Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter 3: Aijjcgax \[llage Axd Vicixity, 1907 (part 2 of 3)

P. O. Littlejohn, the grandfather of our subject, removed from the south to Michigan, clearing a farm in Allegan county, upon which he lived until his death. He was very active in township, county and state affairs, and a prominent and influential man in his day, leaving the impress of his. individuality for good upon the public life and improvement of this portion of the state. He married Ellen Kerby in this county, and they became the parents of three children, of whom John J. Littlejohn was the eldest. The two living are Mrs. W. F. Clarke, who resides in Allegan county, and Mrs. Dr. F. M. Calkins, who is living in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

John J. Littlejohn was brought to Allegan county when about five or six years of age and was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of the frontier. He acquired his education in this county, where he followed farming for many years and the latter part of his life was devoted to the livery business in the village of Allegan, in which he was engaged at the time of his death, which ocurred in 1899, at the age of fifty-eight years. He held various township offices and like his father and grandfather was an influential factor in public life and one whose aid could be counted upon to further any progressive public movement. He married Miss Emma Defendorf, who was born in Rochester, New York, and came to Michigan

Fred Littlejohn, the only living representative of the family at this writing, pursued his education in the schools of Allegan, passing through successive grades until he had become a high school student. In his youth and early manhood he followed various occupations and later engaged in the livery business, with which he was connected from 1887 until 1904. In the latter year he turned his attention to the mortgage, loan and real estate business, in which he has prospered, having dealt quite extensively in farm land. He is thoroughly conversant with realty values in this part of the state and has negotiated many important property transfers.

In 1903, in Allegan, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Littlejohn and Miss May Damerell, who was born in Kalamazoo, and is a daughter of W. J. and Mary (Mills) Damerell. They now have one child, Virginia, born in Allegan. Mr. Littlejohn is a Democrat in his political affiliation and is socially connected with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias of Allegan, and the Elks of Kakraazoo. His entire life has been passed in the village where he yet resides and where he has so directed his labors that his record is in harmony with that of his ancestry - one of the most prominent and honored pioneer families of Allegan county.

Judge Philip Padgham, who since the ist of January, 1893, has occupied the bench of the circuit court, stands as an able defender of the rights and liberties of the people, for his knowledge of the law is broad and comprehensive, and he discharges his duties with a sense of conscientious obligation that has received the endorsement of the general public with re-election. Judge Padgham was born in Wittersham parish, in County Kent, England, March 24, 1839, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Underdown) Padgham. The father was a farmer and laborer and came from England to the new world with his family in the year 1851, settling at the town of Farmington, Ontario county, New York, where he resided for a time. In the family were twelve children, who are now widely scattered over several states of the Union, including Ohio, New York, Iowa, Michigan and South Dakota.

Judge Padgham attended the boys' school in Wittersham parish until ten years of age. His curriculum embraced little beyond reading, writing and spelling, and with his parents he left England for America in March, 185 1. His father had always been used to hard labor and did not think it necessary for a boy to have more education than the judge bad acquired up to the time he left England. He was a poor man with a large family, so that the son was put to work as soon as they reached the United States. Judge Padgham therefore did not attend school very much for a number of years, but when about seventeen years of age, realizing the necessity and value of an education if one would win advancement in life, he resolved to further attend school. Contrary to the wishes of his father he obtafned a chance to do chores for his board and the privilege of attending school in the villag-e, and for two terms was a student there. In the following year he spent two terms in the academy at Macedon, New York, and in the fall of 1858 came to Michigan, where he secured a situation as teacher, being thus employed until March, 1859, at Blissfield, Lenawee county. In the spring of the latter year he removed to Centerville, St. Joseph county, Michigan, where he entered the high school as a pupil, and the following autumn he engaged in teaching in Burr Oak township, in St. Joseph county, where he remained as teacher for two years. In June, 1861, he was married, and on the ist of September, of the same year, he entered upon his work as a teacher in Centerville school, where he remained until 1868. Ambitious for further advancement along intellectual lines, while teaching in Centerville he devoted his evening hours to reading law and in June, 1868, was admitted to the bar. He practiced for a short time in Centerville, and in June, 1869, removed to Plainwell, Allegan county, where he formed a partnership with Silas Stafford, an old lawyer of that place. The relation was maintained until May, 1873, when Judge Padgham withdrew and entered into a partnership with the late Judge Dan J. Arnold, who was afterward elected circuit judge of the county and circuit. In the meantime Judge Padgham was elected and served for two terms as prosecuting attorney for Allegan county and built up a large practice, in which he continued actively until January i, 1893, when he succeeded Judge Arnold upon the bench of the circuit court. He has since presided over this court and his record on the bench has been in harmony with his record as a man and also as a lawyer - distinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. In early youth Judge Padgham became imbued with a desire to become a lawyer and by many years of hard study and by depriving himself of many pleasures that other young men enjoyed, he at length prepared for the bar and entered upon a practice which proved very satisfactory both from a pecuniary and professional standpoint. It was not confined to Allegan county alone but reached out into many of the adjoining comities of the state and also to the supreme court of the state. He prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care, presenting his cause in a strong, clear light, reasoning and common sense, and through his logical arguments and sound deductions he won many notable forensic contests and became recognized as one of the ablest members practicing at the bar of southern Michigan. The offices which he has held have largely been in the line of his profession. In 1870 he was elected circuit court commissioner of Allegan county and served for two terms. In 1874 he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of prosecuting attorney and also acted in that capacity for two terms. He was president of the village about 1888, after having served for a term as a member of the city council. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican and up to the time he went upon the bench was usually on the stump during the state and national campaigns.

On the 9th of June, 1861, at Burr Oak, St. Joseph county, Michigan, Judge Padgham was married to Miss Eliza C. Landon, whose parents had removed to that township from Niagara county, New York, about the year 1854, The judge was formerly a member of the Odd Fellows' Society, with which he united in 1872, at Plainwell, Allegan county, while later he became a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity in the village of Allegan. He is associated with the Episcopal church at Allegan, having been a member and vestryman for more than twenty-five years, while at the present writing he is junior warden of the church of the Good Shepherd. Born and reared upon a farm, he followed agricultural pursuits until he entered upon a career as a teacher in Centerville and since that time he has always taken great deUght in getting away into the country whenever possible. While in the active practice of law he was largely deprived of that privilege but since taking his place on the bench he has endeavored to spend as much time as possible on his farm, which he owns, within a mile of the courthouse of Allegan, and it is a great pleasure to him to loot over the place there, the fields and the stock, watching the growth that comes on from the time of early spring planting until crops are harvested in the late autumn and thus getting near to nature's heart. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor. Starting out in life ere he had had but limited educational privileges working at farm labor for several seasons and then becoming imbued with a laudable ambition to obtain something better, he has steadily advanced in those walks of life demanding intellectuality, business ability and fidelity, and today commands the respect and esteem not only of his community but throughout the state wherever he is known.

Harold C. Weeks. - The business interests of Allegan find a worthy representative in this native son of the village, who is now conducting abstract and real estate offices. He was born on the 3d of October, 1847. and is a son of Alanson S. Weeks, and a grandson of Samuel and Susannah Weeks, Alanson Weeks was born at Wheelock, Caledonia county, Vermont, January 10, 181 1. and obtained such education as was afforded through the meager facilities of that day. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to the trade of a painter and chairmaker, serving his time with Ira Church as his master. In the spring of 1834, in company with his brother, Corridon, he started for Michigan, traveling with a horse and buggy. The journey covered four weeks and was unmarked by an incident of special importance. They arrived in Detroit on the 12th of August, 1834, and there attended the funeral obsequies of Governor Porter, the last territorial governor of Michigan. After a short residence at Detroit they started westward their destination being Kalamazoo, then known as Bronson. There Mr. Weeks remained during the autumn and winter, working at his trade. In the spring of 1835 he made his first visit to Allegan, and being favorably impressed with its natural resources and advantages, decided to make his home here. Accordingly he purchased a farm on section 5, Trowbridge township, and then returned to Kalamazoo, where he remained until the spring of 1836, when he purchased property in the village of Allegan and made a permanent settlement.

The following year, 1837, Alanson S. Weeks was married to Harriett N. Peckham, who was also a native of Vermont, born in Franklin county in 1819. About 1827 her father removed to Canada, and in 1836 Mrs. Weeks came to Michigan in company with her brother-in-law, J. P, Austin. She was a noble type of the pioneer women and endured cheerfully ail of the hardships and privations of the early days. She died in 1855, at the age of thirty-six years, leaving her husband and four children to mourn her loss, the youns'est being a babe of but two months. For seven years the father cared for his children alone, attending to his household duties after the day's work in the fields was done. To his children he was a father in all that the name implies. He early taught them lessons of morality and industry, and thereby to him they are largely indebted for the enviable position they held during their lives among the representative men of Allegan county. The eldest son, William C. Weeks, enlisted as a private of the Union army in the spring of 1862, becoming a member of Company I, 5th Michigan cavalry. He participated in many of the decisive battles of the war and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. At the battle of Five Forks he was severely wounded, losing a foot, and, being captured, was confined in Libby prison from March, 1864, until August of the same year. In July, 1865, he was mustered out and returned to Allegan, where lie re-^ sided until his death. In 1868 he was elected register of deeds and discharged the duties of the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people, while in 1871 he was re-elected to the same position. For many years he was closely identified with the interests of Allegan and was elected president of the village in 1876. The second son. Harrison S. Weeks, entered the Military Academy at West Point; at the age of eighteen years, and was graduated with high honors at the age of twenty-two. He was then commissioned a second lieutenant in the 8th United States cavalry and was stationed for some time at Fort Union, New Mexico.

In his political views Alan son Weeks was originally an old-line Whig but afterward became a stalwart champion of the Republican part}'. He was everywhere known as a man of unquestioned integrity, who had many virtues and few faults. He was one of those citizens whose identification with any community would always prove productive of good. He became a pioneer resident of Allegan and his labors and influence were valued factors in promoting general progress and improvement. He is today held in loving memory by many who knew him and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his life. He died October 18, 1880.

Harold C. Weeks, the third son of the family, acquired his early education in the schools of Allegan and afterward attended Olivet College, at Olivet, Michigan, pursuing special courses. Subsequently he engaged in clerking in a drug store and contemplated learning the druggist's business, but on account of ill health he turned his attention to the real-estate business. In 1870 he purchased the abstract records of Allegan county in connection with his older brother, William C. Weeks, and he has since been engaged in the abstract and real-estate business. In connection with other interests along those lines they follow agricultural pursuits on a large scale and also engaged in the breeding of Durham cattle, some of their stock being equal to the best Kentucky bred. Mr. Weeks of this review still owns the farm of seven hundred acres which is located about two and a half miles from the village of Allegan and gives considerable time and attention to the care and improvement of that property. He has dealt extensively in real estate, negotiating many important property transfers.

In 1874, in Allegan, occurred the marriage of Harold C. Weeks and Miss Rose Mix, a daughter of the late General Elisha and Amelia (Edmonds) Mix, who are represented elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Weeks now have one child, Alice M., who was born in Allegan, and in the social circles they occupy an enviable position, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them.

Mr. Weeks is a Republican in politics, who was trustee of the village board for six years. He has always taken an active part in the welfare of his township, his village and his county, and is held in high esteem. His business affairs have been carefully conducted and success has resulted as the reward of his enterprise, diligence and careful management. He represents one of the old and prominent families of this part of the state and fully sustains the honorable family record.

Dh. William E. Rowe, who practices along modern scientific lines, having a large patronage in Allegan and the surrounding country, was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, in 1857. His father. Dr. Sylvanus Rowe, was born in Steuben county. New York, and died at Lawrence, Van Buren county, Michig-an, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a graduate of the Eclectic Institute of Medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, of the class of 1848, and practiced first in Leclair, Scott county, Iowa, while later he established his home in Lawrence, Van Buren county, Michigan. He was a physician of much skill and ability and won a liberal support from the public. In the diagnosis of his cases he was most careful and accurate and in administering remedial agencies he seemed to secure the best possible results. He was also a leader in public affairs of his township, and has been the promoter of many measures and movements which have been of direct benefit. He delivered many campaign addresses and was an earnest worker in behalf of the Republican party, believing (irmly in its principles. For several years he served as president of the village board and exercised his official prerogatives in support of general improvement and progress. He married Helen Carpenter, a native of Essex county. New York, who died in Lawrence, Michigan, at the age of seventy-nine years. Their onh' daughter and younger child was Mrs. Effie Agrell, of Chicago.

Dr. Rowe, the only son, was educated in the public schools of Van Buren county, and after pursuing a high school course he entered the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in the class of 1879 on the completion of a course in medicine and surgery. He then practiced for eight years in his native village of Lawrence, after which he came to Allegan, where he has remained continuously since, making a specialty of abdominal surgery in addition to a general practice. His knowledge is comprehensive and he continually keeps abreast with the advancement made by the medical fraternity through research and investigation.

In 1887 Dr. Rowe was married in Allegan to Miss Emma H. Rowe, a daughter of Anson and Julia (Look) Rowe, of Iowa. In his political views the doctor is a stalwart Republican, and has served as county physician for ten years. He is a member of the lodge and chapter of Masons, and is a past master in the former. He was one of the leaders in the organization of the Maccabees tent, and was at one time its commander. He is public spirited and has not confined his attention alone to his professional duties but has also become connected with various manufacturing interests which have had direct bearing upon the growth and commercial activity of the village. He is willing at all times to aid in furthering any good enterprise, and what he has done for Allegan makes him numbered among its representative men.

1 the Civil war. Moreover, he possessed that sterling strength of character which prompted him when a young man to brave hardships- and privations uncomplainingly in an effort to secure a livelihood during the hard times which were felt throughout the country, and in his later years he carefully and capabiy conducted business interests that gained for him a goodly measure of prosperity, and at the same time won for him the respect and confidence of those with whom he was associated. He was born in Watertown, Connecticut, in 1818, and was the eldest son in a family of ten children, whose parents were James and Lucy (Steel) Mix. The father was a native of West Hartford, Connecticut, served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and held many important positions of public trust in West Hartford, where he was regarded as a most upright and honest man and valued citizen. In early life he learned the trade of cloth dressing, which he followed for a number of years. He had several sons who distinguished themselves, both in commercial affairs, and in the military service of their country.

General Mix was reared in Watertown, Connecticut, to the age of eighteen years, after which he accompanied his parents on their removal to New Britain, Connecticut. During the hard times of 1836 he walked to Cayuga county. New York, where he worked for one season as a farm hand. The succeeding year he returned to his father's home at Terryville, Connecticut, where he was employed in a tnmk lock factory for a considerable period. In 1840, his health becoming impaired, he shipped before the mast for a sea voyage on a Liverpool boat, thinking that he would be benefited thereby. He afterward enlisted for the Florida war, and subsequent to that period of hostilities he returned to Terryville, where he entered the employ of a contractor as foreman, being thus engaged until 1845.

In the meantime, in 1843, General Mix was married to Miss Amelia Edmonds, daughter of James and Eliza (Pickwick) Edmonds, who was the eldest of eight children and the only one living in Allegan county. In 1846 General Mix removed with his family to New Haven, Connecticut, to take charge of a clock factory, and there remained until 1854, when he came to Michigan. Here he took up the occupation of farming, in which he was continuously engaged until 1862. He had watched with interest the prepress of events in the south following the outbreak of the Civil war, and no longer able to content himself at home while his country's honor was imperiled, he enlisted in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry. Soon afterward he was promoted to major, later to lieutenant colonel and then to the full colonelcy and command of his regiment. He was brevetted brigadier general for long and meritorious service and was mustered out in September, 1865, after the close of the war. For a time he was in command of a large force in central Tennessee and at all times he was a brave and gallant officer, inspiring those who served under him with much of his own courage and zeal. He was respected by all with whom he came in contact and served with distinction in various commands during his long and active connection with the army.

When the war was over General Mix again came to Michigan, where he remained until 1874, when with his family he returned to Terryville, Connecticut, where he resided for four years, engaged in the lock manufac- turing business. On the expiration of that period he again came to this state and was for some years engaged in surveying and himbering. His last years, however, were spent quietly in Allegan in the enjoyment of rest, which was richly earned and well merited.

To General and Mrs. Mix were born three children, of whom two are living - Rose, the wife of Harold C. Weeks, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Elisha, who married Fannie A. Williams, a direct descendant of a passenger on the Mayflower. They have five children, Moseiy W., Ralph W., James E., Laura A. and Clara.

The death of General Mix occurred October lo, 1899, and thus passed away one of the distinguished officers of the Civil war and a man whom to know was to respect and honor. In his business life he was thoroughly reliable, winning his success through industry and merit, and in citizenship he stood for progress and improvement, for patriotism, for civic virtue and for civic pride. In his family he was a devoted husband and father, reserving his best traits for his own fireside, and there his ioss has been most deeply feh, although his memory is still honored and cherished by all who knew Him. Mrs. Mix still resides in Allegan, where she is much esteemed.

Ezra Brackett. - -The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the welfare of a community, has not figured to any great extent in the pages of history. But the names of men who have distinguished themselves by the possession of those qualities which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability, and who have enjoyed the respect and confidence of those around them, should not be permitted to perish. Their example is more valuable to the majority of readers than that of heroes, statesmen and writers. Such are the thoughts that involuntarily come to our minds when we consider the life of him whose name introduces this sketch and who is today one of the most prominent and leading citizens of Allegan county. Ezra Brackett was born in Convis, Calhoun county, Michigan, January 17. 1848, and is a representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of that county. His grandfather, Ezra Brackett. was a soldier in the war of 1812. being commissioned Captain of Light Infantry. His father, Ezra Brackett. was born in EJbridge, New York, and came to Michigan in 1837, shortly after the territorial government, settling in Calhoun county, where, in the midst of the wilderness, he cleared and developed a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He cut the first'tree upon the place and the stump was left standing. Mr. Brackett of this review remembers in his childhood days of playing around that stump, which stood in the dooryard. and is still to be seen there - a mute reminder of the forest which once covered the district and of the work done by the pioneers in clearing the land. At the time of Ezra Brackett's arrival there were only three other men hving in the neighborhood, and all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life had to be endured. He had to take his grain and other products of his farm in a pack on his back to Albion, a distance of nineteen miles, and in the same way he brought back provisions for his familv. subseotiendy he worked on the construction of the Michigan Centra! Railroad from Jackson to Marshall, and also worked on the Erie canal at

Lockport and measurecl every stone there on the construction of the locks before commg; to the west. His educational privileges were extremely limited, for up to the time that he had attained the age of fourteen years he had attended school for only two terms. He was, however, a self-made man and self-educated as well, for by reading, observation and experience he added greatly to his knowledge. He was a most interested student of ancient history' and was considered an authority upon the subject, for he informed himself concerning the events which marked the world's progress in former years. He was a most highly esteemed and respected citizen and was very active in the welfare of his town and county. He held many offices of trust in his township and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, accorded him the honor and distinction that was due him. In politics he was a Republican, and he wielded a wide influence in community affairs, ever standing for justice, truth, rieht and progress. He died in 1889, at the age of eighty-four years, having been born in 1805. and thus passed away one of the prominent early residents of Michigan, who aided in reclaiming the state from the rule of the savages and utilizing it for the purposes of civilization. In early manhood he wedded Miss Mary Davison, who was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and was a daughter of John Davison, a merchant and banker of that place. She was born in 1807 and died in 1882, at the age of seventy-five vears. In the family were eleven children, but onlv three are now living - Charles, who resides uDon the old homestead, which he owns: Albert, who is located at Findlay. Ohio, and Ezra, who is the j-oungest of the family.

Ezra Erackett remained in his native place to the age of seventeen years, and in the meantime acquired his preliminary education in the district schools. He afterward enjoyed the advantages of study in Olivet College, at Olivet, Michigan, and subsequently continued his education in Milton College in Wisconsin, In earlv manhood he engaged in teaching school for three vears in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, and then entered the ministry of the Seventh Day Adventist church, oreaching' for five years in the last two mentioned states. On account of ill health he then retired to his farm and subsequently he purchased a farm in Monterey township. Allegan county, which comorised one hundred and twenty acres, and was pleasantly located about eight miles north of the village of Allegan, When he made the purchase about two-thirds of the farm was under cultivation, and in addition to carrying on general agricultural uursuits he also had a good sized apple orchard. He subsequently sold this place and bought another, where he makes a specialty of raising stock, and in the davs when Merino sheep were largely raised he was one of the most extensive sheen owners of the county and still has a few upon his place. He is likewise a breeder of thoroughbred horses and cattle, makiuEr a soecialty of Shetland ponies, Percheron horses and Red Polled cattle. His farm is well stocked and in fact is eauipped with every modern accessory and convenience known to the model farm of the twentieth century and comnrises two hundred and forty acres. In 1895 he moved to the village of Allegan and purchased property, residing in one of the most modern residences in the village. He goes to and from his farm each day to superintend the work, which is carefully conducted and brings him an excellent financial reti'rn.

Brackett was married to Miss Ella M. Lay, whose birth occurred in Allegan May 27, 1853, her parents being George T. and Mary (Barber) Lay, Her father was born October 28. 1822, near Lockport, in Niagara corinty. New York, and was a son of Abner Lay, who removed to that place from Vermont when a young man, at which time western New York was a dense wilderness. He afterward took an active part in the war of 1812, being engaged in a number of battles in the vicinity of Buffalo and Black Rock. He married Mehitable Talbot, a native of Massachusetts, and a lineal descendant of one of three brothers who were among the earliest settlers of the Bay state.

George T. Lay, father of Mrs. Brackett, was a youth of ten years when he accompanied his oarents on their removal to Erie county. Pennsylvania, and at that tender age he assisted his father in clearing the homestead, enduring with the family the many hardships and privations of pioneer life. He remained there until twenty-one years of age, when he left the cleared and well improved farm in Pennsylvania to seek his fortune farther west. He first made his way to Jackson. Michigan, at that time the terminus of the Michigan Central Railroad, and carrying his satchel in hand, he then traveled on foot through different towns and finally arriving in Allegan in May, 1844. The best outlet Kalamazoo then had for her flour was by shipping it in keelboats to Allegan and transferring it from boats above the dam to boats below and thence down the river to Lake Michigan, Mr. Lay took passage on board the keelboat Pioneer and spent his first summer in Michigan sailing up and down the Kalamazoo river. He next became connected with the lumber trade and for the succeeding nine years worked at it in all of its branches, from taking the tree from the stump in the forests of Allegan county to retailing the lumber on the docks at the head of Lake street, Chicago. After residing in Allegan for a few years and exercising great economy as well as industry he became able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 25, Monterey township. Instead of paying for his land immediatelv he used what means he had in hiring men to chop down the trees. He also worked in this way himself and thus succeeded in soon clearing one hundred acres. The first and second crops raised thereon paid for the land and cleared the farm of all indebtedness, and he continued to add to his holdings until he had acquired about fourteen hundred acres. On the 5th of October, i8=;t. Mr. Lay was married to a daughter of Chester and Nancv Barber. Sh" was born in Old Canaan, Connecticut, July id. 1825, and at the age of nine years accompanied her father's family to Freedom, Portage county. Ohio', and thence to Allegan in 1844.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lav remained in Allegan until after the birth of their first child. May 27, 18;^. It was this daughter who, at the age of twenty vears, became the wife of Ezra Brackett. Mr. Lav was verv .siiccessful in life and verv prominent and infiuential in nublic affairs in Monterey township. He also proved an important factor in different industries of the county and his business integrity was above question. He died at his home in Allesran March 13, iqot.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brackett h^ve been born three children - IJovd Clavton and Ezra Carelton. both born In Monterev, and Lela. who was born in Allegan and died aged eleven months. The family are prominent in the community and Mr. Brackett is one whose life history is indeed commendable and exemplary. Reared amid pioneer conditions and early familiar with many of the hardships incident to life on the frontier, he has made good use of his opportunities as the years have gone by, and is today a prominent representative of agricultural interests. For many years he has participated in business life of the county and has so directed his affairs as to merit the confidence and esteem of the entire community, while no word of censure has ever been uttered against his actions.

Thomas M. Cook. - Among the native sons of Allegan who have found in its business conditions opportunity for successful enterprise and industry, is numbered Thomas M. Cook, who is now engaged in dealing in coal. He was born January 27, 1864, a son of Martin Cook, whose birth occurred in the Netherlands. He came to America from Holland when ten years of age, crossing the Atlantic in 184G with his parents. The _grandfather of our subject was Harm Cook, who was born in 1799, and died in Holland, Michigan, in 1847. He married Jane Dunnewind, a native of Holland, bom in 1800. Her death occurred in Holland, Michigan, in i860. When Mr. and Mrs. Harm Cook came to the new world they brought with them their seven children, and they traveled with a party of about one hundred colonists, who were under the leadership of a minister, Dr. Van Realte. They were dissatisfied in the old country with business and other conditions, and the minister came to America to select a location and then brought the colony to the new world, all settling in Ottawa county, Michigan, where they named the town of Holland in honor of their native country. That portion of the state was then an unbroken wilderness, but now there is a flourishing city at the headwaters of Macatawa bay, with open navigation to Lake Michigan. Harm Cook moved into the second shanty on his arrival in the fall of 1846 which was built, and later erected a log cabin and began to clear a farm, but on account of overwork was taken ill and died in 1847. The members of the family are: Herminia, deceased; John, deceased, who was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in Company I, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, on the 21st oi August, 1862, and was serving as a teamster when discharged on account of disability September 16, 1863; Henry, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Albert, who lives in Allegan; Martin, father of our subject, and two who died in childhood.

Martin Cook was a youth of ten years when the family arrived in the new world. Soon after his father's death he removed to Allegan county, Michigan, where he followed a diversified life until he was elected township treasurer, which position he held for twelve years. He was likewise county treasurer for two years, and held the position of turnkey in the state prison for two years, and for five years was a railway mail clerk. In 1892 he took up his abode in Ionia, Michigan, where he still resides, now filling the position of turnkey of the prison. He wedded Mary C. Krise, who was born in old Holland. In their family were ten children, nine of whom survive, namely: Thomas M., Mrs. H. D. Lewis, Henry J., Mrs. L. H. Pritchard, Fred, who is living in Ionia with his father; Harm, Susan, Jennie and Martin, all of whom are residents of Ionia.

Thomas M. Cook was reared in Allegan county and is indebted to the public school system of his native village for the educational privileges he enjoyed. Since putting aside his text books he has been identified with business interests in Allegan, and in 1885 established a coal and wood yard, which he has conducted with excellent success. In 1890 he became the distributing agent for the Standard Oil Company, and he is recognized as one of the leading business men of his village and county, carefully conducting his interests and winning a libera! patronage by reason of honorable methods and straightforward dealing.

On the 7th of May, 1884, Mr. Cook was married in Ionia, Michigan, to Agnes K. Harwood, who was born in Berlin, Ionia county, this state. They now have two living children : Grover C, who was born in Ionia, and Edmond M., born in Allegan. They both received schooling in Allegan, and also attended the school at Big Rapids, Michigan. At the present time Edward M. is taking a law course at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Mr. Cook is recognized as one of the most prominent representatives of Democracy in Allegan county, and has served as a member of the Democratic state central committee. He has likewise been a member of the village board and was president of the village in 1905 and in 1906. During those years Allegan has witnessed a healthy boom, having secured several new factories and many improvements. His labors in behalf of the party have been far-reaching and beneficial, his work being of a most effective character. He was president of the Allegan County Agricultural Society in 1906, in which year a very successful fair was given and a debt of several hundred dollars against the society was paid. He belongs to various fraternal organizations, holding membership relations with the Knights of Pythias, Elks, Maccabees, the National Protective Legion and the Foresters. He has held all the offices in the first named and has been representative to the Grand Lodge. He is also president of the Allegan Boat & Park Company, who have a fine new excursion boat running to Cook park above the city, which was named in his honor. He is also vicepresident of the Board of Trade, which institution is an active body organized to promote the welfare of Allegan and is doing much good in that direction. Mr. Cook is very widely known and public opinion is altogether favorable regarding his business record and his private life, while even his political opponents recognize the honesty of hts convictions and his fidelity to a course which he believes to be .right.

Joseph Ciiamberlin, one of the early settlers of Allegan county, connected with its agricultural development and for many years a respected citizen but now numbered among the honored dead, was born in Wayne county. New York, December 2, 1823. His parents were Jeremiah and Margaret (Moore) Chamberlin, natives of New York. The father was engaged in farming in Wayne county in his earlier years, and in 1832 journeyed to Ohio, establishing his home in Columbia township, Lorain county, upon a tract of land of eighty acres which at the time of his purchase was covered with a dense growth of timber. There in the midst of the forest he erected a log cabin and began to hew out a farm but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death there occurring in 1838. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy and he served as township trustee. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church and were people of genuine personal worth, who enjoyed and received the respect and good will of all with whom they came in contact. Mrs. Chamberlin died in Monterey township, this county, in 1888, at the very advanced age of eighty-two years, having spent her last days in the home of her son, William A. Chamb'erlin. In the family were six children, but only one now survives, John, who is a resident of Ohio.

Joseph Chamberlin was educated in a Ic^ schoolhouse in Lorain county. Ohio, having been but eight years of age at the time of the parents' removal from the Empire state. He was reared to the occupation of farming and when sixteen years of age became a sailor by going upon the lakes, where he remained for five seasons, and during that time he won promotion until he became captain and was owner of a vessel, sailing from Cleveland to Buffalo and to Canadian points. After leaving the lakes he turned his attention to farming in Lorain county, settling on eighty acres of land, while later he operated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. There he continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his removal to Michigan. He settled in Monterey township. Allegan county, among its early residents, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he began clearing and cultivating. For a considerable period he was actively and successfully engaged in general farming, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation. In 1877. however, he removed to Allegan, where he resided until his death.

Mr. Chamberlin was twice married. He first wedded Harriett Weton, and thev had one son, Clifton. For his second wife he chose Martha A. Brooks,' and unto them was born a daughter, May, who became the wife of Thomas Armstrong, and after his death became the wife of Milton Griffith. Mrs. Chamberlin had a brother, Alphonso. who enhsted in the Civil war from New York state and now lives in Emmet county, Michigan, where he took up a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land.

The death of Mr. Chamberlin occurred on the 18th of January. 1902. He had held the office of school director and had affiliated with the Democratic party but was not an active politician in the sense of office seeking. He preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business interests and whatever success he achieved was due entirely to his own labors, for he started out in life empty-handed and by persistency of purpose and unfaltering energy constantly worked his way upward, becoming in the course of years a prosperous and prominent agriculturist of Allegan county, and one who commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow men under all circumstances.

Theodore S. Upovke is accorded a position of prominence in business circles in Allegan by reason of his enterprise and industry, and while he has devoted the greater part of his attention to real estate and the insurance business, he is yet a valued factor in other fields of business endeavor, and various industries have felt the stimulus of his co-operation and benefited ty his sound judgment. A native son of the village, he was born in December, 1858, and is the only child of Renssalaer S. and Ermina (Stone) Updyke. The father removed from the Empire state to Michigan after learning the miller's trade in the east. He had followed that pursuit on the Hudson river, and subsequent to his removal to Michigan he settled in

Allegan, where he again engaged in the milling business until 1870. He then took up his abode in Iowa, where he purchased a farm, making it his home throughout his remaining days. There he died in 1878, when about fifty-eight years of age, his birth having occurred in 1820. He was three times married, his first union being with Mary Herald, a native of New York. Unto them were born two children, who are yet living: William H., a resident of Sioux City, Iowa, and Mary H., who lives in Connecticut. For his second wife Mr. Updyke chose Ermina Stone, who was born in Canada and died in Allegan in 1868. She had come to Michigan with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Stone, who were early residents of this village. The on!y child of this marriage is Theodore S. Updyke. The father was a third time married and is survived by one child :>( that union, F""red Updyke.

In the public schools of Allegan Theodore S. Updyke mastered the common branches of English learning, and on the removal of the family to Iowa he continued his education in the schools of that state. When he had attained the age of twenty years he returned to his native village and accepted a clerkship in the postoffice under his uncle, George R. Stone, who was postmaster at that time. After a year, however, he went to the southwest, visiting New Mexico and Arizona. He made his headquarters, however, at Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was engaged in the railway postal service for two years, after which he resigned his position and went to Kansas. There he conducted a hardware business and subsequently became cashier in the Medicine Valley Bank, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, devoting three years to that work, after which he removed to Lake City and subsequently to Ashland, Kansas, where he engaged in the hardware and lumber business. In 1889 he returned to Michigan and became chief clerk for the Lake Shore Railroad, with headquarters at Grand Rapids, where he remained- until 1905. In the latter year he came to Allegan, where he engaged in the real estate and general insurance business. Here he has secured a fine clientage, writing large amounts of insurance annually and negotiating many important realty transfers. He has tlioroughlv informed himself concerning land values in this village and throughout the county and is thus enabled to make good purchases and sales for his clients, and thereby realize a very desirable conmiission for himself. A man of business ability, he has not confined his energies to one line of undertaking, however, but has reached out into other fields, thus broadening his activity and accomplishing greater resuhs. Various industries of Allegan have been stimulated through his co-operation and sound business judgment. He is now a director in the Bane-Mosher Company, and also in the Allegan Foundry & Machine Company, while of the Michigan Engine Company at Allegan he is secretary and treasurer.

In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Theodore S. Updyke and Miss Ella Williams, the wedding ceremony being performed in Allegan. The lady is a daughter of the late Hon. William B. Williams, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of her brother, Frank H. Williams, who is judge of the probate court of Allegan county. Mr. and Mrs. Updyke now have one child, a son, George W., who was born in this village and passed through successive grades in the public schools of Allegan until he liad completed the high school course, after which he entered Howe's Military School in Indiana, where he was graduated in 1906. He is now completing his education in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In politics Mr. Updyke is a stalwart Republican, and while in Ashland, Kansas, which is the county seat of Clark county, he served as mayor of the city for one term. In Masonry he has attained high rank, having taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite, and he has held various offices in different Masonic bodies. He is an exemplary representative of the craft and is thoroughly familiar with its tenets and teachings. Weil directed effort in business life, laudable ambition and keen discernment have been salient features in his success, making him one of the representative and prominent residents of Allegan.

Gordon L. Hicks, who is engaged in the conduct of an agricultural implement business and also handles hardware, buggies and wagons, is classed with those whose enterprise and labor have promoted the commercial activity and consequent prosperity of Allegan. His birth occurred in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, January 15, T851, his parents being Henry B. and Hulda (Everett) Hicks, both of whom were natives of Vermont. The father came from the Green Mountain state to Michigan in 1836, and was one of the early settlers of Allegan, being employed in the first mill ever built there. Subsequently he removed to Richland township, Kalamazoo county, and there rented a farm, which he operated until his success justified his purchase of a farm at Spring Brook, in the same township. The place was then a wilderness, but he cleared and cultivated it and followed farming there until his death, which occurred in 1892, when he was eighty-five years of age. He was an honored pioneer of the county, for he worked persistently and earnestly to secure its development and aid in its reclamation from the wilderness through transforming it into good farming property. His wife passed away about a year prior to his demise. In their family were nine children, who reached adult age, while six are now living: Gilbert, who, enlisting from Iowa, served for three years and six months in the Civil war, and now lives in Emmet county, Michigan; Mrs. Mary Swears; Calvin C, who lives on the old homestead in Spring Brook, Kalamazoo county, Michigan ; Martha, who resides in Detroit, this state ; Fannie, the widow of Dr. French, and Gordon L.

In the schools of his native county Gordon L. Hicks acquired his early education and afterward attended Albion College and Parson's Business College at Kalamazoo. Subsequently he carried on farming in Kalamazoo county for two years, and in 1875 removed to Trowbridge township, this county, where he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits until 1892. In that year he removed from the farm to the village of Allegan and began dealing in agricultural implements and kindred goods. He prospered in this venture and afterward added a line of buggies, wagons, threshing machines and hardware, and he now has a well appointed store and is enjoying an excellent trade. In 1892 he was elected secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Allegan and Ottawa counties, which office he still fills in connection with his other business interests.

Mr. Hicks withholds his support from no movement or measure which he deems of public benefit and his allegiance is unswervingly given to the Republican party. For the past twelve years he has acted as justice of the peace and liis decisions have been strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Maccabee, belonging to the former organization for twelve years and to the latter for sixteen years, and at all times he is loyal to the beneficent spirit of both.

In 1873, in Vickeryville, Biishnell township, Montcalm county, Michigan, Mr. Hicks was married to Miss Fannie Kirven, and they now have two sons and a daughter. Henry G., born in Trowbridge township, this county, is now engaged in the harness business in Allegan. Floyd H., also a native of the same township, is a veterinary surgeon, practicing in Allegan, and he married Anna Williamson, of Gun Lake, the wedding being celebrated in Wayland township. Bessie M., the youngest, was born in Trowbridge township, and is a student in Ypsilanti Normal College. The family is widely and favorably known in this locality, the members of the household occupying an enviable social position.

Austin J. Colburn. - Among the enterprising, energetic and successful business men of Allegan is numbered Austin J. Colburn, who belongs to that class of representative Americans who, while promoting individual success also contribute to general progress and advancement. His birth occurred in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, February 18, i860. His father, John H. Colburn, a native of HoUis, New Hampshire, came to Michigan with his parents at the age of six years and died in 1900, aged sixty years. The grandfather was John G. Colburn, who, on his removal to the middle west, settled on a farm in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, after spending one year in the village of Allegan. He began clearing and improving a farm, being one of the pioneer residents of the township, where he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred when he was about eighty-two years of age.

John H. Colburn was reared amid pioneer scenes and environments in Allegan county and early became familiar with farm labor, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits on his own account after he had attained his majority. He married Miss Rachel Austin, who was born at Painted Post, New York, and still survives him. She is a daughter of Isaac G. Austin, one of the pioneers of Michigan, who settled in Trowbridge township as early as 1846. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John H. Colburn were born five children, of whom four are now living: Mrs. Mary Van Kuren, Austin J., Mrs. Ella Wood and Glenn G., who lives upon the old homestead in Trowbridge township, which is still owned by the family.

Austin J. Colburn acquired his education in the district schools of his native township and followed farming to the age of twenty-one years upon his father's land. He then purchased, a farm in Allegan township, where he carried on the work of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops for fifteen years, but thinking that he would find commercial pursuits more congenial, he removed to the village of Allegan in 1900 and accepted a clerkship with the Grange Co-operative Store, being with them about five years. In 1904 the Allegan Hardware Supply Company was incorporated, with fohn Winchell, of Cheshire township, as president; Harry M. Luts, of Allegan township, vice-president and treasurer; Austin J. Colburn, secretarv. and I. A. Brown, manager. Mr. Colburn has since been identified with the hardware business, and his labors have been an important factor in the development of what is now one of the leading commercial interests of the town.

In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Colburn and Miss Hattie Wood, of Allegan, who died in 1903, leaving one son, Harlan A., who was bom in Allegan township in 1891. In 1905 Mr. Colburn wedded Miss Lucy Miner, of Allegan. He and his family attend the Baptist church, and he belongs to Home Lodge No. 290, I. O. O. F., of AHegan, of which he is a vice-grand at the present writing, in 1906. In politics he is a prominent Republican in the local ranks, has served as a member of the village council and at the present writing is a trustee of the village board. He has shown in business life that he is quick of apprehension and readily comprehends intricate business conditions. He is genial in manner, is popular with those who know him, and is much esteemed by his many friends.

George E. Jewett, deceased, who was recognized as one of the foremost factors of Allegan county, was born in Lincoln county, Maine, on the 20th of December, 1828, and passed away in Allegan township March 22, 1892. His parents were Nathaniel and Alice (Erskine) Jewett. also natives of Lincoln county. The father there engaged in agricultural pursuits and in milling, and spent his entire life in the Pine Tree state, where he reared his family of five children. George E. being the second in order of birth. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812. and was one of the prominent and influential men of his county. The grandfather. James Jewett, wedded Lydia Hilton, and their family also numbered five children.

George E. Jewett remained in his father's home in Maine until sixteen years of age, when he began earning his own living in connection with the lumber trade in the state of his nativity. He was thus engaged until his removal to Michigan in 1848. Following his arrival here he assisted in erecting a sawmill on the Kalamazoo river in Allegan county and was afterward employed in the mill until 1853, when he purchased what is now known as the old Jewett homestead. He first bought three hundred and twenty acres of land, which was covered with a dense growth of timber. In eight months' time he had cleared ninety acres of this and on that tract he erected a comfortable and attractive residence. For a long period he carried on general farming, raising grain, fruit and stock, and year after year brought him good financial returns, for he was practical in his methods and his energies were so directed that they brought the best possible returns.

In 1855 was celebrated the marriage of George E. Jewett and Miss Constance A. Bingham, of Allegan county, a daughter of Ehjah and Caroline B. (Buck) Bingham, who were natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, respectively. Her father was engaged in merchandising in the east, and in 1836 came to the west, settling in Allegan, where he served as the first register of deeds and county clerk of Allegan county. He also held the office of notary public under the administration of three different governors of Michigan and was a prominent and efficient man of his time. He was a scholar of broad general information and his ability well fitted him for the position of leadership that was accorded him. Later in life he went to Buffalo, New York, where he died very suddenly, while his wife passed away in Aliegan in August, 1837. They were the parents of eight children, and Mrs. Jewett is the only one now living. She was a teacher prior to her marriage and is a lady of innate culture and refinement. Her eldest sister was the first adult white woman that died in Allegan township.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jewett were born four children, all natives of Allegan. Karl B. married Grace E. Tomlinson, and has three children, Harry E., Helen W. and Max B. Alice E. became the wife of Frank N. Gardiner, and died March 14, 1905, leaving one son, George Jewett. She was an artist of unusual ability, possessing natural talent and displaying much skill in her portrait, landscape and animal paintings. She acquired her education in art in Boston, Massachusetts. Van Gilbert married Antoinette Suilivan, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and they have tliree children - Mary Constance, Ruth Victoria and a son yet unnamed. George Hartley married Jessie L. Reed, and was formerly a traveling salesman, but now manages his mother's extensive farm.

In addition to his business interests George E. Jewett was president of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company for Allegan and Ottawa counties and was adjuster of the same for many years prior to his death. He also acted as director of the Allegan County Co-operative Association for fifteen years and was chairman of the executive committee. He was classed with the foremost farmers of his county and he was connected with the Patrons of Husbandry in various ways, taking their products and shipping them and assisting them in bettering their financial conditions. In politics he was a Prohibitionist, being a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance. During the Civil war. while incapacitated for field duty on account of an accident to one of his eyes, he gave liberally of his money and time for furthering the cause. His life was noble, his actions manly and sincere, and his fidelity to high principles was above question. All who knew him entertained for him warm regard and his memory is still cherished by many friends as well as his immediate family.

Clarence H. Rowk, who in 1906 was appointed to the position of superintendent of the county farm, was born in Watson township, Allegan county, October 4, 1877. His father, Charles Henry Rowe, is also a native of Watson township, while the grandparents came from New York to Michigan and settled in Allegan county at an early day, Charles H. Rowe was married to Miss Delia Pulsifer, likewise a native of Watson township, and they still reside upon a farm in that township. Three children have been bom to them, namely: Ira, a farmer living in Trowbridge township, who married Edith St. German, and has two children, Harold and Erma; Edith, the wife of Delbert Pressley, of Hopkins township, by whom she has one child, Lilla; and Clarence H.

In the country schools of Watson township Clarence H. Rowe acquired his early education and was reared upon the home farm, where he remained until twenty-five years of age, when he left the parental roof and was employed as a farm hand in various localities until April, 1906, when he became superintendent of the Allegan county poor farm. He is a practical agriculturist, understanding thoroughly the best methods of tilling the soil and producing crops, and he is thus well qualified for the position which he is now filling.

In 1901, in Monterey township, Mr. Rowe was married to Miss Edna Keel, who was born in that township, where her father, John Keel, settled at an early day. Mr, and Mrs, Rowe now have an interesting little son, Bernard, who was born in Hopkins township. In his political views Mr. Rowe is a stalwart Republican, while fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His entire life has been passed in this county and he has always followed farming and is accounted one of the enterprising and progressive young agriculturists of the community.

Ira G. Thorpe, at one time a prominent representative of the educational interests of Michigan and now a school commissioner residing in Allegan, was born in Girard township. Branch county, this state, June 12, 1861. He is a son of George P. and Ellen (Whalen) Thorpe, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ireland. They now make their home at Mill Grove, Allegan county. He came to this county in 1878, settling on section 21, Valley township, and in 1881 he removed to the vicmity of Mill Grove, settling upon a farm which is now the property of his son Ira, He still lives upon the place, which he has devoted to the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He was married in early manhood to Miss Ellen Whalen, who at the age of about forty-five years became a resident of Allegan county. Seven children grace this marriage: Anna, now the wife of Elliott Pullman ; Ira G., Mary, Morris W., who wedded Flora Peet, and lives upon the farm now owned by our subject; Albert, who makes his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan ; Jennie, the wife of Scott Day, also living in Allegan ; and Frederick, who is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ira G. Thorpe acquired his early education in the Branch county district schools in Cornell's district to the age of fifteen years, after which he became a student in the brick school near Union City, and later attended the Union high school. He completed his early education in this county and in 1879 began teaching in school No. 4 in Valley township. In the succeeding fall he attended school in Allegan, after which he again engaged in teaching at district No. 4 in Valley township. Two years later he went to teach at Mil! Grove, where he remained for five terms, and then to district No. 2, in Heath township. In the summer of 1885 he attended the Wayland Nomial School, where he studied under Professor J. W. Humphrey. In the fall of 1885 he taught the Dunningville school and thence went to Diamond Springs, where he engaged in teaching for four years. There he met Miss Carrie A. Collins, who was teaching there, and who became his wife in 1887. She was a daughter of Chester C. Collins, an early settler in Michigan and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Thorpe was born in Allegan and was a competent teacher in her early womanhood. In the meantime Mr. Thorpe attended a normal school at Wayland, and during his vacations he taught in various schools. He afterward became principal at Hamilton.

In the fall of 1893 Mr. Thorpe entered the Normal School at Ypsilanti as a student and graduated in 1896 on the completion of a four years' course, receiving at that time a life certificate as a teacher. He studied very hard, acquainting himself with branches of learning in which he had never had opportunity to familiarize himself before, and out of a class of two hundred and sixty-five he was chosen as instructor in the history department for the coming year at the college. During that year he pursued three post graduate courses on as many subjects. In 1S97 he became superintendent of the Martin school in this county, continuing as such until 1900, when his health failed him and he retired to his farm. In 1903 he was elected school commissioner of Allegan county, which office he now holds, his ability being widely recognized. As a public educator he gained rank among the foremost representatives of the profession in this part of the state, and in the schoolroom was an excellent disciplinarian, at the same time imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe have been born three children: Ralph C, who was born in Ypsilanti; and Avis lone and George Ira, both of whom were born in Allegan. The family attend the Methodist church and Mr. Thorpe holds memberslrip with the Maccabees. In politics he is a Republican, and while on the farm, from 1900 until 1903, he was supervisor of his township for two years, and also township clerk and school inspector in Heath township in 1886 and 1887. He regards a public office as a public trust - and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. He has faithfully performed every duty that has devolved upon him of a public nature and in his life he has displayed those sterling traits of manhood that everywhere command confidence and regard,

Milton D, Griffith is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Allegan township, the greater part of which is under cultivation, and in addition to tilling the fields he has a fine fruit orchard of apples, which is carefully cultivated and adds materially to his income. He is also making a specialty of dairy farming, and this branch of his business is proving profitable.

A native son of Michigan, Mr. Griffith was born in the township of Springport, in Jackson county, in 1853, and is a son of Marshall Griffith, a native of Vermont, who came to Michigan when twelve years of age with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Griffith, who settled in Jackson county at what is now called Springport. The grandfather there purchased and improved three hundred acres of land and was one of the prominent citizens of those days. He acted as postmaster for many years and was influential in public affairs, leaving the impress of his individuality upon the upbuilding and progress of the county. He cleared most of his farm with the assistance of his sons and he also found time and opportunity to further the moral development of the community. He helped to build the Griffith Methodist church at Springport and was very active and helpful in church work, while in all life's relations he was highly esteemed for his many good qualities.

Marshall Griffith, father of our subject, was reared upon the old home farm in Jackson county and later purchased a farm in Springport township about a mile from his father's place. He bought his land from the government and it was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy he began its development. He married Cynthia Benson, and they afterward removed to Tompkins township in Jackson county, which is now regarded as the homestead property of the family, the place being now occupied by Melvin Griffith, a brother of our subject. After living thereon for a number of years the father sold the property to his son Melvin and removed to Eaton Rapids, where he resided for two years, when. In March, 1905, he passed away, at the age of eighty years. His widow and some of her children now reside upon the old home farm in Tompkins township, Jackson county, Michigan. Mr. Griffith was an active member of the Methodist church of Tompkins, and lived an earnest, consistent Christian Ufe. Tn the family were five children, three of whom survive: Milton D., of this review; Rev. Arthur A. Griffith, who is a minister of the Methodist church, and Melvin.

Milton D. Griffith was reared upon the old homestead in Springport township to the age of fifteen years, when he removed with his father to the farm in Tompkins township, there remaining until twenty-five years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. Going to northern Michigan he engaged in lumbering and in milling in the employ of others, but subsequently he returned to the homestead farm in Tompkins township, Jackson county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1902. He then came to Allegan township and purchased eighty acres of land, to which he added in 1906 a tract of one hundred acres, so that he is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. He annually harvests good crops and he also has a fine fruit orchard, containing apples. He likewise keeps forty five head of cattle and is making a specialty of dairy farming, and in the summer season makes about fifteen pounds of butter per day.

Mr. Griffith has been married twice. In 1875 he wedded Julia Mason in Jackson county, Michigan, and unto them were born three children, who are yet living: Herman, Hubert and Earl. In 1900 he was again married, his second union being with May E. Chaniberlin, a daughter of the late Joseph Chaniberlin, who is mentioned on another page of this work. Mr. Griffith has led a very busy life and through earnest toil and economy, by capable management and diligence he has gained a place among the substantia] farmers of his community and is much esteemed for what he has accomplished and for his genuine personal worth.

Hknry Lewis Green, whose public-spirited interest in the general welfare has been manifest in his devotion to the duties that have devolved upon him in a public connection, and who is justly classed with the representative men of Allegan county, was bom in Bethel, Branch county, Michigan, in 1841. His father, Silas Green, was a native of Seneca county, New York, and on leaving the Empire state went first to Ohio and subsequently came to Michigan, settling in Branch county in 1835. There he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared and farmed, making his home thereon until about 1850, when he removed to Barry county, where he again purchased a tract of land and followed farming until 1853. He was then called to his final rest, passing away at the age of fifty-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth H6we, was a native of Ohio, and died at the comparatively early age of thirty-seven years. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children, of whom Henry L. was the fourth in order of birth. Only three of the number are now living, namely : Mrs. Martha Bronson, Mrs. Hannah E. Lawrence, of Birmingham, Ohio, and Henry L.

boyhood days. He was only thirteen years of age, however, at the time of his father's death. He afterward returned to Branch county, Michigan, where he was employed in various ways, scorning no occupation that would yield him an honest living. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and offered his services to the government, enlisting with the boys in blue of Company B, First Michigan Infantry, in i86i. He joined the army as a private for three years and on the expiration of that term he re-enlisted as a veteran in March, 1864. It was his intention to serve until the close of the war. but on account of illness, in March, 1865, he was honorably discharged. He made a most creditable record as a soldier and hatl the usual experiences, hardships and privations of military life.

After being mustered out he again returned to Barry county, Michigan, and purchased the old homestead there. He then continued farming in that locality until 1880, when he went to northern Michigan, where he remained for seven years, taking up one hundred and sixty acres of land. He afterward sold this place, having in the meantime secured a farni of forty-seven . acres. The year 1888 witnessed his arrival in Allegan, and since 1899 h\^ has continuously filled a public office, serving during this period as township clerk. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the party and its principles. He is also a devoted member of Charles J. Bassett Post No. 56, G. A. R., in which he has served as senior vice commander.

Mr. Green was married in 1868, in Hastings, Barry county, to Miss Mary McClellan, who was born in that place and is a daughter of John Lewis McClellan, who located in Barry county during the early epoch in its history. Mr. and Mrs. Green have become the parents of four children. George Ernest, who was bom in Hastings, Barry county, married Mabel Leman, by whom he has one child, Lyle, who was born in Chicago. Mary Effie, a native of Hastings, became the wife of W. A. Swartout, and had two children, Charles Vere and Cecil Ernest, both born in Emmet county, Michigan. Her second husband is Dr. C. W. Young. Henry Aldine, also a native of Hastings, Michigan, wedded Mary Strayer and has two children. Lillie May and George H. Olla Belle, born in Hastings, is the wife of Malcolm Harper and has one child.

Mr. Green is accounted one of the valued public officials of Allegan, being most faithful and loyal in the discharge of his duties. Over his political record and private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, while his military service alone would entitle him to -representation in this volume.

William W. Warner, whose practice extends to various courts and embraces a large clientage, makes his home in Allegan, and is numbered among the leading members of the bar of this county. He was born in Hampden county, Massachusetts, November 11, 1840, a son of Theron and Myra (Hubbardl Warner, who were likewise natives of the old Bay state. The father was a farmer by occupation, but for twenty years was in public life, filling many important positions of trust at New Marlboro, Massachwsetts, his continued service being evidence of his ability and fidelity. He died in New Marlboro at the age of sixty-four years, after whicli his widow came to Michigan and passed away in Allegan at the age of seventy -four. Of their family of six children three are yet living - Mrs. Mary L. Goodrich, Mrs. Carrie E. Goodrich and William W. One son, Henry E., was killed in the siege of Port Hudson during the Civil war on the 27th of May, 1863. He had enlisted as a member of Company K, Forty-ninth Massachusetts Infantry, the regiment being commanded by Colonel William Francis Bartlett, who afterward became major general and who was a brave and distiriguished soldier, making a record worthy of note. He was honored by the placing of a bronze statue in the rotunda of the state house in Boston, Massachusetts.

William W. Warner benefited by the excellent public school system of Southwick, Hampden county, Massachusetts, in his early youth and afterward entered East Hampton Academy. In the fall of 1861, when not yet twenty-one years of age, he offered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company H, Thirty-first Massachusetts Regiment. He served until January 27, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, having done active duty with the Department of the Gulf, in which he saw much arduous and onerous service. Following the close of the war he came to Allegan, Michigan, in November, 1866, and from 1869 until 1871 was a law student in the University of Michigan, being graduated in the latter year from that institution. He was also admitted to the bar in 1871 and returned to Allegan, where he has since practiced his profession, advancing until winning an honorable position among the representatives of the bar in this county. He is also a solicitor in chancery and he practices in all the courts and has had a practice in obtaining pensions for old soldiers and in the conduct of government claims. He is likewise engaged in the real estate business and in mortgage loans.

In 1872, in Allegan, Mr. Warner was married to Miss Mary E. Goodrich, a native of this village and a daughter of Dr. Osman D. Goodrich, a distinguished pioneer physician of Allegan county. Her father was a native of New York and was graduated from the Berkshire Medical Institute at Pittsfiekl, Massachusetts, in 1834. Soon afterward he took up his abode in Huron county, Ohio, where he entered upon the practice of his profession, and in March, 1836, at the earnest solicitation of the Hon. Elisha Ely, one of the pioneers of Allegan, he decided to remove to this place and did so in May of that year. Shortly after his arrival his wife and child were taken ill, and this, in addition to other hardships and privations, rendered his early experience in the county bitter indeed. There was but one house within ten miles of Allegan, and north and south of the village was an unbroken wilderness. There was not a dwelling before the shores of Lake Michigan were reached. Pioneer life and its attendant privations, in connection with his arduous duties as a physician, involving long rides through the summer's sun and winter's cold, made sad inroads upon his health, and in September, 1845, he was obliged to relinquish his practice and bend his efforts toward the restoration of his own health. He therefore went to Berlin, Hartford county, Connecticut, and resided there and in New Haven until September,- 1855, During his residence in the east he investigated the principles of homeopathy and adopted its practice. Upon his return to Allegan he again established himself in his profession, becoming the first homeopathic physician in the county. Hts practice became large and important for a pioneer community, and though it involved many personal risks and hardships he never faltered in the performance of any professional duty He was frequently obliged to ford streams and to follow Indian trails through the forest. His wife was Emeline Dickinson, of Berlin, Harper county, Connecticut, who died in 1872. The foUowmg year he married Jane E. Shepard, who passed away in 1879. By his first wife he had two sons and one daughter.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warner has been bom a daughter, Lilhan, who was born in Allegan, and is a graduate of the classical department of Ann Arbor high school, and is further pursuing her studies at the University of Michigan. In politics Mr. Warner was a Republican until 1896, since which time he has voted with the Democracy. He served as school director, was for six years on the township board, and has been civil magistrate for eight years. He regards a public office as a public trust and is ever most loyal and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He belongs to Charles J. Bassett Post No. 56, G. A. R., of which he has served as commander. In all lifes relations his course has been such as to win him honor and respect, while in his professional career he has gained a gratifying measure of success.

George W. Cady makes his home in the village of Allegan. He was born in Portage county, Ohio, March 28, 1837. His father, Peter Catly, was born in Canada, and died in Allegan. He removed from Ohio to Michigan in 1856, settling in Monterey township, where he followed farming. Subsequently he took up his abode in the village of Allegan, where his last days were passed. His wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Mcintosh, and is a native of Portage county. She still survives her husband and makes her home in Allegan.

George W. Cady acquired his education in the public schools of Oliio, and in early Ufe followed lumbering. He came to Michigan with his parents and continued actively in the lumber business until 1861, when with the country's other loval sons of Michigan he offered his services to the government and enlisted as a private in the Third Michigan Cavalry for three years. He served his full term and then re-enlisted, remaining at the front in the same regiment until the close of the war. He was under command of Generals Grant. Rosecrans and other distinguished leaders and was mustered out in Texas, having in the meantime participated in many important engagements, which had direct bearing upon the final outcome of the war.

When the country no longer needed his services Mr. Cady resumed lumbering, in which he continued for two or three years, when, his labors having brought him sufficient capital, enabled him to purchase a farm. He then became owner of a tract of land in Monterey township, Allegan county, whereon he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits until 1880, when he removed to Allegan township and followed farming. His farm is just south of the village of Allegan and he also has a fruit orchard. Upon this place he continued to reside until 1904, when he went to the village of Allegan, where he still resides. He yet owns his farm, however, and gives to it his personal supervision,

Mr. Cady is a public-spirited man and withholds his aid and co-operation from no movement that is intended to benefit the community. In 1898 he became superintendent of the county poor and has held the office to the present. While living in Monterey township he was supervisor and was also supervisor for Allegan township at one time, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity in these various connections. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to C. J. Bassett Post No. 56, G. A. R., in which he is a past commander, and has held other offices. He is as true and loyal in citizenship in days of peace as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south, and as one of the progressive residents of AHegan county and a veteran of the Civil war he well deserves mention in this volume.

Clarence W. Youxg, D. D. S. - Among the representatives of professional life in Ailegan is Dr. Ciarence W. Young, now successfully engaged in the practice of dentistrj'. His life record began in Hastings, Barry county, Michigan, in 1869. His father, H. Oscar Young, also a native of this state, was born in Battle Creek, and is still living, being now engaged in business as a contractor and builder at Hastings. In the period of the Civil war he enlisted as a member of Company C, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics of Michigan, and served for three years and three months, being honorably discharged on the 6th of June, 1865, after the close of the war. He was made sergeant in his company and did faithful and capable service for the Union. After the war he returned to Hastings, where he has resided continuously since, and for a long period he was identified with its building operations. He married Miss Annie E. Hams, who was born in New York and also survives. However, they have lost two of their four children. Those still living are Clarence W. and William A,, the latter a native of Hastings and now a merchant of Bellevue, Michigan.

At the usual age Dr. Young entered the public schools of his native town and passed through successive grades until he had completed the high school course by graduation. He afterward studied dentistry for a year in Hastings, having determined upon its practice as a life work, and later he attended a dental college in Chicago, being graduated in 1891 from the Chicago Dental College. In April of the same year he came to Allegan and opened an office, since which time he has successfully practiced with a constantly growing patronage. He keeps in touch with the most advanced methods of the profession, has a well equipped office and in his work displays the peculiarly delicate mechanical skill, the knowledge of scientific principles and the business qualifications which are indispensable concomitants to success in the dental profession. He is also interested in various industries of Allegan and is now sole owner of the plant operated under the na,me of the Allegan Foundry & Machine Company. At the present time this plant is being enlarged, so that its scope of business will be even greater than before. He is likewise secretary of the Baines-Mosher Cabinet Company, manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, and likewise is secretarv of the Rowe Brothers Manufacturing Company. He was one of the organizers of all of these different concerns and is financially interested therein. He is a man of sound judgment, keen foresight and unfaltering energ\-.

Fraternally Dr. Young is a Mason and also represents the Knights of Pythias, while his political allegiance is given to the Democratic party. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the village, willing at all times to aid any interest for the public good, while his co-operation in its commercial and industrial life has heen of utmost benefit to the town.

Okien S. Cross, an able member of the Allegan county bar, who since 1902 has served as county prosecuting attorney, was bom in Bangor, Michigan, in 1873. His father, Cornelius W. Cross, a native of Ohio, came to Michigan prior to his marriage and settled in iiangor. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Addie Wilson, was born in Wisconsin, and died in 1887, at the age of forty-three years. In their family were seven children, namely; Perley W., Orien S., Merl H., Melvin L., Harry, Amasa and Hugh.

Orien S. Cross pursued his early education in the schools of Bangor, and later attended the University of Michigan, where he was graduated from the Law Department in the class of 1896. His ambition was to be a lawyer and he realized that a good fountlation was eminently essential, so he decided to pursue the study of law further. He returned to the University and took a post-graduate course and secured his second degree from the University in 1897, obtaining a Master's Degree of Law. He entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in June, 1897, at Paw Paw, Michigan, while in October of that year he removed to Allegan, where he has since practiced with much success. A liberal clientage was soon accorded him, for he demonstrated his ability to successfully cope with the intricate problems of the law and to present his cause in a clear, forcible and logical manner that never fails to impress court or jury, and seldom fails to win the verdict desired.

in September, 1898, he foriued a partnership with Horace H. Pope, and under the firm name of Pope & Crt>ss their law business was carried on until June, 1906, at which time the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. ^ In April, 1900, Mr. Cross was appointed by the conunon council of the village of Allegan to the office of village attorney, and he was reappointed in 1901, 1902 and 1903. In July. 1902. he wa's nominated by the Republicans as their candidate for the office of prosecuting attornev, and was elected at the November election without opposition, the Democrats not placing any candidate for the office on their ticket. He was re-elected to the same office in 1904. He discharges the <luties of the office without fear or favor, and has been unusually successful in securing convictions in his cases. His official reports to the attorney-general show that one thousand two hundred and eighty-four persons have been convicted while only nineteen cases were lost by a verdict of not guilty. The crimes of which persons were convicted include burglary, briber)-, horse-stealing, forgery, murder and other serious crimes. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skill, is logical in his argument, strong in his deductions, and his devotion to his client's interests is proverbial.

_ Mr. Cross is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias and other local orders. Interested in community affairs he is a member of the Allegan fire department and one of the directors and

Joseph E. Young. - The industrial interests of Allegan county find a worthy representative in Joseph E. Young, the senior partner of the firm of Young & Stratton Brothers, proprietors of a flour and grain mill. He is a wide-awake, alert and enterprising business man, watchful of opportunities and conducting his interests along modern lines resulting in success. He was born in Pipestone township, Berrien county, Michigan, in 1847. His father, Jacob V. W. Young, a native of the Empire state, came from New York to Michigan with his father, Joseph Young, and settled in Calhoun county. Following his marriage, which was celebrated in this state, he removed to Berrien county and worked on the river as a boatman for a few years. After remaining in tliat county for some time he returned to Calhoun county and subsequently took up his abode in Kalamazoo county, where he engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death, when he was seventy years of age. He married Mahala Ferguson, who was bom in Kentucky and died at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were four children, Joseph E., Mrs. Mary Isted, DeWitt and Mrs. Nina Barry.

Joseph E. Young acquired his education in the common schools of Kalamazoo county, and prepared for life's practical and responsible duties by learning the miller's trade at Augusta, where he was employed for fifteen years. He then started in business on his own account at Howland, Kalamazoo county, and subsequently, in connection with his brother-in-law, Luther Stratton, purchased a mill in Bedford township. Calhoun county, where they engaged in the manufacture of flour for eight years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Young, in 1888, came to Allegan, and with another brother-in-law, C. L. Harvey, purchased a flour mill, which they conducted under the firm style of Young & Harvey for eight years. Mr, Young then went to Reed City, Michigan, where he operated a flour mill for six months, when he returned to Allegan and purchased another mill here in connection with Frank E. Stratton, a brother of his former partner, Luther Stratton. The firm name of Young & Stratton was then assumed. They were successfid in the conduct of this enterprise and later F. S. Stratton, a brother of F. E. Stratton, joined the firm, and the style was then changed to Young & Stratton Brothers, at which time they also enlarged the mill and added many modern facilities. It is now equipped with the latest improved machinery known in the manufacture of flour and they continue to do an extensive business in the conduct of a flour and grain mill. The partners of the firm are enterprising men, thoroughly conversant with the trade, and in the management of their business show keen discrimination and unfaltering enterprise.

In 1877, in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, occurred the marriage of Joseph E. Young, and Miss May Stratton, a daughter of Asa Stratton, of that county. They now have three children. Gertrude, who was born in Kalamazoo county, is the wife of William Howe, a resident of Allegan township, and they have one child. Ida, born in Calhoun county, is the wife of Ned Killian, who is principal of the high school at LeadviUe, Colorado. Vem, born in Allegan, is at home. The family attend the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Young is a Republican in politics. He has served as supervisor of the village of Allegan, and for the past ten years has been a member of the school board, in which capacity he is still serving. He possesses an enterprising spirit which enables him to overcome difficulties and obstacles, and realizing that "there is no excellence without labor" he has put forth strenuous effort toward the upbuilding of a business which is now large and profitable.

Albert D, Wetmore, deceased, who for many years was actively and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising in Allegan county, was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1833, a son of Chester and Mary (Dumont) Wetmore, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of the Empire state. In the year 1836 they emigrated to Michigan, taking up their abode in Allegan county when this section of the state was an almost undeveloped wilderness. They first settled in Gun Plains township but after a year removed to Allegan township, taking up their abode on section 4. The father is remembered as one of the most enterprising and public-spirited of the pioneer residents of the county, and in his death, which occurred in 1872, the community lost one who for vears had labored for its upbuilding and who wherever known was held in highest honor and respect. He was a consistent and devoted member of the Baptist church and was a stanch adherent of the principles of the Democratic party. His wife passed away in March, 1868.