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 27
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After the death of his father, Nathaniel was "bound out," and suffered more hardships and privations than usually fall to the lot of so young a man. After serving three years he sought his liberty, not by way of " coaxing off," but by suddenly breaking the bonds of tyranny that were crushing out his manhood. Accompanied by another young man, he started out to encounter the vicissitudes of life free from all restraint. He earned his first dollar by digging po- tatoes four days ; and with this little sum he set out for Monroe County, which he reached in due season.
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Here he engaged as errand boy for a man named Baten, with whom he remained for some time. His industry and fidelity won for him the love of his em- ployer, and he always reverts to those days as an oasis in life's desert.
Upon leaving Mr. Baten, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, with a broom peddler; but the season being dull he found it difficult to find work. He finally accepted a place in a blacksmith shop and learned the trade, working at it during the winter season, and spending the summer on the toe-path of the Ohio canal, for three years. When 17 years old he re- turned to his old home in Oakland County, where he worked on a farm until 21 years of age. He saved $100, with which he purchased 80 acres of land in Clinton County, where he built a shanty and began to improve his farm. Feb. 17, 1840, he married Amorette Higbeé, daughter of Girard and Electa (Isham) Higbee, natives of Vermont, who was born in that.State in 1817. They immediately settled upon the farm, which by severe toil was soon all improved.
In 1853, in company with an experienced "land looker," Mr. Macumber took a tour through the northern portion of Michigan. They explored va- rious portions of the country, finding no living object to attract attention, except occasionally a timid deer ; but they found an unbroken forest, em- bellished with beautiful, fragrant wild flowers. They finally located the N. W. 1% of section 27, in the present township of Denver, Newaygo County, it being the first land that was taken in the township; this does not include the pine lands, however, a por- tion of them having been previously taken. In March, the following year, Mr. M. built a board shanty. Mr. Daniel Weaver had established a saw- mill at Fremont, and offered a reward to the person that would open a road from that town to White River, a distance of 13 miles. Mr. M. accomplished this work with a yoke of oxen, and secured the re- ward. After completing his little shanty, 14 X 24, he went for his family, which then consisted of his wife and seven children, and moved them to his new home, arriving on a very cold day in March. His shanty had only three sides enclosed, and con- sequently there were 24 feet of doorway; but being well supplied with wood they were able to keep warm by hanging blankets around the stove. In- side of this little enclosure his family slept, while he
kept up the fire. The next day he closed the ex- tensive aperture in his dwelling, and from that time forward they were very comfortable for pioneers.
- At the close of the second day he found that his ready cash amounted to $2.50. With this meagre sum, he started out to make a home in a dense forest and rear a large family of children. In order to obtain seed wheat for his first crop, he had to drive a cow to Newaygo, kill her and peddle the beef. And thus, step by step, he has pursued his arduous undertaking to make a nice home, and suf- ficent means to maintain himself during his last days. He has been successful; and from a primi- tive forest of 160 acres, he has produced a mag- nificent farm, which now consists of 220 acres, well improved. To perform this arduous task he has had but little aid except that of his own son. Upon this farm he has recently built an elegant resi- dence, costing $5,000.
Mr. Macumber is a man of remarkable physical development; is intellectual, and very influential among his townsmen. Feb. 6, 1874, his wife died of dropsy, leaving eight children and hosts of friends to mourn her loss. She was a kind and indulgent mother, an affectionate wife and a warm friend, -- ready at all times to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Her husband attributes a great part of his success in life to her timely efforts. Jan. 18, 1880, Mr. M. married Mrs. Nancy (Civen) Cunningham, daughter of William and 'Sarah (Lowrey) Civen, natives of Ireland, who was born Jan. 1, 1854. Her parents came to this country when she was an in- fant, and located in Ontario, Can., where her mother died. Her father afterward moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., where his daughter lived and was ed- ucated, in the schools at Rochester. After complet- ing her education she married Mr. Cunningham, and being a skillful seamstress, followed her voca- tion until she moved to Grand Rapids, where her husband died. They had six children, four of whom are living: William, Edward, Anna and Charles; Mary and George are deceased.
Mr. Macumber was Highway Commissioner several years, during which time he laid out, and helped to lay out, most of the main roads in the township. He took an active part in the first po- litical meeting in the town, and is an active Re- publican.
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illiam C. King, farmer, section 11, Barton Township, was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1854, and is a son of Milton C. and Edmund (Beals) King. His father is a native of the State of New York, his mother of England. They came to Lake County, Mich., in 1865, where they resided some years, and finally established a permanent residence in Mecosta County, where they still reside.
Mr. King remained at home in training for his calling as a farmer until he was 20 years of age. He was married March 15, 1874, to Lina, daughter of Eli and Sarepta (Nicholas) Hathaway. She was born Aug. 18, 1856, in Barry Co., Mich. Her father was a native of New York and her mother was born in Ohio. They located in Barry County in 1843.
Mr. King spent the year following his marriage on the homestead of his parents, and in the spring of 1875 purchased his property in Barton Township, where he has since resided. Following is the record of his children : Emma S., born April 2, 1875 ; Lula E., June 3, 1879; Edna I., Nov., 23, 1881. William C., born Feb. 20, 1877, died Aug. 16, -1879.
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ansom J. Squier, farmer, section 6, Bridge- ton Township, was born Feb. 28, 1838, in Washington Co., N. Y., where his parents, John and Polly (Lampman) Squier, were born and whence they removed to Rochester, N. Y. 'After a brief residence in that city they came to Coldwater, Branch Co., Mich. Some years later they moved to Noble Co., Ind., and in the win- ter of 1855 removed again to Michigan, locating in Muskegon County.
Mr. Squier remained with his parents, obtaining his education and engaged in farming, until the spring of 1860, when he pre-empted 160 acres of un- broken forest land in Bridgeton Township, on which he immediately settled and began to make improve- ments.
Mr. Squier was married in July, 1863, to Orella, daughter of John and Sarah (Sherman) Nelson.
Her parents were natives of England and New York, and went after their marriage to Norfolk Co., Onta- rio, Canada, where the daughter was born, Sept. 18, 1847. When she was eight years old she came with her parents to Claybanks, Oceana Co., Mich. Her father died there in 1851, and the family removed to Lyons, Ionia County, where she attended school four years and then came to Newaygo County, where she was soon after married. The husband and wife lo- cated on the farm which has since been their home, and devoted every energy and effort to its improve- ment. They own 240 acres of land, with 75 acres under cultivation. Following is the record of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Squier : Emily M., born Aug. 8, 1864 ; Franklin B., Dec. 8 1866 ; Pearlie L., April 28, 1872; Gracie O., July 11, 1877 ; Effie D., 21, 1880; Almon R., March 29, 1869 (died May 8, 1871); an infant child, June 1, 1873, died June 15, following.
Mr. Squier is a Democrat in political persuasion. He is a veterinary surgeon, which profession he has followed for years, and is considered one of the best in Northern Michigan.
sartin Davis, farmer, section 3, Barton Township, was born March 9, 1840, in Jackson Co., Mich., and is a son of Asa B. and Caroline R. (Harrington) Davis. His father was a native of Canada and spent his life in the pursuit of lumbering ; he died in 1851. The mother was born in Vermont, and after the death of her first husband married a man named Elliot Cheney and returned to Kent County ; she was widowed a second time in Paris, Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1871. She is now a resident of Bar- ton Township, Newaygo County.
At 17 years of age Mr. Davis entered the family of Thomas Skinner, of Kent County, with whom he remained until he attained the estate of legal man- hood. He enlisted under the first call for troops after the assault upon the United States flag at Fort Sumter, enrolling in April, 1861, in Co., A, Sixth Mich., Cav., and was in the service until July 4, 1863, when he was severely wounded in the left thigh by a ball and released from active duty. He
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was transferred to the hospital at Little York, Pa., where he remained until April 27, 1865, when he was finally discharged and returned home.
He came at once to Mecosta County and settled in the township of Greene, where he was a resident until 1871. In that year he purchased his home- stead in Mecosta County, where he resided until 1873, giving his time and attention to its improve- ment and cultivation.
Mr. Davis married June 3, 1865, in Kent County, Phebe A., daughter of William and Hannah (Morgan) Haynes. The parents were born in England and came to the United States in 1840. Mrs. Davis was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1847. William E., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, was born April 9, 187 1, in Mecosta County. Mr. Davis is a Republican and has held the office of School Inspector and Justice of the Peace in his township.
eorge W. Nafe, M. D., Fremont, is a son of John and Mary M. (Stewart) Nafe, na- tives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, re- spectively, and was born in Ohio June 19, 1848. He lived with his parents until about 22 years of age, attending the common schools, and afterward the High School at Rochester, Ind. He early gave his attention to the study of medicine, and attended the Pennsylvania University, at Philadel- phia, Pa., two years, and was graduated in 1871. He had previously studied in the office of Dr. Hec- tor at Rochester, Ind. Upon leaving college he commenced the practice of his profession in Cass Co., Ind., where he remained six and a half years. In the summer of 1877 he came to Fremont, where he has since followed his profession, with gratifying success.
Dr. Nafe has held the office of Village Trustee three years, President of the village two years, mem- ber of the School Board four years, and Director two years. In the fall of 1882 he was the Democratic candidate for Representative, but was defeated by Charles W. Stone, the Greenback candidate, who had the plurality, but of less than 100 votes. He is a member of the Fremont Lodge, 741, K. of H., and in politics is a Democrat.
The Doctor was married in Rochester, Ind., April 6, 1872, to Cordelia, daughter of Christopher and Julia A. Ernsperger, who was born in Ohio, Aug, 15, 1847. They have had three children: John C., born March 13, 1875 ; Julia M., born April 2, 1881 ; Nellie L., born Jan. 9, 1873, died June 24, 1883.
oseph A. Zerlaut, farmer, Bridgeton Town- ship, section 5, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 15, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Steiner) Zerlaut, were also born in Bavaria, and in 1853 he accom- panied his mother to America, his father hav- ing died five years before. They located at Hope- ville, R. I., and afterward went to Centerville, in that State.
Mr. Zerlaut went in 1856 to Wauregan Mills, Conn., and found employment in a woolen factory, remaining two years. In the summer of 1856 he went to Moosup, in Windham County, and there pursued his trade until 1858, when he came to Mus- kegon. He worked some time in a saw-mill, and at length, in company with an uncle, came to Newaygo County, in quest of land whereon to establish homes. He located 120 acres in Bridgeton Township, and remained until the spring following, making improve- ments. He returned to Muskegon, and not long after to the "land of steady habits," and in Novem- ber, 1861, brought his mother and the remaining members of the family to his place in Bridgeton, where they established a home.
Mr. Zerlaut enlisted Sept. 27, 1862, in the Sixth Mich. Cav., Co. H. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, under Sheridan, and Mr. Zerlaut was in all the actions in which that division of the army participated, excepting those of the Pennsylvania campaign. He was at Buckland Mills, Va., Oct. 19, 1863, where he received a bullet wound just above the left knee, the shot passing upwards and coming out at the hip joint. He escaped all other mishaps of war and received an honorable dis- charge Dec. 5, 1865.
Mr. Zerlaut was married Feb. 17, 1866, to Anna, daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Hedric) Bing, of Muskegon. She was born in Hesse-Darmstadt,
LEHeMeets -
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Germany, and remained in her native country until she was 17 years old, when she came to the United States and fixed upon Muskegon as a place of resi- dence, where she engaged as a domestic until her marriage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Zerlaut, nine in number, were born as follows : Henry, May 1, 1867 ; Joseph, Dec. 16, 1868; George, June 20, 1872 ; Frank J., May 19, 1874; Anna, March 28, 1877; Fanny, Aug. 25, 1880; Martin, Nov. 5, 1882 ; Elizabeth, May 9. 1876 (died Nov. 14, same year) ; Frank, Oct. 18, 1870 (died Nov. 9, following).
Mr. Zerlaut has made the record of a successful and progressive farmer on his land, and has placed 65 acres under advanced improvements. He is a Republican in politics, and has held the positions of School Inspector and Drain Commissioner.
eorge McNutt, one of the Directors of the Darling Mill Co., Fremont, was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 1841. His parents, Alexander and Frances (Shellenber- ger) McNutt, were natives of Ohio; they first settled in Mahoning County, where they lived for about 30 years, then moved to Ashtabula County, where they remained until their death.
George received a good common-school education in his native State, and when only 21 years old the Southern Rebellion broke out in all its horrors. The first shot at Fort Sumter sent an electric thrill through every loyal heart in the North, and immedi- ately, irrespective of party, the cry went up for ven- geance. They abandoned the field of argument and ceased to discuss measures and plans for the peace- able restoration of the National authority in the re- volted States, and with singular unanimity and de- termination accepted the issues of war as the only means left to save and perpetuate the National exist- · ence, and the priceless liberties so long enjoyed. It was to preserve the flag which Washington loved, and which Jackson, Scott and Taylor with so many glorious triumphs defended, that the question " Who can go?" arose instead of "Who will go?" Acts of true patriotism were to be seen on all sides, where men left mother, father, wife and children, and their business interests to keep the flag a union flag.
Those brave men were stirred with this patriotism which, wherever it prevails in its genuine vigor and extent, swallows up all sordid and selfish regards, conquers the love of ease, power, pleasure and wealth; and when the partialities of friendship, grati- tude and even family ties come in competition with it, it prompts a sacrifice of all in order to maintain the rights and promote the honor and happiness of our country.
The true sentiments of patriotism are within their breasts to-day as when they left mother, father, wife and family for the front. Wherever they are found, in all questions of National or State import it springs forth. It is not spasmodic in its action, blazing forth only as in a comet's erratic course, in times of public trials or danger, upon great occasions and upon great incentive, but it is a rule of conduct, con- stant, equable, incorruptible and enduring. Wealth cannot bribe it. Power cannot seduce it. Ambition cannot blind it. Friendship cannot swerve it from justice. Fear cannot intimidate it nor injustice swerve it, nor bribery corrupt or enervate it. We speak only of those men who volunteered from the inspiration of patriotism, as George McNutt did. To such brave, true-hearted men too much honor can never be given. He enlisted Aug. 19, 1861, in the 29th Ohio Inf., and served until the close of the war, -over four years, and received an honorable dis- charge at Cleveland, Ohio. He participated in 14 heavy battles, besides numerous smaller ones ; among them was the battle of Winchester. He was wounded in the arm and side at the battle of Fort Republic. and was wounded in the side at Dallas, Ga. He was in the hospital only three days during his service in the army, but was unfit for duty nearly three months.
After his discharge he engaged in the saw-milling business at Berlin, Ohio, for nearly a year, and in the fall of 1866 came to Michigan, first settling in Alle- gan County, where he was employed by H. F. Marsh. Jr., of Allegan, six years, in the lumber business. He was then employed by the Chicago & West Mich- igan Railroad Company, as bill clerk, at Pentwater, where he remained for nearly a year and a half, and was then appointed station agent at Fremont, which position he filled about two years, after which he was appointed passenger conductor on the same road, filling the position for seven years, constantly on one train. He was then promoted Division Superintend-
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ent, which position he resigned in the spring of 1883, to engage in the milliug business. He is now a part- ner in the Darling Milling Company.
He was married in Pierpont, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, July 2, 1865, to Eunicia, daughter of Paul and Sarah Howland, a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McNutt have had three children: Ger- trude E. and Maud E. George is deceased. Mr. McN. is a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 180, F. & A. M., of Fremont, and of Pilgrim Commandery No. 23, of Big Rapids. In politics he is a staunch Republican. We give his portrait in this work.
ARNA
chester E. Stearns, dealer in furniture, Fremont, is a son of Daniel and Sallie (Coburn) Stearns, and was born. May 28, 1824; his father was a native of Brattleboro, Vt., and his mother of Massachusetts. They settled in New York. Chester E. attended the com- mon schools of that State until 16 years of age, when he was apprenticed three years to learn the cabinet-maker's trade ; at the expiration of his time, he engaged in business with his father for several years ; was then employed by Norman Bonny four years; afterward worked at his trade until the fall of 1853; at this time he went to Connecticut, where he was engaged two years in the manufacture of hubs and felloes. In the spring of 1856 he came to Newaygo County, worked at his trade two years, and then settled on a farm of 160 acres, in what was then known as the township of Fremont. He lived on this farm until December, 1880, when he sold out and moved into the village of Fremont, soon afterward opening a furniture store, where he is now conducting a successful trade.
Mr. Stearns was first married to Freelove Bemis, daughter of Benjamin and Marilla Bemis, and they had one child, Henry E. Mrs. S. died on Nov. 19, 1856, in Newaygo. Mr. S. married Anna (Bezent) Hammond, a native of England. The children by this marriage are : Lettie E., Libbie L., Lafore C. and Olive L. George died in infancy. Mr. S. has been Highway Commissioner eight years, Township
Clerk nearly eight years, and Justice of the Peace six years. He is a Freemason, and in politics is neutral, but sympathizes rather with the Republican party.
eorge Shepherd, farmer, section 25, Bar- ton Township, was born in Bathurst, Perth Co., Can., Oct. 8, 1835, and is a son of Simpson and Sarah Shepherd. His father was born in England, his mother in Ireland. The occupation of the former was for many years that of a farmer, and he now resides in Plymp- ton, Lambton County, where he is a merchant and Postmaster.
Mr. Shepherd remained on his father's farm until he was 25 years old. He was married in 1860, to Laura, daughter of William and Anna (Newett) Hoskins, born in England Jan. 4, 1839. In 1872 Mr. Shepherd disposed of his farm in the Dominion and came to Michigan. He bought 160 acres of land in Barton Township, has placed one-half of it under im- provement, and has good and suitable farm buildings. Mr. Shepherd is a Republican in politics, and himself and family belong to the M. E. Church.
Children : George W., born Dec. 3, 1861 ; Martha J., Sept. 7, 1863 ; Richard F., Aug. 18, 1865.
lexander Mckinley, farmer, section 15, Ashland Township, son of Robert and Christina (Black) McKinley, was born in Hun- ter, Ontario, Feb. 10, 1850. The parents were born and married in Scotland, and afterward came to Canada, where they now are living.
Mr. McKinley spent his youth under the super- vision of his father, and in the fall of 1869 left the family home and came to Michigan. He spent two years in the Upper Peninsula, working on a farm in Marquette County during the summers, and in the lumber woods during winters. In September, 185 1, he returned to his native place in Canada, but after a brief delay he came to Michigan and purchased 80 acres of land, which he has increased to 120 acres by later purchase. His farm is well improved
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and located in one of the best portions in the town- ship. He has devoted his energies and money to put the place in as good condition as possible, and to so beautify and improve it as to render it attract- ive and valuable. His residence cost $1,500, and the other farm buildings swell the aggregate of ex- penditure to $3,500.
Mr. McKinley was married Jan. 2, 1879, in Ash- land Township, to Julia, daughter of Washington and Sarah (Moore) Seaman. (See sketch). She was born in the city of Big Rapids, Aug. 30, 1860. Her parents removed to Casnovia when she was six years old, and later made a permanent settlement in Ash- land Township. Mrs. McKinley is a lady of genu- ine refinement. The two children belonging to the household were born as follows: Elsie L., Oct. 17, 1879, and R. Hermie, Jan. 3, 1882. Mr. Mckinley is a member of the Order of Good Templars and belongs to the National party.
OC enjamin Ish, farmer, section 31, Dayton Township, is a son of Nicholas and Bar- bara (Votle) Ish, natives of Switzerland, came to this country with his parents when he was one and a half years of age. They first settled in Stark Co., O., and afterward lived in Crawford and Wyandot Counties. They came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., about the year 1843, where the father died, at the advanced age of 92 years; the mother died at the age of 74. Benjamin went to Hillsdale Co., Mich., when 21 years of age. He lived there 11 years, when he commenced farm- ing. In the fall of 1854 he came to Newaygo County, being one of the first settlers. He took up 200 acres of land under the Homestead Act, to which he has since added 120 acres, and now has nearly 200 acres in a good state of cultivation, upon which he resides.
Mr. Ish was married in Sheridan Township, Oct. 29, 1857, to Miss Helen, daughter of Norman and Charity Cunningham. The ceremony was per- formed under an elm tree, by Wm. L. Stewart, a Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Ish have four
children, viz .: Albert, Clarence, Theodore and Deroy.
At one time Mr. Ish was Township Treasurer seven years; has also been School Moderator. In politics he belongs to the National party.
H. Northway, hardware merchant, Fre- mont, is a native of Ohio, where he was born May 14, 1834. His parents, Augus- tus and Margaret (Houghtaling) Northway, were natives of New York, who settled in Ohio in an early day, and moved to Michigan in 1844, settling in Ionia County, where they passed the remainder of their life.
A. H. lived at home and contributed to the sup- port of his parents until the death of his father. At the age of 20 years he left home and went to cabinet- making two years, after which he formed a partnership with Ambrose J. Ecker for the purpose of carrying on general merchandise. This continued for nearly three years, when he sold out and entered the army. He enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in the 25th Mich. Inf .. and served nearly three years. He was on detached duty most of the time, acting as Sergeant Major for nearly one year, and was mustered out at Jackson, Mich. He then came to Ionia County, was em- ployed as clerk in a general store for about two years, and then purchased an interest in the business, the partnership continuing about eight years, when he sold out to Mr. Ecker and formed a partnership with Hunt and Northway (the latter being a brother), under the firm name of Hunt, Northway & Co., for carrying on a store. The business was closed in two years, and April 16, 1877, Mr. Northway came to Fremont, Newaygo C'o., and opened a hardware store on the corner of Main and Merchant streets. He conducted business in this place for two years, then moved to his present locality on Main street, where he is carrying on a flour- ishing business, and enjoys the confidence of his townsmen and of the public generally.
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