USA > Michigan > Mecosta County > Portrait and biographical album, Mecosta county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches > Part 55
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In 1865 Mr. Escott was appointed Deputy Sheriff under A. S. Mason, and at the election of the follow- ing year was the successful candidate on the Repub- lican ticket for the office of Sheriff. His jurisdiction extended over Osceola and the east half of Lake Counties, then attached to Mecosta County for judi- cial purposes. The county being new and roads very rude, if any at all, made it necessary to transact most of the business either on foot or horseback, and he frequently brought in the sinners against the maj- esty of the law from the woods or camps on foot and single-handed.
In 1868 he was re-elected by a large majority. In 1870 the law prohibited another re-election, but he was appointed Under-Sheriff, with D. F. Wooley, Democrat. In 1871 he was elected Supervisor of the Fourth Ward of Big Rapids. In 1872 and 1874 he was elected Sheriff, and the fulfillment of these terms made an aggregate of It years in which he discharged the duties of that office. He has served as a member of the Board of Education and offici- ated as Deputy U. S. Marshal under James Henry and John Parker, acting about eight years. In 1878 he was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward and and held the place four years. In 1881 he was ap- pointed by Gov. Jerome one of the managers of the Ionia State House of Correction and Reformatory, which post he held until Jan. 1, 1883. In the spring of 1883 (current year) he was again elected Super- visor of his ward.
In 1865 Mr. Escott bought So acres of land now situated within the limits of the city, being the west half of the northwest quarter of sec. 15, to which he
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has gradually added by purchase until he has a farm of 280 acres of land, lying in one body and all im- proved, of which 210 acres are within the city limits. Fifteen acres, known as "Escott's Addition," are platted in city lots, which he is selling and supplying with buildings. In 1867 he erected his residence on the corner of State street and Sanborn avenue, on land then covered with indigenous forest trees. About 1875 he purchased an interest in the Big Rap- ids Furniture Stock Company, and was elected its President, operating one year as a manager of the re- tail department. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Escott, two daughters and a son. The latter, George B., born May 6, 1871, is the sole survivor; Susan E., born July 8, 1861, in Tallmadge, died of membran- ous croup, Nov. 26, 1864, 'at the home of her grand- father Louckes, in Walker, where her mother had taken her on a visit. Nellie M., born Sept. 3, 1866, at Big Rapids, died of hemorrhage of the bowels, Aug. 21, 1868, in Tallmadge, where her mother was visit- ing a sister.
Mr. Escott's portrait on another page presents the likeness of a man whose entire record gives a con- tinuous exhibit of what may be accomplished by steady adherence to a worthy purpose. He has only taken opportunity at its best, the secret of every man's success in a new country. He is still in the supremacy of a perfect manhood. His temperate habits and active life have preserved his health and strength, his eye has all its pristine keenness and brilliancy, and he walks with the erectness of a vig- orous vitality. Ile never had a lawsuit, never was sued, never owned a gun or a dog, and never drank a glass of liquor at the bar in his life.
In the public and private career of Mr. Escott are the salient points which render him a representative of the manner of men who have placed the county of Mecosta and the city of Big Rapids, in a marvel- ously brief period, in their present state of prosperity, with a future of splendid promise. The class of which he is an acknowledged type deserve a volume for the adequate record of the worth of their ex- ample and achievements. The results and develop- ments of the coming years will round and complete the annals of this portion of the Peninsular State.
ucas I. Witbeck, Morley, was born in the State of New York, Sept. 4, 1845. His parents, Abraham and Maria (Van Vranken) Witbeck, were natives of the Empire State and are still residents there. His ancestors settled in the same State about the year 1636, among the earliest of the colonists, and were participants in the Revolution. Mr. Witbeck was under the care of his father until the age of 16, alternately attending school and working on the farm. Hle then went to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, and served three years. He followed that vocation until 1871. In the fall of that year, interested himself in the bus- iness of butchering, which he continued nearly five years, opeating as a wholesale dealer. He came to Michigan in the summer of 1875 and settled at Sturgis, following his trade as a builder for a short time, then removed to Lima, Ind., where he kept a meat market two years. He then returned to Sturgis, where he bought a market, and remained there until December, 1881, at which time he sold out and came to Morley, where he became proprietor, by purchase, of the meat market owned by August Rowland. This is his present establishment.
He was married in Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Har- riet, daughter of Giles and Rebecca (Swort) Gates, natives of the State of New York, where Mrs. Wit- beck was born. Children: Abraham L., Annie, Clarence, Gertrude I., Lucas I. and Maud. Clara died in infancy. Mr. Witbeck is independent in pol- itics and belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows.
oren T. Loveless, proprietor of the Na- tional barber shop and bath-rooms, under the Northern National Bank, was born in Newark, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1842, and is a son of Henry and Marinda (Thompson) Loveless. They went in 1846 to Pontiac, Ill., where the father died in 1852, and the mother in 1853, of cholera.
On the breaking out of the war Mr. Loveless went to Cairo, Ill., and shipped on the U. S. gunboat " Louisville " as an able seaman, and took part in seven engagements : Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, -
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Memphis, Haines' Bluff, Vicksburg and Arkansas Post. At the end of 13 months he received honor- able discharge, and returned to Fairbury, Ill., where he re-enlisted in the Third Ill. Cav., Capt. Carnahan, and served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Springfield, Ill. He was in action at Red River, Franklin, Nashville, Memphis and dur- ing Forrest's raid.
After the war he went to Dewitt, Iowa, and opened a store for the sale of masons' supplies-lime, hair, cement, etc.,-which he sold out in February, 1866, coming thence to Newaygo, Mich., where he obtained employment as clerk in a store. A year later he be- gan to drive stage and carry mail between Grand Rapids and Traverse City, and acted in that capacity one year. His next business venture was in Neway- go, where he opened a barber shop, which he con- tinued to manage until 1870. In July of that year he came to Big Rapids, and in 1871 opened a shop for the prosecution of his business, in the old Shafer block. Six months afterward he made another change, succeeded by several others, and in January, 1882, settled in his present quarters, which are finely fitted with all modern conveniences, having first- class bath-rooms attached. He now eniploys two assistants.
Mr. Loveless was a member of the State militia nearly nine years, belonging to Co. E, Second Regt. Mich. State Troops, Capt. Brazee ; is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, in which he holds the position of Noble Grand. He was also a member of the Fire Department about nine years, and is Assistant Inspector-General in the G. A. R. He owns his resi- dence on South Warren avenue, a dwelling near it which he rents, and a vacant city lot.
Mr. Loveless was married March 22, 1869, to Carrie E. Thomas, a native of Michigan. Two children have been born of this marriage, Arthur L. and George M.
homas G. Horton, farmer, sccs. 30 and 32, Sheridan Tp., was born in Vinton, Athens Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1829. Daniel M. Horton, his father, was born in Connecticut in 1791, of English parentage. His mother, Anna (Kim- ball) Horton, was born in Hector, Tompkins Co., N. V., in 1806, of German extraction. Mr.
Horton was married Sept. 24, 1858, to Lucy Pren- tiss, of Cameron, Steuben Co., N. Y. She was born in Sycamore, De Kalb Co., Ill., and has been the mother of II children : Hector A., Victor E., Frederick C., Jessie F., John C., Eva T., William K., Melvin E., Thomas G., Isabella L. and Maud M. The three elder children are deceased. On his marriage Mr. Horton located in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and removed to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., Mich., where he settled June 7, 1866. He removed to Sheridan in November, 1869, and has since been a citizen of that township. He is a Republican in politics, and has been Township Treasurer two terms (1881-2); was Supervisor in 1876, and has served two terms as Justice of the Peace.
Mr. Horton served as a soldier in the late war. He enlisted in the 76th N. Y. Vol. Inf., in Steuben County, and on account of decimation of the regi- ment at the battle of Mine Run, he was transferred to Co. K, 147th N. Y. Inf. He was wounded June 16, 1864, at the battle in front of Petersburg, while in the act of storming, and was in the hospital one year, receiving his discharge June 14, 1865, at the close of the war.
yon. Edgar Peirce, Representative from Me- costa County, resident at Big Rapids, was born in Elk Tp., Erie Co., Pa., May 6, 1841. He is of English lineage, being descended from John Pers, a native of Norfolkshire, Eng., who settled in New England in 1637. His father, Francis Peirce, was born in Waltham, Mass., and eventually removed to Pennsylvania, where he mar- ried Betsey Boomer, a native of Rhode Island. Mr. Peirce was the eighth of nine children born of this marriage.
He received a good education in the common schools and academy of his county, and was bred to the business of milling. He was on the eve of his majority when the assault on Fort Sumter sent an electric thrill round the world, and a few months after reaching the period of his legal freedom he en- rolled in defense of the Union flag. He enlisted Sept. 13, 1862, under Capt. W. W. Miles, whose company was assigned to the 14th Pa. Cav., in ren- dezvous at Pittsburg, with Col. J. M. Schoonmaker as its superior officer. The regiment was attached to
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the command of Gen. Averill, of raiding notoriety. In an engagement at Rocky Gap, Va., Mr. Peirce was severely wounded through the left leg, and rode on his horse to Beverly, West Va., 150 miles distant, rather than be left on the field to fall into the hands of the rebels. He was in the Valley of the Shenan- doah under Sigel, and was with Hunter on his dis- astrous expedition to Lynchburg. When Gen. Early caused the destruction of Chambersburg, Mr. Peirce rode with his command through the burning city, in pursuit of McCausland, and was in the advance bat- talion in the charge at Moorefield, Va., when the command of the rebel incendiary was nearly annihi- lated, and Chambersburg avenged. Mr. Peirce was placed in command of his company (1) by election, and led his men at Winchester and Fisher's Hill, and at Cedar Creek, where Sheridan snatched vic- tory from defeat. He participated in the work of destruction in the valley, of which the record says : " There was nothing between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies worth fighting for."
Mr. Peirce passed through the non-commissioned grades of promotion from private to Orderly Sergeant, and in March, 1865, was commissioned Second Lieu- tenant. After the Grand Review at Washington, he was sent West on detached duty to the Indian Ter- ritory, and was mustered out in November, 1865., He returned to Pennsylvania.
In 1871 Mr. Peirce removed to Michigan, and en- gaged in manufacturing shingles, in Colfax Tp., Mecosta Co., and continued to prosecute that busi- ness eight years. In 1878 he was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected to the same position in 18So. On the expiration of his last term he was elected Representative, and served in the Thirty- second Session of the Legislature of Michigan. In his record as a member of that body, Mr. Peirce clearly demonstrated his fitness for any post to which an appreciative and judicious constituency might raise him. He is eminently qualified in every sense ; he possesses a fine mental organism, coolness and courage in moral issues, correct judgment and wise discrimination in popular measures, and brings the test of a disciplined intelligence to bear upon all questions of the day. His leading traits of character designate him as essentially a man of the people, equipped for quiet, persistent, inflexible conflict in the avenues in which circumstances may lead him.
Mr. Peirce was married Dec. 27, 1869, to Mary M. Wells. Three children have been born to them : Harriet 1 .. , June 21, 1871; Mary E., Ang. 25, 1875. Grosvernor, Aug. 16, 1881.
In October, 1883, Mr. Peirce formed a partnership with G. Clough, in the hardware business, firm style being Clough & Co. They carry a full line of mer- chandise common to such establishments, and have every prospect of entering at once upon a safe and successful business.
W. Reed, merchant, Stanwood, Mecosta Tp., was born in Livingston Co., Mich., July 8, 1844. He is a son of Oliver and Louisa (Barnard) Reed, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York. The father followed farming until his death, in 1859. Mrs. Reed is still living, and resides in Stanwood with her son, the subject of this sketch. He was raised on his father's farm, and Dec. 11, 1861, at the age of 15, he enlisted in the 16th Michigan Volun- teer Infantry, Company 1, which joined the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Mcclellan. He was in the Seven Days' battles before Richmond, the second battle of Bull Run, and many other hard-fought battles, and was honorably discharged Feb. 7, 1863. Returning home, he worked on the farm until the fall of the same year, when he came to Mecosta County. During the winters of 1863 and 1864 he worked in the woods as laborer. In 1865 he entered So acres of land under the homestead law, and pro- ceeded to build the log house in which he lived until 1874, during which time he added about 300 acres to his farm by purchase, and cleared So acres.
In 1875 he entered upon mercantile business at Stanwood, continuing in that till the present time. He keeps on hand a large and well selected stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc., and com- mands a large trade; also, has been engaged in lumbering quite extensively. In 1880 he associated with himself a partner, Charles F. Barnard.
Mr. Reed was married in Mecosta County, in 1864, to Eliza Moulter. They had two children : David, born in October, 1865, and Sarah, born in 1867. He was a second time married, in 1875, to Mary E., daughter of S. Kimball and Uretta (Hawks) Bagley, born at Plattsburg, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1853. This mar-
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riage has resulted in four children: Georgia W., born July 1, 1876; Jessie M., born May 31, 1878; Guy K., born July 21, 1879, and Charles W., born Feb. 26, 1882.
By energy, industry and economy, he has acquired a nice property, and his mental and social qualities have made him one of the representative citizens of the county. He has held the office of Supervisor two terms, Justice of the Peace seven or eight years, and Highway Commissioner one year. He was one of the Board that divided Austin and Mecosta Townships. He was appointed Postmaster for Stan- wood in 1876, and held the position for five years. Mr. Reed is politically a Republican. He is liberal in religious views, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. His portrait appears on page 524.
idney H. Roosevelt, proprietor of the Northern Hotel at Big Rapids, was born in Flint, Mich , April 18, 1848. He is a son of Cornelius and Elvia (Hamilton) Roosevelt. The father was a hotel-keeper and was propri- etor of the Carrolton House at Flint a number of years, and Mr. Roosevelt was trained to his calling under the care of his father and within the influ- ences of his business.
At the age of 16 years he learned telegraphy and was engaged in the pursuit of that vocation about five years. In 1870 he went to East Saginaw, where he engaged in the Everett House four or five years as clerk, and went thence to Bay City, where he was employed in the same capacity three years. His next engagement was at "Sweet's " at Grand Rapids, where he remained five years. In 1881 he came to Big Rapids and opened the Northern Hotel. It is the leading hotel in the city and receives the best class of patronage. The building is one of the most prominent in Big Rapids, and is described in detail elsewhere. (See sketch of flood & Gale.) Its pat- rons include a large number of day boarders, and its repute under the management of its experienced and obliging manager secures a large proportion of the traveling public as guests. The present clerk is Charles Miller.
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Mr. Roosevelt was married in Saginaw, Mich., to Mary, daughter of Christopher Morass, born in
Windsor, Can., Aug. 4, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Roose- velt have one child-Ralph-born at Grand Rapids, Feb. 22, 1881.
enson E. Brown, farmer, sec. 1, Hinton Tp., was born in Warren Co., Penn., Aug. 20, 1844. His father, Peter Brown, was born in Connecticut, and his mother, Mary (Libby) Brown, was a native of New York. The former died in the Keystone State in 1855 ; the latter resides with a son at Altona. Mr. Brown was 11 years old when his father died. He attended the common schools and worked on the farm and in the lumber woods. In the spring of 1867 he came to Michigan, and after a brief stay in Lapeer County he came to this county, and was in the employ of his brother, H. J. Brown, three years He purchased 80 acres of unimproved land in 1870, built a frame house and barn, and has placed 40 acres of his land under advanced improvements. He is a Republican in politics, and has held the post of School Assessor four years, and is the present incum- bent of that office. In April, 1883, he was elected Township Treasurer.
Mr. Brown was married in Montcalm Co., Mich., Oct. 8, 1870, to Lydia C., daughter of William J. and Emmeline (Webster) Allen. Her parents were natives of New York, and removed to Canada, where Mrs. Brown was born May 5, 1842. The family cir- cle includes three children : Della B., born Jan. 5, 1871; Ernest A., Oct. 5, 1874, and ('harlie, born May 12, 1879.
llen E. Williams, lumberman, Upper Big Rapids, was born in Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1848. His parents, John L. and Emeline (Allen) Williams, were farmers and removed to Sycamore, De Kalb Co., Ill., where the father bought a farm. Mr. Williams, of this sketch, was at that time ten years old, and two years later his father removed with his family to Iroquois Co., Ill., and there pursued the same vocation.
Mr. Williams came to Muskegon, Mich., at the age
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of 17 years, and was there employed by O. P. Pills- bury. Two years later he came to Big Rapids, in the interests of his employer. and in December, 1867, opened a store on State street, where Mr. Pillsbury was engaged in general merchandise two and one- half years. At the expiration of that time he deter- mined to make his present calling the pursuit of his life, and threw himself with all his energies and re- sources into the details connected with the business of lumbering, going himself into the woods, locating pine lands, driving on the river, etc. Ilis chief bus- iness for the last ten years has been buying and sell- ing lands and employing men in cutting and putting in logs.
Mr. Williams was married at Big Rapids, May 31, 1869, to Georgia J .. daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Malbon) MeDaniels, born at Orono, Penobscot C'o., Me., Oct. 19, 1854. Mr. McDaniels came to Big Rapids in 1864 and engaged in lumbering, his family following the next year. He prosecuted his business as a lumberman to a considerable extent until his death, which took place Jan. 14, 1881. Hle was 69 years oldl. Mrs. McDaniels resides with her daugh- ter; she is 68 years oldi.
Mr. Williams is a Democrat, and represented his district in the convention at Lansing in 1880, and at Jackson in 1882. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
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homas S Reed, farmer, sec. 17, Grant Tp .. was born Aug. 6, 1831, in Steuben Co., N. Y. His father, Benjamin Reed, was born Aug. 12, 1801, in New York, and died Jan. 22, 1882. llis mother was born in Connecticut, about the year 1798, and died Jan. 10, 1871. They moved to Knox Co., Ohio, not long after the birth of the son, removing thence to Noble Co., Ind. Mr. Reed came to Michigan and to the township of Grant, ir 1872. He bought his homestead, con- taining So acres of land, which he is rapidly develop- ing into a valuable farm. Ile was married March 4, 1858, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Allworth, of Morrow Co., Ohio. Her parents were natives of New Jersey, and her father is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed have seven children : Samuel
W., born Nov. 25, 1858; Esther E., Aug. 31, 1860 (Mrs. Maxin Pion); William J., Feb. 15, 1863; Ben- jamin F., March 6, 1866: Edward 1 .. , Jan. 4, 1869; (died Feb. 24, 1874); Minnie M., Aug. 26, 1872 Francis E., June 20, 1875 ; Amy E., Feb. 17, 1878. The family attend the U. B. Church, of which the parents are members.
eter S. Decker, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook Tp., was born in New York, July 30, 1830, K and is a son of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker
He left home at 20 years of age, and for two years thereafter was variously occupied, and the year following was employed in a mill. His next occupation was in a machine shop at Newcastle, Canada, where he remained four years. In the spring of 1858 he went to Illinois and settled in Kane County, where he worked a farm on shares nearly three years. In the fall of 1860 he bought So acres of land in Millbrook Tp., on which he has since resided. He afterward bought iSo acres addi- tional, sold So acres, and deeded 50 acres to his son. Ilis farm now comprises 170 acres of land, with 100 acres under the best class of improvements. The humble, unpretentious log house built by Mr. Decker on his farm in the first year of his occupancy, gave place a few years ago to as fine a residence as can be found in the township.
lle was married in Clark, Canada, May 27, 1852, . to Caroline, third daughter of Lorenzo and Fanny (Fisher) Aldrich. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, who settled in Can- ada. Mrs. Decker was born in the Dominion, Dec. 21, 1835. Of her marriage to Mr. Decker nine chil- dren have been born, as follows: Lourena J., May 24, 1853: Lorenzo D., April 21, 1855; Gilbert A., July 16, 1858 (see sketch); Rosetta A., Jan. 24, 1861 (first female child born in the township) ; Richard S., Sept. 11, 1864; Hazen A., April 13, 1867 ; Mary E., June 2, 1869; Charlotte E., April 25, 1871, and Mabel E., June 24, 1879.
Millbrook township was organized in 1865, and Mr. Decker was elected the first Supervisor at the meeting of organization, an office he has held six years. He has been Justice of the Peace six years,
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and District Assessor nine years. He is a Repub- lican in political sentiment. He and his wife are members of the denomination known as the "Church of God."
aria E. Brown, Big Rapids, daughter of Ethan and Nancy (Wilmer) Brown, was born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1825. Her father was born March 11, 1791, in Stockbridge, Mass., and was of English de- scent. Hler mother was of Irish extraction, and a native of Stockbridge, where she became the wife of Ethan Brown. Of eight children born to them three yet survive, viz : William, resident at Saginaw ; George, in business in Washington Territory, and Miss Maria, of this sketch. Those deceased were John F., Caroline, Marcus, and Susan C., widow of Mason Herrick. Miss Brown is rearing three of the children made orphans by the demise of Mrs. Her- rick. They are Addie L., John F. and Marcus E.
Miss Brown resided in Tioga Co., N. Y., until 1874, when she came to Big Rapids, to live with her brother, John F. Brown. She owns his residence on Osceola avenue, eight lots, and 60 acres of land within the city limits. The main portion of the home was once one of the finest structures in upper Big Rapids.
ev. William H. Manning, farmer, sec. 34, Chippewa Tp., was born in Odelltown, Can., Aug. 15, 1824, and is a son of Ga- briel and Polly (Green) Manning, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ver- mont. His father was a farmer, and after his marriage went to Canada, and there died in 1866; his mother died in 1869.
Mr. Manning was reared on his father's farm, which was situated in a rural district, and he obtained little education in early life. This defect he remedied after he had grown to manhood. He remained with his parents until he was 22 years of age.
Mr. Manning was married May 14, 1850, to Per- melia, daughter of Preston and Lydia (Marsh) Groot, who was born in Whitby, Can., Nov. 23, 1830. HIer parents were natives of Lower Canada, and her grandfather was a soldier in the British army in 1812,
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