USA > Michigan > Midland County > Portrait and biographical album of Midland County, Mich. containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 17
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Dr. Burtless attained to man's estate in Braneli County, and passed the years of his early youth ob- taining his elementary education and alternately as- sisting on the farm of his father. He became inter- ested in the progress and issues of the Civil War, and at last decided in risking the fate of the soldier. He enlisted Jan. to, 1864, in Co. M, 11th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Frisby. The regiment was as- signed to the Western Army, and was in active ser- vice, chiefly among the guerrillas of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Vir- ginia. Dr. Burtless was wounded in a skirmish in Kentucky, April 12, 1864, and during the attack on Saltville, W. Va., he received a minie-ball wound in his left foot, and soon afterward the leg was shat- tered by a bursting shell. He was taken prisoner and placed in a rebel hospital, located opposite the notorious Libby Prison at Richmond. He was in vigorous health at the time and weighed 168 pounds. After being wounded he lay three days on the field, without food or drink, and suffered the loss of a large amount of blood. His privations after he was cap- tured were after the pattern that have stamped the Southern character of that period with an ineffaceable stigma, and which he was only enabled to withstand by his splendid powers of physical endurance. He
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was paroled at the end of three weeks and weighed 93 pounds. Three months before his discharge from the service of the United States, he rejoined his regi- ment and served during the remainder of his period of enlistment in the capacity of Corporal.
On being mustered out, he came to Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich., and became a student in the union school at that place. He completed a course of study, after which he passed a year in the Baptist College at Kalamazoo. In the fall of 1871, he ma- triculated in the Literary Department of the Uni- versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He withdrew from the University at the end of his Sophomore year, in the spring of 1873. Soon after, he embarked in a mercantile enterprise at Auburn, Bay County, associated with Ira Swart. The relation terminated at the end of two years. While attending school at Tecumseh, he gave some attention to the study of medicine, and in the fall of 1876 he entered the Medical Department of the University, where he was graduated in the spring of 1878, in medicine and surgery. In July of the same year, he initiated his practice at Midland, where he has since continued its prosecution and leads his profession. His business in the department of surgery is especially extensive, and includes a wide-spread territory. He belongs to the State Medical Society, also the American Medi- cal Association.
Dr. Burtless owns a fine residence and grounds in Midland, several building lots variously situated in the village, and 155 acres of farming land adjoining the corporation. He holds a third interest in 2,000 acres of timber lands in Larkin Township, and has the same claim in 130 acres of land located adjoin- ing his farm, before named. He is also a member of the Star Flouring Company at Midland.
Dr. Burtless was married in 1874, at Tecumseh, Mich., to Sarah, daughter of Dr. J. S. and Sarah Hamilton. She died in January, 1875, leaving a son-Earl-who died when 11 months old. Dr. Burtless was a second time married, June 22, 1877, to Emma C. Blodget, daughter of Charles S. and Laura P. Blodget. The only child of this marriage -Hattie-died at the age of 11 months.
Charles S. Blodget was born in Vermont, Jan. 3, 1818, and was the son of Charles and Content (Waite) Blodget. A few years after his birth his parents removed to Brownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio,
where they passed their remaining years. In 1864 they celebrated their golden wedding. The father died at the age of 93 years. The mother died in 1877, at 90 years of age.
Mr. Blodget received a careful elementary educa- tion at the district schools and afterward at Oberlin, Ohio. He was married in 1840, to Laura P. Graves, a lady of rare personal and mental traits. She was born July 31, 1824, in Camden, Ohio. The husband was employed in the lake service during a few sea- sons, where he bought a saw-mill and farm at Brown- helm. The mill was burned and replaced by another, which was also burned, and the proprietor in 1852 sold his agricultural interests and removed to Mich- igan, settling in Midland Township on a tract of un- improved land, where he once more began his con- test with the world. He entered vigorously into the work of wresting success through persistent effort from the wilderness of woods, and he prosecuted the business of lumbering in connection with that of agri- culture. He was a man of earnest Christian char- acter, and exerted his influence as such in every possible avenue.
The population of Midland Township was chiefly composed of unlettered people, whom circumstances compelled to exert every faculty to the acquisition of a livelihood, and to whom the Sabbath brought only respite from arduous toil and was spent in such re- creation as the place afforded, consisting mainly of hunting and fishing. Through the efforts of Mr. Blodget, ably seconded by his wife and the few Chris- tian people in the vicinity, a Sunday-school was in- stituted and the services of a minister secured. His house was the center of hospitable entertainment and the headquarters of chance travelers, clergymen and Indian missionaries. He was keenly alive to the portentous issues of the times in which he lived.
Patriotic and loyal, as he was, to the dignity and claims of the standard of the United States, the in- solent attack upon the Federal authority at Fort Sumter aroused in him all the indignation of one whose dearest and best is ruthlessly assaulted, and he was deterred from joining the defenders of the Union only by the feeble health of his wife. But, as events progressed and the reverses of 1862 involved the hopes of the North in seeming ruin, he responded to the appeals of the Executive for aid and succor in the most trying hour of the nation's peril. He be-
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came a soldier Oct. 17, 1862, enlisting in Co. H, 27th Mich. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Bingham. He went to the field as a Sergeant and was in active ser- vice nearly two years. In March, 1864, he was seized with camp diarrhea, resulting from the fatigue and exposure of a forced march of several days' con- tinuance. He was placed in an ambulance prepara- tory to removal to the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., becoming unconscious during the transfer. He re- mained insensible and died a few hours later. His demise occurred March 12, 1864.
His widow was left with seven young children, all daughters except the youngest. She was in frail health, but rallied to the double responsibilities thrown upon her by the death of her husband. She devoted herself to the education and rearing of her children, assuming control of the property and so managing her resources as to secure the object of her efforts. She died March 8, 1873, of consumption, from which she suffered three years. She was warmly regarded beyond the limits of her own family, having proved invaluable among the friends and neighbors of her sphere, who found in her a sympathetic friend and assistant in the emergencies of life.
The portrait of Dr. Burtless appears on another page. It is presented with peculiar satisfaction, as that of an able practitioner, a conscientious man, and one who is ever sensible of the claims of his genera- tion.
9
lanson Marcy, farmer, section 35, Inger- soll Township, is a son of Stephen and Achsy (Howe) Marcy, natives of Vermont, and was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1807. Coming to this State, he first lived several years in Lapeer County, and in March, 1856, he came to Midland County and purchased 80 acres of section 25, Ingersoll Township, where he settled and lived till the fall of 1883, when he sold this farm and bought a house and small tract of land on section 35, his present residence.
He was first married in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., to Mary Bowen, a native of New York, and they had six children, viz .: Almira, Charles F., Harriet H., William H., Martha A. and Susan D. Almira and Martha are deceased, and their mother died June 21,
1851. Mr. M. was again married Sept. 2, 1853, in Oakland Co., Mich., to Mary A., daughter of William and Phebe (Herrimon) Upton, natives of the State of New York, and of the eight children by this mar- riage four survive, viz .: Achsy O., Polly R., Seth N. and Orrin J. The deceased were Phebe, Tillie A., Lydia J. and Ira E.
Mr. and Mrs. Marcy belong to the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In regard to national questions Mr. M. votes with the Republican party.
lvin Marsh, farmer, section 1, Edenville Township, was born Oct. 13, 1823, in Mc- 100 Lean village, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Bailey) Marsh, both of whom were natives of Vermont. The mother was of genuine Yankee extraction, and is deceased. The father was born Dec. 29, 1795, and died at the home of his son Aug. 22, 1865.
Mr. Marsh was the third son of four children born to his parents, and when he was seven years old, ac- companied them in their removal to Allegany Co., N. Y. The township was named New Hudson and the immediate vicinity was known as the Marsh set- tlement. He was reared to the profession of a farmer and remained on his father's farm until he attained his majority. In company with his father and two brothers, he owned an equal share in 200 acres of land and a saw-mill, and in 1853 he came to Mich- igan to prospect for a location. He returned and sold his claim, and in October, 1854, settled in Sagi- naw County. He understood the trade of a builder, and he was occupied in the pursuit of that business several years. In 1857 he removed to Saginaw City and two years later, in the fall of 1859, he settled in Midland County. While residing at Saginaw he bought 160 acres of land in Hope Township, which he exchanged for the farm on which he is at present established, which includes 160 acres. It comprised 30 acres of cleared land, and was supplied with a log house and a log barn. He now owns 120 acres of his original purchase, having sold 40 acres. Eighty acres of the homestead are under creditable and valuable improvements. Mr. Marsh is a Republican in political faith, and has been Supervisor of his township two terms. Mr. Marsh built, in the autumn
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of 1855, the first frame structure, at Midland City, for John Larkin. He is quite a successful Nimrod, having killed up to date 142 bears, 200 wolves, and from 1,200 to 1,500 deer. For some years he made quite a handsome income by working at his trade in the summers, and trapping in the woods winters.
He was married at Rushford, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1846, to Laura Ann Holmes, who was born March 17, 1826, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. Her father, Jeremiah Holmes, was born July 7, 1Soo, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and died Oct. 19, 1868. He was of English origin. The mother, Laura (Smith) Holmes, is a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and is living with William Magee. Emily Adelaide, the eldest of two children of Mr. and Mrs. Marsh, was born in New Hudson, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, I847, and became the wife of Gilbert B. Goff, of Edenville Township, April 10, 1866. John Owen Marsh was born July 10, 1853, in New Hudson. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are members of the Church of Seventh-Day Adventists.
illiam A. Greenleaf, farmer, section 33, Midland Township, is a son of Thomas and Mary (Young) Greenleaf, natives of Maine. He was born in Mercer, that State, June 9, 1835, attended school until 18 years of age, and then learned the trade of carriage- making. He then worked at his trade five years in South Carolina. Returning to his native State, he en- listed, April 18, 1861, in the Sixth Maine Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. During the first three years of his service he was in 23 general engagements.
After the war he returned to Maine, and two months afterward he came to Michigan. The first winter he worked in the woods, and in May, 1866, he came to Midland City, where he was employed two summers in carpentry, but continued in the lum- ber woods during the intervening winters. About 1868 he purchased So acres of land where he now resides; but from 1870 to 1881 he lived in Midland City, continuing at carpentry and lumbering, accord- ing to the season, as above mentioned. He now has 25 acres under cultivation.
Mr. G. was married in Oakland Co., Mich., in
September, 1866, to Mrs. Julia, daughter of Lambson and Roxy Livermore and widow of Amos Witter, who died in the army. She had by her first marriage one child, Alice by name, and by her present mar- riage one child, Roxy M., born Aug. 21, 1868.
In general politics, Mr. Greenleaf votes with the Republicans.
illiam Mckay, farmer, section 32, Mid- land Township, is a son of James and Jessie (McIlrath) Mckay, natives of Scot- land, who. shortly after their marriage, emi- grated to New York city. Here, Mr. James Mckay engaged in mercantile pursuits for a while, then in Paris, Ont., for three years ; then sold out and established himself in agricultural pursuits for five years; next he exchanged his property for a distillery, which he ran for ten years, and finally pur- chased the farm where he now resides. His wife died in 1853. They were the parents of seven chil- dren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second.
The latter was born on "Scotia's Isle," Feb. 15, 1840, and was therefore but an infant when his par- ents emigrated with him to this country. When 16 years of age he started out in the world for himself, in the pursuit of agriculture. In September, 1859, he returned to Scotland and remained until May, 1861. He received his education mostly in the common schools of Ontario, and he also attended the academy at Dumfries, Scotland, near the home of the poet Burns. He returned to Canada in 1861, and for two years was engaged in the live-stock business. He had previously purchased a farm in Norfolk Co., Ont., on which he settled at this time, and remained there till he came to Midland County, in June, 1865. On his arrival here he purchased 40 acres of unimproved land, to which he has since added ten acres, and he now has the entire place under fine cultivation.
Mr. McKay was married in Midland City, May 25, 1867, to Julia, daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Taylor) Smith, who were natives of New York. She also was born in that State, in Onondaga County, Oct. 5, 1839. James D., born May 25, 1871, is the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. McKay.
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The subject of this biographical sketch has held the offices of Highway Commissioner, Justice of the Peace and School Director, in his political sentiments is a National, and, with his wife, is in sympathy with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church.
ories Kelly, farmer, section 26, Homer Township, was born in this township Oct. 24, 1860, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Barton) Kelly. His parents are residents of the village of Midland.
The leading event of the life of Mr. Kelly thus far was his marriage to Mary McDermott. She was born in Homer Township, March 12, 1865, and is the daughter of Clement and Ellen (O'Con- nell) McDermott. Her parents were natives of New York, of Irish descent. Laroy is the only child yet born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly. They reside on the family homestead, and Mr. Kelly owns 80 acres on section 30, of this township, 30 acres of which are under the plow.
illiam Simmons, farmer, section 28, Mid- land Township, is a son of Nicholas and Sabine Simmons, who were natives of Germany and emigrants to America in the summer of 1847, settling in St. Clair Co., Mich. Mother died in Port Huron.
William was born in Germany, Aug. 10, 1839, and 1 was eight years old when he came with his parents to this country; attended school two years in his native land, and several terms in Midland. At the age of 13 he left home, and three months afterward was apprenticed for three years to learn the black- smith's trade, which he followed until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fifth Mich. Cav. and served three years. He was the first to enlist from Midland Township. At the battle of Gettysburg he was taken prisoner and conveyed to Belle Island; four months afterward he was paroled. Excepting his time in the army he has resided in this county since 1858.
In 1860 he bought 38 acres of land in Midland
Township, to which he has since added 80 acres, and he has almost 70 acres under cultivation.
Mr. Simmons was married in Midland City, May 1, 1865, to Phebe E., daughter of Jeremiah and Laura E. (Smith) Holmes, and widow of M. E. Goodrich, who died Dec. 20, 1860. Mrs. S. was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., July 11, 1840. By her first marriage there was one child, which died in in- fancy. By her second there have been three chil- dren, viz : Avis V., William R. and Ernest H .- the last of whom died when eight years old.
Mr. S. has been Township Treasurer one year, Highway Commissioner three years (re-elected in 1884), and has held the various school offices. In political matters he votes with the Republican party. Mrs. Simmons is a Seventh-Day Adventist.
gavid Berthune, farmer, section 9, Geneva Township, was born in the Province of Quebec, Can., May 9, 1847. He is a son of Louis and Shia (Be Dor) Berthune. His father was a native of Canada, of French descent, and was born in 1815. He owned a small farm (33 acres) in the Dominion, and fol- lowed farming and buying and selling stock for a livelihood, and died in September, 1857. The mother of David was a native of Canada, of English and French descent, born in 1826 and died in the Do- minion in January, 1876.
David left home when 12 years of age and worked in the lumber woods winters, and on the rivers sum- mers, running logs, until 1871. In the summer of that year he came to Saginaw, this State. He engaged as employe to a Mr. Peter McCarthy, and worked in the woods in that gentleman's interest until he came to this county.
June 23, 1880, he purchased his present farm on section 9, Geneva Township, and moved on it in March, 1882.
March 12, 1873, Mr. Berthune was united in mar- nage to Miss Salina, daughter of Lonis and Mercy (Brandow) Bresan. Her mother died in the summer of 1881, in Mecosta County, this State, and her father still resides in that county. - She was born Jan. 6, 1850, and departed this life Feb. 11, 1858, leaving to the care of her husband two children,
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namely. Louis Edward. born Feb. 15. 1874; and Mercy, born Feb. 1. 18;S, died April 6. IS,S. One child preceded the mother to the better land, namely, Sophia, born Jan. S. IS;6, and died Oct. 13. IS ;;.
March 26. ISS2. he was again married. to Miss Jennie M., daughter of Hiram and Maria Bartlett. Her father was a native of Maine. of English descent. followed the occupation of lumberman, was born March 16, 1829, and died March 6, 18S2. Her mother is of English and Irish descent, and is living with her son in Buttonville. Mrs. Berthune was born Aug 28, 1860. She is the mother to Mr. B. of one child, David Edwin, born June 2. ISS3.
Politically, Mr. Berthune is a believer in the doc- trines of the Republican party. He is a quiet, un- ostentatious farmer and a respected and esteemed citizen of his township.
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eter Skym, farmer, section 33. Homer Township, was born June 27, 1836. in Albany. N. Y. His parents, John and أملساوزيه زمرسم Susan (Thoroughgood) Skym, were natives of London. Eng., and of mixed Welsh and Eng- lish extraction. The father was employed as an as- sistant in a silk factory in London, and emigrated to America some years ago. He settled with his family in r$40 in Ashtabula Co .. Ohio, where he fol- lowed farming until his death, which occurred Jan. 4, IS;S. The mother died Nov. 3. 1874. in the same county.
Mr. Skym was a small child when his parents settled in Ohio, and he remained under the direction of his father until he was 22 years old, when he engaged as a farm assistant in the vicinity where he had grown to manhood. He was married Feb. 23, r$65, to Celia Miller. She was born in Ashtabula Co .. Ohio. Oct. 30. 1839, and is the daughter of Jus- tus and Laura (Holbrooks) Miller. Her parents were born in Ohio, and her father died there about the year IS70. Her mother is yet living in the Buckeye State, and is aged 78 years. Frank E., Stella E., Clinton J. and Arthur are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Skym. The latter is deceased. After their marriage they remained in Ashtabula County until the fall of 18;9 and were engaged in farming. In the year named they removed to the
county and township in which they have since re- sided. Mr Skym bought So acres in a wholly un- improved condition, which he has cleared and greatly increased in value. He is a Republican in his politi- cal views.
nthony Dagle. farmer, section 10. Midland Township, is a son of Anthony Dagle. a native of Lower Canada, who died in Detroit, Mich., about 1856. Of the mother of the subject of this sketch very little is known, as she died when he was a child.
Anthony, Jr., was born in Lower Canada. July 4. IS36, and spent the first 12 years of his life in the Dominion. He then came to Detroit, Mich., and six years later to East Saginaw, where for five years he was employed as engineer on the river, for John Lar- kin. He first came to Midland County in the fall of 1859, since which date he has most of the time resided here. In 1868 he purchased 40 acres of land in Midland Township, where he now lives. Since then he has added zo acres to his original purchase. and of the total he now has 30 acres in good culti- vation. For nearly 20 years his residence was in the village of Midland. and at one time he owned valua- ble land within the village limits. He has also been employed in a saw-mill for many years.
Mr. Dagle was married in Midland, Dec. 25, IS;S. to Esther. daughter of Thomas and Jane McCartney, who was born in Canada Oct. 12. 1838. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. D. have been. Olivia L., Orville (who died when IS months old) and Ormille.
In general politics. Mr. Dagle is in sympathy with the Republican party.
R alph Dunton, Postmaster and merchant at Edenville, and farmer on section 2. Eden- ville Township, was born in Onondaga Co .. N. Y .. Oct. 9. 1830. He is the son of Ruel K. and Phebe M. (Weeks) Dunton. The mother died in St. Clair Co. Mich. The fither is an inmate of the home of his son.
Mr. Danton remained under his parental guidance
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MIDLAND COUNTY.
until the age of 1; years. devoting his time to the assistance of his father in his farmi labors. After that period he engaged as a laborer on farms during the agricultural seasons, and spent the winters in the lumber woods. He operated thus about ten years. He made several trips to Midland County, and in January, 1863, he came here to make a per- manent location. He managed a saloon during the first year thereafter and then bought 114 acres of wholly unimproved land, on which he went vigor- ously to work. Two years later he bought out the mercantile interests of his father-in-law, and since that time has combined the two callings. He has conducted the postoffice at Edenville for 13 years. Mr. Dunton has persistently declined public office. He is a Republican in political faith.
He was married Dec. 24, 1868. to Alice, daughter of Henry and Esther (Bowman) Church. She was born Dec. 1. 1848. Maud M., born Nov. 23, 1869, and Edith, born June S, 1877. are the only children of Mr. and Mrs. D.
ylvester B. Halbert, farmer, section 22, Midland Township, is a son of Seth and Sally (Alden, descendant of a Mayflower Pilgrim) Halbert. The former was a native of Massachusetts and was of Irish descent. They settled in Cortland Co., N. Y., where they lived until their death. She died in June, 1828. and he in September, ISS2.
The subject of this sketch was born in Cortland -Co., N. Y., April 22, 1828. When nearly 18 years of age he went to Rochester, that State, and worked by the month there and at other places, mostly at farming, for about five years. For a while he was engaged in boating wood to Rochester. Returning to Cortland County, he purchased a farm, which he managed about two years, when, in iS50, he was robbed by an iron-clad mortgage. He then spent a year in this county, engaged in lumbering in the winter. In the spring. in company with John Lar- kin and Elihu G. Battles, he commenced farming. and clearing 50 acres, which they "took up" in part- nership, Mr. Larkin securing the tax title. After- ward Mr. Battles bought the original title.
He taught school several months, and in Decem-
ber. 1856, he moved his family from New York to their new home in what was then a wild forest, in this county. He first rented a farm for about two years, and then bought a brick-yard in Midland, where he followed brick-making for 16 years. Mean- while he bought 40 acres on section 22, where, after quitting the former business, he has since followed farming. By subsequent purchase he has added to his landed estate, so that at present he owns an ag- gregate of 123 acres, about 40 of which is in good cultivation.
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