Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 61

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

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The death of his sister, De Ette, occurred Nov. 8, 1871, after an illness of more than seven months. His mother died Aug. 18, 1882, having been an in- valid with rheumatism for nearly five years, and most of that time in nearly a helpless condition.

Mr. Tucker remained a bachelor until Dec. 17, 1883, when he was married, in Jackson, Mich., to Miss M. Louise Briggs, one of the most highly es- teemed young ladies of St. Louis. She is a daughter of Ira R. and Eliza Briggs, and was born in Wales, St. Clair Co., Mich., June 30, 1860.

Mr. Tucker has for several years been quite prom- inent in local politics. On the incorporation of the village of St. Louis in the fall of 1868, he was elected Street Commissioner, and served one term. In the spring of 1873 he was elected a member of the Village Board of Trustees and served two years. In 1875-6-7 he was Village Clerk, and in 1875 was also ('lerk of Pine River Township, and was Village Marshal during the year 1877. In the spring of 1880, having moved into the township of Bethany (in which St. Louis is in part located), he was elected Supervisor of his township, and was re-elected in 1881 and 1882. In iSSo he was the Fusion candi- date for Judge of Probate, and received upward of 2,400 votes in a total of 5,000. His defeat was the fate of the whole ticket, with the exception of Prose- cuting Attorney. In March, 1883, he ran on the "People's " ticket for Village President, and was elected, receiving considerably more than twice as many votes as his opponent. He was re-elected in the spring of 1884.

The portrait of Mr. Tucker is presented on another page.

amuel Newton, farmer, section 20, Emer- son Township, was born in Bucknershire, Eng., June 12, 1831, and is a son of Thomas and Ann (Iline) Newton, natives of England, and residing on a farm but 45 miles from the city of London. He is a lineal descendant of the old Newton family of which Sir Isaac was the most distinguished member. ITis parents came to the Great Republic in 1850, and finally settled in Barry Co., Mich. In that county his mother died in 1858. Ilis father still lives, aged 73.

Samuel's educational advantages were very limited. At the age of seven he went to live with his grand- parents, and when 14 years old he was apprenticed to John S. Monday, a butcher of Aylesbury, England. Two years and a half later, he went to London and worked as a "jour" in the trade he had learned. Afterward he was employed on a railroad. In 1850 he took ship for this country. For the first eight years after his arrival, he farmed near Ann Arbor, this State.

Sept. 5, 1852, in Washtenaw County, he was united

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in the bonds of matrimony to Jane, daughter of Will- iam and Isabella (Evans) Imisson, natives of Vork- shire, England. Mr. Imisson was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that calling until he came to this country in 1852. Since then he has been a farmer. Ile settled in what is now Emerson Township in 1854. When the township was organized, it was in- tended to name it in his honor ; but " E " was sub- stituted for "1" by mistake. Ile died in September, 1880, nearly 70 years old. His wife now lives with her daughter, enjoying a ripe old age of 75 years. The daughter was born in Vorkshire, Eng., Nov. 10, 1833. Six years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Newton settled on section 21, Emerson Township. In 1867 he purchased on section 20, 80 acres, his present residence ; he has since added 40 acres, and has altogether 60 acres of highly improved land. He has made all improvements, and erected all build- ings, himself.

Mr. and Mrs. Newton have had nine children, of whom six survive : Martha J., born July 19, 1854; Mary B., March 17, 1859; William H., Aug. 1, 1861 ; Jessie L., Jan. 13, 1864; Ellie M., Oct. 7, 1866; Frederick C., July 11, 1870. A baby died in infancy: Sammie was born Dec. 30, 1869, and died Jan. 2, 1870; Nora was born April 5, 1873, and died Aug. 12, 1875. Mr. Newton is a member of Emerson Lodge, No. 375, 1. O. O. F., and holds the office of Guard. He has been Overseer of Roads for a num- ber of years, and in politics is a Democrat.

ames Otto, farmer on section 9, Fulton Township, is a son of George and Ara (l'arrish) Otto, natives of New York State. He was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1833, and was but two years old when his par- ents removed to Hillsdale Co., this State.

Here he received a common-school education, and remained at home most of the time until 24 years old. In the summer of 1855, he came to this county, and bought 80 acres of wild land on sections 7 and 10, Fulton Township. He has since added 40 acres on section 4, and has over 100 acres nicely im- proved.

April 26, 1858, in Fulton Township, he married Miss Josephine, daughter of Andrew T. and Sarah

(Runnels) Wordwell, natives of New York State. Mrs. O. was born in Waterloo, N. Y., Oct. 19, 1843. She and her husband are the parents of 12 children, eight of whom survive : Ara, Fra T., Amasa J., Ahna, Perry, Ampter B., Leroy and Zelma M. The de- ceased all died in infancy, Mr. O. has been Con- stable two years, and has held the minor school of- fices. In politics, he supports the Republican party. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

Re Witt C. Chapin, deceased, formerly one of Gratiot County's prominent citizens, was a son of Theodore Il. and Margaret (Fox) Chapin, natives of New England and New York respectively. Theodore H. Chapin was by profession a lawyer, and practiced at the Bar until his death. The family comprised three sons : De Witt C., Theodore H., Jr., and Christo- pher F.

The subject of this biography was born May 28, 1816, and received his education in the common schools of Lockport, N. Y., and at the academy at Lewiston, N. Y., of which latter institution he was a graduate. He then read law in the office of his father, and was admitted to the Bar before he was 21 years of age. About 1837 he canie to Michigan, lo- cating in Cass County one year. He next lived for several years in Southern Illinois, and a short time in Farmington, Oakland County, this State. Going to Clinton County, he was elected Clerk of that county for two years. Then removing to Allegan County, he was for four years Prosecuting Attorney, and four years Judge of Probate. Returning to Clinton County, he was for three terms again County Clerk.

In December, 1864, he came to Gratiot County and located at Alma, where he followed his profes- sion five years. In the fall of 870, he was elected Register of Deeds of this county, and removed to Ithaca. He was re-elected in the fall of 1872, and continued to fill that responsible office until his death, Jan. 29, 1873, ending a life of exceptional activity and usefulness. He had filled important county offices for nearly 20 years ; was endowed with peculiar talents; possessed of unquestioned in- tegrity, and universally liked and respected.

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Dec. 25, 1843, he formed a life partnership, in Clinton Co., Mich., with Miss Edna F., daughter of William and Mahala Utley, natives of Vermont. Edna F., the fourth of a family of nine, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 18, 1822. By her marriage with Mr. Chapin, she had a family of ten, six surviv- ing : Margaret M., Delia H. (deceased), William W. (deceased), Ella F., Laura C., Nettie M. (deceased), Frank W., Fred. W., Carrie F. and Louise (deceased).

About 1860, Mr. Chapin purchased 326 acres of land on section 31, P'ine River Township, which estate has been equitably divided among the chil- dren ; and Mrs. Chapin now lives a tranquil life with her sons, Frank and Fred.

The portrait of Mr. Chapin is presented on another page. Its appearance in the Portrait and Biographi- cal Album of Gratiot County adds materially to the value of the volume, and will be the source of gen- eral satisfaction.

Henry Read, a prominent farmer, section 1, Fulton Township, is a son of Henry and Sarah A. (Ranger) Read, natives of England, where the father died, June 24, 1851. Mrs. Read came with her family to America in 1854, and settled in Ohio, where she married Albert Wheeler, March 17, 1858. He was a native of Con- necticut. They came to Gratiot County the same year, and settled in Fulton Township, where he died, Nov. 22, 1881. Mrs. Wheeler had by her first hus- band three children,-Rosa I., Henry, and Frederick (died at the age of nine).

The subject of this biographical narrative was born in England, Feb 26, 1848, and was four years old when the family emigrated to the Great Repub- lic. lle received a limited education in the common schools of Ohio and Michigan, and at the early age of 14 began to work by the month at farming. This he followed seven years, and then rented a farm for himself, which he worked for two years. In 1871, he bought 40 acres of partly improved land on sec- tion 1, Fulton Township, to which he has since ad- ded 40 acres. He has good buildings, and has about 60 acres under cultivation.

Oct. 9, 1870, in Clinton Co., Mich., he was mar- ried to Miss Mary C., daughter of Jacob and Nancy

(Lewis) Hanes, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Sept. 15, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Read are the parents of three children: Fred- erick H., Robert H. and Bessie F. Robert died when 14 months old. Mr. R. was elected Justice of the Peace in 1882, and now holds that office. Polit- ically, he supports the Democratic party. He and wife are members of the Congregational Church.

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elmar W. Ely, editor of the Alma Record, was born Aug. 29, 1853, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Derwin and Hel- en (Hart) Ely. ITis father was a native of Chautauqua County also, and the marriage of his parents occurred in the village of Delanti, in the same county. They remained there resident two years, when they came to Michigan and, in 1855, settled in Alına. The father was a farmer and built a pioneer house on the north bank of Pine River. He inhabited his log house a year and erected a dwelling on the south bank of the "Pine," which is now incorporated in the building known as the " Moy- er House." Two years later he sold out to his broth- er, Flavius, and returned to his native county, where he resumed his occupation as agriculturist and re- mained seven years. On the death of his brother, Flavius, at Alina, he returned to that place and as- sumed charge of the children of his brother. He is still resident at Alma, and combines the occupations of builder and farmer.

Mr. Ely remained under the management and guardianship of his parents until he was 18 years of age, when he began teaching school. He taught a term in a rural district of Isabella County, and after- wards repeated the experience in Gratiot County. In order to improve his education, and to fit himself for a life of usefulness in accordance with his preferences and hopes, he attended the State Normal School at Ypsilanti three terms. After leaving school, he ob- tained a position in the Auditor General's office at Lansing, and officiated in the capacity of clerk nearly seven years. In June, 1882, he returned to Alma, and was engaged during the summer in light farm- ing, after which he turned his attention to transac- tions in real estate, in which he was engaged until November, 1883. In that month, he assumed the

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editorial management of the journal published at Alma, and known as the Alma Record. In political principles Mr. Ely is independent, but his tendencies incline to harmonize with the tenets and issues of the Republican party.

He was married at Jackson Jan. 21, 1880, to Min- nie H., daughter of Newton and Jane (McFarland) Whitney. Mrs. Ely was born Nov. 8, 1855, in Lan- sing. Jessie G., only child, was born April 21, 1882.

eorge E. Gee, farmer and stock-raiser, sec- tion 15, Sumner Township, is a son of Joseph and Eleanor (Seaton) Gee, and was born in Lyons Township, Wayne Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1833. At the tender age of six years, he was left to fight life's battles without the protecting guidance of a father. For three years he was under the care of a Mr. Gardner, of his native county, attending school winters, and working sum- mers for his board and clothing. From this time until 18, he worked by the month for two substantial farmers in his neighborhood. He then went home and worked the homestead farm for three years. In the summer of 1854, he went to Cleveland to join his brother Isaac (see sketch), and in the fall of that year came to this county and located 400 acres on the corners of sections 10, 11, 14 and 15.

The following spring, in company with his brother, he began the task, which, persevered in, has made a model farm, one of the best in the county. He has retained of his original purchase 230 acres, 200 of which are in a state of scientific and profitable culti- vation. He has over 2,200 rods of tile drainage, and his residence, barns, etc., are just what one would expect to see under the ownership of a man like George E. Gee. He has a well 206 feet deep, from which excellent mineral water flows.

April 25, 1858, in Pine River Township, at the residence of the bride's parents, he was married to Miss Rachel A. Kress, daughter of James and Mary (Hultz) Kress, natives of New York, and of French and German extraction. James Kress has been a farmer, and, with his wife, now lives in Alma. Their daughter, Rachel, was born in Liberty Township, Jackson Co., Mich., Nov. 30, 1842. When 13 years

old, her parents came to Gratiot County and settled at Alma, where nothing but log huts were then to be seen. There she was reared and educated, and, after teaching two terms of school, was married, at the age of 16. She has been a faithful wife, an affec- tionate mother, and a good neighbor. She has been the mother of four children : Jay, Lulah (deceased), Eulah and Eddie.

The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Gee are presented herewith. Some years ago Mr. Gee suffered from a sunstroke, which, coupled with his energetic, am- bitious spirit, has brought upon him the most terrible affliction to which humanity is heir. Disease and overwork destroyed the texture of an unusually fine mental organism, and in 1880 he was placed under the care of skilled and efficient physicians at the asylum at Kalamazoo, where he receives all possible aid and tender consideration. In his living death, he is sincerely lamented and lovingly remembered by kindred and friends.

oseph Sidel, farmer on section 15, Fulton Township, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Murray) Sidel, natives of Pennsylvania. They first settled in Perry Co., Pa., afterwards removing to Lawrence County, same State, and thence to Wood Co., Ohio, where they died. The subject of this biography was born in Perry Co., Pa., Sept. 8, 1833, and was educated in the common schools. At the age of 18, he was appren- ticed for three years to learn the blacksmith trade. After serving his time, he started in business for him- self in Lawrence County. Five years later he re- moved to Wood Co., Ohio, where he followed his trade, and also bought a small farm. His home was there for six years, including three years spent in the service of the Stars and Stripes.

Aug. 10, 1862, he enlisted in the 123d Ohio Vol. Inf., and during his term he fought at Winchester, Martinsburg, and numerous other engagements. At the siege of Petersburg, he was taken prisoner, only three days before the surrender of Lee. After his brief incarceration, he was honorably discharged, at Columbus, Ohio. In the spring of 1866, he came to Gratiot County, and purchased 40 acres on section 11, Fulton Township, where he lived, improving the

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same, for three years. Selling out, he purchased 40 acres on section 1.4, where he lived a year and a half. lle then traded for 40 acres on section 15, where he now resides. He now owns 120 acres, 96 of which are under cultivation. In the summer of 1882, he built a fine residence. He has also sub- stantial barns, and other necessary buildings.

Jan. 5, 1854, he married Nancy J., daughter of William and Mary A. (Summerville) Allen, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Lawrence Co., Pa., Feb. 18, 1834. Having no children of their : own, Mr. and Mrs. Sidel have reared from infancy three children of his sisters: Joseph Delano, Nettie C. Delano and Ella A. Sidel.

Mr. S. was elected Township Clerk in 1883. Po- litically, he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.

thniel C. Brooks, farmer, section 24, Pine River Township, was born Oct. 22, 1822, in Trumbull Co., Ohio. His parents, John and Hannah (Russell) Brooks, were natives of Massachusetts, and settled in Trumbull County in 1812, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1822, and the mother's death occurred in 1824.

The son was in infancy when his parents died, and he was cared for by his grandfather until he was 13 years of age. Ile obtained some schooling previous to that age, and on finding himself thrown upon his own resources he was variously engaged in lumber- ing and other occupations until he was 25 years old. In 1847 he bought a farm in his native county, which contained 72 acres. This he sold and bought another, and these transactions were several times repeated until 1874, when he came to Gratiot County and bought the farm whereon he now resides, comprising 77 acres. lle has now 63 acres all under advanced improvement. He is a Democrat in political faith.

Mr. Brooks was married the first time in Brace- ville, Trumbull Co., Ohio, to Lois Wilmot. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and of the five children born of the union but one survives, Jessie L. Mary, Franklin and two others, unnamed, died in infancy. The mother dying, Mr. Brooks was married a second time in November, 180g, in Warren, Trumbull Co.,

Ohio, to Mrs. Marcia A., daughter of Charles Tucker, and widow of Robert Russell, M. D. The latter was born in Ohio, and died in 1864. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks : Nellie G., Freddie (. and Gale O. Nellie G. died when she was two years old.

illiam Brice, Supervisor North Shade Town- ship, residing on section 17, was the son of Thomas and Charlotte (Gore) Brice, natives of England, where they both died, the date thereof being unknown. He was born in the native land of his parents, March 10, 1830, and resided under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of 13 years, when he engaged to a farmer in the neighborhood by the month.

In 1854, Mr. Brice left his native land and sailed for the United States and landed in New York City. He came directly from there to this county, and lo- vated on section 17, North Shade Township, where he is at present residing.

The experience of Mr. Brice in establishing a home in the then wilderness of Michigan, was similar to many others of the early pioneers. Obstacles seem- ingly insurmountable constantly presented them- selves; yet, being endowed with those gifts, energy and perseverance, he triumphed over all, and, as a monument to his labors, has 70 acres, of the 120- acre tract he purchased from the Government, well improved, and within his household content sits in the lap of plenty and smiles at the trials of the past.

Mr. Brice was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and as such, erected the customary log cabin, and in time replaced it with a more substantial struc- ture. He has now in course of erection a still more commodious and far more handsome dwelling, con- sisting of three uprights, two 16 x 26 and the other 16 × 30, which will cost, when completed, in the neighborhood of $2,500.

Mr. Brice was married Feb. 5, 1854, to Rebecca M., daughter of Richard and Sarah Harlow. She was born Nov. 25, 1834, and died Sept. 27, 1865, in this county. To their union were born three chit- dren : Richard W., Maria H. and Sarah E. He subsequently married Mrs. Caroline Burt, widow of Nathaniel S. Burt, Jr. She was born Nov. 12, 1842,

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in Ross Township, Kalamazoo County, this State, and came to this county with her parents in 1850. Her parents, Norman and Catharine Sturgis, were the first settlers of the county.

Mr. Brice is truly one of the representative men of the county, and that he is appreciated by the citizens is clearly shown by the recognition of his ability as a proper person to hold the offices of trust in the township. He has held the position of Supervisor for 13 terms, from 1871 to 1884, was Treasurer for nine successive years, and has held some Town- ship office for the past 22 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Brice are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. B. is a staunch Republican.

ohn W. Wolfe, farmer on section 22, Ful- ton Township, is a son of James and Mary E. (Shonkwiler) Wolfe, and was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 1, 1833 He received a good common-school education, and also at- tended the Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio. He remained at home until he had nearly attained his majority and then rented a farm in Seneca Co., Ohio, on which he lived for 12 years. He next lived two years in Clyde, Ohio, and then moved on a farm in Seneca County, given Mrs. Wolfe by her father. Two years later he sold that place and came to Gratiot County. This was in the spring of 1872. He bought 140 acres of partly improved land on sec- tion 22, Fulton Township, where he now resides. He has since added So acres to his farm, and now has under cultivation 188 acres. In the summer of 1881 he built a fine modern dwelling, and his home and farm are models of their kind.

April 6, 1854, in Seneca Co., Ohio, he married Miss Harriet, daughter of Michael and Christina (Smith) Neikirk, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, re- spectively. Mrs. Wolfe was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Dec. 29, 1834, and is the mother of ten chil- dren, nine living : Albert B., Willis K., Doctor Mc., James M., Ollie D., John E, David N., Berty W. and Clinton L. Myrtie G. died when six months old. Mr. Wolfe has held the office of School Di- rector. Politically he is a National. He and wife are members of the Seventh-Day Advent Society.

Mrs. Wolfe also finished her education at Heidel- berg College. Mr. W. has taught three terms of school, and takes a deep interest in school matters. He and wife and four of the children-James M., Ollie D., John E. and David N .- belong to the order of Sons of Temperance.

ames L. Foote, farmer, section 33, Lafay- ette Township, is a son of Henry K. and Minerva (Henderson) Foote, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Connecti- cut. They settled in Oakland Co., Mich., in an early day, where he practiced his profession -medicine. In response to his country's call, he enlisted in the Fifth ('avalry, and was given the rank of a Second Lieutenant. He died in the service at Poolesville, Md., in February, 1864. His wife passed the remainder of her days with her children, and died at the home of her son, James, in January, 1881.

James L. Foote was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1837. lle was educated in the common schools of that county, and lived there till 24 years of age, following the business of farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 5th Mich. Vol. Cav., with the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant, and he was with his father when the latter died. His regiment served under Kilpatrick and Custer. After 19 months' serv- ice, he was honorably discharged at Washington. He then returned to Oakland County, and after a short time removed to Gratiot County, where he began to improve the farm which he had bought, consisting of 160 acres, on the northwest quarter of section 33, where he now resides. He has 60 acres under cul- tivation, with good farm buildings. His stock com- prises 15 cattle, 3 horses, 60 sheep and 10 hogs.

Mr. Foote was first married, in Oakland County, to Caroline R., daughter of Enoch and Isabella Shepard, and a native of Michigan. This marriage was blessed with six children, five of whom are living : Henry K , Belle, Minerva, Rolla E. and Caroline R. Ernest died in infancy. The mother died May 8, 1874. Mr. Foote was again married April 27, 1876, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Susanna (Bates) Barnes, natives of England, where Mrs. Foote was born April 2, 1847. By this second mar- riage, there are four children : Sarah 1 .. , May J., Gertrude M. and Jessie L.

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Mr. Foote has been Township Treasurer one year, Clerk four years, Justice of the Peace four years. and has hekl various school offices. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is politically a Republican.

eorge W. Price, farmer, section 23, Fulton Township, is a son of William R. and Mary G. (Page) Price. They were born and married in the old town of Gilmanton, Bel- knap Co., N. Il., where they resided until 1855. Mr. Price then came to Gratiot County, and the fol- lowing year he returned and brought his family. They settled on section 22. Fulton Township, where he owned 140 acres, mostly wild land. They par- tially improved this land and resided on it until 1872. Mr. Price then sold and removed to Maple Rapids, where he died, April 15, 1879, and she, April 19. same year. Their family comprised three sons and three daughters: George W., Charles A., Mary A., John W., Sarah and Clara.

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Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 61

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

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