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 32
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to a large degree the respect and esteem of the com- munity of which he is a member.
Mr. Windover was married in December, 1848, in Richmond Township, Ontario, to Elizabeth Warner, a native of that province, born Dec. 25, 1828. She is the third of 13 children. Her father died in On- tario, in 1875; her mother still resides there, aged 74 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Windover have been born ten children, two of whom are deceased. They were born in the following order: Sarah, June 26, 1849; William, Jan. 17, 1851; Mary, Nov. 12, 1852 ; Anna, June 12, 1854; Wesley and Whitley (twins), July 4, 1864: Melissa, Nov. 17, 1865; Minnie, April 18, 1867 ; Johnny and Sophronia. The two last named are not living. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
illiam H. Tice, farmer, section 14, Homer Township, was born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1840. He was brought up to the period of his legal freedom by his parents, and passed the years of his minor- ity in obtaining an education and working on the home farm. The tide of civil war swept over the land a few months prior to his 21st birthday, and Oct. 7, 1861, he became a soldier for the Union. He enlisted in Co. I, 56th N. Y. Vol. Inf. His com- mand was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and he was in action through 12 engagements, be- sides numerous skirmishes. He was discharged for re-enlistment six months before the expiration of his time. and he again enrolled in the same regiment, Feb. 19, 1864, as a veteran. He received his final and honorable discharge in October, 1864.
He returned home and took charge of his father's farm and business, in which he was occupied until 1869. He spent several years following in his own agricultural interests, and in 1872 came to Michigan and purchased 40 acres, on which he has since re- sided. He has improved ten acres of his farm, and erected a fine stock and grain barn. He is a zealous Republican in political connections, and has been Township Treasurer five years, in which capacity he is still acting. lle was recently elected Justice of the Peace, and has served several years as School Inspector, being Chairman of the School Board. Mr.
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Tice has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was ten years of age, and has offici- ated several years as Steward of the society to which he and his wife belong.
lle was married Feb. 25, 1869, in Ulster Co., N. Y., to Artie, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Doolittle) Cudney. The parents were natives of the State of New York, of English descent. They died in Sulli- van Co., N. Y. Mrs. Tice was born in that county, April 24, 1845, and resided with her father until her marriage, the mother having died when the daughter was quite young. One of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tice is deceased. Following is their record : Orah E. was born April 24, 1870; Lulu C., March 10, 1872; Jennie E., May 27, 1873; Clara M., July 5, 1876. An unnamed infant was born Feb. 4, 1883, and died Feb. 26, following.
on. James W. Cochrane, ex-Senator from Midland County, speculator in real estate, etc., at Midland, is a son of James W. and Permelia (McLaughlin) Cochrane, and was born in Attica, Wyoming Co., N. Y., June 1, IS38. His father was one of the first settlers in the " Holland Purchase."
Attending school until 12, he then taught a winter term of school in his native county, receiving as com- pensation the attractive salary of $13 per month. Then for three years he studied in the summers at the Rock River University at Mt. Morris, Ill., teach- ing school winters.
Returning then to Warsaw, in his native county, in New York, he entered the law office of Comstock & Healy. After two years of study with that firm, he was in 1862 admitted to the Bar in Buffalo, N. Y. He practiced one year at Warsaw, and then came to Freeland, Saginaw Co., this State, and followed lum- bering for an equal period of time. In 1864 he opened a law office at Midland, but after three years' practice he again engaged in lumbering, which occu- pied his time until ISSo. For two years of this period he was associated with Messrs. Brooks & Adams, of Detroit, in the ownership of extensive tracts of land. In 1870, in company with John Haines, he built the first mill on the line of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad west of Midland. This
was near Averill, and he sold out one year later. Besides these enterprises, he has made several invest- ments on his private account.
About a mile from the city of Midland is situated his nice farm of about 1So acres, 120 improved. He resided there six years, and in ISSt removed to Mid- land, where he is now dealing in real estate and practicing law.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and be- longs to the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and R. A. Politically, he is a zealous Republican. In the fall of 1878 he was nominated for State Senator, and was elected, his opponents in the canvass being James K. Wright, Democrat, and Henry Smalley, National. He represented the 28th Senatorial District with credit for two years, and was acknowledged to be one of the most able members of the upper branch of Michigan's Legislature. He was Chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, and a member of the Committees on State Prison, Insurance, and Towns and Counties; and was appointed from the north part of the State on the Special Joint Committee for the Revision of the Tax Laws. The work of this committee was the most important that was brought before that session. He has taken an active part in politics in Midland County, and in 1876 stumped the northern part of the State for Hayes and Wheeler. He has been Chairman of the Republican County Committee, and has held several important local offices, among them Supervisor and Justice of the Peace.
Aug. 3, 1869, in Wethersfield Springs, Wyoming Co., N. Y, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Helen E. Webster, daughter of Abel and Caroline (Doolittle) Webster. Mrs. Cochrane was born in Wethersfield Springs, April 5, 1844, and was reared in Warsaw, in her native county. She received a normal training, in addition to the usual common- school education, and graduated Jan. 30, 1862. She was the youngest member of her class, and was one of five selected to read at the graduation exercises. See then became a preceptress in the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary at Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y., where she taught for one school year. The ensuing two years she taught mathematics, in the Cary Collegiate Seminary at Oakfield, N. Y. In 1864 and 1865, she was Vice- Principal of Cottage Hill Seminary at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and then for four
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years she was Vice-Principal and teacher of higher mathematics in the Mary Institute at Carlisle, Pa. She resigned her position in this institution to be- come the bride of Mr. Cochrane. Charles E. is the only son by this marriage, and was born at Midland, March 20, 1875.
homas J. Carpenter, dealer in real estate at Midland, was born July 15, 1807, in Wheatland (then) Genesee Co., N. Y. He is the son of Powell and Lucy (Kellam) Car- Denter, and was reared as a farmer's son, obtain- ing his education in the common schools.
In 1831 he came to the Peninsular State. He bought 320 acres of "oak openings" in Orion Town- ship, Oakland County, and cleared 200 acres, forming a first-class farm. In 1855 he bought 400 acres of land in the western part of Midland County, lying on the Chippewa river, to which he added by subse- quent purchase until his aggregated real estate amounted to 3,000 acres, of which he still retains about 2,500 acres. In 1859 he bought a half interest in a saw-mill in the eastern part of the village of Midland, in company with A. W. Thompson. A shingle mill was added to this, and six years later the entire establishment was burned, involving a loss to Mr. Carpenter of $2,000. In 1859 he bought 160 acres of land, now included in the site of Midland and constituting the northeastern portion of the village. It was platted in 1860, and includes 120 acres in extent. In 1860 Mr. Carpenter disposed of his property in Oakland Co. He has held numerous township offices, and has been ciosely identified with school interests since his settlement in the county.
Mr. Carpenter was married May 7, 1831, in Mont- gomery County, N. Y., to Juliette Clarke. She was born February 10, 1805, in the State of New York, and is the daughter of Samuel Clarke. Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, five are living. Delia, wife of Alfred Owen of Kansas (who died in Kansas, March, 1884), was born Feb. 14, 1832; Sylvia P. (Mrs. B. F. Thorne, residing at Bay City) was born Jan. 12, 1835; Powell, a farmer in Orion, Oakland County, was born Feb. 8, 1837 ; Samuel C., born June 7, 1839, is a carpenter in Mid- land ; Stephen I., born Dec. 28, 1841, died Dec. 27,
1842; Juliette C., born Sept. 29, 1844, is the wife of James Van Kleek, of Midland. Thomas J., born June 26, 1850, died Sept. 19, 1854. The mother died eight days after the death of the youngest child. Mr. Carpenter was a second time married May 26, 1856, to Catherine Casamer, daughter of Isaac and Prudence (Buchner) Casamer, born in Greenville, Sussex Co., N. J., Jan. 15, 1831. Mr. Carpenter has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1827; his wife has been a member of the same religious body since 18.47.
The portrait of Mr. Carpenter, which appears on the opposite page, is that of a pioneer citizen of Midland City and County.
rancis J. Barry, proprietor of the Sherwood House, Midland, is the son of John and Frances Barry, and was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, April 29, 1842. He learned the trade of cigar-maker, and when 15 years old came to Toronto, Can. Thence he went to Georgian Bay, where he had an uncle on it farm, and two years later returned to Toronto, fol- lowing his trade of cigar-maker.
In 1865 he came to Detroit, and in 1867 to Sagi- naw City, in this latter place being for seven and a half years foreman in a cigar manufactory. The en- suing three years he was in the same business at Saginaw for his own profit; and in September, 1877, he came to Midland City and opened a saloon. This he conducted until November, 1881. At that time he began the erection of the Sher wood House in com- pany with William Sherwood, and in April following the house was opened to the public. It is a three- story brick, 50 by 80 feet in size, with cellar 35 by 40 feet, containing 21 single apartments and 16 double rooms; and having a large stable attached. A car- riage goes to all trains, carrying passengers to the hotel free, or to any part of the city for 25 cents, and horses are also boarded and sold at this stable. Since May, 1882, Mr. Barry has been alone in the manage- ment of the hotel, which has a good reputation, and does a thriving business, all well deserved.
He was first married in Detroit, April 1, 1865, to Miss Margaret Parrett, a native of Canada. To this marriage were given two children: Richard J., born
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at Detroit, May 1, 1866; and Ulysses G, born in Saginaw City, June 15, 1871. Mrs. B. died in the latter city. He was wedded to his present wife in Milton, Holton Co., Can., May 29, 1877. Her maiden name was Hannah L. Sherwood, and she was born in Holton Township, Holton Co., Can. By this mar- riage Mr. Barry has a daughter, Harriet F., born at Saginaw City, July 25, 1878; and a son, Thompson G., born at Midland, Nov. 13, 1879; and an un- named son born June 20, 1884.
Ar. Barry owns a house and lot in the east part of the village, five lots on Ellsworth Street and two lots and a half near his hotel. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Maccabees. Politically, he is a staunch Republican.
1 . K ! ohn Roberson, farmer on section 32, Jas- per Township, was born in Washington Co., N. Y., July 8, 1849. His father, Martin Roberson, a native of New York, lived in that State all his life, engaged in farming, and died Jan. 12, 1872, aged 55. His mother, Sarah J. (Cook) Roberson, was born in Ireland, came to this country when 12 years old, and now resides, in good health, at the age of 57, with her son.
The subject of this biography was reared on a farm, received an academic education, and on ar- riving at his majority began teaching. For five win- ters he had charge of schools in Saratoga and Wash- ington Counties, working on the farm during the sum- mers. In March, 1878, he left his native county and came to Rose Township, Oakland Co., Mich., and one year later he removed to Springfield Town- ship, same county. In December, 1879, he came to this county and purchased So acres of heavily tim- bered land in Jasper Township, where his mother, two brothers, a sister and himself established their home. He has improved 40 acres, and built the nec- essary farm buildings, and is making creditable prog- ress in developing a fine farm. He has taught two winters in this county. He is in political sentiment a Republican, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and School Inspector. His mother is a member of the Baptist Church. He has two sisters
and two brothers. Mary E. was born May 31, 1852; Martha J., Sept. 5, 1857 (now married and residing in Ionia County) ; Martin, Feb. 24, 1859; William C., Nov. 2, 1865.
dward McGowan, farmer, section 26, 3tt. Haley Township, was born May 6, 1841, in Lanark Co., Ont. His parents, Patrick and Mary (Drummond) McGowan, were na- tives of Ireland and belonged to the race known as Scotch-Irish. They emigrated to the New World with their parents in early life, and married later in the Dominion, where they spent their lives, both dying about 1843. Their family consisted of five sons and two daughters.
Mr. McGowan is the youngest child of his parents, and was between two and three years of age when they were removed by death. He was taken in charge by a paternal uncle, who cared for him until he was 15 years old. He spent his time at school and as assistant on his uncle's farm. At that age he began life for himself, and set out in his single-handed struggle with the world as a log-driver on the river Tay in Ontario. Later he went to St. Paul, Minn., and thence to Minneapolis. His next destination was Henderson, in the same State, and he spent the ensuing three years at different points in the Minne- sota Valley. He proceeded thence to Arkansas, where he suffered severe illness from fever. In 1860 he went to Ohio, and in the fall of the same year he returned to the place of his nativity, where, two years afterward, he was married. The event occurred Aug. 18, 1862, when Catherine Carey became his wife. She was born June 29, 1840, in Ontario. To Mr. and Mrs. McGowan, 14 children have been born, five of whom are deceased. Their names are Mary E., Ann E., Edward J., Thomas J., James P. and John J. (twins), l'atrick H., William F. and Leo. Peter (Ist), James and John (twins), Peter (2d) and Flor- ence A. are deceased.
Two years after marriage Mr. and Mrs. McGowan came to East Saginaw, where;he worked as a fireman in a saw-mill. In the fall of 1868 he came to Mid- land County and entered a homestead claim of 160 acres of wild land on section 26 of this township. He was the first permanent settler in the south half
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of Mt. Haley. The nearest neighbors were four miles distant, and the "staple product" of the county seemed to be water, a fact owing to its flat surface. He has cleared and improved 35 acres of his farm.
The family are Roman Catholics in religious be- lief. Mr. McGowan is a pronounced Republican in his political views; he has been Township Clerk several years, and in 1879 was elected Supervisor, which office he has held ever since, and to which he was once previously elected.
ohn A. Wayne, farmer and lumberman section 10, Porter Township, was born in Charlotteville, Norfolk Co., Ont., Jan. 20, 1850. When 17 years old he went to Mil- waukee, Wis., and thence to East Saginaw, where he engaged to go into the lumber woods of Saginaw County, and he continued in that employ- ment two years, when he came to Midland County, and again operated as a lumberman. In March, 1880, he purchased a farm of 40 acres situated on Pine River. Of this, 25 acres are now under culti- vation.
Mr. Wayne is a Republican in political sentiment. Hle was married Aug. 30, 1874, in Mt. Haley Town- ship, to Martha E. Timmons. She was born Aug. 23, 1856, in Macomb Co., Mich. Her parents re- moved to Midland County with their family when she was 12 years old, and are both deceased. Of this union five children have been born, four of whom died in infancy. The sole surviving child is named Archie A. Wayne.
li E. Oswald, farmer on section 30, Jasper Township, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, 1854. His parents, Jonathan and Catharine (Gamber) Oswald, were natives of Ohio, and respectively of English and Pennsyl- vania-German descent. The father, a farmer and mechanic, died in Ohio, April 14, 1882. The mother died in the same State, Feb. 28, 1884. Their family numbered 12, 11 of whom are now living.
'The eighth of these, and fourth son, remained at home until 20 years old, and then began work at
blacksmithing, in which trade he had served a two years' apprenticeship. This occupation not being suited to his health, he abandoned it, and de- voted his time to farming and to carpentry. In August, 1876, he came with his brother to this county and purchased 40 acres on section 19, Jasper. He sold this in the fall of 1880 and established a restau- rant at St. Louis, which he managed six months. He then came back to Jasper Township and purchased 40 acres on section 30, where he has since made his home. He has improved ten acres.
Nov. 10, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Depue, daughter of William T. and Sarah C. Depue. She was born in Jasper Township, Oct. 18, 1863, and lived at home until her marriage, being educated in the common school, and also at the St. Louis High School.
Mr. Oswald has been Township Treasurer two years, Highway Commissioner one year, and has served in various minor offices. He votes the Re- publican ticket.
ndrew Hannah, farmer and lumberman, section 24, Porter Township, was born Jan. 1, 1819, in Ayrshire, Scotland. His father, Andrew Hannah, who was a native of the same shire, and a spinner and weaver by voca- tion, died in 1822, when he, the son, was but three years of age, and on the death of his father he was taken in charge by his paternal grandfather. He was brought to America by the latter when he was eight years of age, and all trace of his mother is lost. His grandfather died in Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Hannah went when he was 19 years old to Upper Canada, where he remained until he was 28 years old, engaged in the various departments of lumbering. He was first married to Mary A. Han- nah, who was born in the State of New York about the year 1828. She afterward went to Upper Cana- da, where she lived until her marriage. She died in September, 1857, in Haldimand Co., Can., and is now survived by four of the six children of whom she was the mother. Mr. Hannah came to East Sagi- naw in 1865, where he was married to Mrs. Sophia (Ilannah) Hale, who was born Nov. 3, 1834, in Up- per Canada. Her mother died when she was six years old, and she spent her time in self-support and
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with her father until 1857, when she became the wife of Richard Hale. She was widowed the follow- ing year. Two years after the second marriage of Mr. Hannah, he removed to Midland County and entered a homestead claim of 160 acres of timbered land. Of this he has placed 20 acres under improve- ments, and his farm has proved the wisdom of his choice, as its soil is of the best character.
Mr. Hannah is a Republican in political principles, and has held the position of Justice of the Peace three years; has occupied the various school offices. The family are Presbyterians in religious convictions.
Charles, born March 27, 1867 ; Christenia, Aug. 2, 1872 ; Jennie, Dec. 16, 1875; Frederick, Sept. 24, 1877,-are the names of the children born of the second marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hannah.
ohn Gorman, farmer and blacksmith, resi- dent on section 36, Mt. Haley Township, was born in Ireland, July 30, 1832, and emigrated to the New World when he was less than ten years old, brought hither by his par- ents, who made their first location in Ontario, Dominion of Canada. He became the master of his own fortunes when he was 15 years old, and was variously employed until he was 20 years old, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and found employment in the blacksmith shops of that city, operating as as- sistant for five years in that vocation. He then came to Detroit, where he "took a fire " in a shop and re- mained in the position about 12 years. At the ex- piration of that time, he went to East Saginaw and was similarly engaged until 1876. In that year he came to Midland County and became the proprietor by purchase of 40 acres of partly improved land. Of this, 20 acres are now under cultivation. Since his residence in Mt. Haley Township, he has devoted most of the winter seasons to the pursuit of his trade at East Saginaw.
His marriage to Maria N. Clancy occurred March 4, 1862, at Detroit. She is a native of Ireland, and was born Sept. 29, 1837. Her parents came to America when she was ten years old. Of eight chil- dren born of her marriage four survive-Lizzie, John
F., May and Willie. Mr. Gorman is a Democrat in political connection ; the family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
eorge W. Van Wegen, farmer on section 31, Larkin Township, is a son of Daniel and Mary (Cuykendall) Van Wegen, na- tives of Cayuga Co., N. Y., and was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., May 22, 1830. He was reared in that State and in Pennsylvania, whither his parents removed, and his home was in the Keystone State until 1880. He then came to Saginaw County, this State, where he lived one year ; and in January, 1882, he came to Midland County and purchased 80 acres in Larkin Township. Here he now resides, and he has subdued to cultivation 25 acres.
June 6, 1854, in Jefferson Co., Pa., he took as the life partner of his sorrows and joys Miss Cinderella Munger, daughter of Charles and Rachel (Cutler) Munger, natives of the State of New York. She was born in Livingston County, that State, Sept. 27, 1837. The six children now belonging to this family are named Willard W., Henry H., Elmer N., Grace D., May B. and Charles N.
Mr. Van W. supports the Republican party, and has been School Director. He and wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
charles M. Parmelee, farmer, section 36, Ingersoll Township, is a son of Hairy and Elizabeth (Freeman) Parmelee, natives of New Hampshire. The former died in In- gersoll Township, Oct. 29, 1872, and the latter in Marshalltown, lowa, July 30, 1882.
Charles M. was born in Wayne Co., Mich., April 21, 1837; from 14 to 19 years of age he lived in Windsor, Ont., employed in a machine shop for three years and two years as engineer on the Great West- ern Railroad; then for two years he ran an engine from Rouse's Point in Vermont to White River Junction. Returning to Michigan, he enlisted, Nov. 1, 1861, in the "Brady Sharpshooters," which was made the 11th Company of the 16th Mich. Inf., and he
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served three years. At the battle of Cold Harbor he was taken prisoner, but remained in the enemy's hands only about eight hours, when he was re-cap- tured by Gen. Custer's forces. He was in 22 engage- ments, prominent among which were the battles of Big Bethel, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, siege of Yorktown, Sharpsburg, etc. He was able for duty every day while in the service.
After the war he returned to Michigan, but soon went to Chicago, where he had charge of the tele- graph lines from that city to Quincy, III., for two years. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, and had charge of the "United States" lines from Chicago to Buffalo for nearly a year. Next, he was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company about a year, having his headquarters at Dunkirk, N. Y. Then he kept a grocery in Saginaw County, this State, almost two years ; sold out and passed a winter in Chicago; disposed of an improved farm which he owned near Mendota, III .; and finally, in March, 1870, he came to Midland County and purchased So acres of land in Ingersoll Township, where he has since lived, and now has almost 70 acres improved.
In politics, Mr. Parmelee is independent.
He was married in Saginaw Co., Mich., July 4, 1865, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Ann Glover, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Ireland. Mrs. P. was born in Cincinnati, O., Dec. 25, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Parmelee are the parents of five children, namely: Charles H, Clara M., Otis S., Annie 1. and George A. The first two are deceased.
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ohn Salsbury, farmer, section 16, Jasper Township, was born in Camden Township; Ontario, July 30, 1845. His parents, Luke and Sarah (Lee) Salsbury, were natives also of the Dominion, and are now deceased,-the former departing this life in 1879, at the age of 76, and the latter in 1881, aged 68: father was a farmer.
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