USA > Michigan > Mecosta County > Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches > Part 31
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Mr. Foster was married at Haverstraw, N. Y., Aug. 13, 1868, to Georgiana, daughter of Thomas ard Mary Dykins, a native of Haverstraw, N. Y. Four children have been born to them-Percy J., Howard W., Charles and Bertie (deceased).
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avid W. Barto, farmer on sec. 29, Deer- field Tp., is a son of Orrin M. and Esther (AAverill) Barto, who came from their native , Vermont, to Kalamazoo Co., Mich , in 1840, and there passed the remaining years of their lives. David W. was born in Kalamazoo County, July 4, 1843. He lived there the first 22 years of his life, and spent the suc- ceeding 18 months in Kansas and Nebraska. He returned home, and remained two and one-half years, when he again repaired to Kansas and pre-empted 160 acres of land. He sold out at the end of four and one-half years, at which time he purchased So acres of land in Mecosta County, now his homestead and under partial improvement.
Mr. Barto was married in Barry Co., Mich., Nov.
14, 1872, to Fannie .V., daughter of J. W. and Mary A. Miles, natives of Ohio, who emigrated thence to Barry County, and later to Kansas, whence they re- turned to Michigan, and are now resident at Manistee. Mr. and Mrs. Barto have two children-Ella P., horn March 4, 1876, and Lina B., Sept. 21, 1877. Mr. Barto is an adherent of the Republican party.
elson H. Beebe, grocer at Big Rapids, was born in Newfane, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1843, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah A. (Strickland) Beebe. His father was a farmer and mill-owner. Mr. Beebe was a stu- dent at school principally, until the breaking out of the civil war, and he was among the earliest to enroll as a defender of the Union flag. He enlisted at Lockport, N. Y., April 29, 1861, in Co. K, 28th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served until the end of the war. His regiment was mustered out June 2, 1863, and he re-enlisted Sept. 3, in the Second N. Y. Mounted Rifles. He received his Lieutenant's commission Oct. 31, 1864, and was released by the close of his period of enlistment, Aug. 10, 1865. Among the en- gagements where he was under fire were those of the Valley of the Shenandoah, Culpepper, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, C'old Harbor, Beth- esda Church, siege of Petersburg, and a large num- ber of skirmishes.
On leaving the army he went to Omaha and en- gaged in the insurance business in Nebraska and lowa. He afterward engaged as traveling salesman for the crockery house of Egner, Foutts & ('o., of Liverpool, Ohio, in which capacity he served two years. In February, 1872, Mr. Beebe came to Big Rapids, and purchased a half interest in the grocery of John Wiseman, and six months later purchased the entire stock. In November, 1875. he sold to C. A. Stickney & Co., and in April, 1876, bought out the business of J. H. Kilburn, which he managed until Jan. 9, 18,8, when he formed a co partnership with J. G Gill, and established his stand where he has since transacted business. May 1. 1883, he pur- chased the interest of Mr. Gill. He carries a stock of fancy and staple groceries, flour; feed and grain, valued at $5.000, and transacts an annual business of $65.000.
Mr. Beebe was married at Lockport, V. Y., Jan.
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25, 1870, to Amy L. Pollard, born at Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have three children -Fern, Elmer and Nellie.
games T. Hunter, farmer, sec. 30, Mecosta Tp., was born Dec. 21, 1857, in Essex Co., N. Y. His parents, Robert and Sarah (Curry) Hunter, were born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestors, and soon after their marriage came to Essex Co., N. Y. When Mr. Hunter was 15 years old he came with his parents to Big Rapids, and thence, in the fall of 1872, to the township of Mecosta. His father located a tract of land, where he proceeded to found a home for his family. He died in the winter of 1881, and Mr. Hunter of this sketch received by will 60 acres of this farm, 50 acres of which is in fine farming condition. Mrs. Mary Hall, his sister, acts as the housekeeper and manager of the domestic department.
Mr. Hunter is a young man, but is already estab- lished as a citizen and farmer. His future is promis- ing and he seems destined to a fair rank in the community to which he belongs. He holds to the Presbyterian faith in religious views.
illiam H. McPherson, farmer on sec. 1, Hinton Tp., is a son of Cyrus and Mary ? L. (Pamfrey) McPherson ; the father a na- tive of Maine, and the mother of New Bruns- wick, where they were married; they fixed their place of residence in Maine and still live there. William H. was born June 2, 1851, in New Brunswick, where he lived until he was 19 years of age, occupied winters in the lumber woods and spending the summer seasons in the slate quarries of the section where he was reared. For about six years, until he was 25 years of age, he was engaged solely in the quarries. In the spring of 1875 he came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land in this township, which is now his homestead, with 32 acres now under advanced improvement. Mr. McPherson is a third-degree member of the Order of Masonry and in politics is a Republican.
He was married in Maine, March 1, 1870, to Sarah E., eldest daughter of Luke L. and Hannah H. (Daniels) Perry. They were natives of Maine, where Mrs. McPherson was born Sept. 8, 1851. The house- hold includes four children : Mabel L., born Feb. 2, 1871 ; Melissa E., Aug. 4, 1873; Cyrus F., Oct. 3, 1879, and William H., July 21, 1882.
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dward Gilchrist, farmer on sec. 28, Me- costa Tp., was born in Canada, May 28, 1855. He is a son of Philip and Paulina (Kake) Gilchrist, natives of the Dominion. His parents came to Saint Clair Co., Mich., when he was one year old. After a few years they returned to Canada. They afterward came back to Michigan to make a permanent settlement, and located near Port Huron, going thence three years later to Sanilac County, remaining about six years. Edward Gilchrist continued to reside there, and in the summer of 1871 began to interest himself in lumbering, where he was occupied until 1876. In that year Mr. Gilchrist bought 40 acres where he now resides in Mecosta Tp. It was then a dense forest and required laborious and unremitting exertion to reduce it to a condition suitable to comfortable sup- port. The place has 15 acres under tillage. Mr. Gilchrist is a Democrat of but moderate pretensions. He is now Director of School District No. 5; has liberal religious views.
He was married in February, 1878, to Emma, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Wadsworth) Mong. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. The daughter was born in Ve- nango Co., Pa., Aug 31, 1859, and came with her par- ents to Michigan in 1869. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist were born as follows: John J., Sept. 9, 1876, and Pearl, Sept. 27, 1880.
enry B. Wolcott, farmer and lumberman, sec. 15, Millbrook Tp .. was born in Brad- ford Co., Pa., Jan. 6, 1824, and is a son of Benj. and Betsey (Merrell) Wolcott, the father a native of New York, the mother of Pennsyl- vania. The family went to the State of New York when Mr. Wolcott was 22 years of age, and he
Samt L. Newton
MECOSTA COUNTY.
remained an inmate of the household four years longer. He was married at the age of 26 and con- tinned to carry on the business of farming there until he was 31 years old, when he came to Michigan and settled in Shiawassee County. He remained there 18 months and went to De Kalb Co., Ill., and engaged in farming three years. His health becom- ing impaired he went back to his native State. Dur- ing the six years of his residence there he held the positions of Constable and Collector, and passed the remainder of the time in farming. He came again to Michigan in 1866, and settled in Millbrook Tp., where he entered 160 acres of land under the pro- visions of the Homestead Act. On this land he erected the second frame house built in the town- ship, and set about clearing the land for agricultural purposes, working three years without a team. The results of his persevering energy are manifest in the appearance of his farm, 110 acres of the original 160 acres being under excellent cultivation. Although he has bought and sold several hundred acres of land in the township, he has always held his first claim as a homestead. .
Mr. Wolcott was married in Bradford Co., Pa., Nov. 8, 1849, to Ruth, second daughter of Wm. L. and Sally (Vosbinder) Taylor. The parents were natives of New York, and settled in Bradford County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Wolcott was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., March 22, 1832. Of 14 children of Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott, eight are still living, born as follows: Sarah S., Oct. 30, 1850; Lewis E., May 7, 1852; Benjamin 1 .. , Dec. 5, 1853 ; Betsey E., Feb. 29, 1856; Ettie 1 ... Dec. 4, 1863; Ruth A., June 16, 1869; Maurice D., Feb. 26, 1872; Alice M., Nov. 8, 1876. The de ceased are as follows: George J., born Feb. 17, 1858, died Sept. 19, 1863: Laura 1 .. , born June 17, 1860, died Sept. 17, 1863; Emma E., born Dec. 30, 1861, died Sept. 22, 1863: Charles .1., bom April 9, 1868, died April 11, 1868; Mary E., born July 8, 1874, died Feb. 3, 1881; William HI., born Dec. 24, 1865, died Nov. 7, 1881.
Mr. Wolcott has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, Road Commissioner three years, School Director nine years in succession, and has been a member of the School Board nearly every year. Both himself and wife are active and prom- inent members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wolcott
was four years a circuit preacher, was regularly or- dained and has officiated two years as a local preacher. Ilis impaired health compelled him to abandon circuit work, but he is still engaged in his ministerial labors and expects to be so occupied the remainder of his earthly life, believing that if he is faithful to the end a crown of eternal happiness will be his reward.
amnel L. Newton, of the banking house of Fairman & Newton, Big Rapids, and whose portrait we place in this work, was born at Hagersville, Ont., Aug. 6, 1861, and is a son of Luther G. and Mary J. (Waters) Newton. In 1865 his parents went to Buffalo, N. Y., where his father associated with his uncle, J. S. Newton, embarked in the lumber trade and carried on an extensive business under the style of J. S. & L. G. Newton. Mr. Newton was a pupil at school in Buffalo from four years of age until the second removal of his family to Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where he was again placed at school, and remained a student there until he was 17 years okl. In 1877 he began a course of study at Hungerford Collegiate Institute, where he remained four years. At the expiration of that period he came to Big Rapids and engaged as book-keeper in the banking house of Ferdinand Fairman, his guardian. In Oc- tober, 1881, Mrs. Newton purchased an interest in the bank with Mr. Fairman, which her son in turn bought from her on reaching his majority (Aug. 6, 1882), becoming owner of halfits business relations. In every respect he seems fitted for the honorable and important profession which he has chosen, pos- sessing all the essential characteristics requsite to the calling.
The house of Fairman & Newton ranks among the most solid and reliable of the banking institutions of Northern Michigan. Its affairs are conducted with a sagacity and business acumen which secures the confidence of the public and amplifies its financial relations. The Fairman & Newton block, ranking among the most substantial buildings in Big Rapids, is owned by the firm whose name it bears. The building on Michigan avenue, occupied by the Mich- igan Cigar Co., is the private property of Mr. Newtor.
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illiam Corbett, farmer, sec. 22, Mecosta Tp., is a native of Scotland, where he was ₱ born Dec. 7, 1849. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Spears) Corbett, were also natives of "Auld Scotia," and came to this country with their family, settling in Canada in 1853. Six years later they came to Michigan. Mr. Corbett was but a lad when he was brought to this country, and was still in early youth when he be- came a resident of the l'eninsular State. Until 1873 he worked at various places as a farm assistant, and in that year purchased 120 acres of land in the town- ship where he is now a citizen, which acreage he has increased by purchase until he now owns a valuable farm containing 160 acres, with 140 acres under cul- tivation and in extraordinarily good condition for agri- cultural purposes. He has made rapid strides in the improvement of his place, and has already erected, in modern style, all buildings necessary to first-class farming, except a suitable residence, which will soon be added to the substantial attractions of the place. Mr. Corbett was married at Hastings, Mich., May 19, 1877, to Esther J., daughter of Jonas and Re- becca A (Stanley) Hall. She was born Jan. 17, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Corbett have three children, born as follows: George, Sept. 27. 1879; May E., May 12, 1881; Maggie M., Oct. 5, 1882.
Politically Mr. Corbett is a Democrat and has held various offices in the gift of his townsmen. The family attend the Presbyterian church.
harles W. Kelley, farmer, sec. 3, Millbrook Tp., was born in Canada, Jan. 16, 1845. He had his own fortune to carve, and at the age of 13 commenced the struggle for home and the future. He was employed as a farm laborer, and during the first year received six dollars a month. He passed some years in this manner in Canada, and in the fall of 1864 came to Ionia, Mich., returning three months later to the Do- minion. After spending a winter at home he re- turned to lonia County, and not long after, in the autumn of 1865, came to Mecosta County and bought 160 acres of timbered land in Millbrook Tp.
He has made such good use of his energy and labor that he has put 65 acres in a good state of cultiva- tion.
Mr. Kelley was married in Millbrook, April 17, 1870, to Mary E., third daughter of James E. and Rosanna (Purceley) Riley, who was born in New York, April 5, 1854. Her parents came from Ireland and settled in the Empire State. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have had six children, five of whom are liv- ing: Rosa M., born Feb. 20, 1872; Myrtie I., March 10, 1874; Nora B. Sept. 24, 1876; Ada, March 19, 1877 ; Eva, Jan. 9, 1879. Rosanna died in infancy. Mr. Kelley belongs to the Republican party. He has held important official positions in the affairs of his township, and himself and wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
10, enry Mansfield, farmer, sec. 35, Wheatland Tp., was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Ang. 11, 1818. His parents, Josiah and Lucre- tia (Byam) Mansfield, were natives of Massa- chusetts. He passed the years preceding his majority under the care and supervision of his father, attending school and receiving the training and instruction necessary to fit him for his life's work. On leaving home he spent the next four years as a farm laborer. At 25 years of age he was mar- ried to Charlotte, daughter of Elijah and Abigail Brown, that event taking place at Byron, N. Y .. Dec. 15, 1842. Mrs. Mansfield was a widow, and survived her second marriage until Dec. 6, 1847, when she died, in Genesee County. Her illness was long and involved her husband in debt to a considerable ex- tent. He was again married May 25, 1848, in Gen- esee County, to Caroline M., daughter of Chauncey and Lorena (Wells) Brown, natives of New England, and respectively of Irish and English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield lived on a farm in the county where they were married until 1867. In the spring of that year they settled on the farm where they are still resident, containing 120 acres of land, with 70 acres under advanced cultivation and sup- plied with necessary and suitable farm buildings. The family includes three children, as follows: Chauncey R., born July 12, 1849; Evert J., Jan. 26, 1852; Mary A., May 8, 1855.
The parents are in advanced life, but an active
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life has kept them young in purpose and stimulated their ambition to keep pace with the progress of the age. Mr. Mansfield has always acted with the Re- publican party ; has served his township as Treasurer seven years. He and his wife are zealous members of the M. E. Church.
K. Wolcott, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook Tp .. is a son of Benj. and Betsey (Merrill) Wol- cott, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Connecticut. In early life they settled in Bradford Co., Pa., where they lived more than 40 years. In the spring of of 1856 they came to Shiawassee Co., Mich., and after a brief stay went to Ilinois. Five years later they returned to the same county in Michigan and remained three and one-half years, going then to l'ennsylvania, and residing there until the fall of 1868, when they came to Millbrook, and both died here in the spring of 1878.
Mr. Wolcott was born in Bradford Co., l'a., Feb. 20, 1831, and was the support of his parents as long as they lived. On coming to Millbrook he entered a elaim of 120 acres of land under the homestead act. and afterward, in 1869, bought 80 acres of land ad- joining. In 1878 he sold 40 acres of this land and in April, 1883, he sold So acies ; he still holds a valu- able farm containing So acres under good improve- ments. He was married in Bradford Co., l'a., Oct. 27, 1881, to Countess D., daughter of A. P. and Es- ther Wolcott. Her parents were natives of Pennsyl- vania, where Esther was born Mr. and Mrs. Wol- cott had one child, Viola, born May 5, 1883, and died Sept. 10, 1883. Mr. Wolcott is identified with the Democratic party, and has been School Assessor ten years.
dward Harmon, landlord of the Millbrook hotel, Millbrook village, was born in Maine, Feb. 14, 1832, and is a son of John and Ann E. (Martin) Harmon, natives of Maine. The father died in California in 1867' and the mother resides at Boston, Mass. At the age of 16 Mr. Harmon engaged as a lumberman,
and also in the river service, which he pursued as a vocation 25 years. In 1859 he left Maine and came to Clearfield Co., l'a., and there engaged in lumber- ing 14 years. ITe left the Keystone State in the fall of 1873 and came to Mason Co., Mich., pursuing the same business at which he had spent so many years of his life, about 18 months, during which time he also kept a boarding house. At the termination of the period named, in 1875, he came to Blanchard, Isabella Co., Mich., and, forming a partnership with 11. P. Blanchard, continued to prosecute the lumber trade. At the end of one year this connection closed and Mr. Harmon came to Mecosta County, and in December, 1876, located at Millbrook and estab- lished himself in the hotel business, which still monopolizes his time and energies. His house is the leading one in that section and is the only one in town.
Mr. Harmon was married in Pennsylvania, May 24, 1861. Mrs. Harmon was born in Center Co., l'enn. She has one child by a former marriage, Deb- orah. Mr. Harmon is a Democrat. He has been connected with the Order of Odd Fellows about 20 years; has held the office of Deputy Sheriff two and a half years, and been Constable one year.
elson Whitbeck, farmer, sec. 22, Mecosta Tp., was born in Wayne Co., N. V., Jan. 26. 1834. His parents, Jasper and Mary (Ropp) Whitbeck, were natives of the State of New York Ilis mother died in Michigan, in the spring of 1878, aged 93 years. His father died in Oakland Co., Mich., in the fall of 1882. He was a centenarian, and distinctly remembered the first election of Washington to the Presidency of the United States by ballot. He was a soldier of 1812, and lived to see the fifth generation of his descend- ants grow up about him. The family removed from New York to Michigan, leaving the Empire State .Nov. 4, 1838, where the boyhood, youth and carly man- hood of Mr. Whitbeck were passed. After reaching his majority he attended to the conduct of his father's farm, and finally the oldl homestead passed into his possession. In the fall of 1882 he came to Mecosta Tp. and bought 160 acres of land, with 120 acres in good condition for farming purposes. On this Mr.
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Whitbeck is at present engaged in progressive farming. He was married March 19, 1857, to Sarah, daugh- ter of Horace and Annie (House) Atwood, of Rose, Oakland Co., where she was born June 16, 1838. Her father was born in New York and is still living. The mother was a native of New Hampshire. Ada G., born April 27, 1859, and Howard M., born Feb. 1, 1852, are the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Whit- beck.
ames Stephens, farmer, resident on sec. 34, Hinton Tp. (P. O., Lakeview), is a son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Vincent) Stephens. They settled in Canada, where James was born, Jan. 25, 1836. There he resided until December, 1865, and then lived in Ottawa Co., Mich., two years. In the summer of 1867 he bought 80 acres of wild land, of which he has since sold 40 acres, with 18 of the remaining 40 under till- age and on which he lives. He is a Republican in politics.
Mr. Stephens was married in Canada, Nov. 10, 1864, to Annie, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Bar- ton. The father was born in England, and the mother is a native of Pennsylvania Mrs. Stephens was born in Canada, May 21, 1844. The five chil- dren of whom she is the mother are all living, born in the following order: Sarah, April 7, 1867 ; Jesse MI., Nov. 30, 1868; Abigail, Dec. 21, 1870; Ebene- zer J., Nov. 16, 1873; Allen J., Dec. 21, 1881.
harles Main, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook Tp., is a son of George and Margaret Ann (Chandler) Main, and was born in Canada, May 3, 1841. He came to Michigan in the spring of 1865, when nearly 23 years of age, to prospect and locate land, and in the spring of the following year came to Montcalm County, and was there engaged two years in farming. In the spring of 1868 he came to Mecosta County and bought 100 acres of land, with some improve- nients, in Millbrook Tp. He conducted affairs on this place nearly two years, sold it and purchased another, containing 100 acres, which he likewise sold,
and in the spring of 1872 moved into the village of Millbrook to engage in a general mercantile business, having previously formed a partnership with E. S. Decker, under the style of Main & Decker. After conducting their business a year, another partner was admitted and the firm style became Main, Decker & Co. This connection existed five years; during a portion of this period Mr. Main was also interested in the lumber trade. Becoming embarrassed finan- cially, the firm closed its affairs, and Mr. Main again turned his attention to farming; is also keeping a hotel at West Milbrook, which he built in 1882. He is a Republican in politics and has served three years as Supervisor of his township.
Mr. Main was married in Canada, Sept. 26, 1864, to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Hunter) Long, all natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Main have had three children, but one of whom, Irving H., sur- vives. Blanche and Richard A. died in infancy.
Fichael Degear, farmer on sec. 28, Deer- field T'p., was born in the Dominion of Canada Feb. 6, 1822. His parents, Mich- ael and Charity (Cupps) Degear, were also born in Canada, where the former died, in April, 1857, and the latter Aug. 15, 1847. Mr. De- gear remained at the home place until the age of 20, and was variously employed about nine years. He then bought a farm containing 47 acres, which he sold ten years later and removed to the township of Lan- caster, Canada, there renting a farm which he car- ried on three years. At the end of that time he went with his family to Kent Co., Mich., and soon afterward selected his present location in this county. He purchased So acres of uncultivated land, which he has increased by the addition of 120 acres; he now has S4 acres under tillage. Mr. Degear is an active member of the Republican party and himsell and family belong to the Methodist Church.
He was married in the summer of 1852 to Eliza- beth, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Drake) Kitchen, natives of New Jersey and residents of Canada. She was born Jan. 10, 1822. The father died in 1824, the mother two years later. Three of the chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Degear are living, and were
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born as follows: Berthelda, Sept. 1, 1857; Reuben J., Feb. 22, 1860; Henry K., Sept. 24, 1861. Sarah died aged 12; two children died in infancy.
K rederiek R. Luther, farmer on sec. 30 Etna Tp, was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, 1808, and is a son of William and Eunice (Allen) Luther. Ile was under the paternal roof until 23 years of age, when he came to Michigan and settled in the vicinity of Detroit, and was there engaged in various kinds of farm labor three years. He then went to Wash- tenaw Co., Mich., but remained only a short time, and settled in Lenawee Co., where he pursued farm- ing for five years. In 1839 he went to Ingham County, where he was the first settler in Delhi Tp. He was engaged in farming there until 1869, when he came to Mecosta County and settled in zEtna Tp. He owns 160 acres of land, with 60 acres under good improvement. In politics Mr. Luther is a Democrat, and in religious views he is a liberalist.
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