USA > Michigan > Ingham County > Lansing > Past and present of the city of Lansing and Ingham county, Michigan > Part 77
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Eber F. Thompson was born in the rural Village of Dansville, Ingham county, Feb- ruary 28. 1879. He was one of two children born to his parents, Robert A. and Olive (Byraves) Thompson. Robert Thompson's parents were natives of England. Robert Thompson inherited from his parents habits of industry and frugality, and was recog- nized as a trustworthy citizen, upright and correct in all his business transactions. He
died while yet in the prime of life, March 5, 1881.
Our subject's brother, Elmer T., was also a native of Dansville, where he was born August 12, 1877. He is now settled in life, having married Miss Lydia Dean, and is en- gaged in farming.
Eber A. married Miss Alma. only daugh- ter of Addison and Emma ( Collar) Dens- more. Mrs. Thompson was a graduate from the Dansville high school. She later finished a course in music in the Ann Arbor University. Mrs. Thompson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Dans- ville, with which she has been associated from early childhood.
For the most part, the active years of Mr. Thompson's life have been employed in farming operations. About a year since he accepted an appointment as rural mail car- rier, in which business he is at present en- gaged. His residence is in Dansville. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has been born one child.
O. A. JENISON.
O. A. Jenison was born in Watertown, N. Y., May 22, 1823. His father died ten weeks before his birth. His mother was left in the most modest circumstances and with eight children dependent upon her. Like many another American youth, young Jeni- son found that his own energy and industry was his main reliance in, life. Having en- joyed the advantages of a village school un- til twelve years of age, he then became a clerk in a store, a hundred miles from home, and remained there something over a year, but it was a trying time for a boy. He had battled with adversity before, but now worse than all of his previous trials and sorrows was his intense longing for home.
At the close of his fifteen months' service
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INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
there, he gladly took a clerkship in his native town, which occupation he followed at or near his home for several years. Having become an expert penman, he became a teacher of penmanship, which business he followed in the vicinity of his home till he was twenty-one years of age. Up to this time he had given to his widowed mother every dollar of his earnings above the barest necessities of living. The next day after he was of age, with a sixpence in his pocket, he started on foot for Lenawee county, teaching penmanship on his way. For two years he followed this business in his new home, when he concluded to come West. On the 28th day of August, 1846, he landed in Detroit with nine silver dollars in his pocket, one of which still remains in the pos- session of his son.
September Ist he took a position with Macy & Driggs, who were conducting a large private land office business. The capital was located at Lansing the next year, and Mr. Jenison was sent by his house to establish a branch office at the new capital.
On Friday, December 24, 1847, Mr. Jeni- son took the cars for Jackson. The next morning he took the stage, and, after travel- ing all day, walking a large part of the dis- tance, and frequently helping to boost his coach over the corduroys, he arrived in Lan- sing, Saturaday evening, December 25, 1847. The capital city was a small hamlet, clustered upon both banks of the river at Main street, which was then bridged. A similar hamlet was located at Center and Franklin streets, a mile and a half north.
Mr. Jenison lived at the National Hotel on Main street for three weeks, during which time he never saw a bed; he sat in a chair in the bar room every night, catching what sleep he might under the circumstances. A Mr. Carter was just completing a wood building two stories high on the present
site of the Hudson and Baird block. Here Mr. Jenison secured quarters and moved up to the center near the capitol.
After getting the business of Macy & Driggs in good order, he resigned his posi- tion with them and accepted a clerkship in the Auditor General's office, where he re- mained for about twelve years. Resigning this position he formed a copartnership with the late S. S. Coryell and engaged in the mercantile trade, which he continued until the spring of 1868, when he closed out the business. Mr. Jenison then accepted the position of bookkeeper for John A. Kerr & Co., State printers and binders. This posi- tion he held with the various firms that con- ducted that business until January 1, 1886, making a term of nearly eighteen years that he filled that responsible position. For the next four years Mr. Jenison took a rest, which he much needed and greatly enjoyed January 1, 1890, he again took the position of bookkeeper for the State printing and binding establishment conducted by Robert Smith & Co., a place which he filled with rare fidelity and efficiency.
Mr. Jenison was City Auditor in 1865 and 1866. He has been a Republican since 1856.
Mr. Jenison was an enthusiast in collect- ing old, rare, and curious coins, medals and Indian relics, having sold at one time in New York 3,000 coins and medals, and 700 pieces of Indian stone relics, nearly all col- lected within a radius of twenty miles of the City of Lansing. He commenced to make this collection over thirty years ago: op- portunities were then presented that have now passed away forever. so far as pertains to this locality. But Mr. Jenison did not stop here ; his historical records of the early days of Lansing are voluminous as will be attested by examining the various books, papers, pamphlets and relics presented by him to the State Pioneer Society. Two
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scrap books, newspaper size, presented to that society by him, contain all the posters of the merchants and business men generally in this city; posters of all the public meet- ings, lectures, speeches, orations, political notices and names of the qualified electors of this city for many years; and hundreds and hundreds of autographs of old citizens, many of whom now have joined the great majority. For a more particular knowledge of the above, you are referred to the History of Ingham and Eaton Coun- ties page 161, and State Pioneer Collections, Vols. II and III pages 74-5-6-7-8 and 9 and 48, 107 and IIO.
Many fine and rare things collected by him are still in the possession of his family. The books, pamphlets, and political speeches, papers, almanacs, some 50 volumes of politi- cal speeches all nicely bound, going back to Henry Clay's time. Some 30 or 40 volumes of almanacs, and yet a thousand unbound, together with many quaint and curious recol- lections of Lansing costume pictures were sold to the State Library and given to the Pioneer Society after the death of Mr. Jeni- son.
Mr. Jenison procured the only photograph of old Okemos wherein he sat alone; and also sent a photographer into the cupola of the old State capitol to take a photograph of the old Lansing House, which stood on the ground now occupied by Christmas & Sav- age, opposite the Hotel Downey. These two pictures are now in the possession of the State Pioneer Society, where Mr. Jenison considered them secure from fire and thieves. But what Mr. Jenison thought was his best effort was his "Capitol Books," which con- sisted of six large scrap books, 12x16, wherein is contained a minute description of the erection of our new and beautiful capitol. Mr. Jenison commenced with a photograph of the excavation, and in the photograph
line followed it to the end, making fifty dif- ferent photographs of the building from ex- cavation to lantern, giving dates and show- ing its progress from year to year till fin- ished. The book also contains the photograph and autograph of the three different Gov- ernors during the time of its erection, and the photographs and autographs of the com- missioners, contractors, and every man hold- ing an important office connected with it. It tells when the first load of sand, lumber, stone, etc., were drawn on the ground, the first man who cut the first stone, when every important stone was laid, even to the minute, and in fact a complete history from begin- ning to the end, for seven years, in which is a mass of matter, such as autographs, photo- graphs, account of laying corner stone, de- scription of capitol, and other valuable records too numerous to mention. These books also went into possession of the State, and together with the others, now occupy a separate "stack" and are known as the "Jeni- son Collection."
When we take into consideration that Mr. Jenison struck this town, a young man with just a York shilling in his pocket which was all his wealth, comment on his push and energy are unnecessary.
Mr. Jenison was a gentleman of a pleas- ant genial manner, who had hosts of friends. especially among the older citizens, and al- ways enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the public. He was married in Lansing. January 20, 1851, to Miss Helen Maria But- ler, daughter of Orange Butler, an able law- yer and polished gentleman of the old school. To them were born two sons: Frank H., who resides in Illinois, and Orrin A., of the Dyer, Jenison, Barry Co., of this city.
Mr. Jenison died at the family residence August 6, 1895, and two years later, on November 15, 1897, his wife passed away, thus depriving the community of two of its
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most estimable citizens who had long lived in its midst, and who were loved and hon- ored most by those who knew them best.
ORRIN A. JENISON. ,
It was during the strenuous and ever memorable times at the close of the Civil war, October 2, 1865, that the subject of this sketch first saw the light of day. Mr. Jenison, whose father and mother were among the early settlers of Lansing, was born and has always lived in the second ward, where he attended the public schools till at the age of fifteen he went to Olivet College for a year. After returning home he secured a position as messenger in the Auditor General's department, remaining there for six years, having in the meantime been promoted to a clerkship.
In 1887 he resigned and went with the Lansing Iron and Engine Works as book- keeper, where he remained till 1893, during which period he was promoted to the office of secretary and treasurer. The following three years he was with E. Bement & Sons of this city, in charge of their collection de- partment, giving this up to go into business on his own account, buying out the F. F. Russell bookstore, which, after a short time he sold, and together with Mr. Geo. A. Dyer and Mr. James V. Barry of this city incor- porated the Dyer, Jenison, Barry Co., Ltd., with offices at present in the Hollister build- ing, where they conduct a large general in- surance and real estate and loaning business. Mr. Jenison always had great faith in the prospects of Lansing and was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Lan- sing Business Men's Association, which was launched in 1901, at which time he was made its secretary, and still gives attention to the duties of that office. Much credit is
due to that association through its officers and board for the almost unparalleled growth and prosperity of Lansing during the past four years.
Mr. Jenison has always taken an active interest in local politics, and served the city's interests for four years as Alderman of the second ward, he was also honored by being elected President of the Zach Chandler Re- publican Club, an organization which has done much to promote Republicanism in this county. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Jenison has taken an interest in the welfare of the Episcopal society, of which his wife is a loyal and active sup- porter, and has served as a member of its vestry. He has also been a member of the Grand River Boat Club for more than twen- ty years, and acted on its board of directors for two terms.
Mr. Jenison is a member of Capitol Lodge No. 66 F. & A. M. and R. A. M. Chapter. He has assisted in the promotion of the Lan- sing Manufacturer's railroad, and as its superintendent has had charge of its con- struction. This road, when completed. will add greatly to Lansing's already exception- ally fine shipping facilities.
Mr. Jenison was united in marriage in June, 1892, to Miss Mary M. Hawley, daughter of Senator Thomas D. Hawley and wife, formerly of Detroit. Mich. To them have been born three children : Austin, May 9. 1893: Monell, September 17. 1895, and Judith, March 30, 1900.
Mrs. Jenison takes an interest in club work, being a member of the Lansing Woman's Club. and vice-regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, local chapter.
Mr. Jenison has met with more than ordi- nary success in his various business ventures, and is a stockholder in a number of manu- facturing establishments in the city. He is
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today recognized as one of the solid men of affairs of the capital city.
CORTLAND BLISS STEBBINS, (DECEASED) .
Cortland Bliss Stebbins was for many years one of Lansing's most prominent and highly respected citizens. He was a man of great energy and force of character. He was born in 1812 at Williamstown, Vt. His parents being poor, he decided at the age of fourteen years to strike out for himself, which he did, going to Montpelier and be- coming the apprentice of a cabinet-maker. For four years he served in this capacity, receiving $40.00 a year and his board for his services. In 1838 he left Montpelier for the west. Going to Syracuse, N. Y., in the fall of the year, he intended taking a canal boat for Buffalo, but the canal being frozen he made his way to Buffalo over the frozen roads, enduring many hardships. In Buf- falo he studied law for two years in the of- fice of an attorney. Afterward, he came to Michigan, first locating in Palmyra, a small village near Adrian. A year later he moved to Adrian and embarked in the furniture business. While there he was four years editor of the "Adrian Times," a weekly newspaper, and served for several years as special agent of the Postoffice department, to which position he was appointed during President Fillmore's administration.
Credit is given Mr. Stebbins of being the first newspaper man to suggest in his col- umns the name of Millard Fillmore as Presi- dent of the United States. In recognition of his service he was later appointed under Mr. Fillmore's administration, special agent for the Postoffice department ; the duties of his office requiring extended trips through the states of Michigan, Ohio and elsewhere.
He was also for some time in the secret service of the Treasury department.
Mr. Stebbins was identified with the Re- publican party from the date of its organiza- tion and was strong in its councils in local and State affairs.
In the year 1856 he was appointed by the Commissioner of the State Land Office to investigate depredations on the pine lands of the State in the western counties of Mich- igan.
In the year 1857 Mr. Stebbins was en- gaged by the publishers of the Lansing Re- publican to edit that paper, when he moved his family to Lansing, which was ever after- wards his home. About this time he re- ceived the distinguished honor of the ap- pointment as private secretary to Governor Kingsley S. Bingham, Michigan's first farmer governor. During the management of the Lansing Republican, the scope of the paper was greatly enlarged and the circula- tion more than doubled within the first six months.
July 1, 1858, Mr. Stebbins accepted a position in the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as clerk, and the fol- lowing winter the Legislature created the of- fice of Deputy Superintendent to which posi- tion he was assigned, where he remained for twenty years. A remarkable record and a just compliment to his efficiency and faith- fulness.
He was for several years vice president of the Lansing Wheelbarrow Co., which position he held up to the time of his demise. As a member of the local Board of Educa- tion he served the city for five years, and will be remembered by the older residents as one of the organizers of Plymouth church.
Mr. Stebbins was married May 29, 1837, to Miss Susan Burley of Salem, Mass. Mrs. Stebbins died in 1854, and in 1855 he was
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married to Miss Eliza Smith of Adrian. His late wife died in 1888. A. C. Stebbins, Bliss Stebbins and Miss Susan Stebbins, all of this city, survive.
Mr. Stebbins was a ready writer of both prose and poetry. Articles from his pen all through the years of his activity found their way into the public press. From early manhood he was a strong advocate of tem- perance principles, and was also outspoken in his convictions against human slavery, and he wrote and lectured much upon these great national questions. He united with the Congregational church when a young man, and was active in church work all through life. He assisted in effecting the organization of two of the largest churches of the Congregational denomination in this State. He died on March 2, 1901, and is buried in Adrian, Michigan.
WILLIAM H. PORTER.
Among the many names prominently iden- tified with the growth and development of the capital city, standing well up in the column is that of William H. Porter. For more than a quarter of a century Mr. Por- ter has been recognized as one of Lansing's hustling business men, contributing in many ways to the city's advancement along the line of permanent improvement and good gov- ernment.
William H. Porter was born in Allegan, Michigan, August 23, 1852. His parents. Hon. James B. and Eunice J. Porter, were natives of the Empire State.
James B. Porter came to Michigan with his parents in an early day, the family loca- ted at Otsego, Allegan county, which was ever after the family home. In the year 1852 James B. was elected Register of Deeds for Allegan, which office he continued to hold until 1860, when he received the nomi-
nation for the high office of Secretary of State-was elected and held the position for three terms, a distinguished honor conferred upon no other man. His first and second terms were under the administration of Aus- tin Blair, Michigan's War Governor, whose monument in bronze graces the capitol square. Mr. Porter's efficiency as Secretary of State in the ready adjustment of the many perplexing questions growing out of the re- cruiting and equipping of the Michigan sol- diery, and the forwarding of troops to the front was greatly appreciated by her loyal Governor. At the organization of the Re- publican party under the oaks at Jackson, Mr. Porter was a conspicuous figure, and he was ever afterward true to the principles of the party.
In 1866 he took up his residence in Lan- sing, where, during the remaining years of his activity he was engaged in the business of insurance and real estate. He passed away in March, 1900, highly respected as a man of correct business habits. Mrs. Por- ter died in 1903. A woman of many virtues. This estimable couple were the parents of five children-three died in infancy. . 1 sketch of E. H. Porter, our subject's brother. appears elsewhere in this volume.
William H. Porter was fourteen years of age when his father removed his family to Lansing. He attended school at Olivet for a time, and was for three years in Oberlin College in the class of 1876. He, however. laid aside his studies and was united in mar- riage to Miss Elnora L. Morehouse, of Litchfield, Ohio: located in Lansing, which has since been his permanent residence. His first business enterprise was a general com- mission store: this he managed for two years, when, under the firm name of Baker & Porter, the Lansing Chair Factory was purchased. At that time the business was located where the Lansing Wagon Works
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now stands. The concern was later merged into a retail store, and was continued for four years, or until 1880, when Mr. Porter disposed of his interest, and engaged in the hack and livery business with J. C. Adams. Four years later, Mr. Porter bought Mr. Adams' interest in the firm, and has since successfully managed the business. When Mr. Porter first came to Lansing, the building in which his hack and livery busi- ness is located was used as a foundry; it was here the first iron was cast that was used in the construction of the "Lansing House" now known as the "Hotel Downey." When Mr. Porter engaged in the enterprise, thirteen horses and four hacks comprised the outfit; now, he has forty-five horses, fif- teen hacks and twenty light surrey rigs, showing that his business has kept pace with the growth of the city.
To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Porter have been born four children, three of whom are living : Walter F., is engaged in business with his father, a business with which he is familiar with every detail, having been to the manor born; James B. and Dorris Eunice. Miss Dorris is the light and joy of the Porter home.
Mr. Porter has held several responsible positions at the hands of his fellow citizens. In the year 1893 he was elected Alderman from his ward, and held the office for six years, or until he was elected Sheriff of Ing- ham county in 1899, when he resigned to enter upon the more responsible and arduous duties of his new position. During his term of office for two years, Mr. Porter with his family occupied the county jail residence. Mr. Porter is always in line with the party of progress-the party with a record-the G. O. P .- the Republican party.
Mr. Porter shows his fraternal tendencies by a membership in the Elks and the K. P. to both of which organizations he is loyal.
Mrs. Porter is a member of the Congrega- tional church society, to which she pays loyal tribute.
Geniality, frankness and cordiality are some of the well-developed characteristics in the make-up of Mr. Porter. Although seemingly just adapted to his chosen occupa- tion he is also well-equipped for anything that may come his way-whether in public matters, or private business. Everybody in Lansing knows "Billy" Porter as a hustler.
IRA J. KELLOGG.
Ira J. Kellogg is a man of business ; he is more ; he is a business man, and more, does business upon business principles, and makes a success of it. He was born in the Town- ship of Wheatfield, Ingham county, Decem- ber 25, 1848. He was the son of Benjamin and Sophronia (Jennings) Kellogg. The father having been born October 2, 1811, in the Green Mountain State, in the town of Pawlet, Rutland county, and the mother in "The Land of Steady Habits," June 6, 1818, in the town of Danby. They were united in marriage February 8, 1838, by the Rev. S. S. Lilly, at Geneva, N. Y.
In the year 1846 they emigrated to the State of Michigan, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the Township of Wheatfield. After making considerable im- provements in clearing the land, Mr. Kel- logg traded for a farm in the Township of Stockbridge, where the family resided until the year 1861. Mr. Kellogg disposed of his farm, and retired to the village of Stock- bridge, where he spent the closing years of his active life. Mrs. Kellogg died May 15, 1861, aged forty-one years. Mr. Kellogg passed away June 12, 1877, at the age of sixty-five years. Both rest in the village cemetery at Stockbridge. At the time of their deaths they were highly respected mem-
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bers of the M. E. church. They were the parents of ten children. Data has been fur- nished concerning them, as follows : Selecta Elizabeth, born at Orange, Steuben county, N. Y., May 8, 1840. She married George Wesley Swigget, August 3, 1856, in the Township of Wheatfield, Ingham county .. They reside at Wheeler, Michigan; Frances Amelia, born September 13, 1842, at Green- wood, N. Y., Steuben county ; Benjamin Jas- per, born February 15, 1845, at Newfield, Tompkins county, N. Y., died March 27, 1864, at Stockbridge, Mich .; Sarah Sophro- nia, born at Newfield, February 22, 1847; Ira Jennings, the subject of this sketch : Helen, born August 15, 1851, in the Town- ship of Wheatfield, Ingham county, now the wife of Benjamin Graham. They reside at Ellendale, Dakota ; Mary Amanda, born in Wheatfield, February 13. 1853, married Amasa Christian. They reside at Chesaning, Mich .; Marion LaFayette, born in Wheat- field, March 20, 1855, died August 18, 1860; Lenora Augusta, born April 15, 1857, mar- ried Melville B. Ives, and they reside in Wheatfield township, where she was born ; David Alonzo, born in Wheatfield, May 16, 1859, is single and lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Our subject's grandfather, on his father's side, Joseph Kellogg, was born in Colchester, Conn., Sept. 17, 1774. He was the son of Corporal Joseph Kellogg (the military rank given indicating that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War). Joseph Kellogg. the grandfather, was united in marriage in Janu- ary, 1799, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Pelton, of Colchester. She was born in April, 1777. They removed from Pawlet. Vt., in 1812, and settled in Northfield in the Empire State, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and thirty-seven acres on which he resided until the date of his death. It is recorded of him "that he was an active, pub- lic spirited man. That he for a time kept a
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