USA > Michigan > Ingham County > Lansing > Past and present of the city of Lansing and Ingham county, Michigan > Part 39
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To Daniel R. Jessop and wife have been born three children: two of whom are liv- ing : Charles E., born March 11, 1866, died August 17, 1866; Dee A., born September 24, 1869, was united in marriage to Ida M. Reilley, February 22, 1891, and they have one child, Ellice, born November 20, 1902: Guy M., born June 21, 1879, now resides with his father. Dee owns eighty acres of land, where he lives, three-quarters of a mile north of his father's farm on section four. During Mr. Jessop's residence in Dansville. he was for five years a member of the village council. He was also a member of several fraternal organizations, namely, Masons at
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Mason, Dansville and Williamston No. 153, and Eastern Star No. 29 at Williamston. Mr. Jessop first joined the Masons at Mason, under John Sayres, master, then was de- mitted to Dansville and subsequently to Wil- liamston.
Mr. Jessop was enrolled as private in Co. A of the 20th Michigan Infantry, Septem- ber 20, 1862, and was mustered into serv- ice at Jackson, Michigan. He went with his command to Washington and from there into Virginia and crossed over into Mary- land. He was taken sick on the march from Washington and was sent to Carver barracks hospital, where he remained two weeks, when he was discharged December 17, 1862, for physical disability. The price paid by a soldier in defense of the nation's honor cannot be reckoned by the number of days or years. He who gives his life or health with but a few days' service, has given much, possibly all, and is entitled to honor, just the same as he who went down in the forefront, in the smoke of battle.
Our subject's father, Daniel Jessop, with- in a few years after coming to Ingham county, Michigan, lost his health, and being unable to attend to business, lost his prop- erty as well.
Mr. Jessop is manager of the Haslett Park Spiritualist association, and is a firm believer in that philosophy.
JOEL V. MURPHY.
Joel V. Murphy was born Dec. 24, 1846, in Jennings Co., Indiana. He was the son of William L. and Caroline (Compton) Murphy. The father was born Jan. 21, 1820, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and died December 16, 1881. The mother also was born in Steuben county, New York, and died Sept. 27, 1893. Joel's father came to Michigan from Indiana in 1852 and settled
in Ingham county, where he bought eighty acres of land mostly unimproved. He cleared away the forests and broke up about twenty-five acres. A few years later he traded this farm for eighty acres in the Township of Locke, upon which there was a clearing of perhaps twenty-five acres. As he was prospered he improved the premises, putting up new buildings and otherwise add- ing to the value of the farm, and resided there until his death. Their marriage was consummated Feb. 6, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. William Murphy were for many years active members of the M. E. church. To them were born four children, two of whom are still living; Homer M., born July 10, 1851, now a resident of Perry Michigan, and our subject. The names of the deceased are : Ellen, born March 14, 1843, died in March, .. 1904 : Lucretia, Feb. 16, 1853, died July 19, 1899.
Mr. Joel Murphy received his early educa- tion in the district schools. Sept. 1, 1874, he settled in Locke township. where he has since resided. His farm, comprising one hundred and seventy acres of land under state of cultivation, is well stocked and has a very desirable rural home upon it.
Mr. Murphy is a Democrat of the pro- nounced sort, having been to the "manor born." Joel V. Murphy was united in marriage January 19, 1875, to Minerva, daughter of and Mrs. George D. Carbaugh. Mrs. Murphy's birth oc- curred March 6, 1858. Her father was among the early settlers of Ionia township, Ionia county, where he located in 1855, hav- ing emigrated from the Buckeye State. Af- ter some years he moved with his family to the Township of Sebewa, Ionia county, where he now resides. He was born April 4, 1827, and the mother, February 2, 1830, her maiden name having been Harkins. Mr. and Mrs. Carbaugh were the parents of six
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children, named respectively: Nancy, Min- erva, Alice, Marion, Nora and Cora, the last being deceased.
As an offset for Mr. Murphy's politics, Mrs. Murphy records the fact that her father was a lifelong Republican.
But one child has come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, Chester H., born Dec. 10, 1875. He was united in marriage Feb. 1I, 1903, to Miss Flora, daughter of H. A. Harvey. They now reside at Shafts- burg, Shiawassee Co., Michigan, where he is practicing medicine, having graduated from the Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio. He is a young man of progressive ideas, and is building up a very commendable practice.
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are highly respec- ted members of the M. E. church, to which they cheerfully give their support and loyalty.
This record is but a brief outline of lives filled with activities, but sufficient to show the trend of their lives.
JOHN PASSAGE.
John Passage, the successful and well-to- do farmer of Williamston township, was born in New York, August 31, 1851. He was one of nine children born to John J. and Elizabeth ( House) Passage. His father was of German extraction, having been born in Germany, June 3, 1809. The mother was a native of New York, where she was born October 1, 1809. The father lived to the age of seventy-one years, while the mother passed away at the age of eighty-four. In 1861 Mr. John Passage came with his family to Michigan, and settled in the Township of Williamston upon a farm of eighty acres, partially improved. He made improvements from time to time, and later purchased an adjoining eighty acres, erecting comfortable buildings, and this was the family home-
stead during the lifetime of the father. Both father and mother were active members of the M. E. church for many years, and died in the faith with a good hope of immortality in the life to come. Politically, Mr. Passage was an old Jacksonian Democrat.
The following brief synopsis of the gene- alogy of the family is given here for the benefit of posterity : Catherine, born January 14, 1831, married Merritt Andress, who died 1889, and his widow now resides in the Village of Williamston; Ellen, the wife of Robert Campbell, resides at Garwoods, N. Y .; Christopher, born November 28, 1832, was a resident of Williamston for many years and died at the age of sixty years ; Emmett, born March 21, 1839, resides at Williamston; Mary, the wife of Gilbert Smith, born November 30, 1841, and they reside at Williamston : Jacob, born May 17, 1844, died at the age of fifty years, at the time of his death he was a resident of Gratiot county, Michigan ; Lizzie E. Melissa. wife of Joseph Burkholder, born September 4, 1848, died at the age of twenty-six years ; Martha, died in infancy.
Our subject received his early education in the district schools and later attended the Lansing high school for a time. He re- mained at home and worked on the farm, assisting his father until twenty-eight years of age, when he married Miss Ella. daughter of Dr. Oscar and Margaret Colvin. Dr. Colvin was born in the Empire State. Janu- ary 12, 1818, graduated from the University of Michigan, also at the Rush Medical Col- lege. Chicago, and practiced medicine at Waterloo, Ind., for a number of years. Mrs. Ella Passage was born in Waterloo. Ind .. July 31. 1859. Her mother's maiden name was Maragaret King, was born in the State of New York. July 12. 1828. Her grand- father's name was George King, and was one of the early settlers of Salem. Washtenaw
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county, and was well known as a public- spirited and progressive man. Mrs. Passage was one of five children, three of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Passage cared for his aged mother in her declining years and now owns the old homestead of eighty acres.
Mr. Passage is regarded as one of the successful farmers of his locality, and has a fine herd of Durham cattle and Duroc Jersey swine, which are a source of revenue to him. in addition to these specialties Mr. Passage carries on general farming.
Our subject takes pleasure in this biog- raphy of his family to record here that his cousin, Hiram Passage, enlisted during the great Civil War and yielded up his conse- crated life in defense of the flag and right. Another cousin, Jacob Passage, also did vali- ant service for his country. Jacob H. House, an uncle of Mr. Passage also has to his credit the record of having served all through the war. Gilbert Smith, another relative was drafted, and afterward sent a substitute who served in the war.
By industry and frugality Mr. and Mrs. Passage, while yet in the prime of life have amassed a comfortable competence, and in the enjoyment of each other's love and the good will of their friends and neighbors, the outlook for them is all that could be desired.
HON. S. W. MAYER.
Hon. S. W. Mayer of Holt is a gentleman with whom identification with any communi- ty would be productive of good ; clean of life and habit, frank, generous and obliging. Mr. Mayer first saw the light of day May 13, 1858, at Sandusky, Ohio. He was one of six children born to Andrew and Ann G. Mayer, who were natives of Germany. The elder Mayer came with his family to Michi- gan and settled in Lansing, when our sub- ject was seven years of age.
S. W. Mayer received his early education in the city schools and at the age of seven- teen started out to learn the stone cutter's trade, but on account of the condition of his health, changed his plans and followed vari- ous occupations for a time, until the year of 1883 he bought out the general store of James Weigman of Holt, and carried on this business with marked success for about twenty-one years, retiring in April, 1904. Mr. Mayer always took a lively interest in public affairs. He lined up with the Republi- can party, and was its recognized trusted local leader. He served as Postmaster of the village for thirteen years. In the year 1897 Mr. Mayer was elected from the First Representative District of this county as a member of the State Legislature. His fitness and business talent were readily recognized, and he was given place on the Committee of General Taxation, also served as Chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, and as a member of the Work-House Inspection Com- mittee.
In the year 1886 he was united in mar- riage to Mina L., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar W. Clark of Lansing, now deceased. Mr. Clark was a soldier in the Civil War. He was a member of the 3rd Michigan In- fantry Regiment, and served in the army of Virginia. He participated in several hard fought battles, the most pronounced of which were the ever memorable battle of Gettys- burg. He died January 10, 1901.
Two children have come to bless the lives of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Mayer : Rose W., born August 13, 1889, and Glenn S., born July 18, 1891 ; both are still under the par- ental roof, both students in the public schools at Holt. Mrs. Mayer is a lady of culture and refinement, a member of the Presby- terian church at Holt and highly respected for her many graces and virtues.
As a permanent reference for the benefit
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JOHN L. DAVIS
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of posterity, Mr. Mayer gives the genealogy of his father's family, as follows :
Sarah A., born January, 1860, the wife of W. J. Lott of Delhi township, now engaged in farming.
R. F. Mayer, born March, 1867, a min- ister of the gospel of the M. E. denomina- tion, now residing in Orville, Ohio.
Louise M., born December, 1861, the wife of E. C. Ward, a resident of Alexandria, Indiana.
Emma W., born September, 1869, married W. H. Leipprandt and they reside at Pigeon, Michigan.
Herman W., born March, 1873, is living at Detroit.
Mr. Mayer is one of those men whom it is always a pleasure to meet, a man of good presence, genial ways and impresses those with whom he comes in contact, with his sterling worth, his uprightness of character, and trustworthiness.
JOHN L. DAVIS.
All the nearest and dearest associations of a lifetime are, for our subject, connected with the State in which he resides and the greater portion of his life has been spent upon the farm of which he was proprietor. It is located in the Township of Delhi and comprised eighty acres of fine arable land, which he cleared and upon which he has made many fine improvements. Upon this home farm Mr. Davis resided since the year of 1847 until his death, December 28, 1904.
The subject of this review was born in New York in 1822 and was the son of John and Betsey (Reynolds) Davis, the father being born in 1798 in the Empire State and the mother in 1800 in Rhode Island, he be- ing one of a family of ten children, all of whom are dead except one sister, living in Kansas.
John Davis came with his family to Mich- igan in the year 1839 and first settled in Township of White Oak, when, after a year's residence in this locality, they moved to Delhi, where the son bought forty acres of land from William Dryer, giving him fifty dollars and one year's work. This land John L. bought for his father, and not long after this time it was sold and the father and son together bought eighty acres of land where the German M. E church now stands. After a time this farm was sold and the father removed to Rockford, Michigan, where he and his estimable wife spent the remaining years of their life. John L. Davis, the son, by his ability and character, won for himself the high esteem and regard of all who knew him.
In the year 1847 occurred the important event in the life of our subject, it being the marriage of himself and Miss Rebbecca Har- rington, daughter of Pardon Harrington. Unto this worthy couple were born two chil- dren : John Pardon, born in 1855, and died when but one year of age, and Celia Ara- belle, who was born in 1857, and is married to Robert Thorburn, an enterprising farmer of Delhi township.
Politically Mr. Davis was a believer in the principles of Democracy, and all the prin- ciples of that platform had to him a reason and a right for being.
Mrs. Davis, the wife of our subject, is a member of the Presbyterian church of Holt, and is a woman held in high esteem for her many qualities of heart and mind.
Mr. Davis acquired considerable reputa- tion as a successful keeper of bees, an occu- pation which he followed profitably for about 35 years. He found a ready market for this product in Lansing and the near by towns and in one season sold over $700 worth of honey. This was soon after the war. He was known throughout the State in this ca-
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pacity, as his wide experience enabled him to successfully conduct this line of business.
Mr. Davis' hearty good will and neigh- borly kindness won for him the regard of those with whom he associated, and they en- joyed the prosperity which he so justly earned. His life had been one of morality and uprightness and he enjoyed the high esteem of his fellowmen until called to his home beyond.
WILLIAM J. DANCER.
Among the prosperous business men of Stockbridge, we find the name of William J. Dancer, who was born in Washtenaw coun- ty, January 9, 1857. His father, William G. Dancer, was born in England in 1826, while the mother, also a native of England, was born in 1828.
William G. Dancer came to the United States with his parents in 1834 and located near Dexter, Washtenaw county on a farm of one hundred and sixty unimproved acres of land, upon which was a log house. The father started for himself in 1848 on the old homestead where he lived until his death in 1896. Our subject's parents were married at Dexter in 1847, and the mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Coy, still lives at Chelsea, Washtenaw county. The father was a Democrat as is the son today.
William J. Dancer is the fourth of a fami- ly of seven children, five of whom are living.
Our subject was educated at the district school and at the Chelsea high school. In 1880 he started for himself and taught school for three winters. For five years he worked in the general store of H. S. Holmes of Chelsea and remained there one year. In 1886, under the name of Holmes & Dancer, our subject commenced conducting a general store at Stockbridge and continued in this business until 1904, when he bought the en-
tire stock, which is the largest in the Village of Stockbridge, and here he handles every- thing except hardware and drugs.
May 12, 1885, William J. Dancer was united in marriage to Jennie, daughter of Henry and Deborah (Hawley) Hoag, who came from New York about 1860 and located on a partly improved farm in Na- poleon township, Jackson county. He has since sold the farm and both reside with our subject. Mrs. Dancer was born on Christmas day of the year 1862. To this worthy couple were born six children, all living: Dora, 1886; Gurney, 1888; Herbert, 1891; Paul, 1893; Robert, 1896; and Jeanness, 1902. The beloved wife and mother of this family died August 15, 1902.
William J. Dancer has been a member of the village council for six years and is the present President of the village, which is his third term. He is fraternally connected with the Masonic order at Stockbridge. Mr. Dancer is a member of the dry goods firm of Dancer, Brogan & Co., of Lansing, Mich- igan. He has been widely influential in shap- ing the social and educational progress of Stockbridge and his influence is far-reaching and helpful in every way.
EDGAR S. PORTER, LANSING.
One of the most extensive dealers and manufacturers of hard wood lumber in the State, Mr. Porter is a native of Michigan, being born in Otsego, Allegan county, Sep- tember 5, 1850. His parents were James B. and Eunice J. Porter, his father being for many years prominent both in politics and business. James B. Porter was a native of the Empire State, he left New York when but nine years of age, coming to Michigan in 1834. He served as County Clerk and Register of Deeds of Allegan county and in 1860 was elected Secretary of State. He was
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an incumbent of that office six years, the only citizen to be thus honored in the political history of the State.
E. S. Porter remained in his native county (Allegan) until he was sixteen years of age, coming to Lansing in 1866. After gradu- ating from Olivet College in 1868, he was employed for two years as draftsman in the State Land Office. It was his industry, economy and good judgment at this period of his life, which enabled him to get that all important start which spells the difference between success and failure in achieving a position in the practical and industrial world. With the two thousand dollars which he had saved he embarked in the lumber business in Alpena, Michigan. He remained at this point for four years, when he located in Lan- sing.
With the exception of the first eight years of his residence here, when he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, Mr. Porter has de- voted himself with marked results to various lines of the lumber industry. His initial plant was small, and, after operating it for three years, it burned; but with determina- tion and confidence he removed his business to the present site, building a larger estab- lishment and prospering from the first day its doors were thrown open for business. In 1892 he associated himself with L. J. Driggs in the formation of the Lansing Spoke Com- pany and later the Lansing Column Com- pany. The former manufactures hardwood lumber of all kinds, but makes a specialty of wagon spokes, disposing of the product of its factory to many of the largest wagon manufactories of the country. The Column Company turns out all the parts of porches, but principally columns. The firm also sells lumber, to manufacturers of furniture, in- terior finishers and railroad companies. This branch of the business has shown a marked increase.
Mr. Porter is also Secretary and Treas- urer of the Rikerd Lumber Co., and Treas- urer of the Auto Body Works, besides being a stockholder in the Reo Motor Car Com- pany. As a leading real estate dealer and property owner, he platted the Handy Home Addition to Lansing, which comprises two hundred and twenty-four lots, over two- thirds of which have been sold, and he built Franklin Terrace, which contains eighteen flats. His present residence at 215 Capitol avenue, where his father lived and died, has been his home for thirty-six years, which fact alone is an evidence of Mr. Porter's sub- stantial and domestic character.
October 1, 1878, he was married to Miss Marrietta Storey of Lansing. They have one son and one daughter, Drury L., a ship- ping clerk connected with his father's busi- ness, and Irene.
HENRY KURTZ.
Henry Kurtz of Alaiedon township was born in the Township of Delhi, Ingham county, September 15, 1856. He was the second of three sons born to Henry and Elizabeth Kurtz. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz came to this country from Germany in the year 1852, and settled for a time in Rochester, New York. In the year 1854, the family came to Michigan and took up their resi- dence in the Township of Delhi, where Mr. Kurtz died in 1893 and his wife in 1901. Always loyal to the cardinal principals of his adopted country, and highly respected by the entire community. The names of the other two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz were. Charles, born February. 1854. in Rochester, N. Y .: John, born in Delhi town- ship. this county. December 8. 1852. Henry received his early education in the graded school at Holt. Arriving at the years of his majority he still remained with his father
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on the farm for a time, but later went west to the State of Iowa, where he remained one and one-half years.
Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Christina, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dell, a prosperous German farmer of Alaiedon township. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz have had born to them three children, a son and two daughters. Ernest H., born June 25, 1881 ; Mabel, born July 21, 1884 ; Viola, born November 11, 1888. Mr. Kurtz con- gratulates himself that his little family are all at home under the family roof. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Kurtz moved to the farm in Alaiedon township where he now re- sides. The improvements have nearly all been made since his occupancy of the place. He raises both grain and stock, carrying on general and mixed farming, in which he has met with very satisfactory results.
Mr. Kurtz has always given allegiance to the Democratic party. In addition to his farm operations, Mr. Kurtz has taken up the profession of an auctioneer, in which he is meeting with a satisfactory degree of success in his own and surrounding counties, among the farming communities.
Mr. Kurtz and family are loyal to the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church society, and liberal in its support. Every community would be improved in many ways by the addition of worthy citizens of his character. He is extending his acquaint- ance and influence and with them good im- pressions for good to all.
PAUL E. DUNHAM.
Paul E. Dunham, president of the Dun- ham Hardware Company, and a business leader and popular Republican of Lansing, is a native of Clinton county, Michigan, and was born in the year 1862. He became a resident of Lansing before he was of age,
and, after having passed more than half of his life in the Capitol City, is still strengthen- ing his hold upon the confidence and esteem of the public and a host of personal friends.
Mr. Dunham is the son of William L. B. and Margaret R. Dunham, both of whom are dead. In 1862 his father moved from Rensselaer county, N. Y., and settled on a farm two miles west of St. Johns, Clinton county, where Paul was born. In 1866, four years after, he moved on the farm of eighty acres in De Witt township, Clinton county, now called Gunnisonville. There the boy was raised and educated and when fourteen years of age became an apprentice in the tinners' trade. Two years afterward, when he had mastered it, he opened a shop at his fathers' farm, running a wagon in connec- tion with his business. He continued this enterprise for about five years.
Mr. Dunham's residence in Lansing dates. from 1882, when he started a tin shop with a soldering iron and some lead and resin, as his sole capital and stock in trade. But he understood his business, and was industrious and accommodating, so that one piece of work led to another, and before long he was on his feet and his little establishment was a busy and prosperous place. His tin shop gradually expanded into a hardware store, and in 1889, his father located in Lansing and associated himself in the business, which then assumed the name of "The Dunham Hardware Company." The senior Dunham died in 1900, and in August, 1904, the firm was incorporated with Paul E. Dunham as president and manager, M. D. Walker, vice president, and Alice A. Dunham (Mrs. Dun- ham), secretary and treasurer. In the trans- action of the present extensive business, four stores are occupied, the stock consisting of hardware, buggies, farming implements and harnesses, the last named being manufac- tured by the company.
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