Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 12

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 856

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In 185 3, he beg in business for himself in the man- ufacturingof tobacco Thisestablishment hasbecome

one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- surance corporations. He was President of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Lite Insur- ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 1807 to 1872 He was a director of the Amer- ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- holdler and director in various other corporations Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two years, and of the Detroit Common Commeil the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed In dieser- not Crap one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitan police force of the city of Detroit, very ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Mu higan, and two years later w > re- elected to the same office, retiring in fan nirv, 1577. He was an active worker in the Kepiller party. - d for many years wis Chairman of the Republican State C'entral committee.

Governor Bagley was quite liberil mifus rel gons Views and wir an attend int of the I'ntru Crib He amied to be able to hear and cons ter Iny 1en thought, from whatever source it may come, lait was mant bohid lyy any rehgio is cr d or torm 1 1: in respect all religions opt tom, Iles ne that were can be ijired by a firm adherence to i Lath or d .- nomination. He wasmarried at 1rit 1 0. I wa. 1 16, 1855, to Princes E Newbern, degest Ky Simmel Newberry, a poter given or Mula .. who took un autre part in the cus . It ters of the State and in the cityHelm Wies cellent system of aletter It will

158

JOHN J. BAGLEY.

through his exertions that the State University was founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children.

As Governor his administration was charac- terized by several important features, chief among which were his efforts to improve and make popular the educational ageneies of the State by increasing the faculty of the University for more thorough in- struction in technical studies, by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College upon the public good will and making the general change which has manifested itself in many scattered primary districts. Among others were an almost complete revolution in the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- ers through county agents, which has proved of great good in turning the young back from erime and place- ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se- euring for the militia the first time in the history of Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. in the earlier part of his administration that the law creating the State Board of Health, and also the law creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the State, were passed, both of which have proved of great benefit to the State. The successful representation of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- tration.

As Governor, he felt that he represented the State -- not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- resents his employer, and as the Executive of the State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of the people he so much loved. He was ambitious- ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to the fact that the more we have the more is required of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He

had great hopes for his State and his country. He had his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation.

His whole life was a battle for others ; and he entered the conflict eagerly and hopefully.

His State papers were models of compact, busi- ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of practical suggestions, and his administrations will long be considered as among the ablest in this or any other State.

His noble, generous nature made his innumerable benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- ally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to receive."

His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi- ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew the hand that gave.

At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- sponse to some charitable request, and said to him : "Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about how much does your charities amount to in a year?" He turned at once and said: "I do not know, sir; I do not allow myself to know. I hope 1 gave more this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more next year than I have this." This expressed his idea of charity, that the giving should at all times be free and spontaneous.

During his leasure hours from early life, and espe- cially during the last few years, he devoted much time to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog. raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes.

In all questions of business or public affairs he seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of the nut in the least possible time. In reading he would spend scarcely more time with a volume than most persons would devote to a chapter. After what seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value the book contained. Rarely do we see a business man so familiar with the best English authors. He was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and his elegant home was a study and a pleasure to his many friends, who always found there a hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas eve he gathered his children about him and, taking the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, closing the entertainment with "The Night Before Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol."

PUBLICLE ARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND IILDEN FOUNDATIONS

Yours very July Charles "M. Cromwell)

GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

161

CHARLES M. CROSWELL.

HARLES M. CROSWELL, Governor of Michigan from Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. 1, 1881, was born at Newburg, Orange County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825. He is the only son of John and Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His father, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction, was a paper-maker, and carried on business in New York City. His ancestors on his mother's side were of Knicker- hocker descent. l'he Croswell family may be found connected with prominent events, in New York and Connecticut, in the early exis- tence of the Republic. Harry Cro -- well, during the administration of President Jefferson, published a pa- per called the Balance, and was prosecuted for libeling the President under the obnoxious Sedition Law. Ile was defended by the celebrated Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- ion of the case establised the important ruling that the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- ons editor of the Albany Angus , also, Kev. William t'roswell, noted as a divine and poet.

When Chirl ., W. Croswell was seven years of age. his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced- ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, this leaving hun the sole surviving member of the family, withor fortune or means Upon the death

of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge. In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap- pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du . ties of this office he performed four years, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected in 1852. In 1854. he took part in the first movements for the formation of the Republican party, and was a member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- publican State ticket in Michigan, In 1855, he formed a law partnership with the present Chief- Jus- tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor.

In 1862, Mr. Cro,well was appointed City Attorney of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city in the spring of the same year ; and in the fall was chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 150 ;. and again in 1866, during each term filling the post- tions above mentioned. Amon, various reports m. de by him, one adverse to the re-establishment at the death penalty, and another against a proposition to pay the salaries of State officers and judges it &m. which then commanded a very large premium, mais be mentioned. He also dratted the act ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constantin, for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first amendment to the lastrinent ratited by Mich 1. In shop, trum his sent in the State Server, he do

162

CHARLES M. CROSWELL.

tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, and of his general policy in the prosecution of the war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- ates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and chosen its presiding officer. This convention was composed of an able body of men ; and though, in the general distrust of constitutional changes which for some years had been taking possession of the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- tion they proposed had been prepared with great care and skill.

In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was elected a Representative to the State Legislature from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the close of the session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form- ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- sented with a superb collection of their portraits handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi- gan ; in which position, his propositions for the amel- ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- nevolence of his nature, and the practical character of his mind.

In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for Govemor; and, at the State Convention of the party in August of the same year, he was put in nomination by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At the election in November following, he was chosen to the high position for which he had been nominated, by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. His inaugural message was received with general favor; and his career as Governor was marked with the same qualities of head and heart that have ever distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman.

Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear, and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de- livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in the public prints, and have a permanent value. He has always manifested a deep interest in educational matters, and was for years a member and Secretary of the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal opening of the Central School building in that city, on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public Schools."

In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh- ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in business difficulties, for which his unfailing pru- dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov- ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of like political faith with himself, but with those who differ from him in this regard.

During Gov. Croswell's administration the public debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap- propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elec- tions; the State Ilouse of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened, and the new capital at Lansing was completed and occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre- side at the dedication of this building The great riot at Jackson occured during his administration, and it was only by his promptness that great distruction of both life and property va- prevented at that time.

THE WWW INY PUBLIC JOMANY

ASTOR. LENDALE TILDEN FOUNDA L

Davist Trouve

GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.

165

DAVID D. JEROME,

DAVIDH. JEROME, Gover- gnor of from Jan. 1. 1881, to Jan. 1, 1883, was born at De- troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1829. llis parents emigrated to Michigan from Trumanshurg. Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, locating at Detroit. His father died March 30, 1831, leaving nine children. He had been twice married, and four of the children living at the time of his death were grown up sons, the off- spring of his first union. Of the five children by his second marriage, David H. was the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his widow moved back to New York and settled in Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained until the fall of 18344, the four sons by the first wife continuing their residence in Michigan In the fall of 1834. Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the Governor formed those habits of industry and ster- ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the district school, and in the acquisition of the fund .- mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity and an application which won for him the admiration of his teachers, and always placed him at the head of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The heavy labor of the firm was carried or by hat tw.

older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 years of age David received his mother's permission to attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While .ittend- ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following winter performed the same service for James Ogden, also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of continuing her son in school. While attending said academy one of his associate students was Sen .- tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate before the gubernatorial convention in ISSo. He completed his education in the fall of his 16th year, and the following winter assisted his brother Fimothy in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer he rafted logs down the St. Chur River to Al_on.c.

In 18.47. M. H. Miles Being Clerk in St. Clair Com- ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Feeds. David 1. Jerome was appointed Deputy to catch, romania as such during 1848 '99, and receiving mich prise from his employers and the people in general for the ability displayed in the discharge of his dites. He spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board the lake vessels

In 18449-'50, he abandoned office work, and for the proper development of his physical sein fel several months huurling los In the spirit of 1 . his brother " "if" and him, If chartered the star "Ch.uut.uojua," and "Voing Div ."I Cure ler m ter. A portion of the senson the left was suptal in the passenger and freight triff. letwee Tin Huron and Detron, bit dann the l'trinta » used as a tow bort. Att tim tu obstruction to umwegtion, known et'e '(1. Flats," between Takes Hiron and Fre

166

DAVID H. JEROME.

vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels from one lake to the other, and put his plan into operation. Through the influence of practical men,- among them the subject of this sketch,-Congress removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 bushels of grain.

During the season, the two brothers succeeded in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the spring of 1851, he was clerk and acting master of the steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- ton." running between Detroit and Buffalo.

In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re- mained there during the summer, and located the Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, but when the water supply began to fail with the dry season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, about a year after his departure. During his absence his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations in the valley. In 1855 the brothers hought Black- mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was also ex- tensively engaged in lumbering operations.

Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising young man, of strong Democratic principles. The ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was elected by a handsome majority. When the Repub- iican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com- missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the

six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril- liant record.

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was twice renominated and elected both times by in- creased majorities, defeating George Lord. of Bay City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak- ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair- man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac- tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war. He held the same position during his three terms of service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.

He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State Military Board, and served as its President for eight consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the Committee on Finance.

In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners. In 1876 he was Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement of all existing difficulties. The commission went to Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River.

At the Republican State Convention, convened at Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the month received the highest honor the convention could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder- ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup- ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties. The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, and when the polls were closed on the evening of election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to occupy the highest position within their gift.

THE URW Y Y PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L

Josiah W Begole

GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN

169

JOSIAH W. BEGOLE.

OSIALI W. BEGOLL, the present (1883), Governor of Michigan was born in Living- ston, County, N. Y., J.in. 20, 1815. His ancestors were of French descent, and settled at an early period in the State of Maryland. Hisgrandfather, Capt. Bolle,, of that State, was an offi- cer in the American army during the war of the Revolution. About the beginning of the present rent- ury both his grandparents, having become dissatisfied with the insti- tution of slavery, although slave- holders themselves, emigrated to Livingston Comty, N. Y., then a new country, taking with them a number of their former slaves, who volunteered to accompany them. This fither way an officer in the American army, and served downing the war of 1812.

Mr. B. received his early education in a los cloud- house, and ib e gently attend of the Temple Hill Academy, it Geneseo, V. ). But the elde tot 1 family of ten children, who e parents were in moder the though comfortable are instances, he was early tight habits of industry, and when 21 year of de. being unbino is to letter he condition in lite, he re solved to seek his fortier teer Het, With

then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental roof to seek a home in the l'erritory of Michigan, then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in Genesee County, and aided with his own hands It buihling some of the early residences in what is now known as the city of Flint. There were but four or five houses where this flourishing city now stand when he selected it as his home.

. In the spring of 1839 he married Miss Hunter 1 Miles. The marriage proved a most fort inate o), and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives toen. joy with him the comforts of an honestly earned con- petence, Mr. Regole ascribes largely his success In life. Immediately after his marriage le commenced work on an unimproved firm, where, las hin perse ver une and energy, he soon established a good home. and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a well improved farm of five hundred neres.

Mr Begole being an anti-slavery man, became A member of the Republican party at its organizath He served his to susmen in various offices, and we In 1550, elected County Treasurer, which offer a held for eight years.

If the breaking out of the Rebel ord curry e musket ta the tront, but his sats In id> w bear witness that he took a ctive parti ele and finishing supplies for the mes, ed link at I the interests of older'tan he alom. nite billet, 101664, wis the prestert prin cflere! When the year, haterowie am mers t.

170

JOSIAH W. BEGOLE.

Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and who should fare equally with him who came in at the eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House on account of the large appropriation that would be required to pay the same.

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 12

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 856

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 856