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 16
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had six children : Delos G., born Feb. 10, 1867; Carrie, Feb. 19, 1869; Nellie, Nov. 15, 1872; Addie, Jan. 3, 1874; Willie B., born March 12, 1878, died Nov. 16, 1881 ; Albert G., June 22, 1880. Mrs. A. had one child by a former marriage: Ocelia, born Aug. 19, 1860, and died April 3, 1863. Mr. Ander- son is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 180, Fremont, and is devoted to the Republican party.
dwin J. Ranney, farmer, section 26, Nor- wich Township, was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Dec. 11, 1843. He is the son of Edwin and Eliza C. (Button) Ranney. The father was born in Massachusetts, the mother in Pittstown, N. Y., and died in 1868. The former was a cooper by occupation and came to Michigan in 1854, locating in Kent County, removing later to Ionia County, where he now resides.
Mr. Ranney received a common-school education in Ionia County, where he was reared and bred to the pursuit of agriculture. In 1871 he came to Newaygo County, and in the fall of that year homesteaded 80 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican and has held the offices of Township Clerk, Township Treasurer and Road Commissioner.
alonzo Sweet, saddler, Dayton Township, was born in Walpole, Haldimand Co., Can., Oct. 28, 1853. His father, Alonzo Sweet, was a native of the State of New York, and died in 1869, in Canada. His mother, Sophia (Sil- verthorne) Sweet, was born in Canada, and died in Dayton, this county, March 2, 1878. At the age of 17 Alonzo left home and was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade, where he served three years. He then worked at his trade nearly two years, when he, in company with his brother, opened a store and commenced business for themselves. At the end of two years he sold out his interest, and in the spring of 1876 came to this county and settled in Fremont. He purchased a shop, which he removed to its pres- ent location and which he now occupies and carries
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on the leading business, in his line, of the town of Fremont.
Mr. Sweet was married in Muskegon, Mich., April 14, 1879, to Julia A., daughter of Andrew and Ann Stone, natives of France and Ireland, respectively, who was a native of Canada, and lived at home until her marriage. They have one child, Blanche, born Dec. 14, 1882. Mr. Sweet has held the office of Justice of the Peace two years in Dayton Township, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics is a Republican,
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ezekiah Turner, farmer, section 27, Nor- wich Township, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Feb. 25, 1830. His parents, John and Syrena (Smedley) Turner, were natives of New York. The father died leaving a large family of children dependent on their own and their mother's exertions for a livelihood; consequently Mr. T. grew to manhood with but few educational advan- tages save such as acquired by necessity and observa- tion, a kind that fits a man to do noble pioneer ser- vice, and fill as honorable a position in the world as though he were trained under more favorable influ- ences.
Mr. Turner was married in 1860, to Matilda J. Turner, a native of New Brunswick, by whom he has had eight children : Charles W., Syrena E., Octavia E., Alice R., Ida L., Ada B., Lucretia A. and John C. The two latter are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Turner remained in Canada four years after their marriage, when they moved to Michigan, bought a farm in Ingham County, and devoted themselves to its im- provement. In 1875 they sold it and bought a farm in Newaygo County, containing 80 acres, with 35 acres now improved. (See sketch of William Turner.)
eorge W. Bartlett, merchant and Post- master at Ashland Center, was born Aug. 12, 1850, in Saline Township, Washtenaw Co., Mich. His parents, Phineas and Mary A. (Roys) Bartlett, were natives of New York, where they were married, and shortly after that event removed to Michigan. They settled for
a time at Bridgewater, Washtenaw County, and re- moved later to Saline.
Mr. Bartlett spent the years previous to the age of 18 in obtaining his education and assisting his father. Arriving at that age he became manager of the family homestead and operated in that capacity until the fall of 1876, when he made a transfer to Bridgeton in Newaygo County, and pursued agriculture until the spring of 1883. In 1880 he founded a mercantile bus- iness, which he managed in connection with his farm until the above named date, when he disposed of both and located at Ashland Center, where he estab- lished the business he has since conducted at that point. His stock in trade represents a cash value of about $5,000, and his yearly transactions cover an ap- proximate amount of $9,000. His business is widen- ing in its extent and popularity, and he is increasing his store facilities to accommodate the growing de- mands of his patronage. He was appointed Post- master July 1, 1883.
Mr. Bartlett was married Jan. 1, 1871, in Alpine, Kent County, to Statira, daughter of Peter S. and Cordelia (Joslin) Smith, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Bartlett was born in Plainfield, Kent County, Feb. 2. 1848. Her parents removed in her youth to Alpine, where she grew to womanhood and obtained a fair education. Mr. Bartlett is a Repub- lican in political affiliation, and both himself and wife are members of a temperance organization and of the Patrons of Husbandry, located at Ashland Center. Four children have been born to them, as follows : Charles E., March 8, 1872; Maurice, Sept. 15, 1881; Clyde, Oct. 14, 1876 (died March 15, 1880); Arthur, Jan. 16, 1879 (died March 17, 1880).
¥iram Jones was born in the State of New York, Jan. 16, 1833. His parents, Sullivan and Phebe (Billings) Jones, were natives of Massachusetts and settled in the State of New York, where the father died in 1880. The mother resides in Tioga County on a farm owned - by her son, Hiram. The latter lived at home until 19 years of age, when he went to Pennsylvania and engaged in shingle-making, an occupation he followed for ten years. In the spring of 1863 he came to Ne- waygo. He first worked for a man by the name of
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Blake, and was afterward employed by the Newaygo Lumber Company, remaining with them seven years. He then engaged in business for himself, speculating in lumber, etc., until the fall of 1872, when he came to Fremont and engaged in lumbering and farming. He bought 320 acres of partly improved land, 220 acres being located in Sheridan Township. He then engaged in the manufacture of broom-handles and cant-hooks, and is still following that occupation. He is general real-estate agent for the Empire Com- pany of Muskegon.
In 1883 Mr. Jones formed a partnership with J H. Keith, under the firm name of J. H. Keith & Co , in the wine and liquor business in the village of Fremont. He was married in Grand Rapids, Aug. 19, 1873, to Mrs. Ann (Cotely) Valiet, a native of New York. He has held the office of Village Coun- cilman two years ; has often been urged to accept different offices, but invariably declines. In politics, he is a Democrat.
mi J. Jakeway, superintendent of yards and lumber at Hungerford, was born Dec. 15, 1842, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is the son of James and Catherine (Werrels) Jake- way, who were also natives of the Empire State, and who moved to Michigan in 1852. The former is deceased.
Mr. Jakeway was approaching manhood when the civil war broke out and, Aug. 9, 1862, he enlisted in the 25th Mich. Vol. Inf., serving in defense of the Union until January, 1865. He was in the battles at Perryville, Ky., Bowling Green and Knoxville. At the latter place he was captured and finally sent to the stockade prison at Andersonville, where his experiences, though the same in detail with thousands of others, are no less replete with horror and suffering. On receiving his discharge he came to Michigan and engaged in lumbering in the employ of Messrs. Hood & Gale, of Big Rapids, in 1867, with whom he remained five years. He then entered the service of Messrs. Blodgett & Brumon, where he operated in a similar capacity eight years. He came to Hunger- ford Sept. 14, 1882, and assumed the duties pertain- ing to his present position.
Mr. Jakeway was married in Kent County, in 1867,
to Bridget Burke, who was born in 1847, in Canada. Her parents were Michael and Ellen (Dorey) Burke. Mr. Jakeway's family includes seven children : Mag- gie, Katie, Alice, Nellie M., Mary E., Lena L. and James R.
homas T. Woods, furniture dealer, Fre- mont, was born in Mercer Co., Pa., Oct. 26, 1842. His parents were natives of Penn- sylvania, and of English and Irish ancestry ; the father died in Pennsylvania in 1857, and the mother resides in Youngstown, Ohio. Thomas left home when 13 years of age, and for two years was employed on the Ohio River as deck- hand. He then went to Niles, Ohio, where he worked a year and a half, thence to the Oil Regions of Penn- sylvania, remaining three months. He enlisted in the 12th Pa. Cav., and served three years. He was in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and Winchester, under Milroy, in 1862. At the place last named he was taken prisoner, June 15, and was confined seven months at Belle Island and Libby prison. At the former place he was very sick and came near losing his life. After being paroled, he was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C., May 24, 1864. After a time he re-enlisted in the 8th Mich. Inf., and served till the close of the war- nine months. He was in the engagement before Petersburg, Va., under Gen. Burnside, April 3, 1865. Upon his return from the army he settled in Detroit, Mich., where he was employed in the car works of that city for nearly two years, and soon after went to Chicago, and worked in a sash and blind factory nearly two years. He then returned to Detroit, re- maining two years, and was then employed by the Detroit, Milwaukee & Grand Haven Railroad Com- pany about nine years in bridge building, having in his employ from 10 to 40 men.
In the spring of 1874 Mr. Woods settled in Fre- mont, Newaygo County, and purchased the furniture stock of Benjamin Alton. He still carries on the business, and, with a stock of $2,000, has the leading trade of this kind in the place. During the past nine years he has been largely engaged in building, having erected a large number of the buildings in Fremont. He was married at Grand Rapids, Mich.,
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Dec. 15, 1873, to Viola G., daughter of Ephraim and Susan (Redfield) Richmond, natives of New York, where their daughter was born Feb. 8, 1856. Mr. Woods has held the office of Village Marshall one year, was a member of the Council six years, Deputy Sheriff six years, Under-Sheriff two years, and Treas- urer of Sheridan Township eight years. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and practically be- longs to the Greenback party.
lmont A. Degroot, M. D., physician and ·surgeon, resident of Hungerford, was born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., June 23, 1832, and is a son of David and Jane (Farnham) Degroot, who were also natives of the State of New York ; the former died Oct. 21, 1883.
Dr. Degroot received a primary common- school ed- ucation, and at 18 years of age began the study of medicine, reading three years with Dr. J. B. Drum- mond, of New York He began the practice of his profession in Pennsylvania and came to Michigan in the spring of 1865. He discharged the duties of a medical practitioner in Mecosta and Montcalm Counties six years, then went to Southern Michigan and practiced his profession three years in Eaton and Calhoun Counties. He came to Newaygo County in 1879, and has since been in successful business at Hungerford.
He was married in March, 1850, to Nancy I. Cady, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y. She died leaving four children : David R., Lucy A., Charles W. and Wal lace G. Dr. Degroot was a second time married in 1860, to Lovinia A. Reynolds, who was born in Tioga Co., Pa., in 1830. He owns 80 acres of land in Mecosta, and is health officer of Norwich Town- ship; is a member of the United Brethren Church.
ohn B. Ketchum, a son of Thaddeus H. and Phebe L. (Lawson) Ketchum, natives of New York, was born in Canada, Nov. 24: 1845. He lived at home, attending school and assisting his father on the farm until 20 years of age, and then opened a restaurant, which he operated nearly two years, when he sold
out, and in the spring of 1868 came direct to Ne- waygo County, where he purchased 40 acres of wild land in Dayton Township. He made some slight improvements on the land and then sold it. He fol- lowed photography four or five years, and in the meantime became interested in a grocery and notion store. He sold out his business as photographer and invested more heavily in the store, and is now en- gaged exclusively in merchandising. He carries a stock of nearly $5,000.
Mr. Ketchum was married in Canada, in April 1868, to Helen L., daughter of Duncan and Sarah Mckenzie, natives of Canada, and they have five children : Louis A., Marshall F., Lula, Lena and Raymond. Mr. K. has been Councilman two years, and is a member of the Masonic Order.
Charles Blood, farmer, section 27, Ashland Township, was born in Alpine, Kent Co., Mich., July 8, 1839, and is the son of Francis and Amy (Bigelow) Blood. The parents were natives of New York, and after their marriage became residents of Alpine, whence they removed to Walker Township, where the father engaged in estab- lishing mail routes and stage lines. The son became a driver for his father and continued in the calling . until he was 18 years old.
Mr. Blood's father gave him a deed to 80 acres of land on section 28, and at the age named above he located thereon, obtained some farming land adjoin- ing and built a small house. He was married in Grant Township, Nov. 9, 1861, to Hannah, daughter of Willard and Eliza (Whitney) Post. She was born Aug. 27, 1842, in Orleans Co., N. Y., of which State her parents were also natives. In 1844 the family settled in Hillsdale Co., Mich., locating on a farm in Somerset Township. When the daughter was 17 years old they came to Grant, Ashland Township.
After marriage Mr. Blood established himself on his farm, to which he has given his best energies and secured an additional acreage until he now owns 255 acres, in one of the best locations in the county. His farm ranks among the finest in the township, and he is rated as one of the most practical and pro- gressive farmers in Northern Michigan. His farm and
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fixtures give manifest evidence to the average ob- server of his industry and sound judgment. His handsome residence is an ornament to his farm and a credit to the township. He is a Republican in po- litical sentiment, and connected with the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 131, at Newaygo, in which body he has officiated as Treasurer two years. Himself and wife are members of the Order of Patrons of Hus- bandry, Lodge No. 545, at Ashland Center. Mr. and Mrs. Blood are the parents of eight children, all of whom survive and were born as follows : Lula L., April 29, 1863 : Alice L., May 5, 1865 ; Irene, Aug. 31, 1868; Jennie, April 27, 1870; Nellie, July 25, 1872; C. Albert, July 25, 1874; Wilber, Dec. 10 1879; Kittie E., Nov. 17, 188 1.
illiam Davis, farmer, section 20, Sherman Township, was born in Tucarawas Co., Ohio, Oct. 3, 1847. He came with his par- ents to De Kalb Co., Ind., where he lived until the fall of 1880, when he came to Neway- go County and settled on 60 acres of land he had previously purchased, in Sherman Township. He has 15 acres under cultivation. He was married in De Kalb Co., Ind., to Martha Rodarmer, a native of Ohio. She was finely educated and taught school 26 terms. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children, Nellie and Harry D. Mr. Davis was elected School Inspector in the spring of 1882, and is now an in- cumbent of that office; is also Treasurer of School District No. 3, Sherman Township. He is a Repub- lican, and his wife is a member of the United Breth- ren Church.
eorge W. Taite was born in Jefferson Co., ... .. N. Y., June 23, 1838. His parents, George W. and Jeanette (Kearns) Taite, were natives of Scotland, and came to America about 1833. They first settled in New York, and afterward moved to Wisconsin and remained there as long as they lived. George was eight years of age when his parents moved to Wisconsin. He lived there until the death of his mother, then came to Mus-
kegon, Mich., where he was engaged in farming and lumbering until the summer of 1883, when, in com- pany with Henry Orton, he engaged to take charge of the County Poor Farm of Newaygo County. This farm consists of 140 acres, 96 of which are un- der cultivation. In June, 1875, Mr. Taite purchased 60 acres of land in Sherman Township, and culti- vated it until the spring of 1882, when he sold to Byron Waters.
He was first married July 1, 1866, at Newaygo, to Florence Joslin, daughter of Daniel Joslin, of the same place, and they had one child, George, born April 9, 1871. He was again married, Feb. 13, 1883, to Rhoda, daughter of Ansel and Roseltha Steel, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio; they settled in Michigan in an early day.
For the last 15 years Mr. Taite has been foreman of large lunibering companies, being three years with Kelly, Wood & Co., of Muskegon, five years with O. W. Squires, etc. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the G. A. R. In politics he is a National. June 12, 1861, he enlisted in the 3d Mich. Inf., and served till October, 1862. He was then discharged on account of disability, having received a gunshot wound in the left hand at the battle of Malvern Hill. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, when, with 160 men, he was detailed as advance skirmisher. He was in the Peninsular campaign with Mcclellan, at Fair Oaks, siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg and several others. Mr. Taite receives a pension, which he greatly deserves.
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rchibald Campbell, merchant, at Lumber- ton, was born Aug. 1, 1847, in Argyleshire, Scotland. He is a son of Malcom and Mary (McArthur) Campbell, natives of Scotland, who emigrated to Canada in 1850, and there passed the remainder of their lives.
Mr. Campbell, Sr., died when Archibald was in early childhood, and he was taken in charge by his uncle, Hugh Campbell, with whom he resided until he had attained the age of 13 years, when he went to live with his brother John. He attended the district schools most of the time until he was 17 years old. He then set himself to carve out his career and wen
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first to Buffalo, where he entered the lake service as a sailor. The year following (1865) he came to Michigan and located at Muskegon, where he ob- tained employ as a lumberman. He followed that occupation until the fall of 1882, when, associated with Fred Ganson, he established his present busi- ness, which he is prosecuting with satisfactory results.
Mr. Campbell was married at Big Rapids, Mecosta County, May 28, 1874, to Katie, daughter of Philip and Julia (O'Neil) Haslam, both of whom were na- tives of Ireland. She was born in Hudson, Mich., May 23, 1853. Her mother is deceased and her father resides in Mecosta County. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Masonic Order.
rlando McNabb, Village Attorney, Fremont, was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1846. His parents, James J. and Eliza (McKine) McNabb, were natives of Ohio, and of Scotch-Irish descent. He attended school until 18 years of age, and Feb. 7, 1864, en- listed in Co. A, 155th Ind. Reg., serving one year, and was honorably discharged at Dover, Del., in September, 1865. After his return from the army he commenced the study of medicine with Hector & Hill, of Rochester, Ind. He continued his studies four years, attending one course of lectures at the Michigan University. In May, 1869, he came to Hesperia, this county, and commenced the practice of his profession. In 1873 he abandoned his pro- fession and went to Chicago, where he gave his a !- tention to the study of law until 1876, then went to Peru, Ind., and practiced his profession three years. Jan. 6, 1881, he settled in Fremont, this county, where he has since followed his calling. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Village Attorney, which office he now fills.
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john Rooke, son of William and Sarah Rooke, natives of England, was born Oct. 28, 1814. His education was limited ; was employed eight years in a flouring mill, in his native country ; when 23 years of age he came to America, and worked one year in a flouring mill in Canada ; in the spring of 1837 he came to
Michigan and was employed four and a half years in a mill in Oakland County, and thirteen years in Grand Rapids. In the summer of 1855 he bought a grist-mill in Denver Township, this county, which he operated until the fall of 1882, and moved his family to Dayton Township, upon 100 acres of land, which he had bought in 1856, at $1.25 an acre. About 50 acres are improved.
Mr. Rooke was married in Ada, Kent Co., Mich., Oct. 23, 1854, to Jane M., daughter of Caleb and Maria Wilcox, natives of New York, where Mrs. R. was born, April 23, 1833. The following are the dates of birth and names of their children : Ella I., born Aug. 27, 1855; Mary Jessie, Nov. 4, 1856; William C., July 24, 1858; John I., Feb. 25, 1860; Daniel W. L., July 25, 1861 ; Maria J., Jan. 1, 1863 ; Sarah J., March 14, 1864 ; Clara M., Dec. 4, 1865 ; Ida M., Nov. 25, 1867; Arthur A., Sept. 4, 1869; Lizzie A., Dec. 6, 1870; Ralph C., June 30, 1872; Almy G., Feb. 27, 1874. All these thirteen children are now living.
Mr. R. was formerly an Odd Fellow, in Canada; has always been a hard-working man, being obliged to work late at night. He commenced with no cap- ital, but by his industry and economy he has gained a competency. He crossed the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, being 43 days on the journey, and suffered much from sea-sickness. In political matters Mr. R. is a Republican.
oses H. Snyder, farmer, section 18, Sher- , idan Township, is a son of George J. and Mary E. Snyder, natives of New York and Massachusetts respectively, and was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1838. He lived in his native State until 17 years of age, then came to Muskegon Co., Mich., and was em- ployed in the woods for three winters. In the fall of 1859 he pre-empted 160 acres of land in Muskegon County, and afterward ascertained that his claim was not valid, as it belonged to the Indians; Mr. S. was therefore a loser to the extent of $1oo. In the spring of 1860 he came to Newaygo County and bought 83 acres of good land for 50 cents an acre, where he now resides. He has about 60 acres under cultivation,
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with good buildings. In 1864 he was drafted into the army and paid $300 for a substitute.
Mr. Snyder was married Aug. 10, 1863, by Elder Haskins, a Baptist preacher, to Josephine McGill. They were married in Hesperia, which then consisted of only one building. Mrs. Snyder's parents were John and Sarah Mc Gill, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had eight children, six of whom are living : Josephine, Emeline M., Sarah E., Georgi- ana, Frank H. and Waitie (?) A .; two died in infancy.
Mr. Snyder was one of the organizers of the town- ship of Cedar Creek, Muskegon County, and held the office of Constable in that township one year. He also assisted in the organization of Sheridan Town- ship, and held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, and was a school officer several years. He is a member of Holton Lodge No. 2,050, K. of H., and in politics is a Republican.
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oseph Whitehead, farmer, section 2, Day- ton Township, is a son of Aaron and Es- ther (Searles) Whitehead, and was born in Canada East, June 3, 1834. His father was a native of New York and his mother of Ver-
mont. After marriage they first settled in Can- ada, but afterward moved to Ohio and thence to Michigan ; they both died in Dayton Township.
Joseph was three years of age when his parents moved to Ohio. After coming to Michigan he made a home for them as long as they lived. He came to Newaygo County in the spring of 1858, and pur- chased 80 acres of wild land in Dayton Township, on section 2. He has since lived on this farm, and now has 50 acres in a good state of cultivation. He was married in Dayton Township, July 4, 1861, to Emma J., daughter of Clark and Mary B. Hender- son, natives of New York, where Mrs. W. was born, in 1846. Her father died in Berrien Co., Mich., and her mother makes her home with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have had eight children, only one, John Albert, surviving.
Mr. Whitehead was drafted in the fall of 1864, and was assigned to the 13th Mich. Inf., and joined his regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. He was with his
command until the army marched to Washington and was discharged in June, 1865. At one time Mr. W. was reported to be among the missing; but it proved to be a mistake. He was very ill while in the army, for three weeks, in consequence of which his health was considerably impaired.
Mr. Whitehead has never held an office, although frequently importuned to do so. In politics he is a Republican. He was the fourth settler in Dayton Township.
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