Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 39

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 39

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).

They came to Newaygo Co., Mich., and Mr. White engaged as a lumberman two years. In 1873 they came to Mecosta County, fixed their residence in the then township of Colfax, where, however, they made a brief stay ; returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. White was occupied a short time as a fruit-tree agent there, and came back to Michigan, following that line of business until the spring of 1876, when he settled permanently where he now resides, having previously purchased a farın of 48 acres, which he has increased by the addi- tion of 40 acres more, and has 20 acres under the plow.

Mr and Mrs. White have had four children: 1Ielen A., born Nov. 14, 1868; Ala M., Aug. 27, 1870;

MECOSTA COUNTY.

369

Mabel, Dec. 27, 1877 ; Gracie, born Oct. 2, 1880, and died Oct. 4, 1880.

They have been connected with the Church of Christ three years, in which communion Mr. White officiates every two weeks in the neighborhood where he resides. In political views he is independent, but on temperance issues is a radical prohibitionist. He has held the office of Township Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and in 1877 was elected delegate to the State Gubernatorial Convention.

dward C. Rogers, farmer, sec. 11, Grant Tp., was born Jan. 4, 1841, in Orwell, Addison Co., Vt. He is a son of Robert H. and Abigail Rogers, both of whom are now living at Middlebury, Vt. The father is a rative of New York, and is of Spanish and German extraction ; the mother was born in Connecti- cut, and is English in both lines of descent. When he was nine years old, Mr. Rogers was placed in a situation as assistant in a furniture store, where he operated four years. lle then engaged as a farm hand, and was thus employed until he was 20 years old. He was a few months past that age when he enlisted in defense of the Union flag. He enrolled Aug. 4, 1861, in Co. F, Fifth Vt Inf., under Capt. Stowell, of Cornwell, and was discharged Dec. 15. 1863, to enable him to veteranize, which he did the same day. A sufficient number of Co. F' were re- maining to preserve the name and organization, and the entire force veteranized. Mr. Rogers served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge June 29, 1865. He was engaged in nearly 100 battles and skirmishes, as is proven by the record of his regiment. Among the most important were Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Savage Station, White- Oak Swamp, Bull Run (2d), South Mountain, Antie- tam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Funkstown, Rappa- hannock, Wilderness, and at Spotsylvania, where he was the only man of his company uninjured, all save him being killed or wounded. He became Color- bearer, and so continued until the end of the war. His next recorded fight was at Cold llarbor, and after that at Petersburg, where in the final advance the brigade to which he belonged led the charge, and he was the first man to plant the Union colors on the

rebel fortifications. Throughout his entire period of service he was wounded but once-a saber cut fiom a rebel cavalryman at Bull Run. In the fall of 1864, a general order was issued granting a furlough of 35 days to one man in every 1,000 who could fulfill the specifications on which the permit was granted. lle must bear inspection as to drill, care of arms and accoutrements, and in the matter of personal cleanli- ness. On examination, the furlough and money for the necessary traveling expenses going home and re- turning to his regiment, were awarded to Mr. Rogers, and when he once more rejoined his command he re- ceived a certificate of honor, running as follows :

CERTIFICATE OF HONOR,

awarded to Corporal Edward C. Rogers, of Co. F, Fifth \'t. Vet. Vols., for bravery and good conduct as a soldier in the cause of his country.

Mr. Rogers was married April 24, 1868, to Nellie B., daughter of William C. and Mary A. Smith, of Champlain, N. Y., who was born Oct. 21, 1850, at Mooers, Clinton Co., N. Y. Her father was of Scotch, and her mother of English extraction. Mr. Smith was a soklier in the roth N. H. Vol. Reg., and died of fever contracted in the army.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born in the order named: Arthur W., April 25, 1871; Robert W., Sept. 10. 1872; Willard C., Nov. 15, 1874.

Mr. Rogers came to Michigan in 1877, and settled in Grant Tp., buying 40 acres of land, his homestead. lle is a Republican, and a member of Post French, No. 28, G. A. R. He is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace, and his third term as School Inspector.

ohn HI. Wright, Morley, was born in lonia C'o., Mich., Sept. 10, 1847. He is a son of Norman S. and Betsey M. (Hydorn) Wright; both were natives of New York and are deceased. Mr. Wright remained at home nearly 18 years, attending the common schools, - also the union school of Greenville, Mich., and afterward the Commercial College at Grand Rapids, where he was graduated. He was in the employ of a mercantile house at Greenville two years. From

370

MECOSTA COUNTY.

1870 to 1879, was in connection with two of the lead- ing business houses of Grand Rapids, Mich. In the winter of 1879 he came to Morley for the benefit of his health, and finally entered into business with G. F. Cutler, remaining until the accidental death of his employer. Since that event he acts as manager and represents the hardware firm of G. F. Cutler & Co. Mr. Wright is a man of well-trained and experienced business qualities, and under his management the firm commands a large trade.

ev. Robert H. Watson, a retired minister of the United Brethren Church, and a farmer on sec. 2, Grant Tp., was born in New Baltimore, Greene Co., N. Y., June 4, 1841. His father, John Watson, was born in New York, in 1801, and died Nov. 15, 1864. His mother, Mahala Watson, was born in the Empire State in 1802, and died Aug 15, 1853.

Mr. Watson was but 12 years old when he lost his mother, and from that period practically made his way in the world unaided. He was in his 20th year when the nation was called to arms by the revolt of the South, and May 13, 1861, Mr. Watson enrolled himself as a defender of the unity of the United States. He enlisted in Co. F. 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf., at Nunda, N. Y. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, under Mcclellan, and was in Washington at the date of the Bull Run disaster to the Northern forces. Pressing on toward the front, the disorganized hosts of soldiers and citizens, infan- try and cavalry, met them in all the discomfiture and confusion of that defeat and panic. Mr. Watson's introduction to the heat and frenzy of battle and to the smell of rebel powder, was on May 5, 1862, at Wil- liamstown. His next regular battles were at York- town, Mechanicsville, -- seven miles from Richmond, -- Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White-Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Turkey . Bend, Antietam, Fredericks- burg (Ist and 2d) and Mary's Heights, where the con- fict raged two days. Mr. Watson received a wound in the right arm from a minie ball, and another shot entered the right breast, passing out below the arm- pit. From the latter he has never recovered. His term of enlistment expired while he was in the hos- pital, and he received his discharge June 2, 1863.

He was occupied as a clerk in a store about a year, subsequent to his return from the army, and the year following rented a farm and gave his attention to agriculture. He was married June 20, 1863, to Julia A., daughter of Timothy W. and Jane Buckland, of Eagle, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mrs. Watson was born Oct. 26, 1844. Her father was born in Wyoming Co .. N. Y., Aug. 19, 1821. He enlisted in March, 1864, in the Union army, was taken prisoner and sent to Salisbury, N. C., where he died in the prison pen, Nov. 19, 1864. Her mother was born in Boston, Mass., May 14, 1824, and is yet living.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born as follows; Franklin E., Oct. 14, 1864; Timothy W., April 4, 1866; P'hebe H., April 9, 1868; Henrietta E., April 30, 1875; John J, May 23, 1878 (died April 6, 1879); Minnie M., March 28, 1880.

In 1867 Mr. Watson came to Grant Tp., and, un- der the provisions of the homestead law, located on the farm he now occupies, which contains So acres of good land, and is well fitted with a comfortable house and good farm buildings. He is a Republican, and is active in all reformatory measures, especially in temperance work. He has served his township one year as Supervisor, one year as Township Clerk, and three years as Road Commissioner.

In 1873 he entered the ministry, laboring in the interests of the society of United Brethren, to which himself and wife belong. He was a traveling minis- ter for a time and in 1879 was ordained Elder. In 1880 he was elected Presiding Elder, re-elected the next year, and compelled to locate in 1882, on ac- count of a difficulty of the throat.

ulius Reynier, proprietor of the National Hotel at Morley, was born at Ingelheim, on the Rhine, April 8, 1853. His father. Julius H. Reynier, was a native of Belgium, and his mother, C'atherine (Weitzel) Reynier, was born at Hesse Darmstadt, on the Rhine, Germany; both are deceased. When ten years of age Julius went to live with an uncle, and was a stadent four years at the Latin Gymnasium at May- ence, on the Rhine. He had a penchant for the sea; became a sailor at 14, and followed navigation three and a half years. Meanwhile his uncle had died,

Jareal ? Hling

373

MECOSTA COUNTY.

and he sailed for the Western Continent April 9, 1870. On arrival in this country he started immedi- ately for the West, and after a short stay in Milwaukee, went to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he learned the printer's trade. He was engaged in mining two years. In the winter of 1872 he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and was employed several months on the Bridge Street House, again resuming his trade, which he followed until 1875. He then established himself in the lignor trade, which he continued until 1882, then built the hotel of which he is the proprietor. His house is well managed, and the domestic depart- ment is in competent hands. In politics he is inde- pendent. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Reynier was married at Morley, Nov. 25, 1877, to Martha, second daughter of Alexander and Ro- sanna (Redmond) Putnam. Her parents were natives of Nova Scotia, and were among the earliest settlers at De Pere, Wis., where they now reside. Mrs. Rey -. nier was born in Nova Scotia, Dec. 7, 1853. Chil- dren : Julius H., born Sept. 26, 1879, and Karl, born July 8, 1880.

ared P. Huling, Jr., dealer in new and second-hand furnishing goods, at Big Rap- ids, was born in Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Pa., May 12, 1840, and is a son of Jared P'. and Eliza Huling, both of whom are deceased. His father's business was that of hotel-keeper, and he remained at home until he was 16 years old. In 1856 he was page in the House of Representa- tives at Washington, when Franklin Pierce was Presi- clent of the United States, and N. P. Banks, Speaker of the House. He intended at one time to follow the calling of a jeweler, and spent two years learning the details of that business.

Just previous to reaching the age of his legal free- dom, the country was thrown into commotion by the firing on the Union flag at Fort Sumter. He en- listed under the first call for troops in April, 1861, in Co. B, 1th Pa. Vol. Inf., serving three months. March 13, 1862, he again enlisted, as a veteran, in the 17th U. S. Infantry. He was in the service

three years, and was in action during 17 regular engagements, besides numberless skirmishes. He re- ceived a shell wound in the right hip at Spottsyl- vania, May 12, 1864, and again, Aug. 18, 1864, while detailed to protect the men engaged in tearing up the Weldon railroad, he received a gunshot wound in the right hand, resulting in his losing the third finger; was also wounded in the left shoulder. March 13, 1865, he was discharged at Fort Preble, Me. He had been assured of a position in the employ of the Government, and arrived at Washington, April 14. 1865, whither he proceeded to receive his appointment as mail agent. He spent the evening of that day at Ford's Theater, and witnessed the tragedy that shook the world to its center. Mr. Huling left Washington just previous to the departure of the funeral train that bore the martyred Lincoln to Springfield, Ill.

He was in the employ of the United States Gov- ernment as mail agent on the Philadelphia & Eric railroad, where he continued four and one-half years, engaging then in mercantile pursuits at Lock Haven, where he established himself in the sale of gents' furnishing goods. In 1874, five years later, he came to Big Rapids and opened a cigar and tobacco store. where (July 12) he was burned out, and suffered a loss of $800. He at once started his business again, which he removed to another stand a year later. In the spring of 1876 he sold out and was variously en- gaged until 1878, when he opened an upholstering establishment, in company with Henry Arens, who died soon afterward, and Mr. Huling conducted the business alone until finally he converted it into its present character and deals in all kinds of new and second-hand house-furnishing goods; is now oper- ating successfully.

Mr. Huling was married Oct. 22, 1868, to Lizzie H., daughter of John and Lizzie Stewart, of Jersey Shore, Pa. : she was born in Lock Haven, Pa., in 1842. 'They had three children, Wells, John S. and Ralph E. Wells was drowned in the Muskegon River when he was six years old. John S. died in October, 1879, of diphtheria, and five weeks later the wife and mother died. Ralph E. died in April, 1880, of diphtheria.

Mr. Huling is a charter member of the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the Republic, Post French; is a "past " officer of the first and Past Adjutant of the last. Mr. Huling's portrait may be found on another page.

MECOSTA COUNTY.

374

sa G. Woodward, farmer on sec. 15, Hin- ton Tp. (P. O., Sylvester), was born in Can- ada, Oct. 20, 1853. His parents, John M. and Roxy L. (Smith) Woodward, were born re- spectively in Vermont and Canada. After their marriage they settled in the Dominion, where the father died, in the spring of 1877: the mother re- sides there still. Mr. Woodward attended the com- mon schools and worked on the farm alternately un- til he was 21 years of age. After a year of labor on his own responsibility he went to Louisiana and was there employed in cutting ship timber. He returned to Canada in the spring of 1876 and was occupied there three years as a builder. He came to Mecosta County in the fall of 1879, and settled on So acres of land in Hinton Tp., which he had previously pur- chased. This is now his homestead, and 45 acres is under tillage. In politics Mr. Woodward is a Re- publican.

He was married in Canada, July 20, 1878, to Miriam A., daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Bro- derick) Tribe. Both the latter were natives of Eng- land and came to Canada with their parents in child- hood. The father died there and the mother still resides in the Province of Ontario. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward have had three children. One died while an infant. Laura E. was born Oct. 13, 1878; Har- riet E., Aug. 2, 1882.

illiam Brander, farmer, on sec. 8, Hinton 'Tp., was born in Scotland, Dec. 24, 1827. His parents, George and Jeannette Bran- der, were also natives of Scotland, and came to America when the son was but eight years old, locating in Canada. At twelve years of age Mr. Brander went to live with his grandfather, where he remained until he reached man's estate, at- tending school and assisting on the farm. On at- taining his majority he engaged in shoemaking, and made that his calling until he was forty years of age. In 1868 he purchased 80 acres of unimproved land, on which he has since resided and has 46 acres un- der cultivation.

Mr. Brander was married Nov. 30, 1852, in Canada,

to Mary A. Seaton. Following is the record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brander: Grace A , July 16, 1855 ; William H., Aug. 24, 1857 ; Mary E., March 26, 1862; Emily M., Nov. 4, 1863. In June, 1882, Mr. Brander deeded 40 acres of partly im- proved land to his son, William H. Mr. Brander has held the post of Assessor 11 years, and that of High- way Overseer one year. He is a Republican.

illard S. Whitney, M. D., medical prac- titioner at Big Rapids, was born Sept. 27, 1821, at Hancock, Berkshire Co., Mass., and is the son of John and Christiana (Staf- ford) Whitney. His father was a farmer and he was trained to that occupation until he was 20 years old. In 1835 his parents removed to Elba, Genesee Co., N. Y., and in 1841 he became a clerk in a general store, where he worked several years, meanwhile reading medicine as opportunity presented. Afterwards he was variously occupied until 1854, when he formed a partnership with John F. Baker, M. D., of Batavia, N. Y., whence he went to Wells- ville, Allegany Co., N. Y., in January, 1856. In 1858 he attended a medical institute at Buffalo, N. Y. He practiced his profession and attended lectures al- ternately until 1868, when he was graduated at the Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio. He was in practice at Lansing, Mich., five years, and at Lockport, N. Y., three years. In 1872 he returned to Michigan and located at Big Rapids, where he es- tablished himself permanently in business. He is one of the most popular physicians of Big Rapids, and is doing an annual business of $5,000.

Dr. Whitney was married in Monroe Co., N. Y., to Mary A. Whiting, born in 1882. One son was born of this marriage, Willard A., now a practicing physi- cian at Big Rapids (see sketch). The mother died in 1854, and Dr. Whitney was again married in Sep- tember, 1855, at Batavia, N. Y., to Mary A. Putnam. She survived until 1860. The present wife of Dr. Whitney, to whom he was married June 1, 1861, was Mary Jane, daughter of Daniel and Amanda Ray- mond, born in l'otter Co., Pa., Sept. 11, 1838. They have one daughter, Clara Amanda, born Feb. 8, 1878, at Big Rapids, Mich.

Dr. Whitney owns his residence and a dwelling

MECOSTA COUNTY.

375

adjoining, four lots in various parts of the city, and a farm of 100 acres on sec. 13, Big Rapids Tp. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order, the fraternity of Masonry and the Royal Templars of Temperance, in which cause he is earnestly interested.

eorge W. Warren, dealer in agricultural implements and machinery, wagons, car- riages, cutters, sleighs, seeds and grain, Big Rapids, was born in the township of Shi- awassee, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Nov. 9, 1841. He is a son of Wm. M. and Laura (Sprague) Warren.

The grandfather of Mr. Warren, Comstock Warren, was born in Connecticut, in 1790, and in 1811 was married to Sarah Schofield, of Dutchess Co., N. Y. In 1823 he removed his family to Wayne Co., N. Y., where he engaged in farming, and returned to the " land of wooden nutmegs" in 1829, where he died. as is supposed, of cholera. His wife remained on the farm in Wayne County until her death. She lived to the age of 80 years. Wm. M. Warren was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 20, 1812. When he reached the age of 14 he bought his time of his father, paying $50 therefor, and went to Water- loo, N. Y., and worked a year on the Seneca Canal. Two years later he entered the employ of Nathaniel Garrow, of Auburn, N. Y., where he remained two and a half years, and in the fall of 1832 worked with the contractors putting in the piers at Sodus Point, on Lake Ontario, Later in the season he started for Michigan, but was compelled to abandon his purpose by the freezing of the canal. He was married in March, 1833, to Laura Sprague, and spent the following three years teaming and jobbing at Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1836 he moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., and assisted in the construction of the first milldam and saw-mill in the county, located at the county seat, on the Shiawassee River. Laura (Sprague) Warren was the only daugh- ter of Reuben and Olive (Burch) Sprague, and was born -March 30, 1815, in Oswego Co. N. Y. Her father was an extensive farmer of Oswego County, and died in 1820, aged 57 years, Olive (Burch) Sprague was the daughter of David and Anna Burch, of Cayuga Co., N. Y. The latter died in 1825, leav- ing a large family of children. Mrs. Sprague mar-

ried Calvin Sweet for her second husband, and in 1836 accompanied her daughter to Michigan, where she died in 1851, aged 53 years. David Burch fol- lowed his daughter and grandchildren to Michigan and lived among them until he died. He spent his last days with Mrs. Laura Warren, and died at 84 years of age.

George W. Warren entered the Agricultural Col- lege at Lansing at the age of 18, and remained there two years, after which he spent four years in taeching in his native county. In January, 1863, he went to North Newberg and established a general store, in which he operated until the fall of 1865. Disposing of his business as a commercial man, he again be- came a teacher and was employed as Principal of the graded school at Byron for some time. His father, in 1856, came to Mecosta County and entered 720 acres of land, on secs. 3, 10, 21 and 22, of the town- ship of Big Rapids; 160 acres of this, situated on secs. 3 and 10, fell to the share of Mr. Warren, and March 1, 1867, he took possession and commenced farming. Of this property he sold the largest portion and has purchased real estate until he has 170 acres. During the first year of his residence he was ap- pointed County Superintendent of Schools, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Z. W. Shep- herd, and held the post 18 months. He opened his present business in April, 1880. His stock is valued at $6,000, and includes agricultural implements and machinery, wagons, carriages, sleighs, builders' mate- rials, seeds and seed grains. His yearly transactions amount to about $20,000.

Mr. Warren was married Feb. 21, 1867, in Burns Tp., Shiawassee County, to Elsie F. Warren, born in Royal Oak, Oakland Co., Feb. 25, 1838. They have had three children, two of whom are deceased : George G. and Alice G. Raymond P. was born at Big Rapids, April 2, 1873. Mr. Warren is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his family belong to the M. E. Church. He has been Supervisor of his ward seven years and served one year as Township Clerk of Big Rapids.

The mother and grandmother of Mrs. Warren were members of the first M. E. Church established in Michigan. It was organized in Wayne County, near Detroit, and the grandmother was one of 20 charter members. The mother is living in Shiawas- see County, and is probably the sole survivor of the membership. She was born in Detroit, Oct. 29, 1807 ;

376

MECOSTA COUNTY.

the father was born at Woodstock, Vt., Nov. 8, 1804. The father of the latter was born in Vermont, April 28, 1778; the mother was born Oct. 31, 1777. Mrs. Warren's maternal grandfather, Joseph Banner, was born in London, Eng., in April, 1770; her maternal grandmother, Mary (McCarty) Banner, was born July 4, 1785, at Detroit.

Mr. Warren, associated with E. O. Rose (now of Grand Rapids), compiled a history of Mecosta County, which was read at the celebration of the Cen- tennial birthday of the Nation at Big Rapids, July 4, 1876. The compilers of this volume take pleasure in hereby expressing their sense of obligation for the reliable data therein contained, which has proved most advantageous to the successful accomplishment of their work.

Davidson, farmer and lumberman on sec. 7, Deerfield Tp., was born in Canada, Aug. 18, 1853. His parents, William and Mary (Smith) Davidson, are now residents of the township of Ætna. The father is a native of England, and came to Canada when a boy ; the mother is a native of the Dominion.

Mr. Davidson came to Michigan when he was a lad of four years. In the fall of 1874 he bought 40 acres of unimproved land, which he afterwards sold, and in 1876 he again invested in 40 acres of land on sec. 7, which is yet in his possession. Mr. Davidson is a Democrat in political principle.

He was married at Cedar Springs, Kent Co., Mich., in December, 1873, to Mrs. Mary L. Davis, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Ward) House, and widow of James Davis. From her first marriage Mrs. David- son has two children : Edna J., born Feb. 6, 1856, and married July 4, 1875, to Alfred Bell. George Davis was born Jan. 28, 1863.

R ichard L. Willett, Altona, Hinton Tp., was born in Canada, March 30, 1853. His 1. father, George Willett, is a native of Eng- land, whence he came in the eighth year of his age, settling in Canada, of which coun- try his mother, Nancy (Smith) Willett, was a native. On leaving Canada in the spring of 1863,

they came to Mecosta County, where they are still residents. Mr. Willett was ten years of age at the time of their removal ; was under the personal charge of his parents until he was 20 years old, after which he spent five years lumbering, operating a proportion of the time in his own behalf. In 1873 he bought 40 acres of unimproved land, and in 1876 another 40, and yet another in 1878, all of which he has sold. He has 35 acres cleared and has built a fine large barn. About the time he reached the age of 25 years he took charge of the saw-mill of Harrison J. Brown which he managed until the fall of 1882. In com- pany with W. N. Seaton, he purchased the stock of general merchandise of L. W. Declare, and has since been engaged in a prosperous business. His stock is valued at $6,000.

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 39

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