USA > Michigan > Shiawassee County > Past and present of Shiawassee County, Michigan, historically; with biographical sketches > Part 50
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him for personal relief and was turned away without assistance; for no man ever had a heart that beat in warmer sympathy with his fellows. Such are the traits and characteris- tics of Hugh McCurdy, and such are the per- sonal qualifications of this truly self-made man.'
"His Masonic life covers a period of nearly fifty years, he having been initiated in Bir- mingham Lodge, No. 44, on August 5, 1850. Ten days later he was passed and raised to the degree of Master Mason.
"January 10, 1872, he was elected deputy grand master of the grand lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Michigan. January 17, 1873, he was unanimously elected grand mas- ter of the grand lodge, something which had never before occurred. The total number of votes cast was eight hundred and thirty-two. October 2, 1873, he laid the corner stone of the new state capitol, at Lansing.
"November 18, 1873, he received the thirty- third degree and was created an honorary member of the supreme council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the northern Masonic jurisdiction of the United States, at Chicago. September 18, 1879, he was ap- pointed grand marshal of the camp of the su- preme council, which office he continued to hold until September 27, 1883. September 27, 1883, he was elected and crowned an active member of the supreme council ad vitam.
"August 11, 1892, he was elected, by a un- animous ballot, most eminent grand master of the grand encampment of Knights Templar for the United States of America, at Denver, Colorado, which position he filled for three years, to the satisfaction of the great brother- hood over which he presided.
"The extraordinary scope and character of such a record can scarcely fail to stir a spirit of generous emulation in every true Mason's breast. Perhaps honors like these are reserved for the few, but every faithful man in the order may at least aspire to them. At the very least, so conspicuous and noble an ex- emplification of loyal service rewarded must be productive of lasting good to Masonry."
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SHIAWASSEE COUNTY
ARTHUR MCKAY
The history of Shiawassee county would not be complete without a sketch of Arthur Mckay, who has been a business man of New Lothrop for the last quarter of a century. He was born in Vittoria, province of Ontario, Canada, January 25, 1848. His father, Dr. Adam Mckay, was born in Dumfries, Scot- land, in 1819. His mother, Janet (Crockett) McKay, was also native of Dumfries, Scot- land, where she was born in 1820.
Our subjects parents were married in Scot- land, in 1840. The father died at Vittoria, Canada, in 1852, and the mother died at Nor- folk, Virginia, in 1899. The father, a physi- cian, practiced medicine one year at Rochester, New York and then removed to Vittoria, Canada, where he continued the practice of his profession until his death. He was edu- cated in the schools of Glasgow and Edin- borough, Scotland, and was one of the highly educated men of his time. He spoke six dif- ferent languages and contributed editor- ials to many of the scientific journals of Canada.
There were five children, the oldest being Isabella, Mrs. Charles R. Lyons, who died in Chicago. The second is Helen, Mrs. William C. Janes, of Wheeler, Indiana. The third, Mary, is the widow of C. K. Runnells, of Nor- folk, Virginia, formerly of New Lothrop. The fourth is the subject of this sketch. The fifth, William, is unmarried and lives in the state of Texas.
In October, 1883, Arthur Mckay was united in marriage with Alta Bush, of Hazelton township. She was born December 22, 1862, and is a daughter of Joseph H. and Anna (Parkinson) Bush. Her father and mother were married in Oakland county, Michigan, where the father was born in 1831 and the mother in 1835. They were early settlers of Hazelton township, moving here from Pontiac, where Mr. Bush had been engaged in busi- ness. The township at that time was prac- tically a wilderness. Mrs. McKay is the third of four children, the others are Frank, Mrs.
Adelbert Tinker and Loretta, the last named having died when but a girl.
Arthur Mckay started for himself when but a boy fourteen years of age, and continued in business until August, 1901, when he was compelled to retire, on account of the condi- tion of his health. He began his business ca- reer by clerking in a general store in Vittoria, Canada, where he worked until the year 1877, when he came to New Lothrop, where he took up the same vocation. In 1883 he went into partnership with James Viets, in a general store. This partnership continued five years, and was then dissolved, Mr. Mckay continu- ing the business alone. He continued to con- duct the business himself until the year 1893, when he formed a copartnership with C. E. Mott, this association continuing two years. He was for thirty-nine years behind the coun- ter in a general store, first as clerk and after- ward as owner. His example is worthy of consideration by young men who desire to make a success in life. He learned the busi- ness and then followed it persistently until, on account of rheumatic trouble, he was com- pelled to retire from active store work. At present he does a general real-estate and loan business.
Mr. and Mrs. McKay have two children : Janet, who was born August 9, 1886, is now in a conservatory of music in the city of Detroit ; and Maude, born July 23, 1888, is attending school in the home town.
Mr. Mckay is a member of the Presby- terian church. His early education was se- cured in the schools of Vittoria, Canada, but his desire to do something for himself caused him to leave school at an early age and com- mence his business career.
GEORGE G. MARKHAM
The past fifty years have seen a marked de- velopment in all branches of business. The ox cart has given way to the railroad, the scythe to the self-binder and the flail to the threshing machine. The forest has fallen be-
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fore the strong arm of the farmer, and the log cabins have been replaced by dwellings with modern improvements. It required strong men to subdue the wilderness, but strong men, both in body and character, have accom- plished the task.
George G. Markham was born in Oakland county, Michigan, January 15, 1855. His father, Sylvester Markham, was born in Con- necticut, in 1817, and died in Hazelton town- ship November 14, 1895. His mother Fannie (Pinkham) Markham, was born in England and died in 1878.
Sylvester Markham came to Michigan when about thirty years of age and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, mostly wild, in Oakland county. Here he labored and improved the farm, residing upon it until his death. Before coming to Michigan he went to Canada, where he met and married the wife of his choice. They lived in Canada several years after their marriage, and there some of their children were born. The sub- ject of this sketch is the third of six children. Maria, the oldest, now Mrs. Caleb Poyer, of Harbor Springs, was born in Canada. Mary Ann, the second child, was likewise born in Canada. She is the widow of Lewis Bird, and lives in Saginaw county. Harrison, who was born September 23, 1858, is married and lives in Oakland county. Fannie, now Mrs. New- ton Clark, was born June 9, 1865, and resides at Pontiac. Michigan. Ida May, now Mrs. Rodger Clark, was born September 11, 1873, and is living in Huron county.
George G. Markham began working for himself at the age of twenty-one years, finding employment by the day and month upon a farm. He continued at this employment for seven years, and, being a young man of good habits and business ability, at the end of that time he had saved sufficient to purchase forty acres of land where he now lives, in section 29, Hazelton township.
On the 22d of January, 1882, he married Clara Everett, who was born in Oakland county March 5, 1858. She is a daughter of James and Mahala (Lacy) Everett. Mr. Ev- erett was born in the state of Pennsylvania,
May 4, 1815, and died February 22, 1897. He came to Oakland county in 1835 and there purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cleared and improved. Mrs. Everett was born in New Jersey, May 16, 1824, and is still living in Oakland county. They had nine children, of which Mrs. Mark- ham is the seventh. Clarissa Ann is now dead. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wiser resides in Oakland county ; John J. Everett is living at Ortonville, Michigan ; Charles Edward Ever- ett died in his youth. Charles R. Everett re- sides at Clayton, Genesee county; the sixth child died in infancy; Ada Belle Burt lives in Oakland county; and Sarah died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Markham have one child, Mary Luella, born November 3, 1898.
Some time after his marriage Mr. Markham moved upon the forty acres of land which he had purchased. He built a log house and commenced to clear the land. Over obstacles that would have discouraged a less determined spirit, he triumphed, laying the foundation of his future fortune. He afterward purchased more land, and he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable farming land. He is a Democrat, but has never aspired to or held any office. He is engaged in general farming, which has always been his occupation and of which he has made a success.
JOSEPH MARSHALL, M. D.
The profession which represents the bene- ficent healing art has many noble members whose lives are filled with acts of goodness and whose most strenuous effort is to attain that skill which is necessary in saving life and restoring health. Such a life work raises a man above the sordid motives which actuate many of mankind, and gives to life a nieaning which more mercenary callings cannot grant. We are, therefore, always gratified to be able to introduce to our readers the physicians who have won for themselves a high place in the profession of Shiawassee county.
Dr. Marshall, of Durand, is one of the prominent physicians of central Michigan,
DR. JOSEPH MARSHALL
MRS. JOSEPH MARSHALL
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and has met with exceptional success in his practice. His office is thoroughly equipped in every way, for the practice of his vocation. An excellent X-ray machine has recently been added to the office equipment. His ability in his profession is noticeable in the amount of consultation work which he does.
Our subject was born in Canada, in 1848, and came with his parents to the Wolverine state when three years of age. He attended the schools of Romeo and Armada and was graduated in the high school in the latter place in the year 1870. Dr. Marshall's school life was broken into by the war. In 1864 he enlisted in Company B, Thirtieth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service, following the fortunes of his command, until the close of the war. After this he entered the office of Dr. F. M. Garlick, of Armada, where he studied for one year, and he then entered the Detroit Medical College, in which he was graduated in 1878. He began the practice of his chosen profession at Gaines, where for fifteen years he was one of the fore- most physicians of the community. Here he built up a large practice and had an extensive ride. In 1892 the Doctor took two post-gradu- ate courses at the Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago, and in 1897 took one course in the Post-Graduate School of New York.
In 1893 Dr. Marshall came to Durand and established himself in his profession. Here he has built up a splendid practice and met with success on every hand. In 1893 he was elected surgeon general of the Union Veter- ans' Union, Department of Michigan, and for one year was honored with this office.
In the year 1876 Dr. Marshall was married to Miss Hester Ogden, of Armada. Mrs. Marshall was a daughter of Pendleton Ogden, who came with his parents from London, England, in 1819, and settled in New York. He died in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1864. The mother died at Armada, in 1891. Mrs. Mar- shall was a cousin to Ann Eliza Young, who was one of the "sealed" wives of Brigham Young, and who was at one time a noted lec- turer throughout the United States against
Mormonism. To Dr. and Mrs. Marshall one child, Nellie H., was born. She is married to J. H. Swineford and resides in Frankfort, Michigan. Mr. Swineford is an engineer on the Toledo and Ann Arbor railroad. Our sub- ject is of mixed Irish and Scotch extraction, his father, Thomas G., having been a native of Ireland, while his mother, Isabella (Carr) Marshall, was a native of Scotland. Thomas G. Marshall died in Ontario, Canada, in 1898, and the mother of the Doctor died at Port Huron, Michigan, in 1855.
In fraternal relations Dr. Marshall is al- lied with the Masons and is counted as one of the prominent members of the order. He is also identified with the Detroit Mystic Shrine and the consistory of thirty-second degree Masonry in Grand Rapids.
Our subject has made his own way, having acquired his early education by hard work, as he went to school during the winter months and in the summer was engaged in whatever work he was able to find. He belongs to the class of "well read" men of to-day, and has in his possession a splendid library. He has in every way kept pace with the progress of his profession. In the early days of his pro- fession he often had to make the trips to his patients on horseback or on foot, but this de- votion to his work has been the means of win- ning for him the success which he now en- joys. Dr. Marshall has some valuable min- ing interests in the west, consisting of copper, gold and silver. Dr. Marshall experienced the great sorrow of his life in the loss of his devoted and faithful wife and companion, who passed to the life eternal on November 6, 1905. The Doctor had been mindful for some time that his wife had organic trouble of the heart, and both fully understood the possibili- ties, yet her sudden death was a great shock and bereavement. Together they had shared the joys and sorrows that are common to mor- tals. Mrs. Marshall was a woman of strong and genial personality and gracious presence, and she easily won for herself admiring and trusting friends. Her loss has left a great shadow on the once happy home. Mrs. Mar- ·shall had been for many years an esteemed
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member of the Congregational church. One has truthfully said: "The very memory of sorrow is a gentle benediction that broods over the household like the silence that comes after prayer. There is a blessing sent from God in every burden of sorrow." The floral offerings from friends spoke impressively of the esteem and love in which Mrs. Marshall was held by her friends and neighbors, and also testified to the deep sympathy felt for her afflicted husband. There is comfort in the thought down in this cold world of ours that "earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."
JOHN Y. MARTIN
The future of our great commonwealth de- pends upon the stability and integrity of the young people of to-day, and among those who are contributing to the general progress is the gentleman whose name introduces these para- graphs and whose life thus far has been crowned with success.
It has often been said that the live young men of any community are what keeps the blood of the place in circulation. The men who are well established in years and wealth are often content to sit back and enjoy the prosperity which they have so hardly earned in their younger days, and they are not so ac- tive and alive to the interests of the com- munity, nor so ready to push with a good will any enterprise for the upbuilding of the town. To the younger man we must look for such aggressive action, and in such as our subject is Corunna and its vicinity rich.
John Y. Martin, the son of Eli and Sarah (Yerkes) Martin, was born in Caledonia township, Shiawassee county, in the year 1863. His father was born in the Empire state and came to this county and settled in Venice township in the year 1850.
Eli Martin was married to Sarah Yerkes in the year 1859, she being the daughter of Titus Yerkes, who belonged to that class of pioneers who gave the best years of their life to the upbuilding of their adopted country. Eli
Martin and his highly esteemed wife are now residents of Corunna, having retired from farming, in which they were engaged for many years, ten years ago, and they are en- joying the fruits of their early toil. To this worthy couple were born three children: F. S. Martin, who is a resident of Morrice, this county ; Augusta, who is the wife of Ed. Ad- ams of Detroit; and John Y., our honored subject.
John Y. Martin spent his boyhood as did other farmer lads of hi's time, in attending the district school and assisting in the work of the farm. He later attended the Corunna high school, where he finished in the year 1883. He then lived on a farm for a while and for one year was engaged in teaching in the district schools of the county. After this he clerked in a store at Mount Pleasant for one year.
John Y. Martin was united in marriage in 1890 to Miss Lillian Holley, daughter of Dr. D. C. Holley, of Vernon, who was an early settler of the county, having come here as early as 1836. Dr. Holley takes great pride in the fact that he was a member of the first class that matriculated in the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. It is interesting to know also that Dr. Holley's father, Ranson W. Holley, was a member of the building committee that built the old court house, and that in the year 1856 he was treas- urer of his county.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin became the parents of four children, one having died in 1898. Flor- ence, Arthur and Homer are the joy of the home and give promise of useful and upright lives.
Socially, our subject is closely allied with the Elks at Owosso, the Masonic blue lodge at Vernon, and the chapter and commandery at Corunna, being also a member of the Gleaners and Maccabees.
The Martin family for generations back have been stanch suporters of the Republican party, and all have been active in political af- fairs, also in social matters, as to the upbuild- ing of their community, being always willing to lend a helping hand and their means to the betterment of their town and county.
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SHIAWASSEE COUNTY
Our subject was justice of peace of Caledo- nia township, was three years treasurer of his township, and served eight terms as super- visor, filling these offices to the best of his abil- ity and in a manner pleasing to the commu- nity which he was serving. He was elected county clerk in the year 1900 and is now serv- ing his third term,-an evidence of the popu- larity of the man. He is reliable in every way and his path in life has been one of hon- or and uprightness and his many friends wish for him a continuation of the success which he has already experienced.
GERSHOM WOODRUFF MATTOON
Colonel Gershom W. Mattoon, a brave sol- dier and a widely known farmer of Shiawas- see county, whose holdings are on section 9, in that township, is a native of the Empire state, having been born in Monroe county, New York, on the 12th of September, 1842. He is the son of Gershom Parker Mattoon and Nancy Lavina (Woodruff) Mattoon. His mother was a native of Morris county, New Jersey, born February 28, 1811, and she died May 7, 1896 ; his father, who was born in New York state November 9, 1806, died on the 23d of November, 1886. The latter was a painter by trade, but always lived upon a farm.
Our subject was of a family of nine chil- dren, six of whom were born in the east prior to the coming of his parents to Michigan, in 1846. A home was established in Vernon township, Shiawassee county, where the famn- ily remained until 1855, when they removed to Clinton county. There the father died. In the earlier years of his life he was a Whig. At the birth of the Republican party he united with that organization and was ever after loyal to its principles. In his earlier years lie was a member of the Presbyterian church, but later adopted more liberal Congregational views.
Of the children of Gershom P. and Nancy (Woodruff) Mattoon, six are living: George P., the eldest, also a soldier of the civil war, is
a farmer, living in St. Johns, Clinton county ; he was born July 3, 1832. Sarah C., born August 7, 1834, is the wife of Edmund Rey- nolds, of Shiawassee township. Nancy M., born February 3, 1837, is now Mrs. J. W. Hall, of Corunna. Harriet A., born February 15, 1841, married Wm. Sheriff, of Greenbush, Clinton county, who enlisted in the Union army in August, 1862, as a member of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and who died in the hospital, of typhoid fever, in February, 1864. Our subject was next in order of birth. Mary A., Mrs. Theron Gladden, was born October 14, 1845, and died December 25, 1873, being at the time of her death a resident of Shia- wassee township. Oscar S., born October 28. 1849, died at the age of one year. Vincent S., born May 3, 1852, is an employe of the Ann Arbor car works, and is a resident of Owos- so. Erastus J., born October 15, 1854, lives at St. Johns.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools of Shiawassee township and public institutions of Corunna and Owos- so. On the 23d of November, 1861, having then but lately entered his twentieth year, he enlisted, at St. Johns, Clinton county, in an organization known as the First United States Lancers. Its originator was a Canadian, and as the command proved to be an illegal con- cern, it was disbanded by the government. Our young patriot, however, was not to be balked in his purpose to go to the front in the Federal cause, and September 1, 1862, he re- enlisted in the Sixth Michigan Cavalry.
Colonel Mattoon entered the service as a private and was promoted to corporal in May, 1864, and to sergeant in the following Decem- ber. He participated in thirty-five engage- ments, the most important being the battle of Gettysburg. At the request of the publishers, Colonel Mattoon has given the following de- tailed acount of his personal service. This is a simple duty every soldier owes to himself, his family, and to posterity. This brief rec- ord of three active years of daring and doing with the Michigan cavalry brigade is one of which any man might justly feel a sense of pride. Colonel Mattoon says :
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"The Sixth Michigan Cavalry, to which I belonged, reached Washington December 14, 1862, and immediately went into camp on Meridian Hill. I was soon afterward taken sick and sent to a hospital, where I remained for about two months, when I rejoined my command, in time to take part in doing picket duty around the defenses of Washington, with an occasional raid into the enemy's country for variety. This was the order of things un- til about the 25th of June, 1863, when the command broke camp, crossed the Potomac and started on what was called the Maryland campaign. We met the enemy for the first time on the 30th of June, at Hanover, Penn- sylvania. I afterward participated with my company in the following engagements: Hun- terstown, Pennsylvania, July 2; Gettysburg, July 3; Monterey, July 4; Cavetown, July 5; July 6; Boonsboro, Maryland, July 8; Hag- erstown, July 11-in this engagement I re- ceived a severe gunshot wound, from a rebel bullet, fracturing my jaw, and incapacitating me for field service for five months. I was sent to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, where I remained until about the last of No- vember, 1863, when, at my own request, I was returned to my regiment, in preference to being transferred to the veteran reserve corps, an organization formed from partially dis- abled soldiers for guard and camp duties in and about the defenses of Washington. I joined the command while in winter quarters at Stevensburg, Culpeper county, Virgania. The following winter was passed in doing picket and camp duty, with an occasional raid into the enemy's country. This was kept up until the last of February, 1864, when, as one of five thousand picked men from General Merritt's and Gregg's cavalry divisions, about two hundred of which were from the Sixth Cavalry, I took part in the celebrated Kilpat- rick raid on Richmond. This was an attempt to liberate the Union soldiers confined in Lib- by prison. The expedition, though not a suc- cess, was very trying to both horse and rider, as about eighty miles were covered in two nights and one day. Nearly a month elapsed before the expedition rejoined the command
at Stevensburg, the last of March. From this date until May 4 we were occupied in prepar- ing for the spring campaign of 1864, which began on that date. The command in con- junction with the Army of the Potomac, pushed forward, crossing the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, marching on to Spottsylvania, where the enemy were strongly intrenched. On the 6th and 7th we were hotly engaged at the bat- tle of the Wilderness, and later at Todd's Tav- ern. On the morning of the 9th our corps started on what is known as Sheridan's raid on Richmond, my regiment leading the col- umn. I was one of ten men selected to act as an advance guard for the greater part of the day. At about sundown we came upon a rebel wagon train with guards having in charge about four hundred Federal prisoners on their way to Richmond, capturing the whole outfit. The command soon after ar- rived at Beaver Dam station, where we cap- tured a large quantity of Confederate ra- tions. On the 11th I was again in action, at Yellow Tavern, where several of my com- rades were killed and wounded. Among the loss on the Confederate side was the well- known General J. E. B. Stuart, who was killed. The engagements enumerated below followed in rapid succession : Meadow Bridge, Virginia, May 12; Hanover Court House, May 21; Hanover town, May 27; Haw's Shop, May 28; Baltimore Cross Roads, May 29; Old Church, May 30; Cold Harbor, May 31; Trevillian Station, June 11 and 12; Winchester, August 11; Front Royal, August 16; Leetown and Shepardstown, August 25; Beryville, September 3; Opequan and Win- chester, September 19; Luray, Virginia, Sep- tember 22; Port Republic, October 1; Mount Crawford, October 2; Woodstock, October 8; Toms Brook, October 9; Cedar Creek, Octo- ber 19; Winchester, November 18; Madison Court House, December 24, closing for me the campaign of 1864.
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