Cass County Michigan Biographies
From The History of Cass County by GloverPage D
H. C. DAVIS
DAVIS, SMITH, RICHARDSON, ROSBROUGH, CONDON, MAYAmong the thrifty and prosperous farmers of Cass county is numbered H. C. Davis, residing on section 35, Jefferson township. He dates his residence in the county from 1840, being a young lad of but four years of age at the time of his arrival here. His mind bears the impress of many of the early historic annals of the state as well as of later day progress and development. He is familiar with conditions which existed when this county was a frontier district, when most of its residents lived in log houses and when the homes of the settlers were widely scattered. Only here and there was a mill or business establishment which could furnish the settlers with needed supplies of wearing apparel or food products. Journeys were taken very infrequently because of the poor condition of the roads and the fact that the labor of all the people was needed upon the farms in the reclamation of the wild land for the uses of civilization.
Mr. Davis of this review, who for long years has successfully carried on farming, was born in Clark county, Ohio, on the 13th of November, 1836. His father, Reuben B. Davis, was a native of West Virginia, in which state he remained until early manhood. When about twenty-two years of age, however, he removed westward to Clark county, Ohio, where he secured a tract of land and engaged in farming. He was married in that state to Miss Susanna Smith, whose birth occurred in Clark county on the 1st of February, 1813. She was a daughter of Henry Smith, who was born in New Jersey and became one of the pioneer residents of the Buckeye state. His marriage, however, was celebrated in Virginia. He was of German descent, while the Davis family is of Welsh lineage. Reuben B. Davis lived to the advanced age of eighty years, while his wife passed away at the extreme old age of ninety years, her death occurring in Jefferson township. They had removed from Ohio to Cass county about 1840 and became identified with pioneer interests, sharing in the arduous task of developing the land and establishing a home in the midst of the forest. In their family were seven children, of whom only three sons reached adult age, these being: H. C. of this review; James, a resident farmer of Jefferson township; and Elijah P., who is living in Boulder City, Colorado.
H. C. Davis, who was the eldest son and second child of the family, was only four years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. The family home was established in Cass county and he has resided upon his present farm for sixty-five years. It is dear to him through the associations of his boyhood and youth as well as of his later manhood. In early life he received loving care and attention from his parents, and in their declining days he gave to them filial affection, thus repaying them for their devotion in his youth. At the usual age he entered the public schools and acquired a knowledge of the common branches of learning that equipped him for life's practical duties. His training at farm labor was not meager, for when not busy with his text-books he worked in the field, assisting in plowing, planting and harvesting as crops were brought to their fruition. When he had attained man's estate he chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married on the 15th of June, 1863, to Miss Samantha Rosbrough, one of the native daughters of Jefferson township, who has spent her entire life in this part of the county. Her parents were John and Mary (Richardson) Rosbrough, and the mother came of Irish lineage, while the father was of German descent. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, namely: Charles E.; Henrietta, now the wife of H. K. May, of Minnesota; Fred S., a resident farmer of Jefferson township; Carrie, the wife of Dr. J. F. Condon, who is living in Breckenridge, Colorado, about one hundred and ten miles from Denver; and Pliny, of Dowagiac.
Mr. Davis is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-nine acres of good land constituting a well improved farm. His entire life has been given to the occupation to which he was reared and he has found in this work a good source of income, resulting from his close application, capable management and straightforward dealing. His first home was a log cabin that is still standing upon the place. It was erected in 1834 and is a mute reminder of the great changes that have occurred. It was, however, a hospitable home, in which friends, neighbors and strangers were always made welcome. As the financial resources increased, however, this primitive dwelling was replaced by one of more modern architecture and also more commodious. There have also been great changes in methods of farming. In his youth the sickle was used in the harvest field and the sheaves were bound by hand, while the threshing was done upon the barn floor, the grain being tramped out by horses or oxen. Invention, however, brought improved farm machinery and Mr. Davis has kept in touch with the universal progress along such lines. He now has a splendidly improved farm, the products of which find a ready sale upon the market, and thus his income is materially increased annually.
In his political views Mr. Davis is an earnest Democrat, active in the work of the party where issues are involved, though at local elections he frequently votes independently, considering only the capability of the candidate. In 1885-6 he was township treasurer, and from 1900 until 1904 inclusive he was supervisor of his township. He was also school officer for twenty-seven years and the duties that have devolved upon him in these connections have been promptly, faithfully and capably performed. He is never remiss in citizenship or negligent in business, and he has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry and unswerving integrity. By constant exertion associated with good judgment he has raised himself to the position which he now holds, having the friendship of the many and the respect of all who know him.
Typed by Linda Curry
G. H. DENIKE, M.D.
DENIKE, SNIDER, WILSONDr. G. H. Denike, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Union, was born in Ottowa, Canada, on the 15th of December, 1964, and is a son of Andrew J. and Delilah (Snider) Denike, who were also natives of Canada. The paternal grandfather was a physician in England, and on coming to the new world settled in Canada at an early day, there practicing his profession up to the time of his death which occurred when he was in his sixty-seventh year. The mother of our subject was of Irish lineage, and her father came to Canada from Ireland also at an early period in the development of the northern country.
Dr. Denike was the fifth in order of birth in a family of three sons and three daughters. He was reared and educated in his native country, attending the common and high schools and also Alexander University, from which institution he was graduated on completing a classical course. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work he took up study in Queen’s Medical College at Kingston, Ontario, with broad general learning to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of his knowledge. He completed his collegiate course by graduation in the class of 1882, and immediately afterward located for practice at Campbellsford, Ontario. He was afterward upon the road for about four years as examiner for insurance companies, when, in 1898, he came to Union, where he has since engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. In order to still further perfect himself in his chosen calling he pursued a course in 1904-05 in Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital of Chicago. Afterward he resumed his profession labors in Union. He is well versed in the principles of practical science, and that he possesses skill and ability is indicated by the excellent results which have followed his efforts.
Dr. Denike was married in 1888 to Miss Ida A. Wilson, a daughter of George Wilson, of Sterling, Ontario, in which place she was born and reared. This union has been graced with three daughters, Pearl, Nellie May and Ollie. The family occupies an enviable position in social circles, the hospitality of the best homes of Union and the surrounding district being freely accorded them. Dr. Denike is a member of Elkhart Medical Association, of Elkhart, Indiana. He is well known as a physician and citizen, and is prominent and popular, both socially and professionally. He has given undivided attention to his professional duties since entering upon the active practice of medicine, and a liberal patronage is now accorded him.
Typed by Carol Foss
Added family info contributed by: Don Brearly
"There were three Denike brothers who became physicians, from Belleville,Ontario, where I am. Dr. George H Denike (1857-1913) died @ Clinton, N.Y., a graduate of Queen’s University 1882. Dr. Andrew James Denike (1875-1955) died @ Scottsdale,Arizona, a graduate of Rush Medical & Grand Rapids Medical School. He practiced for some time at Whitehall, Mi. before moving to Clinton N.Y. Dr. Isaac Denike was born in 1863 and went to Union Mi. to practice medicine. Isaac Denike married in Ontario, Canada to Ida Ann Wilson in 1889. Ida Wilson was the sister of Dr. George Wilson, a native of Stirling, Ontario. Dr. Wilson moved to Union Mi and practiced medicine until he died June 17, 1939, aged 74. So the bio should be for Dr. Isaac Denike and does contain some correct information but has included details related to his brothers. If available, I am interested in obtaining an obituary and date of death for Dr. Isaac Denike. (And an obit for Dr. Wilson.)"
CASSIUS M. DENNIS
DENNIS, McMICHAEL, HOPKINS, SHOUPCassius M. Dennis, at one time a factor in commercial circles in Edwardsburg, where he was engaged in dealing in hardware, but now giving his attention to the real estate and loan business, is a native of St. Joseph county, Indiana, born on the 24th of October, 1845. His father, Nathaniel B. Dennis, became one of the pioneer residents of Cass county. His birth occurred in Delaware in March, 1813. He was a farmer by occupation and at the age of eighteen years became a resident of St. Joseph county, Indiana, taking up his abode upon a farm there. In 1847 he removed to Milton township, Cass county, purchasing a tract of land of eighty acres, which was partially improved. He at once began the further development and cultivation of the place, and there he resided until his death, which occurred on the 6th of February, 1899. He was identified with the Republican party and was frequently called to fill township offices by his fellow citizens, who recognized his worth and fidelity. In this county he was married to Miss Margaret McMichael, who was a native of Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. In their family were four sons and two daughters, of whom Cassius M. Dennis was the second son and second child. Four of the family were born in Cass county. Of the others William, Mary Florence and George are now deceased, while those living are Cassius M., Cave J. and Martha E. All reached manhood and womanhood, however, with the exception of George, who died in infancy.
Mr. Dennis of this review was only two years old when his parents removed to Milton township, Cass county, and in the district schools he acquired his education, becoming familiar with the common branches of English learning, which fitted him for the practical duties of life. He was reared to farm work, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and to his father he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-two years of age. He was then married, on the 12th of December, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Alphonzy Hopkins, a native of Cass county, born in February, 1848, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Ann Hopkins. One child was born of this marriage, Orville, a native of Cass county. On the 5th of May, 1885, Mr. Dennis was again married, his second union being with Miss Lenora Shoup, who was born in Burbank, Ohio.
Following his marriage Mr. Dennis began farming on his own account and in the sprint of 1882 he removed to Edwardsburg, where he entered the employ of Mr. Dunning in the implement business, continuing with him until the death of Mr. Dunning in July, 1885. He was retained in the store, however, by the management of the estate until 1886, when in that year he purchased the stock and began business on his own account, so continuing until the spring of 1899. As a hardware merchant he enjoyed a large and profitable trade, which he secured by reason of his straightforward dealings, his practical methods and his unremitting diligence. At length, however, he sold his hardware stock and retired from mercantile fields, while at the present time he is giving his attention to the real estate and loan business.
Mr. Dennis is a Democrat in his political views and for six years served as township clerk. He is numbered among the pioneers of Cass county and with the exception of six years his entire life has been passed within its borders. He came to the county more than a half century ago, so that he has largely witnessed its growth and development from a primitive condition to its present advanced stage of civilization wherein every department of commercial and industrial activity is represented, while the work of the agriculturist is seen in the splendid farms that surround the enterprising towns and villages. While there have been no exciting chapters in his life record the history of Mr. Dennis may well stand as an example for worthy citizenship, upright manhood and fidelity to every trust.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
L. BURGET DES VOIGNES
DES VOIGNES, MESSNER, CLAPPThe profession of the law, when clothed with its true dignity and purity and strength, must rank first among the callings of men, for law rules the universe. A prominent representative of the bar of southern Michigan is L. Burget Des Voignes, now judge of the thirty-sixth judicial circuit of Michigan. Born at Mt. Eaton, Wayne county, Ohio, October 14, 1857, he is a son of Louis A. Des Voignes and a grandson of Peter Des Voignes. The last named was a native of Berne, Switzerland, where he was engaged in the dry goods business, and was well known in his native city as a man of excellent judgment and nobleness of character. With his wife and three sons, Augustus, Jules and Louis, he came to America in 1844, the family home being established at Mt. Eaton, Ohio, and there the father engaged in the shoe business. He allied his interests with the Whig party, and when the Republican party was formed he joined its ranks, remaining a stalwart supporter of its principles. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and in that faith he passed away in 1861.
Louis A. Des Voignes, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was eleven years of age when the family home was established in America. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Savilla A., a daughter of John Messner, of Mount Eaton, Ohio. The young couple took up their abode in that city, which continued as their home until about 1863, when Mr. Des Voignes was burned out by the rebels. He then entered the service and removed to Mendon, Michigan, where for five years he was employed as clerk in a store, and for seven years was engaged in the drug business. The wife and mother died on the 20th of July, 1887.
L. Burget Des Voignes received his early educational training in the Mendon schools, graduating from the high school of that city in 1876, and then entered upon the study of law. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar of St. Joseph county, but in the same year entered the law department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in which he was graduated the following year, 1878. He then removed to Marcellus, Michigan, and entered upon the practice of his profession. He has largely mastered the science of jurisprudence, and his deep research and thorough preparation of every case committed to his care enable him to meet at once any contingency that may arise. He is an active member of the Republican party, and his ability has led to his selection for public honors. From 1888 to 1891 he held the office of circuit court commissioner, under appointment from Governor Luce, while from 1891 until 1893 he was prosecuting attorney of Cass county, declining a renomination at the end of his term. For five years he was a member of the board of education in Marcellus, a member of the village council for three years, and for thirteen years held the office of town attorney. He stumped the county for the Republican state committee in 1880, being an orator of much ability, and during the years 1884, 1888, 1892 he was a delegate of the state committee and was also a member of the County Republican Committee.
In 1896 Governor Rich appointed him judge of probate to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Bennett and at that time he removed to the village of Cassopolis with his family, where he now resides. He was nominated and elected for three successive terms for that office, serving a period of over ten years, and during this time was also a member of the Cassopolis board of education six years. In 1905 he was elected judge of the thirty-sixth judicial circuit, and is now occupying the bench in that circuit.
In 1880 Mr. Des Voignes was united in marriage to Allie M. Clapp, a native of St. Joseph county, Michigan, and a daughter of Dr. Clapp of Mendon, that county. One child has been born of that union, Jules Verne, now a student in university, who has written a number of articles for MUNSEY'S, ARGOSY and other magazines, and is a promising young man. In his fraternal relations Mr. Des Voignes is a member of the Masonic Order, being a Knight Templar, and of the Knights of Pythias. He ranks high at the bar and in political circles, and Cass county numbers him among her leading and influential citizens.
Typed by Darwina Michael
BURGETTE L. DEWEY
DEWEY, STORY, GREEN, PORTERBurgette L. Dewey, the senior representative of mercantile interests in Dowagiac and the county in years of continuous connection with commercial interests, was born in Oneida county, New York, October 13, 1845. His paternal grandfather, Harry Dewey, was a native of Vermont, in which state he spent his boyhood and acquired his education. He was of French and Irish lineage and on leaving New England became a resident of New York. His father, Lambert B. Dewey, was a native of Oneida county, born on the 7th of May, 1816. He was reared to the occupation of farming and followed that pursuit in New York until 1859, when he removed to Marcellus, Cass county, Michigan, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Later he made his home for a time in Van Buren county, this state, and subsequently came to Dowagiac, where his last days were passed, his death occurring July 15, 1899, when he was in his eighty-fourth year. He was a member of the Christian church and lived an exemplary life in harmony with his professions. Lambert B. Dewey was married in the Empire state to Miss Delia A. Story, a native of Oneida county, New York, who is now living in her eighty-third year. She is of Irish lineage. Her grandfather, Captain Enoch Story, was a Revolutionary soldier who won his title by service in the colonial army during the war for independence. It is supposed that he was a native of Ireland.
Burgette L. Dewey, an only child, came with his parents to Michigan in 1859 when a youth of fourteen years. He had begun his education in the district schools of New York and later he attended a high school in Michigan, while in 1865 he pursued his studies in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. Being graduated on the completion of a business course, he returned to Michigan and in 1865 came to Dowagiac, since which time he has been connected with the commercial interests of this place. He began here as a clerk and in 1873 he embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in dry goods and carpets. He has since continued in this line and is now the oldest dry goods merchant in the town. He has a well appointed establishment, carrying a good line of merchandise, and he is also interested in other business enterprises outside of the city. He has been very successful as the years have gone by. During his first year in Dowagiac he worked for nothing, but gradually he advanced and his capable service was recognized by a liberal wage. Saving his earnings, he was at length enabled to start in business on his own account and is today a prosperous merchant, enjoying in large measure the confidence and support of the public.
On the 13th of October, 1867, Mr. Dewey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Green, of Battle Creek, Michigan, a daughter of William H. Green. She was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, February 13, 1844, and has become the mother of three children: Harry B., now deceased; Harriet, the wife of W. C. Porter, of Buchanan, Michigan; and Fred L., who is a partner with his father in the conducting of the business.
Mr. Dewey has been a life-long Republican, having firm faith in the principles and ultimate triumph of his party. He was the second mayor of Dowagiac, and whether in office or out of it has been a cooperant factor in many measures for the general good. He is a prominent Mason who has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish rite and he likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has been engaged in business in Dowagic for forty years, is proprietor of the largest store here and has a very wide acquaintance throughout the city and surrounding country. His good qualities are many and his genial disposition and unfailing courtesy to his patrons as well as his honorable dealing have been factors in his success.
Typed by Barbara O'Reagan
ROBERT DOOL
DOOL, DOBSON, HAFERAmong the enterprising farmers of the county is numbered Robert Dool, living on section 3, Jefferson township. His birth occurred in the province of Ontario, Canada, near the St. Lawrence river, on the 21st of June, 1838, and he comes of Scotch descent. His father, William Dool, was a native of Scotland and was a son of Thomas Dool, whose birth occurred in the same country. He was a freeholder of Scotland and a man of considerable prominence and influence in his community. William Dool came to America. He married Miss Hester Dobson, and unto them were born ten children, nine sons and one daughter.
Robert Dool, the fifth in order of birth in this family, was reared in his native land and acquired his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two years he went upon the lakes as foreman on an American express boat and was thus employed for two seasons. In 1863 he came to Cass county, locating in Penn township, where he purchased a farm, upon which he resided continuously for about thirteen years, or until 1876, when he sold that property and bought land on section 14, Jefferson township. His time and energies were devoted to its further improvement and development until about 1901, when he located upon the farm where he now lives, on section 3, Jefferson township. His landed holdings are now extensive, comprising four hundred and seventy-two acres, of which one hundred and sixteen acres are in LaGrange township. He carries on the work of the farm himself and it is a splendid property, the land being very productive and responding readily to the cultivation which he bestows upon it. His fields are well tilled and everything about the place is kept in good repair, showing the careful supervision and painstaking efforts of an enterprising owner.
In 1880 Mr. Dool was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Hafer, a daughter of Jacob Hafer. They have become the parents of ten children: Bert, Raymond, Theo, Fred, Charles, Ina May, Georgiana, Myrtle, Reo, and Robert. All were born in Jefferson township and were here reared. Bert is now a resident of Seattle, while Theo is married and resides in Vicksburg. The others, however, are still under the parental roof and most of them are attending school.
Since age gave to Mr. Dool the right of franchise he has been a supporter of Democratic principles and has taken an active and helpful part in the work of the party. He is, however, somewhat liberal in his views, being never a bitter partisan. He was elected supervisor of Jefferson township in 1889 and filled the office for eleven years, his re-election being proof of the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and his fidelity thereto. He was also superintendent of the poor for three years. Forty-two years have come and gone since he arrrived in this county, during which period he has directed his labors along well-defined lines of business activity. He has been energetic, prompt and the right thing at the right time. Moreover he has an excellent fund of the quality of common sense, which is too often lacking, and which proves the reason of failure in many a life record. Added to this he has displayed keen perception and honesty of purpose, and thus as the years have gone by he has worked his way upward from an humble financial position to one of affluence.
Typed by Jana Mooney
FRANK DUNN
DUNN, GILLFrank Dunn, who is now filling the position of supervisor in Newberg township and resides on section 22, is one of the native sons of this township. his birth having occurred here on 8 February 1867. He is a representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of the county. His paternal grandfather, Archibald Dunn. came to Michigan when this section of the state was a wild and unimproved region and cast in his lot with the early settlers who were extending the frontier and planting the seeds of civilization here. His son, Anson L. Dunn, was born in this state and was reared amid pioneer environments and conditions. He pursued his educatoion in the public schools and after arriving at years of maturity led a very busy, useful and active life. ... He filled the position of county treasurer for four years and was a supervisor for several terms. ...
He wedded Miss Mary Gill, who is now a resident of Jones, but Mr. Dunn passed away in 1888. In the family were three children.
Frank Dunn, the youngest of the children, was reared in his native township and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he mastered the common branches of learning. In the summer months he assisted in the farm work and throughout his entire life he has carried on general agriculltural pursuits. He now has a farm of two hundred and thirty-seven acres, which he rents, while he is interested also in the ownership of the store in connection with his brother at Jones. ...
Like his father before him. Mr. Dunn is recognized as a leading and valued member of the Republican party, working earnestly and effectively for its welfare He has held many offices, serving as township clerk for nine years, while in 1899 he was elected supervisor, which position he has filled to the present time, covering a period of seven years. ...
[Editing note: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