Cass County Michigan Biographies pages R
From The History of Cass Countyby Glover

REDFIELD,MASON,BUCKLEN,HEWITT,VAN ANTWERP,

George Hammond Redfield, who follows farming and also operates a cream separator business at Edwardsburg, is a native of Ontwa township, born August 21, 1855, and in the years of an active manhood has made a creditable business record. His father, George Redfield, was a native of Connecticut, born October 6, 1796, and in 1800 went with his parents to Ontario county, New York, where he was reared and acquired his education. His youth was spent upon a farm about three miles from Clifton Springs, New York, the famous hospital resort. In 1825 and 1826 he engaged in teaching school in Milledgeville, Georgia, which was then in the heart of the slave country. He afterward returned to his father's farm and aided in its further development and improvement up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in Ontario county, New York on the 9 th of January, 1835, the lady of his choice being Miss Julia Mason, of Palmyra, New York. They became the parents of three children, Ann Maria, Julia and Louis H., deceased. Coming to the west, they settled in Ontwa township, Cass county, Michigan, in 1835, and in August 1848, George Redfield was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In September, 1851, he was again me was again married, his second union being with Jane E. Hammond, a daughter of Judge Hammond, of Essex county, New York. She was reared and educated in the Empire state and her death occurred in 1865. By this marriage there was one sone and three daughters, the eldest being George Hammond, of this review. His sisters are: Bertha, now the wife of H.E. Bucklen, of Chicago: Myra J., the wife of W. C. Hewitt, a professor in the State Normal School at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the author of a work on political science; and Abby, deceased at the age of twenty-six. All of the children of the second marriage were born in Cass county. On coming to Michigan George Redfield, Sr., took up his abode upon a farm, purchasing eight hundred and four acres of raw land from the government. He cultivated this tract, which was located in the southeastern part of Ontwa township, and in the development of this property contributed largely toward the substantial improvement of the county. His attention was given to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred October 31, 1887. He was a lifelong Democrat, and in early life took an active part in politics. In 1841 he was elected representative to the state legislature, and in 1842 and 1843 served as state senator. He was also presidential elector in 1844 and in 1845 he was appointed state treasurer by Governor Barry. In 1850 he was appointed secretary of state, and he was a member of the convention that framed the constitution of Michigan. Thus he was most active in public life, and left the impress of his individuality for good upon the measures which have formed the political history of the state. He had a very wide and favorable acquaintance among the distinguished citizens of Michigan, and his name is engraved high on the roll of her honored men.

George Hammond Redfield was reared upon the old farm homestead, where he remained until 1873, when he became active in the operation of his father's grist mill in Jefferson township, there residing until 1878. He then removed to Mason township, locating on a farm which he received from his father, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, which at that time was partially improved.

Mr. Redfield had been married on the 18 th of July, 1875, to Miss Julia A. Van Antwerp, a native of Ontwa township, born December 18, 1851, and a daughter of Simon and Louisa (Hewitt) Van Antwerp. The latter was a daughter of Dethic Hewitt, one of the honored pioneer residents of Cass county, who made his home in Edwardsburg and for forty years filled the office of justice of the peace. Simon Van Antwerp, father of Mrs. Redfield, was a native of the Genesee valley, New York, and his wife was born in Pennsylvania. They became pioneer residents of Cass county and the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Redfield is the house in which they ate their first meal after arriving in this county. Mr. Van Antwerp was a Republican and throughout his active business career carried on agricultural pursuits, but at the age of fifty four years retired from farming and removed to South Bend, Indiana, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1866, when he was sixty„one years of age. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters of whom Mrs. Redfield was the third in order of birth. The others were: Lynn: Elber, who died in infancy; Louis; Daniel and Lucy. All were born in Cass county. Mr. Van Antwerp was twice married, his first union being with Nancy Halsted, a native of New York, whom he wedded in Scotchville, New York. They were the parents of three children: Louisa; Jonas, deceased: and Elsie. The wife and mother died in Calhoun county, near Marshall, Michigan, and later Mr. Van Antwerp married Louisa Hewitt, who became the mother of Mrs. Redfield.

Typed by Jana Mooney

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RENCH,WILLIAMS,THORP,REAMS

Jonathan H. Rench, formerly identified with agricultural interests and now a well-known resident of Cassopolis, was born in Clark county, Ohio, 10 January 1842. His father, Daniel Rench, was a native of the Buckeye state and came to Cass county in 1856. Two years afterward he removed to Calhoun county, Michigan, where his remaining days were passed. He was a farmer and miller, devoting his entire life to the milling business, while in Ohio and in Michigan he gave his attention to the tilling of the soil.

His father was of a Pennsylvania Dutch family. Daniel Rench reached the advanced age of seventy-seven years ere he was called to his final rest in Calhoun county.

His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Williams, was a native of Ohio, and died in Calhoun county, Michigan, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. In their family wer twelve children, of whom two passed away in childhood while ten reached mature years and seven are now living.

Jonathan H. Rench is the ninth child in his father's family and was sixteen years of age when he came to Cass county. Here he began working by the month as a farm hand and he has since been dependent upon his own resourses. so that he may well be termed a self-made man, who as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. It was about the time of his arrival in Cass county that he cast his first presidential vote supporting the Democratic nominee for president and he has never failed to vote at a presidential election since that time.

In 1863 Mr. Rench was united in marriage to Miss Percilla J. Thorp, a daughter of Laben and Lydia (Reams) Thorpe, who came to Cass county at an early epoch in its development. Mrs. Rench was born in Jefferson township, Cass county, on the 4th of January 1846 and has spent her entire life here. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rench located on a farm in Jefferson township, their home being a log house in which they lived in pioneer style. He continued farming there for about ten years, when he removed to Cassopolis and for a time was in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company.

Later, however, he turned his attention to the butchering business, which he followed for eleven years, at the end of which time he invested his capital in fifty-five acres of land about a mile and a quarter south of Cassopolis. There he carried on farming, but at a more recent date he sold the property and now lives just outside the corporation limits of Cassopolis. ...

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rench have been born four children: Capitola, now the wife of H.D. Badgley, of Cassopolis; Grant, living in Battle Creek, Michigan; Verna, the wife of S.S. Albright, of Sacramento; and Delpha, who is at home. Mr. Rench has been a lifelong Democtrat, and for fourteen years he has filled the office of supervisor of roads. He belongs to the Knights of Maccabees fraternity and has a wide acquaintance in Cass county ...

Typed by Larry Sullivan

[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 (...).]
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REYNOLDS,MINER,EAST,STOREY,KENNICOTT,ROYER

Levi J. Reynolds, residing in Vandalia, is well known because of an active and honorable business career and also by reason of capable and faithful service in public office in this county. He is numbered among the worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to Michigan, and he has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life’s journey. His birth occurred in Portage county, Ohio, July 18, 1830. His father, Edward Reynolds, was a native of Ireland and his parents were of the Catholic belief and because Edward Reynolds would not accept the faith he was driven away from home and came to America when a young lad of about fourteen years. He made his way to New York and in the Empire state was employed at farm labor. Eventually he became a resident of Cass county, Michigan, where he arrived in 1847. He located on a farm on the borders of Calvin and Porter townships and throughout his remaining days devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He was truly a self-made man, for he started out in life amid unfavoring circumstances and with no influential friends or inheritance to assist him. He early developed a self reliant character, however, and determine spirit, and with these qualities to aid him in his business career he made steady advancement and won not only a comfortable competence but also an untarnished name by reason of his genuine worth of character. He married Betsy Miner, a native of Massachusetts, and both lived to be sixty-two years of age. Mrs. Reynolds was twice married and by her first husband, Mr. Iles, she became the mother of six children, while by her marriage to Mr. Reynolds seven children were born. Twelve of her thirteen children reached adult age, Mr. Reynolds being the third child of the second marriage.

He was reared in Knox county, Ohio, until nine years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Steuben county, Indiana, and when a young man of seventeen years he left the Hoosier state for Cass county, Michigan, where he was employed at farm labor. In this way he made a start in life and when he had saved enough from his earnings to justify his purchase of a farm he invested in land in Calvin township. As an agriculturist he displayed practical methods, was systematic in all of his work, and in the tilling of the soil and also in his care of his stock, he showed himself to be an energetic farmer with good business qualifications. He was also an auctioneer for many years, met with success in that business and thus became one of the best known men of the county.

Mr. Reynolds has been married three times. In Cass county in 1851 he wedded Miss Martha A. East and they became the parents of two sons; Austin M. and Albert. For his second wife Mr. Reynolds chose Sarah A. Storey, the widow of Albert Kennicott. By this marriage there were two daughters. For his third wife Mr. Reynolds chose Mary A. Royer, and at her death the following lines were written:

“Mary A. Royer was born March 20, 1842, in Stark county, Ohio, and died March 17, 1905, in Vandalia, Cass county, Michigan, aged sixty-two years, eleven months and twenty-seven days. In early childhood she moved with her parents to Indiana, where she resided a number of years. The latter part of her life was spent in Vandalia, Michigan, where she was united in marriage to Levi J. Reynolds in 1886. In early youth she became a Christian and has since been a consistent and faithful follower of Christ, having been identified with the Church of Christ since 1885 in Vandalia. She leaves a kind and affectionate husband and loving brothers and sisters to mourn their loss. Her pastor frequently called to see her during her sickness and ever found her the same kind, patient and Christian suffered, submitting her will to the will of the Divine. The night before the Angel of Death came to bear her Christian spirit home she left the following veautiful lines:

“‘When the waiting time is over,
When from sin and sorrow free,
We shall meet beyond the river,
There to dwell eternally’
“In the death of Mary A. Reynolds, Vandalia Chapter 235, OES, lost an honored and greatly esteemed charter member.”

In his political affiliation Mr. Reynolds is a stanch and unfaltering Republican, who has taken an active interest in political affairs and keeps well informed on all the questions and issues of the day. He served as sheriff of Cass county for two years and then owing to the ill health of his wife he would not accept a second nomination. As justice of the peace he rendered decisions which were strictly fair and impartial and during many years’ service as supervisor of Calvin township he worked earnestly for the general good of the community. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the lodge and chapter, and he is a most earnest and devoted member of the Christian church, in which he is now serving as elder, while in its work he takes an active and helpful part. His influence is ever given on the side of right, justice, truth and progress and at all times he has been found worthy of the confidence and trust which have bee uniformly given him.

Calvin K. East, who married the sister of Levi J. Reynolds, was born in Calvin township, Cass county, Michigan, October 7, 1834, and died at his home in Vandalia, April 17, 1906, aged seventy-one years, six months and ten days. He was married December 25, 1854 to Mabel P. Reynolds. To this union were born seven children, five of whom are still living: Oscar J., of Muskegon; Rollie M., of Niles; Bertha Wright and Mary Williams, of Traverse City; and Harley M., of Vandalia, all of whom were present to comfort their mother, upon whom the affliction falls so heavily. He was a member of the Friends’ church and a faithful attendant until disease laid its heavy hand on him, and had for a few months kept him confined to his home. He leaves besides a wife and five children, ten grandchildren and many other relatives and friends to mourn his loss. Rev. Stephen Scott of Penn conducted the funeral services. Interment in Birch Lake cemetery.

Typed by Carol Foss

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RICHARDSON,REED,EASTMAN

Norris Richardson, an honored veteran of the Civil war, resides in Cassopolis. He has figured prominently in events relating to the welfare and substantial improvement of the county, as at one time county treasurer, and is numbered among the old settlers. There are few native sons of the county who have resided longer within its borders, for his birth occurred in Calvin township on the 25th of December, 1835. His father, Hiram Richardson, was born in Hardin county, Ohio, was there reared and came to Michigan, a single man, in 1827. Much of the land was still in possession of the government at that time, and he entered a claim in Calvin township, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. In fact, there were few settlers in the township and only here and there was seen a clearing, in the midst of which would be found a log cabin, to indicate that the seeds of civilization had been sown which were in due time to bear rich fruit. He was married in Calvin township to Miss Catharine Reed, whose birth occurred in either Hardin or Logan county, Ohio. Her father was John Reed, who came to Cass county about 1826 or 1827 and took up his abode in Penn township adjoining Diamond lake. He, too, secured a claim, but he did not improve it, selling it soon afterward to Mr. MacIntosh. Mrs. Richardson was quite young when brought to this county by her parents, and at the time of her marriage she located with her husband in Calvin township upon the farm which he had entered from the government and on which they resided until about 1853. They then removed to Ailegan county, Michigan, where Mr. Richardson departed this life at the age of sixty-four years, while his wife lived to be about fifty-four years of age, she dying on the homestead in Calvin township. Following her death, Hiram Richardson was married to Mrs. Nancy Eastman. By his first marriage there were nine children, five of whom reached adult age, while of the second marriage there were three children, of whom two gained years of maturity.

Norris Richardson is the third child of the first marriage. He was reared in Calvin township and pursued his education in one of the old-time log school houses such as were common in pioneer districts. The furnishings of such an institution were very primitive and the methods of instruction were almost equally crude. His mother died when he was only thirteen years of age and he then started out in life for himself, working by the month as a farm hand. In this way he gained a livelihood until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, and he joined a Michigan regiment, but was not accepted. The company, however, disbanded and he went to Joliet, Illinois, where he enlisted as a member of Company F, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with that company served as a private for two years, after which he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability, receiving his discharge from General Grant. When he had somewhat recovered his health, however, he re-enlisted in 1863 as a member of Company L, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, with which he served until the 3rd of February, 1866, when he was once more honorably discharged. He was commissioned as an officer, holding the rank of first lieutenant of Company L, and was also adjutant of the regiment. His military service covered more than four years and was fraught with much danger, while his course was characterized by unfaltering fidelity to duty. He was at Frederickstown, Missouri, in 1861, and the same year the regiment went down the Mississippi river, landing at Cape Girardeau. He afterward participated in the siege of Columbus, Kentucky, and under General Grant returned up the Ohio river, participating in the battle of Fort Henry in 1862, also in the engagement at Fort Donaldson and the battles of Shiloh and Corinth. His first siege was at the last named place, and after the capitulation of that city he went with his regiment to Jackson, rdson have been born a son and daughter: Carmi Claud, who is now a resident farmer of Porter township and Ethel Frances, who died in October, 1899.

Mrs. Richardson has been a lifelong Republican, as was his father before him. He is now the commander of Albert Anderson Post, No. 157, G. A. R., having been honored with this position for about ten years. He has taken a very active and helpful interest in the work of the post and has done an able and valuable service in looking after the interests of the soldiers in this county. He has likewise attained the chapter degree in Masonry, and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. His activity has touched upon many lines of general interest, and he has never been found remiss in any duty of citizenship. Moreover, his business career has been commendable, for at the early age of thirteen years he started out in life on his own account, and he may therefore be truly called a self-made man. Through the exercise of his native talents and energies and the careful utilization of his opportunities he has become the owner of valuable property interests which now enable him to live retired. His life record is in many respects worthy of emulation, for he has displayed splendid qualifications in military and political service and in the business interests which have brought him in contact with his fellow citizens.

Typed by:Barbara O'Reagan
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RICKERT,CRAWFORD,SHAW

Charles C. Rickert deserves mention among the old settlers of Cass county, for during sixty years he has lived within its borders. This covers the entire period of his life, his birth having occurred upon the old family homestead where he now resides on the 31st of January, 1846. The farm is situated on Section 7, Calvin township, and is well improved property, which in its excellent appearance indicates the untiring labor and well-directed efforts of the Rickerts. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Abram and Magdalene Rickert, who on emigrating westward from Pennsylvania to Michigan settled in St. Joseph county. Their son, Leonard Rickert, father of our subject, was born in the Keystone state and accompanied his parents when they sought a home in the middle west. About 1840 he came to Cass county, settling on the farm where his son Charles C. now resides. It was a wild and unimproved tract, but he at once began the work of transforming the raw prairie into productive fields. Plowing and planting were carried on and the summer sun ripened the grain and good harvests were gathered in the autumn. He continued the work of cultivating and improving his property until his death. He married Miss Margaret Ann Crawford, a native of Ohio, who came with her parents to Michigan in her girlhood days. By this marriage were born six children, one of whom died in early childhood, while five reached mature years. The father departed this life when about forty-two years of age and the mother died when fifty-six years of age.

Charles C. Rickert, the second child and eldest son in the family, was reared on the farm where he yet makes his home. At the usual age he began his education as a student in the district schools of Calvin township, and he enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground when not occupied with his books or the farm work. He developed a self-reliance and force of character which have been strong elements in his career. On the 25th of May, 1877, he was married to Miss Susanna Shaw, a daughter of Nathan and Marion Shaw and a native of Ohio, in which state her girlhood days were passed. At the time of his marriage Mr. Rickert located upon the old homestead where he has since lived, giving his attention to general farming and stock raising. He here owns one hundred and two and a half acres of good land, most of which is under cultivation and in addition he has fifty acres of timber land in the same township.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rickert were born a daughter and son: Ellen, who is now engaged in teaching in Porter ownship; and Charles Herman, at home, assisting in the work of the farm.

Susanna, the daughter of Nathan and Mariam Shaw, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 25th, 1845. In 1856, she came with her parents to Michigan, settling in St. Joseph county, afterwards moving to Cass county,where she resided up to the time of her death, May 25th, 1897. On May 24th, 1877, she was united in marriage to Charles Rickert, who with two children, Ellen S. and C. Herman, survive her. She was ever a faithful and consistent Christian, always striving to do the will of her Master and ever thoughtful for the welfare of others. She was a thorough worker in whatever she was engaged and her loss is greatly felt by all who knew her.

For almost twenty years did Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Rickert travel life's pathway together, sharing alike the joys and sorrows of life. She was an amiable wife and a loving mother. She had always stood by the side of her husband, ever ready to aid him in advice and counsel in the building up of their comfortable home. She was a devout member of the Friends Church, known as Birch Lake Friends' Church, in Calvin township. Her remains are interred in the Reams and Norton cemetery, where a beautiful stone marks her last resting place. There is a vacant chair in the home circle, and a link in the mystic chain, which cannot be again filled.

Mr. Rickert has continuously resided in Calvin township with the exception of nine months spent in Cassopolis, where he removed in order to give his children better educational privileges. His study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give his advocacy to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Friends church and his life exemplifies the teachings of that sect, which has always promulgated a spirit of kindliness, consideration, charity and righteousness. He has been identified with the upbuilding of the county through six decades, bearing his full share in the work of public progress and improvement, and is justly accounted one of the representative citizens of Cass county.

Typed by Darwina Michael
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BONINE, OWEN, DENTON, McKISSICK, WILKINSON

Carleton W. Rinehart, county clerk of Cass county and a resident of Cassopolis, was born in Porter township on the 22nd of November 1869. His paternal grandfather was a native of Germany and his maternal grandfather was born in Scotland. The former, John Rinehart, became a pioneer resident of Cass county and entered from the government what is now known as the James Bonine farm in Penn township, selling it some years later to the gentleman whose name it bears. He then removed to Porter township and improved another farm. His son, Abraham Rinehart, was born in Virginia and when thirteen years of age removed with his parents to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio. About 1829 the family came to Cass county, and he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. He was first married to Miss Elizabeth Owen, of Illinois, who died about a year later, and he afterward married Hannah E. Denton, who was born in the state of New York and was brought to Cass county in her girlhood days. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart hen located in Porter township upon a farm, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for many years, his last days being spent upon the old homestead there. He died September 3, 1895, at the age of seventy-eight years, respected and honored by all who knew him. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and he was a prominent representative of the Baptist church, becoming a charter member of the Baltimore Prairie church. In its work he took an active and helpful interest, and his life was ever characterized by honorable, strong and manly principles. In his family were eleven children, six of whom reached adult age.

Carleton W. Rinehart, the youngest of the family, was reared in his native township, early becoming familiar with farm work in all of its departments, and when he was nineteen years of age he joined his brother Clarence in the purchase of all the stock and farming implements of the old homestead, after which they carried on general farming. The partnership in the management of the farm was maintained for four years, at the end of which time Carleton W. Rinehart bought his brother’s interest and operated the farm alone for a year. On the expiration of that period he removed to Mason township, where he was engaged in farming until elected county clerk in 1904. In addition to the tilling of the soil he engaged quite extensively in raising, buying and shipping fruit, and his business was profitable conducted.

On the 25th of November, 1891, Mr. Rinehart was married to Miss Grace McKissick a daughter of Moses and Clara (Wilkinson) McKissick. Mr. Rinehart has been a lifelong Republican, active in the interests of the party, and his efforts have been effective and far reaching in its behalf. As a public officer he is most loyal to his duty, and over the record of his public career and his private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He belongs to the Freewill Baptist church at Union and is temperate in his habits. It will thus be seen that his years have been characterized by upright manhood and by strict fidelity to a high standard of moral conduct.

Typed by Caral MECHLING BENNETT

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RITTER,KINGSBURY,FUNK,SAUNDERS,DAVIS

Charles A. Ritter, cashier of the First National Bank of Cassopolis, was born in Cassopolis, September 19, 1858. His paternal grandfather, John Ritter, was a native of Virginia, and came to Michigan in 1828, first locating in Berrien county, but the following year he removed to Cass county, and located on the prairie in LaGrange township. He had but recently completed his cabin when one morning, while standing in the door, he was struck by lightening, his death occurring in the year of his arrival in this county. He left a family of three sons and one daughter, including Joseph K. Ritter, the father of our subject. He was the youngest and was reared upon the old homestead farm in LaGrange township. In 1851 he came to Cassopolis and engaged in the dry goods business. In 1862 Mr. Ritter was elected county treasurer, and served in that capacity four years. In 1865 he again went into business, and continued in a active mercantile life until 1875. He was one of the original stockholders and a director in the First National Bank of Cassopolis and was made president in 1884, which position he held at the time of his death, which occurred July 30, 1891. Joseph K. Ritter was married to Miss Amanda F. Kingsbury, a native of Needham, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Asa Kingsbury, who is represented on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter became the parents of four children, one died in infancy and one daughter at the age of thirteen years, the other daughter, Mrs. Dr. Funk, is living in Cassopolis.

Charles A. Ritter is the second child of the family and was reared in Cassopolis. On the 1st of July, 1877, he entered the First National Bank of Cassopolis as bookkeeper. Soon afterward he was made assistant cashier, continuing in that capacity until 1891, when he was chosen cashier, which position he is now filling. His connection with the bank covers a period of more than twenty-eight years, and the success of the institution is attributable in no small degree to his efforts.

On the 13th of December, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ritter and Miss Mary E. Davis, a daughter of William and Eliza F. (Saunders) Davis. Mrs. Ritter was born in Trenton, Michigan, but was reared and educated at South Bend, Indiana. They have one son, Joseph K., who is yet at home with his parents.

Mr. Ritter was a trustee of the village of Cassopolis for a number of years and also president of the village board for two terms, and he exercised his official prerogatives in support of all movements which he deemed of public benefit.

Typed by Carol Foss

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RITTER,RENESTON,BUCKLIN,NORTON,ACKERMANN,SCHMITT

John J. Ritter, treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Dowagiac, was born in LaGrange, Cass county, on the 6th of July 1848. His father, David M. Ritter, was born in Indiana in 1828, and was only five years of age when brought to Michigan by his father, John S. Ritter, who made his way to Berrien county and afterward settled in Cass county when David M. Ritter was only six years of age. He was therefore reared here amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, and was educated in the old-time schools. He spent his youth and also the years of his manhood upon the same farm, thus living for many years in LaGrange township. His entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he passed away in August, 1865, respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Malinda A. Reneston, was a native of Indiana and came to Cass county in early girlhood with her father, William Reneston, who operation the first carding mill in the county. Mrs. David Ritter died when sixty-two years of age. In the family were three sons: John J., of this review; William R., who was a resident of Berrien county, Michigan, and died June 18, 1906; and Joseph A., who died at the age of nine years.

John J. Ritter is now the only representative of the family in Cass county. He was reared in LaGrange township upon the farm which he now owns and which was the property of his father at an early day. His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools and he also attended school in Dowagiac. He was but sixteen years of age at the time of his father's death, when he took charge of the home farm and assumed the care of his mother. The management of the property was a great responsibility for a youth of his years, but he ably performed the task devolving upon him and displayed excellent ability and keen discrimination in the management of his affairs. He was first married in 1870 to Miss Cynthia A. Bucklin, a daughter of William P. and Mary A. Bucklin. She died May 5, 1897, leaving one son, Dr. Jesse W. Ritter, who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Charleston, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Ritter chose Christiana Norton, the widow of Abraham Ackerman. They were married in 1898. By her first marriage Mrs. Ritter had two children: Estella, the wife of Charles Schmitt, a hardware merchant of Dowagiac, carrying on business as a member of the firm of Schmitt Brothers; and Abe, who died when twenty-one years of age.

Leaving the farm, Mr. Ritter located in Dowagiac about 1887 and engaged in the grocery business, which he carried on for about nine years. About 1900, however, he disposed of his store. He has held various official positions, including that of road commissioner, in which position he did very capable service in the improvement of the roads in the county. He has been one of the trustees of the cemetery about twelve years, and president of the association about three years. He was elected treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Dowagiac January 9, 1906, and is now filling the position in a most capable and able manner. He still owns a valuable farm comprising two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in LaGrange township, which he rents. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy where national issues are involved, but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp, and he contributes to the support of the Methodist Episcopal church, although not a member of the organization. He has been a lifelong resident of Cass county, living here for fifty-seven years, and has taken an active interest in its progress and development. He is indeed a representative of one of its oldest families, the name of Ritter having long figured honorably in connection with agricultural interests, business life and public affairs. Wherever known, Mr. Ritter commands the esteem and confidence of many friends, and Dowagiac numbers him among her representative citizens.

Typed by Carol Foss

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ROBBINS,DAVISON,CUNDIFF,SPEECE,BATES,ROGERS,CHADWICK

G. W. Robbins, who carries on farming interests on section 27, Porter township, and is numbered among the prominent early settlers of the county, was born December 16, 1840, on the place where he yet resides. The family name has long been closely and honorable associated with the history of the county in the work of development and improvement. His father, Moses Robbins, was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to the age of eighteen years, when, in 1831, he came to Michigan, settling in 1833 upon the farm which is now the home of G. W. Robbins of this review. He was one of the earliest residents of Porter township and he also took up land from the government in Motville township, St. Joseph county, that he traded for the farm upon which our subject now resides. On the latter tract he built a log cabin on the bank of what is now called Robbins Lake, having been so named in his honor. Subsequently he built the log house in which G. W. Robbins first opened his eyes to the light of day and subsequently he erected a brick residence that yet stands on the farm and is one of the old and prominent landmarks of this portion of the county. He died in 1849 at the comparatively early age of forty-two years, yet during the period of his residence in the county he took an active and helpful part in reclaiming the district for the purposes of civilization and in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and prosperity. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Davison and was a native of Ohio. She lived to the age of seventy-five years. In their family were five children: Lucinda J., now deceased; William, who is living in Elkhart, Indiana; George W., of this review; Mrs. Nancy Ellen Cundiff, whose home is in Aledo, Illinois; and Mrs. Mary L. Speece, of Porter township.

Mr. Robbins was the third child and second son of the family and upon the old homestead farm he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, alternating his work in the fields through the summer months with attendance at the district schools in the winter seasons. His entire life has been passed upon this farm and thus its present state of improvement and development is largely attributable to his persevering and diligent effort. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Sarah J. Rogers, to whom he was married on the 6th of October, 1863. She is a daughter of Jesse and Mary A. (Bates) Rogers and was born in Yates county, New York, on the 17th of October, 1844. In her early childhood, when only about two years old, she was brought by her parents to Cass county, the family home being established in Porter township, where she has since lived. By her marriage she has become the mother of eight children: Lefy, now the wife of L. C. Chadwick, a resident of Grangeville, Idaho; Linward G., a farmer who owns a good property in Constantine township, St. Joseph county, Michigan; M. L., who is engaged in the grocery business at Elkhart, Indiana; Leslie D., a civil engineer, residing in Mexico; Lyle M. C. now of Montana; Lena G., who is attending the Hillsdale (Michigan) College; and two are deceased.

Mr. Robbins has a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, which is supplied with modern equipments, and also owns another valuable property of two hundred and nine and a half acres on section 35, Porter township. His landed possessions in all embrace three hundred and sixty-three and a half acres, which property returns to him a very desirable income. His business is carefully conducted and everything about his place is indicative of a progressive spirit and practical methods. He has voted with the Republican party since age gave to him the right of franchise and has taken an active interest in political questions and issues of the day and the success of the party organization. He has held various local offices, including that of highway commissioner and township treasurer, serving in the latter position for two terms. He has been a lifelong resident of the county and his mind bears the impress of its early historic annals. He can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer life and experiences and he is a worthy representative of that class of citizens whose labors, while promoting individual success, have also been of benefit to the county in furthering its agricultural development and also in promoting its political status.

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ROBERTSON,BRIGGS,ELY,PUTNAM

Alexander Robertson, following the occupation of farming on section 27, Pokagon township, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Argyle, Washington county, New York, on the 3d of March, 1826. His father, Archibald Robertson, was likewise a native of Washington county, born in Cambridge in 1784, and in that state he was reared, becoming a farmer by occupation. He was married in Washington county to Miss Amy Robertson, who was born in New York in 1787, and remained a resident of that state until her death, which occurred in 1852. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Robertson were born nine children, five sons and four daughters: William, Peter C., Martha, Mary, Archibald, John, Joanna and Elizabeth, all deceased; and Alexander, who is the youngest and only surviving member of the family. All were born and reared in Washington county, New York. The mother died in Onondaga county, that state. In February, 1854, the father emigrated westward to Cass county, Michigan, settling in Pokagon township on the farm which is now the home of his son Alexander. Here he carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred June 28, 1867. His early political allegiance was given to the Whit party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party.

Alexander Robertson obtained his education in the public schools of New York and worked upon the home farm there until twenty-seven years of age, when he came with his family to Michigan. He had been married in the Empire state on the 13th of March, 1850, to Miss Mary E. Briggs, a native of Wayne county, New York, born June 20, 1827. She was reared in New York and was a daughter of William and Roxanna (Ely) Briggs, who were farming people. After his marriage Mr. Robertson remained for four years in New York and was a teacher in that state for a long period, becoming actively connected with the profession when seventeen years of age. After his arrival in Michigan he taught school for two years at Summerville and was also a teacher in LaGrange township for two years, while in the winter of 1874-5 he taught the village school at Pokagon. He was thus closely associated with the intellectual development of the community and ever upheld a high standard of education and public instruction. His fitness for leadership being recognized by his fellow citizens he was elected to the state legislature in 1872 upon the Republican ticket and served as a member of the house for two years. He has been a life-long Republican, taking an active and helpful interest in the local work of the party and doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He has been a member of the school board since living in the county and the cause of public instruction has indeed found in him a warm and able champion. He was township supervisor for eight years during the war and subsequent to that time. At his father's death he took possession of the old homestead of eighty acres, to which he has since added a similar tract, so that he now owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which annually returns to him an excellent income.

By his first marriage Mr. Robertson had eight children, a son and seven daughters, namely: Eudora, deceased; Ella Evangeline; Ida E.; Harriet and Ann, both deceased; Amy L.; Martha, who has passed away; and Frank A. Two of the children were born in New York and the others upon the old homestead farm in Pokagon township after the removal of the family to this county. The wife and mother died March 22, 1874, and several years later, on the 24th of April, 1883, Mr. Robertson was married to Mrs. Uzziel Putnam, the widow of Uzziel Putnam, the first white child born in Cass county, his natal day being in August, 1826. Mrs. Robertson is a native of Galesburg, Illinois. Both our subject and his wife are esteemed by a large circle of friends and he is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county, having cast in his lot with its early residents. From that time to the present he has been a champion of progressive public measures and has rejoiced in what has been accomplished in the county as the changes have been wrought that have transformed it from a pioneer region into one of rich fertility, bearing all the evidences of an advanced civilization.

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ROCKWELL,BUSHMAN,BUTLER,MILLER,ODELL,RUCH,STENBURG

Among the citizens of Cass county who have long been connected with its history, their residence here dating back to an early period, so that they are entitled to rank with the old settlers, is John D. Rockwell, now living on section 25, Porter township, where he owns a good farm. He was born in Huron county, Ohio, September 8, 1842. His paternal grandfather was Caleb Rockwell, of English descent. His father, Samuel R. Rockwell, was a native of Connecticut and was there reared. In early life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade and also carried on farming. The reports which he heard concerning business opportunities in the west induced him to seek a home in Michigan, and in the fall of 1844 he came to this state, taking up his abode upon the farm in Porter township, Cass county, upon which his son, John D. Rockwell, now resides. He had, however, been a resident of Huron county for a brief period when he traded a farm of eighty acres in that county for one hundred and sixty acres of land here without seeing the place. The tract was an unbroken wilderness, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made. There was not a single building and he built a small frame house in the midst of the forest and began to cut away the timber and clear and cultivate the land. In the course of years where once stood the dense forest were seen waving fields of grain, promising rich harvests and as time passed he became one of the substantial citizens of the community as the result of his carefully directed business affairs. He died December 16, 1884, in his eighty-first year -- one of the venerable, respected and honored citizens of the county. He was a resident of Constantine for about twenty-two years, having retired from active business life, the evening of his days being spent in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He was also justice of the peace in Porter township for about sixteen years and for a similar period in Constantine and his decisions were strictly fair and unbiased, neither fear nor favor swerving him in his application of the law to the points at issue. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy. He was an honest man, whose integrity was at all times above question and by reason of this and his ability he was called upon to transact many business interests for other people. He was closely identified with the early history of Cass county and his labors contributed to its substantial progress and improvement. He married Mary Ann Bushman, a native of New York, who was born near Rochester and was a daughter of George Bushman. She died in 1856 in the thirty-ninth year of her age, and Samuel R. Rockwell afterward married Celia Butler. There were five sons of the first union: George B., who died in 1904; Francis M., who is living in Three Rivers, Michigan; John D., of this review; Henry O., who passed away February 8, 1860; and Edson W., who is living in Porter township, Cass county. The children of the second marriage are: Ralph, who died about 1868; and Libby, who passed away the same year.

John D. Rockwell was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Cass county, the family home being established in Porter township, where he was reared. His education was acquired in the public schools, pursuing his studies in the little school-house which his father built. Throughout the period of his minority he remained upon the home farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow and in the care of the stock. He was thus occupied until he attained his majority, after which he operated the home farm for one year. In 1864 he went to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained until 1866, being engaged in mining in that locality. He then returned again to the old homestead, where he has since resided, his attention being given in undivided manner to agricultural interests.

On the 21st of February, 1867, was celebrated the marriage of John D. Rockwell and Miss Adelia Miller, a daughter of Charles F. and Rebecca (Odell) Miller, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They became residents of Michigan at an early day, settling in St. Joseph county in 1836, when the work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun there. They established a home on the frontier, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers and sharing in the hardships and trials incident to life in the far west -- for Michigan was then a border state. Mrs. Rockwell was born in St. Joseph county, March 25, 1843, and was there reared and educated. At the time of their marriage they located on the old homestead farm, which has since been their place of residence. As the years went by Mr. Rockwell gave his undivided attention and energies to the development and cultivation of his land and to the improvement of his farm, which is now a valuable property, supplied with all of the equipments and conveniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. In 1883 he built his present residence, and he now has two houses upon the place, also commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. His place comprises two hundred and twenty-seven and a half acres of good land, the soil being alluvial and responding readily to the care and labor which are bestowed upon the fields and which return golden harvests. Mr. Rockwell personally manages and operates the farm and is a wide-awake, progressive agriculturist, meeting with very gratifying success in his chosen life work.

Three children were born unto our subject and his wife, namely: Jennie G., who is now the wife of L. N. Ruch, of Chicago; Hattie L., the wife of Phar Stenberg, who resides upon the old homestead in Porter township; and Cora B., who was born December 22, 1874, and died February 16, 1875.

Mr. Rockwell votes with the Democracy, when national questions are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot, supporting the men whom he regards as best qualified to take charge of the business interests of town or county. He has been school treasurer of his district for twenty years and could have held other offices but would not accept, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs. He is a man of liberal spirit and has contributed to many good causes. He belongs to the Grange and is intensely interested in all that pertains to the agricultural development of the county. He has been a resident of Porter township for sixty-one years and is one of its pioneer and representative citizens, helping to make the county what it is today. His name is closely interwoven with its history and his successful career should serve to encourage and inspire others, for his prosperity is largely due to his own well directed labors, capable business management and keen discernment.

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ROEBECK,KRUGER,HANKE,REUM,GEIDEMANN

The farming interests find a worthy representative in John Lewis Roebeck, who is living on section 6, Milton township. He has here one hundred and twenty acres of land that is arable and productive, responding readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it, and he has made it a valuable property. Moreover his fidelity to the public good is manifest in various offices which he has ably filled. A native of Germany, he was born in the province of Posen on the 11th of December, 1840. His father, John Roebeck, was also a native of that country and came to America about 1873. His last days were spent in Niles, Berrien county, Michigan, where he departed this life when about sixty-five years of age. In early manhood he had married Anna Kruger, who was also born in Germany and died in that country. There were three children in the family, two daughters and a son.

John Lewis Roebeck, of this review, was reared in his native country and attended the common schools until fourteen years of age in accordance with the laws of that land. His youth was also given to farm labor and when about twenty-five years of age he entered the employ of the government, being overseer of the government forest reserve until 1871. Thinking that he would have better advantages in the new world and that business opportunities might more readily come to him here, he sailed for the United States in 1871, first locating in Michigan City, Indiana. He scorned no employment that would yield him an honest living and began here by chopping wood. For six years he remained in Michigan City, and then removed to Vandalia, Cass county, Michigan, where he entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company as a section hand, being thus engaged for three years. He was then appointed night watchman at the handle factory in Vandalia, occupying that position for two and a half years, after which he purchased a farm in Penn township, comprising eighty acres of land. He then located upon this farm, which he sold after two years, at the end of which time he rented a farm in Calvin township. There he continued to reside for about three years, when he went to Jefferson township, where he again rented land, living on three different farms in that township during a period of eight years. All this time he worked energetically and persistently, and as the result of his earnest labor and his industry he acquired the competence that enabled him to purchase the farm upon which he now resides on section 6, Milton township. Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land which has been made arable and productive by reason of the cultivation which is bestowed upon it. Year after year he has worked hard in order to make his farm a valuable property, and is now enjoying the fruits of his toil in the ownership of richly cultivated fields which annually return to him good harvests.

Mr. Roebeck was married in 1862 to Miss Amelia Hanke, also a native of the province of Posen, Germany. Unto this union have been born ten children: Charles, at home; Anson, a farmer of Berrien county; Frederick, at home; Hermann, of whom mention is later made; Emma, at home; Bertha, the wife of Yust Reum, of Milton township; Augusta, the wife of Wilhelm Reum, of Milton township; Minnie, the wife of Edward Geidemann, who is living in Niles; Hattie, at home; and Catherine, who is engaged in teaching. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, and five of the children were born in Cass county. Hermann Roebeck, who was born in Penn township, January 6, 1878, took an active part in politics and was elected recorder of deeds in 1900. He held the office for four years, having been re-elected in 1902. He was township clerk of Milton township at the time he was chosen to the county office, and at all times he has been found faithful and loyal to the trust reposed in him. For one term he was school inspector. In the spring of 1906 he was elected supervisor of Milton township on the Democratic ticket. He now resides in Milton township, although he was engaged in the real estate business in Niles, Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge at Dowagiac.

John L. Roebeck exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and has been called upon to fill a number of public positions by those of his fellow townsmen who recognize in him a trustworthy and progressive citizen. He has been justice of the peace for two terms and his decisions were fair and impartial. He was highway commissioner for one term and is now a member of the board of review. Mr. Roebeck has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this county and with pleasure we present the history of his life to the readers of this volume.

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ROSWARNE,SMITH,DINAN

Henry G. Rosewarne, acting as township clerk, his home being in section 7, Milton township, was born upon this farm February 17, 1867. The family is of English lineage, and the grandfather was Dr. John V. Rosewarne, who became one of the pioneers of Cass county, reaching Milton township in 1834, and was identified with many events which shaped the early annals of this part of the state. He was born in the parish of Gwinear, county of Cornwall, England, in the year 1789. He was a pupil of the celebrated Sir Astley Cooper, and from him received the early teaching which made him so successful in after life as a physician and surgeon. In the county of Cornwall he enjoyed for many years an extensive and lucrative practice, living in the township of Wadebridge until he removed to this country. In the year 1829 he emigrated to America with his family and settled upon the shore of Canandaigua Lake, New York, where he lived in quiet retirement until 1832. In that year, cholera having made its first appearance in this county, he was requested by the citizens of Canandaigua to go to the city of New York while it was raging there to investigate the causes of that new pllague and determine the proper treatment of it in all its phases. Among the eminent physicians of New York he achieved a high reputation, not only for the skillful treatment of that disease, but also for eminence in his profession generally. After coming to this country. Dr. Rosewarne did not practice his profession in the ordinary acceptance of that term, but for more than thirty years he cheerfully and gratuitously gave his services whenever requested with like assiduity to the rich and the poor, and there were few families in the community that were not at some time benefited by his professional skill. A lover of nature, he enjoyed the seclusion of the lake shore where he so long dwelt, and although not seeking general society, he was eminently sociable and hospitable. His coming was always welcome, whether to assuage the pains of sickness or receive the hospitality of his friends. He had passed so much of his life in that locality, devoting his talents and acquirements to the relief of others, and had proved himself so kind and true and so generous in his friendship that his loss was so keenly felt by the community as to secure among them an enduring and affectionate remembrance. He died at Canandaigua, New York, August 19, 1863, aged seventy-six years.

Charles F. Rosewarne, father of our subject, was a native of Cornwall, England, and was only nine years of age when he accompanied his father, Dr. John V. Rosewarne, to America. He was reared in New York, and with the family came to Michigan in 1834. He remained for about ten years, after which he returned to New York, where he engaged in business as railroad contractor through the succeeding decade. He built many railroads in the east, and was thus closely associated with the substantial improvement and development of that section of the country, for it has been said that railroad building is the most important agency in the settlement of a community, furnishing the means whereby the natural resources of the county that have been transformed into marketable commodities can be placed in trade circles. In 1849 Mr. Rosewarne returned to Cass county and settled upon the farm where his son, Henry G., now resides. His father owned a sawmill and Charles F. Rosewarne was also engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He continued an active representative of industrial interests in this county for a number of years, and died at the advanced age of eighty-one. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy, and he held various local offices in the township, including that of township treasurer. He was well known in the community, and was a recognized leader in public affairs, leaving the impress of his individuality and activity upon many measures for the public good. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Smith, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Hezekiah Smith, who was descended from Mayflower ancestry, the family having been established in Massachusetts during the period of early colonization in New England. Mrs. Rosewarne still survives her husband and is now seventy-seven years of age. In the family were eight children, five sons and three daughters, and with the exception of one son all are yet living.

Henry G. Rosewarne is the youngest of the family and the only one who now resides in Cass county. He was reared upon the old family homestead and acquired his education in the common schools, devoting his time to the labors of the field when not occupied with his text books. In 1888 he went to Chicago, and for four years was engaged in the hardware business in that city. In 1892 he returned to the old homestead in Cass county, where he has since been engaged in general farming. Everything about his place is in keeping with the ideas of modern farming, there being fair buildings, the latest improved machinery, well kept fences and highly cultivated fields. Mr. Rosewarne realizes that diligence is the basis of all success, and by his unremitting effort has won a creditable place among the substantial agriculturists of the county. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres, and Mr. Rosewarne is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and dairying, having a good business in both departments.

On the 7th of September, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Henry G. Rosewarne and Miss Eva I. Dinan, a daughter of John M. and Ellen (Smith) Dinan, who became pioneer settlers of Cass county, Michigan. They are still living, and yet remain residents of this county. Their daughter, Mrs. Rosewarne, was born in Jefferson township, Cass county, was educated in the home school and in the Ferris Industrial School. Prior to her marriage she successfully engaged in teaching for three years. Mr. Rosewarne has taken an active part in politics and has held various offices, to which he has been called by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. He was treasurer of Milton township in 1896-7, has been justice of the peace, and in 1900 was appointed to fill the vacancy in the office of township clerk. He was then elected in 1901, and has been elected each succeeding year, so that he is still the incumbent in this position. His entire life has been passed in Cass county, and his record is as an open book which all may read. He has never attempted to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen, but has lived so as [to] win their respect and confidence, and has made a creditable record in business and political circles. Mr. and Mrs. Rosewarne have a copy of the parchment deed which was executed June 25, 1834, and bears the signature of President Jackson, this being one of the valued documents of the county.

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ROSS,BLANCHARD,DIXON

The German poet, Goethe, has said, "Merit and success go linked together," and this statement finds verification in the life record of F. H. Ross, who by his diligence and unabating energy acquired the competence that now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of well-earned ease at his pleasant home in Dowagiac. He was born in Essex, New York, August 3, 1834, a son of Henry H. Ross, who was also a native of that county. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Ross, was born in Rosshire, Scotland, and following his emigration to the new world became a manufacturer at Essex, New York, where he was connected with the operation of iron works and also the conduct of a lumber industry. Henry H. Ross followed the acquirement of his literary education by the study of law and became a practicing attorney in the village of Essex, New York, where his last days were passed. He was one of the electors on the presidential ticket when Zachary Taylor was chosen chief executive of the nation. His ability in the trial of important law cases won him prominence and enabled him to command high fees. For a single case he received ten thousand dollars. His mind was keenly analytical, logical and inductive and he had comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and displayed great accuracy in their application to the points at issue. He filled the office of judge of the circuit court in New York and was also a general of the state militia, serving as aid-de-camp on the staff of General McComb at the battle of Plattsburg. He lived to be seventy-two years of age and was regarded as one of the most prominent and honored men in his portion of the Empire state. His wife bore the maiden name of Susanna Blanchard and was a daughter of Judge Blanchard of Salem, New York, who was of French Huguenot descent and became a distinguished attorney of the Empire state. Mrs. Ross was also a representative of the family of Dr. Proudfoot, who was a noted Presbyterian minister. She was reared and educated in Salem, which was the place of her birth and she lived to be seventy-two years of age. In the family were seven children, two daughters and five sons, all of whom reached adult age, while the daughters and two of the sons are yet living, namely: John, who resides in Plattsburg, New York, where he is connected with manufacturing interests; Frances Ellen; and one daughter who is living in New York City.

F. H. Ross of this review was the third in order of birth of the seven children. He acquired a common school education in Essex and was graduated at Burlington College. He studied law but on account of his eyesight was compelled to relinquish the plan of following the profession and came west to Detroit, where he entered upon his business career as a clerk in a hardware store. In 1860 he removed to Dowagiac and established a hardware business on his own account, conducting the same with success until 1886, when he disposed of his stock and turned his attention to the real estate, loan and insurance business, in which he soon secured a good clientage, continuing in that business until 1901, when he retired altogether from active connection with commercial or industrial interests. He won a fair amount of prosperity in his undertakings and in fact accumulated capital sufficient to now enable him to rest in the enjoyment of his fruits of his former toil, having all of the necessities and comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Ross was married in 1859 to Miss Frances Dixon, daughter of Captain William Dixon, of Burlington, Vermont. She was born in that city, where her girlhood days were passed and her education was acquired. Two children have blessed this union: Frances Minnie, at home; and Susanna D., who became the wife of R. W. Sheldon and died, leaving a son, Frederick R., who is the only grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Ross. In his political affiliation Mr. Ross in independent, voting for the candidates whom he regards [as] best qualified for office. He has served as president of the village board, but has never been an office seeker and has refused to become a candidate. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree. For many years he has been identified with the interests of Dowagiac, his residence here covering four decades. The town contained only about seven hundred inhabitants when he arrived, and from that time to the present he has been closely associated with its business interests and its material, intellectual, moral and social progress. His life has been actuated by no mad rush for wealth, for he has been content with a fair share of the world's goods and is now enjoying life in well-earned rest.

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ROSS,BOUGART,ORT,LUSE,CORMANY,GARL

Jasper J. ROSS, filling the office of township supervisor in Mason township and residing upon a farm on section 14, was born April 2, 1858, upon this place which is yet his home. He therefore belongs to one of the old families of the county. His father, Richard C. ROSS, was a native of Stark county, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen years accompanied his parents, Jacob and Betsy ROSS, to Cass county, settling first in Edwardsburg, in Ontwa township. There Jacob ROSS took up forty acres of land, which was wild and unimproved, and began the development of a farm. Richard C. ROSS also secured a claim from the government, and Mr. and Mrs. ROSS have in their possession one of the old parchment deeds bearing date and execution of September 10, 1838, and bearing the signature of President Martin Van BUREN, the fourth deed of the kind found in Cass county. It is a valuable document and heirloom in the ROSS household. This was in December, 1832, and they were among the original settlers of the county. The most farsighted could not have dreamed of the development and progress which were soon to transform the district into a region of rich fertility and productiveness, and yet there were to be many years of arduous toil on the part of the pioneers and subsequent settlers before this result could be accomplished. The grandfather and father of our subject were both active in reclaiming the wild land for the purposed of civilization, and turned the first furrow upon many an acre. Having arrived at years of maturity, Richard C. ROSS was united in marriage in 1848, in Mason township, to Miss Mehitable BOUGART, who was born in Geneseo, New York, April 1, 1815, and was a daughter of John O. and Mehitable BOUGART, who came from the east to Michigan in 1829, settling in Edwardsburg, Cass county. Mrs. ROSS was then a little maiden of eight summers, and was therefore reared in Michigan amid pioneer surroundings and environments. The homes of the settlers were largely log cabins and the furnishings were very primitive and meager as compared to the homes of the present day. Mrs. ROSS proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate for life's journey and possessed many excellent traits of character of heart and mind, which endeared her to all who knew her. She reached the advanced age of eighty-five years and nine months, while Richard C. ROSS departed this life on the 22d of April, 1901, at the very venerable age of eighty-seven years. His early political allegiance was given to the Whip party, and upon the organization of the new Republican party, formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks and continued one of its stalwart advocates until his demise. He took a very active and helpful part in the settlement and upbuilding of Cass county, and his name is enrolled among those to whom the citizens of the later day owe a debt of gratitude for what the pioneers accomplished in the early period of development here. Unto him and his wife were born two daughters and a son, the sisters of our subject being Mrs. Julia ORT, who is living in Mason township, and Mrs. Samantha LUSE, whose home is in Elkhart, Indiana.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Jasper J. ROSS in his boyhood days. He was reared upon the farm where he now resides, and at an early age he took his place in the fields, aiding in the plowing, planting and harvesting. His education was obtained in the old brick schoolhouse in district No. 5. He has never been away from the farm for an entire week in his life, but has applied himself earnestly and faithfully to his farm labor, and is the owner of one hundred acres of rich and productive land, which is devoted to general farming. He has good grades of stock upon his place and is enterprising in his work, which has brought him the success which he to-day enjoys.

On Christmas day of 1887 Mr. ROSS was united in marriage to Miss Nettie CORMANY, a daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (GARL) CORMANY, and a native of Elkhart county, Indiana, although her girlhood days were largely passed in this state. Mr. ROSS cared for his parents until their deaths. By his marriage there have been born two daughters, Bessie M. and Shirley M., both at home. The family are held in hight esteem in the community, having many warm friends.

Mrs. ROSS is an earnest Democrat in his political views, active in the interests of the party, and has held all of the township offices to which he has been called by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his ability and his loyalty to the public good. He has served as township treasurer two terms, has been highway commissioner and in 1895 was elected township supervisor, being the present incumbent in the office. Mr. ROSS is a member of the United Brethren church, in which he has served as trustee, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, who has done effective service in behalf of the school as a member of the school board during nine years incumbency in that office. He has been a life-long resident of the county, living for forty-eight years upon the same farm and has been closely identified with its development, its agricultural interests and its political welfare.

Typed by Caral MECHLING BENNETT

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RUDD,BRAKEMAN,GEPHART,

Barak L. Rudd, proprietor of the Forest Hall Hotel, at Diamond Lake, near Cassopolis, was born in Newburg township, October 21, 1846, and belongs to that class of citizens who find in the faithful performance of each day’s duties opportunity for the exercise of their talents and energies and gain through their industry, perseverance and diligence the success which is the desired goal of all business endeavor.

Mr. Rudd is descended from New England ancestry. His father, Barker F. Rudd, was a native of Rutland, Vermont, born in 1810 and in 1834 he came to Cass County, being then a young man of twenty-four years. He found here a district largely wild and unimproved, and he established his home in what is now Newberg township, being one of the first settlers of the county, and aiding in its primitive development and progress. He assisted in organizing the township, in formulating its plan of government and he was afterward called to the offices of justice of the peace and supervisor. In politics he was originally a Whig, and upon the organization of the new Republican party joined its ranks, continuing to give it his support until his death, which occurred when he was seventy years of age. In early manhood he married Lucinda Brakeman, a daughter of Lewis Brakeman, who was captain of a schooner and was lost on Lake St. Clair. The Rudds were of Scotch and Irish descent. In the father’s family there were four daughters and four sons.

Barak L. Rudd, the second son and fourth child, was reared upon the old family homestead and in his youth attended the common schools, while in the summer months his attention was devoted tot he work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He was a young man of but seventeen years when in response to his country’s call for aid he enlisted in 1863 as a member of the Fourteenth Michigan Battery of Light Artillery. He joined that command as a private and served for two years, or until the close of the war, being largely engaged in duty in the vicinity of Washington. following the cessation of hostilities he returned to his native township, where he was engaged in farming. He continued to till the soil until 1880, when he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, opening a store in Vandalia, where he carried on business for six years, or until 1886. The same year he was elected supervisor of Penn township, and was also chosen to the office of county clerk, which position he held for four years, or two terms. In 1891 he purchased the Forest Hall Hotel, which he has since been conducting. It is a well known hostelry, containing about forty rooms, and is pleasantly situated on the north shore of Diamond lake. A liberal patronage is accorded, the hotel having become a favorite summer resort, and in connection with its conduct, Mr. Rudd also maintains a boat livery. He closely studies the needs and wishes of his patrons, and does everything in his power for the comfort, welfare and happiness of his guest. At the same time he manages the business interests of the house with capability and is meeting with good success.

In 1880 Mr. Rudd was united in marriage to Miss Alice G. Gephart, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Gephart, and unto them has been born a son, Leo B. Rudd, who died when eleven years of age. When age gave to Mr. Rudd the right to franchise he acknowledged his belief in the principles of the Republican party, and has since been one of its stalwart advocates. He is a member of the Albert Anderson Post, No. 157, G.A.R., and maintains pleasant relationships with his old army comrades at the camp fires and in the work of the organization. His devotion to his country is manifest in the same loyal spirit of helpfulness and progress which he displayed when upon the southern battlefields he fearlessly defended the old flag and the cause which it represented. He has always lived in Cass county and the fact that many of his staunchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from his boyhood days down to the present is an indication of an honorable and upright life.

Typed by:Carol Foss
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RUSSEY,DeRUSSEY,BRAKEMANHARWOOD,EASTON

On the roster of county official in Cass county appears the name of E. J. Russey, who is serving as sheriff and who makes his home in Cassopolis. His birth occurred in Howard township on the 13th of October, 1866. His father, William Russey, was a native of Winchester, Tennessee, born in 1811. His paternal grandfather, William Russey, was of French lineage and the name was originally DeRussey. About 1821 the grandfather removed with his family to Muncie, Indiana, where William Russey, the a youth of ten years, was reared and educated. He continued a resident of that state until about 1856 when he came to Cass county, settling at Vandalia. Here he was engaged in the hotel business for a time, but later removed to Howard township, locating on a farm, where he resided until 1877, when he removed to Newberg township. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits, and his death occurred there on the 18th of March, 1892. He was a Republican in politics and was justice of the peace. His interest in community affairs was deep and sincere and arose from an earnest desire for public progress and improvement. He was one of the active workers of the Republican party and never missed an election. His fraternal relations were with the Masons, and his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft in its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He live to be eighty years of age and since his death his memory has been enshrined in the hearts of many who knew and respected him. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Brakeman, and she was a native of St. Clair county, Michigan, born March 225, 1830, and in 1836 she came to Cass county with her mother. Her father, Captain Lewis G. Brakeman, was drowned in Lake St. Clair while commanding a vessel. The mother, Mrs. Candace Brakeman, afterward removed to Cass county, settling in Newberg township, where Mrs. Russey was reared, the family being among the early pioneer residents of that locality. Mrs. Russey has watched almost the entire growth and development of this part of the state, watching its transition form a wilderness to its present state of cultivation and improvement. She is now seventy-five years of age and she makes her home with her son, E. J. Russey. She was married in this county and became the mother of five sons, two of whom are now deceased. The three yet living are: William B., a resident of Owosso, Michigan; Wiley, who is a twin brother of William and follows farming in Newberg township, Cass county; and E. J. of this review.

The last named was reared on the old homestead farm in Newberg township and acquired a common-school education. He worked at farm labor during the period of his youth and remained a resident of his native township until 1900, when he came to Cassopolis to accept the position of undersheriff, which he filled for four years. In 1904 he was elected sheriff by the Republican party of Cass county, which position he is now filling. He was married in December, 1891, to Miss Carrie Harwood, a daughter of William and Clarissa (Easton) Harwood, who was born in Newberg township and there was reared, her parents being pioneer settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Russey have four children: Lena, born June 3, 1894; Mabel, May 10, 1897; Mark Hanna, August 9, 1899; and Hazel, January 3, 1902.

Mr. Russey is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. He has been a lifelong resident of Cass county, being connected with agricultural pursuits until called to public office, wherein he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. Realizing fully the responsibility that devolves upon him, he has displayed neither fear nor favor in the exercise of his duties, and his course has made him a menace to all representative of the criminal class, while those who hold themselves amenable to law regard his as a stalwart defender of life, liberty and justice.

Typed by:Carol Foss
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