USA > Michigan > Ionia County > Memorials of the Grand River Valley > Part 52
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MUSSCUP & ILOT
John W. Gunnison.
His reputation was no local one, The nation felt his loss when he met his tragic death.
His life, from his early youth, was distinguished. Possessed of remarkable physical graces; en- dowed with a strong, clear and laborious intellect; strong in his principles and manly integrity. he early attracted the attention of the wise-those who know what can be made of a noble boy. This is proved by a paper now ly- ing before the writer-the recom- mendation on which he secured his position as a cadet at West Point. Some extracts here fol- low:
" His habits of temperance, industry and close application to study are well confirmed. His correct moral principles; perfect rectitude of conduct: suavity of manners and gentlemanly deportment, are such as will command the respect and esteem of all who know him. He possesses a mind of an elevated character, and his manners are dignified and manly," etc. This. after stating that he was uncommonly good looking, with fine health and constitution, shows that the youth of twenty had caught the eye of those whose names are on the certificate, viz: one governor, two ex-governors, one President of the United States (in futuro), several members of Congress, two judges of the Supreme Court, etc.
He was born in Goshen, Sullivan county, N. H., Nov. 10th, 1812. His early advantages were good. At the age of 18, purposing to go to college, and he began his preparation at Hopkinston Academy. In 1833, he went to West Point, where in four years he graduated with the highest honors, and was appointed Lieutenant in the 2d Artillery. After the formation of the Topographical Engineers, he received an appointment in that corps. After that his life was that of an engineer, in which capacity he had no superiors. Among his labors may be mentioned service in the coast survey,
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
and in the exploring expeditions in the region of the Rocky Mountains. In the voluminous reports on the exploration and surveys for the railroad to the Pacific, he figures conspicuously. While engaged in that work, he was killed by the Indians in October, 1853, and his body devoured by the wolves. The death of no man so young, and of rank no higher than Captain, ever made so profound an impression on the country. The fact is, none knew him but to love him. His attainments were great, and his whole character noble. "To accomplish the greatest amount in the least time" was adopted in early life and acted upon until his death.
In April, 1841, he married Miss Martha Delony, of Camden county, Geor- gia, who, as his widow, still survives. He left one son and two daughters.
For several years before his death his residence was at Grand Rapids. As his business kept him away, the people saw but little of him. During one of the winters, while at home, he wrote a very interesting book about the Mormons. He also, during his vacations, lectured before the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was a conspicuous member. Delony Gunnison, remember whose son you are.
The portrait, which accompanies, though a fine work of art, is confessedly but an imperfect representation. At the time of his death there was no good picture of him in existence. His young daughter, as a work of love, from an imperfect daguerreotype and her recollections, painted a portrait, from which this is taken.
N. J. HARDY.
The subject of this article claims our notice as a man who, under the most unfavorable circumstances, has placed himself in position, and won for him- self a standing in the front rank of good and honored citizens.
He is of the African race; was born in Seneca county, N. Y., Jan. 9th. 1823. His parents came to Michigan in 1827, and located in Washtenaw county. Soon after that, his father died; and he was bound to a farmer, near Ann Arbor. Being black, he then, of course was treated as an inferior being; and no advantages were given him. In 1844, he married, and removed to the town of Gaines, Kent county, where he has always lived, as a farmer; owning 160 acres of land.
He had no advantages in early life, and the soul-crushing disadvantage of belonging to a despised and slighted race. But, with the thought that "a negro may be a man," he educated himself, until he ranks among the well- informed. By his moral dignity and sterling good sense he won respect. until he was allowed his place among the leading men in his town. He is. so far as known, the first colored man who held office in Michigan. He has served his town in various public positions; in 1872 as supervisor. The peo- ple have forgotten that he is black. and no one is above visiting the family. which he has educated as gentlemen and ladies, or of respectfully saluting any of them as equals.
The example of Mr. Hardy may show what any one who has native talent. ambition, character and perseverance can do; that respect can be commanded ; and that humble origin need not be followed by humble life.
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MEMORIALS OF THE
BENJAMIN A. HARLAN.
Judge Harlan was born April 16th, 1837, at Fallston, Harford county, Maryland. He was the oldest son of Wm. A. and Sarah Harlan, birth-right, members of the relig- ious society of Friends (called Quakers), who are still living in Wayne county, Michigan. Op- portunities for the "poor whites" to obtain an education in Mary- land in the days of slavery were very poor, and with the exception of three terms in a private school, Mr. Harlan received no education away from his father's house and shop. There he managed, with- out the aid of libraries, public or private, to pick up some knowl- edge, for he did not feel willing to belong to the ignorant, who, knowing nothing, want no knowl- edge.
Benjamin A. Harlan. In 1853, he came with his father and family to Wayne county, Michigan, where he worked on the farm and in the shop, making brooms and ax-handles, attending the district school a part of two winters.
In the fall of Oct., 1857, he was employed as clerk and assistant post- master at Farmington, Oakland county, which position he filled until July, 1858, when the postmaster's official head fell in the basket, for the sole rea- son that Mr. Harlan would induce persons to subscribe for the New York Tribune and other Republican papers.
Then the Rev. A. L. Hayward, pastor of the Universalist Society, at Grand Rapids, obtained for the young man a place as clerk and student in the office of Holmes and Robinson; Mr. Robinson being then Judge of Probate. There he remained and studied faithfully until June 5th, 1860, when he was admitted to the bar as an attorney at law. On Jan. 1st, 1861, John R. Stewart, Esq., Register of Deeds of Kent county, appointed Mr. H. Deputy Register, which position, under Mr. Stewart and his successor, he held for ten years. In the meantime, April, 1862, he was elected Justice of the Peace of the 3d Ward of Grand Rapids.
Before his term as justice expired, in Nov. 1864, he was elected judge of probate for Kent county, which office he held until 1877, having been twice re-elected by increased majorities over strong competitors.
Judge Harlan was married in 1860, to Miss Ellen M. Blakeslee, one of the teachers in the Union School, at Grand Rapids, and they unitedly boast a son and daughter.
The Judge is still a young man, and, as his portrait shows, might be mis- taken for a boy. We will not now characterize him. That is properly done
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when venerable age has silvered the head, or when one has taken his place under his epitaph. He will have to behave himself differently from what he has done, or the public will still claim his services.
DAMON HATCH.
Mr. Hatch was born at Richfield, Otsego county, N. Y., about 1798 (daet not certain). At the age of fifteen he entered a country store, as clerk. Two years afterwards, he was made book-keeper of a cotton manufac- tory, near Cooperstown, where he spent five years. For several years he was in the employ of merchants at Cooperstown. He then went to Elmira, and, in company with an- other, bought a flouring and saw mill, to which they added mills for the manufacture of sash and doors. These were burned. The mills, etc., were rebuilt. But there was a desire to " go West"; and go West he did. We next find him in Otsego, Allegan county, with a $12000 stock of goods (a big thing, then); trading with white people and Indians; buying furs; building mills, etc. Mr .. Hatch Damon Hatch. came into the Grand River Valley at an early day, and has been in various kinds of business; nursery, saw mill, etc. With a competence, he has retired from active business, and, a lone oid man, is biding his time.
When he came into the Grand River Valley, he was the happy husband of a beautiful woman; the father of an idolized daughter, and a son. But a sad and tragic fatality has followed his family. His wife died from a surgi- cal operation for the removal of an internal tumor. His daughter was one of the victims of a steamboat disaster. His son disappeared-no one knows what has become of him. His son-in-law, Wells, fell dead in the street. All that his heart held dear, in ways dreadful to think of, have left him; and now, in old age, feeble and partially paralyzed, he has nothing but wealth on which to lean.
Wherever Mr. Hatch has been, he has commanded general respect. Nat- urally energetic, he, with ups and downs, has been a successful business man. Never seeking office, he has been content with private life. Minding his own business, he has prospered.
With little to bind him to the earth, in the desolation of his soul he has the active sympathy of those who knew him when, in his cottage residence, he could welcome his friends to his happy home.
[Died March 7th, 1876.]
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MEMORIALS OF THE
ISAAC HAYNES.
This gentleman is a native of England; born in 1834 at Guildford, Surrey county. He came to America as a child in 1842, and to the Grand River Valley in 1851. He went upon a new farm in Alpine, on which he worked; spending his winters in teaching school and in study. Thus alternating between the intellectual and practical he has spent his days thus far. Early in life he was marked as one the public had a right. to nsc, and he was made use of accordingly; serving his town four years as school inspector, three as town clerk, and seven as supervisor. In 1872 he was elected sheriff by the CROSSCUF & WEST. PHILA. county of Kent, and re-elected in 1874. When he retired from the office of sheriff he was admitted to the bar, and is now successfully en- gaged in the practice of his profes- Isaac Haynes. sion in Grand Rapids.
On June 8th, 1856, he married Miss Sarah A. Dunnett, of Walker.
Still a young man, it is to be hoped that a life honorably begun as an ed- ncator, will not be ingloriously ended as a lawyer. With talents that have marked him from his youth, and with public estcem to back him, it is to be expected that his real life career is but just begun. We shall see.
EBENEZER G. D. HOLDEN.
Was born near Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 18th, 1834. The year following he moved to the " Indian Country, " Illinois; and in 1843 to Floyd county, In- diana; and from thence to Kent county, Michigan, where he arrived in Nov., 1845. At the age of 17 he started out to get his own living; acquired a fair education, and the trade of a carpenter. He entered Knox College in 1853. where he remained two and a half years. In 1856, he began the study of the law in the office of Pattison & Champlin. of Grand Rapids, and was ad- mitted to the Kent county bar in 1859. He was chosen prosecuting attorney in 1862, and served for two terms; and has also been for many years a school trustee. In 1869, he, in company with Mr. W. Bates, organized the Grand Rapids Savings Bank, which was incorporated in 1870, with a capital of $100,000; being the first and only savings bank in that city. Mr. Holden is a lawyer by profession. As the Republican candidate, he was elected Secre- tary of State in 1875, and re-elected in 1877.
Mr. Holden is a man of determined energy, and of tried integrity. Still young, the public have need of him, and will use him.
Extalarm
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JOHN T. HOLMES.
Judge Holmes is a native of New York, born in Carlisle, Schoharie Co., Dec. 11, 1815. His father was Dea. Dan- iel Holmes, and his mother, Sally, daughter of the Hon. John Tay- lor, Judge of Saratoga county, and sister of the Hon. John W. Taylor, who for eleven successive terms, represented the Saratoga district in Congress, and was Speaker of the House during the 16th and 19th Congress.
His parents designed him for the ministry. and with that end in view kept him at school. Upon his informing his parents that he could not be a clergyman, he was re-called from school, and kept in the service of his father on the farm or clerking in a store.
He married Miss Ann Pratt, daughter of Nathan Pratt, of Niagara county, March 31, 1836.
John T. H.lmes.
In 1837, he came to Michigan, and on the 16th of February, to Grand Rapids, where he spent one year as a clerk, before starting business for himself. For about three years he was in mercantile business, studying law as he had opportunity. Studying law in the office of Bridge and Calkins, he was admitted to the bar on the 17th of May, 1843. He soon secured a respectable practice, which resulted in a very extensive one, and which continued until his elevation to the bench.
Mr. Hohnes has held the offices of justice of the peace, prosecuting attorney for Kent county, for four years, and, on the organization of the Superior Court. in 1875, he was elected judge, which office he now holds.
He has also been candidate for the office of State senator and attorney- general; defeated with his party.
As a lawyer, Judge Holmes has been one who respected his profession: always noted for his strict fidelity to his clients, and as one ready, gratuit- ously to aid where the rights of the poor were at stake. Of this gratuitous aid he has done more than any of his compeers at the bar. . As a judge he presides with urbanity and dignity, and is securing the respect of the bar and the public, by his thorough knowledge of law, and his rigid impartiality. holding the scales on even balance. Having found his appropriate place. it is to be hoped he may long retain it.
The portrait of the Judge which accompanies, tells just what he is-a jovial. companionable man; a trust-worthy citizen, and one who does his own think- ing; who can look you square in the face, and not drop his eye; who can shake you warmly by the hand as a friend, or hold you on your guard in logical contests at the bar.
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MEMORIALS OF THE
EZRA S. HOLMES.
Born at Wilson, Niagara, county, N. Y., July 15tb, 1819; was educated at Oberlin College, Ohio, and at the Syracuse Academy; studied medi- cine at Medina, N. Y., supporting himself by dentistry and teaching; in 1845, went to Hamilton, Canada, where he practiced as a dentist. Afterwards, in 1849, he formed a partnership with O. W. May, of Lockport, N. Y. Health failing he left his profession in 1855, and for some years was engaged in ont- of-doors occupations. In 1861, he resumed his professional business at Wilson, where he was postmaster. In 1805, he moved to Grand Rap- ids, where he still follows the pro- fession of dentist. He is brother to Judge John T. Holmes.
Mr. H. is not a mere professional man. He is a student of Nature, Ezra S. Holmes. and as such has won recognition in the scientific world, and his con- · tributions to natural science are respectable. He is a prominent and active member of the Kent Scientific Institute.
JULIUS HOUSEMAN.
A German by nativity; born at Zechendorf, Bavaria, December Sth, 1832. His father was a man- ufacturer of silk and cotton, and also merchant. His early educa- tion was common and mercantile; was in his father's employ until his coming to America at the age of 18. Then he went to Cincin- nati, Ohio, and until 1851 was in subordinate employ. Then he traded unsuccessfully one year at Battle Creek. In 1852, with no capital, in partnership with an- other, he opened a small clothing Julius Houseman. store at Grand Rapids. That has risen to a mammoth establishment, from which he has lately retired with an independence.
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While engaged in building up his own fortune, the public has not allowed him to remain a private citizen. Never a seeker, he was twice chosen alder- man-1862 and 1870; was a member of the Legislature in 1870; and has served two years as mayor of the city-1872 and 1874.
Mr. Houseman is a man with a fine physical organization; of sound busi- ness talent, and of social disposition. He has always kept his honor where Cæsar said his wife's must be-above suspicion. With a clear head and pub- lic spirit, he is much looked to for counsel. Still in his prime, much is ex- pected from him.
HENRY H. HOLT.
Henry H. Holt was born March 27, 1831, in the village of Camden, Oneida county, New York. In 1852, he removed to Michigan, and settled in Kent
Henry II. Holt.
county, near Grand Rapids. He received an academic education. In 1855, he commenced the study of the law at a law school in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he remained one year, and then entered the Union Law College, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated, and was admitted to
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MEMORIALS OF THE
practice in July, 1857. He returned to Michigan soon after, and in Septem- ber of that year, was admitted to practice at Grand Rapids, Judge Martin at that time being the Circuit Judge.
In 1858, he removed to Muskegou, where he now resides, and engaged in the practice of the law. He was subsequently elected prosecuting attorney of Ottawa county, the counties of Ottawa and Muskegon being then one county. In 1859, on the organization of the latter county, he was elected prosecuting attorney of the new county, and held the office four years, being re-elected in 1860. He subsequently held various offices of trust in Muske- gon county, and in 1866, was elected to the lower House of the State Legis- lature, and was re-elected in 1868, and again in 1870. During the latter two terms, he was the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. He was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1867. Mr. Holt was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Michigan in 1872, and re-elected in 1874. In 1873-4, Gov. Holt made quite an extended tour of Europe; and in 1875-6, he again visited the Old World, this time extending the trip into Northern and Eastern Europe, as far as Constantinople; and also visited Egypt and the Holy Land, bringing back quite a collection of pictures, coins, minerals, and other curiosities. [Communicated.]
SAMUEL B. HORNE.
As Capt. Horne is still but a young man, we shall modestly say but little.
He was born at Ferbane, Kings' county, Ireland, March 3, 1843. In 1849, his parents moved to America, and settled in Winsted, Conn., where he obtained his edu- cation in the local schools. In Crofut and Morris' "History of Connecticut during the Recent War," we find on page 46, the following notice:
"The great Winsted meeting resulted in company filled and offi- cered during the week. The first who enlisted was Samuel B. Horne, as a private, only seventeen years old.
" NOTE. - Young Horne, who was probably the first volunteer in Connecticut, was small of his age, and would have been rejected, had Samuel B. Horne. it not been for his importunity. He served faithfully during the three months' service; re-enlisted, and bore a musket for eighteen months; was then promoted to a captaincy. He was in twenty-five battles; was wounded three times, and served at the close of the war as provost marshal of the 18th Army Corps."
On his return from the war, he commenced studying law at Winsted; and
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was admitted to the bar in 1869. The same year he was admitted into partnership with the Hon. Wm. K. Peck, and came to Grand Rapids. Judge Peck soon died, leaving the young lawyer to go on alone. He has suc- creded in securing a good practice.
As he is still a smooth-faced boy, we will simply express the hope, that his final biographer may give a good account of him.
HIRAM JENNISON.
This gentleman, who has so long been identified with the business and political interests of the region near Grandville, was born May 11th, 1813, at Canton, St. Law- rence county, N. Y. The circum- stances of his early life were un- favorable, and in youth his ad- vantages were slight. Attaining his majority, he pushed off to Michigan to 'sink or swim with fortune; having nothing, as capi- tal to start upon, but a pair of good hands and a supply of pluck. In 1834 he came to Grand- ville, and for five years, wielding the ax and saw, he worked for Brown & Brittan in the Inmber woods. He then procured a one- fourth section of land, where he now resides, and commenced making for himself a farm. About the year 1844, in connec- Hiram Jennison. tion with his brothers-Luman and Lucius-he commeneed lumbering: bought the mill and land where now is the flouring-mill. In 1864 they built the Houring-mill. The firm has been in extensive business; and a thriving little village, called from their name-Jennisonville-has grown up around them, and mainly dependent on the mills run by the Jennison brothers.
Mr. Jennison has been an active man, otherwise than in his own and the company's affairs; serving often as a town officer, and at one time repre- senting the people in the Legislature.
In 1838, he married Miss Mary Beardsley, who is still the companion of his green old age. A large family and independence are not without their interest, as whitening hair, and the et ceteras which come in the train of years, are monitions that soon the slippers and the quiet pipe will succeed the turmoil of business, necessarily laid aside. As in all probability there are yet in him still years of energetic action, we will not give his portraiture further than shown in the picture accompanying. That will tell any one that Mr. J. is a man who will not die until he is obliged to; and that he has in him the material which means business, and a life which has an aitn in view, and which is not without manifest results.
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MEMORIALS OF THIE
CAPT. ABIJAHI LUCE.
Born at Martha's Vineyard, May 6th, 1781; died at Grand Rapids, May 3d, 1875.
His father was a ship-owner and captain, and young Abijah was bred to follow in his father's track. He had the advantages of a good common education, and of the example and counsels of a mother of rare excellence, and whom he deeply venerated. His father died when he was young, and we find young Abijah succeeding to the business-captain and ship-owner. In 1835, he changed his business from sea to land; he removed to Bristol. R. I., and invested in a cotton factory. By the burning of the factory and by losses in mercantile business, he found himself divested of his fine for- tune, but a small remnant of which was left. With that he came to the Grand River in 1845, and settled in Paris, one mile south of Reed's Lake, where he developed a valuable farm. Age and infirmity compelled the dis- posal of his farm. He moved into the city, afterwards to Virginia, from which he came back to die.
Capt. Ince was a decided character; with a very strong, energetic mind, and the habit of command. He was a fish out of water, in Michigan; sur- rounded by people who did not understand his habits, engendered by a life of command on the sea. Those who really knew him, found him a genial. warm-hearted man; fond of heated debates, and firmly attached to the one who could bring steel to clash with steel. He was a leading spirit in the so- called " Dorr rebellion," in Rhode Island, which resulted in giving a liberal constitution to the State, instead of the old illiberal " charter." In the Con- gressional document on the "Dorr rebellion," his name appears often, as one of the most conspicuous in the movement.
It cannot be said that he ar- rived at his proper destination. It was his misfortune that he left the sea coast, where he was con- spienous among a congenial peo- ple, for rural life in Michigan, where he found few who could sympathize with or understand him.
RANSOM LUCE.
He is only surviving son of Marston Luce, who was one of the early settlers of Grand Rapids, and who was for some years keeper of the Eagle Hotel. He was born at Middlebury, Genesee county, N. Y., Feb. 28th, 1822: Ransom Luce. and followed the fortunes of his father until his death, March 9th, 1846. The family came to Michigan in
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1839. By the death of his brother and two sisters, he was left alone with his mother; and set himself up as a merchant, in the grocery business.
Possessed of rare sagacity as a business man, he speedily advanced in for- tune until, in 1856, he found himself able to erect the block of stores which bears his name, on Monroe street. This was the first venture upon a large block of stores in Grand Rapids. Though in later years eclipsed by large and more pretentious structures, for many years it was the "big thing" in the city. In fact, it was a heavy venture, as the sequel proved; the wants of the place then demanding no so massive buildings.
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