Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 38

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 38

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

oseph Bussell, farmer, section 21, North Shade Township, is a son of Jonathan and Mary Bussell, natives of England. His father, a farmer, came to America in 1853, landing at New York and settling in Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he lived until 1867, when he died. ITis wife had died in England, in 1845.

Mr. Joseph Bussell was born April 20, 1839, in

Devonshire, England. At the age of 13 he came to America, and was first employed on a dairy farm for five years ; he then came to Michigan and resided four years in Hillsdale County, and finally to the place which he now occupies. He first took posses- sion of 160 acres, but has since sold half this land. When he came here it was all a howling wilderness; but by steady labor and judicious economy he has developed and equipped a fine farm, and is now sur- rounded with plenty. Besides, he seems to know how to enjoy the fruits of his many long and weary years of toil and care.

In 1862 Mr. Bussell married Miss Maria, daughter of Florival and Sarah (Leslie) Bartlett, who was born June 17, 1840, in the town of Cornish, New Hamp- shire. Her parents moved from that State to New York and thence to Michigan, and they now reside in Meridian Township, Ingham Co., near Lansing, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Bussell are the parents of seven children, viz .: Rowena. Alfred D., Mary E., Will- iam H., Joseph E., Luella and Elsie E. Mrs. B. is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. B., in politics, is a Democrat.

rank Abbott, merchant, at Alma, was born Nov. 16, 1849, in Pulaski, Jackson Co., Mich. He is the son of Jacob and Mary (Thornton) Abbott, who are residents of Gratiot County. He obtained a fair education at the common schools of his native county, and studied subsequently at Ypsilanti, in the State Nor- mal School. Till the age of 19 years he was engaged during the farming season in agricultural labors, and obtained his advanced education after that age, sub- sequently engaging in teaching, which vocation he followed until he was 31 years old.

In the spring of 1882 he engaged in mercantile traffic at Pompei, Gratiot County, where he continued until May, 1883. In that month he removed his stock of goods to Alma, and there established his business interests, which he is still conducting. He is a Republican in political principle and a warm ad- vocate of temperance. He is a member of the Order of Good Templars and of the Sons of Tem- perance.

Mr. Abbott was married Dec. 5, 1883, at Alma

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Mich., to Fanny E., daughter of S. C. and Fannie Blinn. The parents are natives respectively of the State of New York and Michigan. Mrs. Abbott was born Nov. 22, 1862, in Jackson Connty. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

oses G. Tyler, farmer, section 35, North Shade Township, is a son of David and Phebe (Orsburn) Tyler, natives of New York State. The former was a carpenter and a farmer. They moved to Wisconsin, where they both died.

The subject of this sketch was born June 8, 1822, in the town of Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y .; living with his parents until he was 22 years of age, he went to work for himself, and was engaged on a farm by the month for 10 or 11 years, - five years for two different uncles. At the age of 30 he mar- ried Miss Salina, a daughter of Solomon and Axy (Law) Simon, natives of New York, the first-named a farmer. They both died in New York State. Mrs. T. is the fourth daughter in a family of nine chil- dren. In 1863 Mr. Tyler moved to Gratiot County, settling on 40 acres of wild land, on section 35. where he still resides. By his energy and judicious - management he has made a fine farm on this place.

Mr. T. was once elected Justice of the Peace, but did not serve. He is now Constable. He is a zeal- ous Republican. He has had four children, namely : Phebe A., Alvin L., Lyman M. C., Lorilla M. and Lucia : the last mentioned died at the age of 18 years.

charles Grover, a highly respected young farmer on section 2, Arcada Township, was born in Ogden Township, Lenawee Co., Mich., Oct. 1, 1857; and is the son of Thomas and Maria (Sherwood) Grover, na- tives of Yorkshire, Eng. Thomas Grover was by occupation a carriage smith, and came to this country in 1850, locating in New York State. Two years later, he came to Lenawee Co., Mich., and after a few years there he came to Gratiot County, where

he died at his home on section 2, Arcada Township, Aug. 27, 1877, at the age of 65. His wife now re- sides at St. Louis, in this county, at the age of 68.

The subject of this sketch, when two years old, came with his parents to this county, and lived with them on section 2, Arcada Township. Here he was reared and educated. He now owns 60 acres of his father's homestead, 30 acres being improved and under cultivation. Aug. 29, 1881, at St. Louis, he was married to Estella Fields, daughter of Albert and Julia N. (Sparry) Fields, natives of Crawford Co., Pennsylvania, where, at Girard, Estella was born, Aug. 24, 1857. Coming with her parents to Bethany Township, this county, she was there reared, and lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Grover have one son, William. They are regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Grover sympathizes with the National Greenback party. He is a young man of intelligence and in- dustry, and popular among his friends.

arcus Ring, farmer, section 5, Pine River Township, was born Oct. 16, 1816, in Nova Scotia. Ilis parents, Marcus and Mercy Ring, were both natives of the Prov- ince where their son was born, and where they passed the entire extent of their lives, the mother dying in 1826, the father in 1872. The lat- ter was a sea captain, as was his father before him.

Mr. Ring went to sea with his paternal grand- father when he was 12 years of age, and was absent on his first voyage four years. On returning, he be- came a sailor on a vessel belonging to his uncle, in whose service he remained until he reached man- hood. His early seafaring life was spent on English sailing vessels, and later he sailed on American ves- sels, the first of which was called the Susan Abigail. He was quartermaster one season on the steamer Atlantic, plying between Boston and Portland, Me. When Mr. Ring was 34 years old, he abandoned his sea life and went to Boston, where he learned the painter's trade, and for six years devoted himself to its pursuit in that city. In January, 1858, he re- moved to Gratiot County and bought 60 acres of land in its original condition in Arcada Township. He began making improvements, and two years later

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exchanged the property for 80 acres of land in Pine River Township. He now owns 120 acres, and has erected good and substantial buildings, and placed 70 acres under first-class improvements. Mr. Ring is a Republican in political connection.

He was married in Nova Scotia, May 4, 1844, to Zilpha, fifth daughter of Rufus and Letitia (Wyman) Robbins. Nine children have been born of their marriage : William H1, Eliza A., James M., Helen, Ada 1 .. , Jennie, Josephine, Norman J. and Effie M. The eldest son died in the army, and the second son and third daughter are deceased. Mrs. Ring is a woman of energy and fine abilities. She has been the able assistant of her husband, and is the blessed mother of a creditable family. She is one of the women whose energies, undaunted courage and per- sistent hopefulness have proven such eminent factors in the present prosperity of Gratiot County. The father of Mr. Ring died in 1868; her mother died in 1873. They were married May 28, 1811.

Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

illiam Wright, farmer, section 25, North Shade Township, is the son of John and Sarah (Barnaby) Wright. His parents were natives of England and in 1853 came to America, landing in New York City. From there they went to Ohio and located in Lo- rain County, where they remained about three years, when (in 1856) they came to Gratiot County. Upon coming to this county they located on 40 acres of land upon section 35, North Shade Township. To the original tract of land they subsequently added 240 acres, all wild land. Of this they afterwards sold 128 acres, leaving them still a large farm. The elder Wright remained upon this farm until his death, which occurred April 3, 1876, when he was at the age of 63 years. Mrs. Wright is still living upon the old homestead.

William Wright, the subject of this biography, was born March 14, 1839, in Suffolk Co., Eng., and came to America with his parents, and continued to reside under the parental roof until he was 21 years of age. At that time he went into the lumber woods, where

he worked during the winter and ran logs in the spring.

In 1861, when the dark and dreadful war cloud arose from the South, William Wright was among the very first to step forward in defence of the flag and honor of his adopted country, and none did more noble and valiant service than he. He enlisted in Co. D, Third Mich. Inf., which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Among the numerous bloody engagements his regiment participated in were both the first and second battles of Bull Run and the seven days' fight before Richmond. At the terrible battle of Bull Run, Mr. Wright was wounded in the side and hip, and now receives a pension from the grateful Government he was then defending. He was taken prisoner at Centerville, Va., at which place he was also finally paroled. After his discharge he returned to the home of his parents, conscious that he had done his whole duty toward his country.

Mr. Wright was united in marriage in 1871, with Miss Libbie McFarlane. Her parents, John and Caroline (Johnson) McFarlane, were natives of New York State, and the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Wright is the fourth daughter. She was born, July 22, 1846 in Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs. McFarlane are residing in Bath Township, Clin- ton Co., Mich., and engaged in farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been born three children : Ed. J., Ora C. and Ray.

Mr. Wright is a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge 145, Maple Rapids, of the Order of United Workmen and of the Billy Begole Post of the G. A. R., and politically is a Republican.

8 enj. D. Ackmoody, merchant at Elwell, on section 35, Seville Township, is a son of Abraham 11. and Hannah (Atkins) Ackmoody, natives of Ulster Co., N. Y. The father was a farmer, and moved with his wife to Ingham County, this State, where he died in the year 1865. She died Sept. 2, 1860, in Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y.

The subject of this biographical notice was born Dec. 25, 1842, in Onondaga Co., N. Y., and lived at home until 18 years of age. After the death of his mother, he lived with his brother in Cayuga Co., N.

GRATIOT COUNTY.

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Y., until he joined the army. In July, 1862, he en- listed in Co. H, 111th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and he was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was taken prisoner of war at Harper's Ferry, Sept. 15, 1862, but was immediately paroled and sent to Chicago. He was declared exchanged in November of the same year, and Dec. 18 following he was sent to the hos- pital with the small-pox. He was finally discharged Feb. 17, 1863, at Camp Convalescent, Va. He re- turned to his native State, but July 21, 1864, he again offered his services to his country, enlisting in Battery L, 16th Heavy Artillery. He remained in the service until the close of the war, and was duly discharged Aug. 29, 1865.

He was married to Ellen Stone, a daughter of Elisha Stone, of New Hampshire. Mr. Ackmoody came with his wife in September, 1874, to Hillsdale, this State, where he lived six years. He then came to Gratiot County, and located on So acres in the township of Sumner. A year later, he went to El- well and engaged in mercantile life. He has a stock of drugs, dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, and has a good trade. Mr. and Mrs. A. have one son, born in the State of New York, March 1, 1867. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. A. is politically a Republican. He is a member of the F. & A. M., the P. of H., and the I. O. G. T.

illiam W. Jackson, farmer, section 34, Newark Township, was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, 1832. His parents, William and Mary A. (Havens) Jackson, were na- tives respectively of Massachusetts and New York. They settled in the latter State and af- terward removed to Connecticut, where they died.

Mr. Jackson was brought up to the calling of a farmer and has pursued it all his life thus far. At the age of 29 he rented his father's farm and contin- ued its management three years. In March, 1865, he came to Michigan and bought 74 acres of land on section 3 of Fulton Township. On this he resided and labored 14 years. In 1878, he bought 30 acres of improved land on section 34, Newark Township. He still retains the ownership of his first land invest- ment in Fulton, and, of the 104 acres in his posses-

sion, has 65 acres under improvement and in an advanced state of culture. Mr. Jackson is a Republi- can in political sentiment.

He was married in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1861, to Maria, only daughter of Alfred and Eliza (Rath- bun) Chaffee. The former was born in Vermont, the latter in Cayuga Co., N. Y. Mrs. Jackson is a native of the county where she was married and was born March 12, 1840. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. The survivors are : Hat- tie E., William A. and Charles H. Twin daughters, Alvira S. and Almira M., died in early infancy.

3 ax E. Pollasky, merchant at Ahna, was born Feb. 1, 1855, in Hungary. Ile is a son of Michael and Celia Pollasky, and was but IS months old when his parents came to the United States. (See sketch of Michael Pollasky.) They settled in Detroit, Mich., where they resided some years, and when they removed to Alma in 1862 he remained in that city to obtain his education. He there attended the common schools and the high school, and was grad- uated from Goldsmith, Bryant & Stration's Commer- cial College. In 1871 he came to Alma to take charge of his father's business, operating as book- keeper and general manager for six years. At the end of that time he engaged in the manufacture of wooden-ware, with his father as manager. In this he continued until 1878, when he removed to St. Joseph, Mich., and in company with a resident of that place erected one of the largest establishments for the manufacture of wooden-ware in the West. At the end of the first year this business relation was dissolved, and Mr. Pollasky went to Chicago and en- tered the employ of Messrs. Work, Packer & Co., as traveling salesman. He remained with them six months and engaged with Hays Thalheimer & Co., of Rochester, N. Y., for a period of one year. In 1880 he became connected with the mercantile house of Schloss Bros., whom he left in July, 1882, to en- gage with L. Newbouer & Sons, of Milwaukee, where he remained until the spring of 1883. In the winter previous, while still employed in the Cream City, he formed a partnership with his brother, Frank E., and they established themselves in the mercantile busi-

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ness, in which they are still engaged. Mr. Pollasky is a member of the Masonic Order, and is a decided Republican in politics.

ulius Mey, farmer, resident on section 9, Pine River Township, was born in Prussia, Jan. 22, 1827. He is the son of Ludwig and Amalia Mey, both of whom were natives of Prussia. When Mr. Mey was 19 years old he was conscripted to serve in the Prussian army, and pursued the career of a soldier three and a half years. After he obtained his release, in 1851, he came to America, and for two years was variously employed at different points. He came to Gratiot County in November, 1853, and bought the farm on which he has since expended his time and energies. lle now owns 140 acres and has 45 acres under good cultivation, with a fine house and suitable farm build- ings. Mr. Mey was one of the earliest settlers in Gratiot County, and the crowning event of his life is thus commemorated in rhyme :

" Some nine and twenty years ago, And on a certain day, A young man left old Prussia And his name was Julius Mey. He settled here in Gratiot And bought himself a home, But soon found it was not pleasant For man to live alone.

And I think that not long after, From Germany there came A young and lovely maiden : Miss Bremer was her name. And she also came to Gratiot ; And I've heard that people say, She soon became acquainted With this young man, Julius Mey.

The groom looked young but manly, And he had a foreign air; And the bride was young and lovely, A wreath was in her hair. And the guests, though few in number, Said they had a pleasant time, Attending the first wedding That happened on the ' Pine.""

The marriage of Mr. Mey to Wilhelmine Bremer occurred Nov. 18, 1855. She was born in Germany, and left her native land when she was 28 years of

age. Hannah, Minnie, Otto and Augustus are the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Mey. The family are all members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Mey is a member of the National party.

The three oldest children are all school-teachers. The son, Augustus, is considerable as a musician, the organ being his favorite instrument.

rank A. Sexton, farmer, Bethany Town- ship, occupying the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 22, was born in Huron Co., Ohio, March 21, 1855. He was reared on a farm in his native county until 1875, when his parents, Hiram and Ade- line (Root) Sexton, moved with the family to Breck- enridge, this county, which place then consisted of one grocery and two dwelling-houses, one of the latter a log structure and the other a frame.

Here, March 26, 1879, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Ida A., daughter of Lewis and Ellen Campbell, who was born in Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one son, Dorr, who was born March 11, 1881, in Bethany Township.

At his present residence, Mr. Sexton bought 40 acres of land, and moved upon the place in 1880. It was then covered with timber. He has since cleared about 20 acres, erected a tasteful residence and barn, and is making many substantial improve- ments.

Imeron Bradley, of the firm of Bradley & Stevens, proprietors of a planing-mill at Alma, was born Jan. 1, 1832, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. His parents, Almeron and Marinda (Norton) Bradley, were also natives of the same county, were married there and there passed the entire period of their lives, which continued but two years after their marriage.

Mr. Bradley was in early infancy when he became an orphan, and he was brought up by his grand- father. When he was 19 years old he turned his attention to learning the trade of a carpenter, which he followed six years in the city of Syracuse. In

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R

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1856 he came to Michigan and followed his trade in Oakland County. He was also engaged in mercan- tile pursuits three years, when he sold out and removed to Midland County. He was there em- ployed as a builder and contractor about two and a half years. He then removed to Saginaw, where he was similarly engaged until 1871. In that year he went to Iowa and there operated as a hotel-keeper five years, at Greene, Butler County. At the expira- tion of that time he went to Cedar Rapids and once more followed the pursuit of building. He was oc- cupied there five years, and then returned to Saginaw with three small children, his wife having died at Cedar Rapids. He worked at his trade in Saginaw three years, and in the spring of 1883 came to Alma. The following fall he entered into partnership with Frank E. Jennings for the purpose of engaging in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and in the general building business, the firm being con- stituted as Bradley & Jennings. The firm is now Bradley & Stevens.

Mr. Bradley was first married in Orion, Oakland County, Jan. 9, 1859, to Almira J., daughter of Zetus Newell. She was born at Moore's, Clinton Co., N. Y., in 1839. Five children were born of this mar- riage, three of whom survive : Maud A., Minnie B. and Charles C. The mother died May 10, 1880. The deceased children died in infancy. Mr. Bradley was again married Jan. 1, 1881, at Saginaw, to Char- lotte Hurd, a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political connection he is a Republican.

ohn W. Lewis, cashier and stock-holder in the banking house of Steel, Turck & Co. at Ithaca, was born in Stonington, New London Co., Conn., Nov. 20, 1844. He is a son of Benj. F. and Sarah (Rogers) Lewis. His father was born in Stonington, Dec. 13, 1814, and has been a resident there nearly all his life. He was engaged through his active career as a boot and shoe dealer, which branch of business he carried on extensively until his retirement. He is still a resident of Stonington. The mother was born

in New London Co., Conn., Dec. 28, 1817, and is still living.

Mr. Lewis received a careful education in the common schools of his native place, which he sup- plemented by two years' attendance at select schools. He had determined upon the vocation of carpenter and joiner, and spent two and a half years fitting himself for that calling as a pursuit in life. He fol- lowed that six months longer; and in June, 1865, came west to Jackson Co., Mich., remaining three months in Parma, after which he went to St. John's, Clinton County. He passed between two and three years officiating as a dry-goods salesman in a mer- cantile house, and in 1869 he became bookkeeper in the First National Bank of St. John's. He was there engaged seven years, and in July, 1877, he came to Ithaca, Mich., where he became manager in the banking establishment of Church, Bills & Co. In April, 1880, associated with nine others, he founded the banking house designated under the style of Steel, Turck & Co., which has continued in success- ful operation since, and in which he is still interested and officiating as Cashier. The house is engaged in all the branches of business common to similar estab- lishments. In August, 1880, the banking establish- ment of Turck, Winton & Co. was founded at Alma, in which Mr. Lewis was interested as an organizer and stock-holder. His connection with the institu- tion terminated in August, 1883. In the spring of 188o, in company with J. H. Seaver, he opened a general mercantile business at Ithaca, where the firm are having a profitable trade in dry goods, notions, crockery, ready-made clothing, groceries, etc. Their stock is well assorted in accordance with the local de- mand, and is valued at $18,000. The annual trans- actions amount to $65,000, and the magnitude of the regular business renders necessary the aid of six salesmen. The proprietors are also engaged in handling wool, grain and other local products, in which branch of business they embarked in 1882. Their warehouse is located on Pine River Street, near the railroad.

Mr. Lewis is the present incumbent of the office of Village Treasurer, and has held the office four years in succession. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and is High Priest of Ithaca Chapter, No. 70. He also belongs to St. John's Com- mandery, No. 24, K. T. He owns his residence and

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grounds at Ithaca, and, in company with Mr. Seaver, is the proprietor of a lot on Main Street, with 60 feet frontage, adjoining the bank block.

The marriage of Mr. Lewis to Ida Fox took place at Ithaca, Sept. 10, 1881. She was born in Bascom, Seneca Co., Ohio, Dec. 31, 1860.

The portrait of Mr. Lewis is given on a preceding page.

Iba Sexton, farmer, section 22, Bethany Township, occupies 40 acres, the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of the section. He was born in Huron Co., Ohio, Oct. 29, 1853, is the son of Hiram and Adeline (Root) Sex- ton, and was reared and educated upon the farm. In 1874 he came with the family to Breckenridge, this county, where his father purchased 240 acres, and still resides. His mother is deceased. In the spring of 1880 he bought 40 acres of section 32, Wheeler Township, and a year afterward he sold it and purchased his present farm, the tract consist- ing of 40 acres, one-half of which is now in good cultivation. He himself has made all the clearing, built a nice house, barn, etc.

He was married Dec. 3, 1875, to Hattie, daughter of Aaron M. and Lucy (Landon) Wheeler. To this marriage have been born two children: Seth and Maud.

lbert C. Barrow, of the firm of Adams & Barrow, proprietors of the City Bakery at Alma, was born June 6, 1847, in Monroe Co., N. Y. His father, Thomas C. Barrow, was a native of England ; his mother, Cordelia (Spicer) Barrow, was born in New York. After their marriage they located in Monroe County, where the father followed the vocation of wagon-maker nearly 20 years, afterward engaging in farming. They had a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters.

Mr. Barrow of this sketch is the eldest son. He was under the guidance of his father until he reached the age of 19, when he went to Erie Co. N. Y., and engaged in business with Truman Willis. The rela-

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 38

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

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