USA > Michigan > St Clair County > St. Clair County, Michigan, its history and its people; a narrative account of its historical progress and its principal interests, Vol. II > Part 52
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ton. Coming to the state of Michigan with but an indifferent education and an extremely small share of this world's goods, he made up in energy, ambition and perseverance what he lacked in material things, and not only made a place for himself among the substantial business men of his locality and rose to a position of prominence as a represen- tative of his fellow-citizens in public office. but through elose applica- tion, keen observation and constant study improved himself in various ways. and is looked upon as one of the best-informed men of his section. Mr. O'Connor was born in Canada, December 25, 1842, and is a son of John and Christina (Hubbard) O'Connor. the former a native of Ire- land and the latter of Canada.
William O'Connor is descended on his mother's side of the family from Revolutionary stock. His education was somewhat neglected, as the circumstances of his family made it necessary that he contribute to the family support when he was still a lad, and his first employment was at working on a stone road for very small wages. He then became an expert log runner, and when only fourteen years of age started to learn the trade of blacksmith, and when other employments offered themselves he was quick to take advantage of a chance to earn some extra money. Ile was in his twentieth year when he first came to Mich- igan, his cash capital at that time being thirteen dollars. but he soon secured employment in a blacksmith shop in Memphis. Subsequently, in 1863, he came to Berlin township, and in the fall of that year enlisted for service in the U'nion army, becoming a member of Company E. Fifth Michigan Cavalry, with which he served twenty months, and for which service he now receives a pension. He is favorably remembered by his Grand Army comrades, who have honored him by election to the position of commander of a post. In 1866 Mr. O'Connor established a home of his own by his marriage with Mary Finch, who was born in Macomb county, Michigan, in 1843, and to this union there have been born three children : William, a graduate of Ypsilanti Normal College, and now engaged in educational work; Nora, who resides with her parents ; and Owen, who is in the employ of Mr. Merkey, in the Maccabee Temple in Detroit. The latter is married and has a daughter. Rosella O'Connor.
William O'Connor is a faithful member of the Universalist church, and is fraternally connected with the K. O. T. M., and Harmony Lodge. No. 143, A. F. & A. M. Ile has been a leader in Democratie politics in St. Clair county for a number of years. Although the county has an admitted majority of 2,500 for the Republican party, Mr. O'Connor carried the election for register of deeds by 1.028 votes, serving in that office during 1891 and 1892, and when he sought re-election was de- feated by only 104 votes after a desperate campaign. He has also served as supervisor of his township, holding that position for about eight years, and has acted in the capacity of treasurer and clerk. lle owns one hundred and twenty aeres of excellent farming property in sections 22 and 23, Berlin township, but makes his home in Allerton. He has interested himself deeply in agricultural .matters, is master of Berlin Grange, No. 463, located at Allerton, and in 1910 was a dele- gate to the State Grange. Mr. O'Connor has demonstrated that he is a good citizen and an honest publie official, and he is possessed of the eon- fidenee of all who know him. Personally he is of courteous and genial manner and is an interesting conversationalist. Ile can recall many
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experiences and anecdotes of the early days of Berlin township, in addi- tion to numerous exciting war incidents, while the broad and com- prehensive grasp that he has on matters of general interest permits him to converse intelligently on the leading topics of the day. With a wide acquaintance throughout the county, his friends are legion.
ALLEN B. ATKINS. A history of this section of the state of Mich- igan would not be complete did it not contain conspicuous mention of one of Clyde township's best known and most prosperous farmers and stockraisers, Mr. Allen B. Atkins. Mr. Atkins lives upon his farm in sections 14 and 15, which contains two hundred and sixty-five acres of land and is one of the most finely improved to be found in this county. His operations include general farming and dairying and he has a val- uable herd of registered Shorthorn cattle. Having attended diligently to his occupation throughout his life Mr. Atkins has reaped the inevit,- able reward of his methods and through his own efforts has accumulated a comfortable fortune.
Mr. Atkins was born in Clyde township, June 20, 1847, the son of Allen and Agnes (Young) Atkins, the family being among the early settlers here. He had seven brothers and sisters, and in order of birth was fifth member of the family. The schooling he secured was acquired during the winter seasons as it was necessary for him to work on the farm in summer. He went one year to the Port Huron school at the age of fifteen years, and later on took a business course in Detroit. From that time on he has devoted the whole of his time to active work in his chosen occupation of farming. He has made a study of scientific farm- ing and stoek raising and conducts his operations on the same broad business principles as are applied to any other line of endeavor in this progressive age. Such methods cannot fail to bring suecess and Mr. Atkins may well feel proud of the results he has achieved.
The marriage of Mr. Atkins to Hortense J. Allen, of Detroit, oe- curred July 29, 1874, she being a native also of St. Clair county, where she was born in 1853. Two children were born of this union. The younger son, Eugene, married Margaret Bromer, and they have one daughter, Agnes Margaret, aged four years. The other son, Henry, married Lena Thompson, and resides in Port Huron, where he has a position in a hardware store.
Mr. Atkins is a man who discharges his duties as a high minded citi- zen in an intelligent and conscientious manner and is ready to assist in the furthering of any project that has for its object the advancement of the interests of his home community. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees lodge, while his wife is a member of the Gleaners, also superintendent of the Modern Maccabees, and car- ries insurance in those orders. In political matters Mr. Atkins favors the Republican party but takes no active part in partisan politics. His fine personal qualities are universally recognized and his honesty and integrity are among his chief characteristies. He is a man of broad gauge, liberal and progressive and is held in high repute by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
FRANK D. FAIRFIELD, of Marine City, Michigan, has been a factor in the business interests of that city since 1899. He has been connected
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with the hay, grain and feed business since that time, and is the owner of the grain elevator at that place. Ile was born at Bluffport, New York, October 31, 1855, and is the son of Lucien and Sarah ( (ady ) Fairfield, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively. They migrated to Michigan in 1864, settling in China and engaging in farming.
Such schooling as Frank Fairfield received was in Bluffport and in the district schools of China. Up to the time he was eighteen he alter- nated between attendance at school and helping with the work on the farm, but when he reached that age he left home and went sailing. He continued this until 1879, when he married Miss Jessie King, the danghter of Sardins and Nancy King, farmers of that town, both now deceased. He then engaged in the hay and grain business on a small scale, in 1884 establishing himself in Richmond in the same line of trade. In 1899 he came to Marine City, since which time he has been busily engaged in carrying on the thriving business which he has gradually built up from a small beginning. He handles from two to three hun- dred cars of hay yearly, and buys and sells corn, oats and feed on a large scale. Mr. Fairfield is a Maccabee and a Forester in a fraternal way.
Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield became the parents of five children. They are: Frank L., a wheelsman on the steamer "Chester A. Congdon;" Irene M., who became the wife of Dale Westbrook, of Marine City ; Mar- garet, married to Roy A. Marks, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Helen and Herbert, still in the parental home. Helen graduated from Marine City high school June 19, 1912.
BERT A. KIMBALL. While an agricultural life is by no means one of idle ease or leisure, but an absorbing and responsible business, it prob- ably rewards its followers with a larger degree of independence than any other, and in most cases its compensations come in the practical form that people strive hardest to secure in other lines. To breathe the pure. invigorating, untainted air of the field and forest; to till the soil and reap abundance; to watch with certainty the increase of floeks and herds; and to more or less order life, normally, according to one's own personal ideas must be acknowledged as greatly to be desired possessions. Among the substantial agriculturists of Berlin township, St. Clair county, Michigan, who has inherited a love of the soil from father and grandfather, is Bert A. Kimball, whose magnificent farm of two hundred fifty acres, stretching farther than the eye can reach, shows in every part the intelligent care of its owner, and speaks of the progressive methods he adopts.
Bert A. Kimball was born on this farm, March 3. 1867, and is a son of Darwin D. and Mary E. (Sutton) Kimball. Darwin D. Kimball was born in Vermont, in 1828, and died on this homestead October 23, 1910. His parents were Wyman and Dolly (Jackson) Kimball, both of whom were born in Vermont and came to Michigan in 1833. They located first at Port IInron, moving from there to a farm in MeComb county, from which section they came to St. Clair county and in Berlin township purchased one hundred acres of land. They remained on their ae- quired land until their death in old age. It fell to the son Darwin D. to clear the land and put it under cultivation and it remained his place of residence all his subsequent life. He married Mary E. Sutton, who Vol. II-25
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survived until July, 1906. Four children were born to them, three of whom are living, namely : Bert A. ; Charles H., who is a resident of Port Huron ; and Eva F., who is the wife of L. Carl, residing at New Haven, Michigan.
Bert A. Kimball grew to manhood on the home farm and early as- sumed responsibilities, in the meanwhile securing his education in the district schools. As his father needed him there was no necessity for him to leave home, even if so inclined, and surely no better opening could have been afforded than the one that came to him naturally, as he reached manhood. Taking an interest in the place, he has added to its acreage and has developed its possibilities until it ranks with the best farms in the county. He still continues to direct its management him- self and is numbered with the capable, judicious and prosperous farm- ers of Berlin township.
On September 3, 1886, Mr. Kimball was married to Miss Agnes Coch- rane, who was born in Berlin township, St. Clair county, August 13. 1862, and is a daughter of David and Agnes (Cowan) Cochrane. Her father was born in 1821, in Scotland, and died in 1866. On May 11, 1858, he married Agnes Cowan, who was born in his own land, Feb- ruary 11, 1822, and died December 19, 1890. Three children were born to them: David J .; Margaret, who is the wife of James Ferguson ; and Agnes, who is the wife of Mr. Kimball. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball are well known people and have a very pleasant social circle. They are hos- pitable and friendly and take much enjoyment in life, their interests being identical. They have no children. Both are members of the order of Maccabees and take much interest in the social features of this ad- mirable organization, and Mr. Kimball is also a member of the Masonic order. He is a Republican, but his political activity extends no farther than performing the duties of good citizenship.
JOHN M. STREVEL. Grant township, St. Clair county, is indeed fortunate in the possession of a citizen of the stamp of John M. Strevel, whose occupation is that of a farmer and who holds the responsible office of township supervisor. He is one of the most progressive and valued men of his township and county; a man who thinks for himself and is not content to get his opinions ready-made, as too many intelligent men are willing to do. He is a typical American with a fine faith in his country and its institutions, and this part of the great commonwealth of Michigan is particualrly dear to him, for here have lived three gen- erations of Strevels, and the name is one to which honor attaches.
John M. Strevel was born in this township on October 23, 1862. the son of Clark and Jane MeGinnis Gardner Strevel. The father of Clark and grandfather of John M. Strevel was Mathias Strevel, born in the state of New York, and in early manhood taking up his residence in Canada, where he lived for many years and then came to St. Clair county, there passing the remainder of his life. He located on a pioneer farm in the dense woods of Grant township, having purchased the farm from a Mr. Beil, who in his turn had entered it as a homestead from the government. His grandson, John M., still owns a part of this farm. Mathias Strevel was a Democrat, and always took an active interest and part in public affairs, being a man of potent personality and sound views. He was the father of six children, of whom three are living at
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this writing (1912). They are Wesley, Norman and Abbot. Clark Strevel, another of his sons and the father of the subject, John M., was born Jannary 14, 1829, and died August 4, 1900. He was a young man of about twenty-one years of age when the family removed from Canada, and he had been educated in the publie schools of the Dominion. 1Ie farmed on his father's place, to bring which to tillable condition in those days meant constant and unremitting toil, and was thus engaged for some years prior to his marriage with Jane MeGinnis Gardner, after which he took up his residence upon another Grant township farm. Clark and Jane Strevel became the parents of five children, four of whom are now living: Phoebe is the wife of John Benaway ; Clark F. married Mary Hazel; Albina is the widow of Joseph Thompson ; John M., immediate subject of this review, is next in order of birth and the youngest member of the family; Sarah is deceased. The mother passed away on May 13, 1893, at the age of seventy years, her birth occurring on August 15, 1823. Clark Strevel was a warm advocate of the Demo- cratic party, and always active in political eireles of his community. He was generally recognized as a man of sense and sound principles. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Protestant church, and always active in its upbuilding and liberal in its support. He belonged to but one lodge, that of the Maccabees.
John M. Strevel was reared upon the farm on which he now resides. He received his education behind a desk in the district school, which he attended until he was in the neighborhood of seventeen years of age. His education, however, did not end with his school days, for he is a constant reader and is now a man of wide information. He owns a fine farın of one hundred and forty acres in Grant township and en- gages in general farming and stock-raising, in which he has proved ex- ceedingly successful.
Mr. Strevel was married on November 12, 1887, to Alice Campbell, the daughter of Duncan and Elizabeth (Phillips) Campbell. Duncan Campbell was born in Ormstown, Quebec, on September 1, 1842, while the mother was a native of England, born October 4, 1843. He was the son of Captain John Campbell, and came to Canada with his parents when a small boy, and his wife came to Canada from England as a child. Both were reared, educated and finally married in Canada, at Port Hope, on December 24, 1862. The young couple located at Gnelph, Canada, where he was engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills. In March of 1872 they moved to Port Huron, where he was en- gaged as a carpenter and contractor for a time, and later as master mechanic on the P. M. Railroad. He served as councilman in Port Huron at various times, and was always an active and helpful member of society. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church of North Street. They were the parents of five children. Mrs. Strevel, the eldest of the family, was born at Guelph on November 12, 1863, and was nine years of age when the family removed to Port Huron. She was edneated in the public schools of that city, specializing in music, and she became a popular teacher of that art. Mr. and Mrs. Strevel are the parents of two children : Sidney J., born October 9. 1891, died February 9. 1905; Eileen A., born November 8. 1895. attended and was grad- nated from the district school of Grant township, and is now a first year student in the Port Huron high school. The Strevel home is a
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popular one in the locality. Mr. and Mrs. Strevel are not members of any church but they are attendants and liberal supporters of the cause of religion. Mr. Strevel stands high in Masonry, being a Master Mason and a member of the lodge at Lexington.
Mr. Strevel gives heart and hand to the Republican party and he is generally esteemed as being of the right material to which to entrust public office. He served as township treasurer for two years, and in April, 1905, was elected supervisor of Grant township, which office he has held ever since. He has proved one of the most active members of the board of supervisors and has advanced several wise plans for the betterment of the community. He takes a firm stand for what he believes to be right and his logie is always forcible and convincing. He is a man clean in thought, action and deed and is highly respected in Grant township, where he has spent his entire life. Mr. Strevel is a half brother of Obadiah Gardner, Democratic United States senator from Maine.
DAVID BEARD. Every community has its citizens whose talents for leadership are generally recognized and to whom the less aggressive portion of the inhabitants look for guidance in civic and public affairs. This is true of Clyde township, St. Clair county, Michigan, as of other localities, and David Beard stands out prominently among those whose names figure conspicuously in all affairs of moment to the community. The Beard family is one of the old pioneers in this section of the state and David Beard was born in Port Huron township, January 10, 1839, son of John and Hannah (Fick) Beard, and grandson of Ai Beard, who was the first representative of the family to locate here. John Beard was a native of Chenango county, New York, where he was born May 11, 1811, and was a member of a family of six children. His sister Pernie became the wife of Solomon Kingsly, Abigail married Lewis Brockway and Harriet married Frederick Miller. The brothers were James, John and David.
Ai Beard, the father of this family, removed to St. Clair county, Michigan, from New York, where he was the owner and operator of a sawmill, and continued as a lumber manufacturer in Clyde town- ship. He and his sons erected the old Beard's mill immediately upon their arrival here in 1830, and for many years thereafter the greater part of the timber sawing done in this and the surrounding sections was brought to the their mill. In 1837 Mr. Beard, accompanied by his son John, went to Long Point, Ontario, and erected a sawmill there. This was during the time of the patriot war, when excitement ran high, and before the mill was finished John Beard was arrested and thrown into prison for some fancied offense, but was almost immediately re- leased. This incident happened on the night of November 19, 1837, the date of the wedding of John Beard to Miss Hannah Fick, of Long Point, whose birth occurred at that place August 15, 1817. The Beards, father and son, with his young wife, returned immediately to Clyde township and operated the sawmill here for several years, Ai finally disposing of the place, however, selling to his sons, James and John, and he, Ai Beard, retiring to Port Huron, where he died in October, 1853, at the age of eighty years. John Beard died in Clyde township in June,
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1879. His wife, who was some years his junior, survived him for some time, her demise occurring in 1890.
After the sons came into possession of the mill in 1846 they started a lumber yard in Detroit, to dispose of some of their produets, and James went to that city to look after their interests there, while John continued in active charge of the mill. He was a very extensive prop- erty owner and at the time of his death possessed twenty-eight hundred acres of land in Clyde township. There was much valuable timber on this land originally and this was cut down, manufactured into lumber and marketed in Detroit. John Beard also built a fine house on the old home place in 1872, and this is now occupied by his son David. The elder Beard was especially interested in the construction of good roads and was instrumental in securing the old plank road known as the Port Huron & Brockway road, and when that became inadequate and was torn away Mr. Beard formed the company which made the present fine gravel highway in the township. He was a prominent Democrat during his life and filled numerous local offices. Though not a member of the Methodist church, to which his wife belonged, he was a liberal supporter of that institution and contributed to numerous other benevolent causes.
David Beard was reared on the farm which he now occupies, and with the exception of a short time spent at Detroit in his unele's family while attending school there, and about five years spent at Aleona in the lumber woods and four years at Port Huron as a traveling salesman, has never lived elsewhere. IIis farm, which is one of the most highly improved and valuable in this part of the state, contains six hundred and forty acres of land, and the place is completely stocked with fine cattle, Mr. Beard devoting his attention principally to stock breeding. The place is well known as Pine Grove Stock Farm
The marriage of Mr. Beard to Ethel M. Horton was solemnized November 13, 1867. Mrs. Beard was also a native of Port Huron, where she was born April 16, 1845. Her parents, Nelson and Rebecca (Whitman) Horton, came from their native home in Genesee county, New York, in an early day, becoming early settlers of Port Huron. where Mr. Horton was engaged in the sawmill business throughout his life. Mr. and Mrs. Beard became the parents of seven children, Hattie R., John H., and Benjamin are deceased ; Charles D. is assistant cashier in the Commercial Bank at Port Huron; Flora is the wife of Alex Cowan, of Clyde township; Frank C. is mail carrier on R. F. D., No. 2. Atkins, Michigan; while Nellie E. is unmarried and lives at home with her father. Mrs. Beard departed this life March 11, 1904, mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and her devoted family. She was a devout member of the Methodist church.
Mr. Beard has throughout his mature years been an influential factor in the public life of the community and has evinced a special interest in educational affairs. He served the township as a justice of the peaee for many years, and was also a most efficient highway commissioner for sixteen years. Personally he is a man of high moral rectitude, honest in all his dealings and is held in the greatest respect and esteem by all with whom he comes in contact.
F. B. PENNEY. One of the most profitable and successful business connections is that which exists between father and sons when they
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are associated together in important ventures. The experience of the elder man and the enthusiasm of the younger are welded into a strong chain that binds them together and makes their efforts productive of remarkable results. Such a combination exists in the well-known gro- cery house of F. B. Penney & Sons, of 1014-1016 Lapeer avenue, Port Huron, the senior member of which, Mr. F. B. Penney, is one of this city's most highly esteemed citizens. He was born May 22, 1849, in Bangor, Maine, and is a son of Jarvis S. and Louisa A. (Ames) Penney, natives of that state. His father was born in Maine, April 29, 1814, and the mother was also born in Maine, October 30, 1814.
Rev. Jarvis S. Penney, whose long and faithful service as a minister of the Baptist church in Augusta, Maine, and Whittaker's Corners, Michigan, stamped him as a man of the highest Christian characteristics, was also imbued with an unquenchable spirit of patriotism, and during the Civil war he sent his three sons to serve their country in the Union army as members of the First Michigan Volunteers, Charles L., Daniel J. and James A., all of whom served three years. During their service Daniel J. fell sick, and his father secured permission from Secretary of War Stanton to visit his boy in camp, while there becoming greatly beloved by the soldiers, especially the sick and wounded, with whom he prayed daily. His kindly, soothing presence and comforting con- solation were the blessings which could be readily appreciated by these brave boys who were giving the best of their young manhood to their country's cause, and in after years many a grizzled veteran had cause to remember his helping hand and tender sympathy, as well as the boxes of luxuries which he brought from loving mothers, sisters, sweethearts and friends. After the close of the war, in 1865, Rev. Penney came to Port Huron, after a short stay at Whittaker's Corners, in Washtenaw county, and began the manufacture of oars, and here the remainder of a worthy life was spent, dying January 21, 1872, firm in the belief of his Master, while his wife died March 25, 1874, and both are buried in Lakeside cemetery. Rev. Penney was a Democrat in his political views, and was influential in the ranks of his party, serving during the adminis- tration of Mayor S. L. Boyce as alderman from the Third ward.
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