Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 26

Author:
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman bros.
Number of Pages: 980

USA > Michigan > Oakland County > Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 26

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six years, improving a tract of land. In 1840 he traded the property for that on which he now lives, where but three acres had been broken. He built a log house 18x20 feet with a stick chimney, and undismayed by the toil that he saw before him, set bravely to work to hew out a good farm and carve ont his fortune. Ile carried on the first store that was opened in Troy Township.

Mr. Sturgis was married in 1830 to Caroline Umstead, who was born in Ohio in 1814. She bravely and cheerfully shared in his hardships and privations during the early years of their wedded life, and aided him in bringing about their later prosperity. She lived until December 29. 1889, when she closed her eyes in death, after more than half a century of married life. They had twelve children, nine living. Mr. Sturgis is a sound Re- publican having united with the party in its in- fancy. He had previously been a Whig, and his first vote was cast in 1840 for William Henry Harrison.

6 HOMAS N. TURK is the senior member of the firm of Turk Bros. in Pontiac, which carries on the most extensive trade in gro- ceries and produce in the county. They occupy a large double brick store, with three stories and a basement, and the entire building is used in their business. One room is devoted exclusively to crockery, queensware and lamps, and the rest to the other business. Mr. Turk is a native of Pon- tiac, born July 13, 1850, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Maria Turk, of whom a biographical notice is given on another page. Ile started to school as soon as he was old enough and attended steadily until his thirteenth year, when he entered his father's store in the capacity of a clerk. IIe continned to discharge the duties of that position until 1876, when he and his brothers, William G. and Gregory H., bought out the business and con- tinued at the same stand until 1886, the firm name being Turk Bros. .

During the year mentioned Gregory H. retired from the grocery business, selling his interest to his brothers, Thomas N. and William G.,and the new

firm continued the name of the old. The retiring partner engaged in the sale of clothing and gentle- men's furnishing goods in a building opposite his old stand. The brothers who now carry on the grocery business are what in Western parlance would be called "hustlers," always on the alert to increase their business and supply the people with articles of use and beauty in the one department and make provision for the inner man in the other. At the same time they are perfectly courteous and genial, and quiet in demeanor.

In the year 1881 Thomas N. Turk was married to Miss Lizzie Sharp, daughter of C. C. Sharp, Esq. Her parents came to this county from New Jersey and she was born in Belvidere, N. J. Her educa- tion was principally obtained in Michigan. She had, however, attended school at Belvidere, N. J., being twelve years old when she came here. with her parents. She is a lady of intelligence and good breeding. Mr. Turk is a stockholder and director in the Pontiac National Bank and has been since its organization. Politically, he is a Democrat. Being well situated financially he and his brother have an advantage over many dealers in that they are able to pay cash for all goods, and they can thus put the commodities they handle upon the market at more reasonable rates or secure a higher percentage than many.

ORACE A. RANDALL, a commercial trav- eler, of Birmingham and a brother of Mc- Allister Randall, was born in Barry, Orleans County, N. Y., May 29, 1843. He is a son of George C. and Esther ( McAllister) Randall, and is the second in a family of eight children. He was seven years old when he came to Birmingham and here he received a common-school education. He gave up farming in 1875 and began traveling and selling goods for the American Eagle Tobacco Works of Detroit. He was with them for nine years and then traveled for the Hop and Malt Bit- ters Company, of Detroit, for a year. After that lie took a position with the Banner Tobacco Com- pany, of Detroit, until June, 1890, when he began

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traveling for the Detroit IIeat and Lighting Com- pany. Ile has been a resident of Birmingham for thirty-five years and has one of the pleasantest homes in the village.

January 31, 1863, was the wedding day of IIor- ace Randall and Miss Julia Ilunt, of Bloomfield Township. This lady is a daughter of James M. and Mary ( Beardslee ) Ilunt. Three children came to cheer their home, namely: Ilorace T., Kittie M., and Broax. Their daughter Kittie died at the age of fourteen years. The son, Horace T., makes his home in Birmingham and is married to Miss Fan- nie Medsker, of Centerville, St. Joseph County, Mich. This gentleman is a Democrat in his views but takes little interest in politics. Ile is a Free and Accepted Mason of the Third Degree and is connected with lodge No. 11, at Birmingham.

NDREW J. ARMSTRONG, On a well- tilled traet of land in Ilighland Township. this gentleman is carrying on the business of a general farmer in a manner that pro- duces good results, both in the way of income and reputation. The estate consists of one hundred and forty acres on section 28, and thereon are the usual farm buildings that are put up by a man of good judgment when prosperity smiles upon him. Mr. Armstrong was born in Monroe County, N. Y., April 24, 183 1, and is the son of Stephen and Orpha (Clark ) Armstrong, of whom further mention is made in the biography of N. B. Armstrong on an- other page. Ile was first married in Connecticut, to Eunice Peck, who bore him four children.

Our subject was but a babe when his parents came to this State, and his home has been in the township of Iligliland since that time. HIe resided under the parental roof until he was of age, pur- suing the usual course of study and learning how to carry on the work to which he purposed to de- vote himself. Ile fell heir to one hundred acres of land, which he developed and to which he added, some years later. Ile was married November 1, 1856, to Sarah E. Bennett, daughter of Edwin L. Bennett, a native of New York, who came to this

State in 1854. That gentleman died in Milford in 1888, a year after his wife had been borne to the tomb. Mrs. Sarah Armstrong became the mother of two children: Edwin, who is now deceased; and Jessie F., who is now living in Wayne County.

A second marriage was made by Mr. Armstrong, February 26, 1873, his bride on this occasion be- ing Miss Almedia J. Laming. This lady is the second child in one of the pioneer families of Iligh- land Township, to which her parents, Joseph and Mahala (Ilanes) Laming, came years ago. Their family ineluded Rufus, Almedia, Amanda, Emily, Etson, Martha and Esther. The older son enlisted in the Union army in 1864, was taken sick, and died in the hospital at Grand Rapids the same year. That year also Mrs. Laming died, but her husband survived until 1876. Ile was born in New York State, and his wife was a native of Canada. When he came to this State Mr. Laming took up eighty acres of Government land, and by purchase he subsequently added forty acres to his estate.

The present Mrs. Armstrong has borne her hus- band one son, Ford II., whose birth took place October 4, 1874, and who is with Ins parents. Mr. Armstrong belongs to the Republican party. Hle is a Master Mason, and one of the charter members of Milford Lodge, No. 165. Mrs. Armstrong is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Both husband and wife are intelli- gent, enterprising and whole-souled, and their po- sition in society is enviable.

CALLISTER RANDALL, who occupies the responsible position of Postmaster at Birmingham, is a native of that town, where he first saw the light April 14, 1854. Ilis parents. George C., and Esther A. (McAllister) Randall, were natives of Orleans County, N. Y., whence they came to Michigan in 1848, and made their home for a short time at Battle Creek. The father is now at Advance, Charlevoix County, Mich., where he is still pursuing the business of farming. Ilis political affiliations are with the Re- publican party.

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The subject of this sketch is the youngest of eight children who were named : Seth C., Horace A., Will- iam M., Sophronia E., Aldridge C., George F., Jay P. and McAllister. A sketch of his brother Horace will be found in connection with this brief biog- raphy. McAllister was reared and educated in the town where he now resides. Until sixteen years of age he followed farming. He then engaged in the meat business in the village and continued in it for fourteen years. Upon New Year's Day, 1890, he received his commission as Postmaster. He has filled various responsible positions at the request of his fellow citizens, having been Town Treasurer and Town Clerk of Bloomfield Township. IIe is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Lodge No. 276, at Birmingham, and is an ancient Free and Accepted Mason of the Royal Arch Degree in Lodge No. 44 at Birmingham.

The marriage of Mr. Randall to Libbie M. Con- verse was solemnized January 28, 1879. This lady was born in Lapeer County and is a daughter of Lewis and Pruella (Beebe) Converse, of Birming- ham. Three lovely children cluster about the hearthstone of our subject. They bear the names of Mildred, Nellie and Lewis Mc.

ILLARD MORSE McCONNELL. Death robbed the world of a noble character when the late Mr. McConnell was laid low, and bereft Pontiac of a citizen who had long been a promoter of her interests, moral, educational, so- cial and material. The readers of the ALBUM will be pleased to notice his portrait on the opposite page, and will read with great interest this brief account of his life. Ile wielded a potent influence for good, and was active in every progressive movement, and identified with numerous public schemes, such as the construction of railroads, the erection of educational and benevolent institutions and the founding of financial corporations.

Mr. MeConnell was connected with the Eastern Michigan Asylum for the Insane from its earliest in- cipiency, first as one of the Committee on Location, then as resident Building Commissioner, and lastly

as Trustee. He was for several years one of the Trustees of the public schools, and was one of the founders of the Second National Bank of Pontiac, and during the last years of his life its President. During the war he was appointed Provost Marshal, and in the trying and gloomy times of the Rebel- lion be conducted the affairs of the office in a most satisfactory manner. An Act of Congress in July, 1862, created the Union Pacific Railroad and Tele- graph Company, and Mr. McConnell was appointed by President Lincoln, one of the two Commission- ers for the State of Michigan; he was likewise one of the incorporators of the company. The first meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held at Bryan Hall in the city of Chicago, Tuesday, Sep- tember 2, 1862.

The birthplace of Mr. McConnell was Floyd, Oneida County, N. Y., and his natal day February 14, 1813. He was the eldest son of Joseph and Roxy ( Morse) McConnell, and in the paternal line was of Scotch descent. His great-grandfather, George McConnell, was born in Berwick-upon- Tweed, and was a graduate of the university of Edinburgh, where a warm friendship had been formed between him and the eldest son of the Duke of Ilamilton. The two young men traveled to- gether for three years over Europe, the Holy Land and Egypt, Mr. McConnell acting in the capacity of tutor and companion. He accompanied young Hamilton to the Bermuda Islands as Secretary, when the nobleman was appointed Governor, and remained with him several years, until failing health obliged him to resign his position. Mr. Me- Connell then went to New York, and remaining in the United States became the founder of this branch of the family. In Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y., he married Martha Seeley, daugh- ter of Jonathan and Electa Secley.

A few years after the birth of our subject, his parents removed to Vienna, now called McConnells- ville, in the same county in which the lad was born. He received his academic education in Cazenovia, and at the age of eighteen years entered the dry- goods store of Mudge & Doty, in Rome, for the purpose of thoroughly acquainting himself with the mercantile business. Two years later his father es- tablished him in the dry-goods trade in McCon.

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nellsville, where he remained three years. Ile then came West, and in September, 1836, opened a dry- goods store in Pontiac, which continued under his name and supervision-except during the inter- ims occasionel by two fires which necessitated a removal and rebuilding, until the year 1869. The proprietor then retired from business in favor of his sons H. P. and W. C., the former of whom eventually became the sole proprietor of the estab- lishment, and still enjoys the heritage of his father.

In July, 1836, Mr. MeConnell was married to Miss Cleantha B. Parke, eldest daughter of the late Capt. Hervey Parke, of Pontiae, one of the earliest Michigan pioneers, a Government Surveyor, and a highly esteemed and widely known citizen. Mr. McConnell died April 13, 1885. llis widow and four children survive him: lTervey Parke, of Pon- tiae; Willard C., of Adrian ; Ada C., now Mrs. II. C. Wisner, of Detroit; and Florence L., now Mrs. W. II. Butts, of Orchard Lake. His second son, Joseph, laid down his life for the U'nion, dying in the hospital near Murfreesboro. Tenn., January 14, 1863, of wounds received in the battle of Stone River. He was First Lieutenant in the Eighteenth United States Infantry.

From his earliest residence in Pontiac Mr. Me- Connell was zealous for its interest and that of the county, and sought to bestow a legacy upon the community that should reach into the future and prove a blessing to the generations that should come after him. He was a man of noble and gen- erous impulses, and comprehensive views, his hos- pitality was unbounded, and his purse ever open to the deserving poor. In 1812 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and from that time he labored, planned and sacrificed for its prosperity. In him the minister found a true friend, and in the early days of the church in Michigan his home was regarded as a welcome retreat by the poorly-paid, way-worn itinerant, who was warmly welcomed and sent on his way rejoicing.

Mr. McConnell was Superintendent of the Sun- day-school for twenty-five years, and several times was a lay delegate to the annual conference. In his early life he was a Demoerat, but being un- compromisingly opposed to the further extension of slavery, he was soon identified with the Free-

Soilers, and later was among the very first in the organization of the Republican party, and one of its stanchest supporters. In 1867 he was elected delegate to the convention to revise the State Con- stitution, and at the meeting he was thoughtful for the people's good, and broad in his outreaching over the State.

C HARLES M. RAYNALE, M. D. It is not altogether a knowledge of herbs and nos- trums that brings success to the physician. In order to attain true eminence he must possess the spirit of patient research into the intricacies of the human form, and kindly sympathies which will give to those who have called him in counsel, con- fidence in his humanity as well as his skill. The career of Dr. Raynale, one of the leading practi- tioners of this county, has been creditable in the extreme, both personally and as a physician. Ile commands an extensive practice, stands high in social and financial eireles, and is one of the best know and most highly respected citizens of Birm- ingham. A man of fine attainments intellectually, with broad and liberal views, he in addition to his habit of thought and observation, has fortified his mind with a store of useful knowledge, not only in connection with his profession but coneerning mat- ters and things generally.

The parents of our subjeet were Dr. Ebenezer and Eliza (Cassedy ) Raynale. Ilis father was born in Hartland, Windsor County, Vt., October 12, 1804, and acquired a fair education in his youth. Early in life he began the study of medi- eine, reading in Niagara County, N. Y., and at Springfield, Pa., and in 1828 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Shortly afterward he came West and located at Franklin, this county, practicing medicine two years, then returning east married in 1830, Miss Eliza Cassedy, bringing his young bride to his Western home, but ere long removed to a farm in Bloomfield Township. He still gave all his time to his profession, and until within a few years of his death, which occurred when he was ripe in years, he was constantly and successfully engaged. His professional ability was

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unquestioned, and for many years he stood in the foremost ranks of the physicians of the county. He was liberal to a fault, and would often deprive himself of comforts in order to help the poor. No one ever called for his services in vain and no weather prevented his attending a patient. On one occasion he went several miles into the coun- try to see a sick lady who was very poor. On his return he was lost in a snow storm and traveled over sixty miles, being out all day and night, yet bis bill was only $3.

In 1839 Dr. Ebenezer Raynale removed to Bir- mingham, which was then in its infancy, and here he remained until his death, March 24, 1881. He was one of the men of the early days who were always willing to lend a helping hand to enter- prises calculated to upbuild and better the com- munity. He was not only favorably known in his own county, but his reputation as a politician and statesman extended over the State. In 1835 he was chosen one of the delegates to assist in framing the first constitution and the fall of the following year was elected to the first State Senate. While in the active discharge of his duties in Detroit he was taken violently ill, and his brother senators provided a covered wagon and placed him on a bed therein, sending him home as they supposed to die. But he recovered and outlived them all, being the last survivor of the first State Senate. He was a stanch Jeffersonian Democrat, and was intimately associatert with Gen. Cass and Hon. Stephen T. Mason. His death left but two living who were members of the first Territorial Conven- tion of Michigan-Dr. Joseph Howell and John J. Adams, of St. Joseph County. Dr. Raynale assisted in forming the first State Medical Association of Michigan. He was a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and always exhibited a keen interest in the order. A gentleman of the highest type, beloved by all who knew him, his death cast a gloom over the entire community, and it is doubtful whether the county ever had or will have a citizen whose name will live longer than that of Dr. Raynale.

The wife of this gentleman and mother of our subject, was born in Springville, Pa., October 30, 1805. She was a lady of marked intellect and was always found drawing around herself and family

the best social influences, such as are calculated to upbuild the moral and religious elements. Were this record to fail to perpetuate her good name in connection with her husband's, it would fail in one of its chief purposes-that of recording lives worthy of emulation. Mr. and Mrs. Raynale had five children, one of whom died in infancy. The parents lived to see the others take their places as good and useful citizens. The eldest of the family was Harriet E., now deceased, who was the wife of Ezra R. King, of Pontiac; the second was Spencer B., a bright young attorney, who is now dead; the third is Mary E., now the wife of George A. Pat- terson, of Detroit; the youngest is Charles M., the subject of this biographical sketch.

The birthplace of Dr. C. M. Raynale was Bir- mingham anti the date of the interesting event December 29. 1846. He grew up in his native place and his boyish days did not differ materially from those of others in the locality. lIe was trained to habits of industry and usefulness and the sentiments of honor which have followed him through life. His first studies were pursued in the schools of Birmingham, and later he attended school at Corunna for a time and then began read- ing medicine with his father. He subsequently entered the Lake Forest University at Cleveland, Ohio, and took one course of lectures; and next entered the Detroit Medical College, from which institution he was gradnated in the spring of 1869.

The young physician at once located in Birming- ham and began the practice to which he has given his time and thought, he having taken his father's place in the profession and enjoying a large and lucrative practice. Following in the footsteps of his honored father he is politically a decided Dem- ocrat, but he has taken no more interest in politics than is expected of every good citizen. He has taken a Chapter degree in Masonry and stands high in fraternal circles. As has been intimated, he is a man of thought and intelligence, well read and a good conversationalist, while his high moral principles and courtesy have given him the position in which he stands among his fellow-men. Finan- cial prosperity has accrued to him and is merited, as it is hy all of similar character and attainments.

The presiding genius of Dr. Raynale's home is

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the lady who became his wife December 25, 1873. She was at that time living in Birmingham, but her birthplace was Danville, Pa., and her maiden name Hannah M. Bodine. She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (IIefley) Bodine, to whose sketch the reader is referred for the history of her ances- tors. She is one of those noble women whose gen- erous sympathies, gentle wisdom and loveableness endear them to the hearts of all who become familiar with their good qualities, and who are respected by even their casual acquaintances. She has in all respects been the assistant of her hus- band, taking pride in his success and in sustaining the reputation and standing of the family. Dr. and Mrs. Raynale have had one son born to them, George P., whose natal day was May 31, 1880.

R. EV. SYLVESTER CALKINS, who is now engaged as a florist and market gardener in Lyon Township, can look back over a long and useful life, including a quarter of a century of carnest, zealous labor for the cause of Christianity. For that length of time he was en- gaged in the Christian ministry, and from 1857 to 1861 he was Presiding Elder of the Romeo Dis- triet. Too energetic to be idle, Mr. Calkins is now, in his declining years, carrying on the largest green- houses in the State, with the exception of those at Detroit. Ile has over half an acre under glass and his regular sales of plants extend over an area from Ionia to Plymouth, and from Romeo to Jackson, while his occasional sales cause the shipping of the products of his garden as far away as Colorado.

The immediate progenitors of the Rev. Mr. Calk- ins were Eleazer E. and Anna (Blood) Calkins, na- tives of New York and Massachusetts. The father was born in 1797. and the mother in 1798, and their marriage occurred in 1818. In 1832 they came to this State, and coming direct to Lyon Township, they located on land included on sec- tions 21 and 27. Mr. Calkins bought one hundred and sixty acres from the Government, and subse- quently added forty acres adjoining. He died there in 1867. His attention had been divided between

farming and work at the trade of a carpenter, in which he was well skilled. Mrs. Calkins was a daughter of Israel and Sarah (Upton) Blood, of the Bay State, and both family names are well known in the East. She was the mother of one daughter and three sons, of whom our subject was the first- born.

The Rev. Mr. Calkins was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1819, and landed in Detroit the day he was thirteen years old, October 16, 1832. Ilis early advantages did not differ materially from those of other boys who lived in rural districts, but he had sufficient love for learning and determina- tion of character to make good use of his oppor- tunities, and become practically well-informed. Ile worked with and for his father until he was of age, soon after which he bought eighty acres of wild land and began to clear up a farm. For seven win- ters he taught a school, spending the intervening months in developing his property. Hle then be- gan his work in the ministry, and the first year was in Mason, Ingham County. Ile has been engaged to some extent in the trades and mercantile pur- suits, having at one time carried on a wagon and blacksmith shop, and at other periods managed a hardware store and a drug-store.

In May, 1849, Mr. Calkins was married to Miss Ilarriet A., daughter of Israel and Julia A. (Par- son) Arms. She was the eldest of five daughters and three sons born to her parents, and was her mother's elose companion and assistant. She was carefully reared, with all the knowledge of house- wifely arts which is characteristic of the natives of the New England States, and grew to womanhood with a fine character and much general intelligence. Mr. and Mrs. Calkins are childless, but they have reared several children, and given them good edu- cations. One of those to whom they acted the part of father and mother, is now in Paris, France.

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Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 26

Author: Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman bros. Number of Pages: 980

Author:
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman bros.
Number of Pages: 980