Henry D. Weatherwax

Henry D. Weatherwax, formerly the Sheriff of Ottawa County, and now aprosperous agriculturist of Georgetown Township, was born in Peru, ClintonCounty, NY, April 19, 1833, and traces his lineage to Germany. His father, JacobM., was also a native of the village of Peru, and followed farming pursuits inNew York State and Michigan until his death. He married Miss Annis Ketchum, whowas born in New York of Scotch parentage. They were the parents of seven sonsand three daughters, Henry D., being the fourth born.

When an infant six weeks old our subject was taken by his parents to OrleansCounty, NY, where he remained until he was four years of age. Thence heaccompanied his parents to Michigan and settled in Adrian, where he attendedschool; he was also a student in the Hillsdale College. Early in life he learnedthe trade of a carpenter, which he followed in connection with farming. In 1859he went to California, where he remained for two years, engaged inmill-building. At the time when the war excitement had reached its highest pitchhe returned to Michigan. His brothers enlisted in the service and left him tosuperintend the management of their extensive lumber interests. He himself didnot enlist, although for a time he was engaged as provost-guard.

After the close of the war, Mr. Weatherwax continued his farming business inGeorgetown Township, and also dealt extensively in land, buying and sellingproperty in this and adjoining counties. In the meant time he held responsibletrusts, such as Township Supervisor, etc. In 1869 he was elected to the positionof Sheriff of his county, and removed to Grand Haven, the county seat. He servedthe people in this capacity for two terms of two years each, which is thestatutory length of office for one man. At the expiration of his term of officehe returned to his farm, where he has since resided, engaged in raising grainand stock.

In 1863 Mr. Weatherwax married Miss Adeline V., daughter of George and RachelF. (Boyd) Taylor, natives respectively of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mrs.Weatherwax was born in Maine, and came to Michigan when five years old,receiving her education in Hillsdale, this State. Fro five years she was ateacher in various parts of this State, and has been a prominent factor in theeducational affairs of this county. She served for two years on the Town Board,and eight years on the County Board, a part of that time being its Secretary,and also serving as its Chairman. She enjoys the distinction of being the firstlady to hold these positions in the county. In her religious convictions, she isa member of the Episcopal Church. She has been the mother of two children,Helen, who died in infancy; and Harry, who resides with his parents. Mrs.Weatherwax was appointed by the Congressman of her district Delegate to theWoman’s Congress that convened in Chicago during the World’s Fair in 1893.

Socially, the subject of this notice is identified with Crescent Lodge No.322, at Grandville, and has held a number of offices in the lodge, being one ofthe prominent members. He is a Republican in politics, and has frequently beenelected upon the ticket of his party to serve in positions of prominence. Inaddition to serving as Sheriff for four years, he has been Supervisor for sixyears, and Justice of the Peace for eight years.