Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter 5: Centers of Population, 1907 (part 3 of 14)

Martin A. Stafford, whose postoffice is Pearl, is a well-to-do farmer of Clyde township, where he owns a fertile farm of one hundred acres. He was born in Randolph county, Indiana, December 29, 1841, and at the age of twelve years went to Van Boren county, Michigan, where he resided until 1876, when he moved to his present farm in Clyde township. He is a son of Jeremiah and Annie Stafford, the former born in North Carolina and the latter a native of West Virginia, who moved to Clyde in 1850, taking up from the government forty acres of land and later purchasing forty acres more, this being the original eighty, which is part of the farm now owned by our subject. Jeremiah Stafford was little interested in farming as a pursuit and spent his time mainly in hunting and in the manufacture of hand-made shingles. For more than twenty years during his residence in Indiana he followed the trade of cooper. His children numbered fifteen, of whom seven are living: George, Martin A., Charity E., James R., David A. M., Jason L. and Lydia M.

Our subject married a Miss Fannie Turner, who was the mother of four children, Penfield, Cyrus, Minnie and Alta. After the death of his first wife he married a Miss Emaline Chevis, of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Stafford has been honored, among others, by election to the offices of drain commissioner and highway commissioner. He is a devout membor of the Free Will Baptist church and a deacon of that body. He has been Sunday school superintendent, and has the welfare of the children as well as the adult members of his church much at heart. He has been in times past and still continues to he a financial pillar in the church of his choice. The full confidence and respect not only of his brethren in the (jhurch but of the community at large are moral assets that have contributed largely to the success and prosperity of our subject.

Pullman. I'ulhnan is an enterprising center in Lee township. It originated in the lumber industry, but has retained its importance in the later days of general farming and fruit growing. Until recently the postoffice and the village was known as Hoppertown, the name being given by a Mr. Hopper, who owned an interest in the land on which the village grew up. The first sawmill was erected here in 1870, and the work of clearing off the land and converting the heavy woods to lumber was begun. In the brief space of two years four mills were erected, one a shingle mill, and their industry supported a population of over two hundred people grouped about them. But the lumber supply was consumed in four years' time, and when the mills moved away it is said that only two famihes remained, those of Aaron Bowles and A. D. Hurlbut. Since then the general business activity has gradually increased. Fruit shipping soon ranked alongside the lumber business, and the surrounding country supported a fair amount of trade enterprise at this point. The postoffice has been located at this point since 1876, Ransom Snell being the first postmaster. The change of the name from Hoppertown to Pullman is recorded in the history of the present postmaster, J. U. Gilpin, one of the leading citizens of the place.

James U. Gilpin, the present postmaster of Pullman, was born in Casco township, Allegan county, February 4, 1870, where he remained until four years of age. In 1874 his parents moved to East Jordan, Charlevoix county, where they remained for fourteen years on a farm. They then came to Horseshoe, Lee township, where they remained seven years, and then moved to Pullman, where they have resided since. Mr. Gilpin was appointed postmaster April 3, 1896. The office was then called Hoppertown, but the name was changed January 15, 1902, to Pullman. lie has been a notary public since coming to this village in 1895, and has held the office of township clerk from April, 1904, to April, 1906.

He has been a Republican all his life and has been an active member of his party, having an abiding interest in all that concerns the interest of his fellow citizens. Two years ago he took E. J. Huffman into partnership in his business, which ran under the name of Gilpin & Huffman until October 27, 1906, when our subject bought him out. While residing in the northern part of the state he contracted rheumatism, which has deprived him of the use of his lower limbs, and he is forced now to use a wheel-chair. He is a member of the Mutual Protective Legion and the Prudent Patricians of Pompeii.

He is a son of William and Caroline (Randall) Gilpin, the former a native of Ohio and the latter was born in Detroit. She died in Pullman, February 9, 1903, at the age of fifty-nine years. Mr. Gilpin is the third of twelve children; a brother died at the age of fourteen and two children died in childhood.

George K. Taylor, a leading merchant of Pullman, Lee township, was born in Canton, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1875, where he resided until he reached his majority. His early life was spent on the farm. He attended high school and subsequently tauglit school for two years in Pennsylvania. He came to Lee township in 1896 and for a time continued the vocation of teacher. In 1898 he started a general merchandise store in a modest way at Pullman, and now has a fine store building of two stories, with dwelling attached. He has also erected a large warehouse and lumber shed, handling sash, doors, blinds and building material of all kinds. In a general merchandise way he handles dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hardware, furniture and farm implements. He recently purchased fourteen acres on Lower Scott Lake, which he is developing into a remarkably attractive summer resort. In addition to this property he is also owner of one hundred and seventeen acres of land in sections 16. 17, 18, 19. which includes a strip three-quarters of a mile long to the east of the Pere Marquette Railroad at Pullman station. In addition to these industries at home he has built up a lucrative business in the buying and shipping of produce of all kinds.

In politics Mr. Taylor is a Republican, and has been honored by that party in the election to the office of justice of the peace, which he, however, resigned. He is now school assessor of Pullman and takes an active interest in all that pertains to the educational growth of the town, a work for which he is well fitted as his early experiences have given him a knowledge of and a sympathy with the work of the teacher.

He is a member of a number of fraternal orders, including the Odd Fellows at Pullman, the Masons at Fennville, the Maccabees at Leisure, and the Legion also of Pullman. He is a son of George Kendrick and Abbie (Fellows) Taylor, both natives of Pennsylvania. His mother died when he was but ten days old, but his father is still living, and retains his farm near Canton, Pennsylvania,

The subject of this sketch was married May 29, 1900, to Leta Reynolds, a daughter of George and Belle Reynolds of Kalamazoo county, Michigan.

Mr. Taylor's store, dwelling, warehouse, and lumber sheds have all been built by him since 1900, and have added no small part to the buisness facilities of the town. He is respected as an up-to-date and thoroughly reliable business man, and probably operates more extensively than any of the country merchants of Allegan county.

George Ambrose Wellington was born in Stiieben county. New York, January 20, 1850. When but twelve years of age he moved with his parents to Casco township, Allegan county, Michigan, where he resided until 1905. He is essentially a self-made man, and what he has made since coming to Michigan has been the result of his own untiring efforts.

He started in Spring Grove, Casco township, where he purchased and improved a farm of forty acres. Part of this farm he afterwards traded for business interests in South Haven, viz., a fuel, teaming, and bus business, at which he spent four years. He then returned and purchased forty acres in section one, Casco township, where he owned forty acres, and where he resided until the fall of 1905. In that year he came to Pullman and started a feed mill. He erected the mill building twenty-four by thirty feet, and also a good dwelling. He does a general milling business, and in addition handles grain of all kinds and coal.

He is a member of the fraternal order, K. O. T. M., and in politics is a Republican of long standing. He is a son of Aaron and Mary Jane (Patterson) Wellington, natives of Canada, both of whom are deceased. Of a family of six, five boys and one girl, he is the the eldest.

Mr. Wellington was married in the state of Indiana, in 1869, to Mary Jane Marshall, a native of that state and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Marshall. He has six children, viz., Olin and Orin. twins, both of whom are married, the former residing in Kalamazoo, the latter on his father's farm in Casco township : Maud, wife of Albert Parker, of Lawrence township, Van Buren county; Charles, a resident of South Haven, and two boys, Wesley and Pearl, who reside with him in Pullman.

Grant C. Harrison, at present deputy sheriff under Allen L. Whitbeck, was born in Pokagon, Cass county, Michigan. August 12, 1866. When he was fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to Casco township, where they remained until 1894, when they moved to Lee township and settled on the farm where he now resides. "The farm consists of seventy-nine acres in section seven and was purchased in 1891. The land was wild when he purchased it, but is now under cultivation, with the exception of about twelve acres. Scott Creek runs through the property.

He has been a Republican ever since he was old enough to vote. He is the present township treasurer, having served from 1901 to 1903, when he was elected township clerk, which office he held for a year. In 1905 he was re-elected treasurer, and is the present incumbent. He is active in party politics and attends most of the local conventions as delegate.

He is a memljer of the Masonic order, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F., the Eastern Star and the Rebeccas, at Pullman. He is in addition a member of the Protective Legion.

He is a son of Isaac and Eliza C. (Shattuck) Harrison, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. His father was born August 27, 1832, and came to Cass county in 1857. He died at Pullman in June, 1904. He enlisted from Cass county, September 2j, 1861, in Company A, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served over five years. Beside other battles he took part in the engagement at Shiloh. He was with his regiment for the entire five years, except for a short illness and a furlough home. He was never wounded nor taken prisoner. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but since coming to this township he devoted himself to farming. In poUtics he was a Republican. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Masonic Order. His mother, born January 1, 1840, and who still survives, lives with him on the farm. Of three children Mr. Harrison is the eldest, viz.. Grant C, Rose A., wife of E. W. Leisure, of Casco township, and Edith M., wife of Hershal Adkins, of Casco township.

Mr. Harrison was married August 12, 1903, to Ehzabeth Taylor, a native of Kalamazoo county, where she was born October 18, 1867. She is a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Thackwry) Taylor, both natives of England. They now reside in Kalamazoo. Mr. Harrison has one child, a daughter named Mable E.

William T. Gilpin, a native of Ohio, was born in Washington county of that state June 18, 1835, and resided there on a farm until eighteen years of age. He then moved with his parents to Marion, Grant county, Indiana, where he resided for about eight years. From thence he moved to Arlington, Van Buren county, Michigan, remaining there for a period of two years, thence moving to Geneva township, that county.

In the troublesome years of the sixties, when our country was in the throes of our great Civil war, and the call went out for men to defend the flag, he enlisted (1861) in Company K, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, under Captain H. C. Hall, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, He took part in the battles of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), Perryville, Kentucky, Stone River. Chickamauga and several minor engagements. He was wounded at Chickamauga, receiving a gunshot wound in the right leg, whicli incapacitated him an<l he fell into the hands of the Confederates and was sent to their field hospital as a prisoner of war. Later he' was paroled and sent into the Union lines, and was discharged at Detroit at the expiration of his term of service.

Subsequent to this he made South Haven his home for about one year, then settled on a farm in Casco township, Allegan county. In 1874 he went to the northern part of Michigan, and after thirteen years returned and made his home in Lee township where he lias since resided. He is now retired from active work, and is spending his declining years at Pullman.

He has been a faithful and life-long Republican, and cast his first vote for Freemont. He is a member of the G. A. R.. Lacota Post. He was the eldest of ten children. His father, Caleb C, and his mother, Evelyn (Davis), were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. His brother, Elias E., enlisted in the Nineteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was killed . at Bentonville,' North Carolina, after two and one-half years of faithful service.

born in that city in 1845, and who died in Pullman, February 9, 1903. She was a daughter of James and Harriet Randal. Twelve children were born to them, viz., Hattie E., wife of Sanford Teachout, of Lee township; Eli E., a resident of the state of Arkansas ; Ida J., wife of Horatio L. Teachout ; James U., the present postmaster at Pullman, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; Caroline Louisa, wife of Earnest Hilderbrandt; Nellie M,, wife of Edward Wcwd; John, who died at the age of fourteen years ; Charles, of Clyde township ; Lena Mae ; William H. ; and two died in childhood.

Calvin Britton, a son of the Badger state, was born near Milwaukee, September 28, 1856. He moved with his parents to the vicinity of Mishawaka, Indiana, then to Cass county, Michigan, near Edwardsburg, where he was raised. They then moved to Three Oaks, Michigan, where he remained for about ten years. The next four years was spent in Missouri ranching and farming. Being possessed of a desire to see more of our country, he next went to Nebraska, where he spent a year at Omaha, working at the carpenter's trade. His next move was to Chicago, where he worked for five years as a carpenter and engineer. He came to Michigan eight years ago, and rented a farm in Lee township for a term of three years, at the expiration of which time he bought a part of the farm which he now owns, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in sections seventeen and eighteen. The farm originally contained two hundred acres, of which his son now farms forty acres.

The Republican party has honored him by election to the office of justice of the peace, in which office he served one term. He was also elected a director of the local schoolboard, serving six years. At the present time he is serving as constable. He attends the Christian church and is also a contributor to other Christian charities outside of that denomination. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Plillman, and the Maccabees at Leisure.

He is a son of Leonard and Mary Ann (Gates) Britton. They were born, respectively, in New York, of English parents ; and near Kingston, Canada, of English and Scottish ancestry. His father is now deceased, hut his mother is living, her residence being Three Oaks, Michigan. Mr. Britton has one brother and two sisters. He was married on August 6, 1881, to Anna Startzel, a native of Germany, born near Ligdnitz on November 25, 1865, and who came to America at the age of twelve years, direct to Three Oaks, Michigan. She is a daughter of John and Anna Startzel.

Four children have been bom of this union, Elmer C, Florence M., wife of Arthur O. Scott, of Casco township; James A., who resides with his father, and Mary Ann.

Eli Snell, at present a resident of Pullman, was born in the township of Hamilton, Warren county, Ohio, on June 5, 1856. When about eleven years of age his parents moved to Lawton, Van Buren county, Michigan, from which place he went to Pine Grove. He has been a resident of Allegan county for about thirty years, most of the time in Lee township. He began life as a tiller of the soil, then learned the trade of blacksmith ing.

which he has followed in connection with farming ever since. He owns forty acres of land in section six, Lee township. It was taken up as a timber claim, and with the energy characteristic of the early settler he set about clearing it for cultivation. There he remained tilling the thirty-two acres which he had cleared, until about three years ago, when he came to Pullman. Here he built a neat and attractive home and blacksmith shop. In the matter of politics Mr. Snell is a Republican. He is a son of Ransom and Mary Ann (Henry) Snell, both natives of Ohio and now deceased, he at the age of seventy-nine, she at the age of seventy-one. There were twelve children born to them, of whom the subject of this sketch, is the sixth in order of birth. He was married, in 1881, to Alice Kirkpatrick, of Cheshire township, who was born January 2, 1865. She is a daughter of Henry and Emma (Morris) Kirkpatrick, both natives of Pennsylvania, who were married in that state and came to Michigan and settled on a farm in Cheshire township, where they lived for forty-five years. They are both deceased, he having died at the age of seven-nine and she at the age of eighty-two. Mr. Snell has one child, Mary, wife of Trumen Fuller, who has one child, Mont Vernie.

Charles Gotham was born in Berrien county, Michigan, November 3, 1858. His parents moved to Laporte county, Indiana, where he lived until grown. He went next to Three Oaks, Michigan, where he conducted a farm for five years. He moved to Lee township, December 7, 1887, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Here he has remained continuously with the exception of two years when he worked at Michigan City, Indiana.

He started in a very modest way. His fann was covered with stumps and undergrowth, and the amount of capital at his disposal was limited. The conditions were such as might well discourage him, but with commendable energy he set to work to clear his land and put it into condition where it would yield him some profit. Pie erected a little shanty to live in, and bought a team. After he had worked for a time, his finances being low, he went to Michigan City, Indiana, and worked there for two years at day's work in order to procure the funds necessary to complete the work on his farm. The farm is now all under cultivation, the buildings are all neat and substantial, and the place presents a far different appearance from that of the undergrowth-choked wilderness that it appeared when he first took hold of the enterprise. In 1901 Mr. Gotham purchased eighty acres more in section eight and now conducts the one hundred and sixty acres as a combined farm.

In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., of Pullman, his wife being a member of the Daughters of Rebekahs. He is a son of John and Mary (Bottsliff) Gotham, both natives of Germany, he being born in Mecklenberg and she in Pr\issia, from whence she came to the United States and settled at New Buffalo, Michigan. Mr. Gotham is the oldest of six children: Charles, Eliza Shofe, deceased; Albert, of Michigan City ; Emma Noble, also of Michigan City ; Fred, a resident of South Dakota ; Frank, residing in North Dakota.

porte county. They have seven children : Louis, of Fennville ; George, of Casco; Annie, Fred, who lives at home; Rose, wife of Orvii Cooney, of Benton Harbor; Emma, deceased in infancy, and Albert, who still resides at home,

Selden E. Phillips first saw the light of day September 29, 1864, in Hope township, Barry county, Michigan, where he resided until fourteen years of age. When but two weeks of age he was deprived of a mother's care, and was taken to live with his paternal grandparents. Eight years subsequent to this his grandfather died. At the age of fourteen years he came with liis grandmother and his uncle, Anson Phillips, to Lee township, Allegan county, and settled on the farm where he still resides. This farm was taken up by his uncle under the Homestead Law, and consists of eighty acres, lying in sections seven and eight, the public highway dividing the iarm into two equal parts. There is a large modern house and barn on either side of the highway. The entire farm is under cultivation, and shows the evidences of Mr. Phillip's thrift and perseverance, he having cleared all but two acres of it himself. For over thirty years he has -resided on this farm, and for over twenty years he has been actual owner of it, having purchased it from his Uncle Anson.

In 1901 Mr. Phillips started a hardware business at Grand Junction, in co-partnership with Mallay Brothers, Mr. Phillips owning a half interest in the firm, which was conducted under the name of Phillips & Mallay Brothers. Three years ago Frank Mallay, one of the firm, was drowned in Scott Lake, his remaining brother conducting their share of the business, the business name being changed to Phillips & Mallay- Mr. Phillips is also a partner, with Roy Carman, in the tubular well business, their field being western Michigan, extending principally along the lake shore from St. Joseph to Holland. The business is under the name of Phillips & Carman. Both the hardware and well business have proved to be extensive and profitable. Most of bis time is devoted to these two lines of work, the farm work being done by hired help.

He is a staunch and life-long Republican. The confidence in which he is held by his fellow citizens is shown by the offices of public trust which he has held. He was for four years treasurer of Lee township, one year clerk, having been appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the clerk, and treasurer of the school district for twelve years, and for two years deputy sheriff luider Whitbeck and four years imder Bensley.

During his term as deputy sheriff he had one very exciting experience while on a business trip to Qiicago. He arrived in that city on the earh' morning boat from South Haven with his little nephew, Walter Lawver. While walking up South Water street he was approached by a man who attempted to entice him down to the docks with the information that there had been a terrible explosion on board the steamer which liad just arrived from South Haven.. He was, however, not to be deceived by such information, having just quitted the boat himself, and he informed the man that he was not interested in explosions. At this time two more men appeared upon the scene and things began to grow more than ordinarily interesting. Fortunately he carried a revolver and wore the star which was the badge of his official position. When he observed that the men had seriously made up their minds to rob liim, he drew his revolver and covered them, A crowd had already begun to gather and a police officer having come up, he handed the three men over to the city's guardian of the peace, and they were immediately accorded a ride in the patrol-wagon to police headquarters. He subsequently testified against these men and they were sent to the penitentiary for their attempted hold-up.

Mr. Phillips is a son of Milo and Susan (Mahoney) Phillips, both natives of Medina, Ohio. There were two children, Ella, wife of Henry Thompson, of Allegan, and Selden E., the subject of this sketch. The latter was married in 1899 to Frances Diirfee, bom January 22, 1873, in Illinois, and who was a daughter of John and Anna (Hogan) Durfee. natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. They have no children.

He is a member of the National Protective Legion, and in a business way, in addition to the lines of work mentioned above, represents the A1!lgan and Ottawa Counties Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for whom he has written an extensive fire insurance business. His hardware business also includes the heavier grade of agricultural implements and he also deals in coal and grain.

His business dealings have been lucrative and have brought him the respect and good will of his associates and customers. He has also filled the public offices in which he has served in a skillful and highly creditable

Emery W. Dokey, associated for a number of years with the lumbering interests of southern Michigan, was born in Mason township. Cass county. Michigan, July 2, i8(io. In 1872 he came with his parents to Casco township, and resided there and in Blooniingdale township tintil 1875. In that year he came to Lee township, where he has remained ever since. He was in partnership with his father in the lumber business, under the firm name of D. J. Dokey & Son, until 1895. at which time he assumed charge of the entire business. The output of their mill was from two to four cars per day. which prices averaged about ten dollars per thousand feet on board cars. As lumber became scarce in his locality he opened a planing mill, which he operated successfully.

In 1895 he opened a grocery store, which he ran for three years, during which time he was postmaster at Lee under Cleveland's administration. He owns one hundred and twenty acres in section twenty-one. ali imnroved and in fine condition. One Hundred .nnd fourteen acres was left to him. a part of the old homestead, which he disposed of about three years ago. In this same year he opened a grocery store in Wlieaton, Ilhnois, which is still being run, with his son-in-law. V. L. Van Pleu in charge, Mr, Dokey owns a fine farm on the north side of the river and known as "Riverside Farm." Political!}' he is a Republican ; has served as a member of the board of review for the term of two vears and has also been school moderator. He has always been interested in the work of the church in his communitv, and is an active member of the Christian church of Lee, of which he is also a well known class leader. He is also a member of the National Protective Legion.

His father.' David J. Dokey, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, July 13. 1832. From that point he with his parents came to the United States and settled at Greece, Monroe county, New York, where he remained until twenty years of age. Then he came to White Pigeon, Michigan, where he engaged in the lumher business until 1895, as has been before stated. He is also a staunch, life-long Republican, and has held the offices of highway commissioner and justice of the peace. He was instrumental in having the postoffice established at Lee, and was its first postmaster. He has voted for every nominee for president on the Republican ticket from Fremont to Roosevelt, In 1862 he enlisted in the United States Sharpshooters, and served his country for two years and nine months, when he was discharged for disability. He had five brothers in the army with him, one of whom died and another was wounded while in the service. All six of the brothers lived in Michigan but two of them enlisted from Elkhart, Indiana.

AHce M. Cooley, mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Oakland county, Michigan, April 20, 1838, and died in Lee township in 18S6. She was a daughter of Horace Cooley, a native of Vermont and a pioneer from that state to Michigan in 1833, settling in Oakland county. Eight children were born to her: Emery W., George M., of South Haven; Ella M. Shiffer, deceased in 1906, and five children who died in infancy.

In 1884 Mr. Dokey was married to Emma L. Shaffer, a daughter of Louis and Mary Shaffer, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, where she was bom January 18, 1869. They have had three children: Alpha Grace, Daisy, deceased at eleven years, and Ethel W.

Horace G. Bcngham, who has devoted his entire life to agricultural interests, was born in Monroe county. New York, about sixteen miles from Rochester, on May 24, 1824. When he was but a small boy his parents removed to Allegany county, New York, where he remained until he had reached his majority. In 1855 he went to Vernon Springs, Howard county, Iowa, and in 1864 "returned to the old homestead in Allegany county. New ^ork, from whence he came to Van Buren county, Michigan. In 1870 he moved to the farm on which he now resides. Michigan was at that time quite heavily wooden, and he took up a timber claim of one bimdred and sixty acres, which he with the help of his sons cleared and put under the plow. He built a number of substantial buildings on the place and improved it generally. But a few years ago, feeling the weight of advancing years and desiring to relieve himself of the responsibilities of active farm management, he divided the farm equally between his children. He still keeps his residence on the farm, however, living with his son Charles. He also owned two hundred acres in the old home in New York, the land he had helped to clear when a boy.'

He was originally identified with the Whig party and later as that party passed out of existence became a Republican. He lacked but a few months of being old enough to vote for Henry Clay, but in default of the right to vote he spent his enthusiasm in electioneering for that candidate. He voted for Fremont and all Republican presidents since. He has held the office of constable, school officer and other offices of public service.

His paternal grandfather, Thomas, fought in the war of 1812, and was in Buffalo at the time that village was burned by the Firitish. His father Joseph was a native of New York state, where he spent his hfe as a tiller of the soil. His mother, Romina Badger, was a native of New York and died in that state. Mr. Bingham was the second of nine children, namely : Ans- tin, who died at an early age; Horace, the subject of this sketch; Captain LaFayette, who organized a company in southern New York and served throughout the Civil war, now deceased ; Mathew Beardsley, also deceased ; Cynthia Ballard, deceased; Louisa; Phidelia Ballard; Lorinda Palmer, of Reed City, Michigan, and Carey, who died in the army. Of a family of nine he and his three sisters are the only surviving members. His wife, to whom he was married in 1851, was Sarah Jane Bennett, born November 6, 1827, at Saratoga, New York, and daughter of Robert and Caroline (Gay) Bennett. Her father was bom in the Black River country and her mother at Saratoga, New York. Her father died when she was but eight years of age. Mr. Bingham is the father of five children, viz.: Ella Avery, who is housekeeper for her brother William; William F., a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; Julian, of Berrien county; Charles, who owns eighty acres, the home farm, and Mary, wife of Alexander Otto, of Casco township.

Alton S. Dehing was born in Columbia township. Van Biiren county, Michigan, March 31, 1864. When he was about two years of age his parents moved to Lee township, Allegan county, and settled on a farm in section thirty-two. Here he resided until his marriage, when he purchased forty acres of his father and started farming for himself. He built new buildings on the place and set himself to systematically improving it. When twenty years of age he shipped on the Great Lakes as seaman and followed the life for twenty years, working up from ordinary seaman to the position of chief engineer, and now holds license as chief. At the age of forty he left the lakes and has spent the time since in working his farm.

He has been a life-long Republican, casting his first vote for Blaine. He is at present supervisor of Lee township. He was elected in 1903. and twice re-elected, thus holding three consecutive terms. He was elected treasurer of the township, and served in that capacity for two years. He is now school director, having been in that office three years. He is a respected member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lacota. He belongs to lodge of Odd Fellows at Lacota, the Rebekahs at Pullman, and the Marine Engineers Society of Saugatuck.

He is a son of Emerson and Martha (Burgett) Deming of Massachusetts and Ohio, respectively. He was the second born of seven children, viz. ; Mary, wife of John Burnhart. of Shelby; Alton S., of whom we are now writing; Aimer, who resides with his parents; Dora Burnhart, deceased; Nellie, wife of Charles Smith, of Lee township; Myrtle, wife of John Flora, of Lee township, and Eva, still at home.

He was united in marriage September 4. 1889. to Clara M. Tisdale, a native of Indiana, who was born in that state. March 25, 1869, and who is a daughter of William and Matilda (Mortenson) Tisdale, natives of Connecticut and Norway, respectively.

WiLLi.\M F. Bingham, a fruit grower of Lee town.ship, was born in Vernon Springs township, Howard county, Iowa. April 23, 1859. When about six years of age he moved with his parents to New York state, two years following to Van Buren county, Michigan, and in 1870 to the farm in

Lee township on which he now hves. His father boug-ht one hiindrefl and sixty acres of timber land, which he and his sons cleared and put under cultivation. He eventually divided the farm between his children.

Mr. Bingham rims his part of the farm, located in section twenty-nine, as a fruit farm. He has about twenty acres in peaches besides other fruits. In politics he owes allegiance to the Republican party. He is a son of Horace and Sarah (Bennett) Bingham, who are both living with his brothei Charles on the old farm. He is the second in order of birth of five children, all of whom are living, viz. : Ella Avery, a widow, who acts as housekeepei for her brother; William F.. unmarried; Julian, of Berrien county; Charles, and Mary, wife of Alexander Otto, of Casco township.

Emerson H. Deminc. was born at North Hampton. Massachusetts, September ii, 1832. When four years of age he accompanied his parents to Ashtabula county, Ohio. There he remained until he entered the army. He enlisted Augiist 23. i86r, for three years' service, in the Fifth Ohio Battery. Captain W. P. Edgerton, commanding. This battery was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and took part in the engagements of Stone River and Chattanooga. Mr. Deming was discharged from the army after fourteen months' service for disability. After his discharge, at Northville, Tennessee, October 29, 1862, he returned home and has been unable to do any active work since, as his health was broken by the hardships and exposures incident to military life. He settled in Allegan in 1863. He spent the winter of 1863 in that town and went in the spring of 1864 to Montana, in an attempt to regain his health, remaining there until November of the Next year. He then returned to Michigan and in the summer of 1866 bought the farm on which he now resides, consisting of eighty acres in section thirtytwo. Lee township. He deeded sixty acres of this to his sons, retaining the remaining twenty for himself. When he bought the place it was heavily timbered, none of the wood having been cut at that time. He first built a small \os cabin, and with the help of his sons cleared the ground for cultivation.

He has made bee-raising a specialty for a number of years. He relates that when he first came to Michigan game was in abundance, deer, turkeys, squirrels and game birds. White in Montana he spent most of his time in the open air. hunting and fishing. He was with the party that discovered gold at Helena, Montana, and had nnmerous exciting experiences. He relates that an Indian chief offered him all the gold he could pick up and all the ponies he cared for if he would marry the chief's daughter. He had given the Indians a dinner and smoked the pipe of peace with them, but although this offer of the chief's daughter was considered a very flattering one. Mr. Deming did not see fit to accept it.

He has been all his life a Republican. For about twelve years he was township treasurer of Lee township, and has been for years a school ofllicer. At the time he came to this part of Michigan there were no roads, the onlv means of access to a distant point being foot trails through the woods. It was necessary to blaze a trail through the woods to enable the new teacher to find the schoolhouse.

had three brothers and two sisters. He has been married twice. The first time to Mary Goff, a native of Ohio, who died six years after their marriage, and by whom he had one son, Sylvester, who was deceased at the age of two years. He was married again, in August, 1859, to Martha A. Eurgett a daughter of Isaiah and Betsey (Parker) Burgett, who were natives of New York and pioneers to the state of Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. She was born at Trimble, Ashtabula county, Ohio, February 29, 1844. Of this union there were born seven children, viz. : Mary, wife of John Barnhart, of Shelby, Michigan ; Alton, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; Aimer H., who is married and resides with his parents ; Dora Barnhart, deceased ; Nellie, wife of Charles Smith, of Lee township : Myrtle, wife of John Flora, also of Lee township, and Eva, who is still at home.

Jacob Bean, a Canadian by birth, left the little village in the Province of Quebec, near Montreal, where he was born May 17. 1849, and with his brother Frank came to the United States to seek his fortune. He went first to Vermont, and though but fourteen years of age did not hesitate to accept a job as wood chopper, laborious as it might seem to a bo>- of his years, as a means of livelihood until something more favorable "turned up." For two years the brothers worked together, then Jacob left and came alone to Saginaw, Michigan, where he worked in the saw mills in summer and in the woods in winter and spring, running logs. Tiring of this after a time he came to Kalamazoo, where he worked on a farm for the period of six months, then in some of the neighboring brick yards. He worked for a portion of the year 1871 on the Michigan Central Railroad. In the spring of 1872 he went to South Haven, and resnmed work in the sawmills and woo<ls, at which he remained for two seasons. He worked in various other mills for several months, then went to Williams, JCalamazoo county, where he bought a farm of forty acres. He came to Lee township March 17. 1881. and has remained there since. He bought eighty acres of heavy timber land in section nineteen, which is now all nnder plow except about two acres. He is a breeder of horses and cows, and also raises considerable fruit, apples, pears and peaches.

By pohtical inclination Mr. Bean is a Democrat. He has held several offices of public responsibility, among them that of school officer and pathmaster. He is a member of the Catholic church at Grand Junction. He is a son of Francis and Mary (Bean) Bean. His mother, who was not forced to change her maiden name after marriage, was a native of France, and died in Canada. He was one of eleven children.

Mr. Bean was married in St. Joseph, April 25. 1870. to Hattie E. Harris, a native of Kalamazoo county, where she was born April 10. 1850. Twelve children were born to them, viz.: Nathon Isadore, who is now a teacher; Anthony, also a teacher: Jay X., proprietor of a grocery and meatmarket at Grand Junction ; George, a farmer,' residing in Casco township ; Harrie, an employee of the American Express Company in Chicago: Gertrude, a teacher for a number of years, now a milliner in Chicago ; Mary, wife of Arthur Dalrimple. of Lee township; Myrtle and Bertha, in High School at South Haven : Winifred ; Roy, who died at the age of ten months

Mr. Bean, in common with many a man who has been forced to fight his way and to neglect his schooling for the purpose of obtaining a livelihood in the impressionable years of his life, sets great store on a liberal education. He has in the past and is at the present giving his children the benefit of the training of which he would have been glad to avail himself in his youth had he had the opportunity.

These two townships have had numerous postoffices and mill and store centers, though none of them have attained size or importance enough to be considered villages. The townships have shown a steady increase in population, without tendency toward concentration, and there being no railroad in cither township, population has grouped itself at one time about, a mill, at another about a postoffice, and again about a pier on the lake shore. In later years Glenn postoffice and Glenn pier, in southwestern Ganges, has perhaps ranked first among the business centers. For many years large quantities of fruit, raised in the surrounding country, have been shipped from this point, which has rivaled South Haven in this respect. Its settlement dates from 1842, and the postoffice has been located there since 187G. The postoffice has gone by different names, originally being New Casco, just south of the Ganges town line, later was called Packard's Corners, and since 1879 has borne the name Gienn.

One of the old village sites of Ganges township was Plummerville, still known as a locality, though without any commercial activity. Benjamin Plummer and Orlando Weed in 1846 set up a sawmill on the creek in section 8, O. R. Johnson built a tannery, Plummer opened a store and extended a pier into the lake for convenience of shipping, and for about thirty years there was considerable activity about the place.

One of the picturesque spots along the lake shore is Pier Cove, the postoffice being known as Ganges. This is in the northwest corner of the township, and was once a place of importance as a shipping point. A village plat was laid out there by Deacon Sutherland in 1851, and a steam saw mill soon erected, followed by the grist mill which ran so many years and is now a picturesque attraction of the place. A pier was constructed into the lake, and while the lumber business flourished there were stores, mills and a considerable population. The sawmill was discontinued in the late sixties, and since that time the village prosperity has depended almost entirely on the fruit business. The postoffice was established in 1853 and known as Pier Cove until 1S74, since which time it has been Ganges.

In Casco township rural free delivery has gradually eliminated the country postoffices, and though this is one of the best fruit-growing areas of the county it has no centers that merit detailed description. Hawkhead and Leisure are the best known localities approaching rank as village, and in the following sketches of C. H. Overhiser and Theron Johnston the pertinent facts relative to these two places are given.

Chaeles Henry Overhiser is the proprietor of the Maple wood farm, situated on section 14, Casco township. His birth occurred January i , 1 867, and he has continuously resided in the township, which was the place of his birth. His parents are Henry and Sarali (McKee) Overhiser, and he was their fifth child. He remained at home until his mother died, when he was about seventeen years of age and he then started out in life on his own account, working by the month as a farm hand, save during the threshing periods. When eighteen years of age he purchased an interest from his father in a threshing machine and engaged in work in the harvest fields in that way for about twenty seasons. The remainder of the time he devoted to general farm labor. He operated his brother Albert's place for two years, and when he found it possible to purchase property of his own he made investment and is now the owner of nineteen acres on section 14, Casco township, which is a part of the old homestead. The dwelling is at Four Corners, knowii as Leisure, where a store and church are located. Mr. Overhiser has lived upon this place for twelve years and his farm is known as Maplewood. It is conducted as a fruit farm and he has thereon a fine residence and a good barn which he erected. He also owns twenty acres of land on section 15 and about twenty acres three miles east of Leisure in Lee township. All that he possesses has been acquired through his own labors and he has manifested a persistency of purpose and strong determination that have been most commendable and have enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles in his path.

On the 17th of January, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Charles Henry Overhiser and Miss Minnie Merrifield, who was born in Defiance county, Ohio, February 8, 1867, and became acquainted with her husband when on a visit to her sister in Allegan county. They were married, however, in Ohio, at the home of her parents, Frank and Julia (Smith) Merrifield, who were natives of the Buckeye state. The young couple have been blessed with a family of five children, Riley M., Ida Belle, Ward H., Thelma Fay and Raymond.

Mr. Overhiser exercises his right of franchi.se in support of the movements and measures of the Republican party but has only a citizen's interest in politics, never seeking nor desiring office for himself although at the present writing he is serving as township treasurer, having been elected on the Republican ticket and endorsed by the citizens' party because his fellow townsmen recognized his fitness for office and knew that he would prove capable in the position. His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows' Lodge, of which he is at this writing. 1906, noble grand, belonging to East Card Lodge, at Leisure, and also to the tent of the Knights of the Maccabees at Leisure. The Overhiser family is an old and prominent one in this part of the state and the name has always been a synonym for agricultural progress and fidelity in citizenship and the record of Charles Henry Overhiser is in harmony with that of other representatives of the name.

EucRNE E. Brunson, M. D. - There is no calling to which man can apply his line of practice in which he can exercise his energies that is more taxing and demands closer attention than that of the practice of medicine and surgery. The trae and able physician is not the man who deals out the most medicine or who writes the greatest number of prescriptions but he who brings health to the overtaxed mind and body. He must possess an adaptability that permits him to readily understand the mental as well as the physical conditions witli wliicli lie meets in the sick room and lie must moreover possess a love of his work for its own sake aside from any remuneration which it can bring. A wide and varied preliminary training is demanded and the years must be filled with study and investigation in order to keep abreast with the progress that is contimtaliy being made by the medical fraternity. Dr. Brunson. well qualified in all the particulars indicated, is now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Ganges and in Allegan county, and being widely known his record cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.

Dr. Brunson is a native of Lockport, Illinois, where he was born on the nth of September, 1851. His parents were Cyrus M. and PlethyniaL. Branson, the former a native of Yates county, New York, and the latter of Vermont. They had but two sons. Dr. Gay M. Brunson and Dr. Eugene E. Brunson. The former was graduated from Lombard University, at Galesburg, Illinois, and afterward became a student in Bennett Medical College, at Chicago, completing the regidar course. On account of impaired health, however, he turned his attention to the practice of dentistry and is a graduate of a dental college at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is now practicing the line of his profession in Joliet, Illinois.

Dr. Eugene E. Brunson was reared amid rural surroundings, his father being a farmer and nurseryman and there he developed his muscles in healthful and useful exercise. He attended the district school of the locality where his mind was practically fitted and disciplined for his future life of useful-' ness and responsibility. In due course of time he became a student in Loni- , bard University, at Galesburg, Illinois, from which he was graduated in the class of 1873, and later he entered the Bennett Medical College, of Chicago, from which he was graduated in May, 1875. He located in Ganges township, Allegan county, on the nth of October, 1875. as the succes.sor of Dr. Chenoweth, and has since devoted his time and energies to the work of healing the sick and bringing cheer and comfort to his patients. His success as a physician is evidenced by his extensive patronage and the area of county in which he practices. He is a member of the Ottawa County Medical Socity, the Michigan State Medical Society and the National Eclectic Medical Society. He has served as health officer in his township for a number of years and is recognized as an able physician who is continually promoting his efficiency and broadening his knowledge by reading and investigation.

Not only is Dr. Brunson a successful physician but also a prosperous farmer and fruit-raiser. He owns a valuable property of one hundred and seventy acres of land in Ganges township, which is operated under his direction, and now he has a thirty-five acre peach orchard. In Saugatuck township he has one hundred acres of land, ten acres of which has been planted to peaches, five acres to apples, five acres to plums, and fifteen acres to pears.' The doctor's father was a pomologist and the doctor early gained broad and accurate knowledge of agriculture and is therefore well qualified to superintend his farming and fruit raising interests.

In October, 1876, Dr. Brunson was united in marriage to Miss Alice Taylor, a daughter of Philander and Nancy Taylor. They have become the parents of two children, Eugene and Alice. The former was graduated from the Ann Arbor Medical College in igo6, with the degrees of A. B. and M. D., and is now associated with his father in practice. The doctor has

C. E. Ensfield, an enterprising and progressive farmer and fruit grower of Ganges township, wliere he owns forty acres of well improved land, is a native son of Allegan county, his birth having occurred in Saugatuck township October 28, 1853. His parents. Christian and Mary (Lyone) Ensfield, were both natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1838, and in 1850 became residents of Saugatiick, this state. The father learned and followed the tanner's trade in his native country, and likewise continued his operations along this line after coming to Michigan, following this business both in South Haven and at Plummersville, the period of his operations in this line covering about thirty years. Meeting with success in his ventures he was enabled to provide for his family and also accumulate a competence for old age. After removing to Saugatuck he purchased a farm in the township of that name, and after coming to Ganges township he bought a farm of eighty acres, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1902. His wife had preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1883. In their family were eleven children, but only five of the number now survive and ten reached years of maturity, while one passed away in infancy. The record is as follows: Catherine, deceased ; Susan and Caroline, twins, both of whom have passed away ; Christopher E.. whose name introduces this record; Louise, who has also passed away; Gilbert, deceased; Alfredina; Jennie; Henry H., who owns and operates the old homestead, and Annie.

C. E. Ensfield, although born in Saugatuck township, was reared and educated in Ganges township, having been brought here by his ^jarents at an early day, and with the exception of three years which he spent on the lakes, he has always made his home in this section of the county, where he has confined his attention to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. He has a well developed farm of forty acres a portion of which is devoted to the raising of fruit. He has three thousand peach trees, one hundred pear trees, fifty apple trees, and fifty cherry trees besides strawberries and other small fruit, which bring forth abundant crops in their season, and his fruits are of such excellent quality that they meet with a ready sale on the market. In addition to his fruit-raising industry he also engages in general farming and this branch of his business is proving a profitable source of revenue to him.

In 1876 Mr. Ensfield was happily wedded to Miss Emma Harmon, a daughter of Rev. Austin and Sarah Harmon. Her father was bom in Monroe county. New York, and was an able minister of the Baptist church, following that calling throughout many years. He was liberaliy educated, having graduated from Wisconsin University, Central New York College and Rochester (New York) Theological Seminary. Rev. Harmon was a cousin of the mother of Mrs. Grover Cleveland. He came to Allegan county, Michigan, in 1854, and his death here occurred in 1865. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Grovenor, still su'rvives. Her father, Cyrus P. Grovenor, was a graduate of Yale College and was an advocate of the anti-slavery question. He was a minister of the Baptist church in Boston and was also an able teacher of the classics in New York Centra! College. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years. In the family of Rev.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ensfield have been bom three children, Horace G., Orin L. and Mamie F. The eldest son is an engineer in the employ of the Chicago North-Western Railroad Company. Mr. Ensfield is known as a reliable man in all trade transactions and he and his wife enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of this section of the state.

Henry H. Ensfield is a native son of Allegan connty, and was born in the township in which he yet makes his home on the 25th of January, 1863, the youngest son of Christian and Mary (Lyone) Ensfield. both natives of Germany. Like the other members of the family. Henry H. Ensfield was reared to the occtipation of farming, assisting his father in the operation of the homestead property, and thus familiarizing himself with the best methods of carrying on work along agricultural lines. He acquired his education in the schools near his father's home and was thus well qualified with liberal educational advantages, which fitted him for carrying on business on his own account when he started out in life for himself. He has always followed the pursuits to which as a youth he was reared, and is now the owner of the old homestead property situated in Ganges township, which he purchased upon the death of his father in 1902. This tract comprises sixty acres of valuable land, which is devoted to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. He has three thousand peach trees, two hundred pear trees, one hundred and seventy-five apple trees, and one hundred and fifty cherry trees and also has one acre devoted to the cultivation of blackberries. In addition to fruit-raising his farm is also devoted to general farming. Mr. Ensfield leads a very busy and active life, for, while giving capable management and supervision to his farming and fruit-raising interests he also owns and conducts a cooper shop in Ganges, where he enjoys a large trade, for, being located in the fruit belt of Michigan there is an extensive business of this kind to be done in connection with the packing and shipping of the products which are raised on the various farms in this locality. Mr. Ensfield has also acted as agent for E. Weed & Company, fruit packers, for the past six years.

On the 24th of June, 1891, Henry H. Ensfield was united in marriage to Miss Ella Phimmer, a daughter of W. H. and Mary (Smith) Plummer, and unto this union have been born two daughters, Hazel and Hilda. He has held the office of school director of Ganges township and he is a worthy and exemplary member of Dutcher Lodge No. 193. F. & A. M., while both he and his wife hold membership relations with the Order of the Eastern Star and the Grange at Ganges.

The business interests of our subject are varied and important, and he is a man of push and enterprise, successfully accomplishing what ever he undertakes and he is today numbered among the prominent and influential citizens of Ganges township.

Albert A. Schram, of Glenn, is one of the progressive business men of Allegan county, who by close application to strict business methods and by unfaltering devotion to a growing trade has worked himself upward to a creditable position in commercial circles. He now has a flourishing and well equipped drug store in the village of Glenn, and the establishment is uf suth a character that it would be a credit to many a town or city of much larger size. He is well qualified by educational training to carry on such an en terprise and has met with success in the undertaking since he engaged m business in 1903.

A native of Michigan, Mr. Schram was born in Greenwood township, St. Clair county, on Christmas day of i86g. His parents were Peter G. and Catherine A. (Flake) Schram, both of whom were natives of Ontario, Canada. They came to Michigan in 1849 and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of St. Clair county. The father was a farmer of considerable prominence in his community and served as township treasurer, which office he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. All who knew him respected him for his genuine worth and in the able management of his business affairs he met with gratifying and well merited success. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, all of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Margaret, Hugh, John, Morris, Thomas (deceased), Robert (deceased), Eliza J., Albert A., and Mary.

Albert A. Schram spent his boyhood days in his father's home. He was educated in the district schools of his native township until his eighteenth year, when, in 1887, he entered the high school at Yale, Michigan. Later he returned to the home farm, where he remained until 1894, when he went to Hesperia, Michigan, as pharmacist for C. P. Utley, remaining there two years. He then went to Middleville and was associated with F. E, Heath for two years, returning to Hesperia in 1900, he conducted the pharmacy of D. Ml Maze for two years, when he went to Glenn as pharmacist for Carl B. Ely, whom he succeeded in 1903. He is also a graduate of the National Institute of Pharmacy, of Chicago, in which institution he took a post graduate course. It was not until 1904, however, when Mr. Schram bought out his employer that the store reached its present dimensions and became the useful element in the commercial interests of the town that it is today. Mr. Schram has had twelve years' experience as a pharmacist and passed the examination before the state board with big honors. He now carries a good and carefully selected line of drugs and other commodities, usually handled in an establishment of this character and has an excellent trade for a town of this size. His store is neat and tastefully arranged and thus appeals to his patrons. Mr. Schram has one of the finest and most complete pharmaceutical libraries in Allegan county and he is continually broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency along this line.

In 1896 occurred the marriage of Albert A. Schram and Miss Ada M. Wilbur, a daughter of George H. and Lucy Wilbur, and unto them have been born three children, Lucy M., William G. and Kathryn. Socially Mr. Schram is a member of Hesperia Lodge No. 346, F. & A. M., in which he has served as senior warden. He is also a member of Hesperia Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 334, and is connected with the Hesperia Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 1506. He is popular with his brethren of these fraternities and his interest in the orders leads him to give active support to the measures tending toward their growth and upbuilding. He is, moreover, a public- spirited man who withholds his co-operation from no movement for the public good and Glenn numbers him among its most progressive and valued representatives.

A. L. Leach is a member of the firm of Leach Brothers, merchants at Glenn, and they have a well appointed general store in this enterprising little village in Ganges township. The brothers are E. M. and A. L. Leach, both natives of Canada, the former born in 1879, and the latter on Christmas day of 1880. They remained in the place of their nativity until 1883, when the parents removed with their family to Van Buren county, Michigan, where they resided until 1S97. That year witnessed their arrival in Allegan county. They are the sons of Temple and Sarah (Badell) Leach, both of whom were natives of Canada. The father was a shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit as a life work, thus providing for his family, which numbered wife and four children, Lavinie, Emma L.. B. M. and A. L.

The last two. members of the firm of Leach Brothers, were educated in the schools of Michigan, and were reared imder the parental roof. The former is a tinsmith by trade, while A. L. Leach learned his father's trade of shoemaking. In September, 1905, they came to Glenn and established their , present business. They carry a full and complete line of general merchandise, including groceries, dry goods and hardware, in addition to which they do a large business in repairing in the tinsmith, harness and shoe lines. Their business is now in flourishing and prosperous condition and they have the confidence of their many patrons, the number of whom are gaining month by month. The brothers still work along the lines of their respective trades and at the present time are in control of the purchase and sale of their goods. Young men of acknowledged business ability and worth they are now quite widely known in Glenn and the surrounding country and are meeting with a gratifying measure of success.

John C. Fat:un is a fruit grower of considerable importance and large experience, who owns a farm comprising eighty acres situated in Ganges township not far distant from the village of Glenn. Of his tract of laud twenty-eight acres are devoted exclu.sively to the production of fruit of the choicest kinds. He has eighteen hundred peach trees, and his orchards also include three hundred apple trees, one hundred pear frees and one hundred plum trees. He has devoted the last thirty-five years to the cultivation of fruit and is looked upon as authority regarding this line of activity and particularly concerning diseases that are to be met with in peach orchards. He has been the appointed commissioner to prevent the spread and cure of the yellows, a disease to which the peach is subject, and for sixteen years he has acted in this capacity, during which time he has done effective labor, the value of which cannot be overestimated.

The life record of Mr. Fabun began in Hancock county, Ohio, in tS.-^q, and he there lived up to his sixteenth year, when in company with his parents he removed to Michigan. He is a son of Tohn and Phoebe (Tiffany) Fabun, both of whom were natives of New York. The father was horn March 28, 1812, and died in 1891. while his wife passed awav in 7850, he surviving her for about forty years. John Fabun removed from New York to Ohio, and with bis family came to Michigan from the latter state in 1854, settling in Casco township on one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he purchased from the government. He was obliged to cut his way through the forests to the home of his nearest neighbor, two and a half miles distant. The land was all covered with timber but by hard and unremitting labor lie succeeded in clearing this and in transforming tlie soil into productive fields. He was a carpenter by trade and therefore a very useful man in the new country, his mechanical skill being often sought by his neighbors. He was a worthy member of the Adventist church and was one of its able and distinguished preachers at an early day. Unto him and Tiis wife were born the following named: Cyrus, John S., John C, Susan. Phcbe. Following the death of his first wife the father married Lucy Horton, and unto them was born a son, William.

John C. Fabun. when sixteen years of age, accompanied his parents on their removal to Michigan, where he has since resided. In 1864 he purchased fifty acres of his farm, and in 1874 made purchase of the remainder of the tract, so that he now has a good farm of eighty acres, pleasantly and convenientiv located near Glenn in Ganges township. The place was in its natural state when it came into his possession, and from its primitive condition has been wrested by the sturdy men whose labors have caused it to bloom and blossom as the rose. It is now one of the finest and most productive fruit farms of Ganges township and any fruit raised upon this place is always known for its excellence in size, quality and flavor. The farm is beautifully located on the lake and is also noted as a favorite resort for Chicago people, who, escaping the heat of the city in the summer, come here to enjoy the cool lake breezes amid the influences of nature. The place is known as the Fabiin Resort Fruit Farm and is most attractive to the summer guests.

Mr. Fabun has been married twice. He wedded Miss Nellie Hill in 1859, and unto them was born a daughter, Phoebe, in i8fio. In 1878 he was Joined in wedlock to Miss Mary L. Bump, and unto them were born six children, Eliza, John, Susan, Millie, William, Julia. Millie is the only one now living.

Mr. Fabun has filled in creditable manner the position of drain commissioner. He is a worthy member of Star of the Lake Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of South Haven, and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His strong and salient traits of character are such as have won for him the good will and confidence of his fellow men, while his activity and energv in business have been the basis upon which he has buildcd his present prosperity.

Charles McVea, deceased, was a well known sea captain, having spent the greater part of his life following the lakes, and he was also identified with agricultural interests in Ganges township for many years. He was of foreign birth, having been born in countv Down. Ireland, November 8, 1834. His parents were James and Mary (Warnock') McVea. both natives of county Down, who emigrated to the United States in iS^2. and both are now deceased, the former having passed away in 1885, while his wife had preceded him fifteen years before, her death occurring in 1870. In their family were six sons and two daughters but only one now survives : William, James, Thomas, Charles. John, Samuel, all deceased; Mrs. Rachel Gibson : and Mary, who has also passed awav.

father and mother. At a very early age our subject became interested in the sea, and entering upon this vocation, followed the lakes during the greater part of his life. He owned two vessels which he named Mary McVea and E. J. McVea, and had a controlling interest in Douglas, Charles McVea, Severns and a tug, Brown. He was noted for his knowledge concerning lake navigation and for the skill with which he handled his craft. In 1868 Mr. McVea took up his abode in Ganges township, where he purchased the farm which is now owned and occupied by his widow. This, comprises one himdred and eighty acres of land, which was cleared and improved under the supervision of Mr. McVea although he never did the actual work himself, for his entire attention was given to his vessels, which plied from Chicago to various ports of Lakes Michigan, Superior and Erie, On December 25, 1861, Mr. McVea was happily married to Miss Elizabeth J. Wamock, who is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, bom April 22, 1841. They traveled life's journey together for thirty-three years and were then separated by the death of the husband on the 2d of March, 1894, when he had reached the age of sixty years. He was a worthy representative of the Masonic order, prominent among the brethren of the fraternity. He was a man whom to know was to respect and honor and numbered his friends by the score. His widow with their ten children vet survive, namely: William, Mary, the wife of J. H. Hatch; Elizabeth": James. Charles; Esther ; Rachel : Anna, the wife of H. M. Leggett ; John ; and Samuel. The family is a highly esteemed one of Allegan county, where they have many warm friends and the hospitality of the best homes of this community is freely extended to them.

A. O, Kingsbury, a prosperous and progressive fruit grower of Ganges township, was bom in 1856 on the farm which he now occupies, a son of Orin P. and Lucinda A. (Skinner") Kingsbury, both of whom were natives of Madison county, New York, where they were reared and married, after which they came to Allegan coimty. this state, in 1855. The father here purchased the farm upon which our subject now resides, it being then in its wild and unimproved state. He at once began the work of development and improvement and soon transformed bis land into a cultivable tract, and he erected all of the buildings which are here seen today, and all are stil! in a good condition. At the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to his country's call for troops and died during his service, thus giving his Hfe as a sacrifice on the altar of his country. In the family were four children, Morell, deceased; A. O.. of this review; Lilla A., and Elmer E. Several years after the demise of the father, the mother was again married, her second union being with John M. Smith, by whom she had two children, but both are deceased, and Mr, and Mrs. Smith have also passed away, the death of the latter occurring on the loth of July, 1906.

A. O. Kingsbury, whose name introduces this record, was early trained to the duties of farm life, assisting his father in the operation of the home pJace, and after the death of the father he remained with his mother, continuing the operation of the homestead property. He has today a vahiable piece of land, fourteen acres of which is devoted to the raising of peaches, pears and plums, while four acres are devoted to the growing of peppermint, which has now become a profitable industry. He is likewise engaged

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Kingsbury chose Miss Lucy Staring, a daughter of Simeon antl Ann Staring, whom he wedded in 1880, and she has indeed proved to him an able assistant. Unto our subject and his wife have been bom three children: Grin E., who wedded Miss Elsie Randel; Anna G., the wife of WilHam Loomis; and Irene.

Mr. Kingsbury has served as constable and also as assessor, giving general satisfaction to the public in the discliarge of his official duties. He is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of Ganges township, where he has spent his entire life and here he has a wide actjuaintance and commands the high regard of all with whom he comes in contact.

Van Renslaer Wadswokth is one of the venerable and highly esteemed citizens of Allegan county, where he has spent the greater part of his life, covering a period of sixty-eight years, so that he is familiar with the conditions which existed here at an early day and has been a valued assistant in the work of development and progress which as the years have passed has placed Michigan among the foremost states of the Union as a productive agricultural and horticnltnral district.

Mr. Wadsworth is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Fulton county, on the i6th of February. 1825. His parents, James W. and Malancy (Philips) Wadsworth, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. Hoping to enjoy better business opportunities in the new and growing west than were afforded by the older settled districts of the east, James W. Wadsworth emigrated to Michigan, being the third man to settle in Ganges township, the year of his arrival being 1836. He here purchased a tract of land comprising one hundred and five acres but owing to the pioneer conditions which here existe<l and the prevalence of ague he became discouragetl and returned to Kew York state. After two years, however, he once more took up his abode in this county and aided in the work of development and improvement in this section of the state. He set to work to cultivate his fields and improve his homestead property, erected good buildings and placed his land under a high state of fertility, from which he gathered good crops. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, but only three now survive and Van Renslaer is the only one of the family residing in Allegan county. James W. Wadsworth was a grandson of Theodore Wadsworth, a native of Connecticut.

Our subject was reared in New York to the age of thirteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this state. He here became familiar with all the arduous duties in connection with the clearing and development of a farm in a frontier district, remaining with his father and assisting him in his farm labor until he had reached man's estate, when he started out in life on his own account. His first purchase of land was a tract of eighty acres situated in Ganges township, which is now known as the McVea farm. In 1865 he disposed of that property and removed to Missouri, where he invested his money in four hundred acres of land and there made his home during the succeeding eight months, when he returned to this state, and purchased another farm of sixty acres situated in Sangatuck township, which he still owns and which is now operated by his son-in- law, E. Hutchins, while Mr. Wadsworth is living retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. During his active business hfe our subject engaged quite extensively in the raising of fruit, with which lie was thoroughly conversant in the best methods of caring for and cultivating his crops. Forty acres of the place is now devoted to that pursuit, including peaches, pears, plums, apples, cherries, grapes and berries and small fruits of various kinds.

On the /th of April, 1850, Mr, Wadsworth was happily married to Miss Maria Collins, a daughter of Joseph Collins. To this union there were born eight children, but five of the number have passed away. The record is as folkws: Leonidas; Mary A., now the wife of E, Hutchins, who is operating the homestead property; Lucius, Emma M., Alice and Melvin, all of whom are deceased; William; and Hattie M., now the wife of M. Lamb. After a companionship covering four decades Mr. Wadsworth was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, whose death occurred in 1900. She was to him an able assistant, sharing with him in all the privations and hardships of a pioneer existence, and by the careful management of her household duties was a valuable aid in the acquirement of a competence which is today his. She was devoted to her family, ever working earnestly and zealously for the coinfort and happiness of her husband and children.

Mr. Wadsworth has held some township offices, the duties of which he ever discharged with capability and fidelity to every trust reposed in him. He is a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as trustee and steward. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on Hfe's journey and is now enabled to enjoy the evening of his days in honorable retirement, for in former years he worked earnestly and persistently and thereby acquired a goodly competence, which now supplies him with all the comforts of life. He has a very wide and favorable acquaintance and all who know him speak of him only in highest terms of praise. He makes his home on his farm with his daughter, Mrs. Hutchins, but spends the winter months in Florida, where he bought property and erected a neat little cottage.

Sid L. Conk.^d is one of the progressive and prosperous farmers and fruit growers of Ganges township, where he owns one of the finest farms in this portion of the county, his tract embracing one hundred and fortyfive acres, the greater portion of which is devoted to horticultural pursuits. A native son of Allegan county, his birth occurred in Leighton township, January 6, i860. His parents are Henry and Phoebe (Lester) Conrad, the fonner a native of Cattaraugus county. New York, while the mother claims Seneca county, Ohio, as the place of her nativity. The father took up his abode in Michigan in 1850, and the following year, 1851, came to Allegan county, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Leighton township, where he resides at the present time, his home being on section 32. A more extended sketch of the father appears elsewhere in this volume. Unto this worthy couple have been bom five children - Seth, Sid L., lola, Netta and Lo.

Sid L. Conrad was bom and reared upon the old homestead farm in Leighton township and acquired his educational privileges in the district schools near his father's home and in the public school at Wayland. He was early trained to the duties of field and meadow, assisting his father in the operation of the home until he attained his majority. Starting out in Hfe upon his own account, he chose as his occupation the work of farming and fruit raising, which has continued to be his work to the present time. He has a farn) of one hundred and forty-five acres, the greater part of which is devoted to the raising of fruit. He has an orchard of eighty acres set out to peaches, fourteen acres set out to apples, two acres to pears, four acres to cherries, and one hundred plum trees, besides raising various kinds of small fruit. He is meeting with very gratifying results in his work, for he is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of caring for his trees, so that the best results may be obtained in the cultivation of good crops. His fruit is of excellent size, flavor and quality, so that the fruit raised upon this farm is sure to meet a ready sale on the market, where it commands the highest prices. He purchased this farm in 1886 and has continued its operation through the succeeding two decades. In addition to his property he likewise owns a half section of land in Garfield township. Kalkaska county, this state, and he also owns property in South Haven and in Holland.

In 1881 Mr. Conrad was happily married to Miss Lida M, Nicholas. a daughter of Carlos P. and Melvina Nicholas. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Conrad was engaged in school teaching, which she followed successfully for many years. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children - ^Hugh. Halden and Hilda. Active in local affairs, Mr. Conrad has been honored by his fellow townsmen with a nuiuber of township offices, having served since 1892 as school director. He has likewise served for three terms as justice of the peace and is the present incumbent in that office, his duties in this position civc entire satisfaction to the public, for his decisions are always fair and impartial. He is also serving at the present time as supervisor of his township. Mrs, Conrad is a faithful and devoted member of the I\Iethodipt Episcopal church, Mr. Conrad is a self-made man in the best sense of the term, for whatever success be has achieved is due to his own well directed efforts and capable business management. He is a popular citizen and is known for his reliability and straightforwardness in every trade transaction, and enjovs the confidence and good will of all with whom he is associated. He and his estimable wife have a host of warm friend.s and enjoy in unlimited measure the esteem of a wide acquaintance.

Charles Symons is meeting with a creditable measure of success in his undertakings as a fruit grower of Ganges township. He is carrying on the business quite extensively and owns a well tilled and extremely nroductive farm of sixty acres. He was bom in Devonshire. England, in ^8K-:). and the first eleven years of his life were spent in hi,=; native coimtrv. His parents were Henry and Jane (Thorne) Symons. both of whom were natives of England, whence they emigrated to America in 1870, The father was a farmer in his native land and in his adopted country, and on coming to the United States he purchased forty acres in Allegan county, Michigan. His previous experience enabled him to readily place this under cultivation and to improve his property along substantial lines that brought forth good results, he being actively engaged in farm work until his death.

which occurred about 1896. His widow still survives and is yet living in Ganges township. Their children are as follows : Thomas, Charles, Mary J., Anna, Lewis, Carrie and Martha. Of these. Anna and Martha are now deceased. There were also two children who died in infancy.

Charles Symons accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and since 1871 has continuously been 3 resident of Allegan county. His education, begun in his native land, was continued in the public schools here and he was reared to farm work through the assistance which he rendered in the cultivation of the fields and the care of the crops upon his father's place. He remained under the parental roof until 1886, when he was married and established a home of his own, the lady of his choice being Miss Minnie M. Erwin, a daughter of L. B. Erwin. They have four children^ - May, Clifford, Mildred and Lewis. Mrs. Symons is a native of Illinois. In 1888 Mr. Symons purchased their present farm, which was then in an unimproved state, and all of the buildings upon the place are now as a monument to the thrift and labor of the owner, who has erected a comfortable residence and substantial barns and outbuildings for the shelter of his products and his stock. His farm is largely devoted to the cultivation of fruit and he has planted sixteen hundred peach trees, four hundred apple trees, three hundred pear trees, one hundred plum trees, three hundred cherry trees, and likewise has a half acre planted to strawberries. He also conducts general farming and both branches of his business are proving profitable. In his business hfe he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and his labors are carefully and persistently prosecuted. He has a laudable ambition to attain success and win a place among the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in Allegan county, and he bids fair to accomplish his desire in this direction, having already progressed far on the high road to prosperity.

Mr. Symons. moreover, has been active and infiuential in community life an<l has been honored with various local offices. He has served as township clerk for two years and as school director for six years, acting in the latter capacity at the present time. He has also been secretary of the Glenn Pier Company, Limited, for eleven vears. Tie is a worthy and acceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now serving as a trustee.

John Wadsworth, deceased, was one of the worthy, highly respected citizens of Ganges township, where his usefid life was largely devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Fulton county, New York, on the 4th of January. 1831. and there remained to his sixth year, when his parents. James W. and Malansa (Phillips) Wadsworth, came to Michigan with their family, the year of their arrival being 1836. They did not remain in this state, however, at that time, for the undeveloped condition of the country and the prevalence of ague drove them back to their old home in the Empire state. Two years later, however, in 1838, the family returned to Michigan and located in Ganges township, Allegan county, where James Wadsworth purchased one hundred and five acres of land. He encountered all of the hardships that fall to the lot of the sturdy pioneer but survived them all and improved his land, transforming it into a productive farm. His family numbered nine children, two of whom are yet

When John Wadsworth was but seven years of age the family home was established permanently in Michigan, and he was therefore reared amid wild scenes and environments of the frontier. He aided in the arduous task of developing the new land, and at the age of about nineteen years, in Cooper township, Kalamazoo county, he made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Althea Piatt, of Kalamazoo. There were no children by this marriage and she died fifteen months after their marriage. On the 21st of February, 1856, he wedded Miss jVlthea M. Wing, a daughter of Daniel and Matilda (Anderson) Wing. There were six children by this marriage, five of whom are yet living at this writing, in 1906, namely: Inez I., now the wife of George Tucker; Edgar; AlUson; Edith M., the wife of Professor E. Betzer, and Charles A.

When eighteen years of age Mr. Wadsworth had purchased eighty acres of unimproved land 'for one dollar per acre and at the time of his marriage located upon his farm and began its development and cultivation. He was a hard working and industrious man, who.se life was a worthy example of goodness and greatness that his children might well follow. He cleared his land, erected good buildings thereon, and made a home for his family, the dwelling today being one of the most attractive and comfortable in the township. He also found time and opportunity to assist in matters relating to the public welfare and held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years, together with other political positions. His demise occurred February 4, 1899, and the funeral services were held at his late home, known as the Cedar \'alley farm, where his widow now resides.

The Wings are also an old family of Allegan county, and Mrs. Wadsworth was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, town of Pottsdam, October 27, 1832. Her son, Edgar S., is now proprietor of the Windamore Hill farm, comprising fifty-five acres, thirty of which is set out to fruit. His wife was Ella Martin, a daughter of Robert and Mary Martin, whom he wedded in 1896, and unto them have been born two children, Lucilla H. and Annie M. The son Allison married Chloi Burgett, and they have one child, Marion, Charles married Aura Billings, and he is operating the old homestead. Mrs. Wadsworth still survives her husband and resides upon the old homestead farm. Almost her entire life has been passed in this county, where the circle of her friends is almost co-extensive with her acquaintance.

Henky Penfold owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Ganges township, devoted to the raising of fruit and grain. It is a splendidly improved property and he ranks with the leading agriculturists of this part of the state. He is a native son of the county and is of English lineage. His father, Edward Penfold; a native of England, was bom May 21, 1825, and having arrived at years of maturity wedded Caroline S. Gredwick, who was bom in England December 31, 1827.. They emigrated to the United States in 1850 and in 1855 came to Allegan county, locating in Ganges township, where they purchased eighty acres of wild land that is now the property of their son Henry. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place, and with characteristic energy Mr. Penfold began its development. Later he added forty acres to the original tract. At that time the county was sparsley settled, few roads had been made and the neighbors were scattered over a wide area. Mr. Penfold took up the arduous task of clearing his land, placing it imder the plow, and with the aid of his sons he continued the farm work and erected suitable buildings upon his place, transforming it into a good property. He was a man of high moral worth, whose life has been actuated by sterling principles that has made it in close conformity to the golden rule. A soldier of the Civil war, he served with Company E of the Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in 1863 and continued at the front until the close of hostilities, at which time he was honorably discharged. During the period which he passed in the south he suffered a severe stroke and was confined in the hospital for some tigie. Following his return he became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and delighted in his associations with his old army comrades. He was also a member of the United Brethren church, and he died in that faith on the 25th of March, 1903. Thus was ended a most honorable and upright life that had won for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he had been associated. In the family were five children, but only two reached years of maturity, Henry and Charles. The latter, born November 21, 1862, married Miss I-yda Dean in 1882, and they have one daughter, Siloam.

The birth of Henry Penfold occurred upon the old homestead farm October 11, 1856, and he was reared to the usual work of field and meadow, assisting his father in the task of developing and cultivating the land. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and prosecutes his work along modern scientific lines, being both practical and successful in all he undertakes. His is a splendidly improved property, comprising one hundred and eighty-six acres of fruit and farming land in Ganges township. Upon this place he has one thousand peach trees, while six acres are planted to apples and three-fourths of an acre to pears. He also has considerable small fruit, and in addition to his horticultural pursuits he devotes considerable time to general farming, in which he is pre-eminently successful. His buildings are all modern and convenient, are of his own planning and construction, and the farm altogether is a well improved property, indicative of his careful supervision and progressive methods.

On the 4th of February. 1882, Mr. Penfold was united in marriage to Miss Mary Russell, a daughter of Stephen and Susan Russell. The ancestral history of the family in the United States can be traced back to about the year 1650, and the parents of Mrs. Penfold settled in Van Buren county, Michigan, at an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Penfold has been born a daughter, Lillian. The parents are members of the United Brethren church and are greatly esteemed wherever known. Mr. Penfold has been honored with the office of school treasurer for twenty years and is deeply interested not only in the cause of education but in al! matters pertaining to general progress and improvement here. He is classed today among the leading representatives of agricultural life in Allegan county and annually gathers from his orchards and fields large crops of fruit and grain, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. Thus year by year he is prospering and is now most comfortably situated in life.