Erastus S. Burril

Erastus S. Burril

ERASTUS S. BURRIL, merchant druggist, at Grant Station, Ashland Township, was born at Casanovia, Muskegon County, Nov. 22, 1850, and enjoys the distinction of being the first white child born in the township. His parents, Ezra and Eliza (Fellows) Burril, were natives of Ohio, and after their marriage settled in Kent co., Mich., removing later to Casanovia. In 1851 they located on a tract of land lying on sections 12 and 13, the "pioneer palace" being erected on the latter. It became a historic structure from the fact of its being the place of birth of John E. Burril, the first white child born i the township of Ashland.

When Mr. Burril was ten years old his mother died, an event that severed the family, and made his self-sustenance a matter of necessity. He early realized the importance of an education, and, in addition to the work of self-support, he managed to obtain such schooling as the facilities of the time afforded. His heath became impaired, and he went to California to recruit, and to obtain a fair idea of the resources of the Great West. He fixed a temporary residence at Santa Cruz, remaining there until the fall of 1875, when he came back to Michigan. He was married Oct. 14, 1875, to Josephine, daughter of Andrew and Clara (Holbrook) Baker. The parents were natives of New York, where they were married, and they eventually settled in Ashland Township, where the daughter was born Sept. 22, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Burril, soon after their marriage, removed to a farm on section 11, and there remained until the spring of 1878, when Mr. Burril founded a mercantuile business where he is now located, which he prosecuted until 1881, when he sold out his general stock, and established himself in the drug trade, with a stock valued at $2,500. His business is prosperous and increasing. He is a zealous Republican, and has held various local offices. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to Lodge No. 362, at Ashland Center. To Mr. and Mrs. Burril have been born four children, namely: Ella M., Sept. 24, 1876; Melvin E., June 17, 1878; Joseph E., Aug. 15, 1880; Lysle, Feb. 25, 1883.

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