Wayne County NY Ancestral Sightings, Part 6

Ancestral Sightings contains notices and brief mentions of Wayne County residents found in out-of-county and out-of-state resources. These "stray" notices are important as an announcement of a birth, marriage, death or other event may not have appeared in a Wayne County paper or book. Please send your contribution to this page to co-coordinator Martha. **No notice is too small.** A one-line mention may be the solution to someone's brick wall.

WAYNE COUNTY, NY ANCESTRAL SIGHTINGS: From Other States, Part 6

These sightings and profiles of former Wayne County residents come from various books, newspapers and articles published in other states. Many states "Out West" published books with short biographies about their local residents, telling where they originally came from. Occasionally these contain important genealogical information. Michigan and Ohio genealogical journals are another source to look for the stray Wayne County record. The persons whose short bios and info appear below may or may not be your ancestors, but it's worth scanning through them to check out migration patterns out of Wayne County for clues as to where your own families' relatives went and when.

New 7/20/08 Robert Traver's biography comes from Portrait and Biographical Album of Barry and Eaton Counties, Michigan. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1891.

ROBERT TRAVER is a prominent and influential citizen of Baltimore Township, Barry County, who carries on farming on section 9. There he has resided for twenty-one years and in the midst of the forest developed his farm. The land which he purchased was entirely destitute of improvements and was covered with a heavy growth of timber. In the usual manner of the pioneer settlers he began life in the West in a log cabin, but has now a beautiful frame residence, situated on a knoll, whence one can look for miles over the surrounding country. A beautiful grove of evergreens deck the lawn in front, throwing their graceful shade over the dwelling. In the rear are large barns which furnish ample shelter for his grain and stock, and all his other outbuildings are models of convenience.

The life record of Mr. Traver is as follows: He was born on the 11th of March, 1830, in Wayne County, N. Y., and is one of eight children. His father, Daniel Traver, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1785, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812, after which he removed to Ontario County, N. Y., where he followed his trade of carpentering and joining. He also owned a small farm and superintended its cultivation. After a few years he removed to Wayne County where he purchased another farm containing one hundred acres of valuable land, and then abandoning his trade gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 5th of July, 1870. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Smith, was born in Orniston, Canada, October 6, 1799. Their children were: Peter, who was born in Manchester, Canada, August 17, 1824; Daniel, born March 29, 1826; David, March 7, 1828; Robert, March 11, 1830; Henry, June 3, 1833; Mary, October 9, 1834; Asa, January 16, 1837; and Lucy, February 26, 1841. Of these, Robert, Henry, Asa and Mary are now living, the last-named being a resident of the State of Washington, while Henry and Asa reside in New York.

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in the East and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. He enlisted for the late war as a member of Company D, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery under Capt. William Wood, and was first sent to Washington, D. C. The first battle of note in which he participated was the Seven Days' Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. This was followed by the engagement at North Anna River in Virginia, and the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., on the 19th of October, 1864, when he was wounded. His injuries were such that he was sent to the hospital, where he remained until the following June, when he was discharged from the service and returned to Wayne County, N. Y.

Mr. Traver has been twice married. On the 28th of September, 1852, he was 28th of September, 1852, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Ann Gordon, of the Empire State, who died during the late war while her husband was stationed in Washington City. On the 24th of March, 1869, he was again married, Miss Cecilia Crawley, daughter of James Crawley, becoming his wife. Unto them have been born nine children who gladden the home by their presence, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. Asa D., the eldest, is followed by Lucy E., Ira J., Mary J., Robert, Isabel, Lillie, Sarah Ann and Edwin. They have been provided with good educational advantages, such as will fit them for the practical duties of life, and the elder ones have attended the High School of Hastings. Mr. Traver is an intelligent and public spirited citizen, prominent and influential in the community where he resides, and manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the town and county. Those who know him regard him highly as a man of sterling worth, and it thus affords us pleasure to present his sketch to the readers of this ALBUM. [pages 498-499]

Parents & Siblings of Robert Traver buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Town of Galen:

TRAVER Daniel, 5 Jul. 1870 85y2m16d
TRAVER Lucy, wf Daniel, 12 May 1882 82y7m6d
TRAVER Peter 1824-1880
TRAVER Daniel 1842 17y5m
TRAVER David 1861 32y11m23d
TRAVER Robert 1830-1892
TRAVER Henry 1832-1908
TRAVER Asa 1837-19-(no date)
TRAVER Lucy 1848 7y

New 7/20/08 Elizabeth Everett Tiffany's biographical sketch was found in Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888.

MRS. ELIZABETH J. TIFFANY, widow of the late Hiram Tiffany, of Wayne County, N.Y., after the death of her husband, which occurred July 13, 1880, gathered together her personal effects, and with an ample capital came to the city of Wichita, and invested in real estate. She is in many respects a remarkable woman, possessing more than ordinary business capacity, and has managed her property interests in such a manner that she is now independent, and the owner of property valued at nearly $50,000. While courageous in her investments she has not been reckless, and the fact that she began with $3,000, from which she has realized the amount already stated, is a forcible illustration of her sagacity and good judgment.

Mrs. Tiffany was born in Wayne County, N.Y. Sept. 23, 1833, and is the daughter of John and Ann F. (Peacock) Everett, also natives of the Empire State, and of German descent. She was reared on the farm of her father, and on the 19th of September, 1850, when a young lady seventeen years of age, was united in marriage with Hiram Tiffany, who had been born and reared not far from her own neighborhood. Mr. T. was born Jan. 16, 1824, and was the son of Gardner Tiffany, a native of Wayne County, Pa., and of Scotch descent. He married Miss Rebecca Slayton, and removing from the Keystone State, they settled in Wayne County, N.Y., where Gardner Tiffany became the owner of 500 acres of land, all in one body. This was fertile and valuable, and yielded a generous income. Hiram inherited a farm from his father's estate, to which he added by purchase, and set out and cultivated one of the finest orchards in Wayne County, from which he raised annually a large amount of choice fruit.

Hiram Tiffany was a man of fine abilities, and of correct and upright character. He was a Republican in politics, and prominent in the affairs of his township, holding its various offices of trust and responsibility. In religious views both he and his wife were in accord with the doctrines of the Free Baptist Church. Mr. Tiffany was a strict abstainer from intoxicating drinks, a member of the Sons of Temperance, and a man whose character was above reproach. He passed his entire life engaged in agricultural pursuits, and died at the homestead in Wayne County, at the age of fifty-six years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany there were born four children, the record of whom is as follows: Frederick R. married Miss Emma Holmes, of Wayne County, N.Y., and they are the parents of three children - Inez E., Hazel M. and Mosceline; this son, like his father, votes the Republican ticket; he is a resident of Wichita. Gardner L., the second son, married Miss Emma L. Brandt, of Wayne County, N.Y., they have two children - Freddie E. and Hattie L.; he is carrying on farming and the evaporation of fruit in Wayne County, N.Y. Lida A. is the wife of Orlando J. Newhall, a carpenter of Wichita, and they have one child - Wells T. Lizzie H. married Melville Warren, formerly of Lincoln, Ill., but now a shoe dealer of Wichita; they have two children - Claudine and Wayne.

In 1884 Mrs. Tiffany left the scenes of her childhood and early womanhood in Wayne County, N.Y., selling out her property there, and in company with her son Frederick and her daughter Lizzie came to Wichita, where her admirable business ability has resulted in making her a wealthy woman. At the same time her sterling worth of character and natural goodness of heart have drawn around her a large company of sincere friends. There are none more worthy of representation in a work of this kind than this lady, who has accomplished more than many men with the same opportunities. Her comfortable residence is located at No. 1506 East Douglas avenue. [pages 382 - 383]

Mrs. Tiffany was buried with her husband and his parents back in Wayne County, in Walworth Freewill Cemetery.

Tiffany
Gardner, Mar. 31, 1856, 68-11-23
Rebecca Slayton, wife, May 1868, 84 yr.
Reuben, Dec. 3, 1814 - Feb. 23, 1893
Hiram, 1823 - 1880
Elizabeth J., wife, 1833 - 1904

Also resting in Walworth Freewill Cemetery are her parents and two younger brothers:

Everett
John, Feb. 7, 1872, 65 yr.
Ann, wife, Nov. 7, 1872, 63 yr. 6 mo.
John Frederick, son 1850, 2 yr.
Harrison W., son, 1836, 1 yr.

12/8/06 Three biographical sketches from Portrait and Biographical Album, Isabella County, Mich. containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County. Chapman Brothers, 1884.

John L. Nichols, farmer, section 22, Nottawa Township, is a son of William H. and Sophia D. (Ottot) Nichols. The father was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., of Holland parentage, and died in Wayne Co., N.Y., in 1882; and the latter was of the people known as Pennsylvania Germans, was born in New York State, and died in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1878.

The subject of this biography was born in Clyde, Wayne Co., N.Y., June 4, 1852, and lived with his parents until he attained his majority. He came to Isabella Township, this county, in the fall of 1876, and for two years taught school in the Government's Indian school at Nipissing. In the fall of 1879, he took up his residence on his present farm of 40 acres purchased in the summer of 1877. He has about eight acres improved. In 183 he purchased 40 acres more in partnership with his brother.

He was married March 5, 1872, at Rose Valley, Wayne Co., N. Y., to Miss Anna M. Stewart, daughter of John and Jane (Graham) Stewart, natives respectively of Canada and Ireland. Both parents are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have four children of their own: Fritz G., born Sept. 24, 1873; Roy Eugene, June 2, 1878; Patience, Feb. 8, 1880; and Hope Eunice, April 7, 1883; and one adopted daughter, Cora Ellen Sixbury, born Sept. 8, 1871. [page 363]

Chester A. Ward, senior member of the firm of C. A. & W. E. Ward, general merchants of Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 26, 1817, in Cayuga Co., N. Y. His parents, Jonas and Julia Ann (Willis) Ward, were farmers and reared their sons on the homestead place.

Mr. Ward remained in the care of his mother on the homestead, his father having died about 1828, following agricultural pursuits until he was 18 years old, when he went to Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y., and entered the employment of his brother-in-law, Smith Ely, as a clerk. He officiated in that capacity two years and engaged in mercantile interests in his own behalf. He continued operations in general trade three years. In 1849 he was elected Sheriff and removed to Lyons, the county seat. He officiated as Sheriff three years. On the expiration of his term of office he went to the city of New York and interested himself in the produce commission business, in which he was engaged five years. In 1858 he removed to St. Joseph Co., Mich., and opened a general store at Burr Oak, which he managed six years. He was then employed by a New York mining company to go to St. Joe lead mines, which were located in St. Francis Co., Mo., as financial manager. He officiated in that capacity between two and three years, returning at the expiration of that time to Burr Oak, where he engaged two years as a clerk. He went to Hamilton, Ont., and remained six months to establish his son in business, after which he came to Stanton, Mich., to take charge of a branch hardware store in the interests of an Ionia firm. He continued in that engagement about two years. Within a year after its termination, in company with Geo. C. Wallace, he opened a general mill supply business, in which he continued two years. At the end of that time he sold his interests and served as clerk one year for Mr. Wallace, after which he went to Blanchard, Isabella County, and opened a grocery and provision store. He commenced business there in February, 1879, and remained until June 12, 1880, when he came to Mr. Pleasant and established the business in which he is now engaged, in company with his son William E., and a gentleman named C. Chrysler. The latter closed his relations with the firm four months later. The stock represents a value of $5,000, and the firm are engaged in the transaction of a solid cash business.

Mr. Ward was married in Clyde, May 28, 1848, to Caroline D., daughter of Aaron and Electa Young. She was born in Geneva, N. Y., April 2, 1819. Of four children born of this marriage two are now living: William E., business associate of his father, was born Sept. 15, 1849; John R., born in Lyons, Nov. 27, 1851, is clerking in a wholesale and retail grocery in Syracuse, N. Y.; Thomas C. was born Aug. 19, 1859, and died 12 days later; Mary C., born April 7, 1861, died March 22, 1864. [page 490]

Warren Wardwell, general farmer and blacksmith, section 5, Lincoln Township, was born in Ledyard, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, 1831. His parents, Lemuel and Betsey (Whitmore) Wardwell, were natives of New England, of English and Scottish ancestry. Mr. Wardwell, Sr., was a farmer, and died in Scipio, Hillsdale Co., MIch., in February, 1859; and the latter is still living, in Lincoln Township, this county, aged 74 years.

Warren, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native county until nine years old, when the family made a removal to Seneca Co., N. Y. When 17 years old, in 1848, he left home and returned to his native county and for a year and a half followed his trade as blacksmith, which he had learned under the superintendence of Levi Elmendorff, at Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., serving as an apprentice two years. While in Cayuga County he worked for Hiram Finch, at Springport. Returning again to Seneca County, he re-engaged himself at Mr. Elmendorff, as a "jour." Afterward he went to Wayne Co., N. Y., and established a general blacksmith shop, which he conducted two years; then he worked as a journeyman two years in Lock Berlin, same county. In January, 1855, he went to Red Creek, Cayuga County, and worked for a Mr. Toole until September, 1856; then he followed his trade until next year at Seneca Falls.

In April, 1858, he came to this State and settled at Litchfield, Hillsdale County, where he worked at blacksmithing for Chauncey Calhoun; from 1859 to 1861 he carried on a shop of his own, and in the fall of the latter year he moved to this county, "squatting" on a quarter-section of wild land, on section 5, and "homesteading it" in 1863. He was three weeks making the journey to his county, coming with three wagon loads of goods. On arriving here there was no building within two miles of him excepting a deserted hunter's shanty, in which he lived three weeks, while erecting a cabin on his own place. The shanty was made of poles and roofed with bark, and was barely large enough to contain them and their goods. The township was yet not organized, and the first permanent settlement was three miles away. It required five days to go to St. John's or Ionia, to secure provisions. He disposed of 80 acres of this place to his brother, to apply on services rendered in the war, and nearly all the remainder is improved and in good farming condition. Of the whole original tract he cleared about a hundred acres.

Dec. 29, 1849, in Wayne Co., N. Y., Mr. Wardwell married Miss Mary, daughter of Peter and Serena (Scott) McQueen, natives of Wayne Co., N. Y., of English, Dutch and Irish ancestry. Mrs. W. was born also in that county, March 20, 1827. They have no children, but have an adopted daughter, Estella G., who was born Sept. 6, 1869.

Mr. W. was Road Commissioner in 1865-6; in political matters he is a Republican, and, with his wife, is a member of the Christian Church. [page 68]

12/8/06 David A. Mills' biographical sketch comes from Portrait and biographical album of Midland County, Mich. Containing portraits and biographical sketches prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Michigan and of the Presidents of the United States; also containing a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Chicago : Chapman Bros., 1884.

David A. Mills, farmer, section 23, Ingersoll Township, is a son of Harvey E. and Melinda (Crampton) Mills; his father was born in Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., and his mother in Addison, Vt. After marriage they resided in Wayne County until 1840, when they came to Lapeer Co., Mich., where he (the father) died, Oct. 26, 1850. In the fall of 1855 his widowed mother married Alpheus Chapman and settled in Saginaw County, where she died Sept. 30, 1866. By her first marriage there were seven children: Harvey C., Peter A., Harriet P., Emily E., David A., Jane D., and Harvey C. (2d).

The subject of this sketch was born in Hadley, Lapeer Co., Mich., July 15, 1841; attended school only until nine years of age, as then his father died and until 14 years old he had to assist in supporting the family. At the latter age he went to live with an older sister, and about two years afterward his mother bought for him a farm of 80 acres, in Ingersoll Township, where she lived with him until her death in 1866. He then rented a farm in Saginaw County, carried it on two years, and then returned to his farm in this county, where he has since resided,- except six months in Midland. He has sold 20 acres of his place, and now has about 35 acres in a good tillable condition.

In his district he has been Justice of the Peace, Highway Commissioner, Constable, and is at present Deputy Sheriff. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party.

Mr. Mills was married in Saginaw County, Aug. 14, 1861, to Eliza A., daughter of Phineas F. and Mary (Chase) Pierce. (See sketch of P. F. Pierce.) She was born in Erie Co., N. Y., July 23, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Mills adopted a young child named Anna B. Jelley, to whom was consequently given their own name of Mills. She grew up in the family and was married, but died three months afterward, at the home of her foster parents. [page 326]

NOTES: online research by site coordinator Martha, who isn't related to the family. No one out there seems to be looking for this family, who settled Wayne County before it was a separate county.

The 1840 United States Federal Census has a Harvey Mills listed in the Town of Galen, Wayne County. (1840 Census Roll #350, page 25)

In an online census database, the following individuals resided in the Town of Galen in 1830 - Nathaniel Mills, Samuel Mills, and Simeon R. Mills - who might or might not be related to father Harvey E. Mills.

A David Mills married Lucy E. Crampton in Lapeer County, MI on Jan. 1, 1845, marriage listed in the Michigan Dibean Marriage Index. They might be related to Harvey E. Mills and his wife Melinda Crampton Mills. This couple resided in Hadley, Lapeer County MI in 1850 and 1860, the village where David A. Mills of this sketch was born.

In an online census database of the 1850 United States Federal Census, there were 29 individuals of the surname Mills residing in Hadley, Lapeer County MI, most enumerated on pages 372-374. Does this cluster indicate that there was a migration of Wayne County NY Mills family members out to Michigan in the early 1840s? Enumerated on page 372 are Harvey's mother Melinda age 36, father as "Harry" age 35, Harriet age 14, Emily age 10, Daniel age 8 (this might be David above), Jane age 4, "Harry" age 3, a John S. Mills age 39, a Sarah Mills age 27, a George age 15. The other David Mills, age 20, and referred to above, is listed on page 373. All of these Mills are reported to be b. NY or MI, except for Melinda Mills, who was b. VT.

In the 1860 census, David Mills age 20 and "Harry" Mills age 12 are residing in Tittabawassee (post office Jay), Saginaw County MI with John Lewis age 22, Emily Lewis age 22, and Cecelia Lewis age 1. Emily is likely the older sister mentioned in the biographical sketch. His mother Melinda Crampton Mills Chapman, age 41, is also residing in Tittabawassee, with her husband Alpheus age 61, and three Chapman children. David A. Mills age 18 is also listed in the 1860 census of Ingersoll MI, no other persons in the household and no other Mills residing in Ingersoll. George Mills might be George W. Mills age 25, residing with wife and little girl in Rich (post office North Branch), Lapeer County MI.

In 1870, David A. Mills age 29 resided in Ingersoll, Midland County MI, with wife Eliza A. age 32, brother Harvy age 22, and Annabell age 8, the adopted daughter mentioned in the sketch. In 1870 a John Jelley age 50 b. Ireland and James Jelley age 12 b. Michigan were residing in Bay City, Bay County (Roll# M593_662, Page 400). I don't have access to see the actual census page, but perhaps he's a widower - I'd appreciate a site visitor taking the time to check and let me know. A John Jelly married Sarah McCully on March 18, 1852, in Genesee County MI. Brother Harvey Mills is possibly the Harvey Mills age 26 who married Mary Townsend age 16 on May 11, 1873 (marriage recorded July 11, 1873).

In the 1880 census, David A. Mills, age 38 and a farmer, resided in Ingersoll, Midland County MI, with his wife Eliza age 41 and daughter Anna Jelly age 19 (her parents both said to be b. Ireland).

In the 1900 Michigan census, David A. Mills age 58 and wife Eliza A. age 60 resided in Ingersoll, Midland County. In 1910 David "E." Mills, age 68 mother b. VT, resided with wife Clementine age 61 in Ingersoll. He doesn't appear in the 1920 or 1930 census.

New 12/16/05 Two biographical sketches from History of Trumbull and Mahoning Counties, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches. Cleveland: HZ Williams & Bro., 1882.

M.T. Jewell was born in Sodus, Wayne county, New York, June 20,1825, only son of Dr. M. T. and Dorcas (St. John) Jewell. Early in life he was employed in a general store, and when fifteen, entered, as clerk, a bank in Lambertsville, New Jersey, where he remained for two years, the last year being teller of the bank. Returning to New York he engaged in mercantile business in various places, commencing a general business, including drugs, in Sodus in 1845. He was afterwards for two years employed as salesman in New York city. In 1853 he came to Ohio and subsequently engaged in the grocery and drug business in Youngstown. About 1857 he purchased the corner where he now does business. He was burnt out in 1867 and afterwards erected the building which he now occupies, doing an extensive business in drugs and medicines. He was married, in 1855, to Maria F. Edwards, daughter of William Edwards, and granddaughter of Colonel Peregrine Fitzhugh, one of the old and prominent families of New York State. Mrs. Jewell was born in 1826. Dr. M. T. Jewell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a surgeon in the War of 1812, contracting a disease from which he died in 1825. [Biographical Sketches, page 470]

Johnathan Warner was born in Sodus, Wayne county, New York, February 10, 1808. When fifteen or sixteen years of age he went to Oswego, where he was employed as a clerk in a store. He afterwards returned to Sodus and engaged in mercantile business. He was married November 22, 1829, to Eliza Landon, who was born in Oneida county, New York, April 6, 1810. Mr. Warner continued in business in Sodus until about the year 1843, when he removed to Youngstown, Ohio, where he carried on the same business many years. He afterwards engaged in the iron business, and with Mr. Philpott built the first furnace at Brier Hill in that section, and operated there some two years. A short time previous to the war of 1861-65 he removed to Mineral Ridge, built two blast furnaces, and afterwards carried on an extensive business there many years. He finally sold his furnaces for a large figure, taking in part payment several thousand acres undeveloped mineral lands in the Lake Superior region. He organized the Republic Iron company, of Marquette, Michigan, of which he as president several years, and in which he is still a stockholder. Mr. Warner was the first to discover the unprecedented richness of the mine originally called Smith Mountain, and inaugurated the movement for its development. In 1872 he bought back his furnace at Mineral Ridge. The panic came the next year, and proved disastrous to his business, and he was compelled to make an assignment. He subsequently went to North Carolina and leased a gold mine, which proved unremunerative, and after remaining there a couple of years he returned to Mineral Ridge, where he has since led a substantially retired life. Mr. Warner's career has been one of great activity, and he has done much for the material development of the region in which he has lived. He has also been a generous donor to moral and religious enterprises. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are the parents of five children, who are all living, as follows: Mrs. Myron I. Arms of Youngstown; Edwin J.and Jacob B., of Denver, Colorado; Charles M. and William H., of Mineral Ridge. [Weathersfield Township, Page 243]

Another biographical sketch from History of Allegan and Barry counties, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of their prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia: D.W. Ensign & Co., 1880. The page has a picture of Dr. Drake.

A. PHILO DRAKE M.D.

In the history of the medical profession of Barry County no one occupies a more deservedl popular position than the subject of this biography. A residence of over a quarter of a century, during which time he has been in the active practice of his profession, has fully demonstrated his general worth and assigned him a conspicuous place in the history of the city of Hastings. He was born in Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 31, 1828. At the age of ten the family emigrated to Michigan and settled near Saline, Washtenaw Co., where the elder Drake purchased a farm. The doctor obtained a common-school education, and in 1846 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. A. G. Crittenden, of Saline. In 1848 he entered the Cleveland Medical College, where he was graduated in 1850. Soon after his graduation he went to Wisconsin for the purpose of establishing himself in the practice of his profession, but failing to find a desirable location he returned to Michigan, and in July, 1851, came to Hastings, where he has since resided, with the exception of a few years spent in Nebraska. In 1864 he received the appointment of assistant surgeon of the 3d Michigan Infantry; he accompanied the regiment to the field, but by reason of ill health was compelled to resign his position. He returned to Hastings, and upon the recovery of his health resumed the practice of of his profession. In 1860 he married Marion C. Palmer, of Hastings, a lady of culture and refinement. She died in 1878.

Among his medical brethren Dr. Drake is known as a successful practitioner and a gentleman. He is president of the County Medical Society, and a member of the State Medical Society and the Western Michigan District Medical Society. The doctor has taken an active interest in the development of Hastings, and has identified himself with all measures tending to the advancement of the interests of education or society. He has been a prominent member of the board of education, and has been president of the village. He is a believer in the precepts and teachings of Freemasonry, and has held prominent positions in that order, notably among the number that of Master and High Priest. Dr. Drake is well and favorably known, and one who is highly respected and esteemed. He possesses the necessary qualifications of the successful physician other than knowledge, - geniality of disposition and firmness, coupled with kindness and compassion,- and his valuable services as a physician, and the public spirit he has evinced as a citizen, entitle him to a foremost position among the representative men of Barry County.

The doctor is a radical Republican, having been bred a Whig, and the New York Tribune having been his political Testament. His residence in Kansas and Nebraska from 18855 to 1858 gave him an insight into the means resorted to by the pro-slavery party to fasten the peculiar institution upon Kansas. He claims to have been the only Whig in the territory of Kansas in the employ of the government during the period of the forming of its State Constitution.

The following biographical sketch comes from History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Albert Baxter. Grand Rapids: Munsell & Company, 1891.

ALFRED GARLOCK, M. D., was for thirty years and more among the most widely known of the physicians of this city and county. He was born at Newark, N. Y., December 18, 1824. He studied medicine at Palmyra, and graduated for his profession at Buffalo in the spring of 1849. In 1849 he came to Grand Rapids and opened an office in the Irving Hall building, and very soon found himself busy in an extensive practice. From there a few years later he removed his office to the north side of Monroe street, and then about I860, or soon after, to Luce's Block, where it remained until his death; his residence being situated on the east side of Barclay street, a little north of Fulton - the present family homestead. Dr. Garlock married, August 26, 1849, Jane Vanderhoof, of Plainsville, N. Y. He died at his home in this city, of pneumonia, February 17, I884. His widow and two daughters, Clara and May, are yet residents here. Dr. Garlock had a very large patronage, and patients so crowded upon him that for many years he was kept busy early and late, much of the time night and day, and literally worn down to his death. He had a frank, genial, pleasing way, that won the confidence of his patients. Naturally gentle and kind-hearted, he was also generous to those in need, and to such gave much gratuitous service. Few, even of his profession, leave a richer legacy of love and grateful remembrance than has the subject of this brief sketch. (page 704)

Josiah Francis' biographical sketch comes from History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois. "Centennial record," By John Carroll Power, assisted by his wife, Mrs. S. A. Power. Under the auspices of the Old Settlers' Society. Springfield, Ill.: E. A. Wilson & Co.,1876.

FRANCIS, JOSIAH, was born Sept. 24, 1801 in Pittsfield, Berkshire county, Mass. He was married Dec. 2, 1824, in Pittsfield, to Fidelia Clark, who was born Jan. 11, 1803, in Westhampton, Hampshire county, Mass. In 1825 they moved to Palmyra, Wayne county, N.Y., where they had two living children. They moved to Springfield, Ill., arriving June 30, 1836, and had one child in Springfield. Mr. Francis engaged in the manufacture of cabinet furniture, in connection with his brother Charles B., and continued in that business until 1852, when he engaged in farming, four miles northeast of Springfield, near what is now German Prairie station. Of his children -

Lucius C., born Dec. 26, 1828, at Palmyra, Wayne county, N.Y., married Aug. 23, 1860, in Springfield, Ill., to Clara Pierson. She died Nov. 14, 1864. Mr. Francis was married Dec. 23, 1873, in Atlanta, Ill., to Mrs. Susan Leonard, whose maiden name was Keigwin. She was born March 21, 1840, in Springfield. They reside half a mile west of German Prairie staion, but their postoffice is Springfield, Ill.

James S., born Jan. 15, 1831, in Palmyra, Wayne county, N.Y., resides with his father.

Maria E., born Oct. 23, 1837, in Springfield, Ill., and lives with her father.

Mrs. Fidelia Francis died Oct. 21, 1874, in Sangamon county, and Josiah Francis resides near German Prairie station, with his postoffice at Springfield, Ill.

The following biographical sketch comes from Cleave's Biographical Cyclopaedia of Homeopathic Physicians and Surgeons, by Egbert Cleave. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Company, 1873. pp. 387-388.

PERRINE, GEORGE W., M.D., of Milwaukee, Wis., was born in Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y., December 16th, 1816. He graduated at Geneva Medical College, in 1839. He first practised at Syracuse, N. Y., and afterwards at Lyons, N. Y., in both places making extended and favorable reputation. In 1855, he removed to Milwaukee, where he remained the balance of his life. Previous to his removal to Milwaukee, in the year 1853, he adopted the tenets of homoeopathy, having previous to that time been prominent as an old school physician. Resolutions of respect to his memory by the members of the Illinois Homoeopathic Association, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the physicians of Milwaukee in public meeting, and the vestry of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church of Milwaukee, of which church he was from his youth a zealous and devoted member. He died April 20th, 1872, aged fifty-five years.

The following biographical sketches come from History of Allegan and Barry counties, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of their prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia: D.W. Ensign & Co., 1880.

PLINY McOMBER.

The parents of Pliny McOmber were residents of Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., at the time of this birth, which occurred in that place on the 15th of March, 1825. When Pliny was about eight years of age the family removed to Marion, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he attended the district school during the winter terms. In 1836 the advantages offered by the new State of Michigan began to attract great attention among the farmers of the Eastern States, and a very large and constantly increasing emigration was the result. Among those who became infected with this almost universal desire to remove West for the purpose of bettering their fortunes on the virgin lands of the Peninsular State was Mr. Richard McOmber, who came to Michigan in the summer of 1837, and purchased the northeast quarter of section 22, in Johnstown (now Maple Grove), and removed to it with his family in the fall of 1838. This purchase had been made from John Mott, whose daughters were living in the neighborhood, one of these -- Miss Emma Mott -- beng teacher of the school which Pliny first attended in Michigan.

He remained at home with his father, assisting in the labors of the farm, until 1848, when, in company with two sons of Dr. Harwood, he engaged in the erection of a saw-mill on Cedar Creek, in section 9, of the township of Baltimore (then Johnstown). He continued to operate this mill for about three years, when returned to his father's farm, but soon after went to Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y., for the purpose of attending school at that place. After a year of study at Palmyra he returned home, but in the year 1852 he again went to New York State, where he attended school at Palmyra, Wayne Co., for about one year. While there he made the acquaintance of Miss Emily Sanford, who became his wife on the 2d of March, 1854. The newly-married couple came to Michigan and lived in the family of his father. On the death of the latter, Pliny McOmber came into the possession of the homestead, where he still resides.

Mr. McOmber, who was originally an old-line Whig, became an ardent Republican, and continued a firm adherent to the principles of that party from its birth, in 1856, until the organization of the Greenback party, when he transferred his support to the latter.
(pp. 461-462)

More information about him on p. 394
Pliny McOmber and William and Peter Harwood had arrived a year before the advent of Mr. Day, and had erected a saw-mill on section 9. The year following, Darwin McOmber came, and purchased Mr. Harwood's interest. Pliny McOmber subsequently returned to Maple Grove, his former residence, and Darwin assumed entire control of the mill business, which he conducted until 1875. This was the earliest saw-mill in Baltimore, and sawed much of the timber used in the construction of the first homes of that township.

In connection with the mill DARWIN McOMBER owned 80 acres of land, which he cleared, and on which his present residence stands. In the beginning his nearest neighbor, James Judd, was two and a half miles awy, both Kelley and Dowling having left the township. At this time, and for several years after, there was no school nearer than three miles. Mr. McOmber now has an estate of 640 acres, lying on sections 8, 9, and 16, a large portion of which is cultivated.

JAMES McALPINE.

The Empire State seems to have been the home not only but the permanent abiding-place of the McAlpine family previous to the arrival of the subject of the present biography in Michigan. His father, William McAlpine, was born in 1792, and died in 1867. His mother, Lydia, whose birth occurred about 1790, died in 1869, both having remained in their native State of New York all their lives.

Of their five children, James was born in Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1820, and at the age of eleven years departed from the paternal roof and sought employment abroad, his father receiving the proceeds of his labor.

At the age of twenty he married Lucinda M. Granger, who was born Oct. 17, 1819, in Sodus, Wayne Co., N.Y., and was the sixth of a family of ten children. Her father, Noble Granger, was a native of the Bay State, as was also her mother, both bearing the family name of Granger, though not related.

James McAlpine after his marriage spent some time in agricultural pursuits in his native State, first in Ontario County, and later in Monroe County, where he cultivated farms on shares. In 1845 he came to Michigan on a prospecting-tour. Having been favorably impressed with the soil of Monterey, he purchased land in that township, and later returned for his wife and child. On their arrival in Michigan they found a hospitable welcome at the house of Flasky Atwell, a near neighbor, until a substantial frame house could be erected by Mr. McAlpine on his recent purchase, to which they removed Nov. 25, 1845.

After his arrival, thirty dollars was the cash balance remaining with which to engage in the work of improvement. However, Mr. McAlpine was equal to the emergency. Employment was found in the immediate vicinity, which enabled him to provide for the wants of the household, while the intervals were devoted to cultivating the land and securing crops which should afford them a subsistence. By industry and excellent judgment this land was soon converted into productive farm upon which he now resides. Mr. McAlpine's political convictions have caused him to affiliate with the Democratic party. He has devoted much time to the interests of the township, and held many important public trusts. Mr. and Mrs. McAlpine have had three children, the first of whom, Martin V. B., was born June 23, 1843; William Noble's birth occurred Nov. 23, 1849, and his death in October, 1853; Henry C. was born Feb. 24, 1856; he is still residing with his parents, while the elder son is married and located near them. These children have each been educated in the faith of their parents, - that of the Methodist denomination.
(p. 290; photos of Mr. & Mrs. McAlpine, and their fine home, on next page)

More information about him on p. 284
James McAlpine came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1845, and settled upon 80 acres on section 28, remaining with the family of Fluskey Atwell until he made his own land habitable. He chopped 20 acres the first year, which he speedily made productive. With Mr. McAlpine came is brother Willis, who assisted him in the improvement of his land and afterwards returned to his old home in New York.

MORE WAYNE COUNTY MEN WENT TO THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTEREY (p. 284)

NICHOLAS BROWN came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1838, and settled on 125 acres of uncleared land on section 12.

Among the most successful of the pioneers of Monterey is JOHN M. GRANGER. He removed from Wayne Co., N.Y., in 1849, and, in connection with his brother, purchased 400 acres of Charles Howard, of Detroit, on sections 21, 22, and 28. Of this land Mr. Granger retained 120 acres, on which he now resides. The township at this time was being rapidly settled, and the work of the laborer was apparent in the fields of lofty corn and waving grain that had superseded the ancient monarchs of the forest.

John M. Granger's brother, ELI D. GRANGER, came soon afterwards, and located upon a portion of the original 400 acres. Mr. Granger was a graduate of the New York State Normal School, and a gentleman of scholarly attainments. [more...]

HON. WILLIAM F. HARDEN.

Hiram Harden was born in the township of Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., where his ancestors had lived many years. About the year 1820 he emigrated to the town of Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., where his son, William F., was born July 19, 1830. At that early day (1820) Wayne County was a new country, and Mr. Harden bought a farm in the midst of an almost unbroken wilderness. This farm he cleared up and improved, living on it half a century, leaving it to go into the village of Williamson a few years previous to his death. Wm. F. grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a good common-school education. Arrived at his majority, he worked for seven years his father's farm on shares, teaching school winters. In this way he got his first start in life. In 1858, Mr. Harden and his wife came to Martin township, Allegan Co., Mich., on a visit, and while here bought of his brother-in-law one hundred acres of the farm on which he now resides. It was partly improved, and embraced a small barn and a log house. To the farm then bought Mr. Harden has since added, until he now owns three hundred and ten acres, of which two hundred and fifty-five acres are under a splendid state of cultivation, with a large house and many and fine out-buildings, while he stands high as one of Martin's most successful farmers and business men.

In politics Mr. Harden was in early life a Whig, as were his ancestors before him. On the organization of the Republican party he became one of its most ardent supporters, and still believes it to be the party of progress and civil liberty. He has been many times its standard-bearer, having been in this township school inspector, highway commissioner, and for twelve years supervisor,- eight years successively. In 1876 he represented his county on the State board of equalization, and in 1875 was elected to represent his district in the lower house at the special session of the State Legislature, to which he was again elected for the full term of 1875-76. He served as chairman on the committee on federal relations, and as a member of the committee on local taxation. All of which positions Mr. Harden has filled with credit and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens.

On the 29th day of September, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary J. Wilcox, who was born in Wayne County, where her parents were among the earliest settlers. She was a daughter of Earl and Jane (Stewart) Wilcox, and was born Aug. 21, 1830. Their union has been blessed with five children, as follows: Josephine J., born March 31, 1853; Malon D., Nov. 6, 1855; Jennie E., Sept. 19, 1860; Hattie M., May 7, 1866; and Cora B., May 11, 1872.
(p. 278)

RICHARD FERRIS, son of Leonard Ferris, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1822. His father being engaged in farming, Richard worked at home on the farm until he was eighteen years of age. During the winter months he attended the district school near home. One winter he attended a select school in Mishawaka, Ind., taught by a blind man. The winters of 1848 and 1849 he was at Notre Dame University, near South Bend, Ind. His educational advantages were superior to many young men of that day.

Mr. Ferris made several changes in his business and place of residence before his final settling in this state. These changes are as follows: in 1843, went to Mishawaka, Ind., working in a mill-yard; in 1844, hired out by the month in Cass Co., Mich.; returning to Mishawaka the later part of the same year, he engaged in a saw-mill as a sawyer; in 1850, came to Lawrence, Van Buren Co., Mich., working in a saw-mill in summer, and teaching in winter in the village of Lawrence; in 1851, returned a second time to Mishawaka, this time buying an interest in a saw-mill; in August, 1851, returned to Michigan, and here bought an interest in a saw-mill at Lawrence, on Brush Creek; in 1854, moved to Cheshire township, Allegan Co., purchasing five hundred and sixty acres of wild land. Here he commenced clearing, and erected a saw-mill for the purpose of sawing up the lumber. This mill burned down in 1860. A new one was erected in 1863.

He spent part of his time attending to his farm, but since 1876 he has devoted his time exclusively to farming. He is now living on the same tract of land he purchased when first coming into the township; he now owns five hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Ferris is Republican, and is an active member of the party. He has filled the offices of township clerk and school inspector for several years. In 1870 he was elected to the lower house of the Legislature. He is of Irish and American parents. In religion he is a liberal Catholic.

April 29, 1851, he married Hannah, daughter of Thomas and Ann Milburn. They have had four children, viz.: William M., Mary E., Marcus A., and Joseph G., who died Dec. 8, 1879. The others are living at home with their parents. Mrs. Ferris was born in England Jan. 1, 1826, remaining there until she was twenty-two years old.

[p. 194; at top of page are portraits of Mr. & Mrs. Ferris, and their deceased son, Joseph G. Click here to see obituaries of the couple and other Ferris family obits.]

MORE WAYNE COUNTY MEN WENT TO ALLEGAN VILLAGE. (p. 176)

From Wayne Co., N. Y., came WILLIAM PULLEN in 1837, who remained on year in the village and then purchased 240 acres on section 24 and 25, upon which he settled. While in the village he prepared a house of planks ready for erection, which he removed with a team to its destination (although there was no road but an Indian trail), where it was speedily put up. Twenty-two acres were chopped over the first year, but the brush was so green that it would not burn. Mr. Pullen, however, made a virtue of necessity, and planted potatoes and corn among the logs and bushes, obtaining a very respectable crop. Mr. Pullen's house afforded an early resort for the children, who availed themselves of the instruction of Miss Harriet Blackman, who taught at the early age of fourteen years. She is still teaching in the county. Mr. Pullen, under a contract with the highway commissioners, cut alone twelve miles of road through the township.

JAMES GREEN came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1838, and took up his residence on section 23, but subsequently retired to the village, where, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, he is still vigorous and active.

WILLIAM R. DELANO

The Delano family are of English origin, and emigrated to America soon after the great fire in London in the fifteenth century, they having, it is said, lost their all by that disaster. Israel Delano was born in Pembroke, Mass., where his mother resided during her husband's absence at sea, he being captain of a whaling vessel and dying on board ship. Israel, when quite young, emigrated to Ontario Co., N. Y., which was then an almost unbroken wilderness, and was called Ontario township as well as county. He located in what afterwards was known as Palmyra township, subsequently divided, making his residence in Macedon township, Wayne Co. He thus lived in two different counties and three townships without ever changing his abiding-place. He bought three hundred and twenty acres of land, receiving an article which said he should have a deed when the purchase-price was paid. He was the possessor of only an axe and the indominitable will and the industry for which the pioneers of America have always been noted. He went into Ontario with the family of Judge Rogers, whose daughter, Martha, he afterwards married. The judge's mother was noted far and near for her great strength, there being but few men in the country around that she could not master in a trial of strength. Accounts of her prowess are still given by the descendants of the early settlers of that part of New York. On the land thus obtained Mr. Delano resided until his death, in August, 1857, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. He cleared up and improved the farm which ultimately became one of the fine farms of Wayne County. There were born to them eleven children,- four sons and four daughters, growing to man's and woman's estate. William R. Delano, the ninth of the family, was born in Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 6, 1812. His chances for an education were very limited, as the children of his father's family were put to work as soon as they were old enough to be of any assistance. Arrived at his majority, he commenced life on his own account. He cleared and cropped land on his father's farm a couple of years, then, in the fall of 1835, came to Michigan, and bought of the government one hundred and sixty acres of land in Gun Plain township, Allegan County, and then returned to Washtenaw County, where he worked at jobbing during the winter. The following spring he joined a surveying-party sent out by the government, and spent the spring and summer of 1836 surveying in Wisconsin. The winter of 1836-37 was passed in Washtenaw County, working at whatever he could get to do, and the following season in St. Joseph, Mich. The spring of 1838 found him on his land in Gun Plain, on which he built a log shanty just large enough to eat and sleep in and keep out the wolves. For several years he then worked on his farm when not working for other parties, to earn the money necessary to keep his modest establishment, over which he alone presided, in running order. In 1848 he returned to the old home in Wayne County, and worked his father's farm, which he continued to do until the death of his father, when he bought out some of the heirs and became part owner of the old homestead. In 1865 he returned to Michigan, having previously sold his interest in his Wayne County property and bought in Gun Plain township four hundred acres of land lying in sections 1, 10, and 15. The home-farm is nicely situated on a beautiful little creek which meanders through it. In this fine home Mr. Delano will probably pass the remainder of his days. He is a Republican, but not a politician, and is not a member of any church. Of him his neighbors and fellow-townsmen say that he is a man whom to know is to respect and esteem, and one of whom naught but the highest praise is spoken.
[p. 233, including his portrait]

New 5/7/05 The following 4 biographical sketches come from Portrait and biographical album of Ingham and Livingston counties, Michigan : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the Presidents of the United States. Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891.

EMORY DURFEE. There is a saying that life at twenty is a tragedy, at forty a comedy and at sixty a roaring farce, which means that as the years pass one learns that the few years spent here are, after all, but an incident in the great eternity and each little phase of the career important as it may seem at the time, loses to a great extent its significance and individuality and becomes a part simply of "when I was a boy" or "when I was a young man." He of whom we write has already passed the septuagenarian's mile post, having been born March 27, 1820, in Palmyra Township, Wayne County, N.Y. He is now a resident on section 1, Handy Township, Livingston County, having come to Michigan and settled in his present location in 1867. Here he is the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres.

Our subject is a son of Stephen and Mary (Allen) Durfee, natives of Rhode Island and New York respectively. The former was employed as a farmer in that State and continued in the calling until his decease. He was a Whig in his political preference and belongs to that quaint religious body commonly called Quakers, more pleasantly Friends, who have given some of the noblest characters to the world -- people whose lives are models of purity and cleanliness. Stephen and Mary Durfee were the parents of twelve children, only three of whom are now living. The eldest, Chloa, is Mrs. Underwood; Anna D. is Mrs. Wicks; then comes our subject.

Mr. Durfee's grandsire was Gideon Durfee, a native of Rhode Island, who later moved to New York where he passed the remainder of his life. He had a large family, comprising twelve children. He was a Federalist in party inclination and gave the whole of his warm Irish nature to any cause that he espoused. The original of our sketch was reared on the home farm and remained with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age and then came to Michigan and settled in Wayne County in the township of Lavonia in 1846. On coming to this State he purchased one hundred acres of land and was engaged in cultivating the same for twenty years. During that time he held various offices in the township, especially those concerning educational matters.

At the expiration of the time above mentioned Mr. Durfee traded his farm in Wayne County for his present farm in Handy Township, Livingston County. He was united in matrimony in 1841 to Miss Eliza J. Carr, who died, leaving him one son, whose name is Edgar, now of Fentonville, Mich. This young man married Elizabeth Bennett, who is now deceased; she left a family of four children -- Elmer, Everette, Jesse and Elman. By the second marriage he was united to Allie Johnson and is the parent of three children by this union -- Clarence, Claude and Freddie.

After living some time alone our subject married his wife's sister, Cordelia Carr. She was a native of Palmyra Township, Wayne County, N.Y. Her parents were David and Rebecca (Evans) Carr, natives of New Jersey. The father was a farmer and came to Michigan in 1844. He settled in Shiawassee County and was there engaged in farming, remaining until his decease. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom six only are now living. They are James E., Mrs. Durfee, David A., Rebecca M., Caroline A., who is Mrs. Harder and Emily.

Nine children grace the union of our subject and his present wife. They are Eliza J., Henry H., Stephen, Clarence, Helen V., Alfred, Eliza married Mr. Hughes and is the mother of one child -- Inis C.; Henry H. married Saville Allen and is the parent of three children -- Daisy, Bessie and Oral; he is a successful farmer in this county. Stephen married Ettie D. Pitts; their union has been blest by the advent of three children -- Archie A., Elroy H. and Ethel H., the last named being twins. Clarence M. married Carrie Atkins; they have four children -- Mabel, Erma, Emory and Percival; two of these children are by a former marriage of Mrs. Durfee with George Huck. Helen V. now Mrs. Eugene Cheeney; she also is the mother of four children -- Pearl, Blanche, Vern and Lester H., who is deceased. Alfred, William, Edith and Annie are the remaining members of the family.

He of whom we write has sought to give his children every advantage in an educational way possible to their condition and location. They have all had the advantages of a liberal education and are intelligent, and refined men and women who take a prominent position in society wherever found. Stephen is principal of the High School at Vernon, Shiawassee County, this State; Alfred is engaged in teaching in a High School in Colorado; Helen has been a teacher as have also Edith and Annie. They are all graduates from the High School.

Mr. Durfee is a Republican in his political sentiments. For many years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows and belongs to the Farmers' Alliance of this section. He is a man who ranks among the first of the agriculturists in this region. Mr. Durfee's father is the first man that ever raised a building in Palmyra, N.Y. without distributing whisky. He inaugurated his temperance principles by giving a fine supper instead of the intoxicants. Our subject's great-grandfather came from Ireland in 1736 and settled in Rhode Island.

JOHN W. BOARDMAN, a prominent citizen of Leroy Township, Ingham County, whose beautiful home is situated in Webberville, was born in Connecticut, March 5, 1836. He came with his parents, Watson L. and Elizabeth Boardman from Now England to Ingham County, Mich., in 1838 and made a settlement in Locke Township, being the first family within its bounds. A log cabin in the woods was the first Michigan home of this family and they at once began the work of felling the trees and preparing the land for cultivation. The father died upon the farm leaving a family of five children, four of whom are now living, namely: Mary, now the widow of Mr. Lepley in Livingston County; Helen, wife of James Payne in Gratiot County; Daniel L. in Kansas and John W. The father served as Road Commissioner and was a prominent man in the township. He was twice married but had no children by the second union.

Our subject grew to manhood in Locke Township, and saw his full share of pioneer life. His mother was called away from life when he was about twelve years old and after receiving his education in the district schools of the township he entered upon his life work as farming. He was married July 4, 1858 to Henrietta Fisher, who was born October 19, 1839 in Wayne County, N.Y. and is a daughter of Robert and Maria (Van Wert) Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher had settled in Locke Township, this county, at an early day when Mrs. Boardman was only ten years old. Of their ten children eight are now living, namely: Rebecca, (Mrs. Pinckney), George L., William, James, David, Andrew and Josephine (wife of George Hamilton) besides Mrs. Boardman. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and citizens highly respected in the township.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boardman, and two are now living, namely: Francis E. and John W. Our subject resided on his farm in Locke Township until 1884 when he removed to Webberville, and has since made it his home. He owns a farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres which he has accumulated by his own efforts, ably seconded by the help of his faithful and judicious companion. He enlisted in the Union Army August 12, 1862, joining as a private Company H, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Potomac. He participated in a number of skirmishes and did duty mostly in Virginia and for a short time was in North Carolina, receiving his honorable discharge August 29, 1863.

This gentleman is an efficient and active member of the Grand Army Post at Webberville, and has been senior Vice Commander and Sergeant of the Post. He is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Fowlerville and an active worker in every cause which he deems of value to the community. In politics he is in sympathy with the Republican party and in this connection is esteemed as an influential leader of thought. All who know him rejoice in his prosperity, and feel that it is the just reward of his efforts and integrity.

CHARLES L. CARL. The subject of our sketch is one of the most enterprising young farmers in Ingham County. He owns and occupies a fine place, comprising two hundred and seventy acres on section 5, Meridian Township. His parents, Isaac and Jane (Towar) Carl, were natives of Maine and New York respectively. The natal day of the former was August 2, 1815. He died in this township January 15, 1879. Our subject's mother was born June 25, 1830. Her decease occurred July 27, 1883.

Isaac Carl came to Michigan in 1844, and bought one hundred and twenty acres of the farm now owned by his son, this being a dense forest at that time. He was a self-made man in every respect, but at the time of his death had acquired a good property. He stood high in the estimation of the people of Meridian Township, and was at one time Supervisor, having been elected to the office by the Republican party, to which he adhered. Our subject was born on the old homestead, in this township, January 28, 1859. His youthful days were divided between an attendance at school and work on the farm. He progressed far enough in his educational pursuits to obtain a teacher's certificate, which he did in 1877. He then taught nine terms of school in his locality and was successful, gaining a reputation for faithful and efficient work. His growing farm interests, however, obliged him to leave teaching and to devote his time exclusively to the management of his estate. He inherited sixty acres of the old homestead, which gave him a good start in life, but he has had the good sense and ambition to increase his possessions by individual efforts. When only twenty-one years old he bought the remaining sixty acres of the old homestead, and two years later he added forty acres more to the estate, and when twenty-nine years of age he purchased another farm containing one hundred and ten acres. All this land is lying in one tract.

Our subject has made most of the improvements which his farm boasts. Financially he is in a prosperous condition that any young farmer of his age might envy. Mr. Carl lost his mother by a dreadful catastrophe, she having been instantly killed in a collision on the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad, July 27, 1883. Our subject was married to Miss Corla Dennis, March 27, 1884. The lady is a daughter of Leonard Dennis, of Wheatfield Township, Ingham County, he being one of the prominent farmers of that locality and having located there from Wayne County, N. Y. Three children have blest the union of our subject and his wife. They are: Leonard, who was born August 22, 1885; Leta, September 28, 1887; and Rollin, September 23, 1891. Mr. Carl is a member in good standing of the Masonic lodge at Okemos. For a time he was Secretary of his fraternity. In politics he is thoroughly independent, always voting for men known to represent the best interests of the people. He is interested in the current events of the day and keeps well posted as to the world's history.

DANIEL R. SHERMAN, M. D. is one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Lansing, Ingham County, where he has practiced since April 15, 1880, and is now one of the most popular practitioners in the city. Having all he could do with office practice in the beginning of 1889, he ceased riding and now attends only to those patients who come to him. His office is located in the principal part of the business portion of the city, at 105 Ottawa Street, where he has been for nine years. His residence is located at 312 Seymour Street, and is a place worthy of its location, which is in the finest part of the city. Dr. Sherman was born in Wayne County, N.Y., July 28, 1843, and is a son of Gilbert and Hannah M. (Rowley) Sherman. When their son was but seven years old, the parents removed to Noble County, Indiana. The father was a farmer and millwright by trade and was so occupied in Indiana. Our subject there received his literary education, and when a mere boy in years, enlisted in the First Illinois Artillery in the War of the Rebellion. His enlistment was made November 8, 1861, at Ft. Holt, Ky., and he was sent to join the army of the Cumberland, which was at that time stationed at Ft. Henry, where he, with his regiment was engaged in battle, also at Ft. Donaldson, and was surrounded by the terrible carnage of battle at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg and Atlanta, names that are all synonymous with that which is most terrible in warfare. He was also present at the seige of Atlanta.

Discharged at the expiration of his time, having served for three years, Mr. Sherman returned to Noble County, where his parents still lived, and engaged in farming. In 1867 the parents accompanied our subject to Lawrence County, Mo., where the young man engaged in milling. Here the mother died. The father still lives, his residence being in Coldwater, Mich. He has attained the almost patriarchal age of seventy-eight years. Our subject successfully pursued the calling of milling until 1871, when he sold out and went to Coldwater, Mich., where he engaged in the grocery business for one year. In 1873, he built what is known as the Brutus House, midway between Petoskey and Sheboygan, and established the post-office at Brutus, being appointed the first Postmaster of that place, his installation taking place under President Hayes, and this position he continued to hold as long as he remained there. He also built the mill at Constantine in 1876 for Lantz Brown.

Dr. Sherman had early acquired a predilection for the profession of medicine and during the years in which he was actively engaged in business life, he did not lose sight of his resolution to some day be a physician and was constantly engaged in the reading of medical works, so that he had a very good knowledge of his profession, even before taking the college course. He went to Chicago to begin his practice, opening an office at 170 State Street, shortly afterward commencing to attend lectures at the Bennett Medical College. He pursued his course to such purpose that he graduated with honors in the class of 1880, and then returned to this city to pursue the practice of his profession.

Our subject was first married in Noble County, Ind. to Sarah Koontz, of Kendallville, Ind. At her death she left three children to mourn their motherless state. Julia is now the wife of George Barnes. Gilbert L. is a student at Worcester, Ohio, where he is preparing for the ministry. Franklin J. is occupied as a clerk in a grocery. Dr. Sherman was a second time married, his bride being Emily J. Currier, of Coldwater. With her he lived most happily, she adding to his domestic life all that he finds wanting in his professional career. Socially our subject has many demands upon his time. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a Knight of Labor, in which he was a Master Workman. In the first named order he was the first Noble Grand of Bronson and also Petoskey Lodge. He is now connected with the State Eclectic Medical Society, and is a broad and progressive man in his theories regarding the healing art.

New 5/7/05 Bios of three men with Wayne County connections, who moved to Newaygo County, Michigan. Source: Portrait and biographical album of Newaygo county, Mich., containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, also containing a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1884.

EZRA COON, farmer, section 7, Big Prairie Township, was born June 30, 1814, in Malta, Saratoga Co., N. Y. His father, Jeremiah Coon, was of English lineage and was born in the town of Half Moon, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 31, 1785, and his mother, Sally (Talmage) Coon, was a native of Malta, born about 1791, or English parentage.

Mr. Coon came to Michigan in 1833 and stayed one year at Trenton, Wayne County. Then he returned to his native State and remained until 1837, when he again came to Michigan and prepared for a permanent settlement, by the purchase of 80 acres of land at Gibraltar, Wayne County, where he was interested in farming until 1847, when he sold his farm and removed to Branch County. He was a resident of Coldwater, about 30 years, and in 1878 came to Newaygo County. He bought his homestead of 87 1/4 acres of land and has since given his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement. He is an adherent of the principles and issues of the National party.

Caroline (Parks) Coon was born at Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1824. She is the daughter of James H. and Sally (Rowland) Parks, both of whom are natives of New York. The father was born in 1793 and died Aug. 10, 1865. The mother was born about 1803, and died Sept. 19, 1876, in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., where her husband died a few years earlier. Mr. and Mrs. Coon were married June 28, 1843, in Lyons, and have been the parents of four children. They are James T., Frank P. and Willis Fitch, living. Ada W., only daughter and third child, is deceased.

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NELSON P. COOK, farmer, section 2, Big Prairie Township, was born April 8, 1841, in Marion, Wayne Co., N. Y. His parents, Asahel and Louisa (Dumond) Cook, were both natives of the State of New York, where the father was born about the year 1815; he died Nov. 7, 1880, in Allegan County.

Mr. Cook came to Michigan with his parents when he was 13 years old. They settled in Arlington, Van Buren County, and he continued an inmate of his father's household until he was 27 years of age, when he was married and began life as a family man. He passed a number of years in various employments, including farming, lumbering and operating threshing-machines. He came to Newaygo County in 1872, and Feb. 28 entered a homestead claim of 160 acres of land. He has cleared and improved 30 acres of land, placed it under good cultivation and erected suitable and convenient farm buildings. His place is well stocked with horses, cattle, sheep and swine. In political relations he is a Democrat.

Mr. Cook was married Oct. 5, 1868, in Arlington, to Hannah, daughter of Hiram and Jane (Wilson) Lewis. She was born in Greenbush, Albany Co., N. Y., April 9, 1850. Her parents were natives of the Empire State, born respectively in 1818 and 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been the parents of two children: Margaret, born June 28, 1869, is the sole surviving child.

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SAMUEL B. B. STEVENS, a pioneer settler in Newaygo County, residing at Newaygo, was born Sept. 15, 1818, at Norfolk, Va., and is a son of William and Ann (Cowell) Stevens. Both parents were of English ancestry.

Mr. Stevens has been a citizen of Michigan since 1841, when he came to Muskegon and passed a few months occupied in tallying lumber. He then proceeded to Grand Haven, where he resided until 1854, chiefly occupied as a mill hand. In that year he went again to Muskegon, and in 1855 came to Newaygo, which was then in its infancy. His first engagement was as a sawyer in the mill of John A. Brooks. In 1856 he entered the employ of the original Newaygo Lumber Company, with whom he remained four years. Previous to leaving Virginia he had learned the trade of mason and plasterer, and in 1860 he again turned his attention to that pursuit, alternating winters with the duties of lumberman, which he prosecuted vigorously and extensively, operating as a contractor and employing a considerable number of men. He retired from active business in 1871. He owns a pleasant and comfortable home.

Mr. Stevens was married in Grand Haven, April 5, 1848, to Juliette M., daughter of Ira and Minerva Rice, born July 4, 1824, at Palmyra, Wayne Co., N.Y. Of this marriage eight children were born, five of whom are living, viz.: Ann Agnes is the wife of Joseph C. Russell, of Detroit; Ida is the wife of L. D. Hammond, of Newaygo; the remaining are Bedford W., Minnie M., and Willie I.

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