Cass County Michigan Biographies
From The History of Cass County by GloverPage A
HUGH E. AGNEW
AGNEW, MASON, KELLER, Le GAULTPerhaps no one agency in all the world has done so much for public progress as the press, and an enterprising, well edited journal is a most important factor in promoting the welfare and prosperity of any community. It adds to the intelligence of the people through its transmission of foreign and domestic news and through its discussion of the leading issues and questions of the day, and, more than that, it makes the town or city which it represents known outside of the immediate locality, as it is sent each day or week into other districts, carrying with it an account of the events transpiring in its home locality, the advancement and progress there being made, and the advantages which it offers to its residents along moral, educational, social and commercial lines. During much of his life Mr. Agnew has been connected with journalistic work, helping to pay his way in school by that means, and his power as a writer and editor is acknowledged among contemporaneous journalists.
One of Michigan’s native sons, Hugh E. Agnew was born in Hillsdale January 31, 1875, the second in a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, born to Allen and Rhoda (Mason) Agnew, namely: Ruey, wife of Gilbert Keller, a general Merchant of Topeka, Indiana: Hugh E., whose name introduces this review: Claudia, wife of Professor C. D. Albert, one of the faculty of Cornell University, of which institution he is also a graduate, and he is now a resident of Ithaca: and Paul G., a resident of Washington, D. C., and a member of the Bureau of Standards for the Government. Mr. Allen Agnew is a native of Livingston county, New York, born in 1844, and is now a resident of Hillsdale, Michigan, living retired from the active duties of a business life. In the early part of his industrial career he was an agriculturist, but later became a merchant. During the Civil war he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Battery I, First Michigan Light Artillery, his first service being with the Army of the Potomac, while later he was with the Army of Tennessee. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, and his first presidential vote was cast for Grant. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Agnew, who was born in Fulton county, Ohio, in 1849, is also living.
Mr. Hugh E. Agnew was reared in Hillsdale county, Michigan, except five years that his parents lived in Kunkle, Ohio, receiving his education in its common schools, and is a graduate of the Hillsdale High School of the class of 1895, also of the Hillsdale Commercial College of the class of 1892 [sic], and in 1898 graduated form the Ypsilanti Normal, from which he holds a life certificate. After completing his education he assumed the superintendency of the Portland City Schools, there remaining for three years, and in 1901 he entered the literary department of Michigan University, graduating therefrom in the class of 1902. Immediately following that event Mr. Agnew went to Howell, Michigan, as superintendent of schools, there remaining for one year, and in 1903 came to Dowagiac and entered upon his journalistic career by purchasing the Dowagiac Republican, a semi-weekly eight page quarto. He is the owner of the finest press in the county, a two-revolution Cottrell, and he also has two job presses. His paper is the leading organ of the Republican party in the county, with a circulation of about fifteen hundred. Its editor is candid in the expression of his opinions, and strives to give the true status of the news generally. He does a general printing business and has arranged to add a book-binding department, which will make it the most complete printery in Cass county.
On the 26th of August, 1902, Mr. Agnew married Miss Marie Le Gault, and one little son has been born to them, Clifton Allen. Mrs. Agnew is a native of Cheboygan, Michigan, born June 21, 1878, and is of French descent. She received her education in the Cheboygan High School, also graduated at the Ypsilanti Normal in 1898, and then entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. After completing her education she was engaged in teaching at Newberry, Michigan. Her parent s are both deceased. In his political affiliation Mr. Agnew is a Republican, and he cast his first presidential vote for McKinley. Fraternally he is a member of B.P.O.E. No.889, of Dowagiac.
Typed by Carol Foss
CHARLES C. AIKIN
AIKIN, VANCharles C. Aikin, representing the business interests of Edwardsburg as a successful and enterprising lumber merchant, was born in Summit county, Ohio, on the 27th of December, 1846. His father, Nelson C. Aikin, a native of Vermont, was born in 1808, and by occupation was a farmer. He, however, learned and followed the cooper's trade in New York state and in Ohio, and in July, 1856, he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in Berrien county. There he purchased a farm and gave undivided attention to agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. He was married in the Empire state to Miss Abigail Van, a native of New York, and unto them were born eight children, four sons and four daughters. Seven of the number are now deceased, two having died in infancy. Charles C. Aikin was the seventh child and third son and is the only surviving member of the family. The others were: Marcus, Lucretia, Mary, Sarah, Abigail, Calvin C. and Albert. The three eldest sons were born in New York and the other members of the family were natives of Ohio. Charles C. Aikin was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from his native state to Berrien county, Michigan.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
PERRY AKIN
AKIN, BENNER, DANFORTH, McDONALD, CLOSSEN, KIDDERPerry Akin has had an eventful and interesting experience during a residence in California in the early period of its development and also by reason of his connection with Cass county in pioneer days. He is now the owner of the old homestead farm and resides in Jefferson township, where he has valuable landed possessions. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 17th of July, 1835, and traces his ancestry back to Ireland. His father, William Akin, came to Cass county in 1839, first settling in Calvin township, where he purchased a sawmill. For a number of years he was closely connected with industrial interests of the county through the operation of this mill and the manufacture of lumber. He had a very wide acquaintance among the pioneer settlers and he belonged to that class of representative men who while promoting individual success also advance the general welfare. He died in this county in 1847. His wife, Miss Catherine Benner, was a native of Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. She lived to be about sixty years of age and was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom reached adult years. Perry Akin was the fifth in order of birth and the fourth son. He was only four years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Michigan and he was therefore reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in the hardships and trials incident to the establishment of a home in a frontier district far removed from the comforts and conveniences of the older east. He is today the owner of the old homestead property and the residence which was built by his father when he came to the county more than sixty-five years ago. When about six years of age he began his education in one of the old time log school houses common at that day. It was a little building seated with slab benches, while the writing desk was formed by laying a board upon wooden pins driven into the wall. Reading, writing and arithmetic were the principal branches taught, and to some extent instruction was given in grammar and geography. When not busy with the duties of the school-room Perry Akin learned the value of industry and economy in the active affairs of life and worked earnestly and energetically to support his mother, to whom he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-seven years of age. He was married on the 27th of November, 1862, to Miss Melissa Danforth, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 14th of June, 1842, and was a daughter of Samuel Danforth, a native of Vermont, while her mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Mcdonald, was born in Pennsylvania and was also of Scotch lineage. In the Danforth family were eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Akin is the eldest. She came to Cass county in 1854, when a maiden of twelve summers, in company with her parents, who settled in Calvin township, and there her father developed and improved a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Akin spent the first winter after their marriage in this county and in the spring of 1863 Mr. Akin started for California, where he remained for seven years. He then returned and took his wife to the west with him, locating at Fish Lake, Nevada. There he was the owner of a valuable farm of eight hundred acres, upon which he resided for fourteen years. His place was largely a hay and stock ranch and in connection with its cultivation he harvested and sold a large amount of hay. He also had considerable stock upon his place. After spending about twenty years in the west he sold his property in that part of the country about 1883 and returned to Cass county, locating on the old homestead, where he resided until 1902. In that year he took up his abode upon the farm in Jefferson township upon which he yet lives.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Akin have been born six children, three of whom are yet living: Alma, now the wife of R. H. Kidder, a resident of Montana; Clara, who was the wife of Charles Foreman and is now deceased; Charles E., residing upon the old homestead; and Ora B., who is the wife of Delbert Closson, of Redfield, Cass county. Two other children have also passed away. The family is one of prominence in the community and Mr. and Mrs. Akin occupy an enviable position in social circles, having the warm regard of many friends and acquaintances. They have an elegant collection of beautiful and valuable stones and ores from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Nevada, and also have a lariat over twenty-three feet long made from the hair of Mrs. Akin's head, an instance not found in the entire county of Cass. This is a valuable souvenir.
Mr. Akin has made eleven trips to California by rail and one by water and is thoroughly familiar with the western part of the country, the growth and development of which he has witnessed to a great extent. He has always voted with the Republican party and has kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give undivided attention to his business interests. Coming to Cass county in his early boyhood days, he still has many friends among those who have known him from his youth to the present time, a fact which indicates that his life has been honorable and upright. Great changes have occurred here since his youth and in his farm work he has always kept abreast with ideas of modern progress and improvement. He has never placed his dependence upon any fortunate combination of circumstances or waited for anything to turn up to assist him in his business career, but has labored zealously and earnestly and has found that honesty and persistency of purpose constitute an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of prosperity.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
C. C. ALLISON
ALLISON, TOMPKINSMr. C. C. Allison, whose position as dean of the newspaper fraternity of Cass county, is fortified by fifty years experience with the paper of which he is now editor and publisher, was born at Blackberry, Illinois, in September 1840. He has lived in Cassopolis almost continuously since he was eight years old.
Shortly after the National Democrat began its career, and in 1855, a boy of fifteen, he formed the connection which has lasted through life. A printer's apprentice, learning to stick type, do the mechanical work and the many other details of a printing office, he was seven years in preparing himself for full responsibility of publisher and editor, during which time he worked about a year in Dowagiac with the Cass County Tribune and then the Republican . In 1862 the stock company who controlled the National Democrat gave him the charge of its issue, and by purchasing the plant two years later he assumed a proprietorship which has continued to this day.
Mr. Allison served as postmaster of Cassopolis during Cleveland's second term. Interested in the cause of local schools, he has served some fifteen years as member of the school board and for about ten years past has been moderator. Aside from this service to the public and a steady activity and membership with the local lodge of the Masonic fraternity for many years, he has kept his attention and energies without variation focused on his newspaper, and the success he has gained in life he prefers to be identified with this vocation rather than with any minor honors or services.
On St. Valentine's Day of 1890 Mr. Allison married Miss May F. Tompkins. She was born in Lansing, a daughter of John Tompkins. Their two children are Waldo and Kate.
[Editing note: Capitalization, style and punctuation of original text have been followed throughout except for the occasional insertion of commas in long compound sentences. Several long paragraphs also have been divided up for ease of reading. Deletions are marked by elipses (...).]
Typed by Larry Sullivan
CHARLES T. AMSDEN
AMSDEN, TURNER, MORSE, STILLWELL, VAUGHAN, JEWELCharles T. Amsden, the secretary of the Dowagiac Gas & Fuel Company and also partner in a grocery enterprise of this city, possesses excellent business and executive ability that have gained him prominence and won his success in his business operations. He was born in Red Wing, Minnesota, on the 31st of October, 1856. The ancestral home of the family in this country was in New York and one of its representatives served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The Amsdens came of English lineage. George W. Amsden, the father of our subject, was born in New York and came to Michigan in 1857, while at the present writing, in 1905, he is living in Baldwin, Kansas. Following the occupation of farming throughout his entire business career, he located on a farm in Wayne township when he took up his abode in Cass county and while residing here served as supervisor of Wayne township for a number of years. He was at one time an active and valued member of the Masonic fraternity and his political support has long been given to the Republican party. He now makes his home in Baldwin, Kansas, at the age of eighty years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Turner, is a native of Ohio. She belongs to the Congregational church. In their family were seven children: Israel, deceased; Charles T., of this review; Israel, the second of the name, who has also passed away; Lois, the wife of Roland E. Morse, a grocery merchant of Dowagiac; Clara, the wife of William Stillwell, a farmer of Ocosto, Washington; Ida, the wife of A. C. Vaughan, who is also a farmer of Ocosto; and Daniel C., who is engaged in the hardware business at Dinuba, California.
Mr. Amsden of this review was reared to farm life and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was only about a year old when brought by his parents to Michigan and he pursued his education in the schools of Cassopolis, after which he engaged in teaching school for four years. He then became connected with mercantile interests as a clerk in the employ of Mosher & Palmer, grocers of Dowagiac, with whom he remained for four years. Hen then embarked in the grocery business on his own account in association with James P. Bond, and that partnership was maintained for four years. In 1888 Mr. Amsden and Julius Becraft purchased the Dowagiac Republican and in the second year thereafter Mr. Amsden retired and embarked in the grocery business in connection with Roland E. Morse, with whom he is still associated, their business being a profitable enterprise of the city. In 1891 the Dowagiac Gas & Fuel Company was organized and the following year the plant was installed. Mr. Amsden has been secretary and manager since that time and devotes the greater part of his attention to the duties of this office in connection with the management of the interests of the gas company, which has given to its patrons good service and is a valued industrious enterprise of that city.
In 1882 Mr. Amsden was united in marriage to Mrs. Susan E. Jewel, a native of Cass county and a daughter of John N. and Mary A. (Bonnell) Jewel. Her father was a farmer by occupation. In his fraternal relations Mr. Amsden is a Mason, having attained high rank in the craft, for he is now a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He also belongs to the Elks lodge, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Legion of Honor and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is an unfaltering Republican, and has served for two terms as city treasurer, as city clerk for one term and as alderman for the second ward for two terms. In the discharge of his official duties he displays the same fidelity and care which are manifest in the management of his private business interests and in Dowagiac he has a wide and favorable acquaintance resulting from a genial manner and an upright life.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
HENRY ANDRUS
ANDRUS, LYBARKER, HARINGHenry Andrus, editor of the Edwardsburg Argus and a prominent temperance worker of Michigan, was born in Waterloo township, Lyon county, Kansas, near the town of Wilmington, on the 26 of October, 1861. His paternal grandfather, Hazzard Andrus, was a native of Kings county, New York, born October 3, 1788, and in 1835 came to Michigan with his family. He had been married in the Empire state in 1824 to Miss Fannie Bishop, and they were the parents of nine children, five of whom are deceased. The living are: James H., of Edwardsburg; Mrs. Porter Lybarker, of Mason township, Cass county; Nelson, of Dayton, Washington; and Riley, who is living at Dayton, Oregon. The grandparents remained residents of Edwardsburg until called to their final rest, Hazzard Andrus passing away on the 3d of March, 1962, while his wife, long surviving him, died January 29, 1894. James H. Andrus, father of our subject, was born in Ontwa township, at the north bank of Eagle lake, July 30, 1837, and remained a resident of this township until 1860, when he went to Kansas, where he was married on the 7th of October of that year to Miss Cylinda M. Haring, a daughter of Henry and Nancy Haring, who had also removed from Cass county to Kansas in that year. In 1862, Mr. Andrus returned with his family to Michigan, and in the course of years there were born unto him and his wife four children, three sons and a daughter. The latter, Cora M., died July 2, 1877. Those still living are: Henry; William Riley, of Michigan City, Indiana; and George S., of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The mother, who was a native of New York, born December 9, 1840, was but two years of age when brought by her parents to Michigan, the Haring family being established in Mason township. Her death occurred October 4, 1903.
Typed by Jana Mooney
Benjamin L. Kinsey writes:
I have only been doing serious research for about 18 months. I have been gradually accumulating information about several different surnames from Cass Co. One of the names I have had trouble with is Andrews/Andrus. I have found it spelled both ways in family papers and the census. I had been leaning towards the spelling, Andrus as little bits of information started to add up. A big breakthrough came with the posting of the biography of Henry Andrus. It contained all the right names. It also showed some names and dates that I didn't have. Henry's grandfather is my 3rd gr.-grandfather, through his daughter Jane Andrus Mann. This article gives me some more directions and places to search. Since this posting, Richard Harris of Cassopolis, has provided me with several obituaries on the Andrus family from the Vigilant. I will now start looking in the Ewardsburg Argus for more information on the Andrus name.
I would like to thank Anne Hood for the posting and Jana Mooney for the typing. Keep up the good work.
Benjamin L. Kinsey
A. N. ARMSTRONG
ARMSTRONG, SMITH, TIELSORTA. N. Armstrong, the popular and efficient postmaster of Cassopolis, was born in Redford, Wayne county, Michigan, on the 2d of November, 1858. His father, Nathaniel A. Armstrong, as a native of Massachusetts, where he was reared, educated and married. Removing to the west he located in Redford, Wayne county, Michigan, in 1841. He was a farmer by occupation and improved a valuable tract of land, carrying on general farming throughout his entire life. He held membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his early political allegiance to the Democracy, but afterward became a stanch Republican. He was of Scotch and Irish descent and in his life he displayed many strong and sterling characteristics which won for him the esteem of all with whom he was associated. He died at the age of seventy-two years, and is yet survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Harriet Macomber and is a native of Massachusetts. A. N. Armstrong is the only child born of their marriage. Both the father and mother were previously married and the former had eleven children by his first union, while the mother had two children by her first marriage.
N. Armstrong was reared in Redford, Michigan, until twelve years of age. The father had died when the son was only six months old and about 1870 the mother removed to Farmington, Oakland county, Michigan, where Mr. Armstrong of this review remained until nineteen years of age, when in 1874 he came to Cassopolis. He was educated in the public schools and also spent two years in the Ypsilanti State Normal School and at Green Business College. He was likewise a student in Bryant & Stratton's business College at Detroit in 1874. Entering upon his business career, he secured a clerkship in a hardware store and in 1877 he embarked in the hardware business on his own account, in which line of trade he continued until 1892. He has been very active and prominent in political circles and was deputy superintendent of the department of collections at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. During the two succeeding years he was clerk of the senate committee on finance and appropriation in the Michigan legislature and in 1896-7 was sergeant-at-arms in the general assembly. On the 1st of September, 1897, he took charge of the post office at Cassopolis, having been appointed to the position in July of that year by President McKinley and reappointed in 1901 by President Roosevelt. He has been a lifelong Republican, taking an active and helpful interest in the party both in local and state politics, and has been called to various local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. On March 1, 1906, he took charge of the Michigan State Prison, having been appointed warden of the institution by Governor Warner, who had known him intimately all his life. This is the oldest and largest penal institution in the state and is considered the most responsible of all appointive positions in the state government.
In 1880 Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss May S. Smith, a daughter of John and Adelia (Tielsort) Smith, who were natives of Cass county. The father was a son of Major Joseph Smith, who was a prominent Democrat and early settler of Cass county, while the maternal ancestors were also pioneer people in this section of the state, contributing in substantial measure to the progress and development of Cass county. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Cassopolis, was a student in the public schools and was the first graduate of the high school of this city. One child has been born of this marriage, Katharine, whose birth occurred in 1884. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue lodge, the chapter and the commandery. In the field of political life and commercial activity he has won distinction and is to-day numbered among the leading, influential and honored residents of his city. His worth is widely acknowledged and his unfailing courtesy, deference for the opinions of others and commendable characteristics have gained for him the respect of those with whom he has been associated. Honored and respected in every class of society, he has for many years been a leader in thought and action in the public life of Cass county.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
WILLIAM ARNOLD
ARNOLD, HEWITT, DILLE, LAKE, ALLEN, HATCHWilliam Arnold, a prominent old settler of the county, whose home is on section 12, Mason township, is classed with the worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to Michigan. He was born in Cuyahoga county, August 30, 1832, and is descended from an old New England family. His father, Henry Arnold, was a native of Massachusetts, born July 25, 1807, and his youth was passed in his native state, where he was married to Miss Maria Hewitt, who was also born in Massachusetts. Removing to the west they took up their abode in Cuyahoga county, Ohio in 1828, which was the year of their marriage. There they resided for about eight years, when, in 1835, they came with their family to Cass county, Michigan, and Mr. Arnold entered a tract of land from the government in what is now Mason township. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. In fact, he had to cut his way through the woods to his claim, for no roads had been laid out. There were some old Indian trails through the forests, but the trees stood in their primeval strength and there was little evidence of future development of improvement to be seen. Mr. Arnold built a little log cabin with a stick chimney. There was a large fireplace which occupied almost one entire side of the room, and this not only furnished heat for the little cabin, but cooking was also done over the fire, the pots and kettles hanging from the crane, while baking was done by placing the iron pans amid the coals. The Arnold family is one of the oldest pioneer families of the county. Few indeed were the settlers living within its borders at the time they arrived, and there were many difficulties to be met, owing to their remoteness from towns or villages, which would afford them the comforts and conveniences of life. They journey westward had been made with teams, for it was long prior to the era of railroad building in this part of the state. Mrs. Arnold was not long permitted to enjoy her new home, but during the period of her residence here proved a worthy pioneer woman, ably assisting her husband in his efforts to establish a home in the midst of the wilderness. She died in 1844, and was long survived by Mr. Arnold, who lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years. By that marriage there were born five children, three of whom are natives of Ohio. For his second wife the father chose Lovica Dille, and they had six children. His third wife was Mrs. Jerusha Lake.
William Arnold whose name introduces this record, was the second child of his father's first marriage, and was only three years old when he was brought to Cass county, the family locating in Mason township. He was reared in this township, where he has now lived for seventy-one years. When a boy he attended the district school, walking two miles to a little log school house, wherein he conned his lessons, sitting on a slab bench. There was a large fireplace in one end of the room, and the few pupils were arranged around the teacher's desk to receive the instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic and perhaps a few other branches of learning, but the curriculum was quite limited at that day. Mr. Arnold's training at farm labor, however, was not limited, as from an early age he was set to the tasks incident to the development and cultivation of the farm, and he remained at home until he had attained his majority. On the day that he became twenty-one years of age, he started out in life on his own account, and whatever success has come to him in later years, is owing entirely to his persistent effort and honorable labors. He first secured a situation as a farm hand at ten dollars per month for five months, and he worked in that way until he was able to carry on farming on his own account.
An important day in his life record was that of April 5, 1857, at which time he was united in marriage to Miss Ada Hatch, a daughter of Ezra and Sarah (Allen) Hatch, both of whom were native of the state of New York, and in their family were six children, Mrs. Arnold being the second. Her birth occurred in Mason township in 1837, and the family did much for the development and improvement of the county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Arnold located upon the farm where they now reside, living at first in a little log cabin with its fireplace and primitive furnishings, and over that open fire Mrs. Arnold did her cooking. They started with very little, and made all that they possessed by hard work and strict attention to business. The improvements upon the farm are the visible evidence of the life of thrift and industry which Mr. Arnold has led, all having been made by him. As the years have passed he has prospered and has erected here a comfortable house, good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He has secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, and everything about his farm is neat and attractive in apperance. He began with only fifty acres and had to incur an indebtedness to secure that amount, but he soon discharged his financial obligation, and in the course of years has added to his property from time to time until his farm now comprises three hundred acres of excellent land, and he gathers from the fields rich crops annually. The home has been blessed with two children: Ruell C., who is a speculator; and Aileen who is at home. Mr. Arnold is the oldest continuous resident of Mason township, having lived here for more than the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. He has been identified with the growth and development of the county and is familiar with its history from pioneer times down to the present. He has watched each progressive movement that has had bearing upon the welfare and progress of this portion of the state, and has done his full share in the line of agricultural development. His political allegiance has been given to the Democracy. His life has indeed been a useful one, and he has closely adhered to the golden rule as his life motto, doing unto others as he would have them do unto him, and thus living at peace with all men, being honest in his business dealing and considerate of those with whom he has come in contact. Such a course in life is well worthy of emulation, and his example might be profitably followed, for his life history proves the value of character and at the same time shows what may be acomplished through earnest labor, for Mr. Arnold started out in life empty-handed and has worked his way upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence, with the aid of his estimable wife, who has aided him in counsel and advice in the rearing of their children and the founding of their happy home. For almost a half century have Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, traveled life's journey, sharing alike the joys and sorrows of this life, and now in the golden eve of their lives they enjoy that peace and contentment which comes of a well spent life.
Typed by Linda Curry
JOHN ATKINSON
ATKINSON, INGLEDO, HUNTThe growth and substantial progress of a community do not depend upon the efforts of a single individual but are the result of the aggregate endeavor of many who have due regard for opportunity and exercise their powers for the general improvement and progress. To this class belongs John Atkinson, a dealer in carriages, wagons, farm implements, hay and grain in Cassopolis. He possesses the enterprising spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the west. He is a western man by birth, training and preference, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in mason township, Cass county, on the 8th of May, 1858. His father, Thomas Atkinson, was a native of England, and in an early day crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in the state of New York, whence he afterward removed to Elkhart, Indiana. On leaving that locality he came to Cass county, Michigan, where he met his death, being killed when forty-five years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Ann Ingledo, was a native of England and also became a resident of New Castle, Indiana. She long survived her husband and died in Cass county at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. In their family were thirteen children, eight of whom reached adult age, while seven are now living.
Mr. Atkinson is the tenth in order of birth in the family of thirteen children. He was reared in his native township and remained at home, assisting in the work of the farm in his early youth and when twelve years of age beginning work as a farm hand in the neighborhood by the month. The first pair of boots which he ever owned were paid for by a month’s wages at farm labor. The money which he made during his minority went to support the family. he was only about five years of age when his father was killed, leaving a family of seven children, one of whom was born after the father’s demise. The family were left in limited financial circumstances, so that the boys had to support the mother and the smaller children. Mr. Atkinson early came to a realization of the value of earnest and persistent endeavor and by his close application and stalwart purpose he made good progress in the business world. After working by the month for eleven years Mr. Atkinson went to Manistee county, Michigan, and engaged in lumbering in the midst of the forest of that district. He worked for a part of the time by the month, spending about two years in the lumber trade. Leaving the lumber woods he came to Cass county, Michigan, where he engaged in the manufacture of ties for the Michigan Central Railroad. He also devoted a portion of his time to farm labor, spending two and a half years in this way, on the expiration of which period he came to Cassopolis and engaged in shipping wood and in bailing hay. He also traded in hay and wood, getting in exchange wagons and buggies from the Studebaker Company of South Bend, Indiana. He also traded for the brick which was used in the construction of the first hotel in the town. He has now one of the largest business enterprises of Cassopolis, his trade representing one hundred thousand dollars a year. He is in the grain business in addition to the agricultural implement business, and in the various departments of trade with which he is connected he has secured a liberal patronage. He shipped one hundred and sixty car loads of hay, straw and grain in 1900. He has likewise extended his efforts to the field of real estate operations, buying and selling farms. He make a specialty of heavy farm machinery and has sold threshing machines to the value of fifteen thousand dollars since the 1st of February, 1905. He also handles sawmill machinery, boilers and engines and does all of the trade in this line in the county. He has a farm comprising about two hundred acres of land, and as has been indicated his business interests are of a varied and important nature, bringing to him a gratifying success by reason of his careful control, capable management and keen insight.
On the 15th of June, 1888, Mr. Atkinson was united in marriage to Miss Ida Belle Hunt, who was born in Ontwa township, Cass county, and was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have become the parents of five children, but lost their daughter, Zerl. The others are: Maud, Lucile, Louis and Cyrus.
Mr. Atkinson is a lifelong Republican, who has worked earnestly in behalf of the party but has never sought or desired office, nor would he accept any political preferment. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp and is well known in the county as a liberal man who has contributed generously to the support of many measures for the general good. He is also a stalwart advocate of the temperance cause, working earnestly in behalf of the party. An analyzation of his life record shows that energy and strict attention to business have been his salient characteristics and have constituted the secret of his success. He has sought to live honorable and peaceably with his fellowmen, practicing the golden rule in daily affairs and at all times he has enjoyed in full measure the confidence, good will and trust of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
Typed by Carol Foss
FRANK ATWOOD
ATWOOD, ALLENFrank Atwood, a retired farmer who has held various offices and in the faithful performance of his duty has manifested his devotion to the general welfare, was born in Wayne township, Cass county, August 12, 1852, and now lives in Dowagiac. His paternal grandfather was Wells H. Atwood, a pioneer of this county, who came to Michigan in the summer of 1836. Few were the settlements that had been made in this portion of the state. The forests were largely uncut and the land uncultivated, and it remained to such sturdy and brave pioneer residents as Mr. Atwood to reclaim the region from the domain of the red man for the uses of civilization. He established a farm, upon which he reared his family, including Lafayette Atwood, the father of our subject. He was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, and was brought to Cass county by his parents in 1836, being reared upon the home farm in Wayne township. He was only about twelve years of age at the time of the arrival here, and his youth was passed upon his father's farm, where he assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and cultivating the fields as his age and strength permitted. In Wayne township he was married to Miss Adaline Allen, a native of New York, who came to Cass county with her parents in an early day, the family home being established in Wayne township. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Atwood located upon a farm in Wayne township, where they lived for many years. He was a reliable, energetic and enterprising agriculturist of the community and was well known as a leading representative of farming interests. He continued to give his supervision to his farm until 1902, when he removed to Dowagiac and made his home with his son Frank until his death March 18, 1906. He was one of the honored and venerable pioneer settlers of the community and his residence in the county covered the allotted psalmist's span of three score years and ten. His memory formed a connecting link between the primitive past and the ll known in the county as one who is ever true to a trust reposed in him, and in all the fifty-three years of his residence in Cass county he has maintained a high standard of conduct, both for public and private life. He is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp at Dowagiac, and at all times and under all circumstances has been found worthy of the regard and esteem of his fellow men.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
JAMES ATWOOD
ATWOOD, KELLY, ALLEN, LARROWE, TAYLORJames Atwood, a retired farmer residing in Dowagiac, is the owner of six hundred acres of rich and productive land and derives therefrom an excellent income, which now enables him to rest from further toil and enjoy the fruits of his former labor. During the greater part of his life he carried on agricultural pursuits but in the days of the early discoveries of gold in California he went to the Pacific coast. He has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, having been born in Cattaraugus county, New York, January 28, 1829. He was the third child in a family of three sons and two daughters born unto Wells H. and Sarah (Kelley) Atwood. The father was a native of Vermont and in early life removed from New England to New York, where he followed the occupation of farming. In 1836 he came to Michigan, settling in Wayne township, Cass county, where he took up land from the government, securing three tracts of eighty acres each. Here he improved a farm and was closely identified with the early development and pioneer history of the county. His was the seventh family to locate in Wayne township. For many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits but in his later years removed to Dowagiac, where he died at the age of sixty-four years. He was a pioneer merchant of the city, dealing in dry goods and also conducting a general store. He had a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county by reason of his close connection with the development and improvement of this part of the state. His wife, who was commonly known as Aunt Sallie, was a native of Massachusetts and died in 1849. One of their sons, Lafayette Atwood, was a resident of Dowagiac, and is now deceased.
James Atwood of this review was only about eight years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. He was reared upon the old home farm in Wayne township, Cass county, and began his education in a log cooper shop, where a session of school was held. He likewise pursued his studies in log school buildings, attending for only a few months during the winter seasons, while throughout the remainder of the year his time and attention was given to the active work of developing and cultivating new land. He remained at home until he was of age, assisting in the active work of the farm. He clerked for a time in Dowagiac and at different times has been identified with agricultural and mercantile interests. In 1852 he went to California by way of New Orleans and the Isthmus of Panama, spending two years on the Pacific coast in search of the precious metal. He returned home by way of New York and brought back with him as the result of his mining ventures sufficient money to enable him to purchase a farm. Thus he gained his first real start in life.
Mr. Atwood was married in 1856 to Ann Eliza Allen, a daughter of Gideon Allen. She was born in Yates county, New York, January 31, 1837, and was brought to Cass county by her parents about 1842, the family locating in Wayne township. Her mother bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Larrowe and in the family there were six children, four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Atwood being the third in order of birth. She has one brother, Henry Allen, who is living in Wayne township, and a sister, Clementine, who is the wife of H.R. Taylor.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Atwood located on a farm in Wayne township, Cass county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for ten years, when in 1866 he removed to Dowagiac but still continued to conduct his farms for some time thereafter. He also engaged in the stock business, buying and shipping for about fifteen years, finding this a source of gratifying profit. He was also engaged in the grocery business for about a year. He now owns three farms, all in Wayne township, comprising over six hundred acres of land, which he rents and which brings to him a good income. He also loans money and with the exception of the supervision of his farms and his loans he is living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has been practical in his methods, thoroughly reliable at all times and his business integrity and enterprise have been the source of his success.
Mr. Atwood has voted for the candidates of both Democratic and Republican parties, casting his ballot for those whom he thinks best qualified for office. He is one of the pioneers of Cass county, having spent seventy years here. He and his wife have traveled life's journey together for a half century, celebrating their golden wedding on the 26th of Janury, 1906, and sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. Mr. Atwood has intimate knowledge of the history of this county as it has emerged from pioneer conditions to take on all the evidences of an advanced civilization. He has an intimate knowledge of the history of the county in its various phases, and at all times has stood as an advocate of improvement and upbuilding, giving his co-operation to many progressive public measures.
Typed by Linda Curry
EDWIN N. AUSTIN
AUSTIN, SAGE, SIMPSON, DICKERMAN, STRAW, BLAISDELLEdwin N. Austin, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in a practical, progressive and profitable manner, is living in Pokagon township and is to-day the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation, giving proof in its excellent appearance of the careful supervision of the owner. A native of St. Lawrence county, New York, Mr. Austin was born on the 8th of August, 1850. His father, John W. Austin, was also a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. Coming to the west he settled in Allegan county in 1863, taking up his abode upon a farm which he cultivated and improved until he had acquired a handsome competence, when he retired from active business life and removed to the city of Allegan, where he spent his remaining days in the emjoyment of a well-earned rest, his death there occurring in 1893. He was married in the Empire state to Miss Lucinda Sage, who was born in New York and was there reared. This union was blessed with a family of four sons and two daughters, all of whom were natives of the Empire state. As the result of study and investigation concerning the political questions of the day and the attitude of the two parties Mr. Austin gave his support to the Republican organization, and at all times he commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men by reason of an honorable and upright life.
Edwin N. Austin spent the first twelve years of his life in the county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan, Michigan, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, during which time he actively assisted his father in the work of the home farm. He then left home and came to Cass county, taking up his abode upon a farm in Pokagon township. Here he was married to Miss Rebecca Simpson, a daughter of Moses and Sarah Simpson, pioneers of Cass county, having settled within its borders when the white residents here were comparatively few. Mrs. Austin was born and reared in Pokagon township.
Moses W. Simpson, deceased, one of the pioneers of Pokagon, was born in Pembroke, New Hampshire, May 16, 1808. He was the eldest in the family of Samuel and Rebecca (Dickerman) Simpson, which consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters. The elder Simpson was a farmer and was possessed of those elements of character that have always distinguished the sons of the Granite state. Moses was reared on the farm, and the rugged hills and sterile soil aided in the development of a robust constitution and many admirable traits of character. He early evidenced a desire for books, which was fostered by his parents, and he received a liberal academical education. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, and at that time he was married to Miss Sarah H. Blaisdell, of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, where she was born September 8, 1811. Her parents, Samuel and Dorothy (Straw) Blaisdell, were of English parentage and New England birth. In 1836 Mr. Simpson and wife came to Pokagon and settled on the farm which was ever afterward his home. He took an active interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the township, and largely identified himself with its growth and prosperity; his ability was soon recognized by his fellow townsmen, and he filled many positions of trust and responsibility with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all. His death occurred on June 16, 1849. In the accumulation of property Mr. Simpson was successful. His social qualities were of a high order and his generosity and hospitality were proverbial. He left two daughters, Rebecca, now Mrs. Edwin Austin, and Lydia T. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Simpson assumed the management of the estate, which she conducted successfully until 1850, when she was again married, to John H. Simpson, brother of her first husband. He was a native of New Hampshire and a man universally esteemed. He died August 19, 1879, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
Mrs. Simpson resided upon the old homestead until her death, January 4, 1889, a lady very highly esteemed.
For two years after his marriage Edwin N. Austin lived upon his father-in-law's farm and then removed to his present place, first purchasing sixty acres of land, to which he has since added part of the hundred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. He has built good buildings here and has improved the property until it is now one of the valuable and productive farms of the township. In its improvement Mr. Austin has displayed good business ability, executive force and keen discernment and in his business relations has commanded the respect of those with whom he has had dealings.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
JESSE H. AUSTIN
AUSTIN, HARTSELL, TOWNSEND, REAMS, SALISBURYJesse H. Austin, superintendent of the Cass County Infirmary, is a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred in South Bend on the 7th of November, 1875. His father, W. H. Austin, was a native of Calhoun county, Michigan, while his mother, who in her maidenhood was Mary Hartsell, was a native of Pennsylvania. The former died when fifty-four years of age.
Jesse H. Austin, their only son, was reared in the city of his nativity until about thirteen years of age, when he came with his father to Cass county, settling in LaGrange township upon a farm. His mother had died during their residence in South Bend and the father afterward married Agnes Townsend, subsequently removing to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his last days were passed. Jesse H. Austin remained with his father until he had attained his majority and was engaged in farming through the period of his youth when not busy with the duties of the schoolroom, wherein he acquired a good English education. He was appointed to his present position in 1904 and has since been keeper of the poor farm, in which position he has displayed good business ability and discernment. Under his guidance the farm is made a paying property, the fields being well tilled, while good stock is raised and garden products also cultivated.
In 1903 Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Maude Reams, a daughter of George Albert and Adella (Salisbury) Reams. In his political views Mr. Austin is an earnest Republican, supporting the party since age gave him the right of franchise. He served as deputy sheriff in 1901, 1902, 1903, and a part of 1904, and during that time was a resident of Cassopolis. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity in the county seat and has recently united with Backus Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M., and has taken all three degrees, making him a Master Mason and a member of the Blue Lodge. He has a wide circle of friends in this county, where he has lived from the age of thirteen years. Most of his life has been devoted to the public service and he is regarded both as a capable officer and a popular citizen having social, genial qualities which win him warm and enduring friendships.
Typed by Caral MECHLING BENNETT