USA > Michigan > Gratiot County > Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich. > Part 33
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eely Amsbury, farmer, section 36, Seville Township, was born Jan. 14, 1853, in Jack- son Co., Mich., and is a son of Ira and Sarah (Patch) Amsbury. His father was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., and came when a child to Michigan with his parents. He was a farmer by occupation, and came to Gratiot County. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he became a soldier, enlisting Oct. 8, 1864, in Co. C, 8th Mich. Vol. Inf. Among the noted incidents of the war in which he took part was the surrender of Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant at Appomattox Court-House. He re- ceived his discharge July 30, 1865. At the time of his enlistment he was Supervisor of Seville Town- ship, which office he filled seven years. He was also Township Clerk two years. He died Feb. 5, 1873. The mother is still residing in Seville Township.
Mr. Amsbury was brought up to the calling of agriculture, which he has made the business of his life. In 1861 he came to Gratiot County with his parents, where his father located 80 acres of land in Seville Township, chiefly in an unimproved condi- tion. The family encountered all the variety and incidents common to pioneer life. Mr. Amsbury owns 25 acres of improved land on which he is en-
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gaged in prosperous farming. Politically he is a member of the National Greenback party, and in the years 1882 and '83 was elected Township Treasurer. He was married in 1878 to Izora, daughter of Ira and Jane Phelps. The parents and daughter were natives of Wayne Co., N. Y .; the latter was born in 1860. She died April 30, 1881, in Seville.
rs. Mindwell L. (Spencer) Crispel, re- siding on section 9, New Haven Town- ship, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1821. Her parents were also natives of that State, of English descent. Her father Aaron Spencer, of Puritanical stock, died in California in 1874; and her mother, Martha, nee Moore, was of New England ancestry, and died in this State about 1855.
When 13 years old the subject of this sketch came with her parents to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where she attended the common school and was married, March 14, 1838, to John A. Crispel, a native of Ulster Co., N. Y., born June 20, 1812. He came to this State in 1836, where he lived until his death, in Jackson County, Oct. 7, 1880, aged nearly 70. Ile was a farmer, a prominent and exemplary citizen of the community, and satisfactorily filled several public offices, as Supervisor, etc. In religion he was a Spiritualist, and in politics a Republican. As a farmer he owned at one time two whole sections, less only 40 acres.
Mrs. C. is now in her 64th year, enjoying good health and her mental activity unimpaired. She has ever been an active, intelligent and philanthropic member of society. She attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.
8 riggs B. Ellison, farmer on section 31, Pine River Township, is a son of George and Julia (Drake) Ellison, natives of Orange Co., N. V. The father died in that county in 1814; the mother afterwards came to Michigan, and and died in Jackson County. The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Orange Co., N. Y.,
June 29, 1812. He being quite young at his father's death, the first 15 years of his life were mostly passed with friends of the family in Orange County. He was then apprenticed to the baker's trade, at which he worked until 19 years of age. In 1831, he went on a whaler, and made two voyages, lasting six years. In 1838, he came to Michigan and bought 120 acres of land in Jackson County, on which he settled and lived nearly 14 years. Selling out, he bought a farm in an adjoining township, where he lived for seven years. He then sold again, and in November, 1854, came to Gratiot County and bought 160 acres of partly improved land on section 31, Pine River Town- ship, where he now resides. He has disposed of 120 acres, and of the remaining 40, 35 acres are under good cultivation. He has a good residence and a comfortable barn.
March 17, 1842, in Jackson Co., Mich., he was married to Miss Ardelia D., daughter of Francis and Henrietta (Carpenter) Bargarow. He was of Eng- lish and French ancestry, and she was a native of Connecticut. Their daughter Ardelia was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., June 2, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have had a family of three, two living: Mary J., Carrie A. (died Jan. 5, 1867, aged 23) and Joseph A. Mr. Ellison has held for several years the office of Constable in his township. Politically, he is an ardent Republican.
orman H. Wells, general farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, New Haven Town- ship, was born in Westphalia, Clinton Co., Mich., April 13, 1843. His parents, David and Melinda (Gould) Wells, were natives of Connecticut and of English descent, and emi- grated to Michigan about 1836, settling first in Oak- land County, as pioneers; later, in Westphalia Township, Clinton County, where Mr. David Wells resided until his death, Aug. 28, 1883, having lived in that county 41 years! His wife had died Sept. 3, 1859, in that county.
Norman H., the subject of this sketch, remained at home until 19 years of age, working on the farm and in his father's brick-yards and attending school in his district, and at Wacousta, three miles away. He received a good education and taught public
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school a short time. At the age above mentioned he set out as a common laborer, lumbering and farming, and attending school, in Portland, Ionia County, preparing to take a course at the State Agricultural College at Lansing, but lack of funds prevented him from carrying out the much desired project. In 1864 he came to this county and bought 80 acres, on section 13, New Haven Township. This was then principally covered with timber. He has since added by purchase 40 acres, and of the total 120 acres he has improved 100 acres, putting it in fine condition. He also owns 80 acres on section 23, of which he has 40 acres improved. Both of these farms are well equipped with the necessary buildings, orchards, etc. In 1874 he purchased 40 acres on section 15, to which he has recently added 40 acres, and has made some improvements upon the place.
In an early day Mr. Wells established a general store in Newark Township for country patronage. His was the first successful store in the country in this county, and he is considered the father of that branch of mercantile life in Gratiot County. He af- terward sold out to George E. Blain, and returned to farming, in which vocation he has been successful. He owns an aggregate of 320 acres, divided into four different farms, having a total of 180 acres of good arable land. He has also been a real-estate dealer and loan agent for Eastern parties for some time, ex- hibiting a high order of business qualifications. He is a thoroughgoing, energetic and common-sense farmer. In political matters he is a Republican ; was the first Township Superintendent of Schools after the abolition of the county-superintendency sys- tem, and has also been Township Inspector, Justice of the Peace and Highway Commissioner, holding each office two years. In all these capacities he has faithfully served the public.
Mr. Wells was married Nov. 6, 1870, in North Shade Township, this county, to Miss Martha, daugh- ter of John and Sarah A. (Leonard) Jackson, natives respectively of England and New York, who came to the above mentioned township in 1869. Mrs. W. was born in Brownville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 185 1, and came to this county when 17 years old. She has taught school several terms, successfully. Both she and Mr. W. are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Their four children are: Herbert J., Laura A., John Floyd and Sarah J.
This family have in their possession an English sugar-bowl which was owned by great-grandparents, and is more than 150 years old; and another, of the American order. that is nearly 100 years old. They also have a hymn-book, 65 years old.
3 oses Stevens, mechanic, carpenter and joiner, section 31, Ithaca Township, was born in Gloucestershire, Eng., Oct. 30, 1819, and was the son of Emanuel and Eliz- abeth (Gasser) Stevens, natives of England and of English descent. In his native coun- try the father was a tinsmith, and he came to Amer- ica in 1831, settling in the State of New York. He there engaged in farming, and died in 1842. The mother died in Tuscola Co., Mich., in 1881, at the age of 86 years.
When 12 years old Moses came with his parents to this country, and he lived in New York State un- til he was 21 years old. He was then married to Susan M. Hulett. They came afterwards to Tus- cola County, this State, where she died, in Septem- ber, 1871. April 1, 1874, he was married to Sabra Blair, who died in the same county a year later. Oct. 3, 1876, he was a third time married, at East Saginaw, Mich .; and he took for his life partner this time Mrs. Elmira M. Potter (nee Lake), daughter of Nicholas and Alzina (Cross) Lake, natives of St. Law- rence Co., N. Y., and of English descent. They followed farming, and removed at an early day to Ontario, Canada. After 20 years' residence there, they came to Forestville, Sanilac County, where the father died, in September, 1854. His wife afterwards removed to Gratiot County, and then went on a visit to Iosco County, where she died, in December, 1874. Elmira M. was born at Smith Falls, Can., Jan 24, 1833. At the age of 19, she came to this State ; and she was married at Grand Ledge, Eaton Co , Oct. 12, 1856, to William Potter, a native of New York. Three months later, they came to this county, and located a half a mile from Ithaca. Mr. Potter in- proved 120 acres of land, and died Sept. 2, 1863, aged nearly 33, leaving to the care of his widow three children, Ida B., George W. and Cora M.
Mr. Stevens had by his first marriage three sons
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and seven daughters, all of whom are living except one son and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens now live on the Potter homestead. They belong to the society known as Seventh-Day Adventists. In politics Mr. Stevens is an adherent of the Republican party.
ohn Pool, general farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, New Haven Township, is a na- tive of Jefferson Co., N. Y., where he was born Oct. 22, 1823. His father, Isaac Pool, was also a native of the Empire State, of Eng .. lish and Welsh descent, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, as well as farmer at times, and emi- grated to Wisconsin in 1854, settling in Waushara County, where he was a prominent and respected citizen, and finally died. John's mother, Diadem, nee Buck, was also a native of New York State, of English ancestry, and died in Wisconsin.
The subject of this sketch was only five years old when his parents moved with him from his native place to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he worked on a farm and at the carpenter's trade, and attended school, until he was of age. IIe then worked as a common laborer a few years near home. When 22 years of age, he bought 50 acres of land in St. Lawrence County, partly improved, and set to work upon it. Three years later he returned to his native county, where, June 13, 1849, he married Miss Lucy, daughter of John and Lydia (Jones) Kanautz, natives of the Empire State. Mr. K. was of pure German descent, and Mrs. K. of New England par- entage and of English extraction. The former, an agriculturist, died in St. Lawrence County, May 30, 1880, and the latter in Jefferson County, July 31, 1850. Mrs. P. was born in Pamela Township, Jef- ferson County, Oct. 27, 1820, and was the third daughter and fourth child of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. P. have had three children, only one of whom survives, namely : Anna E., born Aug. 1, 1854, and married May 26, 1874, to Alex. McLaren, now resid- ing in New Haven Township on a farm; Amanda J., born April 10, 1852, and died Feb. 4, 1853; and John W., born April 2, 1862, died June 2, 1880.
After marriage, Mr. P. followed farming on his place for three years, sold out, and one year later he
purchased property in the village of Herman, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he was engaged as a general laborer and farmer. He sold out there, and in the fall of 1854 came to Gratiot County, and pur- chased, under the Graduation Act, the southwest quarter of section 12, New Haven Township, where he now lives. Before settling here, however, he spent a short time in Iowa, then in Ionia County, this State, where he purchased So acres in the town- ship of Fair Plains. While there, he and his family suffered a great deal from chills and fever. He sold out there in November, 1855, and the following Feb- ruary returned to this county and settled on his land. It was then a wilderness. Here, in a log shanty, 13 X 17 feet, he and his little family started out again to make a permanent home. The scenes of frontier life here, and the kindness and sociability of their early neighbors, are remembered with an ever-in- creasing fascination and delight.
His little cabin, afterward enlarged to 14 × 22, stood till the spring of 1861, when it was supplanted by a good-sized house, which still stands in striking contrast with his present mansion, built in 1874. His barn, 30 x 40 feet in dimensions, was erected in 1858, the first frame barn in the township. By addi- tions to this structure, he has made it one of the largest barns in this part of the county. He has 200 acres of the best land in the township, with 100 acres well improved, watered and stocked, with a thrifty orchard of three acres, etc.
Mr. Pool has always been a strong Republican, and as a citizen of his township he has been honored with various offices, as Highway Commissioner for several years, Township Treasurer six years, etc. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Pool are given in prox- imity to this sketch, as they are representative of a worthy and exemplary class of citizens.
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ohn Hamilton, M. D., physician and sur- geon at Pompei, was born in Paisley, Ren- frewshire, Scotland, Oct. 31, 1830. He is a son of Thomas Hamilton, deceased, a native of Scotland, and who emigrated to America and settled in Carlton Place, near Ottawa, Canada, in 1842, and where two years later, in
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1844, his family, including our subject, joined h.m. Dr. Hamilton in early life manifested a desire to become a medical practitioner, and devoted his time and energies to the accomplishment of that purpose. He received the advantages afforded by the common schools, and then attended the High School at Al- monte, Canada. He then turned his attention to teaching, and followed the same for some 12 years, devoting all his leisure time to research after medical knowledge, and afterward, before coming to the United States, was engaged in practice for some time. He then came to Michigan and entered the Detroit Medical College, from which he graduated with honors in 1876. In April of that year the Doctor came to Pompei, this county, entered upon the practice of his profession, and has built up a lucrative and successful one.
The Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Lang. daughter of Arthur Lang, deceased, and was born in Almonte, Canada. Ten children have been born to their union : Amelia, Helen, Thomas, Arthur, Marion, Jessie, John D., William R. and Harry H.
Amelia is the wife of Hiram White, and lives in Cranbrook, Huron Co., Canada. Helen is also mar- ried, and is the wife of John Taylor, who resides near Brussels, Iluron Co., Canada.
Dr. Hamilton is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic Order.
obert F. Fleming, farmer, section 30, Pine River Township, was born at Ann Arbor, Mich., Feb. 1, 1834, and is a son of Charles M. and Peninah J. Fleming. His parents were both natives of the State of New York. During the years of his minority, the life of Mr. Fleming was passed in the manner common to the farmers' sons of the place and period. The succeeding five years he spent in working by the month, and expended his earnings in the purchase of 40 acres of land in Jackson County, on which he settled at the age of 26 years. Between five and six years later he sold the place, and in October, 1865, came to Gratiot County, and bought 50 acres of land in Pine River Township, most of which was in an unimproved condition. Of this he has placed 40 acres under cultivation. Mr. Fleming is a Republi- can in political affinity.
lle was married March 1, 1860, at Eaton Rapids, to Eliza A., daughter of Gardner Rice, a native of the State of New York. Mrs. Fleming was born July 30, 1835, in Cayuga Co., N. Y. Six of seven children born of this marriage yet survive,-Edward E., James H., Willie F., Carrie E., Cora E. and El- vira P. C'alvin A. died when nearly two years old. The parents belong to the Presbyterian Church.
illiam J. Naldrett, farmer, section 36, New Haven Township, is a native of Eng- land, where he was born April 10, 1828. ITis parents, Clement and Hannah (His- cock) Naldrett, were also natives of the same county. (See sketch of George S. Naldiett.) Mr. Naldrett was trained to the occupation of gardener in his native land, and at the age of 2 1 came to the United States. He first found employ- ment in a nursery near the city of Rochester, N. Y., where he remained about three months. He prac- ticed all the economy possible and saved sufficient money to enable him to proceed to Michigan. He came directly to Ann Arbor, where he remained six years, chiefly occupied in gardening. In the fall of 1854 he went to Lansing, Mich., and during the ses- sion of the Legislature in the winter following he was employed at the State House as fireman. He was engaged in gardening through the next summer, and in August, 1855, bought 58 acres of unimproved land on section 30, Newark Township, Gratiot County, built a small house and entered at once upon the labor of improving and cultivating his farm. In the fall of 1853 he had purchased 80 acres of land on section 20 in the same township, which he has since sold. He has increased his homestead farm to 11 2 acres and has put 70 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Naldrett is connected with the Order of Masonry and is an adherent to the Democratic party in politi- cal views.
He was married Sept. 28, 1854, in Detroit, to Mary, third daughter of Christian and Barbara Leon- ard. Her parents were natives of Germany, and she was born Sept. 29, 1831, in Baden, in the same coun- try. When she was 21 years old her parents came with their family [to America, settling at Ann Arbor,
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Mich., where they both died. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Naldrett, three died in infancy- George, Cornelia and Clara. Those surviving are William C., Rose B. and Ernest Il.
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illet Reynolds, farmer, owning 40 acres on section 17, North Star Township, was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, 1834. His father, Abel Reynolds, deceased, was a native of Rhode Island. Mr. R., the sub- ject of this sketch, was reared as a farmer, and received his education in the common school in his native county. He came to Clinton County, Mich., in 1854, and to this county in 1856, where he has since lived, except three years temporarily in Oak- land Co., Mich. He served three years in the great war, as a Corporal of Co. G, Fifth Mich. Cav., par- ticipating in the battles of Gettysburg, Williamsport, Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Snicker's Gap, and in oppos- ing Early's raid on Washington.
Mr. Reynolds was married in 1856 to Miss Lydia J., daughter of Nathaniel Neal (deceased), who was born Dec. 25, 1833, in Oswego Co., N. Y. Their four children are : Elizabeth, who married B. B. Tuttle; Jennette; Emma J., who married Marion Miner; and Helen L.
Mr. R. and wife are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
homas J. Clark, farmer, section 21, Pine River Township, was born July 5, 1855, in the city of Norfolk, and is the son of Thomas and Rosa Clark. His parents lived in New York and had but two children, Thomas and William. The father was a naval officer and lost his life in the engagement at Hampton Roads when the Congress and the Cumberland were sunk by the Merrimac, an iron-clad Confederate ves- sel, now called the Virginia.
When Mr. Clark was ten years old he came to Michigan under the guidance and management of the Children's Aid Society, which at that time sent out 46 children to find home and friends in the shel-
tering homes of the Peninsular State. He spent the intervening years until 1868, in Lenawee County, with different individuals and variously employed. In the year named he went to live with Thomas J. King, of Hillsdale County, and, for three years, he worked for his board and clothes, after which he received wages, continuing to make his home with Mr. King until 18So, when he came to Gratiot County, where he owned 80 acres of land on section 22, Pine River Township, which he had bought seven years previ- ous and had been partly improved. This he ex- changed for So acres on section 21, on which he now resides. He has placed 40 acres under good cul- tivation and, in 1881, erected a fine barn of modern architecture.
Mr. Clark was married Dec. 9, 1880, to Myrtie H., daughter of Reuben and Rebecca (Smith) King. She was born April 2, 1856, in Jackson County, Mich., and her parents were natives respectively of New York and England. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have two children, Lloyd L. and Hiel C.
Mr. Clark is actively interested in local politics and is a Republican of decided type. He is a valuable citizen from his active, public spirit and warm inter- est in the progress and well-being of the community. He is rapidly placing his farm in the best possible shape for future profit, and deservedly is awarded the respect and confidence of his fellow-townsmen.
ohn Franklin Henry, farmer, section 31, North Star, was born in the village of Dummerston, Windham Co., Vt., April 29, IS29. His parents, John and Sandona (Daven- port) Henry, were also natives of the Green
- Mountain State; they moved to Bellows Falls, in the same county, when the subject of this sketch was very young. Here the latter attended the village school during the winter seasons, and after he was 13 years old he worked upon the farm. In the win- ter of 1851-2 he went to California, where he en- gaged in packing supplies by mule express to the miners in the mountains. . About the ist of October, 1854, he started on his return, on the steamer " Yankee Blade," which, just after leaving the coast, was purposely wrecked by the Captain, who ran her on the breakers, expecting to secure the money on
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board; but he was caught and placed in custody. A picture of this wreck is still in the possession of Mr. Henry. Remaining in California until the following July, he returned to his home in Vermont. During the month of August, 1862, he and family came to Gratiot County on a visit, and concluded to remain. Ile owns 67 acres of good farming land, where he is prosperously engaged as an agriculturist and cheese manufacturer.
Jan. 30, 1856, Mr. Henry married Miss Mary P., daughter of Thomas Mills, now deceased. She was born in Colchester, Chittenden Co., Vt., on the shore of Lake Champlain. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry are the following named : Edgar L., Inez L. (deceased), Charlotte M., Georgia B., Charles B. and George Hugh. Mr. and Mrs. II. are members of the Baptist Church, and he is also a member of the Orders of Masonry and Knights of Honor.
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ownsend A. Ely, Postmaster at Alma, was born Aug. 27, 1843, at Wabash, Ind., and is the only son of Gen. Ralph and Mary E. (Halstead) Ely. (See sketch.) The parents were married at Brookville, Ind., and after marriage settled at Wabash, where they re- sided two years. They returned to New York, their native State, and after a year's residence there they came to lonia Co., Mich., where Gen. Ely purchased 200 acres of unimproved land, and he entered into the merits of pioneer life. He vigorously prosecuted the improvement and cultivation of his farm. In April: 1856, he sold the place, and purchased 160 acres of land in Arcada Township, Gratiot County. The family constituted the first settlers on the north side of Pine River. Gen. Ely again commenced life as a pioneer, built a log house, platted the village of Alma, and embarked in various pursuits for the pur- pose of furthering the advancement of the place, and establishing, so far as lay in his power, substantial business interests at that point. He was engaged chiefly in farming, trade and milling interests until 1861, when he enlisted. On leaving the army in the fall of 1866, he went to Florida and purchased 130 aeres of land, a part of which was located in the vi- cinity of Jacksonville. The remainder was situated 120 miles south of that city, and there he set out an
orange orchard, which included 40 acres of land. He spent a year in planting, and the second year lost the entire result of his labor, the frost killing all the young trees. He became disheartened, and re- turned to Alma, where he resumed farming, and pur- sued that vocation until 1874, when he was elected Auditor General of Michigan, and was re-elected to the office in 1876. While engaged in the discharge of the duties of the position, his business relations at Alma and in Gratiot County practically terminated ; and when his connection with the office of Auditor General ceased, he interested himself in lumbering in Emmett County, where he remained until his death, which occurred April 14, 1883. His family included one son and six daughters.
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