Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 21

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

USA > Michigan > Gratiot County > Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich. > Part 21

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The Wintons are supposed to be of English origin, as their history in Scotland is of modern date, and as the " Statute of Winton " is repeatedly referred to by Mr. Chitty in his Notes to Blackstone's Commen- taries on the Laws of England; also by Mr. Green- leaf in his " Law of Evidence," Vol. I, $ 349, and by other text writers on the English law. But whatever history may furnish relating to Mr. Winton's ancestry, nothing gives him more pleasure than to know that he is a citizen of the United States of America. He is now making arrangements to visit Europe soon, and especially Scotland, the land of his fathers.

John H. Winton, the only son of William E. Win- ton, was born May 31, 1852, at Cohoctah, Livingston Co., Mich. Ile came to Ithaca, Mich., March, 1860, with his father's family. He was kept at school until the age of 18, after which he taught several terms, and attended the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich. He visited the Centennial Exhibition at Phil- adelphia in the fall of 1876. He read law in his father's office, and was admitted at Ithaca, Mich., April 8, 1881, to practice as an attorney-at-law and solicitor in chancery. He was appointed Village At- torney in March, 1882. He has successfully prose- cuted and defended several important suits in law and in equity, and has his office with his father, in the Jeffery, Winton Bank Block, south of the bank, on first floor, Ithaca, Mich. .

He became acquainted with Annie Sickels, daugh- ter of William and Isabel B. Sickels, to whom he was married, at the residence of her parents in the village of Sickels, Gratiot Co., Mich., on the 31st

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day of May, 1881. She was born at Northville, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 10, 1854. By this marriage he has one son, William Winton, born July 21, 1882.

On a previous page appears a portrait of Judge Winton.

dolphus Willert, farmer, section 31, New- ark Township, was born Aug. 29, 1844, in Germany. His parents came to the United States when he was 15 years old and settled in Clinton Co., Mich. When he reached his majority, in 1865, he came to Gratiot County and bought 40 acres of unimproved land in Fulton Township. On this he labored three years and ex- changed with his brother for another farm in the same township, which he afterward sold and bought 53 acres in Newark Township where he now lives. About 35 acres are under good improvements. Mr. Willert is a Democrat in political principle.

He was married Dec. 3, 1865, in Newark Town- ship, to Louisa, daughter of Lawrence and Mary W. Smith. She was born Sept. 2, 1848, in Livings- ton Co., Mich. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Willert are Mary W., Frederick A., Alfred T., Law- rence G. and Ira E.

ndrew Call, farmer, section 28, Elba Town- ship, is a son of Sherman and Susan (Ran- dall) Call, natives of New York. Sherman Call was a farmer, and came from New York to Michigan in 1854. Twenty years later he was again induced to travel westward, and ac- cordingly went to Iowa, and thence to Minnesota, where he died, in 1876. His wife died in Wayne Co., Mich., in 1863.

The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 5, 1825, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. At the tender age of nine he commenced to work for himself, and earned the first pair of boots he ever owned. Sept. 15, 1850, in Clinton Co., N. Y., he was married to Mary J. Brad- ford, the daughter of William and Dorothy (Call) Bradford, natives of Vermont and New York, re- spectively. This marriage resulted in six children : Mary J., Charlotte M , John H., Elba, Susan M. (died

Aug. 29, 1853), and Sherman (died March 17, 1857). Mrs. Call died Sept. 4, 1877, in Elba Township, this county. Mr. Call located on So acres on section 28, Elba Township, in 1855. Ile has cultivated 75 acres of this. His substantial dwelling-house was erected in 1865.

In 1863, he felt himself Called into the service of his country, and he accordingly enlisted in Co. F. ed Mich. Vol. Cav. He participated in all the en- gagements of that regiment, and was mustered out at Macon, Ga., though his final discharge was re- ceived at Jackson, Mich. Since the war he has been continuously engaged in farming. In January, 1884, he sold his farm, and he has since removed to Elsie, Clinton County.

March 20, 1878, he married Mrs. Fannie A. Eddy, a daughter of Silas Reynolds, a farmer and wagon- maker in the State of New York, where she was born Feb. 26, 1831. She was a widow, and the mother of two children,-Alice Eddy, born April 18, 1857, and Ira A. Eddy, born Jan. 24, 1861. Mr. Call is a mem- ber of Maple River Lodge, No. 76, I. O. O. F., and is a straight Republican.

A bsalom L. Ward, of Ithaca, formerly of g North Star Township, was born in Gallia Co., Ohio, March 24, 1832, and was the son of Allen and Sarah (White) Ward, natives of Virginia and North Carolina. He was brought up on a farm and educated at the common school. When a young man he learned the black- smith's trade, which he followed until 1854, when he came to this county and settled on his present farm, the northwest quarter of section 11. He also owned and improved the north half of the north half of section 10. Subsequently he erected his resi- dence on the northeast quarter of section 10. He has thus, with true pioneer hardihood and industry, made for himself a comfortable home and accumu- lated a handsome amount of property, although com- mencing in the wild woods of frontier life.

Mr. Ward was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Co. E, 2d Mich. Cav., and serving two years. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Lost Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Mossy Creek, etc.

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Feb. 9, 1854, the year of his settlement in this county, Mr. Ward married Miss Clara Criner, a a daughter of George Criner and a native also of Gallia Co., Ohio. Of their n children seven are living, viz: George A., Lina J., John W., Clara D., Sarah A., Ada A. and Maud A. One daughter, Orpha E., died April 4, 1871, at the age of 16 years. The other deceased were, Dennis 1 .. and a pair of twins, -Elda and Etta.

In regard to religion, Mr. Ward is a member of the Free Methodist Church.

illiam Oliver Watson, farmer on section 7, Arcada Township, was born in Livings- ton Co., Mich., Dec. 15, 1848; and is the son of John T. and Harriet (Wilcox) Wat- son, natives of Genesee Co., N. Y., and Ba- tavia, N. Y., respectively. The father was in mercantile life in New York, and came to Michigan in 1834, while it was yet a Territory. He located at Howell, Livingston County, which was then but a " shanty town," and had but a few inhabitants. He first taught school, then filled several county offices in succession, and later became a farmer. He fin- ally removed to Oakland County, where he died, July 15, 1864, at the age of 55, leaving a large fam- ily, of which our subject was the seventh. Harriet (Wilcox) Watson came to this State in 1834, after her marriage, and still lives, at Breckenridge, Wheeler Township, this county.

William O. left home at the early age of nine, and went on a farm in Milford Township, Oakland County and afterwards on a farm in Highland Township, same county. Ile was there educated in the district schools. After nine years, he came to Ithaca. Here he clerked in different stores. Dec. 31, 1874, at Ithaca. he was united in marrige to Ella F., daugh- ter of Dewitt C. and Edna F. (Utley) Chapin, na- tives of New York State. Dewitt C. Chapin was a prominent citizen of Allegan, Mich., and while there held the office of Probate Judge. He came to this county and lived at Ithaca, where he was Reg- ister of Deeds at the time of his death, June 29, 1873. After that sad event, the whole duties of the office devolved upon Ella F., who performed them for two years, until the expiration of the term for

which her father had been elected. She had previ- ously been her father's clerk for two years. Her mother still resides in Pine River Township, at the age of 56 years. Ella F. was born in Allegan, Mich., April 10, 1851 ; moved to Dewitt, Clinton County, three years later; and at the age of 13 came with her parents to Alma, this county. Here she at- tended the common schools, and she afterwards pur- sued a course of study at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. She commenced teaching at the age of 15, and taught for a number of years.

Mr. and Mrs. Watson located on a farm in Pine River Township; and four years later removed to Arcada Township. They purchased So acres on sec- tions 7 and 8, and now have 70 acres well improved. They have recently built a neat barn, at a cost of $500. They have had four children, one now not liv- ing: John C., born Jan. 28, 1878; Charles E., born March 17, 1881 ; Byron, born Nov. 10, 1882 ; Fred. C., born Jan. 3, 1876, and died March 25, 1876. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Baptist Church at Ithaca. Mr. Watson is a Royal Arch Mason, be- longing to Ithaca Chapter, No. 70, and has held several offices in the order. He has been School Director for four years, and is now serving his second term as Township Treasurer. In politics he is an uncompromising Republican. He and wife are peo- ple of refinement and education, and stand very high in their community.

onathan Gidley, farmer, section 21, Em- erson Township, was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Jan. 31, 1842 ; and is a son of Moses and Ruth (Wood) Gidley, natives of New York. They emigrated to Ohio, where they were mar- ried and followed farming in Morrow County. When Jonathan was born the country was very new, and as he was the oldest of the family, it was his lot to bear the brunt of the farm work. He was, however, able to attend school to some extent, and hard work, aided by a natural bent, gave him a good grounding, especially in mathematics.

Aug. 30, 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, 15th Ohio Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cum- berland, under Gen. Thomas. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chick-

GRATIOT COUNTY.

amauga and Chattanooga, and other engagements. He was unhurt during his service, but his clothing was several times penetrated by rebel bullets. He was discharged at San Antonio, Tex., Nov. 25, 1865, and returned to Lansing, whither his parents had re- moved. He settled near that city, and farmed for a number of years. While there, his father died, Dec. 10, 1866, at the age of 51. His mother still resides near Grand Ledge.

Nov. 15, 1868, in Morrow Co., Ohio, he was mar- ried to Sarah A., daughter of George and Nancy (Odell) Green, natives of Virginia. They were of German descent, and followed farming. The daugh- ter was born in Marion Co., Ohio. Aug. 4: 18440, and at the age of 15 went to Morrow County to reside with a married sister. Mr. and Mrs. Gidley came to Lansing, and in the spring of 1880 to Gratiot County, settling on So acres of timbered land on section 21, Emerson Township. He has now 20 acres cleared, and has built a comfortable house, at a cost of $Soo. They have a family of three children : George O., born Sept. 18, 1869; Cora E., Oct. 28, 1870; and Nellie M., Aug. 22, 1883. Mr. and Mrs Gidley are members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of Emerson Lodge No. 375, I. O. O. F., and is now Secretary of that body ; and he is also a member of Moses Wisner Post No. 101, G. A. R., at Ithaca. He holds the office of Drain Commissioner in his town- ship, being elected in 1881. In politics he is an earnest Republican.

B enjamin F. Benson, farmer, section 19, Lafayette Township, is a son of Benjamin H. and Rachel (Brown) Benson, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. He died in February, 1869, and she April 6, 1880, in New York State. The subject of this sketch was born in Niagara Co , N. Y., May 15, 1830. He remained on his father's farm until he was 23, when he went to Ohio and engaged in lumbering for about six months. Returning for a short time to his home, he then came to Michigan and worked for a time at various things. The winter of 1855-6 was passed at home in New York. Thence he returned to Michigan. The year 1856 found him in the State of Iowa, where he lived eight years.

In 1864, he was united in matrimony to Malisa C. Holstead, who died the following year. Two years later he came again to Michigan and located in ('lin- ton County, on 120 acres of wild land, of which he improved 80 acres. In 1877 he came to Gratiot County and purchased 149 acres on section 19, La- fayette Township. He has now So acres well in- proved, and the timber chopped from 20 acres more.

He married his present wife April 29, 1866. Her maiden name was Rose Wilhelm, and she was the daughter of Ernest and Fredrica (Curts) Wilhelm, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the New World at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Benson are the parents of three children,-William P., Ernest E. and Rosa.

Mr. Benson stands very high in his community. He has been Moderator of his school district several terms. As to politics he votes for the best men, re- gardless of ticket.

B ert Woodward, farmer section 30, Arcada Township, is a son of John and Priscilla (Goodspeed) Woodward, natives of New York and of English descent. They carried on farming in the Empire State until 1840, and then emigrated to this State, being among the very first settlers of Allegan County.

The subject of this sketch was born in Leighton Township, Allegan County, June 12, 1848, and re- mained under the parental roof until 22 years of age. He was educated in the common school, and in his leisure time was employed on his father's farm. Sept. 7, 1869, in Plainwell, Allegan County, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Helen V. Hays, daughter of Alexander and Harriet (Watson) Hays, natives of New England and of English and Irish descent. Mr. Hays' occupation was that of a blacksmith, and he died in April, 1869. The daughter Helen was born in Waymouth Town- ship, Medina Co., Ohio, and was there reared and educated, living with her parents until her marriage.

Mr. and Mis. Woodward followed farming in Alle- gan County for six years. They then came to Gratiot. After buying and selling several times, he purchased in July, 1882, his present faim of 40 acres, then all timber. He has now under cultivation nine

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acres and has erected a comfortable dwelling and stables.

Mr. and Mrs. W. are the parents of eight children, four of whom survive,-Floyd, Gracie B., Hattie E. and Blanche. The deceased are Minnie, Glennie and two babies which died in infancy. The follow- ing epitaph was composed by an uncle, for Glennie's grave :

" Over the river so still and cold, Glennie, our angel has gone to the fold ; Sweet little sleeper, your walking will be By the river of life and the beautiful tree."

Mr. Woodward is a member of Alma Lodge, No. 244, F. & A. M. He has held the offices of Over- seer and School Director, and is now Justice of the Peace in Arcada Township. Politically he is a Re- publican.

avid C. Rounds, farmer, section 2, Lafay- ette Township, is a son of Joseph and Mary (Remington) Rounds, natives of Rhode Island. The father was a sailor and passed 30 years of his life on the sea. He after- wards went to Massachusetts, where he died Aug. 6, 1862. His wife died Sept. 23, 1866. David C. was born Sept. 19, 1836, in Dartmouth, Mass., and was 18 years old when he began to care for him- self. For seven years he was employed in getting out live-oak timber in the Southern States. In 1861 he came to Gratiot County and located on section 36, in what is now Wheeler Township, but was at that time unorganized. He lived there eight years, and then came to Lafayette Township and entered 160 acres on section 2. He has now 40 acres of well improved land. He built a neat dwelling house in 1871, and his substantial barn in 1877.

Ile was married Aug. 22, 1870, to Matilda Me- Kenna, who unfortunately died the following Octo- ber. lle subsequently, June 4, 1871, married Sarah V. Cornell, the widow of Daniel P. Cornell. She was born Aug. 9, 1841, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and was the daughter of Bernard and Dorinda (Ken- nedy) Fox, natives of New York. She bore to Mr. Cornell three children,-Bertha A., Ray and Daniel O. She has lived in Gratiot County since 1857, and

is one of the pioneer school-teachers of the county. Mr. Rounds is one of the most respected citizens of the township in which he lives. Politically he is a Democrat.

John W. Smith, farmer, section 28, Wheeler Township, was born Jan. 25, 1846, in Trumbull Co., Ohio, and was the son of Noah and Lucinda (Hudson) Smith, natives of New Jersey and Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Smith was by occupation a carpenter and joiner, and lived in Ohio until March, 1883. He then came to Gratiot County, and now makes his home with his son. Mrs. Smith died May 1, 1875, in Trumbull Co., Ohio.

At the age of 14, John left home and commenced working on a farm. This he followed three years, and then enlisted in the Trumbull Guards, an inde- pendent company. They were on duty in the Eastern army, were engaged three times, and after a service of three years and three months, were discharged at Gallipolis, Ohio. Mr. Smith came first to Ionia Co., Mich., and then to Gratiot County, settling on 40 acres, section 28, Wheeler Township.

In 1864, he was married to Charlotte A. Pickett, who was born Feb. 23, 1845, in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Her parents came to Gratiot in 1865, locating on section 2, Lafayette Township. Mr. Pickett was accidentally killed in 1867, while breaking roll-ways on Bad River. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two adopted children : Jennie E. and Wesley O. Mr. Smith is a highly respectable citizen. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner and School Inspector of Wheeler Township. Politically, he is an adherent to the National party.

dmund A. Goodhall, farmer, section 10, North Star Township, son of Edmund Goodhall of Hamilton Township, a native of England, was born in the native land of his father, March 10, 1852. His father, with his family, emigrated to the United States in 1854 and settled in New York. Here Mr. Goodhall re- mained, assisting in the care of the family, until the

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L

Samuel Delov

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year 1865, when he accompanied them to this county. He follows the vocation of farmer, combined with that of working in a saw-mill.

Mr. Goodhall was united in marriage, Dec. 22, 1878, to Emma, daughter of Frederick Homister, and to their union have been born one child, Nellie V.

Mr. G. is yet a young man, and being possessed of that element so necessary to success and the accom- plishment of aim, has a future not darkened with despair but brightened by pleasant contemplations.

amuel Wheeler, farmer, section 18, Lafay- ette Township, is a son of Amos and Har.

Sin Ch riet (Hubbell) Wheeler. They were na- tives of Connecticut, and followed farming in that State until 1855, when they came to Ing- ham Co., Mich. They resided in that county 24 years, when Mr. Wheeler died. Mrs. Wheeler died Feb. 15, 1874, in Illinois, at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 15 days.

The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 31, 1826. At the age of 21 he left home, and worked in a cheese factory and on a farm until 1851. when he married Nancy Barger. She was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 3, 1832, and was the second daughter of Sam- uel and Barbara E. (Holler) Barger, natives of Penn- sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler came to Ingham County, this State, in the autumn of 1851, and he was there engaged in farming until May 12, 1857. On that date he came to Gratiot County and settled on 143 acres of wild land. Of this he has cleared 100 acres. In 1867 he erected a large barn,-the third in the township. He also has a fine, large dwelling-house on his place. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the parents of six children,-Benjamin F., Clar- ence L., Dora J., Harriet J., Lucy E. and Amos S.

Politically, Mr. Wheeler has always been a staunch Republican. He was elected Township Treasurer in 1859, and served four years. In 1864 he was chosen Supervisor, and in that office he was retained for six successive years. He is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging both to the blue lodge and to the chapter.

As a representative man of the county, and one deserving the respect, esteem and commemoration of its citizens, we give place to Mr. Wheeler's portrait in this work.

llen Curtis, farmer, section 4, Hamilton Township, was born in the County of Cay- uga, State of New York, Nov. 4, 1804. His father, Ashbel Curtis, died while Allen was quite young and he was thrown upon the mercy of others. He lived with his half-brother, Israel Curtis, for a short time and then made his home with his sister, working out for or five dollars a month, for two or three years. In 1825 he went in company with his brother Daniel to Livingston County, his native State, and there entered upon the occupation of a farmer. Here he remained, pursu- ing his vocation, until 1854, when he came to this State and settled in Oakland County.

In the fall of 1856, Mr. Curtis came to this County and entered 320 acres of land in La Fayette Town- ship. He remained on the land long enough to con- struct the usual "log cabin " of the pioneer; and in the fall of the same year, when listening to the im- portunities of his son-in-law he returned to Oakland County and remained until the following spring, 1857, when, accompanied by his family, he returned to La- fayette Township. His experience in establishing a home, clearing and improving the land was similar to those of many others of Gratiot's pioneer settlers. His house was erected in the woods; wild animals and prowling Indians were his visitors. On one oc- casion, while en route to a " raising," Mr. C. killed two bears, and all the men in the neighborhood, after assisting to dress them, were allotted their portion. At another time he was compelled to mortgage his farm to procure a barrel of flour. In fact, trials en- compassed him on every hand, yet nobly did he meet and conquer them. He was compelled to cut a road, through the woods, to the location he had selected for his house, and his was the first team that came up the river on the south side from St. Charles, and his settlement was the first made in the neighborhood.

Mr. Curtis was united in marriage Feb. 21, 1833, to Sophia, daughter of Daniel Hamilton. To this union one child, Abigail, was born. Mrs. C., after sharing his trials in the establishment and improve- ment of their home, died April 4, 1867, mourned as a loving mother, a devoted wife and kind friend.

Mr. C. is a man possessed of a constitution which in earlier days enabled him to encounter an almost

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unhmited amount of physical labor. His endurance w.is exceedingly remarkable, and even now, with 79 winters and summers of wear upon his system, he is not void of activity. In October, 1866, he fell from a house and broke one wrist, and in 1871 he crippled his other hand while fighting fire, which has caused him considerable annoyance in pursuing his vocation. Mr. Curtis was again married, April 4, 1868, this time to Miss Helen Clunas, daughter of Thomas CIunas, deceased, a native of Scotland. She was born in Upper Canada, Jan. 5, 1833. He settled on : his present farm in Hamilton Township, in Novem- ber, 1868. The township (Hamilton) in which his farm was located was named in honor of Franklin Hamilton, a nephew of our subject and who was " brought up" from the age of seven years by Mr. Curtis.

Mr. Curtis owns 40 acres of land where his home is located, and for over 40 years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Iston H. Maurer, farmer, section 16, New- ark Township, was born March 14, 1850, in Hancock Co., Ohio, Ilis father, John Maurer, was a native of Germany ; his mother, Louisa (Sage) Maurer, was born in the State of New York. The father died in Hancock Co., Ohio, where he settled after his marriage. The mother re- sides in Wood Co., Ohio.

At the age of 14, Mr. Maurer began life on his own account, as a farm laborer, and spent six years as an assistant at several points. He then took a farm to work on shares for one year, when he decided to ex- pend his efforts wholly in his own behalf, and in 1872 bought 40 acres of land in Williams Co., Ohio. He retained its possession four years, sold out and in the fall of 1876 came to Gratiot County and bought 40 acres of partly improved land in Newark Township. On this property he has since resided and has nearly all his acreage under cultivation. Mr. Maurer is in sympathy with the Republican party and supports its issues.

lle was married Jan. 26, 1871, in Seneca Co., Ohio, 10 Susan, youngest daughter of Wesley and Sarah ( Ebersole) Bradford. Her father was born in Penn-

sylvania, became a soldier in the Union army and yielded up his life on the battle field. The mother was born in Ohio and now resides in Kansas. Mrs. Maurer was born Sept. 25, 1854, in Hancock Co., Ohio. Of her marriage one child was born Dec. 9, 1872-Charles O. Maurer.

harles M, Chaffin, teacher and farmer, resident on section 30, North Star Town- ship, was born in Hancock Co., Ohio, Aug. 29, 1849, and his parents removed with him to Gratiot County in 1854, settling in North Star Township, where he now lives, on part of the homestead ; was educated in the common schools and at the State Agricultural College at Lansing ; he also attended school at Ithaca several seasons. He has since become a prominent teacher in this county, having now taught school during the winter for the last 12 years, by the most improved normal methods. He also attends normal institutes, and is a member of the Gratiot County Teachers' Association. During the summer he follows agricultural pursuits.

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 21

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

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