Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich., Part 64

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 64

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).

624

GRATIOT COUNTY.

the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the blue lodge. He is likewise connected with the Royal Arcanum Insurance Society, of which he was a charter mem- ber. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Wright was married Feb. 20, 1870, at Parma, Jackson Co., Mich., to Lorinda, daughter of Henry Housman. She was born Feb. 21, 1842. Soon after they were married they came to St. Louis to make their future home, at which place they continued to live and keep house until the time of her death, May 10, 1883. For years she had been a partial invalid, and her sufferings were intense ; but through all her pains she was patient, uncomplaining, and cheerful, and by her gentle ways and noble example she en- deared herself to all who knew her; in truth, it may be said :

None knew her, but to love her. None named her. but to bless her.

Few persons could have been more sadly missed or sincerely mourned than Mrs. Wright, and few, in- deed, who can lay claim to a greater number of devoted friends.

The portrait of Mr. Wright, which appears on an- other page, in a two-fold sense is a valuable addition to the historical records of Gratiot County. He is a son of the Peninsular State by birth and heritage, and of Gratiot County in experience and position. The statement of what he has achieved through honest desert is all the eulogy he needs.

lexander McCuaig, farmer, section 18, North Shade Township, is a son of Donald and Mary (Morrison) McCuaig, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of Canada. They both died in the Dominion-Mrs. McC. Feb. 9, 1851, and Mr. M.C. in 1882.

He was born March 20, 1831, in Newton Town- ship, Canada. He remained at home with his par- ents until he was 21 years of age. He then worked in the lumber regions one year in Upper Canada, and next, in 1853, he located in the town of Livonia, Wayne Co., Mich., and ten years subsequently came to Gratiot County, settling on 80 acres of wild land, where he still resides, having 40 acres cleared, and substantial improvements made.

Mr. McCuaig was married to Deborah, daughter of Benjamin and Lucy (Lewis) Luther, natives of Massachusetts and occupants of a farm, who emi- grated first to New York State and then to Michigan, settling in Wayne County. Mr. L. died July 30, 1882, in Gratiot Co., Mich., at the advanced age of 74 years. Mrs. L., aged 79, is still living with her daughter, Mrs, McC.

In 1864, Mr. McCuaig enlisted in Co. A, 23d Mich. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 23d Army Corps. He participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, T'enn., and in all the other engage- ments of the regiment. On the mustering out of his regiment, he was transferred to the 28th Mich. Inf., and was finally discharged at Raleigh, N. C. Since the war he has been a faithful and exemplary citi- zen, pursuing his prosperous vocation of farming. He is a Republican ; has been Highway Commis- sioner three terms, and held other local offices. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 20 years.

illiam H. Laycock, farmer on section 23, Fulton Township, is a son of John and Polly (Hatt) Laycock, of English and Ger- man ancestry. They first settled in New York State, and afterwards removed to Wayne Co., Mich., where they lived one year. They then moved to Genoa, Jackson County, where she died. He died at the residence of his son William, Jan. 21, 1880.

The subject of this biographical sketch was the second son of his father's family, and was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1828. He was about seven years old when his parents came to Michigan, and he lived at home until 21 years old, when he went to Lenawee County. Here he worked by the month, and worked a farm on shares, for almost three years. Coming to Gratiot County in the spring of 1853, he pre-empted 80 acres of wild land on sec- tion 27, Fulton Township. This he sold for $100, the ensuing fall, and then be purchased 80 acres on section 23, where he now resides. He has since added 40 acres to his farm, and has about So acres under cultivation. He has erected a fine modern-

THE NEW I PUBLIC LIRE ..

ASTOR, LE TIX AND TILDEN F 'NDATIONS R L

627

GRATIOT COUNTY.

appearing residence, which will compare favorably with any in the county.

Dec. 19, 1852, in Essex, Clinton Co., Mich., he married HIuldah M., daughter of Newman and Eliza (Booth) Terry, natives of New York. They came to Michigan in 1831, and settled first in Lenawee County. They afterwards removed to Clinton County, where the mother died, March 26, 1880. Mr. Terry is now spending his last days with his children. Mrs. Laycock was born in Fairfield, Lenawee Co., Mich., May 8, 1835.

Mr. and Mrs. L. have had eight children : Almon, Charlie N., Loelda, Ellis, William G., Erva R. and Ora D. and one which died in infancy. William G. died when 16 months old. Politically, Mr. L. is identified with the Republican party. He has been one of the few permitted to see Fulton Township in all stages of its development. When he settled there, there were but three families east of Pine Creek, in the township.

In September, 1864, he was drafted into the army, and was assigned to the 23d Mich. Vol. Inf. He served ten months with honor to himself, and fought at Nashville and Franklin, Tenn., and in minor en- gagements.

illiam D. Scott, M. D., of Ithaca, was born Nov. 15, 184r, in Essex, Clinton Co., Mich. Samuel M. Scott, his father, was a native of New Hampshire. He was essentially a New England man, and spent the first years of his life within the influences which pervaded the East at that period. He was Democratic in pol- itics, and deeply interested in all issues which the times developed and the march of civilization made exigent. He removed to the counties of Clinton and lonia in 1838, and, in company with a man named Osgood, bought 160 acres of land in Essex, Clinton County. He returned East, and in 1840 was mar- ried, in the State of New York, to Sarah S. Gilmore, a native of Maine. She died in Essex, Mich., in September, 1863. Soon after his marriage, the elder Scott came to Essex, purchased the interest of his associate, and proceeded to the work of improving his property, a laborious and tedious process, for lack

of conveniences and facilities. Ile was a Democrat in politics, alive to all the interests of the community, and his abilities and experience made him a valuable accession to the new and unorganized county. He was the first Sheriff of Clinton County and subse- quently held the combined office of Clerk and Regis- ter of Deeds. He was also actively interested in the promotion of school interests. Later in life he was elected to represent his District in the Legislature of Michigan, and at the time of his death, April 26, 1850, was in his third term as Representative.

Dr. Scott obtained his elementary education at the common schools and was a pupil a few terms at a select school. At the age of 18 he commenced prep- aration for his profession and entered the office of Dr. C. W. Brown, of Maple Rapids, with whom he was connected till that gentleman's death, in May, 1863. Prior to this time, however, in October, 1862, he entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, taking one course of lectures. He then returned to Maple Rapids, where he remained till October, 1863. when he removed to Bridgeville, Gratiot County, and pursued his profession till January, 1865, when he took up his residence at Ithaca. In the fall of that year, 1865, he went to Chicago to avail himself of the advantages of Rush Medical College, and was graduated there as a physician and surgeon, in the class of 1866. He at once returned to Ithaca and has built up a good practice in the village and adja- cent country.

Soon after establishing himself at Ithaca, he was appointed United States Examining Surgeon for Gra- tiot County, which position he held until the spring of 1881, when he resigned and went South for a few months owing to poor health. Dr. Scott was married at Ithaca, April 25, 1868.

His family includes three daughters : Ella M., Sarah J. and Blanche. One son, William M., died when five months old.

The Doctor is a member of the State Medical Society and belongs to the Order of Masonry and Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has always figured largely in the counsels and delibera- tions of that party in the county, and wields no little influence in directing its destiny. His portrait, which appears on the opposite page, is a valuable addition to the galaxy of prominent citizens found within the pages of this volume. It will be highly prized by the

628

GRATIOT COUNTY.

patrons of this work, a very large proportion of whom are personally known to him, and by whom he is es- Specially admired, not only for his ability and skill as f a physician and surgeon, but for his personal worth as a citizen, his genial quality of head and heart.

ewis B. Loomis, farmer, section 30, North Shade Township, is a son of Gideon and Lydia (Barnes) Loomis, natives of Con- necticut and Vermont respectively. The par- ents lived in the State of New York, and the father followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, which occurred in Yates County, in that State, in 1854, the death of the mother having taken place in the same county in 1849, six years prior.

Lewis was born Sept. 8, 1828, in Yates Co., N. Y., and lived with his parents until he arrived at the age of majority. Prior to attaining this age, he had passed a season in this State, and returning to his native State he engaged himself by the month, and worked in that way until he was 23 years of age. He then began to make for himself a home in the forests of Gratiot County.

Mr. Loomis was united in marriage to Miss Olivia W., daughter of Abraham and Jane (Wilson) Barthol- omew. She was born April 9, 1832, in Yates Co., N. Y. At the age of five years her parents both died, leaving her to the care of an aunt of her father, where she remained until she had attained the age of 14 years, when she went to a neighbor's family, and there lived until she was 18 years old. At the age of 25 she was married to Mr. L., and in 1852 they came to this State and located in Ionia County, where they remained a year. From Tonia they emi- grated to this county, and settled on a fractional lot on section 30, North Shade Township, containing 621/2 acres, which he had procured from the Govern- ment.

They were among the early settlers in the town- ship, and the many trials they encountered and suc- cessfully overcame are forcible reminders of what energy and perseverance, backed by strong deter- mination, can accomplish. The location selected for their home was a wilderness. Ile had kept " bache- lor's hall " for four years previous to his marriage, and at that time not a single house could be found

between the point where his is now located and Matherton, Ionia County, a distance of four and one half miles. Civilized Indians were his visitors, and here we divert from narration of events to state, " two fair maidens of the forest created quite an im- pression upon our subject." All kinds of game were plentiful, and deer and bear abounded ; and look- ing back to those days of trials, our subject, with so many other early pioneers, rejoices over the above mentioned fact.

Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are the parents of two chil- dren: Alfred B., born Jan. 27, 1858, and Willie J., born May 12, 1868.

Mr. Loomis assisted in the organization of the county, and, together with Henry Lane, were Dele- gates to the Convention. He officiated as Coroner of the county when the same was first organized ; has been School Inspector of the Township for a number of terms; Director of his school district, and also Moderator.

Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are both active members of the United Brethren Church. He has been Super- intendent of the Sabbath-school for 15 years, and Class-leader 15 years. She was Steward of the class to which she belongs, and fulfilled the position with ability. Mr. L. has also filled the position of Ste .v- ard, and their home goes by the name of the United Brethren Hotel and Rest for the Weary.

In political connection. Mr. L. is a staunch Re- publican.

euben D. Perrine, Justice of the Peace, resident at St. Louis, was born March 13, À 1829, in Livingston Co., N. Y. He is son of Daniel and Phebe (Howell) Perrine, and was reared to manhood on a farm. He obtained a substantial elementary education, which was supplemented by study at the academy in Aurora, N. Y., and at a similar institution at Seneca Falls. He became a teacher and has devoted considerable time to the pursuit of that vocation, both in his native State and in Michigan.

In 1853 he came to Jackson County and settled in Rives Township, where his father bought 203 acres of land lying on the Grand River and well known as the " Old Freeman Farm." His parents are still re-

GRATIOT COUNTY.

629

siding in that estate. Mr. Perrine bought 60 acres of land near his father's home, which later on he sold and bought another, lying opposite the home- stead of his parents. On this he lived and labored, and cleared about 50 acres. He went to Rives Junc- tion, where he conducted a line of grocery business and also acted as station agent for the Jackson, Lansing & Northern Railroad Co. about 18 months. In October, 1869, he came to St. Louis, and after some time passed in various occupations he bought a third interest in a cabinet-shop. This enterprise and its relations continued ten months, and after its termination he began to interest himself in insurance, and prosecuted that branch of business three years. He has been in active, useful public life much of the time since he became a resident of the county; has held the positions of Township Clerk, and in 1882 was elected to the office of Magistrate, and is still discharging the obligations of the position ; also held the same office one term in Rives.

Mr. Perrine was married Feb. 5, 1857, to Mariette, daughter of Francis and Amy Beverly. She was born Feb. 17, 1836, in Steuben Co., N. Y. C'assius D. is the only child living. He was born in Rives, Sept. 17, 1860.

Mr. Perrine owns and manages a farm. which in- cludes 6r acres of choice land located in Pine River Township, section 2, four miles northwest of St. Louis. ITe and his wife are members of the C'on- gregational Church.

Charles C. Foote, farmer, section' 32, Lafay- ette Township, is a son of Henry K. and Minerva (llenderson) Foote, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively. (See

sketch of James L. Foote.) He was born in Oakland Co., Mich., April 13, 1835. At the age of 18 he left home and went to New Albany, Ind., and passed two years as apprentice to the carpenter's trade. Returning to Milford, Oakland County, he followed his trade most of the time for seven years. During this period, he passed three months at Oil City, Pa. In August, 1861, he came to Gratiot Coun- ty, and bought 160 acres of wild land, in Lafayette Tp., section 32. Going back to Oakland County, he returned with his family to their new home, erect-

ed a log house, and began to clear and improve his land. He now has So acres under cultivation. In 1871 he built the fine house which is now his dwell- e ing

He was married in Oakland County, May 9, 1860, to Sarah, second daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Wurtz) Peters, born in Brighton Township, Living- ston Co., Mich , Sept. 10, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Foote have no children : Mary E., William K., Anna M., John H .. Margaret J., Charles P., Jacob C., Edith A., Frank and Sarah.

Mr. Foote was Supervisor of his township two years, Clerk three years, and has held the various school offices in his district. In politics, he is a Re- publican. Mr. and Mrs. Foote are members of the Presbyterian Church.

- 6

ylvester C. Smith, furniture dealer at St. Louis, was born in Columbia Township, Jackson Co., Mich., Aug. 23, 1840, and is a son of Edward and Eliza (Day) Smith. His father was a native of the State of New York, and removed in 1834, with his family, to Jack- son County. He was one of the earliest of the pioneer settlers of Columbia, where he died in 1862. The mother was also a native of the Empire State, and died in 1858 in Columbia.

Mr. Smith was brought up as a farmer's son and attended the winter terms of school while acquiring an education. On arriving at the period of his legal freedom and independence, he went to Illinois, where he was engaged as salesman for a manufacturing company of Massachusetts, in the sale of sewing machines. He operated in their interests about 18 months, when he returned to Jackson County and bought 70 acres of land in his native township. Two years later he sold his farm and went to the adjoining town of Liberty, where he opened a store for the sale of general merchandise, and continued four years. He then made a transfer of his business interests to Hanover, in the same county, where he transacted mercantile affairs nearly four years. In 1875 he came to St. Louis and engaged in the sale of sewing-machines for the Remington Company. A year later, in the spring of 1876, he entered into a

GRATIOT COUNTY.

630

partnership with L. W. Kent, in the sale of furniture. This connection was in existence a year and was terminated by Mr. Smith selling his interest to his partner. Subsequently, Mr. Smith and Samuel Love- land entered into a partnership and bought the furniture stock of S. II. Holmes. In March, 1877, Mr. Smith became sole owner and has since con- ducted the business alone. Hle removed to his present stand in June, 1883. His stock represents several thousand dollars, and he is engaged in a prosperous business, including the sale of furniture and undertaker's goods, in which latter he has the largest trade in the county, with commensurate facilities, including caskets, hearse, and the Boyd grave vault. He is also managing an extensive re- pair trade. He has been a member of the School Board at St Louis two years, and belongs to the Board of Village Trustees. He owns 70 shares in the silver mines of the Mineral Mountain Company in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona.

Mr Smith was married Dec. 24, 1863, in Wood- stock. Lenawee Co., Mich., to Frances M. Allen, born Aug. 22, 1845, in the State of New York. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith are : Carrie E., born Aug. 23, 1864, in Columbia: Hattie, born in Liberty, 1870; Edward A., born Jan. 18, 1876, in St. Louis.

ohn M. Glover, farmer on section 14, Ar- cada Township, was born in Brutus Town- ship, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 26, 1821, and is a son of William and Adelphia (Hay- ward) Glover. He is the fifth child and fourth son of a family of to, the oldest of whom is 71, and the youngest 50. All are residents of Mich- igan except one, who lives in Missouri. William Glover was a native of New Jersey, and descended from the old Puritan stock of New England. He was by occupation a weaver, learning his trade in New Jersey, and came to Michigan in 1844. He died in 1854, in Washtenaw County. Adelphia (Hay- ward) Glover was a native of Salem, Mass., and died in Washtenaw County in 1858.

The subject of this biographical narrative lived at home with his parents until 21 years old, and received a common-school education. Leaving the parental

roof in the fall of 1842, he came to Washtenaw County, this State, and worked on farms in Sylvan Township for three years.

Dec. 31, 1846, in Waterloo Township, Jackson County, he formed a life partnership with Miss Lydia A. Earl, daughter of John and Rhoda (Castle) Earl, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, and of English and Scotch descent. She was born in Es- sex Township, Essex Co., N. Y., and at the age of five was taken to Erie County. The family after- wards moved to Jackson Co., Mich., where she lived until her marriage.

Three years after that event, Mr. Glover purchased a farm of 40 acres in Jackson County; and three years later they went to Washtenaw County and lived a year. They then came to Gratiot, where, in the fall of 1854, he located 160 acres on section 14. Arcada Township. They were then in the midst of a forest so dense that they could only see daylight hy looking heavenward. Their first house was of the rudest pattern, being of logs, with no floor, and cov- ered with " shakes." The door was made also of home-made lumber, but it was afterwards replaced by a door made from the first lumber sawed in the county, produced by Francis Nelson and William Prouty, with an old-fashioned "whip saw." On set- tling here, Mr. Glover's household effects would in- ventory about Sioo, and he had but $5 in cash. The first straw in their beds was hauled 21 miles. He cut the first road in his school district. The town meetings and elections were held in his house for seven consecutive years.

Mr. G. now has 140 acres of good farming land, of which So are in an excellent state of cultivation, and a fine residence that cost over $2,000. He is 62 years old, but is a progressive farmer ; and being of an active temperament he works hard every day. July 4, 1875, he was kicked by a young horse in the side of the face and head, and the bones of his up- per and lower jaws were broken. From this injury he duly recovered, and he has otherwise always had remarkably good health. For 29 years his doctor bill was less than $30. Mrs. Glover is a woman of remarkable endurance, and has been a fit companion to her husband in his pioneer work. For some time, in the early days, they ground their corn in a coffee mill, and went 30 miles to post-office and mill.

Mr. and Mrs. Glover have had four children :

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LO OX AND TILDEN G NDATIONS

James Gangste

Mary Louise Gargett

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LAPARY

ASTOR. LEN IX AND TILDEN FO NDAIT INS R L

635

GRATIOT COUNTY.

Rhoda .A., Mary E., Frankie L. and Rebecca I. (died April 15, 1862). Miss Rhoda has been a teacher in the common schools for some time. Mr. G. and wife are active members of the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination. He has held the offices of Overseer and School Director for a number of years. Politi- cally, he is entirely neutral. He is a man of most excellent personal habits, having never tasted tobac- co or spirituous liquor.

ames Gargett, capitalist, resident at Alma, was born July 15, 1825, at Godmanches- ter, Canada. His father, Robert Gargett, was born July 10, 1800, in Yorkshire, England. He came to the United States when he was 16 years old and settled in the State of New York, where he was married to Elizabeth Perkins. She was born April 13, 1805, in Connecticut. They re- mained in the Empire State only a brief time after their marriage, going thence to Canada. After a residence there of 12 years, they removed to Summit Co., Ohio, and made a permanent settlement. There they resided 37 years, leading lives of frugality, use- fulness and success. They died in 187 1 by the hand of violence, and their tragic fate and the condign pun- ishment of its author is matter of record and terrible memory in Summit County. The murderer, whose name. John Hunter, is handed down in its infamous notoriety, was apprehended. tried, convicted and hung in October, 1871, at Akron, Ohio. The entire family of Robert and Elizabeth Gargett, consisting of three sons and six daughters, lived to mature age. They were born in the order named : John, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Martha, Orpha, Chloe and Rodney.

Mr. Gargett was ten years old when his parents went to Ohio, and he remained with them until he was 24 years of age. He acquired a good common- school education, and at 19 engaged in teaching winter terms of school, a business he pursued four years. In 1849 he was married, and soon after that event he engaged in farming in Summit County, and, in addition to his agricultural pursuits, engaged in the construction of Artesian wells. He managed his two-fold business interests at that point four years, and in 1853 sold his farm and engaged in commis- sion business in the city of Cleveland. He continued

his operations in that avenue four years and mean- while became proprietor by purchase of a half interest in a hardware store in Frederickstown, Ohio.

In the latter enterprise he was associated with Alex- ander Love. His business was unusually prosperous and he became the possessor of $20,000, the result of honest enterprise, but his partner trifled with the firm name and interests, and by endorsing for outside parties overwhelmed its affairs, causing a total loss. Mr. Gargett continued the commission business singly and operated with the success due to his efforts and energies. In the summer of 1857 he again found his affairs in an inextricable condition owing to his own indorsement to aid others in keeping their busi- ness afloat. As a result, he found himself involved to the extent of $21,000. He discharged every dol- lar of his obligations and proceeded with his business as he best could until the fall of the same year, when the universal upheaval of all the trade and the business relations of the country, coupled with his impaired health, forced him to succumb to the press- ure, and his business in Cleveland was brought to a termination. He still owned an investment of $4,000 he had previously made in Sumner Township, Gratiot County, in a general store; and in the winter of 1 858-9 he removed to Michigan, where his property was in- vested, and found that nearly all the goods had been trusted to the new settlers ; and in consequence of the failure of crops, that brought on the memorable starvation times of Gratiot, they were unable to pay, and the whole thing was a failure.

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 64

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

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