Rev. Levi W. Calkins

REV. LEVI W. CALKINS, pastor in charge of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Sparta, Kent county, was born in Ingham county, Mich., September I, I839, and is a son of Wentworth and Lucy (Rogers) Calkins, who had a family of six children. The father was a native of New York state, but early located in Michigan, and here followed his calling as farmer until his removal to California in I85I, where he continued farming until his death, which occurred in I894. Rev. Levi W. Calkins received his elementary education in the common schools of his native county, and began his preparation for the ministry at Mason City, Ingham county, in 1863, and being exceeding studious and apt, completed his theological course in I865. His first appointment was to Antrim county, Mich., where he remained one year only, when he was transferred to Old Mission, where he officiated three years; his next charge was at Northport, Leelanau county, for a year; thence to Casnovia, Mich., for three years, and then to Sparta in 1873, and here for three years most acceptably filled the pastorate. His post of duty was at Berlin, but at the expiration of one year was transferred to Prairieville, Barry county, for three years; then to Parksville, St. Joseph county, for two years; then to Douglas, Allegan county, for two years; thence to Martin, Allegan county, for three years; then was appointed to Kalamazoo county, where he officiated three years each at Climax and Fulton, and one year at Schoolcraft, and then one year at Grand Haven, Ottawa county. In 1892 to returned to and was warmly welcomed by his old flock at Sparta, who have sat under his benignant administration ever since. Reverend Calkins was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony, March 3, 1861, with Miss Mary E. Cushney, daughter of John Cushney, and to this union have been born four children, but all of whom have been called to the better land. One only, a daughter, lived to years of maturity, and she met her death by an accidental fall from a hammock. Fraternally Rev. Mr. Calkins is a charter member of Sparta lodge, F. & A. M., No. 334, and a member of the A. O. U. W. Politically he has never taken any great interest in party affairs, but was early a republican and cast his first presidential vote for A. Lincoln; now he is strongly attached to the principles of the prohibition party. Pious and profound, eloquent and logical,. Reverend Calkins is beloved by his congregation, and his long labors in the vineyard of the Master have been rewarded with an abundant yield in the conversion of sinners and the salvation, it is firmly believed, of many souls.