USA > Michigan > Gratiot County > Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich. > Part 18
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On this farm the subject of this narrative lived and worked under his father's guidance, until 18 years old. He was then apprenticed for three years to a Mr. Maxwell Hamilton, of Simcoe, Ont., to learn carpen- try. After serving out his time, he worked for the same gentleman one year as a journeyman carpenter He then planned an extended tour to California and
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the West Indies; but, laying off for a period at Dubuque, Iowa, he became homesick, and returned to work once more for Mr. Hamilton.
Jan. 14, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Webb, born in Canada, July 14, 1840. Working at his trade in that country for three years more, Mr. and Mrs. B. then came to this State and county, and located with her uncle, Nathaniel Strayer, of Seville Township. Mr. B. here built a house four miles away, making two trips daily. He worked 103 days at $3 per day, and lost no time whatever. The following summer, with the money thus earned, he erected the first frame building in the township, which he ran as a hotel until 1869. He then resumed his trade, and, after following that for three years, he started his present cabinet shop. Ile now has a stock worth $1,000, and his annual business is $3,000.
July 17, 1871, in Canada, his second marriage occurred, he taking this time as the partner of his sorrows and joys Miss Alice Hayward, a native of Ontario, where she was born, July 2, 1850.
Mrs. B. is a member of good standing in the M. E. Church. Mr. Butcher has held the office of Constable for several years. He is a member of North Star Lodge No. 306, I. O. O. F., has passed all the chairs, and is now D. D. G. M. of the order. Politically, he is a Democrat.
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heron Finney, farmer, section 19, Emerson Township, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., March 24, 1807, and was the son of Scotch and Welsh parents. They were natives of Connecticut, and were farmers by occupation. Most of their lives they resided in Essex County, where they died many years ago. Theron remained on his father's farm until 19 years of age, when he began to battle for himself. When 28 years old, he came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and was there married to Harriet Butler, daughter of Zebina and Polly (Porter) Butler, and born July 20, 1817. Mr. and Mrs. Finney resided on a farm in Hillsdale County until 1859, when they came to Gratiot County and entered 320 acres of unimproved land on section 19, Emerson Township. Mr. Finney has improved
a considerable acreage, and sold all but 60 acres, upon which he now lives.
They have had a family of nine children : Melvina R., Mary L., Josephine D., Wilmer T., Dora A., Butler J., Frank L., Ramson P. and Arza .1. The last four named are dead. Mr. Finney has held the offices of School Inspector and Township 'Treasurer for several years. In political faith, he is a Republican.
eorge H. Oliver, druggist and groceryman, Elm Hall, was born in DeWitt, Clinton Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 1845. His parents were natives of New York, of English and Scotch descent, and his father was a carpenter. When he was four years old, his parents removed to where the village of Grand Ledge now stands, in Eaton County. It was then an unbroken forest, and his father built one of the first houses there. The first school-house was also raised by his father and a few neighbors. Here our subject lived, grew up and was educated.
In February, 1865, at the age of 20, he enlisted in Co. C, 12th Mich. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the West. He was in no active engage- ments, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865. His health failed him ; and on arriving home he was confined to his bed until September. He then went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and took a course in East- man's Business College, graduating in March, 1866. Returning to Grand Ledge, he was for a time engaged in book-keeping. For the ensuing four years he was learning the painter's trade. Then assuming control of a good business in that line, he associated with him- self a Mr. Deering. This partnership lasted until the spring of 1871, when he left Grand Ledge and came to Gratiot County, to join his father in the grocery business. His health not being the best, he has not resumed his trade, but has continued in the drug and grocery business at Elm Hall. In October, 1881, he became sole proprietor of the business. He has a stock worth about $1,000, and a growing trade now amounting to $3,000 annually.
March 4, 1874, in Montcalm County, he was married to Miss Laura A. Van Leuvan, who was born in Sumner Township, July 30, 1856. She lived for
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some time in Salem, Washtenaw Comty, and then came to Montcalm County, where she was married. She is the mother of two children: Inez E. and Floyd E. Mr. and Mrs. O. are members of the M. E. Church. He has held the office of Constable, and politically is a Republican.
ilas Hill, farmer, section 3, Hamilton Town- ship, is a son of Stephen Hill (deceased), a native of Vermont, and who emigrated from that State to Otsego Co., N. Y., where the subject of our sketch was born, July 6, 1830. Three years after the birth of Silas, in 1833, the family removed to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where they lived for four years, until 1837, when they moved to Erie County, the same State. Here young Hill remained, attending the common schools of the county and developing into manhood. In 1856 he went to Bureau Co., Ill., and after remaining there some six months, during which time he was variously employed, he came to Eaton Co., Mich., where he arrived in the spring of 1857.
Mr. Hill purchased the farm on which he is now living in November, 1873, and located upon it in January following, and has constantly resided thereon. The farm consists of So acres, and is under a good state of cultivation. lle was married March 18, 1857, to Lucy, daughter of Edward Bracy, of Eaton Co., Mich., and three children have been born to their union, two of whom, George F. and Edwin, are living, and one is deceased.
Mr. Ifill has held the offices of Highway Commis- sioner and Supervisor and is at present Treasurer of Hamilton Township.
dward Y. Kelley, merchant at Bridgeville, ncia Washington Township, is a son of Joseph and Esther (. (Hockens) Kelley. The former was an employe of the Government, being engaged on Indian affairs and also fol- lowed farming. Ile died in the State of New York, in the spring of 1834. Mrs. Kelley died in the same State, in 1867. Edward was born Jan. 1.4. 1832. at Danville. Caledonia C'o., Vt. On the death of his
father, he was taken by an old acquaintance of the family and kept for three years. He was then kept by another family until he was 13, since which time he has made his own way in life, working at the blacksmith's trade and at other employments. In the autumn of 1866 he purchased 30 acres on sec- tion 20, Washington Township, and engaged in farm- ing. He is now in mercantile life at Bridgeville ; has a full line of drugs, groceries had hardware, and a large trade. In 1860 he was married to Betsy C. Woodcock, daughter of Asa and Mary (Ryan) Wood- cock, residents of New York State. She was born in 1828, and died in Gratiot County, in 1868, leaving five children,-Mary F., Edna J., Eddie J., Esther A. and Henry L. Mr. Kelley was subsequently mar- ried to Eliza Woodcock, a sister of his first wife. This marriage has been blessed with two children- Cora B. and Floyd. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Masonic Order and of the I. O. O. F. Politically he votes with the Republican party.
charles C. Gilmore, editor and proprietor of the Corner Local, Elm Hall, was born in Old Town, Maine, April 15, 1850; and is the son of Solomon and Abigail E. (Stewart) Gilmore, natives of Maine and of Scotch descent. Solomon Gilmore was a lumberman in his native State until 32 years of age, when he went to Pennsylvania. Here he lived until death, about 1862, aged 52. His wife died in the same State a year previous, at the age of 51.
The subject of this biography left his native State when very young, and went with his parents to Penn- sylvania, where they lived in the lumber regions of the mountains. Owing to their peculiar surroundings, his opportunities for education were very limited, and he had but one year schooling. His desire for learn- ing was however such that he would, after working hard all day, spend hours by himself over his book. In this manner he mastered Davies' Algebra, and the rudiments of other branches taught in the high schools. At the age of 19, he set out to earn his own living. By accident he got to using the tools in the camp, and soon found that he was a natural black- smith. He was therefore employed by the proprietor to do all such work as came along in that line. He
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was thus employed until the spring of 1874, when he came to Saginaw, this State. Six months later, he came to Gratiot County, and located at Elm Hall. Soon he built a stumping machine, and pulled stumps in the summer, following his trade in the winter.
Since coming to the county, he has been a regular correspondent of the Gratiot Journal, and has thus secured a good idea of newspaper writing. From ISSo to the close of 1883, his occupation has, how- ever, been well-driving, in prosecuting which he has used appliances of his own invention. Nov. 17, 1883, he purchased and assumed control of the Corner Local, and his first issue appeared Nov. 24. He has a growing circulation, already reaching 350, and his paper has constantly improved.
Dec. 3, 1878, at Elm Hall, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Fox, born at Leslie, Ingham Co., Mich., in 1855. She came to Gratiot in 1877. She is the mother of two children: Edna and Frederick. She is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. G. is a member of Elm Hall Lodge No. 257, F. & A. M., Elm Hall, and has for some time held the office of Secretary of the lodge. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for three years, and in politics is a Republican.
dwin Meacham, farmer, section 35, Elba Tp., is a son of Almon and Polly (Kel- ly) Meacham, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively. They emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and resided in Cuya- hoga County until their death, in 1852. Edwin was born Nov. 30, 1845, in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and at the tender age of seven was left an orphan by the death of both his parents. He was cared for by his uncle and aunt, with whom he lived until he was 21. With some money which they gave to him, he came to Gratiot Co., Mich., ard purchased 80 acres of land on section 35, in the township of Elba. He has now improved 50 acres of his farm.
March 21, 1870, he was married to Alice A. Crego, the only daughter of Lorin M. and Eliza O. (Stone) Crego, natives of New York. This marriage has been blessed with two children,- Jessie A. and Jennic A.
Mr. Meacham is one of the most respected citizens
of his township, and has held various local offices. In 1871 he was elected Township Clerk, and to that office he was re-elected in 1872 and 1873. He was elected Supervisor in 1881 and 1883, and now repre- sents Elba Township in the Board of Supervisors. He has also been School Director for the past 12 years. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a strong Re- publican.
avid Muffly, farmer, section 3, Hamilton Township, was born in Washington Town- ship, Westmoreland Co., Pa., Dec. 20, 1830. The family removed to Stark Co., Ohio, while David was quite young, and there he resided on the parental farm, attending the common schools and developing into manhood.
In 1850, when 20 years of age, Mr. Muffly left the parental home to fight life's battles alone, and went to Seneca Co., Ohio. He remained in that county five years, until 1855, when, desiring a home for him- self and family, having in the meantime married, he came to this State and settled in Hamilton Township, this county. His experiences were those of many others of Michigan's pioneer settlers. Hardship, deprivation and want were his to battle with, and successfully did he wage the war against and van- quish them. He built his log cabin in the woods, and in the erection of the same used only one single sawed board, and that for the door. Here he lived and amid the howling of wolves, the crying of panthers, and with "prowling Indians for neighbors " he en- tered on the task of clearing his land. Although he had many trials and difficulties to overcome, he ex- perienced some of the joys and pleasures of those pioneer days. He was at the first township election, when almost every man in the township was elected to office.
Mr. Muffly, like many others when the flag of our country was dishonored by the rebel shot at Fort Sumter, went forth to meet the enemy and battle for its maintenance. He enlisted in Co. F, 29th Mich. Vol. Inf. He was in the battle of De- catur (Ala.) and Murfreesboro ; and shortly after the last-named battle, while packing and preparing for a
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forced march, he was accidentally precipitated into a railroad ditch, and, striking his breast upon the iron which happened to be piled there, so lacerated it and crippled him he was transferred to the hospital. Here his wounds were unprofessionally treated, and he finally received his discharge on account of disa- bility and returned to his family.
Mr. Muffly was married Jan. 11, 1854, to Miss Delilah Street. Seven children have been born to the union, namely : Rufus S., Martha J., James C .. Vilda, Arminia, David S. and Francis M. The father and mother are both members of the (Christian Church.
ames Griffith, farmer, section 5, Emerson Township, was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1837, and is the son of Lewis and Hannah (Boyer) Griffith, natives of New York State. The father is now a resident of Lenawee Co., Mich., and the mother died in New York State in 1839, when James was only two years old. Two years after that event he came with his father to Michigan and settled in Lenawee County. Being among the early settlers of that part of the State, they had to perform the toilsome work of clearing and improving a new farm, and James passed many more days at work than at school. At 19 years of age, obtaining his father's permission to look out for himself, he commenced as a common laborer. In 1860 he came to Gratiot County and located 120 acres of wild land on section 5, Emerson Township.
Aug. 17, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. G. 5th Mich. Vol. Cav., and went to the Army of the Potomac, where he served under Gen. Phil. Sheri- dan. Ile was an eye-witness of the famous ride to Winchester by that commander. He fought at ('old Harbor, Winchester, Cedar Creek, and numerous lesser engagements. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, having served in the field nearly three years. Returning home to his farm he kept bache- lor's hall for seven and a half years. March 6, 1873. he formed a life partnership with Emeline Decker, born in Ontario Co., N. Y., May 16, 1844. This union has been blessed with four children,-Sarah P., Lewis, Maud and James K Mr. Griffith has im-
proved 70 acres of his farm, and has a fine dwelling and barn. He is considered a skillful farmer, and as a citizen is very popular. He has been Assessor for 12 years, and has also been Overseer of High- ways. Politically he is a Republican.
avid Reichard, farmer, section 6, Ithaca Township, was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Nov. 28, 1847, and is a son of John A. Reichard, deceased, a native of Pennsylvania. There our subject lived, assisted his father on the farm, attended the common schools and de- veloped into manhood.
In 1865 Mr. R. left the parental home, to battle against the trials of life single-handed and alone, and came to this county, where he arrived in the spring of that year, and where he has ever since resided. He first settled in Fulton Township, where he remained II years, and then went to Ithaca Township, where he is now living, the occupier and owner of 115 acres of fine land.
Mr. Reichard was married March 9, 1869, to Miss Mary, daughter of Edward Waggoner, of Ithaca, and two children have been born to their union, namely : John E. and Orill.
Mrs. Reichard was born in Springfield, Jefferson Co., Ohio.
orman L. Higbie, M. D., physician and farmer, section 35, Elba Township, is a son of Oliver H. and Esther (Randall) Higbie, natives of New York. They lived in that State, on a farm, till the end of their lives, which came for Mr. Higbie in 1848, and his wife in 1858. Norman L. was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., Fel>. 16, 1832. . At the age of 18 he left home, and for the ensuing eight years he was engaged in teach- ing school, with the exception of two years, during which he attended at Rondout Seminary, Ulster Co., N. Y., and two years at New York Conference Sem- inary, at Charlotteville, Schoharie Co., N. Y. During this time, too, he was studying the profession of medicine. In May, 1854, he came to Ann Arbor,
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Mich., and afterwards he went to lowa ; then returned to Ann Arbor. Thence he went to Plymouth, Wayne County, and practiced medicine for two years. In the practice of his profession, he also spent one year at Jackson and one year at Howell. He then spent two years in the South for his health. Returning to Michigan, he practiced medicine in Jackson County from 1861 to 1874. His health then failed him, and he was compelled to retire from active practice. Jan. 12, 1875, he arrived in Gratiot County, and located on the southeast quarter of section 35, Elba Township. He has since added 40 acres to his farm.
In 1856, he was united in marriage to Jane Hor- ton, who was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., May 31, 1832. She was the daughter of Joseph and Elmira (Marks) Horton. Mr. Horton was born in New Leb- anon, Columbia Co., N. Y., April 7, 1807 ; and Mrs. Horton was born July 13, 1808. Dr. and Mrs. Hig- bie are the parents of six children,-George L., Joseph E., Alice J., William H., Myra A. and Alfred.
They are active members of the M. E. Church. Dr. Higbie was chosen Superintendent of Schools in his township in 1875, and again in 1877, and he is now the health officer. of his township. In poli- tics he is a Republican.
illiam Martin, farmer, section 13, Wash- 9 ington Township, is a son of Henry and Sarah (Bugg) Martin, who were of English descent, and who came to America in 1835. They landed at New York July 3, and came direct to Washtenaw Co., Mich. They located on So acres in Dexter Township, where Mr. Martin died Nov. 26, 1844; and Mrs. Martin in December, 1859. At the age of 21, William Maitin commenced to make his own way in life, and engaged in farming. The same year, he was married to Fanny, daughter of Michael and Fanny McCabe, natives of Ireland. They came to America at an early day, and are now both dead.
Mr. Martin came to Gratiot County in 1856, and settled on 32 acres on section 13, Washington Town- ship. He married for his second wife Harriet Miles. By his first marriage he has four children, and by his second, 11. In his township Mr. Martin has been
Constable five terms, Justice of the Peace two terms, and School Assessor three terms. Politically, he has always been a supporter of the Democratic party.
illiam D. Letts, farmer, section 35, Elba Township, is a son of Edward and Mary (Galligan) Letts, natives of New York and Michigan. They were married in Clin- ton County in 1851. In 1856 they located on So acres on section 35, Elba Township, then in its primitive wildness. They now have 70 acres well improved. During their first years here, almost their only companions were the wolf, the wild-cat, and other denizens of the forest. They often built fires to keep the bears away from their calves and pigs, and occasionally they would take the dinner horn and call the wolves to their door. Mrs. Letts was the first white person to go from her neighbor- hood to Chesaning, making the trip of 18 miles through the wilderness alone.
The subject of this sketch was married at the age of 24, to Vora Dunlap, the eldest daughter of Andrew and Mary (Coryell) Dunlap, and who was born April 4, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Letts are the parents of two children,-Leroy D)., born Nov. 16, 1880, and Floyd L., born Aug. 2, 1883. Mr. Letts is politically a Republican. He has held the office of School In- spector for a number of terms, and is one of the en- ergetic young men of the county.
ob C. Wolford, farmer on section 33, Sumner Township, is a son of David and Laverna (Conger) Wolford, natives of New York. The father was a mason and shoe- maker while in New York State. After moving to Michigan in April, 1858, he engaged in farming, which he followed until his death in 1867. His wife is still living in this county.
Job C., the subject of this biography, was born in Cayuga Co , N. Y., Sept. 19, 1843. When he was 12 years old, the family moved to Indiana, and two years later returned to Cayuga County. After an- other year, they came to this county and settled in New Haven Township. Here Job worked for his
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father until the spring of 1864. March 24 of that year, he enlisted in Co. K, 21st Mich. Vol. Inf. Hle served as a private in the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Sherman, for 14 months, and fought at Chattanooga, Bentonville and Goldsborough. At the last named place, March 29, 1865, he was wounded, while on a charge, by a ball which penetrated his right thigh. By this he was not permanently injured. He was honorably discharged May 23, 1865.
Returning home, he purchased So acres on section 33, Sumner Township, heavily timbered, and set about making himself a home. March 25, 1866, in North Shade Township, he was married to Miss Emily A. Dean, daughter of Amos and Betsy (Grant) Dean. She was born Aug. 1, 1843, in Yates Co., N. V. Her father was a farmer and died June 26, 1858. Her mother resides with her daughter, enjoy- ing good health and being quite active, although 76 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Wolford have a family of three: Judson E, born Oct. 28, 1867: Jessie E., April 3, 1874: Cora V., Nov. 26, 1877.
Mr. W. has nicely improved 60 acres of his original So, and has added 40 acres, also improved. He is a member of Elm Hall Lodge No. 257, F. & A. M. He has held the office of School Director, and in political sentiment is a Republican.
rin J Sprague, merchant at Martin's Cor- ners, Washington Township, is a son of Beriah and Maria (Sweet) Sprague. Beriah Sprague was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1815, and died in this county, Dec. 9, 1883. Maria (Sweet) Sprague was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1819, and is still living, in Gratiot County.
The subject of this sketch was born in St. Law- rence Co .. N. Y., July 12, 1841, and remained with his parents until 21 years old. He then taught, and worked on a farm for a time. He taught altogether to terms of school, six of which were in Gratiot County. Nov. 27, 1867, he was married to Emeline 1. Noble, daughter of James and Isabella (Laid- low) Noble, of Scotch descent. They came to Amer- ica and located in St. Lawrence Co, N. Y., where they followed farming, and where their daughter Emeline was born Aug. 5, 1845. In 1860, Mr.
Sprague came to Gratiot County and purchased 40 acres on section 16, Washington Township. This farm he afterwards sold, and for one year he was out of employment. In 1881, he started the store he now has, at Martin's Corners. He has been School Superintendent for five years, and in 1882-3 was Supervisor of his township. Politically, he is a zeal- ous Republican.
rederick L. Coss, merchant at North Star, and resident on section 15, North Star Township, was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., Aug. 27, 1842. He is a son of Peter Coss, of North Star Township, who came here with
W his family in 1867.
Mr. Coss came to this county the same year as his father, but located at Pompei, where he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1869, when he moved to Ithaca, where he lived 11 years ; thence to North Star, and established himself in the same business. Ile carries on a general mercantile business, has a stock sufficient to meet the requirements of the neighborhood and is having a good trade.
Mr. Coss enlisted in the late civil war, enrolling in Co. A, 56th Pa. Vol. Inf., and participated in the bat- tles of second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg (both battles), Chancellorsville, Get- tysburg and others.
Mr. Coss has been united in marriage twice. He was first married Feb. 14, 1867, to Mrs. Louisa Swift, of North Star Township, who had by her first husband two children, Emma J. and Adelaide (Sav- age), deceased. He was again married July 4, 1883, to Alice J. Craun, of North Star. Politically, Mr. Coss is a staunch Republican.
aniel Gower, farmer, section 30, Elba Township, is a son of John and Polly (Bowker) Grower, natives of Pennsyl- vania and New York. They are residents of Tompkins Co., N. Y., where Mr. Gower is a
Sim farmer. Daniel was born Sept. 1, 1843, in Tompkins County. Leaving home in the second | year of the war, he enlisted Sept. 1, 1862, in Co. K,
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