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 28
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Mr. Northway was married in Ionia County, Sept. 1, 1868, to Emma I .. , third daughter of Joshua and M. (White) Fish, natives of Cortland Co., N. Y. They came to Michigan in 1844 and settled in Ionia County, where Mr. Fish was engaged in the milling
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business and in farming. They remained there until Jan. 13,1877, when they both died, under the following sad circumstances : Mrs. Fish retired at night as usual. During the night she awakened her hus- band and asked him to build a fire, as she was having a chill. He at once complied with the request, and while engaged in building the fire he, too, was taken with a chill, and they were both prostrated. In one week from that day they both died, one about 3 o'clock P. M., and the other about 8 o'clock P. M., same day. They were buried in one grave.
Mr. and Mrs. Northway have one child, Claude, born Jan. 17, 1871. Mr. N. was elected Presi- dent of the village in the spring of 1883, which of- fice he still holds. He generally declines offices. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics a Republican.
ames Myers, farmer, section 23, Barton Township, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., July 12, 1846. His father, William Myers, was born in England, and his mother, Eliza Ann (Davis) Myers, was a native of New York. The parents came to Adrian, Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1834, afterwards removed to Hastings, Barry County, and,in 1879 made a permanent settle- ment in Newaygo County.
Mr. Myers continued under the supervision of his father until he was 18 years old. When the civil war broke out he was but 15 years of age and was in · every way precluded from adding his young strength and enthusiasm to the tide that flowed toward the scenes of conflict. But the war continued to drag its weary and painful length along until the summer of 1864, when he enrolled in defense of the Union flag. He enlisted Aug. 10, 1864, in Co. E. 3d Mich. Vol. Inf., and served until his regiment was mustered out, Sept. 19, 1865. He was in the corps commanded by Gen. Thomas, and was in the actions at Decatur, Franklin and Stone River. He returned to his father's home and again became a farmer. In 1867 he came to Newaygo County and established him- self on 40 acres of land, where he has since ex- pended his time and energies to good purpose, in putting his farm under substantial improvements.
Mr. Myers was married June 9, 1866, to Sarah, daughter of Edmund L. and Jane (Tanner) Hub- bard, a native of Canada. Six of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers are living: Edmund J., Imogen N., William M., May B., Myrtie V. and Ida L. Those deceased are Albert and Eliza J. Mr. Myers is a decided adherent of the Greenback party and has held positions of trust in his township.
ohn Cole, Postmaster at Fremont, was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1849. His parents, John and Anna (Searles) Cole, were natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. They moved to Hillsdale, where they still reside. The subject of this sketch at- tended the common schools until 18 years of age, then came to Newaygo County, settling in Hesperia, where he built a saw-mill and operated it one year. He exhanged his mill for a farnı, which he carried on for three years, and in 1872 sold it and opened a ·hardware store in Fremont. He carries a stock of about $6,000, and is doing a heavy business.
Mr. Cole was married in Fremont, April 23, 1871, to Hannah, daughter of James D. Barks, and they have one child, Frank, born April 10, 1882. Mr. Cole was appointed Postmaster of Fremont Feb. 23, 1883; has held the office of Township and Village Treasurer several years ; is a member of the Masonic Order, and in politics is a Republican.
eroy Randall, farmer, section II, Barton Township, was born in Wisconsin, Sept. 16, 1852. His father, Earl D. Randall, was born in Vermont and died while in the service of the United States during the war of the Re- bellion. His mother, Charlotte (Strong) Ran- dall, was a native of Nova Scotia.
Mr. Randall came to Michigan with his parents in 1853. They resided for a time in Lamont, Ottawa County, removing in 1860 to Newaygo County. The son was reared principally on a farm and has made
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agriculture the business of his life. His homestead contains 441/2 acres, and is a fair sample of a farm in Northern Michigan. Mr. Randall was married in 1875, to Alvira, daughter of Grantson L. and Nancy (Barber) Hall. Her parents were born in Connecti- cut. Mrs. Randall was born Sept. 2, 1855. The three children of the family were born as follows: Earl Grantson, Sept. 14, 1876; Ina Bell, Feb. 11, 1878; and Oakley R., July 4, 1881.
red Marshall, merchant, Fremont, is a son of Alfred and Orelena (Wade) Marshall, of Scotch and Irish nativity, and was born in Maine, Nov. 11, 1850. He lived in Maine and New Brunswick until 20 years of age, then "came to Oceana Co., Mich., where he was employed in various mills and in lumbering till 1878, when he came to Fremont, this county, and estab- lished himself in general merchandise. His stock consists of groceries, provisions, boots and shoes, and crockery, and he is doing a business of about $15,000 annually. He was married Jan. 3, 1878, in Shelby, Oceana County, to Mary, daughter of Robert and Margaret Cole, who were natives of England and Ireland respectively. They came to Canada in an early day, where their daughter Mary was born. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have had two children: Frank, born March 8, 1882; Ivin Letta, born Nov. 9, 1880, died Oct. 7, 1882. Mr. Marshall is a mem- ber of the Order of Chosen Friends, and in politics is a National.
rville L. Smith, farmer, section 12, Barton Township, was born Aug. 6, 1849, in Madi- son Co., N. Y. Hi: parents, Daniel D. and Sylvia L. (Chappell) Smith, were also natives of that county, and resided there until the month of April, 1865, when they removed to Michigan and fixed their residence at Grand Rapids for a time. In the winter of 1867 they came to Ne- waygo County, where they are still residing.
Mr. Smith obtained his education at the common schools of Madison and Kent Counties, and was bred to the calling of a farmer. He accompanied his parents to this county and continued as an assistant on the home farm until he was 22 years old. He was married Jan. 8, 1871, to Lura, daughter of Nelson and Areanda (Bissell) Phelps, born in the State of New York, July 23, 1853. Her parents were also natives of the Empire State and settled in Michigan in the spring of 1867. Her father is yet living; her mother died Feb. 1, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children, born in the following order : Orville A., Jan. 19, 1873; Daniel D., June 3, 1875; Lura M., Jan. 23, 1877; Bertha I , Nov. 18, 1880.
Mr. Smith is a Prohibitionist in political attitude ; himself and wife belong to the M. E. Church. He is the proprietor of 40 acres of land, under fair improve- ments.
elvin W. Scott, section 6, Dayton Town- ship, is a son of Samuel and Rhoda (Judd) Scott, and was born in Leroy, Genesec Co., N. Y., June 16, 1829. His parents were natives of Berkshire Co., Mass., were married in that State, and removed to Genesec Co., N. Y., in 1814. His father was a tailor by trade and followed this occupation during his life. He died in Hartford, Conn., whither he had gone for his health. His wife removed to Oakland Co., Mich., and lived with her children until her death.
Melvin W. attended the common schools of his native State until 18 years of age. He then worked on a farm by the month until he was 21 years of age, when he came to Michigan and lived in Oakland County, where he was engaged in farming and teach- ing school about three years. He then removed to Ottawa County and purchased 80 acres of wild land. This he improved during the summer season and taught school winters for three years. In the spring of 1856 he sold his farm and located 160 acres of land on section 6, Dayton Township, this county, un- der the Graduation Act. The season following he moved his family to Newaygo, and in the spring of 1857 settled upon his new farm, where he still re- sides.
Mr. Scott was married in Pontiac, Oakland Co.,
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Mich , Nov. 3, 1852, to Martha M., daughter of Na- thaniel and Mary Collins, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively, and she was born in Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 9, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have had four children. He has formerly been iden- tified with the Republican party, but of late years sympathizes with the National party.
John Barks, farmer, section 32, Dayton Township, is a son of John D. and Sophia C. (Cool) Barks, and was born in Marion Co., Ohio, July 20, 1843. His parents were natives of Ohio, and moved to La Grange Co., Ind., when John was but two years old, and lived there until they came to Michigan.
John Barks, the subject of this sketch, came to Muskegon in 1865, and worked there and at other places for three years. In 1867 he moved upon his farm of 80 acres, which he had previously pur- chased, and now has 60 acres in good cultivation. In the winter of 1872 he married Emeline Palmer, who died Sept. 20, 1876 ; in 1878 he married Helen, second daughter of Smith and Mary (Ellsworth) Mc- Donald, a native of Canada. Their two children are Americus and Camalena. In August, 1862, Mr. B. enlisted in the 100th Ind. Vol. Inf. and served nearly three years, in the 4th Division of the 15th Army Corps, under Sherman, participating in the engagements at Vicksburg, Atlanta, Chattanooga and in the march to the sea; and was present at the capture of Richmond. He was in a great many engagements, but never received even the slightest wound.
sahel Bisard, farmer, section 26, Ashland Township, was born iu Medina Co., Ohio, April 5, 1825, and is a son of Philip and Bet- sey (Rush) Bisard. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch extraction.
Mr. Bisard was chiefly employed upon his father's farm until he was 16 years old. On arriving at that age he went to Green Co., Pa., and ap- prenticed himself to his uncle, Daniel Rush, to learn the mason's trade. On the completion of his time of
service he returned to his native county, where he found plenty of occupation in the various depart- ments of his trade. He was married Oct. 10, 1845, to Emily, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Sal- isbury, born Sept. 15, 1825, in Orange Co., Vt. Her parents removed in 1833 to Winstead, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and later to Medina Co., Ohio, where she grew to womanhood.
After his marriage Mr. Bisard engaged a year in a cabinet shop, after which he went to Erie County in the Buckeye State, and engaged in farming until the summer of 1851, when they located in Grand Rap- ids. Mr. Bisard there pursued the business of mason for four years. In the spring of 1855 he settled on 80 acres in Ashland Township. It was in its orig- inal condition, and he has now placed it in a very fine state of cultivation, with a substantial farm res- idence in process of construction. The other farm buildings are proportionately good, and among other improvements he takes a just pride in his orchard of 200 trees of choice selection of fruit.
Mr. Bisard is a radical Democrat, and both him- self and wife belong to the M. E. Church. Their six children were born as follows: Samantha (see sketch), Nov. 6, 1846; Franklin, Dec. 25, 1847; Polly, July 22, 1850; Charles L., Jan. 14, 1855 ; Orson, Aug. 27, 1862 ; and John, Jan. 27, 1864.
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ohn Young, farmer, section 32, Sheridan Township, is a son of Brancrats and Bar- bara (Classer) Young, natives of Germany ; the former is deceased and the latter is living in Bridgeton Township, this county. He was born in Germany, Nov. 6, 1833, and at 18 years of age came to America. He first lived at Muskegon for about six years, and in the fall of 1857 came to Sheridan Township, this county, and pur- chased 40 acres of wild land. He has since added to his farm and now owns 240 acres, with over 100 acres under cultivation. He was married in Mus- kegon, in 1853, to Barbara, daughter of John and Barbara (Hooper) John, natives of Austria, where she also was born in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Young have had eight children, five surviving, namely: Caroline L., Frederick, Mary E., John and William A.
In politics, Mr. Young is a Republican.
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ohn N. Bennett, farmer, section 28, Sheri- dan Township, was born in New York, June 15, 1842, and is a son of Elias and Annie M. (Vanderhoof) Bennett, natives also of New York. They settled in that State and afterward moved to Branch Co., Mich., where Mrs. B. died; her husband lives with his son John. The subject of this notice came to Michigan when 21 years of age, and was engaged in farming in Branch County nine years. In the spring of 1872 he came to Newaygo County and bought 160 acres of wild land in Sheridan Township, where he now resides and has about 50 acres under cultivation. He was married in Branch County, Feb. 22, 1872, to Mary E. From, a native of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of five children : Anna M., Ida E., Martha A., Jonathan E. and Julia E. In politics Mr. Bennett is a Republican.
ames F. Hart, Fremont, was born in Allen Co., Ind., May 1, 1840. His parents were Stephen and Hannah (Gillett) Hart, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. Soon after their marriage they settled in Ohio, and then went to Allen County, Ind., where they passed the remainder of their days. J. F. lived at home until 22 years of age, and then came to Muskegon. Mich., where he lived 12 years, engaged in lumbering. He then worked one year in Holton, same county, and in the spring of 1876 came to Newaygo County. He first located at Worcester Station, where he lived about seven months, and in the following fall came to Fre- mont and engaged in the liquor business for George Schweitzer one and a half years. He then went to Croton, where he was engaged in the same business about eight months, and then returned to Fremont and formed a partnership with Franklin M. Bowman, under the name of Hart & Bowman, for the pur- pose of carrying on the liquor trade. Two years later they added the livery business, and still
carry them on together. In the spring of 1883 they began the erection of a fine block, known as Music Hall, on North Division street, which is already completed.
When Mr. Hart commenced business he had very little means ; but by industry and frugality, and close attention to business, he has acquired a nice property. He was married in Allen Co., Ind., to Catharine Cope, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have had seven children, six of whom are living: Joseph F., Frank, Willie, Bertie, Jack and Mortimer ; Eugene died when 9 months old. Politically, Mr. Hart is a Democrat.
John Miller, farmer, section 21, Sheridan Township, is a son of Peter Miller, a native of Sweden, and was born in that country in June, 1837. He came to America in 1864 and went directly to Illinois, where he lived two and a half years engaged in farming, then came to Muskegon, Michigan and worked in mills and on the railroad till the fall of 1876. He · then came to Newaygo County and purchased 120 acres of land, to which he has since added 40 more, and now has about 50 acres under tillage. He was married in Sweden, Dec. 31, 1859, to Ida Peterson, a native of that country. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living: Peter M., Charles J., Otto A., Ida D., Jennie O., Hilma M. and Emily E. In politics he is a Republican.
eorge W. Packard, farmer, section 27, Dayton Township, was born in New York, Oct. 15, 1831. His parents, Alanson and Abigail (Graham) Packard, were residents of that State for a number of years. The mother died there, and the father afterward moved to Ohio for a few years, then came to Michigan, first settling in Wayne County and subsequently in Hillsdale, where he died. George passed the first ten years of his life in his native State, and came to Ohio with his father, where he attended school and
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worked on a farm. In the fall of 1849 he left Huron County and walked to Detroit, this State, taking five days for the journey. He remained in Wayne County the following winter, engaged in chopping and logging, and in the spring of 1850 walked to Hillsdale County. Here he worked on a farm till the spring of 1866, when he came with his family to this county and purchased 80 acres of wild land in Dayton Township, and built a frame house which he now occupies. He afterward added 80 acres to his original purchase, then sold half of his farm, so that he now owns 80 acres, 40 of which are under cultivation.
In Litchfield, Hillsdale County, Aug. 27, 1856, Mr. Packard married Mary, eldest daughter of C. C. and Cornelia (Smith) Waldo, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Vermont; they moved to Litchfield, where the mother died; the father still resides there. Mr. and Mrs. Packard have had eight children : Carrie E., born May 21, 1857 ; Her- bert E., April 10, 1860; Dora A., June 12, 1863; Lillie A., Aug. 27, 1864 ; Mertie E., April 22, 1869; Annie A., March 27, 1871 ; Frank W., born April 20, 1858, died April 28, 1859; May C., born Sept. 12, 1867, died in March, 1868.
Mr. Packard was Commissioner of Highways for Dayton Township two years, and School Director two years. Himself and wife are active members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican.
A. Westbrook, farmer, section 16, Day- ton Township, is a son of Peter and Fan- ny (Marble) Westbrook, and was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, March 29, 1837. His parents were natives of New Jersey and New York, respectively. They came to Michigan in an early day and settled in Kalamazoo County, where they were engaged in farming, and where they died.
Mr. Westbrook was only one year old when his parents came to Michigan. He remained at home until the death of his father, since which time he has been obliged to care for himself. He came from Kalamazoo County to Newaygo County in the fall of 1867 and bought 80 acres of school land on section 16, Dayton Township, where he has since lived and now has 50 acres in cultivation.
Dec. 31, 1865, in Kalamazoo, he married Cinder- ella J., daughter of Myron and Rachel Harrington, who was born in Kalamazoo County, Nov. 7, 1843. Her parents were natives of the State of New York and came to Kalamazoo County in the fall of 1843. Mr. Westbrook enlisted Oct. 10, 1861, in the 13th Mich. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Corinth, Chickamauga, Bentonville, N. C., and numerous others. He was wounded in the arm at the battle of Chickamauga, and again in the thigh at the battle of Bentonville. On account of his first wound he was unable to do service for three months, and was laid up four months by reason of the second wound. He was honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich. Since that time he has followed farming, excepting two years, when he was engaged in teaming. He re- ceives a pension. Politically he is a Republican.
His children, by his present wife, are: James W., born Dec. 8, 1869; Amanda L., April 6, 1875 ; Laura M., Dec. 12, 1876; Mabel A., April 12, 1882. Myron D. died at the age of 18 months. Mr. Westbrook had one child by a previous marriage, William P., born March 14, 1860.
amuel W. Peterson, Justice of the Peace and farmer, section 27, Ashland Township, was born Sept. 5, 1834, in Prince Edward Co., Prov. of Ont., and is a son of Col. Sam- uel and Margaret (Loyst) Peterson. His par- ents were natives of the Dominion of Canada, where his father was a citizen of distinction. He was for 30 years a Magistrate, under the Provincial law that required a subject to be worth 500 pounds sterling in order to be eligible to the appointment, and in 1856 he was appointed Colonel of the Cana- dian militia and held the post as long as he lived.
Mr. Peterson remained in Canada, associated with his father, 30 years. He was educated principally at Victoria College, Coburg, Ont., and afterward studied one term at the Provincial Normal School at Toron- to, to fit himself for teaching in the public schools, which profession he has followed for 12 years. In 1856 he was appointed Adjutant, under his father, and discharged the duties of the position four years.
16 Mulder
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In the summer of 1864 he came to Michigan and located on section 27 of Ashland Township, where he purchased 25 acres of land for a homestead. On coming to the county of Newaygo, he engaged two terms in teaching, since which he has devoted himself to farming, and the business pertaining to his ap- pointment as Agent of the State Board of Correction and Charities at Lansing and Coldwater. He was appointed by the Government as Census Enumera- tor for the township of Ashland in 1880, and made out his returns according to law.
Mr. Peterson was married July 22, 1864, to Sa- mantha J., daughter of John and Eunice Redick, of Ashland Township. The parents were natives of New York, and early in life removed to Ontario, Can., where the daughter was born, and resided with her parents until she was 23 years of age, when her family settled in Ashland Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had four children ; all are living and were born as follows: George, April 13, 1865 ; Walter S., July 12, 1866 ; Carrie and Harry (twins), July 22, 1868. Mr. Peterson is a Re- publican in politics, and in 187 1 was appointed Post- master of Lake. Mrs. Peterson died April 3, 1873, and Mr. Peterson again contracted marriage July 17, 1873, with Mrs. Irene Applegarth, widow of the late Dr. Applegarth. She was born Aug. 7, 1828, near London, Middlesex Co., Ont.
ohn Jernstadt, dealer in dry goods, gro- ceries, provisions, flour, feed, etc., at Wood- ville, was born in Sweden, Aug. 29, 1847, and is the son of Phar Jansen and Christina (Olsen) Jernstadt, both natives of Sweden and belonging to the agricultural class of that country.
Mr. Jernstadt came to the United States in 1871, and went to Chicago, coming thence to Grand Haven. He next went to Allegan County, where he worked on the railroad. His next remove was to Grand Rapids, to enter the employ of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., where he remained but a short time. He passed a year in the service of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, and then came to Woodville and established himself as at present. He founded his business at
this point in 1878, and was the first to engage in the trade, in which he is obtaining satisfactory results. He was married in April, 1883, to Anna C. Benson, a native of Denmark. She was born in Denmark in 1858, a daughter of Benjamin and Christina Nelson.
ornelis Mulder, proprietor of saw-mill, Fre- mont, was born in Holland, July 30, 1826. His parents, Jacobus and Tryntje (Ellenga) Mulder, were also natives of Holland, where the mother died; the father then came to this country to live with his children, and died at the advanced age of 85 years. Mr. Mulder left his native country at the age of 21, in company with an elder brother, and came to America. They landed in New York and came immediately to Grand Haven, Mich., spending the first winter at Perrysburg. He lived several years at Mill Point, now known as Spring Lake, where he was employed in and about a saw-mill. He then lived with his brother nearly two years, when he returned to Spring Lake and was en- gaged in carpentry one season, then went to Mus- kegon. In the spring of 1855 he went to the Northern Peninsula and helped build a saw-mill, and in the fall of the same year again returned to Spring Lake. In the spring of 1856 he went to Muskegon and helped build L. G. Mason's first mill, and re- mained at Muskegon until 1861, then built a store and engaged in general merchandise, doing a heavy business for ten years. In 1872 he sold out, and the year following was engaged in settling up his affairs. In the fall of 1873 he moved his family to Fremont, where he had previously erected a saw-mill and operated until the spring of 1881, when the mill was destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt the saw and shingle mill but not the planing-mill, and again commenced operations. This mill has a capacity of 15 to 20,000 feet daily.
Mr. Mulder was first married in Muskegon, Mich., to Fannie Coahoma Langley, a native of Pennsylva- nia, where she was born July 10, 1849, and they had one child, William C., born June 25, 1871, and died Sept. 3, 187 1. Aug. 25, 1871, Mrs. Mulder died,
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and in 1873 Mr. Mulder married Jane Simpson, a native of Indiana. Mr. M. has been a member of the Council of Fremont two years, and in politics is a Republican. We give his portrait in this Album.
ylvanus Reed, deceased, was a native of Ohio, and a son of James and Nancy Ann Reed. He came to Michigan in 1849, and settled in Newaygo County, where he pur- chased 40 acres of land, and afterward added 120 acres, besides a tract of pine land. This land he sold, and bought 280 acres. He sold a por- tion of this, and at the time of his decease owned 160 acres of land, in Dayton Township, over a 100 acres being improved. He was married in this county June 3, 1849, to Harriet Barnhard, who was a native of Sandusky Co., Ohio, and they have had 13 children, viz .: Emily, Francis W., Louisa J., Mary E., Sarah F., Susan M., Oliver E., Olive L., Ida M., Stephen S. and Carrie B .; David F. and Lucy are deceased.
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