Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter 5: Centers of Population, 1907 (part 2 of 14)

Although in politics a man's fealty is to the party of his choice, and to the people whom he represents Mr. Wade has retained the respect of both political parties. In 1890 he was appointed counsel for Fennville, which office he has held continuously up to the present. June 4, 1890, he was happily married to Miss Alice M., daughter of N. L. Chamberlin. Five children have been born to this union - Wave. Don D., Theodosius, Fredrick and Glenn.

Mr, Wade is a member of Damascus Lodge No, 415, F, & A. M,, of which he was master in 1902, and is also a Royal Arch Mason and member of Holland Chapter No. 143.

township, Allegan county. May lo, 1868, a son of James and Mary (Wilkinson) Lamb, both natives of county Cork, Ireland. They were married, however, in Buffalo, New York, in 1865, and the same year took up their abode in Michigan, locating in Ganges township, near Glenn, where the father purchased forty-five acres of land. In their family were three daughters and one son - Mrs. Katie C. Warren, Mrs. Rose Ketchem, Mrs. Blanch Weed and Henry E.

Henry E. Lamb was reared and educated in Casco township, early becoming familiar with the duties of farm labor. In 1891 he purchased a farm of fifty-six acres, and he greatly improved the property after it came into his possession by the erection of modern and substantial buildings. He was engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in addition to his other interests was also extensively interested in the raising of fruit, including fourteen hundred pear, one thousand peach, two hundred cherry, two hundred apple and fifty quince trees, and one thousand currant bushes, and this branch of his btisiness proved a very gratifying source of income to him. Mr. Lamb has taken an active and helpful interest in the care and development of fruit, and is considered an expert in the grafting of fruit trees. He is likewise engaged in erecting windmills and in dealing in spraying pumps of various kinds, and thus he has not confined his attention to one line of occupation, but has interested himself in various pursints. In the fail of 1906 he sold his farm and moved to Fennville, where he is now engaged in the implement business, in connection with the line of sprayers, etc., which he had been handling on the farm.

Mr. Lamb has been twice married. As his first companion he chose Miss Hettie M. Wadsworth, by whom he had one son, whose birth occurred August 20, 1897. For his second wife he wedded Gertrude M. Wing, their marriage being celebrated March 14, 1901. In his political views Mr. Lamb is an Independent and has served as a member of the school board, being deeply and helpfully interested in the cause of education. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. Beginning at the bottom roun<l of the ladder Mr. Lamb has worked liis way steadily upward year by year until he is today classed among the foremost representatives of agricultural and horticultural interests in Ganges township, where he enjoys the full confidence of his fellow men by reason of the fact that he is ever found reliable and straightforward in all his business deahngs.

Pbrky p. Weed, who is carrying on farming and fruit raising quite extensively in Satigatuck township, has one hundred and twenty acres of land, which, in its neat and thrifty appearance, indicates his careful supervision and keen discernment in his business affairs. Fifty-five acres of this farm once belonged to his father's estate, and thirty acres of the tract is devoted to the raising of fruit, including peaches, pears, apples and cherries, while two acres are utilized for the production of strawberries. This farm has been the property of Mr. Weed since 1876; and in its care and management he has displayed excellent business ability, executive force and close application.

in 1851. The paternal grandfather was William Weed, who wedded Mary Nickerson, Their family numbered two sons and two daughters : Lorenzo, who was boni in 1815; Joshua; Phoebe, in 1822, and Abigail, in 1828. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a German by birth and became one of the pioneer settlers of Cleveland, Ohio, while the greatgrandfather in the maternal line was a Hessian, who with his family emigrated to the United States at an early period in the settlement of the new world. The father's birth occurred in 1817, and in early hfe he learned the carpenter's trade, which vocation he continued to follow until he permanently put aside all btisiness cares. Soon after his arrival in Saugatuck township he also purchased one hundred and twenty-four acres of land, eighty of which now belongs to his son, George E. Weed, while fifty-five acres is the property of his son Perry. He became one of the early business men of Saugattick township and his enterprise and diligence rendered him a citizen of value, his labors contributing to general prosperity as well as to individual success. In 1872 he organized the Fruit Package factory, which is now successfully conducted under the firm style of E. E. Weed & Co. The father, moreover, was a man of considerable importance in community affairs and held several offices, including that of supervisor, school director and treasurer of the board. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his religious principles were as strongly manifest in his business life as in other relations, for at all times he was strictly honorable and upright. He died in the year 1901, at the venerable age of eighty-four years, and thus passed away one of the valued and respected pioneer residents of the county, whose life work was a benefit to the community in which he lived.

Perry P. Weed was a lad of five years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Ohio to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and when nine years of age he came with them to Allegan county. Provided with liberal educational privileges, he supplemented his public school education by study in Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, from which he was graduated. He there engaged in teaching violin music for a year, after which he spent two years in the Conservatory of Music in Boston. In 1883 he went abroad to study the violin and organ in Europe, for four years studying under some of the best masters of Berlin and of Dresden. Returning to his native land in 1887, he spent the following year as a teacher of music in Delaware (Ohio) University, and in 18S9 he went to London, England, where he studied and subsequently taught music for one year. Returning to his native country, he was closely connected with musical circles in Chicago as a teacher of the violin until 1901, when he abandoned his work in connection with that art and turned his attention to agricultural and horticultural pursuits, his time being divided between the work.

In 1900 Mr. Weed was happily married to Miss Gladys Grav. a daughter of Thomas C. and Anetta Gray. Mr. Weed has demonstrated his adaptability in the excellent manner in which he has conducted his farming and fniit-raising interests, although his training was in the line of the art to which he devoted many years and in which he attained high proficiency.

citizen for fifty-one years. He is a farmer of considerable ability and wide and varied experience, both in the line of cultivating fields and orchards. His present well developed farm came into his possession in a wild state in 1855, and by unremitting industry and perseverance he has evolved what we behold today a splendidly developed tract of land, equipped with modern accessories and giving every indication of careful and practical supervision. Mr. Swaney began his life record in Ohio, on the 7tli of February, 1837, and is a son of William and Matilda {Osboni) Swaney, the former a native of Pennsylvania and tlie latter of Ohio. Both were of Irish lineage and they came to Michigan in 1855. The father purchased a tract of land and began the development of a farm, whereon he reared his family, numbering eleven children. Only two, however, are now living, the sister being Mrs. Elizabeth Meads.

Sylvester Swaney was reared and educated in the state of his nativity to the age of eighteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Michigan. He has chosen farm work as a life vocation and in his undertakings has prospered. As stated, he purchased his present farm, then in its primitive condition, in 1855, and with characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of the land, clearing it of trees and stumps and converting the rich soil into productive fields and orchards. He has had a wide and varied experience in his farm work and his tract of land of eighty acres is now converted into fields devoted to the cultivation of grain and also into orchards where fine fruit is raised. Although his career has been prosperous to a large extent he has not been free from obstacles and difficulties. He had the misfortune to have two houses destroyed by fire, one in 1872 and the other on the 2d of August, 1906, the tatter being caused by a stroke of lightning. With resolute spirit and imfaltering energy, however, Mr. Swaney has begim the task of rebuilding. He has upon his farm three thousand peach trees, one hundred pear trees and one hundred apple trees, beside considerable small fruit, and his horticultural interests constitute a gratifying sottrce of income for him.

In 1869 occurred the marriage of Mr. Swaney and Miss Marinda Woodin, a daughter of F. W. and Maria (Brazee) Woodin. They had but one child, now deceased. Mrs. Swaney was born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1833, and her parents removed from that county to Allegan county, Michigan, in 1862. Her father purchased forty acres of land in its natural state and finally reclaimed it for the purposes of cultivation. He. too, had the misfortune to have his home destroyed by fire, so that Mrs. Swaney during her life has had three houses that she occupied burned, Mr. Woodin was born in Dutchess county, New York, in t8ii, and his wife. Maria Brazee, was of Holland extraction. In their family were nine children, who reached mature years: Jasper L., who was a veteran of the Civil war, serving two years with Company A, Third Michigan CavaJiy, but is now deceased; Frank, Mary, Alvira, Sarah. Lucy, Laura, Marinda P. and Lydia.

While Mr. Swaney has not filled any offices in the township, or had the slightest desire for political honors or emoluments, he has nevertheless given his active and moral support to many movements for the genera! good and stands for reform, progress and improvement. A residence of more than a half century in this county has made him widely known and largely acquainted with its history from the period of pioneer development to the era of later-day progress. He has seen many changes here as the forests have been cut down and as the log cabins have been replaced by commodious and substantial frame residences. He has lived a busy and active life, devoted entirely to his farm work, and his success is well merited.

Captain Robert Re]d, deceased, was one of the well known and influential men of Saugatuck township, being identified with farming and fruit raising interests here throughout many years. He was a native of Ireland, having there been born March 22, 1827. He chose as his occupation the life of a sailor, following the sea throughout the greater part of his active business career, and for four years during his early life he sailed upon the ocean. In 1849, being then a young man of twentj-two years, he decided to emigrate to America, and accordingly took tip his abode in the United States, making his way to Michigan, where he continued his work as a captain on lake vessels for thirty years. He owned the scow called Granger, which plied between Chicago and various ports along Lake Michigan.

Owing to his industry and economy he was in 1853 enabled to purchase land, becoming owner of sixty acres situated in Saugatuck township. When this land came into his possession it was still in a wild and uncultivated state, but he employed others to clear and develop his land, which was soon placed under a high state of cultivation. He also had many buildings erected upon his property, which afforded shelter for grain and stock, and altogether his farm was soon placed among the foremost properties of this section of the county, being situated on the shore of Lake Michigan. In 1872, however, he retired from sea life and took up his abode upon his farm, which, up to this time, had been carried on by others. Mr. Reid merely giving his supervision to the work. When he located upon the farm he engaged quite extensively in horticultural pursuits, having fine varieties of peaches, pears, apples, cherries, quinces and all kinds of small fruit upon his place, having about forty-five acres of his property devoted to this line of pursuits, while the remainder of his fann was given over to genera! farming, and in all of his work he was progressive and practical and thus met with desirable success in all his undertakings. He had a very wide acquaintance among lake men and was also known as a successful farmer and fruit grower, so that when his death occurred on the 16th of July. 1906, the community lost one of its most venerable and highly respected citizens, he having reached the very advanced age of seventy-nine years. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and in his life exemplified high and many principles.

Captain Reid was twice married, his first union being with Mrs. Phoebe Durham, nee Weed, and by this union there were two sons, Robert and Alexander, deceased, the latter meeting his death by accident while loading a vessel with lumber. For his second wife Captain Reid wedded Miss Jennie Weed, whose birth occurred in Ohio. She is the only child born unto Joshua and Rebecca (Ford) Weed, the former born March g. 1817. and he was married to Miss Rebecca Ford on the 21st of May, 1845. For his second wife Joshua Weed chose Mary Saddler, who he wedded on the

4th of April, 1850, and unto this union were born the following named: Perry, Felecia, George E., Lydia, Ehuer, William H. and Mary. For his third wife the father chose Mary Ford, and for his fourth wife he wedded Mary Dietrick, the marriage being celebrated in 1890, but there were no children by either the third or fourth marriage, and of his family of children by the first two marriages only five are now Hving. Joshua Weed was a man of good business ability and was ever active in promoting any interest which he deemed would prove of benefit to his home locality. In 1876 he was instrumental in organizing the fruit packing industry which is now known as E. E. Weed & Co., the business having grown to mammoth and profitable proportions. Mr. Weed was a carpenter by trade and came with his father, William Weed, to this state from Ohio at an early day, being connected with building operations in this portion of the state through many years. The wife of William Weed, the father of Joshua Weed, bore the maiden name of Mary Nickerson, the former born on the 3d of August, 1783. while the latter was born October 6, 1796. In their family were five children : Lorenzo, Joshua, William, Phoebe R, and Abagail J. By Mr. Reid's second marriage there is one son, Roy FT.

Mrs. Jennie Reid, the widow of Captain Reid. still makes her home on the old homestead property, which was left to her by her husband, and here she is living a quiet life, surrounded by many warm friends to whom she has become endeared by those qtialities of heart and mind which everywhere command respect and high regard.

Andrew J. S'r.\RRiNc is one of the representative and prosperous farmers of Ganges township, where he was born in December. 1857. He is a son of Simeon and Mary A. (Slaytoii) Starring, both of whom were natives of New York, whence tliey came to Michigan in childhood days. The paternal grandparents were Henry and Mary Starring, and were among the early pioneer settlers of Allegan county. They endured the hardships incident to frontier life, but finally overcame these obstacles and inconveniences and prospered in their business undertakings until they were the owners of a valuable farming property and their home was supplied with many of the comforts of life. They reared a family of six children, namely: Simeon and Edward, both deceased; Peter; Henry, deceased; Mary, who has al.so passed away, and John. Simeon Starring, father of our subject, early became familiar with all of the experiences that fall to the lot of the |)ioneer and he aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. Eventually he became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, but gave the greater part of his attention to lumbering, although he always carried on agricultural pursuits. He was a prosperous business man. carefully conducting his interests and displaying in their management keen discernment and sagacity. He was also recognized as a worthy citizen who, while advancing his individual interests, also contributed to the public welfare. His children were Andrew J.. Lucy P., Dora A.. Lindas H.. deceased, and Nettie G.

Andrew J. Starring is one of the prosperous farmers of his township and owns ninety-five acres of valuable and productive land. Reared under the parental roof, he was early trained to the work of the farm, while lessons of industrv and economy were instilled into his mind. His more specifically literary education was acquired in the public schools, and when not busy with his text-books he worked in the fields. He has owned his present farm since 1884, and with the exception of a small tract of ten acres the entire place was cleared by him. He turned the first furrows in the field and has erected upon the farm a good set of buildings, which are substantial, commodious and convenient. He was formerly extensively engaged in fruit raising, having as many as five thousand peach trees. He is now giving his time and energies to the cultivation of peppemiint, which is growing to be a very profitable industry, and he now has thirty acres devoted to that plant.

In 1887 Mr. Starring was happily married to Miss Ella Barrager, a daughter of Henry and Martha Barrager. To their union have been born five children, Floy, Harry, Lee, Elna and Linus. Mr. Starring has been a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend. Socially he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. A resident of almost a half century has made him widely known, and throughout the entire period he has lived in Ganges township, where he has so directed his efforts as to win a gratifying measure of success in his business life.

Charles B. Welch is the owner of a valuable farm property, comprising one hundred and seventy-four acres, the greater portion of which is devoted to the cultivation of fruit, and it is only due him to state that he has met with more than ordinary success, as will be seen by the great quantities of fruit which are raised on his farm every year, for he follows only the most modern and scientific lines in carrying on the work of his agricultural and horticultural interests. He has made a special study of the fruit raising industry and therefore is thoroughly conversant with the business in every detail, so that only the best possible results can obtain.

Mr. Welch is a native of Ohio, born December 30, 1854, but was largely reared and educated in Indiana, where his parents, Ephraim and Elizabeth (Bossard) Welch, took up their abode during the early youth of their son Charles B. At a later date the family home was established in Kansas, where the son continued his education, previous to the removal of the family to this state. The father was a lumberman and followed that pursuit throughout the earlier part of his life. In his family were six children, but only three of the number reside in Allegan county: H, G.. Mrs. Charles Gaylord and Charles B,, of this review.

In 1875 our subject located in Saugatuck township, at which time he made a purchase of eighty acres of land, which was in its wild state, but he at once undertook the task of clearing the land and developing the fields, which soon responded to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it and thus he annually harvested good crops. He also improved the place with modern and substantial buildings, and from time to time, as his financial resources have permitted, he has added to the boundaries of bis fields until it has now reached its extensive proportions, embracing a tract of one htmdred and seventy-four acres, the greater part of which is devoted to the cultivation of various kinds of fruit. He is extensively engaged in the cultivation of peaches, having at the present time six thousand trees, which are in bearing, twelve hundred pear trees, about six hundred apple trees, and about six acres devoted to strawberries, some years, however, liaving as many as eighteen acres, so that it will readily be seen that his place, which is known as the C. B. Welch Fruit Farm, is a busy center from the early summer season until the late autumn, when the fruit is picked, packed and shipped, and Mr. Welch thus furnishes employment to a great number of people. His fruit is produced from only the very best nursery stock and the products of his farm are known to be of the very highest grade, thus commanding a high price on the city market. In addition he carries on general fanning pursuits, and in this work is meeting with highly pleasing success.

Mr. Welch was united in marriage December 30, 1879, to Miss Ella Walters, a native of Ohio, born August 19, 1856, and unto this union four children have been born, but the oldest, Grace, is now deceased, while those surviving are Henry A., Lillian W. and Wallace W. Henry A. attended the State Agricultural College at Lansing for two years, and has thus prepared himself for the employment of scientific methods in carrying on farming and fruit growing. The daughter attended Hope College at Holland for two years and has thus been afforded a liberal education. Mr. Welch has always been deeply interested in the cause of education, and has held the oiiGce of school director for a number of years, doing all in his power to promote the educational system of this portion of the state. He and the family are devoted and exemplary members of the Congregational church. and Mr. Welch has served as superintendent of the Sunday school, and is a strong advocate of temperance principles. He is a member of the Horticultural and Pomological Society, of which he is now acting as secretary, and fraternally is connected with the Maccabees tent, also the Grange. He is a self-made man in the truest sense of the term - a man in whom his neighbors and friends have implicit confidence, for he is ever found to be reliable in all trade transactions and commands high respect from all with whom he is associated. He is classed among the prosperous and well-to-do citizens of Allegan county and is regarded as authority on matters pertaining to the fruit raising industry.

Alexander Girson.^ - Prosperity is attending the efforts of Alexander Gibson, a resident farmer of Saugatuck township, whose postoftice is Fennville. Widely and favorably known, the history of his life cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. The parents were William and Rachel (McVeal Gibson, both of whom were natives of county Down, Ireland. They were married on the Emerald isle and two of their children were born ere their emigration to the New World. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities and thereby provide more of the comforts of life for bis family, William Gibson, in 1856, emigrated to the United States in company with his wife and children. He had learned the wagonmaker's trade in his native land and be followed that caUing to some extent in this country. With his family be located on the lake shore in Saugatuck township, where they remained until 1861, at which date the father purchased forty acres of new and unimproved land in the same township. During the time that the land was being cleared and improved by bis sons and hired men be was sailing on the lakes and thus secured ready money to meet the wants of the family. Twenty-two years of his life were spent as a sailor and he sailed on Lakes Michigan, Superior and Erie. lie was well qualified to hold all positions on the lake vessels from cook to captain, and, in fact, his services covered that range. He had had former experience as a sailor on the ocean for five years, during which time he visited all of the principal ports of the world. His ability and fidelity continually won him promotion, and for many years he was captain of lake vessels. Saving his earnings, he invested more and more largely in real estate until the boundaries of the original farm of forty acres had been extended to embrace a tract of ninety-five acres. During the winter months, when the lakes were frozen over, he worked at his trade of wagoiimaking. In those days money was scarce, but the pioneers needed wagons and he therefore trusted many for the work which he did and never received his pay. Like most of his fellow countrymen, William Gibson was a man of large heart, generous nature and kindly impulses, and though some took advantage of his generosity many were fair and square with him in business dealings and he prospered as the years went by. Wherever he was known his good qualities gained him friends and he was a popular citizen. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Mary J., now the wife of Thomas Wilson ; Alexander; William, who was drowned in Lake Michigan, and Samuel. The father passed away October 7, 1892. His widow died in 1906.

Alexander Gibson was one of two children born in Ireland, his natal place being county Down, and the date October 24, 1855. He was largely reared, however, in Allegan county, upon the home fann in Saugatiick township. In his younger days he went upon the lake as a sailor and devoted twenty-two years to that life. He was mate of the Mary McVea when she was wrecked on Walker's Point, and for eight years he had command of vessels and was one of the well-known lake men of this district. Turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, in 1882 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres of fertile land, which, however, was then in an unclaimed state. By hard and constant toil he has made it a fruitful and productive tract. His buildings are good and are of modem construction and convenience, and the farm in all its equipments and appointments is very complete, being thus classed with the model farms of Allegan county. He is largely engaged in the cultivation of fruit and has twenty-five hundred peach trees upon his place, two hundred apple trees and one hundred plum trees, while two and a half acres were planted to pears. One acre has been set out to black currants and one acre to strawberries, and thus from the time when the early strawberry crops comes on until the late autumn he is busy taking care of the fruit as it ripens, making extensive shipments to the city market. He also carries on a general line of farming and his fields are well tilled. He is justly accounted one of the representative fruit growers of Saugatuck township and his place is most attractive in its appearance.

In 1885 Mr, Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Eva, daughter of Joseph Newcomb, and unto this marriage has been born a daughter, Sybil. Mr. Gibson is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, his affiliation being with Dutcher Lodge, No. 193, F. & A. M. Almost his entire life has been passed in Allegan county and he has a wide acquaintance in Saugatuck township and other districts among lake men and the agriculturists. He possesses many of the sterling characteristics of the sons of the

M. D. LooMis. - The record of I\L D. Loomis is an interesting one, and is indicative of what may be accomplished through force of character, strong; purpose and unfaltering enterprise. His parents, Levi and Sallie A. (Skinner) Loomis, removed from Hamilton, Madison county, New York, where they were reared and married, to Michigan, in 1835, and were therefore among its first settlers, casting in their lot with the pioneers who were reclaiming the region from the domain of the savages and converting it into the uses of civilization. They located at the mouth of the Kalamazoo river, where Mrs. Loomis baked the first loaf of bread made at the mouth of the Kalamazoo river. Ganges and Saugatuck at that time were under one township organization. Later they removed to the village of Saugatuck, where they remained for some time, and on the loth of March, 1840, they took up their abode in what is now Ganges township. Mr. Loomis purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land from James Hale. On this land he built a little cabin and soon succeeded in clearing the place for his crops. His neighbors were Indians and there were many wolves in the district. The red men were not unfriendly, but the wolves were a great source of trouble and expense to him because of the depredations which they made upon the farm yard, in one night killing several head of stock. In that early day Mr. Loomis engaged extensively in fruit raising, and he was regarded as a man of influence and prominence in the community because of the early experiences which he had in the wilderness, gaining thereby a knowledge of the possibilities of the country. He was honored with various local offices, serving as justice of the peace and also as tax collector of Ganges and Saugatuck townships. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: Florence A., Ida T., Effie L. fdeceasedl, Charles L. (deceased), L. B. (deceased), Charles H.. and M. D. The father passed away November 21, 1902, having for more than three years survived his wife, who died on the 3d of April, 1899.

M. D, Loomis is one of the native sons of Allegan county, having been born March 10. 1840. He was the first white child born in Ganges township and is now one of its oldest continuous residents, a fact which well entitles him to representation in this volume. He has always followed farming and fruit raising and is now the owner of forty acres of first-class land, upon which he has set about eight hundred trees, including five hundred peach trees and three hundred plum trees. He also has one acre devoted to currants. He has owned this place since 1876 and has brought it imder a high state of cultivation.

The only interruption to Mr. Loomis' life of continuous activity in the field of agricultural and horticultural pursuits was his military service in the Civil war. In 1864 he enlisted in defense of his country's honor and the preservation of the Union, becoming a member of Company I, Seventeenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was in front of Petersburg during its siege and made a creditable record by his valor and loyalty, being honorably discharged at the close of the war in 1865.

and Pearl D. The parents are both well known and have a wide circle of warm friends in this part of Allegan county. Few native sons of the county have longer resided within its borders, and, as stated, Mr. Loomis, is the oldest continuous resident in Ganges township, having made his home here for sixty-six years. Great have been the changes which time and man have wrought, as the work of improvement has been carried steadily forward. The early settlers planted the seeds of civilization and later residents have brought forth the harvest in good buildings, fine farms and enterprising villages. At all times Mr. Loomis has manifested a public -spirited interest in the welfare of his community and has done much to promote progress.

John Wynn, a worthy farmer of Saugatuck township, whose postoffice is Fennviile, is a native of the country of Holland, having been born there in 1843. ^'^ parents were John and Mary Wynn, who emigrated from the land of the dykes to the New World in 1847, locating first at Rochester, New York, where the death of the wife and mother occurred. The father and children afterward left the Empire State and came to Allegan county, Michigan, where John Wynn, Sr., purchased forty acres of land north of the village of Allegan. His family numbered ten children, but only three of the number yet survive, as follows : John, Brown and Mary, all living in Allegan county.

John Wynn was a little lad of only four years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States. His youth was therefore largely passed in New York and in this county, and he was early trained to the work of the home farm. When a young man of eighteen years he enlisted in 1861 in response to his country's call for loyal citizens to stem the tide of rebellion in the South. Putting aside all personal considerations he donned the blue uniform and became a member of Company C, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was three times wounded during his military experience, once in the shoulder, again in the side and a third time in the head at the battle of Stone River. He re-enlisted at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and served until the close of the war, July 12, 1865. During his service his valor and loyalty were proven on many a southern battlefield. He has a military record of which he has every reason to be proud and he manifests the same spirit of fidelity to his country in days of peace as when he followed the Stars and Stripes on long marches of the south.

In 1869 Mr. Wynn was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Slater, and imto them were born two children, John B. and Mrs. Nellie Chamberlain. After losing his first wife, Mr. Wynn was again married, his second union being with Miss Josephine Babcock, whom he wedded in 1894.

Their home is upon a farm of fifty acres in Saugatuck township, on which Mr. Wynn has resided since 1865. When he made purchase of that land it cost him eight dollars per acre and was in its primitive condition, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the property. In fact, it was covered with a growth of timber and he had to clear away the trees and stumos. before he could plow the land and convert it into productive fields. He has erected good buildings upon it and bv his energy and close application to his business has developed an excellent farm.

When his dweUing was destroyed by fire he immediately rebuilt a more modern and commodious ediiice. He follows both fruit raising and general farming, giving the latter, however, the greater part of his attention, and his fields bring forth good harvests, including various products.

He is a loyal and worthy citizen, meriting and receiving the fuil confidence of his fellow townsmen, and ail who know him speak of him in terms of praise.

F. F. Atwood. - Nature seems to have prepared various parts of the county for diiierent lines of business. The resources which she affords to the race are many, and when one line of occupation has been worked to its full extent it calls for activity in another direction. Such has been the history of Allegan county. At one time the district was covered by a dense forest growth, affording inducement to the lumbermen, and when the great forests were cut away it was found that the soil was rich and productive, especially adapted to fruit culture. Therefore a large number of its residents are devoting their time and energies to horticultural pursuits, and among the representative farmers and fruit growers of Saugatuck township is numbered F. F. Atwood, whose name introduces this review. He owns and operates eighty acres of land, all of which is especially devoted to the raising of fruit.

Mr. Atwood is one of Michigan's native sons, having been born in Grand Traverse county January 17, 1870. His parents are Orin A. and Emma L. (Russell) Atwood, both of whom were natives of New York. The father reiTioved to Michigan in the early '60s, and was therefore one of the early pioneers of Grand Traverse county. Few settlers had penetrated into its dense timber regions at that time, and hardly a road had been cut through the forests or a permanent dwelling established. Mr. Atwood did as much as any other man in his community toward advancing the growth and development of this part of the state. He owned eighty acres of land, which he cultivated and improved, bringing it under a high state of development. He was a most honorable, upright man, well meriting the esteem and confidence which were uniformly accorded him. By trade he was a carpenter, and was a good mechanic, and in connection with his farming operations he followed building to some extent, which contributed much to the comfort of the early settlers who engaged his services in the building of their homes. As the years passed ten children were added to the family of Mr. and Mrs, Atwood, eight of whom reached years of maturity, while seven are still living at this writing, in 1906, namely : John M., Mrs. Lillian Chaney, Mrs. Hattie Clauss, O. A., E. E., F, F., and Mrs. Emma C. Gi!-

F. F. Atwood, whose name introduces this record, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farm lads. He acquired his education in the public schools and was trained to the work of the home farm through the assistance which he gave his father until twenty-one years of age. He then left home and went west, first to Wyoming, later to Colorado and Montana, and worked on some of the largest cattle ranches in Wyoming. He remained in the west for three years, seeing much of the frontier life. He returned to Michigan in 1894. He has never sought to change his mode of life or occupation other than by keeping, in touch with the trend of modem progress along agricuUural lines. He has owned his present farm since 1900, and now has one of the vahiabie properties of Saugatuck township, where he is extensively engaged in growing fruit. The place comprises eighty acres of land, upon which he has thirty-five hundred peach trees, one hundred and thirty apple trees, one thousand pear trees, two hundred cherry trees and twelve hundred currant bushes. From this number it will readily be imagined how large are his crops of the different fruits each year. His place from early spring until late autumn is a very busy one as the work of picking and packing is carried on. and the fruit is thus made ready for shipment. In addition to this work he carries on general farming to an extent necessary to supply his home with needed cereals, and from the sale of his crops he is annually enabled to secure not only the comforts but some of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Atwood was married to Miss Annette Waldo, a daughter of George W. and Mary F. (Green) Waldo. Her parents came to Michigan early in the '605. Mrs. Waldo was a native of the Empire State, and her husband of Vermont. He was one of the active men of Saugatuck township, a man of great worth from many points of view. It was he who made the Atwood farm what it is today. The house is among the best dwellings of the township and will stand as a monument to his memory. He took no active part in politics, preferring to give his whole time to his business affairs, and it was through his attention to duty that he became one of the representative and successful business men of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Waldo were single when they arrived in Michigan, and by their marriage there were four children, two of whom are now living, Mrs. Atwood and Mrs. Flora Lockwood. The father died in the year 1900. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Atwood has been blessed with six children, of whom four are living, Clarence M., Evelyn, Emerald and Francis F., Jr.

Mr. Atwood is a valued member of the Odd Fellows' society, and holds the office of grand vice in his lodge. He is also a member of the school board, and is interested in the material, intellectual and moral progress of his community and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens.

Thomas Wilson, deceased, was for many years an active representative of agriculttiral and horticultural interests in Allegan county. He was a native of England and was born in 1828. He was employed as a brickmaker in his native country, and in 1848, when a young man of twenty years, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where he secured employment as. engineer on a steamboat which plied the Mississippi river. After two years spent in that way he removed to Singapore, Michigan, where for a number of years he was occupied in the same pursuit. Noting the productiveness of the soil in this state and realizing the necessity of acnuiring a competence for his old age, he decided to purchase a farm, which he did, coming into possession of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Ganges township. This was in its natural state, but he at once supervised the work of clearing and cultivating the land and erecting good buildings, until his farm was made a highly productive and improved property. He. however, during this time continued his work as an engineer, but after a few years retired from that pursuit and located on his farm, there continuing the work of further development and improvement throughout his remaining days, and thus at his death he left to his family a valuable estate. In addition to his genera] farming pursuits he also engaged in fruit raising, having an orchard containing three thousand peach trees, and he likewise had an orchard set out to apples and small fruit. He worked diligently and persistently in carrying on his business interests and as the years passed by met with very desirable and gratifying results.

In 1856 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Annie C. Abbey, a daughter of Pierce and Abagail (Astle) Abbey, and a native of County Carlow, Ireland. Unto onr subject and his wife were born four sons, but only two of the number now survive, William P. and Frank E., while the eldest and youngest members of the family, Thomas J. and Robert A. respectively, are deceased. William P. wedded Miss Libbie Randal, by whom he has two sons and two daughters, Bessie C, Mabel A., Frank E. and Joseph W. The death of the husband and father occurred August 8, 1889, and his loss was deeply regretted by a host of warm friends as well as by his immediate family. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was likewise identified with the Grange. His life was ever characterized by upright and honorable principles and by a devotion to the best interests of his community. He was ever found straightforward in all his business transactions and was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen.

His widow, Mrs. Annie C. Wilson, as stated above, was bom in Ireland, to which country her parents had removed from England, which country was the place of their nativity. Her mother represented an aristocratic English family, and her brother. Captain Astle, an uncle of Mrs. Wilson, was sent to Ireland to participate in the rebellion, and being pleased with the Emerald isle he induced Mr. and Mrs. Abbey to locate there. They there took up their abode and the father engaged in farming pursuits, and it was there that the birth of their daughter, Mrs. Wilson, occurred. She emigrated to the United States in 1848, the same year of the arrival of the one who in later years became her husband. She still makes her home on the farm which was left her by Mr. Wilson and she is today accounted one of the highly respected women of Allegan county, where she has a host of warm friends and where she and her family enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of this section of the county.

Peter Moran Is a representative of horticultural interests of Saugatuck township, where he owns a well-improved and valuable farm of fifty acres, which is devoted exclusively to the raising of peaches, apples and small fruit. Mr. Moran is a native of West Virginia, being a son of Elbert and Margaret (Van Gilder) Moran, who were likewise natives of West Virginia. Ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines were active representatives of the Colonists in the Revolutionary war.

Reared and educated in his native state, Mr. Moran there remained until he had attained man's estate, and then made his way to Nebraska, where he followed general agricultural pursuits for some time, meeting with good success in his undertakings in the western country. He later made his way to the city of Chicago, and after a time spent in the western metropolis took up his abode in Allegan county, Michigan, the year of his arrival being igoi. He here purchased a half interest in a tract of one liun- dred and twenty acres, and continued his operations as a general farmer. He has since disposed of a part of his property, but still retains possession of fifty acres, which is pleasantly and conveniently situated on the lake front in Saugatuck township, and has set out the most of his place to fruit, including one thousand peach trees, beside apples and small fruit. He is meeting with merited success in his fruit raising interests, for he is thoroughly conversant with the best methods of carrying on a work of this character, so that each year he annually harvests good crops of fruit, and the products of his farm find a ready sale on the market, owing to size, quality and flavor, and he is thus enabled to secure a good price therefor. He has improved his farm with good buildings, and in 1903 erected a fine country residence, modern in its equipments and construction, and his is one of the attractive farm properties of this portion of the county. In addition to the cultivation of fruit he likewise engages in general farming to some extent, and this branch of his business is also proving a gratifying source of income to him.

Choosing a companion and helpmate for life's journey, Mr. Moran was united in marriage to Miss Phebe E. Jones, who was also born iri the place of his nativity, and unto them have been born three children, Floyd L., Hallie and Elbert R. Mr. Moran takes an active and helpful interest in al! matters pertaining to local progress and has served his township as pathmaster. He is a worthy member of Dutcher Lodge, No. 193, F. & A. M., and is popular among the brethren of this fraternity.

Although Mr. Moran is numbered among the more recent arrivals in Allegan county, his residence here covering the brief period of five years, he has nevertheless made many warm friends, for he possesses a kindly nature and high moral character, so that he has won the confidence of all with whom he is associated.

Fred Schultz resides upon a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Saugatuck township. It is his own property and is devoted to the cultivation of fruit and grain. He is numbered among those who have won for this district its wide reputation as a fine fruit belt and his well -managed business interests are bringing him a gratifying measure of- success.

Mr. Schidtz is one of the native sons of Allegan county, his birth having occurred in Douglas November 24, 1866. He comes of German ancestry, his parents, Fred and Dena (Berlin) Schultz, having both been natives of the fatherland. They emigrated to the New World in the '60s, Mr. Schultz crossing the Atlantic to Canada, while the mother of our subject sailed to New York. They met and were married in this country, and for some time after his marriage the father continued to follow the wagonmaker's trade, which he had learned in his native land. He spent two years in Illinois in that way, and then thinking that he might more readily acquire a competence through farming operations he purchased eighty acres of land, on which was a small clearing. The remainder of the land he cleared from the timber and in due time built neat and substantial buildings upon his place. He was a good farmer as well as a mechanic of superior ability, and , his life was one of diligence and industry, crowned with a goodly measure . of success. The family numbered six children, three of whom are vet living, John, Mrs. Sophia Waltz and Fred, The death of the father occurred in woa and the mother passed away the same year, so that this worthy couple who had long traveled hfe's journey together were not long separated m

'" Fred Schultz, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire Ufe in Allegan county, and his education was acquired m the public schools, while he rSceivcd practical training in tarm work through the assistance which he rendered his father. For eigliteen years he h" owned forty acres of his present (arm, which was once the property of his father, and the remaining tract of eighty acres he purchased of James Perry m March ,004 He now has an exceUent and well-improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which lie devotes to the raising of fruit and cereals He has five hundred peach trees and seventy apple trees, beside other fruits ot various kinds in smaller quantities. He also has twenty-six acres planted to beans and five acres to mint, and the various crops are large because the land is well cultivated, according to the various uses to which it is put. tie finds a ready sale on the market for his products and his annual mcome is therefore very desirable. , r o . sr- r

Mr Schulti was united in marriage in the sprmg of 1899 to Miss Lulu Harper of Climax, Michigan, and unto them have been born four children, Delia Dena, Lulu and Earl. The family are well known in this part ot the county their farm being pleasantly and conveniently located near I'ennviue. Their home is a hospitable one and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

Henhv Mead. - The farming interests of Saugatuck townsliip are well renresented by Henry Mead, who owns and conducts a productive farm of ninety acres within its border. This place has been in his possession since 1882 and is now a well-developed fruit farm, its fine appearance being indicative of the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it, for when it came into his possession it was a tract of wild land.

Mr Mead is one of Michigan's native sons, his birth having occurred in Van Buren county. His parents were Joseph and Susan (Hogmire) Mead both of whom were bom in Genesee county. New York, whence they came to Michigan in 1849. The father died in 1852, and his widow afterward became the wife of P. Purdy.

Henry Mead, the only child born of the mother s first marriage, was reared and educated in Allegan county, having resided within its borders since 1857 He early became familiar with the arduous task of developing a new farm and has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits His first farm was a small one of twenty acres and he afterward purchased another farm of eighty acres, which is now the' property of Mr. Eddy, but which was owned by Mr. Mead for sixteen years. In i88a the latter bought his present farm, comprising ninety acres of good land in Saugatuck township. Upon this tract of land he has set out four hundred apple trees, six hundred and fifty crahapple trees, one hundred pear trees and fifty chestnut trees, and his orchards are now in excellent bearing condition and his shipments of fruit are extensive. Beside his productions along this line he carries on general farming. He bought the land when m its virgin condition and in ten years he had cleared the farm, had erected good buildings and had brought much of his land under cultivation. Today it is a well-improved property, and Mr. Mead is thoroughly conversant with the best methods of tilling the soil and promoting his orchard interests.

In 1875 Mr. Mead was married to Miss Emma Shoemaker, of Allegan county, and unto this union were born four children, Mrs. Minnie B Lockman, Irving, Florence and Hazel. The son has sailed on the lake for five years and the younger daughters are now at home.

Mr. Mead gives his political support to the Democratic party, and has served as pathmaster of his township, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens, because in all relations he has been found worthy of the trust reposed in him, bemg straightforward and reliable in his business and manifesting due regard for the rights of others in all relations of life.

Benjamin Crawford. - In the historv of Allegan county the name of Benjamm Crawford appears as one of the pioneer setders of Manlius township. Mr. Crawford was born in New York city in 1831, and continued to reside there until his twenty-first year, when he - seeing possibilities in the western country that was opening up to settlement - moved to Michigan and settled in Manlius township. He was married to Miss Abagail Wright, a native of New York state, where she was born in 1839, and together they came west to found a new home. Two children were born to them, both now deceased, viz. : Emma, who became Mrs. George Smeed, and George On first coming to Michigan Mr. Crawford purchased an interest in three tracts of land with Messrs. Mix and Fenn, and in the spring of 1852 It was divided, Mr. Crawford getting the one hundred and forty-two and one-third acre tract, on which he now lives. Immediately on obtaining possession of the farm he built a house, in which he and his wife have resided continuously smce, with the exception of two vears they spent in the east, and started m clearing and improving the land. In less than fifteen years It was entirely cleared, and is now worth about five thousand dollars. Seven acres of the farm is devoted exclusively to fruit, apples, pears peaches plums and cherries.

Mr. Crawford has during his residence in Manlius township been honored by his fellow citizens by the election to the offices of township treasurer and highway commissioner, which he has filled to his own credit and the satisfaction of the people. It is a source of great satisfaction to him to be able to spend his declining years in the township which he saw grow from a scattered, partially settled community to a district of beautiful and wellkept farms, and to feel that all through the years he has won and retained the confidence and good-will of the neighbors with whom he came in confact.

James H. Fosdick, an old and respected resident of Manlius township was born in Massachusetts November 16, 1827, where he was raised and educated. In 1850 he was united in marriage to Mina Campbell of Connecticut, and to them have been born eight children, the five following of whom are now living, viz.: Elbert C; Charles L., who married Miss E L. Bnggs; Henry J.; Clifford L., who married Miss Anna Caldwell; Elva M wife of Charles Secord, and Edith, wife of Cleon Post.

In the dark days of the RebelHon Mr. Fosdick, moved by patriotic enthusiasm and a desire to defend the Union, enlisted in Company H, Forty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served faithfully until 1863. when he was honorably discharged from the service. He is a member of the A. H. Fenn Post, Ko. 371, Grand Army of the Republic, and has served that post as chaplain.

Mr, Fosdick is universally respected by the citizens of Manlius township, and while not actively engaged in politics has served them in an official capacity, including among other services the position of pathmaster. He has resided on the farm which he now owns since 1866, at which time it was a part of the primitive forest. He purchased the land from a Mr. PhilHps for the sum of twelve dollars and a half per acre, and has improved the property since that time imtil it has become one of the model farms of the locaHty. There are on this farm in full bearing and a liigh state of cultivation four hundred fruit trees, including among other varieties apples, pears, peaches, cherries and a fine variety of small fruits.

JoH^f L. HiRNER. an enterprising and progressive farmer of Allegan county, owns a tract of forty acres situated in Saugatuck township, and was fonnerly engaged in fruit raising, but is now turning his attention more exclusively to the cultivation of mint, which has during the past few years been found to be a profitable industry. He is a native son of the township, his birth having here occurred on the 25th of September, 1861. a son of Lewis and Christine Hirner, both of whom were born in Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1844, and. landing in New York city, they there remained one year, after which they made their wav to Chicago, where they lived tmtil 1858, when they made their way to Allegan county, this state. The father purchased a tract of forty acres of wild land, which he cleared and developed, and it is this farm upon which our subject now makes his home, and throtigh his continued efforts the property has become a valuable and well-improved tract. In 1861 the father responded to the call of his adopted country for troops <luring the Civil war, and enlisted as a private in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry. He took part in the memorable battle of Gettysburg, from which he escaped uninjured, but was later shot by a stray ball at the han<ls of the enemy in August. 1864. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hirner were born two children. John L., of this review, and Louise, deceased.

John L. Hirner was reared and educated in the township which has always been his home. Being but one year of age at the time of his father's death, he always remained with his mother on the home farm, assisting her in its operation and management during his boyhood and vouth. and he is now in possession of the property, being the only heir, and he still continues its development and iniprovenient. He was formerly engaged quite extensively in the raising of fruit, having set out thirty-five hundred pear trees, one hundred and twenty-five apple trees, two hundred cherry trees and also has other small fruit. In the present year, however, he began to experiment in the cultivation of mint, having only a few acres devoted to this plant. He was very successful in his venture and intends next year to devote about forty acres to this industry, believing it to be more profitable than horticultural pursuits. He has erected a plant for the purpose of distilling his own mint as well as doing his neighbors' work. This factory was erected at a cost of fourteen hundred dollars and has a capacity of one thousand pounds daily.

In 1893 Mr. Hiriier was happily married to Miss Phebe Buchanan, by whom he has five children, Maggie, John, Flossie, Hazel and James. Mr. Hirner is a member of the Maccabees tent and has served his township as pathmaster. He takes an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to local progress, and through his close application and well directed efforts in his private business interests is meeting with desirable success.

Seth W. Loveridge. - Among the early pioneer settlers of Allegan county who have been identified with its development and prepress through a half century is numbered Seth W. Loveridge, whose birth occurred in Monroe county. New York, on the 20th of December, 1824, His parents, Caleb and Mary (Loomis) Loveridge, were natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively, and his father served in the War of 1812, while the maternal grandfather, Jacob Loomis, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

Seth W. Loveridge was reared and educated in his native county, and later removed to Genesee county, of the Empire State, where he was engaged in farm labor for a time. Hoping to enjoy better opportunities in the new and growing west, in 1848 he made his way to Oakland county, this state, where he spent the three succeeding years, subsequent to which time, in 1852, he went to California, where he spent a time. Returning to Michigan, he took up his abode in Allegan county in 1855, purchasing the farm on which he has continued to make his home to the present time. This tract was in a wild and unimproved state when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy he at once undertook the task of clearing the land and placing it under cultivation, and in due course of time gathered abundant harvests as the result of the care and labor he had bestowed upon the fields. He likewise erected good and substantial buildings, including a home and barns for the shelter of grain and stock, and now has a model farm, comprising one hundred and forty acres, indicating in its neat and thrifty appearance the careful supervision and management of the owner. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, Mr. Loveridge is also engaged in the raising of fruit to quite an extent, devoting thirty acres to horticultural pursuits, this being set out to apples, peaches, plums and pears, besides various kinds of small fruits. He is prospering in his undertakings and in his work displays excellent ability and sound judgment, which have resulted in the acquirement of a good property and a comfortable competence.

Mr. Loveridge was interrupted in his business interests by the outbreak of the Civil war. when, feeling that his first duty was to his country, he joined the boys in blue, becoming a member of Company H, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He participated in some of the most important battles that took place, including the capture of Savannah and the battle of Bentonville, and he was also with Sherman on the march to the sea. Receiving an honorable discharge at the close of hostilities, he returned to his home and resumed his work on the farm, in which he has since been engaged.

Mr. Loveridge has been twice married. For his first wife lie chose Miss Catlierine A. Collins, whom he wedded August 6, 1849. By this marriage there were two children, of whom one survives, Frank, who was born October 13, 1856. He was married to Miss Philena Belle Snyder, a daughter of E. C. and Almira Snyder, of Brownsboro, Kentucky, the marriage ceremony being performed March 17, 1882. She was born April 22, 1863, and by her marriage has become the mother of a son and daughter, Catherine B. and George S. After losing his first wife Mr. Loveridge wedded Charlotte Collins, a sister of his first wife, and by this marriage there was one daughter, who is now deceased.

In his political views Mr. Loveridge is a Republican. He holds membership with the Baptist church, in which he has served as deacon and trustee, having become identified with this organization in 1842. He likewise holds membership with Fry Post, G. A. R., at Ganges, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Many changes have occurred in this state since our subject first took up his residence here, for at that time the country was all wild and unimproved, few settlements having been made, but as time has passed the land has been developed into rich and productive farms, thriving towns and villages have sprung up, and the work of progress and improvement has been carried forward along agricultural, industrial and commercial lines, and in this work Mr. Loveridge has borne his full share. Having resided in Allegan county for a half century, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance and is known as a reliable and straightforward citizen in all trade transactions.

F. J. SiLCOX owns and operates a fine farm of forty acres, which is devoted to the cultivation of fruit. He is ranked among the progressive fruit growers of Allegan county, owing to his thorough understanding of methods which result in the production of good crops in their season. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in the year 1864, a son of Jonathan and Adeline (Burnhara) Silcox. His father is a stonemason by trade and has successfully followed that pursuit throughout the greater part of his career. He is now a resident of Grand Rapids, this state. Unto him and his wife have been born three sons and one daughter : Frank, William, Eva, the wife of William N. Daniels, and F. J.

F. J. Silcox, the youngest member of his father's family, was a little lad of only four years, when, in 1868, he was brought by his parents from Ohio to Michigan, the family home being established at Otsego, in Allegan county. He was here reared, and the public schools of this county afforded him a liberal education. In early life he became imbued with a desire to learn the painter's trade, and accordingly undertook the task, and in this pursuit he has been extremely successful and still continues in this branch of business in connection with his fruit growing industry. He is an expert painter, and because of his ability enjoys a very large trade, being employed on fine interior as well as exterior work. For the past sixteen years his labors have been confined to the city of Grand Rapids. Meeting with that success in that venture whereby he accumulated a nice competence, he invested his money in forty acres of land in Saugatnck township, which he is devoting to the raising of fruit. He has fourteen acres set out to peaches, and has recently set out a second peach orchard. Besides this he has two hundreci and sixty apple trees, thirty cherry trees, two acres devoted to strawberries and a third of an acre to blackberries. His fruit is of the finest variety and meets a ready sale on the market, where he commands a good price.

Choosing a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Silcox wedded Miss May Loveridge, the daughter of Seth Loveridge, by whom he had two children, Wyman L, and May. For his second wife he chose Miss Carrie King, by whom he has a son, Leo. Both he and his wife are highly respected people, enjoying the hospitality of the best homes of this section of the state.

John H. Crane, owning and conducting a fine fruit farm in Allegan county, is a native son of Michigan, his birth having occurred in Battle Creek on the 22d of April, 1858. The paternal great-grandfather was of English ancestry and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Abraham Crane, was a native of Massachusetts and participated in the War of 1812. Jn his family were six children, but only one survives at the present time.

His parents, Dwight R. and Lydia A. (Griswold) Crane, were among the early residents of this state. The former was bom at Rochester, New York, in 1839, while the mother's birth occurred at Ehiiira, Chemung county, that state. The year 1837 witnessed the arrival of Dwight R. Crane in this state, having come with his parents at the age of seven years, they being among the pioneers of Battle Creek, where they took tip their abode and became identified with the lumber business, in which he was engaged for fifteen years. Dwight R. Crane was one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community and aided in the work of development and improvement of this part of the state. He received a common school education in his youth and later attended the Normal at Ypsilanti, Michigan. His roommate being P. D. Beckwith, he acquired a fund of knowdedge that fitted him for the responsibilities of life, and in an early day engaged in teaching school. He prospered in his work and was ever ready to aid in any movement which tended to advance the condition of this locality. He furnished the money which enabled Mr. Barker to secure a letter patent on his threshing machine and grain measure, and Mr. Crane and his brother, S. A., were engaged in threshing for fifteen years. His death occurred in 1894, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years, but his widow still survives. She, too, came to Michigan in an early day. having come with her parents the year following the arrival of her husband. In their family were two sons and one daughter, of whom our subject is the eldest, the others being Dwight R. and Mrs. Emma E. Swarts, all of whom are natives of Battle Creek.

John H. Crane, whose name introduces this review, was reared and educated in the place of his nativity. Later, however, having accompanied his parents on their removal to Fennville in 1874, he here, in connection with his father, engaged in the mercantile business. As time passed they enlarged the scope of their business operations and engaged in the lumber and hardware business, in which they continued for six years, thus doing much for the commercial development of their locality.

growing center, Mr. Crane decided to turn liis attention to this pursuit, and now owns sixty-three acres of land which is devoted to the raising of various kinds of fruit. He also rents his mother's farm of one hundred and twenty acres, fifty acres of which are devoted to the raising of fruit, while the remainder is used for general farming purposes. He has made a study of this business and thoroughly understands all the details connected with the care and cultivation of fruit, so that the products of his farm find a ready sale on the market, owing to their superior quality and flavor, and he is now one of the largest shippers of Fennville. He has erected modern and substantial buildings on his home place, and has thus made it one of the model country homes of Allegan county. Besides his farm in this county he also owns a tract of one hundred and sixty-five acres in Cuba, which is situated near San Marcus, and Mr. Crane expects to develop this property, having firm faith in the possibilities of the island.

In February, 1887, Mr. Crane was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Blakeslee, a daughter of Henry and Irene (Fenn) Blakeslee. Mrs. Crane was the first child born in a frame house in Fennville. The house was the property of her grandfather, E, M. Fenn, the village being named for him. Her father and a Mr. Atwater, who came from the east, owned the land on which Fennville now stands, besides much of the surrounding district. Mr. Blakeslee was a prominent factor in his community and lost his life while serving his country in the Civil war. Unto oiir subject and his wife have been born seven children, of whom five are now living, namely: Ethel M.. U. S., Lydia L, Henry B. and Eerneth R. The eldest daughter is a graduate of Wesley Hospital, at Chicago, having fitted herself for a nurse.

Interested in the cause of education, Mr. Crane has served as a member of the school board for a number of years. He holds membership relations with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is active as steward and trustee. He is also serving at tli/; present writing, in iQOfi. as superintendent of the Sunday school. He and his father donated the lot on which the church was erected in 1891. and he contributed fifteen hundred dollars toward the building fund. Socially he is a member of Damascus Lodge. No. 415, F. & A. M.. and is also identified with the Grange and the Knights of the Maccabees. He belongs to the State Horticultural Society and the Local Fruit Shipping Association, and assisted in organizing the latter society in the winter of 1888-89. He likewise was instrumental in the organization of the Fruit Packing House Association, which body distributed fruit all over the west, shipping seventy-five carloads annually. Thus it will be seen that Mr, Crane has taken a very active and beneficial interest in all matters pertaining to horticulture, in which he is now successfully engaged. Having spent his entire life in Michigan, the greater part of which has been passed in this county, he has a wide acquaintance both in social and business circles and is accounted one of the enterprising and progressive representatives of the fruit industry in his community,

John A. Flacg is a prosperous farmer and fruit grower of Saugatuck township, having here a farm comprising eighty acres, which is situated two and a half miles south of Douglas, his postoffice address being Fennville, and which in its neat and well-kept appearance indicates the progressive and practical methods of the owner. He is a native son of this township.

his natal day being September 4, 1865. His parents, John L. and Roxie (Wright) Flagg, the former a native of Canada, and the latter of New York State, located in Michigan in 1865, and the father purchased a tract of forty acres in Saugatuck township, which at that time was in its virgin state. The father at once set to work to clear and develop his land and has today a well improved and vakiable property on which he and his wife are residing at the present time, in 1906. Their family numbers four sons and two daughters, namely : Mrs. Edith Mist, James B., John A., Lafayette, Anna E. and Frank.

John A. Flagg, whose name introduces this record, was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the methods of carrying on the work of field and meadow, and the school at Douglas afforded him his educational advantages. In 1887, when a young man of twenty-two years, he started out to make his own way in the business world, possessing no capital, but with a strong determination to succeed, and, allowing no obstacles to deter him in his onward march toward the goal of prosperity, he has worked his way steadily up year by year until today his farm indicates the accomplishment of his well-formed plans. His first purchase was a tract of twenty acres, on which his house stands. He began here on a small scale, but by close application and careful management acquired a competence that in igo2 enabled him to add a second tract of twenty acres, and in i^5 he added still another tract, this time making a purchase of forty acres, so that his farm now embraces eighty acres of the finest improved land in Allegan county. He conducts general farming on a small scale, but gives the greater part of his time to the cultivation of fruit, having twenty-five acres devoted to peaches, and in addition he has one hundred apple trees, seven-five pear trees, one hundred cherry trees and two acres devoted to the raising of strawberries, and in all his work he follows the most scientific methods, so that the best results are produced.

Mr. Flagg has been blessed with a most able assistant through his marriage to Miss Minnie C. Dresseii, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 14th of January, 1895. Mrs. Flagg is a native of Ganges town.ship. this county, and a daughter of A. W. and Margaret Dresseii, both natives of Germany. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, but only one is now living. Garland A., who was born in 1898.

Mr. Flagg is an exemplar}' member of Diitcher Lodge, No. 193, F. & A. M., in which he is serving as senior deacon. Mr. Flagg's success in life might well serve as an example to young men of enterprise and industry, for it shows what may be accomplished if one has the will and determination to succeed, and to his estimable wife is due much credit, for she has been to him a faithful companion and helpmate, sharing with him in all the arduous work that he has undertaken so that in their declining days they may be in possession of a competence that will enable them to rest from the arduous cares of life.

Hattie a. Raymo:jd. - In this age of development and progress in all those lines of life demanding intellectual force woman has proven herself the equal of the representatives of the sterner sex. She is found in all of the various professions and walks of life for which she is suited, and her business ability, insight and discernment are equal to that of the husbands, fathers and brothers whom custom, in former years, accorded the work of furthering the business interests. Perhaps there is no woman in Allegan coimty who can compare with Mrs. Raymond in the conduct of agricultural and stock raising interests. Her farm is one of the finest properties of the coimty, indicating in its splendid condition her excellent management and supervision. The place is known as the Loeland Stock Farm, and is situated in Ganges township. It comprises a tract of seven hundred and seventy acres, whereon cattle, horses, hc^s and other stock of high grades and purest blood are extensively and successfully raised.

Mrs. Raymond is a daughter of Francis H. and Jane (Purdy) Clark, who were natives of Niagara county. New York, and removed to Michigan in 1865. Mr. Clark bought eighty acres of land here, but soon afterward went to California. Not liking that state as well as Michigan, however, he returned and settled on section 26, Saugatuck township, Allegan county, where he lived until his life's labors were ended in death on the 19th of February, 1893. His widow is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Raymond, who is the only surviving member of the family of three children that were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clark.

It was in 1892 that Hattie A. Clark gave her hand in marriage to Frank S. Raymond, and in 1896 one son, Frank C, was bom to them. Mr. Raymond was a native of Goshen, Indiana, born February 7, 1850, and was a son of Ebenezer and Nancy (Thomas) Raymond. His father was a resident of Michigan for some years and was extensively engaged in the lumber business. His family numbered eleven children, but only two reached years of maturity. The last surviving member of the family was Frank S. Raymond, who died on the 6th of November, 1898, leaving a widow and two sons. In 1867, when seventeen years of age, he came with his parents to Pier Cove, where his father conducted a mercantile business. In 1872 he was married to Flora Fisk, who died one year and eight months later. He was again married, July 12, 1876, to Effie Loomis, and unto them were born two children. Flora Effie, who died in infancy, and F. Raymer Raymond, who is now twenty-eight years of age. Mrs. Effie Raymond passed away Jnly 12, 1888, and after four years Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Hattie Clark, on the 20th of January, 1892.

Mr. Raymond was a man of considerable ability and exerted an influence in public affairs of the township. For years he resided in Fennville, during which time he was president of the borough. In 1884 he bought a portion of the Loeland Stock Farm, the boundaries of which he extended from time to time by additional purchase until it reached its present extensive dimensions, comprising seven hundred and seventy acres. Widely recognized as a man of excellent business ability, he displayed in all his undertakings keen discernment and enterprise and whatever he undertook was carried forward to successful completion.

At the time of her husband's death Mrs. Hattie A. Raymond assumed the management of the property, which she has since successfully controlled, and is now accounted one of the most prominent representatives of the agricultural and stock raising interests in Allegan county, displaying excellent executive force and business capacity. She carefully manages all of the details of the business and by employing competent help has continued the

Chari.ks F. Van Valkenbueg is the owner and proprietor of a tine farm of sixty acres which is known as the Ridgland Fruit Farm, and is beautifully located on the shore of Lake Michigan and adds to the attractive appearance of this district, for the property is characterized by thrift and neatness, giving indication of the careful management and industry of the owner. As the name indicates, our subject comes of Holland ancestry. His birth occurred in Wood county, Ohio, July 6, 1855, a son of William and Harriet Van Valkenburg, the foniier born in New York state, while the mother's birth Ukewise occurred in the Buckeye State, where they now make their home, being prosperous and worthy people of that state.

Mr. Van Valkenburg's life has been rather an eventful one. He was reared in the place of his nativity and the public schools aiTorded him a liberal education, which fitted him to later assume the responsibilities of life when he started out upon an independent career. He arrived in Allegan county, this state, in 188S, being then a young man of thirty-three years. For ten years he sailed on the lakes, subsequent to which time he worked at the painter's trade through the succeeding three years. He, however, noted the opportunities which this state ofifered in the line of horticultural pursuits and accordingly abandoned his other business interests and decided to try his fortune in this venture. His work in former years having brought him sufficient capital to engage in business on his own account, he purchased a tract of twenty acres situated in Saugatuck township, and later acquired forty acres more, to which he has since given the name of Ridgland Fruit Farm. It is well located on the lake front,-and he has made it a valuable and well-improved property through the improvements which he has placed upon it. He has here a nice home and his land is fertile and productive, well adapted for the use to which it is put. He has a fine orchard, containing thirty-five hundred peach trees, two hundred pear trees, thirty apple trees, thirty cherry trees, and he also raises much small fruit, including strawberries, raspberries, etc., and thus his farm is a very busy place from the early summer until late in the autumn after his crops are all gathered. Mr. Van Valkenburg has no cause for regret because of his venture in the fruit raising business, for he has met with excellent results, and each year adds materially to his financial resources.

January 2, 1883, occurred the marriage of Mr. Van Valkenburg and Miss Mary E. Walters, who has indeed proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. Their marriage has been blessed with seven children, but only four of the number now survive, namely : James H., Cora G., Morris V. and Vera E. Mr, Van Valkenburg takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of his home locality and has served his township as pathmaster. He holds membership relations with the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias, and is also identified with the Grange.

Industry, honesty and integrity have formed the basis of his success. Like others, since starting out in life, he has met with difficulties and obstacles, but has never allowed these to deter him in his onward march toward the goal of success, but has worked persistently and energetically to acquire

Bravo. Bravo is now a center of one of the most enterprising communities of southwestern Allegan county. It is an important shipping point, claiming a population of about 200, is unincorporated, and its business and village features entitle it to a brief description among the centers of the county. Bravo was long known by the name of Sherman. Alonzo Sherman, with an associate, came to section 32 of Clyde township in 1867 and set up a sawmill. A considerable force of men were employed at the mill, besides the settlers in that vicinity, and a store was soon opened near the mill, the community being known as Sherman. Then came the railroad, and the postoffice established at that point took the name Bravo, which in time has come to designate the business and social community at that point. Chandler Eaton was the first postmaster. With the decline of the Inmher industry this center has become a fruit shipping point.

The settlement formerly known as Clyde Center had its beginning in a sawmill erected in 1872 by Eggleston and Hazleton. A large force of men were employed in their milling and lumbering business, and the result was that a store, a railway station and a postoffice were established at that point. A school house was built there, the town meetings were held there, a Free Will Baptist church was formed, and as long as the mill remained the center was of considerable consequence. The lumber resources were exhausted by 1877, and when the mill was removed most of the settlement went with it. Gradually farming and fruit growing have taken the place of lumbering, and the settlement is still a recognized community in the county. The change from Clyde Center to the present name is recorded in the following sketch of S. O. Pearl:

Simeon O. Pe.^rl, a thrifty and progressive farmer of Clyde township, where he owns and cidtivates eighty acres of good farming land devoted to general produce and small fruit, was born in Erie comity, Ohio, in 1851, where he was reared and educated in the district school. He is a son of Oliver and Orinda (Blackman) Pearl, both born in the State of Ohio, whose family numbered eight children, two of them residing in Michigan, our subject, however, being the onlv one residing in Allegan countv.

In 1879 Simeon O. Pearl migrated to Michigan and purchased his first farm of eighty acres in extent in Clyde township, on the state road. This he owned and operated until iQOi, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres.

In 1881, when the name of Clvde Center- postoffice was about to be changed, the name Pearl, as a mark of courtesy to our subject, was forwarded to the department at Washington as a substitute name. This was accepted by the government, and the postoffice now bears this name, Mr. Pearl has been the recinient of honors at the hands of his fellow citizens in his election to the office of moderator of the school board, which office

Mr. Pearl was married in 1882 to Miss Mary E., daughter of Mr. E. P. James, and their marriage has been blessed by seven children, the following six of whom are living : Arthur, Alpha, Ray, Mead, Helen and Cora.

Allen Urown, of Pearl, Michigan, who is a well-known farmer of Clyde township, was born in Rush county, Indiana, in 1837, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Brown) Brown, both natives of North Carolina.

William Brown and his wife moved to Indiana the year that our subject was born, and here on a small farm reared their family of twelve children, only three of whom are living at this date, 1906, viz.: Dolson, Lusana and Allen. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and served for four years in defense of the colonies.

Allen Brown moved to Michigan in 1859, and in 1872 located in Clyde township, Allegan county, on a farm of sixty acres. He subsequently sold this and purchased the farm of eighty acres upon which he now resides. He relates that his first farming operations were done with the aid of an ox team ; that his plowing, cultivating and even the drawing of his carriage was done with oxen. In this way, and by dint of hard and continuous labor, his farm was cleared and put under cultivation. His time is devoted to fruit raising and farming of a general character.

Mr, Brown was married in 1869 to Miss Emily A. Cannady, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, of which union there has been no issue. The Free Will Baptist church, which he was instrumental in organizing in his community in 1872, is the one to which our subject lends his support; and is. in fact, a deacon in that body. That church was organized by the Rev. Mr. Whitaker with twelve members, of whom Mr. Brown was one. It is a source of great pleasure to him in his old age to see this church, the growth of which he has watched from its inception, becoming more and more a power for good in the community and to feel that he has had a share in its upbuilding.

Jamks T. Hollis is well known in Pearl, Michigan, on the Grand Rapids division of the Fere Marquette Railway, being a merchant, postmaster and station agent in that town. In 1899 he entered the employ of the railway in the capacity of station agent, and has filled that position with satisfaction to all concerned. He opened at the same time a store, which he stocked with a first-class line of merchandise, and has done since a thriving business in this line. In June 22 of this same year he was also appointed to the office of postmaster, the duties of which office he has creditably discharged up to the present time.

Mr. Hotlis was bom in Berrien county, Michigan, November 26, 1858, where he spent his early years. During his residence in that county he held the office of township treasurer of his home township for two terms. He is a son of George and Marilla (Brookfield) Hollis, his father having come to Michigan in 1855, ^^^ his mother is a native of the state. They are both now deceased. Their family numbered two children, our subject and one sister, who became Mrs. Joseph Barmore.

Mr. And Mrs. Martin A. Stafford

ter of George and Mary A. Summers, who is also a native of Berrien county, liaving been born there October 17, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Hollis are the parents of two children, R, G. and Marilla. Mr. HolHs is a respected and loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the U, W. of A.

Daniel Mahoney, one of the early settlers in the southern part of Clyde township, whose postoffice is Pearl, was born in Ohio in the month o£ September, 1837. He is the son of James and Betsey (Sisco) Mahoney, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter born in Ohio. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are living, Daniel, Barney, George and Abagail.

In 1876, the date when Daniel Mahoney settled in Clyde township, that community was rather sparsely settled, and, purchasing forty acres of land, he began immediately to clear it and get it into shape for its future productiveness, building a comfortable dwelling and substantial outbuildings. His farm is now of a general character, including the culture of peppermint, to which he devotes three acres.

Mr. Mahoney was married to Miss Harriet Peck, of New York State, to whom eight children were born, in the following order of birth: Mary, now Mrs. R. Rouse; Frank; Matthew; Edith, wife of F. Mitchal; Munroe, deceased; Arthur; Genette, deceased; and Homer, deceased.

His fellow citizens of Clyde township have honored Mr. Mahoney by electing him to the office of constable, of which he is the present incumbent, having held the same for the past fifteen years. He also held the office of pathmaster for several years.

F. M. Ward, station agent at Bravo, in Clyde township, on the Chicago division of the Pere Marquette Railway, has been in the employ of that company for ten vears, five years of which service were put in as operator and agent at Buchanan, removing thence to Bravo, his present residence. Mr. Ward is one among the hundreds of progressive young men throughout the west who do not, in the sense of the world-famous Mr. Micawber, wait for "something to turn up," but who rather forestall that operation by turning it up themselves.

Our subject is a descendant of two old pioneer families that came to Michigan in 1836. his paternal grandfather, Caleb Ward, coming irom New York State, and his mother's father, John King, immigrating from England. He is the son of Emmet and Mary A. (King) Ward, whose children numbered seven, the five following of whom are living: Myron, Frank M., Herbert, Ernest and May B. Frank M. Ward was bom in Allegan county in 1870 and here received a thorough and liberal education. In 1893 he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Vena, a daughter of A. H. and Martha Lovelace, who is the mother of one child, a son, whom they have named Rex.