USA > Michigan > Ionia County > Memorials of the Grand River Valley > Part 51
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WM. H. DE CAMP.
Dr. De Camp is a native of the State of New York; born at Auburn, Nov. 6th, 1825. His father was John C. De Camp, and his mother Sa- rah Miller. When William was about a year old his father re- moved to Mt. Morris, Livingston county, where, now venerable with years, he still resides.
The " rudiments" of his educa- tion were in a log school-house, of very primitive kind. At nine years of age he had pneumonia, causing diseased action of the lungs, which, lasting several years, hindered his early develop- ment. His academic education was at Mt. Morris and Nunda. At the age of 18, he commenced the study of medicine with Lewis G. Ferris, a country practicioner, CROSSCUP & WEST.PHIL& I'm. H. De Camp. and afterwards with Dr. C. C. Chaffee, at Nunda. In the mean- time, as a means of support, he made a business of teaching writing. He attended the medical lectures at the New York University, and two courses at the Geneva Medical College, where he graduated in February, 1847, a little after he had completed his 21st year. His first medical practice was at Grove Center, Alleghany county-four years; afterwards near Nunda. He soon became noted for his ability and success as a surgeon, and found himself in extensive practice.
Impaired health, and inability to endure the strain on his vitality, in- duced him to leave the place and come to Grand Rapids and open a drug store; which he did, in company with another, in June, 1855. In Septem- ber, of 1857, they were burned out, leaving him penniless. The Doctor then resumed the practice of his profession. October 26th, 1861, he was commis- sioned surgeon of the regiment of engineers and mechanics; with which he served with credit for three years.
Returning from the army, he resumed his practice at Grand Rapids, where he soon took a leading position among the physicians of the State; and where he has won for himself a distinguished name as a surgeon. The Doctor is not merely a medical man. His leisure hours are devoted to natural science, in which he has won recognition in all parts of the land; and he is a corresponding member of the leading scientific associations. His contribu- tions to Conchology are noted in the journals and recent works. Novem- ber 4th, 1847, he married Miss Emeline C. Griffith. A single son is all his family.
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Dr. De Camp is still a man unbroken by years, and in extensive practice at Grand Rapids. As his life-work is not done, we will not write his eulogy.
SAMUEL DEXTER.
The Hon. Samuel Dexter, the original projector of the first settlement made in Ionia county, located at the White Pigeon Land Office, in St. Joseph county, Mich., the present site of the city of Ionia, in the autumn of 1832. Mr. Dexter was a native of Rhode Island; born Dec. 5th, 1787. Having moved from that State with his father's family when quite young, to Her- kimer county, in the state of New York, where he was married to Miss Anna Fargo, and remained there with his family until he came to Michigan, in the spring of 1833, in company with five other families. Mr. Dexter, while a resident of the State of New York, was elec- ted a member of the Legislature of that State, and served his district in that capacity in 1824 and 1825. After coming to this State, and preparing a comfortable place for Samuel Dexter himself and family, his next busi- ness of importance was to set about building a saw-mill, which he perfected in the autumn of the same year. The next year, he put into this saw-mill a small run of stones for grinding coarse grain, which proved a great con- venience to the settlement. Soon after this, and as soon as necessity required. he commenced the erection of a flouring mill, on the present site of the Ionia City Mills. He and his son, J. C. Dexter, continued to operate this mill for many years; when he retired from active business, and his son continued in it until quite recently. Mr. Dexter located some land in Kent county-at Grand Rapids-(the Dexter fraction in the city,) but subse- quently sold it. Mr. Dexter's residence was for several years the general stopping place of most new-comers; where they always received a courteous reception, and the best fare the place afforded. Mr. Dexter was a leading man in the settlement for several years; was the first justice of the peace, and was afterwards elected one of the county judges; was appointed receiver of public moneys at the Government Land Office in Ionia, in connection with Hon. Ira Porter as register, under the administration of General Harrison. in 1841. Mr. Dexter was a man of good natural abilities; a man of consid- erable enterprise and business; but did more for the public interest and con- venience than for himself. No man, as an early settler in Ionia county, is
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entitled to more credit for his liberality and public enterprise than Mr. Dex- ter. He died at his residence in Ionia, in 1856, being about seventy years of age. A. SESSIONS.
GEORGE W. DICKINSON.
This pioneer, whose labors are mentioned in connection with the town of Otisco, is a native of Massachusetts; born in Hampshire county, Sept. 6th, 1809. He was brought up on a farm. At the age of twenty, he went into a store in Boston, as a clerk. About two years afterwards, he got the Western fever; and, un- terrified by all the horrible repre- sentations of friends and wise ones, in September, 1831, he bade good- bye to all, swung his kit, and on foot set out; humming to himself, " Nothing ventured, nothing gain- ed; do something, or die." He " footed it" to Albany, and from thence, by the "raging canal," proceeded to Rochester. Near there he rented a farm; married a wife. June 6th, 1833; and was a farmer for three years.
George W. Dickinson. In 1835, in company with two other families, he started for Otta- wa, Ill. Not liking, set out to return home. Having heard of the Grand River Valley, in Dec., 1835, he came on, saw, approved, and secured lands- 240 acres-on Sec. 21, Grand Rapids Township. Securing his own lands, he spent some months locating for others, and returned to Rochester. He came on with his family in 1836. As his business was mostly locating lands, for convenience he took up his residence at Ionia, where he built and kept a boarding-house.
In Feb., 1837, in conjunction with Thomas and Alfred Cornell, he went in- to the pines, north about fifteen miles, and made a squatter's claim, and pre- pared to put up a mill. The May following, they cut a road to their claim, and proceeded to build their mill, bringing their irons from Rochester. The mill was for the local supply of the settlers. In time, the supply was greater than the demand, and a market was sought down the Flat River. But first it was necessary, by an exploring voyage down the river, to ascer- tain whether it was navigable for rafts. With this intent, Mr. D. constructed a raft of dry pine logs, and went down the river; noting every bend, obsta- cle, etc. Finding that it was feasible, he next went down with a raft of 30,000 feet of lumber; the first that ever passed the river.
Renting his mill in Otisco, he went three miles down the river, and built a
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grist mill, which he operated several years, sold, and came to Grand Rapids, and settled down as a farmer, four miles from the city, on the land he at first bought from the government. There he has about him the land, improve- ments, etc., of a first class farmer.
The old pioneer of Otisco, in a green old age, is now (1877) hale and hearty, with apparently good years of life in him; enjoying his competence, and the respect of the community where his unostentatious but useful life has been passed.
FRANKLIN EVERETT.
The relation he holds to this book forbids any extended notice. Born at Worthington, Mass., January 26, 1812, his youth was passed in humble life.
CROSSCUP K WEST. PHILA.
Franklin Everett.
From his father he inherited a love of books, which, in childhood, became almost a passion, Humble circumstances rendered inevitable a life of hard labor; and he had but few early advantages. But, his day's hard labor done, the instructive book was all he cared for. Studying in the fitful way which a hard working boy must study, if ambitious to improve, he picked
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up what was then called a good English education, and fitted himself for college, with little aid from teachers. He commenced school teaching at the age of sixteen years, and, until he was twenty-three, alternated between the farm, saw-mill and school-house. At that time he entered Colby University (then Waterville College), in Maine, where he graduated in 1838. Adopt- ing the profession of a teacher, he took charge of the " Black River Acade- my," in Vermont. In 1840, he removed to Canajoharie, N. Y., and after- wards to Cooperstown, at which places he had charge of the academies there located.
In the fall of 1846, he came to Grand Rapids as principal of the Grand River Academy. This soon became an independent school, known by his name. With the exception of brief intervals, he kept up that school until 1874.
Without ambition, other than for universal scholarship, and to stamp his impress on the minds and hearts of those under his instruction, his life has been uneventful; cheered by the hope that his labors would be appreciated by those he taught, and that by their loving hands, when life's work was ended, he would be laid to his final rest. With the evidences of their appre- ciation he is satisfied. It is for them to show whether his life has been useful or a failure.
As a teacher, he has considered his profession the most sacred; and, regardless of personal consequences, has sought only the mental expansion and moral growth of his pupils, never laboring for popularity. If remem- bered at all, he chooses to be remembered as a teacher.
REV. WM. M. FERRY.
This pioneer of Ottawa county, whose personal history is the center of the early history of that county; whose life was identified with the business, the social, moral and religious interests of the Grand River Valley, merits more than a passing tribute to his memory.
Too often can we say of the personally good man: "He has left no record behind himn; he made no impress on the world.
" He lived as his fathers lived,
Lived happy, died happy, and was saved;"
in decent insignificance, leaving the world no better, and no worse, for his having lived in it.
Others, again, are an influence in life, and speak to us when dead.
Mr. Ferry was no common man, though modestly ranking himself as such. In his own estimation but an humble individual, as long as he lived he was looked up to by the community that knew him as a leader, and he was felt to be a power. Briefly sketched, the record of his life is:
Born at Granby, Mass., Sept. 8th, 1796; the son of a sterling farmer, who by honest toil reared a large family, and by example and precept enforced the principles of virtue. He had also the inestimable advantage of a noble and devoted mother, whose wise counsels he early learned to appreciate.
He was a slight, frail youth; not fitted for the rugged toil of a farmer's life. He looked to the Gospel ministry as his future field of action; and the
1
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serious question: came up, "How shall I enter that field?" His father's limited means forbade a hope for his assistance, and his father's pride of in- dependence wrung from him the promise that he would under no circum- stances solicit aid from any one, but would rely on his personal endeavor.
Compelled by necessity to defer, but not abandoning his purpose of secur- ing, a collegiate education, he entered the store of his brother as clerk, study- ing as he could find opportunity. At the age of eighteen he accepted a place as tutor in a female seminary at Kinderhook, under his uncle, Mr. Joseph Montague. He taught there one year, and then went to Plainfield, Mass., where he prepared for college, under the Rev. Moses Halleck: at the same time teaching the academy at Ashfield. He entered Union College, as a sophomore, at the age of twenty-one. Through the kindness of Dr. Yates, one of the professors, who furnished him employment by means of which he was enabled to pay his expenses. he pursued his college course, and gradua- ted in his 24th year. He then pursued a theological course of two years, at Brunswick, N. J., and of six months with Gardiner Spring, D.D., of New York; and was licensed and ordained by the N. Y. Presbytery in 1822.
He was appointed to explore among the Indian tribes of the Northwest; which exploration resulted in the establishment of the Mackinaw Mission. He remained at Mackinaw a year, in laying the foundation of this Mission. In 1823, he was married to Miss Amanda White, of Ashfield, Mass., and with her took up his abode at Mackinaw. In 1827, this mission came under the care of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. At this mission he devoted twelve years of incessant toil, as chaplain of the mil- itary post: teacher in the school; laboring also as a Christian missionary among the Indians and other people at and around Mackinaw. Those who have known his unyielding devotedness to what he deemed to be duty, and the burden of anxiety for the Christian welfare of those under his charge, which taxed to the utmost the energies of body and mind, can well under- stand the degree of admiration which the people of Mackinaw manifested for him. None but one gifted as he was, could have moulded into usefulness such material as was then adrift on the border of civilization.
Much to the regret of the Board, in the early part of 1834. he decided to leave the Mission; and entered into business arrangements which resulted in his settlement at Grand Haven in the fall of that year. It was on a Sabbath that he landed; and directly he called those with him into a log house, and led them in their devotions, preaching from the text, " For who hath de- spised the day of small things."
From this point we shall not particularly follow Mr. Ferry, as his doings are blended with those of others, and are noted in the history of the settle- ment and progress of the county. He became more known as the leading business man, than in his early character as a Christian teacher. He built up an immense business, somewhat diversified in its character, becoming the central point of business at Grand Haven; which position he held until his death.
Notwithstanding the apparent absorption in worldly cares, and the great interests of which he was the guiding spirit, he never forgot that he had con- secrated himself to the service of his God. For eighteen years he preached
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MEMORIALS OF THE
to the people of Grand Haven, chargeable to no one. A generation grew up, and were educated under his ministry, who reverenced him as their teacher in spiritual things. He was not the " popular preacher, " signalizing him- self by sensational movements, and winning for himself a name: No; in his ministrations, Mr. Ferry was the calm, quiet teacher, humbly sitting at the feet of his Master, unostentatiously striving to lead in the ways of truth and righteousness; making himself of no account. His labors bore their natural fruit. As long as he was their spiritual leader, no place was more noted for its good morals and quiet religious spirit than Grand Haven. Only the older residents will ever realize the full influence of the calm, cool preacher, Ferry.
He died at Grand Haven, December 30th, 1867, and rests in the cemetery at that place. The simple inscription on his monument, dictated by him- self, is,
" First toil-then rest; First grace-then glory."
Among his bequests were $12.000, to be known as the " Ferry Missionary Fund," the interest to be used to support the Gospel in destitute places in Michigan; $20,000 to the Lake Forest University, in Illinois; $15,000 towards the erection of a Female Seminary at Lake Forest: $30,000 to the American Board of Foreign Missions; $30,000 to the American Bible Socie- ty; $15,000 to the American Tract Society of Boston; $15,000 to the Presby- terian Publication Society.
It was the happiness and good fortune of Mr. I erry, that he was asso- ciated with a woman of uncommon intellectual and moral worth. By their children they were looked up to with veneration-a feeling which is as hon- orable to them as it is to the objects of their filial love.
Mr. Ferry was of medium size; had the air of a quiet, rather taciturn gen- tleman; more likely to listen than to talk; was simple in his habits and tastes; made no display of wealth; was very accessible; was strong in pur- pose, and persevering in his course. He lived to see his aims accomplished, and died in the full faith of a humble Christian.
In this notice, we have drawn largely from the funeral sermon by the Rev. D. H. Evans.
WILDER D. FOSTER.
Wilder De Ayere Foster was born at Monroe, Orange county. N. Y., Jan. Sth, 1821. His youth was passed in humble circumstances, but with the advantage of intellectual and honorable parents, who by precept. enforced by example, early inspired him with the principles that guided his after life
He was apprenticed to the tin-smith's trade at Rochester, and afterwards came with his employer to Marshall, Michigan. The breaking up of the firm set him free at the age of 18 years. He came to Grand Rapids and worked as a journeyman until 1845, when, in connection with another young inan, he entered into the hardware business on a small scale. That busi- ness he followed through life; his small beginning having resulted in an immense business.
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It is sufficient to say that from first to last, Mr. Foster, as a business man, was ever considered the soul of honor. In business he was diligent, and his thoughts and plans were comprehensive. Self-reliant, and relying on the appreciation of the public, his business principles were never in con- flict with his nice sense of personal honor. His reliance was not in vain, for the public, by making his store their favorite trading place, showed him that manliness was capital in business; and in troublous times, when other firms were crashing around him, the unbounded confidence that his ereditors had in his manly honor, enabled him to weather the gales; proving in his experi- ene that integrity is not only capital, but credit.
As a youth and young man he did not consider business and money mak- ing the ends of existence. He felt there was a higher manhood, and for that he strove diligently, wasting no idle hours in dissipation, but using the time not demanded by the exigencies of business for solid mental culture. The result was, intellectually he was always always a growing man. Though diligent in business, business was not his mental prison. He could throw that off his mind, and look to the world outside, and the soul within. The result was, he was recognized as an intellectual man, posted in what a gentleman and man of the world should know.
He was a man singularly charitable, always respecting humanity, believing in, trusting and loving mankind. Slow to believe evil of any one; speaking evil of none, and apologizing for human frailty; he seemed to recognize the good, and ignore the faults of mankind. From his own emotions he judged human nature, and where his judgment was not wise, it was charity that warped his wisdom. He was liberal to the poor, and in promoting the pub- lic interests. As an employer, he moved among his men as a kind father among his children, and his presence to them was sunshine. They loved him.
As a publie man, he was put forward, never volunteered to take office. His sound judgment and unswerving integrity were early recognized. The public laid their demands on him. He was repeatedly elected Treasurer, Alderman, and Mayor of Grand Rapids; was State Senator, and served the public in many minor capacities, always with the verdict, " Well done, good and faithful servant."
Upon the elevation of Mr. Ferry to the United States Senate, leaving a vacancy in the lower House, by a general impulse, all eyes were turned to Mr. Foster, as the man for the place. He had the singular honor of taking his place in Congress-not because he sought it as an honor, but because the place sought him. He was re-elected, but obeyed a higher summons than the demand of his country, before taking his seat. At Washington, his gen- eral characteristics were fully recognized, as appears from the proceedings at the announcement of his death. At home, the serious question arose: " Who shall fill the place he honored?"
He died, Sept. 20, 1873.
It is safe to say that no man ever had so strong a hold on the people of the Grand River Valley, as Wilder D. Foster, or was so much missed at his «leath. Without the characteristics which generally point to a man as a leader, his position as leider was secured by simple good sense, by his unself-
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ish sympathy withi humanity, and his unbending integrity. His eulogy is written on the hearts of the people who knew him. There let it be read.
WILLIAM H. FREEMAN.
Son of Joseph L. Freeman, born at Sutton, Mass .. Feb. 24th, 1831. As Mr. F. is still a young man, we shall dispatch him in short order. He had advantages of a good common education, to which after he was 17, he added a year and a half at Grand Rapids Academy. He then took the California fever, nearly died of it, but after two years returned to Ronald with $4,000. With this he bought a farm and kept adding to it until he had 400 acres. Stayed on the farm about 10 years. Was in the United States service one and-a-half years, entering as First. Lieutenant in Co. A. Ist Michigan Cavalry, afterwards was acting Brigade Quarter Master: was in the 1st and 2d battles at Win- chester in command of company; Wm. H. Freeman. at Cedar Mt., on Gen. Bank's staff; was at the second battle at Bull's Run, and at Chantilly. He was then, having risen to the rank of Ma- jor, discharged on account of sickness. Sick a year. Sold his farm and went into another part of the town where he went into trade and platted the village of Palo. Expended a good deal in developing the place; paid $2,500 for a church; sold goods there nine years. Came to Muir and started the First National Bank (now Ionia Second); was at first cashier, after- wards president; is still a director. In 1873, started a private bank at Lyons, which he still maintains. He has also been a good deal in the lumber business.
He has been Supervisor of Ronald and Lyons. He was married in April, 1854, to Sarah Crossett.
We promised to dispatch him in short order, and claim that we have been very sententious; but we have recorded an active and eventful life so far. And now William, my boy, see if you cannot crown it with years of matured manliness.
JOHN GILLAM.
Is a native of New York, born at Byron, Genesee county, June 2, 1818. His father was a farmer and brick-maker, in circumstances of fair independ-
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ence. He lived with his father until several years after his marriage. At the age of twenty-two, he married Miss Rosilla Taggart.
In the spring of 1845, he came to Alpine and took up land. His life has been uneventful, quietly pursu- ing his own business, and often acting as an official man in his town, enjoying a well-earned rep- utation and independence, the re- sult of industry and personal integ- rity. His individual history would be but the repetition of the general history of a pioneer.
JOHN F. GODFROY.
He was a native of Detroit; son of Gabriel and Betsey May God- froy; born July 4th, 1824; died Jan. 25th, 1876.
His early years were identified with the Indian trade, under, at John Gillum. first, his older brother, William-and later, the Ewing Brothers, of Indiana. His business with them carried him all over the State and Lake Superior country. As the confidential clerk and agent of this firm, he became acquainted with the principal rep- resentative men of both races; and his integrity and intelligence gave him position and influence among them. His name is a familiar and honored one among the Indians.
Leaving the Indian trade in 1837, he settled in Grand Rapids, en- gaged in general merchandise and real estate dealings.
Always influential, he was not an office seeker. When the public cailed him, he served them; once as recorder of the city of Grand Rapids.
He was three times married; first to Lucy Genereaux, of Lyons; sec- ond, to Mary St. Aubin; and third, to Adelaide M. Moross, who, as his widow, survives hin.
GROSSOP *WEST
John F. Godfroy.
Mr. Godfroy was a man of agreeable personal presence; kind and open-
MEMORIALS OF THE
hearted, genial and intelligent. He was public-spirited and benevolent; winning friends by gentlemanly courtesy; and confidence by his sterling in- tegrity and personal worth. Cut down in prime manhood, there is a blank at Grand Rapids.
JOHN W. GUNNISON.
Capt. Gunnison was but for a few years a resident in this region; but it was sufficient to impress on the community the important fact that the residence of a man may be an honor to the place.
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