USA > Michigan > Grand Traverse County > Sprague's history of Grand Traverse and Leelanaw counties, Michigan embracing a concise review of their early settlement, industrial development and present conditions...to which will be appended...life sketches of well-known citizens of the county > Part 80
USA > Michigan > Leelanau County > Sprague's history of Grand Traverse and Leelanaw counties, Michigan embracing a concise review of their early settlement, industrial development and present conditions...to which will be appended...life sketches of well-known citizens of the county > Part 80
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rival here he lived about a mile. north of Acme and then, selling his first farm in 1865, he purchased two hundred and eighty- six acres on section 1, Grant township, and also lying partly across the border line in Green Lake township. His home, however, stands in the former township. Of his land one hundred and eighteen acres are now cleared and he has erected good buildings upon his farm and has kept fully abreast with the progress of the times as shown in the improved farm machinery and the later- (lay methods of carrying on agricultural work.
While in Lenawee county, Michigan, Mr. Horton married Miss Caroline E. Es- tes, the wedding taking place on the 7th of November, 1860, and through more than four decades they have now traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, adversity and pros- perity. Mrs. Horton was born in Tecum- seh, Lenawee county, October 21, 1841, and by their marriage they have become the par- ents of seven children : Cora E., the wife of WV. P. Kenney; Lillian M .; Herbert; War- ren; Nellie B., the wife of Edward Dye; Leona C., the wife of Bert L. Kelley; and Lynn M., who completes the family. Lillian was a successful teacher for twenty years in Benzie, Grand Traverse and Manistee coun- ties. Nellie also taught in Grand Traverse county and she is the mother of three chil- dren, Erna A., Ronald and Edmond J. Leona is a graduate with the class of 1899 in the Traverse City high school; Cora is the mother of two living children, Mervyn B. and Ina M. Nellie and husband are resi- dents of Spokane, Washington; Herbert of Prescott, Arizona, wedded Miss Dell Crane and they have two children. Warren E.
wedded Miss Lillie Cox and they have three children. Lillian is at home.
For several years Mr. Horton held the office of supervisor of Grant township and was school director for many years, exercis- ing his official prerogative in behalf of the best interests of education. He believes in employing competent teachers and in con- tinually advancing the standard of education. In politics he is independent, casting his bal- lot without regard to party ties, but always considering the capability of the candidates and the value of the measures for which they stand. His wife is a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Monroe Center. Courteous, genial, well informed, alert and enterprising, he stands today one of the leading representative men of Grand Traverse county-a man who is a power in his community. Almost forty years have passed since he came to the coun- ty and his name is inscribed high on the roll of honored pioneers.
CHARLES B. DYE.
Charles B. Dye, who is engaged in gen- eral merchandising and is also holding the position of postmaster in Monroe Center, is one of the worthy citizens that the Empire state has furnished to Michigan. He was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, November 18, 1862, a son of Cyrus B. and Sarah (Kellogg) Dye. The father was killed by lightning in 1865, but the mother is still living and since 1882 has been a resident of Grand Traverse county.
In the state of his nativity Mr. Dye of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth and obtained a common school
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education. He was a young man of twenty years when he left the east and came to Michigan, taking up his abode in Grand Traverse county, where he has resided con- tinually since with the exception of a brief period spent in Colorado. He first lived in Blair township, but after a year spent in farming there he resumed agricultural pur- suits in Green Lake township, giving his time and energies to the further develop- ment and cultivation of his land until 1896, when he went to Colorado, spending nine- teen months in that state. Not finding business conditions there all he had anticipa- ted, he resolved to return to Grand Traverse county and this time locating in Monroe Center he has since engaged in general mer- chandising, having a well-equipped store, so tastefully arranged and so honorably con- ducted that it brings to him a good patron- age. He has also served as postmaster since the spring of 1898 and his administration of the affairs of that office is satisfactory to the general public. Mr. Dye has likewise served as school inspector and school director, is now township treasurer and also a member of the board of review.
On the 7th of June, 1899, in Norwood, Charlevoix county, Michigan, Mr. Dye was married to Miss Alida Richardson, who was born in Clinton county, New York, No- vember 13, 1867. They now have an inter- esting little son, Paul B.
JOSEPH O. CROTSER.
Joseph O. Crotser, of the firm of Case & Crotser, leading lumber dealers of Kings- ley, and a prominent business man of Grand
Traverse county, Michigan, was born in Medina county, Ohio, November 13, 1857. The family progenitors were German and the original spelling of the name was "Krat- zer." The subject's parents were Reuben B. and Mary (Naragang) Crotser, the former from the state of Pennsylvania and the latter from Ohio. They continued to make their home in Ohio until 1865, when they removed with their family to Kalama- zoo county, Michigan, where they resided many years. When in her sixty-second year the mother came to Kingsley to visit her son, Joseph, and while there was taken sick and died. The father later moved to Kings- ley, where he died December 9, 1902.
Mr. Crotser was a lad of seven years when his parents located in Kalamazoo county and it was there he grew to man- hood, receiving his education in the district schools of that county. He continued to make that his home and engage in farm work until his twenty-fourth year, when he formed a partnership with Ralph Case, his brother-in-law, and moved to Kingsley. where they embarked in the lumber business in 1881 and have since been so engaged. Mr. Crotser is a man of unusual business ability and the firm have built up a large patronage throughout the surrounding ter- ritory, doing an extensive business which, under their judicious management, has reached to flattering proportions. He is also largely interested in real estate, owning large tracts of land in Grand Traverse county.
On September 12, 1878, Mr. Crotser was joined in marriage, at Sturgis, Michi- gan, to Miss Ella Snyder. This day was of more than ordinary interest to those pres- ent, in that it was the occasion of an unusual
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JOSEPH O. CROTSER.
MRS. J. O. CROTSER.
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event, a double wedding, the sister of the bride, Miss Emma Snyder, becoming the wife of Ralph Case. The brides were daughters of George and Elizabeth (Hoo- ver) Snyder, of Sturgis. Mr. and Mrs. Crotser are the parents of three children, namely: Lena, who is the wife of A. W. Overholt, Merl and Florence. Lena was a student in the Traverse City high school and finished the tenth grade; Merl gradu- ated from the Kingsley public school in 1903, and Florence, who is finishing her seventh grade of school work, received a per centage of ninety-three. Mr. Crotser is one of the most public spirited of men and has taken an active and leading part in all enterprises of a public nature since coming to Kingsley. He has been chosen to fill a number of pub- lic offices and has justified the confidence and trust reposed in him in every particular. As president of the village of Kingsley and as a member of the council he has been un- tiring in his efforts to promote the common weal and has won unqualified praise for his efforts. He proved to be one of the most efficient clerks the township has ever had and such is his wisdom and forethought that the cause he espouses is sure to come off victorious. Mr. Crotser is a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to Otto Lodge No. 324, of Kingsley, and is a member of the grand encampment. He is also a member of Lodge No. 222, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, the council, Chapter No. 102, Com- mandery No. 41, Knights Templar, at Tra- verse City, the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids and the De Witt Clinton Consistory at Grand Rapids, being thus a thirty-second- degree Mason. He is a stockholder and director of the People's Savings Bank of
Grand Traverse and commands the respect . and esteem of all who have had dealings with him.
The following obituary notice will un- doubtedly prove of interest to the reader :
R. B. Crotser was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1827. In early boyhood he removed with his parents to Ohio and settled in Brimfield township, Portage county. February 5, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Naragang, of West Unity. He made a public pro- fession of religion in his boyhood and ever adorned his profession by a well ordered life and a pure con- versation. He was united with the Reform church, of which he remained a worthy member until De- cember 9, 1902, when he passed from the church militant to the church triumphant.
In March, 1865, he removed with his young family to Fulton, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where he made his home until the death of his wife, September 1I, 1894, since which time he spent most of his days with his son, Joseph Croster, of Kings- ley.
During his stay among us there was no benevo- lent enterprise that did not receive his sympathy and support. His hand was ever open to the cry of the needy and his heart was touched with the tenderest sympathy. His presence was a very benediction to the afflicted and words of sympathy and cheer brought consolation to many a stricken heart.
There were born to them J. F., deceased; S. I. and J. O., of Kingsley; W. P., of Traverse City ; N. L., of Grand Rapids, and a grand-daughter, Mary Burns, of Fulton.
Since the death of his wife, eight years ago, although a pleasant home was furnished him by his children, his life has been a lonely one; nothing that could contribute to his comfort was neglected, but nothing could supply the place of her who had been a companion of his early manhood and mature years. He lived in the constant expectation of meeting her hereafter and enjoying her society forever. Never for a moment was this hope dimmed by any cloud of doubt or feeling of uncertainty. He was an hon- ored member of the Odd Fellows and of the Re- bekah degree of that order and evidenced his appre- ciation of their excellence by his regular attendance when circumstances would allow.
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When attacked by his last illness, he felt that his work was done, and he as a faithful steward of the manifold mercies of God was ready to give an account of stewardship. Although his sufferings were intense, that did not dim the hope of his im- mortality or becloud his vision of celestial glory. Prayer was held at the residence Wednesday fore- noon after which the remains were taken to Fulton, Michigan.
George Snyder was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1823, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. O. C. Lyon, July 31, aged eighty years, one month and one day. He was mar- ried to Elizabeth Hoover at Harrisburg, Pennsyl- vania, August 15, 1843; to this union thirteen chil- dren were born, eleven of whom are still living He removed with his family to Erie township, Mon- roe county, in the spring of 1854 and in the spring of 1863 he, with his wife and oldest daughter, be- came members of the Neriah Reformed church there.
In the early spring of 1866 he came here with his family, where he has since resided. May 5, 1866, he, his wife and eleven others were organized into the First Reformed church of Wakeshma, un- der the ministry of Rev. S. Z. Beam. Of this con- gregation, now grown to over a membership of two hundred, he continued an active, prayerful and consistent member till the day of his death. At its organization he was elected an elder, which office he has held ever since, with credit to himself and with satisfaction and profit to the congregation. "He was beloved by every one who knew him, be- cause of his sweet, peaceful and help-giving Chris- tian life. His posterity numbers as follows : Thirteen children, eleven living; fifty grandchildren, forty-two living; thirty-seven great-grandchildren, thirty-three living.
The following children were present at his burial : Mrs. Rebecca Krefer, Mordocco; George W., Mt. Pleasant ; Abram and Mrs. Ada A. Lyon, Fulton; Isaac, Athens; Mrs. Elizabeth Case, Mt. Pleasant; Mesdames Emma Case and Ella Crotser, Kingsley; David H., Union City; J. A., Traverse City, and S. B., of Kalamazoo, who was then in the west, was not present.
The funeral was held from his church of which he was an elder, Tuesday, conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. W. Barber, who preached to a very large and attentive audience from 2nd Timothy 4:7-8; inter- ment, North cemetery.
ROSWELL W. BURKE, M. D.
Dr. Roswell W. Burke is now residing in Empire, Leelanaw county, Michigan, where at the present time he is engaged in merchandising. As his title indicates, he at one time devoted his attention to the prac- tice of medicine and on account of failing health had to abandon this and is now a well known and active representative of com- mercial interests in the town in which he makes his home. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 14, 1844, a son of Robert W. Burke, who was a native of Schenectady, New York. The father was a carpenter by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life in order to provide for the wants of his family. In early man- hood he wedded Miss Charity Long, who was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and about 1855 they removed to Waterloo, In- diana, where they remained for some time. Subsequently they became residents of Bed- ford, Calhoun county, Michigan, where their last days were passed and death came after they had both reached advanced ages. The father died at the age of eighty-two years and the mother departed this life when seventy-five years of age. They were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom the Doctor is the third child.
Dr. Burke was surrounded by the re- fining influences of a good home in his early youth and acquired a fair English education in the public schools of his native state and of Indiana. When a young man he began learning the blacksmith's trade and followed that business for fifteen years, but. desiring to enter upon a professional career, he took
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up the study of medicine while still working at the forge. He followed blacksmithing at different places in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, but when he had largely mastered the profession of medicine he began the prac- tice of his profession in Hastings, Michigan, where he resided for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Onekama, Manistee county, Michigan, where he followed his profession for two years and then came to Maple City, Leelanaw county, arriving in October, 1881. Opening an office at that place, he entered upon his profession- al duties and in course of time received a large patronage accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability. When he first estab- lished his home there the town consisted of but three houses and Dr. Burke was very ac- tive and influential in the upbuilding of the town and the promotion . of its progress. When fourteen years had been passed there he went to Wexford, Michigan, where he lived for a year and a half and on the expira- tion of that period he came to Empire. Here he purchased a drug store, which he still owns. He practiced medicine for about a year, but on account of ill health relinquished his professional duties and has since devoted his attention chiefly to the drug business. He also owns a fine summer resort at Glen Lake and at one time he was the owner of a farm near Maple City, which he sold to the county to be used as a county poor farm. He was also engaged in merchandising in Maple City, carrying a general line of goods, including groceries, dry goods and drugs, He conducted that store for four years and at the same time he was postmaster at Maple City.
Dr. Burke was married in Niles, Michi- gan, January 28, 1867, to Miss Mary F.
Kiser, a native of Germany. She came to America with her parents when only two years old and was reared in Williams county, Michigan. The home of Dr. and Mrs. Burke has been blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters: Stephen P., Stanley D., Cora F., who is the wife of Trufley Herbert; and Minnie M., the wife of William Blackhurst.
Dr. Burke has been health officer for many years in Leelanaw county and fra- ternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with Traverse City Lodge No. 323, Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks. He is a social and affable gentleman and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. His achievements rep- resent the result of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has opened the way. He possesses a weight of charac- ter, a native sagacity, a discriminating judg- ment and a fidelity of purpose that command the respect, if not the approval, of all with whom he has been associated.
JOHN N. KENNEDY.
Almost all parts of the globe have sent citizens to Michigan and John N. Kennedy is one who came from the northern part of the western hemisphere. His birth occurred in Nova Scotia, on the 12th of October, 1841, and he is now living on section 24, Grant township, Grand Traverse county, where he has a good farm. His father, Lauchlin Kennedy, was a native of Scotland and was there married to Christy Campbell, who was likewise born in the land of the hills and heather. Their marriage was
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blessed with a family of nine children, of whom John N. Kennedy is the youngest.
In taking up the personal history of the subject, we note that the first five years of his life were spent in his native land and he then accompanied his parents in their re- moval to Canada, living with them until 1865. He was then a young man of twenty- four years and, leaving home, he settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, accompanied by his wife and one child. After a time they re- moved to Montcalm county and subsequently to Newaygo county, living for several years in these two districts of the state. After- ward they settled in Allegan county, Mich- igan, where they made their home until the spring of 1889, when they came to Grand Traverse county. This ended their removals, for they have since resided in Grant town- ship upon the farm which has now been their home for fourteen years. Here Mr. Ken- nedy owns one hundred and twenty acres of land and he operates fifty acres of this. No other work than agricultural pursuits has ever claimed his attention. His affairs have always been directed along this line and that he has prospered in his undertakings is due to his hard work, his capable management and his unfaltering resolution.
Mr. Kennedy was married July 3, 1865, in Canada, to Miss Sarah McEachran, who was born on Prince Edwards island on the 25th of August, 1837. They have six chil- dren, Neal, Hugh, Lauchlin, John A., Archie and Jeanette, and the daughter is now the wife of Richard Zue. The son Hugh is pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Traverse City and is doing good work as a minister of the gospel. He wedded Miss Isabel Harshbarger, of Allegan county, and they have one daughter, Carlo Lucile. John
wedded Miss Myrta Van Tassel, of Grand Traverse county, and they have one son, Chester J., of Grant township. Archie wedded Miss Lena Priest, of Grand Trav- erse county, and they reside in Grant town- ship. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy worship in the Methodist Episcopal church and are active adherents of that denomination who exemplify in their lives its teachings and who put forth every effort in their power to ex- tend the influence of their church and pro- mote its substantial growth. Mr. Kennedy votes with the Republican party and upon that ticket he was elected to the office of commissioner of highways and also justice of the peace. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and he is ever loyal to his duties of citizenship and to his business obligations. Honorable principles have shaped his entire career and made him a man whom to know is to re- spect and esteem. Such men are always needed in every community and Grant town- ship is fortunate in that he has allied his in- terests with hers.
ERNEST A. VOICE.
Ernest A. Voice belongs to that class of representative Americans who while labor- ing for their individual prosperity have added greatly to the material improvement, to the development and to the welfare of the com- munities with which they are connected. Public spirited in an eminent degree, the la- bors of Mr. Voice have been of the greatest benefit to Leelanaw county and his name fig- ures conspicuously in connection with the political interests of Empire. At the same
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time he has carried on his private business affairs with such energy that he has gained a place among the men of affluence here. He is now manager of the Empire Lumber Com- pany's store and gives his personal super- vision to the conduct of this extensive busi- ness enterprise.
Mr. Voice is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred at Lyden Center, Cook county, on the 28th of January, 1862. He represents one of the oldest and most honored pioneer families of Leelanaw county, Mich- igan, his father having settled here at a very early day. He came during the 'fifties and took up his abode in Northport. He was a sawyer and found ample opportunity to pur- sue his occupation in the lumber regions of Michigan. He was born in London, Eng- land, and had the business capability so char- acteristic of the Anglo-Saxon race. In Lee- lanaw county he held the office of sheriff and his allegiance to the best interests of the com- munity was most marked and beneficial. He married Arvilla A. Smith, a native of Mich- igan. Joseph Voice and his wife were rec- ognized as people of the highest respect- ability and were honored for their sterling worth. He died in Northport, May 10, 1892, and his widow is now living in North- port. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Ernest A. Voice is the second.
When only three or four years of age Ernest A. Voice was brought by his parents to Leelanaw county and lived with them at Northport until a youth of seven years. The family then removed to Sutton's Bay, where the succeeding five years of his life were passed and then he went to Leland, where he made his home until he had attained his ma- jority.
In the meantime, however, he had begun
earning his own livelihood. When only fif- teen years of age he commenced teaching and followed that profession with excellent success until he was twenty-two years of age. He proved a capable instructor and his ser- vices were in demand by those who wished to advance the educational interests of their localities. After attaining his majority, how- ever, Mr. Voice directed his efforts into other channels. He became an employe of George Steimel & Company as manager of their store at Sutton's Bay and acted in that ca- pacity from 1885 until 1888, when he came to Empire to accept a position as bookkeeper and manager of the store of the Empire Lumber Company. Under his direction the business increased and in 1893 he was given the entire management of the store and re- linquished the care of the books, because the growing trade demanded all of his time and attention.
Mr. Voice was married in Traverse City, Michigan, on Christmas day of 1884, at which time he wedded Miss Alice Barnhart, of that place, and a daughter of W. and Mary Barnhart. She was born in Canada, April 7, 1861, and died in Empire on the 19th of August, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Voice were the parents of five children, Violet M., Merton A., Harold E., Alice M. and Clifford W.
In public affairs Mr. Voice has been very prominent and has frequently been honored with positions of trust and responsibility. He has held the office of township treasurer of Empire township for two years, was vil- lage treasurer for two years, was president of the village for two years, has been a mem- ber of the school board for eight years and was school inspector for six years. The cause of education has found in him a warni friend and he has been especially helpful
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along lines tending to promote the material upbuilding and substantial progress of his village and township. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Knights of the Macca- bees. His social qualities render him popu- lar with a large circle of friends and he is a genial gentleman, without ostentation or dis- play, and holds friendship sacred and is as true to the duties and obligations of friend- ship and of private life as to those to which he is pledged through business connections. He is recognized as a gentleman of genuine worth, of unquestioned integrity and honor and as one whose devotion to the public good arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellow men.
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