USA > Michigan > Isabella County > Portrait and biographical album of Isabella county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches > Part 13
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JOSIAH W. BEGOLE.
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Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and who should fare equally with him who came in at the eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House on account of the large appropriation that would be required to pay the same.
In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclama- tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a large majority. In that body he served on the Com- mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public- spirited view of the importance of a new capitol building worthy of the State, and was an active mem- ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the same He was a delegate to the National Republi- can Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and was the chosen member of that delegation to go to Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that convention that, by the express wish of his many friends, he was induced to offer himself a can- didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con- gress, in which he was successful, after competing for the nomination with several of the most worthy, able and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis- triet, and was elected by a very large majority. In Congress, he was a member of the Committee on Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap- pointed by that committee to draft the most impor- tant report made by that committee, and upon the only subject recommended by the President in his message, which he did and the report was printed in records of Congress; he took an efficient though an unobtrusive part in all its proceedings.
He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of silver, and other financial measures, many of which, though defeated then, have since become the settled policy of the country. Owing to the position which Mr. Begole occupied on these questions. he became a "Greenbacker."
In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269, the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome,
receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit that has already won him many friends, and bids fair to make his administration both successful and pop- ular.
The very best indications of what a man is, is what his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol- lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re- publican paper in Gov. Begole's own county, and it, too, written during the heat of a political campaign, which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster- ling worth :
"So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to his character that can be alleged against him. He has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his pur- pose nobody who knows hin entertains a doubt. He is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- terest political enemies. He has a warm, generous nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- icant of a man's character than words There are many scores of men in all parts of the State where Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to step outside of party lines to show that they do not forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo- erats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so good a man as Mr. Begole."
This sketch would be imperfect without referring to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties by fire and destroying the results and accumulations of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole wrote to an agent in the "'burnt district " a letter, from which we make an extract of but a single sentence : "Until the differences between the two committees are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I have money." This displays his true character.
ISABELLA CounTY,
MICHIGAN.
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Compelinel 1
Mrs. lo. Bennett
ISABELLA COUNTY.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
ORNELIUS BENNETT, Judge of Probate of Isa- bella County, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 15, 1839, in the township of Deerfield, Livingston Co., Mich. His parents, Michael and Bridget (Flynn) Bennett, were na- tives of the County of Kings, Ireland, where they grew to mature years and married. Shortly after that event, in 1827, they came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming. The family remained in the Keystone State four years and came thence in 1837 to Michigan, where they settled on a homestead claim of 80 acres in Northfield Township, Washtenaw County.
At that time the townships of that county north of range 84 east were connected with Ann Arbor for municipal purposes. The first settler had made a permanent location in 1824, and during the eight years ensuing the population grew until the number was sufficiently large to warrant an independent local organization. The movement to effect this was in- itiated in the fall of 1832. The enabling act was passed during the Legislative session of the winter following, and the first town meeting was held in April, 1833, two years after Michael Bennett began
the work of a pioneer land-holder in the township.
His name is associated with the first religious en- terprise in Northfield, and the first Church therein and its organization were due to his efforts, associated with several other settlers in the township, of similar religious connections. The record published in the "History of Washtenaw County " in 1881 states that, "in 1831-'32 a few enterprising men who had left their homes in the 'Green Isle' settled in the town. Father Kelley came the same year and, with the assistance of his few Church people and Isaac Dickee, erected a log church on section 29. They were John Keenan, William Prindle, William Stubs, John McKernan, Philip McKernan, John Sullivan, Michael Portal, John Mcintyre, Michael Bennett, Peter Smith, Michael Neligan, Patrick Walsh, Mi- chael Walsh, Patrick Donavin and Bryan Galligan." In 1837 the primitive structure gave place to a com- modious frame building, which was for ten years the only church edifice in the township.
Mr. Bennett, senior, sold his property and removed to Livingston County in 1837. He bought a half section in the township of Deerfield, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. The mother died Sept 27, 1873; the demise of the father took place in 1876. Their family included six chil- dren,-three sons and three daughters. Two of the latter, Bridget and Catherine, are deceased. Mary is the wife of John Downey, a farmer on section 35,
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Isabella Township. James and Frank are farmers in Deerfield, Livingston County.
Mr. Bennett, of this sketch, secured a good com- mon-school education in his native place and alter- nated his periods of study with assisting on his fath- er's farm. In 1856 he commenced attending school at Ann Arbor, where he pursued his studies one and a half years, after which he spent one winter in teaching. In the spring of 1858 he responded to an inward impulse, of which he had been a long time conscious, to see more of the world than that circum- scribed by the boundaries of the Peninsular State with which he had grown familiar, and he proceeded to Leavenworth, Kansas, then on the western frontier and the center of interest from the recent contests be- tween the border-ruffians and the Free-Soil element. That section of the United States was still, in a sense, debatable ground, and a sufficient intensity of the spirit that ruled the year 1855 was yet in existence to engage the interest of young men of ambitious minds, to whom the daring and mystery seemed full of glory. It is probable that to the period of this country's history just preceding the civil war, the successful men of the present generation owe more than to any other. The shadows of coming events hung over the times, heavy with portent, and within the next decade the tree of American independence and enterprise burst into bloom. It was simply a verification of the sententious truism, that circun- stances make men, and also the concomitant fact that men make history.
The agents of the United States were stationed at the frontier posts to protect the interests of the Gov- ernment there and in the unsettled territory beyond, and young Bennett joined a construction train, or- ganized under the authority of Captain Russell and Major Waddell, Government agents, which was to proceed to (then) Sonora Territory to build forts in advance of emigration, for the United States soldiers necessary for the protection of immigrant settlers from the Indians. The train started Sept. 4, 1858, and consisted of 54 wagons, each drawn by six yokes of oxen, and accompanied by a force of about 70 men. The wagons contained army supplies, besides immense quantities of axes, nails, saws and tools for use in the projected fort-building. It also in- cluded a herd of 280 oxen, technically called a " co- vey yard," for relief. The contract guaranteed $45
monthly to every man for three years, and the orders were to operate until the supplies (which included the oxen) were exhausted.
On arriving at Fort Bridger, within 100 miles of Salt Lake City, it was ascertained that the Mormons had taken into their own hands the reins of the local government of the Territory over which they were to pass, had forbidden any approach to Salt Lake City, and destroyed the forage of Carson Val- ley, upon which the maintenance of the teams de- pended. The quartermaster took charge of the immense herd of upwards of a thousand oxen, and the expedition came practically to an end.
Mr. Bennett, with 17 others, turned their faces homeward. He arrived at Leavenworth in Decem- ber, 1858, and in March, 1859, he again set out for Denver, Col., in charge of the first general sup- ply train that entered that place. It consisted of 28 wagons, each drawn by eight oxen, and bearing army supplies, also shovels, axes, picks, and sheet-iron for mining purposes. The site of the now prosperous city was reached in May, 1859. The route was made under the difficulties peculiar to the state of civilization, or rather want of it, of that period, and the perplexities of the situation, coupled with its re- sponsibilities as chief of the expedition, quite satisfied Mr. Bennett of the real value of a life of adventure in an unsettled territory, subject to the incidents of frontier life under the influences of the incongruous type of humanity which has made that time a marked era in American history. Jealousies arose, mu- tinies were instigated, and he found that the necessity for prompt and decided action, which was constant. arising, had little in it of glory or satisfaction. The actual dignity and character of affairs are aptly rer resented by the fact that, on one occasion, when the culmination of a conspiracy came to his knowledge, he rushed upon the scene and terminated proceed- ings, quelling the leader by the vigorous application of a red-hot frying-pan square in the face. It was rather an inglorious conquest, but the victory that perched upon his banners was no less effectual, and its retrospective comfort no less complete, than though it had been achieved through the instrumentality of the knife or the revolver, then the predominating authority in the settlement of the question as to who should be greatest.
Mr. Bennett spent about a year in Colorado, inter-
.)
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ISABELLA COUNTY.
ested in mining, which he pursued at three different points within 40 miles of Denver, his headquarters.
His experiences there were after the order of those immortalized by the graphic pens of Bret Harte and John Hay. Mining claims, legitimate or otherwise, engendered contests, and Mr. Bennett and his part- ner, in one instance, became involved in a controversy which they attempted to adjust under the local regu- lations known as miners' trials. From incidents of much less romantic hue, gifted pens have woven webs of dramatic interest that have sent their author's mes down to the generations to come with death- less fame.
The confrere of Mr. Bennett was a man in whom the exigencies of frontier life had developed the principles of self-defense, and he held himself in readiness to adjust his affairs according to his own ideas of right and justice, and in keeping with the methods adopted by the element with which circum- stances compelled him to deal. In the case referred to, a difference of understanding had arisen, and the species of administration of justice had been ap- pealed to which was then the only approach to the methods of arbitration that were practiced within the borders of civilization. Mr. Bennett, his asso- ciate and the contestant, sat on a log, in preliminary council, surrounded by a crowd of miners, who con- stituted the court. The third party in the case lost self-control and indulged in a few sentences of disa- greeable signification, which were so pointed as to demand immediate attention. In an instant a gleam of light from the polished barrel of a revolver flashed athwart the vision of the assemblage. Mr. Bennett arrested the arm that controlled the weapon and dis- possessed its holder. A storm of hot words ensued.
As night came on, it was argued that the "shoot- ist " and the other individual most intimately con- cerned should retire beyond the encampment and talk over affairs. The plan was put into execution, but the pair had hardly passed beyond the light of the camp-fires when the report of a pistol awoke the echoes of the night. A scene of wild excitement fol- lowed. The would-be murderer had been attacked with an opportune " fit," in which his revolver shared to such an extent as to inflict a serious wound upon his companion. He lay on the ground, writhing in the contortions of epilepsy (?), his throat swollen and throbbing, and sheets of foam issuing from his livid
lips. As the crowd surrounded his victim, he brought the fit to a termination and fled to his cabin, whither Mr. Bennett followed him.
Instant flight was determined upon, and Mr. Ben- nett returned to learn the next act in the play, as the first in no sense outlined what was to follow. He found a crowd of men, anxious to furnish substantial proof of their estimate of procedures, who had de- cided that a murderer, either in fact or intent, needed be hung. When it was ascertained that he was be- yond their reach, their hunger for some retributive act had reached a climax and a victim must be forth- coming. The individual who had precipitated mat- ters not being at hand, it was decided to hang Mr. Bennett. The suddenness of the emergency brought his predominating trait of character to the front. In imperturbable coolness he stood among the undis- ciplined, clamorous rabble, and by his fearless bear- ing and deliberately chosen arguments, couched in unimpassioned language, he quelled their turbulence and disarmed their malicious intent.
On leaving Denver, Mr. Bennett returned to Liv- ingston County, where he attended school, pursuing his studies two years at the seminary at Howell. He passed the summers of 1863-4 in the law office of S. F. Hubbell, of Howell, where he read for the profes- sion under that gentleman's instructions. He then consummated the required period of study in the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the degree of B. LL., March 25, 1865. In May, of the same year, he came to Mt. Pleasant, believing that this section afforded a field for the exercise of his profes- sional qualifications and an opening to a successful business career. He opened an office immediately upon his arrival, as an attorney.
In November, 1869, his connection with the official affairs of Isabella County began. The death of James P. Welper, County Clerk and Register of Deeds, created a vacancy, to which Mr. Bennett succeeded by appointment. The two positions were held by one incumbent until 1872, when they became distinct. Mr. Bennett discharged the duties of County Clerk three years, being elected to the office in 1870. He officiated as Register of Deeds five years, receiving one election and one re-election, and serving one year as appointee. He held the office of Justice of the Peace from 1866 to 1882, and was also elected
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in 1866 to the office of Circuit Court Commis- sioner, which he held two years. In 1880 he was elected to the position he now holds, of Probate Judge. He was nominated on the Democratic ticket, and scored a gratifying triumph, as the county had at that time a conceded Republican majority of 400 votes. He received a majority of 179 votes.
In 1875, Mr. Bennett, associated with John Hicks, of St. John's, Mich., and three other capitalists of Clinton County, established the private banking-house of Hicks, Bennett & Co. Their office is established in the Opera Block, now owned by the banking firm, and built by Albert B. Upton. The law business of Mr. Bennett has gradually merged into real-estate transactions, in which he has extensive connections. In 1882 he built the Bennett House, which occupies a prominent position at Mt. Pleasant, and is one of the finest and most attractive buildings in the village. It is constructed of brick, is three stories above the basement, and fitted with the best modern appliances. Bennett's Addition to Mt. Pleasant includes 40 acres, which he platted in 1882.
Mr. Bennett was married, Dec. 20, 1865, to Mary, daughter of Nelson and Catherine (Tice) Mosher. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of this county, and her father was a prominent figure in its official history. She died, May 30, 1872, at the age of 29 years, leaving one child, Frank, born Sept. 28, 1868. The second marriage of Mr. Bennett occurred Dec. 15, 1875, to Anna Palmer. She was born in Iosco, Livingston County, May 12, 1852, and is the daughter of Darwin and Elizabeth (Tice) Palmer. Mary, first child by this marriage, was born March 20, 1877, and died May 28, 1883, of diphtheria. Nellie was born Feb. 16, 1879.
The life of every man is a part of the history of his time. The swift succession of generations, afford- ing room for others to come, bears an impressive meaning and places upon the leaders of events a weighty responsibility. The gravest question of the period is, whether the existence and achievements of the men of to-day shall be engulfed in the rushing tide and consigned to oblivion. The relations of in- dividuals to the present and future impose upon them peculiar obligations. He who recognizes an opportu- nity and possesses the courage and hardihood to grasp and mold it to his advantage, is the marked man of the period. His importance is in no sense measured
by the prejudice or rivalry of others, but his identity becomes a part of the time and place where he lived. These considerations must impress themselves upon those who weigh with impartiality the career of Judge Bennett. In his portrait and that of Mrs. Bennett, which are the first presented in the biographical por- tion of this work, the people of Isabella County will experience a lively gratification. The subjects are open to no fulsome flattery. They represent a class whose lives are a benefit to the public weal and which reflect honor upon their deeds and motives.
eorge W. Baker, farmer, section 15, Fre- mont Township, was born Feb. 15, 1851, in Defiance Co., Ohio. His parents were Josiah Baker, born Aug. 10, 1820, and Rachel A. Baker, born Aug. 7, 1827, and died Dec. 27, 1863. The father is still living and resides in Fremont Township.
George W. was reared on the farm, and remained on the old homestead, assisting his father in the maintenanceof the family and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 18 years. On arriving at this age he engaged in a stone quarry, and, alternating this with the brick-making business, was thus employed for several years. He then worked on a farm in the neighborhood and followed that oc- cupation for a period of two years, when, in Novem- ber, 1870, he came to this county. He located So acres ofland on section 15, Fremont Township ; sub- sequently purchased 40 acres more on section 22 ; disposed of it and purchased another 40 acres on section 15, and still more recently purchased 80 acres additional on the same section. His landed possessions in Fremont Township amount to 200 acres, and of that amount he has improved and has in a good state of cultivation 185 acres, and has erected thereon a good residence and barn.
When Mr. Baker first located in this county his financial condition compelled him to devote his win- ters to labor in the woods, and he only could spend his summers on the farm, on section 15. The fine condition of the farm at the present time is indica- tive of what energetic effort will accomplish, and truly places Mr. Baker among the progressive farmers of his township.
ISABELLA COUNTY.
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Politically, he is a Democrat, and has held the office of School Inspector, and also School Director of his district.
Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Hattie D. Terrill, Feb. 7, 1875. She was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, in 1854, and was a daughter of Joseph and C. A. Terrill, natives of Lorain Co., Ohio. Her father was a farmer by occupation, a soldier in the late civil war, and died in a rebel prison. Mrs. Baker died in Isabella County, March 24, 1876. She was a true and loving wife, a kind neighbor and a generous friend, and left a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss.
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charles J. Ayling, farmer, section 7, Lin- coln Township, was born in Warren Co., Pa., Jan. 1, 1839. His parents were John- and Sarah (Trussler) Ayling, natives of England, where his father followed the occu- pation of farmer. The latter emigrated to this country after marriage, locating in Freehold, Pa.
Charles J. remained on the parental homestead, assisted his father in the maintenance of the family and developed into manhood. He received the advantages afforded by the common schools of his native county, and improved his leisure time in the perfection of the same.
July 5, 1863, he was married, in Sugar Grove Township, Warren Co., Pa., to Miss Emma Woodin, a native of the same county and State, where she was born Aug. 3, 1842. Her parents were Thomas and Caroline (Grosvener) Woodin, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, and of New England parentage. They came to this State in 1862 and were among the earliest settlers of Lincoln Township, and are both residents on section 18 of that township.
Emma lived with her parents in her native county until her marriage, assisting her mother in her house- hold labors and attending the common schools.
Mr. and Mrs. A. are the parents of five children, namely : Luella May, born July 16, 1865, in Warren Co., Pa. She is now engaged in teaching in the public schools of this county, and has justly obtained the credit of a thoroughly competent teacher. Thad W. was born Dec. 6, 1868; Josephine, Nov. 16,
1870; Lee M., March 14, 1875; and Florence G., Oct. 25, 1879.
The first year after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. A. lived on the old homestead in Warren Co., Pa., and then moved to Lottsville, same county, where they lived one year. In the fall of 1865, they came to this State and for one year lived with the father of Mrs. A. During this year, 1865, they purchased 40 acres of land on section 7, Lincoln Township, this county, and in the fall of 1866 moved on the same, where Mr. A. entered on the laborious though in many respects 'pleasant task of improving it. Mr. A. has added 40 acres to his original purchase, and of his 80-acre farm has 70 acres in a good state of cultivation. He has recently erected a large stock and grain barn on his farm, at a cost of $1,000.
When Mr. Ayling first settled on his land, it was in a wild state of nature, and only through the per- sistent effort of earnest determination has he suc- ceeded in placing it in the cultivated condition in which it is found to-day.
Politically, Mr. A. is a supporter of and believer in the National Greenback party. He has held the office of Road Commissioner seven years, Township Treasurer, and other minor offices.
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