Ada Township Sketches
1881 Chapman's Biographies
PERSONAL SKETCHES
To complete a history it is essential that the persons who contributed to make subjects for its pages should be dealt with particularly. In local history this becomes an absolute necessity, for without personal sketches of its principal citizens, much of all that could interest and instruct would be lost. Consequently the plan
has been extended to this section of the work as well as to the other chapters of township history, with the result, let us hope, of giving perfect satisfaction.
John Ames was born in the parish of St. Stephens, Pr. of New Brunswick, Dec. 31, 1821. He is a son of Elijah and Susannah (Stone) Ames, the former a native of Mason, N. H., born Feb. 14, 1785, the latter born in Mathias, Me., April 24, 1788. The ancestors of Mr. Ames were English and akin to the celebrated Ames, manufacturer of agricultural implements in Massachusetts. Mr. Ames mother died May 12 1828, and his father Oct. 13, 1842. Soon after the former event he made his way into Washington Co. Me., where he engaged in lumbering until 1850. In September of the following year he purchased his present farm of 135 acres on sec. 4, of a squatter who had built a log "shanty," cleared a small patch of ground and set out nine apple trees, six of which are still living and bearing fruit. Indian trails were then the only thoroughfares, and Mr. Ames has been a participator in all the pioneering enterprises of the town. He was married March 16, 1852, to Margaret, daughter of Isaac and Mary Tomlinson, born in Tecumseh, June 19, :1831. Three of five children are living: Mary E., born April 30, 1856. Mrs. Albert Fairchilds; Alice, June 4, 1861 - wife of Judd Potter - and Willis, Sept. 3, 1862. Mrs Ames died Oct. 26, 1870. Mr. Ames was married a second time Sept. 2, 1873, to Sarah, daughter of John and Susan Russell, natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Ames was born in Monroe Co., Mich., March 22, 1848. They have two bright little daughters; Myrtie A., born May 19, 1875, and Martha M., May 28, 1879. Mr. Ames is a Republican in political faith and he and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
William H. Banks (deceased) was born in Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., April 16, 1806. His parents, Henry and Susanna Banks, were natives of England, and in 1818 settled in Wheatland, Livingston Co., N. Y. He served an apprenticeship with his father at the age of 21, and worked as a mechanic eight years. In March, 1832, he entered 200 acres of land in Commerce tp., Oakland Co. The Indians were then in possession of this State and Pontiac was but an Indian trading post. In November, 1867, he sold and went to Grand Rapids for the purpose of educating his children. In 1868 he purchased a pine tract in Montcalm county and engaged in lumbering until 1871, when he settled on a farm in Ada. He was married Oct. 1, 1834, to Jane F. McWilliam, born at Schenectady, N. Y., May 1, 1812, daughter of William and Margaret McWilliam, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Banks have eight children - John W., James A., William H., Alice S., wife of Levi Moore; Mary J., Mrs. W. M. Hathaway; Margaret A., Charlotte A. and Joseph R. Mr. Banks died Sept. 19, 1876. He spent his life in usefulness and was an exhorter of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for a number of years. He was a public-spirited man and actively interested in all political
and religious affairs. In early life he was a Whig, but became a Republican, and an uncompromising Abolitionist. His loss to family and friends is one that cannot be repaired.
Benjamin Beach, one of the oldest pioneers of this township,was born near Lake George, Warren Co., N. Y., March 14, 1804. He is the son of William and Lucy (Gleason) Beach, the former born Aug. 18, 1776, the latter May 14, 1786. Mr. Beach died June 29, 1857. Mrs. Beech died Aug. 21, 1862. Benjamin Beach, father of William Beach, was renowned for having served through the entire period of the Revolutionary war - seven years. Mr. Beach, of this sketch, is the oldest of 12 children, five of whom are living. He was reared on a farm, and in 1828 engaged in a saw-mill in Essex. Co., N. Y., and a year later returned to Warren county. In 1831 he was married and went to Glens; Falls, and in 1832 to Syracuse, where he operated a salt block one year. he went thence to Oswego county, and subsequently to Onondaga county. In May, 1836, he came to Port Huron and became one of the corps of engineers engaged in surveying the D., G. H. & M. R. R. He went back to New York in the fall, and in August, 1837, he "squatted" on the place where he now resides, a part of which he entered in August, 1838. He has by subsequent additions increased his farm to 120 acres. At the time of his "locating" the Ottawas were very numerous, and were frequent visitors at the pioneer home. Sometimes nearly a score of them would call in a day, and Mr. Beach was familiarly known to them as Flint, and highly considered from his skill as a deer hunter. His farm is in fine condition, 112 acres being in tillage. He was married April 28, 1831, to Betsey, daughter of Horace and Charlotte (Frazier) Ward, born at Springfield, VT., Sept. 24, 1812. They completed a half century of happy married life, Apr. 28, 1881. Following is record of their children - Sarah S., born March 6, 1836, now Mrs. Mark Spencer, dec.; Warren, May 24, 1841, married M. A. Putruff, dec.; Martha M., April 12, 1839, now Mrs. Geo. Strong; Orrin, March 9, 1844, married Anna E. Friedewick; Alice J., Dec. 17, 1848, now Mrs. Wallace Langs; and Seymour, March 8, 1853, married Rosa B. Culver.
Samuel Beach, farmer, was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 13, 1833. His parents, Samuel and Harriet (Treadwell) Beach, were also natives of Yorkshire. In 1842 they settled near Syracuse, N. Y., and in 1843 came to Calhoun Co. In 1845 they moved on sec. 11, Ada, where Mr. Beach, sr., entered 80 acres of land. He died July 3, 1848. And his wife Feb. 10, 1870. Mr. Beach was bred a farmer, and in 1857 located on the farm he now occupies, 120 acres on sec. 16. He proved his single-heartedness toward the land of his adoption by enrolling himself to maintain her flag over an integral Union. He enlisted Aug. 29, 1864, in Co. B, 3d Reg. M. V. I., Capt. Moore, in the brigade of Gen. Thomas. He was in the fights at Decatur and Murfreesboro and received his discharge May 19, 1965. He was married Nov. 11, 1857, to Emily, daughter of John and Ann Findlay, of Scotland, born May 30,
Pg 501 1836. They have five children - Gertrude M., born Aug. 8, 1860, (Mrs. Wm. Collar); Theodore E., July 27, 1863, married M. J. Schenck; Chas. E., Jan. 14, 1867; Mina E., July 18, 1870, and Roscoe, April 16, 1877. Mrs. Beach is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Beach is a Republican.
Thomas Boylon was born in the county of Lowth, Ireland, April 15, 1827. He came to America with his parent, Cornelius and Mary McCabe Boylon in 1834. They settled in Seneca Co., N. Y., moving in the fall of 1840 to Livingston Co., Mich. Mr. Boylon was bred on a farm and has spent most of his life as an agriculturist; has operated a thresher for 30 years. In 1856 his father settled in Vergennes and he passed five years there, locating on 160 acres on sec. 7, this tp., in 1861. This farm includes the old Indian reservation. Mr. Boylon was married Feb. 5, 1860, to Susan A. Murray, born in Troy, N. Y., Feb. 24, 1841. They have had 11 children, of whom five are living - Mary, James, Michael F., Lillie and Anna. During the diphtheria ravages of 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Boylon lost four children within six weeks - Thomas F., Catherine, Cornelius and Susan. The family are connected with St. Andrew's Catholic Church of Grand Rapids. Mr. Boylon belongs to the National party and has been Justice of the Peace six years.
W. P. Carl, farmer, sec. 29, was born in Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 12, 1819. He is the son of David F. and Sybil Carl, of New York. His father served in the war of 1812 and his maternal grandsire was a soldier at Bunker Hill. He early learned the blacksmith's trade of his father and traveled, working at his trade until 1848, when he entered 40 acres on sec. 29, in this tp. He pursued his trade the next three winters in different places in this State and returned to his farm, where he built a shop and followed his business until 1878. He was married April 15, 1850, to Calphurnia N., daughter of Moses and Jemima Parker, born at Clear Creek, Cattaraugus Co, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1825. Three of their children are living - Wilson J., Lucy E. and L. L. Perry is deceased. Mrs. Carl died March 24, 1875. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is a Republican. He served as Deputy Sheriff of Kent county in 1879. Mr. Carl retains his old homestead.
L. B. Chapel was born in Oakland county, and is son of Gurden and Rachel Chapel, the former born in the State of New York, the latter a native of Ontario. They settled on a farm five miles northwest of Ada in 1844, and with all the experiences of the pioneer, Mr. Chapel grew to manhood. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Buena Vista for a term of years, and since abandoning it he has been occupied with farming. He was married in 1850 Helen M. Dennison, born in New York of English parentage. They have five children, as follows: Augusta A., Addie O., William A., Elmer E. and Royal A. Mr. Chapel was a soldier of the late civil war; he enlisted in 1864 and was honorably discharged in 1866. His
regiment was one of the last four from Michigan that were discharged. He belongs to the National party in politics, and owns a farm of 100 acres on sec. 27. Mrs. Chapel is connected with the M. E., Church.
Amos G. Chase, M. D.,, was born in Italy, Yates Co., New York, May 29, 1820, and is a son of Rev. Amos and Mary (Shepherd) Chase. Dr. Chase acquired his early education in the common schools, and in 1842 came to Lenawee county, with his father returning to New York in 1843. In June of the same year they came to this county, where the senior Chase entered sec. 10 of Ada entire and also 30 acres on sec. 11, also 80 acres on sec. 36, Cannon tp. The father returned to New York and after some months came to this county and subsequently to Kent. Dr. Chase began the study of medicine with D. G. W. Walker, of Ada. He was under his instructions 14 months, when Dr. Walker died and Dr. Chase succeeded to his field of practice. In 1872 he attended the Detroit Homeopathic Medical College and graduated in the spring of 1873, resuming his practice in Ada, where he in the only physician. In July, 1876, he opened drug store in conjunction with his son, F. C. Chase; he has a full stock of drugs, and the annual transactions average about $5,000. Dr. Chase was married Nov. 6, 1845, to Betsey, daughter of Calvin and Lydia A. Kelsey, born in June, 1828, in Wales, N. Y. They have three children, Harriet S. (wife of John M. Butler), Fred C. and Clayton V. Dr. Chase is a member of the Masonic order and is a Republican. He performed the duties of Justice of the Peace one term and of Township Treasurer one term.
John L. Clements, pioneer of Kent county, was born in Seneca Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1811. He is a son of Samuel and Catherine Clements, the former a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and the latter of Essex Co., N.J. They were among the first settlers of Lima, Washtenaw Co., where they settled in 1825. He followed the Lakes as sailor boy three seasons, and in 1837 returned to "fair Washtenaw" and kept hotel at Mill Creek one year. From that time he worked a part of his father's farm until 1846, when he entered into a partnership in a grist-mill in Grand Rapids, known as Clements and Sweet's mill. His relation continued until 1854, when Mr. C. navigated Grand river with the steamer "Porter." In April, 1855, he purchased 400 acres of land on secs. 33, 34 and 35. During the next two years he constructed the dam and built the "Ada Mills." The expense was $7,000. He ran the mill two years and sold out, since which time he has been occupied in farming. In the spring of 1857 he platted South Ada. He was married in December, 1838, to Zipporah R., daughter of Wm. G. and Polly Beach, born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. They have one child, Edward B., born July 24, 1844. He was educated at the Pontiac High School and is also a graduate from the Law Department of the State University at Ann Arbor. He took his degree in 1871. Mr. Clements has held various offices of public trust, among them
that of Justice of the Peace 12 years. He served one term as Supervisor in Washtenaw county. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns a valuable farm of 260 acres.
Cornelius Courtwright, a leading citizen of Ada, was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1821, and is a son of Moses and Esther Courtwright. His grandsire, Gideon Courtwright, was a hero of the Revolution. Mr. Courtwright, of this sketch, was bred on a farm and obtained his education in the common schools. In 1844 he entered 120 acres of Government land on sec. 10 and 15, Grattan tp., and found home and employ among the farmers of Plainfield until 1847, when he went to Muskegon, where he pursued lumbering three years and returned to this county and purchased 80 acres on sec. 16, Ada. He was married April 17, 1851, to Sarah Naysmith, born in York, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 26, 1827. They have one child, Edgar J., born Jan. 22, 1858. He was reared on father's farm and married Feb. 4, 1878, Libbie Mason, born in Troy, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1854. Mr. Courtwright is widely esteemed for his benevolent character and honorable record.
George Crow, son of Elias and Philatha Crow, was born in Newfield, Niagara Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1832. His parents belonged to the pioneer element of Ada and assisted in all its improvements, such as making roads, building school-houses ets., and his father was one of the organizers of the township. His father was born in New York in 1799, and his mother in 1800. They were married in 1820 and came to Detroit in 1830. They went to Jackson county in 1831 and three years later took up a claim in Ionia county; a short time after, they came to Ada and Mr. Crow entered 137 acres. He died in 1841, and his wife Feb. 8, 1875. George Crow was married July 5, 1856, to Emily A., daughter of James and Isabella Grant, born Aug. 27, 1836, in Argyleshire Scotland; she died May 25, 1874, leaving one son and one daughter - Harriet J. and Wm. E. Mr. Crow was married Jan. 14, 1875 to Isabella Grant, sister of his first wife, born in Scotland in 1842. She died Jan. 21, 1881, and left two little children - Claud G. Born Feb. 26, 1876, and Maud E., June 9, 1877. Mr. Crow enlisted in the war for the Union Aug. 31, 1864, in the Thirteenth Mich. Independent Battery, and received his honorable discharge in July, 1865. He resumed farming, and in 1875 located 80 acres on sec. 27. He also owns 40 acres on sec. 22. He is a Republican in politics and a Congregationalist in religious faith. He is now serving the second term as Town Treasurer.
Mahlon Dennis, farmer, was born in Walpole, Prov. of Ont., March 8, 1829. He is the son of Adam and Leah Dennis; the former was born in September, 1792, and the latter, Feb. 21, 1795. The father was teamster for the British in the war of 1812. In 1840 he brought his family to this tp., where he had previously pre-empted 80 acres on sec. 24. In 1851 he purchased his homestead on sec. 32, and took possession of it. He died there Nov. 17, 1868, and his wife also, Feb. 21, 1872. Mr. Dennis of this sketch is fifth son and sixth child of a family of nine children, of
whom six are living. He was married Aug. 31, 1857, to Mary, daughter of John and Margaret Camp, born in Elgin Co., Prov. of Ont., April 5, 1838. They have one child left of three - Ettie E., born May 25, 1862. She is a young lady of fine attainments. Mrs. Dennis died March 8, 1866, and July 3 of the same year Mr. Dennis was married to Mary A., daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Camp, born May 16, 1838, in Elgin Co., Ont. They have three children - Amelia R., born April 10, 1867; Asa M., Sept. 11, 1870, and Arby J., July 9, 1876. Mr. Dennis, wife and daughter Ettie are members of the Baptist Church. He is in possession of the family homestead; is a Democrat in political faith and one of the most respected and esteemed citizens of Ada. The farm was in its primal state when it came into Mr. Dennis' hands, and he has cleared and improved it until it ranks with the major portion of the county in beauty and fertility.
Luther Densmore, carpenter and joiner, Ada, was born in Potter, Yates Co., N.Y., July 9, 1833. His parents, John and Elizabeth Densmore, were also natives of New York. Mr. Densmore's grandfather, David Densmore, was a Revolutionary patriot.
At the age of 21 Mr. Densmore served an apprenticeship of five years at his trade. He served one year in New York State, and then in 1855 came to Ada and served four years with Henry Hoyt and John Schenck. Since that date he has followed his trade, and for the last four years he has been foreman in the Bridge Department of the D.,G.H.&M.R. R. October, 1864, he enlisted in Co. B, of the New 3d Mich. Inf., under Capt. Moore. He participated in the skirmishes of Murfreesboro and Decatur, and at the close of the war moved off to Texas and was mustered out at Victoria, Texas, and discharged at Detroit, June, 1866. He enlisted as Corporal and promoted to Orderly Sergeant the autumn of 1865. Mr. Densmore was married Oct. 18, 1858, to Miss Gertrude Holt, daughter of Henry and Mary Holt, a native of Herkimer Co., N.Y., born Mar. 27, 1835. They have three children - Georgia H., born May 24, 1860, wife of William H. Smith; Jessie E., born July 19, 1862, and May L., born May 7, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. D. is a Republican.
Michael Farrell, a prominent Irish farmer of Ada, was born in Waste-math Ireland, July 24, 1811. In May, 1835, he emigrated to America and remained in New York till 1837, when he came to Detroit and was engaged as State foreman and contractor on the M.C. R.R. till 1844, when he came to Kent county and entered 960 acres in Ada, Grattan and Cannon tps. Since that time Mr. Farrell has followed agricultural pursuits. He was married Feb. 15, 1836, to Miss Mary McCormick, daughter of Wm. And Catharine McCormick. Mrs. Farell was born in County Waste-math, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1817. This union was given 11 children, viz.: Hannah, William, Garrett, Catharine, Michael, Margaret, Charles (deceased), Mary A., Eliza J., Julia and Ellen.
Mrs. Farrell died Mar. 9, 1878; Mr. F. and family are members
of the Catholic Church. Mr. F. is a Democrat in politics. He owns a valuable farm of 720 acres.
James Grant pioneer, was born in Murrayshire, Scotland, in September, 1813. His parents, Lewis and Jane Grant, were natives of Scotland, descendants of French ancestors who migrated to Scotland about 600 years ago and founded the distinguished "Grant" clan of the Highlands of "Albin." He was married in May, 1835, to Isabella Spence. Of nine children born to them six are living - William (see sketch), John, Geo., Albert, Robert and Jane. Mr. Grant came to America in 1850 and the same year to Kent County, purchasing 40 acres on sec. 5, Ada tp. Mrs. Grant died Feb. 21, 1861, since which time Mr. Grant resides with his children. He is a Republican and belongs to the Wesleyian Methodist Church.
William Grant, son of James and Isabella Grant was born in Murrayshire, Scotland, Jan. 7, 1839. He came to America with his parents in 1850 and lived with them in Ada until he attained his majority. July 20,1861, he enlisted in the late war in Co. K, of the famous First N. Y. (Lincoln) Cavalry. He served the period of his enlistment, and on the day of its expiration, Jan. 1, 1864, re-enlisted in the same company and served until the final victory was won and our flag once more floated over aIl undivided Union. With the names of the heroic veterans of the Lincoln Cavalry who participated in so many historical battles, escaping by the " skin of their teeth," the name of Wm. Grant will be preserved as one of the fearless defenders of our national integtrity. He wears the fadeless laurels of bravery and undaunted courage. Mr. Grant has been a soldier since the close of the war. He was married Jan. 1, 1868, to Mary E., daughter of Asa and Anna Gibbs, born in Ada, Dec. 27, 1849. Two bright little children make up this family circle - Edith E., born Oct. 24, 1868, and Charles D., July 12, 1876. Politically Mr. Grant is an advocate of the principles of the Greenback faith. He has held the office of Tp. Treasurer one year and School Director two years. His farm contains, 80 acres in sec. 5, and he is, regarded as an enterprising citizen.
William Grove was born Aug. 9, 1810, in Pickaway Co., Ohio, where his parents settled about the year 1800. His father was a soldier of :1812. He was reared on a farm amid pioneer surroundings and educated in the "Squatter's Academy," built of logs and furnished with slab benches, fire-place, and windows fitted up with panes of greased paper. He was married in September, 1836, to Sarah Wonders. They have five children - Napoleon B., Josephine (Mrs. Wm. Findlay), John W., Adaline (wife of 0. C. Quick) and Charles F. The oldest son enlisted in Co. B. 40th Ind. Vol, and served from August, 1861, to January, 1865. In 1842 Mr. Grove removed to a farm near Peru, Ind., and in 1863 came to Ada. He operated a ferry across the Grand river 17 years. He has accomplished much in the way of hard labor, having cleared 80 acres of
land in Ohio and a good sized farm in Indiana, and that on which he resides in this tp. Mrs. Grove died Nov. 12, 1879.
John Headley, lumberman, was born in Sussex CO. N. J., Oct. 6, 1822. His parents, Chalion and Mary (Davenport) Headley were natives of the same county. They removed to Yates Co., N. Y., near the close of 1822, and subsequently to Hornby, Steuben Co., N. Y., where they resided 35 years and returned to Yates county, where Mr. Headley died April 1, 1 875, aged 76 years. Mrs. Headley still lives on the homestead, aged 82. Mr. Headley, of this sketch, grew to manhood in Steuben county, and in 1832 purchased 157 acres in Cascade, coming to Ada in 1865. He owns 80 acres of land in sec. 34 adjoining the village of Ada, where he has resided since 1869. .He owns also 40 acres on sec. 33, and 65 acres in Mecosta county, and a half interest in an undivided three quarters of 480 acres in the same county. He pursues farming summers and attends to his lumber interests winters. He was married Jan. 17, 1846,to Jane, daughter of Nathaniel Hull, born in Pennsylvania. They have eight children - Hiram (married Amy Parker), George (married Esther Hill), Madora, Frank (married Lucy Taylor) Mary and Moses (twins), Will and Fred. In the spring of 1881, Mrs.. Hill was attacked by some serious disease of the eyes and went to Ann Arbor for treatment, where she became ill and died June 11,1881. Mr. Headley is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically is a Republican.
Otits Hill was born in Grafton Rensselaer Co., N. Y. on Christmas dav, 1821 He is son of David and Lovicia Hill, tie former a native of Providence, R. I. and the latter of Rensselaer Co., N. Y. Mr. Hill's grandfather was a revolutionary patriot, Sir John Hill, his great-grandsire, was a prominent man in England, and with his two sons, Ahab and Eli turned traitors to the English government and came as privateers to Nova Scotia, where they owned and ran a vessel. Mr. Hill is a descendant of the son Ahab. His father died when he was eight years old and he was obliged to sustain himself. At 15 he went to learn the cooper's trade, which he worked at in different places in New York and Virginia till 1844, when he made a tour by water to New Orleans, Bangor, Me., and New Bedford, Mass., pursuing his trade. In March, 1855, he purchased a pre-emption right of 80 acres on sec. 19. Subsequent purchases have increased his real estate to 380 acres, a large proportion of which is improved and under cultivation. He was married July 3, 1846, to Abbie J., daughter of George and Elizabeth Rifenburgh, born in Grafton, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1830. Six of their eight children are living: Henrietta (Mrs. M. T. Burdick) David, Albert, Elizabeth, Lillis and Andrew. Sallie A. and Geo. H. are deceased. Mr. Hill is a Democrat. He has had a successful career and can look back on his well-directed life with complacencv.
Stephen H. La Barge, son of Francis and Caroline La Barge, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 6,1841. His paternal grandfather came to America with Lafayette during the American
Revolution. His parents came to Grand Rapids in May, 1844, to Gaines in 1852 and afterward to the tp. of Grand Rapids. Mr. La Barge enlisted Aug. 1862, as a soldier in Co. B, 21st Reg. M. V. I. He served in the Army of the Cumberland and received honorable discharge July 6, 1863. He was married Oct. 4, 1867 to Sarah De Lamater, born in Oxford, O., May 1, 1840, daughter of Leonard and Sarah De Lamater. They have four children, born as follows: Helen M., Sept 23,1868; Henry L. Feb. 28, 1872; Eunice M., Dec. 20, 1874, and Sydney A., Feb. 13, 1877. Mr. La Barge is a Republican, and owns 80 acres on sec. 32. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church
John Livingston was born in Monaghan Co., Ireland, Feb 26, 1811. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah Livingston, the former born Feb. 14, 1790, and died Jan 16, 1872; the latter born Jan 12, 1790, and died Dec. 9,1867. The family came to America in 1816 and settled in Dutchess Co., N. Y., removing in :1824 to London District, now Elgin Co., Pr. of Ontario. In 1840 Mr. Livingston engaged in the sale of general merchandise in Bayham. He received the appointment of Bailiff and Deputy Sheriff serving 10 years. In 1853 he was appointed Commissioner in the Court the Queen's Bench.. Three years later he bought 145 acres in this tp. and lived on it till the spring of 1871, when he move to the village of Ada. He was married July 22, 1835, to Matilda, daughter of James . and Penelope Woods, born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1817. Seven of their nine children are living: - Samuel H., Sarah, John D., Victoria B., Carrie E., Happie L. and Ada M. The two youngest daughters are successful teachers. The parents belong to the Baptist Church. Mr. L. is a Republican.
Samuel H. Livingston, son of the above, was born in Elgin Co., Ont., Julv 22,1838. He was married Jan. 1, 1862, to Mary M., daughter of Edward Bradfield, born May 4, 1845. They have had three children, one of whom is living, Electa, born April 11,1866. Mary and Rosa are deceased. Mr. Livingston has been engaged in coopering during the past 16 .years, has a shop in Ada and employs six men. He owns a farm of 43 acres on sec. 33; politically is a Republican. Mrs. L. is a member of the Congregational Church.
Peter McLean, Supervisor of Ada, was born in Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., Dec. 11, 1815. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (McGregor) McLean. The former was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, May 19, 1777, and died in October, 1863; the latter was a native of Montgomery Co., N. Y., born in 1789 and died in May, 1820. The senior McLean emigrated from Scotland to America in 1802 and was a drafted soldier of the war of 1812. Duncan McGregor, maternal grandfather of Mr. McLean, came to this continent with Gen. Wolfe and was present at the surrender of Quebec. Mr. McLean was brought up on a farm and attended school in the pioneers' log school-houses. Though the advantages were meager his diligent application fitted him for a teacher, in which vocation
he spent 14 successful years. In 1836 he went to the island of Put-in-Bay, where he helped build the first frame house and barn, and six months afterward returned to New York. In May, 1838, he came to Jackson county and in February, 1843, "took up" 160 acres of State land on sec. 13. He now owns 85 acres. Almost the entire face of the country was covered with woods, settlements were "few and far between," and the Indians who had a village on sec. 1 were still numerous. Mr. McLean was a factor in all the early improvements of the tp. and took his share of the hardships of the first settler. He was married Dec. 19, 1839, to Margaret, daughter of Ebenezer and Margaretta Holcomb, born Aug. 10, 1818, in Benton, Yates Co., N. Y. They had four children, two of whom are living - Daniel W., born Jan. 4, 1841 (married Mary Smith) and Nancy M., born June 23, 1845 (Mrs. J. J. Boyd). Edgar E. was born Aug. 13, 1851, and died may 16, 1864. Ann E. (Mrs. A. Landon) was born Nov. 29, 1842, and died June 24, 1879, leaving a daughter Ada, now living with "grandpa." Daniel enlisted in September, 1864, in Co. B, 21st M. V. I. He was in Sherman's army and marched through to the sea with him. He was in the fights at Savannah, Goldsboro and Bentonville, and was discharged in June, 1865. He is now car inspector at Kansas City, Mo., on the Pacific railroad. A brother of Mr. McLean, John, occupied a Professor's chair in the Rush Medical College of Chicago 16 years. He is a Democrat and has been a member of the Board of Supervisors 18 years and a Justice of the Peace eight years.
John McMillan {son of Archibald and Jeannette (McNaughton) McMillan; grandson of Dougald and Catharine (McFarlane) McNaughton}, farmer, was born in the Pr. Of Quebec, Canada, April 6, 1838. His parents moved to Cannon, this county, in 1847, where he attained to manhood. Although born under another flag he early espoused the cause of those among whom he had cast his fortunes, and he enlisted Aug. 12, 1861, in Co. K., First N. Y. Lincoln Cavalry. He was in the following historical fights: White House Landing; three days fight in the Wilderness; seven days' siege of Richmond, and Fair Oaks. After three months of service he was commissioned an Orderly and was on duty under Gens. Franklin, Carney and Stoneman, bearing dispatches, and thus affording an uncommonly good target for rebel bullets. He was sent to Mount Pleasant hospital, Washington, D. C., and subsequently to McKim's Mansion, Baltimore, where he received his honorable discharge for inability in April, 1862. He was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Lucy A. Spence, born in Ada, Nov. 1, 1843. They have had three children - Lloyd A., born Sept. 14, 1878, and Ervin, Sept. 13, 1880; Irving was born Feb. 14, 1872 and died Aug. 28, 1872. Mr. McMillan has served 14 years as Superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with the Congregational Church, of which he and his wife are members. He is a Republican and owns 160 acres on sec. 4.
Dougald McNaughton, pioneer, was born Argyleshire, Scotland, May 15, 1818. The McNaughton clan of Highlanders, of which
Photo and signature of J. B. Hogadone
he is a descendant, was prominent in Scotland for more than six centuries. His parents, Dougald and Catherine McNaughton, settled in Huntington Co., Pr. Of Ontario, Canada, in 1836. He went six years later to the State of New York, and in 1844 entered 160 acres in Egypt, on secs. 4 and 9. In 1854 he settled on his farm of 100 acres on sec. 18, all of which is cleared and improved. The condition of Mr. McNaughton's farm is the best possible evidence of his energy and good management. He was married Sept. 17, 1857, to Margaret, daughter of John and Margaret McMillan, born Oct. 15, 1829 in Dundee, Ont. They have six children, born as follows: Nancy J., Oct. 24, 1858 (Mrs. Judson Collar); Thomas H., May 1, 1861; Ada D. and Eliza M. (twins), Aug 16, 1865; Maggie C., May 6, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Second Congregational Church of Ada. He is a Republican politically.
Dougald J. McNaughton, son of John and Mary McNaughton, was born in Ada, March 22, 1852 He grew up on a farm and was educated in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, and afterward attended the Commercial College at Grand Rapids. He was married Oct. 15, 1876, To Lottie M. Bettis, daughter of Darius and Mary Bettis, born in Ontario Can., May 30, 1852. They are members of the Congregational Church and have three children - Effie, born Oct. 18, 1877; Henry D., May 15, 1879, and Vina, Feb. 18, 1881. Mr. McNaughton owns a farm of 50 acres on sec. 9. He is a Republican and has been School Inspector two years. He served as Census Enumerator in 1881.
John McNaughton,pioneer farmer, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, March 16, 1823. He is son of Dougald and Catherine McNaughton, Scottish Highlanders, descendants of a clan that had a clear lineage for upward of 600 years. His father was once Sheriff of his native town. They came to America in 1831 and settled in Ontario, Can. In 1840 he came to Kent county and entered 80 acres on sec. 9, this tp., and subsequently purchased 160 acres more. He has cleared and improved a large proportion of his farm, which was primeval forest when it came into his possession. He owns now 190 acres valuable land on secs. 4 and 9, and is justly rated among the men of enterprise of the tp. He was married March 22, 1849, to Mary Chapel {daughter of Guerdon and Rachel (Landon) Chapel}, born in Ontario, Sept. 6, 1823. They have had six children, five of whom are living - Dougald J., Hannah (Mrs. Alfred Depue), Mary A., Lottie J., and Edmund. Mr. McNaughton is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church.
Wm. H. McKeel was born in Philips, Putnam, Co., N.Y., Jan. 31, 1831. His parents, Peter and Amy (Ferris) McKeel, were natives of Connecticut. The former was born Feb. 15, 1804, and the latter March 20, 1811. They reside in Putnam Co., N.Y. Mr. M.'s great grandfather, Uriah McKeel, served in the French and English war of 1754. Mr. M. is the third son and child of a family of eight children. When 21 he engaged in cutting ship timber in York State. He has followed that business most of his life. In 1854 he
came to Kent county. In 1857 he made a second trip here and bought a farm of 100 cares on sec. 29, Ada tp., and lived two years, then returned to N.Y. In 1860 he removed here the second time and has since made it his home. In 1871 he went to Louisiana as agent for cutting ship timber for the U.S. Navy. He remained there winters till 1875, and has since been at Ada except the winter of 1876 -'7 he spent in Florida.
March 1, 1862, he was married to Elsie C. Powell, daughter of Edward and Hannah Powell, born in Brant Co., Ontario, Sept. 5, 1842. They have two children, viz: Powell P. and Phenie E.
Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. P. was elected Justice of the Peace for one term. Politically he is a Democrat.
Edward Pettis, pioneer, was born in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Jan. 5, 1818. His parents, John and Lovica (Keeler) Pettis, were also natives of Massachusetts, and died while their son was but a youth. In 1826 he came with his brother-in-law, Horace Lathrop, to Oakland county, and in 1836 to Ionia county and entered 80 acres of land in Clinton county. In April, 1837, he pre-empted 104 acres on sec. 6, the first land pre-empted or sold in the town. He disposed of this in 1842, and June 6 of that year, purchased 105 acres of his present homestead, increased by subsequent purchases to nearly 400 acres of well-improved land. At this period there were no roads and no bridges, and the only available grist-mill was at Grand Rapids. One notable occasion is related. Mr. Pettis left home with his wife, mother-in-law, and 25 bushels of buckwheat, and drove his ox-team to Grand river, where he kept a canoe. He ferried the women and buckwheat across, compelled the oxen to swim over, and returning, dissected his wagon and carried the pieces to the opposite shore in his canoe, where he reconstructed his train and proceeded. The return process was the same and three days were consumed in the trip. When Ada tp. was organized Mr. Pettis represented the whole Whig party, made his own nomination and voted his ticket. He aided in building the first church and school-house and roads; he piloted the first boat from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven, and in 1837 - '8 assisted in the subdivision of 22 townships in Oceana, Newaygo and Manistee counties. Mr. Pettis was married in March, 1845, to Harriet, daughter of Elias and Philatha Crow. She died, and Mr. Pettis was again married in February, 1855, to Hannah Crow, sister of his first wife. One son, Edwin, was born March 1, 1856, and Mrs. Pettis died in January, 1857. Mr. Pettis was married a third time to Almira Whitney Murdoch. Of three children born to them, two are living - Carrie E., born March 10, 1858 and Charles M., May 29, 1863. Mrs. Pettis died, and Mr. P. was married a fourth time, to Mrs. Maria W. (Murdoch) Symes, sister of his third wife. She is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Pettis has had a successful career. Cast out upon the world to do for himself at the age of 14, he early learned that he was of more importance to himself than to the
general community, and that his value to the last would be gauged by the discharge of his personal duties. He has accumulated a fine property and established a record for integrity and uprightness which constitutes his best achievement. Besides his home farm Mr. Pettis owns 160 acres in Allegan county. He has lumbered on the Flat river about 15 years; is a Republican. A portrait of Mr. Pettis is found in this work.
Hiram Rhodes (deceased). Among the countless names of men whose records honor the history of Kent county, none do it greater credit than that here presented. Mr. Rhodes was born in New Berlin, Orange Co., New York, Sept. 3, 1804. He was married in 1829, and in 1831 came to Salem, Washtenaw Co., and entered 240 acres on sec. 18. He disposed of this and in June, 1839, came to Ionia and "took up" 160 acres on sec. 17. The following August he moved here, driving his team through, while his wife and child came down the Grand river from Ionia in a canoe with another family. Their first night in the county they spent in the log shanty of Mr. Crow. In 1840 Mr. Rhodes entered 160 acres additional on sec. 17, afterward increasing his estate by purchase. He was identified with all the early improvements of the tp. of Ada; assisted in the construction of its first highways, school-houses, etc., etc. he made his record also in public life, was always radical and incorruptible; in his early life he was a tenacious Whig and adhered to his views until the organization of the Republican party, when he transferred his allegiance to that body and supported its principles to the end of his life with the same steadfastness that characterized all his purposes. He frequently served as delegate to District and State conventions, and in 1850 was nominated as a candidate to the Legislature. He strove to secure for his children the advantages of instruction, of which he was deprived, and was actively interested in all educational and religious movements, and although not a member of any Church, he lent support and countenance to the promotion of the gospel. He kept open house for the itinerant ministry, and the needy never left his door without substantial sympathy. He died Oct. 22, 1856, in the prime of his manhood, leaving a wife and five children, three of whom have followed him to the unseen world. His oldest son, Hiram A., was born in Salem, Washtenaw Co., Nov. 2, 1834; was married May 17, 1870, to Ellen L. daughter of Thomas and Eliza Russel, born in Chautauqua Co., N.Y., Aug. 7, 1838. They have two children - Mandana E., born June 25, 1871, and Anna L., born June 22, 1875. Lamira Rhodes was born Oct., 3, 1836 and is now the wife of A. L. Bayard, of Bureau Co., Ill. H.A. Rhodes is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Republican. He owns 340 acres of the old homestead and is engaged in agricultural pursuits and in raising live stock.
A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes is given in this volume. {No such portrait noted}
Augustus H. Riggs, pioneer, was born in Royalton, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1826. His parents, Jedediah and Philinda (Crary) Riggs, were natives of Connecticut, the former born July 8, 1776, and the latter July 22, 1788. In 1835 the senior Mr. Riggs entered 160 acres of land in Jackson Co., Mich. In April, 1837, they came to Ada and entered 80 acres of land, being the fifth family of settlers in Ada east of the Grand river. The tp. of Ada then included Cascade. Mr. Riggs was one of the organizers. He died in August, 1868, and his wife died within the same year. Mr. Riggs, of this sketch, was reared in the forest and had pioneer privileges for education. He was married in August, 1850, to Esther, daughter of Adam and Leah Dennis, born in Yarmouth, Province of Ontario. They have had five children, four of whom are living: Orcelia J. (wife of J. H. Ward), Zemira D. (Mrs. A. Fairchild), Athalinda L. and Mills A. Adelaide is deceased. Mr. Riggs is a member of the Grange and Vergenes Horse Association, and is a Democrat. He is a man of enterprise and owns the family homestead on sec. 24.
Jacob S. Schenck, pioneer and farmer of Ada, was born in Potter, Yates Co., N.Y., May 17, 1819. He is son of John G. and Maria Schenck, natives of New Jersey, the former born Oct. 28, 1791, and died Feb. 9, 1861; the latter was born March 9, 1799. Mr. Schenck purchased 200 acres in Ada, in October, 1845, for which he paid $1,000, and on which he located in the spring of 1848. His land was covered with woods - there were 50 acres cleared, a log house and barn built; but, with Mr. Schenck's untiring industry and well-directed energy, it has been converted into beautiful fields. He was married Jan. 12, 1842, to Sarah Falston, born in Middlesex, Yates Co., N.Y., Dec. 18, 1818; she died March 31, 1854, leaving one child - Wm. F., born Sept. 3, 1843. He enlisted in the Union service Sept. 16, 1861, in Co. C, Second Michigan Cavalry, when 18 years old. He died of measles at Benton Barracks, Dec. 11, 1861. Mr. Schenck was married July 4, 1855; to Catherine C., daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Brown, born in Benton, Yates Co., N.Y., June 3, 1828. They have three children - J. Martin, born June 4, 1856 (married Theodora Beach and resides in Cascade), Libbie, June 1, 1859, and Fred E., born June 13, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck are members of the Baptist Church of Ada. Politically Mr. Schenck is a zealous Republican. He was originally a Whig and for many years was one of the few of that faith in Ada. He owns 200 acres of magnificent land and is extensively engaged in agriculture and breeding live stock. He has been a patron of the Grand Rapids Eagle since 1846, a period of 31 years.
William Y. Schenck, son of John G. and Maria Schenck, was born in Potter, Yates Co., N.Y., Feb. 29, 1828. He was employed on a farm until 17 years of age, when he entered upon an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade with his father, a vocation the has since pursued. In 1854 he bought 40 acres on sec. 36, on which he settled in the spring of 1856. He
was married Oct. 23, 1849, to Sarah Densmore. They had one child, Emma J., born Aug. 30, 1850, and died March 19, 1870. Mrs. Schenck died, and on March 19, 1857, Mr. Schenck was a second time married, to Sarah R., daughter of Wilson and Martha Price, born in Livingston Co., N.Y., Sept. 16, 1831. They have three children - Charles D.L., born Oct. 7, 1858, is a telegraph operator at Owosso; Elmer E., born Oct. 16, 1861, is a carpenter; Carrie, born Oct. 29, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck are members of the Congregational Church and of the Grange. Mr. S. is a Republican.
Casey P. Shepard, son of James and Orpha (McCay) Shepard, was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., Dec. 16, 1844. His parents removed to Ada in 1845, and his father took 80 acres on sec. 14, from "Uncle Sam," all of which was then primeval forest, where Mr. Shepard grew to manhood, receiving his education in the pioneers' academies, the log school-houses, where men were fitted for contact with the world. He enlisted in Co. M., 10th Regiment Michigan Cavalry. Among the engagements in which he took part, the most important were Strawberry Plains and Greenville, Tenn. He traveled in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia and Mississippi, and received his discharge September, 1865; since his return he has engaged in farming and owns a farm of 80 acres on section 22, where he located in 1880. He was married Nov. 4, 1868, to Harriet A., daughter of John and Martha Stout, born Oct. 1, 1851, in Erie Co., N.Y. Following are their children: Addie M., born Feb. 15, 1871; Fred J., May 30, 1873, and Ray C., Jan. 2, 1880. Mrs. Shepard is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. S. is a Democrat.
Tory Smith (deceased). One of that noble band of pioneers who were among the founders of Kent county, was born in Burlington, Vt., Nov. 12, 1798. In 1832 he removed near Rochester, N.Y., where he followed farming. Two years he carried the mail from Rochester over the noted Ridge road. In the autumn of 1837 he came with his brother Sydney Smith to Ada, Kent Co. He entered 50 acres on sec. 35 and subsequently 40 more. He was one of the organizers of Ada tp. and was the first and only Whig voter for two years after the tp. was organized. He owned an interest in, and ran a ferry across the Thornapple, from that date till the bridge was built. March 4, 1823, he was married to Jane Rodin, by whom he had nine children; of these six are living, viz.: Laura (widow of Judge Philander Tracy), Charles, William (deceased), Henry, George B., Mary (deceased), Captain Sydney B., Frederick (deceased), and Eliza (wife of Charles Skellinger.) Mr. Smith died Oct. 6, 1870, after a long life of usefulness. Mrs. Smith died June 22, 1868.
Henry Smith, proprietor of Ada Hotel, was born in Burlington, Vt., Feb. 4, 1830. His parents were Tory and Jane Smith. He came with his parents to Kent county in 1837. Here in the midst of primeval nature he was reared to maturity, receiving his education in the pioneer schools. Mr. Smith established a broom
factory in 1846 and followed manufacturing brooms till 1874. In 1875 he removed to Ada and opened a hotel. In 1880 he purchased the Heath House at Reed City, and has since run it. Mr. Smith was married Jan. 1, 1854, to Miss Catharine Clark, a daughter of Harvey Clark, born in Plattsburg, N.Y., Aug. 6, 1836. This union was blest with two children, viz.: William H., born Jan. 17, 1858, was married Feb. 5, 1880, to Georgia H. Densmore, and had one child, Angie G., born Nov. 29, 1880. Hattie, the youngest, was born May 26, 1867. Mr. Smith is owner of a valuable farm of 170 acres on sec. 35; of this 135 acres is under a state of cultivation, the fruits of Mr. Smith's untiring labors. Mr. Smith resided on his farm till May, 1875, when he purchased his hotel in Ada, and since has lived somewhat retired. Mr. Smith is the proprietor of a first-class hotel. He is a man of good social character and bears an honorable reputation. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a lady of more than ordinary worth.
John O. Smith, M.D., one of the first Physicians of Kent county , was born in New Milford, Conn., in 1807. His mother dying when he was but a small child, he went to live with his uncle, John Orton, who gave him his education in the high schools of New Milford. He afterward learned the cabinet trade, but his health failing, he returned to his uncle, who was a physician, and commenced the study of that profession. He then taught school in order to obtain means to buy medical books, and at the same time studying nights and leisure hours. After his school closed he returned to New Milford and attended lectures, etc., and subsequently attended Hartford medical College and graduated as Doctor of Medicine. In 1837 he came to Ada, Kent Co., Mich., and settled on a farm of 240 acres, on secs 14 and 15. Here he practiced among the whites and Indians. His circuit included a large portion of Kent county. He followed the Indian trails and by-paths by night and by day, whenever called upon. He was truly the pioneer doctor of Kent county. Dr. Smith was married in 1851, to Miss Mary A. McHugh, who took up the study and practice of medicine, is still living, and is a successful practitioner. Aug. 25, 1879, Dr. Smith departed this life in the midst of usefulness, loved and respected by many.
Homer P. Watters was born in Otsego Co., N.Y., in October 1814. His parents were natives of Connecticut and New York. At the age of 11 years he was thrown upon the world to carve out a place and fortune for himself. He found a home with a farmer, and remained until of age. He went to Lyons, Oakland Co., in 1837, and nine years later to Plainfield, this county, where he purchased a farm. He moved to Whitneyville in 1855 and kept a hotel two years, and built a hotel in Cascade, which he operated seven years; after which he engaged in farming, removing in 1866 to Keene, Ionia Co. In 1870 he purchased a hotel in Ada, which he managed until 1874, when he purchased 80 acres of land on sec. 24. He was married Oct. 11, 1837, to Laura, daughter of Stephen and Pg 517 Anna Gardner, born in Bath, Steuben Co., N.Y., Nov. 21, 1819. Their 12 children are living, and are: Delia A. (wife of H. M. Clark), Francis A. (Mrs. L. Hooper), Olive L. (wife of D. C. Marsh), Charles M. (married Mary Langley), Marilla E. (Mrs. Albert Huston), Mary J. (wife of Edgar S. Morse), Chauncy E. (married Ellen Horn), Adella (wife of Dr. John Durmon), Devillo H., Hattie M. (Mrs. T. W. Preston), Delos C. and Dwight E. Mr. Watters is a Democrat.
Anderson Wride was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 18, 1828. His parents, John and Mary Wride, were also English. His father was a teamster in the French Revolution, and witnessed the battle of Waterloo, when the army of Napoleon was ruined. Mr. Wride came to the United States in May, 1850, having attained the age of manhood on his native soil. He spent a year in the State of New York and came to Grand Rapids in 1852. He purchased his present farm of 60 acres, on secs. 29 and 32, which he cleared and improved from the stump. He was married Dec 25, 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Sarah King, born in Leicestershier, Eng., in 1838. They have four children as follows: Ellen (Mrs. S. R. Peck), Esther E., Geo. A. and Irvin. Mr. Wride proved his loyalty to the land of his adoption by enlisting in defense of her flag in August, 1864. He was enrolled in Co. B, New 3d Reg., M.V.I., was subsequently transferred to Co. F. and was honorably discharged in June, 1866. Himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church.