Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter 5: Centers of Population, 1907 (part 11 of 14)

Daniel McAlpine, upon coming to Michigan, located at Plainwell, where he remained a year, and then moved to Heath township, where he found employment in the sawmills. The farm on which he now lives, comprising fifty-two acres, he cleared himself, paying ten dollars an acre for it, and taking it from the former owner - for whom he worked - in lieu of wages.

He has done much to improve his neighborhood, always advocating good roads and other ptiblic improvements ; in fact, the school house for that district is located on an acre of ground which he donated for that purpose.

Mr. McAlpine, was married, in 1863, to Annie Brodie, by whom he had one son, Hugh, who is now employed as an engineer of one of the lake boats, running from Detroit to DuUith. His second marriage occurred to Mary Jane Bellamy, and of this union there were born five children : Neil, of Michigan City, Indiana, who married Cora Young, and is the father of four children, Lloyd, Irene, Wayne, and Keith ; Ida, wife of Fred Wicks, of Allegan, and the mother of one child, Verna Marie ; Margaret, wife of Frank Clare, of Minnesota : John, who resides with his parents, but is now in South Dakota, and Burt, who married Lillie Johnson, and resides in Michigan City, Indiana. After the death of his second wife Mr. McAlpine was married, November 24, 1897, to Mary E. Meyers, a native of La Grange, Indiana, and a daughter of Isaac B. and Annie (Leslie) Meyers. She was generally known by the name of Robinson, having been adopted by a family of that name, who came to Allegan county in 1865, where two years later the father died ; the mother, however, is still living at Hastings, Michigan. Mrs. McAlpine had one brother, Henry C. Meyers, who was a soldier in the Civil war. Mr. McAlpine is a Republican in politics, and has served one term as highway commissioner, discharging his duties creditably and well. He is a respected member of the Patrons of Husbandry at Dunningville.

Charles Wilder Butler, who has been a resident of .Allegan county since his birth, was bom in Valley township, September .-jo, i86r. He is a son of Charles B. and Susan f Handy) Butler, both natives of New York. Charles B. Butler came to Michigan from New York, and located in Valley township, moving subsequently to Overisel township where he died about fourteen years ago. The mother of our subject was his second wife; his first wife having died before he came to Michigan. Charles W, is the third of a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living: Mary (Dunnenberg) ; Merritt, who lives in Oregon; Charles Wilber; Ward, residing in Trowbridge township: Seymour, who lives in Overisel; Minnie (Dunnenberg), a resident of Allegan; Hattie (Thornton), who is now in Missaukee county, and Ruth (Bassett) of Chicago.

Charles Wilber Butler was about eight years of age when he went with his parents to Overisel township, and he remained there for a number of years, being engaged during that time in lumbering and farming. In 1903 he purchased a one hundred and twenty acre tract on the northern boundary of Heath township, and has resided there since. Mr. Butler was married, November 2, 1888, to Bertha May Strait, a native of Kent county, Michigan, and daughter of Nehemiah and Lucina (Gerould) Strait, who came to Michigan from New York - of which state they were both natives - in, 1878. Mr. Strait died in 1904, but Mrs. Strait still survives, and resides with Mr. Butler and his wife. The family of our subject numbers five children, who were born on the following dates: Hazel. November 26. 1889; Lloyd, November 29, i8qi ; Fern, May 16, 1896; Leonard, August 11, 1903, and Laura, March 7, 1905. In politics Mr. Butler is a Republican, and is vitally interested in all that concerns the interests of his party and the welfare of the community in which he resides.

John N. Barlow^ who follows the occupation of agriculture in Heath township, has been a resident of Allegan county for fifty years. His birth occurred October 14, 1846, and when ten years of age he accompanied his parents to Valley township, where the\' settled on the Estabrook farm. They later bought what was known as the Ryan fami, on the river at Mill Grove, and subsequently purchased the farm on which our subject now lives. The elder Mr. Barlow engaged in lumbering for a number of years - ^pine timber being then very plentiful - and cleared the eight>--acre farm on which he resided until his death, which occurred November 25, 1883, his wife having died July 4, 1873. Their family consisted of nine children, the following of whom are living : Ezra, who lives at Byron Center ; Ann Eassett, residing at Salem ; John, our subject ; Jane ; David, a resident of Petoskey ; Elizabeth McCloud, at Mill Grove ; Daniel, of Heath township, who had a twin, Phoebe, deceased ; and Clara Dutcher, who lives in Chicago.

Our subject when a young man worked in the lumber camps and on the river. In 1865 he enlisted for one year in Company G, Eleventh Michigan Infantry, and served until the close of the war, going from Jackson, Michigan, to Chattanooga, and then to Cleveland, Tennessee, where he was taken sick and underwent a severe illness. After the close of the war he returned home and took half of his father's farm, and has since devoted himself to farming.

On January 3, 1871, Mr. Barlow was married to Mercy Ann Marks, of Indiana, and a daughter of Samuel and Electra Lurette (Eassett) ]\Iarks, who moved from Indiana to Salem township, Michigan, where they lived for some years, moving subsequently to Osceola county, where Jlrs. Marks still lives, aged about eighty-one years. Mr. Marks during the Civil war served in an Indiana regiment and received a gunshot wound - in the battle near Fortress Monroe - which resiilted in his death.

Mr. Bariow is the father of three children: Rosella. late wife of Edgar Anson, and mother of four children, Daisy, Lloyd, Clifford (deceased), and Harold: Fred Eugene, born January 26, 1877, who resides at home, and Frank, born July 17, 1890, who is also living with his parents.

In politics Mr. Barlow is a Republican and has held the office of school moderator, and of pathmaster for twenty years. He is a member of the John W. Purdy Post No. 346, Grand Army of the Republic, at Hamilton, and has been for three }-ears adjutant of that post. He also holds membership in Bear Creek Grange No. 926, Patrons of Husbandry, and in the National Protective Legion No. 192, at Dunning\'ille.

Orrfx a. Jacofs, whose residence in Heath township covers a period of over thirty-five years, nineteen years of which was spent on his present place and the one next adjoining, was born in Franklin county. New York, March 9, 1846. He is a son of Elias and Maria (Court) Jacobs, both natives of New York. The latter still survives, residing at Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was the mother of three children: Orrin A., William (deceased at the age of three years), and EUa, wife of Wilbur Reed.

Our subject in 1866 moved from New York to Kalamazoo, and resided there for four years. He then removed to Allegan county and settled on the farm south of his present property, building a log cabin and clearing the land preparatory to cultivation. In 1899 he moved to his present farm.

which comprises sixty acres, and his father built the house in which our subject now lives. He devotes his time to general farming, including the raising of apples and peaches.

On November 23, 1875, Mr. Jacobs was married to Anna Gertrude Spofford, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of David Spofford. She is the mother of two children: Bert, of Kalamazoo, who married Clara Bell Purdy, and is the father of one son, Vaurice; and Elsie M., who is the wife of Nicholas Prince, and the mother of one child, Inez.

Our subject is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of highway commissioner and of township treasurer for some years. In a fraternal way he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and of the National Protective Legion.

Charles Washington Cummings, a worthy citizen of Dunningville, Michigan, first came to that place over thirty years ago, in company with his mother and his step-father, Washington Cook. Mr. Cummings was born in Jonesville, Ohio, January 9, 1858, and came with his parents to Jackson, Michigan, in 1861. His father, Archibald Cummings, was a Scotchman. and came from Canada to Ohio, from which state during the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service November 7, 1862, at Cleveland, Ohio. He participated in the engagements of Gaines Mills, Savage (Virginia), White Oak Swamp, Harrison's Landing, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Snicker's Gap, Battle of the Wilderness, Potomac River, Spottsylvania, and died of starvation August 9, 1864, at Andersonville, Georgia, having been taken prisoner at the engagement of Spottsylvania. Our subject had also three uncles on his mother's side and one grandfather in the Federal army. His mother, Huldah Ann (Haskin) Cummings. was a native of Canada, and a daughter of Ithemer Haskin, who came originally to the town of Cooper, Allegan county, and subsequently to Casco, Allegan county, and Sheboygan, Michigan, in the order named. Our subject is the fourth in order of birth of a family of five children : John Ithemer, who hves at Old Mission ; Elizabeth, wife of James Gardner; Alice, deceased; Charles W.. and Ursula, deceased.

Charles W. Cummings was but seven years of age when his mother moved to Cooper, Michigan. Later they moved to Ganges where he lived until sixteen. He next moved to Heath township and settled on a farm one mile northeast of his present place. This place contained one hundred and sixty acres and was his home until about seven years ago, when he purchased a sixty-acre tract adjoining Dunningville, where he has resided since. During nine years he sawed in a mill at Manistique, Michigan, then one at Wilmington, North Carolina, and worked for a time in Arkansas, then returned to Michigan, where he now follows general farming and stock raising.

On the 22d of February, 1880, Mr. Cummings was united in the bonds of matrimony to Heleri Greenwood, a native of Van Buren county, Michigan, daughter of John and Candace (Showerman) Greenwood, and who is the mother of one daughter, Eeidah, who is still at home with her parents.

Mr. Cummings is a Republican, and has served as highway commissioner, and is now in his second term as assessor. He is a member of Bear Creek Grange No. 926, Patrons of Husbandry, also of the National Pro-

Henry H. Tien is the efficient postmaster at Graafschap, in thu northwestern part of Allegan county, where he is also the proprietor of a general store which does a large business. Mr. Tien is a native of Cook county, Illinois, where he was born July 22, i860. He is the eldest of the family of six children of Herman Tien, who until 1881 lived on a farm in Cook county, Illinois. Here the son, Henry, grew to manhood, assisting his father with the farm work and attending school in the winters, thus securing a good common school education. The family came to Allegan county in 1881 and settled on a farm in Fillmore township. Henry continued farming in this state until in the autumn of 18S4 he engaged in the mercantile business, a line which he has followed ever since. He was first in partnership with John G. Rutgers, this relation being continued for twenty-one years, when Mr. Rutgers sold his interest in the business. Mr. Tien continued the firm, which is now known as Tien & Heneveld. A large stock of general merchandise is carried and the store is a very popular out. with the residents of a wide territory. The firm has a reputation for fair dealing and liberal and courteous treatment and as they aim to carry such a line as will meet the needs of all it is but natural that they should transact a large volume of business.

Mr. Tien, on account of his natural qualifications and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, has been called upon several times to fill positions of public trust and responsibility. He has been a justice of the peace for several terms and has also twice been elected as township school inspector. He was appointed as postmaster at Graafschap in September. 1906.

Mr. Tien was married April 12. 1S87, in FiHmore township, to Miss Cornelia Slink, and they have six children, as follows: Herman, Gertie, Alle. Henrietta, John and Marie.

Mr. Tien and the members of his family belong to the Christian Reformed church, in which the head of the family takes an active interest. He is also interested in all movements tending toward the betterment of his township and county, is a firm believer in the value of onr public school system and is a man who cominan<ls the high regard of all who know him. He has been successful in farming, as welt as in the mercantile line and he is rearing his children carefully and giving them every possible advantage.

The village of Plainwell was born of the once important but now almost forgotten Plank Road. When the Plank Road was superseded by the railroad, the village was fortunate in becoming a station on two railroad lines, with the result that its growth was uninterrupted. It is easy to believe that, had the railroads passed the village to one side, the railroad era, instead of continuing the prosperity of the village, would have destroyed it, and the seat of considerable industry and, business and of a population of a thousand, as was the case when the railroad came, might have dwindled to the insignificance of a hamlet. Many instances of like growth and decline have marked the annals of every state. "Transportation is the key to population," and because Plainwell has always been blessed with good transportation facilities its population and material resources have given it third rank among the villages of the county.

The building of the Plank Road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, its importance to the county, have been described. On section thirty of Gun Plains township, on the sonth side of the river, was designated a junction point, whence a branch of the Plank Road should run northwest to Allegan. The advantages of a junction point of railroad lines, and its almost inevitable selection as a site for a population center, are very obvious to the present generation. Half a century ago the same wa^ equally true of a meeting point of two important highways such as plank roads were at the time. As soon as the Plank Road was designated and construction work begun on it in 1852, the proposed junction point attracted attention to its future possibilities. Here the streams of travel and traffic would meet. Here undoubtedly would be located a stage station, with stables for the relay horses and accommodations for lodging and feeding the traveling public. This would be the terminus for the branch line to Allegan. Such a point was not likely to be overlooked by men of enterprise.

So it happened that a Mr. Weltever bought an acre of land at the junction, in the angle between what are now Allegan and Main streets, and in the fail of 1853 began the construction of the historic Plainwell House, an illustration of which appears on another page. He did not remain long enough to see his enterprise through, but sold the land and the unfinished house to Orson D. Dunham, who late in the fall of 1853 bought forty acres surrounding the Wellever tract and shortly after became owner of the hotel site. The Plainwell House was opened to public entertainment in July, 1854. Traffic had already begun. Wagons loaded with merchandise, lumber and farm produce were passing over the road from morning till night, and the Junction - which was the popular designation for this point until the incorporation of the village - profited in proportion. With the opening of the road a stage line was established, and until the coming of the railroad the rolling four-horse stage was as famihar to the people along the line as the railroad trains of today. It is related that the old Plainwell House often entertained at dinner the passengers of seven four-horse stages, from which an idea may be formed of the amount of travel along this route.

Until the Plank Road was laid out, the land on which the village of Plainwell now stands was not to be distinguished from the surrounding country. Indeed, the old plat of Plainfield. laid out by William Forbes on section eighteen, was the only place in the township that resembled a village community. Elsewhere we have noticed some of those who owned land in sections twenty-nine and thirty, covering or surrounding the site of Plainwell. It was farming land only, and had changed owners frequently, among the early residents of the locality being William Still, John Anderson. William Chart, William Woodhams and George W. Kennicott. When the Plainwell House began building, William Woodhams was the only resident on what became the village site, his house being near the river near Bridge street. An unoccupied log cabin gave shelter to the Dunham family until the completion of the hotel. Mr. Dunham in T855 sold his hotel to Mills & Merritt, and for a time it was known by the name of the Merritt House.

The Old Plainwell House

Business enterprises were quickly centered at the Junction. A description of the place in 1855 mentions the following residents and business concerns ; William Woodhams, Alfred S. and Albert Pierson, proprietors of a grocery store on Main and Bridge streets, these merchants having succeeded George H. Anderson who was the first to open a stock of goods. The Piersons were succeeded by Orson D. Dunham in the same year. Dunham kept the postoffice in the Plainwell House. A schoolhouse had also been built. There was a blacksmith shop and John H. Lasher, the first shoemaker, opened a shop the same year. Other residents were Hart Dunham, Abel Dunham, Hiram W. Anderson, Nathaniel Seeley, and the Lovelocks, and across the river were the old residents, William Still, John Anderson and Calvin Dunham.

The building of the Plank Road, the estabhshment of the Plainwell House, the stage coach line were the foundation of Plainwell. Then in 1856 the Plainwell Water Power Company was formed by George C. Mills, Orson D. Dunham, Gilves Sherwood, William H. Woodhams. John K. Bingham and a Mr. Fairchilds. Preyious to this time little thought had been given to the development of water power at this point. By the construction of a long race across the bend in the river, and the building of a sawmill, the first step was taken toward making this a manufacturing center. A grist mill was built in 1858. also a rake factory, and in i860 a planing mill.

In consequence of these various interests, a population of 200 had gathered at this locality. The next step was the platting of a village. The survey of the original plat, which was situated on section 29 west of the river, was made by Ira Chichester in April, 1S63, the proprietors of the plat being William H. Woodhams, George H. Anderson, John C. Bannister. M, E. Cushman, Peter Hatfield and M. E. Gifford. Shortly afterward O. D. Dunham and the Corbyns built a flouring mill, and when this burned two years later, Eartley & Company erected another.

In t868 the original Kalamazoo and .Allegan Railroad completed its line to Plainwell. being the first railroad in the county, and soon superseding the Plank Road as a through route, which from that time gradiially lost its character and importance. The population had increased to nearly a thousand, and there was much diversity of business interests. The next step in village growth was then taken, A petition for incorporation was sent to the legislature, and by an act approved March 26, i86g. the corporate limits of the village of Plainwell were constituted with its present area. The charter election followed on March 29th, being held in the Plainwell House. Two hundred and fifteen votes were polled, and the first set of ofiicials to direct the affairs of the village were: Joseph W. Hicks, president i Henrv W, Church, clerk: Augustus H. Hill, treasurer: William Still, James T. Hyde, Giles Sherwood, William L. Ripley. D. C. Kenvon, Abel S. Dunham, trustees; C. B. Randall, marshal. The principal v.illage officials to the present time are given in the official lists.

In October, 1870, trains began running through Plainwell over the G. R. & I. Railroad. In that year the census estimate of the population was 3nd in some respects Plainwell was the most enterprising and progressive village of the county. Public improvements were keeping pace with business. A fire department was established by the village council on February 3, 1870. and this was followed in the next month by the report of a committee recommending the installation of tlie Holly system of water works as "the best and most secure protection against fire for the least money." In June, 1870, it was resolved to appropriate $3,400 to instal the water works, which were completed in the spring of 1872. Dewitt C. Kenyon was the first superintendent of the water works. The water supply from the race was at first obtained from the owners of the race, O. D. Dunham and R. P. Corbyn, but on the reorganization and incorporation of the Plainwelt Water Power Company in 1873 the village became part owner and obtained first right in the use of the water. In the same year the race was enlarged and the power for manufacturing and other purpKises greatly increased. Suitable fire-fighting equipment was installed in connection with the water works. Halcyon Hose Company was formed in December, 1872, and Hook and Ladder Company No. i was formed in October, 1877. In January. 1878, a fire hall was completed at a cost of $700.

In- 1884-1885 the pumphouse was rebuilt, new pumps installed and the iron pipe taken up and replaced with wooden. For the next ten years the work of extending the pipe lines was pushed until every resident within the corporation was given fire protection. In order to furnish better fire protection to the property on the east side of the river the Scott Hose Company was organized and incorporated in 1888. A change in the water supply from the river to wells was effected in the spring of 1905, so now the best of well water is supplied. At the present time there are three and onehalf miles of water pipe laid, about 2,000 feet of hose, a hook and ladder company and two hose companies that are second to none.

The water rights are divided among the different companies as their several interests appear, the Esley Light and Power Company owning the largest share. This company, which was organized and incorporated in August. 1904, has installed a modem plant from which street, commercial and residence lighting is furnished, besides power for operation of several mills and minor plants.

Albert L. Nktiols, enjjaged in the insurance business at Plainwell, lias been a member of the board of supervisors of the county for nine years, and is serving for the second year as chairman. His residence in Plainwell covers about fifteen years, at which time he removed from Barry county to Allegan county. His birth occurred in Barry county, Michigan, January 23, i860, his parents being Squire M. and Alma G. (Ellis) Nichols, who came to Michigan from the nrovince of Quebec, Canada, the grandfather. John Nichols, removing to this state when his son Squire was a young lad. The latter became a farmer and resided in Barry county until his death. In 1864 he enhsted in response to the further call for Union soldiers, becoming a member of Company B, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, with which command he continued with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. In the last engagement of the army at Bentonville. North Carolina, he was shot through the arm and the member was afterward amputated, so that he was thus called upon to make a great sacrifice for his country. He died in Barry county, in October. 1889, at the age of sixty-seven years, having been born on the loth of March, 1822, Following his death his widow lived with her son, Albert L., imtil her demise in December, 1903.

Albert L. Nichols, reared under the parental roof, pursued his preliminary education in the district schools and received his more advanced training in the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing, from which he was graduated in the class of 1886. Returning to the fann, he devoted his attention through two succeeding years to agricultural pursuits and also taught school, having to some extent followed that profession before he entered upon his college course. He afterward taught for two years at Hickory Corners. Leaving the farm on account of ill health, he removed to Plainwell and continued teaching through two winter seasons. At the same time he began the culture of small fruit on his present place within the corporate limits of the town, having three acres of land. He devoted three years to that business, after which he became bookkeeper for the Plainwell Church Furniture Company, remaining with that corporation until the factory was burned in March, 1896. He was afterward township treasurer for two years, and in the meantime he took up the insurance business and is now representative of six old line fire insurance companies, together with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Again he was called to public office in 1898, being elected supervisor from his township, and at each succeeding year he was re-elected. Although a Democrat, he was chosen chairman by a Republican board - an election which was certainly very complimentary and a tribute of his personal worth as well as an indication of the confidence reposed in him. In 1905 he served as mayor of the village of Plainwell, and for four years he was a member of the village council.

E. and Sophia E. Jessup, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he affiliates with Plainwell Lodge, No. 185, K. of P., and with Plainwell Lodge, No. 235,

F. & A. M., in which he served as master for five years, being one of the valued and exemplary representatives of the craft. He is a most progressive and enterprising citizen, an efficient and trustworthy officer, occupying an enviable place in the public regard and continually demonstrating his right to the good will and confidence in which he is held.

Grouge T. Ive.s. successfully engaged in farming and stockraising in Gun Plains township, Allegan county, represents one of the old and prominent pioneer families of this section of the state. His paternal grandparents. Friend and Harriet (Warner) Ives, were among the earliest settlers of Allegan county. The former was bom in Plymouth. Connecticut, December 23, 1790, and in early life traveled extensively through Maryland and Vii^inia in the sale of Yankee clocks. Later he removed with his family to Lebanon, Columbia county. New York, the family home being established among tiie religious sect known as Shakers. In 1818 he removed to Medina county, Ohio, settling near Cleveland. He here entered a farm, which was partially cleared, and he further developed and improved the property, built a log house, in which the family lived in true pioneer style, and there engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1833, in which year he made his way to Allegan county. His farm was located near the village of Plainwell, in what is now Gun Plains township. There had been few settlements made when he arrived in this state, so that Mr. Ives had a wide territory from which to select a location. He entered his land from the government, the original patent being now in possession of the grandson, George T. Ives. The land lay on sections 20, 21, 22 and 15, and this was greatly improved by Mr. Ives, who cleared and developed the fields, set ont a good orchard and erected the house which is now occupied by H. D. Kreighbauni but which was used at that time as a hotel. He was a man of good business ability, and his worth was recognized hy his fellow citizens, so that he was freqtiently called upon to fill public offices of honor and trust. In 1835 he was elected as assessor of the town of Allegan and was likewise one of the first assessors of Plainfield, which is now known as Gun Plains. He was also for many years associate judge of the county and served his district in the state legislature.

It was during the residence of the family in Ohio that the son, James Ives, father of our subject, was born. He was a little lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county, assisting his father in the work of clearing and developing new land, being assigned to the various tasks in connection therewith as his age and strength permitted. Through a long period he carried forward the work of agricultural development which had been instituted by his father, and he built the brick house which is now occupied by U. G. Brown, this dwelling being constructed in the year 1869-70. He was married to Miss Octavia Chambers, who was born in the Empire state, a daughter of John and Adeline Chambers, who were among the early settlers of Gvm Plains township. Mrs. Ives is still living at the very advanced age of ninety-three years.

George T. Ives, the only child bom of his father's marriage, is a native of Allegan county, his natal day being October 22, and the year 1852. He was reared to the occupation of farming and acquired his education in the district schools of Gun Plains township. He remained under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority, when he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Hattie Lyndsley, who was born in Otsego township, Allegan county, a daughter of Jeremiah and Betsey Lyndsley, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Ives has always followed tiie occupation to which he was reared and he is today owning and operating an excellent farm in Gun Plains township, and in addition to his farming interests he is engaged to some extent in the raising of live stock, keeping only the best grades of animals.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, of whom two are living - Fred, who makes his home in Texas; Roy, who died at the age of nine years, and Bessie, who is a public-school student at Plainwell. Mr. Ives is independent in his political views, voting for the men whom he deems best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. He has served as district school officer, but aside from this has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and attenion to his private business affairs, which are being successfully conducted. Both he and his wife hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, while he affiliates with the Maccabees, the Patricians and the Grange.

M^r. Ives is everywhere known as a reliable and straightforward business man, who has fully sustained the reputation borne by his grandfather and father, and he is today classed among the leading and influential agriculturists of Allegan county.

Rev. John Fletcher has the distinction of being the oldest minister in years of continuous service in Michigan. He is the loved pastor of the First Baptist church of Plainwell, where he has remained since the 1st of October, 1864, and the years have brought him into close connection with the life of the community through his labors as pastor and preacher.

John Fletcher was born in Worcestershire, England, July 9, 1832, and was seventeen years of age when he came to Michigan, settling in Detroit. His father, William Fletcher, also a native of England, followed farming on a small scale after going to Detroit, his farm adjoining the city limits. At a later date, however, he sold his land for city lots. He married Elizabeth Miles, and luito them were born nine children, five of whom are yet living - William, who is a practicing attorney at Washington, D. C. ; John, of this review; Mrs. Marie Shuffle, a widow, residing at Washington, D. C. ; Mrs. Miriam Beadle, a resident of Detroit, and Mrs. Sarah Deland, also of Washington, D. C.

John Fletcher attended a school conducted at Birmingham, England, whose head master was the well-known Professor Pitman, the originator of the Pitman system of phonography and stenography. After going to Detroit he took up the study of the classics and theology under men of scholarly attainments, including the Rev. Estabrook, who was head of educational matters in Ypsilanti. Continuing his study he also engaged in preaching in the vicinity of Detroit until about 1864, when he became chaplain of the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, which went with Sherman on the march to the sea. It was the first regiment to reach the coast and opened up communication with the fleet off Savannah. The army later moved northward toward Richmond, wliere they received news of Lee's surrender. Rev. Fletcher was then honorably discharged in August, 1865. The regiment covefed probably three times the distance of the infantry and wagons on the march to the sea and the cavalry forces clashed with Wheeler's cavalry in many skirmishes.

On his retirement from military service Rev. Fletcher came to Plainwell and accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist church, where he has remained continuously since. Hon. J. M. Gregory, a minister and educator, and the president of Kalamazoo College, who had been on the ground and knew the field, mentioned Mr. Fletcher as a good man to take charge of the new church, and in September, 1865, he was installed as pastor of the Plainwell Baptist church. There was then a small congregation who had been attempting to build a little church. Mr. Fletcher at once took up the work and assisted in finishing the house of worship. Since that time the church has been quadrupled in size. Mr. Fletcher has not only each Sunday filled his place in the- pulpit and promoted the church work in its various activities, but has also come into close contact with the life of the community in his work as pastor and counselor and through the burial and marriage ceremonies he has performed, together witli his participation in public events. He has dehvered on an average of about fifty funeral sermons annually and has averaged one marriage a month during the forty-one years here passed. He has married couples, and later their children, and has been called upon to perform marriage ceremonies and burial services of other denominations. His sermons have been published quite extensively and thus the seeds of truth he has sown have been scattered broadcast over the land as well as of the community where he dwells, bringing forth rich fruit in many lives, and his influence is immeasurable.

Rev. Fletcher has taken a most active and helpful interest in all departments of the church work and is now chairman of the Michigan branch of the Baptist Ministers" Aid Society at Fenton, Michigan. He prepares the program for Thanksgiving for the benefit of the home in all Baptist churches of the five states, which compose the field of this society, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1876 he went to Washington, D. C, where for three months he supplied the pulpit in the old E Street church, one of the oldest of the city. The people of Plainwell, desirous of retaining his services, sent him a petition signed by all the prominent residents of the town, and thus urged, he felt that he could not break the home ties formed here, and he returned to Plainwell, where he has labored for more than four decades. In 1890 was celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his coming to Plainwell. on which occasion appropriate services were held, but on the first of October, 1905, still greater honors were conferred upon him in the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the beginning of his pastorate, on which occasion a large number of people came from a distance, while many letters and telegrams were received, among them a congratulatory letter from President Roosevelt. The other ministers of the village joined in the services, together with ministers of prominence from different parts of the state. Dr. H. L. Stetson, a professor in Kalamazoo College, speaking on "Literary Demands of a Forty-Year Pastorate," estiinated that it required thirteen thousand discourses, which would make five hundred volumes of three liundred pages with two hundred and fifty words to a page. Rev, J. S. Boyden, the only pastor now living in Michigan, who was in the service when Rev. Fletcher was ordained, referred to the latter as being with himself (Boyden) the "David and Jonathan of the Baptist denomination."

Rev. Fletcher has been twice united in the holy bonds of matrimony. He wedded Miss Alia H. Ladd. a daughter of Henry Ladd, and they had one child, John B., who was married and died in early manhood, leaving a daughter, A 1th a Fletcher, who lives in Florida. Rev. Fletcher's second marriage on the 14th of January, 1887, united him with Elizabeth Tayler, a native of England, who was four years of age when brought tothe United States by her parents, William and Christiana (Shipp) Tayler. The father was of the parish of Yate, Gloucestershire, England, and was one of the prominent residents of the southwestern part of that county. He was a currier by trade and thus provided for his family in early life. He married Christiana Saunders, nee Shipp. who was born in Chipping, Sodbury, England, June i, 1808, and when eighteen years of age became the wife of Thomas Saunders, by whom she had one child, yet living, William Thomas, now a resident of Oakland, California. In 1832 Mr, anri Mrs. Saunders came to America. The voyage was a memorable one because of the great peril in which all were placed. The brig Kobert de War, heavily loaded with railroad iron, on the bank of Newfoundland was caught by a northwestern gale and driven before the fierce wind to the Bay of Biscay, on the coast of Spain. It sprang a leak and was greatly disabled in other ways. The pumps were worked night and day for six weeks and one pumper fell dead, while another fell from the mast head and was killed. A part of the bulwark was washed away and much of the rigging was lost. Progress was slow and the renewal of the storm would have cost them their lives. They were nearly starved, so that they ate the crumbs from the biscuit boxes, but a Dutch vessel reached them just in time to prevent starvation. After ninety-three days and nights in peril, exposure and suspense they landed at New York. For a short time Mr. and Mrs. Saunders remained in Massachusetts and then removed to Silver Creek, New York, where, in crossing the stream, Mr. Saunders was drowned. His widow afterward returned to England, and three years later married William Tayler. Seven children were born unto them, of whom three are living- - Lydia, the widow of R. L. Hewitt, a resident of Plainwell; Mrs, Jane Johnston, of Los Angeles, California, and Mrs. Fletcher. On coming to Michigan the family located at Ceresco, Calhoun county. The mother of Mrs. Fletcher passed away in Lansing at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hewitt, at the very advanced age of nearly ninety-three years.

. ested observer, and to the extent of his time and ability he has labored to promote every movement calculated to advance the welfare of the village in its social, educational and moral development. The influence of such a life is immeasurable. His labors, however, are seen in the lives of those with whom he has come in contact and who bear testimony to the helpfulness of his precepts and his example. A man of strong mental endowment, he has used his talents to the best purpose and zealously and conscientiously has labored. ' He is recognized as a man of bi'oad, scholarly attainments, whose sermons are reached through logic and sound deduction, and his strong and clear presentation of the truth has been a most

Herbert L. Bliss, one of the prominent and enterprising business men of Allegan county, came to Plainwell twenty-three years ago from Alamo. Since that time he has been a valued factor in the business life of the town, his wise counsel, sound judgment and unflagging enterprise proving elements in commercial activity and advancement here. A native son of Michigan, he was born at Cooper. Kalamazoo county, September 28, 1854, and is a son of George W. and Helen M. {Boynton) IJliss, who were natives of Wayne county. New York. After their marriage they removed to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and settled at Traverse Station. Mr. Bliss secured a tract of raw land, which he cleared and cultivated and he removed from Alamo to Plainwell, after having purchased and sold several different farms in that locality. About a quarter of a century ago he took up his abode in .Plainwell and purchased a grocery store, to which he added a stock of boots and shoes. He had formerly spent a brief period in the town but had returned to Alamo. A year after his arrival here he was joined by his son, Herbert L., in the conduct of the business. This partnership was continued for a year when the father sold out but he made his home in Plainwell most of the' time until his death, which occurred in 1901. He had long survived his wife, who died in Alamo.

Reared under the parental roof Herbert L. Bliss is indebted to the public school system of the state for the educational privileges he enjoyed. A year after his father came to Plainwell, he also took up his abode in the village and the partnership was formed between them for the conduct of a general store, as stated. The father sold out a year later to E. A. Owen, at which time the firm of Bliss & Owen was formed. This relation was maintained for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Bliss sold his interest to his partner. After being out of business for a year he bought out Mr. Owen and has since engaged in the sale of shoes, trunks, traveling bags, hosiery, mitts and gloves, sewing machines, books and stationery. He also is in control of the central office of the Michigan State Telephone Company, as local manager, acting in this capacity for about seven years. He likewise has an interest in the new shoe factory, which is conducted under the name of the Plainwell Shoe Company. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and his stalwart purpose and unflagging enterprise have been the salient elements in his success.

On the 27th of August, 1879, Mr. Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Bachelder, of Alamo, Michigan, and they have four children : Charles Lee is pursuing a course of study in the dental department in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Herbert Ray is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is now practicing law in Detroit. He was married at Ann Arbor, this state. Guy Paul is pursuing a literary course in the University of Michigan. Helen Ada is a student in the Plainwell High School. After losing his first wife Mr, Bliss wedded Mary E. Buxton, a resident of Plainwell, and they have five children: Harold L., John H., Mary L., Fred R. and George E.

In his political views Mr. Bliss is a Prohibitionist. He served as village assessor for a number of years, has also been treasurer of the village, a member of the school board for eight years and now secretary of the board. Community interests awaken his attention and he gives hearty endorsement to those measures which he believes will prove of general good. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he as connected with the Modem Woodmen and the National Protective League. In all of his business life he has been honorable and straightforward, winning an unassailable reputation, and gaining success as the reward of laudable ambition and close application.

William J. Thomas, superintendent of the Michigan Paper Company, of Plainwell, in which capacity he has grven most excellent service by reason of his thorough understanding of the business in principle and detail. came to Allegan county nineteen years ago, and located in the village where he now makes his home. He was born at Sandy Hill, in Washington county. New York, January 30, 1849, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Harper) Thomas, who were natives of England, and were married in th?i country prior to coming to the United States. They first located at Toronto, Canada, and thence removed to Sandy Hill, New York. The father was a paper maker by trade and followed that pursuit in England, and also after coming to the new world. He made his home at Sandy Hill until his death in 1878.

In that town William J. Thomas was reared and educated. His first work in Michigan was in the paper mill of J. W. French, at Three Rivers. It was there that he brought into use his new process of paper making - a process which has been demonstrated to be most practical and successful. Since 1887 he has continuously served as superintendent of the Michigan Paper Company of Plainwell and the success of this enterprise is attributable in large measure to his efforts. He originated a process which is in use in this plant, whereby stock is taken from the cars into the mill and in seven hours is converted into finished paper. They take the poorest grades and turn out a superior finished product. Mr. Thomas and his wife originated the process after considerable study and experiment and have thus introduced into the world an industrial interest of much value. Mrs. Thomas has charge of fifty women employed in the factory. She is an experienced paper maker and has been a splendid helpmate to her husband in his business life.

It was in 1870 that William J. Thomas was married to Miss Ella A. Hill, a native of Washington county, New York, and a daughter of George A. and Sarah (Lummeraux) Hill. In his political affiliation Mr. Thomas is a stalwart Republican, and for ten years has served as a member of the village council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of those measures which recognize the needs and possibilities of the city. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church and he belongs to Plainwell Lodge No. 158, F. & A. M., Plainwell Lodge, K. P., and the Knights of the Maccabees, and the National Protective League. He is an able business man, alert and enterprising, and of geniai disposition, displaying much tact in carrying on the work of the factory. He has indeed earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods which have won him the deserved confidence of his feilowmen,

Wir.LiAM H. Hooper, who has devoted the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, his home being on section six. Gun Plains township, was bom in Savannah, Wayne county, New York, March 3, 185 1. He is a son of Van R. Hooper, a well known resident ' of this county, and was about twelve years of age when brought to Michigan. He attended the district schools and the Plainwell High School, and has lived most of his life in Gun Plains township. He estabHshed the village of Hooper, in Martin township, and for eight or nine years resided there, after which he returned to the home farm and for about twenty years operated a thresher. He had the first steam engine in Allegan county. He has been upon the road selling threshers and other farm machinery, and he now follows general farming and stock-raising, keeping sheep, hogs, cattle and horses. He carefully manages both branches of his business, and in his work meets with a very desirable measure of success.

who was born m Watson township and is a daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Harris) Case. The father was only six years of age when he lost his father. He was born in Henrietta, Monroe county, New York, May 20, 1824, and following his father's demise he lived with an uncle until twentytwo years of age. In 1848 he purchased land in Michigan. Two years later he married Miss Sarah Harris, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Harris, and in the spring of 1855 removed with his family to Watson township, becoming one of its earliest residents and sharing in its pioneer development. In 1870 he sold his original farm property and built the home in which he spent his subsequent years. His wife died November 21, 1893, while Mr. Case departed this life September 18, 1902. They were the parents of the following named : Mary E., wife of James R. Fenner ; Ardell S., the wife of William Shepherd; Ella A., the wife of our subject, and Julia P., the wife of Delavan R. Hooper, a brother of William H. Hooper.

Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hooper have been bom four daughters and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Pearlia, the eldest, born November 27, 1879, is the wife of J. C. Oviatt, a resident of Martin township; Delia C., who was born January 16, 1883. and is engaged in teaching school in Aberdeen, South Dakota; Clara E., who was born May 11, 1885, and is the wife of Herbert Haas, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Theda S., who was born August 7, 1887, and teaches school in the home district.

In his political views Mr. Hooper has always been a Democrat and has served as highway commissioner and as drain assessor. He has also twice been the nominee of his party for county sheriff. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Maccabees' Tent at Martin. Living in this county from the age of twelve years he has a wide acquaintance within its borders and has gained many warm friends. The wise system of industrial economics he has followed in his business life and the care with which he has managed his interests have placed him above the ranks of the many, and he is now numbered among the successful few.

Charles A. Rush, the senior member of the well known firm of Bu.sh & Granger, extensive dealers in lumber, lime, building materials and coal, has been a Hfe-long resident of Allegan county. He was born on what is known as the William Forbes farm in Gun Plains township. December 25, T842. a son of Charles and Sophia (Sutherland) P.ush. The father was bom. in Worcester. Massachusetts, in 1798. and there made his home until 1834, when he came to Allegan county, being one of its earlie.st settlers. He made his way to Gun Plains township, where, in partnership with a Mr. Watson, he purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land, two hundred and eighty acres of which was entered from the government, and a part of this tract now constitutes the farm of E. A. Springer. In 1838 Mr. Bush .sold his interest to his partner, after which he spent a short time in Wisconsin. His health had become Impaired, and being induced by John Forbes to accompany them to Scotland, he accordingly made the journey in 1839. While in that country he formed the acquaintance of the lady whom he afterward made his wife, she being a sister-in-law of Mr. Forbes. She accompanied the gentlemen on their return to the United States, and in 1847 gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush. Following their marriage the young couple located on a farm which was located in Gun Plains township, and there they made ttaiir home until after the birth of their eldest child, when Mr. Bush disposed of that property and purchased the Robinson farm on section twenty. Gun Plains township, which continued to be the family home for many years. The farm was cleared and developed by the father, who likewise erected all of the buildings. His death there occurred in 1878, when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty years, while he is still survived by his widow who, although she has passed the eighty-sixth anniversary of her birth, is still in possession of her mental faculties, and is very active for one of her years. She was born in Dingwell, Rosshire, Scotland, August 18, 1820, and was there reared and educated, remaining in that country until she was a young lady of nineteen years, when, as stated, she came to Michigan, where she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush. In the family of this worthy couple were the following named : Charles A., whose name introduces this review; Donald S., who makes his home in Gun Plains township near Argenta ; William H., a resident of Chicago ; Roderick U., who resides in Detroit : Nye A., who died in Chicago, in April, 1906 ; Mary, who is now the wife of E, M. Kenyon. of that city ; and Georgiana, the deceased wife of John S. Madden, of Chicago. The father gave his early political support to the whig party but upon the organization of the new Republican party gave his support thereto.

Charles A. Bush, the eldest son of his father's family, was reared on the homestead farm, assisting his father in the duties and labors which usually fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while in the district schools near his father's home he pursued his studies through the winter months. He remained under the parental roof until 1883, when, thinking other pursuits would be more congenial to him, he went to Plainwell, where he formed a partnership with Henry F. Woodhams and engaged in the lumber business. In 1886 they consolidated their business with that of Riley and Charles A. Granger, and the four gentlemen continued business together for six or eight years, when Mr. Woodhams retired from the firm, and the business was then continued by Mr. Bush and Messrs. Granger until 1898, in which year the latter gentlemen sold their interest to L, R. Delano, father of Mrs. C. A, Bush, and the firm name became C. A. Bush & Company. In 1904 Charles A. Granger again entered the firm; buying the interest of Mr. Delano, and the business has since been continued under the style of Bush & Granger. The firm now enjoy a large patronage both in Plainwell and throughout the surrounding territory, and its success is largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. Bush, who has been interested in the business for almost a quarter of a century, or since its inception. They carry a large line of lumber, building materials, lime and coal, and their trade in each commodity is extensive, owing to the fair dealing and reasonable prices.

An important event in the life of Mr. Bush occurred October 26, 1892. when he was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Delano, who was born in Gun Plains, a daughter of Luther R. and Marvette (Anderson) Delano. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bush has been blessed with an interesting little daughter and son: Mary D.. whose birth occurred October 8, 1893. and Charles Luther, who was born August 3. 1896.

Mr. Bush has always given his political support to the Republican part>-. and although Gim Plains township has always been strongly Democratic, he was elected supervisor, in which office he served for six years, which indicates his popularity among his fellow citizens. He likewise served as highway commissioner for one year. In his fraternal relations he holds membership with Masonic Lodge No. 235, at Plainwell.

Perhaps no citizen of Plainwell has done more for the upbuilding of its commercial interests than Mr. Bush, who today stands at the head of one of the most important enterprises of this section of the county. He has given his aid to many movements and measures which have tended toward the betterment of his town and community, and by strict adherence to high and manly principles he has won a wide circle of friends both through business and social relations.

John Crisfe, president of the Plainwell Shoe Company, and for many years one of the most progressive citizens here, his labors being of direct benefit in the stibstantial improvement and upbuilding of the town, was born in Sutton, Valance, Kent county, England, June 24, 1839, and is a son of Edward and EHzabeth (Munn) Crispe. The family is of Norman French origin and because of their religious faith its representatives were forced to leave their native France. They had previously accompanied William the Conqueror and the Normans in their invasion of England in the year 1066. They had been prominent in public affairs in northern France and undoubtedly were representatives of the nobility of the French monarchy, having in their possession the French coat of arms. They also held large landed estates in France and lived there until early in the fifteenth century, when their attitude against the established church made it necessary for them to take refuge with the Huguenots in England. There they were destined to fame in national affairs in military and civic life, numerous members of the family being elevated to knighthood. Their advent in America dates back to the coming of the Pilgrims and they have furnished this nation some of its distinguished citizens, including Charles Frederick Crispe, who at one time was speaker of the national house of representatives.

Edward Crispe, father of John Crispe of this review, and fifth son of William and Grace Elizabeth (Goodwin) Crispe. was bom in England, May I, 1802. By occupation he was a miller, baker and farmer, owning the Forshan farm. On the 17th qf February, 1852, accompanied by his wife and nine children, he sailed for America and located at Cleveland, Ohio. In November, 1854, they came to Plainwell, Allegan county, Michigan, where for a generation Mr. Crispe engaged in the milling business. His death occurred August 21, 1888, when he had reached the age of eighty-six years, and his wife died January 7, 1884, at the age of eighty years.

John Crispe of this review was a youth of about twelve years when brought to America upon a voyage that covered more than thirty days. He attended school in England and Cleveland, Ohio, and after coming to Michigan began learning the miller's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years and nine months in Otsego. When the Civil war broke out he was the first man in Gun Plains township to enroll his name but was not permitted to serve because of defective sight. In December, 1862, however, he enlisted and was accepted as a member of the Eighth Michigan Cavalry under General Stockton. He was enrolled as a private, was soon promotedto second duty sergeant. His first active service was in pursuit of the wily Morgan, whose raid was terrorizing some of the northern states. They took part in the engagements at Hickman's Bridge, Treflet's Bridge and Buffington Landing, and after covering five hundred and seventy-eight miles, riding by night and day, they finally had the satisfaction of seeing Morgan taken captive. Going south the regiment participated in the siege of Knoxville under Burnside and followed Longstreet's forces to LJell's Gap. Returning to Knoxviile, they left their horses and went on foot across the mountains to Camp Nelson, Kentucky. There they remounted and went to Chattanooga, thence southward, overtaking Sherman at Resaca. They continued on the march to Atlanta and were in the engagements at Jonesboro, after which they were in the engagements under General Thomas in the battles of Franklin, Columbia and Nashville. Mr. Crispe was honorably discharged at Nashville September 22, 1865, being mustered out as first sergeant. After the termination of an honorable service in the war he returned to PlainwelJ and for a time engaged in the livery business. In 1867 he established the first drug store in the village, which he conducted with a paper and paint store until 1902, when he disposed of the drug store, while in 1905 he sold the paper store. He has always closely identified himself with the interests of Plainwell, fostering new enterprises and assisting in municipal improvements and thus he takes rank among the foremost representatives of the community. He owns a good farm in Gun Plains township and has recently sold one, and he has a fine residence, together with considerable business property in Plainwell. In 1903 he erected a modern two-story cement block, containing stores and offices.

The Plainwell Shoe Company, of which he is now president, was incorporated in August, 1906, with Mr. Crispe as president; F. F. Patterson, secretary ; E. W. Eady, vice-president ; Frank P. Heath, treasurer, and A. J. Mathews, manager. The four first named, together with J. W. Gilkey, F. A. Harwood and John F. Eesley, constitute the board of directors. They purchased the opera house block, which has been remodeled and which has now been placed in operation in the manufacture of shoes. They make some specialties in boys' and women's shoes, and the new enterprise is proving a profitable investment.

In February, 1867, Mr. Crispe was married to Mrs. Amanda Mesick, nee Tibbits, and to them were born three children, Minnie, Guy and Cherry, all of whom were laid to rest in childhood. Mrs. Crispe passed away December 21, 1898, and Mr. Crispe was married in the fall of 1901 to Miss Martha Jane Formbaum, who for several years was a successful teacher in tlie Plainwell public schools. She was born in Wheeling. West Virginia, and is a daughter of Adolph and Mary (Hess) Formbaum. Her father, a native of Germany, came to this country in early manhood and here wedded Miss Hess, a native of Virginia. He died in Parkersburg, West Virginia, after which his widow came to Michigan, bringing her family with her. Mrs. Crispe was then nine years of age. Her educational training was received in the Plainwell High School and a Catholic convent, which is the preparatory department to Notre Dame University. She afterward engaged in teaching in Plainwell until her marriage.

Mr. Crispe is a stalwart Republican and cast his first vote for president for Abraham Lincoln. He has taken an earnest and active interest in party aifairs, serving as delegate to district and congressional conventions and was a delegate to the national convention, which nominated Benjamin Harrison in 1888. He served as treasurer of Gun Plains township foi; five years, and in January, 1877, was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he served for ten years and three months. Beginning in April, r886, he filled the office of supervisor in a most satisfactory manner for six years. He was one of the building committee when the Allegan courthouse was erected and the fact that not all of the appropriation made was used in Its construction shows the economy and ability displayed. He was appointed by Gov. H. S. Pingree as a member of the board of control for the Deaf and Dumb School erected at Flint, Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Maccabees and is a member of Mark Thompson Post, G. A. R., at Plainwell. In his life he has displayed indomitable perseverance and strong inteliectitality, together with great breadth of wisdom. His entire life accomplishment represents the result of the fitting utilization of the innate talent which is his and the directing of his efforts in those lines where mature Judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. He is a man of indefatigable enterprise and has carved his name deeply on the record of the political and business history of the county, which owes much of its advancement to his efforts.

Frank P. He.\th has been a resident of Plainwell for about thirty years. He was born in Gun Plains township, December 22, 1857, and is . a son of John and Alice Elizabeth (Attleberry) Heath, who removed from Cattaraugus county. New York, to Michigan at a time when the old plank road was the highway of travel. At that date, however, the town of Plainwell had not yet been established. The father located in the northern part of the state for a short time and then became owner of a farm of eighty acres in Gun Plains township. He cleared and cultivated the land, bringing it under a high state of improvement, and after living there for a number of years and in other locahties at different periods he came to Gun Plains, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1901, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His widow still survives. She was born in England, and came to this country with two brothers, at which time she located at Cattaraugus county, New York. She was but two or three years old when brought to America, but her brothers were grown. She is now living in Plainwell at the age of seventy-eight years.

Frank P. Heath was reared upon the farm until about twenty years of age. He was a youth of about fourteen years, however, when his people removed to town, and he attended several terms of school in the village. After acquiring his education and reaching man's estate, he gave his attention to the merchant tailoring business, in which he continued for fifteen years. In 1894 he engaged in the dry goods business as a member of the firm of Bishop & Company, and later as a member of the firm of Waggoner & Heath, which continued until 1906, when he sold his interest to his partner.

Mr. Heath has been active and influential in community affairs, and on the 1st of September, 1898. he was appointed postmaster of Plainwell, filling the position continuously since. He was also township treasurer for two years prior to entering upon the duties of the office, in which he is now serving. As his present incumbency indicates, he is a Republican in his political views. Not actively engaged in business affairs at the present time he is, nevertheless, financially interested in the Plainwel! Shoe Company, of which he is treasurer and director.

Mr. Heath was married in 1884 to Miss Mary Ella Hitchcock, a native of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Isaac N. Hitchcock. They became the parents of two children : Nina, who died at the age of seven months, and Roy, who attended the dental department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Mr. Heath was again married, June 16. 1892. when he was wedded to Alice E. Buchanan, a native of Otsego, Michigan, and a daughter of George and Eliza (Darrow) Buchanan. Her parents came from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Allegan county, and later located in Otsego, while subsequently they became residents of Plainwell, the father carrying on general agricultural pursuits until his removal to Plainwell. He died in 1896. His wife survived him seven years. Their daughter, Mrs. Heath, was a teacher in the Plainwell schools for ten years, having charge of the kindergarten for two years, the second grade for seven years and the seventh grade for a year. She was remarkably successful in her work as an instructor, and teachers from nearby towns frequently visited her department to note her methods of teaching. Mr. Heath holds membership relations with the Odd Fellows and with the Knights of the Maccabees. For many years he was one of the representative business men of Plainwell and his energy and ability were the elements of his gratifying success.

Van R. Hooper, whose well-developed and valuable farm was a tract of wild and uncultivated land when it came into his possession about forty years ago, arrived in Allegan county in 1862, and after spending a year in Plainwel] removed to his present farm on section six. Gun Plains township. A native of New York, he was born in Cayuga county, November 23. 1823, and is a son of Simeon Hooper, who followed farming in the town of Savannah, Wayne county. New York, and who in June, 1862, came to Allegan count}', following his son ^''an, who had arrived in the previous January. He first went to Plainwell, but soon afterward removed to Tuscola coimty, Michigan, whence he returned to Allegan county. He also had two sons who came, but did not reniain, while Jerry Hooper is now living in Tuscola county.

The other member of the family still living in Michigan is the subject of this review. He was reared in the Empire state, acquired his education in the public schools and throughout his entire life has followed the occupation of farming, which became familiar to him through actual experience in his boyhood days. Thinking to enjoy better opportunities in the middle west, he made his way to Michigan and after a vear spent in Plainwell came to his present farm on section six. Gun Plains township. He located on forty acres of land which he cleared, and he also cleared forty acres of the sixty-acre tract which he bought just south of his home. This meant arduous and unremitting labor, which he carefully and diligently performed, and as the year passed he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, the productiveness o£ the soil being greatly enhanced through his efforts, so tliat good crops were annually produced.

In 1850, while still in the east, Mr. Hooper was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Grawbarger, a native of New York state and a daughter of Henry Grawl>arger. They traveled life's journey together as man and wife for more than half a century and were separated in the death of Mrs. Hooper on the 19th of March, 1906, when she had reached the age of seventy-seven years and six months. They were the parents of three children, who lived to adult age, and they also lost one in infancy. Those who still survive are William H., living upon the home farm ; Delavan A., who resides at Martin, and Lester, living at Elk Rapids, Michigan.

In his political allegiance Mr. Hooper is and has always been a Democrat. He served at one time as pathmaster, but though he has always been unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles in which he believes, he has never sought the rewards of office in recognition of his party fealty. He is one of the venerable and honored pioneers of the county, and he and Henry Smith are the only two now living between Plainwell and Martin on the old plank road who have lived here many years. He has not only been a witness of the growth and development of the county, but has also been a participant in its changes and interests, and his labors have been a factor in making it a rich agricultural district. He has now reached the age of eighty-three years and can look back over the past without regret, for his duties have been faithfully performed, his work well executed, and at al! times he has borne an honored name among his fellow men.

James Brown, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section eight, Gun Plains township, has made his home continuously on this place since 1850, covering a period of fifty-six years. He is a native of Kent county, England, born May 6, 1824, a son of James and Celia (Bourn) Brown, who emigrated to the United States in 1847, the family home being established in Monroe county, New York, where they remained until 1850, when they acconipanied the son on his removal to Allegan county, and here spent their remaining days. Their family numbered six children, but the three daughters and one son, Henry, have all passed away, while the surviving brother of our subject is Burren, also a resident of Gun Plains township.

Mr. Brown was a young man of twenty-three years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, and he remained in the Keystone state during the succeeding three years, subsequent to which time he came to Allegan county and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, of which only forty acres had been cleared. He was a young man of ambition and energy anrf at once began the arduous task of clean g tl e re a der of the property, which he soon placed under cidtivation ai 1 1 le co rse of time gathered abundant harvests. It will readily-be see tlat tl s was a newly settled country, for many wild animals were st 11 to be fo nd roaming over the prairies when Mr. Brown first located 1 ere a id at one time he saw a herd of eleven deer in his wheat field. He ha c t e 1 tl e work of development and improvement on his farm to the prese t t ne and has now made it one of the productive tracts of his section of tl e state He has a good house, barn and other outbuildings, and in ad i t on to ra ing the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged a g cattle, sheep and hogs, finding this branch of his business a good source of r

In 1856 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Honeysette, a native of Monroe county, New York, and a daughter of James Honeysette, who was one of the early settlers of Gun Plains township, where Vie passed away. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons. Charles wedded Miss Gertrude Wise and makes his home in Plainwell. They are the parents of two daughters, Eva and Eliza. William Brown wedded Miss Jane Norman, by whom he has two sons. Lafayette and Roy. They make their home on the homestead property and the son assists his father in the operation of the farm.

In his political views Mr. Brown is a Democrat, stanch in support of its principles. He is well known in this county, where he has lived and labored through a long period, and where he has so utilized his opportunities that he has accumulated a competence that now provides himself and family with the comforts of life and enables him to rest from the more arduous duties of a business career.

Rkuiikn House is the owner of a good tract of land, embracing one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section eight. Gun Plains township. He is a native of New York, bom November 28, 1831, on the banks of the St. I.^wrence river, in Theresa township, Jefferson county. His father. John House, was likewise a native of the Empire state, where he was reared and married to Miss Catherine Boyer. who was born in Albany, New York. The father came with his family to Allegan county in 1850, and here spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of sixty-six years, while he was survived by his widow, who passed away alxiut ten years ago, when she had reached the extreme old age of ninety-eight.

Reuben House acquired his education in his native state, and was there reared to the age of nineteen years, when, in 1850. he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan county, this state. He remained with his father for one year, and in T851 started out in life on his own account, purchasing eighty acres of land, this constituting a part of his present place. He paid five dollars per acre for this property, which was then in a wild and uncultivated state. He broke the land, plowed the fields and planted his crops, which in due coiicse of time brought forth abundant harvests. As his financial resources increased he added to his original holdings by the purchase of an additional forty-acre tract, making in all one hundred and twenty acres.

In 1859, in company with his brother Charles and Everett Watson, he made an overland trip to the west, the party having three yoke of oxen and two cows. They were five months in making the journey to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Carson valley, contimung their jonrney to the Pacific coast, where he remained for six and a half years, returning to his home farm in 1865. Upon going to the west Mr. House had a family consisting of wife and t^vo children, whom he left on the home place, which was leased on the shares during his absence. Upon his return home he resumed his operations on the home farm, and in addition to raising various cereals, was aiso engaged in raising live stock, having only the best grades of animals. He is meeting with gratifying success in his farm labors, for he follows only the modern and practical ideas of agricultural pursuits, using the late.st improved machinery to facilitate his work.

Two years after his arrival in Michigan, in 1852, Mr. House was united in marriage to Mrs. Rebecca House, nee Smith, the widow of his brother, Moses House. The only child of that marriage died at the age of three months. After losing his first wife ,Mr. House was married to Eleanor Corey, and their marriage was blessed with three children: Otis, who died at the age of nineteen years ; Reuben Augustus, who was born January 15, 1859, and is now a resident farmer of the Yakima valley, in Washington, and Lena B., who was born December 12, 1866, and is now the wife of Elmer Engles, who resides in the northern peninsnla of Michigan, twelve miles from Marquette. She has become the mother of ten children, of whom four sons and five daughters survive, the record being as follows; Otis, Willis, Clyde, Herman, a son who died at the age of three months : Ella, Ruby, Gertrude. Lila and Edna. After the death of his second wife, which occurred October 20, 1880, Mr. House was married a third time to Mrs. Laura Ann Losee. a native of Jefferson county, New- York, and a daughter of John M. Cooper, who passed away in Watertown, that state.

Mr. House fonnerly gave his political support to the Republican -party, but in more recent years has been a Bryan Democrat. He has taken an active interest in the local ranks of his party, having served as justice of the peace for twelve years, and he was hkewise commissioner of highways and school officer. He has been identified with the Masonic order for the past forty years, holding membership with Plainwell Lodge, No. 235. He also holds membership with the Patrons of Husbandry.

Wlien Mr. House located in Allegan county there were many evidences of pioneer hfe still to be seen. Few settlements had been made, the homes being widely scattered, while large herds of deer could be seen roaming over the prairies and one had ample opportunity to indulge his love of hunting. He has seen all this changed, however, as the country has become more thickly populated, thriving towns and villages have sprung up and the work of advancement has been carried forward along many lines. He has lived in the county for more than half a century, so that he has a wide acquaintance and a host of warm friends.

Elezkr C. Knapf. - More than half a century has come and gone since Elezer C. Knapp, in 1854, arrived in Allegan county and took up his abode on .section seventeen. Gun Plains township, where he still lives, being today one of the venerable as well as highly respected citizens of his locality. He was bom in Dutchess county. New York, April 14, 1828, and is a son of Peter and Temperance (Conklin) Knapp, who removed from Dutchess county to Wayne county. New York, where the father died. The paternal grandfather was Asa Knapp, a resident of Dutchess county.

Elezer C. Knapp was but seven years of age when the family home was established in Wayne county, he and his mother going by canal from Albany, while his father drove across the country, reaching their destination first. In the schools of Wayne county Mr. Knapp of this review pursued his education, after which he learned and followed the carpenter's trade there for two years. In 1852 he went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, the journey being made by wav of the isthmus. While crossing that stretch of country he became ill with the isthmus fever.

being unable to travel for thirty-four days, wliile for several years thereafter he was in poor health. Returning from the far west he made his way to Allegan county, Michigan, traveling by raii to Kalamazoo and driving thence to his farm in Gun Plains township over the plank road. At that time seven stages left Kalamazoo, two going to Allegan and five going to Grand Rapids. Plainwell at that time contained only three dwellings - the home of Judge Anderson and Mr. Woodhams and a little log cabin at Four Comers. Mr. Knapp purchased one hundred acres of land and has cleared all but twelve acres, where his house now stands, it having already been cleared. The farm was covered with a heavy growth of oak timber and much arduous labor was required to cut down the trees and prepare the fields for the plow. He has always followed general farming and stock raising and at one time was successfully engaged in raising Durham cattle. In addition to his home place he also has forty acres adjoining his farm.

Mr. Knapp was married to Charlotte Harvey, a native of Massachusetts, and unto them was born a daughter, Ida, the wife of Henry Crosby, of Marlborough. Michigan. In 1858 Mr. Knapp wedded Frances Linderman, a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, a daughter of Jacob and Desire (Conrad) Linderman. There are two children of this marriage: William, of Grand Rapids, who wedded Rose Adams, and has one son, Frank, and Mabel, at home.

In politics Mr. Knapp is a stalwart Democrat and served as road commissioner for a number of terms. 'He was likewise supervisor for seventeen consecutive years, has held school offices and has been pathniaster. For a long period he was recognized as a leader in the ranks of the local Democracy and his opinions carry considerable weight in state politics. He frequently attended the state conventions, and in 1888 was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at St. Louis, which nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency. He has been a Mason from the age of twenty-one years, having joined the order at Newark, New York. He was instrumental in organizing the Plainweil Agricultural and Industrial Society, of which he acted as president for a number of years and also as one of the directors. This society held annual fairs in Plainwell and its wonderful success was due to his perseverance, energy and determination, for Mr. Knapp is a man of excellent executive ability, recognized as a leader among men. doing much to mold public thought and action and leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the public life of the communit}'.

Stram D, Kreigheaum, a prosperous fanner of Gun Plains township, residing on section 20, has lived in this locality for the past quarter of a century. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 13, 1848, a son of William and Sarah (Hane) Kreighbaum. The Kreighbaum family was established in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who emigrated to this country from Germany at an early day, locating in Pennsylvania. It was his son. George Kreighbaum, who became the father of William Kreighbaum. a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The latter accompanied his parents on their removal to Stark county. Ohio, antl there conducted a sawmill, in addition to which he carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He was there married to Miss Sarah Hane, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom

Hiram D. Kreighbaum was reared upon the old homestead farm in Stark county, early becoming familiar with the duties connected with agricultural life. During the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the public schools, thus acquiring the knowledge which fitted him for the responsible duties of life. He was there engaged in farming until 1880, when he came to Michigan and purchased a small tract of land adjoining his present home property. After making his home there for a few years he purchased his present home, which had been located by Friend Ives, who became one of the earliest settlers of Allegan county. This farm, however, was purchased by Mr. Kreighbaum from his father-in-law in 1901, and it is accounted one of the most valuable and productive places in the vicinity of Plainwell. He is here engaged in fanning and stock raising and is meeting with a very gratifying measure of success, owing to the progressive methods which he follows in the prosecution of his labors.

On the loth of June, 1875, Mr. Kreighbaum was united in marriage to Miss Flora Shutt, who was bom in Portage, Summit county, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Moore) Shutt. Her father was a son of Philip Shutt, and was bom in Wayne county, Ohio, but removed with his parents to Stark county, that state, when a youth of eighteen years. The mother was born in Stark county, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (White) Moore, the latter a native of New York. Mrs. Kreighbaum's maternal great-grandfather was a native of Ireland, whence he settled in Pennsylvania, where both her grandfather and father were born, the latter removing with his family to Stark county in 1812, being among the earliest settlers of that portion of the state.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kreighbaum has been born a daughter, Blanche, who is now following the profession of teaching and residing with her parents. Mr. Kreighbaum is a staiwart Democrat in his political views and affiliations. In the spring of 1897 he was elected highway commissioner, which position he has filled continuously since with the exception of the year 1904. He has proved a capable official in the discharge of his duties and during his term of service many substantial and needed improvements have been made, the new cement bridge in Plainwell having been constructed under his able supervision. He has likewise served one term as pathmaster. In his fraternal relations he hold membership with the Maccabees.

Mr. Kreighbaum and his family are well known in Allegan county as highly respected people. Their pleasant home is a favorite resort for their many friends, and therein hospitality reigns supreme.

Trayton Pacf, is one of the prominent representatives of agricultural interests in Allegan county, and comes of foreign birth, his natal place being Cowbeach, Sussex county, England, and the date October 6. 1857. His parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Martin) Page, were likewise natives of Sussex county, and became the parents of six children of whom one is deceased and all except our subject are still residents of England. Ellen is the wife of William Hatt and resides in London. Harriett Esther and Elizabeth are residents of Sussex county, England, and Ruth became the wife of J. Hon-

Trayton Page was left an orphan at the early age of five years, and he was then taken into the home of an aunt, Mrs. Harriet Hook, with whom he remained for several years. His paternal uncle, Isaac Page, emigrated from his native country to the United States in 1855, and took up his abode in Allegan county, Michigan, where he became a prosperous farmer. When he arrived in this country his cash capital consisted of but twenty -five'cents, but he possessed a strong and determined spirit, and at once secured employment and thereby provided for his support. He prospered in his work and was soon enabled to make purchase of land, his first tract comprising eighty acres, which he bought in i860, but he disposed of this ir, 1870, and bought a more desirable property elsewhere, to which he added from time to time until he became possessed of over two hundred acres of land. He was very active in public affairs, and at different times filled a number of positions of honor and trust. His wife was Susan A. Clay in her maidenhood, who was a native of Virginia, their marriage being celebrated March 24, 1872. In the meantime, in 1868, Isaac Page returned to his native country to pay a visit to his relatives and friends, and upon his return to America he brought with him his little nephew, Trayton Page, whose name introduces this record. Isaac Page died June 28, 1888.

Trayton Page was a little lad of eleven years when he crossed the Atlantic in company with his uncle, and upon arriving in Michigan he became a member of the latter's household, and here he was reared and educated as if he were an own child. He remained with his uncle until his uncle's death. Mr. Page inherited his fine farm of one hundred and twentyseven and one-half acres, and with the exception of five acres on section fourteen, all is situated on section thirteen, Watson township. Here he has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits and he makes the raising of pure blooded cattle an important feature of his business interests. Since coming into possession of this property Mr. Page has remodeled all of the buildings, and now has one of the finest country residences in this section of the county, in the rear of which stands a large bam and many outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and altogether it is a well kept and valuable farm property. All but sixty-five acres of the land is under cultivation, and each year he gathers good crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields, for he uses only the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work and is progressive in his ideas and methods of carrying on his business affairs.

Wishing to establish a home of his own, Mr. Page was married, May I. 1878, the lady of his choice bearing the name of Miss Lucy Townsend, who was also a native of Sussex county, England, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Siggs) Townsend, likewise natives of the fatherland, who emigrated to America in 1871, first making a .settlement in Martin township, Allegan county. After a few years the family removed to Watson township, locating on a farm on section thirteen. The father passed away at Cadillac, Michigan, at the age of fifty years, and the mother still survives and makes her home on the farm where her husband died.

Mr. Page gives his political support to the principles of Democracy and is quite active in the local ranks of his party, having served for twenty-four consecutive years as assessor of district No. 3, and in April, 1905, he was elected as justice of the peace, and his duties in this othce are ever discharged in a straightforward and impartial manner.

The origin of the village of Otsego has been described on other pages. The platting of a village and the concentration of business and other activities followed naturally upon the development of the water power. The plat, which was completed December 22, 1836, is the most important early record of the village. It shows the bridge which had just been completed across the river at that point, the dam and mill race, roads converging in all directions, and appended to the plat is the following statement by the surveyor of what he considers the principal advantages of the site : "This town is situated on the rapids of the Kalamazoo river, immediately below its junction with Gun river, and at the head of steamboat navigation. The water power at Otsego is not surpassed by any in Michigan, having a fall of fifteen feet, the whole river for a race, and requiring no dam, thus affording sufficient power to drive any number of stones that can ever be wanted. Its peculiar location, in respect to other towns and the adjoining country, the concentration of roads leading to it, in connection with its immense water power, render it one of the most desirable points in Michigan-"

As one of the desirable points in Michigan, Otsego has remained to this day. The Comstock enterprises led in importance for a few years, but as the village and the entire county as wel! advanced in prosperity beyond the point where capital counted for less in the total than individual energy and ability, village life and affairs were broadened and distributed among the bulk of the citizens. Among the residents and business men in 1840, four years after the platting of the village, were the mercantile firm of S. & S. D, Foster & Co., which began business in 1838, although S. D. Foster had been selling goods since 1836; Samuel Foster was still in the hotel business; H. H. Comstock had recently completed his flouring mill; Roswell Crane managed the sawmill and the new Exchange Hotel for the Comstock interests ; Dr. Coats in that year succeeded to the office of postmaster, which had been held by Dr. Foster ; L. Buckley, the first merchant in the village, was still in business.

During the fifties a resume of the busines enterprise adds the names of George H, Foster, who had a furnace on the mill race; William Mansfield, proprietor of a sawmill ; James Norton, a store and gristmill ; Osmand Smith, a factory on the race, and the well known names of Joel Eatchelor, T. S. Day, Orsamus Eaton, Willard Higgins,

A description of the village in 1880 spoke of several good brick business blocks, the grouping of the manufactures along the river, the large iron bridge connecting the two sides of town, and the growing importance of .Otsego in manufacturing, where over 200,ocxj bushels of wheat was converted into flour each year, where there were factories for making of sash.