USA > Michigan > Ingham County > Lansing > Past and present of the city of Lansing and Ingham county, Michigan > Part 18
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His experience, as a progressive news- paper man and a legislator, coupled with his fine mental equipment had fitted him for any position within the gift of the people of this commonwealth. From early manhood he had taken a deep interest in public affairs. His supreme confidence in his country and her destiny, and her future possible great-
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ness, was both inspiring and sublime. The conscientious ability with which he dis- charged every trust, public and private, made advancement for him easy and natural. As a legislator he quickly established an enviable reputation, as a faithful public ser- vant, a man whose integrity or honesty was never questioned. He became a factor in the politics of the State. He was growing fast and the widening scope of his political arena of action was making new and continued demands upon him. Nature was indeed kind in the gift of Job T. Campbell to the world, and now that he is gone before reach- ing the zenith of his fame, and from a hu- man standpoint, when he could illy be spared, the community in which he lived and the State at large has lost one of its most promising sons.
In public or private life he was alike, in- corruptible. His career as editor or states- man was successful from the outset, retain- ing the confidence and growing in the es- . age of his noble example will remain to bless teem of his fellow citizens. Many of his friends had predicted for him great achieve- ments in the political field.
He was never extreme or erratic, always courteous and manly. His sense of honor and convictions were of the highest order. He accepted responsibilities with a certain reserve of modesty that emphasized the weight and dignity of his opinions.
The play of fine fancy ofttimes fringed his earnest addresses, but never an unseemly word or misplaced levity marred or belittled his utterances. It has been said, "The fame and honor of no man is safe this side of the grave." The name and fame of this just man is secure. His honor will remain for- ever unsullied and his memory will linger as a sweet perfume.
A half score of men, the counterpart of Job T. Campbell, would have made Mason the most renowned city in this great com-
monwealth. He had respect for the honest opinions of others, but was bound by none. Nature endowed him with a clear intellect and good judgment. He possessed a kind- ly heart and gentle disposition ; these coupled with energy, industry and a lofty purpose made him the pure, noble, manly man the people loved and delighted to honor.
His sudden demise at an age in life when his capabilities and faculties were at their best; his taking off at such a time is one of the mysterious workings of Providence, that must forever remain one of the un- answered "whys" of life. The community mourns his untimely death and points to his useful and upright life with feelings of pride mingled with sorrow.
Human life should not be measured by the years it has spanned, but rather by its ac- complishments. Judged by such a standard, Job T. Campbell had exceeded the average limit of life. He is gone, but the rich herit- the world, and his love for the devotion to the right, be an inspiration to truer man- hood.
"I knew Job T. Campbell during the last few years of his life. With the intimacy born of true friendship, came also respect, admiration, love. I shall never forget the dark cloud of sorrow that spread over the City of Mason during his last hours. I well remember the occasion of reading the bulle- tin which announced the sad news that our loved and loving citizen and friend was passing away.
"In all public movements he had been our recognized leader. His clear conception had ofttimes settled for us many questions of pub- lic and private concern. Like many others, I had learned to lean upon him, to seek his advice upon the many perplexing questions of life. How many times did we hear it asked : 'Who will take his place ?'
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"The true grandeur and nobility of his life cannot be expressed in words. It can only be understood by a personal knowledge of his pure life and magnetic presence. It is hard to overestimate the debt we owe to this, our universally beloved citizen. His many good deeds have become so impressed upon the public and private life of those around him that every day in some way yet recalls the value of his living, the mystery of his untimely death. Had he lived he doubtless would have been the modest recipient of still greater honors than those which he had achieved. He had not yet reached that place on life's highway that marked his greatest usefulness; he had, however, traveled far enough to have met hosts of friends, who yet continue to gather inspiration from his noble manhood and true Christian charac- ter."-L. B. McArthur.
"Job Campbell was certainly a Christian and gave to his fellowmen in his daily inter- course with them, the benefit of his con- scientious example. He was an honest man ; one actuated by the principle of right and possessed of sufficient strength of character to dare to do right. As editor and law maker, and as citizen he gave his very best efforts for the welfare of his fellows. He loved his fellowmen and was loved by them. The Angel of Death appeared and Job T. Campbell passed beyond this life, yet the memory of his noble life lives on, to guide others to noble purposes and conscientious action."-Howard Wiest.
"To tell of Job T. Campbell, as a Chris- tian man, would take a large space. I will not attempt it in these few lines. Broad- minded and sympathetic, he put the best in- terpretation on every man's conduct. His rebuke was like sunlight turned into a dark corner-it simply revealed the sinner to himself. With young people he was an in- spiration. More than one young man kept
his eye on the Prize because of the faith of that strong, dignified friend, who believed in him and expected him to be something and to do something.
"Amongst men he mingled freely with all the classes, but I never heard it even hinted that he had ever in political life, or fraternity life, or club life, or social life, or business life, denied his Lord or compromised his cause. He was the Barnabas between Peter and Paul, the link between the extremes of the church. Naturally the Lord had given him more sense than he gives to the average man, and Job had added to his natural fund, wisdom and tact.
"I want to add just one illustration of his genius to do the right thing at the right time : He was superintendent of the Sabbath school, and one day he said to me: 'Well, pastor, does everything suit you in the church?' I said: 'No, there are too many independent ends aimed at. Every depart- ment of the church, the Sabbath school, the missionary society, the young peoples' so- cieties and all social life ought to work towards the pulpit, and they do not do so. The most of them seem to be ends in them- . selves. All the energies of the church should converge into the pulpit and in the pastor.' A couple of weeks later, as I was about to go away on a long journey, at the close of the Sabbath school, he called the singers up to the front, then he asked me to sit in the middle of the Sabbath school, and he asked the school to sing 'No. 304.' A hundred voices sang. 'God be With You "Til We Meet Again.' At the close of the song, there stood the superintendent, tears in his eyes, his face livid with emotion, his body trembling with feeling, then with a mighty effort at self-control he said, 'Pas- tor Zimmerman, your Sabbath school, sur- rounding you, wish you Godspeed on, and a safe return from, your journey."-Andrew
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S. Zimmerman, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Mason, Michigan, from Sept. 6, 1897, to Nov. 6, 1902.
HORATIO J. BOND.
No history of the County of Ingham dur- ing the last half of the nineteenth century would be complete without a record of the activities of the noble men and women, who during those eventful years, wrought with energy and perseverance to bring about the wonderful changes that have been affected along the line of the physical development of this county. The first settlers, the origi- nal pioneers, have passed away, but in their places have come their worthy sons and daughters, to build upon the foundations of their sturdy ancestors. Progress is the law of the race, and with improved physical conditions of the county, have come a better . and higher civilization. All honor to those God-fearing men and women, who braved the hardships and endured the privations, incident to the settlement of a new country. Long may their deeds of valor, their trials and triumphs be told in story and song, to the generations that shall come after them.
The subject of this sketch is but a genera- tion removed from the old first settler. Horatio J. Bond is a product of the Wolver- ine State, having been born in Rome, Lena- wee county, May 1, 1842. His parents were natives of the Empire State and came to Michigan in the year 1838 and settled in Lenawee county. His father was a carpen- ter and followed his trade through life. H. J. was an only child, and he had the mis- fortune of having been bereft of his mother when but a babe of one year-an irreparable loss. His early education was acquired in the district schools of his native town. While yet in his teens, a mere boy, the tele- graph flashed the news across the country
that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, and that civil war had been declared. This por- tentious news, although apprehended by many, created the most intense excitement ; business was nearly suspended. President Lincoln issued a call for seventy-five thous- and volunteers for three months. Michi- gan's quota was one regiment only, which within a few days, under the leadership of the gallant Col. O. B. Wilcox, was on its way to the seat of war. Everywhere throughout the north, preparations were be- ing made to loyally support the administra- tion and the cause of the union. The ninety days for which the first troops were enlisted, were drawing to a close, only one great battle had been fought, that of the first Bull Run, in which the enemy were victorious, hurl- ing the union forces back within the de- fenses of Washington in a confused mass. Then came the call for three hundred thous- and men for three years, or during the war. It was under this call that Gov. Blair was authorized to recruit the third Michigan cavalry, and it was this call that appealed to the loyal pride of young Bond, and he pushed aside all the ambitions of life and enrolled himself as a private soldier in the ranks of Co. E of the Third Michigan Cav- alry. This regiment was rendezvoused at Grand Rapids and was mustered into service November 1, 1861, having upon its rolls one thousand one hundred and sixty-three offi- cers and men, and on the twenty-eighth of the same month, commanded by Lieut. Col. R. H. G. Minty of Detroit, left the State under orders for St. Louis, Mo. Its first engagement was New Madrid, March 13. following.
It is a matter of record that in the first engagement, the third cavalry "gave the traitors a lively idea of what Michigan cav- alry were composed of, and what they might expect of them in the future." The siege
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of Island No. Ten followed and was main- tained until April 30 when it surrendered. The regiment having been assigned to the command of Gen. Pope, marched to Corinth, Miss., serving there until its evacuation by the enemy. It was engaged in the Battle of Farmington, May 5.
Following the retreat of the rebels from Corinth, it entered upon the campaign of Gen. Grant in Mississippi, and served under Gen. Rosencranz, encountering the enemy at Spangles Mills, July 26, 1862 ; Bay Springs, September 10, and at Iuka, September 19. In this engagement, which was quite spirit- ed, the regiment captured a stand of colors, belonging to the Third Louisiana Infantry. Gen. Rosencranz, in his report, speaking of the third cavalry, said: "For courage, ef- ficiency and for incessant and successful combats, I do not believe they have any superiors." Following the engagement of Iuka, in quick succession, came Corinth, October 3-4; Hatchie, October 6; Hudson- ville, November 14; Holly Springs, Novem- ber 19; Lampkins Mills, November 30; Ox- ford, December 2, and Coffee Mills, Decem- ber 5. At the close of the first year's serv- ice, the regiment had to its credit, in prison- ers taken, three lieutenant colonels, two majors, thirteen captains, nineteen lieuten- ants and twelve hundred and forty-nine pri- vates. Its losses from all causes were two hundred and fifteen.
January 14, 1863, the regiment met the rebels at Brownsville, Miss., and at Clifton on the twentieth. In July, the brigade un- der command of Col. Hatch, proceeded to Jackson, Tenn., where the third cavalry participated in a heavy engagement on the 13th of July and again on the twentieth, skirmished with the enemy at Panola. August 14, at Granada, Bayhalia ; October 12, Wyatts Ford and at Tallahatchie river October 13. At Granada the third was in
advance and assisted in destroying a large amount of rolling stock, after driving the enemy from the town. Over sixty locomo- tives and over three hundred cars were de- stroyed, besides large quantities of commis- sary and quartermaster stores. During No- vember and December, 1863, the regiment was almost constantly engaged in scouting in various expeditions through northern Mississippi and western Tennessee. It had frequent encounters with the rebels under Generals Forest and Chalmers.
Engagements and skirmishes in which the regiment participated occurred at Ripley, Miss., November 29, Orizaba, Miss., No- vember 30, Ellistown, December 3, Purdy, Tenn., December 22; Jacks Creek, Tenn., December 24, 1863. January 1, 1864, the regiment arrived at LaGrange, Tenn., and went into winter quarters. This term of service having nearly expired, opportunity was given for reenlistment, and within a few days five hundred and ninety-two of the command veteranized and a furlough of thirty days was given. Rendezvous was established at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a large number of recruits were added to the reorganized third cavalry, early in March, 1864, when under command of Col. John K. Mizner of Detroit, the regiment left the State under orders for St. Louis, Mo., same point of destination as when first leaving. Here it remained for two months, awaiting horses, arms and equipments. In the mean- time it performed provost duty in the city. Although, still dismounted, on the 18th day of May, the command proceeded to Little Rock, Ark., where it arrived on the 24th, reported to Maj. Gen. Steele, and soon after, was mounted and for some time was en- gaged in dispersing roving bands of gueril- las, under the Rebel Gen. Shelby, driving them across the Arkansas river, capturing about eight hundred head of cattle.
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From Nov. 1864, to February, 1865, the regiment constituted a garrison at Browns- ville station on the Memphis and Little Rock R. R. Scouting parties from the regiment were sent out over the country and were en- abled to secure cattle in sufficient numbers to supply the department with fresh beef. Owing to the neatness of the quarters of the regiment, the name of the camp was changed from that of Brownsville Station to Michigan City. In the spring of 1895 the first regi- ment was assigned to the brigade, first division, 7th army corps, and moved to Brownsville, and in March was transferred to the military division of West Mississippi, joining the forces under Maj. Gen. Canby. Following the fall of Mobile, it was em- ployed in outpost duty until the surrender of the rebel forces, east of the Mississippi river. Leaving Mobile, May 8. it marched across the country to Baton Rouge, La., where it arrived on the 22d. About this time, Maj. Gen. Phil Sheridan assumed command of the forces of the department and the regiment was selected to join an expedition into Texas. Leaving Baton Rouge, June 10, they marched to Shreve- port, and July 10 started for San Antonio, where they arrived August 2. Here it re- mained performing garrison duty, and scouting the frontier, as far south as the Rio Grande on the Mexican border. February 15, 1866, it was dismounted and mustered out of service and proceeded via Victoria to Indianola on foot, where it took shipping for New Orleans and Cario, from thence by rail to Jackson, Michigan, where it arrived March 10, and was paid off on the 15th, and disbanded.
This brief outline of the arduous service of this gallant command is sufficient to im- press the reader with the fact that active soldiering in a Michigan cavalry regiment during the Civil war was indeed a strenuous
life. To add that the history of the regi- ment is but the history of Horatio J. Bond, is glory sufficient to gratify the ambitions of any man. To have endured the priva- tions and hardships of the long weary marches for days, lengthening into weeks, in an almost tropical climate, with short ra- tions and scant water, must have tested the powers of endurance to the limit. Mr. Bond was promoted several times for faithful and efficient service, and at the time he was mustered out was orderly sergeant of his company. Four and a half years' service in the field, with a Michigan cavalry regiment, fighting in defense of a nation's flag and honor, is a record seldom duplicated. The total loss of the command, including officers and men, was four hundred and fourteen.
"On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards with solemn sound The bivouac of the dead.'
Returning to civil life, Mr. Bond .was en- gaged with his father in the carpenter trade, which he continued to follow during his father's life time. In the meantime he had located in Holt, and on April 22, 1869, was united in marriage to Miss Julia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ferguson, who were among the first settlers of the place, having located here in 1837. Mr. Ferguson held a government claim for eighty acres of land, which he located on section 13, January, 1841. The Township of Delhi was organ- ized, as such, February 15, 1842, and at the first town meeting held April 4, following, twenty votes were cast. Mr. Ferguson was elected one of the Commissioners of High- ways, and the year following was elected Town Treasurer, and in later years served the township as Supervisor for twelve years, and held other township offices. He was closely identified with its growth and de-
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velopment for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson reared a family of eight children, five of whom are still living. Data referring to them is given as follows: Amelia, mar- ried Alpha Douglas, now deceased; Mary, wife of H. J. Aldrich; Julia, born Novem- ber 7, 1843; Adelpha, deceased wife of S. H. Phillips; Dr. Augustus F. Furguson, a ' practicing physician of Lansing; Dr. J. W. Ferguson of Okemos; Emma, wife of A. F. Gunn. The elder Ferguson died February 28, 1898, at the age of eighty-two years and his devoted wife October 27, 1894, at the age of seventy-six years. Both were laid at rest in the Holt cemetery. In life they were active members of the M. E. church.
Mr. and Mrs. Bond have had born to them one son, Harry J., September 9, 1874, who finished his education at the Lansing high school. He is at present assistant cashier in the First State and Savings Bank at Mason. Harry enlisted as a musician in Co. F, 31st Michigan Volunteers, May 9, : 898, and went with his regiment to Cuba. He was mustered out and honorably dis- charged May 17, 1899. He was united in marriage December 10, 1902, to Miss Iva, the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. J. Rayner of Mason.
Horatio J. Bond, though never a seeker for place, has often been chosen by his fel- lowmen to serve in various official capacities. He has served as Township Clerk, also as Township Treasurer. He has always taken an active interest in local affairs and contri- buted generously of both time and means to any enterprise looking to the betterment of society at large. He was elected to the re- sponsible position of County Treasurer in the year 1892 and reelected in 1894, serving four years, retiring in the fullest confidence and respect of the public.
Mr. Bond is a Republican of the pro-
nounced sort and is in full sympathy with the avowed principles of the party. Mr. Bond was for several years engaged in the mercantile business at Holt, carrying a gen- eral stock. The firm name was "Baker and Bond." By frugality and attention to busi- ness, he has been enabled to lay by a com- petence sufficient to meet his necessities, hav- ing valuable holdings, both personal and real.
Mr. and Mrs. Bond are living in compara- tive retirement, surrounded by friends, who wish for them many years of happiness and contentment.
GEORGE M. CARR.
George M. Carr, one of the active and en- terprising business men of Williamston, was born in that township, June 26, 1850, he being the only child. His parents were Wil- liam M. and Matilda (Moore) Carr, and were natives of Canada. The father was born March 3, 1826, in the Province of Que- bec, Canada, and died May 30, 1899. The mother was born February 17, 1830, died July 22, 1850. They came to this locality when the country was practically in a prim- itive state and there resided until their death.
George Carr started out for himself on a tract of sixty acres of land adjacent to the farm of his father upon which at one time there were only five acres improved, but by perseverance and hard work he improved that place, erecting new buildings. carving out for himself and family a comfortable home upon which they resided for a space of thirty-two years.
Our subject was united in marriage June 24, 1869, to Miss Ulissa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Watson of Wheatfield town- ship. The Watsons were natives of New York and came to Michigan when Mrs. Carr was but two years old. In the Watson fam-
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ily there were seven children, as follows : Ulissa O., born March 6, 1853; Nancy J., born October 23, 1854, died February 10, 1861; Eliza A., born September 1, 1856; J. W., born May 27, 1863; Elbert, born June 21, 1865, died December 19, 1865; Andrew J., born June 13, 1867; Belle, born April 20, 1871, died April 27, 1872.
Mr. Watson purchased a farm in Wheat- field which was their home for many years, or until the death of the mother, which oc- curred January 2, 1875. She bore the maiden name of Temperance Welch, and was born in Arcada, Wayne county, N. Y., November 21, 1833. Mr. Watson was born in the town of Lyons, N. Y. Mr. Watson at the advanced age of seventy-six is now a resident of Bath. He has been a teacher of music since twenty years of age, and taught altogether for fifty years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carr was born one son, Ellsworth M. He was born June 3, 1870, in Williamston township, this county, upon the farm where he now resides. He is a member of the Masonic order, lodge No. 153. and he and his wife are also members of the Eastern Star No. 29 of Williamston. His politics is Republican.
Ellsworth Carr was married on the 4th day of November, 1895, to Miss Jennie Merritt, and unto them have been born four children, as follows: Marian, born January 28, 1897; Meriel, born April 2, 1898; Wil- lis, born January 1, 1900, while the last named is Forrest, born August 14, 1901.
Mr. and Mrs. George Carr retired from the activities of farm life about a year ago, purchasing a fine residence in the village of Williamston, where they have since resided.
Mr. Carr, though a Republican, usually votes for the man he deem best qualified for the officce. He is a man of good, social qualities. While he has never been an office seeker, he has been for three terms Com-
missioner of Highways for Williamston township. Since moving to the village has been engaged in handling monuments for the Lansing Granite Co., a business to which he seems eminently adapted. He still has a general oversight of the farm upon which his son resides.
Mr. Carr is a member of Williamston Lodge No. 153 F. & A. M., Chapter No. 117 R. A. M., Council No. 64 R. & S. M., and both are members of the Eastern Star, Williamston, No. 29.
Mr. Carr's father married for his second wife, Sarah Bethiah Simons. This cere- mony was performed August 17, -1851, and since the death of his father, Mr. Carr has kindly given her a home in his family. This estimable lady was born March 25, 1833.
WILLIAM H. COLLINS.
A general farmer on section 26, Mr. Col- lins has learned the secrets of nature and science so thoroughly as to insure success in his dealings with these fickle deities. His farm comprises one hundred and seven acres of good, arable land. Our subject was born Aug. 8, 1841, and is the son of Selah B. and Permelia (Green) Collins, natives of New York. The father was born Nov. 12, 1812, and the mother, Sept. 18, 1817, and their marriage day was Dec. 24, 1834.
Selah Baxter Collins engaged in farming after coming to Michigan in 1824 with his parents. His father first located at Pitts- field township, Washtenaw county, where he remained several years, his name was Alpheus Collins.
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