Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 36

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 36

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).

At the age of six years the subject of this sketch went to live with his unele, where he worked on the old homestead of his grandfather summers and went to school winters till he was 15 years of age. After this his entire time for several years was devoted to study and teaching. He commenced teaching at the age of sixteen, receiving $16 a month for his first term in Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co., Ohio. After this he removed, with his mother and family, an older brother and sister, to near Lansing, Mich., where he continued alternately to teach and attend school till 1871. At the age of twenty he was engaged as Principal of the schools at Grand Ledge, Eaton Co., Mich., which position he also held during the years, 1875-6, having spent most of the intervening time attending the Lansing High School and the State Agricultural College.

Early in life Mr. Malone entertained a strong de- sire to study and practice law, and at the age of six- teen he visited John McSweeny, a leading criminal lawyer of Wooster, Ohio, and completed arrangements to study with him; but this his friends dissuaded him 1

from doing, preferring that he become a teacher or enter the ministry ; however, as he always entertained a love for the study of law, during the last years of his teaching he found time to read the works of a num- ber of leading law writers. After closing his second year's work in the schools of Grand Ledge he de- voted a year almost exclusively to the study and practice of law at Bell Oak, Ingham Co. After this he spent two years in the mercantile business at Bell Oak; but this enterprise, not being congenial to his taste, did not prove successful.

In the spring of 1881, he came to the village of Mecosta, and recommenced the practice of law. He was soon after admitted to the Bar of Mecosta County, and in January, 1883, he came to Big Rapids, and the following summer went into partnership with Mr. C. 1 .. Northrup, an attorney of several years' successful practice in Northern Michigan. Soon after coming to the county Mr. Malone was elected member of the County Board of School Examiners and Secretary of that Board, which position he held for two years. The untiring zeal with which he de- voted himself to the duties of this office, and the consequent advancement in educational interests throughout the county, so identified him with the in- terests of the people that his work will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. Malone, though still a young man, is every- where known as a man of the people; he is there- fore an active agent in all matteis tending to advance the interests of the community and especially of the young. He is an earnest and ardent speaker, and has presented his views upon leading subjects of pub- lie interest, not only in his own county but in differ- ent parts of the State. 1Te is an active worker in the cause of temperance and a zealous advocate of both moral suasion and prohibition. He is also a total abstainer himself, having never partaken of in- toxicating liquors as a beverage in his life ; neither has he ever used tobacco in any form.

Mr. Malone was married in Locke Tp., Ingham Co., June 30, 1875, to Miss Fanny E. Atkins, eldest daughter of Harman A. and Harriet V. Atkins, both of whom were pioneers of that county. Mr. Atkins is a physician, having practiced in Ingham County for more than thirty years. Ile is also a great reader, and a profound student of natural sciences, being the author of a work on ornithology, embodying his daily observations for more than a quarter of a cen-

344

MECOSTA COUNTY.

tury. Mrs. Malone was born in Locke Tp., Ingham Co., March 5, 1854. She received a liberal educa- tion and taught school several terms in Ingham and Eaton Counties before her marriage ; she still enter- tains the same love for reading and study as that of her father, and so far as possible still gives her time to literary pursuits. Bertha E., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Malone, was born Dec. 29, 1877.

In connection with this sketchwe take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Malone.

m. Willett, farmer on sec. 5, Hinton Tp., was born in England, March 28, 1810. His parents were natives of England and came to Canada in the early days of its set- tlement, and there the mother, Martha (Skil- ton) Willett, finally died. The father, Richard Willett, came to Michigan with his children, and died at the home of his son George. William Willett spent the first 23 years of his life in his native land, and until 14 years of age was sent to school. He worked four years with his father, who was a carpen- ter, and then set out for his single-handed life strug- gle. In 1833 he came to Canada and entered upon a life of labor, working at carpentry and millwright- ing, and was thus engaged for 33 years, coming to Michigan in 1866. He at once purchased 120 acres of land, on which he now resides and has 40 acres under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Willet was married in England, Feb. 3, 1830, to Charlotte, daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Mann) Rose. Her parents were natives of England, where Mrs. Willett was born Sept. 21, 1812, and there her father and mother died.

ohn D. Decker, farmer, sec. 14, Millbrook Tp., was born in the State of New York, March 11, 1828. He is a son of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker, and was reared under the care of his parents, living at home until he was 22 years old, and occupied chiefly with farming. His father removed with his frnily to Canada when Mr. Decker was about six

years old, who remained there until he reached the age of 24 years, going thence to Illinois. After resid- ing there seven years, engaged meanwhile in farm- ing, he came in the autumn of 1866 to Mecosta County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Mill brook Tp. He has since bought 40 acres more, and of the aggregate 120 acres has 40 acres under cul- tivation.

He was married in Canada, Feb. 10, 1851, to Harriet R., daughter of David and Lena (Mirkley) Welch, the former a native of New England, the lat- ter of Canada. She was born in Upper Canada, Nov. 30, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have had nine children, of whom eight survive: Louisa H., born Jan. 25, 1852; Eva J., Oct. 25, 18 56; Howard E., Feb. 25, 1859; Adella M., Jan. 21, 1862; William A., April 16, 1864; James E. C., March 12, 1868; Mary L., Dec. 29, 1871; Alberta E., Feb. 9, 1875 ; Edward H., born Feb. 7, 1854, died Jan. 17, 1856.

B artley Davis, deceased, was born Ang. 18, 1832. He was a son of Francis and Mar- garet Davis, natives of Belfast, Ireland. At the age of six years he came to Canada with his parents, and attended school at To. ronto until he was 13 years old. Two years later he began to work in a saw-mill for Jonah Ugel, where he continued until he was 21 years old. In company with a son of his employer, he bought a saw-mill, and they went into business for themselves, where Mr. Davis thus operated five years. He sold his interest in the mill and went to live on a farm he had previously purchased, which he managed until 1861. He then came to Michigan, and purchased So acres of land in Hinton Tp .. 70 acres of which were under the plow at the time of his death. Asso- ciated with William N. Seaton, Mr. Davis built and operated the first saw-mill in the township, located at Altona. He was connected with Mr. Seaton two years, and was engaged in lumbering to a greater or less extent each winter after coming to Hinton. Dur- ing his life Mr. Davis was Supervisor several years. He died Feb. 13, 1879, after an illness of five years, of consumption. He was confined to his house but two weeks.

Mr. Davis was married April 10, 1858, in Canada,

MECOSTA COUNTY.

345

to Lydia M., eldest daughter of William and Char- lotte (Rose) Willett, born Jan. 17, 1832. Her parents reside in Hinton Tp. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, three survive: Newton E., born April 12, 1859; Ella M., Nov. 22, 1861; Charlotte M .. April 2, 1865. Two children died in infancy : Ezra W., born Oct. 7, 1860, died Feb. 18, 1881. Mrs. Davis resides on the homestead.

idney Haskill, painter, resident on sec. 35, .Etna Tp., was born May 29, '29, in Yates Co., N. Y., and is son of Josiah and Chloe (Gage) Haskill. At the age of 15 he was ap- prenticed to Nathan Simson, a painter of that vicinity, and as he acquired the details of the trade with readiness and became a skilled workman in much less than the time required by the terms of his indenture, he was released and managed his own business engagements for three years. He then spent two years on the lakes; since 1860 he has been busy with his trade. During the time he was in the Empire State he worked on the N. Y. C. R. R ; going thence to Kansas, he worked on the Union Pacific R. R., as a bridge builder. He re- turned to Michigan, stopped at Port Huron, and a few months later went to Grand Rapids, where he arrived in the spring of 1863. He followed his trade 14 years in that city and then settled in Etna Tp., on a farm near Morley. Since his location in the township he has worked with Higbee & Co.

He was married in 1850, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Anna Dutton, at Port llope, Pr. of On- tario. Children: Albert, born Nov. 25, 1857 ; Ro- sanna W., August, 1859; Frank, Nov. 5, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Haskill are adherents of the M. E. Church. Mr. H. is a Republican.

ames A. Mills, farmer on sec. 20, Mecosta 'T'p., was born Sept. 7, 1847. He is a son of Alexander and Sarah (More) Mills, natives of Scotland and early emigrants to St. Johns, N. B., where the son was born. Mr. Mills took his fortunes into his own hands at nine years of age. He ran away to sea in the capacity of cabin boy, and was in that position two years when -1

he became shipmate. He was promoted to the post of second mate, and so performed his duties that he was offered the position of first mate, but declined, as he had determined to withchaw from a seafaring life. He had a desire to engage in the whale-fishing service of the Northern Ocean, and spent some months in the dangers and excitements of that life. He then engaged in cod-fishing service and followed it on the coast of Gaspe, C'an. After four months he connect- ed himself with a company of seal fishers and spent a considerable time in that region of icebergs. Hle then quitted ocean life and went to Upper Canada, where he remained but a brief time. His next re- move was to Texas, where he was occupied some months in herding cattle. Coming North, via New York, to Canada, in 1859, he visited his native place. He came to Saginaw, Mich., and there operated as a lumberman one year, and was also engaged some- what in river driving.

Mr. Mills came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1860. where he remained until his marriage. That event occurred July 8, 1861, to Mary, daughter of Jesse R. and Lydia (Mash) Green. Her parents were natives of Canada, where she was born Sept. 17, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Mills have had one child, Alice May, born May 31, 1875. Mr. Mills is a Democrat.

amuel J. Throp, of the firm of Fellows & Throp, druggists, at Big Rapids, was born at Fort Jefferson, Darke Co., Ohio, Oct. 28. 1845, and is a son of John A. Throp, born Oct. 24, 1822, in Monmouth Co., New Jersey, and Catharine Throp, born Dec. 3, 1825. in Warren Co., Ohio. His mother never changed her maiden name, yet there was no relationship trace- able. His father was a wagon-maker, but on his removal to Three Rivers, Mich., in 1857, became as- sociated with a partnership manufacturing company, in building the celebrated Invincible Vibrating Thresher and general agricultural implements ; he sold his interest in the factory March 15, 1881, but retained his claims in the patents. In 1867 Mr Throp went to Troy, Ill., and engaged in the mer- chant flouring mill of his uncle, Thomas A. Throp, as accountant. The latter died in 1873, and Mr. Throp was appointed administrator of the estate.

MECOSTA COUNTY.

346

After an absence of seven years, and the affairs per- taining to the settlement were adjusted, he returned to Three Rivers, and in 1875 became secretary of a new incorporated company, namely, Roberts, Throp & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements, in which his father had been actively and steadily con- nected for the past 25 years, being Director and Vice-President as well as General Manager and Superintendent. On account of failing health, sim- ultaneously with his father's active withdrawal from the concern, Mr. Throp and his father sold their half interest in the capital stock, divided the notes and accounts and retained their share of the same. Their connection therewith had been very laborious and one of great responsibility, yet successful and merito- rious in a financial sense. They together engaged in the collection of their outstanding accounts, until September, 1882.

During that month Mr. Throp came to Big Rapids and, in partnership with his brother-in-law, C. A. Fellows, purchased a stock of drugs of C. P. Bige- low, M. D., which they removed to their present place of business. They carry the largest stock of drugs and sundries in the city, and have the most complete and tastefully arranged business house, in their line, in Northern Michigan. Their business comprises wholesale as well as retail, and although already extensive, is steadily increasing.

Mr. Throp was married at Three Rivers, May 28, 1870, to Clara A., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hiles. Mrs. Throp was born in Montour Co., Pa., Aug. 27, 1848. Charles Henry, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Throp, was born at Troy, Ill., Sept. 16, '72.

ohn Bollamy, farmer, sec. 8, Wheatland Tp., is a son of John and Jane (Cathcart) Bellamy, the father a native of England, of mixed British and Irish blood, and the mother of Ireland ; they came to America early in life and located in Ontario, C'an., where they were married. Mr. Bellamy was born in Waterloo Co., Can., Sept. 5, 1855, and passed the first 23 years of his life in school and assisting his father on the farm. In the fall of 18;8 he came to Mecosta County and passed one year in Wheatland Tp., with John Gingrich, his brother-in-law. Meanwhile he was married, June 14, 1879, to Leonora, daughter of

Peter and Mary (McDonald) Gingrich, who was born July 5, 1861, in Waterloo Co., Can., and when six years old accompanied her parents to Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy have two children: John H., born Dec. 25, 1879, and William A., Nov. 18, 1881. In politics Mr. Bellamy is a Democrat.

arvey Harrington, proprietor of the hotel at Altona, Hinton Tp., was born in lonia County, Mich., Aug. 2, 1848. His parents, William and Margaret (Staley) Ilarrington, were natives of Ohio. Their first removal thence was to Montcalm Co., Mich., and successively to - Ionia, Gratiot and Calhoun Counties, and in 1869 went to Kansas, where they now reside. Mr. Har- rington was 14 years of age when his parents went to Gratiot County. Their stay there lasted one year, and they then went to Calhoun County, where Mr. Harrington lived with them until he was 21 years of age. On attaining man's estate he went to Mont- calm County, and there worked in a shingle-mill eight years. In 1873 he bought 40 acres of partly improved land in the township of Fairplain, in Montcalm Co. He took possession of this place as a residence in 1877, and in 1881 exchanged the property for So acres in Sheridan Tp., Mecosta Co., where he fixed his home in September, 1881. In Feb- ruary, 1883. he exchanged his farm for the hotel at Altona, which he is now managing.

Mr. Harrington was married in Montcalm County, Oct. 24, 1869, to Lois A., youngest child of Nathan and Mary A. (Rossmore) Rose. The latter were natives of New York, where Mrs. Harrington was born, Oct. 24, 1852. Her father died Feb. 4, 1862, and her mother lives with her. Mr. and Mrs. Har- rington have had one child, George N., born April 3. 187 1, and died Oct. 12, 1871. As to political issues, Mr. Harrington is a Republican.

ohn M. Sims, farmer, sec. 2, Green 'T'p., was born Sept. 26, 1845, in Greene Co., Pa., and is the son of Martin and Eliza Jane (Mundy) Sims. Mr. Sims is descended from loyal ancestry, his great-grandfather hav- ing fought in the war of the Revolution, and also in that of 1812. Ilis father was born in the

349

MECOSTA COUNTY.

Keystone State, of English ancestry; was a farmer and millwright, and enlisted in the civil war as a soldier for the Union, finally locating in Van Buren Co., Mich., where he died, in 1876. The mother, born in County Down, Ireland, died Ang. 28, 1871.

True to the patriotic instincts of his race, Mr. Sims enlisted in the war of the Rebellion to defend the flag his ancestors had fought to establish, and is the youngest soklier recorded in this volume. He enrolled as his country's servant in the 12th W. Va. Infantry, Aug 9, 1869, when he was 15 years, II months and 13 days old. He was discharged June 16, 1865, having seen much active service in the memorable engagements of the war, among them the fight at Winchester, June 14, 1863, Harper's Ferry. in July, 1864, Battle of Winchester, and of Cedar Creek, Nov. 19, 1864, at Piedmont, Stanton, Lynch- burg; and when transferred to the Army of the Po- tomac he fought at Hatcher's Run, near Petersburg, March 29, 30, 31, 1865, and April 1, following, at Fort Grey, near Petersburg, whence his command fol- lowed Lee on the extreme left of the Army Corps until the rebel chief surrendered to the Federal authority at Appomattox, of which event Mr. Sims was an eye witness. After Lee's capitulation the forces went from Lynchburg to Richmond, where they were discharged, and were mustered out at Wheeling. Mr. Sims sustained but one injury during the entire time, receiving a gunshot wound in the left leg in a skirmish near Harper's Ferry. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Winchester, June 14, 1863, and was held in captivity three months. . It the end of that time he made his escape and rejoined his command, after passing four days and nights in the mountains almost wholly without supplies.

March 25, 1866, he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., and in 1868 bought So acres of land in Green Tp., where he has since followed farming. He was mar- ried to Ellen E. Robins in 1867; she was born in Potter Co., Pa , and is the daughter of James G. and Olive (Slade) Robins. Of this marriage one child was born, Otis Orlando. The mother died June 28, 1868. Mr. Sims was again married in 1869, to Eliza- beth, daughter of John and Amy (Clark) Kitchen, a native of Canada, born Sept. 18, 1841. ITer father was born in New Jersey, and is now living near Whitehall, Mich. Her mother was a native of New Brunswick and died in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Sims' children are, Delbert, Anna B., Elsie M. and Viola.

heodore C. Gardner, of Big Rapids, a por- trait of whom we present upon the opposite page, was born Dec. 21, 1843, in Medina Co., Ohio, where he was reared under his father's care. He is a son of Reuben and Mary (Branch) Gardner, natives of New York, and of English descent. Mr. Gardner became a sol- dier when he was 18 years old, enlisting April 23, 1861, in the Eighth Ohio Infantry, Company K, Capt. W. F. Pierce. His command was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and during the period of his enlistment he was in 17 actions; among the most prominent were the battles of Bull Run, An- tietam and South Mountain. From all the casualties of war Mr. Gardener fortunately escaped, and was neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was made Sergeant soon after his first service in the war, and during the time was transferred to the Sixth U. S. Cavalry, in which he remained until he was mus- tered out, May 26, 1864. He returned to Ohio, and after two months entered the service of the Govern- ment, operating chiefly as a harness maker, He was thus employed about six months, and on the close of the war returned to Ohio. Soon after he came to Oceana Co., Mich., and entered 160 acres of land under the homestead act.

He returned to Medina Co., Ohio, and was married May 22, 1866, to Lydia A., daughter of Alden and Lois (Morse) Apthorp, the father a native of Massa- chusetts, and the mother of New York. They moved to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1840, where Mrs. Gardner was born, May 16, 1844. She was well edu- cated in the common schools of the Buckeye State. and was a teacher some years previous to her mar- riage. After that event she accompanied her hus- band to Michigan, and they resided on his farm in Oceana County until the fall of 1870, when Mr. Gardner removed his interests to Millbrook, Mecosta County, and established a general mercantile busi- ness, with a stock of goods worth $6oo. He con- tinued to operate there until December, 1881, and during the time his business increased until it reach- ed an aggregate of $40,000 annually. Ile sold out at the time named to E. F. Horton, and moved to Re- mus, Wheatland Tp., where he established a mercan- tile business, on a basis of $6,000. His annual sales

35°

MECOSTA COUNTY.

reach a figure of $50,000, and he maintains one of the finest stores and best assorted lines of goods in Northern Michigan. He moved his family to Big Rapids, but continues to own and manage his exten- sive business interests at Remus.

In politics Mr. Gardner is a Republican, and has held positions of trust and prominence where he has resided. Cora D. Apthorp, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, was born Dec. 30, 187 1.

lanson H. Waterman, farmer on sec. 19, Deerfield Tp., was born in Massachusetts, Sept. 23, 1817. He is a son of Oliver and Miriam (Jennings) Waterman, who removed from the Bay State to New York and thence to Pennsylvania, where the mother died in 1863. The father returned to New York soon after, and in 1868 joined his wife in the land of the hereafter.

Mr. Waterman was under the tutelage of his parents until he reached man's estate. He went with them to the State of New York, and a year later to Penn- sylvania, where he pursued agriculture ten years, meanwhile arranging and preparing to enter the min- istry. In 1849 he returned to New York and was installed pastor of the Southeast Stockton Baptist Church, and in 1850 received ordination. He re- tained his charge three years, at the end of that time accepting a call from the Baptist Church and society at Sheridan, N. Y., where he officiated two years. He resigned his post two years later and was in- stalled pastor over the First Baptist Church at Aurora, Portage Co., Ohio. After a successful pas- torate of two years, he accepted the charge at Auburn, ()., where he remained two years ; then went to Mec- ca, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and was there engaged in ac- tive ministerial work ten years. His health becoming impaired in 1869, he relinquished his connection with the ministry, resigned his charge, and came to Mont- calm Co., Mich., where he bought 260 acres of unim- proved land, built a log house and underwent all the experiences of the pioneer. But he made marked progress in the improvements on his property, and when he sold it in 1878, 120 acres of his farm was in an advanced state of cultivation.

In 1878 he came to Mecosta County and pur- chased 4o acres of partially improved land, now his

home and the place wherein he designs to pass his remaining life. He was married in Pennsylvania July 1, 1841, to Mary E., daughter of Lysander and Elizabeth (Saltsman) Mitchell, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. They settled in 1878 in Montcalm Co., but returned to Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Mitchell died Oct. 8, 1882, and her hus- band followed July 19, 1883. But three of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are living: Frances M., born June 13, 1849; Chas. B., May 2, 1857, and Elmer B., June 9, 1861. The parents gave two sons to the Union cause, and both are at rest in the soil which the lives they surrendered to save from the ruin of disunion have consecrated for- ever. Their honored names are Sylvester A., born Feb. 19, 184-, and died July 18, 1864; and George C., born Oct. 6, 1844, and died Feb. 23, 1866. The following is the record of three others who are in the home of everlasting peace : Mary J., born Feb. 13, 1847, died Sept. 7, 1874; Judson V., born Sept 9, 1854, died Sept. 11, 1854; Adaline C., born June 5, 1851, and died Sept. 9, 1854.

After a useful and and active life of nearly 70 years, Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are passing the sun- set of their life in serenity and trust. They are devoted to Christian work and are zealous in the in- terests of the Church of their choice. Mr. Water- man is a Republican.

jelsJolyloles it eter Cahill, farmer on sec. 15, zEtna Tp., was born April 8, 1841, in Canada. At the age of 15 he entered upon his single- handed contest with the world, and at 21 he came to Michigan, working as a farmer and lumberman until the fall of 1867. In 1868 he bought 40 acres of wild land, to which he added by purchase 40 acres of railroad land, whereon he built a log house and proceeded to prepare his farm for the sustenance of his family. He now has 30 acres under cultivation. In political sentiment Mr. Cahill is a Greenbacker, and the family are all ad- herents of the Catholic Church. Mr. Cahill has been Highway Commissioner one year and School Director two years. lle was married in the township of /Etna, Aug. 5, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of William and Mary A. (Plimpton) Mitchell, natives of the

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 36

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