac where he engaged in mercantile pursuits until failing health obliged him to turn his interests over to oth- er hands and retire from active life. Com- ing to this place in a comparatively early day, he became quite an influential factor in the business affairs and material growth of the town and as long as he lived his interest in its welfare and faith in its future advance- ment never wavered. He served two years as postmaster and was one of the leading Re- publicans of the county, having also been noted as a politician of considerable prom- inence for a number of years before taking up his residence in this part of the state.
While a citizen of Otsego he was es- pecially active in political affairs and during the late Civil war was untiring in his efforts to uphold the cause of the Union and induce young men to take up arms in defence of the nation's honor. Byron Ballou departed this life in Cadillac and left to his descendants the memory of a good name, which they prize among their most valued possessions ; his widow still survives, as do also four of his five children, of whom the subject of this review is the third in order of birth.
Henry Ballou grew up under the sturdy, invigorating discipline and environments of the home in Otsego, and received a common school education in the schools of that city, subsequently completing a business course in a commercial college at Grand Rapids. In
1872 he came to Cadillac as clerk for his brother, Lorenzo Ballou, who here establish- ed a store which for several years was con- ducted as a branch of the main establishment in Otsego. After remaining with the above business concern until 1877, he severed his connection with the same and entered the employ of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Rail- road, where he remained for two years, when he entered the company of Cobbs & Mitchell, for which firm he served as bookkeeper, un- til his promotion to the superintendency a few years later, a place he has since held. As general superintendent of the large and far- reaching business of Messrs. Cobbs & Mitch- ell, he has demonstrated executive abilities of a high order, and his career in this important and responsible station has been crowned with usefulness and sustained by the con- tinued and unqualified approval of his em- ployers. Mr. Ballou is a thorough-going, enterprising business man, happily endowed by nature with those qualities essential to successful leadership in large undertaking's and in every relation to which called his integrity, absolute reliability and sterling worth have won the confidence not only of those in whose welfare he has been directly interested, but also of the general public as well. He has gained a reputation as a man well equipped with solid business attain- ments, but above this he has ordered his life on a high plane, having a deep sense of his stewardship, a just appreciation of the re- sponsibilities that canopy every life and true regard for the esteem in which he is held by his fellow men.
Mr. Ballou was married in Cadillac, Jan- uary 11, 1881. to Miss Sarah A. Cornwell. of Cadillac, the union being blessed with children as follows. Mande Z .. Kate H ..
25
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Dora, Henry and Elton, the last named dy- ing at the age of nine months. Mr. Ballou has been honored by his fellow men of Cad- illac by being elected to different positions of trust, in all of which he discharged his du- ties faithfully and well, thus justifying the confidence reposed in his integrity and abil- ity. He served as city clerk two terms. rep- resented his ward in the common council and for several years labored zealously for the educational interests of the town as a mem- ber of the school board. He has long been active and prominent in the social and club life of Cadillac, is equally interested in re- ligious and benevolent enterprises and all worthy means for the moral improvement of the community are sure to enlist his in- fluence and material support. His name adorns the records of Cadillac Lodge No. 46, Knights of Pythias, and the lodge of An- cient Order of United Workmen, and as a communicant of the Presbyterian church his life presents a commendable example of applied Christianity, being one of the leading members of the congregation worshiping in Cadillac, in which organization his wife is also a faithful and zealous worker. His po- litical preference is for the Republican party. but he is by no means a partisan in the sense the term is generally understood and he would much rather be known as a business man and private citizen than to assume any official responsibilities or accept any pub- lic distinctions his fellow citizens might be- stow upon him. Mr. Ballon is a man of strong convictions and positive character, but withal genial and companionable, and by reason of his intelligence, integrity and busi- ness success holds a warm and abiding place in the hearts of those with whom he associates. Being in the prime of vigorous
physical and mental manhood. his star of usefulness is still in the ascendancy, the ardor of youth characterizing his actions as in years ago when he first began grappling with the practical problems of life. He has donc well his part, seeking ever to improve his environment, and by the faithful per- formance of the duties coming within his sphere he has added greatly to the welfare of the community which is honored by his citi- zenship.
WILLIAM H. SHAVER.
William H. Shaver is a representative of the commercial interests of Sherman, where he is now conducting a well appointed fur- niture store. A native of the Empire state. his birth occurred upon a farm in the town- ship of Wayland, Steuben county, New York, on the toth of April, 1852. His fath- er. Stephen Shaver, was a blacksmith and wagonmaker and also engaged in farming to some extent. After arriving at years of ma- tarity he wedded Miss Julanah Shutes and they spent their entire married life in New York, both passing away in Livingston coun- ty, both being between sixty and seventy years of age at the time of death. They were the parents of eleven children.
William H. Shaver, whose name intro- duces this review and who was their second child. lived with his parents in Steuben coun- ty until he was about fifteen years of age. During that time he had acquired a fair En- glish education in the public schools. He then accompanied his father and mother on their removal to Livingston county, New York, where he continued to make his home with them until 1876. He assisted his father
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in wagonmaking while remaining under the parental roof, but when twenty-four years of age he decided to start out in life for himself and spent about two years in Ontario county. New York, during which time he was em- ployed at farm labor during the summer seasons, while in the winter months he taught school. The west, with its opportunities and business possibilities, however, attracted hin and leaving the Empire state he proceeded towards the setting sun until he reached Kansas. He spent about three months in that state with the intention of locating there. but not liking the country as well as he had anticipated, he returned to his old home in New York. Not long afterward he started for Michigan, settling in Grand Traverse county, in August. 1879. He lived there for a year and during the first winter of his resi- dence in this state was engaged in teaching school. In the spring of 1880 he came to Hanover township, Wexford county, and settled upon a farm which he continued to cultivate and improve for about two years and in addition he also engaged in school teaching. On leaving the farm he took up his abode in the village of Sherman, where he taught school for about four terms, or a year and a half. He next entered the em- ploy of H. B. Sturtevant as a salesman and that he proved most loyal to the trust reposed in him and was most capable in the discharge of his duties is indicated by the fact that for fourteen years he was continued in that en- ploy. With the capital which he had thus acquired through his industry and economy Mr. Shaver began business on his own ac- count by establishing a furniture and under- taking store and this he has since conducted with gratifying success, his trade continually increasing. He now carries a large and well
selected line of goods, ranging from the cheaper to the higher grades in order to meet the varied demands of his customers.
On the 23rd of Angust, 1899, Mr. Sha- ver was united in marriage to Miss Lilla Falby, a native of Canada. They have a pleasant home in Sherman, in addition to which he owns forty acres of highly improv- ed land in Grand Traverse county. Ile is now active and influential in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member, and contributes liberally to its support, doing all in his power to promote its influence. He is likewise a member of Sher- man Lodge No. 372. Free and Accepted Masons, and has held almost all of the offices in the lodge. His fraternal relations likewise connect him with Maqueston Tent No. 654, Knights of the Maccabees, and with Sher- man Lodge, Knights of Pythias. In manner Mr. Shaver is genial and affable, qualities which have won him many friends, and he also retains the high regard of those with whom he is brought in contact by reason of his honorable business methods and his fidelity to principle.
JOHN DUNBAR.
Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will inevitably re- stilt in the attaining of a due measure of suc- cess, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own ef- forts there comes into view the intrinsic in- dividuality which made such accomplishment possible, and thus there is granted an ob- jective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of re-
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spect and admiration. The qualities which have made Mr. Dumbar one of the prominent and successful men of Clam Lake township. Wexford county, have also brought him the esteem of his fellow citizens, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods. There is also paid to him that respect which should always be accorded the brave sons of the North who left homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their services. and their lives if need be, to preserve the in- tegrity of the American Union. He proved his love and loyalty to the government on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed to summer's withering heat and winter's freezing cold, on the lone- ly picket line a target for the deadly missiles of the unseen foe, on the tented field and amid the smoke and flame of battle, where the rattle of the musketry mingled with the terrible concussion of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar made up the sublime but awful chorus of death.
John Dunbar was born in Albany county. New York, on the 6th of September. 1842. and is the son of Robert and Mary ( Lake) Dunbar. His father was a native also of Albany county, New York, while his mother was born in Schoharie county, the same state. Their deaths occurred in Hancock county. Ohio, to which locality they removed when the subject was about eleven years of age. In that county he grew to manhood and was given the benefit of a fair common school education. In the spring of 1865. feeling that his country needed his services, he en- listed in Company E. One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for eight months faithfully served his government at the front. Upon
the cessation of hostilities he returned to Hancock county, Ohio, which remained his home until, in 1882. he came to Wexford county, Michigan, where he has since re- mained. Upon coming here he settled on the farm which he now occupies, which is located in section 25. Clam Lake township. and consists of one hundred and twenty acres, sixty-five acres of which are improved. Like the progressive man that he is, Mr. Dunbar has spared neither pains nor ex- pense in making of this farm one of the best in the township, and one in which he takes a justifiable pride. He has pursued his chosen calling with ardor, has been fortunate in his undertakings and has gradually risen step by step over many discouraging obsta- cles until he now occupies a place in the front rank of the township's most enterprising men of affairs. As an agriculturist he is methodical and far-sighted, and the satisfac- tory results he has attained prove him pos- sessed of sound judgment, keen discernment and a faculty of taking advantage of every circumstance calculated to advance his in- terests in a business way. His place contains many valuable improvements and he believes money well invested that adds to the beauty of his home or in any manner enhances its comfort or attractiveness.
In October, 1880. in Detroit, Michigan. John Dunbar was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Rowe, who was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania. August 3. 1855. the (laughter of Eli and Sarah ( Loudenslager ) Rowe. To this union have been born seven children, of whom five are living, namely : Harry, Lillian M., Clayton, Emma and Gladys L. Politically Mr. Dunbar is in- dependent, while his religious convictions are in harmony with the creed of the Meth-
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odist church. The business career of Mr. Dunbar is one that should encourage others to press onward to greater achievements. Earnest labor, unabating perseverance, good management and a laudable ambition-these are the elements which have brought to him prosperity. His devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere in- terest in his fellow men. What the world needs is such men-men of genuine worth, of unquestioned integrity and honor.
NELSON R. TORREY.
The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the recent history of the city of Cadillac, Wex- ford county, Michigan. His life has been one of untiring activity, and has been crown- ed with a degree of success attained by those only who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is of a high type of a business man and none more than he «leserves a fitting recognition among the men whose genius and abilities have achieved re- stilts that are most enviable and com- mendable.
Nelson R. Torrey, junior member of the firm of Torrey Brothers, dealers in marble and granite, at Cadillac. Wexford county. Michigan, is well known among the young business men of that city. He is a native of this state, having been born at Fowlerville, Livingston county, on the 28th of August, 1870, and is the second in order of birth of the five children born to George S. and .Ab- bie D. ( Smock) Torrey. The parents re- sided for some time at Fowlerville, but about 1871 located at Evart. Osceola county, Mich-
igan, from whence, in 1893, they removed to Cadillac, where they have since resided. Their children were as follows: John S .. Nelson R., Harold, who died at the age of three. Renie M., Neil B., and Eugenia.
Nelson R. Torrey was about a year old when his parents removed to Evart and there he grew to manhood and was educated. He pursued his studies in the public schools of that place and acquired a good education, which he has since supplemented by wide reading and close observation of men and events. At the age of fourteen years he en - tered upon life's practical duties by engaging as a clerk in a grocery store at Evart. in which he was employed for four years and then was with another grocery firm for the same length of time. Then going to Mere- dith, this state, he was employed in a general store there for about six months, but in March, 1893. he came to Cadillac and was employed as a traveling salesman or general agent for monumental work until 1898. In that year he removed to Charlevoix. Charle- voix county, Michigan, where for a year he was engaged in the same line of business on his own account. Returning to Cadillac. he then purchased the interest of his father in the marble works and since then has been in partnership with his brother, John S. Tor- rey, under the firm style of Torrey Brothers. They are both men of undoubted ability and sound judgment in business matters and by reason of their technical knowledge have been able to cater to the most fastidious tastes or requirements in any line of their business. They do not confine their opera- tions solely to monumental work, but also have a large trade in prepared building stone. plain or ornamental, and in copings of var- ious styles, The business has been carried
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on with very satisfactory results ever since the firm was organized and is still the only establishment of the kind in this city. Mr. Torrey is a gentleman of varied attainments. highly esteemed by the people of his town and nothing in the way of adverse criticism has ever been made against his integrity or personal honor. He has pursued the even tenor of his way, quietly and unobtrusive- ly discharging the duties of citizenship as becomes a loyal American and doing all within his power to advance the material or moral welfare of the community.
On the 2d of February. 1898, Mr. Torrey was united in the holy bonds of wed- lock with Miss Jessie F. Bloss, a native of Detroit, Michigan, and a daughter of D. M. and Carrie E. Bloss. Mr. and Mrs. Torrey are active members of the Congregational church and take an active and earnest inter- est in the welfare of the congregation with which they are identified. Fraternally Mr. Torrey is a member of Cadillac Tent No. 232. Knights of the Maccabees, and Cadil- lac Lodge No. 181. Ancient Order of United Workmen, in both of which he occupies a high standing and the beneficent principles of which he exemplifies in his daily life.
PETER A. RYDQUIST.
As the name suggests, the subject of this review is not of Anglo-Saxon birth, but hails from Sweden, that romantic country of historic renown, long distinguished among the nations of the work for its grand nat- tiral features, as well as for its brave, hardy and God-fearing people. Peter \. Ryd- quist was born November 12, 1844, and his
early years were devoted to the steady, plod- ding industry of a farmer boy among the mountains and valleys of his native land. He remained with his parents until a young man, when he left home and for some time thereafter worked on a railroad, to which kind of employment and agriculture pursuits he devoted his attention until about twenty- six years of age.
Having, like many of his countrymen. conceived a strong notion of seeking his for- tune in America, Mr Rydquist, in 1870, was enabled to carry out his desire of long stand- ing. In the fall of that year he took passage for the new workl and in due time, after an interesting but uneventful voyage, landed at New York, from which city he made his way direct to Michigan where he soon se- cured remunerative employment on the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. Later he worked for some time in the pineries, which kind of labor, with railroading. en- gaged his attentions until he took up a home- stead, consisting of eighty acres, in Clam Lake township, Wexford county, on which he has since lived and prospered. With com- mendable industry Mr. Rydquist brought his land to a successful state of cultivation and he now has a well tilled farm and a com- fortable home, his buiklings and other im- provements comparing favorably with the best in the county. Ile has added to his real estate until he now owns one hundred and twenty acres, all fine land, the tillable part being peculiarly adapted to grain, vegetables and fruits, large crops of which the subject raises every year. He has labored diligent- ly to provide a home and a livelihood for himself and family and his efforts have been crowned with hberal rewards. as his present independent circumstances and the compe-
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