Cassius M. Woodard

Cassius M. Woodard

Cassius M. Woodard, merchant at Grant Station, Ashland Township, was born Sept. 21, 1856, near the city of Grand Rapids, Kent County. His parents, Amos and Ruth (Congdor) Woodard, were early residents of that county, and were there married. They removed with their family to Muskegon County in 1860, and engaged in agriculture in Moreland Township. Three years later they returned to Kent County, went again to Muskegon County (Casnovia), and afterwards to Cedar Creek Township in that county.

Mr. Woodard obtained a good practical education during the seven years he remained in Cedar Creek Township, and at 18 years of age became a teacher in the common schools of Newaygo, where he labored four years. In 1878 he went to the Commercial College at Valparaiso, Ind., where he completed a full course of study according to the curriculum of the institution. He then went to Grand Rapids, where he embarked in the grocery business. In 1880 he established himself in trade in general merchan- dise in Bridgeton, transferring his interests later to Ashland Center. He made a permanent settlement at Grant Station in October, 1882, where he has since operated prosperously, and is gradually extending his radius of business relations. His stock includes all varieties of merchandise. To meet the local demands representing a cash value of $5,000, with annual transactions aggregating $12,000. In addition he has established a tin shop, the trade therein requiring two assistants.

In political sentiment Mr. Woodard is a Republican, and has always been active in local politics. He has been Superintendent of the public schools and Justice of the Peace for some time. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity at Newaygo and with Lodge No. 362, I. O. O. F., at Ashland Center.

Mr. Woodard was married in Grand Rapids, Sept. 24, 1879, to Mattie, daughter of Calvin and Emily (Woodard) Sutliff. She was born in Bridgeton, May 6, 1859, and received her education in her native township. She was an industrious student, working with a purpose, and at 15 years of of age she commenced teaching, in which profession she proved herself capable, efficient and successful. The household includes two children, born as follows: Claude M., March 20, 1881, and Dennis E., Aug. 31, 1882.

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