USA > Michigan > Ingham County > Lansing > Past and present of the city of Lansing and Ingham county, Michigan > Part 27
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In a single year, during the building of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad through this section, he passed to his credit on the balance sheet, fifteen hundred dollars. He filled a contract with the City of Saginaw for loading seven hundred cars with gravel. He lumbered off eighty acres of heavy tim- ber land and made enough to purchase a farm of sixty acres within a mile of the court house and this he still owns and oper- ates. He resides in this city, where he has recently erected an artificial stone building for store purposes.
It is scarcely necessary to add that Mr. Nice has made a financial success. He keeps a good stock of improved breeds upon his farm and is continually adding improve- ments. While a record like the foregoing is complimentary to the man, it is also an argu- ment for a democratic form of government, making reasonable achievements along this line more than probable to him "who wills to do."
Mr. Nice also owns two lots adjoining the two previously mentioned, also a business block in the heart of the city on Maple street. He was of a family of eight children, four of whom are now living. In politics, Mr. Nice is a Democrat, and his party takes no chances banking on his vote, as it may al- ways be found in the box, "straight" when the votes are counted. Mr. Nice has a mem- bership in the German Lutheran church, while Mrs. Nice is a Baptist. Both are well preserved people for their ages, and are in condition of body to enjoy the good things of life which have come to them by their in- dustry and frugality. Mr. Nice is of that sturdy element which Germany has given, to its sons, and they to the United States, and to this class Ingham county owes its pros- perity.
THEODORE BORTLE.
The young man who starts out in life empty handed, and who by hard knocks and persistent stick-to-itiveness wins for himself a name and place in the world ought not to be considered presumptive if he classes him- self among those justly termed self-made men.
Theodore Bortle was the son of a black- smith and being to the manor born has fol- lowed the occupation continuously for over forty years, and the music of his hammer and anvil is still heard daily on the south
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side of the court house square, Mason, where he conducts a shop for the accommodation of the general public.
"The smith a mighty man is he With large and sinewy hands And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands."
Theodore was the seventh of a family of thirteen children born to Philip and Nancy Bortle, and this to him important event, oc- curred in 1844 at Perrinsville, Wayne county, Michigan, where his parents set- tled in the year 1842, his father was a native of Herkimer county, New York; was born 1807, died at the age of seventy-two years in the City of Mason and sleeps in a soldier grave in Maple Grove cemetery.
His mother was a native of the Green Mountain state; died at the age of 40 years and was buried in Wayne county, Michigan. Both were members of the M. E. church.
Theodore received his early education in his native town, and at the age of sixteen years he placed his name on the muster rolls of Company A. First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and followed the fortunes of the regiment during its three years of service.
Later was in the employ of Uncle Sam for five months as a blacksmith, was with Sher- man in his grand march to the sea, meeting with experiences that come to a man but once in a lifetime.
Philip Bortle enlisted as a private in Com- pany B of the 14th Michigan Infantry and after ten months' service was honorably dis- charged by reason of rheumatism contracted in the service while in line of duty.
October 19, 1878, Mr. Bortle was united in marriage to Fannie, daughter of Harvey Acker of this city. Two children have been born to them: Harvey T., September 9, 1879, married to Miss Etta, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown of this city. Harvey Bortle is a machinist and employed at the Olds Automobile Works at Lansing ; Fred M., August 10, 1881, unmarried, re- sides in Lansing, is a barber by profession. He enlisted in Company B, 3Ist Regiment, 1897, was mustered into service in the 31st Michigan, saw about thirteen months' service in Cuba, was honorably mustered out at Savannah, Ga., having to his credit thirteen months' service in the U. S. army.
After returning to civil life Theodore Bortle worked by the day in the shop for a time, was later foreman in the Capital Car- riage Works, and for five years was em- ployed by Clark & Co., carriage manufac- turers.
Afterward opened up a general black- smithing shop in Lansing city, which he conducted with very satisfactory results for ten years, since which time he has been do- ing business, and has a comfortable residence here.
Mr. Bortle since residing in this city has served his ward as Alderman. In politics he claims to be independent, voting for men rather than for party.
Mr. Bortle is a member of I. O. O. F. and has filled every official chair in the or- der. He is also a staunch Grand Army man, is Past Commander of Steele Bros. Post No. 441 of Mason, Dept. of Mich. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bortle are members of the M. E. church in this city and contribute toward its maintenance.
CHESTER D. BARBER.
Not only is our subject a highly respected citizen and neighbor of his community, but he is one of the number, who in times of peril offered themselves upon their country's altar and faced death on many a bloody bat- tlefield.
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INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Chester Barber was born in Byron, Gene- see county, N. Y., July 12, 1841, and was the son of William E. and Catherine (Mc- Collum) Barber, the father a native of New Hampshire, and the mother of New York, born Dec. 23, 1816. William E. Barber, whose birth occurred Aug. 21, 1812, was a carpenter in his younger days, but later en- gaged in the occupation of farming. The parents were married Sept. 3, 1840, and came to Michigan in the fall of 1843, set- tling first in Wayne county, and afterward were located in various places, until in 1873, when they came to Leroy, Ingham county, and the father and son together bought eighty acres of partly improved land, upon which was a frame house. William E. Bar- ber is the father of eight children : four by his first marriage, and four by the second.
Our subject was educated in the common schools, and has later added to his education by extensive reading and observation. Mr. Barber started out for himself, and after the war located at Tyronne, and worked for var- ious people on the farm. He finally bought forty acres of land in Leroy, and at present has a life lease of eighty acres, which has been divided among his children. He is an active member of the Methodist church, and a Republican, though never caring for office.
Jan. 23, 1877, our subject was married to Gertrude L. Sumner, the marriage taking place at Fenton, Michigan. They settled in Leroy, where they bought one hundred and sixty acres. Mrs. Barber's father died Feb. 16, 1875, and her mother, Aug. 3. 1891.
Mr. and Mrs. Barber are the parents of four children ; two living : Nellie, born Nov. 5, 1878, married Kendell G. Ide, lives on the home place, and Dwight, born Jan. 28, "sent them to surround the camp, which was 1880, married Nora Boutwell, and lives in Holt.
Chester Barber enlisted in Co. B. 4th Michigan Cavalry, at Detroit, July 17, 1862.
went to Louisville, Ky., then to Perryville, Ky., was in the battle with Buell and against Bragg. He was with Buell all of that fall, and marched twenty-two hundred miles in Kentucky, and then went to Nashville and joined Rosencrans, when they went south and fought in that great battle of Stone River, Dec. 26, 1862, which lasted nine days. The regiment stayed there until the next June, when they went to Shelbyville, Tenn., on what was then called the Tallahoma Cam- paign. Shortly after this they went to Chat- tanooga, and were on the battlefield of Chickamauga. Our subject's regiment were through the whole campaign to Atlanta with Sherman, and from Atlanta came back to Louisville, Ky., to be remounted and marched from there to Nashville, Tenn., thence to Gravel Springs, and to Selma, Ala., where they had a big cavalry fight. The cavalry dismounted and fought as in- fantry, and captured three thousand prison- ers. They were under Gen. Wilson at the time, and stayed there about three days, when the regiment guarded the prisoners all the way to Macon, Ga. This was the fam- ous regiment that captured Jefferson Davis at Irvinsville, Ga. They brought him back to Macon, where a detail of twenty men were taken from the regiment to escort him to Savannah, when he was taken on board ship and to Fortress Monroe, where he was turned over to the authorities. Gen. Prich- ard was the brave man who captured Davis. Mr. Barber relates that it was after midnight when they reached Irvinsville, asked a negro about Davis, who said, he knew where he was, and conducted them to the place. Gen. Prichard dismounted twenty-two men and of tents in the woods. They took the rest of the command and charged the camp, which soon surrendered on account of surprise, and the men, with the exception of Davis,
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were mounted on their horses, and he put in an ambulance by himself. At Fortress Mon- roe he was delivered to Major General Miles. The balance of the regiment then came back to Chattanooga, where they delivered up their horses and took the train to Nashville, when they were discharged and paid off. The regiment then went to Cincinnati, thence to Detroit, where the ladies of the city ten- dered them a reception in the old Michigan Central depot, and these heroes are held in honor today by a grateful nation, for which they fought.
WILLIS BINDING.
Willis Binding is a progressive farmer, whose birth took place on April 2, 1848, in White Oak township. His father, James Binding, was born in Somersetshire, Eng- land, in 1794, and the mother, whose maiden name was Grace Stevens, was born in 1816. The parents were mar- ried in New York state about the year 1836, and came to Michigan and located in White Oak township on wild land. He owned sev- eral different farms in White Oak and cleared considerable land, and at the time of his death was in possession of one hun- dred and twenty acres of well improved land. The father was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Protestant church. He died in 1878, and the mother in 1880.
Mrs. James Binding was the daughter of an Irish gentleman who owned consider- able property in Ireland. The family suf- fered from persecution, and our subject's grandmother, three sons and four daughters came to America, while the grandfather stayed to settle his business affairs and died before they were arranged in such a way that they could be left.
Our subject is the seventh of ten children, seven are still living.
Our subject was educated in the district school, and at the age of eighteen started working for his father, which he did for two years, and in 1868 went into a general store with J. B. Wilson at Wilson's Corners, White Oak. In 1870 Willis Binding sold out and went to Abilene, Kan., and worked in a general store for a short time. After this for a short time he herded cattle and during this time bought some cattle, which he herded with those of his employer. At the end of five years he bought a farm in Kansas and at different times owned several farms there. At the time of Mr. Binding's return to Michigan in 1877, he owned eighty acres of land in Kansas, which he traded for property in Dansville village. While in Kansas Mr. Binding saw many shooting affrays.
Upon returning to Michigan Mr. Binding bought twenty acres in White Oak, which was in 1878. In 1884 he added twenty acres to his possessions and in 1888 twenty more. Here he built a frame house and barn and in 1891 traded the three twenties for sixty- seven acres in White Oak township. In September of 1890 our subject bought one hundred and forty acres in Stockbridge from his wife's people, where he has since resided, and now owns a farm of two hundred acres.
Dec. 30, 1879, our subject was married to Mary Louise Johnson at Stockbridge, who is of Puritan descent. She is a cousin of Senator Jason Woodman of VanBuren county, Michigan. Mrs. Johnson was born in Kalamazoo county, November 16, 1855. Mrs. Binding's father, Harvey H. John- son, was born January 27, 1815, in Massa- chusetts and the mother, whose maiden name was Mary N. Williams, was born Nov. 13, 1833, at Kalamazoo. The father died June I, 1890, and Mrs. Johnson lives with our subject. Mrs. Binding's paternal grand- father was a soldier of the War of 1812.
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INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
At the age of twelve years Mr. Johnson commenced living with an aunt, and when seventeen years of age worked twelve months at twelve dollars per month and saved one hundred dollars. He was a self- educated man. He used to carry his book and study while plowing. He commenced teaching when a young man and during the time learned the cooper's trade. While in New York he saved a thousand dollars, and then came to Michigan in 1837. He fol- lowed the trade of coopering at Paw Paw, Michigan, where he met and married Louisa Moon in the year 1843, and to them one child was born, Charlotte. When the child was four years old both she and the mother died within ten days of each other. Mr. Johnson had continued his studies since com- ing to Michigan, and after the wife's death entered the Methodist Protestant ministry. and for several years was president of the M. P. Conference. His jurisdiction extend- ed from South Bend, Ind., to Owosso, Mich., over which territory he traveled every three months on horseback. Oct. 18, 1854, he married Mary N. Williams of Kal- amazoo Co., and to them were born four children, three of whom are living: Mrs. Binding, Wilber, Malvina (dead) and Frank. On account of ill health Mr. Johnson left the ministry, and in 1858 purchased eighty acres of wild land, and in 1866 sold this place and bought the farm where our subject and wife now live. Here he built a frame house and made other improvements. He continued to preach occasionally. At the time of his death he was a Democrat, but previous to this had been a Republican, but changed on account of the tariff law. He was a very highly esteemed man and conscientious in all his doings. He was Supervisor of Stock- bridge and a school officer for a great many years.
Four children, all of whom are living.
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Binding : J. Frank, Oct. 21, 1880: Lee R., Feb. 21, 1884; Grace M., Jan. 17, 1887, and Ettie, Aug. 26, 1895. The three oldest children conduct the home farm. Our subject filled the office of Drain Commissioner for one term, also Highway Commissioner, and was at one time Overseer of the Grange. His son, Frank, is now Master of the Grange, and Lee, the second son, is Lecturer.
Mr. Binding's brother, Charles, was a member of Co. B, 26th Mich. Infantry, and served from the time the regiment was formed until it was mustered out. His brother, Samuel, being in Texas at the time of the breaking out of the war, was pressed into the Confederate army and served until the close of the war.
In the early days the mother of our sub- ject used to make geese feather beds and trade them for cows. At one time an In- dian came to her house; she being alone with her children; he caught up the oldest child in his arms and started off on a run. She quickly gave pursuit and her cries for help caused him to drop his prize and make good his escape.
Mr. Binding has traveled quite extensive- ly and by this means has gained a wide ex- perience. He is counted as one of the re- liable men of his community.
GARDNER C. BUCK.
Gardner C. Buck was born in Warren county N. Y., June 30, 1827. His father, Sanford R., was a native of Connecticut, where he was born January 18, 1786, and died in 1872. His mother was born in New York, July 8, 1788, and died at the age of eighty years.
Our subject was of a family of fourteen children, four of whom are living : Dewane, resides in Dakota: Adaline, born July 17.
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1819, at Warren county, N. Y., was the wife of Augustine Miller of Sandy Hill N. Y., at which place her husband died, and lives at home; Amelia, born August 3. 1829, was for many years a teacher in the public schools of Jackson. Michigan, but for the past twen- ty years has been with her brother on the farm. This place was settled by the father in 1854. and here he lived until death.
Gardner Buck received his education in the district schools of New York before coming west. He remained at home and as- sisted his father on the farm, after his broth- ers had gone out in the world for themselves. When a young man he made a trip to Cali- fornia, also was for a time in Nevada. Twelve years of his life were spent in the far west. During this time the Civil War broke out and in 1864 he joined Co. E., of the 7th California Regiment of Volunteers and was mustered into service. His regi- ment was sent to Arizona where it remained for twenty-two months, at the close of which time he was mustered out, or in 1866. His brother, Horace, erlisted from Onondaga October 25. 1861. as Sergeant of Co. F., of the 13th Infantry. He was promoted No- vember 12, 1862, to the rank of Second Lieu- tenant and February, 1863, to First Lieu- tenant, and to Captain on August 26th, 1864. He was mustered out July 25, 1865. and honorably discharged by reason of the close of the war. The 13th Regiment was mustered into service January 17, 1862, having upon its rolls of muster, nine hun- dred and twenty-five officers and men. It left the State under command of Colonel Chas. E. Stewart of Kalamazoo. It was one of the active regiments and did most of its work in Mississippi and Tennessee. It has to its credit more than thirty battles and skirmishes. The promotion of Captain Buck, running through his years of service, indicate that he was a brave man and good
soldier. Charles, another brother, was a member of the 7th Michigan Cavalry and fought under the gallant Custer and fell in battle at the Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864.
Gardner C. Buck was united in marriage December 13. 1867, to Miss Hannah, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. David Duers of New York. Mrs. Buck was born in 1836. Her father died at the age of fifty years. Her mother's maiden name was Matilda Main; she was an orphan and resided at an aunt's of Mr. Buck's in New York. She died August 29, 1875 at the age of thirty-nine years. But one child was born to our sub- ject and wife, which died in infancy, the mother passing away at the time of its birth.
Mr. Buck is a warm supporter of the Re- publican party, to which he has always given faithful allegiance. He is a pensioner and living in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
CHAUNCEY L. BARBER, M. D., LANSING.
Dr. Barber, who has a large medical and surgical practice and is the proprietor of the only private hospital in Ingham county, is a native of Berlin township, Ionia county, Michigan, being born March 5. 1858. His parents were Grove P. and Mary J. Barber, the father being Massachusetts-born and a New York farmer. He came from the lat- ter state to Ionia county and was one of the pioneers of the locality named. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a na- tive of the Empire State. They are both deceased.
The father of our subject located in Ionia. county in 1840, first buying a partly-cleared farm of eighty acres. Selling that property, he bought another tract of sixty acres in 1851. This was virgin land, which he cleared and improved. Subsequently he
DR. C. L. BARBER
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INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
purchased forty acres two miles south of Ionia county, finally disposing of these holdings and acquiring the farm at Port- land, Michigan, upon which he lived for the remainder of his life. He was an indus- trious, practical farmer, and much esteemed by the community for his practical ability. He was firm in his Republicanism and held a number of local offices. For a number of years he served in Ionia county as Drain Commissioner and was Supervisor of Port- land township for one term.
Dr. Barber obtained his early education in the district schools of Ionia county, af- terward graduating from the Portland high school. In 1878, after he had taught school for nine years, he was called to Petoskey Michigan, to establish there a graded system of public instruction, and when he had ac- complished this work pursued a scientific course at the Albion ( Michigan) College.
After remaining at the latter institution for two years, he began his professional studies by entering the medical department of Michigan University. His two years at Ann Arbor were followed by a course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Chicago, from which he graduated with the class of 1884. A post-graduate course in ophthalmology and surgery preceded his es- tablishment as a practitioner at Ithaca, Michigan, where he remained for ten years. In 1893, like other progressive practitioners, he again took up post-graduate work pur- suing it upon this occasion at the Michigan University. He removed to Albion, Mich- igan, in 1894, and practiced at that place, during the succeeding five years.
With this varied experience and broad education, both in the theory and practice of medicine and surgery, Dr. Barber became a resident of Lansing in 1899. Two years thereafter he pursued a third post-graduate course, going to Chicago for advanced work
in surgery and electro-therapeutics. Since then he has been in constant demand as a surgeon and physician in the treatment of chronic diseases, and his private hospital, has obtained a wide reputation for the com- pleteness of its equipment and the modern methods of treatment pursued by its pro- prietor.
. Dr. Barber has served on the United States Pension Board for a period of four years and is a stockholder and director in the National Supply Company. He is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and Foresters. In politics he is a Republican and his religious affilia- tions are with the Presbyterian church.
In 1883 our subject married his first wife, Miss Sabra A. Wyman, a native of Ver- mont, who died in 1899. Their one child, Jennie May, was born in August, 1887. She is a graduate of the Lansing high school (class of 1904) and will enter the State University in 1906.
In December, 1901, Dr. Barber was mar- ried a second time to Mrs. Martha Stevens, a talented lady and a worthy assistant in his prosperous and promising life.
WELLINGTON BEEMAN.
Leroy township, Ingham county, is purely an agricultural district and depends for its prosperity not only upon its soil but upon its men, and it is rich in both respects, for the land is arable and productive and its farmers are thorough-going, industrious and enter- prising. To this class of farmers belongs our subject, Wellington Beeman, who was born in Leoni township, Jackson county, May 23. 1849, and was the son of David and Caroline (Cook) Beeman. The father was born in Connecticut. July 24, 1800, and the mother in Pennsylvania, May 31, 1823. The parents were married in Brooklyn,
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Jackson county, and first located in Washte- naw county, then moved to Leoni where they bought one hundred and sixty acres and from there moved to Leroy in 1855, where they bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw timber land, with not even a road in front of the place. The log house which was their first home was occupied for some time before there was a floor in it.
David Beeman and wife were followers of the Methodist church, and in political views, the father lined up with the Republi- can party. He died June 6th, 1880, and the mother passed away November 3, 1900.
Wellington Beeman was the first in the family of five children and acquired his educa- tion in the district school. He was one of five scholars in the first school organized in the district and the teacher's salary was seventy-five cents per week. At the age of twenty-eight Mr. Beeman started out for himself, taking care of the place and the father and mother. Our subject and brother for a time took care of the home place and then divided the father's land between them.
July 1, 1874, Wellington Beeman was united in marriage to Georgina Harlow, whose parents were residents of Kentucky and came to Michigan. Mrs. Beeman's father died about fifty years ago and the mother eight years ago.
Wellington Beeman has made all the im- provements on his place and today has one of the finest farms in Leroy, called "Enter- prise Farm." All of the land is in cultiva- tion except about three acres. Our subject's first school teacher was Nancy Countryman and she was a pupil of "Aunt Nancy Meech" and was raised by her. "Aunt Nancy Meech" was the first school teacher in the township.
Wellington Beeman is engaged in general farming and the condition of his one hun- dred acres of land show that its manager is enterprising, energetic and in every
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