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 38
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All. Lambson
Lucinda Jambon
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father in the business of making brick, until he reached the age of 20 years, when he entered into an apprenticeship with Joseph Waterworth, to receive instructions in the details of the trade of builder. After the required period was ended he went to work as a job carpenter and operated in that capacity until the fall of 1859, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of land, all in heavy timber. He has cleared and improved 50 acres and added all necessary farm buildings, rendering his farm one of the most attractive and valuable in the section. In addition to farming he has spent several winters lumbering on the Muskegon River.
Mr. Peets was married Aug. 6, 1852, in Middlesex Co., Ont., to Lydia, daughter of Robert and Jennie (Young) Kelley. She was born in Ekfrid, Middlesex Co., Ont., July 1, 1831, and resided with her parents until she was married. The following record con- tains the names and dates of births of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Peets: Jennie, born Feb. 19, 1852 ; Charles S., Nov. 23, 1853; Julia A., Nov. 4, 1856; Sydney, March 9, 1859; Scott, April 16, 1868 (died May 6, 1873); Warren W., Aug 31, 1871; Artemus B., Dec. 4, 1875.
Mr. Peets is an ardent adherent to the Greenback party, and has held several important local offices. Himself and wife belong to Lodge No. 545, P. of H., at Ashland Center.
pollos W. Lambson, farmer, section 12, Ashland Township, whose portrait we give upon a preceding page, was born in Shelby, Niagara Co., N. Y., Nov. 19, 1823, and is a son of B. and Polly (Walworth) Lambson. The parents were born in the State of New York and came to Michigan in 1826. They located in Wash- tenaw County for a time, going thence to Kinder- hook Township, Branch County, in 1835, where the father died in 1838.
The burden of the family support after the decease of his father fell upon young Lambson, then but 15 years of age, and he fulfilled the duty manfully until he was 22 years old. He was married March 29,
1846, to Lucinda, daughter of Luman and Lydia (Beach) Gibbs. She was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1830. Her parents came to Jackson Co., Mich., in 1840, and later went to Kinderhook, Branch County. Mr. and Mrs. Lambson lived in that county four years after marriage and in 1850 came to what is now Newargo village. Hardly a stick of timber had been cut, and Mr. Lan.bson was among the first to follow John A. Brooks, and aided that gentleman in his project to build up a town by purchasing the first village lots that were offered for sale. He also helped to lay out the first village lots and as- sisted in building the first milldam at Newaygo. He remained at Newaygo until 1854 when he settled on section 13 of Ashland Township, where he re- sided four years. At the end of that time he pur- chased 80 acres of land on section 12. A subsequent purchase swelled his estate to 160 acres, of which he has placed 130 acres under fine improvements and advanced cultivation.
Mr. Lambson became a soldier in the war for the Union, enlisting Jan. 11, 1865, in the 15th Mich. Inf., Co. E, under Capt. J. W. Brown. Illness pre- vented his entering upon active duty, but he re- mained at the front until the close of the war, receiv- ing honorable discharge Aug. 15, 1865.
In political faith and action, Mr. Lambson coin- cides with the National party. He has ever been an active man in local interests and has held the more important offices. Himself and wife belong to the First-Day Advent Church, of which he was Deacon for several years. Of thirteen children born to them, seven are deceased. They were Emma A., Charles E., Ellen C., Arthur L., Edna E., Luman B. and Herbert A. The surviving are, Theresa P., Melissa J., Marion L., Wilma D., Luella M. and Alice L.
The ties of kindred and friends connecting Mr. and Mrs. Lambson with the history of Newaygo County render it peculiarly fitting that their por- traits should appear in its published records, and they may be found in close proximity to the modest, unpretentious sketch of their course of life. They are on the sunset side of their earthly career, as time tells human histories ; but lives of worthy effort, of suffering and loss borne with Christian fortitude and crowned with reasonably worldly success, give palp- able evidence of the immortal element even in earthly matters.
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oseph W. Carpenter, farmer, section 32, township of Big Prairie, was born May 25, 1825, in Niagara, Canada. He is a son of Asa P. and Margaret (Ulman) Carpenter. (See sketch.)
The father of Mr. Carpenter was a school- teacher by profession, and the family residence was changed according to his engagements, which caused frequent removals but did not interfere materially with the education of the children. Mr. Carpenter la- bored as a farm hand, and attended school winters, until he was 18 years old; the succeeding fall (1843) he came to Michigan and taught singing-school in Hillsdale. He returned home in the spring of 1844, spent the summer, and in the fall went again to Hillsdale. The next summer he worked as a car- penter in St. Catherines, and kept up alternate labor and teaching at home until 1847 ; then he married and went north of the city of Toronto, where he taught day and singing-school until 1853, when he came to Michigan, arriving in the township of Croton Aug. 31. He remained there until the winter of 1856, when he settled on 148 acres of Government land, which he pre-empted and where he now resides. He has cleared 85 acres, placed it under good culti- vation, with fine buildings and other creditable im- provements.
Mr. Carpenter enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in Co. A, Tenth Mich. Cav., and served nine months. He is a radical Republican, served as Town Clerk during his residence in Croton and has officiated nearly all the time as Justice of the Peace since his removal to Big Prairie. He has held also various other offices,-among them that of County Superin- tendent of Schools.
He was married Nov. 9, 1847, in Niagara, to Christiana B. Malcomson. She was born on the Orkney Isles, Scotland, Aug. 18, 1827. Her father, Stewart Malcomson, was a native of the Orkneys, and was born in 1797, and died in August, 1873, in Hamilton, Canada. Her mother, Christiana (Brotche) Malcomson, was also born on the Orkneys in 1799 and died in Hamilton, in February, 1873. Seven of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter still survive. Charles C. was lost in the war of the
Southern Rebellion, but no account of his demise was ever received by his family, and his fate can only be conjectured. Isabella C. is deceased. They were the two eldest. The others are, Washington I., Julia Ann, Alice L., Joseph W., Jr., Asa S., John W., I. Carrie and J. Fred.
MEMORIAL.
Since the transcription of the above notes and pending their publication, Carrie, the youngest daughter, has passed from earth. Her decline had been so gradual and insidious that she was within the borders of the land of the blessed before those who loved her and watched her most carefully knew that her life was in danger. Her disease terminated - in dropsy, from which she suffered but three weeks. Her character was lovely in every sense ; modest and retiring in behavior, she was singularly genial and winning when unreserved. The place that has been characterized by her presence will always be vacant. "Two hands upon the breast, And labor's done; Two pale feet crossed in rest, And life's begun."
Her labors ended early, but her " life begun " can never end.
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oseph W. Cook, miller at Croton, was born Jan. 7, 1833, in New Jersey. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Luts) Cook, were both natives of New Jersey. The father came of Scotch lineage, was born about 1796, and died in 1840. The mother was born of Dutch ancestors, about 1796, and died in 1881.
At the age of 14 years Mr. Cook was apprenticed to a man named A. R. Sutton, at Hackettstown, N. Y., to learn the trade of a miller, which he has made the calling of his life. His indentures expired at the end of three years, when he received the customary $100. He has since operated continuously at his trade. He came to Michigan in 1856, and made his first permanent settlement at Niles. He passed the succeeding four years in that city and at Dowagiac, when he went to Indianapolis, and after a year to Tipton Co., Ind., where he bought a mill. He con- ducted it one year and sold it, clearing $1,800 in the transaction. He went next to Three Rivers, Mich.,
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and two years later to Grand Rapids, where he operated two years. In 1868 he came to the village of Croton to take charge of the Croton Mills. He owns a house and lot where he resides. In political matters he is a Democrat.
Mr. Cook was married in Grand Rapids, to Mary Jane Backart, who was born in July, 1841, in Croton Township, and is a daughter of George and Mary Adeline (Backart) Backart. (See sketch.) Three children-Lena B., Arthur and Frederick C .- have been born of this marriage.
illiam M. Davenport, of the mercantile firm of Davenport & Co., at Alleyton, is the eldest son of George and Caroline (Mead) Davenport, natives of New York. His mother died July 20, 1883, and his father is still a resident of the Empire State. The family comprised three daughters and four sons, six of whom lived to adult age.
Mr. Davenport, the subject of this sketch, was born in Spencertown, Columbia Co., N. Y., May 30, 1844. Until he was 19 years old he was engaged in acquiring his education at the primary schools, the Spencertown Academy, and the Clinton Liberal Institute. His first employ was as clerk with Alley & Whitwcod, of Hornellsville, N. Y. (Alleyton received its name from James Alley, of the firm named, he being the founder of the town.) He was in their service three years, when he began the busi- ness of merchant tailoring at Hornellsville, in which he continued two years. In 18- he sold out and came to Bay City, Mich., where, in company with his uncle, James H. Mead, he built a shingle-mill, which they operated two and a half years, when Mr. Mead became sole proprietor by purchase. His next enter- prise was in the joint management, with another uncle, S. A. Vandeusen, of the Frazer House. This relation existed about 18 months. On again selling out he formed a partnership with R. F. White, in the sale of crockery and house-furnishing goods, which he managed four years and then sold out once more. He returned to Hornellsville and became book-keeper about two years in a dry-goods house. In January, 1880, he came to Newaygo County and located at
Alleyton, where. he has since been operating in trade as indicated by his firm relation. The annual trans- actions of the concern aggregate about $65,000. He is also connected with Joseph A. Proctor in a lumber and shingle-mill at Alleyton.
He is independent in politics, and has held various municipal positions, among them Treasurer of Everett, School Inspector and School Assessor. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Ancient Order of the United Workmen.
Mr. Davenport was married at Hornellsville, Nov. I, 1871, to Mary E., daughter of Samuel C. Jillson, natives of the State of New York. Of five children born of this union three are living; they are, Russell R., Bessie J. and George S. Laura died when five months old, and another child survived its birth but a few hours.
rs. Susan E. French, widow of Dr. V. P. French, resident on section 17, Big Prairie, was born in Trenton, Herkimer Co., N. Y., July 31, 1815. Her father, James Moon, was born about the year 1784, in the State of New York, and died in. 1869, in Ionia Co, Mich. He was of English lineage and served in the war of 1812. Her mother, Susannah (Pool) Moon, was also born in the Green Mountain State, of Welsh parentage, about 1796, and died in Ionia Co., Mich., in 1871. They came to Jackson Co., Mich., in 1832, where they remained until 1837, and removed to Ionia Co., Mich.
Dr. V. P. French was born in Hamlin, N. Y., near Braddock Bay, Nov. 8, 1812. His parents, Richard and Hannah (Nichols) French, were of English an- cestry and both died in Michigan about the year 1853. Dr. French and Susan E. Moon were mar- ried Dec. 12, 1835, in the city of Jackson. Follow- ing is the record of the children born to them : Emily, born Sept. 21, 1836 (died Oct. 8, 1840); Pembroke R., Nov. 24, 1837 ; Hannah, Sept. 8, 1838 (died Oct. 8, 1840); Henry B., Sept. 12, 1842 (died Oct. 22, 1843) ; Alma E., July 13, 1844, is now Mrs. Edwin W. Barnes.
Dr. French removed in 1839 to Lenawee County, and went thence in 18- to Otisco, Ionia County,
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where the family resided until 1852, when they came to Big Prairie and settled on section 17, on a farm of 40 acres. After a residence there of five years Dr. French sold his farm and bought the place on which his family now resides, lying on the west half of the southeast quarter of section 17. On the sale of the farm they removed to Byron, Kent County, and went a year later to Otisco. They resided there two years and returned to Big Prairie, where the Doctor bought the same 40 acres, and 80 acres addi- tional. Of this property 16 acres have been sold and 20 acres of the remainder are under cultivation.
Dr. French served his township eight years as Justice of the Peace, and was Postmaster of Big Prairie ten years. He became well and widely known in his practice in the county and township, and since his death, Dec. 12, 1877, his widow has sustained his business. Mrs. French belongs to the denomina- tion known as Second-Adventists.
eorge Lentz, merchant at Croton village, ..... was born Aug. 14, 1837, in Prussia, Ger- many. His parents, Joseph and Adelaide (Stuttgen) Lentz, were also born in that coun- try, the former in 1808, the latter in 1810. In 1856 they emigrated to the New World and settled in Richfield, Washington Co., Wis., where they are yet resident.
Mr. Lentz was sent to school according to the law of his native country, until he was 16 years old. He remained in Wisconsin one year, and in 1858 came to Newaygo County, when he spent 14 winters in the lumber woods. He was in the employ of J. F. Gauweiler seven years as clerk in his mercantile establishment, and operated three years in the same capacity with G. and A. Truesdale. In 1879, asso- ciated with Charles Merritt, he embarked in a mer- cantile enterprise, which has proved a successful venture. They carry a finely assorted stock of gen- eral merchandise, worth $6,000, with yearly transac- tions aggregating $15,000.
Mr. Lentz owns a house and two lots in Croton, and is a Democrat in political belief and action. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic.
He was married in 1847, in Croton, to Martha,
daughter of David N. and Charlotte (Culp) Tucker, both Canadians in origin. Three children born of this union are living,-Charlotte, Eddie and George A.
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ohn F. Wood, Sr., farmer, section 24, Gar- field Township, was born in Upper Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., March 20, 1821, and is a son of Jonas B. and Hannah (Reed) Wood. His father was born in New England, of Eng- lish lineage, and died in Essex County, May 12, 1830, aged 56 years. The mother died at Upper Jay, June 18, 1863, in her 83d year.
Mr. Wood worked on a farm summers and at- tended school winters until he had attained the age of 18 years, when he became a student at the Academy at Moriah, Essex Co., N. Y., and there completed his education. After arriving at the estate of manhood he took charge of the homestead, which he continued to manage for a period of ten years. He was married at Rouse Point, Clinton Co., N. Y., in May, 1847, to Amelia Lewis, who died Oct. 4, 1848. Mr. Wood remained a resident of his native county until 1857, when he came to Newaygo and engaged in agriculture and lumbering, interesting himself actively in all branches thereunto pertaining, also buying pine lands and putting in timber. He leased the old Brooks saw-mill, which he managed three years. In 18- he purchased the farm property where he now resides, consisting of 250 acres, 200 of which yet remain in his possession. He has cleared 60 acres and made many valuable improvements.
Mr. Wood was a second time married Dec. 29, 1864, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Rich- ardson) Walker, of Detroit, Wayne Co., Mich. The parents were natives of Scotland, which was also the birthplace of Mrs. Wood. She was born in the par- ish of St. Boswell, Roxburyshire, Scotland, Nov. 25, 1831, and emigrated to Detroit in June, 1853. She went to England in 1862 and after a stay there of two years returned to the United States, accompanied by her parents. Her mother died at Detroit May 3, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have three children : Is- abel H., born June 3, 1866; Charles B., Jan. 20, 1868; John F., Jan. 27, 1872.
In the fall of 1864 Mr. Wood was elected Sheriff
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of Newaygo County and served one term. He is a Deacon of the Congregational Church, of which body his wife is also a member. He is prominent in all measures of reform, and is well known as an active adherent to and promoter of the cause of temperance.
ohn Meier, farmer, section 2, Big Prairie Township, was born Nov. 1, 1842, in Bevern, Hanover, a town situated on the River Elbe, "12 hours from Bremenhafen, or 36 miles from the sea." His parents, Angulus and Ilsametta (Paeper) Meier, were natives of the same town and province of Prussia.
Mr. Meier spent his youth and early manhood in the place of his nativity and was married there. Three years after that event, June 24, 1868, he left his native country for the United States, and on his arrival remained one night in the city of New York, proceeding at once to Oceola, Livingston Co., Mich. Eighteen months later he removed to Genoa, in the same county, and two years later came to Newaygo County. He entered a claim of 120 acres of land under the regulations of the Homestead Act, and took up his residence thereon when it was in an unbroken state of nature, and now has 40 acres cleared, with good house, barn and general improve- ments.
In political affiliation Mr. Meier is a Democrat. He took out naturalization papers at Howell while he was a resident of Livingston County, and on becom- ing a citizen of Newaygo County took out a second set.
Mr. Meier was married in Bevern, June 24, 1865, to Annie Christina, daughter of Jacob and Katrina (Wulpern) Allis. She was born Jan. 7, 1844, in Mulsum, Hanover. Her father was born in Malstedt, and her mother in Hessedorf, both towns of Hanover. Mr. and Mrs. Meier have had nine children, all of whom are living save Louie and Lucy, who died, the first at the age of two and a half years, and the last at four years old. They were fifth and sixth in the order of their birth. The names of those living are : Ilsametta Maria, John Henry, Johnny, Annie, William, Minnie and Nellie Allie.
8 enjamin Youngs, farmer, section 6, Bar- ton Township, was born in Morris Co., N. J., July 8, 1816, and is a son of Edward and Deborah (Shommedieu) Youngs. The father was born in New Jersey and spent his life in that State, dying in 1869. The mother was born on Long Island and died in 1878.
Mr. Youngs remained an inmate of the paternal home until his marriage, which occurred in 1836. He became the husband of Lucinda, daughter of David and Sophia (Raynor) Lewis. The parents were both born on Long Island and are both de- ceased. The father died in 1875 and the mother in 1855. Mrs. Youngs was born in Batavia, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs have had 15 chil- dren, of whom only the seven following are living: Clarissa Jane, Eliza Ann, Betsy M., Mary C., George H., Olive M. and Sylvia M. The deceased were : Henry, Benjamin, Emma, Christopher, Eliza and three unnamed infants.
After his marriage Mr. Youngs " took up " a farm in Steuben Co., N. Y., on which he resided 34 years, and in the spring of 1867 sold out and came to Ne- waygo County, where he homesteaded 80 acres of land. He now owns 120 acres, 100 of which are finely improved and cultivated. Mr. Youngs is a Republican in political sentiment.
ohn W. Ohrenberger, foreman of the lum- ber and shingle mill of Proctor & Co., White Cloud, was born in Germany, Oct. 20, 1842. His parents were natives of the "Faderland," where his father died when he was but a year old. In 1852 his mother came to the United States and settled in Milwaukee, where she passed the remaining years of her life, dying in 1878.
Mr. Ohrenberger lived in the Cream City six years and was there employed in learning the business of wagon-maker; and when he was 16 years old he came to Muskegon County. He labored as a saw- mill assistant until 1862, when he enlisted in the 5th
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Mich. Cav., and served in the capacity of a soldier of the United States nearly three years. He was under fire in many important actions and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. He was hit by a minie-ball in the left side and spent four months in the hospital. After his recovery he was in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of Gen. Lee.
After the war closed he returned to Muskegon and resumed his accustomed occupation in the mills there. In the fall of 1874 he settled in Alleyton, and entered upon the duties of his present position, which he has continued to discharge since without intermission.
He was married in the township of White River, Muskegon Co., Mich., Nov. 23, 1868, to Louisa, daughter of Frederick and Minnie Streich, the parents being natives of Prussia, where Mrs. Ohrenberger was also born. Of eight children born of this mar- riage six survive. They are : Mary A., Louisa A., Lillie C., Maggie T., Minnie A. and Ida C. John died when 14 months old, and another child was lost at an earlier age.
In political connection Mr. Ohrenberger is a Republican, and has held different school offices. In the spring of 1883 (current year) he was elected Supervisor of Everett Township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to the Knights of Honor.
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mbrose Haight, farmer, section 9, Big Prai- rie Township, was born Feb. 14, 1829, in Bradford Co., Pa., and is the son of Hiram and Sarah (Swaine) Haight. The father died in 1846, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. The mother was born Nov. 8, 1804, in Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y., and died March 18, 1877, in Oceana Co., Mich. She was a daughter of Deacon Oliver Swaine, and was of German descent.
Mr. Haight is the oldest of eight children. His father came to Michigan in 1840 and settled in Shi- awassee County, where he died six years later. After that event the son continued to reside with his mother until the fall of 1856, when he came to Ne- waygo County. He had been a family man a few months and removed his entire worldly effects by the
aid of an ox team, consuming nine days in the trip. He bought 80 acres of land and entered upon the work of clearing and improving and establishing a homestead. He has now under cultivation 70 acres of good land and owns, besides his original purchase, 40 acres on the same section. He is quite a prom- inent man in his generation, belongs to the National party, and, soon after settling in the township, was elected Constable, which post he filled nine years. He officiated as Justice of the Peace six years and has discharged the duties of School Director nine years.
Mr. Haight was married in Shiawassee, Jan. I, 1856, to Elvira Winans ; she was born June 17, 1839, in Oakland Co., Mich., and is a daughter of Benjamin and Angeline (Roosevelt) Winans, both Germans and natives of Seneca Co., N. Y., the for- mer born March 5, 1810, the latter Oct. 22, 1811. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Haight were born as follows : Hiram B., April 9, 1859; Charles Edwin, Oct. 28, 1861 ; Alfred W., July 19, 1868; Angeline, Sept. 11, 1870; Dora, Sept. 27, 1876; and George, Aug. 14, 1880.
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ichard Surplice, grocer, Newaygo, was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, June 19, 1839. He is a son of Edward and Han- nah (Montgomery) Surplice, who emigrated to London, Can., the year following his birth. The father was a farmer, and his son remained at home acquiring his education until the age of 13 years, when he entered the service of a grocer, Alex- ander Davidson, and a year later was employed by James Geddes, for whom he acted as salesman one year. His father bought a farm of 100 acres near London, and he relinquished his clerkship to aid in the new agricultural project. He worked on the farm until he was 23 years old, when he left home. The next year he went to New York, where he remained only a few months, returning to London. He was en- gaged there about 16 months as turnkey in the jail, and in the spring of 1866 went to Ohio, where he spent the following summer.
In the spring of 1867 Mr. S. came to Newaygo, where he worked on a farm summers and as a lum- berman winters, until 1870, when he opened a saloon. In 1872 he erected a building for the prosecution of
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his business. In 1875 he added the grocery trade to his previous interest, and managed both at the same place until his property was destroyed by the disastrous fire of April, 1883, in which he suffered a loss of $3,000 above the insurance. He built two brick stores on the site of his former stand, where he is now established. The buildings are two stories in height above the basement, and cost about $5,000. His stock of goods represents a value of $3,000, with yearly tranactions of 10,000, and he is doing a good business. He owns also a fine farm of 80 acres in Garfield Township, on section 10, 160 acres of land in Ontonagon County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and nine acres in Newaygo village south of the depot.
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