Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 42

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

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At the age of 19 he settled on a farm in Fulton Township given him by his father. After a year and a half, he sold and bought 60 acres on section three, where he now resides. He has 40 acres under cul- tivation.

April 1, 1870, in North Star Township, he married Clara A., daughter of W. W. and Cornelia Baker. She was born in Ohio, Oct. 10, 1852. This union has been blessed with three children, but one of whom, William W., now survives. One died in in- fancy, and Herbert H. died when three years old. In the spring of 1883, Mr. Lewis was chosen Clerk of Fulton Township; and he has also held the vari- ous school offices in his district. Politically, he is a National. He and wife are members of the Chris- tian Church.

eremiah Brodebeek, farmer on section 30, Fulton Township, is a son of John K. and Elizabeth Brodebeck, natives of Pennsyl- vania. They first settled in the Keystone State, after marriage, and afterwards removed to Morrow Co., Ohio, where they lived until their death. Jeremiah, the fifth son of a family of seven sons and four daughters, was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, June 26, 1832.

He received a common-school education, and re- mained at home until 24 years old. Ile came to this county in January, 1859, and bought So acres of wild land in North Star Township, where he lived till March, 1882. Selling out, he then purchased 100

acres in Fulton Township, where he now resides. He owns 190 acres, of which 145 are cleared.

Oct. 1, 1847, in Morrow Co., Ohio, he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of James and Margaret (White) Baggs, natives of Virginia. She was born in Mor- row County, May 3, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. B. have one son, Isaiah W., born Oct. 8, 1858, Mr. B. is a progressive farmer, and much interested in blooded stock. He supports the Democratic party.

Sept. 8, 1864, he enlisted in the 178th Ohio Vol. Inf., and he served in the Union army about II months, generally on detached service. He was honorably discharged at Raleigh, N. C.

eorge D. Barton, lumberman, residing at Alma, was born in Rockingham, Vt., Jan. 10, 1836. His parents, Jeremiah and Sa- rah (Wetherby) Barton, were also natives of the Green Mountain State, where they married, lived and died.

Mr. Barton, after obtaining an elementary educa- tion at the common schools, pursued a course of study at the academy at Saxton's River in his native State, and subsequently attended the Green Moun- tain Liberal Institute at Woodstock, Vt. After the completion of his education he engaged as a farm assistant with his father until he was 26 years old. In 1862 he went to Chester, Vt., where he was in- terested in agriculture eight years. At the expiration of that period he engaged in trade there, which he pursued eight years. In 1879 he disposed of all his interests in his native State and, in March of that year, he came to Michigan and settled in Alma. He engaged in mercantile affairs with A. W. Wright, un- der the firm name of George D. Barton & Co. After operating in this relation three years he sold his in- terests to Mr. Wright. His next business venture was in lumbering with Mr. Wright and John O. Lumsdon, the concern operating as George D. Barton & Co., which constitutes his present business connec- tion. The daily products of their mill comprise 35,000 feet of hard wood or 50,000 feet of pine lum- ber.

Mr. Barton was first married in Chester, Vt., Nov. 4, 1861, to Lucy A., daughter of Henry and Lucy (Lee) Morris. The father was a native of Vermont,

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the mother of Massachusetts. The daughter was born Oct. 31, 1841, at Chester. Mr. Barton was again married Jan. 12, 1881, to Elmira C., daughter of Charles and Sylvia (Peck) Esty. The latter were natives of Vermont. Mrs. Barton was born Jan. 12, 1860, at Ludlow, Vt. One child, Fanny S., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton, Aug. 2, 1882.

Mr. Barton belongs to the Masonic fraternity and in political sentiment is an independent Republican.

amuel C. Robinson, farmer and County Drain Commissioner, resident on section 24, New Haven Township, is the fourth son and seventh child of Stephen H. and Barbara (Noss) Robinson, and was born in Wayne Co , Ohio, Dec. 17, 1845. The elder Robinson was of Irish-English descent, and followed the life of a farmer. He died in Paulding Co., Ohio, June 27, 1875, at the age of 72 years. His mother was a native of Cumberland Co., Pa., and died at her home in Paulding County, Oct. 9, 1882.

When seven years old Samuel accompanied his parents to Paulding County, where they located upon a new farm. Consequently during his early youth he encountered much hard work in helping to de- velop the farm and build the new house. He enjoyed only the advantages of the common schools in which to obtain an education. When the call for volunteers was made by President Lincoln to defend the Nation's honor and the Union, four sons left the home of Stephen Robinson, among whom was Sam- uel. At this time he was rejected on account of his tender age. In the fall of 1862, however, being then only 16 years old, he entered the service as a team- ster. At the expiration of one year he returned home, and a few months later enlisted as a private in the company stationed at Carlisle (Pa.) Barracks. He was shortly afterwards discharged on account of dis- ability, not being considered sufficiently strong for the duties of the standing army. He, however, at once enlisted in the 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery, com- manded by Col. H. Gibson, of the Army of the Cum- berland. This regiment was kept in reserve, and thus Mr. Robinson saw ro particularly active service, although he was in several sharp skirmishes. In 1865, while in the service, he received a sunstroke,

which has since prevented him from engaging as actively and energetically in his work as his nature prompts him.

Mr. Robinson was honorably discharged from his country's service Aug. 23, 1865, returned to his home in Paulding County and became manager and tiller of his father's farm. During this time, however, he attended school preparatory to teaching. Two years later he purchased a small farm in the same county, and, Oct. 27, 1867, united his fortunes with those of Miss Almeda E. Cushman, daughter of John and Nancy (Russell) Cushman, natives of Ohio, and farmers by occupation. The father died in Pennsyl- vania in 1853, and the mother remains with her children and is 72 years of age.

Mrs. Robinson was born Sept. 8, 1844, and resided with her parents until she was 16 years of age, at which time, having completed her education, she began teaching school. This she followed for 18 terms. After Mr. and Mrs. Robinson's marriage they settled down upon their new farm, and he began teaching, which profession he followed till 1873. In the spring of that year he came to Gratiot County and located on section 24, New Haven Township. He at first purchased 40 acres of land, and subse- quently sold it and bought So acres on another part of the same section. It was then timber land, but he now has 30 acres well improved, with a comfort- able farm-house on it. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born four children : Lily May, born April 18, 1869; Ray C., Jan. 24, 1871; Roy F., Oct. 26, 1874; Nellie H., Oct. 13 1876.

Mr. Robinson was elected as County Drain Com- missioner in 1882, and re-elected in 1884. He has also served three years as Supervisor, and filled all the minor offices of his township. Politically he is a staunch Republican.

apoleon Bradley, proprietor of the Com- mercial Hotel of Riverdale, Seville Town- ship, is a son of William and Harriet (Fisk) Bradley, natives respectively of Connecticut and Vermont. The father has followed the busi- ness of dealing in real-estate, and now resides in the State of New York, aged 76. His wife is 69 years old. The family comprise four sons and four

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)

daughters, all alive and in good health, and 17 grand- children. Remarkable to state, there has never yet been a death in the family.

The subject of this biography was born June 20, 1838, in Sullivan Co., N. Y., and at the age of 12 went to Montgomery and attended academy for six months. Then he studied three years at the State Normal School, and a year and a half at Woodbury, Ct. For the ensuing two years he was engaged in the wholesale dry-goods store owned by Conklin, Shepard & Co., and then he lived at home until the breaking out of the civil war. He enlisted in the first company raised in Sullivan County, which was made Co. H, 28th New York Vol. Inf. He was sent to the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Banks, and fought at Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Rappahan- nock, Antietam and Chancellorsville. At the last named place he was taken prisoner and was sent to the famous Libby Prison. Three weeks later he was paroled. His regiment was in the service two years and was then sent home and discharged at Lockport, N. Y. In June, 1863, he came home and remained a year.

In 1864 he was united in marriage to Harriet Bar- ton, born April 17, 1841, and the daughter of William and Jane Barton, of the State of New York. Her father is dead, died in the year 1878, but her mother still lives, in the State of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are the parents of three children : William A. J., Alvin N. and Marion HI. Mr. B. is at present Deputy Sheriff of Gratiot County, appointed by Sheriff Peet. He is a member of Riverdale Lodge, No. 343, 1. O. O. F., Riverdale Lodge, No. 343, 1. O. G. T., and Col. Ely Post, No. 158, G. A. R. Politically he is a Prohibitionist.

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ornelius A. Franks, farmer on section 19, Fulton Township, is a son of George S. and Barbara A. Franks (see sketch of George S. Franks); and was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, March 19, 1843. He received his education in the common schools, and also attended the Edinburgh Academy, located in Wayne County. With the exception of six months, he lived at home until 23 years of age. In 1869, he bought 100 acres of wild land on section 1, North Shade, 25 acres of

which are improved. He has not lived in North Shade, however, having continued to live on his father's farm until the present time.

Oct. 29, 1864, in Wayne Co., Ohio, he was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of Armor and Jane (Orr) Anderson, natives of Ireland and Ohio. Mrs. Franks was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Aug. 21, 1842. She and her husband have a family of four, Sylvester A., George A., Winifield S. and Annie J. Mrs. F. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. F. is a Democrat.

illiam H. Brown, farmer, section 30, Em- erson Township, was born in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 26, 1836, and was the son of Captain Robert and Ann M. (Noyes) Brown, natives of Rhode Island. Capt. Brown was most of his life a sea captain, and died in Royalton, N. Y., in 1858. His widow still lives, in Niagara County. Much of her life was spent in teaching in the village school.

The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood on his father's farm in his native county, and then gave his time to preparing for teaching. Attending the common schools and the college at Lockport, N. Y., he engaged in teaching at the age of 20. He was subsequently taken with inflammatory rheumatism, which made him an invalid for eight years.

After regaining his health he was married, in Roy- alton, to Malvina B., daughter of William and Jane (Searles) Morey, natives of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., of Welsh extraction. She was born near Lockport, N. Y., Oct. 24, 1837. At the age of 20 she began teaching, which she followed successfully till her 26th year, when she was married to Mr. Brown. They settled on a farm in their native county, teaching win- ters, and in the early spring of 1878 emigrated to this State and county, and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Emerson Township, which he had purchased the previous year, after selling his New York farm. Since coming here, he has come to be considered one of the most skillful and progressive farmers in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had seven children, of whom five survive : Alice May, born July 13, 1870; George N., born Jan. 31 1874; Reuben S.

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born Oct. 16, 1875 ; Robert H., born May 8, 1877 ; Willie E., born May 8, 1882. Barker M. and Bina M., twins, were born Jan. 10, 1866, and died, the former March 13, 1870, and the latter, June 16, 1867. Mrs. Brown is an active member of the Baptist Church, while Mr. Brown is a member of the Uni- versalist Church, of which he was a Trustee for 11 years. Politically, he is a Democratic Prohibitionist.

sicajah Wood, farmer, section 17, Pine River Township, was born Oct. 10, 1848, in Pennsylvania. His parents, William and Hannah (Hartley) Wood, were also natives of the Keystone State. Mr. Wood spent the years of his minority under the care of his par- ents, assisting on the farm and attending school. In 1865, he came to Isabella Co., Mich., and remained until the spring of 1871, purchasing 40 acres in 1870. In 1877, he bought 40 acres of land on section 1 1, Pine River Township, and in September, 1882, he bought So acres, where he established his homestead and has since resided. Of the first purchase he has 25 acres under cultivation, and, of the last, 55 acres are improved and under tillage. He belongs to the Republican party in political connection.

Mr. Wood was married Oct. 10, 1869, in Isabella County, to Rosa, daughter of John and Matilda Van- derbeek.

Mrs. Wood was born Sept. 22, 1854, in the State of New York. Lillie, Leslie and Minnie are the names of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wood. The parents are members of the Disciples' Church.

prace B Angell, farmer, section 17, Pine River Township, was born Aug. 21, 1853, in Lyon. Township, Oakland Co., Mich., and is a son of Albert and Annie (Doane) Angell, natives respectively of New York and Michigan. Soon after their marriage, they located in Oak- land County, and, later, in Wayne County, removing thence to Clinton County, where the father now resides. The mother died July 14, 1877.

Mr. Angell obtained his education at the common

schools and also at the select schools at Maple Rap- ids, where he was a pupil nearly three years, and at the age of 17 left home to make his own unaided way in the world. He was employed in a mill and as a farm laborer for about three years. He was engaged four successive winter seasons in teaching, and in 1873 he came to Gratiot County and bought his farm of 160 acres in Pine River Township. He afterward sold So acres and has 70 acres of the remainder un- der advanced cultivation. Since 1879, he has bred blooded sheep, and now he has also thorough-bred cattle. Mr. Angell is a Republican in political faith.

He was married April 10, 1879, in Oakland Co., Mich., to Clara E., daughter of John and Susan (Spinning) Travis. Mrs. Angell was born in Jordan, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan 22, 1860. Her parents were also natives of the Empire State. Annie M. and Ira D. are the two children now included in the fam- ily circle. Mrs. Angell is a member of the Baptist Church.

oseph B. Vliet, farmer, sec. 13, Pine River Tp., was born Dec. 13, 1837, in New Jer- sey, of which State his parents, Nathan and Sarah ( Jewell) Vliet, were also natives. They resided there some years after their mar- riage, and removed to Oakland Co., Mich., where they remained until 1855. In that year they transferred their family and interests to Gratiot Coun- ty. They lived about nine years in Fulton Town- ship, occupied in agriculture. They removed thence to Pine River Township and bought 40 acres of land on section 14. On this they resided until the close of their lives, the father operating as a farmer and also working at the business of a mason, which was his trade. He died in January, 1871. The demise of the mother occurred in Angust, 1866.

Mr. Vliet was a child of two years when his par- ents came to Oakland County, and he continued to reside at home during the years of his minority. About the time he reached manhood he entered the employ of the U. S. Government and operated as a sawyer in the Indian Mills, on the Chippewa River, in Isabella County. He continued in that employ about three years. In 1860 he came to St. Louis, Gratiot County, and associated with his brother James established a grocery and provision trade, which they

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conducted two years. On the termination of this period, Mr. Vliet bought the farm on which he has > since lived, comprising 80 acres of land. Of this he has 35 acres under cultivation. He also owns sev- eral lots in St. Louis, on which he is now erecting buildings and otherwise improving them. The histo- ry of Mr. Vliet is similar to that of most of the better class of citizens of Gratiot County. He made his start in life with no aid but a laudable ambition, for- tified by disposition and strength to work, and later by a helpful, faithful wife, one of the sort that forms one of the best elements in the substantial progress of the Peninsular State.

Mr. Vliet was married May 15, 1861, at St. Louis, to Deborah, daughter of Jonathan and Lucetta Me- cum. She was born July 6, 1840, in Pennsylvania, her parents being also natives of the Keystone State. Of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Vliet, four sur- vive. They were born in the following order : Mary L., Mina A., Ernest L., Bertie G. and George. Ber- tie died when he was 17 months old.

Mr. Vliet is a member of the Order of Masonry, and in political connections belongs to the National Greenback party.

homas Raycraft, farmer, section 20, Pine River Township, was born in County Cork, Ireland, May 15, 1846, and is a son of Richard and Martha Raycraft, also natives of Ireland. They came to the United States in 1847, and settled in Rochester, N. Y., where the mother died. The father came, later on, to Clin- ton Co., Mich., where he died, in June, 1860.

Mr. Raycraft is practically an American citizen, having been less than a year old when he was brought to this country by his parents. He has followed the vocation of agriculture since he was old enough for active labor, commencing his career as a farmer at the age of 13 years. In 1871, he came to Gratiot County, where he worked as a farm laborer two years, and in 1872 he bought So acres of land under partial im- provements, where he has since lived and labored. In 1881, he built a fine farm house, which the family are now occupying. The farm consists at present of 120 acres of land with roo acres under cultivation. Politically, Mr. Raycraft is identified with the Na- tional Greenback party.

He was married at Alma, Mich., July 4, 1871, to Mary, daughter of llarmon and Dora Coleman, na- tives of Germany. Dora M., Ely, Lee, Ora, Lottie and Thomas C. are the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Raycraft.

ohn W. Otto, farmer on section 3, Fulton Township, is a son of George and Ara (Parrish) Otto, natives of New York State. He was born in Jackson Co., Mich., Jan. 20, 1838, and was quite young when his parents removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich. At the age of 17, he came to this county, in the spring of 1855, with his parents. He remained at home until 24 years of age, when he bought the old homestead of 60 acres on section 3. He has since added 60 acres to his farm, and has 100 acres well improved.

June 28, 1863, in Newark Township, he married Hannah M., daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cady) Lepley, residents of Newark Township. She was born in Wood Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Otto have three living children, George S., Charles F. and Cora E. They have buried two children,-Sophronia J. and an infant. Mrs. Otto is a member of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Otto is a Republican.

illiam J. Pendell, farmer and stock-raiser, section 36, New Haven Township, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., April 2, 1839. His father, Peter B., was a native of Saratoga, N. Y., of German descent, and was a farmer by occupation. He died at his son's, in this township, Sept. 14, 1881, at the age of 83. The mother of William J. was Mary M., nee Babcock, of English parentage. She died at her son's, in New Haven Township, in 1860. His step-mother, Chloris, nee Holliday, was born June 18, 1820, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and is now living at her son's.

When seven years old the subject of this sketch came with his parents to Macomb Co., Mich., and three years later to Ionia County, where he worked on a farm and attended school for eight years. Thence, in 1856, he came to this county, where his

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R

Dampson Ovenden

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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX ANI. TILDEN FOLNDA IUS R

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GRATIOT COUNTY.

father purchased 80 acres of perfectly wild land for a homestead. In 1858 they moved upon the place, to which the subject of this sketch has since added So acres and made a comfortable home. There are [20 acres under the plow, and his residence, recently built, cost about $1,800. Mr. Pendell is an active and progressive agriculturist.

Sept. 12, 1861, is the date of the marriage of Mr. Pendell to Miss Elizabeth Husted, a native of Oak- land Co., Mich., where she was born July 26, 1838. She died at her home, in this township, July 12, 1862 ; was the mother of one child, Leonora M. Mr. Pen- dell again married, Nov. 28, 1867, Amelia R. Wor- cester, who was born Nov. 29, 1843, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and when six years old came to Jackson Co., Mich .; at the age of 24 she came to this county, and was shortly afterward married. Her children are: Benjamin S., born Dec. 26, 1870; Thomas J., Jan. 21, 1873; Grace E., March 24, 1875; Gertrude E., July 14, 1878, and Adeline, Dec. 17, 1883.

Mr. Pendell has held the offices of Highway Com- missioner and School Director; is a Republican on political issues; a member of lodge No. 145, F. & A. M., at Maple Rapids, and with his wife is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ampson Ovenden, farmer, sec. 19, Wash .. ington Township, is a son of William and Frances (Birch) Ovenden, natives of Kent, England. William Ovenden was by trade a bricklayer and plasterer, and came to America in 1852. He settled in Genesee Co., N. Y., and followed his calling until his death, in 1860. His wife still lives, in this county. The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 10, 1834, in Kent, Eng- land.

He first left home at the age of nine, but at 14 he left home permanently, going on the sea as a com- mon sailor. His interesting travels lasted for a period of 12 years. He first shipped on a brig, under a Capt. Bray, at Margate, and made four voy- ages to Hartly Pole, England, in the coal trade. He next went on the schooner "Isabella," under a Capt. Smith, and ran from Margate to Liverpool. The schooner being then sold, he was discharged. His next service was on the brig "Hugh," under Capt.

Anderson, which carried coal to Brazil, and came back with cotton. Returning, he shipped on the brig " Burkby," under Capt. Henry, which went first to Cardif, Wales, for coal, then to Sierra Leone, Africa, then to Cosanco, back to Sierra Leone, and thence home to Liverpool. On the barque "Ellen Mary," under Capt. Legg, he went to the Isle of France, through the straits of Malacca to Singapore, to Amoy, to Shanghai, to the East Indies, to Singapore and China again, and once more to the East Indies. He next served on the ship " Englewood," under Capt. Randal, and went to Java; thence to St. Helena (Napoleon's prison), and thence to London. On the packet barque "Stratford," under Capt. Forrest, he sailed from London to Sidney, Australia, to Newcas- tle, Raymontares, and Sidney again. Shipping next on the packet barque " Jessie Burns," under Capt. Baker, he visited Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, and San Francisco. Going inland for the first time in many years, he worked for a time in the mines near Sacramento. Returning to San Francisco, he took passage on the "Golden Gate " to Agopoko, South America, and thence to Panama. Crossing the isth- mus to Aspinwall, he went on the ship " Illinois " to New York City, where he found his parents. He then came to Michigan in search of his sister, whom he finally found in Gratiot County. For a time he was employed in Hillsdale County, by a man whom he had met in California.

July 28, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 18th Mich. Vol. Inf. During his service he fought in several sharp engagements, and he was finally discharged at Jackson, Mich., when he came to this county and purchased his present home on section 19. He was married to Jane M., daughter of James V. and Sarah Carr, both deceased. Mr. Carr died at Ithaca, Jan. 4, 1884. He was a soldier in the 23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and was buried with the honors of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Ovenden have had eight children, five of whom survive. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 318, F. & A. M. Politically he has been a Re- publican ever since his arrival in the States. In local elections, however, he votes for the best man, regardless of party.

Mr. Ovenden was but a green sailor when he and his plucky little wife settled in the forest, and they were derisively called "bantas," by others who proph- esied they would be soon starved out. They have,

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 42

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

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