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| John D. Decker, farmer, sec. 14, Millbrook Tp., was born in the state of New York, March 11, 1828. He is a son of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker, and was reared under the care of his parents, living at home until he was 22 years old and occupied chiefly with farming. His father removed with his family to Canada when Mr. Decker was about six years old, who remained there until he reached the age of 24 years, going thence to Illinois. After residing there seven years, engaged meanwhile in farming, he came in the autumn of 1866 to Mecosta County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Millbrook Tp. He has since bought 40 acres more and of the aggregate 120 has 40 acres under cultivation. He was married in Canada, Feb. 10, 1851, to Harriet R., daughter of David and Lena (Mirkley) Welch, the former a native of New England, the latter of Canada. She was born in Upper Canada, Nov. 30, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have had nine children, of whom eight survive: Louisa H., born Jan. 25, 1852, Eva J., Oct. 25, 1856, Howard E., Feb. 25, 1859, Adella M., Jan 21, 1862, William A., April 16, 1864, James E.C., March 12, 1868, Mary L., Dec. 29, 1871, Alberta E., Feb. 9, 1875, Edward H. born Feb. 7, 1854, died, Jan 17, 1856. |