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 89
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 89
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seven miles distant from Traverse City. The tract was entirely covered with its native timber, and here he set himself to the task of reclaiming the same to cultivation, clear- ing two hundred acres. Eventually he sold this homestead to his son-in-law, Charles Pearce, but he is still owner of one hundred acres in the county, the same being as yet but partially cleared. He has attained success through his own efforts and is numbered among the substantial and honored citizens of the county.
In politics Mr. Voorhees gives a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and he served four years as justice of the peace in Garfield township. He has been for many years a prominent and valued member of the Patrons of Husbandry, both he and his wife having early identified themselves with the county grange. While en route to Kansas, in 1856, he was married, while in the state of Wisconsin, and on the 9th of April, to Miss Elmina Miltimore, who was born in North Troy, Vermont, on the 8th of Novem- ber, 1835, of Scotch-Irish lineage, and she was his devoted and cherished companion during a happy married life of nearly half a century, her gracious womanhood and gentle character winning to her the love of all who came within the sphere of her influence. She passed forward to the land of the leal on the Ist of April, 1900. When she was twenty years of age she accompanied her parents on their removal from the old Green Mountain state to Wisconsin. She was a woman of high intellectuality and marked literary ap- preciation, reading widely and with discrimi- nation, while she became a member of vari- ous literary societies, in connection with which she became acquainted, through cor- respondence, with many of the leading rep-
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resentatives in literary circles of the Union, including John Greenleaf Whittier. She was a teacher as a young woman and was very energetic and ambitious.
In a reminiscent way it may be stated that the father of Mr. Voorhees was an un- compromising advocate of abolition during the crucial epoch leading up to and culminat- ing in the war of the Rebellion, and he was a deacon in the Dutch Reformed church, its pastor, as were many other clergymen of the day, being proslavery, and Mr. Voorhees' publicly expressed sentiments in favor of ab- olition caused a dissension in the church, this leading to the withdrawal of a large number of its members. The subject and his wife both became early identified with the Spir- itualistic movement, he having been reared in the locality where the celebrated Fox sis- ters made their astonishing revelations, and he was one of the first to become an ex- emplar of the cult, having a high reverence for the spiritual verities and making a care- ful study of the subject. Mrs. Voorhees was a strong medium and both she and her hus- band became leaders in the movement, though not formally identified with the or- ganized society. Both made it their end to seek for the truth and held to liberal views. The subject is a man of distinctive individ- uality and original ideas, and he may well be classed as a reformer, though in no sense an iconoclast. He has been much interested in horticulture and his ideas in regard to meth- ods of developing new scions and securing the best results in propagation are radically different from those commonly accepted and followed, and his experiments have gone far to prove the value of his theories.
In conclusion we enter a brief record concerning the seven children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Voorhees : Lucy remains with her father and presides over the domestic econo- mies and social affairs of their pleasant home; Mary is the wife of Charles Pearce, who purchased and resides on the old home- stead farm; Julia is the wife of Ellsworth Clark, of Ithaca, Gratiot county, this state; Alice is the wife of Charles Edmundson, of Los Angeles, California; Kate died at the age of twenty-nine years, of consumption ; Catherine Jane is the wife of Lesca Crain, of Garfield; and Theodore is a successful farm- er of this county.
ALONZO C. HOXSIE.
Alonzo C. Hoxsie, deceased, was born in Palmyra, Lenawee county, Michigan, May 7, 1842, and was one of nine children in the family of Leonard S. and Mary (Under- wood) Hoxsie. His parents were natives of the state of New York, but made their home in Michigan at an early day and in 1864 came to Grand Traverse county, where the mother died at the age of seventy-nine years. Among the children who are hon- ored and respected residents of the county at this time are Mrs. C. H. Estes and John Hoxsie.
Alonzo C. Hoxsie was reared to man- hood in his native county and has always been a farmer. At the age of twenty-two he located in Acme township, where he en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and acquired land, which at the time of his death amounted to one hundred and sixty acres. He was hardworking and honest, a shrewd business man and an excellent neighbor who had the good will and friendship of those
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around him. He took an intelligent interest in the events of the day and was anxious to see good men in the local offices for the bet- ter government of the community. He was not a politician, although for many years he held the office of township clerk to the entire satisfaction of the general public and credit to himself. A man of integrity and right principles, he took an active part in church work and was untiring in his efforts to pro- rote the cause of Christianity and raise the standard of morality, his example exerting an untold power and influence over those among whom he lived.
Alonzo Hoxsie was married January I, 1868, after coming to Acme township, to Miss Harriett R. Taylor, and a family of three children was born to them. They are Dennis F., Myrtle M., wife of Frank Staf- ford, and Mina R., wife of Ralph White. Mrs. Hoxsie is a daughter of Daniel and Caroline (Jenne) Taylor, natives of New York. She is also a native of that state, having been born in Wayne county, on May II, 1850. When she was a child of eleven years her parents moved to Michigan and carried on farming, first in Whitewater and later in Acme township. Her father reached his seventy-seventh year, dying March 13, 1900. Mrs. Hoxsie is a lady of intelligence and refinement, possessing more than the av- erage business ability, and she was her hus- band's encouragement and help during all their married life. She was called to give up a beloved husband March 12, 1900, and while her heart was yet stunned from this great misfortune, another like calamity be- fell her in the death of her father on the fol- lowing day. Both had been men of prom- inence in the community, honored and be- loved, and the entire people joined with her
in mourning them and cherishing their mem- ory. Mrs. Hoxsie continues to reside on the homestead and carries on the farm, showing an aptitude and ability seldom equalled. She is of genial and pleasant disposition that makes her a general favorite with those who are brought into the circle of her acquaint- ance and her friends are all who know her.
EDWARD N. BROADWAY.
Edward N. Broadway has extensive and valuable landed interests in Grand Traverse county, where, in partnership with his broth- er, he owns four hundred acres of land. His home is situated on section 14, Grant town- ship, and there his work is so carefully di- rected that he has won a prominent position as a leading and prosperous agriculturist of his community. It is true that he inherited some of his property, but many a man of less business capacity and of less resolute spirit would have failed in caring for this in a manner that would prove profitable. His business methods are straightforward and will bear the closest investigation and the name of Broadway has ever been a syn- onym for business activity, energy and re- liability in this part of Grand Traverse county.
The father of the subject, Isaac Broad- way, was a native of England, but in early life crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in Canada was married to Miss Amanda C. Campbell, who was a native of that coun- try. Immediately after their marriage the young couple started for Michigan and took up their abode on section 14, Grant town- ship, Grand Traverse county, being among
MR. AND MRS. EDWARD N. BROADWAY
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the earliest settlers. This was a frontier re- gion and early pioneer conditions prevailed and Mr. Broadway at once became an active factor in the early development and im- provement of his locality. He continued the work of the home farm until his death, which occurred in the forty-ninth year of his age. His wife passed away in the spring of 1898, when more than fifty years of age. Their three children were Edward N., whose name introduces this review ; Oliver J., who is a resident of Grand Traverse county, and Jesse E., who died in his twenty-second year.
At the time of his death the father, Isaac Broadway, left an estate of two hundred and forty acres. This had been accumulated as the result of keen discrimination in business, diligence and perseverance. He started out for himself without capital and his life rec- ord proves conclusively what can be accom- plished through determined purpose. He was never known to take advantage of his fellow men in any trade transaction, and thus he left to his sons an example well worthy of emulation. That he had the con- fidence and regard of his fellow men is shown by the fact that he was at various times intrusted with public positions of im- portance and responsibility. He held the office of township clerk for seven years and was highway commissioner for one year. The names of both Mr. and Mrs. Broadway were enrolled in the membership records of the Methodist Episcopal church and they ex- emplified their faith in their daily lives, liv- ing at peace with their fellow men, treating all fairly and daily endeavoring to follow closely in the footsteps of the Master.
Edward N. Broadway was born in Grant township, on the 15th of March, 1868, first opening his eyes to the light of day upon his
father's farm, on which he was reared and which has always been his home. The place is therefore endeared to him through the as- sociations of his early life as well as those of later manhood. He played in the fields and meadows, where later he became an act- ive assistant in the work. The public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educa- tional privileges and, mastering the branches of learning therein taught, he became well qualified to meet the important and arduous duties of a business career. He and his brother have always been associated in their business affairs and today they are the own- ers of four hundred acres of land in Grant township. The farm is one of the best in all. this portion of the county and yields rich returns for the care and labor bestowed upon it by the owners.
Edward N. Broadway was married, in: Traverse City, on the 16th of April, 1902, to- Miss Eva L. Robertson, a daughter of Hec- tor J. and Mary (Wilson) Robertson. Her father is now deceased and her mother is. yet living in this county. The former is- represented on another page of this work,. for he was one of the leading and prominent: citizens of this locality. Mr. Broadway has: served as school inspector for two years and has also been a member of the board of re- view.
GEORGE W. WHITSON.
George W. Whitson, a leading resident of Bates, and treasurer of Acme township,. Grand Traverse county, Michigan, was born: in Lawrence, Kansas, October 5, 1858. His parents were Jesse J. and Eliza (Bond-) Whitson, the latter a native of Wayne coun-
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ty, Indiana. They were among the earliest settlers of Kansas, going there when the 'state was a territory. The father was very outspoken, perfectly fearless in expressing his opinions, and, as he took an active part in the political affairs of that day, he made many enemies and it became necessary for him to leave the state and seek more peace- able quarters. He moved to Marion, Indi- ana, where he settled on a farm which was afterwards his home, but his death occurred in Harriman, Tennessee, when in his sixty- eighth year.
George Whitson was one of eight chil- dren and, being the eldest of the family, it fell to his lot to put his shoulder to the wheel and help in supporting the family. He at- tended the district school during the winter months and his springs and summers were employed in tilling the soil and gathering in the harvests. In 1882 he located in Grand Traverse county, Michigan, and four years later bought his farm of eighty acres, which is located in Acme township. He has en- gaged in various occupations, at one time be- 'ing employed for some eighteen months as telegraph operator in Chicago. He has kept up his farming operations and in 1900 also engaged in the mercantile business at Bates. He has built up a good trade because he tries to give each customer just what they want, and his efforts are appreciated. He also has the postoffice, having been appointed postmaster in 1900, and his affable and cour- teous treatment of the patrons have added . many to his list of friends.
Mr. Wilson was married, July 28, ยท 1888, to Miss Alta Dickerson, their union resulting in the birth of four children, name- ly : Oliver D., Helen L., Harry and Mettie A. Mrs. Whitson was born March 4, 1859,
in Manchester, Michigan, where she grew to womanhood and was married. She is a daughter of the late Charles Dickerson, of Manchester. Mr. Whitson, in addition to his other duties, has been treasurer of Acme township and the probity of his public acts have been above reproach.
WILLIAM A. RENNIE.
The name of Rennie has appeared upon the records of Grand Traverse county for more than a half century. The first white settlers had hardly penetrated into the for- ests of this region and begun the work of de- velopment when William Rennie, the father of the subject, sought a home within its bor- ders. He assisted in the work of early im- provement and upbuilding and when at death he ceased his labors in behalf of the county the work was taken up by our sub- ject, who is accounted a valued citizen as well as enterprising farmer of Garfield township.
William Rennie, Sr., was born in Nova Scotia and there married Margaret Fenton, also a native of that country. Leaving his family in Nova Scotia he came to Grand Traverse county, Michigan, in order to make a home for them, and after four years he was joined by his wife. They remained res- idents of Traverse City until 1862, when they settled in Garfield township upon the farm now owned and occupied by the subject of this review. Here the parents lived until called to their final rest, the mother dying in April, 1864, aged thirty-nine years, while the father died March 26, 1886, at the age of sixty-five years. They had five children, two sons and three daughters.
The last born of the children was Will-
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iam A. Rennie, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the old family homestead, July 25, 1862. He has always lived here and the place is therefore endeared to him through the associations of youth as well as those of later manhood. His father, desir- ous that he should become a useful and hon- orable man, installed into his mind lessons of integrity and industry, and when not en- gaged with the duties of the schoolroom he assisted in the labors of the fields, often working therein from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He owns two hundred and forty acres of land, and of this culti- vates one hundred and forty-five acres. Up- on his farm he has erected a fine home, of modern style of architecture, tasteful inter- ior finishing and furnishing and with excel- lent conveniences. A well-kept lawn sur- rounds the place and over the grass the trees throw their grateful shade in summer.
Mr. Rennie was married in Garfield township, September 27, 1888, the wedding ceremony being performed at the home of the bride, Miss Alice M. McRae, a daughter of Alexander and Patience (Foster ) Mc- Rae, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Rennie was born in Traverse City, Michigan, August 9, 1865, and was reared and educated in Grand Trav- erse county. Mr. and Mrs. Rennie have sev- en living children, and they lost one, Iola, who died at the age of eleven months. Those who are still with their parents are Lydia M., Susie M., John A., Alexander M., Abbie R., William McKinley and Milton E. The fam- ily occupy their beautiful home upon the farm and delight to extend its hospitality to their many guests-for their circle of friends is extensive.
For many years Mr. Rennie has served as school treasurer and has also been over- seer of highways, and in matters of citizen- ship he is very public spirited. The princi- ples of honor and integrity instilled into his mind in his youth have borne good fruit in an upright character. His success may be justly attributed to his indomitable energy and the close and assiduous attention he has given to his business interests, even in the most minute details.
WILLIAM A. LEE.
Among the thrifty and energetic agri- culturists of Grand Traverse county, Mich- igan, none are more deserving of mention than William A. Lee, of Acme township. He was born in Louisville, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 13, 1860, and is a son of Richard and Louisa (Wilson) Lee, both of whom were born in Louisville, the former February 25, 1818, and the latter in August, 1829. They were the parents of six children and it was to be near our sub- ject that they moved to Grand Traverse county, some ten years ago.
William Lee was brought up on a farm and has followed that occupation all his life. At the age of nineteen he came west, locating in Branch county, this state, and engaged in farming there for about five years, but thought to better his condition by changing his residence to Grand Traverse county. In September, 1884, he settled on the farm now owned and occupied by him near Bates in the township of Acme. Mr. Lee has not so many acres as some of his neighbors, but he understands getting the most results from
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a piece of land and the yield from his forty acres nets him a neat income. He is one of those thrifty farmers who has no waste land, every inch being under cultivation, with no unsightly weed patches in odd corners to contrast with growing crops. His house and barns have been built with an eye to beauty as well as usefulness and he has one of the coziest, most attractive homes in the vi- cinity.
Mr. Lee was married at Union City, Branch county, Michigan, March 15, 1884, to Miss Anna B. Crandall. She is a daugh- ter of Henry and Harriette (Harrington) Crandall and is a native of Lake county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have but one child, a daughter, Miss Clara B. Lee, who gradu- ated in the eighth grade in 1901 and has taken musical instruction. They are zeal- ous workers in the United Brethren church, of which they are members, and stand high in the community in which they have lived so long.
ANDREW SCOTT.
Andrew Scott has passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten and is one of the respected and venerable citizens of Leelanaw county. He resides on section 7, Leelanaw township, and belongs to that lit- tle group of distinctively representative busi- ness men who have been promoters of the early interests of this locality. Believing that the future must see a great change in this growing section of the United States, he acted in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment and cast in his lot with the pioneers. Now he has garnered in the fullness of time the generous harvest
which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spotless integrity and unflagging energy.
Mr. Scott is a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, his birth having occurred there on the 19th of November, 1828. He was but six years of age when he came to the new world with his parents and the family was estab- lished at that time in Lenox county, On- tario. He was the third in order of birth among thirteen children and he was reared in Lenox county, his advantages, however, being somewhat limited, because of the un- improved condition of the locality and be- cause of the large number of children to be cared for in the household. He remained a resident of Ontario until twenty-two years of age, when he crossed the border into the United States, establishing his home in Jef- ferson county, New York. There he lived for four years, during which time he worked as a farm hand and when that period had elapsed he came to the Mississippi river, settling first in Walworth county, Wiscon- sin. It continued to be his place of residence until November, 1857, when he arrived in Leelanaw county, Michigan, and in the spring of 1859 he settled upon the farm which has been his home continuously since. Forty-five years have since come and gone and year after year he has labored untiring- ly and persistently, with the result that his efforts have been crowned with a fair de- gree of prosperity. His landed possessions now aggregate two hundred and thirty-eight acres and one hundred and forty acres of his farm are under cultivation, devoted to the productions of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, or else utilized for pasture or meadow lands. Mr. Scott has also erected good buildings and the modern
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equipments upon his place are indicative of the character of his life's work. The only time in which his farming operations have been neglected was during the progress of the Civil war, when in response to the need of his adopted country he offered his services to the government, enlisting in November, 1864, as a member of Company F, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry. He served only one year and then returned to his home.
Mr. Scott was married at Old Mission in Grand Traverse county, this state, on the 23d of November, 1858, the lady of his choice being Miss Amanda Avery, who was born near Servia, Ontario, on the 17th of September, 1841. Her parents, Charles and Mary ( Patterson) Avery, were both natives of Vermont and on leaving the Green Mountain state they went to Canada, coming thence to Michigan about 1855. They set- tled at Old Mission, Grand Traverse county, but the mother was not long permitted to enjoy her new home, her death occurring about a year later. Mr. Avery afterward died in Blair township, Grand Traverse county. In his family were thirteen chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Scott was the seventh. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children : Helen, who is the wife of Joseph Johnson; Kate, the wife of John Kennedy; Jennie, who is now the wife of Peter Heimforth; Sanford and Ivan.
Mr. Scott has held the office of highway commissioner, but has never been an aspirant for official honors. He is a member of Northport Lodge No. 265, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and in his career he has ex- emplified the beneficent spirit of the fra- ternity, which is based upon mutual helpful- ness and brotherly kindness. In an analyza- tion of the character and life work of Mr.
Scott we notice many of the characteristics which have marked the Irish nation for . many centuries, including the adaptability, ready resource, energy and the determination to pursue a course that has been marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have gained for Mr. Scott success in life and made him one of the substantial and valued citizens of Leelanaw county.
GOTTFRIED FRANKE.
Among those who have come from for- eign lands to become prominent in agricul- tural circles in Grand Traverse county is Gottfried Franke, a farmer widely and fa- vorably known in Garfield township. His success in all his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to those who know him. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern in- dustry, economy and strict, unswerving in- tegrity, and in his career he has manifested the strong national traits of character which have ever marked German people. These include perseverance, fidelity to a purpose which has been marked out and the power of looking at business propositions from a prac- tical standpoint. What Mr. Franke is to- day he has made himself, for he began in the world with nothing but his own energy and willing hands to aid him. By constant ex- ertion associated with good judgment he has risen to an enviable position in the re- gard and respect of his fellow men.
It was on the 4th of April, 1849, in Ger- many, when Gottfried Franke first opened his eyes to the light of day. He lived in the fatherland until he was thirteen years of age,
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when he came to the new world with his uncle, Theodore Franke, who at that time located in Canada, but is now a resident of Reed City, Michigan. They spent a few months in the Dominion and then came to this state, locating first in Grand Rapids. The subject of this review learned the mill- wright's trade in that city, serving an ap- prenticeship covering a period of three years and six months. He afterward worked as a journeyman and continued to follow his trade in Grand Rapids until 1871, when he came to Traverse City. Here he followed the occupation of a carpenter and joiner and dur- ing the building seasons of 1872-3 he erected the Front street house of three stories, owned by. Frank Frederick. Mr. Franke of this review worked at carpentering and also at the millwright's trade in both Traverse City and Mancelona, Michigan, and at the latter place he resided for about four years. He then returned to Traverse City in 1876 and continued in the same line of business. For nine and a half years he was in the employ of the well-known lumber firm of Hannah, Lay & Company, repairing their mills. He continued to follow his business exclusively until 1898 and since that time he has carried on agricultural pursuits in connection with other business affairs. He purchased his farm in 1878 and it has since been his home, although for a number of years he left its supervision to others, while he devoted his energies to industrial occupa- tions. He now owns sixty acres of land, of which about forty-two acres is cleared and improved. He makes a specialty of the raising of onions of a high grade and also raises celery of a choice variety,-iu fact, he conducts a fine vegetable farm and the products of his gardens find a ready sale up-
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