Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 27

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 27

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He was married in Newark Township, April 9, 1882, to Mary M., youngest daughter of Chester and Sophronia (Wade) Howland. Her parents were na- tives respectively of the counties of Oneida and Or- leans, N. V. The father was a lineal descendant of John Howland, one of the Mayflower pilgrims, and Mrs. Dean is a member of the ninth generation in direct descent from her pilgrim ancestor. Mr. and Mrs. Howland came to Michigan in its early period, and first settled in Lenawee Connty, where they re- sided 20 years, removing thence to Hillsdale County, and in the summer of 1871 came to Gratiot County. They bought 40 acres of land in section 20, Newark Township. Mr. Howland had placed 25 acres under improvement, and erected good and suitable farm buildings on his farm, where he resided until his death, which occurred March 29, 1882. Mrs. How- land resides on the homestead. The Howlands are a remarkably long-lived race. Chester Howland was

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ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L

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one of seven children, and there was no death in the the family until that of the mother, which occurred on the day the youngest of the family was 50 years old. Mrs. Dean is one of five children born to her parents, four of whom are living. George A. died when three years old. He was the fourth child. The others are: Achsah L., Martha L. and Sarah E. Mrs. Dean was born May 15, 1865, in Hillsdale Co., Mich.

ichael Pollasky, commission merchant at Alma, was born Nov. 16, 1832, in Hun- gary, of which country his parents, Mi- chael and Rebecca (Blitz) Pollasky, were natives. The son was a Lieutenant in the Hungarian army and engaged in the futile struggle of Hungary for independence. After the failure of the effort to assert the claims of that peo- ple to the right of self-government, Mr. Pollasky, with his wife and children-Rosa and Max-and ac- companied with his father, mother and sister Han- nah, emigrated to America. On reaching the New World they made a stay of eight months in Newark, N. J., and removed thence to Detroit, where the father is still a resident. The mother died there Dec. 25, 1879.

Mr. Pollasky was about 23 years of age when he arrived in the United States. He came to Wayne Co., Mich., where he rented a farm and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, doing a considerable business as a dairyman. This he followed two and a half years, and subsequently went to Detroit, where he engaged in the manufacture of shoes about a year and a half. This period was a time of trial, as circumstances were unfavorable, and the venture did not prove remunerative. His next business was as a merchant in the Lake Superior country, where he operated two years. In the fall of 1863 he came to Alma, and, associated with another man, again em- barked on the sea of trade. His choice of a bus- iness partner was unfortunate, and their affairs be- came so involved that the stock of the concern was surrendered to satisfy creditors. Mr. Pollasky re- ceived a receipt in full for all his liabilities and again opened accounts with the world, with a determined resolution to continue to struggle manfully for suc- cess. His outfit comprised a disposition to make all

possible effort, and a faithful, helpful wife. He man- aged to establish himself again in mercantile pur- suits, to which he added lumbering, and conducted his joint business interests with satisfactory results until 1873, when shrinkage of values and the crowd- ing necessities of a large family made heavier de- mand upon his resources than his business warranted, and he began the manufacture of tubs and pails, which promised to be fairly remunerative. He suf- fered heavy losses from fire, his stock and establish- ment being seriously damaged three times in succes- sion with no insurance ; this, coupled with his inex- perience, brought such disaster that he was compelled to sell his interests. His son bought his stock and fixtures and the business was transferred to St. Jo- seph, Mich., where Mr. Pollasky again made an effort to reinstate himself and win success. Disaster again overtook him, despite his efforts to avert it, and he made an assignment for the benefit of his cred- itors. In 1877 he engaged in trade as a produce and commission merchant at Alma, and his final venture has met with the success which his indom- itable courage and cheerful, hopeful contest with ad- verse fate ueserves.

He is a member of the Order of Masonry, and also belongs to "The Sons of Covenants." He is a decided Republican in political tendency. Was Vil- . lage President three terms, and has held other local offices.

Mr. Pollasky was married in his native country March 15, 1852, to Celia, daughter of Emanuel and Sarah Wix, all of whom were born in Hungary. Mrs. Pollasky was born April 12, 1831. Of her mar- riage, six children have been born,-Moses, Rosa, Max, Frank, Marcus and Anna. The first-named died in infancy. Rosa died when 13 years of age. The parents are members of the Mosaic Church.

The portrait of Mr. Pollasky is presented on an- other page.

amnel Bigelow, druggist, general merchant and dealer in agricultural implements at Estella, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., a March 7, 1827. His father, Samuel L. Bige- low, was a native of New York, and directly descended from the Puritan fathers. His mother, Catharine (Van Gordon) Bigelow, was also a

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native of New York, and was descended from the first Dutch settlers of Manhattan Island. She is closely connected with the family of Anneke Jans, a German lady who willed or leased to Trinity Church, of New York City, a great part of the land on which the city is situated, including the Astor and Stewart property. The case of the Anneke Jans heirs has become famous in the last few years, and may be unsettled for a generation to came. Several of the ancestral connections of Samuel Bigelow were in the Revolution, and he has a cane cut by an uncle from a hickory tree that grew up within the fortifications of Ticonderoga. It was cut just after Col. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured that important post from the British. He has also an oil portrait nearly 100 years old, of his paternal grandfather, who was a prominent minister in the Baptist Church.

The subject of this narrative remained in Steuben County until nearly nine years old, when his father removed to Yates County and settled on Crooked Lake, one of the pleasant bodies of water so numer- ous in that section. Here he grew into manhood, working in his father's mills and stores until 21 years of age, and receiving his education in the Yates County Academy. Leaving home, he was for two years employed as buying and selling agent by the Yates County Linseed Oil Company. Thence he came to Grand Rapids, this State, and for five years he was employed as clerk in a store and as teacher in the common schools of Kent County. Next he went to Ottawa County, and farmed until 1861. Moving to Ravenna, Muskegon County, he was in mercantile life for three years. He then sold out, and, with his wife, spent one year in making a tour of Canada and the New England States. In Decem- ber, 1866, he found himself in Gratiot County, and for a time he taught school. For several years sub- sequent he was in the employ of Mr. Tucker, a mer- chant of Estella, and he then started a store of his own. He carries a moderate stock of goods, and does an annual business of about $1,500.

Oct. 12, 1853, in Kent County, this State, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Walcott. She was a native of Canada, was born May 14, 1835, and died at her home in Estella, in February, 1869. He was again married, at Estella, Jan. 21, 1871, to Miss Dora Bell, daughter of George S. Bell. She was a native of Ohio, and died Nov. 12, 1873, leaving two children, Alberta and George S.

Mr. B. is a member of Elm Hall Lodge, No. 257, F. & A. M., and of Ithaca Chapter, No. 70, R. A. M. He has for some time been Secretary of the lodge. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk for several years each, and is now Notary Public. Politically, Mr. B. is very liberal in his views, but leans toward the Democratic party.

spaniel W. Altenburg, farmer and County Surveyor, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 5, 1834; and is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Latson) Altenburg. His father was a native of New York, of Holland de- scent, and has followed farming all his life. In the fall of 1839, he moved to Union Township, De Kalb Co., Ind .; and he was one of the pioneers of that county. His family was the fifth in the township. He afterwards removed to the county seat, Auburn, where, in comfortable circumstances, he now lives a retired life. He is 74 years old, and the second oldest pioneer in De Kalb County. He is an active member of the M. E. Church, and has been Class-leader for many years. Sarah Latson was a native of Genesee County, and of New England ancestry. She moved to De Kalb Co., Ind., in 1834, and died in Union Township May 22, 1863. She had always been a faithful Christian, and her death was an example to all unbelievers. She passed away rejoicing, and admonishing her children to serve the Lord and keep his commandments. She left nine children, all of whom are yet living, in good circumstances, and occupying positions of trust and honor. One is a prominent attorney at Little Rock, Ark., and has represented his county in the Arkansas Legislature. Four served their country during the Rebellion, and were honorably discharged.

The subject of this sketch, when six months old, was taken by his parents to Sandusky Co., O., and four years later to De Kalb Co., Ind., where they settled in Union Township. They found themselves in a dense wilderness, and Daniel being the oldest son, as he grew up much of the labor of clearing and im- proving a farm in a new country devolved upon him. His educational advantages were therefore limited; but, being of a persevering disposition, he attended school during his less busy winters, and thus, with

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the help of miscellaneous reading, he acquired a fair education. During the last two years that he lived at home, he was an engineer on the Elk River Val- ley railroad, which runs through De Kalb County.

Feb. 18, 1855, he was married to Sophia, daughter of Lanslot and Maria (Truman) Ingman, natives respectively of Fairfield Co., Ohio, and London, England ; and of English and German descent. Mr. Ingman followed farming most of his life, but was also for some time a cabinet-maker. He removed to De Kalb Co., Ind., in 1836, very early in its history, he and his brothers being the first two settlers near Auburn ; and in connection with his brother-in-law, Wesley Parks, located and platted the present city of Auburn. He was for many years a prominent man, and for some time Justice of the Peace. In that place Mr. Ingman died, Dec. 2, 1874; Mrs. Ingman May 26, 1883; and their only daughter be- sides Sophia, but a little later. Sophia (Ingman) Altenburg was born Feb. 1, 1838, in Auburn, Ind., and was the third white child born in that place. She lived in Auburn with her parents until eight years of age, when her father traded his cabinet shop and village property for a farm near by, to which they all removed. There she was reared and edu- cated and married.

Mr. and Mrs. Altenburg moved to the county seat : he having been chosen County Surveyor, resided there for ten years. For five years of this time he was County Surveyor, and he surveyed nearly the whole county. He finally resigned, not wish- ing to serve under a Democratic administration. Oct. 18, 1864, he enlisted in Co. M. Ist Ind. Vol. Heavy Art., under Capt. Samuel E. Arm- strong and Col. Canby. He was at New Orleans and at the taking of Mobile, and was honorably discharged at New Orleans, Oct. 24, 1865. Selling his property in Auburn, he came to this State and county, and located on 80 acres on section 17, New- ark Township. Here he resided 17 years, brought 64 acres to a high state of cultivation and drainage, and built a very fine brick residence. His farm was known as one of the model farms of Gratiot County. He made maple sugar very extensively, producing annually from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds. Aug. 4, 1883, he sold his farm in Newark Township; and Aug. 10, he purchased 80 acres on section 25, Arcada Town- ship, where he now resides. He has a good location,

and is fast making a fine farm, 46 acres being al- ready improved.

Mr. and Mrs. Altenburg have a family of seven, as follows: Frank F., born April 10, 1856; Araminta, April 18, 1858; Henry I., Oct. 4, 1862; Maria E., Jan. 19, 1867 ; William L., July 3, 1871 ; Orville L., Dec. 21, 1876; and Daniel T., Dec. 10, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and active workers for Christianity. All their family have been brought up under careful re- ligious influences.

Mr. Altenburg is a member of Ithaca Lodge, No. 216, I. O. O. F. Politically he is a staunch Repub- lican. He has always commanded the respect of his fellow citizens, and although he is not an office- seeker he has occupied many positions of honor. In 1867, he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor, and the following year he was elected County Surveyor. Excepting one term, he has held one of these two offices continuously to the present time. He has been School Director two years, and Notary Public for the same length of time. In January, 1871, the Board of Supervisors appointed him Drain Commis- sioner, which office he retained for ten years. He then positively declined to serve longer.

ames Riddle, farmer, section 10, Emerson Township, was born in Ontario, Canada, Oct. 14, 1826, and is the son of Archibald and Bethia (Marr) Riddle, natives of Scotland. They followed farming all their lives, first in the old country, and then in Ontario, Canada, where they died, the father in 1873, the mother in May, 1880. James was brought up near London, Ontario, and remained as a laborer on his father's farm until 30 years of age. He received a fair edu- cation in the common schools of Middlesex County. In 1856 he came to this State and county, and lo- cated 240 acres of land in Emerson Township. He spent two summers here and then returned to Can- ada, remaining six years.

During this period, March 29, 1866, at London, C'anada, he was married to Isabel, daughter of Will- iam and Margaret (Beattie) Scott, natives of Scot- land. She was born in Westminster, Middlesex Co., Ont., April 28, 1834, and, receiving her education in

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the district schools of that county, remained at home until her marriage. One year after that event, Mr. and Mrs. Riddle came to this county and setiled on the farm he had purchased in 1856. He now owns 120 acres, nearly all in an excellent state of cultiva- tion, and has good buildings for residence, shelter of stock, etc. Politically he is an earnest and influen- tial Republican, and he has held the office of Over- seer of Highways for some years. Mr. and Mrs. Riddle are members of the Presbyterian Church, are conscientious readers of the Bible, and actively ; devoted to the interests of Christianity.

illiam Marion Curtiss, farmer, section 11, Emerson Township, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1852, and is the son of Waterman F. and Sylvia (Cronkhite) Curtiss, natives of New York and of English descent. He resided in his native county until six years old, when he came with his parents to this State, and located on a farm in lonia County. Here he received two years' schooling, and in February, 1861, he came with his mother (his father having died in Tonia County in 1860) to this county and settled in Emer- erson Township. From that on he gave his time to attending school and to farming.

March 15, 1878, in Lafayette Township, he was married to Catharine Melntosh, daughter of Funley and Ellen (Chisholm) McIntosh, natives of Scot- land, where they still live, on a farm. Catharine was : born in Rothshire, March 29, 1859, and when 12 years old came with her brother to this country and lived with an uncle in Lafayette Township, Gratiot County, until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss settled on So acres on section 11, Emerson Town- ship, in 1878. It was then heavily timbered, but of the 40 acres which they now own, 28 acres are now under the plow, and they have built a cozy little dwelling-house. They are the parents of two chil- dren: Nora E., born July 14, 1879; Arthur W., born Oct. 4, 1881. They are members of the Presby- terian Church. Mr. Curtiss is a young man of en- terprise and judgment and stands deservedly high in his community. In politics he votes with the Repub- lican party.

justin Shoup, farmer, section S, North Shade $ Township, is a son of Henry and Polly (Hiland) Shoup. The former was born in Pennsylvania, in 1795, and died in Sandusky Co., O., Jan. 14, 1875; Mrs. S. was born in [1804, and died Jan. 10, 1879, in Sandusky Co., Ohio.

The subject of this sketch was born March 2, 1834, in Sandusky Co., Ohio, remaining with his parents until he was 28 years of age. when he en- listed in Co. D, 128th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served two years in the Eastern army. He was on detached duty at Johnson's Island, guarding prisoners of war. He was discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, June 20, 1865. He then lived two years longer with his parents ; next, two years in Kent Co., Mich., then 19 months in Kansas, then one year again in Kent County, and finally, in 1871, he came to Gratiot County, locating on 80 acres of land, on section 8, North Shade Township, where he has 60 acres in good tillable condition.

Politically, Mr. S. is a Democrat, and he has been a school officer of his township a number of terms. He was married Jan. 5, 1868, to Miss Eunice, daughter of Edmund and Clarissa (Hoyt) Ring, who was born April 19, 1850, in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. Her parents were natives of the State of New York, whence they moved to Ohio, then to Ionia, Mich., and finally to Kent Co., Mich., where they yet reside. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup's children are : Flora B., Ed- mund H. and Clara L.

saac B. Ward, farmer and lumberman, resi- dent on section 20, Sumner Township, is a son of Lewis and Isabel (McLeod) Ward, natives of New England and of English and Scotch descent. Lewis Ward was by occupa- tion a miller, and both he and wife are de- ceased.

The subject of this memoir was born in Galway Township, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1829. Four years later his father moved to Lorain Co., Ohio, where he lived 12 years. Thence he came to Eaton

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Co., Mich., where he died. After coming to this State, Isaac B. worked out for himself among the neighbors for about six years, and then went to Ionia County.

In North Plains Township, that county, Oct. 14, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Lovena, daughter of Harvey and Eliza A. (Freeman) Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. She was born Oct. 8, 1834, and came with her parents to Livingston Co., Mich., and then to Mont- calm County. Thence she went to Ionia County and worked as a domestic until her marriage.

After living in North Plains Township five years, Mr. and Mrs. Ward came to Gratiot County and lo- cated on 80 acres on section 20, Sumner Township, afterwards purchasing 40 acres on section 29. He has seen many of the peculiar experiences common to pioneers. When he came the country was entirely new, and the only means of getting from place to place was by the Indian trails. He had to go 20 miles to purchase supplies. He now has a fine farm with 80 acres well improved.

Mr. and Mrs. W. have been the parents of four children, three now surviving: Ackley L., born May 18, 1854; William W., April 18, 1856; Lemuel Jay, May 16, 1861. A baby was born July 3, 1852, and died in infancy. Mr. Ward is a member of Elm Hall Lodge, No. 257, F. & A. M. He has held the offices of Supervisor one year, Township Treasurer three years, Highway Commissioner eight years, and other minor offices. In politics he is an ardent Re- publican.

ichard Foster, farmer, section 8, Washing- ton Township, is a son of Richard and Fanny (Hines) Foster, natives of Stafford- shire, England. Richard Foster was a lock and gun smith, and died in London in 1852. Richard, junior, was born in Wolverhampton, Staf- fordshire, England, Oct. 10, 1822. When 21 he was apprenticed to his father's trade, and in 1852 he came to America. He lived three years in New York City, and then went to New Jersey, where he enlisted in Co. D, ist U. S. Sharpshooters. He went to the Army of the Potomac and fought in the seven days' battle before Richmond, at Fredericksburg,

Bull Run, Antietam, Frederick City and other places. He escaped unhurt, and held at the time of his dis- charge the position of Armory Sergeant of his regi- ment. He was discharged in front of Petersburg, Va., Sept. 14, 1864. He keeps as a trophy a sabre which he captured from a rebel Colonel. On leaving the service, Mr. Foster went first to New York, and then came to Gratiot County, locating on 80 acres on section 8, Washington Township. He has improved 35 acres, but has also worked at his trade in the mean time.

In August. 1847, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Martha (Dunch) Fletcher, natives of Kent and Middlesex, England. They both died in the old country, Mr. Fletcher having been a hotel- keeper until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have had seven children, four of whom are living: Joseph, Richard, William and George. Mr. Foster has been Roadmaster in his township. Polit- ically he is a Republican. He and wife are mem- bers of the M. E. Church.

nos H. Kimmel, farmer on section 33, Pine River Township, is a son of Christopher C. and Phebe (Spears) Kimmel, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The father settled in Ohio in 1833, and came to Michigan in 1855, settling in North Star Township, this county, where he died, Jan. 20, 1873. His wife is still a res- ident of that township. Their family numbered 14, 13 of whom lived to be adults.

Enos H., the subject of this notice, was the second child and first son of the family, and was born in Hancock Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1841. He was 14 years old when his parents came to Gratiot County, and he remained with them three years longer. Then for two years he worked out by the month.

Aug. 12, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf. He served four years, and fought in 13 heavy engagements. At James Island, he was wounded by a shell, and in consequence lost from the right hand one finger and temporarily the use of two others. He was also slightly wounded in the thigh at Cold Harbor, Va. From this he was only off duty for three weeks. He was discharged at Washington, D. C.

Returning to Gratiot County, from the service, he

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bought So acres of wild land in Pine River Town- ship, which he has since converted into a valuable farm and a comfortable home.

In Clinton County, Dec. 24, 1865, he was married to Elmira A., daughter of Zebina and Ann Rice, na- tives of New England. She was born in Clinton County, Dec. 7. 1844, and died Aug. 12, 1873, leav- ing three children, George C., Rosa A. and Orrin R. He was again married, at St. Louis, Mich., July 4, 1875, to Lydia, daughter of John and Lucy Frank- lin. To this union came one child, Archie, who was carried away by the hand of death when two years old. Jan. 4, 1878, he married for his present wife, at Saginaw, Mich., Mrs. Alice Hale, daughter of Henry and Sarah Waymire, natives of Ohio, and widow of George Hale. She was also born in Ohio, Jan. 5, 1861. They have had one child, James G., which died at the age of two weeks. Mr. Kimmel is one of the enterprising, intelligent farmers of Pine River Township. Politically, he is a Republican.

ohn Mulholland, farmer, section 24, New- ark Township, was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Nov. 6, 1839. He is a son of William and Eliza (Dillon) Mulholland. They were natives of Ireland, and became residents of the United States in 1828, settling in Ohio. - Their family included three sons and four daughters.

Mr. Mulholland is the second son of his parents, and resided in the county where he was born until he was 28 years of age. He spent his early life as as- sistant of his father on the farm and in attendance at school, and, after reaching manhood, had the man- agement of his father's farm six years. In the fall of 1864 he was drafted, but instead of entering the service himself he sent a substitute, to whom he paid $1,000. Ile was married in Hancock Co., Ohio, March 14, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of George and Catherine (Krable) Graham, both natives of Ohio. Mrs. Mulholland is the second daughter, and one of seven children. Of her marriage three sons have been born -- Homer G., Everett W. and Arthur M. The mother was born Nov. 21, 1842, in Hancock Co., Ohio.

The family removed to Gratiot County in the autumn of 1868, where Mr. M. bought 80 acres of

land in Newark Township. It was wholly in its original state, and the family took possession of a log house, which was their abode until the winter of 1881, when they moved into a fine frame house, newly erected. Mr. Mulholland proceeded with the improvements on his farm after the manner of men of his calling who fortify their possessions in wise judgment. In 1878 be built an excellent barn as an accessory to his careful and prosperous farming. He is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episco- pal Church.

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 27

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

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