Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 39

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

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tion continued 16 months, when their establishment was destroyed by fire and their business interests suffered irreparable damage. They dissolved part- nership, and in the fall of 1866 Mr. Barrow came to Michigan and located at Alma. He afterward went to Edmore, in Montcalm County, where he was en- gaged in the management of a boarding-house for W. G. Pierce. On the termination of that engage- ment he bought a building at Alma and proceeded to put it in suitable condition for the prosecution of the baking business, in conjunction with a restaurant. While the repairs were in progress the building burned, involving a heavy loss. He formed a part- nership with his present associate, D. W. Adams, in order to establish the business which they are now managing. In 1882 they erected the building they at present occupy, and where they are conducting a prosperous business. Mr. Barrow is a member of the Masonic Order and a Republican in political connection. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Councilman of the Village of Alma.

He was married July 4, 1874, at Alma, to Joseph- ine, daughter of George H. and Eliza Gantz. She was born Feb. 18, 1856. in Gratiot Co., Mich. Her parents were natives of Ohio. The household of Mr. Barrow includes three children: Walter H., Thomas W. and Frances E.

erbert N. Robinson, farmer and teacher, resident on section 16, Pine River Town- ship, was born in Medina Co., Ohio, July 21, 1842, and is the son of Joshua N. and Julia A. (Bisbee) Robinson. They were natives of Massachusetts, and soon after their marriage settled in Ohio, where they resided until 1866. In the spring of that year, they came to Gratiot County and settled on section 16, where the family resided until the death of the father, June 8, 1872. The mother resides in St. Louis. Their family included three sons and two daughters.

Mr. Robinson obtained a good common-school education, and afterwards studied at Oberlin and Berea, Ohio. He was graduated from the Commer- cial College at Oberlin. When he was 20 years old, the shot fired at Sumter aroused his ambition to aid in suppressing the rebellion, and he enlisted in Oc- tober, 1862, in the 128th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and

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remained in the United States service until the close of the war. He was in many important actions, and received honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio.

On leaving the army, Mr. Robinson came to Mich- igan and bought 80 acres of unimproved land on section 16, where he has since expended his energies and labor until he has cleared and improved 60 acres of the land belonging to him, and built commodious and suitable farm buildings. Mr. Robinson has had a successful career as a teacher. He taught two consecutive years in Ithaca, and has devoted the winter seasons of the past 17 years, with but a single exception, to that calling. He taught three terms in Ohio previous to enlisting in the army. He belongs to the National Greenback party, and has officiated as School Superintendent.

Mr. Robinson was married April 23, 1868, in Pine River Township, to Melissa S., daughter of John S. and Diana (Ganong) Hildreth, both of whom were natives of New York. Mrs. Robinson was born Oct. 17, 1850, in Clinton Co., Mich. She and her hus- band have been the parents of five children, two of whom are yet living, James and Glen. Three died in early infancy. The parents are members of the Disciples' Church.

ames M. Hendershott, farmer on sections 12 and 13, Seville Township, is a son of Isaac and Nancy (Worthington) Hender- shott, natives of Pennsylvania. The great- grandparents came to the colony of Pennsyl- vania with the renowned William Penn. James' mother died in Michigan in 1837, when he was only six months old, the family having removed from Pennsylvania to Groveland, N. Y., and later to Tecamseh, Mich. The father, a carpenter, afterward removed to Manchester, where he was employed for 12 years, and then he went to Jackson County, where he died, in 1870, at the advanced age of 90. He served as a teamster in the late civil war, though then very old, and was discharged in 1865.

The subject of this biographical narrative was born Aug. 19, 1836, at Tecumseh, Lenawee County, Mich., and remained at home until 24 years of age, since which time he has followed farming. He went from Lenawee County to Manchester, Washtenaw County,

where he lived for 12 years. He then resided in Jackson County for ten years, working on his father's farm, after which he removed to Portland, Ionia County, and bought 20 acres of land, on which he lived for one year. He next lived for six years at Muir, Ionia County, and in 1872 came to Gratiot County and located So acres of wild land. He cut the first tree on his place, and by diligence and in- dustry he has now opened up a nice farm.

In 1857, he was married to Mary Slater, the daugh- ter of Joseph and Betsy (Mckinstry) Slater, natives respectively of New Jersey and New York. The daughter was born May 7, 1841, and came with her parents from the Empire State to Lenawee Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs. H. have a family of five : Isaac, Cora, Ellsworth, Leroy and Edward. Mr. H. has been Moderator of his district a number of terms, and is politically a Republican.

savid Bailey, farmer and raiser of fine stock, section 12, Arcada Township, was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 1833; and is a son of Thomas and Lavina (Hayes) Bailey. Mr. Bailey was a native of New England, and followed farming. Lavina Hayes was a native of Ohio. The Baileys for several generations past have been sailors. David lived in Ohio with his parents until 11 years old, when they came to this State and located on a farm in Lenawee County. When 18, he engaged in the manufacture of brick; and in the spring of 1853 he went to Delta, Ohio, in the same business. A year later he returned to Lenawee County and became overseer of the brick- yards of M. C. Perkins & Co. He was thus engaged until his marriage.

April 1, 1857, at Delta, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Mary A., daughter of J. I. and Lucy (Sackett) Rector, natives of New York, and of Ger- man and English descent. They carried on farming in New York, and then at Delta, Ohio, where Mr. Rector was considered one of the most practical farmers in that part of the State. At Delta, Mary A. was born, March 8, 1837. She was educated in the common schools, and at Adrian College, and then taught school until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey remained in Fulton Co., Ohio, until late in the

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winter of 1861, when they came to this State and county, and located on 80 acres of wild land which , he had purchased in the winter of 1855. He has since added So acres by purchase, and now has one of the finest farms in the county. He has just com- pleted a really handsome dwelling, at a cost of $4,000, and all his farm buildings are first-class. In the spring of 1870, he established a large brick-yard, which he worked until 1881, in connection with his farm.

They have had a family of four children, two of whom are now living: Luella B., born Dec. 29, 185 -; Clara B., born Jan. 20, 185 -; and twins, born Aug. 12, 1863, and died in infancy. Mr. Bailey is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging both to the blue lodge and to the chapter. He held the office of Sheriff of Gratiot County for four years. In politics he is an active and influential Republican. Mrs. Bailey and her eldest daughter are members of the Baptist Church.

Pi ohn W. Doane, farmer, upon sections 8 and 9, Pine River Township, was born July 2, 1833, in Ontario Co., N. Y. He is son of Erastus and Hester (Stringham) Doane, who were both natives of the State of New York. They first settled in Cato, Ontario County, and in 1834 located in Livingston Co., Mich., where they passed the remaining years of their lives. The father died in August, 1861. 'The mother survived until Nov. 27, 1883. Rebecca, Jemima, Joseph, John W., Robert, Henry, Elnathan and Mary were the names of their children.

Mr. Doane was less than a year old when his par- ents settled in Michigan, where he has since been a resident. On reaching his majority he decided on the life of a pioneer, and in October, 1854, he bought 160 acres of wild land in Pine River Township. He has made subsequent purchases of land until he now owns 280 acies. He has cleared and improved 180 acres, and in the summer of 1875 he built a commo- dious frame house to replace the log cabin where he planned for the future, lived in primitive simplicity and which was endeared to him as the place where his children were born, and made sacred by the en- trance of the " Guest "" who crosses threshold, passes

door, and glides at will from floor to floor." In the summer of 1883 he erected a barn, after a modern pattern, which adds materially to the substantial ap- pearance of the place.

On setting out in the enterprise which he has ac- complished so successfully, and which manifests so unmistakably the quality of the efforts he has brought to bear upon the fulfillment of his projects, he bor- rowed the money with which to obtain proprietorship of his land. Energy, industry and perseverance have worked their inevitable results. He enjoys the con- fidence and esteem of his fellows and has acted in the capacity of Treasurer of his township. He is deeply interested in educational affairs and has filled the several school offices in his district.

Mr. Doane was early aroused in the war of the rebellion to a sense of his duty in the exigency which threatened the integrity of the Union. Under the second call for troops he enrolled as a soldier, enlist- ing Aug. 12, 1861, in the 8th Mich. Inf. His service in behalf of the United States covered a period of three years and five days. The trophies of the Eighth Michigan are recorded in the pages of all the histo- ries of the war. The valor of its soldiers and the hard-fought battle-fields which make up its roll of honor, are perpetuated by a deathless fame. Mr. Doane was engaged at James Island, where the bay- onet charge of his regiment was made, whose daring had few parallels in the whole course of the war, at the second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, An- tietam, Fredericksburg and the battle of the Wilder- ness. In the last he was wounded in the left knee

by a minie-ball. He was so much disabled that he was discharged from the service at Annapolis, Md., Aug. 17, 1864. He enlisted as a private, passed through the non-commissioned grades of promotion, and on May 6, 1864, received his commission as First Lieutenant for meritorious conduct. He was wound- ed the same day.

Mr. Doane was first married Dec. 10, 1857, in Pine River Township, to Lucinda, daughter of Amasa and Mercy Packard. Of this union one child-Ida-was born, who died at the age of two years. The mother died Nov. 4, 1860. Mr. Doane was again mar- ried, in Pine River Township, March 17, 1865, to Martha A. Packard, sister of his former wife. Four children were born to them : Amasa, Erastus, Lu- cinda M. and Edith M. The second wife died Ang.

GRATIOT COUNTY.

6, 1880. The third marriage of Mr. Doane was con- tracted April 3, 1881, with Minnie L., second daugh- ter of Julius and Wilhelmine Mey (see sketch). She was born in Pine River Township, Aug. 28, 1858, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Doane is a Republican in political faith and ac- tion

aniel Chambers, farmer, section 34, New Haven Township, is a son of Elias and Christiana (Stockman) Chambers, natives of Stark Co., Ohio, who died in Crawford County, that State, the former about 1838, aged 35, and the latter in November, 1850, aged 45. The subject of this sketch was born in Liberty Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, July 14, 1836. After the death of his father he resided at various places, working at manual labor during the summer seasons and attending school winters. By his industry he thus obtained a good common-school education, and at 21 began teaching school, following this vocation for ten terms.

Oct. 17, 1861, Mr. Chambers was married, in his native county, to Miss Rosanna Brillhart, daughter of John and Mary (Hull) Brillhart, natives of York Co., Pa. Mrs. C. was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Feb. 23, 1842, but was brought up and educated in Crawford County, that State. In 1878 Mr. C. sold out his place in Ohio and purchased 80 acres of partly im- proved land on section 34, New Haven Township, where he now resides. He has the place well im- proved. The buildings are in good trim, the soil is in fine tillable condition, and there are present the usual appointments of a comfortable home.

Mr. Chambers is an Elder in the Dunkard Church, of which religious body his wife is also an active member. He has always refused to accept the many offices which have been tendered him by his fellow- citizens.

Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have had the following children : John W., Daniel E., Milton M., Mary R and James M .- the two latter deceased. John W. completed his education at the age of 18, and has since devoted his time to the profession of teaching in the common schools of this county. He is a thorough student and a skillful and successful teacher.

sther A. Runyan, widow of Marshal F. Runyan, resident on sec. 31, North Shade Township, is a daughter of Silas and Mary (Barnes) Runyan, natives of West Stockbridge, Mass. The father was a cooper by trade, and also followed the occupation of a farmer. The parents moved to Oneida Co., N. Y., where they re- mained for a period of time and then removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where they both died, the father Nov. 14, 1869, and the mother June 22, 1875.

Esther A. Runyan was born Dec. 2, 1814, in Oneida Co., N. Y. May 25, 1834, she was married to Marshal F. Runyan, who was born Sept. 19, 1810, and died Oct. 23, 1866, in Ionia Co., this State.

After their marriage they came from Ashtabula Co., Ohio, to Ionia city, this State, where they re- mained for a portion of a year and then moved to Lyons, same county, and there he followed the occu- pation of wagon-making for seven years, when they emigrated to this county and located on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 31, North Shade Township. They were among the first settlers in the township, and experienced all the trials and troubles incident to pioneer life. They have 35 acres of land under good improvement.

Mr. and Mrs. Runyan have been blessed with the birth of eight children, namely : Mary A., Frances, William, Harriet, George A., Alice A., Francis T. and Emma R.

Mr. R. held the position of Town Clerk, and in politics was a staunch Republican.

orman D. Vincent, deceased, was a son of John and Lucretia Vincent, was born in New York, Oct. 10, 1827. When a boy he was employed in a cotton-mill at Cohoes, N. Y .; afterward he learned the trade of car- penter and joiner, which he followed a number of years. He was married in Niagara Co., N. Y., April 18, 1847, to Miss Sarah E. Miller, daughter of Damel and Mary (Cress) Miller, who was born in Montgomery, May 10, 1831. By this marriage there were nine children, of whom four are living, viz. :

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Mary, now the wife of Franklin Rowley, a farmer of Bethany Township; John II., deceased; Freeman, who died at the age of 21 ; Milo, now at home ; Ida, widow of Clinton B. Snyder; Emina J., Hiram E. and Carrie A., all deceased, and Sarah E.

Mr. Vincent came to St. Louis in 1862, and bought the present homestead, So acres, in the spring of 1864. Having no house, he resided on the farm of John II. Suydam, near by. He followed his trade, mostly in St. Louis, until his death. In this village he built the residence of Henry L. Holcomb, helped build the grist-mill and a number of other large structures. The last house he put up was the residence of S. 1). Hicks, a neighbor.

At the time of his arrival in this county his farm was covered with heavy timber. There were no roads, bridges, school-houses, etc. He built the school-house in his district in the spring of 1869. St. Louis at that time was very small, and the family had many trials incident to pioneer life. In October, 1863, Mr. V. was drafted to serve in the war, and placed in Co. D, 4th Mich. Cav., serving until the close of the war, working at his trade, building bridges, etc. He was for a time Township Treas- urer, and he held other school offices. Of the home- stead left by him there are now 35 acres in cultiva- tion.

Mr. Vincent was killed Feb. 26, 1878, by the fall- ing of a tree which he had cut. This sudden calamity cast an indescribable gloom over a large circle of relatives and friends.

homas Argent, farmer on section 22, Sum- ner Township, is a son of John and Eliza- beth (Green) Argent, natives of England. Thomas was born in Huntingtonshire, Eng., Aug. 8, 1833, and at the age of 21 emigrated to the United States, locating first in Huron Co., Ohio, and two years later coming to Detroit. Except six years in Washtenaw County, he was en- gaged in farming near Detroit and in other places in Wayne County until the spring of 1881. He then came to this county and purchased So acres, partly improved, on section 22, Sumner Township. He has since added much to the value of the land by making further improvements.

Juue 5, 1854, in Cambridgeshire, England, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Golden, a native of that country. She died in Washtenaw County, this State, Sept. 11, 1867, leaving a family of four : Mary E., Alice M, George E. and Minnie, and these chil- dren are the only near relatives Mr. Argent has in this country. April 12, 1870, at Canton, Wayne Co., Mich., he was again married, to Miss Mary Gill, daughter of Richard and Hannah (Smith) Gill, na- tives of England, where the former was a shoemaker. The daughter, now Mrs. Argent, was born in Canton, Wayne County, Dec. 6, 1837, and lived in that county until her marriage. Mr. Argent has made many friends during his brief residence in Gratiot County. He has held the office of Overseer of Highways, and is politically "on the fence."

leazer F. Wiley, farmer, section 7, Pine River Township, was born Dec. 23, 1834, in Pennsylvania. His parents, Isaac and Mary (Woods) Wiley, were natives of the State of New York, where they resided some time af- ter their marriage. They went thence to the Keystone State, where they lived only about one year, then moved back to New York, where they reared their family, consisting of five sons and four daughters.

Mr. Wiley is the youngest child, and in early youth was thrown by circumstances upon his own resources. He maintained himself in a manner every way cred- itable, and in later years was largely instrumental in the care and support of his mother. He came to Gratiot County in the winter of 1859, and bought 80 acres of land in Seville Township. He came thither from the State of New York, driving the entire route with two horses and a buggy, which he exchanged in payment for his land. On this he resided fouryears. In 1863 he sold out and purchased 40 acres in Pine River Township, which constitutes his present home. He has increased his estate by the purchase of 63 acres additional, and his tillable land includes 50 acres, which is under advanced cultivation. He has made substantial progress in worldly affairs, and, in the summer of 1883, erected a good farm house. He is independent in political faith and action.

Mr. Wiley was married Dec. 23, 1857, in Orleans

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Co., N. Y., to Clarissa, daughter of Luther and Sally (Strickland) Sackett. She was born Aug. 7, 1840, in Orleans County, and her parents were natives respect- ively of Pennsylvania and New York. Clara R., Mary C., Emory L. and Orson A. are the names of the surviving children. Two are deceased-Ells- worth and Marion F. The parents are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. W. has been Justice of the Peace three years, and School Inspector one year.

oses H. White, farmer and stock-raiser, section 33, New Haven Township, is a son of Noah and Dorotha (Sleeper) White, natives of New Hampshire and of Scotch descent; the former, an agriculturist, died in 1861, in Vermont, aged 68 years; and the latter died about the same time, at the age of 65.

Moses H. was born Oct. 26, 1815, in Waldron, Caledonia Co., Vt .; was brought up on his father's farm until nearly 14 years old, and then lived with an uncle until 18 years of age, during which time he had to labor hard and have no opportunities for education or recreation; and, although he was bound to his uncle by his father until he was 21 years of age, he ran away to Saratoga Springs and found employment as a stage-driver. After a time he went to Genesee Co., N. Y., and attended school a short time, paying his way by what he had earned as a stage-driver. Next he worked for awhile as a helper in the carpen- ter and joiner's trade; then, going to Rochester, N. Y., he made $200 by riding the horse " Blucher " in a race and in speculating upon the race, and then drove stage awhile; then he found employment upon the farm of a gentleman of turf distinction; a year later he engaged as chieftain to the household, livery- man, etc., for a wealthy Quaker, serving in this capacity two years.

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During the latter period, in April, 1838, he mar- ried Miss Miranda Wheelock, who was born Aug. I I, 1822, in Batavia, N. Y .; and they at once came to Jackson, Mich., where he was liveryman a year ; the next summer he helped build a saw-mill. During this time he was for awhile disabled for work by fever and ague. Two years later he moved to

Ingham Co., Mich., locating on a farm of 40 acres ; five years later he went to Lansing, and two years still later he returned to his farm. In the spring of 1856 he came to Gratiot County, settling upon a 40-acre tract, where he now resides. To the original purchase he has added 120 acres, and he now has this amount well improved. His farm, indeed, is not to be excelled in this part of the country. He has a good residence, barn and other buildings, etc.

Mr. White is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a staunch, influential Republican, has been Supervisor for five consecutive years, and has held all the other township offices. He was also Postmaster for a number of years. Mrs. W. is a member of the Regular Baptist Church. The living children of Mr. and Mrs. White are: Frances Z., Charity M., Phebe and Alfarata; the deceased are Charles A. and Chloe J.

ruman Richmond, farmer on section 34, Seville Township, is a son of Otis and Har- riet (Van Brunt) Richmond, natives of the State of New York. Otis Richmond, a far- mer also, resided in his native State until he was a young man, and then, coming to Michi- gan, located on 120 acres in the township of Bridge- water, Washtenaw County, where he lived about 20 years. Spending one year in Lenawee County, he then resided 19 years more in Washtenaw County. He died in 1857, and his wife survived him but six years.

The subject of this biography was born July 1, 1839, in Washtenaw County, and remained with his father until 21 years old. For some time he was then engaged at farming, carpentry, blacksmithing and other occupations, receiving on an average about $14 per month. After three years he engaged in farming in Jackson County, and four years later he returned to Washtenaw County, where he was similarly en- gaged for three years. The ensuing eight years he lived in Hillsdale County, at the expiration of which time (in 1876) he came to Gratiot County and located on So acres on section 34, Seville. He has now one of the best farms in the township and good buildings, having erected a large barn in 1879, and a neat dwelling in 1882, at a cost of $1,100.

He was married May 23, 1861, to Eliza J. Pykett,

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who was born March 1, 1841, in Washtenaw Co., Mich., and is the daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Freeman) Pykett, natives respectively of England and Germany. They came to the United States at an early day, and settled in Washtenaw County, this State, where the mother died Aug. 6, 1864. The father yet lives, and has attained to the advanced age of 108. He has an iron constitution, has lived an active life, and is yet hale and hearty. Mr. Rich- mond is politically a National, and is a member of Elm Hall Lodge, No. 257, F. & A. M. Mrs. R. is a member of the Star Lodge, of Hillsdale County.

Lohn Medler, farmer on section 3, Sumner Township, was born in Bayham Township, Elgin Co., Ont., May 20, 1835. His par- ents were natives of Nova Scotia, and his father was a sailor most of his life. John was under the care of his parents until 16 years old, when he apprenticed himself to a carpenter, a Mr. McGinnis, of Burwell, in his native county. After serving a part of his time, he commenced working by the month for another gentleman. Thus he was engaged for two years, when he quit the carpenter business and en- gaged in farming on shares. Afterwards resuming his trade, he took job-work for four years. Then selling out, he came to this State and county, making his first settlement on section 3, Sumner- Township, where he bought 40 acres of wild land.

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 39

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

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