Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 47

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 47

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ileges their merits demand. His character is dem- onstrated by the record of his care of and kindness to the afflicted family of his wife. He has alleviated by every means in his power the burden resting upon them through the disability of the husband and father, and is giving the advantages of education to the two young brothers of Mrs. Pease and guarding the personal interests of all with the same vigilance he bestows upon his individual affairs. In political adherence and action he is a staunch Republican. He possesses a fine sense of the value of mental culture, and acknowledges the supremacy of the world of intellect. He has a keen discrimination in books and finds a high enjoyment in terse poetry. The following is one of his favorite quotations :

""l'is toil that over nature Gives man his proud control, And purities and hallows The temple of his soul : It scatters ford diseases With all their ghastly train, Puts iron in the muscle, AAnd crystal in the brain.

The grand Almighty Builder, Who fashioned ont the earth. llath stamped his seal of honor On Labor from her birth. In every angel flower That blossoms from the sod,

Behold the master touches- The handiwork of God!"

When Dr. Pease found himself at liberty to enter upon a career in his own behalf, with wise judgment he availed himself of the first opportunity that pre- sented, and engaged with Frank Belding, a neighbor- ing farmer, in whose employ he remained a year. His next service was with the Hon. John Avery, M. D., of Greenville, where he won the esteem of all by his energy and probity. In 1867 he entered the employ of J. M. Fuller, druggist, now County Clerk. In 1871 he came to. Big Rapids, where he engag- ed in the drug trade and practice of medicine, for which he had prepared at intervals during his other engagements. His business was prosperous, and in 1874 he built a store and dwelling-house. In 1876 he relinquished his medical practice on ac- count of impaired health, and spent about two years in travel in the Eastern and Southern States. In 1878 he began to operate in real estate, to which branch of business he has since devoted a portion of his time and attention. In 1879 Dr. Pease estab- lished a drug business at Gowen, Montcalmn Co.,

which he is still managing. In 1883 he purchased a stock of drugs, located at the corner of Scotten and Michigan avenues, Detroit, where he is doing a prosperous and increasing business.

Dr. Pease was married July 29, 1878, to Anna, daughter of M. F. and Caroline (Hill) Gerls, born in Texas, Crawford Co., Ohio, July 26, 1854. ller father was a native of Albany, N. Y. He was a man of shrewdness and capacity, possessed of natural characteristics such as would tend to secure a large degree of public influence ; but in 1872, while yet in manhood's prime, he was stricken with paralysis, and has since been a sufferer from its irremediable effects. He was ever keenly alive to, and solicitous for, the best advantages for his children, and made many personal sacrifices to secure for them what he considered substantial benefits. Mrs. Caroline Gerls was born in Sterling, Windham Co., Ct. She pos- sesses the traits of character which in early times made the women of New England historical. Her patience, perseverance and hopefulness are remark- able, and, combined with uncommon mildness and amiability of temper, serve to render her a type of woman worthy of emulation. She has devoted her- self with untiring assiduity to the care of her hus- band and father for the past twelve years, and yielded most unselfishly to the extraordinary de- mands incumbent upon her. Mr. and Mrs. Gerls have been the parents of five children: Mrs. Eliza West, deceased; Mrs. Ellen Henry, of Sherwood, Mich .; Mrs. Pease ; Thomas W. and J. Henry Gerls. The two last named are young men of pure lives, correct habits and unusual promise. The elder is in charge of the business of Dr. Pease at Detroit, the second is occupying the same position at Gowen. Thomas. F. Gerls, paternal uncle of Mrs. Pease, is l'ostmaster at Pontiac, Mich., and is generally esteem- ed for his sterling traits of character. Henry Hill, brother of Mrs. Gerls, was a soldier in the 25th Mich. Inf., rose by merit to the rank of Captain, and is now cashier of the First National Bank of Green- ville.

The earliest ambition of Mrs. Pease was to enter the ranks of public educators, and she bent every energy to the achievement of her purpose. She be- gan her career as a teacher in Mecosta County when 14 years of age, and alternated as a student at school and a teacher until she was ty years old, when she was graduated at the high school at Greenville.

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She passed eminently creditable examinations and ranked as a superior scholar. Since she left school she has been constantly engaged in the pursuit of her chosen vocation, and has made rapid progress in the grade of her position. In 1874 she was Precep- tress of a school at Stanton, Montcalm Co., and in 1876 was Superintendent of a school at Howard City. The subsequent four years she taught at Green- ville, and in 1881 received her appointment as Pre- ceptress at Big Rapids, where she is doing a work that will result permanently to the advantage of educa- tional interests at that place. Too much cannot be said of her as a disciplinarian. Her silent control of her pupils is a marvel to witness, and is accomplished by an innate skill that cannot be described : it is a natural gift possessed by few.

Of her work at Greenville, E. P. Church, Superin- tendent of Schools, says: "She is most excellent help. She possesses skill to impart instruction, is a good disciplinarian, manages pupils easily, is a will- ing and faithful worker and presents to her pupils the example of a blameless Christian lady in her every-day life. We should be happy to secure her services again in our corps of teachers. " This ex- pression is fully corroborated by testimonials from E. F. Grabill, editor of the Greenville Independent. Rev. J. L. Patton, Dr. Chas. Martin and llon. James W. Belknap, all of Greenville. Prof. J. S. Crombie, Superintendent of Schools at Big Rapids, says : " Her management of the school, and the results ob- tained from the work done by her, have been exceed- ingly gratifying. Personally, I would say that I re- gard Mrs. Pense as a very superior teacher, and one who can guide and control a room in a manner sel- dom witnessed. At the same time her work is thorough and she succeeds in winning the respect and good-will of her pupils. " A partial friend says of her: "It is to be hoped that a long career of usefulnesss lies before Mrs. Pease. She is a woman of uncommon character and aspirations, which should place her in a fitting sphere to do entire justice to herself and benefit the generation to which she be- longs, and in whose interests it is her highest ambition to labor. Her temperament is as equably ad- justed as is possible, and her subservience to con- science and religion guides her life in unswerving right. She sways her friends by her firmness, her ( undor, her toleration and her hopefulness, and her

possible influence on the lives of others is always with her a matter of constant solicitude."

In their relations to Christianity both herself and husband afford worthy examples. They both be- came members of the M. E. Church early in life and devote unlimited time and meins to furthering the interests of the Church and Sunday-school.

A permanent reprint of the features of Mr. and Mrs. Pease may be found on page 446, in connection with this sketch.

S. Baker, Cashier of the Northern National Bank at Big Rapids, was born near Bridge- water, Conn., Sept. 21, 1853. Ilis parents removed to Chicago in 1864, where his father operated as a capitalist, and was a member of the Board of Trade. Mr. Baker came to Big Rapids when he was 12 years old (in 1865). His grandfather, Daniel Stearns, was a resident of Big Rapids, as was also a considerable circle of relatives. lle attended school and was employed in various business houses ; kept the books in the mercantile house of D. E. Stearns two years, and served one year in the same capacity with O. P. Pillsbury. In the spring of 1872 he became book-keeper in the Northern National Bank and has been promoted through the different positions to the post he now fills, to which he was appointed in January, 1875. He is now one of the Directors, and heavily inter- ested in transactions in lumber, being connected with three different firms. He owns a half interest in the mill and yards of Baker & Stearns, situated at Crapo, in Osceola County, where the firm have car- ried on an extensive lumber trade six years. They employ a force of 100 men, and manufacture be- tween 12 and 15 million feet of lumber annually. Mr. Baker also owned a half interest in the concern styled "B. F. Comstock & Co.," founded in 1881. Their production of lumber in 1882 was about twenty million feet. Their mill was soll in the fall of 1882, and the firm are about to close their rela- tions. Mr. Baker keeps a desk in the bank for trans- actions in lumber, pine lands, etc. His real-estate interests include about 20,000 acres in Michigan and Wisconsin, and some small tracts of farming land.

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Mr. Baker was married in Paris, Mecosta Co., to Emma, daughter of James Cooper. She was born in Halstead, Essex Co., Eng., July 6, 1853. A son, Arthur, was born Dec. 6, 1875, and a daughter, Kitty Irene, Oct. 10, 1881.

Mr. Baker served as Alderman of Big Rapids three years.

ichard W. Poling, harness and shoe maker, Austin Ty>., is a native of New Jersey, where he was born Dec. 24, 1846. He is a son of Zephaniah and Eliza Poling, natives of Ohio, where they still reside. He came to this county in 1879, settling in Austin Tp., where he is engaged in following his occupation. He was married to Julia M. Vining, who died Oct. 28, 1877, leaving five children : Cornelia A., born March 3, 1861 ; Viola A., March 15, 1865 ; John W., Aug. 17, 1867; Violetta B., Sept. 17, 1868; Rosa A., Oct. 28, 1873. April 20, 1881, Mr. Poling mar- ried Angeline Wheeler, widow of Orange Wheeler, whose maiden name was Walker. By her first mar- riage she had had eight children : Rodney F., died June 12, 1853; Amos H., Maria J., Justin E., Ilar- riet A., and Edgar L. are living; Eliza and Clara M. are deceased.

Mrs. Poling is the discoverer of a medicine on which she obtained a patent in 1872. It is known as Mrs. Wheeler's Vegetable Syrup, for which there is justly claimed great alterative and tonic properties, especially adapted to diseases of the liver. She has had great success in the sale of this medicine for the short time it has been introduced to the public, and for which there is an increasing demand. Mr. Poling owns 80 acres of fine farm land, upon which he resides.

3charles F. Barnard, of the firm of Reed & Barnard, Stanwood, is a native of Living- ston C'o., Mich., where he was born Oct. 2, 1853. He is a son of Ely and Aristeen (Cur- tis) Barnard, natives of New York; the former emigrated to Michigan in 1834, and the latter at a later date, where the father followed farming through life and died, in July, 1871 : the

mother is still living. He was reared on a farm, and, although his educational advantages were limited, he managed, by his own exertions, to obtain sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach school, after which he worked on a farm during the summer season and taught during the winter, for several years. In March, 1879, he came to Mecosta County and en- tered the store of G. W. Reed, at Stanwood, as clerk. After one year he entered into partnership with Mr. Reed in mercantile business, under the firm name of Reed & Barnard. They keep on hand a large and superior stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, etc., and command a large trade, their sales amounting annually to $30,000. Mr. Bar- nard is a self-made man. Ile had no means to com- mence life with ; but having early acquired habits of industry and economy he has succeeded in accumu- lating considerable property. In all his dealings he is marked for his uprightness and integrity. He is at present serving the township of Mecosta as Clerk.

He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., May 13, 1878, to Alice M., daughter of Staats and Rachel (Wilcox) Green, who was born in Yates Co., N. Y., May 13, 1861. They have had two children : Edna 1 .. , born Dec. 25, 1882 ; one died in infancy. Politically he is a Democrat, and religiously, is liberal.

ohn Carr, farmer, sec. 27, Big Rapids Tp., was born Jan. 9, 1843, in Chittenden Co., Vt. Abraham Carr, his father, was born in Champlain, N. Y., April 6, 1806, of Irish and German parentage, and was married in 1828, in Vermont, to Eliza Green. She was born Feb. 18, 1811, in Louisville, N. Y. Of her marriage to Abraham Carr, 10 children were born. The father died April 29, 1876. Mrs. Carr is still living.

Mr Carr was the seventh child of his parents. He left his native State Sept. 15, 1863, a few months before he was 20 years okl, and reached his destina- tion, Lowell, Dodge Co., Wis., three days later. After a residence there of 11 years he decided on a change of base, and in the month of October, 1874, he came to Big Rapids Tp., where he has since been engaged in farming.

Mr. Carr was married Sept. 17, 1873, to Lucy A.

William Hugh.

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Parham, of Concord, Dodge Co., Minn. They have two children : Ina May and Jennie Eliza. Mrs. Carr was born Dec. 28, 1855. Mr. Carr votes with the Republican party.

illiam Hugh, senior member of the lumber fırın of Highee & Hugh, was born in Kid- willy, Wales, Feb. 2, 1829. Ile is the son of William and Rebecca (Gonar) Hugh, natives of Kidwilly, where the father died about 1865, and the mother in the spring of ISSo.

Mr. Hugh experienced all the hardships of the class of people to which he belonged in his native land, gaining his limited but eminently practical edu- cation by studying under the most adverse circum- stances. He commenced life's active work at the early age of 12. His father was the village black- smith, and he, assisting in the shop, gradually learned the trade. For a period of about five years he was occasionally employed in some iron works and rolling mills; then for a time he was engaged in the timber business. His next employment was with the South Wales Railway Company, in which work he went from his native country to England, engaged with a railroad construction corps.

Soon afterward, in 1853, he sailed for this continent and, upon landing at New York, at once proceeded to Cincinnati. Here for a year he was occupied in a machine-shop, on blacksmith work, and also on Steamboat work. He assisted in making the needed iron-work and finishing the round-house of the C., 11. & I. R. R., at Cincinnati.

Hle had become imbued with a desire to engage in farming in Jowa, and he took a trip to the Hawkeye State, but on reaching there changed his intentions. Hle retraced his route as far as Chicago, and thence went to New York, where he embarked for Wales, by way of Liverpool, with the purpose of returning with his wife. His final decision was that he would first establish a home in Cincinnati. He sailed once more for the United States, but when off Cape Clear, Ire- land, his steamer collided with a coast vessel ; and being disabled she put back to Liverpool, her captain not daring to venture across the sea in a crippled vessel with 600 or 700 souls on board. Mr. Hugh

returned then to Wales, and when he finally reached New York, proceeded direct to Hamilton, Province of Ontario, Can., locating at a small village near that city. He started a common blacksmith shop, and finally began the manufacture of agricultural imple- ments. Ilis residence there lasted 18 years. In the fall of 1872 he came to Morley, and built the first planing mill in the township, which he conducted nearly seven years.

In the fall of 1879 he went into business with Mr. Highee, and built the saw and planing mill where they now carry on an extensive business. Politically Mr. Hugh is a Republican; for eight years he has been a member of the village Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Masonic Order.

Mr. Hugh is a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church. He is a self-made man, financially, as he held no property when he commenced life for himself. By habits of industry, economy and fair dealing, he has acquired a substantial property, and is now classed among the representative citizens of Mecosta County.

Mr. Hugh was married in Wales, in the winter of 1851, to Amy Thomas, who was born Nov. 8, 1828, the daughter of William and Jane Thomas. The family circle now includes five children : Ann, born Sept. 23, 1853; William, born June 19, 1858; Re- becca, born Feb. 20, 1860; Jane, born Aug. 28, 1861, and David, born Oct. 15, 1870.

A portrait of Mr. Hugh is given in this volume.

illiam Creevey, farmer, sec. 26, Fork Tp., was born in County Kildare, Ireland, April 28, 1832, and is a son of Patrick and Rose (Armstrong) Creevey, both of whom were na- tives of Ireland. Mr. Creevey was 18 years old when he left his native land to come to the New World. He first located in Monroe Co., N. Y., and after a residence of three years came, in the fall of 1855, to Eaton Co., Mich., and worked as a farmi laborer three years. In 1858 he married Jane, daughter of Jonathan and Agnes Seidler. She was born in Steinbrook, l'enn., where her father died when she was quite young. Her mother married Conrad Friend, and now lives in Eaton, Mich.

After marriage Mr. Creevey took farms to work on shares until he had by industry and good manage- ment acquired sufficient means to enable him to ven-

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ture upon the purchase of a home for himself, and he finally bought 40 acres of land, which he improved and occupied until 1867 ; and then he sold out and came to Mecosta County, locating So acres of land under the homestead act, on sec. 26, in the township of Fork, which has since been his home. He en- listed in the service of the Union Sept. 1, 1864, and received his discharge at the close of the war, June 10, 1865. He was taken sick at Newbern, N. C., and sent to the hospital at Foster, and three weeks later to David's Island Hospital in New York Harbor, where he remained until he was discharged.

Mr. Creevey was elected the first Supervisor of Fork Tp., at the meeting held for its organization, a posi- tion he has filled 10 years. He has officiated as Postmaster of Fork 14 years, was Road Commis- sioner 10 years, Justice of the Peace 12 years, Treas- urer one year, School Director three years. He is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 77, at Sherman City.

The family of Mr. Creevey comprises the following children, born in the named order: Rose M., Jan. 8, 1860; George M., Oct. 8, 1861; William J., April 14, 1863; Charles C., March 10, 1870; Edwin, Sept. 27, 1872; Perry, Aug. 26, 1875; Agnes B., March 12, 1879; Arthur Grant, Dec. 25, 1881.

illiam C. Philleo, farmer, sec. 27, Big Rapids Tp., was born April 25, 1841, in Savannah, Wayne Co., N. Y., and is a son of Martin and Elizabeth Ann Philleo, the former born Jan. 20, 1815, in Dutchess Co., N. Y., and died Aug. 20, 1871; the latter was born June 6, 1821, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is still living, in Ottawa Co., Mich. The · paternal grandsire was a soldier of 1812, and fought at the battle of Plattsburg.

Mr. Philleo was married Oct. 30, 1867, to Mary Jane, daughter of Allen G. ard Jane M. Pierce, of Flint, Mich. The parents were both natives of Orleans Co., N. Y. Two children have been born of this marriage : Anna M., Jan. 6, 1872, and Fannie A., June 17, 1882.

Mr. Philleo came to Michigan with his parents in 1854, and settled in Ottawa County. He was edu- cated chiefly at Kalamazoo College, where in 1863 he

took a scientific course. He afterwards took a com- mercial course of study at Eastman's Business Col- lege at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which he completed in 1866. He has taught 43 terms of school, mostly in Ottawa and Kent Counties. Mrs. Philleo taught school 12 terms after her marriage.

In 1869 Mr. Philleo bought 100 acres of land on secs. 27 and 28, in Big Rapids Tp., and has since added 40 acres adjoining by purchase. He has put So acres under advanced improvement, and has one of the best barns in the county. He has nearly completed arrangements for the erection of a dwell- ing in keeping with the general character of the place.

In political affinities Mr. Philleo is independent. He has been Township Supervisor four years, and Justice of the Peace eight years. Ile was nominated for Representative by the Democratic party in 1879, but positively refused to become a candidate.

ames W. Mann, farmer, sec. 15, Fork Tp., was born in Maine, June 24, 1854, and is a son of John F. and Susan A. (Churchill) Mann (see sketch of John F. Mann), who were natives of the l'ine-Tree State, and in 1866 came to Saginaw, and later to Fork Tp., Mich. He obtained his education in the common schools of Saginaw and was bred to the business of farmer and lumberman by his father, in which he is now engaged in Fork township. He was married in 1877 to Clara L., daughter of John and Mary (Hou- ser) Grove, natives of Pennsylvania, who was born in the same State, Aug. 21, 1858. They have two children, Lula M. and Eddie E. Politically Mr. Mann is a Republican.

ohn M. Conner, farmer, sec. 23, Big Rapids Tp., was born in Richland Tp., Miami Co., Ind., July 4, 1837. His father, James Conner, was born in South Carolina, and his mother, Mary (McCoy) Conner, was a native of Ireland.

Mr. Conner was a resident of his native State from his birth until Nov. 17, 1864, when he came to

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Mecosta Co., Mich., and settled in Big Rapids Tp .. where he has since resided. In October, 1869, he located on the farm he at present occupies. He was married Dec. 23, 1867, to Etta, daughter of .1. (. and T. G. Kneeland. She was born at Indianapolis, Sept. 6, 18.10.

Mr. and Mrs. Conner have three children, born as follows: James C., May 13, 1869; Vesta, Oct. 15, 1871; Dellis, Nov. 17, 1872. In political matters Mr. Conner is a believer in the principles of the National party.

eroy Cartwright, farmer on sec. 10, Hin- ton Tp., was born in Union Co., Ind., March 19, 1846. His parents, Calvin and Tabitha (Wright) Cartwright, were natives respectively of Indiana and Virginia, and were residents of Union County. They went to Berrien Co., Mich., in 1858 and came to Mecosta County in the spring of 1865. Mr. Cartwright was 19 years old when he accompanied his parents to Hinton Tp., where he bought So acres of wild land, on which he fixed his residence in the spring of 1872, and entered vigorously into the details of clearing and improving. Ile has since added 40 acres to his original purchase and owns So acres in the Township of Millbrook.

Mr. Cartwright was married in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Feb. 26, 1872, to Sarah E., youngest chill of Orlo Winter. Of four children born of this marriage, three survive: Eva, born June 1, 1873; Mernett, Aug. 26, 1874; Martin, Aug. 28, 1878. A son died in infancy. Mrs. Cartwright is a member of the Church of the Disciples. Mr. C. is a Republican ; has been Treasurer of his township eight years, and Supervisor two years.

urdoch Sterling, farmer, sec. 28, Big Rap- ids Tp., was born April 8, 1822, in God- manchester, Province of Quebec, Can. His parents, James and Agnes Sterling, were both natives of Scotland, and his father

- was a soldier in the war of the Revolution at the time of the surrender of Burgoyne.

In 1848 Mr. Sterling came to Michigan and was engaged for six years in the manufacture of lumber in Newaygo County, going thence to Ada, Kent Co., where he was occupied in farming seven years. In 1861 he came to Big Rapids, and two years later bought the farm where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, containing So acres of valuable land.

Mr. Sterling was married Jan. 4, 1858, to Margaret MeFee, of Croton, Newaygo Co., Mich. She was born on Prince Edward's Island, May 3, 1833. The records of the children of this marriage are as fol- lows: Sarah M., born June 18, 1859, is now the wife of John Baird, of Mecosta. William was born May 26. 1861; James, April 18. 1863; Katie M., Aug. 2, 1865; John W. M., April 24, 1867 ; Cynthia J., Aug. 10, 1870.

Mr. Sterling has held the office of School Direc- tor during the last five years ; himself and wife he- long to the Presbyterian Church.

obert Austin, farmer, sec. 27, Austin Tp., is a son of William and Takey (Johnson) Austin, natives of Elgin Co., Ontario, C'an., where Robert was born Dec. 16, 1853. In the summer of 1870 the family came to Me- costa County and the spring following pur- chased So acres of timbered land, where the father and son labored together to clear the ground and es- tablish a home. Robert Austin was married Feb. 1, 1876, to Charlotte, daughter of Solomon and Nancy (Gray) Cummings. Her parents were natives of New York, settled in St. Joseph Co., Mich., where the daughter was born Aug. 25, 1849. The young people settled upon to acres of the homestead. Of this land 25 acres have been reclaimed and placed in good condition. They have now an attractive home, endeared to them by their labors and the as- sociations which center there. Four children have been born to them, as follows: Maud, Dec. 11, 1876; William H., Jan. 21, 1878; Ira B., June 20, 1882. The latter is a twin child; the other died soon after birth.

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Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches, Part 47

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