USA > Michigan > Wexford County > History of Wexford County, Michigan, embracing a concise review of its early settlement, industrial development and present conditions > Part 63
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JAMES HAYNES.
Among the successful business men of Cadillac whose enterprising spirit and pro- gressive methods contributed so largely to the city's industrial interest in the past. the name of the late James Haynes stands clearly and distinctly defined. His father was Joseph Haynes, a native of New York and of Dutch descent, his ancestors coming to this country in an early day and figur- ing quite conspicuously in various parts of the Empire state. James Haynes was born at Gorham, New York, on the 17th day of February, 1825. He spent the first twelve years of his life in his native commonwealth and in 1837 accompanied his father to Michigan, settling in the county of Van Bu- ren, where he lived until the year 1863. de- voting the great part of the interim to busi- hess pursuits in the town of Lawrence. In carly life he dealt in produce, but later en- gaged in the humber and grain trade at De- catur, to which place he removed from Law- rence. After spending nine years at Decatur he changed his abode in 1872 to Clam Lake and here built, the same year, a large planing- mill, which he operated successfully until 1877. when the entire plant was destroyed by fire. With characteristic energy he at once rebuilt the structure, but upon a more exten- sive scale than formerly, and the business continued to grow in magnitude and impor- tance it was found necessary to erect a sec- ond mill of still larger proportions. Accord- ingly in 1881 what was known as mill No. 2 was completed, the combined capacity of the two plants averaging over two hundred thousand feet per day. Meantime, in 1880. Mr. Haynes took in as partners his sons,
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N. D., C. E. and E. J. Haynes, the firm thus constituted being known as James Haynes & Sons, the father having some time previ- ously given the latter an interest in the busi- ness. The enterprise proved successful from the beginning and in due time became the largest industry of the kind in Cadillae, a re- putation it has ever since sustained. Ener- getic and progressive in all the terms imply. with sound judgment, rare foresight and hne executive ability. Mr. Haynes establish- ed the business upon a solid basis and, with the assistance of his sons, who early demon- strated peculiar fitness for the prosecution of large undertakings, the mills kept pace with the increasing demands upon them until, as stated above. the enterprise became a perma- nent fixture in the city.
Mr. Haynes finished his life work and was gathered to his fathers on the 2d of Feb- ruary, 1886, his wife dying six years prior to that date, at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. Haynes' maiden name was Mary M. Bierce. Her father. Norman Bieree, was a native of Connecticut, but in an early day moved to New York and from that latter state, in 1837, migrated to Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying at Cadillac in 1885 in the ninety-second year of his age, leaving a family of one son and three daughters.
Fraternally James Haynes was a Mason of high standing, having belonged to the blue lodge at Cadillac and Peninsular Command- ery, Knights Templar, at Kalamazoo. Though in no sense a politician, he was for many years one of the lead- ing Democrats in Wexford county and as such was elected to various of- ficial positions, in all of which he mani- fested the same interest and high business
qualifications displayed in his private enter- prises. He served one term as justice of peace, was township treasurer five years, eity treasurer one year and at the time of his death was both treasurer of the county and mayor of Cadillac. For many years his life was very closely identified with the business interests and industrial prosperity of Cadil- lac and Wexford county and in the history of both his name will always figure as that of one of the notable men of his day and generation. .1 strong, well-developed character, combined with vigorous mental powers, indomitable moral courage, untiring energy and a capacity for large undertakings, he nobly fulfilled his mission and at its close left to posterity and to the community an honorable name, the memory of which will live coeval with the history of the flourish- ing city with whose industrial prosperity he had so much to do.
Charles E. Haynes, son of James and Mary M. Haynes, was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, February 22. 1855. When he was about eight years old his par- ents moved to Decatur. this state, and it was in the schools of that town that he received his educational training. having lived there until coming to Clam Lake in the year 1873. Here he grew to man's estate, the mean- while becoming familiar with business af- fairs under his father's direction, and in 1883 he went to Jennings where he built and for some time operated what was known as the C. E. Haynes & Company's planing mill. Returning to Cadillac in February. 1888, he purchased the Spaulding mill, west of Hobart, which he operated during the sea- son of 1889, and the following year made an extensive tour of the western states and territories, spending some time in Washing-
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ton and Oregon, buying and selling lumber. In 1891 he returned to Cadillac and the next year bought a half interest with his bro- ther. E. J. Haynes, the firm thus constituted being still known as the Haynes Brothers Planing Mill, the largest industry of the kind in the city. In addition to dressing lumber the firm deals extensively in all kinds of lumber, laths, singles, etc., and do a suc- cessful and far-reaching business, their pat- ronage extending over a large area of con- tiguous territory besides shipping extensive- ly to distant points. Mr. Haynes is an ac- complished business man, energetic and thor- oughly reliable, and much of the success of the large enterprise with which he is con- nected is due to his efforts. In 1883 he was elected alderman and as such looked carefully after the city's interests and made a creditable and praiseworthy record. Per- sonally Mr. Haynes is the embodiment of good nature, a hale fellow well met, and his popularity is only bounded by the limits be- yond which he has not become acquainted. Ile was married. June 26, 1879. to Miss Ellen O. Stevens, of Parishville, New York. and they have a beautiful and attractive home in Cadillac which is frequented by the best society circles of the city.
Elbert J. Haynes, brother of the preced- ing and third son of the late James Haynes. was born November 22, 1859. in Lawrence. Van Buren county, Michigan, and received his education in the schools of Decatur, to which place the family moved in 1863. In July, 1873. he came to Clam Lake with his parents and here assisted in operating the planing-mill, an account of which is given in the preceding paragraphs, becoming a prominent factor in the industry and dem- onstrating unusual business ability for one 1
of his age and experience. Meantime he finished his literary education in the schools of Clam Lake, later completed a full business course at the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College at Valparaiso and, returning home, took charge of his tather's books and correspondence. attend- ing to all the details of the office until Janu- ary 1. 1882, when the firm of James Haynes & Sons was formed, consisting of Norman D., Charles E. and Elbert J. Charles E. withdrew in May, 1883. the subject, with his father and other brother, continuing the business until 1886. James Haynes dying in February of that year, Norman D. and Elbert J. continued the enterprise under the original name, in addition to which the sub- ject was appointed county treasurer to fill the vacancy in that office caused by his father's death. Elbert J. Haynes first en- tered the county treasurer's office in Janu- ary, 1885. as deputy under his father and served as such until April 1. 1886, when, as stated above, he was appointed the regular custodian of the public funds, discharging his duties ably and conscientiously in both capacities. When Norman D. withdrew from the firm. January, 1892. to engage in the same line of business elsewhere, Elbert J. continued at Cadillac and m July. 1892. the present firm of Haynes Brothers, con- sisting of Charles E. and the subject, was formed.
Mr. Haynes has been actively identified with the industrial interests of Cadillac since young manhood and has proven one of the enterprising and reliable business men of the city. Endowed by nature with strong mentality and keen perceptive faculties, and through a long and severe course of train- ing proving able to discharge worthily im-
C. C. DAUGHERTY.
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portant trusts, he has made his presence felt as a forceful factor in the community and stands today one of the most conspic- uous figures in the industrial affairs of this section of the state. On the 26th day of March. 1885, he was happily married to Miss Louie T. Taplin, the union being blessed with two sons, Charles James and Merritt Mearne.
CHESTER C. DAUGHERTY.
Chester C. Daugherty, who is now sery- ing as supervisor of Antioch township and is one of the leading and influential citizens of Wexford county, was born in Spencer town- ship, Medina county, Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1856. His father was Charles H. Daugherty, a farmer by occupation who also dealt to quite an extent in lumber. He chose as a companion and helpmate for life's jour- ney Armina N. Inman, and on their removal from the Buckeye state to Michigan they set- tled in Allegan county, where they lived for many years. They are now residents of Grand Rapids and are people of the highest respectability, having many warm friends.
Chester C. Daugherty is the second in order of birth of their four children. He was only three years of age at the time of his parents' removal from Ohio and, there- fore. he was reared in Allegan county, where he obtained a common-school education and received ample training in farm labor, thus gaining a practical experience in the work which he has chosen as a life pursuit. Hle lived at home until 1879, when he was mar- ried. It was on the oth of January of that year that he wedded Miss Cora B. Averill,
who was born in Medina, Ohio, on the 16th of February, 1858, a daughter of Lanader B. and Eleanor ( Depew) Averill. They lo- cated in Allegan county, Michigan, in 1863. and afterward became residents of Wexford county, Mr. Averill departing this life in Antioch township in 1893 in his seventy- sixth year. In his family were eleven chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Daugherty was the fifth in order of birth. Her girlhood days were spent in Allegan county from the age of five years and to its school system she is indebted for the educational privileges she received.
After his marriage Mr. Daugherty con- tinned to reside upon the home farm for two years and then, in May, 1881, he came to Wexford county with his wife and one child, settling on the farm in Antioch township which has since been his home with the ex- ception of a period of a year and a half. He has always devoted his time and energies to farming and he now owns a tract of land of eighty acres, of which fifty acres is under cultivation and the arable land returns to him good harvests.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty has been blessed with two children, but the daughter, Eleanor, died in infancy. The son, John J., is still with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty are most hospitable people and their home is a favorite resort with their many friends, who delight in the good cheer of the household. Mr. Daugh- erty has held the office of supervisor of An- tioch township, has also been township clerk, township treasurer and justice of the peace. In the last named position his rulings have been strictly fair and impartial and in the other positions he has discharged his duties with marked fidelity. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm
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friend. He votes with the Republican party and on the 17th of September. 1902, he was nominated on its ticket for the office of treas- urer of Wexford county at the convention which was held in Cadillac. There were seventy-six delegates present and he received the vote of forty-eight. Mr. Daugherty is a man of marked individuality, of strong pur- pose and of sterling rectitude of character and Wexford county and especially Antioch township has profited by his labors in its be- half, while in his business affairs he has found a good source of livelihood that has made him one of the substantial citizens of his county.
JOHN A. EVITTS.
The business career of John A. Evitts has been attended with success and, in the possession of a comfortable competence. he is now largely living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. Ile makes his home in Mesick, where he was formerly engaged in the hardware business. In the various other pursuits he has followed in different parts of this state, he has so directed his energies that his labors have brought him a desirable financial return.
Mr. Evitts' birthplace was a farm in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and his natal day was January 14. 1848. His parents, Daniel and Jane ( Steele) Evitts, were also natives of the Keystone state and both died in Franklin county, the father passing away when only about thirty-five years of age. The mother long survived him and died at the age of seventy-eight years. In their family were five children, of whom John .A. is the third in order of birth.
On the okl homestead in the county of his nativity, John A. Evitts spent the days of his youth and when but a lad of seven- teen years he offered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting on the 8th of March. 1865, as a member of Company F, Seventy- ninth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, with which he served until the 12th of July following, when, the war having been brought to a victorious close, he was mus- tered out in Philadelphia. Ile then re- turned to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, but in the same year made his way westward to Galesburg. Illinois, where he learned the tin- ner's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He did not follow that pur- suit, however, until a number of years had passed and in the meantime gave his atten- tion to other work. From Galesburg he came to Michigan, locating in Berrien county in 1868, and through one winter term he attended school at Niles. He then followed farm work until 1876 and in the summer season of that year he operated a boat on the St. Joseph river for the Good- rich Transportation Company, living at that time in St. Joseph. Michigan. He next went to Chicago, where he was employed as an auctioneer for two years, on the expiration of which period he established his home in Newaygo county, Michigan. In the latter place he worked in the lumber woods until the spring of 1891 and during that time he had also purchased and improved two farms in that county. In 1891 he discontinued his labors in connection with the lumber industry and devoted his entire attention to his ag- ricultural pursuits until 1894. when he left Newaygo county and went to Thomp- sonville. Benzie county, Michigan. It was that time that he resumed work at at
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the trade which he learned in the Mississippi valley. He became the owner of a hardware store, which he conducted for three years. when he sold out and returned to Newaygo county. There he purchased a business block and residenec in the town of Grant, and improved the property, intending to oc- eupy the residence and to engage in the hardware business in his store building, but relinquishing this idea, he sold out there and removed to Mesick, Wexford county, where he has made his home since the fall of 1897. Ilere he established a hardware store, which he carried on successfully for three years, having a large patronage. He then dis- posed of his stock and later he purchased the old Mesick House, which he removed to its present site and remodeled, and it is now known as the Hotel Evitts.
During the first period of his residence in Newaygo county. Mr. Evitts was mar- ried, in Fremont, Michigan, on the 28th of January, 1878, to Miss Eliza Crouse, who was born in Vermilion, Ohio, a daughter of Conrad Crouse. He is a member of Thompsonville Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also affiliated with Mc- Call Tent. Knights of the Maccabees, of Thompsonville. His business interests have been of a varied character and have been carefully managed, while his invest- ments have been judiciously made. These two elements have been potent factors in his prosperous career. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and to- day he is numbered among the substantial citizens of the county. AAt all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to movements for the general good,
WILLIAM KELLEY.
Among the leading business men of Cadillac in days gone by none took a more active interest in the material development of the town or contributed in a greater de- grec to its general prosperity than the late William Kelley, a brief outline of whose career is herewith presented. Mr. Kelley was a native of Ireland, born in the montl: of January, 1845. When about seven years old he was brought to the United States by his father, who settled in New York, and there died shortly after his arrival, leaving his orphan son, poor and friendless, to make his own way in the world. Young William turned his hand to any honorable employ- ment he could find and, being endowed with an independent spirit and tireless energy. lic experienced little difficulty in earning a comfortable livelihood. At the breaking out of the great Rebellion he was one of the first young men in his county to tender his services to the government, enlisting early in 1861, and not long after entering the army it fell to him to take part in the bloody and disastrous battle of Bull Run. While in the thickest of the fray he fell into the hands of the enemy and was held a prisoner for eleven months, being first taken to Libby prison, Richmond, and later to Salisbury, North Carolina, where he was afterwards exchanged. Rejoining his command as. soon as possible, he served to the end of the war and earned an honorable record as a soldier, participating in a number of noted campaigns and bloody battles and proving in most trying and dangerous conditions a true soldier and high-minded patriot.
On quitting the service at the cessation
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of hostillities Mr. Kelley returned to New York, but soon afterwards came to Michi- gan and settled at Greenville, where he was engaged in business until his removal, a little later. to the town of Lakeview. Meantime. on August 2. 1862. he was united in mar- riage to Miss Nancy Van Ness, of Green- ville, daughter of George and Sarah ( Haw- ley) Van Ness. early settlers and leading residents of that city. . After remaining at Lake View until August. 1872. Mr. Kelley disposed of his interests there and removing to Clam Lake embarked in the lumber busi- ness, which he carried on quite extensively for several years, the meantime becoming actively identified with the material pros- perity of the community. He made money and spent it judiciously for the improve- ment of the town, invested in real estate and erecting buildings, besides taking a leading part in public affairs. He was for several years a member of the local educational board, also served in the city council and in these and other official capacities was un- tiring in his efforts to promote the welfare of the people and advertise the advantages of Clam Lake to the outside world. In poli- ties he was an unyielding Republican and his influence in the councils of the party made him one of its trusted and aggressive lead- ers in Wexford county. While a zealous politician he was naturally and wisely re- luctant to leave the career he had marked out for himself for the more uncertain and less satisfactory arena of official life, hence he had no aspirations or ambitions in that direction. Mr. Kelley stood high in the esteem of the public and as a neighbor and citizen always wielded a forceful influence for the welfare of the community and made his presence felt for good in all of his re-
lations with his fellow men. As a patron of the Presbyterian church he lived an earnest. God-fearing life and dignified his religions professions by his works of faith and labors of love. At the time of his death he was trustee of the Cadillac Presbyterian church, the growth and prosperity of which materi- ally and spiritually were largely due to his unfailing interests and liberal financial sup- port. His was indeed a full and useful life. fraught with great good to his friends and to the world, and his death, which occurred in Cadillac on the 26th day of December, 1879. after a brief illness, removed from the city one of its prominent and praiseworthy citizens and leading men of affairs.
Mr. Kelley was the father of three chil- dren, the oldest of whom, a daughter by the name of Edith M .. is now the wife of H. T. Morgan; Edwin V., the second, is a worthy citizen of Cadillac and the youngest of the family. Helen .A. married F. W. Green, in- spector general of Michigan.
DAVID B. AVERILL.
Those brave men who in the years of their country's struggle for the perpetuity of its government institutions bravely laid aside all personal interests and went forth to offer their lives, if need be. that the unity of the Republic might be preserved are always de- serving of a prominent place, not only in the history of their locality, but in the history of the nation. The subject of this review, David B. Averill, of Liberty township, de- serves even more credit than the average vet- eran of the Civil war for the part he took in that fierce, sanguinary and most remarkable
DAVID B. AVERILL.
MRS. D. B. AVERILL.
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struggle. Although but little more than fourteen years of age at the commencement of hostilities, so eager was he to take part in the conflict that his relatives and friends were with difficulty able to restrain his youth- ful ardor. Several times during the first two years of the war he attempted to enlist. but his boyish face and youthful figure pre- vented his acceptance. The examining board declared that it was yet too early in the war to commence fighting battles with babies. A good deal discouraged, but by no means dis- heartened. he waited, tried again and on the 14th of September, 1863, had the satisfaction of being enrolled in Company E., Tenth Michigan Cavalry.
David B. Averill, who resides on a part of section 33, Liberty township, was born in York township. Medina county, Ohio, De- cember 15, 1846. His parents were Edward and Mary ( Branch) Averill, the former an industrious, energetic and thrifty farmer. He and his wife were the parents of six chil- (lren, two sons and four daughters. In 1856, when the subject was ten years old, the fam- ily moved to Allegan county, Michigan, and settled in Dorr township. There the mother died when she had reached her seventy- second year. The father now resides in Al- legan county, aged eighty years.
In Dorr township the subject continued to reside until September 14, 1863, when he succeeded in enlisting in the United States army. Several of the years previous to this he had spent in school and was possessed of a very fair education. He continued in the service until after the close of the war, be- ing mustered out November 11, 1865, at Memphis, Tennessee. With his regiment he participated in many of the battles of the closing years of the war. At the battle of
Flat Creek Bridge, May 24, 1864, he, with a number of others of his regiment, was cap- tured by the Confederates. However, he re- mained in the hands of the enemy only about twenty-four hours. Abiding his opportun- ity, he succeeded in giving his captors the slip and was gratified in being able to reach the Union lines in safety. He and his com- pany participated in the engagement at Greenville, Tennessee, October 12, 1864, which resulted in the death of the rebel guerrilla General Morgan. His company was a part of the troops engaged in the last Stoneman raid, during March and April, 1865. They started from Knoxville, Ten- nessee, went through the Carolinas and por- tions of Virginia and were constantly occu- pied in marching and fighting the greater part of three months. The life of a soldier was by no means distasteful to Mr. Averill. The excitement was to him a constant stimu- lant and the hardships endured seemed to have little effect on the rugged constitution of the boy. When the war was over and others were rejoicing in the prospect of an early return to their peaceful rural homes, it was almost with regret that Mr. Averill laid down his arms and accepted his discharge. . He was neither blood-thirsty nor in love with sanguinary strife, but the excitement of camp and field, the constant change of scen- ery on the march and even the very danger that constantly threatened his life was fas- cinating to the imaginative youth.
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