Cass County Michigan Biographies page Sn-Sw
From The History of Cass Countyby Glover

SNYDER,HESS,KEELY

Robert Snyder, one of the early settlers of Cass county now living retired in Edwardsburg after long and active connection with farming interests in Ontwa township, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania the 5th of July, 1839. His father, William Snyder, was a native of New Jersey, born September 16th, 1797, and in this state he was reared until nineteen years of age, when he removed to Pennsylvania. He was a cabinet maker by trade, and followed that pursuit in early manhood, but in his later years turned his attention to farming. In 1848 he removed with his family to Indiana, settling in St. Joseph county on the 8th of June of that years. There he followed cabinet-making to some extent, but soon concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits, and was thus engaged until his retirement from active farm work in 1879. He then removed to Edwardsburg, where he lived until his death, which occurred February 9, 1881. He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Jerusha Robbins, a native of the keystone state, born June 26, 1797. They were the parents of ten children, four sons and six daughters, of whom Robert Snyder was the ninth child and fourth son. The family record is as follows: Hiram, Joseph and John, all deceased: Mary, Rachel, Katherine, Sarah and William, all of whom have passed away; Robert and Francis. All were born at Columbia county, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Snyder was educated in St. Joseph county, Michigan, and remained at home throughout his boyhood and youth, working with his father in the fields until he attained his majority. He was married April 16, 1863, to Miss Mary Hess, a daughter of Joseph Hess, a pioneer settler of Cass county, who is mentioned on another page of this work. Mrs. Snyder was born and reared in Ohio and with her parents came to Michigan. For four years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder lived in St. Joseph county, and then in 1867 came to Cass county, settling on a farm of ninety-three acres of improved land in Jefferson township. To the further cultivation and improvement of that property Mr. Snyder devoted his energies until 1878, and there two of the children were born. Clara J., the eldest, born in 1868, is the wife of J. H. Keely, a dry goods salesman of Edwardsburg. Laura Etta, born May 9, 1869, is the wife of William Wade, an electrician of Edwardsburg. The youngest daughter, Mary, was born September 5th, 1888, and is still at home.

Mr. Snyder has been a lifelong Democrat and active in the local ranks of his party. He served as treasurer of Jefferson township for one year and after the removal to Ontwa township acted as treasurer for six years at different times. He was also Justice of the Peace for about a year and a half and a member of the school board for a number of years, and in these different offices labored earnestly and effectively for the general welfare. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Edwardsburg and is well known throughout Cass county, having for many years been closely associated with its agricultural pursuits, making a creditable record in business circles and sustaining an excellent reputation in public office and in private life. The prosperity that he enjoys has been well earned and is justly merited.

Typed by: Anne Hood

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STANDERLINE,HOLLANDTRICK,PECK,HUGHES.ROCKWELL

The connection of Silas H. Thomas with the interests of Cass county dates back to an early period in its development and settlement. He Nature seems to have intended that man in the evening of life should enjoy a period of rest. In his youth he is full of vigor and enterprise, is hopeful and ambitious. In his more mature years his efforts are tempered by experience and sound judgment resulting in successful ability. If he does this he wins the competence that enables him later to put aside business cares and enjoy a well earned rest. Such has been the career of Mr. Standerline, who after many years of active and honorable connection with agricultural pursuits is now living retired in Corey. He is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born on the 14th of October, 1830, and is a son of Thomas Standerline, whose birth occurred in the same locality. He was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the support of his wife and children. He married Elizabeth Graham, a native of Lincolnshire, who spent her entire life in England. In their family were three daughters, George Standerline being the only son. The days of his childhood and youth were spent in his native land and he is indebted to its public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In his boyhood he became familiar with farm work and later engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his own account.

Mr. Standerline was married in his native country in 1854 to Miss Jane Hollandtrick, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, October 23, 1835, a daughter of William and Maria (Peck) Hollandtrick, who were also natives of that country and spent their entire lives in England. Ten days after their marriage, Mr. And Mrs. Standerline started for America, for they believed that they might enjoy better opportunities in the new world, of which they had heard such favorable reports. They were seven weeks on shipboard crossing the Atlantic from England to Quebec, Canada, and thence proceeded up the St. Lawrence river to the lakes. They made their way first to Toledo, Ohio, where they spent one summer, after which they came to Michigan, making their way to White Pigeon, St. Joseph county, Michigan. They resided on Pigeon prairie for thirteen years, on the expiration of which period Mr. Standerline came to Newberg township, Cass county, and purchased a farm on section 25. He was the owner of that property until 1902, when he sold the farm. He had lived, however, in Corey for twenty-two consecutive years, having retired from active business life to enjoy in his comfortable home a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Standerline have been born seven children, who are yet living, namely: Richard, at home; Thomas, a resident of Newberg township; William and George, who are living in Newberg township; James, of Mishawaka, Indiana; Alice, the wife of Marshall Hughes, a resident of South Bend, Indiana; and Annetta, the wife of Frank Rockwell, of Newberg township.

Mr. Standerline is one of the leading and representative citizens of Cass county and has assisted in making it what it is to-day. He has been a Republican since the organization of the party, never faltering in his support of its principles. He served as highway commissioner and school director and at this writing is a member of the board of review. He has always been interested in public affairs and has labored earnestly for the welfare of the county. He belongs to the Grange and he has many warm friends in that organization and throughout the community in which he has so long lived. He displays in his life many sterling traits of character and his good qualities have won him the genuine and unqualified respect of his fellow men.

Typed by:Barbara O'Reagan
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STANDERLINE,HOLLANDTRICK,ARNOLD,DUNN,HARWOOD

William Standerline, township clerk and a prominent farmer of Newberg township, resides on section 28, where he has a well improved and valuable farm of sixty acres. He is one of Michigan's native sons and the enterprise and progressive spirit which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of the west find exemplification in his active business career. He was born in Florence township, St. Joseph county, Michigan, October 24, 1858. His father, George Standerline, was a native of England, in which country he spent the days of his boyhood and youth and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane Hollandtrick, also a native of that country. They bade adieu to friends and native land about 1854 and sailed for America, locating first in Toledo, Ohio, whence they afterward removed to St. Joseph county, Michigan, settling there upon a farm. They remained for about thirteen years in that county and in 1867 came to Cass county, locating in Newberg township, where Mr. Standerline purchased a tract of land. They are still living in this township and in 1905 they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, having traveled life's journey together for a half century, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. As the years went by they became the parents of ten children, of whom seven are now living.

William Standerline is the third child and third son in this family and was but nine years of age when brought by his parents to Cass county. He spent his boyhood days in their home, was educated in the district schools and through the summer months aided in the work of the fields, giving his father the benefit of his services in the work of the home farm until after he had attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account.

On the 1st of April, 1882, Mr. Standerline was married to Miss Stella Arnold, a daughter of H. D. and Mary (Dunn) Arnold. Mrs. Standerline was born in Newberg township, where her parents located at an early period in the development of this county. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children, who are yet living: Della, the wife of Guy Harwood, a resident of Newberg township; Bert, who is attending school in Vandalia, Michigan; and Glenn, who is at home.

The farm upon which the family resides comprises sixty acres of good land, and here Mr. Standerline is successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits. He has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually harvests good crops. Everything about his farm is kept in good condition and in his methods he is practical and enterprising. He has been quite active in local politics, recognized as one of the strong and stalwart advocates of the Republican party. He was treasurer of Newberg township for two years and has been clerk for six years, holding the position at the present time. Having spent the greater part of his life in this county he is widely known and his prominence in public affairs has made him a leader in his community. His long continuance in office is indicative of his faithful and capable service. In business matters he is found to be straightforward and reliable, as well as energetic, and the success which he has enjoyed is well merited.

Typed by:Barbara O'Reagan
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STARK,COOK,CUSHING,HARRIS,SHULL,SOUTHWORK,MESSENGER

Myron Stark, living retired in Dowagiac, although for many years he was a leading and enterprising merchant here, was born in New York, May 30, 1836. He represented an old family of the Empire state, as it is definitely known that his great-grandparents lived in New York, for it was there that his grandfather, John Stark, was born, reared and made his home. Erastus Stark, his father, also a native of New York, came to Cass county, Michigan, in 1838, locating at Summerville, and in 1840 he purchased a farm in Silver Creek township, where he cultivated and improved his land. He was one of the first settlers of that township and aided in subduing the wilderness and extending the frontier. As the years passed he developed a good property, his fields being very productive, and he remained upon that place until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-four years of age. He also built a sawmill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber in connection with farming interests. He filled the office of justice of the peace for many years and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active part in its work, and he was also an exemplary Mason. He married Matilda Cook, a native of New York, who died in 1839, whaen about twenty-seven years of age. There were three sons by that marriage. Philander died in 1850. John K. who was born in central New York in October, 1833, came to Michigan with his parents in 1848 and assisted in clearing and developing the home farm, now known as the Robert Bielby property. In the winter seasons he cut and hauled logs and in the summer months engaged in the active of tilling the fields and caring for his crops. He married Eliza J. Cushing, a daughter of Otis and Clarissa Cushing, in the year 1855, and in 1857 removed to Missouri, but in 1859 returned to Michigan. In June 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of the Second Michigan Cavalry and a year later received an honorable discharge on account of disability. In 1869 he joined the Michigan Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church and hjaas become one of the most prominent church builders of that denomination. His first charge was the Paw Paw church, and since that time he has served various churches, both on the country circuit and in large cities, becoming one of the strong divines representing Methodism in this state. His wife died in 1884. Six children were born unto them, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living with the exception of the youngest, who died in 1902. Rev. Stark was again married in 1895. He is now chaplain in the Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Myron Stark, whose name intrduces this record, was the youngest of the three sons of his father's family and was only two years old when brought to Cass county by his parents. He remained at home until nineteen years of age, assisting in the sawmill and in the farm work. He then went to London, Canada, in 1855 remaining for a year in that locality, after which he returned to Cass county and engaged in farming in Silver Creek township. In 1862 he established a wagon and blacksmithing shop at Cushing Corners, where he remained until 1877. In 1876, he patented what is known as Stark's Common Sense Sand Band, and removed to Dowagaic the following year, after which he devoted 5 years to handling this patent, which he sold in every state in the Union, and also in Canada, France and Germany. He started without capital, but he built up a fine business and in 1883 sold his interest and retired with a handsome competence. The business, however, is being carried on. In that year Mr. Stark purchased the grocery store of Mart Green in Dowagaic and was identified with commercial interests in the city until 1888, when on account of ill health he sold his store, since which time he has been retired from active business cares. His inventive mind is continually reaching out along new lines of thought and progress, and in 1900 he patented a tire machine, which is being manufactured on a royalty basis at Lansing, Michigan. The machine is for taking off and replacing tires on heavy wheels.

On Christmas day of 1857 was celebrated the marriage of Myron Stark and Miss Sarah Harris, a daughter of Alvin and Peggy (Shull) Harris. She was born in New York and by her marriage has become the mother of six children: Henry, now deceased; Matilda, the wife of Chester Southwork, of Dowagaic; Ida, Almira and Amanda, all deceased; and Jessie, the wife of Wiley Messenger, of Dowagaic, who is a traveling man.

Mr. Stark has been a life-long Republican and has taken an active interest in the party, holding various official positions thorugh many years. At the present time he is county agent for the state board of corrections and charities, is game warden for Cass county and the adjoining counties and is superintendent for the poor for the city of Dowagaic. He is also superintendent of the humane society of the county and his official labors have been of a far reaching and beneficial nature. He has been a Mason since 1860 and for several years served as master of the Dowagaic lodge. His residence in Cass county covers a period of sixty-eight years and no man has been more closely or honorably identified with its interests and development. He has made a creditable name in business circles, has manifested his loyalty and patriotic spirit in office and in private life has displayed those sterling traits of character which everywhere win regard and command confidence.

Typed by:Gloria Gibbell
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STARRETT,STOUT,BLUE,CAYWOOD,RUNYAN,FORD,VANDEMARK,McCOLLISTER

On the roster of officials in Dowagiac appears the name of Charles Starrett, who is now serving as city treasurer. He was born in Ovid, New York, February 1, 1834, and represents an old family of the east. In the paternal line he is of Scotch and Welsh descent. His grandfather, Charles Starrett, was a native of Pennsylvania, while his wife, Mrs. Rachel Starrett, was a native of Connecticut. Their son, James Starrett, father of our subject, was born in New York and was a farmer by occupation. He spent his entire life in his native state, where he died at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Amy Stout, was reared by her grandmother, Mrs. Amy Blue, who was a native of New Jersey. Her grandfather Blue was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving in immediate command of General Washington, while by him he was mustered out at the close of hostilities. John Caywood, a great-grandfather of our subject was also a soldier of the Revolutionary war, so that the military history of his ancestry is one of which he has every reason to be proud. There were seven children, four daughters and three sons, born unto Mr. and Mrs. James Starrett, of whom the youngest daughter died when thirteen years of age and the eldest son when but two years of age. Those still living are: Mrs. Jane Runyan, who is living in Clinton, Michigan; Charles, of this review; Mrs. J. S. Ford, of Chicago; Henry, who resides in Clinton, Michigan; and Mrs. Elizabeth Vandemark, of Clinton, Michigan.

Charles Starrett was the third child and second son of the family and was reared in his native county until about eighteen years of age, the public schools affording him his educational privileges. He came to Michigan in October, 1852, settling first at Clinton, where he secured employment in a grist mill. He was also engaged at different times in farm work and in the railroad business, while for a time he was connected with railroading on the Jackson branch. He spent the following year in the service of the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad, first as brakeman and later as conductor. For eleven years he continued in railroading and during the last two and a half years of that time he was train master and locomotive dispatcher at White Pigeon, Michigan. He came to Dowagiac in February, 1865, and engaged in the hardware business for a short time. He then built a planing mill and sash and blind factory in company with Devendorf & Mason. After about five years he sold his interest in this business and about 1872 he engaged with the Oliver Chilled Plow Works as traveling salesman, representing the company for about ten years on the road. He was for about four years with the Gale Manufacturing Company of Albion, Michigan, and one year with the South Bend Chilled Plow company. On the expiration of that period he became a salesman for the Round Oak Stove Company of Dowagiac, with which he continued for about nine years, when, on account of poor health, he retired from business in 1904. He had led a busy, useful and active life and his rest from labor is well merited.

Mr. Starrett has filled a number of public offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was elected city treasurer of Dowagiac, has been alderman for two years and a member of the board of education for nine years. He has ever been found reliable and trustworthy in public office, discharging his duties with promptness as well as ability.

In 1857 Mr. Starrett was married to Miss Elizabeth McCollester, a daughter of Thomas McCollester. She was born in White Pigeon, Michigan, and was reared in that city. Two children grace this marriage, Fannie and Lena. In his political views Mr. Starrett is a stalwart Republican, having given his support to the party throughout his entire life. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity of Dowagiac, his membership being in Peninsula lodge No. 214, F. & A. M. Keystone chapter No. 36, R. A. M., Niles commandery No. 12, K. T., and Saladin temple of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids. He was master of his lodge for one year and for three years was high priest of the chapter. He is an exemplary member of the craft and is in hearty sympathy with its tenets and teachings. Well known in Dowagiac where he is now filling the office of city treasurer, he is respected by all with whom he has come in contact, for he has displayed in his life record many sterling characteristics.

Typed by:Linda Curry
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STRETCH,COLLINS,JEWELL,GOODRICH,WHITE,McCOY,VAN SLYKE,SCHELINE

William H. Stretch is one of the old settlers of Cass county, and as such deserves representation in this volume, for through many years he has lived within its borders, his mind bearing the impress of the early historic annals of this part of the state. He resides on section 27, LaGrange township, and is numbered among the native sons of Pokagon township, his birth having occurred upon the old Taylor homestead there on the 21st of April, 1846. His father, John Stretch, was a native of Wayne, county, Indiana, and came to Cass county when only six years of age with his parents, Joseph and Sarah Stretch, who were among the first settlers of the county. They received the first deed to a farm in their locality. The grandfather cultivated and improved a tract of land, spending his entire life upon the farm which he entered from the government, his efforts contributing in substantial measure to the material improvement of this part of the county.

John Stretch was reared in Cass county amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. The primitive home of the family was a log cabin, and the members of the household shared in all the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. All around them was unbroken prairie or stretches of timer land, and the work of cultivation seemed scarcely begun. Only here and there would be seen a little cabin to indicate that the seeds of civilization had been planted, which were in due time to bring forth good fruit. John Stretch assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and chose as his life work the occupation to which he was reared, always giving much of his time and attention to farming. However, he was likewise a preacher of the German Baptist church, and in this connection was well known in the county, his influence and efforts being of no restricted order. Both by precept and example he led many into the better way of life and his memory is still cherished by a large number of those who were his friends and neighbors in his lifetime. He lived to be about sixty-five years of age. His early political support was given to the Whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He married Miss Emily V. McCoy, a native of Virginia, who came to Cass county with her parents when about five years of age, and was here reared. She is still living in here eighty-first year, one of the most highly esteemed old ladies of the county. In their family were five sons, all of whom reached mature years, and they also reared an adopted daughter, Mrs. Anna Scheline. Mr. Stretch, of this review, is the eldest of the five children, and four of the sons are now living in Cass county, while George is a resident of Berrien county, Michigan. The others are: Joseph, who resides in Pokagon township: Isaac, who is foreman in the drill shop at Dowagiac: and Ira, who is living upon the old homestead.

William H. Stretch was reared in Pokagon township and pursued his education in the common schools. He assisted in clearing the farm in his boyhood days and in performing the various duties incident to the work of the old homestead. He continued under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he was married. He first wedded Miss Margaret J. Collins, who died leaving one son, Clyde L. After losing his first wife, Mr. Stretch was married to Mrs. Edith (Jewell) Goodrich, who was killed by lightening. His present wife bore the maiden name of Emma Grace White, and at the time of their marriage was the widow of W. W. Van Slyke. Mr. Stretch made his home in Pokagon township until about eight years ago, when he sold his property there and removed to LaGrange township, settling on section 27, where he yet resides. He has been a life-long resident of Cass county, having made his home here for fifty-nine years. Any movement or plan for the public good receives his earnest attention and endorsement, and his aid can always be counted upon to further any movement that promises to result beneficially to the county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Cassopolis, and his life has ever been honorable and upright, in harmony with his professions. He has had a full realization of his duties of citizenship, and also of his duties to his fellow men, and has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of others in any trade transaction. In fact his life is in many respects worthy of emulation and his fellow townsmen speak of him in terms of regard and esteem.

Typed by Carol Foss

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SWEET,SMITH,ADSET,WILSON,PLETCHER,WELLETT,ROUSE,TOLL

Charles Elliott Sweet, who has exerted a strong and beneficial influence in behalf of the Republican party in Cass county, Michigan, and is a representative member of the bar at Dowagiac, was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, on the 11th of March, 1860. The paternal grandfather was Ezra Sweet, who removed from Vermont to New York during the boyhood of his son, Joseph Elliott Sweet, who was born in the former state. Ezra Sweet was commissioned a corporal in the New York militia in 1823. He wedded Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of David Smith, the great-grandfather of Charles Elliott Sweet, and a native of Vermont, who served in the Revolutionary war as a private in both the infantry and artillery ranks, and Charles Elliott Sweet now has in his possession his pension papers which entitles him to eighty-one dollars and ninety-three cents pension for each year of his natural life. He had served with the Rhode Island regiment.

Joseph Elliott Sweet, the father of our subject, was born in Windom county, Vermont, and after a residence of a number of years in the Empire state removed to Michigan in 1840. He engaged in teaching school in Bellevue, Battle Creek and Paw Paw for a number of years, and then entered upon the study of medicine in the state university at Ann Arbor. He was licensed to practice about 1850 and entered upon the active work of the profession in Mattawan, Van Buren county, whence he removed to Keeler about 1859. He continued in the active practice of medicine and surgery until 1874, when he retired from the profession and removed to Hartford, Van Buren county, where his last days were spent, his death there occurring in 1903, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-three years. He enjoyed more than a local reputation for his skill in the practice of medicine and surgery and was considered an exceptionally well informed man in his profession, so that he was frequently called in for consultation on importanat cases. He held membership in the Congregational church, was one of its active workers and served as a deacon. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows, while his political support was given to the Republican party. He held township and village offices and for many years served on the school board and at all times in the discharge of his duties he was prompt and faithful, looking to the general good rather than to personal gain or aggrandizement. A stanch champion of the Union cause, he was eager to enlist in the Union army but was rejected by the medical examiner. He stood as the defender of all that he believed to be right and just between man and his fellowmen and supported every movement that he believed would contribute to the upbuilding of the race or of his community. He wedded Mary Adalyn Adsett, who was born in the state of New York and died in 1860, at the age of thirty years. Her parents came to Michigan at an early day, locating near Paw Paw. Mrs. Sweet was an only child and her mother died when she was very young. Mrs. Sweet became a music teacher and was a lady of more than ordinary ability, of superior culture and of fine character. She, too, held membership in the Congregational church. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: Elliott, who died in childhood; Mary A., the wife of Perley E. Wilson, a veteran of the Civil war at Mobile, Alabama; and Charles Elliott of this review. After losing his first wife the father married Rachel E. Pletcher, a native of New York and unto them were born four children; Clara B., who is now the widow of Mr. Wellett and is engaged in teaching school in Van Buren county; Edward, who died in childhood; William E., a salesman for the Marshal Furnace Company, and a resident of Dowagiac; and Fred E., who is living in Dowagiac.

Charles Elliott Sweet attended school in his native town and in 1884 entered the law office of Spafford Tryon of Cassopolis, under whose direction he pursued his reading for two years. In the meantime he taught school and followed that profession for sixteen years altogether in Van Buren and Cass counties. On the 4th of October, 1886, at Cassopolis, he was admitted to the bar and in the same year was elected justice of the peace, filling the office until 1889 and practicing his profession in the meantime. In the fall of he was also elected circuit court commissioner for Cass county and filled the position for two terms. In the fall of 1890 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann arbor and, completing a two years' course in one year, was graduated in 1891. He had been practicing at Dowagiac since his admission to the bar and returned from the university to this city, where he again took up the active duties of the profession. He declined a renomination for office of justice, as his practice had increased to generous proportions and left him little leisure time for official service. He now has a distinctively representative clientage and has been connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of this district. Possessing an analytical mind, he is also strong in his reasoning and logical in his deductions and he presents his cause with a clearness and conciseness that never fails to impress his hearers and seldom fails to win the verdict desired. He has been attorney for the receivers of the Citizens National Bank and the First National Bank of Niles, is attorney for Lee Brothers & Company's bank of Diowagiac, is local attorney for the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company and is a member of the Cass County Bar Association. In his library he has about one thousand volumes which is probably the best and largest law library in the county.

In 1887 Mr. Sweet was married to Miss Grace L. Rouse, a daughter of Lyman V. and Mary E. Rouse, the former a physician,who has long been a practioner of Dowagiac. Mrs. Sweet was born in this city in 1867 and became the mother of three children: Elizabeth Adalyn; Donald E., deceased; and Lucian Fred. Mr. Sweet was married to Miss Gertrude M. Toll for his second wife. She is a daughter of David H. and Martha L. Toll, the former a retired miller living in Niles.

Prominent in Masonic circles, Mr. Sweet is a Knight Templar and also a thirty-second degree Mason. He is a past master of Peninsular Lodge, F. & A. M. past high priest of Keystone Chapter, R. A. M., a member of Niles council, R. & S. M., past eminent commander of Niles commandery, K. T., and past second lieutenant commander of Dewitt Clinton Consistory, S. P. R. S., and past illustrious potentate of Saladin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise belongs to the Grand Lodge in Michigan, in which he is deputy grand master. He is the oldest past commander of the Knights of the Maccabees in Dowagiac and is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the lodges of the Odd Fellows, Elks, Owls, Royal Arcanum and Foresters and is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Dowagiac. In his political views Mr. Sweet is a stalwart Republican. He was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1886 and in the fall of the same year was chosen circuit court commissioner and served for two terms. In 1892 he was elected prosecuting attorney and by re-election was continued in office for four years, while for five terms he has been city attorney of Dowagiac. His long continuance in one posiiton indicates the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen as well as his personal popularity. In 1904 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago from the fourth congressional district of Michigan and was made the Michigan member of the committee to notify President Roosevelt of his nomination and went upon that mission to Oyster Bay on the 27th of July, 1904. He has several times been a member of the Republican County Central Committee, has always taken an active part in party politics and is recognized as one of the Republican leaders of this part of the state. He is a speaker of ability and has addressed many audiences about the issues of the campaigns. Mr. Sweet is widely recognized as a man of influence and prominence not alone by reason of his activity in political circles but also owing to the high position which he has attained as a member of the Cass county bar and likewise by reason of his personal worth.

Typed by Linda Curry

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SWISHER,ELLIOTT,CALVERT,BENNER,NORTON

John F. Swisher devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. More than a century ago George Washington said that “agriculture is the most honorable as well as the most useful occupation of man,” and the truth of this assertion has been abundantly verified in all the ages. Mr. Swisher has given his entire life to farm work and now has a good property on Section 8, Silver Creek township, which is the farm upon which he was born, his natal day being March 7, 1858. His father, John T. Swisher, was a native of Virginia, born in 1812, and with his parents he removed to Ohio when seventeen years of age, the family home being established in Preble county. There he grew to manhood and was married there to Miss Millicent Elliott, a native of South Carolina, who was brought to Preble county, Ohio, during her infancy and was there reared. Her parents died when she was a small child. She remained in Preble county until after she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Swisher. About 1849 they removed to Cass county, Michigan, settling in Silver Creek township, where their remaining days were passed. Mr. Swisher departed this life in his seventy-ninth year and left behind him that priceless heritage of an untarnished name, because he had always been loyal in citizenship, straightforward in business and honorable in private life. He took an interest in political questions and situations and was a stanch Republican who held various township offices, the duties of which were capably and promptly performed. He was a devoted member of the Christian church and was a leader in the work of building the house of worship, while in the various church activities he took a helpful part. His wife, who was a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life’s journey and who displayed many sterling traits of heart and mind, also passed away in Cass county. In their family were nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom reached adult age.

John F. Swisher, the youngest of this family, was reared upon the old homestead farm, where he now lives. His early educational privileges were afforded by the district schools of Silver Creek township and later he continued his studies in Battle Creek high school. During the periods of vacation he worked in the fields, assisting his father in the task of developing and improving his land, and he thus gained good practical knowledge of the best methods of farm work. he was married in 1883 to Miss Alice G. Calvert, and unto them have been born two children, Clarence and Erma, but the latter died January 9, 1891. She won the first premium as the prettiest girl among thirty-three contestants at the Dowagiac fair in 1890. Her loss was deeply felt by her parents and many friends. Her mother survived her for only a few months, passing away August 23, 1891, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. In 1893 Mr. Swisher was again married, his second union being with Emma J. Benner, the widow of George Norton. There is one child of this marriage, Neal, who is now eight years of age.

Mr. Swisher has been a general stock farmer and in addition to tilling the soil has raised high grades of stock, finding both branches of this business profitable. He has led a busy and useful life, characterized by thorough understanding of his work, by diligence in all that he does and by straightforward dealing at all times. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he is a firm advocate of its principles and does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. In 1902 he was elected to the office of supervisor, and his capable service during his first term of service led to his re-election in 1903. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, in which hi now serving as deacon, and for twelve years, with the exception of a brief interval of two years, he has been continuously superintendent of the Sunday school. His efforts in behalf of the church have been far-reaching and beneficial and he is most earnest and zealous in his labors to promote religious instruction among the young, realizing the beneficial effects upon one’s after life. He has always lived in this county and is a valued representative of a worthy pioneer family. The circle of his friends is extensive because he has ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command confidence and regard.

Typed by Carol Foss

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