Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 26

Author: Chapman Brothers
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 684

USA > Michigan > Mecosta County > Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches > Part 26

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Meanwhile, in the year 1865, he purchased of John W. Forbes, John W. Brooks and Robert S. Watson, of Boston, Mass., 1,700 acres of pine land in Deer- field Tp., for which he paid ten dollars an acre. The advance in value has swelled the estate (numerically) to a comparatively enormous amount. Without de- tails of purchase the following statement exhibits his estate in Deerfield, aggregating 4,080 acres, sectionally located as follows :

On section 1. . . . 120 acres. On section 15. . . . 600 acres.

7. . .. . 10 8 .... 80 ..

17. . .. 120 .6

.. 20. . .. 210 ..

.. 21 .... 160 ..

.. 11. . .. 120

.. 12. . .. 240 ..

26 .... 40

13 .... 200 ..

27 .... 160 ..

14. ... 320

30. . . . 200

Aside from his lands in the township of Deerfield, Mr. Higbee owns, in company with others, 15,000 acres of land. He also owns 300 acres of valuable land adjoining the city of Grand Rapids. He has owned at different periods 5,000 acres in Etna Tp. alone. His home farm (so called), on which he lo- cated in 1878, includes 720 acres, with 500 under advanced improvement. He keeps 15 horses, 10 oxen and 15 cows to supply the wants of his estate and employees, and even these are inadequate to the necessities of the case. He cures five tons of pork annually, raises 1,500 bushels of onions, 2,000 of corn, 1,200 of wheat, 2,000 of oats, 2,000 of potatoes cuts 150 tons of hay and has a flock of sheep.

In 1873, in company with A. B. Watson, of Grand Rapids, Mr. Higbee built a dam on his property in Deerfield. He bought the claim of Mr. Watson soon after and in company with William Hugh, Sr., built the mill they are now managing, and commenced the manufacture of lumber and lath and added planing works to the mill facilities.

Mr. Higbee was married in 1849 to Catherine A.,

16. ... 40 .

9. ... 640 ..

10. ... 440 ..

22 .... 320 ..

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MECOSTA COUNTY.

daughter of Jonathan and Phebe (Hoagland) Truesdell. The latter venerable personages, aged re- spectively 86 and 85 years, reside with and are the special care of their son-in-law. The daughter and wife died July 7, 1883. Mr. Higbee is a Republican in political sentiment. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee's por- traits are given in this work.

eo. M. Gottshall, of the firm of Cannon & Gottshall, Big Rapids, was born at Canton, Ohio, June 1, 1845. His parents, Daniel and Rebecca (Martin) Gottshall, were of Ger- man lineage; the father was born in West- moreland, Pa., June 12, 1803, and mother, in 1815, in Lancaster, Pa. Mr. Gottshall learned the printer's trade when a mere boy, but abandoned the craft temporarily to contribute his part toward his country's defense. His father was instrumental in raising a cavalry company and was put in command of Company K, 3d Ohio Cavalry, in which Mr. Gott- shall enlisted, though but 16 years of age. Capt. Gottshall contracted camp diarrhea and was sent home to recuperate, but died June 18, 1862. The mother still survives and resides at Canton. Mr. Gottshall was in action at Chickamauga, Stone River, Kenesaw Mountain and at the siege of Atlanta un- der Sherman; was with Kilpatrick on his raid in Georgia, and at the battles of Jonesboro, Ga., Frank- lin and Nashville, Tenn. His period of enlistment expired in Sept., 1864, but his command was not mustered out until Dec. 30 of that year. Ile re- turned to Canton and again enlisted in Company D, 2d Ohio Cavalry, Capt. H. C. Pike. This regiment was in Custer's Brigade at Five Forks, Va., which intercepted Lee and compelled him to place himself beyond the Appomattox previous to his final surren- der. At the close of the war the regiment was sent into Southwestern Missouri and the Indian Territory, and was mustered out in September, 1865, at St. Louis, Mo. Previous to the engagement at Stone River Mr. Gottshall was promoted as Corporal. At the battle of Chickamauga and also at the crossing of Elk river near Deckert Station, he received slight gunshot wounds, but throughout the entire period of his army life he was not seriously injured or ill. Daniel H. Gottshall, a brother, enlisted in Company F, 4th Ohio Vol. Inf., and Martin V. B. Gottshall,

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another brother, in Company B, 43d Ohio Vol. Inf., both of whom served their time of enlistment safely.

Mr. Gottshall returned to Canton and resumed the printer's business, himself and brother, M. V. B., starting a weekly paper-The National Democrat. After two year's successful prosecution of this enter- prise he sold to his brother and engaged with E. Ball & Co., manufactures of agricultural machinery, op- erating alternately in the office and shop as contrac- tor. He continued until 1869, when he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., in the capacity of book-keeper with a furniture house. After a year he entered the employ of a lumber company-Beaver, Miller & Co.,-where he acted as accountant, general manager, salesman, etc., remaining five years. He came to Big Rapids in 1876 and in company with B. A. Webster estab- lished himself as a lumber dealer, the firm adopting the name of Gottshall & Webster. This relation was dissolved at the end of three years, when Mr. Gottshall accepted an engagement with F. Fairman as travel- ing salesman, selling lumber, etc. He afterward went into the office of Mr. Fairman's manufacturing establishment known as the Big Rapids I:on Works and officiated as manager and book-keeper. In Oct., 1882, Mr. Edwin Cannon and himself bought the Iron Works which they have since continued to operate, con- structing all machinery necessary to the manufacture of lumber and shingles. They own the building and site (315 X 195 feet) and have all the best facilities for making light or heavy work, from simple bolts to con- plicated engines. Their products sellin the lumber districts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and even Texas.

Mr.Gottshall was married at Canton, May 23, 1868., to Frances A., daughter of John E. and Maria T. (Rodgers) Whitney, who was born Dec. 9, 1849, at Cazenovia, N. Y. Edith A., their only child, was born at Fort Wayne, Ind., Dec. 7, 1870.

eo A. Roof, dealer in boots and shoes, at Big Rapids, was born at Plessis. Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, 1852. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaver) Roof, came to Big Rapids in August, 1871. Mr. Roof re- ceived his business training under the personal supervision of his father, who was a boot and shoe

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dealer and manufacturer in Jefferson County, and founded the same business at Big Rapids. He built the structure on Michigan avenue, row occupied by T. D. Mulbury. In July, 1873, Mr. Roof entered into partnership with his father, an association which proved successful, as their business included a con- siderable jobbing trade. Jan. 1, 1879, he became sole owner by purchasing his father's interest. The lat- ter died Feb. 13, 1880. In June, 1883, Mr. Roof moved the building he occupied to Maple street, and then proceeded to the erection of the "Roof Block," one of the finest in the city. It is built of brick, 50 x 100 feet in size, with three stories above the basement.

Mr. Roof was married at Ottawa, Can., Jan. 12, 1874, to Laura Mclaughlin, who died May 10, 1875, leaving an infant, Charlie D., born at Big Rapids, April 28, 1875. Mr. Roof entered into a second matrimonial alliance Nov. 20, 1876, with Mattie A., daughter of Jonas and Mary A. Crouse, who was born Nov. 20, 1857. They have two sons, J. Fred, born at Big Rapids, Ang. 26, 1881, and an infant not yet named. Mr. Roof is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Council, No. 174. He owns a fine residence, which he built in 1882.

li W. Foglesang, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrook Tp., was born in Ohio, March 19, 1842. His parents, Eli and Mary (Shoup) Fogle- sang, were born respectively in Ohio and Penn- sylvania. In 1861 he came to St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he worked onc year on a farm. In the following year he came to Clinton County and enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, enrolling Aug. 5, 1862, in the 23d Regiment Michigan Vol. Inf., and served until July, 1865, when he received honorable discharge. Among other engagements in which he took part were the siege of Knoxville, Duck River, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville and siege of Atlanta. His regiment was for a time attached to Sher- man's command, and detached to join the corps de- tailed to follow up the retreat of Hood's army. After being mustered out of the United States service he came to Bay City, Mich., and worked for a short time in a shingle mill, going thence to Clinton County, where he was resident about three years, In the

spring of 1869 he bought 200 acres of unimproved land in Millbrook Tp. Of this tract 160 acres have passed from his proprietorship: the remaining 40 is now his homestead and is practically all under culti- vation.

He was married in Bay Co., Mich., Aug. 23, 1868, to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Johnson) Hested, who was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Foglesang have had two children : Cora B., born May 10, 1870, and Lewis W., May 14, 1872. In politics Mr. Foglesang is a Republican and has held several township offices at various periods.

illiam A. Bell, fariner on sec. 12, ÆEtna Tp., is a native of Canada, and is a son of John A. and Margaret (Johnson) Bell. He remained with his parents until he was 22 years of age, acquiring his education and fitting himself for the vocation of farmer. At that age he bought So acres of land, under par- tial improvements, where he now resides and on which he has recently built a fine barn Sixty acres of his land are cultivated. He is a Republican in principle and action, and himself and family attend the M. E. Church.

He was married at Grand Rapids, July 6, 1874, to Edna J., daughter of Edmund and Mary (House) Groom, and their children are Alverta M., born Dec. 23, 1877, and Ray B., born Sept. 8, 1879.

bel C. Osborne, proprietor of the Palace Barber Shop at Big Rapids, was born at Cazenovia, N. Y., June 3, 1841. He is a son of Thomas E. and Salome (Hanks) Os- borne, and was sent to school in his native place until he was 16 years old. His first occupation of any importance was in the capacity of page to the Sergeant-at-Arms of the New York Assembly, at the State Capitol at Albany, N. Y. At the age of 18 he began to prepare for his vocation by obtaining a position in a barber shop at Oswego, N. Y. In the fall of 1863 he went to Toledo, Ohio, and -

270

MECOSTA COUNTY.

established himself in business, remaining about two years. He then went to Fulton, N. Y., where he again embarked in business and operated until 1867. In this year he made his first essay in his calling at Big Rapids, associated with George Jones. In 1869 he went back to Fulton, N. Y., and remained two years, when he returned to Big Rapids again and purchased an interest in the business owned by B. F. Brazee. They sold out to J. E. Lalone, and Mr. Osborne entered the employ of L. T. Loveless, engaging a year later with Langsworth & Van Haun. After six months he purchased the claim of the senior member of the firm, and after another six months he became sole proprietor by buying out Mr. Van Haun.

He opened the Palace shop in December, 1881, and the establishment is acknowledged to be the finest in the Peninsular State. He employs two assistants, and owns another shop in a different locality under the management of William Disley and one assistant. In connection with his shop he has a fine set of bath rooms which, with his operating 6, are fitted with the best of modern fixtures. » assistants are skilled in their business, and his blishment is deservedly famous throughout Michigan.

Mr. Osborne was married in Oswego, N. Y., June 21, 1865, to Sarah E., daughter of Stephen and Mary Hare, born April 7, 1850, in Pictou, Canada. Clayton, the eldest child, was born in Toledo, Ohio, June 6, 1866, and is now a messenger in the employ of the W. U. Telegraph Co. Minnie was born Oct. 11, 1869, at Big Rapids.

Mr. Osborne belongs to the 1. O. O. F., and has held the offices of Past Grand, and of P. C. P.

eorge W. Green, lumberman, resident at Big Rapids, was born at Amity, Allegany Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 1834, son of William D. and Anna (Belden) Green. His father was a farmer and lumberman, and he was early put in training for the same occupation, upon which he entered at 17 years of age. The business career of Mr. Green represents in miniature the his- tory of Mecosta County, whither he came in 1855. The township of Green permanently and fitly com- memorates the family name, Mr. Green, with his

father and brother Andrew, being among the earliest settlers within its limits, and the founder of a con- siderable proportion of " first things " there, as they were the heaviest land-holders at that period. They located about 1,400 acres of land and entered zeal- ously upon the work of clearing and prosecuting their lumber interests. Mr. Green was associated with his brother Andrew in the lumber trade and in farming about 12 years. They bought large tracts of pine land, in Clare County, principally; employed many men, and put logs in the river, which were sold afterward, as is the custom in this section. Mr. Green, of this sketch, built the first frame house and barn in the township of Green. The former was erected on sec. 9, in 1857, the latter on sec. 4, in 1859. The residence was the first frame dwelling in Mecosta County. At the time of his arrival, there was but one-half of an acre of ground cleared where Big Rapids now stands, whereon was located a small hut owned and occupied by Zerah French, the only inhabitant living there at the time they located their lands. Mr. Green and his brother were often obliged to carry some part of their provisions long distances on their backs.

In 1872, associated with his brother-Lewis H. Green-he bought a saw-mill on the river in Big Rapids, at the foot of Hemlock street. The follow- ing year they sold out, and each proceeded to build a mill on his own responsibility. Lewis Il. erected a lumber mill on the north side of Mitchell Creek, and Mr. Green of this sketch built a shingle mill on the south side of the same stream, which he sold in June, 1875, to S. H. Gray & Co. He continued to put in logs up the river, and in 1877 engaged with Bailey & Hardy in the meat business at Big Rapids. This relation closed at the end of a year, and Mr. Green went to the Black Hills, where he engaged in lumbering and mining until 1881, meeting with satisfactory success.

The death of his wife recalled him to Big Rapids, and he resumed the lumber trade. In 1882 he bought a saw-mill in the village of Mecosta, which he sold in June of the following year. He still owns and manages a lumber yard there and, in company with D. F. Glidden, is engaged in the lumber busi- ness. His property at Big Rapids consists of a fine residence, and two lots on the corner of Elm and Ives avenues ; a residence and lot adjoining on the north; a store on the north side of Michigan avenue.

MECOSTA COUNTY.

about 5,000 acres of stump land in Clare, Missaukee and Osceola Counties; and 160 acres of farming Jand in Dakota.

Mr. Green was married March 27, 1862, in Green Tp., to Mary A., daughter of Thomas and Nicholas (Stott) Shaw, and a nativeof London, Eng. Three chil- dren were born of this union : Lola M. B., Grace G., and George W. The mother died at Big Rapids, May 11, 1881. Mr. Green was again married, Oct. 17, 1882, at East Dennis, Mass., to Ellen MI , daughter of Stillman Kelley. He is a member of the City Council of Big Rapids, of which position he was the incumbent in 1877-78. He has served ten years as Deputy County Surveyor, and was Deputy under the first County Clerk, Orrin Stevens, elected at the organization of Mecosta County, which posi- tion he filled two years. While a resident of Green Tp. he was Justice of the Peace four years, was Deputy Township Clerk a number of years, and has served at Big Rapids as Deputy Sheriff under A. S. Mason. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Ma- sonic Order, and is a Knight Templar.

eo Losie, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield Tp., is the son of John and Eleanor (Waite) Losie. The father was a native of Canada, and the mother of New Brunswick. In 1861 the family removed to Port Huron, Mich., where the mother is still living. Her husband died in the summer of 1865.

Mr. Losie was born in Canada, June 18, 1828, and was resident there until 1863, in the winter of which year he settled in Mecosta County and "took up" 40 acres of land in Deerfield Township. His log.house home and laborious efforts in clearing the forest to make way for the support and advancement of him- self and family, though the same trite experience so often recounted, is no less the strong central point in his career because it has a counterpart in so many personal histories.

Mr. Losie was married in Canada, Nov. 8, 1853, to Esther, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Roszell) Burss, natives of Canada. They afterward settled in Allegan Co., Mich., where the father died. Her mother resides with a daughter, Mrs. Henry Mills, of Deerfield Tp. Of this marriage seven enildren

have been born, recorded as follows: Asenath A., born April 15, '58 : Bertha A , July 17, '60; Lizanna A., Oct 29, '62; Elon A., March 16, '65; Earl J., May 7, '67; Sarah E., Sept. 21, 54 (died Aug 15, '58); John E., March 3, '56 (died .Aug. 21. '58). The deaths occurred but six days apart.

Mr. and Mrs. Losie are members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

dwin Cannon, manufacturer at Big Rap- ids, is a native of England, and a son of Charles and Nancy (Matthews) Cannon. Hewasborn in Buckinghamshire, Nov. 17, 1837. His father came to the United States in 1847, accompanied by his two sons, 'George and Ed- win, the latter a lad of ten years. They went to Lenawee Co., Mich., where, two years later, Mr. Cannon (Sr.) bought So acres of land in a wild state. The wife and mother joined her family in Blissfield Tp., about this time, bringing with her the remaining children, Jane and James. They experienced all the inconveniencies of first settlers, but, appreciative of their privileges under a popular government, went heartily to work to secure all the benefits accruing to them from independent citizenship. Their log cabin was humble and deficient in modern appliances, but it was their own, and the privations of that period are less in their memories than its charms and free- dom. Mrs. Nancy Cannon died in 1879. At 19, Mr. Cannon went to Blissfield, Lenawee Co., to learn wagon-making. where he worked two years, and then engaged in agriculture four years. In 1862, in com- pany with Mark Cannon, a cousin, he bought a steam saw-mill, which they managed together about five years. The enterprise was prosperous and Mr. C'annon sold his moiety to his partner and pro- needed to establish a new mill in the vicinity. Six months after its completion, he formed a partnership with James Tibbals and removed the mill and fix- tures to Hastings, Barry Co., Mich. This was about the year 1869, and the mill was utilized in sawing ties for the Grand River Valley R. R., then in proc- ess of construction. Afterward the mill did cus- tom work at Hastings until 1871. when a second transfer was made to Byers, of this county, and the power devoted to the same line of business. In the

MECOSTA COUNTY.

winter of 1873 the firm took a contract to saw lum- ber for Charles Barstow, at Hungerford, and the mill was again removed. Mr. Cannon bought the inter- ests of Mr. Tibbals in the summer of 1876, and Aug. 1, 1881, the mill was destroyed by fire, entail- ing a loss of $6,000. He came to Big Rapids soon after, and in partnership with Geo. M. Gotshall be- came proprietor by purchase of the manufacturing establishment of F. Fairman, and has since been engaged in constructing edgers, tram-cars, engines, and mill machinery generally. The annual transac- tions reach an aggregate value of $90,000.

Mr. Cannon owns a half interest in 600 acres of land in Hungerford besides his residence, and eight city lots on S. State street at the west end of Oak street. . He was married at Mattawan, Van Buren Co., Mich., April 20, 1872, to Leavana, daughter of Levi Butler, a farmer and carpenter of Mattawan, who was born Nov. 21, 1845. Mr. Cannon is a men- ber of the Order of Masonry.

ranklin C. Terrill, M. D., was born in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 1849. He is the youngest son of Lyman and Catherine (Clark) Terrill, and was reared on a farm to the age of 18. He attended the common district school until the age of 14, when he entered the high school at Northville and two years afterward entered the union school at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he pursued the English course.

In the fall of 1869 he was chosen Principal of the union schools at Ovid, Mich., which position he held during the following year, when he went to Kansas and was elected to the same position in the schools at White Church.

Dr. Terrill followed the calling of teacher, reading ad interim for his profession until 1875, when, owing to ill health, he abandoned it and returned to Ovid, Mich., where he embarked in the drug business with Geo. C. Beebe; this relation and business continued until the fall of 1877, when he entered the Depart- ment of Medicine and Surgery at Ann Arbor, Mich., completed the course of study prescribed, and was graduated June 26, 1879. He formed a partnership for the practice of his profession with Dr. J. W. Pat- tison at Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and there practiced until September, 1881. In that month he came to

Big Rapid, and established his business, which is now in a prosperous condition.

Dr. Terrill is a member of the Union Medical Society of Northern Michigan, and was elected first Vice-I'resident on its organization. He belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows. In 1872, while resi- dent at White Church, Kan., he connected himself with the Order of Masonry, joining Delaware Lodge, No. 96; he was made Senior Warden in 1872-3, and was elected Master of his Lodge Dec. 29, 1874, serving one year.

Lyman Terrill was born March 13, 1802, in On- tario Co., N. Y., and came to Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where he was a prominent pioneer. He set- tled on a farm, which he put under first-class im- provements and continued to reside there until his death, April 13, 1877. Mrs. Terrill, his wife, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 13, 1810. Her marriage to Mr. Terrill occurred Dec. 13, 1880, at Ann Arbor, Mich. Of seven children born to them six are now living, viz: Charles C. is an architect in California; was a member of the Legislature of the Golden State for three successive terms; Nancy resides at Ovid; Martha C. is the wife of Chas. M. Morrison, a farmer at Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich .; Jared D. is Chief C'lerk in the Indian Bureau at Washington, D. C., which position he has occupied for 18 years. Francis G. is a farmer on the home- stead at Plymouth; Hobert H. is deceased. The mother died at Plymouth, Jan. 11, 1863.

enry D. Brown, Postmaster at Millbrook, was born in New York, Aug. 23, 1829. He is a son of Elijah and Abigail (Strong) Brown, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of New York. They were married in the State of New York and there passed their entire lives, the father dying at the age of 82 years; the mother died in 1832. Mr. Brown was nearly 25 years of age when he took a final leave of his childhood's home. A brief visit to Wisconsin in earlier years had given him a favorable impression of that State, and on leaving home he made his way thither and remained three years, being a part of the time in the employ of his brother as clerk. In 1857 he returned to New York, and during the next two years carried on the grocery trade in his own inter-

273

MECOSTA COUNTY.

ests. He disposed of his business, and in the fall of 1859 came to Michigan and located in Branch County, buying a farm and there operating two years. He again sold out and removed to St. Joseph County, where he rented a farm and worked a few months. The continuous calls for men to aid in crushing the Southern rebellion awakened his patriotism, and he enlisted in the 17th Michigan Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis- charge at Detroit. Among the most memorable ac- tions in which he participated were the battles at Jackson, Miss., Knoxville, Tenn., battle of the Wil- derness and Spottsylvania Court House. At the last named his regiment was nearly cut to pieces, the sur- vivors being few. After this he was on detached ser- vice until the close of the war. After his discharge in 1865 he came to Mecosta County and settled in Wheatland Tp., where he bought a farm and oper- ated until 1878. He sold his place in that year and came to the village of Millbrook to live In the fall of 1879 he received his appointment as Postmaster from President Hayes, and has since occupied the position. While a resident of Wheatland he held the office of Township Clerk several times, besides other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Brown was married in New York, to Mary E., daughter of Chauncey and Lorenna Brown. Their only child died in infancy. The mother died Jan. 3, 1853. Mr. Brown was married in 1865 to Cassie, only daughter of John D. and Margaret (Hopkins) Clemment, and they have two children, Charlie D. and Lottie C.

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Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 26

Author: Chapman Brothers Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 684

Author: Chapman Brothers
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 684