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| EDWARD FITZGERALD, farmer, resident on sec. 29, Mecosta Tp., was born in County Kerry, Ireland, Aug. 15, 1833. He is a son of Edward and Bridget (Rourke) Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland, where they passed their lives. Mr. Fitzgerald came to America at the age of 15, and landed at Quebec, Can., staying there a brief time, going thence to Oswego, N.Y., where he obtained employment in an elevator for a short time. His next remove was to Defiance Co., O., reaching there in November, 1853. He worked on the railroad for a time and then rented a farm, where he worked until the spring of 1861. On the outbreak of the late war he enlisted in Co. C., 38th O. Vol. Inf., and his regiment was attached to the command of Gen. Sherman in East Tennessee. They marched through Savannah, Ga., and were participants in the severe fight at Jonesboro, Sept. 1, '64, where the regiment suffered heavy loss, but Mr. Fitzgerald escaped unhurt. He was in the service four years and saw some of its severest work, but was never injured. He was discharged July 14, 1865, and received from his office a most satisfactory testimonial as a brave and good soldier. He returned to his rejoicing family and resumed farming. In the fall of 1877 he settled in Mecosta County and purchased a fine farm on the bank of Big Muskegon River, in Mecosta Tp. He was married Jan. 1, 1854, to Marcella, daughter of Patrick and Macella (West) Fox, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Fitzgerald was born after her parents emigrated to this country and settled in Defiance Cp., O. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald, as follows: Ella M., May 13, 1859; Wm., Nov. 13, 1861; Francis E., June 22, 1867; Anna E., Sept. 1, 1869; Mary, born June 4, 1857, died February, 1874. Mrs. Fitzgerald is a member of the M.E. Church. |