USA > Michigan > Gratiot County > Portrait and biographical album of Gratiot county, Mich. > Part 80
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Register of Deeds-Elijah Peck, Rep., 389, maj. 205 ; Henry P. Clark, Dem., 184.
Prosecuting Attorney-Israel B. Coats, Rep., 372, maj. 198; Isaac Powers, Dem., 176.
County Surveyor-Sidney S. Hastings, Rep., 347, maj. 131; Addison Hayden, Dem., 216.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Israel B. Coats, Rep., 355, maj. 182; Isaac Powers, Dem., 173.
Coroners-Horace T. Barnaby, Rep., 450, maj. 86; Thomas T. Tann, Dem., 364.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, 1860.
President-Abraham Lincoln, Rep., 496, maj. 182 ; Stephen A. Douglas, Dem., 314.
Governor-Austin Blair, Rep., 496, maj. 179; John Barry, Dem., 317.
State Senator-Osmond Tower, Rep., 492, maj. 179: Frederick Hall, Dem., 313.
Representative-Gilbert E. Pratt, Rep., 439, maj. SI; Hiram C. Hodge, Dem., 358.
Sheriff-Frederick D). Weller, Rep., 436, maj. 65 ; Joseph B. Smith, 371.
County Treasurer-Ralph Ely, Rep., 472, maj. 101; Lyman T. Cassada, Dem., 37 1.
County Clerk-Horace T. Barnaby, Rep., 513, maj. 229 ; Anson R. Arnold, Dem., 284.
Register of Deeds -- Elijah Peck, Rep., 426, maj. 179; Luther J. Dean, Rep., 247 ; George W. Mc- Henry, Dem., 144.
Judge of Probate-Francis Nelson, Rep., 407, maj. 28; John R. Cheesman, Dem., 379.
Prosecuting Attorney-Israel B. Coats, Rep., 318, elected; Charles B. Holliday, Dem., 318.
Circuit Court Commissioner-William E. Winton Rep., 605 ; no opp.
Surveyor-Sidney S. Hastings, Rep., 524, maj. 290 ; Anson R. Arnold, Dem., 274.
Coroner-Thomas J. Tann, Rep., 433; Hiram Burgess, Rep., 412; Robert G. Hutchinson, Dem., 293, George B. Gifford, Dem., 294.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, 1862.
Governor-Austin Blair, Rep., 524, maj. 204; Byron G. Stout, Dem., 320.
State Senator-Westbrook Divine, Rep., 381, maj. 142 ; John Tann, Dem., 239.
Representative-John R. Cheesman, Dem., 440, maj. 75; James Gargett, Rep., 365.
Sheriff-Francis D. Weller, Rep., 450, maj. 73; Cornelius Holliday, Dem., 377.
County Treasurer-Elijah Peck, Rep., 462, maj. 104; Lyman T. Cassada, Dem., 358.
County Clerk-William C. Beckwith, Rep., 437, maj. 70; Horace T. Barnaby, Dem., 367.
Register of Deeds-Henry P. Howd, Rep., 417, maj. 4; William Long, Dem., 413.
Prosecuting Attorney-Moses Tompkins, Rep., 415, maj. 26; William E. Winton, Dem., 389.
Surveyor-Sidney S. Hastings, Rep., 431, maj. 29. James B. Wheeler, Dem., 402.
Coroners-William C. Newcomb, Rep., 424, maj. 12; Thomas Blumb, Dem., 412, maj. 3; Addison H. Mack, Rep., 409, maj. 17 ; Erastus Perry, Dem., 382.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Elijah McCall, Dem., 417; no opp.
768
GRATIOT COUNTY.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1864.
President -Abraham Lincoln, Rep., 571, maj. 203 ; George B. McClellan, Dem., 368.
Governor-Henry H. Crapo, Rep., 572, maj. 208; William M. Fenton, Dem., 364.
Senator-Westbrook Divine, Rep., 571, maj. 198; John B. Hutchins, Dem., 373.
State Representative -- Luther Smith, Rep., 547, maj. 158; John R. Cheesman, Dem., 389.
Sheriff -- David Bailey, Rep., 74, maj. 64; John Baker, Dem., 10.
Judge of Probate-Francis Nelson, Rep., 70, maj. 54; Benjamin Crawford, Dem., 16.
County Clerk-William C. Beckwith, Rep., 71, maj. 55; Edson Packard, Dem., 16.
Register of Deeds -- Henry P. Howd, Rep., 67, maj. 48; William Long, Dem., 19.
County Treasurer-Elijah Peck, Rep., 68, maj. 50 ; Russell Danley, Dem., 18.
Prosecuting Attorney-William E. Winton, Rep., 68, maj. 49; Elisha McCall, Dem., 19.
County Surveyor-Sidney S. Hastings, Rep., 67, maj. 50; Anson R. Arnold, Dem., 17.
Circuit Court Commissioner -- William E. Winton, Rep., 68, maj. 50; Elisha McCall, Dem., 18.
Coroners-Hiram Burgess, Rep., 63. maj. 44; Elbridge Franklin, Rep., 63, maj. 44; Cornelius Campbell, Dem., 19; William Stebbins, Dem., 19.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 13, 1866.
Governor-Alpheus S. Williams, Dem., 482 ; Hen- ry Il. Crapo, Rep., 888, maj. 406.
County Clerk-Samuel N. Miller, Dem., 512 ; William C. Beckwith, Rep., 858, maj. 346.
Treasurer-Leman A. Johnson, Dem., 465; Will- iam S. Trask, Rep., 898, maj. 433.
Register of Deeds-Hubbard Biggs, Dem., 460; Theodore Nelson, Rep., 906, maj. 446.
Prosecuting Attorney-Elisha McCall, Dem., 479; William E. Winton, Sgo, maj. 411.
('ircuit Court Commissioner -- Giles T. Brown, Rep., 893, maj. 405; Elisha McCall, Dem., 478.
Surveyor -- Charles B. Fraker, Rep., 894, maj. 416; Anson R. Arnold, Dem., 478.
State Senator-David H. Jerome, Rep., 868, maj. 373; John R. Cheesman, Dem., 495.
Sheriff-David Bailey, Rep., 8SI, maj. 492; Charles E. Webster, Dem., 489.
Coroners-Barnard Cressenger, Rep., 890, maj. 411 ; William C. B. Sherwood, Rep., 885, maj. 406; Joseph B. Smith, Dem., 479; Lyman T. Burrada, Dem., 479.
ELECTION, 1867.
County Superintendent of Schools-Giles T. Brown, Rep., 905, maj. 548; Andrew J. McKee, Dem., 357.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1868.
President-Ulysses S. Grant, Rep., 1240, maj. 491 ; Horatio Seymour, Dem., 749.
Governor-Henry P. Baldwin, Rep., 1236, maj. 473; John Moore, Dem., 763.
State Senator -- Alfred B. Wood, Rep., 1232, maj. 470; James L. Ketchum, Dem., 762.
Representative to State Legislature-Horace T. Barnaby, Rep., 1147, maj. 315 ; Leman A. Johnson, Dem., 832.
Sheriff-Elisha C. Clark, Rep., 1215, maj. 432; Charles E. Webster, Dem., 783.
County Clerk -- William C. Beckwith, Rep., 1121, maj. 276; John R. Cheesman, Dem., 845.
Register of Deeds-Theodore Nelson, Rep., 1268, maj. 541 ; Thomas Barnborough, Dem., 727.
County Treasurer-William S. Turck, Rep., 1272, maj. 554; William Long, Dem., 718.
Prosecuting Attorney-Andrew J. Utley, Rep., 1112, maj. 245 ; James K. Wright, Dem., 867.
Circuit Court Commissioner-William E. Winton, Rep., 1199, maj. 429; James K. Wright, Dem., 770.
Judge of Probate-Elijah Peck, Rep., 1031, maj. 93; Benjamin Crawford, Dem., 938.
County Surveyor-Sidney S. Hastings, 1217, maj. 470 ; Anson R. Arnold, Dem., 747.
Coroners-Napoleon B. Fraker, Rep., 1232 ; Will- iam Yorrington, Rep., 1232 ; John Jeffery, Dem., 763; George W. Clark, Dem., 763.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1869.
County Superintendent of Schools-Giles T. Brown, 1408, no opp.
Circuit Judge-Jabez G. Sutherland, 1488, no opp.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 1870.
Governor -- Henry P. Baldwin, Rep., 1080, maj. 216: Charles C. Comstock, Dem., 764.
State Senator -- Alfred B. Wood, Rep., 1040, maj. 233; John Jeffrey, Dem., 807.
769
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GRATIOT COUNTY.
Representative-Horace T. Barnaby, Rep., 1054, maj. 261; John R. Cheesman, Dem., 793.
Sheriff -- Elisha Cook, Rep., 1051, maj. 259; Charles E. Webster, Dem., 792.
County Clerk -- Nathan Church, Rep., 1005, maj. 245 ; Charles W. Tann, Dem., 760.
County Treasurer-William S. Turck, Rep., 1065, maj. 329; Hiram Harrington, Dem., 736.
Register of Deeds-Dewitt C. Chapin, Rep., 938, maj. 129; Dwight Stitt, Dem., 809.
Prosecuting Attorney-Charles E. Williams, Rep., 868; James K. Wright, Dem., 870, maj. 2.
Circuit Court Commissioner -- William E. Winton, Rep., 770; James K. Wright, Dem., 900, maj. 1 30.
Surveyor-Daniel W. Altenburg, Rep., 1002, maj. 255 ; Anson R. Arnold, Dem., 747.
Coroners-George W. Jennings, Rep., 1071 ; David Bailey, Rep., 906; James L. Shults, Dem., 904 ; Cal- vin R. Race, Dem., 768.
ELECTION NOVEMBER 5, 1872.
President-U. S. Grant, Rep., 1482, maj. 905; Horace Greeley, Lib. Rep., 577.
Governor-John J. Bagley, Rep., 1479, maj. 829; Austin Blair, Lib. Rep , 650.
State Senator-Ralph Ely, Rep., 1395 ; John L. Evans, Lib. Dem., 747.
Representative-Charles H. Morse, Rep., 1497; William Long, Lib. Dem., 749.
Sheriff-William H. Pratt, Rep., 1311; Chas. W. Tann, Lib. Den1., 804.
County Clerk-Nathan Church, Rep., 1383; James Howd, Lib. Dem., 784.
Treasurer-A. B. Darragh, Rep., 1192 ; C. E. Web- ster, Lib. Dem., 925.
Judge of Probate-William E. Winton, Rep., 1265 ; Samuel J. Scott, Lib. Dem., 839.
Register of Deeds-Dewitt C. Chapin, Rep., 1419; Daniel Taylor, Lib. Dem., 718.
Prosecuting Attorney-Chas. E. Williams, Rep., 1467; Elisha McCall, Lib. Dem., 675.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Giles T. Brown, Rep., 1418; James K. Wright, Lib. Dem., 781.
Surveyor-Daniel Altenburg, Rep., 1486; Addison Hayden, Lib. Dem., 67 1.
Coroners-Edwin Z. Kelley, Rep., 1468; J. A. Guthrie, Rep., 1457 ; John Jeffry, Lib. Dem., 692 ; Lawrence A. Ferris, Lib. Dem., 691.
ELECTION NOVEMBER, 1874.
Governor-John J. Bagley, Rep., 1140; llenry Chamberlain, Dem., 969.
State Senator-Isaac A. Fancher, Rep., 1156; Ed- son Packard, Dem , 936.
Representative - Charles H. Morse, Rep., 1187 ; Dwight Stitt, Den., 910.
Sheriff-William H. Pratt, Rep., 1125; George W. Newcomb, Dem., 972.
County Clerk-Williamn B. Scattergood, Rep., 1128; Daniel C. Johnson, Dem., 972.
Treasurer-Schuyler W. Ambler, Rep., 1180; Geo. W. Clark, Dem., 916.
Register of Deeds-Joseph H. Seaver, Rep .. 995 ; James T. Hall, Dem., 1104.
Prosecuting Attorney-J. Wilson Caldwell, Rep., 973 ; James K. Wright, Dem., 1122.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Francis Palmer, Rep., 1167 ; Elisha McCall, Dem., 923.
Surveyor-Daniel W. Altenburg, 1170. No opp.
Coroners-Edwin Clark, Rep., 1182 ; Joseph A. Guthrie, Rep., 1150; Edward Wilson, Dem., 938; James Cassada, Dem., 923.
ELECTION APRIL 4, 1875.
Circuit Judge-Henry Hart, Rep., 1222; A. J. Utley, Dem., 1044.
ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 1876.
President-R. B. Hayes, Rep., 2144, maj. 835 ; S. J. Tilden, Dem., 1309.
Governor-C. M. Croswell, Rep., 2143, maj. 769; WVm. L. Webber, Dem., 1 374.
State Senator-C. H. Morse, Rep, 2143, maj. 652; Cornelius Bennett, Dem., 1491.
State Representative-W. S. Turck, Rep., 2224, maj. 978; William Long, Dem., 1426.
Judge of Probate-Giles T. Brown, Rep., 2072, maj. 519; James K. Wright, Dem., 1553.
Sheriff-Geo. L. Patch, Rep., 2686, maj. 1147 ; Daniel R. Sullivan, Dem., 1533.
County Clerk-W. B. Scattergood, Rep., 2173, maj. 728; James A. Cassada, Dem., 1444.
County Treasurer-S. W. Ambler, Rep., 2156, maj. 692; Dwight Stitt, Dem., 1464.
Register of Deeds-Joseph H. Seaver, Rep., 1961, maj. 296 ; James T. Hall, Dem., 1665.
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r
GRATIOT COUNTY.
770
Prosecuting Attorney-T. W. Whitney, Rep., 2070, maj. 633; Samuel J. Scott, Dem , 1437.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Francis W. Palmer, Rep., 2121, maj. 611 ; E. C. Cummins, Dem., 1510. Surveyor-Ranson J. Fraker, Rep., 2078, maj. 538; Oscar Hayden, Dem., 1540.
Coroners-Joseph A. Guthrie, Rep., 2143, maj. 645; W. D. Scott, Dem., 1498; John ! Vanderbeck, Rep., 2145, maj. 650; -- Wilson, M. D., Dem., 1495.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1878.
Governor-('harles M. Croswell, Rep., 1650; O. N. Barnes, Dem., 787 ; H. S. Smith, Greenback, 1162. State Senator-John W. Cochrane, Rep., 1578; J. K. Wright, Dem., 921 ; -- Smalley, Greenbacker, 1128.
State Representative-William S. Turck, Rep., 1758; -- Graves, Dem., 748; E. P. Spink, Green- backer, 1080.
Sheriff-George L. Patch, Rep., 1537; Charles E. Webster, Dem., 954; George W. Newcomb, Green- back, 1085.
County Clerk-William B. Scattergood. Rep, 1667; Stiles Kennedy, Dem., 796 ; A. P. Beam, Greenback, 1108.
County Treasurer-William M. Barstow, Rep., 1,626; F. C. Seymour, Dem., 713; Geo. W. Clark, Greenback, 1,184.
Register of Deeds-Joseph H. Seaver, Rep., 1,457; Jobn L. Sinclair, Dem., 1,060; Chas. H. Crandall, Greenback, 1,094.
Prosecuting Attorney -- Thurman W. Whiting, Rep. 1,551 ; Elisha McCall, Dem., 861; C. J. Willett, Greenback, 1,199.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Charles W. Giddings, Rep., 1,717 ; M. L. Anderson, Greenback, 1,199.
County Surveyor-Sidney S. Hastings, Rep., 1,716; Geo. W. Belding, Greenback, 1,241.
Coroners-Charles W. Howland, Rep., 1,649; T. J. Gulick, Dem., 760; A. Sabring, Rep., 1,648; Dr. W. D. Scott, Dem., 776; Benj. Cole, Greenback, 1,163; - Heron, Greenback, 1,162.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1880.
President-James A. Garfield, Rep., 2,498 ; Win- field S. Hancock, Dem., 1,435; James B. Weaver, Greenback, 868.
Governor -- David H. Jerome, Rep., 2,380; Fred- erick M. Holloway, Dem., 1,445 ; David Woodman, Greenback, 878.
State Senator-Giles T. Brown, Rep., 2,601; M. H. Stanford, Dem., 1,422; T. A. Johnson, Greenback, 965.
State Representative-Wilbur Nelson, Rep., 2,634 ; James K. Wright, Dem., 1,552; Horace S. Taylor, Greenback, 874.
Judge of Probate-James Paddock, Rep., 2,608 ; Willard D. Tucker, Greenback, 2,331.
Sheriff-Alfred A. Wood, Rep., 2,346; C. E. Web- ster, Dem., 1,548 ; S. D. Hicks, Greenback, 1,095.
Clerk-John M. Trask, Rep., 2,286; O. F. Jack- son, Dem., 1,510 ; K. P. Peet, Greenback, 1,201.
Treasurer-Wm. M. Barstow, Rep., 2,562; D. R. Sullivan, Dem., 1,486 ; Gaylord Helms, Greenback, 936.
Register of Deeds-G. S. Van Buskirk, Rep., 2,744 ; James T. Hall, Dem., 2,206.
Prosecuting Attorney-C. J. Willett, Greenback, 2,644 ; Charles W. Giddings, Rep., 2,388.
Circuit Court Commissioner-James L. Clark, Rep., 2.547 ; B. H. Sawyer, Rep., 2,528; L. T. Wright, Dem .. 1,645 ; S. J. Scott, Greenback, 665.
Surveyor-Daniel W. Altenburg, Rep., 2,465 ; T. H. Harrod, Greenback, 957.
Coroners-N. B. Fraker, Rep., 2,629; J. A. Guthrie, Rep , 2,468 ; W. I). Scott, M. D., Dem., 1,429; Elisha McCall, Dem., 1,425; A. H. Mack, Greenback, 960 ; C. L. Downie, M. D., Greenback, 685.
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1882.
Governor-Josiah W. Begole, Fusion, 2,615 ; David H. Jerome, Rep., 2,260 ; Daniel P. Sagendorph, Pro- hibition, IIO.
State Senator-John W. Hance, Rep., 2,415 ; F. S. Burton, Fusion, 2,460.
State Representative-Archibald B. Darragh, Rep., 2,464; D. O. Cuff, Fusion, 2,402.
Sheriff-Alfred A. Wood, Rep., 2,371; K. P. Peet, Fusion, 2,665.
County Clerk-J. M. Trask, Rep., 2,410; John Swigart, Fusion, 2,448.
County Treasurer-T. A. Ely, Rep., 2,304; H. B. Heverloe, Fusion, 2,566.
Register of Deeds-George S. Van Buskirk, Rep. 2,259 ; John L. Sinclair, Fusion, 2,623.
Prosecuting Attorney-Truman W. Whiting, Rep., 2,293 ; James K. Wright, Fusion, 2,552.
771
Circuit Court Commissioners-Byron II. Sawyer, Rep., 2,432 ; James L. Clark, Rep., 2,471 ; E. H. Ashley, Fusion, 2,401 ; Newell Leonard, Fusion, 2,376.
Surveyor-Daniel W. Altenburg, Rep., 2,505 ; F. H. Harrod, Fusion, 2,324.
Coroners-N. L. Highby, M. D., Rep., 2,414; L. II. Dayton, M. D., Rep., 2,412; M. D. Scott, M. D., Fusion, 2,461; C. L. Downie, M. D., Fusion, 2,465.
County Officers.
Following is a systematic and chronological list of the county officers from organization to date :
SHERIFF.
Geo. E. Walker 1855
Elisha Cook 1870
Il. L. Townsend 1856-8 Wm. H. Pratt
1872-4
F. I). Weller 1 860-2 Geo. L Patch I 876-8
David Bayley 1864-6 Alfred A. Wood ISSO
Elisha C. Clark 1868 H P'. Peet
ISS2
COUNTY CLERK.
O. M. Wood
1855
Nathan Church 1870-2
Henry H. Sinith 1856
W. B. Scattergood 1874-8
Emery Crosby 1858
John W. Trask ISSo
H. T. Barnaby IS60 John Swigart
IS82
Wm. C. Beckwith 1862-8
COUNTY TREASURER.
Ralph Ely
1855
A. B. Darragh
1872
L. Church
1856-8
S. W. Ambler
1874-6
Lalph Ely 1865
Wm. M. Barstow 1878-80
Elijah Peck 1862-4
H. B. Heverloe
I SS 2
WVm. S. Trask 1866-70
REGISTER OF DEEDS.
Henry Lane 1855
James T. Hall 1874
Elijah Peck
IS56-60
Joseph W. Seaver 1 876-8
Henry P'. Howd 1862-4 G. S. Vanbuskirk ISSo
Theodore Nelson 1866-8 J. L. Sinclair
882
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
Franklin Miller 1855
C. E. Williams 1870-2
Sylvanus Groom 1856
Israel B. Coats I848-60
C. J. Willett 1880
James K. Wright 1882
A. J. Utley 1868
JUDGE OF PROBATE.
J. R. Cheesman 1855 [ Wm. E. Winton 1872
Francis Nelson 1856-64 Giles T. Brown 1876
Elijah Peck 1 868 James Paddock 188c
CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONER.
Henry Lane 1855
Giles T. Brown 1866
Moses Tompkins 1856 Wm E. Winton 1868-70
Israel B. Coats IS58
Francis Palmer 1 874-6
WVm. E. Winton 1860
C. W. Giddings IS78
Elisha McCall 1862
James L. Clark ISSO
Wm. E. Winton 1864 Byron W. Sawyer 1882
COUNTY SURVEYOR.
S. S. Hastings 1 855
D. W. Altenburg 1870-4
Addison Hapden 1856
R. J. Fraker 1876
S. S. Hastings 1878
C. B. Fraker 1866
D. W. Altenburg ISSO-2
CORONERS.
Lewis B. Loomis 1855
N. B. Fraker 1868
Levi B. Smith
1855
Wm. Yerington
1868
H. T. Barnaby 1856
G. W. Jennings
1870
J. A. Guthrie 1856
David Bailey 1870
H. T. Barnaby 1858
Edwin Clark 1874
T. I. Tann 1858-60
J. A. Guthrie 1874
Hiram Burgess 1860
C. W. Howland A. Sabring
1 878
Thomas Blumb 1862
N. B. Fraker ISSO
Iliram Burgess 1864
J. A. Guthrie
ISSO
Elbridge Franklin 1864
W. D. Scott 1882
B. C'ressenger 1866
C. L. Downie
1882
W.C. B. Sherwood 1866
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
G. T. Brown
1869
G. T. Brown IS72
D. D. Hamilton
1870
James K. Wright 1874
T. W. Whitney 1876-8 Moses Tompkins 1862
Wm. E. Winton 1 864-6
S. S. Hastings 1858-64
S. S. Hastings I 868
1878
WVm. C. Newcomb 1862
D. C. Chapin 1870-2
GRATIOT COUNTY.
772
Pioneer Society
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N order to perpetuate old- time remembrances, and keep alive the kindly feel- ings which characterized the early settlers, a society was permanently organized in September, 1878, and the first meeting was held in the grove near Ithaca, Oct. 18, 1879. The exercises were appropriate, consisting of speeches and narrations relating to the trials and hardships of the early settlers by those present. This was one of the most notable gatherings ever held in the county, and was largely attended. Many of the older ones, living at a remote distance from the county-seat, who had not seen each other for years, had an opportunity of taking each other by the hand and comparing notes. It was a grand " gala-day " for these old people whose heads are now thickly sprinkled with gray hairs; and as the old-time memories were revived with each recital of personal experience, many eyes filled with tears as the picture of hardship and care were vividly portrayed.
Col. O. F. Wisner, of Ithaca, read an original poem, which was received with great applause, and a vote of thanks was tendered the author.
All the persons residing in the county prior to 1870 were admitted to membership, and we take great
pleasure in affixing their names, together with the date of their location in the county.
Nathan Church, 1854 Mrs. Rebecca Carr, 1859
Mrs. M. A. Church, 1866 Wm. J. Carr, 1860
N. B. Fraker, 1861 A. T. Rice, 1866
Mrs. R. Fraker,
W. W. Comstock,
1854 Frank Miller, 1855
Mrs. M. Comstock,
1854 Mrs. Juliet Miller, 1855
Robert Carothers,
1853 Dr. J. R. Cheesman, 1854
Mrs. H. C'arothers, 1853
E. W. Kellogg, 1855
Henry Swift,
1855
Mrs. A. L. Kellogg, 1857
Mrs. L. E. Swift, 1855
Francis Kellogg,
855
Frederick Strouse, 1854
Isaac B. Ward,
1856
Mrs. Sarah Strouse, 1854 John G. Thompson, 1865
James Vance, 1855
A. W. Russell,
1865
Mrs. Louisa Vance, 1855
Willis A. Russell,
1865
Erastus Hunt,
1853
John M. Everden,
1855
Samuel Lepley,
1855
Perry L. Beechler, 1855
Wilbur Nelson,
1854
Lydia Swetland,
1854
G. W. Cutter,
1854
Jerry Shaver,
1825
Mrs. Mary Cutter,
1854
Mrs. H. Shaver,
1855
H. B. Fox,
1866
David F. Hawkins,
1854
W. D. Scott,
1863
Mrs. C. Hawkins,
1854 John W. Howd,
1854
Wm. S. Hall,
1856
James W. Howd,
1854
Wm. C'uly,
1854
WVm. J. Marshal,
1856
Mrs. Eliza Culy,
1854
Miss E. Fulton,
1865
Frederick S. Kelly,
James B. Curtis,
1854 Samuel Saunders,
1869
James Wood,
1853 Mrs. A. Saunders,
1869
David Mellinger,
1854
Nelson P. Roe, 1860
Inman Cowdry,
1855
Wm. Long,
1860
E. A. Chase, 1857 Mrs. Mary E. Long, 1860
Mr. Susan Chase, 1857 Thos. Cunningham, 1854
(. E. McBride, 1856 Mrs. H. Cunningham, 1854
Mrs. II. M. McBride, 1856
William Preston, 1854
1854 Mrs. A. Dubois,
1856
Lafayette Swetland, 1854
1861 Mrs. C. J. Rice, 1866
--
GRATIOT COUNTY.
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GRATIOT COUNTY.
773
David Bell, 1854 Mrs. Harriet Preston, 1856
Dan'l D. H. Curtis, 1854 George Dubois,
1856
J. C. Kinney,
1856 Mrs. Mag. Dubois, 1856 Mrs. Benj. Crawford, 1853 John Zass, 1 863
E. W. Smith.
1854 Roman Fyler, 1853
Mrs. E. M. Russell, 1865
Wm. Strouse, 1864
Geo. Richardson,
1865 Mrs. E. M. Fyler, 1853
Mrs. E. Beckwith,
1859 Emery Crosby, 1 856
Mrs. J.A. Richardson, 1 865
W'm. Barton,
1854
Chas. M. Chaffin,
1861 Mrs. Cath. Barton,
1854
Elijah Beard,
1854 Myron Wood, 1853
A. J. Hatfield, 1 862 Sylvester Wheeler 1854
John H. Jessup,
1850 Parks Allen,
1854
Edward Dubois,
1 856 Geo. Wonnacott,
IS55
P. R. Phillips,
1851 N. G. Sutliff,
1856
Ransom Allen,
1854 Geo. W. Rice,
1861
Wm. Marlow, 1860 Robert Reed,
L. L. B. Hunt,
1856 Mrs. Jennette Reed, 1854
W. H. Pratt,
1859 John L. Sinclair,
86
W. S. Turck,
1861 Wm. C. Beckwith,
1861
E. E. Farrington, 1 854 Daniel O. Cuff,
1863
1. N. Coleman, 1855 Wm. Brice,
1854
Wallace Comstock, 1860 John C. Heslin, 1856
Mrs. D.W.C. Chapin, 1865 Silas Hill,
1863
The meetings have not been held annually, owing to different causes ; but the organization yet remains complete, and more interest should be taken in this pioneer "love-feast," which is calculated to acquaint the rising generation fully with the doings of their sires.
For
mion.
USTLY be it said that no county in Michigan has been more noted for patriotism, than Gratiot County, and dur- ing the war it was of that character to which every citi- zen may point with pride. When the news of the bombardment of Fort Sumter reached the county seat, the excitement became in- tense. A meeting was held in the evening at the old log court-house, which was crowded with enthusias- tic men, and stirring speeches were made by a number.
A document was drafted and is now on file at the office of the county clerk, which
is given entire, together with the names of the patri- otic men signing it. Here it is :
The undersigned, citizens of Gratiot County, act- uated by a patriotic desire to aid in vindicating the honor of our country and maintaining inviolate the supremacy of the Constitution and the laws, do most solemnly promise that we will, when called upon by the Governor, or by any other proper authority, go and assist the general Government in sustaining the Constitution and laws of our country, and earnestly ask that our services may be accepted.
CHARLES B. HOLLIDAY, ALONZO CHENEY,
HENRY H. TRIPP, JONATHAN GEORGE,
GEORGE COLBY, F. F. MOREHOUSE,
NATHAN CHURCH, JAMES W. HOWD,
WM. E. MCCUNE, GEORGE RANDALL,
ORSON E. PERRY, JOHN BARNES, M. D., ELBRIDGE E. FRANKLIN, M. MOREHOUSE.
These intrepid men had faced suffering, privation
Benj. II. Parker, 1854
Miss G. Beckwith,
Daniel Helms,
1852
Mrs. E. Miller, IS56
The officers first selected on permanent organiza- tion were:
President, Dr. John R. Cheesman.
Secretary, E. W. Kellogg.
Corresponding Secretary, Frank Miller.
Treasurer, P. R. Phillips.
J. H. Lewis, 1855 Mrs. L. Merrifield,
1854
Milton Lewis, 1855 Chas. E. Webster,
1862
Mrs. A. P. Van Dine, 1861 Milo Pomeroy, 1865
Mrs. Rhoda Dodge, 1861 S. J. Thoenen, 1 859
Mrs. Hattie J. Helt, 1859
G. W. Maynard, 1 867
Chas. Beckwith, 1869
IS54
GRATIOT COUNTY.
774
and danger during the hard times of 1857-8-9, and they were first to offer themselves as volunteers to upholdl their country's honor. Too great honor can- not be ascribed to those noble patriots, who, full of that enthusiasm which carried victory wherever they went, battled with every advantage against them ; on a strange soil; against the flower of the enemy ; fighting all day and marching at night; never de- pressed by defeat, hunger or thirst; on to certain death ; up the Maryland Heights on those terrible days at Fredericksburg; falling like grass before the sickle at Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg, where for three long days they fought ; and won at last the victory which turned the tide of war and saved the North from desolation.
Mr. Ralph Ely received a commission from Gov. Blair, in July, 1861, and a company was organized in the county in less than three weeks. They were styled "The Gratiot Rangers." Most of them were pioneers, inured to hardships and privations; and, averaging nearly six feet in height, they were a noble- looking company and were as brave as they were manly. The numerous battles in which they after- ward engaged, gave ample proof of this. The citi -. zens of Ithaca gave them a public dinner before they were mustered into the service, which was done Aug. 23, 1861.
It was hard, indeed, to part with loved ones, father, Brother, and husband; yet our patriotic women bade them God-speed and through their tears cheered them on. So lonely did it appear after the two first com- panies left the county, that it seemed as if one vast pestilence had swept away the youth and vigor of our land. Hardly any were left except women, decrepit men, and lads and misses fourteen years of age and under.
The officers of Company C, which was composed of our gallant boys, were :
Captain-Ralph Ely; Ist Lieutenant --- George S. Gordon ; 21] Charles B. Ilolliday ;
Ist Sergeant -F. M. Badger;
2(1
Henry Waymire ;
Nathan Church ;
3d 4th Wilbur Nelson ;
5thı Jacob D. Ellison.
Of these, the brave F. M. Badger was mortally wounded at the engagement of Wilmington Island,
April 16, 1862, and died three days later in the hos- pital at Beaufort.
As time wore on, improvements of every character were in a great measure suspended. The news from the army was the chief topic of conversation. Labor, which before had been so plentiful, was now very scarce and wages rapidly advanced. This scarcity of labor, with the advance in the price of lumber and other material, prevented the erection of buildings which otherwise would have been erected in all parts of the county. In many instances owners of large farms enlisted, leaving their wives and daughters sole managers, and sometimes sole laborers as well. They accepted the situation with remarkable zeal and bent to the task before them with astonishing cheerfulness, thus winning for themselves at home what their husbands did on the battle-field, -- imper- ishable laurels. Ladies whose accomplishments em- inently fitted them for the drawing-room might have been seen wielding the spade, ax or hoe, or driv- ing a team of oxen as the rich loam was prepared for the reception of seed. An abundance of crops was raised for consumption, and those left at home fared quite well.
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