Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 44

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 44

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).

416

GRATIOT COUNTY.

grist home in the same way. There was no road to his place and he had no team.

Mr. Cramer was Township Clerk in 1860, and sub- sequently held the position of School Inspector. He is a man of ability, and in addition to following the vocation of a farmer has been extensively engaged in the occupation of a teacher. He began teaching when 20 years of age, in 1850, and taught in the schools at Freedom, Washtenaw County. In 1852 he taught in Bridgewater Township, and in 1854 in Superior Township, same county. In 1857 he taught the first winter school in the village of Hubbardston, and is a man closely identified with the educational interests of the county.

Mr. Cramer is a member of the Wesleyan Method- ist Church and an honored and esteemed citizen of the county.

lias W. Lyon, photographer, at Ithaca, was born May 29, 1847, in Clinton Township, Essex Co., N. J. He is a son of Hervey and Elizabeth J. (Whaley) Lyon, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. His father was born July 20, 1810, in Clinton. He was a shoemaker by trade, and in 1851 removed his family to Essex Township, Clinton Co., Mich., where he bought a farm and resided until his death, which oc- curred Dec. 13, 1880. The mother resides on the homestead, which is a fine farm of 102 acres, with first-class improvements.

Mr. Lyon left home when he was 22 years of age for the purpose of fitting for the business which he has pursued thus far in life. Hle went to St. John's, and after a course of thorough preparation he went to several places in Michigan to prospect. In Octo- ber, 1870, he came to Ithaca and established his present business, which has been popular and pros- perous. Mr. Lyon owns his place of business and residence in Ithaca, and 80 acres of land on section 4, Washington Township, with 20 acres under culti- vation.

He was married Aug. 19, 1871, to Viola R., daugh- ter of Thomas L. and Anna R. (Good) Wasson. She was born Feb. 15, 1852, in Charlotteville, Niagara Co., N. Y. Floyd R., born Sept. 15, 1880, at Ithaca, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Lyon was a Major in the war of 1812, and his epaulets and cap were preserved some time in the family.

Charles D. Bryant, farmer, section 27, North Star Township, was born in Cuya- hoga Co., N. Y., May 12, 1827 ; his father was Charles Bryant, a native of Vermont, and his mother was Eunice, nee Blackmore, a native of Cuyahoga Co., N. Y. : both are deceased. The former removed to Lorain Co., Ohio, 1831, where the subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm and educated in the common school. At 18 he com- menced to learn the trade of tanner and currier, and followed this business until 1854, when he settled on his present place, in a wilderness of deer, bears, wolves and Indians : the latter, however, were peace- able. In this lonely retreat Mr. Bryant built his humble log cabin, and he and his good wife laid to the task of creating a comfortable home by long. weary years of patient toil; and success has crowned their efforts. The land for which they paid 50 cents an acre is now worth more than $75 an acre.

Mr. Bryant, Oct. 15, 1848, married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John S. and Eliza (Stover) Tarr, natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Mrs. B. was born July 6, 1830, in Wayne Co., Ohio. Their two children have been: Wilber, born Feb. 14, 1850; and Henry, born Nov. 14, 1851, and died Aug. 15, 1866.

Mr. B. enlisted in the last war, in February, 1865, in Co. C, - III. Vol. Inf., at Chicago. He is a mem- ber of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.

oseph Barden, liveryman at St. Louis, was born June 30, 1837, in Niagara Co., N. Y., near the city of Lockport. His parents, Hiram and Eliza (Fleming) Barden, left Lock- port in 1844 and went to London, Ont., where they resided about a year. The father was a native of Massachusetts, and to the labors of his calling, which was that of a stone-mason, he added those of agriculture. In the early spring of 1847 he

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L

Helen In Definice

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FU INDA IONS R

419

GRATIOT COUNTY.

went to Huron Co., Mich., to buy land. When returning in a sail-boat, in company with Dr. Heth and his son and Peter Shooks, the lighthouse-keeper at Point aux Barques, the boat was capsized, as is supposed, as it was afterwards found stranded, but the bodies of its occupants were never discovered. The mother was born in Canada and is at present living near Cadillac, Mich. After the tragic fate of her husband, she removed to Port Huron, where the son worked for a time in the jewelry business, and afterward went to Mount Clemens, Macomb Co., Mich. Later he went to Troy, Oakland County and was there employed in farming. In 1865 he went to Ovid, in Clinton County, and there he bought a farm of So acres, on which he worked five years. In Feb- ruary, 1870, he opened a livery stable in the town of Ovid, and continued its management 13 years. He operated to a considerable extent in real-estate, bought and sold several farms, and did much in the way of clearing and otherwise improving the prop- erty in his hands. In September, 1882, he sold his property at Ovid, and the following December came to. St. Louis, where, associated with P. Cornell, he bought the Commercial Hotel and barns. He keeps 17 horses, carriages and first-class livery fixtures, and conducts boarding, feed and sale stables.

Mr. Barden was married Feb. 13, 1862, in Troy. Oakland County, to Delia C., daughter of Rev. John and Margaret Martin. She was born on the family homestead, where she was married May 22, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Barden have two children, born in Ovid: Lura K., May 11, 1866, and Josie Belle, Dec. 25, 1873. The oldest child, Willie J., is deceased. Miss Lura is an accomplished young lady, a graduate from Miss Noble's Elocutionary Training School at Detroit, where she was awarded a gold medal.

Mr. Barden held the position of Marshal of the village of Ovid several years, and was also Constable while resident there. He belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows.

Rev. John Martin was born July 7, 1796, in Cay- uga Co., N. Y. : his wife was born in December, 1800. They came from Fleming, in August, 1831, and set- tled in Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., and were among the early pioneer settlers there, where the father com- bined the two vocations of farmer and preacher. He experienced the varied conditions of pioneer farmer and circuit preacher in an unsettled country,

discharging the duties of his clerical position through several counties, sometimes being obliged to go on foot, and sometimes making his trips to his appoint- ments on horseback. He labored in the interests of the Baptist Church, and at one time lived several years in Shiawassee County, near Corunna, where he was in charge of a religious society. Both the par- ents of Mrs. Barden are living, at Ovid, Clinton County.

aniel C. Johnson, of the firm of Peet & Johnson, liverymen at Ithaca, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1836, and is a son of Leman and Sabrina (Rice) Johnson. His father was born March 12, 1810, in Litch- field Co., Conn., and was of French and English w. descent. In early life he was a millwright, carpenter and joiner, and in 1852 came to Gratiot County and bought 160 acres of land in Newark Township. He went back to the State of New York, where he resid- ed until 1859, in which year he made a settlement on his property, where he died Sept. 15, 1880. He was Supervisor of the town of Newark eight years in succession. The mother was born in July, 1812, in Madison Co., N. Y., of English parentage. She died on the homestead in Newark Township, Oct. 1, 1879.

Mr. Johnson passed the years of his youth in alter- nate farm labor and school until he was eighteen years old. On leaving school in 1854, he came to Gratiot County to take charge of the land his father had bought two years previously, and which was, at the date of purchase, in a wholly natural con- dition. His uncle, Nelson Johnson, erected thereon the first structure built in the township of Newark. This was done in the spring of 1852, and the same individual cut five acres of timber, but did not put the same in a wholly improved condition. Mr. John- son cleared 30 acres and erected a frame house. In 1859 his father took possession, and in the same year the son bought 80 acres of land on section 1, Fulton Township, where he moved in the spring of 1860, and there resided nine years. He cleared 66 acres, put the place in a finely improved state, with suitable buildings, orchard, etc., when he sold out and bought a home in Ithaca. In company with B. F. Shepard, he opened a general store, and continued in that

420

GRATIOT COUNTY.

business relation until 1872. In the fall of that year, Mr. Johnson embarked in the grocery trade, which he managed successfully until the spring of 1876. In 1874, he accepted the appointment of agent for the administratrix of the estate of John Jeffrey, and the duties of the position occupied his attention chiefly until 1879. In that year, he formed a part- nership in a general mercantile business with J. H. Seaver, which existed about a year and a half. On its termination, he once more embarked in the gro- cery trade, but closed the business on account of impaired health. In January, 1882, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Gratiot County, and in the summer of 1883 he and K. P. Peet entered into company in the building of a large barn for livery purposes, where they have since conducted an extended business. They keep u horses, with all necessary equipages and fixtures, also sale, feed and boarding stable. Mr. Johnson has held the various offices of the School Board, and has officiated several years as a member of the Village Council. He was Treasurer of Emer- son Township one year; belongs also to the Masonic fraternity.

He was married Nov. 15, 1859, to Minnie Haight. She was born Dec. 26, 1836, in Madison Co., N. Y., and was the daughter of David and Orilla Haight. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born as follows ; Edith, Feb. 7, 1862, who is now engaged in teaching in the graded school at Ithaca; and Dewitt, March 4, 1866, who is now working at the jewelry business in Ithaca. Mrs. J. died April 15, 1879, in this county.

The portrait of Mr. Johnson on a preceding page is the likeness of a representative citizen of Gratiot County, who has borne the brunt of its pioneer hard- ships, discharged his obligations as a man in every avenue to which he has been called, and who is still exerting an influence for the progress of his genera - tion and the community of which he is a member. lle owns a fine farm in Newark Township-one-half the original purchase of his father in 1852.

Mr. Johnson was a second time married at Ithaca, Nov. 8, 1880, to Helen M., youngest daughter of Henry and Nancy M. (Colister) Goodrich, who was at that time engaged in the millinery business. The for- mer was born in New Jersey in 1808. He was a farmer, and removed to New York, whence, after a short residence, he came to Oakland County, this

State, where he was one of its pioneers. He after- wards went to Bath Township, Clinton County, where he entered a Government claim of 80 acres. It was in dense timber, and its proprietor cleared and im- proved it until it was one of the best farms in the section where it was located. He died in March, 1863. The mother was born Oct. 29, 1812, at Bald Hill, Ontario Co., N. Y., and died June 30, 1882. Of their nine children, eight are living. The eldest daughter, Phoebe, is deceased. Emily is the wife of W. D. Voorhies, a farmer of Ogemaw. Elizabeth is married to Henry Stockford, of Ithaca. Sarah A. is the wife of Isaac Hall, a farmer of Ingham County, located near Dimondale. Elvira is Mrs. A. B. Ed- wards, wife of a farmer of Watertown, Clinton Co., Mich. Philena is the wife of Edward M. Southwell, a farmer near Shaftsburg, Shiawassee Co., Mich. William II. is a farmer in Bath, Clinton County. Caroline M. is the wife of James Culver, a farmer of Bath Township, Clinton County.

A brother of the above, named Frank A. Johnson, who was born Nov. 25, 1839, in Madison Co., N. Y., once resided a few years in this county, and returned to Miller's Corners, Ontario Co., N. Y.

yenry Wiseman, farmer, section 28, Newark Township, was born in Hanover, Germany, in September, 1831. His parents, Henry and Louisa Wiseman, were also natives of Ger- many. His father and two sons and a daughter came to the United States in 1848, but, his father being somewhat advanced in years, they re- mained but a short time, and returned to "Das Vaterland."

Mr. Wiseman remained in the State of New York six years, engaged as a farm assistant. He went in 1854 to Indiana, whence he returned, after spending one season there, to the Empire State. In the fall of 1855, he came to Michigan and fixed upon Gratiot County as favorable to his hopes and aspirations. He bought 160 acres of unimproved land on section 28, Newark Township, where he at first erected a "shanty" to shelter his small household until he could make arrangements for something better. Not long after he built a log house, which was their home until 1874, when he erected the fine frame house

421

GRATIOT COUNTY.

which is now the family home. In 1880, he built one of the best barns in the township, 40 by 60 feet in extent. Of his original acreage, he has placed 85 acres under cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Wiseman are among the earliest set- thers in Gratiot County, and have undergone all the pioneer experiences incident to the period of their location. Among them, they passed through the memorable " starvation period " of 1857, when corn bread was a luxury almost beyond reach. The old- country industry and energy which Mr. Wiseman has expended on his farm mark him as having met the success he has merited. His farm and its arrange- ment, fixtures and buildings, amply testify to his thrift, perseverance and good management. He is a Republican in political connection. In addition to his fulfillment of the duties of local citizenship, Mr. Wiseman furnished incontrovertible proof of his entire adoption of the country and its interests by enlisting as a soldier when they were in peril. He enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, in the 26th Mich. Vol. Inf., and was in the service two years and four months. His com- mand was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and he was under fire through the seven days' fight in the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania Court-house. He received a severe wound in the left shoulder dur- ing the latter engagement, and in consequence was discharged, with honor.

He was married in the State of New York April 7, 1852, to Rosina, daughter of Jacob and Christiana Feldman, natives of Germany. Mrs. Wiseman was born in Germany Feb. 19, 1833. She is the mother of eight children, five of whom yet survive: Rosetta L., Luthera, Charles, John and Morris. Sophronia died when she was 11 years old, Caroline at the age of 13 years, and Dorothea died when nine years of age.

orenzo C. Clark, farmer, section 9, North Star Township, was born in Crawford Co., Pa., June 18, 1839. His parents were Watson D. and Elizabeth (Trace) Clark, both natives of that State, the former of English and the latter of German ancestry. They lived in Monroe Co., Mich., from 1849 to 1876, except four years in Wayne County. While in the latter place Lorenzo C. worked in a store and saw mill.

Mr. Clark, the subject of this sketch, enlisted in Co. E, Sixth.Mich. Vol. Inf., Feb. 4, 1861, and was honorably discharged Aug. 20, 1865, his regiment doing garrison duty. . In 1876 he settled on section 5, North Star Township. He is pursuing general farming, having 40 acres in his homestead. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Township Treasurer, which position he now fills. March 20, 1862, he married Miss Elizabeth N., daughter of David and Marietta (Baker) Brake, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had nine children, namely : Willis C., Elva M., Lettie A., David G., Minnie R., Jennie E., John T., Libbie M. and Iva F.

selon Fleming, senior member of the mer- cantile firm of Fleming & Newton at River- dale, was born April 3, 1854, in Jackson Co., Mich. He is a son of Charles M. and Elvira (Humphrey) Fleming, natives of New York. After their marriage, they located in Jackson County, where they resided 25 years, after which they came to Gratiot County, and settled near St. Louis on 160 acres of land, which was principally in a wild state. The father proceeded to make im- provements, and had placed 50 acres in tillable con- dition when he sold his farm. He moved to St. Louis, where he is now residing. He is 74 years of age, and his wife is 68 years old.

Mr. Fleming began his life as an independent seeker of his own advancement in the world when he was 23 years of age. His first employ was with A. G. Newton as clerk in his store at Riverdale. Later on, his employer established his business at Ithaca, and Mr. Fleming accompanied him thither in the capacity of assistant, and remained with him one year. Meanwhile his father had removed to St. Louis, and they opened a grocery in that village. The relation existed two years, when he sold his in- terest to his brother, Charles L. Fleming, now of the firm of Fleming & Church, at St. Louis. Mr. Flem- ing went to Vestaburg, Montcalm County, where he was interested in the grocery business more than a year and a half, when he returned to St Louis and again entered the employ of Mr. Newton, who had established his business there. He acted as clerk about six months, when he became associated with

422

GRATIOT COUNTY.

Mr. Newton in mercantile interests at Riverdale. Mr. Fleming is a Republican in political affiliation.

Ile was married in 1879 to Katie, daughter of Jacob Fell, now a resident of Fostoria, Seneca Co., Ohio. She was born in 1857. Elsie, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming, was born in June. 1881, in Montcalm County; Maud was born Jan. 25, 1883, in Gratiot County. The parents belong to the Presby- terian and Congregational Churches.

-3$ =

enjamin Ray, farmer, section 31, Arcada Township, was born in Leroy, Lake Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1823, and is the son of George G. and Betsey (Billington) Ray, na- tives of the Mohawk Valley, in New York. They were of Dutch descent, and followed farming. Benjamin left the parental roof at the age of 20, and worked on his neighbors' farms as a com- mon laborer until 23 years old.

July 24, 1844, at Madison, Ohio, he was married to Nancy, daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Billing- ton) Post, natives of New York. Three years later, they came to Van Buren County, this State, and loca- ted near Paw Paw. They farmed there for 23 years, and had a disastrous fire, that cost them $1,000 and deprived them of their home. Mr. Ray then took a tour through the West, going as far as Virginia City, in search of the precious metals. Ile visited Mon- tana and Idaho, and became familiar with the grand scenery of those territories. A year later, they set- tled on their present home in Arcada Township. He purchased roo acres, of which 60 are under cultiva- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Ray are members of the Free Methodist Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

illiam T. Pitt, Supervisor of Seville Town- ship, residing on section 22, is a son of George and Eliza (Duncan) Pitt, natives, the former of England, and the latter of Cayuga Co., N. Y. The mother died when William T. was ten years old. The father came to Gratiot County in 1868, and located on 40 acres in Pine River Township. He now owns So acres.

The subject of this sketch was born May 1 3, 1841, in Oakland Co., Mich., and remained at home with his parents until 14 years of age, after which he worked out on a farm until 17 years old. He then lived for eight years in California, engaged in mining, dairying and farming. Returning to Oakland Coun- ty, this State, he resided there until 1879, when he came to Gratiot County and located on So acres on section 22, Seville.

In 1869, he married Miss Betsy Lawson, daughter of Moses and Elsie (Baird) Lawson, natives respect- ively of Pennsylvania and New York. The father was a wagon-maker. She was born in Wayne Co., Mich., March 7, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Pitt have one daughter, born July 14, 1872, in Oakland County. Mrs. Pitt is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Pitt is politically a National. He was elected Super- visor in 1882, and re-elected in 1883.

eorge S. Naldrett, farmer, section 31, New- ark Township, was born in England Oct. 1, 1834. His parents, Clement and Han- nah (Hiscock) Naldrett, were also natives of England. In 1849, they came to the United States and settled in Livingston Co., Mich., whence they removed three years later to Gratiot County and located in the township of Newark. They continued to reside there about 23 years, when they removed to Eaton County, and there completed their lives.

Mr. Naldrett was 15 years old when he came with his parents to America, and he remained under the parental authority until he arrived at the estate of manhood. On the advent of that period, he bought So acres of wild land on section 31, Newark Town- ship. To this he has since added by purchase, and now owns 253 acres of land. His tillable land in- cludes 160 acres. On taking possession of his farm in Newark, he erected a small but every way suitable and comfortable frame house, which his family occu- pied until 1881. In that year, he built a fine brick residence opposite the home of his pioneer days and labors, where he enjoys the results of his life of well- directed effort. He is one of the leading agricultur- ists of his township, and has been, in former years, extensively engaged in handling stock, but from im-

ASTOR, LENOX AND MILDEN FOUNDATIONS R

George & Valores

Mrs. G. S. Naldret

THE N PUBLIC I .

ASTOR, LE TILDEN FOUN .» T

423

GRATIOT COUNTY.

paired health has been compelled to abandon that branch of his business. He keeps, on an average, 50 head of cattle, 15 hogs and 4 horses. He is a Democrat in affiliation, but not aggressive in any sense ; has always declined preferment in local offices, for which he has been frequently presented. He is a member of the Masonic Order.

Mr. Naldrett was married in Gratiot Co., Mich., Jan. 15, 1857, to Caroline, youngest daughter of Simon and Lydia (Kirby) Jones. The parents were born respectively in Vermont and Massachusetts, and settled in the State of New York, and later went to Ohio. In 1856, they lecame residents of Fulton Township, Gratiot County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Naldrett was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, July 18, 1839, and was an inmate of her father's home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. N. have become the parents of five children : Charles S., lda M., Clement, Laura J. and Lydia J.

ohn Price, farmer, on section 15, Fulton Township, is a son of William R. and Mary G. Price, natives of New Hampshire. They first settled in that State, after marriage, and in 1857 came to Gratiot County. Here they lived until 1873, and then removed to Maple Rapids, where he died, April 16, 1878; and she followed him from this world of trouble and of care four days later.

The subject of this notice was born in New Hampshire, Sept. 21, 1845, and was but 11 years old when his parents removed to this county. He re- mained on the farm, attending school and working for his father, until 18 years old. For almost ten years subsequent to leaving home he worked by the month at farming and brick- making. He then en- gaged in peddling for one year. In the spring of 1873 he bought 40 acres of partly improved land on section 15, where he has put up good buildings and has 30 acres under cultivation.

March 26, 1873, at St. John's, Clinton County, he married Mrs. Ann E. Price (nee Jenne), daughter of Ansel Seth and Narcissa Jenne, and widow of Charles A. Price. The latter died in Fulton Town- ship, Jan. 7, 1868. She was born April 22, 1840, and had by her first marriage a son, Charles A., born July 16, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Price have three chil-

dren : Eugene H., born Feb. 6, 1874; Frank A., born March 26, 1876; Jennie, born March 4, 1880. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic Order, and votes the Democratic ticket.

iram W. French, farmer on section 15, Se- ville Township, is a son of Joseph and El- vira (Loomis) French, natives of Vermont. lle has followed the trade of blacksmithing, and came from New York to Michigan in 1854, and settled in Kent County. He afterwards came to Gratiot County, and located on 80 acres of wild land on section 15, Seville. He has 50 acres well improved.

In the year 1849, he was married to Christina, daughter of Peter and Julia (Massado) Jerue, of French descent. Her mother was drowned in Seneca Lake in 1853. This marriage has been blessed with three children : Adelbert II., Mary S. and Francis E. Mr. French has been Justice of the Peace four terms, and Highway Commissioner also four terms.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 44

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

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