Charles W. Peets

Charles W. Peets

Charles W. Peets, farmer, section 16, Ashland Township, was born Feb. 2, 1829, at St. Thomas, Ont. His parents, Charles S. and Permelia (Willey) Peets, were born in Massachusetts and Vermont respectively, the former of a pure line of Colonial Puritan descent. The families of each settled in Canada, where they were married. In 1831 they went to Middlesex County and located at Glencoe, on the river Thames, where the son was educated and labored with his father in the business of making brick, until he reached the age of 20 years, when he entered into an apprenticeship with Joseph Wateworth, to receive instructions in the details of the trade of builder. After the required period was ended he went to work as a job carpenter and operated in that capacity until the fall of 1859, when he came to Newaygo County and purchased 80 acres of land, all in heavy timber. He has cleared and improved 50 acres and added all necessary farm buildings, rendering his farm one of the most attractive and valuable in the section. In addition to farming he has spent several winters lumbering on the Muskegon River.

Mr. Peets was married Aug. 6, 1852, in Middlesex Co., Ont., to Lydia, daughter of Robert and Jennie (Young) Kelly. She was born in Ekfrid, Middlesex Co., Ont., July 1, 1831, and resided with her parents until she was married. The following record contains the names and dates of births of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Peets: Jennie, born Feb. 19, 1852; Charles S., Nov. 23, 1853; Julia A., Nov. 4, 1856; Sydney, March 9, 1859; Scott, April 16, 1868 (died May 6, 1873); Warren W., Aug. 31, 1871; Artemus B., Dec. 4, 1875.

Mr. Peets is an ardent adherent to the Greenback party, and has held several important local offices. Himself and wife belong to Lodge No. 545, P. of H., at Ashland Center.

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