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| SIMON G. WEBSTER, County Treasurer, resident at Big Rapids, was born at Concord, Jackson Co., Mich., Aug. 24, 1843, and is son of Roswell and Harriet (Townsend) Webster. He alternated farm labor summers with school duties winters until he was 16 years of age, and three years later came to Big Rapids. He found employment as a clerk and teamster, and at that period his and another team drew all the goods that were sold in Big Rapids, from Grand Rapids, via Newaygo, each trip consuming from a week to ten days. Mr. Webster was himself a driver for two years. In February, 1864, he enlisted at Big Rapids, enrolling in Company M, 3d Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. Ives. The regiment was detailed for special service among the bushwhackers of the West, and proceeded thence to Texas, where he was mustered out on special order in November, 1865, at San Antonio. Mr. Webster came back to Big Rapids, and was employed in the general merchandise establishment of G. F. Stearns, who discontinued his business in the spring of 1866. He then went to Middleville, Barry Co., Mich., and again engaged as clerk. In 1868 he began mercantile business for himself, in partnership with F. H. Degolia, continuing until 1871, operating with success. In the year named, because of the impaired health of Mr. Degolia, the firm disposed of the stock by sale. Mr. Webster returned to Big Rapids and opened a grocery and produce store, managing alone one year, then admitted J. F. Clark to an equal interest; they closed their business in 1876. In 1877 Mr. Webster received an appointment as Under-Sheriff with Col. Vincent, and held the position until January, 1881; was elected Supervisor of the Fourth Ward in 1875; and remained the incumbent of the office until 1882; served two years as Chairman of the Board. In 1882 he was Republican nominee for County Treasurer, running against C. B. Hannum, candidate of the Fusion party. The vote stood 1705 to 950, in favor of Mr. Webster. He is a member of the Order of Masonry, and is at this writing (1883) Commander of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 23; has held the place of Captain General of the same division three years. He is also an active and prominent member of the Fire Department; was Chief Engineer, and organized the Alert Hose Co., which took the second National prize at the tournament at Chicago in 1877. The prize included $300, and the cart which was manufactured for the Centennial Exposition by the Silsby Manufacturing Company. The marriage of Mr. Webster to Alice McDowell took place Dec. 25, 1867. She is a daughter of Addison and Lavina McDowell, of Allegan Co., Mich., and was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have one daughter, Ethel M., born May 10, 1872, at Middleville, Barry Co., Mich. |