|
|
|
 |
Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 230 |
|
LUCAS W. GATES
|
For thirty-six years Lucas W. Gates has been a resident of Wexford county, and is now living a retired life in Manton, after many years of active connection with agricultural pursuits. He was born on a farm in Fowler township, Trumbull county, Ohio, May 15, 1842, a son of Martin R. Gates, a native of New York and a farmer by occupation. The mother bore the maiden name of Electa Rhodes, and both parents died upon the farm in Fowler township, where their married life had been passed. They were well-known representatives of agricultural interests in Trumbull county, and were people of the highest respectability. Lucas W. Gates was the youngest of their three children. He was reared upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. He was still at home when, in April, 1863, when not yet twenty-one years of age, he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union and enlisted in the Trumbull Guards of United States Infantry. This was an independent company, and was assigned to post duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, where they made their headquarters until the 2d of July, 1865, when the command was mustered out, the war having been brought to a successful termination. When hostilities between the North and the South had ceased Mr. Gates returned to his father's farm in Trumbull county, Ohio, and there remained up to the time of his marriage, which occurred February 22, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Burns, a daughter of the late Jehu Burns, of that county. She was born in 1842. The first summer after his marriage Mr. Gates cultivated his father's land, and then came to Wexford county, Michigan, where he arrived in August, 1867. He entered a homestead claim of eighty acres on section 18, Colfax township, took up his abode thereon, and, with characteristic energy, began the development of a good farm, transforming the wild land into richly productive fields. For twenty-four years he carried on general agricultural pursuits there, and in the fall of 1891 sold that property and removed to Manton, where he has since made his home. He improved about fifty acres of his homestead. When he came to this county he built a log house, and later replaced it by a more modern and commodious frame residence. He also built a good barn and other outbuildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. The country was entirely new and wild, and he was one of the earliest settlers of Wexford county. At the time of his arrival Wexford and Missaukee counties had not been divided, and one-half of the entire area was embraced within the boundaries of Colfax township. Great changes have occurred as the years have passed, and the land has been reclaimed for farming purposes, becoming the place of residence of a contented an(l prosperous population. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gates have been born two children, Rupert D. and Clifford M. Mr. Gates belongs to O. P. Morton Post No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic, and is a member of Manton Tent No. 220, Knights of the Maccabees. He has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party since attaining his majority, and upon that ticket he has been elected to a number of local offices. While living in Colfax township he served for many years as township clerk, and since coming to Manton he has been a member of the city council. |