Cass County Michigan Biographies pages W-Y
From The History of Cass Countyby Glover

HENRY CLAY WALKER

WALKER,SANBORN,HULL

Henry Clay Walker is one of the prominent old settlers of Cass county and a veteran of the Civil war. He resides on section 5, Calvin township, being the owner of Brookside farm, which is a well improved property. His birth occurred in LaGrange township, Elkhart county, Indiana, on the 13th of September, 1841, and he is descended from an old New England family. His father, Lucius Walker, was a native of Vermont, in which state he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He became a farmer by occupation and has devoted his entire life to that calling. About 1846 he removed to Indiana, establishing his home in Elkhart county. He married Miss Lydia S. Sanborn, who was also a native of New England, born either in Vermont or New Hampshire. They became the parents of eleven children, nine of whom reached manhood or womanhood, while five are living at this writing in 1906.

Henry Clay Walker, the ninth in order of birth in his father’s family, spent his youth in the county of his nativity. In 1858 his parents removed from the farm to Bristol, Elkhart county, and he remained at home until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the continued attempt of the south to destroy the Union, and in August, 1862, he enrolled his name among the boys in blue of Company I, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He joined the army as a private and served until the following January, when he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability occasioned by illness.

Following his return to Bristol, Mr. Walker continued his education by pursuing a course of study in the Northern Indiana College at South Bend, where he remained for one year. He afterward entered business life as a merchant at Vandalia, Michigan, opening a general line of goods there. He was also postmaster of the town for nine years and discharged the duties of the position in connection with the management of the store, in which he met with a fair measure of success, enjoying a growing trade by reason of his fair dealing and his earnest desire to please his patrons. In 1873, however, he retired from commercial life and took up his abode upon the farm on which he now resides on section 5, Calvin township, and has since given his attention to general farming. His fields are well tilled and the place is equipped with many modern improvements, including the best machinery for plowing, planting and harvesting. In his work he is practical and methodical and his labors have been so carefully directed that a gratifying measure of prosperity has attended him. His farm comprises two hundred acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and it is appropriately named Brookside farm.

In 1872 Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Olive M. Hull, a daughter of Isaac and Maria Hull. They have become the parents of one daughter and one son, but the former, Minnie, died when only three years of age. The son, T. McKinnon Walker, an accomplished pianist, is at home.

Mr. Walker has taken an active interest in public affairs and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his fitness for positions of public trust, have called him to a number of offices. He has served as township clerk, occupying that position while in Vandalia and for three terms has been township treasurer in Calvin township. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend and all matters for the general good receive his endorsement and co-operation. He has been justice of the peace for about sixteen years, rendering decisions which are strictly fair and impartial and he always votes with the Republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Albert Anderson Post No. 258, G. A. R. at Cassopolis, and has filled some offices in that order. Throughout his entire life he has manifested the same spirit of loyalty which prompted his enlistment for service in the Civil war.

Typed by Carol Foss

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JOHN H. WATSON

WATSON,ROBINSON,EMMONS,HARTSELL,BYERS

John H. Watson, who after many years of active connection with farming interests is now living retired in Dowagiac, was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Warren county on the 1st of May, 1833. He is a son of Robert Watson, a native of Virginia, who settled in Ohio at an early period in the colonization of the latter state and aided in its pioneer development. Later he again made his way to the frontier, when he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in Niles about 1838. This section of the state was then largely wild and unimproved and he aided in planting the seeds of civilization and of development which in later years have borne rich fruits. He was a miller by occupation and worked in some of the first mills in Niles. Later he removed to Silver Creek township, Cass county, where he invested his earnings in land and engaged in farming until he came to Dowagiac in 1865. He had led a busy and useful life and on locating in this city he retired from active business cares, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He lived to the ripe old age of seventy-nine years. From the organization of the Republican party he was one of its strong and stalwart advocates, and he held a number of township offices, the duties of which were faithfully performed, for he believed it the privilege as well as the duty of every American citizen to uphold his political views and to do what work he could in behalf of his county, state or nation. His life was ever upright and honorable. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and was a licensed minister of that denomination. His influence was ever on the side of right and truth and his influence was a potent element for good in every community where he was known. In early manhood he married Miss Sarah Hannan, a native of Ohio, in which state her girlhood days were passed. During her last days, however, she was a resident of Wayne township, Cass county, where she died at the very advanced age of eighty-four years. In the family were nine children, one of whom died in infancy, while five of the number are yet living, namely: Wealthy Ann, the wife of John Robinson; Mary Ellen, the wife of Lewis Emmons, of Pokagon township; Matilda, the wife of John Hartsell, who is residing in North Wayne, Cass county; Archibald; and John.

John H. Watson was the fifth child and third son in the family and was only five years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan. The first few years were spent at Niles and he was about nine years old when he came to Cass county with his parents. He remained upon the old home farm until twenty-one years of age, assisting in the arduous task of cultivating and developing new land and transforming it into productive fields. In early manhood he chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married in 1854 to Miss Ceretta Powers, a daughter of N. H. Powers, who was born in Ohio and died in May, 1903. In 1855, the year following his marriage, Mr. Watson removed to Carroll county, Iowa, and located a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he lived for three years, but preferring Michigan to Iowa, he returned to Cass county and took up his abode in Pokagon township, where he purchased land, and thereon devoted his time and energies to general farming until 1899. In that year he retired from active business life and removed to Dowagiac, where he has since made his home, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born four children: Emma, who died at the age of two years; Charles H., who was born in Greene county, Iowa, August 31, 1858, and is now a resident of Woodford county, Arkansas, where he is engaged in the lumber business; Alma L., the wife of Leslie Byers, of Dowagiac; and Eugene L., who died at age of thirty-three years.

Mr. Watson has sold his farm, which was in Pokagon and LaGrange townships, and is now living a retired life in Dowagiac. He has been a resident of Cass county throughout his entire life with the exception of a very brief period. He has also given his political allegiance to the Democracy, but he has been without aspiration for office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs until later years, when he is now enjoying a well-earned rest.

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HON. HENRY B. WELLS

WELLS,BAKER,FILKINS,CARR,HAZLETT,TUTHILL

Hon. Henry B. Wells, whose position in public regard has long been a creditable and enviable one and who has been entrusted with various duties of a public nature, showing the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, makes his home on Section 28, Wayne township, where he conducts and cultivates a farm of two hundred acres. Its excellent improvements are indicative of his progressive spirit, which has been manifest in all the associations of public and private life.

Mr. Wells is a native of the state of New York, his birth having occurred in Otsego county on the 4th of February, 1829. His father, Werden Wells, was a native of Rhode Island and a son of Joshua Wells, who was a son of one of seven brothers who came from England and, settling in Rhode Island, established the town of Wellsville. When a young lad Werden Wells accompanied his parents on their removal from New England to Otsego county, New York, where he acquired his education and was married. In early life he learned the trade of a harnessmaker and continued in that business for a number of years. He wedded Miss Julia Baker, a daughter of Henry Baker and a native of Otsego county, New York, where they began their domestic life, remaining there for a number of years. In 1835, however, the father brought his family to Michigan, making his way to Kalamazoo county, where he took up government land in Charleston township. It was wild and unimproved, but he at once began its cultivation and developed therefrom a good farm, which he made his place of residence until he was called to the home beyond, when about eighty-five years of age. His first wife died when forty-five years of age and he afterward wedded Mrs. Elipha Filkins, a widow. There were ten children born of the father's first marriage and two of the second marriage. Of the first family only three are now living.

Henry B. Wells, the second child and second son born of that union, was a youth of seven years when he accompanied his parents to Kalamazoo ed on in connection with the management of his other business interests from the time that it had come into his possession. During a part of that period he had also made his home upon the farm. He is now giving his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits and is the owner of two hundred acres of land which is rich and productive. The fields annually return good harvests and there are modern improvements upon the place which indicate a progressive spirit.

In December, 1854, Mr. Wells was married to Miss Phebe Carr, a daughter of Cary and Eliza (Hazlett) Carr. Mrs. Wells was born in the Empire state but was brought to Cass county when eleven years of age and has resided here continuously since. They now have two living children, a son and daughter: Alice, the wife of Judge Harry B. Tuthill, of Michigan City, Indiana,; and Elbert C., who is in the mail service on the railroad and makes his home in Grand Rapids.

Mr. Wells is a stanch Republican, having supported the party continuously since its organization. He voted for Fillmore in 1852, for Fremont in 1856 and Lincoln in 1860 and he has since supported each presidential nominee of the party. He has been township treasurer and supervisor for six years and held other local offices. In 1866 he was elected to the legislature to represent the northern district of Cass county and in that position as in local offices he was found worthy the trust reposed in him, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In the Congregational church at Dowagiac in which he holds membership he has filled most of the offices, acting as treasurer, trustee and in other positions and co-operating in many movements for the extension of the influence of the church and its power as a moral force in the community. He has been a continuous resident of Cass county for fifty-seven years, active in all things pertaining to its good, and now in the evening of life, for he has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded those of similar years whose career has been characterized by all that is honorable and straightforward.

Typed by Barbara O'Reagan

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ISAAC WELLS SR.

WELLS,BRIGGS,HERKIMER,SWOBE,STEINER,MELCHER

Isaac Wells Sr., is one of the old settlers and representative citizens of Dowagiac and for eighteen years has been connectd with the Round Oak Stove Company as inspector and molder of clay, a business record which is certainly creditable, for his long retention in one position indicates his capability and fidelity.

Mr. Wells is a native of Green county, Ohio, born July 15, 1830. His paternal grandfather, Felix Wells, was a native of Wales, in which country he was married, and about 1778 or 1779 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. There were three brothers who made the journey, one of whom located in Virginia, one in Kentucky and one in the east. It was the branch of the family from which Isaac Wells is descended that established its home in Kentucky and in that state Charles Wells, father of our subject, was born February 23, 1790. The family had been located there in early pioneer times when Kentucky was not far removed from that period which, because of the always constantly waged Indian warfare, won for it the title of "the dark and bloody ground." On leaving his native state Charles Wells became an early settler of Green county, Ohio, and from that place made his way direct to Cass county, Michigan, arriving at Edwardsburg on the 28th of October, 1831. He was a blacksmith by trade and was the first representative of that occupation in Cass county. He made all of the irons for the first sawmill in the county and the settlers came for miles around to secure his service in the line of his chosen trade. In 1835 he removed to Berrien county, Michigan, settling on what is called the Indian reserve. There he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he began to cultivate and improve, devoting his attention to his farming interests until his death, which occurred in 1838. He was one of the early settlers of Cass county and also of Berrien county and he aided in reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy. He had been married on the 24th of March, 1814, to Miss Susan Briggs, who was born on the Potomac River in Virginia, January 7, 1795. She survived her husband until April 16, 1866. In their family were nine children: Livona, born in 1815; Eliza, born in 1816; Mary, in 1818; Joseph B., in 1820; Francis, October 15, 1823; Mary, in 1825; Lewis, in 1827; Isaac, in 1830; and Ezra, January 5, 1834. Of this family only one is living, Isaac. Lewis, a resident of Iowa, died April 20, 1906.

Isaac Wells, Sr., was the eighth in order of birth and was a little more than a year old when brought to Cass county by his parents in 1835. He afterward was taken by them to Bertram township, Berrien county, Michigan, where he remained until 1859, when he returned to Cass county and here engaged in farming and blacksmithing. He located on McKinney's Prairie in LaGrange township, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits from 1859 until 1880, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation and harvesting therefrom good crops. In the latter year he removed to Dowagiac and was engaged in the dairy business for two years. He then farmed for three years at Silver Creek and Pokagon townships and for eighteen years has been connected with the Round Oak Stove Works as inspector and molder of clay. He is one of the oldest settlers of Cass county and this part of Michigan, having spent his entire life in this section of the state, with the exception of his first year.

On the 16th of December, 1857, Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Herkimer, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Swobe) Herkimer and a native of Montgomery county, New York, born October 22, 1837. Her parents removed to Berrien county, Michigan, in 1851. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Emma Z., the wife of Glenn Mead, of Dowagiac; William R., who married Mary Steiner and is living in Dowagiac; and Isaac H., who married Nellie Melcher and is living in the same city.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Wells has been a staunch advocate of the Democracy, its principles and its policy. He was township treasurer of LaGrange township for four years, was also highway commissioner for six years and has held other local offices. He has been officially connected with the schools and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal church. Few men have such an intimate or accurate knowledge of the history of this section of the state as has Mr. Wells, who, as before stated, has spent almost his entire life in this part of Michigan. When the family located on the Indian reserve in Bertram township, Berrien county, there were five white families and four hundred and eighty Indians living in that neighborhood. When he was in his eighth year he acted as interpreter for Topen Bey and went down to Tippecanoe on the Kankakee river, being gone ten days on the expedition. He could speak the Indian tongue as readily as the the English language. When he returned home he received as a present a fawn skin filled with honey, and also a pipe given him by Topen Bey, the war chief's son. This pipe is now in the museum at Cassopolis. Mr. Wells is one of the charter members of the Pioneer Association of Cass county, was its president for one term, vice-president for one term and a member of the Report Committee for the last ten years. His life history if written in detail would present many interesting pictures of pioneer life. To the traveler of today, viewing the fine farms, attractive homes and enterprising towns and cities of southern Michigan, it is impossible to realize that it is within the memory of any living man when the red men were more numerous here than the representatives of the white race, but such is the case with Mr. Wells. He can remember when all this region was covered with a native growth of timber, when the streams were abridged and the land uncultivated. It required much arduous toil to bring about the changes that have brought the county up to its present high state of cultivation, development and improvement and the pioneers bore many hardships, trials and privations while performing this task. Mr. Wells has always borne his full share in the work of development and as an honored pioneer settler of southern Michigan well deserves mention in this volume.

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LESLIE C. WELLS

WELLS,JENNINGS,REED,BEVERSTOCK,SHOOKMAN,WRIGHT

Leslie C. Wells, residing on section 26, Pokagon township, was born in Wayne township, Cass county, on the 8th of November 1855. His paternal grandfather, Woden Wells, was a native of Connecticut, whence he removed to New York, and at an early day he came to Michigan, taking up his abode in Kalamazoo county. He was of Welsh lineage. His son, Homer Wells, the father of our subject, was born in the Empire state and when a youth of ten years accompanied his parents on their removal to Kalamazoo county, where he remained until 1849, when he came to Cass county, taking up his abode in Wayne township, where he engaged in general farming. He was for many years a representative and leading agriculturist of this part of the state and his death occurred in 1904, when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-three years. In politics he was a stanch and earnest Republican, interested in the work of the party and doing all in his power for its growth and success. He held a number of local offices, to which he was called by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability and who found in him a capable official. In his early manhood he wedded Miss Laura A. Reed, a native of Ohio and a daughter of A.H. and Maria (Jennings) Reed, who went originally from Vermont to Ohio and thence came to Michigan, settling in Wayne township, Cass county. Mrs. Wells was at that time a young girl and she died when but twenty years of age.

Leslie C. Wells, the only child, remained with his father, who afterward married again, his second union being with Fannie Beverstock. In the public schools Mr. Wells acquired his education and during the summer months aided in the farm work until seventeen years of age, when he left home, starting out upon an independent business career. He entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company in connection with the construction gang and in the following year he began teaching school, which profession he followed for twenty years during the winter months. He attended the Vicksburg high school during that time and he continually broadened his knowledge by reading, observation and investigation. As an educator he was capable and efficient, imparting readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired and maintaining good discipline, without which successful work is never done in the school room. During the summer months he worked at farm labor and he also spent some years in California, Washington and Oregon. He likewise went to the south, passing one year in Alabama.

In 1881 Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Shookman, a daughter of Otho and Elizabeth (Wright) Shookman. She was born in Wayne township and for about fifteen years engaged in teaching school, being also one of the successful teachers of this part of the state. At the time of his marriage Mr. Wells located in LaGrange township, settling upon a part of the old homestead farm, upon which he lived for three years, when he took up his abode upon a rented farm in Silver Creek township, there living for two years. On the expiration of that period, with the money which he had managed to save from his earnings he purchased forty acres of land in LaGrange township and cultivated that place for three years. His present farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres in Pokagon township, where he has resided for the past eight years. His farm is the visible evidence of his well-directed thrift and energy, for when he started out on his own account he had no capital. He has worked persistently and the years have brought him success, owing to his diligence and capable management. Goethe has said, "Merit and success go linked together," and the truth of this assertion is verified again and again in the lives of such men as Mr. Wells, whose prosperity is attributable entirely to his own labors. In politics he is a stanch Republican, interested in the growth and success of his party. He was foreman of the first grand jury that had been convened in the county in forty-six years, acting in that capacity in 1905. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp.

Typed by Linda (Markham) Curry
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WILLARD WELLS

WELLS,WOODWORTH,HILL,HENDERSON,VAN ANTWERT

Willard Wells, who has been closely connected with building operations in Dowagiac as a contractor, but is now living retired, was born in Montgomery county, New York on the 16th of September, 1829, and is therefore in his seventy-seventh year. He was the second in order of birth in a family of ten children born unto Ira and Maria (Woodworth) Wells, who were also natives of Montgomery county. The father followed the occupation of farming in later life but engaged in business as a boot and shoe merchant in his early years. He removed from Montgomery county to Onondaga county, New York, and became a resident of Orleans county in the same state in 1855. There he was engaged in merchandising one year, but later he resumed farming which he carried on until about twenty years prior to his death, when he retired from active business life and took up his abode in Medina, New York. He was a leading, active and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and served as class leader for forty years. His Christian faith permeated his entire life, established his conduct toward his fellowmen and made him a man whom to know was to respect and honor. While living in Montgomery county he was married to Maria Woodworth, and he reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, while his wife passed away at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. Of their ten children six reached years of maturity, while four are now living, namely: Charles H., who is living in San Diego, California: Willard, of this review: Mary, the wife of John Wells, who is living in Orleans county, New York: Frances, the wife of Judson Hill, of Quincy, Branch county, Michigan.

Willard Wells was a youth of six years when his parents removed from his native county to Onondaga county, New York, and there the days of his youth were passed, while his education was acquired in the public schools. Thinking that he might enjoy better opportunities in the middle west he came to Michigan in 1855, spending the winter in Wayne township, Cass county. In the spring of 1856 he took up his abode in Dowagiac, and for a long period was identified with business affairs here. He had been married in Onondaga county, New York, in 1852 to Miss Harriet Henderson, a native of that county. On locating in Dowagiac Mr. Wells began working at the carpenter’s trade, his first work being on the construction of the home of Thomas Gilbert on the east bank of Indian lake. He was employed as a carpenter until 1861, when, with the money that he had saved from his earnings he bought a farm in Wayne township, locating thereon and devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits thorough the succeeding four years. In 1865 he again took up his abode in Dowagiac, where he began contracting and building on his own account, continuing in that line of business until about 1890. He was one of its first builders and many of the substantial structures of the city stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise. He enjoyed a liberal patronage for a long period and then, with a comfortable competence, retired to private life.

In 1904 Mr. Wells was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in Dowagiac on the 30th of October of that year. She was the mother of four children, but only one is now living, Dora, the wife of R. W. Van Antwert, who is living in Dowagiac.

Mr. Wells has made his home in Cass county for a half century, and therefore the principal events of its history are known to him, while upon memory’s wall hang many pictures of pioneer experiences and incidents. He has been a lifelong Republican, active in the interest of the party, for he believes that its principles contain the best elements of good government. He was elected for supervisor for six years of the second ward of Dowagiac, was elected a trustee of the village and was chosen to the position of alderman for three terms, after Dowagiac became a city. His official duties were very promptly and faithfully performed and he has stood strong in the advance of progress, reform and improvement for the city and county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life has exemplified the beneficent principles of the craft, which is based upon mutual kindliness and brotherly helpfulness. There have been no exciting chapters in his life record and yet it contains many element worthy of emulation, showing what can be accomplished by determined purpose and faithful effort, for whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors and perseverance.

Typed by Carol Foss

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GILBERT WHITE

WHITE,CASTLEMAN,BRONER,REINHART

Gilbert White, a retired farmer living in Cassopolis, was born in Allegheny county, New York, on the 18th of September, 1835, and in both the paternal and maternal lines comes of Irish and English ancestry. His parents were Albert and Rhoda (Castleman) White. The father was born in Seneca county, New York, and in the year 1843 emigrated westward to Cass County, Michigan, reaching his destination on the 10th of September. As a pioneer settler he was identified with the work of early progress and improvement and his aid could always be counted upon to further any measure for the local good. His time and energies were devoted to farming and he contributed to the agricultural prosperity of the community. He voted with the Whig party until its dissolution and then became a stanch Democrat. His death occurred November 25, 1876, when he was in the seventy-fourth year of his age. His wife, also a native of the Empire state, died in Cass County when about fifty-five years of age. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter, all of whom reached years of maturity, but the daughter died when about twenty-two years of ages, and the sons have also passed away with the exception of Gilbert White and his brother, Nathaniel White, who is now living in Penn township.

Gilbert White was the youngest son and fifth child in the family and was but eight years of age when he became a resident of Cass County. His youth was passed upon the old family homestead, where he early began work in the fields, aiding in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges and he had to walk two and a half miles to the little old school house in Penn. His education was therefore acquired under somewhat unfavorable circumstances. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager and he remained at home assisting in the work of the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. As a companion and helpmate for life’s journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Broner, whom he wedding in 1857. She was born in New York city and was a daughter of Jacob and Mary Broner. She came to Cass County in 1857 and the same year gave her hand in marriage to Mr. White.

Unto Mr. & Mrs. White have been born three children: Frank A., now deceased; Evadell, the wife of Aaron Reinhart, who resides upon the old family homestead; and Floyd B., who is living in Cassopolis. Mr. White belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, with which he has been connected for twenty-three years. He also holds membership relations with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and since attaining his majority has given his support to the Democracy. He has held the office of justice of the peace and other local positions and for about twenty years has been a member of the school board, taking an active interest in the cause of public education and in various movements and plans for substantial advancement in the county. He has lived in the county for sixty-three years and his position in public regard has been won through a strict adherence to high and manly principles. In his business dealings he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men in any trade transaction, but in the legitimate channels of trade has gained the competence which he now enjoys. He has traveled life’s journey with his wife for almost a half century and they are regarded as a most estimable couple whose names should be engraved high upon the roll of honored pioneer settlers and who justly deserve prominent mention on the history of this part of the state.

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MILTON P. WHITE, M.D

WHITE,BAKER,CARMAN

The medical profession is one of the leading factors in all civilized parts of the globe, also one of the most arduous, as well as useful. The mild, cheerful and sunny physician in the sick chamber is oftentimes more penetrative in healing than the remodies he may prescribe.

Dr. White of this review, who has been a physician and surgeon in Dowagiac for almost twenty years, is so well known in the northern part of Cass county that he needs no special introduction to the citizens of the city of Dowagiac. He is a native of Cass county, born near the village of Wakelee 19 December 1852, and is the youngest of seven children, six sons and one daughter, born to John and Hannah (Baker) White.

There are three of the children living, the eldest being Henry, a resident of California, who went to the Pacific slope in search of gold in the fifties and yet remains a miner; Jasper, a prosperous farmer in Penn township, receiving his education in the common schools; Dr. White is the next in order of birth.

John White, the father, was a native of North Carolina and was reared in his native state until reaching manhood, there learning the blacksmith's trade. He first located in Cass county when the county seat was officially but not actually situated on the banks of Diamond Lake, and there had a foundry and blacksmith shop. He later bought a farm in Volinia township.

Politically he was a Jackson Democrat. His death occurred when Dr. White was fourteen years of age. Mother White was a native of the Keystone state of Pennsylvania, descendingh from old German ancestrty, and she was reared a Quaker. ...

Dr. White was reared in Cass county, receiving his primary education in the district schools, and then attended a select school at Buchanan until he could pass his teacher's examination. He then taught a winter term near Niles, the following year depositing the first one hundred dollars he had made in the bank, and then entered the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso to better prepare himself for a teacher. ...

Besides teaching the country school he also taught one year in Galien, Berrien county, and during all this time he was spending his money in acquiring a higher education to fit him for the study of medicine.

He took the business and litierary course at the Northern Indiana Normal and during the summer and fall of 1876 he was in the office of Dr. Beer, of Valparaiso, to read medicine. He next entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago in 1877, where he continued until his graduation in 1880.

He then returned to his home in Wakelee, and after some persuasion on the part of his dear old mother he began the practice of his profession at Wakelee. His practice steadily grew, and he remained there six and a half years, on the expiration of which period, in the fall of 1886, he located in the pretty city of Dowagiac, where his practice has steadily grown, and today he is one of the leading physicians in the city. His home is located at the corner of Telegraph and Center streets, and it is ever open to his and his wife's many friends.

Dr. White wedded Miss Rosella Carman 14 September 1882, and to this union have been born three children, one son and two daughters, all living, namely: Baker T., a student in the now Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso; Ruth, in the senior year in the city high school of Dowagiac; and Cora M., in the fifth grade of the city schools. ...Mrs. White's father died at the age of eighty-two years, and her mother is yet living on the old homestead near Schoolcraft, Michigan, aged eighty-four years. Mrs. White was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, her higher education in the Northern Indiana Normal School.

Politically Dr. White is a Republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Hayes. He has strong temperance principles. Officially he was mayor of Dowagiac in 1901 and 1902, and fraternally he is a member of the blue lodge of Masons and the council. He is an honored member of the Cass County Medical Association, being twice president of the society, a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, also Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine.

He is examining physician for the Penn Mutual, the Mutual Life of New York, the Northwestern of Milwaukee, and is one of the United States pension examiners, which office he has held for nine years. Mrs. White is a member of the Nineteenth Century Literary Club, which is composed of the leading ladies of Dowagiac. Besides his city property, Dr. White has one hundred of sixty acres of good land in Pokagon township and several houses for rent in Dowagiac. ...

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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THEODORE F. WILBER

WILBER,HAUSE

Theodore F. Wilber, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who enlisted in defense of the Union when only seventeen years of age, is now living in Dowagiac. He was born in Seneca county, New York, at the family home on the west bank of Cayuga Lake, June 12, 1846. His father, Gideon S. Wilber, was also a native of Seneca county, where he resided until 1854, when with his family he came to the middle west, settling first on a farm in Wayne township, Cass county, where he lived for about a year. In the spring of 1855 he bought a farm in La Grange township, removed to that property and continued to make his home there throughout his remaining days. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he tilled the fields and cultivated the crops until his life's labors were ended, being a diligent, energetic man. He was also a public-spirited citizen and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and loyalty, frequently called him to positions of trust and responsibility. He held many offices during the years of his residence in this county. He was superintendent of the poor for about fifteen years and was deputy sheriff for two years. He gave his political allegiance to the Republican party from the time of its organization, watched with interest the progress of events in the south prior to the Civil War and when the Republican party was formed to meet existing conditions, he joined its ranks and was one of its most loyal advocates. For forty years he was a reader of the semi-weekly New York Tribune and at one time was the only subscriber to the paper in this part of the country. He was well known in the county as a man of public spirit, interested in everything relating to the material, intellectual and moral as well as political progress of the community, and he assisted in building three different churches, although he did not ally himself with any denomination. He was, however, a man of high moral principles and genuine worth who was reliable in business affairs and at all times commanded and merited the confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. He married Miss Louisa M. Hause, also a native of Seneca county, New York, and a daughter of John Hause, whose birth occurred in the Empire state and who died in Cass county at the age of eighty-three years. The death of Gideon Wilber occurred when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-five years. In his family were five children, one daughter and four sons, all of whom are living with one exception.

Theodore F. Wilber, the second child and eldest son, was about eight years of age when brought by his parents to Michigan and has since remained a resident of Cass county. He began his education in the public schools of New York and continued his studies in the district schools of LaGrange township. Through the summer months he aided in the work of the fields and remained at home until seventeen years of age, when, in response to his country's need, he enlisted as a private of Company M, First Michigan Cavalry, in 1863. With that command he served until the close of the war and was then sent among the Indians on the frontier to aid in the suppression of the uprisings among the red race. He thus did duty in the far west until March, 1866, after serving for nearly three years. He was ever a faithful and loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him whether it led him to the firing line, stationed him on the lonely picket line or called him to the frontier.

When the war ended Mr. Wilber returned to his old home in LaGrange township and resumed farming on his father's place. He gained intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and was thus well qualified to carry on farm work on his own account when he established a home for himself. He was married on the 24th of December, 1868, to Miss Fannie Jennings, a daughter of Milton and Margaret (Burns) Jennings. Her father was born in Connecticut. Her mother died when Mrs. Wilber was only two years old. There were three children in the family, the eldest being Charles, who enlisted for service as a soldier in the Civil war and was killed in battle. The elder daughter, Martha, is now deceased leaving Mrs. Wilber, the youngest member of the family, as the only one now surviving with the exception of a half sister, for the father was married twice. Mr. and Mrs. Wilber have one son, Fred J., who is a civil engineer, who was graduated on the completion of the engineering course in the Michigan state university at Ann Arbor in 1900 and is now located in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. Wilber is executor for the father's estate, comprising two hundred and sixty acres of land, and in the management of this property displays good business ability and executive force. He belongs to H. C. Gilbert Post, G. A. R., of Dowagiac, and is now senior vice commander. He has always taken an active part in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic and is a stalwart advocate of the principles upon which this order is based. He enjoys recounting incidents of army life around its campfires amid the genial companionship of his old army comrades. He was but seventeen years of age when he enlisted and twenty years of age when honorably discharged and was therefore not a voter until one year after he had completed his term of military service. His first presidential ballot was cast for General Grant and he has always been an advocate of the Republican party. He has resided in this county for a half century and is now the only Wilber here representing his father's descendants. He is well known and his strong and salient characteristics have been such as have won for him favorable regard from his fellowmen. Great changes have occurred since he came to the county as the work of improvement has been carried forward and Mr. Wilber's mind reverts back to the time when much of the land was still uncultivated, when there were considerable stretches of forest yet uncut and when several of the towns which are now the centers of business and commercial enterprise had not yet been founded. He has ever been deeply interested in the work of development and has borne his full share in this task, manifesting at all times the same loyalty which he displayed when upon southern battlefields he followed the stars and stripes.

ROBERT H. WILEY

WILEY,SIFERT,HILL

Robert H. Wiley, the secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Dowagiac, is numbered among the native sons of Cass county, his birth having occurred in Wayne township on the 7th of December 1840.

His father was William G. Wiley, a native of New York and a son of John B. Wiley, who was born in Ireland, but in early life crossed the Atlantic to the United States and settled in New York City. He became a resident of Cass county, Michigan, about 1836, being numbered among its settlers when this was a frontier region ...

By trade he was a cooper. Before coming to Michigan, however, he lived at different times in New Jersey and Ohio, and it was in those states that Wiliam G. Wiley, father of our subject, was reared. He, too, arrived in Cass county in 1836, at which time he took up his abode in Cassopolis, where he worked at the cooper's trade, which he had learned under the direction of his father. He also lived for a number of years in Wayne township, and his last days were spent in LaGrange township, where he died in his fiftieth year. He filled the office of supervisor in both townships ...

He married Miss Harriet Sifert, a native of Ohio, who came to Cass county during her girlhood days. She was a daughter of Lemuel Sifert, who was born in this country but was of Dutch descent. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley were four children, two daughters and two sons, all of whom reached mature years.

Robert H. Wiley is the eldest of his father's family and was reared in Wayne township to the age of fourteen years. He acquired a common school education and remained under the parental roof until he had reached his majority, assisting in the work of the fields. When twenty-three years of age he left his home and in 1864 crossed the plains to California by way of Salt Lake City, remaining for about a year on the Pacific coast. He made the return trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York City to Cass county and resumed farming in LaGrange township.

Following his marriage he located with his bride on a farm in that township, and he still owns the property ... In 1897, however, he retired from active agricultural pursuits and removed to Dowagiac. The same year he was appointed secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company and has been four times re-elected to the office ...

Mr. Wiley was married in 1867 to Miss Bina C. Hill, a daughter of B.W. and Paulina Hill. Mrs. Wiley was born in Michigan and unto this marriage there has been born a daughter, Harriet, who is at home with her parents.

Mr. Wiley has served in a number of official positions, acting for twelve years as supervisor of LaGrange township. He was elected on the Democratic ticket ...His realty holdings embrace three hundred and sixty acres of good land in LaGrange township ...

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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DUANE WITHERELL

WITHERELL,SIMPSON,STANSELL

Duane Witherell, whose residence in the county dates back to a period of early progress and improvement, was born on section 35, Pokagon township, April 22, 1847. The traveler of today, looking over the splendidly improved farms and noting the varied business interests of the county, can scarcely realize the great change that has been wrought within a half a century, and yet it is within the memory of Mr. Witherall and other native sons of the county when much of the land was uncultivated and there was on every hand evidences of pioneer life. His father, Gilman Witherall, was a native of New Hampshire and in 1833 arrived in Cass County, locating in Pokagon township about 1835. He was a cooper by trade and followed that business in the early days, manufacturing barrels, which he would then haul to the Chicago market on wagons. He afterward turned his attention to farming and continued in the work of tilling the soil up to the time when his life's labors were ended in death. He passed away when about sixty-eight years of age, while his wife died in 1868. She bore the maiden name of Mary A. Simpson and was born in New Hampshire in 1812. By her marriage she became the mother of five children,, two of whom died in early youth, while Henry lost his life while defending his country in the Civil war, as a member of Company I, Fourth Michigan cavalry. George died in California, leaving Duane Witherall the only surviving member of the family.

The youngest of the five children, Duane Witherell was reared upon the old homestead and, like the others, acquired a common school education, while in the work of the farm he was carefully trained, so that he was well qualified to take charge of a farm of his own when he started out upon an independent business career. He has always lived in this county, and the days of his youth were unmarked by any event of special importance until he was seventeen years of age, when he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in 1865 as a member of the Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteer infantry. He continued with the army until the close of hostilities and then returned to his home ii Pokagon township, continuing farm work there upon the old family homestead up to the time of his marriage. On June 24, 1873, he wedded Miss Dora Stansell, a daughter of William and Margaret Stansell. Mrs. Witherell was born in the state of New York August 10, 1852, and was brought to Cass county when about five years of age. At the time of their marriage the young couple located on a farm about a mile and a half east of Pokagon, remaining there until 1901, when they removed to their present home in Pokagon township. He has been a lifelong farmer and in his work displays a practical understanding of the business in all of its departments, combined with unremitting industry and energy that never flags. The farm comprises three hundred and fifty acres of rich and valuable land in Pokagon township, and in addition to this property Mr. Witherell also owns one hundred and fifty acres in Tennessee. He is now practically retired from the active work of the farm, which he has given over to the charge of others, while he is now enjoying a well earned rest.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Witherell has been blessed with two children: Morris G. and Clarence D. The family is well known in the county and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the regard of friends and neighbors. Mr. Witherell belongs to the Masonic lodge at Pokagon and Mrs. Witherell is a member of the Eastern Star of Dowagie, Michigan, and he has been a lifelong Republican. He has met with a fair measure of success in the business world and though he has never sought to figure prominently in public life his career is that of a citizen of worth who by the faithful performance of each day's duties contributes to the sum total of prosperity and progress.

Typed by: Gloria Gibbel

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