H. D. Harvey. - Prominent among the successful business men of Bangor, Michigan, may be mentioned H. D. Harvey, who during the past forty years has been the proprietor of a drug store, and during this time has established an enviable reputation for honorable business dealings and public-spirited citizenship. Mr. Harvey was born in Ohio, April 21, 1851, and is a son of Ephraim and Nancy (Hubbard) Harvey, natives of Ohio.
Mr. Harvey's grandfather and father were both ministers of the Christian church, preaching the Gospel throughout Ohio and Michigan for many years. Ephraim Harvey passed away in January, 1901, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, while his wife, who was born in 1818, died October 23, 1908. They had a family comprising eight children, as follows: Amanda, deceased; a child who died in infancy; Lisha, who is also deceased; Samuel P., who lives in Bangor; Willis, residing at Kenton, Ohio; Thomas M., who is deceased; Enoch S., of Washington, D. C. ; and H. D.
H. D. Harvey attended the public schools of his native state, and graduated from the Bangor high school at the age of twenty years, at which time he was fully qualified to teach school, having acquired his teacher's certificate. He decided, however, to enter the mercantile field instead of following the profession of an educator, and his first venture was in the drug business in Bangor, and enterprise that has proved a highly successful one throughout the years that have followed. In addition to the large brick block in which his establishment is situated, Mr. Harvey owns one of the finest residences in Bangor, and he also has accumulated two hundred and forty acres of excellent farming land located in Arlington township. Mr. Harvey's success in life is due to hard work and good business management, completed with good sense and sound judgment, which have brought him the reward he so well merits. As a citizen his standing is high, and he has always had the best interests of his community at heart, being a leader in all of Bangor's progressive movements.
On October 1, 1875, Mr. Harvey was married to Miss Martha L. Menbon, daughter of George and Lucinda (Eckler) Menbon, natives of the state of New York, both now deceased. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Menbon: Albert, William, Mary, Helen, John, Cynthia, Florence and Frederick, all of whom are deceased; Frank, residing in Waverly township; and Martha Lucinda, who married Mr. Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have had five children: Florence, who is deceased; Grace, who married Fred Reams; Leo, who is deceased; and Flossie and Gladys, who live at home.
In his political views Mr. Harvey is a Republican, but he has never cared for public office. His fraternal connection is with the Elks. His family are well known members of the Christian church, in which they have taken an active interest.
Oscar Karmsen. - One of those up-to-date and well-managed concerns which add in material fashion to the general property and commercial prestige of Bangor is the drug store of Oscar Karmsen, the largest store of its kind in all Van Buren county. In the legitimate channels of trade he has won the success which always crowns well directed labor, sound judgment and untiring perseverance, and at the same time he has concerned himself with the affairs of the community in an admirably public-spirited fashion. Although a native of Montcalm county, Michigan, he is a German in descent and manifests in his own individuality that sterling worth which has been of such great value in fostering and supporting our national institutions, the German being generally recognized as one of the most desirable elements of American immigration.
Oscar Karmsen was born in Greenville, Michigan, November 24, 1872, and is the son of Charles and Zelma Karmsen, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father and mother of the subject, like so many of their countrymen, became favorably impressed with the opportunity of the land across the Atlantic and concluded to cast their fortunes to it. Upon arriving on our shores they located in Lowell, Michigan, where the father, who was a cabinet maker by occupation, engaged in this means of livelihood. They subsequently removed to Greenville, and in that place they now reside, being the most honored and estimable of its citizenship. They became the parents of four children,- Oscar and his brother, Theodore, who are twins; the latter being a resident of Chicago; Zelma, a teacher in the schools of Greenville, Michigan; Julia, deceased.
Mr. Karmsen attended the district schools and subsequently matriculated in the College of Pharmacy in Detroit, where he pursued his studies for the space of six years. He is naturally adept in this interesting science and thus is fitted by both nature and training for the life work he has chosen. His first practical work in this line was done at Alpena, Michigan, where for four years he was a valued assistant in a drug store. Thence he came to Bangor, where he established himself upon the independent footing and where, as before stated, he maintains the largest drug store in all Van Buren county, its operations being based upon a capital stock of six thousand dollars. He is by no means one of those content to "let well enough alone" but is constantly adding new improvements and every effort is bent toward keeping abreast of all the latest discoveries in his line. In connection with his drug store, Mr. Karmsen conducts a circulating library, which adds to the popularity of the establishment.
On March 4, 1901, Mr. Karmsen, by marriage, laid the foundation of an independent household, making Miss Carrie Ouellette, daughter of Charles Ouellette, its mistress. Mrs. Karmsen is one of a family of six children. The subject and his wife are the parents of one son, Oscar, Jr. Mr. Karmsen is in harmony with the principles of the "Grand Old Party," and is of that type of high-principled citizen a record of whose life it is particularly appropriate to include in this history of representative men and women of Van Buren county, Michigan.
Herman Meyer. - Among the well and favorably known young citizens of Arlington township, Van Buren county, is Herman Meyer, at present engaged in the management of agricultural properties and previously identified with the wholesale and retail grocery business. He is one of the heirs of the great Meyer property of eight hundred acres in Illinois. Mr. Meyer is a native son of Illinois, his entrance upon this mundane sphere having been made at Peru, that state, on November 25, 1883. He is the son of Anton and Elizabeth (Aaron) Meyer, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Illinois. Mr. Meyer gives evidence in himself of many of those stanch, fine Teutonic characteristics to which he has right by paternal heritage. Anton Meyer came to America in youth, in quest of the wider opportunity promised by the New World, and made location in Illinois, where he owned and operated farms, and later in life engaged in the mercantile business. The demise of this prominent and prosperous man occurred on June 16, 1905, and his cherished and devoted wife survived him but a few years, going on to "the Undiscovered Country, from whose bourne no traveler returns" on January 19, 1909. Mr. Meyer, the immediate subject of this review, was one of a family of eight children, of whom the following is an enumeration: William, deceased; Emma, wife of William Newreuther, of Peru, Illinois; Kate, wife of William Doll, of Westfield, Illinois; Anton Jr., of Peru, Illinois; Sybilla, wife of Charles Siebert, of Bangor, Michigan; Fred, located at Breedville, Michigan; Herman; and Edward, of Breedville, Michigan.
Mr. Meyer received his educational discipline in the public schools of Peru, finishing in the higher department. His first adventures as a wage-earner were in the capacity of a cigar maker, a vocation he followed for two and one-half years. He then embarked in the grocery business in association with his father, but the partnership was interrupted by the death of the elder gentleman, and shortly after this Mr. Meyer removed to Pasadena, California. In that western city he engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business for about six months. He came home for a visit and them returned to Pasadena, but stayed only a short time, disposing of his interests there. He first became identified with Bangor, Michigan, on June 13, 1911.
On June 11, 1911, Mr. Meyer established an independent household by marriage, making Miss Eva Giesler its mistress. Mrs. Meyer is a daughter of William and Nellie (Jacobs) Giesler, her father being a native of Germany and her mother of Illinois. They reside in Peru, Illinois, the father being engaged in mercantile business. The subject's wife is one of two children, her sister Emma residing in at home.
In political allegiance Mr. Meyer is to be found marching beneath the banners of the "Grand Old Party" and his religious conviction is that of the Evangelical church.
The father at his death, as previously mentioned, left about eight hundred acres of land in Illinois. He was a man of wealth, possessing in addition a large amount of city property. In addition to his Illinois holdings, Mr. Meyer has an interest in land in Arlington township, Van Buren county.
Port H. Henderson. - We have the sanction of Holy Writ for the faith that special rewards follow filial affection, obedience and reverence from children of their parents, and the general tenor of human experience and history fully justifies the assurance given by the sacred writer. Although the rewards do not always come literally in the form specified by him, they come, nevertheless, in some substantial and appreciable form. And the promise of length of days is not to be limited in its meaning to days on earth, for the memory of a good man lives after him with increasing fragrance, and its influencecontinues in widening circles of benefaction long subsequent to the time of his demise.
Port H. Henderson, in his early struggle for advancement and self-denying devotion to his parents during its continuance, his present condition of material comfort and independence in a worldly way, and his consequence of high standing among the people who live around him, furnishes a striking illustration of the truth and force of the Divine promise. In his young manhood he met Fate in the lists and wrested small favors from her reluctant hands, and these with his efforts, and the rewards of his filial affection began at once in his increased prosperity and broadening opportunities. Now he is well established in life, and all his early fidelity to duty is approvingly remembered in his high credit wherever he is known.
Mr. Henderson is a native of Wyandot county, Ohio, born on December 3, 1858, and the second of the seven children (five sons and two daughters) of Joseph R. and Sarah A. (Long) Henderson, three of whom are living, as far as he knows. These are himself, his older sister Jennie and his younger brother Charles O. Jennie is the wife of Burr Benton, a prosperous farmer living in Keeler township, this county. Charles O. is married, and he also lives in Keeler township, and tills the soil with enterprise and progressiveness as his regular occupation, with success following his efforts.
The father born in the state of New York on November 5, 1832, and is still living, enjoying good health and vigor and a sprightliness and vivacity unusual to men of his advanced age. He obtained his education in the common schools of his native place, and when he determined to seek the chance of advancement in this state he made the journey overland by wagon and located in Berrien county on his arrival. Here he purchased forty acres of land, but misfortune came, and his progress was not what he expected, or what his industry and persistency entitled him to. When the Civil war began he enlisted for the defense of the Union and served to the close of the disastrous conflict. He was the color-bearer of his company, and in one of the terrible battles of the war he was seriously shot in one of his hands. But, notwithstanding his wound, he made an excellent record in the war, never shirking duty for a day or hesitating to go forward promptly in the face of danger, even in the fiercest shock of battle intensest frenzy of the charge. Indeed, like many others, under circumstances of unusual peril his courage seemed to rise to almost supernatural heights and make him ready of any possible requirement.
After his discharge from the military service he returned to his home, and he has ever since given his energies to farming. He has been a member of the Republican party from its organization and always fervidly loyal to its principles and its candidates. In social and fraternal relations he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his excellent wife went together to the Methodist Episcopal church to which they both belonged, during her life, and of which he is still a member and regular attendant. Mrs. Henderson was born in Ohio, on Christmas day, 1832, and died in Van Buren county, Michigan, at the age of forty-five years. She was a noble Christian woman, earnestly devoted to her welfare of her family, and also a great financier, whose business capacity and good management conducted the household through all its difficulties.
Port H. Henderson was reared as a farmer's son and he has devoted all the years of his life from boyhood to farming. He obtained a small start in mental and scholastic training in the district school near the home of his parents, but in all the essentials of his intellectual development and his acquisitions of information, he is what may be properly termed a self-educated man, and his self-instruction has been along the most practical and serviceable lines with a view to making all his attainments useful to him as capital in his life work.
During his youth and the early years of his manhood he worked industriously and gave his earnings to his mother for the benefit of the family. When he determined to set up a domestic shrine of own he did not have fifty dollars in money. But he deemed it wise to establish a home for himself and trust to his own endeavors to make it stable and in time valuable. On September 8, 1882, he united in marriage with Miss Jessie Benton, who was then living in Berrien county, where the marriage was solemnized. Mrs. Henderson was born in that county on October 2, 1861, and died in Van Buren county on May 28, 1907. She was an exemplary Christian woman and won the regard of everybody who knew her by her upright and useful life and the excellent example she gave of elevated American womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson became the parents of three sons and two daughters, all of whom are living. Lester T., who resides on and helps to cultivate his father's farm, was educated in the district school and pursued a special course of business training in the commercial school of Professor Ferris in Big Rapids. He married Miss Della Mann, and they have one child, their little daughter Helen. Ora M., the second child, is now the wife of William J. Barnard, a lawyer of Paw Paw, and a successful man in his profession. She completed her education at the State Normal School in Kalamazoo, from which she received a certificate of qualification as a teacher, and while she taught she was very capable and popular in the work. Vera P., third of the children in the order of birth, married George Dennafell, a prominent young farmer of Keeler township. They have one child, their son George III. Oven E., the next in order numerically, is a commercial salesman in the state of Washington; and Ray M., the youngest member of the family, is a promising student in the high school in Hartford, his record in which is winning him a high place on the roster of students and bringing his family gratifying credit.
Port H. Henderson, the father of these children, began farming as a tenant on his father's farm, and continued his work as such eight years. By the end of that time he had saved one thousand two hundred dollars, through the valued aid of his wife, and began to arrange for a permanent home of his own. He bought eighty acres of land, going in debt for the purchase price to the extent of two thousand two hundred and twenty dollars. In due time he fully discharged this obligation, and immediately created another by the purchase of another tract of fifty-five acres, for which he went in debt one thousand five hundred dollars. He paid this debt, too, and he also improved his land. But misfortune overtook him in the destruction of two barns in succession by fire, one thousand three hundred bushels of grain and seventy-five tons of hay being also consumed in the fires, as were nearly all his farming implements in addition.
These were severe blows to Mr. Henderson, but he did not lose any time in lamenting over them. He at once went to work in each case to recoup his losses, and he has now one of the finest and largest barns in Keeler township. The structure is forty by one hundred feet in size, conveniently arranged and complete in equipment for its purposes in every particular. Mr. Henderson has remodeled his residence and made it one of the most comfortable and attractive rural dwellings in his locality. In addition to his farm in Keeler township he bought thirty acres of land in Hartford township, on which he has a large peach orchard. In all he owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of first rate land, nearly all of which is under cultivation, and does not owe a dollar on any of it. He also has a paid up life insurance policy for one thousand dollars. Altogether, he is one of the most prosperous farmers and stock men in Keeler township, as well as one of its most highly esteemed citizens. His beautiful home is oon the line between Keeler and Hartford townships, and is known throughout all this part of the state as "The Plum Grove Stock Farm. "It is four miles and a half from Hartford, and is the seat of a large and flourishing live stock industry as well as a very active and profitable general farming enterprise.
Politically Mr. Henderson has always trained with the Republican party. He cast his first vote in the presidential election for General Grant, and he has ever since stood by the principles which governed him at the start. Fraternally he is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge in the order at Keeler, in which he has been through all the chairs. He and his wife, during her lifetime, belonged to the order of Daughters of Rebekah, and when she died her remains were interred according to the rites of that elevated, useful and popular auxiliary of the Odd Fellows' Fraternity. Mrs. Henderson stood firmly by her husband in all his struggles and difficulties, and gave him substantial aid, as well as excellent advice. The duties of her home were her first consideration, and devoted and intelligentcare of her children her highest aspiration. It was her aim to make them as good and useful citizens as she could, and she put all her energies in service of the accomplishment of this purpose. That she did not labor in this behalf in vain is shown by the uprightness of their lives, the lofty ideals by which they are impelled in all they do, and the high-minded and serviceable citizenship they so steadfastly exemplify. In these respects they but follow the example and teachings of their parents, and, like their parents, they have the entire confidence and the high esteem of the whole people in every part of the county of Van Buren and wherever else they are known. Mr. Henderson and his children contribute in every way open to them to the advance, improvement and general welfare of their several localities, morally, mentally, materially and socially, and are everywhere regarded as high types of American manhood and womanhood.
Aaron Harrison was born in New Jersey, in the town of Newark,on June 3, 1824. His parents, Jonas and Hannah Markham Harrison, were both natives of New Jersey, who spent several years in New York state. In 1843 they came to Paw Paw township and there they made their home until they died. There were seven children in the Harrison family, as follows: William Henry, now ninety-one years of age, a resident of Kalamazoo; Aaron; Phoebe Ann, residing in Paw Paw, the widow of Martin De Graff; Albert, Matilda and John, all deceased; and Ellinore, the wife of M. P. Allen, of Paw Paw.
After coming to Michigan Aaron Harrison worked for some years at his trade of carpenter and joiner. He began his career as a land owner by purchasing ten acres of land in the county and he has continued to add to this from time to time until now he holds some thirty times that amount.
Mrs. Harrison is one of the fifteen children of Anthony and Sarah Muson Labady. She became the wife of Aaron Harrison on June 8, 1855. Five of the children of her parents died in infancy. Edgar, Mary and Ellen reside in Paw Paw. Edgar's twin brother lives in Eau Claire. William resides in Missouri and Nancy Jane and Jackson are deceased. Charles lives in Decatur, and Frank in Paw Paw, Van Buren county.
A family of eleven was born to Maria and Aaron Harrison: John is at home and unmarried; Anna is Mrs. Lewis Holster, of Pontiac and has two children, Grover and Miriam; Mary J. is deceased; Mrs. Andrew Graham, of Glendale, Michigan, and she has one daughter Allie; Mrs. Robert McWilliams, of Paw Paw, has four children, Beulah, Lulu, Myrtle and Ruth; Mrs. Hugh Brockway, of Paw Paw, has three children: Genevieve Elizabeth, De Loss Aaron, Charlotte Eleanor; Mrs. Alva Bruke, of Paw Paw, has three children, Philo, Emily and Wilber; Alpha is deceased; Frederick lives in Oakland, California; Edward, in Cherokee, Iowa; and Owen, who died in infancy.
The sixty-eight years which Mr. Harrison has spent in the county have been years of profit to him and to the community which his efforts have helped to build. He has seen his children and grandchildren growing up to enjoy the fruits of his labors and working to carry on the development of the land carved out of the wilderness but two generations ago.
Barnabas O'Dell. - Of ancestry distinguished in history by achievement or associationon both sides of his house, and holding the fact in high appreciation, Barnabas O'Dell, of Paw Paw, has endeavored to live up to the standards of his forefathers in working out an earnest desire to promote the welfare and help along the advancement of the people around him, doing all he could for the general well being on this small stage of action, as they did on their larger one of majestic proportions and worldwide renown. Mr. O'Dell is a Canadian by birth and an American by voluntary adoption. He was born on March 11, 1843, in what was then known as Upper Canada, and is a son of Dr. Charles Mann and Hannah F. (Tuttle) O'Dell. The parents were also natives of Canada, and passed their early lives in that country, except during short absences from time to time while traveling. In 1850 they came to Van Buren county, Michigan, and here spent the rest of their lives and died here. They were the parents of five children: Henry, who died in 1853; James, who died in infancy; Barnabas, the subject of this memoir; Henrietta F., the wife of Stephen C. Maynard, of Chicago; and Noble F., who also died in infancy.
Barnabas O'Dell came to Paw Paw in 1851 and here he studied medicine with his father. He then spent one year as a clerk in a store, and at the age of twenty-one left home, burning with a desire to take part in the Civil war as a recruit to our naval forces. He enlisted in the United States navy at Chicago, but was credited to the town of Paw Paw, then called Lafayette, and was assigned to the duty on the Receiving Ship Great Western. Some time afterward he was transferred to Collier No. 29 for a period of six months, and by the end of that time the war was over and he was mustered out of the service. During his connection with the navy he was captain of the forecastle on his vessel, and took great pride and interest in his duties.
After he left the navy Mr. O'Dell determined to remain in this country, and returned to Paw Paw as the place of his residence. He had some knowledge of the town and its surroundings, its pace in business and prospects for the future, his father having come here in 1851 and passed a year in the place in an effort to improve his health. But, deciding to remain, spent the rest of his life here with the exception of five years. On locating here after the war the son as soon as he was able entered mercantile life as a clerk and remained in it one year, thus supplementing his knowledge of business gained in a previous years' experience.
In the spring of 1869, however, having been married in the fall preceding, he desired a more stable home and occupation, and moved to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres owned by his wife's father and later purchased one of forty acres a mile north on oneof eighty acres owned by his wife. On these two tracts of land he engaged in general farming and raising live stock until 1883, when he moved his family to Decatur to secure better education facilities for his children than his own neighborhood afforded. After a residence of nine years at Decatur he changed his abiding place to Paw Paw, where he has ever since had his home.
On November 26, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria L. Stebbins, a daughter of Horace and Lydia (Skinner) Stebbins, old settlers in Van Buren county, and residents of it from 1842. Mrs. O'Dell still owns the farm on which the family originally located, and it has never been out of the family since her parents carved it into comeliness and fruitfulness from the wilderness. Their offspring numbered two: Mrs. O'Dell, who was born December 29, 1849; and Emma, who was born in June, 1851, and died when she was six years old. Mr. Stebbins had been married before his union with the mother of these children, and by his first marriage he also became the father of two children: M. Eliza, who was born in 1843 and has been dead for a number of years; and Lewis J., who was a valiant soldier in the Civil war and sealed his devotion to his country with his life. He was wounded at the terrible battle of Chichamauga, and lay in a hospital in Chattanooga nine weeks, then died far from home and kindred, one of the multitude of sacrifices to the blind fury of our great sectional conflict. The mother of these children was Miss Jane Mulholland before her marriage to their father.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Dell have five children, all of whom are living. They are: Hubert L, who was born on February 20, 1871, and is now a resident of Pasadena, California; Louis N., who was born on February 4, 1873, and also lives in Pasadena; Mabel C., whose life began on May 30, 1875, and who is the wife of Frank Shers of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Lillian I., who was born on November 23, 1877, and is the wife of Frank Rhodes, of Bay City, Michigan; and Myrtle L., who was born on April 17, 1880, and is living in Pasadena.
In his political relations Mr. O'Dell is an Independent, considering always, in the bestowal of his suffrage, the good of the people, and ignoring all partisan considerations. He has served as justice of the peace for thirteen years and as constable for one. During all of the last forty-seven years he has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In religious belief, he is a spiritualist of firm convictions and devotion to the teachings of the most advanced thinkers of his cult.
Mr. O'Dell's maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Averel, was a personal body-guard of General Washington during the Revolutionary war and his messenger in many important transactions. On one occasion he crossed the Onion river late at night in the service of the great commander, to whom he was carrying dispatches. He had crossed at the same place on a bridge in the morning, but during the day the bridge had been swept away, and he rode over on the main beam or stinger, which was all that was left. It was so dark that he could not see the bridge was gone. But his horse was true and skillful, and took him over the roaring torrent in safety, and he did not know how hazardous his venture was until afterward. This is a fact recorded in history, and is alluded to by some of the writers as proof of the guiding hand of Providence in our great struggle for independence. Mr. O'Dell still has in his possession a knapsack that his great-grandfather carried at the time and the watch he wore. His maternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Martha Mann, was a sister of Horace Mann, the great apostle and advocate of public education, and one of the finest products of the system the country has ever known. In 1852 the father Barnabas O'Dell bought a place on Main street, Paw Paw village, opposite the Methodist Episcopal church, and in front of this place the father and son planted the beautiful elm trees, which still stand as monuments and are admired by all. In the fifty years which Mr. O'Dell has lived in Paw Paw, he has seen all its improvements made, its public buildings erected and the village grow from five hundred to two thousand inhabitants.
Juan McKeyes. -The financial interests of any community are of such an important nature that they cannot be too carefully conserved, and those citizens to whom are given the keeping of public and private moneys have a large responsibility indeed and must necessarily be men of the greatest integrity, in whom implicit confidence can be placed. When it can be truthfully said of a man that he has been at various times trusted with the management of business other than his own and never had a complaint made against him; when he has made a success of whatever he has undertaken because of his thoroughness and realization of the rights of others; when he has tried to live up to a high standard and help others do the same-- then that man is a good citizen and any community may be proud to own him. Juan McKeyes, president of the banking firm of Juan McKeyes & Company, at Lawton, Michigan, is a man who can be depended upon in any emergency. He was born in Berrien county, Michigan, August 26, 1842, and is a son of Samuel and Roxy (Taylor) McKeyes, natives of Connecticut.
Mr. McKeyes' parents came to Michigan in 1834, settling on a farm in Bainbridge township, Berrien county, where the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, in 1854, his widow surviving him only one year. Mr. McKeyes was decidedly successful in his farming and stock raising operations, and became the owner of five hundred acres of good land. Both Samuel McKeyes and his wife had been previously married, he having five children by his first union and she two, and there was but one child born to their marriage, Juan. After the death of his mother, Juan McKeyes went to live with a half-sister, near Schoolcraft, where he attended the district school, and later he went to the seminary at that place and the Kalamazoo College, where he took a two-year course in civil engineering. After spending some time in Illinois and Iowa he returned to Michigan and for ten years was engaged in the milling business in Van Buren county, at which time he first came to Lawton and established himself in the drug business. After twelve years he sold out his interest in this business and became proprietor of a general store, and at the end of five years more organized the bank of Juan McKeyes & Company, in partnership with his son Frank. Mr. McKeyes has never faltered in his upward course, and is now the manager of one of the most substantial concerns of its kind in this part of the state. He possesses the confidence of the community to a remarkable degree, and is looked upon as one of the most progressive men of Van Buren county. He has invested his means in realty to a large extent, and is the owner of some excellent farming land and several valuable town properties.
On February 2, 1866, Mr. McKeyes was married to Miss Maria Cowgil, daughter of James S. and Eliza (Smith) Cowgil, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. McKeyes brothers Edward and Frank, are both deceased. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKeyes: Frank, who is interested in business with his father, and Grace, the wife of H. D. Brown, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. McKeyes is a Republican in his political views, and has served as supervisor of his township for five years, while in fraternal matters he is affiliated with the Masons. He is not a member of any church, but has been active in the support and charitable work of the different churches, both Methodist and Baptist.
Edward F. Bilsborrow. - In the death of Edward F. Billsborrow, which occurred March 17, 1910, Van Buren county lost one of its representative men, and one who, during a long and useful life, had always been prominent in important movements and innovations. His activities, confined principally to farming and stock raising, stamped him as one of the most progressive men of his day and locality, and his reputation, honestly gained, was that of a public spirited citizen, honest and sincere friend and excellent business man. Mr. Bilsborrow's birth occurred in Niagara county, New York, in July, 1852, and he was a son of Charles and Caroline (Moss) Bilsborrow.
Charles Bilsborrow was a native of England, and as a young man came to the United States and settled in the state of New York, where he was married to Miss Caroline Moss, a native of the Empire state. Shortly after their union they made their way West, eventually locating in Van Buren county, Michigan, and here they spent the remaining years of their lives engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were the parents of five children, as follows: William, who is deceased; Edward F. ; Louisa, the wife of Edwin Thayer, of Paw Paw; George, who is a resident of Albion, Michigan; and Frederick, also living in Paw Paw. Charles Bilsborrow became one of the well known agriculturists of Antwerp township, and was honored and esteemed by his fellow townsmen.
Edward F. Bilsborrow was still and infant when he was brought to Van Buren county by his parents, and he secured his education in the little schoolhouses of that day,his youth being spent much the same as that of other farmers' boys, the summer months being given to the hard work of clearing a farm, while in the winter he accepted such educational advantages as were offered. He remained on the home farm, assisting his father, until 1878, in which year he was married and took up a tract of eighty acres in Antwerp township, which he continued to farm for some years. At the time of his fathers retirement he purchased the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and there continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until his death. Mr. Bilsborrow was one of the first men of his locality to engage in breeding Percheron horses for the market, and this he made a specialty for many years. In 1907 he established himself in the dairy business, and in this, like in all of his other ventures, he was eminently successful. Always a hard-working man, he was never satisfied unless his time was filled with duties, and this industry and persistence accomplished much. The dairy business, now a firmly established, well regulated enterprise, is being conducted by his son Charles W., one of the progressive young business men of Antwerp township.
On January 1, 1878, Mr. Bilsborrow was married to Miss Cora Webster, daughter of Stephen and Catherine R. (Bidewell) Webster, natives of New York. Mrs. Bilsborrow's parents had the following children: Henry C., residing in Denver, Colorado; Agnes E., wife of J. Bangs, of Chicago; Katy H., the widow of John Huston, of Buffalo, New York; George O., residing in Albion, Michigan; Ida E., the wife of George Markham, of Marshall, Michigan; Cora, who married Mr. Bilsborrow; and two children who died in infancy. Two Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bilsborrow: Charles W., born June 10, 1879, now engaged in the dairy business; and Frank Lynn, of Alton, Illinois, born January 23, 1885.
Mr. Bilsborrow was a Republican and was always interested in the success of his party, although he never aspired to public office. Death seized him while in the midst of a happy, useful life, although he had attained an age when most men are beginning to think of their own comfort. He always acted from the purest and best of motives and his death caused the deepest sorrow among those who knew him and called him a friend. His widow, who survives him and lives in the comfortable family home on Paw Paw Rural Route No. 3, is one of the best known ladies of her community, and, like her late husband, has many warm personal friends.
Wesley M. Hall. - Working on his father's farm until he reached the age of twenty-three, except while he was attending college in Kalamazoo; then enlisting in the Federal army in defense of the Union, but before the end of his first year in the war receiving a wound that disabled him for further service; and after his discharge returning to the pursuits of peaceful industry, in which he has ever since been engaged, Wesley M. Hall, one of the wideawake and progressive farms of Paw Paw township, Van Buren county, has shown his devotion to the welfare of his country and its people in every way open to him, no matter what the hazard of his situation.
Mr. Hall was born in Macomb county, Michigan, on November 16, 1838, the second of the two children and sons of Myron and Caroline (Sagar) Hall. The father came to Michigan in 1834 and located on eighty acres of government land in Macomb county, on which he lived twelve years. In the spring of 1847 he moved to Jackson county, and in the autumn of the same year to Porter township in Van Buren county. Here he began operations on forty acres of land, to which he added by subsequent purchases until he owned two hundred acres. He later sold one hundred and sixty acres of this, keeping forty, which was still in his possession at the time of his death, which occurred on March 5, 1881. The mother is still living, at the age of ninety-four, and has her home with her son Wesley. Her other son and first born child died in 1892.
Wesley M. Hall began his education in the district schools and completed it at Kalamazoo College, which he attended in 1857 and 1858. On October 29, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, as a Union soldier, the company being under the command of Captain G. D. Johnson. The regiment to which his company was attached was soon at the front and in the midst of hostilities. Mr. Hall took part in the deluge of death on the historic field of Shiloh, where he was twice wounded and taken prisoner.
Five days after his capture Federal forces recaptured him, but he was in turn retaken by the Union forces and again by the Confederates, this continuing until he had been taken and retaken six times in one day and finally left in the hands of the enemy. Mr. Hall demanded of them that he be removed to a hospital in a wagon, but as the wagon were all in use he was ordered to get on the back of a horse behind a rebel cavalryman. This he refused to do and they left him upon the field, where he was found next day by the Union ambulance corps and taken back to his regiment. He was then taken to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment. On May 5, 1862, he was given a furlough and returned to his Michigan home. He remained at home nearly sixty days, then, on July 5, 1862, reported in Detroit in obedience to orders. There he was examined, and on August 25, 1862, was discharged from the service on account of the disability occasioned by his wound. After that he remained on the home farm until the spring of 1880, when he bought seventy-three acres of land and began farming on his own account, his land being located in Van Buren county. In 1883 he sold this land and bought seventy acres in sections 25 and 26 in Paw Paw township, Van Buren county, not far from the county seat. On this land he has ever since lived and employed his energies, greatly to his own benefit and that of the farm, which he has made one of the most productive and valuable in the township for its size.
Mr. Hall was married on November 4, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. McCon, a daughter of Isaac and Eliza (Stears) McCon, of New York state. One child has been born in the Hall household, Leora W., who is now the wife of D. P. Smith, of Paw Paw. Mr. Hall is a Republican in his political faith and allegiance and loyal and energetic in the service of his party. Fraternally he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and in church connection is a Methodist Episcopal. He takes an interest in the work of his church, as he does in that of every other good agency active in the community, and is zealous in his support of all worthy undertakings for the improvement of his township or county, and is an excellent citizen in every way.
Harlan P. Waters. - A soldier in the Civil war at the ageofseventeen and remaining in the service nearly three years, during which he took part in many engagements on the battlefield, and has ever since borne the marks of his fidelity to duty in wounds that still trouble him at times; then a school teacher, a farmer, a salesman, and since again a farmer and merchant, Harlan P. Waters, of Paw Paw, has followed several pursuits and given valuable service to the people in each of them. He is now nearing the limit of human life as fixed by the psalmist, but is still hale and vigorous in spite of his long years of arduous labor and the wounds he received in the army, and ranks as one of the most prosperous, progressive and esteemed citizens of Van Buren county, which has been his home for more than forty years.
Mr. Waters is a native of Ohio, where he was born on September 9, 1843. His parents were Asa M. and Caroline (Evans) Waters, the former born in Ohio, the latter in Vermont. The father came to Michigan and Van Buren county in 1868, and took up his residence on a farm in Antwerp township. There he passed the remainder of his life, following the pursuit in which he started, and that of his father and other members of the family for generations. He died on his farm in Antwerp township in April, 1900. The mother's life ended in February, 1901, at the same place. They were the parents of five children: Harlan P., at immediate subject of this memoir: Celia, who was the wife of B. F. Morris, of Paw Paw, and died on June 21, 1911; Elma and Elbert, twins, the latter of whom died at the age of three years, and the former at that of twenty; and James H., who is now a resident of Benton Harbor, and is as highly esteemed in his community as his brother Harlan P. is in his. At the beginning of the Civil war, which almost rent this country asunder and brought untold havoc to all its interests while it was in progress, Harlan P. Waters, who was then but seventeen years old, enlisted in Company G., Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry, under Captain Milligan, to fight in defense of the Union. He served in this regiment two years, but before enlisting in it belonged to the Squirrel Hunters, an organization that was kept busy in following the defeating the Southern General Early in his famous raiding expeditions.
When he was mustered out at the end of his first term of enlistment he returned to his home and attended school about four months. He then enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Infantry, whose commander was Captain Hughs. He was connected with this company eleven months, and during this period was made first sergeant of the regiment. At the end of the term he was mustered out at Baltimore, Maryland, and again returned to his home in Ohio.
He took advantage of the opportunity now presented to advance his education by attending the Spencerian Institute at Geneva in his native state, from which he was graduated at the end of his course of instruction. He at once went to Hamilton, Ohio and passed about one year as a teacher in the Commercial College in that city. During that next three years he was engaged in farming, one year in Ohio and two in Michigan. From this occupation he turned to selling nursery stock for the L. G. Bragg Nursery Company, with which he was connected as a salesman eleven years. Since the end of that period he has again been engaged in farming, and now owns three farms, comprising two hundred and eighty acres, all located in Antwerp township. He also owns and occupies a fine residence in Paw Paw, and is interested in an extensive hardware business in the same city, which makes him and his son Harry M. proprietors of the largest and most active establishment of the kind in Van Buren county.
Mr. Waters was married on December 26, 1870, to Miss Alice E. Pugsley, a daughter of Henry M. and Mary A. (Prater) Pugsley, the father a native of England, and the mother whose parents were also from England, born in the state of New York. They were the parents of five children: Mrs. Waters; John, who has been dead for some years; Milton H., who lives in this county; Dora M., the wife of Charles Lake, of Paw Paw; and Myra, the wife of L. E. Sheppard, whose home is also in Paw Paw. By a previous marriage of the father there was one child, William Pugsley, who lives in Paw Paw. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have three children: Henry M., who is associated with his father in the hardware trade in Paw Paw; charles M., a civil engineer at Wyanet, Illinois; and Pearl, who is the wife of L. A. Packer, of Lawton in this county. The father is a republican in politics and loyally devoted to the interests of his party. He was supervisor of Antwerp township for eleven years and chairman of the board for a considerable portion of the time. He has also held a number of other township offices. He is a Royal Arch Mason in fraternal life and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In religious affiliation he is a Baptist.
The military record of Mr. Waters in the Civil war would be far from complete if it were not mentioned that he was wounded near Mill Springs, Kentucky, in 1862, and now carries a bullet in his hip received during his service. He was taken prisoner and held in captivity for forty-eight hours at the battle of Lookout Mountain, when he was recaptured by members of the Union army. He also had one of his shoulders badly smashed at the battle of Cumberland Gap. His defense of this country was always, therefore, hazardous, for he was in active service a great deal of the time he passed in the army, and it proved disatrous to him on three separate occasions, and fully established his fortitude and devotion to his cause by the patience and serenity with which he bore his sufferings, and his willingness to continue in the ranks and keep on fighting after he incurred them.
He has met all the other trials and troubles of life with the same lofty spirit of endurance and determination to make the best of them and overcome them by close attention to whatever he had in hand and the use of all his faculties to advance himself in prosperity in spite of them. By his manly course and fidelity to duty in every relation of life he has won the universal regard and good will of all who know him, and established himself in public esteem as one of the best and most useful citizens of the county in which his labors have so long contributed to the general welfare by both the value of their products and the abiltiy with which they have been performed under all circumstances.
George W. Ocobock. - A native of the state of New York, but educated and reared in Michigan, where he has since been a resident actively engaged in mercantile life in this state during the greater part of the period and for the last twenty-seven years in Hartford, George W. Ocobock has had experience and made progress in one of the greatest states of the American union. His life began in Medina, Orleans county, New York, on February 22, 1853, and both on account of the date of his birth and his high character, general probity and public spirit his name is very properly George Washington. He is a son of James W. and Susan (Osturm) Ocobock, also natives of New York state, and were of German ancestry. The father operated a shingle mill in Muskegon county, Michigan, and the son was put to work in this at an early age. He received a district school education and remained with his parents until their death. Since the age of fifteen years, Mr. Ocobock has made his own way in the world. In pursuance of the determination to engage in the mercantile business he located at Whitehall in Muskegon county in 1885. There he was engaged in general merchandising for two years and then moved to Hartford, where he opened a dry goods store, which he has ever since been conducting. His business has steadily increased as the years have passed, until now it is of considerable magnitude, his store being one of the most popular and satisfactory in the township and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of the people of the community in a high degree and to a large extent of the county, wherever his dealings have made him known.
Mr. Ocobock was married on March 19, 1890, to Miss Emma Crager, who was born in Berrien county, Michigan, and educated in Hartford. They have no children, and both have been able to take an active part in fraternal affairs. The husband is a past master of the Florada Masonic Lodge, No. 309, in Hartford, and both husband and wife are energetic and serviceable members of the order of the Eastern Star. In this order Mrs. Ocobock has attained world-wide distinction. She is a past worthy grand matron of the Grand Chapter of the order in Michigan, serving in 1906 and 1907, and in 1910 was elected right worthy grand conductress of the General Grand Chapter of the World. Her election to these high offices in the order is a great honor to be conferred on her, but all who know her zeal and fidelity in the service of the organization, and the ability which she has displayed in the performance of her duties in lower stations, knows that she is well worthy of any position it has to bestow, and highly qualified to fill any with benefit to the order and renown to herself. But the distinction is not all her own. It is greatly to the credit of the members of the order in this state that they know how to appreciate her membership at its real value, and no less to the credit of the general membership that all have seen and recognized her merit and demanded the benefit of her services in exalted stations. And as she has been true and faithful in her devotion to this order, so have she and her husband both been to every public and private duty, for which the people of Van Buren county esteem them as among its best citizens.
Dwight Foster. - One of the oldest and most highly esteemed families of Keeler township, Van Buren county, is that of Foster, members of which have been prominent in every walk of life. One of it worthy representatives is Dwight Foster, one of the leading agriculturists of this part of the county, who during a long and useful career has established a reputation for probity and integrity that does credit to himself and the family name. Mr. Foster was born in Keeler township, December 10, 1854, the eighth in a family of nine children born to Ira and Caroline (Bishop) Foster, a complete review of whose life's will be found in the sketch of the Foster's sisters in another part of this work.
In common with other farmers' sons of his day Mr. Foster's early education was secured in the district schools near his father's farm, attending during the winter months when his services could be spared from the duties of the some place, and in the summer months learning the details of practical and scientific farming. Later he was sent to the Northern Indiana University, and after graduation returned to the home farm for some time. After his marriage, which occurred September 22, 1881, to Miss Mary Lillian Buck, he began renting the Foster homestead, which he successfully operated for a period covering sixteen years, and at the end of that time purchased eighty acres in Keeler township, to which later ten acres were added by inheritance. Feeling that they wished to own their own property Mr. and Mrs. Foster had gone into debt for this land, then but a fairly productive tract, with no buildings on ti. Today there is not a more highly cultivated tract to be found in this part of the township, and the buildings are of the most modern architecture and equipped with up-to-date improvements in every way. Mr. Foster has proven himself an able farmer, and today he stands as one of the substantial men of his locality, his property being entirely clear from indebtedness. He has also shown himself a good and public-spirited citizen, and one who is ready at all times to lend his influence to those movements which he feels will be of benefit to his community. Reliable in all matters, conscientious in what he believes to be his duty, an honest business man and kind husband and father, Mr. Foster wields a power for good among his neighbors and fellow townsmen, who expressed their confidence in him by electing him to the office of supervisor of Keeler township from 1896 until 1902. Although Mr. Foster is a Democrat, he is very progressive in his views and is a great admirer of the ideas and principles of Robert LaFollette. Fraternally he is connected with the K. O. T. M. of Keeler township, and believes earnestly in the benefits to be derived from life insurance, holding a good policy in the Northwestern Life Insurance Company. He is a trustee and member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Keeler.
On September 22, 1881, Mr. Foster married to Miss Mary Lillian Buck and five children were born to this union, of whom three survive, namely: Gladys, who finished eighth grade in the common schools and in 1908 graduated from the Hartford High school and is now a student at Valparaiso, Indiana; L. Dean, educated in the common schools, and graduated from the Hartford High School in 1910, and later from the Van Buren Normal School, is now one of the successful young teachers of Keeler township; and Newton B., also a graduate of the Keeler common schools and now in the tenth year of the Hartford High School.
Mrs. Foster was born in Keeler township, October 19, 1857, and is the third of a family of six children, one son and five daughters, born to Lucius and Celina A. (Wise) Buck. Five of her parents' children survive: Marcia, who married Oscar Adams, one of the prominent farmers of Keeler township; Luella, the wife of C. H. Tuller, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Shelby, Michigan; Mary Lillian, who married Mr. Foster; Nellie, the wife of E. C. Parmlee, a dealer in real estate and insurance at Auburn Park, Chicago, Illinois; and C. Edwin, an agriculturist of San Jose, California.
Lucius E. Buck was born about 1823, in Livingston county, New York, and his death occurred in 1889. He received a good education for his day and locality, and during the early settlement of Van Buren county, Michigan, came to this section as a teacher, although the major portion of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits. Settling first in a log cabin in the heavy timber, at a time when bear, deer and wolves were to be found in plenty and the red man roamed the woods, Mr. Buck bravely started to work to establish himself and his family in a comfortable home, and after years of untiring, persistent toil he accomplished his object, and at the time of his death was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of magnificent farming land. He was Jacksonian Democrat, and a staunch advocate of good roads and public eduction facilities, and served his community well as supervisor and town clerk of Keeler township. Always a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he served for many years as trustee and was liberal in supporting movements of a benevolent or charitable nature. His wife, who was also a faithful Christian, was born about 1825 and died in 1901. She was a child when she came with her parents to Livingston county, New York, form her native state of New Jersey, and was educated in the Lima Ladies Seminary. Both she and her husband are interred in the Keeler Cemetery, where beautiful tablets mark their final resting place.
Mrs. Foster was educated in the township and public schools of Keeler, and for a number of years was successfully engaged teaching school in Keeler and Hamilton townships. An estimable, Christian lady of cheerful and loving disposition, she has done much to assist her husband in attaining his success, her counsel and active advice being helpful and bracing in times of discouragement. Mrs. Foster has been prominent in social circles and in the work of the Methodist church, she having been a teacher in the Sabbath-school for many years. She has been a member of the Keeler Thursday Club, and organization of some literary distinction, and has served very ably as its president.
Edwin A. Chase. - A citizen of very considerable prominence and public spirit in Van Buren county is Edwin A. Chase, a prosperous agriculturist and supervisor of Waverly township. He is a man of influence in public affairs and has brought about more than one good thing, while any public trust given into his hands is sure of such intelligent and conscientious attention as to redound to his credit and the honor and profit of the people.
Edwin A. Chase is a native of the state of New York, his birth having occurred in Genesee county on September 2, 1848, his parents being Johnson and Almira (Baker) Chase. The birth of Johnson Chase was in Vermont and the mother was a New Yorker. They were married in New York and his the fall of 1864 came to Michigan and located on a farm nine miles from Paw Paw, where the father lived until his demise. The mother is still living (in 1911), a venerable lady approaching her ninetieth year. (She was born in 1824. )Mrs. Chase lives on the old homestead, just across the road from her son, E. A. Chase. She and her husband had six children, four of whom are living, namely: Edwin A. ; Wallace F., of Waverly township; Albert L. ; and Ella, the wife of Charles A. Fox. The father, by a previous marriage, had one daughter.
The immediate subject of this review was reared on a farm in New York state and in the district schools he obtained his education, attending until his eighteenth year, when he came to Michigan. He worked in the meantime, however, and soon became familiar with the many secrets of seedtime and harvest. He practically was thrown upon his own resources from his thirteenth year, for at that early age he began to work for his living. He was a strong and sturdy young fellow and a good assistant. At the age of twenty-one years he was still without property, but by twenty-eight he had begun to get a start and owned forty acres of land, a tract which had not yet been improved and which he required an expenditure of much time and labor.
In the meantime Mr. Chase married, the young woman to become his wife being Nettie Burns, of Almena township. She was born in 1854 and was a daughter of Able and Sarah (Bidgood) Burns, who came to Michigan at an early date from the Empire state. By Mr. Chase's first marriage there were two children, one dying in infancy. The other, Lottie, is the wife of Leroy Hutchins, of Waverly township; she was educated in the Waverly schools and taught one term; she has one child, Clair. The first wife of the subject passed away in June 1880, and in 1884 he was united to Ruhany Huey, and to this marriage were born three children, two being deceased. The surviving child, Lena, is the wife of Frank McGary. Upon the demise of the second Mrs. Chase the subject married, on November 26, 1893, Mrs. Celia (Congdon) Davis, the widow of John Davis. She is the daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Stoddard) Congdon, both natives of Connecticut, who came to Michigan in 1837 and settled in Washtenaw county. She was born November 28, 1852, in Kalamazoo and received her education in the common schools. By her first marriage she became the mother of three children, two of whom are living. Earl received a commercial education and is now a farmer, and Leon is single and lives with Mr. Chase. He now owns forty acres in section ten and pursues successful operations in general farming.
Mr. Chase is a prominent Mason, holding membership in the Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 222, A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of the Bloomingdale Chapter, No. 58, Order of the Eastern Star. He is affiliated with Glendale Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also with the Grange. In politics he is found valiantly marching under the standard of the Democratic party, for whose policies and principles he has stood since his earliest voting days. He is serving his twelfth term as supervisor of Waverly township and was elected in a township that is largely Republican. He was at one time chairman of the board of supervisors. He was a member of the building committee of the Van Buren county court house and his name is inscribed on the cornerstone. In that, as in other things, he played a valuable part.
Mr. Chase is one of the best known hunters in Michigan and each year devotes a month to the hunting of deer and other large game. He has laid low many splendid animals, his prowess in this line being remarkable. His hunting takes him north each year, and each year adds new laurels to the share of this Van Buren county Nimrod. He has moreover done much to secure juster game laws for the state, his lobbying at the state capital having probably done as much as any one factor to bring about this result. His wife has a natural ability for the raising of flowers and has many beautiful specimens.
Daniel M. Allen. - The oldest of the firm of Allen Brothers of Glendale, Michigan, was born in Waverly township, Van Buren county on July 19, 1865. His parents Truman and Harriet Sinclair Allen, were both born in Monroe county, New York, and there they grew to maturity and were wedded. In 1860 they came to Waverly township and purchased land in section 2. The father became the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres of good land and was a man of influence in the county. He was active in the Republican party, of which he was an ardent supporter. He died on September 20, 1909. His wife is still living.
There were three sons and one daughter in the family of Truman and Harriet Allen. The sister of our subject, Lura, is now the wife of E. J. Dayton. His two brothers, H. B. and R. E. Allen, are partners in the store in Glendale and joint owners of four hundred and fifteen acres of land in Waverly township. Here they raise registered Hereford cattle and Poland China hogs for which they have a large sale. Twenty acres of their land they use for propagation of strawberry plants, which they ship to every state in the union and to Canada and Mexico. Rueben takes the active management of this farm and also of the dairy farm and the general farming business. The firm own twelve houses in Glendale and their estate requires the services of four men whom they keep by the year and four more whom they hire by the day. From March 1 to May 15 is strawberry time, and during that season they employ about thirty extra men and women. The other two brothers attend to the store in Glendale.
Daniel M. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Allie Boaze in 1899. She is the daughter of Harvey Boaze and received her education in the schools of the county. Their household includes two children, Clare and Atha, both now in school. In the Republican party Mr. Allen has always been and active member and an honored worker. He has been twice sent as United States delegate to the National conventions of the Modern Woodmen of America at Buffalo. He was also state delegate Modern Woodmen of America to the Michigan convention at Sault Ste. Marie. He has filled several township and county offices with honor and form 1902 to 1906 was treasurer of Van Buren county. In the Masonic order Mr. Allen is a member of the Bloomingdale lodge, No. 221, of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Royal Arch Chapter at Paw Paw. At Lawrence he belongs to the Council. He is an Odd Fellow of the Glendale lodge, No. 408 and a Modern Woodman.
Besides his signal success in the field of commerce and his activities in public affairs, Mr. Allen has given fifteen years to the profession of teaching and his work in the county in that line was of the high quality which was to be expected from one of his ability and education. He is a graduate of the Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, in both the normal and the business course. He has been and continues to be a powerful and a valuable factor in the development of the county and a contributor to its economic progress.
John Q. Burdick. - A well and favorably known farmer of Waverly township, Van Buren county, is John Q. Burdick, whose fifty well improved acres and pleasant home are situated in section 17. Like so many of his neighbors he is a native of the state of New York, but he came to Michigan at an early age and has ever since remained a citizen. He is a veteran of the Civil war and the grandson of a Revolutionary soldier, and admirable patriotism and love of country having been transmitted from one generation to the next. The birth of Mr. Burdick occurred on November 11, 1837 in Wyoming county, New York, and he is the son of William G. and Abigail (Dibble) Burdick. William G. Burdick's father was Elisha Burdick, the colonial patriot mentioned above. The father of the immediate subject of this review came to Michigan at an early day and here resided for the residue of his life. He became the father of fourteen children, ten of whom grew to young manhood and womanhood, this number being equally divided as to sons and daughters. Only two of them are living at the present time (1911), John Q. and a sister Mary L., a maiden lady.
Mr. Burdick was reared amid the wholesome surroundings of his father's country home and his educational discipline was secured in the district school. Some time before the outbreak of the war he married, but in 1864, in spite of strong home ties, he enlisted in Company I, of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and the following year he was transferred to Company H, of the Seventh Michigan Regiment. At Fort Bridges these two regiments were consolidated with the First and became known as the First Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. In the new organization the subject was a member of Company A. He saw much hard service and was discharged on March 12, 1866, at Salt Lake City, Utah. After the termination of the hostilities he returned to Allegan county and remained there until 1867, when he came to Waverly township and he has been a continuous resident here ever since that time, taking a loyal interest in its county and township affairs and supporting all measures likely to prove of benefit to the whole community. He had devoted his attention to farming and is the recipient of a pension.
Mr. Burdick was united on marriage on January 1, 1861, his chosen lady being Jane Ann Reedman, who, like her husband was born in New York, in October, 1842. They have had four children, two of whom died in infancy. Bertha K. is the wife of Claude Brown, and Ruth G. makes her home in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Mr. Burdick is one of the standard-bearers of local Republicanism, having given hand and heart to its men and measures for many years.
Joseph C. Allen. - The casual observer would seem justified in his conclusion that not many years ago the state of New York suffered a real misfortune in the exodus of a great number of its best citizens to Michigan. For in looking over the biographical data of those representative men and women who form the subject matter of the History of Van Buren county it seem the rule, rather than the exception, to meet with the information that the subject was born in New York and eventually came hither. Then, judging by the high standard of citizenship here, New York must produce a particularly fine type of men. Joseph C. Allen is one of the great company of New Yorkers who make their present residence in Waverly township, Van Buren county. His eyes first opened to the light of day on January 12, 1847, his parents being Job and Hannah (Odell) Allen. His paternal grandfather was Daniel Allen.
In 1866 Job Allen severed the old associations and brought his family to the state of Michigan, first locating in Kalamazoo county, where he remained four years, engaged in farming and in his trade of chair-making. In 1870 the Allen's came to Van Buren county, which they elected to make their permanent abode. The father passed away in November, 1886, but his cherished and devoted wife survived him some years, her demise occurring on September 10, 1894. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom survive (1911) namely: Daniel, Joseph C., William, Alberta, Lydia, Job and Allen.
Joseph C. Allen was about eighteen years of age when he first came to the Wolverine state, his education having been previously secured in the district schools of his native state. He chose farming as his life work and first became an independent agriculturist in the year 1870, when he secured forty acres of land. He is now a considerable land holder, owning eighty acres in sections 8 and 9 and eighty acres in Section 29, all in Waverly township. This estate is well situated and highly improved.
Mr. Allen contracted a happy marriage on August 12, 1889, when Mary M. Epley became his wife. She, like her husband, was born in New York, Alleghany county, the date of her birth being October 26, 1854, and her parents being S. W. Epley and Charlotte C. (Bird) Epley. The father was born in Danville, New York, and the mother in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mrs. Allen received an excellent education, graduating from the Buchanan (Michigan) high school and the Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana. They share their delightful home with one daughter, Ruth L., born August 25, 1897, an alert young high school student.
Mrs. Allen is a valued member of the Congregational church at Bangor. The subject is found marching under the standard of the party which produced Lincoln, McKinley and Taft and is helpfully interested in all matters concerning the public welfare. He served two years as township drain commissioner and as a member of the school board. The Allens enjoy the esteem of the community.
Samuel Culver. - As the leading industry of Van Buren county is farming, and as that industry is in large measure the basis of the wealth, prosperity and progress of almost every land under the sun, its representatives are entitled to full consideration in any work that purports to give an account of the forces which have made a people what they are, and the steps by which they reach a stage of progress which may be the subject of the work. This volume is designed as a portrayal of the people of Van Buren county at the present time, and their advancements from the pioneer stage of the county's existence to the high state of development, improvement and prosperity to which its residents have brought it. The greater part of the population have been farmers from the start, and Samuel Culver, of Keeler township, is one of their best representatives in the generation to which he belongs.
Mr. Culver was born in the state of Ohio, Stark county, on July 2, 1840, and was the last of the eight children (three sons and five daughters), born to his parents, Christopher and Susanna (Chiesley) Culver. Three of the eight are living: William, who is a farmer near Howard City, Montcalm county,Michigan; Polly, who is a widow and resides in La Grange county, Indiana; and Samuel, the immediate subject of this brief review.
The father of this family was a native of Pennsylvania, and was reared, educated and married in that state. He was of German ancestry, his parents having come to this country from the Fatherland during our Revolutionary war. The mother of the family was also German extraction and both she and her husband could speak the German language fluently. After their marriage they moved to Ohio, and some years later to La Grange, Indiana, where the father died in October, 1861. He was first a Democrat in political allegiance, but when the Republican party was organized he espoused its principles, and to them he adhered to the end of his life. His wife died several years before his death. They were Presbyterians in their religious connection, and consistent members of their church from their youth, holding firmly to its teachings and exemplifying the Christian spirit in their daily lives.
Samuel Culver was a boy of four years when his parents moved to Indiana, and he passed the succeeding thirty years of his life in that state. He has always been warmly attached to the Union, and when the Civil war was raging he joined the forces enlisted for its defense and salvation. He was enrolled in September, 1864, in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and received his honorable discharge from the army in July, 1865. His company was commanded by Captain Schlegel, and the regiment to which he belonged by Colonel John Comparet. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and took part in the second battle of Nashville. In this contest Mr. Culver has a narrow escape from death, the band of his cap being shot away. But the regiment was fighting under the inspiration of the presence and heroic example of its great general, George H. Thomas, the idol of his soldiers, who called him "Pap Thomas" in the ardor of their affectionate devotion.
On February 21, 1867, Mr. Culver was united in marriage with Miss Maryette E. Emerson, the nuptials being solemnized in La Grange county, Indiana. Mrs. Culver is a daughter of Elial Todd and Huldah M. (King) Emerson, the former a native of the state of New York, born 1814, near the Connecticut line, and the latter of Rhode Island, where her life began on July 1, 1817. She died on March 31, 1900, and her husband's life ended in 1894. He was a distant relative of the great American philosopher, essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. His occupation through life was that of a farmer, and his marriage occurred in Michigan, whither he came after attaining his majority and residing for a number of years in Indiana, moving to the latter state in 1841, after having bought land in La Grange county. He became a resident of Van Buren county in this state in 1870.
On his arrival in this county he purchased the tract of eighty acres of land which now constitutes the old Emerson homestead, located on the township line between Keeler and Hartford townships, within four miles of the village of Hartford. During his life in Van Buren county Mr. Emerson took a great interest in the public schools and for a number of years rendered them valuable service as school director. He and his wife were devout members of the Baptist church at Keeler, and were persons of strict integrity and true to every duty. They reared their offspring in paths of rectitude and to useful lives. Mrs. Emerson was descended from old New England stock and English ancestry, one of her grandmothers having been a native of the Isle of Wight, England. Her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. This entitles Mrs. Culver and her daughter to membership in the society of Daughters of the American Revolution. They could certainly meet all the requirements of membership in respect to high character, intelligence and acceptable social standing, no matter how exacting they may be.
Mrs. Culver grew to womanhood in Indiana, and there received a very good education, although she had only the facilities afforded by the public schools; nor did her husband have any other, and, he, too, is well informed and has a well trained mind. The fruit of their union is one child, their daughter Grace Belle, who is the wife of Theodore Samuel Allen and has had two children, a daughter named Maryette Isabelle, who died at the age of fifteen months, and a son named George Lial, who is now in the fourth grade of the public school he attends. Mrs. Allen was born in the Emerson homestead and educated in the district schools and at the high schools in Hartford and Benton Harbor. She is a member of the Baptist church, the Sunday-school of the congregation to which she belongs, and the Women's Christian Temperance Union.
Mr. Culver is a progressive farmer and studies his business in all its details with a view to securing the best returns and most satisfactory results from the labor and care he bestows on his farm. He is also an enterprising and public spirited citizen, with great interest in the development and enduring welfare of his township and county. In political faith he is a Republican, and at all times serviceable to his party, although he has no desire for any of the honors or profits it may have to bestow on its faithful and capable adherents. He cast his first vote for our martyred president, Abraham Lincoln. In addition to their farm the Culvers own a residence property in Hartford. Mr. Culver and his wife are deeply interested in the cause of public education, and this fact has induced him to serve on the school board. Like their daughter, the parents members of the Baptist church and zealous workers in the Sunday-school of their congregation. All the members of the family stand high in the regard of the people, and the record of their useful, upright, and estimable lives shows that they are worthy of all the respect and good will that is so richly bestowed upon them. Van Buren county has no better or more serviceable citizens.
Volney Robert Hungerford. - The standard of excellence among educators all over the country is being raised higher and higher, and especially is this true in Michigan, where the people are so proud of their public school system. Van Buren county keeps well abreast of her sister counties in this, as in other things, and is fortunate in the possession of a superintendent of schools that comes from a line of educators and has many years of practical experience back of him. Volney Robert Hungerford was born in Branch county, Michigan, August 6, 1874, and is a son of Henry W. and Sophia (Mabbs) Hungerford.
Henry Hungerford was born in Oakland county, Michigan, in 1834, and as a young man began teaching school. Later he took up the occupation of farming, and he was so engaged at the time of his death, January 30, 1901. His widow, who was born in New York, still survives and makes her home at Coldwater, Michigan. They had a family of five children, namely: Virgil U., residing at Coldwater; Bertha, the wife of Edgar Conklin, of Branch county; Mary, the wife of Loren H. Draper, of Branch county; Volney Robert; and Emily E., a school teacher in the high school at Coldwater.
Volney Robert Hungerford graduated from the public schools at the age of seventeen years, and in three years completed the four years' course in the high school and began teaching, but after one year decided that he was in need of a more comprehensive education, and for the next four years attended Olivet College. Graduating in 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences, he was for one year assistant at the Schoolcraft High School. In the following year he became the superintendent of schools, and then went to Decatur, where he served in a like capacity for five years. His perfect fitness for the position at this time resulted in his election to the office of county superintendent of schools, and he has ably continued to act in that capacity to the present time. Mr. Hungerford has brought to his work an enthusiasm that is contagious among his fellow workers. Modern ideas, progressive innovations and a well expended effort to learn and cater to the needs of the young minds under his fostering and developing care have made the school system of Van Buren county something to model other systems by. Mr. Hungerford is a man of delightful personality and a close student, not only of books, but of mankind. That he has been successful in his life work, the host of his former pupils, now has warm, personal friends, testify.
On June 19. 1901, Mr. Hungerford was married to Lula Knapp, and one child, Harlan, was born to this union June 15, 1902. Politically a Republican, Mr. Hungerford has taken a deep interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of his party and his community. He is a past guard master of the Odd Fellows, and a consistent and liberal member of the Presbyterian church.
Dr. Wilbur F. Hoyt, of Paw Paw, is a native of this state and was born in Battle Creek on January 25, 1863. His parents, Benjamin Franklin and Frances (Warner) Hoyt, were natives of New York state, and passed the earlier years of their lives within its borders. The father came to Michigan in 1847 and located near Battle Creek, some years afterward moving to Paw Paw. He was a carpenter and worked at his trade in both localities with profit for himself and benefit to the places in which he labored. During the Civil war he was a soldier in the Union Army, and although he lived to see the end of the gigantic sectional conflict, he died in 1866 from disabilities due to his military service.
Some time after his death the mother contracted a second marriage, in which she was united with Frederick S. Eldred, of Jamesville, Wisconsin, now deceased. She died on August 25, 1908. She and her first husband were the parents of two children: Lucius W., who died in 1910, and Dr. Wilbur F. The latter attended school in Paw Paw and Grand Rapids until he reached the age of sixteen, then became a student in the State Agricultural College in Lansing, from which he graduated in 1883.
Having completed his scholastic training, he turned his whole attention to the work of preparing for his professional career, which he did at a medical college in Columbus, Ohio. He received his degree from that institution in 1885, then passed one year as resident physician at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus. In 1886 he located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he remained actively engaged in the practice of medicine until the winter of 1890-1, when failing health obliged him to give up the practice for a period of two years.
In the summer of 1892 he pursued a special course in clinics at Bellevue Hospital in New York city, and after concluding that located in Paw Paw, where he resided most of the time since and been actively occupied with a large and exacting practice. During 1903 and 1904 he served as clinical assistant in the Samaritan Hospital of London, England, but at the end of his connection with that institution returned to Paw Paw, and here he has ever since had his home and been one of the strong forces in his profession and one of the leading citizens of the community.
On July 7, 1903, the Doctor was married to Mrs. Amanda B. Bartram. She has a son by her former marriage, E. W. Bartram, who is living in Boston, Massachusetts, where he is connected with the United Drug Company. Dr. Hoyt is a member of the Masonic order and its adjunct, the Order of the Eastern Star, and of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Park Street Congregational church of Grand Rapids.
William H. Miller. - The farming interests of Van Buren county are in charge of the efficient, capable men who have given to their labor that application of scientific effort that is bound to bring the best results. Years of observance of the best methods have brought the occupation of farming up to the standard of one of the sciences, and the constant improving of farming machinery has done wonders in making the harvesting of large crops a surety. One of the leading agriculturists of Antwerp township, now pecializing in fruit growing, is William H. Miller, of section 25, a prominent citizen and veteran of the Civil War, who has met with much success in his operations. Mr. Miller was born in Hadley, Lapeer county, Michigan, September 17, 1844, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Randolph) Miller, natives of New York.
As a young man Jacob Miller came from New York to Lapeer county, and here the remainder of his life was spent in farming. Here he was a pioneer and endured all the hardships and hard work incident to pioneer life, such as cutting wood at fifty cents a cord, and walking four miles each way to and from his work. The nearest market in those days was Detroit, and there he took his beef, a distance of fifty miles, traveling with an ox team, and taking nearly a week to make the trip. His death was a sad one, he having been murdered in Lapeer City by a man who had forged his name to a note, and his body was burned to destroy the evidence of his crime. His wife, who died in 1851, bore him the following seven children: Charles, Daniel and Jane, who are deceased; James, residing in Mattawan; Henry, who lives in Fentonville; William H., and Otis, who is deceased. William H. Miller was reared to an agricultural life and was employed on his father's farm until he was twenty years old, at which time he enlisted in the Third Division of Colonel Jewell's Department, Seventh Army Corps, and as a member of a Michigan regiment was with General Sherman on his famous "March to the Sea. "He was seriously wounded at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and after being mustered out of the service there went to New York, form whence he returned to Michigan, and for about four years was engaged in land speculation. He then purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in section 25, Antwerp township, where he has since been engaged in farming and fruit growing, and his undertakings have met with unqualified success. His life has been that of an upright, honorable and public-spirited citizen, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of the community.
On December 9, 1873, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Emily Burgess, daughter of Charles O. and Ludencia (Morey) Burgess, natives of New York state, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Emily. Mr. Miller has been so occupied with his farming interests that he has had little time for public matters, but he takes a keen interest in measures that are apt to prove of benefit to his community, and votes the Democratic ticket. He is prominent fraternally as a member of the Masons and the Eastern Star.
Erastus Osborn is one of the leading citizens of Hamilton township, and a pioneer of the locality as well. He is a gentleman so well known for his integrity and honesty, thrift and manliness, that he needs no introduction to the citizens of Van Buren county. He and his estimable wife are citizens who are held in the highest esteem and it is with pleasure that the ensuing sketch is presented in the record and history of Van Buren county, Michigan.
Erastus Osborn is a native of Alleghany county, New York, where his birth occurred on March 24, 1838. He is the second in a family of eight children, equally divided as to sons and daughters, born to Stephen and Sallie (Hungerford) Osborn. Of this number but three are living at the present time, Mr. Osborn being the eldest; Benjamin, and agriculturist, residing in Hamilton township; and the same being true of Horace. Stephen Osborn also raised to maturity four sons and four daughters by a former marriage. The father was born in Vermont, October 11, 1794, and died in 1853. He was a courageous man and a good citizen, of the type of General Stark and his Green Mountain Boys. He adopted agriculture as his life work and his politics was that of a Jackson Democrat. The Osborn family ultimately removed from New York to Michigan (about 1844), making the journey in pioneer fashion in covered wagons, across swamps and through forests. This interesting journey is well remembered by the subject, who was about six years old at the time. Near where the family located deer and wild turkeys were abundant. The first farm owned by the family consisted of but forty acres and the first habitation was an underground log house. Conditions were indeed primitive, for the Osborns were among the first white settlers. The Indians still looked upon the district as their own. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were Christian people and of good influence in the community. The mother was a native of New York and her grandfather Weston was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, the present day Osborns being thus entitled to membership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Her grandmother Weston rode horseback with a little baby in her arms to witness the surrender of Cornwallis. Both of the subject's parents are interred in the Hamilton township cemetery where suitable stones stand sacred to their memory. His maternal grandfather, Benjamin Hungerford, was born in 1773 and the grandmother in 1778, the latter dying in 1854. Their remains are interred in the Keeler cemetery, their tombstones being among the earliest placed in that burial ground. Benjamin Hungerford at one time was proprietor of a cording mill in Alleghany county, New York, and there in his early life Millard Fillmore worked as an apprentice. When an old man he revisited and wept over those scenes of his boyhood.
Erastus Osborn has spent his life in Van Buren county and has devoted his energies to agriculture and stock-raising. He received his education in the common schools, when conditions were primitive, the first school house he attended being a log cabin, where the pens used were quills. In 1859 he made a six months' trip with ox teams to Pike's Peak. He has used the old fashioned grain cradle, swinging it all day long, and he has cut as much as seven acres of grain in one day, using also a scythe and flail. The Osborns were innovators, however, and the subject's father brought the first threshing-box with a cylinder in the township. In those days the closest market was St. Joe, Paw Paw not then being in existence. His memory goes back to the day when Decatur was a mere hamlet, when the Michigan Central Railway was being built, his half brother assisting in the construction of the same.
When Mr. Osborn began life he had no capital, but his industry and thrift made his success certain from the beginning. He was not afraid to work hard and has split rails at fifty cents per hundred, the fact being apparent that he began life at the bottom. On March 24, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Annette Maria Lascelle, and two daughters have been born to them. Mary E., is the wife of William H. Myrkle, a resident of Hamilton township, and an agriculturist. The Myrkles have five children, all living as follows: Harold E., a student of the public schools; Grover E., in the junior class of the Dowagiac high school; Lawrence, in the eighth grade of the public school; Helen Gertrude, in the fifth grade; and Marjorie Lascelle, the youngest child. Agnes Luana, Younger daughter of Mr. Osborn, received her preliminary eduction in the common schools and subsequently studied in the high schools of Decatur and Dowagiac and the Antheneum Institute in Chicago. She makes her home with her parents.
Mrs. Osborn is a native of Jefferson county, New York, her birthplace having been near the Thousand Isles. The date of her birth was December 29, 1841, and she is the seventh in a family of eight children. She is the only member of her family now living. She was reared in Jefferson county until her seventeenth year and received an education in the public schools. While a resident of Chicago she was a student in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. At the age of sixteen she began her career as a teacher in Jefferson county, New York, and she taught subsequently in Wayne township, Cass county, and Van Buren county. She is a cultured woman, and has ever improved her mind with good literature. She has been a true and helpful wife. When she and the subject began life it was in a frame house made of black walnut, this building is still standing. It was built in the early '40s and is one of the oldest frame houses in the town. Their present home is a pretty and commodious one and they own a fine tract of four hundred and forty acres lying in Keeler and Hamilton townships. They have made all the improvements themselves and today (in 1911) this valuable estate is without a dollar's debt. Their lives furnish a splendid example to the young of what courageous industry will accomplish.
Mr. Osborn is a sound Democrat and has never strayed from its Jeffersonian principles. He is the champion of good schools and has been treasurer of his township, an office he held for seven years. His wife is a member of the Swedenborgian church. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are representative citizens of Hamilton township and owners of one of its finest estates, its broad acres being known as "Brookside," and its hospitable doors being ever open to their many friends. It is indeed appropriate that record of their lives be perpetuated in this History of Van Buren County.
Dr. John C. Maxwell, of Paw Paw, was born in Hamilton township, Van Buren county, Michigan, on March 5, 1866, and is a son of James Edward and Mary (Conway) Maxwell, who were born in Ireland. The father came to this country about 1840, and at once made his way to the West to take part in its development and improvement and secure for himself a share in the results of its progress. He located in this county on a farm but little removed from its state of primal wilderness, and on this he passed the remainder of his life, which ended in 1884, eight years after the death of his wife in 1876. He labored diligently and intelligently in the cultivation of his farm, and when he died left it in an advanced state of development and productiveness, and well improved with good buildings.
Eight children were born in the family and seven of them are living, only Mary, the late wife of Joseph Godley, of Kalamazoo county, having died. The others are: Celia, the wife of Jacob Knowles, of Van Buren county; Thomas C., who resides in Springfield, South Dakota; Elizabeth, the wife of Otis Gould, of Lawrence, this county; C. Ella, who is dean of women in the Marquette State Normal School, and a teacher of history in that institution; Frances, the wife of M. S. Bullard, of this county; James Edward, a prominent physician and surgeon whose home is in Decatur, Michigan; and John C.
The last named, when his father died, was the only one at home to take charge of the farm until it could be sold, and he was compelled to leave school and devote his time to its management. As soon as he was able to get away he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor as a medical student, and while pursuing his professional course also followed the high school course of academic instruction. He was graduated from the department of pharmacy in the university in 1894, and from the medical department in 1895. When he left the University he at once located in Paw Paw, and here he has worked out his subsequent career, making an admirable record as a physician and surgeon. His practice is large and active, laying all his time and energy under tribute except what is required for the duties of citizenship outside of professional lines, for these he never neglects in any degree whatever.
Dr. Maxwell was married in December, 1898, to Miss Cleo Lyle Stevens, a daughter of F. E. and Ida M. (Parker) Stevens, of Paw Paw. Three children have been born of the union, two of whom are living: James Hoyt, who was born December 15, 1902, and Catherine Frances, whose life began on December 15,1908. The first born child, Helen, came into being on December 15, 1899, and died on March 13, 1902.
The doctor holds to the principles and theories of government of the Republican party in political affairs, but he is not desirous of official station of any kind. He is a member of several local lodges.
Charles De Witt Lawton. - The death of Charles De Witt Lawton, which occurred August 24, 1909, removed from Michigan a man who had long been prominent in the state's political, scientific and intellectual life, but who left behind the memory and influence of a life work that is bequest of value to the commonwealth.
Mr. Lawton was born in Rome, New York, November 4, 1835. The son of Nathan and Esther (Wiggins) Lawton, he was of strictly English descent and of marital ancestry, his paternal and maternal grandfathers having been Revolutionary soldiers in New York and New England regiments. The family is one of the oldest in the country. The original American Lawtons came from Lawton, England, in 1636, settling in Rhode Island as colonists under Roger Williams. The records of that colony give ample evidence of the distinguished and formative services rendered by them both previous to and during the Revolution. That those family traits have not been lost is proved by the recent record of Mr. Lawton's nephew, Major Louis B. Lawton, who, for his bravery at Tien Tsin in bringing relief to the American forces through the open fire of Chinese bullets, was awarded a medal by Congress.
Mr. Lawton's paternal grandfather settled in Herkimer county, New York, in 1794, and his father, Nathan Lawton, moved from there to Auburn, New York, where for many years he was a well known and influential citizen. Mr. Lawton's early life was passed in Herkimer county and in the city of Auburn, where he attended Auburn Academy. In 1858 he was graduated, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, from Union College at Schenectady, which in that day was one of the largest American colleges. One year after his graduation he received the degree of Civil Engineer, and some time later that of Master of Arts. He then returned to his home city, Auburn, and with his brother George W. (the late Judge Lawton), took charge of Auburn Academy. Academics in those days comprised a large share of the higher educational institutions. Many students were enrolled who have since become famous, among them Hon. Sereno Payne, of New York. Mr. Lawton's influence and friendship with them was life-long.
In 1861 Mr. Lawton married Lucy Lovina Latham, daughter of Oliver Sanford and Lucy Maria (Eastman) Latham, of Seneca Falls, New York. Mr. Latham was a prominent contractor and builder, and associated with his three brothers, was the builder of many government locks, bridges,canals and custom houses.
In 1865, his health not being good and advised by physicians to go West, Mr. Lawton, with Mrs. Lawton, removed to the village of Lawton, Van Buren county, Michigan, where his father owned a great quantity of land and which had received his name. he concluded to make his home here, and from that time on his interests have been identified with the growth of Michigan, with its mining interests, it agricultural interest and its development in every way, for Mr. Lawton was primarily and essentially the best of citizens.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lawton were born nine children: Charles Latham, general manager of the Quincy & Adventurer Mining Company of Hancock, Michigan; Nathan Oliver, superintendent of the Miami mine at Globe, Arizona; Frederick Percy, a physician at Traverse City, Michigan; Swaby Latham, of the law firm of Hanchette & Lawton, at Hancock; Eugene Wright, of San Antonia, Texas; Margaret Brooks; Rebecca Estella; Marion Agnes, wife of Dr. Thomas J. Swantz, of South Bend, Indiana; and Gertrude Genevieve, wife of Clarence R. Van Vleck, of Jackson, Wyoming. The family home has long been an intellectual and social center, owing much to the culture, accomplishments, dignity and charm of Mrs. Lawton, who has wielded a sympathetic influence in the growth and progress of the town.
Mr. Lawton's brilliant mentality soon won for him a prominent place in his community, and there early recognized in him those qualities which won for him so many successes in after life. Together with his brother George W., who had preceded him to Lawton two years, and the late Nathan Bitely, he embarked in the nursery business and began cultivation of grapes, which has since grown into such a magnificent industry. Finding the soil to be of a sandy nature and seemingly unproductive, they began to investigate in a small way, until the growing of grapes became widespread. The first big planting was done by Mr. Lawton in 1865 and 1866, when he put out five thousand vines secured at Geneva, in the famous grape district New York. However, Mr. Lawton was a man of varied interests. He was prominent in establishing a blast-furnace in Lawton for the manufacture of charcoal pig-iron from Lake Superior ores.
In 1870 Mr. Lawton was appointed assistant professor of engineering at the University of Michigan. From the university he spread into practical work, and in 1872 and 1873 assisted Major T. B. Brooks in the geological survey of the Marquette Iron region and the Menominee Range, where so much wealth was then discovered. He continued in the work of developing the Upper Peninsula, and in 1877 and 1878 assisted his nephew, the late Charles E. Wright, in the field work and in the preparation of his report as commissioner of mineral statistics, eventually taking over the active duties of the mining department and writing the immensely valuable reports of 1880, 1881 and 1882.
In 1884 Governor Alger offered him the position of state geologist, but he preferred to continue his work as commissioner of mineral statistics, publishing each year a report covering the mines and mineral interests of the state. This office, a purely scientific one, he held until 1891, and his reports for the years of his tenure of it are now much sought for and prized by men in all parts of the world who are interested in Michigan geology and Michigan mines, as they were and still are absolutely to be relied on. His knowledge of the mineral ranges of the Northern Peninsula was vast, and his ready pen made his reports not merely technical but delightful to read. Mr. Lawton was never a permanent resident of the Upper Peninsula, but his numerous visits to the copper and iron region, his interest in geology and his friendship for the early mining men of that section made him in spirit one of them, and the Northern Peninsula was always glad to claim him as one of its loyal friends.
In the meantime he never relinquished his interests at home and throughout Van Buren county. Practically all the county was surveyed by him, and he made the first and the subsequent surveys for what was known as the Narrow Gauge Railroad. In this way he had an intimate and wide acquaintance with all parts of the county and with all its residents. His notes and surveys, because of their accuracy, would, if published and edited, be a valuable reference in the archives of the county.
Mr. Lawton always retained interest in farming. Besides the running of his fruit farm, he owned and managed a grain farm in Porter township, and was always an active and a large contributing member to the various horticultural and agricultural societies of the county and state; and being a fluent writer, he was a frequent contributor to the various journals.
His father a Whig before him, Mr. Lawton was always a staunch Republican, one of the noble old Romans who laid the foundations for the new Republican party under the oaks of Jackson. As an intrepid Abolitionist he cast his first vote for Fremont, and was ad advocate of the nomination of
William H. Seward, for the presidency at the time of Lincoln's nomination; as he and Mr. Seward were fellow-townsmen and friends. Mr. Lawton's father was a delegate to the national Republican convention at that time.
Mr. Lawton was always actively interested in county, state and national politics. In county and state conventions he led the list of delegates, and ever exercised a potent influence. He was an easy speaker as well as vigorous and fearless writer, and his speech-making tours throughout the state made him a familiar figure to thousands. He was an honorary member of the United States Historical Society and of many Michigan state organizations formed for the betterment and enlightenment of the people.
In 1897--the only election in which Mr. Lawton figured as a candidate--he was elected on the Republican ticket by a large majority regent of the University, which office he held eight years. Probably few men had his love for educational institutions or were better fitted to help govern them. He was especially endowed with a keen mentality, a broad insight, a scholarly and well furnished mind, for he was a man of much learning and vast information, all of which made him a valuable public servant. Always ready to be of service to his fellow-citizens as well as to his state, for thirty years he was a member of the school board of his village and gave to his duties as such the same degree of attention and interest that he devoted to other claims upon his time or faculties.
Mr. Lawton was a man of great versatility and a rare diversity of gifts. Handicapped at the very outset of early manhood with a weak side, and often enduring severe pain he, nevertheless, manifested an ever restless and intense diligence in the attainment of knowledge or in the pursuance of some line of work. He was a natural student and possessed a remarkable memory. In his later years, during his hours of recreation, he was always to be seen reading in the original some French, German, Spanish or Italian classic.
Mr. Lawton was the ideal American citizen. While discriminating in his friendships and scholarly in his tastes, he was, however, democratic in his ideas, sympathetic and approachable toward all. He was a man of the soundest judgment, wholly sane, unbiased and unprejudiced in his views, of the highest character, uncompromisingly honest, broadly charitable, genial in his nature and delightful in his home.
To quote from the True Northerner: "Those who knew Mr. Lawton best appreciated his sterling worth and rare diversity of gifts. 'He knew so much' was the heartfelt testimonial of a discriminating and eminent friend. Yet, after a life-time of study, his wisdom was never paraded for applause, but
treasured to himself, save when a friendship or service called it forth. He was ever the most modest of men.
"No citizen of our state was better posted on the current questions of the day, and few were better equipped in the classics. Concerning the most momentous issues, as with the commonest practical affairs, his opinion was lucid and his judgment sound. The record of Mr. Lawton made in mastering the geological status of Upper Michigan is a tribute to his intelligence and industry, and his long time official association with the affairs of our State University is one of the most notable achievements of his public career. In all his connection with the affairs of his busy life, no hint of dishonesty, incompetence or slightest shade of self-seeking was ever heard. His family and neighborhood life was simple, kindly and pure. Sturdy and straightforward, frank and fearless, he did what he thought was right, and left judgment of consequences to a higher tribunal than the vacillating opinions of men.
"The men of Mr. Lawton's generation, with whom he so long affiliated, have, for the most part, passed from the stage of action. But the impress of their rugged honor and stalwart courage has been left as a legacy for those who succeed them. The life-work, the influence, the memory of such a man as Charles D. Lawton are a bequest of value to the commonwealth and will be appreciated for their actual value and increasing worth. "
In every field Mr. Lawton was recognized as a leader, a man among men, and one who will leave his impress upon his adopted state. The good he has done cannot be estimated, and his children, friends and fellow-citizens have a priceless legacy in the memory of his life.
He was the fifth in order of birth of the seven children of his parents, all of whom are now deceased. The others were Eliza, Nathan, Esther, George W., Albert W., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Lawton was the first born of the nine children who blessed and brightened her parental home. All but her and her brother William Arthur Swaby, of Syracuse, New York, have passed away. Her sisters and brothers who have died were: Gertrude, Isadore, Oliver Sanford, Sanford, Jessie Maria, Stephen Eastman, Margaret Aurelia and Marion Agnes.
Nathan Thomas. - Beginning life as an Iowa farmer, following a short experience in this useful and invigorating occupation with more than three years' service as a Union soldier during the Civil war, and since then variously occupied as a farmer, a merchant, a public official and again as a farmer, Nathan Thomas, of Paw Paw, has seen life under many conditions and been tried in many pursuits. In all his manhood has shown himself to be sterling, his courage and self-reliance have come out strong under the tests of citizenship has always been of the most sturdy, patriotic and serviceable character, a credit to himself and the people among whom he has exhibited in and exercised its rights and functions.
Mr. Thomas was born at Newgarden, Ohio, on December 19, 1837, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Johns) Thomas, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1883. They were the parents of ten children: Rachel, who has been dead for a number of years; Jesse, who resides at Hartford in this county; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Shafer, of Homeworth, Ohio; Nathan, the immediate subject of this brief review; Stanton, whose home is in Alliance, Ohio; Maria, the widow of John Kerns, who lives at Winona, Ohio; Phebe Ann, who has been dead some years; Franklin, who is also deceased; Edwin, who is a resident of Winona, Ohio; and Kersey, who died several years ago. /p>
In the spring of 1861 Nathan Thomas came West to Cedar county, Iowa, and worked on a farm by the month during the summer. In the fall he felt impelled by a strong sense of duty to go to the assistance of the government in its effort to prevent the forcible dismemberment of the Union, and on October 28th enlisted in the Tenth Kansas Infantry, under Captain Foreman. In this regiment he served three years, being much in active service and taking part in numerous engagements, the most important of which was the battle of Prairie Grove. Mr. Thomas was mustered out of the army in St. Louis at the end of his term in 1864 and returned to his Ohio home. He remained there all winter, but not wholly inactive. He helped to organize a company for further service in the war, which was still in progress, and went with it into camp on March 5, 1865. He was the first lieutenant of his company, and the regiment of which it formed a part was the One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment proceeded to Winchester, Virginia, but the war closed before it saw any active field work. Mr. Thomas was again mustered out of service, this time at Columbus, Ohio, and once more he returned to his former home.
In 1866 he was married and at once set up a domestic shrine on land which he rented for farming purposes, and during the next two years was busily and profitably employed in tilling the soil. An opening in mercantile life attracted him at the end of the time named, and he embraced it, starting a grocery store at Winona, Ohio, which he conducted for one year, or thereabouts. In 1870 he came to Michigan and located at Hartford in this county. He passed the first year in farming, and then again went into business as a merchant, selecting the hardware trade as his line on this occasion, and adhering to it about seven years. At the end of that period he was appointed postmaster of Hartford and sold his hardware business. Soon afterward he moved to Paw Paw, having been elected sheriff of Van Buren county. He filled this office four years, then returned to Hartford and was again appointed postmaster. He held the office until after the election of Mr. Cleveland to the presidency, and on the appointment of his successor, bought a farm of sixty acres in the vicinity of Hartford. This he cultivated for two years, when he was once more elected sheriff, and again held the office for four years. When his term closed he turned his attention to farming again, but continued to reside in Paw Paw, where he still owns a home, although he is now living on a farm belonging to one of his sons, located in section twelve, Paw Paw township, and distant from the city about one and one half miles.
On March 1, 1866, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Rebecca A. Votaw, a daughter of Moses and Mary Votaw, old settlers in Ohio. Five children have been born of this union, and four of them are living; Mary V., who is the widow of the late Albro A. Whitcomb and lives with her father; Wesley J. and Lester, twins, the former, who has also served as sheriff, living in Paw Paw and the latter deceased; Emmet E., a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Jesse B., who is a commercial traveler.
MrMr. Thomas is a firm and faithful Republican in his political faith, and is loyally attached to the principles of his party and a zealous worker in its behalf. His services are energetic and effective, and are highly appreciated by both the leaders of the party and its rank and file. Fraternally he is a Free Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He takes an earnest interest in the affairs of his lodge in the Masonic order and his post in the Grand Army of the Republic, aiding their good work by all means available to him, as he does every worthy enterprise for the good of his city and county.
Francis Martin, one of the well-known farmers of Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michigan, whose post office address is Bangor, R. R. No. 5, is credited with having cleared more land in this township than any other citizen. p>
Mr. Martin is a native of New York state. He was born in St. Lawrence county, November 20, 1845, a son of William and Mary (Cady) Martin, the former of Irish birth and the latter a native of New York. The Martins made their home in the Empire state until Francis was a lad of ten years, when in September, 1855, they came west to Michigan and settled in Arlington township, Van Buren county, where the father bought two hundred and one acres of timber land. A few years later he sold this land, and his death occurred at about age seventy-three years. In the fall of 1859 the mother accompanied by her son, went to Chicago to live.
In September, 1864, at Chicago, young Martin enlisted in Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery, and went to the front, where he served faithfully until his honorable discharge, July 10, 1865. In the engagement at Atlanta his company lost all its commanding officers, and four of its guns were carried away by the enemy.
Returning to Chicago at the close of the war, he remained in that city a short time, and from there he went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, from whence a year later he came back to the scenes of his early boyhood in Arlington township, Van Buren county. His first land purchase here was eighty acres, heavily timbered. He cleared this tract and made his home on it until March, 1899, when he sold out and bought the eighty acres in section 14 where he now lives. In the meantime he bought and cleared and sold many other tracts of land. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and has for years given considerable attention to the raising of fruit, in which he has been very successful.
Mr. Martin has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Hila Delong and whom he wedded August 2, 1868, died in 1884. Of her five children, Charles, Lafayette and Bert are deceased, and Adelbert and Hattie are both settled in Arlington township. Hattie being the wife of George Cargo. On September 14, 1888, Mr. Martin married Miss Carrie M. Crawford, daughter of Lester and Mary Crawford, both natives of Indiana but now residents of Arlington township. The children of this marriage are as follows: Manley, of Arlington township; Mrs. Mary Jane Hurlbert, of Glittenberg; Berl, at home; Cora, wife of Carl Hurlbert, of Arlington township; Clayton Cleo, and Irving and Irwin twins, but Irving died at the age of six months and two days.
WhWhile not a politician, Mr. Martin has always been a conscientious voter, casting his franchise with the Republicans, and he has served efficiently in such local offices as highway commissioner and drain assessor. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church.
John Robbins was born in Cornwall, England, July 16, 1832, a son of Abraham and Mary (Johns) Robbins, both of English birth and ancestry. At Cornwall he passed his boyhood days and grew to manhood, and on reaching his majority he left the old home and came to America. Van Buren county, Michigan, was his objective point, and this has since been his abiding place. In 1864 he took up his residence on the farm on which he now lives, one hundred and twenty acres in section 27. All the improvements on this farm have been place here by him. He has carried on general farming and stock raising, with a fair degree of success, and now in his declining years is pleased to see the work prosperously continued by his son. p>
Mr. Robbins has been twice married. His first marriage, in 1862, was to Jane Martin, who death occurred May 6, 1884. By her he had four children: Abraham, born February 14, 1864; Frederick, July 10, 1871; William, who died in infancy; and Emily Jane, who was born August 28, 1872, and died November 11, 1876. In March, 1885, Mr. Robbins wedded Homera Ackley, daughter of Whitfield and Mary (Chambers) Ackley, the former a native of New York, the latter of Pennsylvania. She is the youngest of a family of eight children and the only one now living. By his present wife Mr. Robbins has one son, John D., who resides on the old homestead with his parents.
John D. Robbins, on February 10, 1908, was united in marriage with Miss Francis Grant, daughter of Rolland B. and Elsie (Cheever) Grant, both natives of Illinois. They have one child, Louis Grant Robbins, born August 26, 1908.
MrMr. Robbins and his son support the Republican ticket, and the family are identified with the Baptist church.
C. F. Hosmer. -In the life and career of C. F. Hosmer, one of the substantial business citizens of Mattawan, Michigan, there is to be found much to encourage the youth of this generation, and no better example could be placed before the ambitious young men of today of success finally gained after the most disheartening discouragement's. Starting in life as the proprietor of a small business establishment, he worked his way up to a point where success seemed just in reach, only to have his years of labor destroyed with a single hour, and when, nothing daunted, he had reached comfortable circumstances for a second time, his earnings were again lost through no fault of his own. With the courage and perseverance that have been the foundation for the fortunes of all successful business men, he made a new start, and now may be ranked among the substantial men of this community and a factor to be reckoned with in the business world. p>
Mr. Hosmeer was born July 18, 1856, in Edwards, St. Lawrence county, New York, and is a son of Charles and Lura (Church) Hosmer, natives of Vermont. Mr. Hosmer's father, who was a mechanic, came to Michigan in 1865, and there he resided at Coopersville until his death in 1889, his widow surviving him until 1898. They had two children:C. F. and Sherman E., the latter of Ottawa county, Michigan. C. F. Hosmer remained in Coopersville until 1879, in which year he was married, and then engaged in the mercantile business, which he continued to conduct until 1894. In that year he started the first grocery in Coopersville, but on July 22, 1898 a fire destroyed his entire stock, and he subsequently went to Hammond, Indiana, where he was in the same business for one year. Returning to Coopersville, in 1900 he embarked in the milling business which he continued for four years, and in 1904 came to Mattawan and bought the general merchandise stock of W. C. Mosier, and was successfully engaged in business until December, 1908, when he was again wiped out by fire. He then started a general merchandise store, which he later sold to Ryan Brothers, and in 1909 went to Rockford, Michigan, and formed a partnership with E. L. Prichard in the grocery business, but during August of that year sold out and went to Lowell, where he was interested in the same line. In February, 1910, Mr. Hosmer returned to Mattawan, and here he has since carried on a successful general merchandise establishment. Mr. Hosmer is a man who makes friends easily and keeps them a lifetime; he is enterprising and progressive in his ideas and is quick to recognize an opportunity and to grasp it; and his inherent business ability has never been questioned, but all of these would have counted for naught were it not for the fact that he has never allowed himself to be discouraged, no matter how dark the outlook, nor how great have been his misfortunes. He has gone steadily forward, rebuilding his fortune each time it has been swept away, showing an indomitable spirit that refuses to be broken, and earning the respect and esteem of his fellow men by the very earnestness of his endeavors.
OnOn March 29, 1879, Mr. Hosmer was married to Miss Effie Dickinson, who died December 22, 1903. On January 26, 1905, he was married to Jennie Meredith. There have been no children to either union. Mr. Hosmer is a popular member of the F. and A. M. and the I. O. O. F., and in his political views takes an independent stand.
Hiram Sherrod represents a family who came to Michigan from Pennsylvania in 1867. He was born in the Keystone state on November 29, 1835. His parents were Daniel and Hannah Cole Sherrod, the father a Pennsylvanian and the mother a New Yorker. When they came to Michigan the settled near Paw Paw and the parents spent the rest of their lives there. The mother died in 1885, and the father three years later. There were seven children in the family, five sons and two daughters. Matilda lives in Paw Paw and is Mrs. Levi Lyle. The other sister is married to John Cleckner, of Colorado. One brother, Almond, also lives in Colorado. Lorenzo, the other brother now living, resides in Detroit. p>
Hiram Sherrod learned the blacksmith trade from his father and in 1857, bought seventy-five acres of land, to which the later added a tract of thirty-eight acres, making a total of one hundred and eighteen acres. Upon this he has put a fine brick house two stories high and good barns and other outhouses. He has one of the best managed farms in the community and one of which the whole county is proud.
In 1861 Mr. Sherrod was married to Salina Lee, and eight children were born of their union; three who died in infancy and Henry, Minnie,Wilber, Carrie and Vincent. The mother died in 1879, and the father took of his second wife Letissa Stephenson, and of this union there is one child, Grover.
MrMr. Sherrod is a Democrat in his political convictions, but he is not a practical politician nor has he ever sought any public office. He belongs to the Grangers and to the Good Templars. The Christian church counts him one of its most interested members and he is known throughout the county as one sincerely interested in all which builds up the economic, educational and moral life of the country.
James E. Abrams. - In the development and progress of Van Buren county from pioneer times to the present no family has shown itself more devoted to the solid virtues of industrious husbandry and patriotic citizenship then that represented by Mr. James E. Abrams, of Lawrence township. He himself has been a resident of the county for sixty years, has been one of the most successful in agriculture, and has served his country and his community in promoting their best welfare. p>
James E. Abrams was born in Orleans county, New York, October 7, 1841. His family has been identified with American history for several generations and its military record is especially noteworthy, since the members of three successive generations have served in the most important wars that occurred during their respective careers. His grandfather bore arms in the war of the Revolution. Then his son John, who was born at Newburgh on the Hudson in 1797, was a member of the New York state militia when the British crossed Lake Champlain. John Abrams spent most of his life in New York state. He married Eunice Shepard, and they were the parents of eleven children, all of whom were born in New York, and the five now living are: Eunice, Anne, Lindy, James E., and Nancy, all except James being residents of different states in the west.
In 1851 John Abrams, with his wife and family, set out for Michigan, which at that time was destination of many people leaving Orleans and neighboring counties of New York. He crossed Lake Erie to Detroit, and from there came overland by wagon to Kalamazoo, where he spent the winter. On March 4th of the following year they arrived in what is now Paw Paw township, where the father bought eighty acres of cleared land for one thousand dollars. At that time many of the settlers had joined the rush to California, and for this reason it was possible to secure good bargains in improved or partially improved land. On this place John Abrams lived for thirty years, until his life came to a peaceful close in 1881. His wife died three years later, in 1884.
During his youth Mr. Abrams was privileged to attend school only about three months in the year and continued his efforts in obtaining an education until he was nineteen. By that time he had saved some money, which he planned to use in attending the college at Ypsilanti. Just then the Civil war broke out. The day following the firing on Fort Sumter, April 15, 1861, he enlisted in the Lafayette Light Guards under Captain Hugo. From here he went to New York and was attached to Sickle's Brigade, in the Seventieth New York Regiment, and saw nearly four years of service in many campaigns through the south.
A veteran soldier, he returned to Michigan to take up the practical duties of civil life. In December, 1865, he purchased a farm, and the following March he married Miss Helen Beddo, of a well known family near Paw Paw. Together they began to make a home and continued to live on their first farm fourteen years. In the fall of 1882 they moved to another place, which remained their home until 1896. Mr. Abrams then engaged in the mercantile business at Lawrence until 1900. For two years after that he served in the office of town treasurer, and then returned to the farm. In 1907 he bought the farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres which is now his attractive home. Altogether he owns one hundred and sixty-six acres in Lawrence township. His material prosperity has been generous and has been gained as the result of his own well bestowed labors and good business management. Mr. Abrams has held several offices in Post Wadsworth, No. 49, G. A. R., at Lawrence. His citizenship has always been of the substantial kind that supports the best movements in the community, and when entrusted with the public responsibility he has discharged his duties with conscientious faithfulness and energy. He and his family are members of the Methodist church at Lawrence.
EiEight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abrams: Hetty is the wife of Rev. E. H. Bradfield, of La Pierre; A. H., is in a general store in Lawrence; Katie, is the wife of A. B. Carris, of Highland, California; Archie E., is on the father's farm; Richard J., who continued the military record of the family by serving with the rank of corporal in the Spanish war, is now an electrical engineering residing in Chicago; James G. is on his father's farm in Lawrence township; Helen is the wife of Frank Jones, of Mendon, St. Joseph county; and Harold E. is on his father's farm.
George Mutchler. - The present incumbent of the office of drain commissioner of Van Buren county, Michigan, is a fine example of the man who accepts an office of public trust and responsibility and brings to the same the same unswerving rectitude and persistent industry which would mark his private endeavors. It is to such men as George Mutchler that our democratic government must look for the redemption of her administrations from the inefficiency of "political jobbery. "George Mutchler was born in Oshtemo, Kalamazoo county, this state, July 21, 1862, to Martin and Mary Mutchler. Both his father and mother, whose maiden name was Miller, came to the United States from the Fatherland. They met and were married in New York state before they came to the state of Michigan. They were the parents of nine children, of whom George, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the sixth in order of birth. The family came to Van Buren county when George was a child of three years, the date being 1865. Here the father was employed as section foreman on railroads for a great many years. Both Martin Mutchler and his wife have since passed to their eternal reward. p>
George Mutchler was raised in Van Buren county, and received an excellent common school education in the district schools of the county. On December 20, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Edah Gibney, of Bangor township, Van Buren county, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Gibney, the former of whom was born in Bethney, New York state, and the latter of whom first saw the light of this world in Bloomington, Indiana. She was raised in Van Buren county, and attended the public schools of the district. To Mr. and Mrs. George Mutchler was born one son, Harrie E., the date of his nativity being December 29, 1889. He has graduated from the Hartford high school and is now a student at Lansing, Michigan. The family are members of the Christian denomination, and Mr. Mutchler is an elder in the church and a trustee of the same.
Politically Mr. Mutchler adheres to the party of Lincoln, McKinley and Taft, and is accounted a worthy promoter of the interests of the "Grand Old Party" in this part of the state. He has served the county in the capacity of surveyor for three terms, of two years each. After an appointment to fill out an unexpired term Mr. Mutchler has since been appointed for three terms as county drain commissioner and also twice elected to the office, this being ample proof of the quality of his service and the high place he holds in the esteem of his constituency. It is worthy of note that he held the office of county surveyor and drainage commissioner for one year, the same being very unusual, since it is a rare thing to find a man holding two active county offices at one time.
FrFraternally Mr. Mutchler is affiliated with Charter Oaks Lodge, No. 231, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
George W. Clements. - Enjoying general honor and esteem in the community in which he is best known and to whose interests he has ever shown a whole-hearted and helpful loyalty is George W. Clements, a pioneer farmer of Lawrence township, Van Buren county. Now in the pleasant evening of life he can look back over the busy well-spent years with satisfaction and has leisure to cultivate the acquaintance of his hosts of friends. Mr. Clements is of English birth, his eyes having first opened to the light of day on February 28, 1830. His parents were William and Mary (Cook) Clements, and when the subject was a babe in arms they decided to cross the Atlantic in quest of the greater opportunity to be found in the New World. They went first to Canada, locating in Quebec, but remained in the quaint and lovely old city for only a short time. Removing farther south, they settled in Ontario. When Mr. Clements was a lad of fourteen years his mother died. Finding it necessary to make his own living, he started out to find any employment he could and eventually found his way to Detroit. He spent the first winter scoring ties on the Michigan Central Railroad and doing a man's work, although only a boy. While in that city he saved sufficient money to make his way to Kalamazoo, which was at that time the western terminal of the Michigan Central. He stayed in Kalamazoo only over night and then he and two or three other boys set out on foot for the neighborhood of the present town of Lawton. Here he was thrown into association with a "tough bunch" of Irishmen and stayed three days, chopping wood and again doing a man's work. Accommodations were poor and he and another boy decided not to tarry, but started off toward Paw Paw, where they stopped. Mr. Clements hired out to a man of the name of Willard and continued in his employ of over a year. The love of change and adventure was a part of his character, however, and he again started out, wandering for a time and then locating in Lawrence, where he secured work in a saw mill. He was so proficient that he rapidly advanced and soon came to be head sawyer, a position he held for a year and a half. Shortly after this, having saved a little money, he started a little grocery store and continued in this line of endeavor for three years. He was somewhat successful and began to gather together a little means. p>
In the meantime Mr. Clements had taken unto himself a wife, his marriage occurring on April 17, 1856, to Harriet Christy, daughter of Robert Christy, of Lawrence, and thus he established a household of his own.
After three years in the grocery business Mr. Clements entered the carpentry business and he and a partner built the Congregation church and sawed the lumber for another church edifice in the early days. This proved congenial work and he remained thus engaged for twenty years. In 1865 he concluded to devote some of his time to farming and moved onto land in Lawrence township. His farm consisted of fifty-five acres. In the ensuing years he has farmed successfully, and has just as successfully played the part of a good citizen.
The union of Mr. Clement and his estimable wife was blessed by the birth of one daughter, whose name is Edith, and who is now the wife of B. B. Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher reside on Mr. Clements farm and direct its affairs, now that the father is retired.
MrMr. Clements has since his earliest voting days been one of the staunchest and unfaltering of Republicans. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor and has supported all the candidates of the "Grand Old Party" since that day. He is a man of pleasing address and patriarchal appearance, well preserved and still active in mind and body. His wife has preceded him to the "Better Land" having died October 28, 1899.
F. D. Newbre. - The fruit-growers of Van Buren county have always kept their standard high; no other county in the state can boast of larger or bettercrops, and this may be explained by the fact that in addition to being a class of energetic, progressive and industrious men, the Van Buren citizens have been quick to grasp the modern ideas and to make use of the latest and most highly improved machinery and implements. F. D. Newbre, whose successful operations have placed him in the front rank of fruit-growers of Van Buren county, is the owner of a fine farm of ninety-six acres, located in section 22. He is a native of Erie county, New York, and was born October 20, 1850, a son of David and Pamelia (Stearns) Newbre. p>
David Newbre, who was a shoe maker by occupation, and a native of New York state, died in the East in 1890, and his wife, also born in the Empire state, survived him until 1901. They were the parents of four children, namely: Adelbert, who is deceased; F. D. ; Martha, the wife of George Brinley, of Jamestown, New York; and Franklin, who resides in Mississippi. F. D. Newbre remained at his father's home until he was nineteen years of age, at which time he took up carpentry as a trade and followed it until his marriage in 1876, when he began the manufacture of cheese. He continued to reside in the East until 1888, in which year he made his way to Michigan and first settled in Cass county, where for nine years he was engaged in the windmill business. He was also employed in a drill works for eight years there, but in 1901 came to Van Buren county and purchased his present ninety-six acre farm in section 22, Antwerp township, where he has since been engaged in fruit cultivation. Progressive to a high degree, Mr. Newbre has done much towards raising the standard of his occupation, and it is such men that the farming communities need- men who keep abreast of the times and do not hesitate to improve every opportunity to improve their land and to rear their families in comfort and plenty.
OnOn January 4, 1876, Mr. Newbre was married to Miss Cynthia Brindley, whose parents died when she was a child of four years, and to this union there have been born five children, as follows: May, the wife of Joseph Burke, of California; Robert, residing in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Edith, the wife of Clyde Fuller, of Porter township; Lynn, who is assisting his father on the farm; and Olive, residing at home. Mr. Newbre is a Republican in his political views, and for six years served acceptably as school director of Antwerp township. Fraternally he is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur, and his religious affiliation is with the Methodist church. Mr. Newbre and his family reside in a comfortable residence situated on Lawton Rural Route No. 3.
Edward H. Harvey. - In studying the lives and characters of prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secrets of their success and the motives which have prompted their actions. Success is a matter of the application of experience and sound judgment at the right time and in the right manner. In almost every instance the successful men of any profession or line of business have attained success through persistent individual effort. Edward H. Harvey, one to the very successful men of Van Buren county, residing in the "finest house in Southern Michigan," in Antwerp township, has throughout his life exhibited the sterling traits of character which would have made him successful in whatever line of endeavor he found himself. He was born near Cazenovia, New York, February 11, 1845, and is a son of Reuben and Susan (Howlett) Harvey, natives of England. p>
Mr. Harvey's parents came to the United States in 1836, settling in Madison county, New York, where the father remained until 1854. He then came to Michigan and later to the home of his son, Rev. Henry W. Harvey, and here he died August 25, 1903, having attained the remarkable age of ninety-seven years. His wife passed away June 21, 1892, having been the mother of twelve children, of whom five died in infancy, while the others are as follows: John and Mary, who are deceased; Edward H., Henry W., residing in Van Buren county; Clarence, living in Kalamazoo county; Elizabeth, the wife of James Miller, of Middleville, Michigan; and Alice, the wife of Professor A. J. Steel, of Coldwater, Michigan, who for many years was President of LeMoine Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, and is now traveling in Europe, being the recipient of a Carnegie pension for long service. He was also in the Civil war.
EdEdward H. Harvey remained with his father until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, under Captain Alexander Walker, of Company A. He entered the service at Prairieville, Michigan, on November, 1862, serving until December, 1894, when he was mustered out at Detroit. He was severely wounded at Hawes Shop, Virginia, and his right leg was amputated on the field of battle. After forty-eight hours of travel he was placed in an ambulance on a boat and in this manner taken to Washington, D. C., which city he reached June 4, 1864. He remained in the hospital until his recovery in November. After recuperating to some extent, Mr. Harvey entered the Prairie Seminary at Richland, Michigan, where he remained for two years, and then spent a like period in the college of Kalamazoo. For two years he was a student in the McCormick Theological Seminary, and he then went to the Union Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1872, being ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian church. He was then called to Summit, New Jersey, for two years, and to Albion, Michigan, for four years, and in 1878 he started on a tour of Europe. After a year spent at Broadhead, Wisconsin, he was pastor at Augusta, Michigan, form 1881 until 1884, when he again made a tour of Europe, returning to fill the charge at Paw Paw. In 1890 he was appointed United States pension agent, by President Harrison, remaining at that place for four years. He then came to Paw Paw township and purchased sixty acres of land, on which he resided during the summer months, while his winters were spent in the south of California, and he then bought his present tract, a sixty-acre property, on which is located his magnificent modern two and one-half story residence. This residence, known as the "finest house in Southern Michigan," is built in old Colonial style, and is up-to-date in every respect, being equipped with running water, modern lavatories and acetylene gas for lighting. Mr. Harvey is the owner of one of the finest libraries in the state. In addition to preaching and lecturing, he has engaged somewhat in Republican politics and at various times has been offered the nomination for member of legislature and also for the office of state senator, being nominated the last time, in 1911.
On September 26, 1881, Mr. Harvey was married to Florence Godfrey, daughter of Lyman and Laura Godfrey, of Battle Creek, Michigan, and five children were born to this union: Dr. W. L., of Battle Creek;Frank, residing in Chicago; Vietta, the wife of Arthur Blanchard, of Battle Creek; Grace, the wife of Charles Thomas, of Buffalo, New York; and Ferdinand, a railroad engineer of Ashland, Wisconsin.
Henry W. Harvey, who during the past twenty years has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Van Buren county, where he owns an excellent tract of one hundred and forty acres of land, is a veteran of the Civil war, and for a long period was widely and favorably known as a preacher of the Gospel.
Born in Cazenovia, New York, April 2, 1847, Mr. Harvey is a son of Reuben and Susan (Howlett) Harvey, natives of England. Mr. Harvey's parents came to the United States in 1836, settling first in Madison county, New York, and coming later to Michigan. In 1865 they settled in Richland, and there Mrs. Harvey passed away June 21, 1892, her husband surviving her until August 25, 1903, and attaining the remarkable age of ninety-seven years. They had a family of twelve children, of whom five died in infancy, while the others were: John and Mary, who are deceased; Edward, who is living in Van Buren county; Henry W. ; Clarence, who lives in Kalamazoo county; Elizabeth, the wife of James Miller, of Middleville, Michigan; and Alice, the wife of Professor A. J. Steel, of Coldwater, Michigan. Professor Steel now draws a substantial pension from the Carnegie Fund for long service in LeMoine Institute, Memphis, Tennessee.
Henry W. Harvey remained on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age, and on September 22, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, Eleventh Michigan Cavalry, under Captain Henry Bewell. After a brave and faithful service, during which he participated in numerous hard-fought engagements, Mr. Henry was mustered out of the service September 22, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee, and returned to Michigan, joining his parents at their home in Richland. In 1867 he went to Kalamazoo College, and later attended Olivet College, from which he was graduated in 1867. He then spent a year in Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut, and a like period in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, at Auburn, New York, from which he was graduated in 1877, and was ordained during the same year in the ministry of the Presbyterian church. During the next three years he had the charge at Wilmer, Minnesota, and after a European trip he returned to Michigan, locating in Paw Paw in 1880. After another seven years spent in the service of the church, he took a second trip to Europe, and on his return preached for four years in Allegan. In 1892 Mr. Harvey decided to return his attention to agricultural pursuits, and since that time has been engaged in dairying and fruit-raising. His farm of one hundred and forty acres is most carefully cultivated, comparing favorably with any of its size in this part of the county, and most of the buildings and improvements have been put on the property by him. He is known to be a power in influencing his neighbors along the lines of good government, and his own reputation is beyond reproach. He is no politician, but is a studious and well-read man, alive to all of the leading topics of the day, and takes an interest in all matters pertaining to his community. He votes with the Republican party.
On October 25, 1881, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage with Miss Isabella McEntee, daughter of Steven J. and Mary Jane (Ferguson) McEntee, natives of New York, and they have had two children: Edith, born March 17, 1883, the wife of Harry C. Marvin, of Augusta, Michigan; and Lloyd, who resides at home, born November 17, 1887. The comfortable residence of the Harvey family is located on Paw Paw Route No. 3, where the many friends of this worthy family are always welcome.
J. E. Sebring. - The banking interests of any community are so important and play such a prominent part in the financial life of the people that naturally the greater care is taken in the selection of those in whose hands the affairs of the banks are placed. Bangor, Michigan, located as it is in the midst of a rich farming section, handles a large amount of money, and its bank officials must be men of experience, as well as of unblemished business records. The West Michigan Savings Bank of Bangor is to be congratulated for the record of its president, J. E. Sebring, long identified with the business interests of Bangor as proprietor of the Sebring House. Mr. Sebring was born June 10, 1853, in Lawton, Michigan, and is a son of Horace and Eunice (Harper) Sebring, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio.
Horace Sebring, who in early life was a railroad man, came to Michigan in 1850, and about 1857 established himself in the hotel business at Lawton. He had a successful career at the place, but in 1869 decided to come to Bangor, and subsequently traded his Lawton property for a hostelry in Bangor, which he named the Sebring House and conducted for nine years, or until his death. His widow now makes her home in Paw Paw, where she is one of the venerable and highly respected residents. They had a family of three children, namely: J. E., Sarah, who married Peter McKeller, of Paw Paw; and Charles, who is deceased.
J. E. Sebring attended school at Olivet, Michigan, and as a youth assisted his father in the hotel, with which he has been connected for thirty years. He also spent four years as an employee of the Bank of Bangor, and in 1892 he was elected president of the West Michigan Savings Bank, a position which he has since held. President Sebring has always taken an active part in securing the promotion of enterprises calculated to build up his city, and has never been sparing of either time or money to effect such improvements. He is one of the soundest business men his community has known, displaying that sense of values and ability to economize that bring success in almost every case, and since 1892, when he accepted the presidency, the deposits of the institution have advanced from sixty-five thousand dollars to more than four hundred thousand dollars. As a citizen he stands equally high, and the confidence in which he is held by his fellow citizens has been evidenced by his election to the offices of township treasurer and village treasurer, in both of which capacities he acted with marked ability. In political matters he is a stalwart Republican and one of the influential party men of his section of Van Buren county. President Sebring is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Benton Harbor Commandery and the Grand Rapids Shriners.
On December 17, 1878, Mr. Sebring was married to Miss Clara J. Stebbins, daughter of William H. and Emily Stebbins, natives of New York state, and two children have blessed this union: Myron, of Bangor, and Clara J.
C. E. Burdick. - In every community there are men who by reason of their ability stand out from their fellows. Upon such men many cares devolve; they are the center of activity; it is their brains and money that are back of the important enterprises, whether public or private, and to them belongs the credit of progress gained. Van Buren county has its full quota of these progressive citizens, public spirited individuals who are always ready to cast their influence with movements that will benefit their communities, and among these may be mentioned C. C. E. Burdick. - In every community there are men who by reason of their ability stand out from their fellows. Upon such men many cares devolve; they are the center of activity; it is their brains and money that are back of the important enterprises, whether public or private, and to them belongs the credit of progress gained. Van Buren county has its full quota of these progressive citizens, public spirited individuals who are always ready to cast their influence with movements that will benefit their communities, and among these may be mentioned C. E. Burdick, business man and agriculturist of Mattawan, and one of his section's best known men. Mr. Burdick's birth occurred July 28, 1861, at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and he is a son of William H. and Harriet (Putnam) Burdick, the latter a direct descendant of the famous Revolutionary hero, General Israel Putnam.
William H. Burdick, a native of New York state, brought his family to Michigan at an early day, settling in Kalamazoo, where until 1868 he was the proprietor of a shoe establishment. In the year mentioned he came to Mattawan, purchasing fifty acres of farming land, and there he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1896, his widow surviving him until 1903. They were the parents of two children; William H., of Shaftsburg, Michigan, who has been an employee of the Grand Trunk Railroad for the past twenty-five years; and C. E.
C. E. Burdick was twenty-one years of age when he entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and for the following twenty-one years he has engaged in railroad work at various stations throughout this part of the country, but eventually located in Mattawan and took up farming for four years. He then entered the mercantile field at Mattawan, in which city he makes his home, although he is still interested in farming and owns a well-cultivated tract of eighty acres of land. He has been active in Democratic politics, serving as school director for a number of years, and was a prominent factor in the consolidation of the school district, the school building here being the finest in the county. He is a popular member of the Masons, the I. O. F., and the M. W. A. , and his religious connection is with the Congregational church, of which his wife is also a consistent member. Thoroughly conversant with farming conditions and possessing business ability, Mr. Burdick hasmade a success in both lines, and is regarded as one of his community's substantial citizens.
Mr. Burdick was married to Miss Susan McClintock, a former schoolmistress of Shiawassee county, and to this union there has been born one son; Gordon C., January 21, 1909.
Ephraim S. Appleton. -The eventful life of Mr. Appleton began at Buxton, Maine, on December 22, 1846. His parents were Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Morgan) Appleton, members of the prominent families of that place. The family went west to Chicago and from there, at the age of seventeen, Ephraim went to the front at the call of the country for troops to save the Union and was six months in the service. He enlisted in the Chicago board of Trade Battery. Mr. Appleton was discharged on account of disability and still draws a pension granted him somewhat later.
For forty years after his return from the war, Chicago continued to be Mr. Appleton's home. He was for a time a fireman on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, working at this for three years. Another three years he spent in California as a sheep herder, and while there he passed through the many experiences which are incident to that calling. Upon returning to Chicago, he learned the machinist trade and worked at that for the remainder of his stay in Chicago.
In 1905 Mr. Appleton came to Van Buren county and purchased a farm of forty acres. Mrs. Appleton was formerly Miss Frances L. Colf, of Allegan county, Michigan. She became the wife of Mr. Appleton in 1872 and is the mother of two sons. William C. Appleton is a graduate of a commercial school in Chicago also took a course in commercial law, and is know cashier of the Standard Varnish Company of Chicago. Herbert is a bachelor of thirty-five and lives at home.
Mr. Appleton, like most of the Civil war veterans, is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Florada Lodge, No. 309. Although they have lived in the county but a short time, Mr. Appleton and his family have won a place among the best citizens of this section and are in all ways worthy of the regard in which they are held.
Clifton B. Charles. - One of the most extensive land holders in all Van Buren county is that well-known gentleman, Clifton B. Charles, whose holdings consist of two thousand one hundred and seventy acres, located in the state of Washington and Van Buren county, Michigan. He is one of the successful farmers who believes that the oldest of the industries presents one of the richest fields of scientific endeavor, and he has proved the truth of this by bringing his acres to the highest possible point of productiveness and managing so well that the resources of the soil to himself, but has proved one of the most able and original of lecturers. He was formally engaged in banking.
Mr. Charles was born in Allegany county, New York, June 21, 1857, the son of David K. Charles, a farmer, and his wife, Caroline M. (Barnum) Charles. The father was a native of Ireland, born March 25, 1829, and the mother of New York. The former came to America in 1841, when twelve years of age, making the voyage with an uncle and locating in Angelica, New York. Of his immediate family he was the first to come to this country, his father, mother and the rest of the family coming ten years later. David K. Charles came to Michigan in 1866 and located in Bangor, where he learned the various departments of farming, and he was a merchant for many years, later becoming a farmer. He is an extensive holder of real estate, and has erected no less then twenty-two buildings in Bangor. At one time he owned within the boundaries of Bangor township five hundred and twenty acres at the present he retains a fine estate, of two hundred and thirty-six acres. This is now given over to general farming. He is now retired and living, at a very advanced age, in Bangor, where in leisure he enjoys the fruits of previous industry and thrift. His cherished and devoted wife, who was born June 27, 1830, was called to her eternal rest November 27, 1897.
By his union with his first wife, whose maiden name was Caroline M. Barnum, Mr. Charles, the elder, became the father of four children, namely: Amelia, who died in childhood; Emma, wife of T. T. McNitt, of Bangor; Clifton B. ; and Hattie, who died November 18, 1910, wife of William Taylor, of Bangor. Mr. Charles married for his second wife the widow of Mitchell Ustick. By her union with Mr. Ustick she had these five children: May, wife of Charles Williams, of Greely, Colorado; Myrtle, wife of Phillip Slaughter, of Bangor; Julia, wife of Charles Cross, of Bangor; Carl, of Victor, Colorado; and John P., now resident in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Clifton B. Charles received his preliminary education in Bangor and for four years attended the Agricultural College in Lansing. Upon the completion of his education he came home and rented two hundred and forty acres, which he continued to operate for fourteen years, and meantime became a landholder by the purchase of two hundred and eighty acres near McDonald. It was new land and he commenced clearing it in 1880 and when he sold it in 1898 he had brought it to a high state of improvement.
In the year 1898 Mr. Charles entered upon an entirely new field of endeavor, in that year starting a private bank in Bangor, and becoming a director in the same. He subsequently sold this to the West Michigan Savings Bank and took a position in the new consolidation as cashier. He continued in this office until 1901, when he disposed of this interest and removed to Sprague, Washington, where in association with Anson Goss, of Bangor, he organized a bank. He remained in the far west for two years, but the charms of Michigan were by no means forgotten and he returned to Bangor and invested in numerous tracts of land.
Mr. Charles was married February 25, 1882, the lady of his choice being Ionia F. Grills, daughter of Henry S. and Sarah (Roberts) Grills, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Grills were the parents of the following children: James A., deceased; Cynthia, wife of Amos Ellabarger, of Cambridge City, Indiana; Rebecca, widow of E. Quakenbush, of Van Buren county; Mrs. Charles; Loretta, wife of F. McLane, of Cambridge City, Indiana; and three younger children who died in infancy. After the death of Mrs. Charles' mother in 1863, her father remarried again, Miss Susan (Keesey) Church becoming his wife, and seven children were born to them, namely: Serena, of Indiana; Mahala, deceased; May, of Indiana; Lenora, of Kansas City, Missouri; Calfina, deceased; Vernia, of Indiana; and Leroy, a surgeon of Hastings, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Charles have one daughter, Jennie S., now the wife of Guy B. Findley, of Elyria, Ohio.
Mr. Charles pays allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican party. He is a member of the time-honored Masonic order and his own life follows its noble teachings. He is also affiliated with the Maccabees. His wife is a member of the Christian church, and both are held in the highest confidence and esteem in the community.
Upon the state college, Mr. Charles had the honor to be one of the six to receive the degree of Master of Agriculture. He, in fact, was the second to receive that degree from the Michigan Agricultural College. For four seasons he has lectured throughout the state on agricultural subjects.
Clair G. Hall. -Some of the most successful farmers of Van Buren county are those of the younger generation, who are now profiting from the sacrifices made for them by the pioneers who braved innumerable hardships and privations to secure homes for their families in the new country. One of the most progressive young agriculturists of section 24, Antwerp township, is Clair G. Hall, who was born at Lawrence, Van Buren county, October 11, 1881, a son of Gilbert and Anna (French) Hall, the former a native of Oswego county, New York, and the latter of Canada.
Gilbert Hall came to Michigan from the Empire state at an early day, first settling on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cass county, farming this land in connection with following the trade of cooper until 1896, in which year he came to Van Buren county, settling in Lawrence, where he followed his trade of cooper. He later moved to Decatur, where he followed farming and the same trade, and in 1896 moved to section 24, Antwerp township, where he purchased eighty acres of land. Here he followed general farming until his death, which occurred in August, 1904, and his widow still survives and makes her home at Kalamazoo. They were the parents of four children: Ida, who is living in Arizona; Minnie, who is the wife of C. J. Stuyvesant, of Van Buren county; Etta, the wife of Arthur Conklin, of Kalamazoo; and Clair G.
Clair G. Hall received his education in the public schools of Decatur, and remained on the home farm in Antwerp township assisting his father until the latter's death, at which time he fell heir to the property. He is now engaged in raising grapes, and has brought to his work that enthusiasm that is bound to make for success. Enterprising and energetic, he is always ready to make experiments and to test new innovations, and the satisfactory results already obtained by him speak well for his progressive spirit. Mr. Hall has also been before the public as an auctioneer, and his pleasant personality, his jovial, friendly manner, and the faculty of introducing real witticisms into his speeches has made him much sought after by those wishing to dispose of goods by auction. In political matters he favors ht principles of the Republican party, and his fraternal connection is with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is very popular.
Mr. Hall was married to Miss Lena Eager, the estimable daughter of Orlando and Jennie Eager. Mrs. Hall's parents had four children, as follows: Lena, who married Mr. Hall; John, who lives in Detroit; William, residing in Almena township; and Hazel, who married Winne Fisk, of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have had two children: Pauline, born July 5, 1903, and Gilbert, born October 31, 1907.