USA > Michigan > Wexford County > History of Wexford County, Michigan, embracing a concise review of its early settlement, industrial development and present conditions > Part 55
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Masons, belonging to Sherman Lodge No. 372. at Sherman. In closing this brief re- view suffice it to state that Mr. Southwick is a worthy example of sterling American cit- izenship, the product of our splendid public school system and the sturdy farm life, sources from which have sprung much of the moral bone and sinew of the great north- west. Enterprising, energetic and fully alive to the questions of the hour, with an in- clination to perform his civic duties from conscientious motives and with a due re- gard for the rights and privileges of others. he attends strictly to his own affairs, at the same time losing sight of self in his laudable endeavors to promote the welfare of his fel- low men. With no ambition for public dis- tinction, he has settled down to the quiet en- joyment of life and possessing the esteem of all with whom he has relations of any kind. his future is bright with the promise of a long and useful career.
HUMPHREY W. MILLER.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of a community is a protracted and honorable residence in its midst. Mankind is generally fair and just in its judgments. An unusual event may sway it for a time, but when normal condi- tions are again resumed a just judgment is certain to follow. It is possible to gull the public, but it is impossible to keep it gulled. As sure as fate, true conditions will event- ually prevail and then the true public judg- ment is inevitable. It is for this reason that a man is judged rather by what his neighbors think of him than anything he may have said or done. When a court desires to find
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out whether or not a witness is truthful, it it asks what the person's reputation is for truth in the neighborhood in which he lives The law correctly estimates that the judg- ment of the public is almost invariably in- fallible. Judged by this measure, the sub- ject of this review. Humphrey W. Miller, must necessarily be a man of the strictest in- tegrity. In the community where he resides he has made his home for nearly thirty-two vears-almost a generation. His residence therein has certainly been a protracted one and that it has been an honorable one is well established by the high regard in which he is held by all who have known him for so many years.
Humphrey W. Miller. a resident of sec- tion 30, Selma township, is a native of Ohio. born in Fulton county. September 4, 1848. His parents were Humphrey and Catharine (Hamilton) Miller, also natives of Ohio. The father died while the subject was yet an infant and some time thereafter his moth- er became the wife of Charles Blackman. In 1850 the family moved to Cass county, Michigan, but remained only a short time. when they moved to Jasper county, Illinois, where they remained three years. In 1853 they again returned to Michigan and located in Pipestone township. Berrien county. where Humphrey W. Miller grew to man- hood and received a good common school education. In March, 1872, he came to Wexford county, secured a tract of land. part of section 30, Selma township, and there he has since resided. One year of the time. however, was spent in Cadillac, where he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in section 30, one hundred acres
of which are cleared, well improved and un- der cultivation.
In Berrien county, Michigan, September 5. 1869. Humphrey W. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Murphy, a na- tive of Michigan, born in Pipestone town- ship. Berrien county, January 1. 1854. Her parents were George and Catharine ( Have- ner ) Murphy. The father was a soldier of the Civil war and lost his life in defense of his country. To Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey W. Miller two children were born, viz : Frank W. and Rose C. The latter gradu- ated from the Mt. Pleasant State Normal in the class of 1903 and has been a successful teacher for eight years in Wexford county. Frank is foreman for Anderson & McCoy, lumbermen at South Bordman, Michigan.
Being an old resident of Selma township. having watched its growth and development almost from its earliest settlement, it is only natural that Mr. Miller should be deeply in- terested in all that concerns its material wel- fare. He has been its treasurer and was a school officer almost from the time that school districts were organized within its borders. He served for years as one of its justices of the peace and is still counseled with by his neighbors and fellow citizens on matters of business and all affairs which per- tain to the law. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, actively interested in the work of the order and has advanced through the various degrees to that of Royal Arch and Knight Templar. He is also a very act- ive member of the Patrons of Husbandry. His standing in the community is an envia- ble one, made so by the uniform intelligence, integrity and kindness with which all who come in contact with him are treated. From
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a very insignificant beginning. by native in- dustry he has accumulated a competency. reared a noble family and all his life has con- ducted himself in a manner to win the ap- proval, respect and confidence of his fellow- men.
CHARLES J. CARLSON.
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Charles J. Carlson, who is engaged in general farming on section 32, Clam Lake township, was born in Sweden, on the 26th of January, 1861, his parents being Charles H. and Johanna ( Johanson) Carlson, both of whom were natives of Sweden and are How residents of Osceola county, Michigan. When the subject of this review was but twelve years of age he came with his mother to America, the father having crossed the Atlantic in the previous year. In 1873 they settled in Cadillac, Wexford county, and in 1874 removed to Sherman township, Osceo- la county, where they have since resided, Mr. Carlson being identified with agricultural in- terests there. Unto him and his wife were horn eight children, but they lost four of that munber in infancy and one, John Al- fred, was accidentally killed. Charles J. Carl- son of this review is the oklest of the three who are yet living. He continued under the parental roof up to the time of his marriage. He obtained a common school education in his youth and became familiar with farm work in its various departments, as he aided his father in the labors of field and meadow. The occupation to which he was reared he chose as a life work and has become a pro- gressive farmer, well known in the communi- ty in which he makes his home.
It was on the 26th of December, 1885,
that Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Peterson. a daughter of Swen J. and Stena Lena (Johanson) Peterson, well-known residents of Claim Lake township. who came to this country from Sweden. Mrs. Carlson was also born in that land, her natal day being September 14, 1860. She : was a young lady of nineteen years when she came to America and here she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Carlson. After the mar- riage Mr. Carlson was employed in a shin- gle-mill at Muskegon for about five years, butt in 1801 he settled upon the farm which has since been his home. It is located on section 32, Clam Lake township, where he has erected a good home. built in 1901. Here he owns one hundred acres of land and already he-has placed under cultivation forty acres of this tract. He labors untiringly and in a manner to produce good results and his farm is becoming one of the valuable country places of Wexford county.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlson has been blessed with six children : Clyde H .. Edgar W., Esther M., Edith M., Ruth V. and Ilelen E. In his political views Mr. Carlson is an earnest Republican, who keeps well informed on the issues of the day and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He has held the office of treasurer of Clam Lake township for two terms and from the spring of 1899 until the spring of 1903 he was justice of the peace. In the dis- charge of his duties in that position he man- ifested marked impartiality, basing his de- cisions upon the evidence and the equity of the case. He is widely known as a man of honorable purpose who is reliable in his busi- ness affairs and trustworthy in all public positions. His friends and family find him a
C. J. CARLSON GROUP.
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considerate and kindly companion ; he is re- garded as one of the leading and prominent citizens of Wexford county, and it is therefore with pleasure that the record of his career is here presented. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are adherents to the Swedish Mis- sion church.
SANFORD GASSER.
Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising town of Sherman than Sanford Gasser. He is an important factor in business circles here and his popularity is well deserved as in him are embraced the characteristics of unabating energy, unbending integrity and an industry that never Hags. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the welfare of the community and Sherman has profited by his labors in her be- half. He is now engaged in the loan and in- surance business and he has lumber interests in the state which bring to him a good financial return.
Mr. Gasser is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Sandusky county, on the ist of August, 1841, his parents being Benedict and Caroline (Alberts) Gasser. Throughout his business career the father carried on agricultural pursuits and he is now living a retired life in Steuben county, Indiana, having reached an advanced age. His wife died in Angola, Steuben county. when eighty years of age. In their family of nine children Sanford Gasser was the eldest. Ile was only two years of age when his par- ents removed to Steuben county, Indiana, settling in the midst of the beautiful lake re- gion of that section of the state, their home
being on a farm about two and a half miles from Angola and near Pigeon lake. There Sanford Gasser was reared, remaining in that locality until twenty-two years of age, during which time he attended the public schools. assisted in the farm work and en- joyed the pleasures of fishing and other en- joyments such as the neighborhood afforded. He then came to Mecosta county, Michigan. and for a few years during the winter scasons was engaged in hunting and trapping, which he found very profitable, for owing to the unsettled condition of that portion of the state much game still abounded there. He made his headquarters at Big Rapids and from his traps and as the result of his skill as a marksman he brought home rich pri- zes from the forests. In the summer seasons he would employ men and make his way up the Muskegon river, poling his canoe and and carrying with him provisions for three or four months. Proceeding to the govern- ment marshes with his hired assistants, he would there cut and stack hay, which he disposed of to the lumbermen. This work he also found to be quite lucrative and he was thus engaged for four or five years. During that time, as his financial resources increased, he purchased considerable proper- ty at Big Rapids, buying and selling much real estate. As his investments were judi - ciously made he also realized a good financial return in this way. For about three years he was engaged in conducting a billiard hall and restaurant in Big Rapids, but at length he disposed of all his interests there and came to Wexford county.
The spring of 1870 witnessed his arrival here. He purchased eighty acres of land which now comprises Glasser's plat, in the village of Sherman. In 1871 he took up his
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abode in this town, where he has since made his home. He has been engaged in buying and selling timber lands and in connection with this he has also engaged in the insur- ance and loan business, in which he has se- cured a good clientage. Mr. Gasser likewise possesses considerable inventive ingenuity and has patented a stretcher for men's trou- sers, which is a very simple but useful con- trivance.
Mr. Gasser was married in Big Rapids to Lucina Smith, a native of Newaygo, Mich- igan, who died in Branch county, this state. On the 30th of September, 1872, in Jones- ville, Michigan, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gasser and Miss Minerva Wise, who was born in Licking county, Ohio. October 1. 1843, a daughter of Jacob .A. and Lydia ( Stout ) Wisc. Three children have been born unto the subject and his wife: Gertie, the wife of Harry Gouker; Dora, the wife of Niel Clark ; and Wilbert W. In 1900 MIr. Gasser erected the finest residence in Sher- man, it being one of the finest in the entire county. It is a beautiful structure. con- structed in modern style of architecture and tastefully and elegantly furnished, and more- over its chief charm is the cordial and gra- cious hospitality so freely accorded to the many friends of the family.
Exercising his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the Republi- can party, Mr. Gasser has long been one of its advocates and loyal adherents. When the county seat was located at Sherman he served as under sheriff for eight years, his superior officer being Messrs. Shackleton and Weaver, and since then he has acted almost continuously as deputy sheriff up to 190.). He is prominent in county politics and his opin- iens carry weight in the local councils of his
party. He is also a staunch advocate of tem- ferance and by example as well as precept has furthered this cause. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and whatever tends to aid his fellow men in the building of an honora- ble character receives his endorsement. In business affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable. Tireless energy, keen per- ception, honesty of purpose, these are his chiet characteristics. Justice has ever been maintained by him in his relations with those whom he has employed and with those with whom he has had business transactions and while he has been watchful of his business and of all indications pointing to prosperity. his efforts resulting in the acquirement of a handsome competence, yet this has not been alone the goal for which he has striven, for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote the general prosperity while advancing individual in- terests.
CHARLES W. DUTTON.
The specific office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest opinion of him- self and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of those with whom he has been most intimately associated. In touching upon the career of the subject of this review, the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise : yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have en- tered into the make-up of a useful and hon- orable life, a life characterized by persever- ance, energy, broad charity and well de-
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fined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well and who have not been slow to recognize his merits and appreciate his value to the community.
Charles W. Dutton, the leading contrac- tor and builder of Cadillac, is a native of Rochester, New York, and the son of Harry B. and Nancy ( Flyun ) Dutton, both parents born and reared in the Empire state. Harry Dutton was for a number of years quite prominent in railway circles and when a young man assisted in the construction of the New York Central Railroad, in the employ of which he afterwards rose to an important official position, that of assistant superinten- dent of the middle division. He was thorough in all the details of railroading. stood high in the confidence of his superiors and devoted the greater part of his life to the service, making a record for faithfulness and efficiency of which any man might well feel proud. His home was in Rochester and he died in that city at the age of fifty-two, leaving a widow and four children, the for- mer departing this life at the same place when sixty-two years old. Of the six chil- (Iren constituting the family of Harvey B. and Nancy Dutton, Charles W., of this re- view, is the youngest. He was born May 26, 1853, and after attending for some years the public schools of his native city and ac- quiring a good education, entered upon an apprenticeship to learn carpentry and joint- ing, at which he spent four years of faithful service. Possessing mechanical ability of no mean order, he soon became an effi- cient workman and shortly after com- pleting his apprenticeship he sought a field for the exercise of his skill in the new
and sparsely settled country of northern Michigan, locating at Clam Lake in the sun- mer of 1873. During the two years follow ing his arrival he worked at carpentry for the Harris Brothers and at the expiration of that time returned to New York where he was en- gaged in railroading until 1877, when he re- sumed his chosen calling and again came west for the purpose of making Cadillac his future place of abode. Mr. Dutton is a master of his trade and as a builder ranks with the ablest and most scientific mechanics in his adopted state. He has taken many large contracts in Cadillac and elsewhere. most of the beautiful residences, business houses and public edifices of this city having been erected under his supervision, and his skill has frequently been called into requisi- tion on important buildings in other cities and towns. To him as much perhaps as to any one man is the flourishing little city of Cadillac indebted for its growth and pros- perity along material lines and through the medium of his vocation he has certainly done more to beautify and lend charm to it as a place of residence and thus advertise its ad- vantages to the world than any other of his compeers. He is still actively engaged in building, with all the work on hand he can possibly do, and not infrequently has he been obliged to refuse large and lucrative contracts by reason of the volume of pressing business demanding his attention.
Since coming to Cadillac Mr. Dutton has Leen prominent in the affairs of the town and his activity has made him a leader not only in the matter of material improvement but also in the domain of party politics and public life. He is an uncompromising Re- publican and as such was elected city assess- or, in addition to which office he was also
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supervisor of the second ward for a number of years, discharging the duties of both posi- tions in an able and praiseworthy manner that won him the confidence of the people regardless of political preference.
Like the majority of enterprising. pro- gressive men. Mr. Dutton is identified with that oldest and most honorable of all frater- nal organizations, the order of Free and Ac- cepted Masons, being one of the leading spirits of Clam Lake Lodge No. 331, and also, with his wife, to the Order of the East- crn Star. His name appears upon the rec- ords of Viola Lodge No. 259. Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, of Cadillac Lodge No. 46, Knights of Pythias, and of Lodge No. 680, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. in all of which, as in the or- ganization above, he manifests an abiding in- terest and in which he has been honored at different times with important official sta- tions.
On May 25, 1875. in the city of Grand Rapids, Mr. Dutton was united in marriage with Jerlena Crothers, of Phelps, New York. daughter of Samuel and Harriett Crothers, both parents natives of New York state, the father now a farmer of Grand Traverse county, Michigan, living near Fife Lake. the mother having died there in the spring of 1001. Mr. and Mrs. Dutton have one child. a daughter by the name of Dollie who is now the wife of John Terwilliger, of Cadillac.
Thus briefly have been set forth the salient facts in the life of one of Cadillac's representative men of affairs. His career and position happily illustrate the fact, that if a young man possesses the proper attri- butes of mind and heart. with the ability to direct the same in proper channels, he cun attain to a position of unmistakable prece-
dlence and gain for himself an honored place among the foremost factors in shaping the destinies of cities, communities and states. Ilis life proves that the only true success in this worldl depends upon personal efforts and consecutive industry in the pursuit of some specific and honorable purpose : it also dem- onstrates that the road to position is open to all who possess the courage to tread its pathway, besides serving as an incentive to the young of the present generation, teaching by incontrovertible facts that true excellence in any worthy undertaking is ambition's le- gitimate answer.
JOHN GOLDSMITH.
Amidst the population of the United States no one need be surprised at the people whom they encounter. The man who sells you bananas on the street corner may have been a princeling in his native Italy; your barber, with his kindly smile, polished man- ner and affable ways, may have been a mem- ber of the nobility in the land of his nativity : a genuine British lord has been known to serve as a common cow puncher in the south- west, and there are instances where ex-mem- bers of the English parliament have been re- (luced to the necessity of performing very menial labor in America in order to eke out an existence. One can never judge accurate- ly of a man's past by his environment in America, for this is a country where all ranks are leveled and titles count for noth- ing. except among marriageable young wo- men whose papas have more money than brains with which to endow them. The sub- ject of this review. John Goldsmith, of Col- fax township, is neither a princeling, a mem-
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ber of the nobility, a lord or an ex-member of parliament. His services to the world have, doubtless, been far more valuable than if he were the possessor of either of those distinc- tions. It seems strange, however, to en- counter in an inland county in Michigan a man whose early career was as varied, as ex- citing and as replete with adventure as that of John Goldsmith. He followed the life of a sailor upon the ocean for twenty years, visited nearly every important port on the face of the earth, twice circumnavigated the globe, and now, in his sixty-seventh year, we find him quietly and comfortably set- tled upon a farm in Wexford county, enjoy- ing the blessings of domestic tranquility in the midst of a noble family.
John Goldsmith is a native of Germany, born in the duchy of Holstein, September 18, 1836. His father was a native of Ire- land and his mother of Germany. The first twelve years of his life were spent beneath the paternal roof, during which time such education as he received was acquired. At the early age of twelve he became a sailor upon the high seas, following that calling for many years. Being in Brooklyn, New York, at the time of the breaking out of the Civil war in America, he enlisted in the United States navy and served about three years on the frigate "Sabine," when he received an honorable discharge on account of disability.
While on a visit to his native land early in 186t, John Goldsmith was united in mar- riage to Miss Maria Nagle, a native of Ilan- over, Germany, born February 17. 1844. His services in the United States navy ne- cessitated a separation of several years from the worthy woman whom he had married, but upon his discharge he came to Wexford county, located upon the tract of land which
he at present owns and occupies, and as soon thereafter as circumstances would permit was joined there by his wife. In addition to his experience upon the ocean and in the United States navy, he followed sailing upon the great lakes for three years. Having no certificate of the marriage which had taken place in Germany, April 17, 1868, he and his, wife went to Manistee, Michigan, and were married under the laws of the United States. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith nine children have been born, viz: Anna M., Harry J., George W., who is married, Phynetta M., Orlando H., Katharine J., Louise G. and Mary H. One son died in infancy: Anna is the wife of George Jenk- ins and has one child, Maria, and Phynetta is the wife of Edgar Ostrander and they have four children, Elijah, Johnnie, Louise and Merritt.
On becoming a resident of Wexford county Mr. Goldsmith located upon a home- stead of eighty acres, a part of section 20, Colfax township, which he has cleared, im- proved and cultivated from that time to the present. He has sixty acres of his land un- (ler cultivation and the farm is well stocked, equipped and supplied with all necessary farm buildings, including a handsome res- idence. He is a thorough, practical farmer and a most capable business man, who has managed his affairs so successfully that he is in possession of a comfortable competency.
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