Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 28

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 28

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 his parents had settled in St. Joseph Co., Mich., and he repaired thither, remaining an in- mate of the parental home until the fall of 1867, when he came to Mecosta county, and resided about one year with his father-in-law, in Wheatland Tp. In 1868 he located on So acres of wild land,

where he has since resided and improved until he has 63 acres under the plow, and good farm buildings. His residence, which was in every way suitable, was destroyed by fire Aug. 13, 1883, and at this writing is in the process of rebuilding, and will cost about $1,000 .. Another considerable addition to the value of the place is an orchard, containing 160 trees in the best condition.

Mr. Williams was married Feb. 24, 1867, to Amine P., daughter of Aaron S. and Sarah C. (Watkins) Clement (see sketch). Four children have been born of this marriage ; Frank A., born Feb. 13, 1868, died July 16, 1868; Lettie O. Oct, 24, 1869 ; Siddie S., July 30, 1872; Warren T., June 15, 1879. Mr. Wil- liams is a Republican and is a School Director in his district. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and holds the office of Financier.

saac W. Ferris, Justice of the Peace, Township Supervisor, and member of the Council of Mecosta village, was born in Sherwood Tp., Branch Co., Michigan, Jan. 25, 1840, and is the son of John C. and Mary A. (Watkins) Ferris.

At the age of 23 years Mr. Ferris went to Placer Co., California, and was engaged one year in farming; thence he moved to Omega, Nevada Co., and be- came a clerk in a grocery and provision store, where he was engaged about eight months, and then re- turned to St. Joseph County. He was there occu- pied with agriculture five years, when he went to Branch County and engaged in the same pursuit two years. He went to Vergennes, Kent Co., and in September, 1873, opened a grocery, which he kept until 1878. He sold out, went back to St. Joseph Co., and took an interest in the mercantile establish- ment of his brother-in-law, S. J. Schutt, in Leonidas. lle sold out in the fall of 1878, and in the spring of 1879 went to Butler Co., Kansas, and, after a brief stay at Eldorado, came, in August, 1879, to Mecosta village, then comprising three houses, two saloons and a grocery. He erected the building where he operates, and owns HI lots on Main street. on the west side of the river: also So acres of land on sec. 14 of Morton Tp. Ile was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1880, which post he has since

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held, and was elected Member of the Village Coun- cil in the spring of 1883. In the spring of 1881 he was elected Township Treasurer. He is a charter member of the A. O. U. W.

Mr. Ferris was married at Union City, Branch Co., Dec. 10, 1868, to Carrie, daughter of Leonard and Thankful (Havens) Wilson, born in the Tp. of Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1842. Of this marriage two children have been born, as follows : Eva, in St. Joseph Co., Nov. 17, 1869, and Georgia, in the same place, Sept. 7, 1879.

athan Denney, Postmaster and jeweler, Remus, was born in Jay Co., Ind., Nov. 25, 1849. His parents, James M. and Lois E. (Scranton) Denney, were natives of New Eng- & land, the father of German and Irish lineage, the mother of Welsh and Scotch. They settled soon after their marriage, in the State of Indiana, and in 1864 removed to this county. On reaching the period of his majority Mr. Denney learned the carpenter's trade, which he pursued up to the date of his appointment to the office of Postmaster. With his official duties he combines the business of a sil- versmith, the details of which he learned when 16 years old.

Mr. Denney was married in Millbrook, Jan. 16, 1872, to Ella, daughter of David H. and Sarah (Al- bert) Humphrey, born in Knox Co., Ohio, Oct. 26, 1844. Her parents were natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Denney have had three children, one daughter and two sons, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. Denney is a member of the Order of Good Templars, and himself and wife are members of the Church of Christ, in which he occupies the position of Elder.

wen Shantz, farmer, sec. 26, Wheatland Tp., was born in Ontario, Can., near the city of Guelph, Jan. 27, 1850. His parents, Isaac Y. and Catherine (Clemence) Shantz, were natives of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Shantz received a fair education in the common schools of his native province, and

when 20 years old, Feb. 27, 1870, was married to Sarah, daughter of George and Nancy Shoemaker, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The year following his marriage, Mr. Shantz resided with his father, moving upon a farm in the vicinity at the expiration of that time. Meanwhile he came to Mecosta County and bought the farm on which he now resides, and where he located in 1880. Nearly one half of this is now improved. Mr. Shantz is a progressive farmer, and is making rapid progress in putting his place into the best possible condition for agricultural purposes. Although his residence in the county has been brief, his persistent efforts to advance its place and position have made known his value to the community to which he belongs, and he is secur- ing a firm hold upon the respect and consideration of all.

Mr. and Mrs. Shantz have five children, born as follows: Addison M., May 22, 1871; Nancy, Feb. 22, 1873; Ellen, Jan. 11, 1877 ; George, Nov. 2, · 1879; Lizzie, Nov. 30, 1882. The parents are mem bers of the old Mennonite Church. Mr. Shantz is a Republican in politics, and is present Assessor, an of- fice he has held for several terms.

harles W. Calkins, Clerk of Mecosta vil- lage, and dealer in all kinds of furniture, coffins, caskets and undertakers' goods, was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May 15, 1851. His parents, Lorenzo and Lurena (Payne) Calkins, removed to Ann Arbor when he was II years old, and he there had the advantages of the schools of that place. They made another transfer of their interests four years later, going to London, Monroe Co. There his father was a farmer, and also worked at his trade of carpenter and joiner.

When Mr. Calkins was 20 years old, he left school and learned his father's trade, under his instructions. He followed the business several years, coming to Mecosta in the fall of 1879. He established himself as a mechanic, and after working at his trade two years, founded his present business. He keeps a stock that includes all merchandise common to his lines of trade, and is prospering. He became agent for the American Express Co. Dec. 16, 1881. On the incorporation of Mecosta village he was elected

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Clerk of the Board. He served as Township Clerk a part of the year 1881, in 1882 and 1883. Mr. Calk- ins owns his store, fixtures, adjoining building and Iots.

He was married in London Tp., Monroe Co., April 8, 1875, to Lillie E., daughter of John and Harriet Taft, a native of Adrian, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Calkins have one child-Mabel E .- born in London, Monroe Co., Mich.

illiam Warren, farmer on sec. 22, Hinton Tp., was born July 18, 1825, in Carroll . Co., Ohio. His father, Peter Warren, was of English descent and birth, and both his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they moved to Ohio in its pioneer days. The father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and followed both callings most of his life. The mother's name before marriage was Ann Guthrie. The school privileges of Mr. Warren were limited, and at 17 he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade. He worked under the instructions of his brother-in-law, and continued to follow that vocation until 1861. He opened a confectionery establishment in Augusta, Ohio, which was finally extended into a general store. This he managed nearly six years and accumulated $3,500, which he lost in financial disaster. In April, 1867, he came with his family to Mecosta Co., Mich., and bought So acres of partly improved land in Hinton Tp., where he now resides. In politics Mr. Warren is independent. He has held the office of Supervisor of Hinton Tp. four years, Township Treasurer three terms, and School Director ten suc- cessive years. The years of his labor have their reward in the fine farm and convenient buildings thereon.

He was married in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1849, to Jane, daughter of John and Han- nah (Shaw) Harrington. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and went to Carroll Co., Ohio, where their daughter Jane was born Nov. 14, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have had three children : John J., born in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, May 8, 1853, is the only one surviving. He was married May 8, 1878, in this county, to Della A. House, daughter of Elias and Mary D. (Walrath) House, and they have

two children ; Ethel M. born Nov. 20, 1880, and Alice M., born March 9, 1883. Samantha A. was born Nov. 22, 1850, and died Aug. 26, 1851; Mary E. was bom Jan. 10, 1863, and died Nov. 25, 1876. Mrs. Warren belongs to the Advent Church.

ominiek O'Brien, member of the Council of Mecosta village, and proprietor of the Mecosta House, was born Dec. 26, 1853, at New Castle, County Limerick, Ireland, and is the son of Dorr and Mary (Coffin) O'Brien. His father died when he was nine years old, and he was reared on the farm by his mother until he was 17 years old, when he left the Emerald Isle and came to New York, making the passage on the British steamer " Manhattan." He landed June 10, 1869, and was a resident of New York about one year, then came to Saginaw, where he engaged in lumbering for a period of four years, working a portion of the time on a section of the Chicago, Sagi- naw & Canada Railroad, and was also engaged firing on a locomotive for some time.

He came to Mecosta village, July 12, 1879, and built a saloon on Main street. May 1, 1881, he pur- chased the Mecosta House, which he still owns and manages. The building is 40 x So feet on the ground, three-stories high, and with accommodations for 50 guests. The saloon conducted in connection with the hotel is well fitted up, and stocked with choice articles common to similar establishments. Besides these buildings, Mr. O'Brien owns three lots in con- nection with them, and two lots with barns on James street. He transacts an annual business of $12,000.

Mr. O'Brien was married to Maggie, daughter of Michael Dittell. They have one child, Johnny.

homas Cahill, farmer, sec. 15, zEtna Tp., was born in Canada, July 8, 1834. Ilis K parents, James and Catherine (Lebo) Ca- hill, were natives respectively of Ireland and Canada ; they passed the greater part of their lives in Canada and there died. Mr. Cahill spent his early life after the manner of farmers' sons, and at 16 was apprenticed to learn the business of a butcher. He devoted four years to the accomplish-

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ment of his purpose, and the succeeding four years was occupied in buying stock and speculating. He then located at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich., and worked at his trade two years, resigning his bus- iness to enroll as a soldier in the Union cause. He enlisted in 1861, in the 24th Mich. Vol. Inf., and after six months service received honorable discharge. He went at once to Saginaw, where he found employ- ment as a lumberman about two years, and in the fall of 1863, came to this county and passed three years in the pineries. In 1866 he purchased So acres of timber land and proceeded to put it in a habitable condition. He built a house and cleared 70 acres. A later purchase of 200 acres has swelled his real estate to 280, acres where he is earnestly engaged in the prosecution of agricultural pursuits.

He was married in Canada, Sept. 14, 1860, to Eliza, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) Houghton. Of this marriage one child was born, -Katie, March 14, 1861. The mother died at Ypsilanti, Mich., in September, 1861, and Mr. Cahill was again married, at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 9, 1864, to Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Mary (Mitchell) Lovesy and widow of Ephraim G. Tucker, who lost his life in the war of the Rebellion. Her father is an Englishman by birth and is yet living in this county; her mother was a native of New York and died in 1870.

Mr. Cahill is a Democrat and has held the office of Supervisor four years, Town Clerk one year, and has occupied other important town and school offices.

oseph A. Armstrong, farmer, sec. 20, Millbrook Tp., is a son of Isaac and Lu- cinda (Hiney) Armstrong, natives respect- ively of New York and Pennsylvania. Mr. Armstrong was born in the Keystone State, July 28, 1847. His mother died when he was very young, and for two years subsequently he was cared for by a friend of his parents. In the fall of 1861, when but 14 years of age, he resolved to be- come a soldier, and enlisted in defense of the Union in the 5 1st Pa. Vol Inf., Co. H. He served three years, and was in action at the siege of Richmond, at Fredericksburg, and in the battle of the Wilder- ness. He received a wound in his right arm in the

fight at Fredericksburg, and was incapacitated for duty three months. He received his discharge at Washington, D. C., and returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside until the fall of 1871, when he came to Millbrook, and bought 160 acres of land. He now owns 110 acres, under partial im- provement.

Mr. Armstrong was married in Millbrook, Sept. 22, 1872, to Johanna, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Johnson) Histed, who was born in Bay Co., Mich., June 27, 1853.

Children : Myrtle M , Nora A., Sarah J., Joseph N. and Gertrude B. In political sentiment and ac- tion Mr. Armstrong is a Republican; has served one year as Constable, and three years as School Director.

dward Langworthy, farmer, sec. 25, Green Tp., was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., March 5, 1825. His parents, Elisha and Elizabeth (Guile) Langworthy, were na- tives of Columbia Co, N. Y. The father was a mechanic and followed his occupation until 1843, when he came to Michigan and located 80 acres of land in Lapeer County, where he farmed until his death, which occured April 25, 1845. The mother died March 4, 1874, in the township of Grant, Mecosta Co.

Mr. Langworthy was 17 years old when he accom- panied his parents to Michigan, and until he reached man's estate, gave his father all the assistance in his power, during the "seed time and harvest" seasons, attending school winters. Soon after attaining his majority be became a farmer on his own account and owned 120 acres of land in Lapeer County, where he was a resident about 25 years. He sold his place and went to Genesee Co., Mich., and settled near Flint. Six years after, in the spring of 1875, he bought the property he now owns in Green Tp., consisting of So acres of land, which he has put under good improvements. He is an adherent of the Republi- can party ; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877, and has held the office continuously since. His posi- tion in the community is one of credit to himself as a man and citizen.

Mr. Langworthy was married Dec. 25, 1865, to Maria Perkins, a native of Canada, born Jan. 31,

Douglas Roben.

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1828. They have six children; Willard E., Albert H., Harvey J., Minerva, Susan and Ophelia. Aman- da and Charles are deceased. The parents are mem- bers of theM. E. Church, at Big Rapids.

ouglas Roben, of the firm of Roben, Ben- nett & Gill, insurance, real-estate, and loan agents, of Big Rapids, was born May 4, 1847, near Mount Gilead, Ohio; he is a son of Matthew and Esther (Albach) Roben, a grand- son of Walter Roben, Esq., of Ryegate, Vt., and a great-grandson of Matthew Roben, of Ren- frew, Scotland, a gentleman of means and influence, who was one of the chief founders and early pioneers of the Scotch colony in Caledonia Co., Vt. On his father's side, Mr. Roben is descended from an excel- lent Scotch stock, whose line of descent is traccd back several hundred years, and is allied to various Lowland families of distinction.

His maternal grandfather was John Albach (or Allpaugh, as the name was formerly and more cor- rectly spelled), a prominent and wealthy citizen of Northumberland Co., Penn., who was of good Hol- land Dutch ancestry. His father, Matthew Roben, was a native of Ryegate, Caledonia Co., Vt., a teacher, and after- ward a merchant by occupation. (See sketch of Matthew Roben.)

Mr. Douglas Roben, the subject of this sketch, ob- tained a good education in the public and high schools of Mount Gilead, and at 15 received an ap- pointment to the U. S. Naval Academy, then located at Newport, R. 1., and passing the initiatory examina- tion, entered upon his academic course as midship- man in 1862. In 1863, his class (126 in number) was dispatched to the East Atlantic on a practice cruise, stopping at various ports of England, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Madeira Islands, sailing from the latter place to New York. Several other practice cruises were made on the coasts of the United States, during the course of studies at the Academy. Mr. Roben was distinguished while at the Naval Academy for proficiency in mathematical studies, and graduated high in his class, in 1866, at Annapo- lis, Md.

Soon after graduation he was ordered to join the U. S. steamer "Ossipec," then at Philadelphia, for

duty on the Pacific station. The "Ossipee "left the United States in November, 1866, crossed the At- lantic to the Madeira Isles, and after a brief visit there went south to the Cape de Verdes, thence to Rio Janeiro, and finally through the Straits of Magel- lan to the Pacific Ocean. After a visit to various ports in Chili, Peru, and the Isthmus of Panama, the " Ossipee " reported at San Francisco, in August, 1867. Soon after arriving on the station, the "Ossi- pec " was ordered to convey the U. S. and Russian Commissioners to Alaska, that territory having recent- ly been purchased by our Government.

Mr. Roben was a participant in the ceremonies of transfer, the hauling down of the Russian flag from the Governor's palace, the hoisting of the stars and stripes, and the firing of the international salutes. His name appears as a witness on the deed of trans- fer of the Territory, executed and delivered at Sitka, whereby Alaska became part and parcel of the United States. The "Ossipee" returned with the State papers to San Francisco, encountering a terrific storm a short distance out from Sitka. She was then ordered to the South, to visit all ports on the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central Amcrica. This she pro- ceeded to do, calling at each important harbor in succession, till she reached the southernmost port of Costa Rica.

Returning north to Nicaragua, the yellow fever broke out on board the "Ossipee," and a number of men and officers died of the disease, Mr. Roben fortunately escaping the contagion. The ship pro- ceeded to Acapulco, in Mexico, on her way to San Francisco. At Acapulco, Mr. Roben received the news of his promotion to the grade of Ensign, together with orders to proceed south by mail steamer to Panama, and there to join the U. S. ship "Cyane ', (originally a British vessel, and captured by the "Constitution " in the war of 1812). During Mr. Roben's service on board the "Cyane," she was the greater part of the time stationed at l'anama, to ob- serve the progress of a rebellion then existing in the United States of Colombia, and to guard the interests of our countrymen on the Isthmus.

Returning to San Francisco in the "Cyane " a few months later, Mr. Roben received his second commis- sion as Master in the Navy, together with three months' leave of absence.

The Union and Central Pacific Roads having just been completed, he crossed the continent by rail.

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At the expiration of his leave he was ordered to join the U. S. ship "Supply," at Boston, in the capacity of Navigator. The "Supply " went to Eu- rope for the purpose of establishing a U. S. naval storehouse and depot at Spezzia, Italy ; but on arrival there, diplomatic difficulties were found to be in the way, and the depot was finally placed at Nice, France, where it still remains. The expedition occupied nearly a year, including time spent in various other Mediterranean ports, and Mr. Roben received his third commission as Lieutenant while in Europe, dating March, 1870, he being then only 22 years of age.

After arriving at home he was ordered to join the U. S. steamer "Severn," flag-ship of the North Atlantic Squadron; but a serious difficulty having developed itself in Mr. Roben's eyes, during the last cruise, arising from the use of astronomical instruments in taking solar observations, he re- quested to be assigned to duty on shore, and was accordingly ordered to the naval station at Mound City, Ill., as executive officer, where he re- mained four months. He was then ordered to join the U. S. steamer " Shawmut," at New York, for a cruise in the South Atlantic. When the vessel reach- ed the West Indies, the trouble in Mr. Roben's eyes having become much worse, he was granted “ sick- leave," and brought by the "Shawmut " to Pensacola, Fla., where he landed and proceeded home to Ohio. In the month of November, 1872. he was summoned before the Retiring Board at Washington, and after an examination of his eyes by the medical officer's of that Board, he was placed upon the retired list, with the rank of Lieutenant, for " disability received in the line of duty," which position upon the retired list he holds at the present time.

From Washington he went to Cassopolis, Cass Co., Mich., where he resided until May, 1873. While at Cassopolis he passed a successful examination for admission to the bar, and was admitted to practice in the State courts of Michigan. In May, 1873, he came to Big Rapids, and opened his office, practicing as an attorney, and giving his attention chiefly to real-estate cases. In 1876 he formed a partnership with E. J. Marsh, under the firm name of Roben & Marsh. This relation continued two years, and in Angust, 1878, he associated himself with A. W. Ben- nett, in insurance, real-estate, and loan business.

(See sketch of A. W. Bennett.) In June, 1883, John G. Gill was admitted to the concern, which since its inception has been transacting a successful and extending business.

Dec. 26, 1876, Mr. Roben was married to Stella, daughter of Judge William P. Bennett, of Cassopolis, and a grand-daughter of Rev. Cephas Bennett, a pioneer Baptist missionary at Rangoon, British Bur- mah, who has done missionary work there for the past 55 years, and has charge of the Baptist mission - ary press of Burmah ; she is also a great-grand- daughter of Rev. Alfred Bennett, one of the early and leading Baptist ministers of New York State. She was born in Cass Co., Mich., March 31, 1859. A son, Donald B., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roben, July 19, 1878; a daughter, named Pansie -- an exceedingly sweet and beautiful child-was born May 10, 1882, and died March 26, 1883.

Mr. Roben is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity.

elkirk A Stewart, farmer, sec. 14, Wheat- land Tp., is a son of Neil and Angeline (Baker) Stewart, natives of New York, and of Scotch and Irish descent. He was born in Genesee County, N Y., Sept. 14, 1826. He commenced a life of active toil at the age of 1 1 years, leaving the homestead of his parents and engaging in the capacity of a farm laborer. He continued to work in various localities, until the spring of 1844, when he went to Waukesha Co., Wis., and there engaged in agriculture in a similar manner until his marriage. Nov 5, 1851, in Waukesha County, to Angeline H., daughter of Isaac and Jerusha (Esta- brooks) Wood, who was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1832, and went to Wisconsin with her parents when she was eight years old. The latter were natives of the Empire State. Mr. Stewart took farms on shares, until the fall of 1862, when he re- moved with his family to Michigan, and purchased 240 acres of land on sec. 26, Wheatland Tp. 1Ie made considerable progress in improving his land, but sold it finally, and bought the homestead, con- sisting of 160 acres, where he has since resided. Seventy-five acres of this he has improved, and has one of the best of farms as to quality of the land, etc., in Mecosta County. It is traversed by a stream of flowing water, fed by living springs. Mr. Stewart is

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making preparations to build a new house, and ex- pects to invest about $1,000 therein. He is a Re- publican in political faith; has been Township Treasurer three years, Justice of the Peace three years, and held other minor offices.

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been the parents of four children-Clara A., born Feb. 2, 1853 ; Cora E., July 31, 1855 ; Mary F., born July 28, 1860, died Feb. 31, 1874; Ida A., born Oct. 31, 1866, died Oct. 7, 1879; Edward H. (son by adoption) was born Aug. 2, 1869, and died Sept. 14, 1879.

eorge W. Precions, Millbrook village, was born in Canada, Aug. 27, 1850. His parents, William and Eve R. (Jones) Precious, were natives respectively of Eng- land and Germany, and are both deceased. About 1863 Mr. Precious came to this State and located in Washtenaw County, going afterward to Detroit. He came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich., in 1872, where he lived until 1879. In the summer of that year he made his entry into the village of Millbrook, and embarked in the livery business, which he continued to operate until May, 1883, when he sold out and established himself in a saloon.

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Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 28

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