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 34
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and married Maria S. Cheney. He was a farmer by occupation, and about a year before his death his health became seriously impaired, and he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he died, Aug. 10, 1848. His wife was born Dec. 8, 1825, in Stratford, Orange Co., Vt., and died May 5, 1865, in Spring Township, Crawford Co., P'a.
Mr. Abbey, of this sketch, remained on the farm at home until he was 15 years old, and in 1864 he went to Conneaut, Ohio, for the purpose of acquiring the details of the business in which he has since en- gaged. He passed three years in completing a thor- ough knowledge of the minutiæ of the trade, and in 1868 came to Bay City, Mich., where he obtained employment. A few months later he went to Clio, Genesee County, and opened an establishment for the prosecution of his trade in his own interest, where he continued four years.
While there he was married, Sept. 22, 1871, in Tittabawassee Township, Saginaw County, to Sarah J. Elden. She was born May 27, 1847, in New York, and is the daughter of James and Angelica (Sigsby) Elden. In the fall of 1872 he opened his present establishment at Midland, where he is the oldest and leading representative of his calling. His stock is valued at $5,000, and includes clocks, watches, sil- ver-ware,'optical goods, fine jewelers' wares, diamonds, musical merchandise and all sundries common to a first-class jeweler's house. He occupies a fine brick building, which he erected in the fall of 1879, two stories high and 18 by 60 feet in dimensions. He owns a fine residence, with grounds including three village lots, two building lots variously situated, 200 acres of land in Lincoln Township, and is also a stockholder in the Star Flouring Mills.
eorge Starks, lumberman, section 23, Ilo- mer Township, was born May 4, 1854, in Genesee Co., N. Y. He is the son of George and Catherine Starks, who came to Homer Township in 1854, and, after a resi- dence of six months, returned to the State of New York. They came back to Midland County in 1856, where their son has since resided. His father died when he was 12 years old, and he was thence- forward under the guidance of his mother, who later
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became the wife of Charles Cronkright. at home until he was 22 years of age. to Dora Smith occurred April 3, 1876. She was born in Homer Township, Feb. 14, 1855, and is the daugh- ter of Stephen and Harriet Smith. Her mother died in her early childhood. The children who constitute the issue of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Starks were born as follows: George, April 21, 1877 ; Me- linda, Feb. 25, 1880 ; Catherine, born Sept. 29, 1882, died March 1, 1884.
He remained His marriage
Mr. Starks is a Republican, and has been Highway Commissioner two years. He owns 40 acres of land, and has 24 acres under improvements. Within the last eight years he has put in 10,000,000 feet of logs.
homas Nickels, superintendent of the lum- ber camp of Wright & Ketcham, in the northern part of Lincoln Township, was born Sept. 19, 1848, in the city of Montreal, where his parents still reside, his father being engaged in farming. In 1864 Mr. Nickels came to Saginaw, and since then has been engaged in Jum- bering; for the last seven years he has been con- nected with Wright & Ketcham, of Saginaw, who have extensive interests in this county.
harles Oswald, carpenter and joiner, and farmer on section 19, Jasper Township, was born March 1, 1849, in Trumbull Co., 'Ohio, where he lived until his marriage. When 18 years of age he was apprenticed for two years to learn his trade under David Keefer, after the expiration of which time he worked as a journeyman until he was married. This latter event took place Jan. 8, 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Amanda Murberger, who was born in Warren Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. 9, 1850. From the age of 16 until she was married she taught school. She is a member of the Church of United Brethren. The children of Mr. and Mrs. O. are Chloe B., Mary E. and Clyde H.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald resided in Trumbull Co., Ohio, three years, he following his trade; thence, in August, 1876, he came to this State
and settled on an unimproved tract of 76 acres, where he now resides. He has since cleared and improved about 40 acres, erected good farm buildings, etc.
Mr. Oswald votes with the Republicans, and has been honored, by his fellow citizens, with the office of Justice of the Peace.
8 enjamin T. Puffer, farmer and lumber- man, resident on section 17, of Porter Township, was born Oct. 27, 1844, in Erie Co., Pa. His father and mother, Eras- tus and Diana (Catlin) Puffer, are natives of Vermont, of New England origin, and are now living in Crawford Co., Pa., and are aged re- spectively 90 and 80 years. Of 10 children born to them but one is deceased.
Mr. Puffer is the youngest son and eighth child of his parents, who removed, when he was nine years old, to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where he remained until he was 22 years of age, working on his father's farm and obtaining his education in the manner common to farmers' sons. When he arrived at the age named he decided on the calling of a builder for a vocation in life, and spent three years in its pursuit in Ashta- bula County. In the fall of 1868 he came to Michigan, and in the spring following he purchased the property he now owns, in Porter Township, com- prising 70 acres of unimproved land. The family were among the first permanent settlers in the town- ship, which was not organized until the year follow- ing their arrival. When the election of the officers of Porter Township took place, Mr. Puffer was elected Town Clerk. In addition to improving his farm he has engaged to a considerable extent in lumbering, and has met with a reasonable reward for his efforts in both directions. The value and appear- ance of his farm is materially enhanced by a new stock and grain barn, 36 by 46 feet in dimensions, which is now in process of erection. Mr. Puffer is a Republican in political affiliation, and has served a number of years in the more important local offices of the township. He has been Clerk four years, Supervisor four years and Highway Commissioner two years.
He was married Nov. 16, 1866, in Erie Co., Pa., to
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Roger W. blason.
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Elizabeth Grover, who was born April 30, 1847, at Hoosac Falls, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. The children now comprised in the household are Benj. J., born Dec. 30, 1869, and Lizzie M., May 30, 1874.
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ohn Graee, farmer on section 3, Lee Town- ship, was born in Ireland in 1829, and when ten years old he came by himself to Ontario, after having spent some time as cabin boy on Atlantic vessels. After passing a short time in Ontario, he went again upon the sea, and was upon Atlantic ships for 15 years ; then was several years "before the mast" on lake vessels, mak- ing his headquarters at Oswego, N. Y .; next, was upon the great ocean again, serving on transports carrying army supplies during the Crimean war, and after making two trips from England, he came again to Oswego, and thence to Rochester, N. Y., where he began again as a sailor on the lakes; then, at East Saginaw, Mich., for 14 years, he was engaged principally upon the docks.
In the summer of 1876, he came to this county and bought 80 acres of land where he now resides, having about 20 acres improved. Politically, Mr. Grace votes with the Democratic party, and he and Mrs. Grace are both members of the Catholic Church. He was married in 1864, in Ontario, to Miss Mary O'Brien, who was born in Ireland in 1849 and came to Ontario about two years before her mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. G. have had seven children, two of whom are deceased,-Johnny and an infant. The living are Robert, Mary, Katie, William and Martin.
oger W. Clason, Treasurer of Midland County, and senior member of the livery firm of Clason & Haley, of Midland, was born Aug. 13, 1853, in McHenry Co., Ill., and is a son of Charles and Polly (Thompson) Clason.
His father was a farmer, and he was reared on the home place, attending school winters until he was 16 years old, when he came to Midland and spent a winter in the lumber woods. His next engagement
was in a saw-mill, where he remained in the same employ ten years, three of which he operated as a sawyer, and the remainder of the time as a con- tractor, cutting shingles, bolts, etc. This engage- ment continued until the spring of 1880. In Jan- uary of that year he became proprietor by purchase of an interest in a livery establishment, the firm taking the style of Clason & Avery. The last named sold his moiety in May, 1882, to John Haley, and the firm style became as at present. The business of the concern, besides its regular livery interests, in- cludes undertaking, and is the only establishment dealing in the wares of that avenue of business in the county. They keep 20 horses and livery fixtures suitable to the demands of their patronage. Mr. Clason is a Republican, and in the spring of 1880 he was elected Village Treasurer on that ticket. He held the position three years. He was Clerk of the Township at the same time two years, and, in the spring of 1882, he was elected Supervisor, officiating one year. In November, 1882, he was nominated for the position of County Treasurer, and ran against Daniel Chase, prosecuting a successful campaign, being elected by 19 majority ; and was re-nominated for the same office for the second term, Aug. 11, 1884. He belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Clason was married at Midland, in June, 1873, to Sarah, daughter of Harrison and Sarah Ellsworth. Two children, Emery and Roger G., have been born of this marriage.
The portrait of Mr. Clason, which may be found on the opposite page, will be welcomed by the pa- trons of this work.
aniel Casey, farmer, section 26, Mt. Haley Township, was born in October, 1847, in the south part of Ireland. His parents, John and Johannah (Dillon) Casey, were also natives of the "land of the harp and sham- rock," and emigrated to Ontario, Can., where they belonged the rest of their lives to the agricult- ural class.
Mr. Casey is the fourth of eight children born to his parents, and accompanied them to America when he was ten years old. His father died when he was 12, and upon him devolved a share of the mother's support, until her death five years later. After that
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event he continued his struggle in life as a laborer and farm assistant. He was married May 9, 1858, to Margaret O'Donnell. She was born in September, 18.45, and is the daughter of Michael and Catherine (Cronan) O'Donnell, who died in Ireland, the land of their nativity. The death of the father occurred in 1847. The mother died when the daughter was 16 years old, and when the latter had reached the age of 18 she made her way alone to Ontario, C'an., where she was married one and a half years later.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Casey located on a farm in Gray Co., Ont., where they resided until the fall of 1872, when they came to the United States and located in the city of East Saginaw, Mich. Mr. Casey found employment in the railroad shops of that place, where he remained until the spring of 1878, when he came to Midland County and pur- chased 50 acres of unimproved land. On this he has lived and labored since the date of his settle- ment, and has cleared and otherwise improved 20 acres. He is a Democrat in his political views and connections, and has held several local offices. The family are Roman Catholic in their religious faith. Of u children born to Mr. and Mrs. Casey, four are deceased, all of whom died in early infancy. Those who survive are named : Hannah, Catherine, John, Mary, Maggie, Ella and Daniel.
ilfiam Kelly, merchant at Midland City, is one of the earliest of the permanent pioneer settlers of Midland County. He was born Dec. 18, 1832, in the City of New York. His parents were natives of Ireland, and emigrated in early life to America.
Mr. Kelly is the eldest of the children born to them, and accompanied them to Cortland County, N. Y., when he was but three years old. He re- mained in that county until he reached the age of 18 years, when he went to Wyoming, Pa., where he attended a seminary nearly one year. In the fall of 1853 he came to Saginaw, Mich., and proceeded thence to Midland County.
The site of the village known as Midland City, then called "The Forks," was situated on a high, sandy ridge, covered with an undergrowth of small
timber, and was without plan or outline, having neither streets nor houses. A few families were scat- tered about on the north side of the river, while half a mile down the stream, on the south side, there were resident nearly 300 Indians, engaged in the oc- cupations common to aboriginal inhabitants,-hunt- ing, fishing and raising a little Indian corn. They belonged to the Chippewa tribe, and were to some extent civilized, having a church and trading post. Mr. Kelly vividly remembers the pleasing appearance of the locality, which formed a wide contrast with its present exhibit. The forest foliage presented a deep green, most gratifying to the vision. The Tittabawas- see and Pine Rivers flowed through a belt of meadow, their clear waters sparkling and rippling in the sum- mer sun, in a channel whose banks were uniform and well-defined. The air re-echoed the trillings of forest songsters through the day, the whippoorwills made the nights delightful with their clear, sweet, plaintive melody. Now the din of business deadens the sweetness of the bird songs, and the whistle of the solitary whippoorwill is a mournful note, as if its author bewailed the march of progress which has stripped the place of its primitive beauty. The rivers are now sluggish, muddy streams, whose banks have been worn away and cut down by the passage of the logs, cut along their courses and floated to market through their channels. The first settlers had little hopes that agriculture could be successfully prosecuted, and beyond the raising of a limited quantity of potatoes and corn, farming was decidedly at a discount. The earliest attempts at growing grass and grain were practically failures; but people perse- vered in their efforts, and as the forests disappeared the soil yielded to the efforts expended and a better state of things resulted. The prosecution of the lumbering interests at first was largely responsible for the tardy progress of agriculture, and for some years produce was scarce and of exorbitant price.
In 1856, Mr. Kelly began to clear a farm not far from the junction of the Pine and Chippewa Rivers. There were neither roads nor bridges, and the passage of the streams was accomplished by fording. As it often became necessary to do this in the dead of the night, it was at times an undertaking of no common importance, as the stream was more frequently at food height than otherwise. The feat to be accom- plished was to keep the nose above the water while the feet touched the bottom of the river bed. This
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was no trifling matter, when the darkness was of the Cimmerian order, thick enough to be felt.
A long time elapsed before bridges were built. The first change was the establishment of a ferry across the Tittabawassee, which proved a sore aggra- vation when the boat was on the wrong side of the stream and the necessity was urgent. Physicians and supplies were obtainable only from Saginaw. The latter was brought to the settlers in boats and canoes, and there was generally a stock in advance of need ; but when the doctor was needed, a special journey was inevitable. On one occasion, when Mr. Kelly started to bring a doctor, he found the ferry-boat on the wrong side. He went to an old fording-place about 80 rods below, and found the channel full to the top of the banks and the current running at a fearful rate of speed. He had an ex- cellent horse, and he believed he could urge the in- telligent beast across the channel. The animal en- tered the stream, but the rushing water swept him off his feet and he plunged in every direction, until horse and rider were near drowning. They finally landed where they went in, and went back to the ferry. Mr. Kelly removed his clothing, and tied the bundle to the head of his horse. He then took hold of the tail, and the animal plunged into the water and both swam across in safety! But with time, the tribula- tions of the pioneers vanished; their efforts brought order and harmony out of the chaos of the natural condition of things, and fine farms and modern im- provements became the predominating condition.
The estate of Mr. Kelly contains 250 acres, a large proportion of which is in a highly creditable state of cultivation, with excellent buildings and valuable farm appurtenances. He pursued lumbering in con- junction with his agricultural interests until 1872, when he came to Midland City and opened trade in groceries and feed. This enterprise existed until 1875, when he sold out and returned to his farn. In 1881 he again established himself in commercial business at Midland City, in which he is still en- gaged. His stock represents a value of $10,000, and comprises dry goods and groceries. He also deals extensively in lumber products.
Mr. Kelly was married Sept. 15, 1855, in Midland County, to Elizabeth Barton. She was born Jan. 7, 1842, in Allegany Co., N. Y. To him and his wife have been born ten children, in the following order:
William Henry, July 2, 1858 (died March 16, 1871); Morris, Oct. 24, 1860; Maggie, April 25, 1864; Jennie, March 16, 1866; Cora, July 2, 1870; Anna, Dec. 30, 1873; Willie, Nov. 30, 1875; Ladorna, July 2, 1878; Libbie, May 18, 1879; Dotty Dimple, Sept. 25, 1880.
acob S. Bisbing, farmer, section ro, Lee Township, was born in Monroe Co., Pa., Nov. 16, 1825, and was brought up there as a farmer. When 25 years of age he married, in that county, Miss Julia A. E. Smith, a na-
- tive of that State, and by this marriage have been ten children, named Mahlon, Emma (deceased), Stewart, Melchor, Ida J., Sarah E., Anna, Harriet, Willie and Lizzie.
After his marriage, Mr. B. followed agriculture in his native county until the winter of 1867, and then until March, 1874, he was engaged in lumber mills in Saginaw Co., Mich., and then he came and home- steaded So acres where he now resides. Here he is improving the land, erecting buildings and putting the place into a desirable condition.
Oct. 16, 1862, Mr. Bisbing enlisted in the 176th Pa. Vol. Inf., of the Army of the Potomac, his com- pany commanded by A. A. Lecheler. He served out his time, being neither captured nor wounded, and was honorably discharged.
He is now Highway Commissioner, and in his political views is a Republican.
ames J. Stanton, farmer, section 36, MIt. Haley Township, was born Oct. 28, 1842, in Leeds Co., Ont. He remained a resi- dent of his native province until he was 22 years old, when he went to the State of New York and located in the city of Oswego. After a stay there of four years, he returned to Leeds County. One year later, he removed to Port Austin, Huron Co., Mich., where he operated a short time as assistant in a saw-mill. He went thence to East Saginaw, where he was engaged in running logs in the summer seasons, and in the lumber woods win- ters, for three years. In the fall of 1871 he came to
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Midland County, where he entered a claim of 120 acres of land, according to the regulations of the Homestead Act. At that date the township of Mt. Haley was almost wholly in its primitive condition and practically unsettled. Mr. Stanton has improved and placed under creditable cultivation 20 acres of his farin, and is making all possible haste with more extended improvements.
He was married Nov. 1, 1865, at Oswego, N. Y., to Sarah A. Howley. She was born Nov. 14, 1843, in Ontario, Can., and is the daughter of Hugh and Catherine (Carey) Howley, also natives of the Do- minion of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton have nine children, born as follows: James H., July 12, 1866; Walter R., Nov. 5, 1868; Katie B., June 25, 1870; John F., Feb. 5, 1873; Nellie M., Dec. 27, 1875; Sarah A., Feb. 9, 1877; Mary A., March 5, 1879; Anthony J., March 23, 1881 ; and Lizzie B., Jan. 26, 1884.
Mr. Stanton is a Republican in political connec- tion. He has served two years in the capacity of Highway Commissioner, and is now fulfilling the duties of that position. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
amuel D. Gaskill, farmer, section 24, In- gersoll Township, is a son of Silas and Jane (Brown) Gaskill, who passed their lives in their native State, New York, she dy- ing in April, 1866, and he in the spring of 1 87 8.
Of their eight children, the subject of this sketch was the second son. He was born in what is now Wyoming Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1826; attended the Wilson Collegiate Institute, in Niagara Co., N. Y. From the age of 21 to 24 he was clerk in a store at Lockport, N. Y., and for two seasons was engaged in stock business and in teaching school during the win- ters. In 1853 he came to Lapeer Co., Mich., and three years and a half afterward, in 1856, he came to this county, settling in Ingersoll Township, on So acres, which he had taken one year previously, under the Graduation Act. He built a shanty and began to clear the ground. He afterward added to it by purchase So aeres more, and of that farm he has 70 acres in a good state of cultivation. About 1872 he
purchased 40 acres of wild land on section 24, where he now resides, and in 1882 built a fine residence.
Mr. Gaskill has held the office of Probate Judge 12 years, has been Supervisor six years, Justice of the Peace one ter.n, besides holding the various school offices. Politically, he is a Republican, and in re- ligion he inelines to the Baptist faith.
Judge Gaskill was married in Niagara Co., N. Y., May 8, 1851, to Maria, daughter of William and Julia Ramsey, and born in Essex Co., N. Y., April 23, 1827. Her father was a native of New York State, and died in Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1856. Her mother was born in New Hampshire, of Scotch de- scent, and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill have two children,-Frances L. and John L.
enry B, Stowits, farmer, section 26 (N. E. 1% of N. E. 1/4), Ilomer Township, was born June 15, 1814, in Montgomery Co., N. Y., the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Bellinger) Stowits. His grandfather, Philip P. Stowits, was a private in the patriot army during the Revolution, and his maternal grandsire, Frederick Bellinger, was a Lieutenant Colonel in the same war. Both fell at the battle of Oriskany, N. Y., and their names are now on the monument erected in memory of the heroes of that battle.
The death of Mr. Stowits' father made him the chief support of his mother and sister, and he was a resident upon the home farm until 1841. In the spring of that year, he located in Greece, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he remained until the fall of 1847, when he came to Michigan and bought 40 acres of land in Grand Blanc, Genesee County. He continued the management of the place until the close of 1865 ; Dec. 9, of that year, he came to Midland County and rented a farm in the township of Ingersoll. A year later he purchased 40 acres of land in the same township. He resided some time on the Tittaba- wassee River, and in 1878 he came to Homer Town- ship and purchased the property he now owns, which then included So acres of unimproved land. He has 50 acres cleared and under a creditable degree of cultivation, and has built a stock and grain barn, 36 by 50 feet in extent.
When the family settled in Midland County, its
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condition was so primitive that wild game, fish and deer were almost unlimited in abundance. The latter were so tame that they came to feed almost in the presence of the members of the family.
Mr. Stowits is a Republican in political connection and has discharged the duties and trusts of the most important local official positions. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has been for many years connected with its official department. His education, habits and tastes fit him to do credit to any position, and he is an extensive and discriminating reader, ranking among the best informed men in the Saginaw Valley. Mr. Stowits was married Dec. 15, 1847, in Gene- see Co, Mich., to Caroline, daughter of Johnson and Nancy (Parks) Huff. Her parents were natives of Montgomery Co., N. Y., and were of English and Scotch parentage. Her father died in New York, at the age of 50 years; her mother's demise occurred in Michigan, when she was 72 years old. Mrs. Stowits was born July 17, 1825, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. She accompanied her parents to Genesee Co., Mich., in 1846, and remained with them until her marriage. Four of the nine children born of her marriage are deceased,-Louisa, Hiram, Francis and an unnamed infant. George H., Elizabeth S., Elijah F., Nancy A. and James H. are the names of the survivors.
illiam H. Young, farmer, section 26, In- gersoll Township, is a son of Frederick and Betsey (Ketchum) Young, who were R natives of New York State. He was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1819, in the first frame house ever built in that county. He lived in his native State until the spring of 1857, when he came to Michigan and bought a farm in Oakland County, where he lived nine years. Selling out there, he went to Lapeer County and engaged in agricultural pursuits for ten years. In the spring of 1876 he came to Midland County and purchased So acres of partly improved land in Ingersoll Township, where he now lives.
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