USA > Michigan > Newaygo County > Portrait and biographical album of Newaygo County, Michigan : containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county also containing a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 12
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Henry N. Crapo-
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
149
HENRY H. CRAPO.
ENRY HOWLAND CRAPO, Governor of Michigan from 1865 to 1869, was born May 24, 1804, at Dartmouth, Bris- tol Co., Mass., and died at Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869. He was the eldest son of Jesse and Phœbe (Howland) Crapo. His father was of French descent and was very poor, sustaining his family by the cultivation of a farm in Dartmouth township, which yielded nothing beyond a mere livelihood. His early life was consequently one of toil and devoid of advantages for intellectual culture, but his desire for an education seemed to know no bounds. The in- cessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a compara- tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for them in an education. His struggles to secure this end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would have discouraged any but the most courageous and persevering. He became an ardent student and worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry- ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He sorely felt the need of a dictionary ; and, neither having money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of the English language, he copied into a book every word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers and books, which came into his hands, from the
context, would then record the definition. Whenever unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word in which he had become interested he would walk from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose alone, and after referring to the books at the library and satisfying himself thoroughly as to its definition, would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. Under such difficulties and in this manner he com - piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript which is believed to be still in existence.
Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained posses- sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself diligently to its study became familiar with this art, which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was called upon, but had no compass and no money with which to purchase one. A compass, however, he must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop near at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner, he constructed the compass and commenced life as a surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him- self for teaching, and took charge of the village school at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un- der the pressure of law, a high school was to be opened, he passed a successful examination for its principalship and received the appointment. To do this was no small task. The law required a rigid examination in various subjects, which necessitated days and nights of study. One evening, after con- cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed
150
HENRY HOWLAND CRAPO.
a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that he was qualified, he walked back to his home the same night, highly elated in being possessed of the acquirements and requirements of a master of the high school.
In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc- casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom- ing a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held until the municipal government was changed,-about fifteen years,-when, upon the inauguration of the city government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector of taxes, a position which he held two or three years. He was also Justice of the Peace for many years. He was elected Alderman of New Bedford ; was Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and as such prepared a report upon which was based the order for the establishment of the free Public Library of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if not in the world. The Boston Free Library was es- tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul- ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indica- tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the President of the National Horticultural Society at its meeting in Philadelphia, in 1869. During his resi- dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart- mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the "H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him.
Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for several years held a commission as Colonel of one of the regiments. He was President of the Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov- ernment he compiled and published, between the years 1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford Directory, the first work of the kind ever published there.
Mr. C. removed to Michigan in 1856, having been induced to do so by investments made principally in pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in 1856. He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en-
gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming one of the largest and most successful business men of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was President of that corporation until its consolidation with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been a resident of the place only five or six years. In 1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 1864 he received the nomination on the Republican ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869, having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties.
While serving his last term he was attacked with a disease which terminated his life within one year afterwards. During much of this time he was an in- tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his attention to public matters. A few weeks previous to his death a successful surgical operation was per- formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion in business matters and State affairs suffered a relapse from which there was no rebound, and he died July 33, 1869.
In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated with the Whig party in politics, but became an active member of the Republican party after its organization. He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its welfare and prosperity.
Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. Slocum, of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after he had attained his majority, and before his struggles with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas- ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great strength of character and possessed of courage, hope- fulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of his early years. For several years after his marriage he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living with her parents at the time, at whose home his two older children were born. While thus situated he was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident that at that period of his life no common obstacles deterred him from perforining what he regarded as a duty. His wife was none the less consci- entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities and increasing requirements she labored faithfully in the performance of all her duties. They had ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an honored Representative to Congress from the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.
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Homy P. Baldwin.
153
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
emer
HENRY P. BALDWIN.
ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- ernor of Michigan from Jan. 4, 1869, to Jan. 1, 1873, is a lineal descendant of Nathan- iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- inghamshire, England, who set- tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639. His father was John Baldwin, a graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege. He died at North Provi- dence, R. I., in 1826. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Moses Baldwin, a graduate of Princeton College, in 1757, and the first who received collegiate hon- ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died at Parma, Mass., in 1813, where for more than 50 years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox- bury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where for 2 1 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist Church. The subject of this sketch was born at Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New England common-school education until the age of 12 years, when, both his parents having died, he be- came a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He re- mained there, employing his leisure hours in study, until 20 years of age.
At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on his own account. He made a visit to the West, in 1837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile house which has been successfully conducted until the present time. Although he successfully conducted
a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in all things affecting the prosperity of the city and State of his adoption. He was for several years a Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's Society, an institution with a large library designed for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been prominent in home matters connected with that de- nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St. John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and also contributed the larger share of the cost of their erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig- ious enterprises whether connected with his own Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few public and social improvements of Detroit during the past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not in some way connected. He was a director in the Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its char- ter, and has been President of the Second National Bank since its organization.
In 1860, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State Senate, of Michigan ; during the years of 1861-'2 he was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations, Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart- ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of the letting of the contract for the improvement of Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving from 1869 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es- timating the necessary means to an end-the knowing of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform
I54
HENRY P. BALDWIN.
success that has attended his efforts in all relations of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the State, and while his influence appears in all things with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in the most prominent position to which he was called. With rare exceptions the important commendations of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat- ure. During his administration marked improve- ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- tory institutions of the State. The State Public School for dependent children was founded and a permanent commission for the supervision of the several State institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of Correction, and the establishment of the State Board of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his message of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection was made upon his recommendation, and the contract for the entire work let under this administration. Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under whose faithful supervision the building was erected in a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State.
He advised and earnestly urged at different times such amendments of the constitution as would per- mit a more equitable compensation to State officers and judges. Thelaw of 1869, and prior also, permitting municipalities to vote aid toward the construc- tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu- tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici- palities having in the meantime issued and sold their bonds in good faith, Governor B. fe't that the honor and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the Legislature to propose the submission to the people a constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment of such bonds as were already in the hands of bona- fide holders. In his special message he says : "The credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan, and the people can not afford, and I trust will not consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe- cial session was called in March, 187 2, principally for the division of the State into congressional districts. A number of other important suggestions were made, however, and as an evidence of the Governor's la- borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition
of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to 1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- istration were the devastating fires which swept over many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 1871. A large part of the city of Chicago having been re- duced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a proc- lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had this been issued when several counties in his State were laid waste by the same destroying element. A second call was made asking assistance for the suf- fering people of Michigan. The contributions for these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than $700,000 having been received in money and supplies for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were these contributions during the short period of about 3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation expressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further aid was unnecessary.
Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own country and has also made several visits to Europe and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas- senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- count of the transaction. The following estimate of Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is a characteristic document and possesses the lucid statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which have been marked features of all preceding documents from the same source. Governor B. retired to private life after four years of unusually successful adminis- tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the State. For many years eminent and capable men have filled the executive chair of this State, but in painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un- usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State administration has fully kept pace with the needs of the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day possesses to such remarkable degree."
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Mod. Bagluy.
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
157
JOHN J. BAGLEY.
OHN JUDSON BAGLEY, Governor of Michigan from 1873 to 1877, was born in Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., July 24, 1832. His father, John Bagley, was a native of New Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. Bagley, of Connecticut. He at- tended the district school of Lock- port, N. Y., until he was eight years old, at which time his father moved to Constantine, Mich., and he at- tended the common schools of that village. His early experience was like that of many country boys whose parents removed from Eastern States to the newer portion of the West. His father being in very poor circum- stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work as soon as he was able to do so. Leaving school when 13 years of age he entered a country store in Constan- tine as clerk. His father then re- moved to Owosso, Mich., and he again engaged as .clerk in a store. From -
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of such books, papers and periodicals as came within his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and remained in this position for about five years.
In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become
one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- surance corporations. He was President of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur- ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- holder and director in various other corporations. Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover- nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv- ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and for many years was Chairman of the Republican State Central committee.
Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not bound by any religious creed or formula. He held in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de- nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. 16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, who took an active part in the early educational mat- ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex- cellent system of education. It was principally
158
JOHN J. BAGLEY.
through his exertions that the State University was founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children.
As Governor his administration was charac- terized by several important features, chief among which were his efforts to improve and make popular the educational agencies of the State by increasing the faculty of the University for more thorough in- struction in technical studies, by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College upon the public good will and making the general change which has manifested itself in many scattered primary districts. Among others were an almost complete revolution in the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- ers through county agents, which has proved of great. good in turning the young back from crime and plac- ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se- curing for the militia the first time in the history of Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. in the earlier part of his administration that the law creating the State Board of Health, and also the law creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the State, were passed, both of which have proved of great benefit to the State. The successful representation of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- tration.
As Governor, he felt that he represented the State -not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- resents his employer, and as the Executive of the State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of the people he so much loved. He was ambitious- ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to the fact that the more we have the more is required of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He had great hopes for his State and his country. He had his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to labor for them, Self entered not into the calculation,
His whole life was a battle for others ; and he entered the conflict eagerly and hopefully.
His State papers were models of compact, busi- ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of practical suggestions, and his administrations will long be considered as among the ablest in this or any other State.
His noble, generous nature inade his innumerable benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- ally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to receive."
His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi- ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew the hand that gave.
At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- sponse to some charitable request, and said to him: "Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about how much does your charities amount to in a year?" He turned at once and said: "I do not know, sir; I do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more next year than I have this." This expressed his idea of charity, that the giving should at all times be free and spontaneous.
During his leasure hours from early life, and espe- cially during the last few years, he devotcd much time to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes.
In all questions of business or public affairs he seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of the nut in the least possible time. In reading he would spend scarcely more time with a volume than most persons would devote to a chapter. After what seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value the book contained. Rarely do we see a business man so familiar with the best English authors. He was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and his elegant home was a study and a pleasure to his many friends, who always found there a hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas eve he gathered his children about him and, taking the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, closing the entertainment with "The Night Before Christmas," or Dickens's " Christmas Carol."
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