Cass County Michigan Biographies pages T-V
From The History of Cass Countyby Glover

MECHLING, GEORGE, LONDON, BACHELOR

Alamandel J. Talladay, whose name is enrolled among the old settlers of the county, resides on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 3, Jefferson township, and is one of the best known citizens of the community. He was for twenty-five years in charge of the county farm, and over the record of his public service there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, for he was ever actuated by fidelity to the general good and by zeal in the faithful performance of the work entrusted to him. He has always lived in the middle west, his birth having occurred in Osceola township, Elkhart county, Indiana, on the 31st of October, 1845. His father, Jesse Talladay, was a native of New York and became one of the early settlers of Indiana, whence he afterward removed to Michigan, settling in Cass county in 1845. They settled in Mason township. Mr. Talladay was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in his forth-ninth year in Jefferson township. He married Miss Sophia Mechling, a native of Pennsylvania, who went to Indiana with her parents and there gave her hand in marriage to Jesse Talladay. She lived to be about sixty-five years of age. In their family were ten children, seven of whom reached years of maturity.

Alamandel J. Talladay, the third child, was about two weeks old when brought to Mason township, Cass county. He was reared upon the old family homestead there until he reached the age of twelve years, when he became a resident of Jefferson township. His education was acquired in a district school near the family home and through the vacation periods he worked in the fields and assisted in the farm labor until after he had attained his majority. At the death of his father he was appointed administrator of the estate and managed the business in capable and energetic fashion. In 1874, he took charge of the county farm, continuing in the position for eight years, after which he began farming on his own account in Jefferson township, where he carried on the work of tilling the soil for five years. He then once more took charge of the county farm and was its superintendent for seventeen years, so that his service in that position all together covered twenty-five years. His long incumbency stands in incontrovertible evidence of his capability and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He brought to bear in the discharge of his duties the same earnest purpose and indefatigable energy that have always characterized him in the management of his private business interests, and he not only carefully looked after those who were dependent upon the county’s bounty but also by his capable control made the farm a paying institution.

On the 18th of September, 1877, Mr. Talladay was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth George, a native of Monroe county, New York, born on the 14th of August, 1857. Her parents were Luke and Maria (London) George, both of whom were natives of near London, England. Crossing the Atlantic, they became residents of the Empire state, and in 1865 arrived in Cass county, Michigan, taking up their abode in Cassopolis. The father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in order to provide for the needs and wants of his family. Unto him and his wife were born nine children. Mrs. Talladay being the eighth in order of birth. She was only eight years of age when brought to this state, so that the greater part of her life has been passed in “Cass county. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with three sons: Gideon W., a successful merchant now engaged in the hardware and furniture business at Cassopolis, was educated in the common schools and graduated in the Cassopolis city schools in the class of 1895. He is also a graduate of the Valparaiso Normal in the class in the winter of 1896-97. He wedded Miss Jessie Bachelor and they have two little daughters, Loween and Myrn. He is one of the successful merchants of Cassopolis. Jesse L., who received a common school education and also graduated in the Cassopolis high school, has been on the lakes six or seven years as a sailor. Ray G., who graduated in the eighth grade, and was in the eleventh grade of the Cassopolis high school, was also a student at the Valparaiso Normal. He is at home. All were born in Jefferson township. Mrs. Talladay has an old oaken chest which her great-grandmother brought from England, and it is hand carved and over a century old. They also have an old almanac published in 1838.

Mr. Talladay is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land and carries on the farm work in energetic and able manner, so that he annually harvests good crops. He also has good grades of stock upon his place and his farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences. In his work he is systematic and methodical and his sound business judgment is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his labors. In politics he has been a lifelong Democrat where State and national questions are involved, but at local elections votes independently, considering only the efficiency of the candidate. He belongs to Backus lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M., of Cassopolis, also Kingsbury Chapter, R. A. M., and his wife is a member of the Baptist church. They are highly esteemed in the community where they reside, the hospitality of many of the best homes being cordially extended them. Mr. Talladay is one who is well known because of his fidelity to public trust and his many good qualities have gained for him a favorable position in the regard of all who know him.

Typed by Caral MECHLING BENNETT

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TAYLOR,ABBOTT,THOMPSON

Albon C. Taylor, supervisor of the first ward of Dowagiac, was born in Franklin county, New York, April 8, 1861. His father, Marshall W. Taylor, was also a native of that state and during the period of the Civil war espoused the Union cause, donned his country's uniform and went forth to defend the stars and stripes. He died while serving as a soldier. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Abbott, was a native of Toronto, Canada, and was taken by her parents to the state of New York when only four years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of three sons: Arthur J., who is now residing in Malone, Franklin county, New York; George E., who makes his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan; and A. C., of this review.

Mr. Taylor, the youngest of the family, was reared in the place of his nativity until sixteen years of age and during that period acquired his education in the district schools. He then left home and made his way westward to Michigan, settling in Allegan county, where he was employed at farm labor until about the time he attained his majority. He then entered upon railroad work in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, securing a position in the freight department at Kalamazoo. He came to Dowagiac about 1892 as foreman of the freight house for the Michigan Central Company, spending six years in that capacity, after which he resigned his position and became connected with the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company in the molding department. He has since been with the Round Oak Stove Company, with which he occupies a good position.

Mr. Taylor was married in February, 1891, to Miss Irma Thompson, a daughter of Dr. W. C. and Kate Thompson. She was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, and has spent her entire life in this county. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons, Curtis and Glenn.

Mr. Taylor votes with the Republican party and has taken an active and helpful interest in its work and in promoting its success. He was also supervisor of the first ward in 1904 and again in 1905 and is now filling the position. In the spring of 1906 he was elected as city treasurer of Dowagiac, Michigan, and is the present incumbent of this office. He is vice-president of the Round Oak Relief Association and was one of its charter members and organizers. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp. Coming to Michigan when but a youth, he has resided here continuously since, and his life history is well known to the citizens of Cass county among whom he has now lived for many years.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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TAYLOR,STUART,MATTHEWSON,FRENCH,THOMPSON,GRAVE,FLEMING,BECK

Alexander Taylor, who is giving his attention to the management of a farm in Cass county and who in various offices has proved his loyalty to the general welfare, maintains his residence in Marcellus. He was born in Scotland in 1845 and is a son of Alexander and Helen (Stuart) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father, who was a cattle dealer, spent his entire life there. The mother was a descendant of the famous royal house of Stuart. By this marriage there were nine children, all of whom came to the United States, namely: William, who died in Canada; Jane, who is the deceased wife of William Matthewson, a farmer of Will county, Illinois; Alexander, of his review; John, a stonecutter of Illinois; Ellen, the wife of Joseph Thompson, a Chicago mechanic; Jessie, the deceased wife of Walter Grave, a farmer of Will county, Illinois; Mary A., the wife of Albert French, a capitalist of Chicago; Isabella, who married Allen Fleming, an agriculturist of McHenry county, Illinois; and William Andrew, who died in early life.

Alexander Taylor was reared upon a farm and attended school at Elgin, Scotland, his native place. The labor of the fields claimed his attention in his later youth and early manhood, and in 1866, hoping to enjoy better business privileges in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and located in Will county, Illinois, where he began contracting for timber. In 1875 he came to Michigan, settling in Marcellus, and here entered into partnership with A. S. Hunt in the sawmill business, under the firm style of Hunt & Taylor. This was continued for a year, at the end of which time he purchased his partner's interest and admitted Alexander Doig to a partnership. That association was also maintained for a year. The firm of Hunt & Taylor lost heavily through a fire before Mr. Taylor formed his partnership with Mr. Doig, whom he later bought out, continuing the business alone for about fifteen years. During his partnership with Mr. Doig, however, a boiler exploded, killing three men and injuring Mr. Taylor. He purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres at Marcellus, constituting one of the best properties of the county, and for a number of years his attention has been given to its supervision without other business interests, save that he is executor of the large estate of J. F. Goff.

In 1876 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Beck, a daughter of Levi and Catherine Beck and a native of Indiana. Her father was a tailor by trade and was the owner of considerable land in Marcellus township. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have become the parents of four children: Belle, who married Arthur Pyne, a professor of music in Geneva, New York; Grace, a school teacher in Minneapolis; Florence, the wife of Earl B. Sill, a farmer and stock buyer of Marcellus; and Catherine, who is attending school in Marcellus.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Taylor belongs to the Masonic fraternity, while his political support is given to the Republican party. He was appointed by the state land commissioner as appraiser of state lands, and for two terms he has served as president of the village of Marcellus. During his incumbency in that office the waterworks were built and modern reforms and improvements were inaugurated. For sixteen years he served on the city council and during that time was instrumental in establishing the village electric light plant. He has likewise been a member and director of the village school board for two terms and has been chairman of the Republican township committee, being recognized as one of the leaders of his party in this portion of the county. Coming to America when a young man, with laudable ambition to attain success, he has improved his opportunities and so directed his labors as to win a place among the enterprising citizens of the community and is now in possession of a comfortable competence that has been acquired entirely through his well directed efforts.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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TAYLOR,WHITE,DILLMAN

Clifford L. Taylor, a farmer and breeder of registered Poland China hogs, being proprietor of the Round Oak herd, makes his home on section 34, Pokagon township. He is a native son of the middle west and in his life has exemplified the enterprising spirit which has been the dominant factor in the rapid and substantial improvement of the upper Mississippi valley. His birth occurred in Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 17th of April, 1852. His father, James W. Taylor, also a farmer by occupation, was a native of New York state, born in 1828, and about 1846 he became a resident of Wisconsin, settling on a farm there. In 1860 he left that state and with his family removed to Waterloo, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming and also in operating a threshing machine. After three years he left Iowa and took his family to Indiana, settling thirteen miles south of the city of South Bend. There he contracted with the well known Studebaker firm and cleared a farm of thirty acres of land. On leaving Indiana he took up his abode at Niles, Michigan, where he was again engaged in farming, and in 1871 he located in Pokagon township, Cass county, where he rented the old Garrett Stancel farm of one hundred and five acres. Eventually, however, he removed to Nebraska, where he has remained to the present time. In his political views he is an earnest Republican. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom Clifford L. is the eldest. Three of the number are now deceased.

Clifford L. Taylor accompanied his parents on their various removals until they went to Nebraska. Continuing a resident of Cass county he rented his present farm from the estate of Jacob White, having charge of one hundred acres of land. He remained upon this place for thirteen years, carrying on general farming, and in 1889 he removed to Dowagiac, where he became connected with the Colby Milling Company, hauling flour and feed. He remained for two years, after which he returned to the farm on section 34, Pokagon township. In 1898 he began raising registered hogs and has made a success of this venture, having to-day some of the finest animals that can be found in the country.

On the 15th of October, 1874, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Addie A. White, a native of Indiana, born August 15, 1856, and a daughter of Jacob and Julia A. White, who were farming people of Steuben county, Indiana. Her mother was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1838. Following the removal of the family to Cass county they remained upon the farm where Mr. Taylor now resides until the death of Mr. White in 1889. Mrs. White is still living upon this place. In the family of this worthy couple were three children, a son and two daughters, namely: Mrs. Taylor; Chandler, who died in infancy, and Libbie May, who was born in 1871 and is living in Pokagon township, the wife of Jonathan L. Dillman. Mrs. Taylor was nine years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Cass county, and here she was reared and educated. She has become the mother of two children, but the daughter, Bessie May, born January 30, 1886 died on the 22d of February, 1888. The son, Carl J., was born in this county May 2, 1893.

Mr. Taylor has been a lifelong Republican, giving unfaltering advocacy to its men and measures. He belongs to Round Oak camp, No. 1167, M. W. A., at Dowagiac, and is a member of Crystal Springs, No. 325, I. O. O. F., at Pokagon. His business interests are capably conducted and he is numbered among the substantial agriculturists and breeders of Poland China hogs in this part of the state.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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THATCHER,FENTON,WHITE,BRODY

The agricultural interests of Penn township find a worthy representative in Nelson E. Thatcher, who is living on section 20. Here he owns eighty acres of land and is carrying on farming along modern lines of progressive agriculture. He was born in Ontario county, New York, on the 30th of January, 1851, and comes of English ancestry, the family, however, having been founded in the new world at an early period in its colonization. His paternal grandfather, Israel Thatcher, was a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and removed from that state to New York, where occurred the birth of Lyman Thatcher, father of our subject. He was reared to the occupation of farming in the Empire state, where he resided until about 1883, when he came to Michigan, spending his remaining days within its borders. His death occurred in Lansing in 1900. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Annie E. Trembley, was born in Ontario county, New York, and there spent her girlhood days, her father being John Trembley, who was of French lineage but was born in Paterson, New Jersey. Mrs. Thatcher passed away in the same year in which her husband's death occurred, being called to her final rest on the 2nd of February, 1900. In their family were eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom one son and one daughter died in childhood, while the others grew to manhood or woman hood.

Nelson E. Thatcher, who was the sixth in order of birth in this family of eleven children, was reared in his native county and is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth. During the summer months he assisted in farm labor and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he started out upon an independent business career. He has since won a fair measure of success, which is attributable entirely to his own well-directed labor and unfaltering diligence. He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary E. Fenton, who died in March, 1884, leaving four sons, the youngest being about sixteen months old. These were: Sylvester F., who is now a resident of Portland, Oregon; Nelson E., deceased; Holester W., also living in Portland; and Ernest M., who was a soldier in the United States army and died in the Philippine Islands. After losing his first wife Mr. Thatcher was again married in 1896, his second union being with Lillian S. Brody, the widow of Frank White and a daughter of Hugh and Annie Brody. Her parents and grandparents were pioneer residents of Cass county and she was born upon the farm on section 20, Penn township, where she has spent the greater part of her life. Mr. Thatcher came to Cass county in 1895. He afterward went to North Dakota, locating at Sheldon, where he accepted a clerkship in a general store. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cass county and located on the farm where he now resides, purchasing the interest of the old Brody homestead from the other heirs. He has built a good barn, has improved the place in many ways and has now an excellent property, attractive in its appearance and equipped with all modern accessories. He has been offered a good price for his farm, showing that it is one of the valuable properties of the locality. In politics he is a Democrat and he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Vandalia. Although his residence in Cass county covers a comparatively brief period he has become widely and favorably known and the circle of his friends is constantly growing.

Typed by Linda Curry

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THICKSTUN,ERWIN,ARNOLD,ROGERS,RUNKLE,TOURJE

David Clarence Thickstun, a well-known dealer in lumber and coal in Cassopolis, was born in Cassewago, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of May 1850. His father, David Thickstun, was a native of the same locality and was a farmer by occupation. His death occurred at the place of his nativity when he was about sixty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Erwin, was also a native of Crawford county, where she died when fifty-seven years of age. In their family were six children, who reached adult age.

David C. Thickstun, the youngest, was reared under the paternal aroof, remaining at home until twenty-three years of age, when, thinking that he might have better business opportunities in the Middle West, he made his way to Lapeer, Michigan, where he secured a position as bookkeeper in the employ of J. L. Beringer & Company, dealers in lumber.

He continued with that house until his removal to Cassopolis to take charge of a branch lumberyard here. After two years he was admitted to a partnership in the business in Cassopolis by Mr. Beringer, this relationship being maintained for about two years, when he purchased his partner's interest, being alone in business until 1905, when he admitted his son-in-law, Frank E. Arnold, to a partnership under the firm style of Thickstun & Arnold. Mr. Thickstun has now been engaged in the lumber business in Cassopolis for twenty-seven years and is one of the best known and most prominent business of the town ...

Mr. Thickstun married Miss Hattie May Rogers, a daughter of Stilman M. Rogers, who was born in Mexico, New York. Her mother bore the maiden name of Sarah Runkle and was a native of Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Rogers departed this life at the age of fifty-seven years and his wife when fifty-eight years of age. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom Mrs. Thickstun is the youngest. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two daughters: Elmora, the wife of Frank E. Arnold, who is engaged in business with her father, and Irma, the wife of Vernon Tourje, who is abstract clerk in the Grand Trunk freight office at Durand, Michigan.

In his political affiliation Mr. Thickstun is a Democrat, while fraternally he is a prominent Mason. He has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter and commandery, is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and also to an organization of lumbermen, the Hoo Hoos. ...

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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THOMAS,BOGUE,EAST,RATLIFF,FOX

The connection of Silas H. Thomas with the interests of Cass county dates back to an early period in its development and settlement. He is now a resident of Vandalia, where he is enjoying in well-earned ease the fruits of his former toil. He was for many years closely associated with agricultural interests in the county and kept in touch with the onward march of progress along agricultural lines.

His birth occurred in Grant county, Indiana, on the 14th of May, 1832. His paternal grandfather was Elijah Thomas, a native of South Carolina, who removed from that state to Indiana, taking with him his family and casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Wayne county. He was the father of Samuel Thomas, who was also born in South Carolina and was a young lad at the time of his parents' removal to the west. He was therefore reared and educated in the Hoosier state, and after arriving at years of maturity was married there to Miss Sarah Bogue, a native of North Carolina and a daughter of BenjaminBogue, whose birth occurred in the same state.

In religious faith they were Friends, or Quakers. Soon after his mariage Samuel Thomas located in Grant county, Indiana, where the town of Marion now stands, and there he was engaged in farming until his removal to Penn township, Cass county, in 1842. Here he located on a part of the land now comprised within the corporation limits of Vandalia in the eastern part of the town.

He reached the age of only forty-nine years ... His wife long survived him and passed away when about seventy-three years of age. In their family were seven children, six sons and a daughter, and with one exception all reached adult age, while four are still living.

Silas H. Thomas of this review was the third child and third son of the family. He continued a resident of his native county during the first ten years of his life, after which he accompanied his parents on their removal to Cass county.... When he was about seventeen years of age his father removed to St. Joseph county, Michigan, and there Silas H. Thomas remained for six years, after which he returned to Penn township. ...

On the 7th of May, 1856, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Bogue, a member of one of the well-known and prominent pioneer families of southern Michigan, her parents being Stephen and Hannah (East) Bogue.She was born in Penn township January 19, 1836, and spent her entire life in this township. Her parents came to Cass county in 1831 and took up their abode on Young's Prairie when much of the land was still in its primitive condition. ... Mr. Bogue made the journey on horseback from Preble county, Ohio, and afterward returned in the same manner to his old home, where he then made arrangements to bring his family to the wilds of Michigan. Mrs. Thomas was the third in a family of six children. Her father was married twice, and Mrs. Thomas was born of the second marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas took up their abode upon a rented farm, on which they lived for three years, after which they removed to the woods on section 34, Penn township, their home being a little log cabin twenty by twenty-four feet. In that house they resided until 1871, when the present comodious and attractive good farm residence was built.

As the years passed Mr. Thomas continued the work of clearing and cultivating the land and he added to his original purchase until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres. ... His time and energies were devoted to farm work until he retired from active business, locating in Vandalia in 1904. ...

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born six children: James Arthur, now deceased; Edwin F., who has also passed away; May E., the wife of Rev. R. W. Gammon, of Pueblo, Colorado, a minister of the Congregational church now located in Decatur, Illinois; Blanche A., the wife of C. M. Ratliff, an attorney at law of Marion, Indiana, and a leading worker in the ranks of the Republican party ... Florence A., the wife of Rev. Frank Fox, a minister of the Congregational church at Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Cora A., who died in 1890. ...

Mr. Thomas is a stalwart Republican. His father and also his wife's father were identified with the Abolition party and their homes were stations on the famous "underground railroad" whereby they assisted many a fugitive negro on his way to freedom in the north ... Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Sociey of Friends, or Quakers, and he has been an elder in the church for twenty-five years and in its work has taken a very active and helpful part. ...

Since the above was written Mr. Thomas lost his dear companion in life.
... We append the obituary of Mrs. Thomas which appeared in The Cassopolis Vigilant April 19, 1906:

"Elvira Bogue was born in Penn township January 19, 1836, and married Silas H. Thomas, who survives her, May 7, 1856. She died at her home in Vandalia April 12, 1906. Six children were born to this union. Three preceded the mother by many years and three, Mrs. Gammon of Decatur, Illinois, Mrs. Ratliff of Fairmount, Indiana, and Mrs. Fox of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were with her the last few days of life to comfort and console her in her great suffering. There was also at her bedside her sister, Mrs. Amos Smith, and brothers, W. E. and S. A. Bogue. Mrs. James E. Bonine, another sister, was unable to be present. ... Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Stephen Scott at the Friends' church, Vandalia, Saturday at ten o'clock. Interment at Prairie Grove cemetery. ..."

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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THOMPSON,ADAMS,PARVIS,KIZER

Allison D. Thompson is numbered among the old settlers of Cass county and makes his home on section 16, Milton township, where for a long period he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. He has attained the age of seventy-three years, his birth having occurred in Delaware June 25, 1833. His father, Shelley Thompson, was also a native of Delaware and in the year 1836 sought a home in the middle west, settling in Milton township, Cass county, where he took up land from the government. ... Shelley Thompson became one of the pioneersof Cass county and was closely identified with its early history as it was reclaimed for the uses of civilization and its wild land was ttransformed into productive fields.

Allison D. Thompson was but three years of age at the time of his parents' removal to the middle west and was reared upon the old homestead in Milton township. ... His education was acquired in one of the old log school houses common to that day, and he shared with the family in the hardships of frontier life, assisting in the trenuous task of developing a new farm. ...

He has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Julia Adams, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter. The latter is Mrs. Belle Parvis, of South Bend, Indiana, and the son, Jesse, is now deceased. For his second wife Mr. Thompson chose Mary E. Parvis, whom he wedded in 1870. She was born in Delaware February 23, 1849 and is a daughter of Solomon and Ellen (Fowler) Parvis, who came to Berrien county, Michigan, in 1860.

For two years after his first marriage Mr. Thompson was a resident of Howard township, and for twelve years lived in Pokagon township, where he was engaged in farming, but the greater part of his life has been spent in Milton township and he is well-known as one of its leading settlers and representative agriculturists. Unto him and his wife have been born four children: Bertha, who is now the wife of Bert Kizer, of Niles, Michigan, [and] Arthur, ... who is now looking after the interests of the home farm. ... Two children of Mr. and Mrs. A D. Thompson are deceased. ...

Mr. Thompson, of this review, is a member of the Gleaners and his political allegiance is given to the Democracy. ...

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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THOMPSON,ATKIN,GERBERICH,

The farming interests of Howard township find a worthy representative in Samuel C. Thomson, who capably manages his business affairs and at the same time is efficiently serving as supervisor. He was born in Scotland on the 28th of July, 1842, his parents being Samuel and Lillian (Atkin) Thomson. The father was a native of Scotland, born April 22, 1798, and in his young life served as surveyor. Later he devoted his attention to merchandising. He was married in Scotland to Miss Lillian Atkin, who was born in that country in 1802, and there spent her girlhood days. Eight children were born of this union, of whom Samuel C. is the fifth in order of birth. In 1844 the parents came to America, making their way direct to Berrien county, Michigan, where the father purchased eighty acres of land and spent his remaining days in that locality, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits and there rearing his family. He died in Berrien county at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife passed away at the very advanced age of ninety-seven years. In politics he was a Democrat.

Samuel C. Thomson was only two years old when brought by his parents to the United States. He worked upon the home farm until 1881, when he came to Cass county and settled at his present place of residence, clearing a farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Howard township. This is a valuable property, splendidly improved and giving every evidence of the careful supervision of the owner, who is practical in his methods, farsighted in his judgment and enterprising in all his labor.

On the 20th of November, 1884, Mr. Thomson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Gerberich, a native of Berrien county, Michigan, born February 15, 1848, and a daughter of David P. Gerberich, who became a farmer of Cass county, where Mrs. Thomson was reared. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson have become the parents of a son and daughter, Samuel and Josephine, both born upon the present farm. In the midst of an active and useful career as an agriculturist Mr. Thomson has found time to devote to the general welfare and has co-operated in many measures for the public good. His fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability have called him to public office and he was elected and served for two years as supervisor, having also previously served eight years, which shows his efficiency, being chosen upon the Democratic ticket. He has been a lifelong supporter of that party and is still unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson are both devout members of the First Presbyterian church at Niles, Michigan, and he served for thirty years as elder and is now superintendent of the Sunday-school in the society.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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TOLBERT,LOUPEE,HARMON

George H. Tolbert, who is filling the position of township treasurer and is accounted one of the representative and enterprising farmers of Porter township, his home being on section 28, was born in this township September 30, 1867. His father, Seth Tolbert, was a native of New York, where his childhood and youth were passed. He came to Michigan about 1845, making his way to Cass county, and here he was married in Porter township to Miss Sarah Loupee, a sister of John Loupee and a representative of one of the old and well known pioneer families of the county, mention of whom is made on another page of this work, in connection with the sketch of John Loupee. Seth Tolbert took up his abode in Porter township, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-eighth year. He was a lifelong farmer and was one of the early representatives of agricultural interests in his community, where he carried on the work of tilling the soil and raising crops until he put aside the active work of the fields in his later years. He was a member of the Baptist church and his religious faith permeated his life and promoted his kindly and considerate relations to his fellowmen and his honorable dealings in all trade transactions. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party from the time of its organization until his demise. His widow is still living at this writing, in 1906, and yet resides upon the old homestead farm. In their family were ten children, of whom George H. was the seventh in order of birth.

In his youth George H. Tolbert was reared and to the public school system of the county he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. His attention was divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields upon the home farm, and after he finished his education he gave his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits on the old homestead up to the time of his marriage.

It was on February 19, 1890, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Linda Harmon, a sister of Charles O. Harmon, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Tolbert was the third child and only daughter in a family of four children, and was born in Porter township March 1, 1872, where her girlhood days were passed. Their home is now on section 28, Porter township, where Mr. Tolbert owns and opreates seventy-six acres of land, which is productive and valuable. There he carries on general farming and stock-raising, keeping good grades of cattle, horses and hogs upon his place, while at the same time cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and annually harvesting good crops. He votes with the Republican party, having been reared in that faith, while his matured judgment sanctioned its principles, so that he has given his allegiance to its candidates from that time. He served as highway commissioner of his township, and in 1904 was elected township treasurer, the duties of which office he discharged so capably that he was re-elected in 1905 and is now filling the position. He and his wife belong to the Grange of which he is now master, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Tolbert are both devoted members of the First Baptist church in Porter township, and they are both interested in Sunday school work. Mrs. Tolbert was superintendent of the Sunday school for five years, and organist of the church for several years, and she was a successful teacher in Porter township for two years.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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TRUITT,SCHOCKLEY,McKNITT,HICKS

The Truitt family is one of the oldest in Cass county, and the name is indissolubly connected with its annals from an early epoch in its history. Peter Truitt, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born in Slatterneck, Sussex county, Delaware, February 7, 1801, a son of Langford and Esther A. (Schockley) Truitt. On the 25th of February 1819, Peter Truitt married Mary Simpler, whose father was a soldier in both the Revolutionary and War of 1812 and their children were John M., Elizabeth C., Henry P., David T., and Langford. By his marriage to Isabel McKnitt, Peter Truitt became the father of Mary J. and Esther A. His third wife was Deborah McKnitt, and their only child was James M. and his fourth wife was Sarah (McKnitt) Lane. In his political affiliations Mr. Truitt was first a Whig, and later joined the ranks of the Republican party, and for a number of years he held the office of justice of the peace. At the early age of fourteen years he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, thereafter living a consistent Christian, ever exemplifying in his life the noblest elements of manhood.

James M. Truitt, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Cass county, was born in Milton township, this county, April 28, 1837. This township has practically been his home throughout his entire life, and everything tending to advance the best interests of this region has received his earnest support and attention. During his boyhood days he attended school in a little log schoolhouse near his home, and for a number of years thereafter he operateed a threshing machine with his brother Henry. In 1856 he assumed the management of the old homestead, there remaining until 1860, when he took up his abode on another farm, and in 1878 he moved to Edwardsburg and engaged in the agricultural implement business, there also becoming director of the Berrien County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Returning again to his home in Milton township, he has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. Having been reared in this vocation, he is eminently successful, and has long been numbered among the progressive and successful farmers of the township.

On the 22nd of April 1860, Mr. Truitt was united in marriage to Margaret Hicks, who was born in Niles, Michigan, in 1839. Her parents were John and Lettie Hicks, natives of England, but their marriage was celebrated in Niles, and Margaret was their only child. During her infancy she was left an orphan and was reared by her uncle, Perry Hicks. Mr. Truitt is an earnest supporter of Democratic principles and he received the appointment of deputy revenue collector of the second division of the fourth district, including eight counties, and this important position he occupied for four years. He held the office of county drain commissioner of Cass county from 1896 to 1899, was justice of the peace in Milton township for twelve years and deputy sheriff two years. In his fraternal relations he is an Odd Fellow, and in Masonry has reached the Knight Templar degree. He is a charter member of the Grange, and has served as president of the Patrons of Industry of Milton township, from which he was transferred to the Alliance order and again elected president. Mr. Truitt does not regard lightly his duties of citizenship and his obligations to his fellow men. He is honorable in his dealings, straightforward in all life's relations and commands uniform respect throughout Cass county.

Typed by Darwina Michael
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TURNER,JOHNSON,CALDWELL,ADAMS

Virgil Turner, a representative of farming interests in Ontwa township, was born in Sullivan county, New York, December 18, 1837, a son of Henry and Lydia A. (Johnson) Turner, who were also natives of the Empire state, where they were reared and married. The father learned the carpenter's trade in early life and became a contractor and builder. Both he and his wife continued residents of New York until called to their final rest. In their family were five sons and two daughters, of whom Virgil Turner is the third child and third son. Two of the sons died while serving their country in the Union army, these being John and Andrew. The others are Virgil, Nelson, Nathaniel, Susan and Alice, all of whom were born and reared in New York.

Virgil Turner remained under the parental roof and worked for his father until eighteen years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. Thinking that he would have better business opportunities in the west, he came to Adamsville, Cass county, and began working for M. G. & N. Sage of Ontwa township, with whom he continued for about a quarter of a century. He learned the miller's trade in their employ and became an expert workman. That he was ever faithful and loyal to his employers is indicated by the fact that he was retained in their service for so extended a period.

Mr. Turner has been twice married. In 1856 he wedded Miss Ann Caldwell, a daughter of William Caldwell, who was born in Ireland, which was also the native country of Mrs. Turner. She there spent her girlhood days and when a young lady came to the United States, making her home with relatives in Cass county. Her death occurred in 1883, and she was survived by her three children: Alice, who is now engaged in teaching school; and Milton E. and Etta E., twins, who were born and reared in this county. For his second wife Mr. Turner chose Mrs. Digama Adams, the widow of M. S. Adams, of an old pioneer family of Cass county and a farmer by occupation.

In 1876 Mr. Turner located on land known as the Snow lot, comprising eighty acres, and there he made some good improvements. He resided there until the time of his second marriage, when he removed to his present farm, which belonged to his wife. The place comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. He is energetic and enterprising in his farm work and his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. In his political views he is a Democrat, has served as a member of the school board for eighteen years and has been a member of the board of review for ten years. He belongs to St. Peter's Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M., at Edwardsburg, and has been identified therewith for thirty-five years, during which time he has been most loyal to its teachings and tenets, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.

Typed by Darwina Michael
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VAN ANTWERP,SCHUTT,

Lewis C. Van Antwerp, who is conducting a meat market in Edwardsburg, was born in Ontwa township, May 10, 1856. His father, Simon Van Antwerp, was a native of New York and became one of the pioneer settlers of Cass county, Michigan, his youth, however, being passed in the Empire state, further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of G. H. Redfield on another page of this work.

Upon the old home farm in Ontwa township Lewis C. Van Antwerp spent the first four years of his life. His father then removed to South Bend, Indiana, where his death occurred when the son Lewis was but eleven years of age. The latter afterward returned to Ontwa township and has since been a resident of Cass county. He devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits between the ages of eleven and thirty-six years, and also engaged in operating a threshing machine in his early manhood. About the time he attained his majority he rented land from George Redfield and was engaged in farming for several years. Later he removed to Mason township, where he rented another farm of Mr. Redfield. When his financial resources made other purchase possible he added five acres from Mrs. Joy, and then twenty-six acres of land to the other tract, buying the latter of George Ketchum. All of this was wild and unimproved, but he cleared and cultivated it, transforming it into productive fields. As the years went by his labors brought to him a good financial return and his farm work resulted in the improvement of a splendid property. He resided thereon until 1892, when he removed to Cassopolis, where he embarked in the butchering business, continuing in the trade there for seven years. In 1899 he came to Edwardsburg, where he again opened a meat market, and has since been identified with the business interests of the city in this way.

Mr. Van Antwerp was married in 1883 to Miss Bertha L. Schutt, a daughter of A. S. and Lydia Schutt, and a native of Noble county, Indiana, born July 7, 1858. She resided there with her parents until about ten years of age when, in 1868, the family removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, where Mrs. Van Antwerp lived until she reached womanhood. She has become the mother of two children: Blenn, who was born in Mason township, April 19, 1885, and Harmon, born in Cassopolis, December 9, 1898. The elder was graduated from the high school of Edwardsburg.

Mr. Van Antwerp is a Republican and a member of the Woodmen camp at Edwardsburg. He has little desire for public office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, and whatever success he has attained is attributable to his close application, earnest purpose and honorable methods.

> Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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VOORHIS,HARKNESS,CRANDALL,STAMP,

C. E. Voorhis, a pioneer merchant of Cassopolis, is well deserving of mention in this volume, having made a creditable record in commercial circles and belonging to that class of representative American men who, while advancing individual interests, also contribute to the general prosperity. He was born in Springifeld township, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of November, 1828. His father, James Voorhis, was a native of New Jersey, was a carpenter by trade and spent much of his life in Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. His wife, Mrs. Charlotte Voorhis, was a native of the Keystone state, and they became the parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom C. E. Voorhis is the youngest son. Only two children are now living, one sister, Lucinda Harkness, being a resident of Pennsylvania.

C. E. Voorhis was reared in the state of his nativity, spending his boyhood days upon the farm, and acquired his education in the public schools. In early manhood he chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married in the east to Miss Emeline Crandall, a native of New York. About two years after his marriage he came to Michigan, settling in Cassopolis, where he began working at day labor, following any work that he could secure that would give him an honest living. In 1863, with the capital that he had managed to save from his earnings, he established a restaurant. He also spent one year as a peddler, and about 1865 he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he still continues. His capital and stock were very limited at first, but he has built up a magnificent trade and now carries a very extensive and well selected stock. He owns the fine building in which he is conducting his business and also has a fine home in Cassopolis, and his store would be a credit to a city of much larger size.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Voorhis have been born two living children: William H., who is now in charge of the store; and Eva, the wife of Elmer Stamp. Mr. Voorhis votes with the Democracy, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is the pioneer grocery merchant of the city and has enjoyed a prosperous career in this line of business, his success being attributable to his earnest desire to please his patrons, his close application and his reasonable prices and straightforward dealing. He has a very wide acquaintance throughout the county, having lived here for half a century, and not to know Mr. Voorhis is to argue one's self unknown in this section of the state. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of its leading enterprises.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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