USA > Michigan > Wexford County > History of Wexford County, Michigan, embracing a concise review of its early settlement, industrial development and present conditions > Part 67
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successful agriculturists of his section of the county.
On the 26th of June, 1801. Mr. Bechtel was united in marriage with Miss Etta Stew- art. the ceremony being performed at Bell . aire, Michigan. Mrs. Bechtel was born at South Huron, Michigan, on the 30th of November. 1875, and is the daughter of james and Susan ( Stuart ) Stewart. The subject is a pronounced Republican in poli- ties and takes a keen interest in the trend of passing events, especially as relating to the best interests of his country and imme- ciate neighborhood. For seven years he served as treasurer of Caldwell and Bloom- field townships in Missaukee county, and since residing in Manton he has served as a member of the village council for four years. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in Cedar Creek Lodge No. 147. and he is also a men- ber of Tent No. 220, Knights of the Mac- cabees. Mr. Bechtel has attained to an enviable standing among the foremost men of Cedar Creek township. Strong determi- nation, persistence in the pursuit of an hon- orable purpose, unflagging energy and keen discrimination-these are the salient features in his career and his life stands in unmistak- able evidence that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is the out- come of earnest and well-directed effort.
AXEL G. BURMAN.
The sturdy Swedish nationality in the state of Michigan has a worthy and honor- able representative in the subject of this review, who for some years past has been
AXEL G. BURMAN.
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engaged in the real estate and insurance busi- ness at Cadillac. Axel G. Burman inherits many of the sterling characteristics of his Scandinavian ancestors and though still re- taining fond recollections of the fatherland and taking a pardonable pride in its splendid history and magnificent achievements, he is nevertheless a loyal citizen of his adopted country and an ardent admirer and earnest supporter of the laws and institutions under which he now lives. It is a pertinent truth that much depends upon being well born, for with the human race, as with the lower ani- mal and vegetable kingdoms, like invariably produces like. Fortunate indeed the indi- vidual who can point with pride to worthy ancestors with the consciousness that he has never by word or deed tarnished the honor of the name they have transmitted to him. In this respect the subject has been peculiarly blessed, first, in being well born and, sec- ond, in worthily upholding the reputation of an old and estimable family, the origin of which is traceable to a very early period in the history of the Northland.
Mr. Burman was born in Sweden No- vember 14, 1843, being the son of Rev. Os- car and Elizabeth Mosberg Burman, the father a learned and for many years distin- guished clergyman of the Swedish Lutheran church, who spent all his life in his native country. He had charge of a miniber of congregations, was an able and eloquent di- vine and died full of years and honors at the age of seventy-three. Mrs. Burman bore her husband seven children, the subject of this review being the next oklest of the num- ber, and she departed this life in Sweden when about fifty years old.
Axel G. Burman grew up in a domestic atmosphere of culture and refinement and
was given the best educational advantages his country afforded. After receiving his preliminary training in the common schools, he completed a high school course and then entered the University of Upsala, where he prepared himself for the legal profession, graduating from the law department of that institution in 1863. Opening an office, he at once engaged in practice and soon built up a lucrative business, in addition to which he also served for ten years as criminal prosecu- tor for several districts in which he lived. . \t the expiration of his official term Mr. Bur- man began dealing in real estate, which, with various lines of manufacture, engaged his attention until 1881, when, by reason of a general business depression, he disposed of his interests in Sweden and came to the United States. After an uneventful voy- age Mr. Burman landed at New York, a stranger in a strange land, and from that city he proceeded to Chicago, where he re- mained for a few months, and then engaged in railroad construction, stone quarrying. levee building and lumbering as a common laborer, in which work he devoted his atten- tion from 1881 to 1887, traveling during the interiin from the lakes to the gulf and from the Alleghany to the Rocky Mountains, hav- ing been employed by a number of the lead- ing houses in the United States. Severing his connection with these lines of work in 188;, he embarked on the sea of journalism by establishing at Marinette, Wisconsin, a Swedish newspaper called the Nordmannen, which under his able management continued to grow in favor with his country men of that state until 1880, when he exchanged the plant for a tract of land in Minnesota.
Leaving Marinette, Mr. Burman returned to Chicago, where he was engaged for some
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months in publishing the Evening Blade, a paper devoted to the interest of the Swedish nationality in that city and elsewhere, but in July of 1890 he sold the office for the pur- pose of devoting his time and attention ex- elusively to real estate. In December, 1892. Mr. Burman visited Cadillac in the interest of a friend whom he wished to assist in the newspaper and publishing business, intend- ing to remain only long enough to establish the enterprise upon a solid basis. Being pleased with the town, however, and seeing a favorable opening for an energetie real estate man to do a thriving business he took council of his better judgment by concluding to make the flourishing little city his per- manent place of abode. Accordingly he wound up his affairs in Chicago and as soon as possible opened an office here, which he has since conducted with a constantly in- creasing patronage, being at this time the largest real estate dealer in Cadillac, as well as one of the city's most widely known and highly respected citizens. In addition to real estate he does a large and successful insur- ance business, is also a notary public and has all he can attend to in his various lines. Mr. Burman has been active in municipal affairs since locating at Cadillac, and has done much to promote the city's material interests, hav- ing served in the capacity of alderman. He is classed among the best and most public- spirited citizens of the community, both as regards his business career, which is irre- proachable, and his civic capacity, which is without a stain. He is one of the leading Swedish- Americans in this part of the state, and has great influence with his fellow coun- trymen, as well as with the public in general. all who know him recognizing his ster- ling worth in every relation of life. He pos-
sesses exceptional industry and energy, is widely read and thoroughly informed, and is, in short, a scholarly gentleman of varied culture whom to know is to respect and honor.
Mr. Burman was married in his native land. June 16, 1868, to Miss Erica Hell- strom, who has borne him eight children, six living, namely : Ellen, the wife of Axel Ban- din: Bertha, wife of Olaf Anderson; Half- dlan. Yngre. Atle and Rolf, alll of whom re- side in Sweden.
NELSON H. DUNHAM.
Nelson H. Dunham, who is engaged in general farming on section 4. Wexford township, was born in Steuben county, New York, on the 3d of June. 1838. and was reared upon his father's farm, his days being spent in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period. the work of the fields claiming his attention when he was not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom or engaged in the pleasures of the playground. He contin- ved a resident of his native county until No- vember, 1863, and at that time he came to Wexford county, Michigan, becoming one of the first settlers who located within its borders. All around him was an unbroken distriet as yet largely unclaimed for the uses of the white man, the trees standing in their primeval strength and the forest stretched away for miles. Mr. Dunham secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which he entered in December. 1863. The following spring he built a log house and be- gan to clear and improve this land. Long since that primitive cabin home has given place to a good frame residence, while other
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buildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock have been erected and the farm is now well supplied with modern equip- ments. He is the owner of seventy acres of rich land, of which about forty-seven acres is under cultivation.
Mr. Dunham was married in Wexford township, on the roth of January, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Lydia A. Cor- nell. They were the second couple married in Wexford county. Mrs. Dunham was born in Steuben county, New York, on the 17th of March, 1848, and by her marriage lias became the mother of four living chil- dren: Ede is the wife of B. E. Ormsby; Nettie is the wife of D. A. Covey; Ira is the third of the family ; and Mary is the wife of H. L. Horton. They have also lost four children : Burt N. was a soldier of the Thirty- fourth Michigan Regiment in the Spanish- American war and served in Cuba. The hardships and rigors of war, however, in- (lermined his health and after his return home he died in Wexford county on the 11th of April, 1899, when in his twenty-third year. He was a young man of many sterling traits of character, respected and honored by all who knew him, popular with his friends and to his parents was a devoted son. flis loss, therefore, came as a great blow to those who knew him and most of all to his family. The other children of the Dunham family who have passed away are Minnie and Alva, who died in infancy, and an adopted son, Alva, who died in his eighth year.
Mr. Dunham has been honored with some local offices in his township. He was the first constable elected in the township and in the various positions which he has been called upon to fill he has discharged his duties with marked promptness and capability. Ilis
entire life has been devoted to agricultura! pursuits and he has labored earnestly and untiringly in order to secure a good home and comfortable competence that he might provide well for his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have now traveled life's journey together for more than thirty-six years, sharing with each other the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. She is an estima- ble lady, who has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey and, like him, she has many warm friends. Mr. Dunham is indeed an honored pioneer settler of Wexford county and few of the residents here antedate his arrival. He has watched the forests cleared away and the wild land transformed into rich fields. He has also seen the establishment of vil- lages which have grown into thriving towns or cities and has watched the introduction of all conveniences and improvements known to the older sections of the United States. In matters of citizenship he has always been public spirited and has taken a deep and justi- fiable interest in what has been accomplished here.
MARION B. BOYD.
The people who constitute the bone and sinew of this country are not those who are unstable and unsettled ; who y from this oc- cupation to that; who do not know where they stand on political questions: who take 110 active and intelligent interest in affairs af- fecting their schools, church and property. The backbone of this country is made up of families which have made their own homes ; who are alive to the best interests of
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the community in which they reside: who are so honest that it is no trouble for their neighbors to know it: who attend to their own business and are too busy to attend to that of others: who work steadily on from day to day, taking the sunshine with the storm, and who rear fine families to hon- est names and comfortable homes. Such people are always welcome in any communi- ty. Among them is the family represented by the subject of this sketch.
Marion B. Boyd, of section 20, Selma township, is a native of Michigan, born in Alpine, Kent county. August 20, 1859. His parents were George and \my ( Short) Boyd, who were among the first settlers of Selma township, where they resided unti! their deaths, which occurred some years ago. Both were about sixty years of age at the time of their demise, though she sur- vived him a few years. They were the par- ents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the youngest.
In March. 1871. the family moved from Kent to Wexford county, where the subject of this review was about twelve years old. He attended school in Kent county and later in Wexford county and improved his oppor- tunities so well that he is possessed of a very fair common-school education. With the exception of two years spent in the woods, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, logging and lumbering, his entire life since 1871 has been spent in Selma township. Farming has been the occupation of his life, varied occa- sionally, when there was little to be done on the farm, by working in the lumber camps. With what he was able to save from the rumuneration he received for his industry on the farm and in the woods, he purchased eighty acres of land, built a home thereon
and there are now about fifty acres of the tract cleared and under cultivation.
On the 20th day of April, 1879, in Selma township, Marion B. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Martin, a native of New Jersey, born in Newark, Essex coun- ty, April 17. 1863. Soon after their mar- riage they took up their abode on the farm owned by the subject and there they have since resided, living in happiness, content- ment and comfort. They are the parents of three interesting and intelligent children. viz: Fred, Lewis and Georgiana. Two of the children of this marriage died in infancy.
Although a man of good mental power and well informed, Mr. Boyd interests him- self very little in politics. His well-known prudence is probably responsible for his lack of interest in that particular line. While a few men may have accumulated wealth in politics there are tens of thousands who have impoverished themselves in their mad race after political honors. The lessons taught by the experience of such persons have not been lost on Mr. Boyd. Prudently observing and profiting by his observation, he has chos- en to be as passive in politics as good citizen- ship will permit. Still he has not debarred himself entirely from political honors. He has served as deputy sheriff a number of terms, was constable a length of time and served the people of his township faithfully and well in the capacity of highway com- missioner. While in no sense a politician, it is a very easy matter to interest him in anything wherein is involved the welfare of the township in which he lives. He is a man of domestic tastes, regular habits and genial manners. He has every element which is considered necessary to make a man popular, but he has no desire to make use of it by seek-
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ing political preferment. The only fraternal order to which he belongs is Pleasant Lake Grange.
WARD P. SMITH.
Ward P. Smith is now a resident of Grand Rapids, but through many years was very actively connected with business life and public affairs in Wexford county and has left the impress of his individuality for good upon many lines of progress and improve- ment. He is so well known in this county and has been such an important factor in her public life that no history of this section of the state would be complete without men- tion of Ward P. Smith. He was one of the pioneers of Wexford county and for many years witnessed its development and growth.
Mr. Smith was born in the village of Otsego. Allegan county, Michigan, on the Gth of September, 1842, and was there reared to manhood. His father died when the son was eight years of age and the mother after- ward became the wife of Norris Bullock. The subject continued to live with his mother and step-father upon the farm in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, there remaining until nineteen years of age, during which time he became familiar with the work of field and meadow as he assisted in the opera- tion of the home place. To the common- school system of that locality he is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. When a young man of nineteen years he en- listed for service in the Union army in re- sponse to the country's need, becoming a member of Company I, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. Going to the front with his
command, he participated in the battle of Stone River, Tennessee, where he received a severe gunshot wound on the right side of the face, in consequence of which injury his eyesight was almost destroyetl. However, as soon as possible he left the hospital and dur- ing the remainder of his term of service was on detach duty, spending much of the time at Camp Dennison, in Ohio, as hospital stew- ard. Hle was mustered out of the service at Cincinnati, Ohio, and with a most credita- ble and honorable military record returned to his home.
After receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Smith went to AAllegan county, Michi- gan, where he was engaged in farming for about two years in Trowbridge township. He afterward removed to Saugatuck, Michigan, where he was engaged in teaming for about one year. He then took up his abode in Heath township, Allegan county, where he was employed in the lumber woods at team- ing for two years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on a farm in Hopkins township, that county, where he remained until the spring of 1874, when he sold his farm and turned his attention to the milling business. It occupied his time and energies until the fall of 1875, when he ar- rived in Manton, Wexford county. There he entered business life as a merchant and for live years was thus connected with commer- cial pursuits of the city, but at the end of that time he was obliged to sell out on account of failing eyesight. About a year later he built an office and turned his attention to the real estate, land and collection business, at the same time acting as justice of the peace. In his new venture he continued until 1886, when he removed to Grand Rapids and soon afterward he took up his abode where he now
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resides, at No. 491 North Diamond street. He is now engaged in fruit growing on a large scale and finds it a profitable source of income. Michigan is one of the best fruit growing states in the Union and Mr. Smith is wise in making this his business, for through his capable management and enter- prise he finds that it returns to him a good income.
Mr. Smith left behind him many friends in Manton, but the ties of friendship were not severed by his removal and he receives hearty greeting upon his frequent returns to the town in which he lived for a number of years. While residing here he not only acted as justice of the peace, but was also super- visor of Cedar Creek township. He was also one of the organizers of the town of Manton and was appointed by the governor to the position of chairman of the first elec- tion board. He was also county superinten- cent of the poor and was president and treas- urer of the village. He acted as a member of the school board and in all of these offices discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity that won him the unqualified confi- dence and respect of his fellow men. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, for he is a man of sterling integrity and honor. His political support has been given to the Republican and to the Prohibition parties.
Mr. Smith was married in Otsego. Alle- gan county, Michigan, December 3. 1865. to Miss Mary J. Wood, who was born July I. 1850, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Ezekiel and Lavina ( Holley ) Wood. both of whom were natives of the Green Mountain state. The marriage of the sub- ject and his wife has been blessed with seven children : Estella C., who died when fifteen
years of age : Freddie. who died at the age of thirteen years; Arthur, who is now a mer- chant of Grand Rapids, Michigan : Giles .1., who died when about nine years of age: George D., who is foreman of the mailing department of the Grand Rapids Evening Press : Frank, a stenographer ; and William R., who completes the family. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have for a number of years been deeply and actively interested in church work. Their labors and influence have ever been helpful in that direction and they are worthy Christian people, whose lives are framed in accordance with the teachings of the lowly Nazarene. Their membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Smith is a local preacher. Fraternally he is a charter member of Manton Lodge No. 347, Free and Accepted Masons, and he is also a charter member of O. P. Morton Post. Grand Army of the Republic, of Manton, of which he served as its first adjutant. Such in brief is the life history of one who is very widely and favorably known in Wexford county. His interest in the county has ever been of a practical nature that results in di- rect benefit along lines of substantial im- provement and material upbuilding. Ile has indeed many friends there and all who know him entertain for him warm regard.
PIILLIP KELLOGG.
This successful farmer, old resident and representative citizen of the township in which he lives is a native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred on the 26th day of April. 1832, being the son of Merritt and Clarissa ( Manhart ) Kellogg.
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both parents born in the Keystone state. When he was a child his father removed to Steuben county, New York, and he there spent the years of his childhood and youth on a farm, early becoming accustomed to the various kinds of labor required in tilling the soil. Before reaching his majority he lived at different places in New York, but after his marriage, which was solemnized in the month of March, 1860, with Miss Eliza- beth Campbell, he returned to his native state and lived during the ensuing five years near his old home in the county of Tioga. Meantime he continued to devote his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits and it was with the object in view of securing cheaper land. where he could prosecute his life work with more certain promise of successful results, that he disposed of his interests in Pennsyl- vania in the fall of 1865 and migrated to Michigan. On coming to this state Mr. Kellogg located in Wexford township, Wex- ford county, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 2, which he at once proceeded to develop and improve. The country at that time was new and sparsely settled and much hard work was required to reduce the land to cultiva- tion, but, with an energy born of a determin- ation to succeed, the subject applied him- self diligently and in due time a comfort- able home with many of the conveniences of life rewarded his earnest and laudable en- deavors.
Mr. Kellogg has seventy acres of his farm in cultivation and he raises abundant crops of all the grains and vegetables grown in this latitude, devoting considerable atten- tion to fruit culture, to which branch of hus- bandry his soil appears peculiarly adapted. He has made many substantial improvements
in the way of buiklings, fences, etc., has spared no reasonable expense in providing for the comfort of his family and is now well situated to enjoy life, owning a house, with a competence laid up against the pro- verbial rainy day which sooner or later comes to the majority of men, or for old age, which in his case is not very far in the fu- ture.
Mrs. Kellogg was born December 9, 1836. in New York state, the daughter of James and Abigail ( Evans) Campbell, na- tives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania re- spectively. She has borne her husband three sons, whose names are Herbert. James and Devereaux, and one daughter, AAbbie ( ., is the widow of Calvin Coblentz. Mr. Kellogg has been active in the affairs of his township, especially in matters educational, having long manifested a lively interest in the public schools, for the success of which he has devoted considerable of his time and attention. He also stands for all enterprises for the material prosperity of the country, lends his influence to every landable meas- tre for the social advancement and moral good of the community and, as a public- spirited, progressive citizen, is ever ready to make sacrifices to promote the general wel- fare. Personally he is highly esteemed by all who know him and by reason of his long continued residence in the same locality, a residence extending over a period of nearly forty years, he has become widely acquainted and favorably known, his life during that time being above reproach, his character so honorable and steadfast as to defy adverse criticism. his relations with his fellow citi- zenis so creditable and praiseworthy that all within the range of his influence pronounce him a man of pure motives, noble aims and
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