Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 52

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

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He was united in marriage in 1864 to Ida L. Smith, who was born in the State of New Jersey, Nov. 28, 1848, the second daughter of John H. and Jane (Castimore) Smith. The former was a native of New Jersey, was by profession a millwright, and died in 1872. Mrs. Smith was also a native of New Jersey, and died in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have had five children: Newell Grant, John H., Jo- seph B. (died in 1865), Nattie (died in 1870) and Francis C.

Mr. Wheeler is one of the truly representative men of the county. In his own neighborhood he enjoys the respect of all who know him. He was the first Supervisor of the township which bears his name, and he held that office three terms. He has also been Justice of the Peace for two terms. He is a member of the Masonic Order. Both he and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist or liberal. Mrs. Wheeler is an earnest temperance worker.

giram Haring, farmer, section 31, North Shade Township, was born Jan. 7, 1844, in Summit Co., Ohio, and is a son of Charles and Hannah (Wiltroudt) Haring, natives of Lancas- ter C'o., Pa., both of whom died in 1861, the former April 4 and the latter May 5. Mr. Haring, the subject of this notice, was reared on a farm and educated at the public school. At the age of 19 he began teaching school as a winter vocation. When 26 years of age he married Susan Foltz, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Peck) Foltz, na- tives also of Lancaster Co., Pa. Mrs. Haring was born Dec. 4, 1843, in the same county, and her par- ents emigrated to Summit Co., Ohio, in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. H. have five children, viz .: Elton E., Jennie I .. , Parcy E., Mary E., Ophir L.

In 1870 Mr. ITaring came to Michigan, settling in Bloomer Township, Montcalm County; in 1875 he moved to the town of Lebanon, Clinton County, and a year later to his present locality, upon a tract of So acres of land. He has since been also engaged in the lumber business to some extent. At present, in company with M. L. Peck, of Hubbardston, he is buying logs for Ilays & Packard, of Muir.

Mr. Haring is independent in politics. He has held the office of Town Clerk two terms, being elected in 1880 and 1882; is Vice-President of the Central Fair Association of Hubbardston, and has been officially connected with that body for ten years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

saac Jason, farmer, section 28, New Haven Township, is a son of George and Jane (White) Jason, natives of New York and of English descent, who moved first to Ohio and then to this State. His father, a farmer, is still living, in Montcalm Co., Mich., in which county his mother died, in May, 1876.

The subject of this sketch was born in Fonia Co., Mich., Nov. 2, 1839. He lived with his parents until ten years of age, in his native county, then for a time in Medina Co., Ohio; and then eight years with his grandparents, in Harrisville Township, samel

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

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John & Densom

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county, attending the common school during the winter seasons. After residing again in Ionia County awhile, and in Montcalm County, a portion of the time being mail-carrier from Greenville to Ithaca, he came to this county. While engaged as above he purchased 80 acres of land, where he now resides.

Dec. 31, 1865, in this township, he married Miss Charity, daughter of Moses and Miranda (Wheelock) White. (See sketch of the latter.) Mrs. J. was born in Aurelius Township, Ingham Co., Mich., in Septem- ber, 1846. When five years old she was brought by her parents changing residence, into Clinton C'o., Mich., and three years later to this county. where she lived with her parents until marriage. By her energy and native tact she obtained a good education and for several years followed the profession of teaching.

Mr. Jason has brought into cultivation the whole of his original purchase, and he now has also control of his father-in-law's homestead. Ile is an excellent farmer. He has also held the office of Constable, is a staunch Republican, and is a member of the 1. O. O. F., Lodge No. 262, at Carson City. Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Their living children are : Elmer E., born Jan. 22, 1867 ; and Jessie B., Sept. 18, 1868, and they have had one child, Myrtie, now deceased, who was born Dec. 20, 1872.

ohn E. Densmore, farmer, section 2, Ful- ton Township, is a son of Rufus and Louisa (Stebbins) Densmore, natives of Massa- chusetts. They settled first in Ionia Co., Mich., and there the mother died. The father after- ward removed to Clinton County, where he died, in Essex Township, in September, 1847. John E. was born in Ionia Co., Mich., March 28, 1837, and was only eight years old when the family removed to Clinton County. He received some schooling, but, his parents dying when he was very young, his oppor- tunities were very limited. From the age of 11, he was thrown almost entirely on his own resources for making a livelihood ; but energy and perseverance brought their due reward.

In May, 1858, he came to Gratiot County and bought So acres of partially improved land on sec- tion 2, Fulton Township, where he now resides. He

has erected suitable buildings, and has 65 acres well cultivated. Jan. 1, 1858, in Greenbush, C'linton County, he married Miss Lucinda M., daughter of John and Mary Ann (Watson), Manchester, natives of New York. Mr. M. came to Clinton County in 1844, his wife having died in New York State. Mrs. Densmore was born in New York, in Stafford, Gene- see County, June 18, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Densmore have had nine children, eight of whom survive: Ada M., Charles R .. Lewis C., Elfie I., Delia F., Mary E., Henry J. and Helen A. (twins) and Jennie I. Lewis C. died Sept. 3. 1865. Mr. Densmore has held the various school offices of his district, and in politics is a firm and uncompromising Republican.

Jan. 19, 1864, he enlisted in a company of sharp- shooters attached to the 27th Mich. Vol. Inf., and served 17 months. He fought in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. In the last named engagement. June 3, 1864, he was wounded in the left foot by a minie ball, which kept him off duty for six months, and he was even then not fit for active service. He was accordingly detailed for hospital service. He was honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich., in May, 1865. l'ortrait on opposite page.

rederick H. Hamlin, senior member of the firm of F. H. Hamlin & Co., resident at Alma, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., July 16, 1850. He is the fourth son and sixth child of Joseph and Adelia (Willard) Hamlin, both of whom were natives of State of New York and born respectively in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. They are residents of the form- er and are engaged in agriculture. They have had eight sons and three daughters.

Mr. Hamlin obtained his education at the common schools and at Whitestown Seminary, Oneida Coun- ty, residing at home until he was 20 years of age. In 1870 he went to Utica, N. Y., and procured a sit- uation as clerk in a dry-goods store, where he remain- ed two years. In 1872 he went to Iroquois Co., 111., and engaged in stock business, in which he was occu- pied three years. His next remove was to Cedar Lake, Montcalm Co., Mich., where he had the sole management of the mercantile business of William S. Nelson, for nearly seven years. In January, 1883,

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he came to Gratiot County, entered into an associa- tion with James T. Hall, of Mma, and they estab- lished the business in which they are at present engaged, the manufacture of hoops. With the aid of a working force of 20 men they make 25,000 to 30,000 hoops daily. Dec. 1, 1883, they admitted E. B. Green to an interest in the concern. In his busi- ness connections, Mr. Hamlin enjoys a high degree of confidence. In political relations he is a Repub- lican.

lle was married in 1876, at C'edar Lake, to Anna E. C'avis, Mrs. Hamlin was born in Pennsylvania, of which State her parents were also natives. To her and her husband, one child, Walter J., was born, Feb. 22, 1878.

enry Kelso, hardware merchant at Alma, was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Sept. 14, 1849. llis parents, Samuel and Ann (Miller) Kelso, were born respectively in Pennsylvania and Ohio. They settled after marriage in the latter State, where they lived about 27 years. In the fall of 1875 they came to Michigan and settled at Berrien Springs. After a residence there of three years they went to Indiana. In the autumn of 188 3. the father was ordained a minister, and went to Illi- nois, where he was settled in charge of the Lutheran society at Mier, Wabash County. The family in- cluded 12 children.

Mr. Kelso is the eldest son, and at ten years of age went to live with his grand-parents in Richland Co., Ohio, and remained with them six years, attend- ing school and assisting on the farin during the sum- mer months. He went to Wood County, where he was engaged for some time by the month as a farm laborer. He passed three years in this manner, and in 1867 entered upon an apprenticeship at Fostoria, Ohio, to learn the business of tinsmith, and served his full indentures of three years. He came to Mich- igan in the autumn of 1870, and followed his trade some months at Battle Creek. He next went to Lan- sing, where he spent a winter, going thence to Sagi- naw, and worked at his occupation in both places, remaining in the latter about two years. An attack of illness compelled him to go to his father's in In- diana, and after recovery he went to Ohio and remain-

ed there one summer, after which he came again to Lansing. Soon after he went to Livingston County, where he was engaged a short time as a tinsmith, in the employ of a house in Fowlerville, and in a short time opened a shop on his own behalf, where he operated four years. On selling out, he moved to Web- berville, Ingham County, where he formed a part- nership with George L. Adams, under the style of Kelso & Adams. At the end of nine months, Mr. Kelso bought his associate's interest, and conducted the business singly about one year, when he sold out and moved to Macomb County. There he bought out a stock of goods and carried on the concern about ten months. He came to Gratiot County in the fall of 1881, and spent a winter at Ithaca, working at his trade. The following spring he came to Alma, and embarked in business with H. C. Stafford. Ten months later, the latter sold his interest to Mr. Kelso, who managed the business alone until the spring of 1883, when he formed a business association with J. D. Mandeville. This partnership continued but a very short time, and was terminated by Mr. Kelso, who sold his interest to his partner. He engaged in business shortly after with his brother, Charles G. Kelso, under the firm name of Kelso Bros., and they are now managing a successful and growing business.

Mr. Kelso was married in Livingston County, May 6, 1876, to Marietta K., daughter of David Johnson. Two children . Albert R. and Romain, have been added to the household. Mr. Kelso is a member of the Republican party and himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

alexander M. Wiley, farmer, on section 5, ¿ Arcada Township, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., April 28, 1832 ; and is the son of Isaac and Mary (Wood) Wiley, natives of New York State. Isaac Wiley followed the calling of shoemaker, and died in Philadelphia about 40 years ago. His wife died in Gratiot County, Feb. 2, 1863. Alexander M. was taken to New York State when two years old, by his parents, where they lived ten miles south of the city of Rochester. Some ten years Jater, they removed to Otisco Township, lonia County, this State, where they lived six years, farming and working a saw-mill. He then went to Portage City,

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PR. Phillips

Louisa Me, Phillips

THE NEW Y' PUBLIC LIFE

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Columbia Co., Wis., where he worked at lumbering for three years. Then he came to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., and thence to Jackson, this State.

March 20, 1853, 10 miles south of Jackson, he married Cynthia C., daughter of Emery and Maria (Lewis) Adams (see sketch). She was born in Niag- ara Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1834, and when two years old came with her parents to Jackson Co., Mich., where she was educated and lived until her marriage. After that event, Mr. and Mrs. Wiley removed to Rushford, Winnebago Co., Wis. In the spring of 1855, they came to this county, and located on 50 acres on section 5, Arcada Township.

Oct. 7, 1863, he enlisted in Co. C, 8th Mich. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Hovey, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He fought at Fort Steadman, March 25, 1864, and Petersburg, April 2, 1864, as well as in other engagements. Returning home, he located on 83 acres on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 5, Arcada, and devoted himself to the improvement of the same. He has now 73 acres under cultivation. He and wife are well read, intel- ligent and kind-hearted people. They have had six children, named as follows: Fernando M., Fran- cis E., Alton G., Mattie M., Edwin J. and Millie. In political sentiment, he is a staunch Greenbacker.

armer R. Phillips, retired farmer, resident at Ithaca, was born Nov. 17, 1822, at Pleas- ant Valley, near Titusville, N. J. His fath- er, Joseph M. Phillips, was born May 1, 1786, in the same place, and came of a direct line of Scotch ancestry. In 1823 he removed his family to Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., and in June, 1832, he made another remove and settled on section 1, Salem Town- ship, Washtenaw Co., Mich. He bought 80 acres of unimproved land, which his son Parmer was inter- ested in clearing and improving. He was married the second time, to Charity Hice, a native of New Jer- sey, who became the mother of two daughters and one son. The issue of his first marriage included five sons and two daughters. The names of the ten chil- dren are: Stephen, Phebe, Theodore, Ephraim, Pe- ter, Aaron and Mary (twins), by the first marriage ;

and Parmer R., Frances and Charity by the second marriage. He made a permanent settlement with his family in Fulton Township, Gratiot Co., Mich., in 1859, locating on section 36, where he died in Sep- tember, 1872. The mother also died on the home- stead in Fulton Township. Peter Phillips, the grand- father of Mr. Phillips of this sketch, was born July 1, 1742 ; was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and died in Seneca Co., N. Y., at the age of 84 years. His wife's maiden name was Mary Morehead. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters : Titus, Peter, Joseph M., Betsey and Rebecca.

Mr. Phillips, youngest son of the family, was 19 years of age when he went to Northville, Wayne Co., Mich., to learn the trade of shoemaker with his brother Peter, and made that his business nine years. During that time his marriage with Louisa M. Bryant occurred, at Livonia, Wayne County. The event was solemnized Dec. 15, 1847. Mrs. Phillips was born June 7, 1830, in Weedsport, N. Y., and is a daughter of John and Annie (Hodge) Bryant. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, six of whom are now living. They were born in the following order : Julia, deceased; Joseph, residing at Ithaca; James H., manager of his father's farm in Fulton Township; Mary H., wife of Stephen Barrett, resident on the fam- ily homestead ; Annie, Frank, Jennie and Freddie ; Fannie and Robert are deceased. Annie is teaching in a graded school at Alma, Frank is agent and operator at Cedar Lake, Jennie is a teacher and has been for several years Principal of the public schools in Estella. Joseph Phillips is believed to be the oldest white child born in Gratiot County. He was born April 30, 1852.

In 1851, Mr. Phillips came to Fulton Township and located 160 acres of Government land on sec- tion 35, to which he added 160 acres by later pur- chase, and owns the south half of the section. He has placed 180 acres in first-class condition, with suitable farm house and other buildings, and with 12 acres of unusually valuable orchard. He has en- gaged somewhat in lumbering. In 1864, in com- pany with Solomon Wyman and Capt. Roswell Danly, he bought a steam saw-mill in Bridgeville, which they reconstructed and operated seven years ; later on; associated with John Bryant, he contracted with the State for the construction of 111/2 miles of the State road from Leland to Northport. The work con-

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sumed between two and three years and cost $8,000. Before it was completed, Mr. Phillips removed to Essex, Iowa, on account of the ill-health of the mem- bers of his family. They remained in the Hawkeye State about two and a half years. On his return to Fulton he bought a stage route from St. John's, Clin- ton County, to St. Louis, which he managed between two and three years, in company with Solomon Wy- man. At the end of the period named he sold his claim to his associate, and bought 35 acres in the vil- lage of Ithaca, which he platted, and has since sold, with the exception of four acres to which he has retired. During his connection with the stage busi- ness he removed to St. Louis, and while the family resided there the youngest son died, of fever. In con- sequence of this loss, he disposed of his interest to Mr. Wyman, as stated.

In political principles, Mr. Phillips is a Democrat. In 1879 he was elected to the office of Superintend- ent of the Poor, and in 1882 was elected again to the same position. He became a member of the Masonic Order in 1860.

As one of the pioneers and prominent representa- tive men of Gratiot County we take pleasure in pre- senting the portrait of Mr. Phillips, in connection with that of his estimable wife.

ames K. Jenne, farmer, section 11, Fulton Township, is a son of Ansel S. and Nar- cissa (Merrill) Jenne, natives of New York State. In an early day, about one year after marriage, they came to Ohio and settled in Me- dina County, where he died, Aug. 20, 1882. His wife survives, in Medina County. Their family comprised four sons and four daughters, of whom James K. was the second son.

Ile was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Oct. 24, 1844, and remained with his father, attending school and working on the farm, until 22 years of age. In the spring of 1865, he came to Gratiot County and bought 120 acres of wild land on section 11, Fulton Township. He at once built a house and began to im- prove his farm, and to realize how well he has succeeded one should visit his place. He owns ISo acres, 140 of which are cleared and cultivated. In

the summer of 1882 he built the fine residence which he now occupies.

Dec. 16, 1866, in Fulton Township, he married Miss Miranda S., daughter of Albert and Miranda S. (Beach) Wheeler, natives of Connecticut, where Mrs. Wheeler died about 40 years ago. Mr. Wheeler after- wards came to Gratiot County and was one of the first settlers of Fulton Township, where he died in November, 1880. Mrs. Jenne was born in Litchfield Co., Conn. She and her husband are the parents of two sons : Burton S. and Herbert A. Mrs. J. is a member of the Congregational Church, and Mr. J. of the Methodist Episcopal. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket.

lvedo S. Barber, of the firm of Nelson & Barber, general merchants at Ithaca, was born July 21, 1846, in Parishville, St. Lawrence Co, N. Y. His father, Cyrus R. Barber, is a native of Vermont and a farmer by occupa- tion. The mother, whose maiden name was Eliza- beth Parker, was also born in the Green Mountain State, of English ancestors. The parents still reside in Parishville, N. Y.

Mr. Barber obtained his early education in the common schools until he was 17 years old, when he entered the academy at Potsdam and spent four terms at that institution. He next engaged as a clerk in Potsdam with Watkins, Leete & Co., general merchants, with whom he stayed five yers. In 1872 he went to Kansas, and engaged in teaching school near Garnett until the fall of 1873, when he came to Ithaca and entered the store of Nelson & Smith as salesman. He remained in their employ until August, 1875, when he succeeded to a proprietary interest in the business by purchase, the firm style becoming Nelson & Barber. Their stock is valued at $25,000, and their annual transactions in their various avenues of trade aggregate about $200,000, covering operations in grain, lumber, wool and merchandise. They own a fine elevator 32 x 61 feet, with a wing 28 x 28 feet in dimensions and one and a half stories in height. They have a retail lumber-yard in the rear of this structure. and handle lumber, lath, shingles, etc., in which they are doing a successful business. Mr. Barber owns a fine dwelling and

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grounds and several building lots in the town in com- pany with Mr. Nelson. They are also the owners of a farm of So acres in the township of North Star.

Mr. Barber was married July 19, 1875, at Pots- dam, to Francene Swift. She was born in that place April 19, 1852, and is the daughter of Hiram and Aurilla Swift. Roscoe S., born May 15, 1878, and Anna, born March 19, 18So, are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Barber.

Pharles E. Webster, farmer, on section TI, Fulton Township, is a son of Lyman and Dimmis (Stebbins) Webster, natives of Massa- chusetts, where they first settled and lived about 12 years. They then came to Kent County, this State, where they were among the first settlers of the city of Grand Rapids. He built the first saw-mill in that city. The family afterwards re- moved to Ionia County, and then to Clinton County. In 1850 the father went to California, and two years later to Australia. He was last heard from in 1856, in which year it is supposed that he died. The mother died Nov. 28, 1875. Their family comprised four sons and six daughters, of whom Charles E. was the third son.

He was born in Clinton Co., Mich .. April 2, 1839, and educated in the common schools of that county. He remained at home until 22 years old, taking care of his father's farm and being largely instrumental in the support of the family. In 1861 he built a house on 40 acres of land, which had been set apart for him from his father's estate. After one year he came to Gratiot County (February, 1862) and for one year worked a farm on shares in Fulton Township. He then purchased 80 acres of partly improved land known as the Benson farm, on section 12, same town- ship. There he lived until December, 1874, and then moved into the fine residence he now occupies on section 11, where he had previously bought 40 acres. He now owns 300 acres on sections 11, 12 and 13, 230 acres being well improved.

Jan. 1, 1861, at Maple Rapids, Clinton County, he formed a life partnership with Josephine E., daughter of Cornelius and Parmelia (Amidon) Campbell, na- tives of New York State. Mrs. W. was born in St. Lawrence County, that State, June 7, 1840. Mr.

and Mrs. Webster have been the parents of three children : Carrie E., Birdella I. and Cornelius S. (died Oct. 15, 1866).

Mr. Webster has been and still is an active and prominent man. He has been for 17 years Super- visor of Fulton Township, which is a longer service than any other man in Gratiot County can show. He was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1863, and served till July 4, 1882, over 19 years. In 1875 he was appointed Notary Public, by Gov. Bagley, and held the commission four years. In 1883 he was re-appointed. He has been the Democratic nominee for Sheriff four times, but, though he ran ahead of his ticket each year, he has failed to receive a majority. He met the same fate twice when he ran on the Democratic ticket for County Treasurer. flis Democracy is Simon-pure, and he is one of the most influential members of that party in the county. He is a member of the Masonic Order.

ohn D. Mandeville, hardware merchant at Alma, was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., March 29, 1858, and is the son of John D. and Susan (Pomeroy) Mandeville. The par- ents were of French and German descent, and were natives of the State of New York. They married and settled in the[Empire State, where the father died Nov. 29, 1867. The mother still resides there. Their family included seven children, five of whom grew to maturity.

Mr. Mandeville was the youngest son, and remain- ed at home until he was 17 years old, and obtained his education in the common schools. He began life as a clerk at Elmira, N. Y., but acted in that capacity only six months, and resigned the position to engage with his brother in the insurance business at Olean, N. Y., where he continued to operate eight years. In April, 1883, he came to Alma and pur- chased an interest in the hardware store of H. Kelso. He afterward became sole proprietor, and has since conducted the business, which has been increasing in extent and profit, singly. In political views, Mr. Mandeville is a liberal Republican.

He was married at Kendall Creek, McLean Co.,

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Pa., May 24, 1832, to Nellie, daughter of the Hon. A. A. Craig. Judge Craig was formerly a Paymaster , in the United States Army, and now resides at Corry, Pa. Mrs. Mandeville was born Oct. 25, 1864, at Erie, Pa.

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 52

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

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