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 20
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Mr. B. was first married in Flint, Mich., Sept. 28, 1870, to Miss Angeline, daughter of Merritt and Amelia (Taylor) Yorton, who was born in Genesee Co., Mich., in 1850, and died June 22, 1873. Mr. Boies was again married, in Midland Township, Oct. 2, 1876, to Miss Eliza R., daughter of Urial and Emily (Babcock) Rockwood,-parents natives of the State of New York. She was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1857. By this marriage there is one child, Lucy M.
Mr. Boies has held the offices of Drain Commis- sioner and Overseer of Highways, and in his politics he is a Republican. Both he and his wife belong to the Baptist Church.
ennis Hawley, farmer, section 35, Eden- ville Township, was born Jan. 14, IS41, in Canader Township, Allegany Co., N. Y., and is the son of Daniel and Sarah (Huff) Hawley. The parents were natives of the State of New York, and in 1859 removed to Lexing- ton, Sanilac Co., Mich. The mother is still living, in Roscommon Co., Mich. The father died Jan. 28, 1880.
Mr. Hawley was the third of 11 children born to his parents; and, at the age of 11 years, he began to maintain himself, which he did by working among the farmers until he was of age. In July, 1860, he came to Midland County, where he has since been resident. He operated some time as a lumberman, and bought 21 acres of land in Jerome Township, which he sold 18 months later, and bought 40 acres adjoining. He retaincd possession of this about one year, sold out, and bought 50 acres in Kalamazoo County. A year later he again sold out, and then he bought 40 acres of unimproved land not far from Edenville. On this land he erected a house and barn, which he sold a few months later. In the fall of the same year he bought 40 acres in Jerome Township, on which he built a house. He kept the
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place one year, sold out and purchased the farm he now owns and occupies, which includes 167 acres, with a small tract under improvements and cultiva- tion. Of this he has now 65 acres improved and tilled. Mr. Hawley is a Republican in political be- lief.
. He was married Oct. 4, 1862, in Midland City, to Loretta A., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Sey- mour) Fowler. The mother died when Mrs. Hawley was six years old, in Branch Co., Ind. All traces of the father are lost. Nine children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hawley; eight are still living. Ellinor J. was born Feb. 15, 1864; Mary B., May 6, 1866; Loretta E., July 6, 1868; Adelbert, Nov. 17, 1870 ; Freddie G., Oct. ro, 1874; Myrtle L., Sept. 13, 1877; Nora G., Aug. 11, 1879; William Edward, May 14, 1882 ; a daughter, twin with the last named child, died on the day of her birth.
harles G. Brown, owning a farm on sec- tion 25, Larkin, is a son of Henry and Mary Brown, natives of Germany; and was also born in " De Faderland," Dec. 25, 1852. He was about 12 years old when he crossed the waters to the United States, and he fol- lowed the occupation of sailor for about 16 years. In 188r he came to Midland County and bought 80 acres of section 25, in Larkin Township. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and is in politics a supporter of Republicanism.
C. Thompson, dealer in books, stationery, Yankee notions, etc., at Midland, was born in Canada, and is the son of George and Esther (Ogden) Thompson, the former a native of Ireland, the latter born in New York, of German ancestry. His parents died when he was in early childhood. At the age of five years he accom- panied an uncle by marriage, Coleman Roe, to St. Clair Co., Mich., where the latter bought a farm. When Mr. Thompson was ten years old, he engaged in the lake service as a cabin boy, and continued in
that employment until he passed several grades of advancement and became first mate. In 1859 he became a seaman in the United States Navy, where he remained two years. His next engagement was on a revenue cutter for six months. He next gave his attention to the business of a machinist, and went into the car-shops at Lawrence, Kansas. He went thence to Sedalia, Mo., where he was foreman in the shops of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Rail- road Company. In September, 1872, he came to Midland, where he opened a restaurant and con- fectionery establishment, which he conducted about a twelvemonth. In 1873 he opened the business in which he is at present engaged. His stock averages from $3,000 to $5,000 in value, and his trade is pros- perous and popular. His wares include all varieties of merchandise common to similar establishments. He owns considerable valuable property in Midland.
His marriage to Miss Eliza J. Bullock occurred March 16, 1863. She was born April 17, 1844, and is the daughter of Shubal and Abigail (Weeks) Thompson. Their children were born in the follow- ing order: Cora J., Charlie, Minnie A., Flora, Eddie, Walter B. and an infant yet unnamed. The oldest daughter was born in St. Clair Co., Mich. The oldest son was born in Utica, Mo. The third and fourth children were born in Lawrence, Kansas. Eddie was born in Sedalia, and the two youngest in Midland. Mr. T. is a member of the Masonic Order.
Ifred See, farmer, section 32, Midland Town- ship, is a son of Ira and Permelia (Delila) See, who were natives of New York State. Mother died in Schenectady Co., N. Y., in October, 1841, and father in Grand Rapids, Mich., in August, 1876.
Alfred was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., May 15, 1840; at the age of 15 years he began to learn the mason's trade, but in three months he came to Wayne Co., Mich., where he lived a year; then he resided in Hillsdale County awhile, Ottawa County four years, and in 1860 went to Illinois, where, in 1861, he enlisted in the 15th Ill. Vol. Inf. After serving nearly a year, he was discharged on account of disability. He then returned to Ottawa Co., Mich., bought a farm and continued to live there till the
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spring of 1881, when he sold out and came to Mid- land County. Here he purchased So acres, where he resides and has nearly all his land under cultivation. His farm is in a good productive condition.
Feb. 28, 1863, in Ottawa Co., Mich., Mr. See mar- ried Mrs. Jane, daughter of Horace and Priscilla (Gray) Goodrich and widow of John Herriman, who died in 1862. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, May 12, 1842. By her first marriage she had one child, Elizabeth J., and by her present, three chil- dren,-Delila P., Nathaniel G. and Alice P.
Mr. See is a member of Dwight May Post, No. 69, G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican.
enson B. Bailey, farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, Jasper Township, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., April 27, 1825. His parents, Alson L. and Ann (Benson) Bailey, were natives of New York, were of New Eng- land ancestry and of English descent. His father was a general laborer, and died at the resi- dence of his son, Benson, May 20, 1873, at the age of 73 years. His mother died when he was six days old, in Steuben Co., N. Y., May 3, 1825. They were the parents of three children,-two sons and one daughter.
The subject of this sketch, the youngest child in the above family, was nine years old when the family moved to Medina Co., Ohio; five years later they came to Michigan, locating in Seneca Township, Lenawee County, being among the first settlers in that county. When 20 years of age, Mr. Bailey set out as a common laborer on his account, and was thus engaged until his marriage. This event took place at Elkhart, Ind., his choice for life's partner being Miss Mary Ludlow, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bruglar) Ludlow, natives of New England and of German and English descent. Her father died near Elkhart, Ind., some years ago, and her mother in Pennsylvania, July 28, 1830. Mrs. B. was born March 25, 1829, in Franklin Township, Lycom- ing Co., Pa. Being left an orphan when very young, she was brought up by her relatives, residing at first for a time in Crawford Co, Pa., then at Akron, Ohio, and then at Elkhart, Ind.
Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bailey settled on a farm in Lenawee Co., Mich., and in
1864 they came to Midland County, where Mr. B. purchased a quarter of section 34, Jasper Township, being the sixth settler in the township. His land at that time was of course entirely wild, and he had to go to St. John's, a distance of 37 miles, for market goods, paying "war " prices for their provisions. But he kept on industriously at work, and adding to his land property till he now has 465 acres, with 150 im- proved. He has recently erected a large granary, 36 by 50 feet, in addition to other important farm build- ings; has also a good residence, besides smaller dwellings on the various divisions of his estate. His specialty in stock-raising is the old Durham breed of cattle. Altogether, he has the largest and best im- proved farm in the township.
For sixteen winter and four summer seasons Mr. Bailey also followed lumbering extensively, " putting in " two to three million feet of logs in one season. He also built nine miles of the State road, which runs through the county.
Mr. Bailey was the first County Drain Commis- sioner of Midland, was Township Treasurer three years, and Road Commissioner for nine consecutive years. In his political views he is a Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. B. have had four children, namely : Lester M., born Oct. 29, 1855; William, born April 15, 1857, died Aug. 15, 1872; Ella R., born April 1, 1860; and Mary E., Sept. 25, 1865.
olomon Parker, farmer, section 12, Inger- soll Township, is a son of Robert and Sarah (Boyd) Parker, natives respectively of Ver- mont and Canada. The former died in Can- ada, and the latter still survives, residing in this county.
Mr. Parker, the subject of this biographical notice, was born in the township of Mountain, Ontario, Can- ada, April 21, 1827 ; when 19 years of age he went upon the lakes as engineer, which vocation he followed several years. He learned the machinists' trade in Lockport, N. Y. After leaving the lakes he followed his trade about 10 years in Canada, and then for one season he ran a tug on Saginaw Bay. In 1868 he built, for other parties, the first saw and shingle mill north of Midland; he built two mills in this county.
In 1862 Mr. Parker purchased a quarter-section of
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wild land in Ingersoll Township, and continued pur- chasing until he had 578 acres; but he has since dis- posed of all but 140 acres. He now has 90 acres well improved, equipped with good buildings, etc.
In politics Mr. Parker is classed with the Repub- licans, and he has been honored with the offices of Drain Commissioner and Justice of the Peace.
Mr. Parker was married in Niagara Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1847, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Richard and Margarel Ault, who were natives of Canada. Mrs. P. was born also in Canada, April 5, 1833. Their living children are, Edward M., born March S, 1857; Agnes A, born April 21, 1856; Wesley M., Nov. 2, 1859; and Berkley A., born Dec. 25, 1868. The deceased are William F., born Feb. 18, 1854; and two who died in infancy.
ichard Ashby, farmer, section 29, Midland Township, is a son of William and Jane (Milson) Ashby, natives of England, and was born in that country May 10, 1833. When about 25 years old he came to the United States, and soon went to Canada, where he lived until the spring of 1868. He then came to Midland County and bought 80 acres of land on section 29, Midland Township, where he has since made his residence. He has a well cultivated farm of 45 acres.
Mr. Ashby was married in Canada, Feb. 24, 1865, to Mary A. Davison, who was born in that country, May 20, 1848. The children of Mr. and Mrs. A. are Jennie, George J., William H. and Gertrude L. One child died in infancy.
In respect to general political issues, Mr. Ashby is in sympathy with the National party.
hilip Alguire, farmer on section 36, Mid- land Township, is a son of Henry and Mary (Warner) Alguire, natives of Canada, where he also was born, Sept. 12, 1849. He resided in the Dominion until 1873, when he selected this county as his home, and has since followed agriculture here. He owns a good farm of
40 acres, all of which is in a creditable state of cultivation.
He was married in Canada, March 6, 1871, to Miss Mary J. Thompson, a native of that county. Their only "troubles" have been little ones, and their names are Myrtle and Mary J. O. The former is not living. Politically, Mr. A. is a Republican.
oseph H. Tripp, farmer, section 18, Jerome Township, was born Feb. 16, 1855, and is the son of Joseph and Charlotte (Chatter- ton) Tripp. Joseph Tripp, senior, was born April 11, 1805, in Perry, Northumberland Co., Can., of English parentage. He died June 27, 1881, aged 69 years. He was the first white settler on the line of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad west of Sanford in Midland County. In the spring of 1857 he bought of H. Averill 160 acres of land on the Salt River bottoms, where he built a log cabin and made preparations to till the soil, which occupa- tion he carried on until his death. He was widely known and respected as a hospitable, honorable, in- dustrious pioneer. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and received a pension from the American Government for his seven years' service in the struggle for national independence. The eight children included in the family of the sen- ior Tripp are all living, and were born in the follow- ing order: James, Sept. 11, 1839; Charles, March 30, 1841; Jane, April 1, 1844; Nancy, Nov. 10, 1846 ; Jacob, Jan. 23, 1849 ; George, Dec. 9, 1851 ; Joseph (as stated above); Alfred, April 16, 1857. The mother was born Feb. 14, 1819, and resides in Je- rome Township.
At the age of 16 years, Mr. Tripp, of this sketch, went to Ogle Co., Ill., where he engaged by the month as a farm laborer. He remained in the Prairie State seven years, and then came to Michigan and passed two winters in the lumber woods. In 1878 he was employed by his father in the manage- ment of the homestead, and the following year he settled on his present place. He was married Feb. 27, 1878, to Nancy A., daughter of L. H. and Emily A. (Jacques) Stevens. Her father is living in El- mira, Otsego Co., Mich., and is a mason by trade; he is of English descent. Her mother died Oct. 28,
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1876, in East Saginaw. The daughter was born Oct. 31, 1862. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Tripp were born as follows : Joseph Ernest, June 24, 1879; Myrtle May, March 13, 1882.
Mr. Tripp is a Republican in political faith. He owns 40 acres of land, ro acres of which are im- proved.
m. H. Howe, farmer, on section 4, Larkin, is a son of James C. and Fidella (Go- tham) Howe, natives of the State of New York; and he was born in Clayton, Jeffer- son Co., N. Y., Aug. 17, 1848. He received a common-school education, and at the age of 16 started out to make his own way in life, following the lakes as a common sailor for 11 years. He first came to Midland County about 1868, but remained only a short time. After visiting various sections of the country, he returned the following spring, and has since made his home in this county. In 1878 he purchased 53 acres in Larkin Township, where he now lives, and at the present time 16 acres are cleared and under cultivation.
May 20, 1875, at Loomis, Isabella County, Miss Lucinda M. Wilson became Mrs. Wm. H. Howe. She was born in Beloit, Wis., Jan. 3, 1859, and is the daughter of Wm. C. and Rachel (Wells) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have had, as children : Frederick O., Dora A. and Ada E.
Mr. H. has held the offices of Township Clerk and School Moderator. Politically, he votes the National ticket. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.
rank Barton, farmer, section 18, Midland Township, is a son of Anthony and Amelia (Foot) Barton; the latter, natives of New York State, came to Midland about 1854, and were therefore among the earliest pioneers.
The subject of this sketch, the eldest of the chil- dren in the above family, was born in Midland County, March 8, 1855, and from the age of one year to 16 years he lived with his grandmother; she then died and he lived at home until 19 years old.
He received a common-school education. Since he was 19 he has been employed in the woods, on the river during the spring, and farming. In 1881 he bought a tract of 80 acres on Pine River, which he afterward disposed of, and in January, 1882, he pur- chased 132 acres on section 18, where he now re- sides.
He was married in Homer Township, Midland County, Oct. 16, 1882, to Maloa, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Carrow, the latter natives of Canada.
Mr. Barton has been Overseer of Highways one year, and in his political views is a Republican. Mrs. B. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ohn Post, farner and saw and planing mill proprietor, residing at Coleman, Warren Township, was born March 19, 1834, in Allegany Co., N. Y.
The parents of Mr. Post are Peter and Mary (Reynolds) Post. The father was born April 6, 1807, in Belfast, Allegany County, and is of Ger- man descent. He is at present engaged in the hotel business at Belvidere, his native county, and has fol- lowed that occupation for 30 years. The mother was born Dec. 12, 1808, and was married on her 21st birthday, Dec. 12, 1829.
The subject of this biographical notice was brought up in his father's hotel, attended the common schools and assisted in the cultivation of a small farm until he attained the age of 21 years. His father's family consisted of nine children, six boys and three girls, who all grew to maturity except one (a girl), who died in infancy. John was the oldest of the boys, and on him a great portion of the labor in the maintenance of the family devolved.
On arriving at the age of maturity he engaged with his father in the hotel business and in cultivating the farm. He continued the business for some three years, and then engaged with his father in the grocery trade. John managed the business for about two years, when the partnership was dissolved and he con- tinued alone for a year, when he disposed of his stock for a farm. The farm was located two miles from Belvidere, and when he made the exchange he did so for the purpose of procuring the timber on the
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land. He soon found he had no outlet in which to get his timber to market, and was compelled to pur- chase 60 acres additional in order to procure one. He moved on this land and engaged in cutting and marketing his lumber, in which vocation he met with signal success.
June 11, 1863, Mr. Post enlisted in Co., M, 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. His company was attached to the 6th Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of Spottsylvania Court-House, Wilderness and others. The 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery was divided into batteries, and the one to which Mr. Post belonged was known as the 3d N. Y. Ind. Light Artillery. It participated in nu- merous engagements up to the date of Lee's surren- der, and holds an honorable place in the history of that campaign, and was honorably mustered out in August, 1865.
After discharge from his country's service, Mr. Post returned to Belvidere and moved his family, which had remained in Belvidere during his absence in the army, on his farm. He then spent some time in the oil regions, but wisely concluded not to invest, and, returning, purchased a team and engaged in lumbering.
In 1867 Mr. B. exchanged his farm for a stock of merchandise, and for two years conducted the mer- cantile business at Belvidere. He then disposed of his stock and came to this county, leaving his family at that place. He arrived here in the fall of the year and remained until the following spring, when he re- turned to Belvidere and spent about a year in dis- posing of his property, and then returned with his family to Midland City, this county. He remained in Midland, variously occupied, for about two years, and then moved to Clare, Clare County. In the latter place, he purchased some mill property, and for four years conducted the business until the mill was destroyed by fire. His loss was about $4,500, with no insurance.
In ISSo Mr. Post came to Coleman, this county. He purchased a mill near Clare, Clare County, moved it here and commenced operations. Soon afterward he erected a store building, and placed a stock of goods in the same, and has lately disposed of the mill, store building and stock.
Mr. Post was united in marriage Aug. 30, 1856, to Miss Fannie M., daughter of Redding and Eunice
(Scott) Gleason. Her father was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., June 25, 1812, and died Sept 12, 1865. He was of Dutch descent. The mother was born May 22, 1819, in Vermont, and is living with her daughter Alice, in Clare, Clare County. There were seven children in her parents' family, all of whom grew to maturity except one who died in infancy. Fannie M., wife of Mr. Post, was born Jan. 7, 1839.
Mr. Post has 120 acres of land near Buttonville, on which he has 30 acres cleared and 25 improved. He also owns 200 acres of land in the vicinity of Coleman. His son, Floyd Lewellyn, is a full partner with his father, which relation has existed ever since he became of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Post have had three children born to them, all in Belvidere, N. Y., one of whom is deceased The living are: Floyd L., born April 11, 1857; Ada May, born July 15, 1861 : Florence A., born Dec. 6, 1858, was married May 19, 1877, 10 Josiah Horning, and departed this life Jan. 29, 1879.
Politically, Mr. Post is a Republican, and is at present a Justice of the Peace. Mrs. Post is an active, working member of the Episcopal Church.
oseph A. Morrison, manufacturer of shin- gles, pail and tub staves and heads, in Geneva Township, was born in Armstrong Co., Pa., Oct. 26, 1844. His parents, Robert and Jane (Hill) Morrison, were respectively of Scotch and Irish descent, and were natives of New Bethlehem, Armstrong Co., Pa. They also died there, the demise of the mother occurring about the year 1857, that of the father in 1850.
Mr. Morrison, in his first contest with the world, which he commenced at the age of 13 years, engaged as a farm laborer by the month, and spent about a year in that capacity. He enlisted Aug. 28, 1861, soon after the disaster of the first battle of Bull Run, enrolling in Co. C, 105th Pa. Vol. Inf., Col. McKnight, his regiment being assigned to the divis- ion of Gens. Heintzelman and Kearney and attached to the Third Army Corps. Mr. Morrison was in active service throughout the entire Peninsular cam- paign under Gen. McClellan. At the battle of Wil- liamsburg he received a slight bayonet wound while sustaining a charge from the enemy in ambush be-
وسمريه
Jo hn y Whitman
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hind a fence. He was in the second battle of Bull Run, and went thence to the hospital at Point Look- out, Md., where he spent a month struggling with typhoid fever. He went thence to the convalescent camp at Alexandria, and was discharged on the sur- geon's certificate. He was mustered out Feb. 11, 1863, and returned to his friends at New Bethlehem. After recovery he attended school one year at an academy at Glade Run. He next entered into a partnership with a man named John Shaddock, in the draying business, in which he was interested about eighteen months. On the termination of that relation he engaged in transporting oil from Oil City to Pittsburg, and after a year sold his interest to his partner. He next engaged in drilling oil-wells, which he followed in Pennsylvania two years; after this he went to the oil regions of Canada and was simi- larly interested there one year. His next change of base was to Detroit, where he entered into a contract to get out 150 cords of last timber, at $4 per cord. He came to the Saginaw Valley to fulfill the obliga- tions of his contract, and has since remained chiefly in the territory included under that name. About 1867 he bought a wood lot some three miles north- east of Midland, and set himself to the task of con- verting it into a farm; but the stumps appeared too formidable for the short period allotted to man, and after spending one summer in the pursuit of his project, he returned to Saginaw and followed the business of a drayman one summer. He then came back to Midland and formed a partnership with a Mr. Fletcher, and built a shingle mill, but the enter- prise was not feasible, and he disposed of his interest to his partner. He then engaged to manage a mill above Freeland, where he operated one season, at the termination of which he went to Freeland and spent two years in the shingle business, getting out that commodity by the thousand. He went thence to Sanders' Point, Delta Co., Upper Peninsula, where he spent two years running a mill in the interests of Whitney Bros., of Cincinnati. He returned to Free- land and managed a mill there about one year, when it was destroyed by fire. He went next to Averill and rented a mill, which he devoted to shingle man- ufacture, and operated a year, going thence to Loomis, where he engaged by the day, in the shingle business, and remained two years.
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