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

WiHiam Henry Stickel resided in the coimty of his nativity, spending his boyhood days imder the parental roof imtil twenty-two years of age, when he was married and came to Michigan. His educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools and after qualifying for teaching he followed the profession for two years in the neighborhood in which he was reared. He came to Allegan county in April, 18S7, and lias since resided upon the farm which is now his home. He at first secured eighty acres of land on section 10, Casco township, about one-half of which had been cleared. There is now only about twelve acres of unbroken land. His place is known as the Excelsior Farm, and the name is indicative of its excellent appearance and the care and labor which are bestowed upon it. In 1900 Mr. Stickel built a large bam, forty by sixty feet, and in 1904 he erected his present coanmodious and beautiful brick residence, which is one of the fine country homes of this part of the coiinty. His farm is largely devoted to horticultural pursuits. He had over forty acres planted to fruit until 1905 and now has about twenty acres given to fruit culture. In all of his work he is practical and enterprising and his success is the measure of his activity and diligence, for he owes his prosperity entirely to his own labors.

On the lOth of February. 1887. was celebrated the marriage of Afr. Stickel and Miss Mabel L. Widcner, who was born upon this farm in Casco township, Allegan coiintv, that is now her place of residence. Her natal day was Januar}^ to, 1868, and her parents were Henry J, and iilartha J. (Funk) Widener, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father died upon this farm in March, 1872, and Mrs. Widener is living in Texas. They were married in Pierceton, Indiana, whence they came to Allegan county in 1867. Mrs, Stickel is their only living child and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children: William Paul, who is now a student in the high school at South Haven; Anetta Mabel; Marlha Ruth. Ada Alice and a baby not yet named.

In his political afifiliation Mr. Stickel is a Republican. He was township clerk for four consecutive terms and has been active in the party, serving as a delegate to various conventions and doing all in his power to proinote the growth and insure the success of Republican principles. He is a member of the United Brethren church at East Casco, in which he is serving as a trustee, and his interest in church work has been largely beneficial to the organization. In all life's relations he is honorable and straightforward and throughout the community is known as a most reliable man, worthy the esteem in which he is uniformly held.-

M.ARSH.ALL BuGDEN, of Casco towuship, started out in life by working for eight cents per day. He was thus employed for six weeks, his duty being to keep the crows off the cornfield. Today he is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of the community. Moreover, he is prominent and influential in public affairs and his fellow -townsmen have given proof of their evidence and trust in him by frequently calling him to ptibiic office.

Mr. Bugden was born in Kent county, England, March ii, 1839, and is a son of John and Mary (Crisp) Bugden, who always remained residents of England. Their son Marshall was the youngest in their family of ten children, and is the only one who ever came to the United States. One brother and two sisters, however, are yet living in their native country.

Marshall Bugden remained in England until nineteen years of age. His educational privileges were somewhat limited for he left school at the age of ten years, after which he was employed at farm labor until he crossed the Atlantic. As stated he earned his first money - eight cents per day - by keeping the crows off of the cornfields for six weeks. Hearing favorable reports concerning the business advantages and opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1858 and landed at Castle Garden, at the lower end of Manhattan Island. He did not remain in New York city, however, but journeyed at once westward to Kosciusko county, Indiana, where he worked on a farm there until after the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south, involving the country in the Civil war. He enlisted in August, i86r, from Kosciusko county, becoming a member of Company B, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain John Murray and Colonel U. B. Reed. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and Mr. Bugden served for four years, being all of the time with the Forty-fourth Indiana. He took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, Stone River. Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. He re-entisted at Chattanooga and afterward did post duty from that time until the close of the war, being mustered out at Indianapolis, after which he returned to Pierceton, Indiana, where he remained for about one month. He then came to Ganges township, Allegan county, in 1865, and for four years resided in that locality, clearing part of the farm which he purchased on section 33. At length, however, he sold that property and bought his present farm, comprising eighty acres of land on section 15, Casco township. This land he cleared and placed under cultivation, devoting his entire time and attention to general agricultural pursuits here. He has, however, made seven trips back to England, since taking up his abode in Michigan, and finds much pleasure in visiting the scenes of his boyhood and in renewing his acquaintance with relatives and friends of former years.

In 1866 Mr. Bugden was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Chaplin, who was bom in Kosciusko county, Indiana, March i, 1841, a daughter of Moses P. and Sarah A. (Morris) Chaplin, who were natives of New York and Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bugden have been born five children : Rose M., the wife of Theron Johnson, who is mentioned elsewhere on another page of this work, and who resJdes'in Casco township; Burton C, who is a cooper and operates a part of the old home farm; Marion J., also of Casco township; Jennie. Mrs. Charles Simpson and Edith, who died at the age of five years.

On becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Bugden gave his political allegiance to the Republican party, which he supported until Grant's second administration. He then became allied with the Democracy but has recently registered as an independent and does not consider himself bound to party ties. He was elected and served for six consecutive terms supervisor of Casco township, being elected on the Citizens' ticket, and for two terms he was a member of the board o£ review. For sixteen consecutive years he filled the office of treasurer of school district No. 7 and "he has always been most capable and loyal in the discharge of his official duties. He is a fine penman and has done considerable clerical work both while in the army and for the township, all of which might be taken as a model of neatness and regularity. The hope that led him to seek a home in America has been more than realized, for in this country he found the opportunities he sought and with a persistency of effort that is one of his marked characteristics he has continued in liis business life until he is now comfortably situated, having an excellent farm property which returns liim a good annual income.

Wesley G. Fky, living on section 9, Casco township, where he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits, was born in Ganges township, Allegan county, February 3, 1858. His father, Jacob Fry, was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. He followed the occupation of farming as a life work and his father served his country as soldier of the war of 1812. His birth occurred in Ashtabula cotwty, Ohio, December 15, 1828, and he afterward resided near Fremont, in Sandusky county, Ohio. He enlisted from there for service in the Mexican war, and was under command of General Scott throughout the period of hostilities. After the war he returned to Ohio, where he resumed fanning and general work. He was married in that state, in April, 1851, and in 1854 came to Ganges township, Allegan county, settling on a farm where the birth of our subject occurred, it was a tract of timber land, from which he had to clear away the trees and brush before he could plow the fields. He at first secured forty acres and afterward added to the place until he had about two hundred acres, constituting a valuable farm property. He drove to Michigan from Ohio and experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life in this district. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside business and personal considerations and enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company B, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He went to the front as second lieutenant and was soon afterward promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and he participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, Chattanooga and others. After about two years he left the army on account of disability but subsequently returned to the service as a member of the same company and regiment and was promoted to the captaincy near the close of the war. He was a brave and loyal officer, often inspiring his men by his own valor and loyalty. When the war was over and the country no longer needed his aid he returned to Michigan and after selling his first farm he bought another tract of land in the same vicinity, where he resided until 1873, when he removed to Hall county, Nebraska. There he located a claim but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred from disease on the ist of June of the same year. His eldest son was with him at the time but the others of the family were still in this county. Mr. Fry was a Republican in his political views and filled the offices of justice of the peace, township treasurer and highway commissioner.

while his rehgious faith was indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. His wife, Mrs. Mary {Scrimger} Fry, was born in Dundee, Scotland, August 10, 1828, and when eight years of age accompanied her parents to the United States, the family home being established in Ottawa county, Ohio. The voyage was made on a sailing vessel which was six weeks in reaching the Atlantic harbor. The parents of Mrs. Fry, Alexander and Jane Scrimger, died in Ohio, but Mrs. Fry is still living and makes her home with her son Wesley. In the family were seven children : George W., who is living on a part of the old homestead in Ganges township ; Mrs. Margaret A. McCarty, of Seattle, Washington ; Jason, who died at the age of fourteen years ; Wesley G. ; Adelbert, who died in infancy ; Mrs. Josephine Hampton, of Ganges township, and Charles F., who is residing with his brother Wesley. They own adjoining tracts of eighty acres each and operate the farm as one. Both are still unmarried and they live together.

Wesley G. Fry remained upon the home farm in Ganges township until the death of his father, which occurred when the son was fifteen years of age, and he received his education in the schools of Ganges and Casco townships. He then began working as a farm hand by the month and was thus employed nntil twenty-one years of age, when he returned to the home farm. There he resided until he purchased his present place in 1885. In connection with his brother Charles he bought a half section of lana, which they afterward divide{l, each retaining eighty acres, although they continue working it together. The place is located on section 9, Casco township, and constitutes a well developed farm. It was formerly a mill property with about twelve acres of improved out of the one hundred and sixty. They now have nearly the entire amount under cultivation and they have a fine home standing on the place. Mr. Fry of this review has erected good buildings and everything about the farm is indicative of his care and supervision. The land was largely devoted to the raising of fruit in former years but Mr. Fry now gives his attention principally to stock-raising.

In community afl'airs he is deeply interested, and liis co-operation can be counted upon to further many progressive public movements. He was elected drain commissioner in Ganges township on the Republican ticket and filled the office altogether for three years. He is independent in politics but his fitness for the different positions have led to his selection for places of public trust and honor. He is now serving for the seventh consecutive term as supervisor of Casco township, having been elected on the Citizens' ticket in a township which is strongly Republican. He was also candidate for county clerk on the Prohibition ticket before coming to Casco township, running for the office in 1884, the same year in which John P. St. John was presidential candidate. Mr. Fry has also been treasurer of the school district No. 6 in Casco township for twenty-one years, or since he took up his abode here. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic Lodge and with the Royal Arch Masons in South Haven, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his membership being in East Casco Lodge. He is likewise identified with the Ganges Grange.

Rev. Wie-liam Nelson Bretdenstein, carrying on general farming and fruit raising on section 8, Casco township, his place being known as Edelweiss, has also devoted much time, thought and energy to the moral development of the community, and since June, 1895, has served as pastor of the First Baptist church of Ganges township. He was born in Hanover township, Columbiana county, Ohio, near Chambersburg, December 16, 1842, and is of German Uneage. His paternal grandfather, Martin L. Ereidenstein, was a native of Baden Baden, Germany, and on crossing the Atlantic to America settled near Antietam, Maryland. His son, Nathaniel Breidenstein, was born in Maryland but was reared and married in Columbiana county, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Anna Mary Eidenier who was likewise a native of Maryland. His birth place was on the old battle ground of Antietam. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Breidenstein were born seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom one died in childhood. The sons, Martin L. and John, were soldiers of the Civil war, the former in the same regiment with our subject, and the latter of an Ohio regiment. He enlisted for three months' service and participated in the Morgan raid.

William Nelson Breidenstein, the youngest of the family, and now the only survivor, was a youth of twelve years when his parents removed to Eaton county, Michigan, where he remained until August 3, 1862, the date of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. He joined Company E, of the Twentieth Michigan Volunteer Infantry under Captain John Anderson, and was sent to the Army of the Potomac in the Ninth Army Corps, arriving there soon after the battle of Antietam. He took part in the engagement at Blue Springs, in eastern Tennessee and also in the siege of Knoxville. Later he was transferred to the Army of the Potomac again and was in the battle of the Wilderness, also at Spottsylvania and at Cold Harbor. He was under fire from the sixth day of Ivlay until the 30th of July, when he was woimded at the explosion of the mine at Petersburg, Virginia. an<l lost two fingers of his right hand. He was then sent to the hospital at Washington, D. C, and was discharged December 9, 1864. He saw much active military service, in which lie displa}'ed luarked valor and lo\alty. The only furlough he received was when he returned to vote, thus casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln.

On the 17th of September. 1865. Rev. Breidenstein was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Elizabeth Bly. "the prettiest woman in the state of Michigan." She was bom in Brookfield, Eaton county, Michigan, July 19, 1847, a daughter of Samuel and Maria (Potts') Bly, who were natives of Vermont an<l New York respectively. Mr. and Mrs, Breidenstein remained residents of Eaton county until he entered the ministry in 1867. For thirty-five years he was active as a representative of the liberal United Brethren church and his influence in behalf of moral development and Christian progress was widely felt in different localities where he lived and labored. In 1885 he made permanent settlement in Casco township, Allegan county, and in 1887 purchased his present farm. He became owner of forty acres but has since sold twelve acres of the land. His place is situated on section 8, Casco township, and he has there a good home. The entire tract was woodland when it came into his possession save for a small portion of three acres which had been cleared. The entire place is today ctdtivated and improved and upon the Edelweiss farm he is now extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of fruit. In June, 1895, he accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist church of Ganges township and has since filled this position. In his ministerial labor his field has been Eaton, Jackson, Livingston, Ingham, Clinton, Gratiot, Barry and Allegan counties, and for eight years he served as presiding elder in the state. He has attended the annual conferences of the United Brethren church and was largely instrumental in re-organizing the Michigan annual conference at the close of the session which resulted in the division of the church. He organized both the churches of that denomination in Grand Rapids and he has long been recognized as one of its able preachers.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Breidenstein has been blessed with five children, and they also have seventeen grandchildren. Their sons and daughters are as follows : George Edwards, who is living in Casco township ; James Weaver, who is married, and with his family resides upon his father's farm ; Carrie Loretta, the wife of Almond Sheldon, of VermontviUe, Michigan; Edna Irene, the wife of George B. Tourtellotte, formerly of Grand Rapids, and Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Calvin Palmer, of Casco township.

Throughout his entire life Rev. Breidenstein has been identified with the Republican party and is in thorough sympathy with its principles and policy. He has served as school inspector in his township and is thus interested in educational progress. In fact at all times he stands for development and improvement along those lines which contribute intellectual, political and moral growth and stability. His influence has been of no restricted order, and on the contrary his labors have been far-reaching and beneficial, while the seeds of truth that he has sown have brought forth rich harvests in good works and upright living.

Ambrose C. Usher, a representative of the farming interests of Casco township, his home being on section 22, was born in Manchester township, Boone county, Illinois, January i, 1857, and is a representative of one of the old families of New York. His paternal grandfather, Levi Usher, was a native of the Empire state and died at the age of fifty years. The father, James Usher, was born at Cherry Valley, Oneida county, New York, in 1826 and accompanied his parents on their removal to Medina county, Ohio, In early life he worked on the Erie canal in New York and also ori the Chicago and Michigan canal. This brought him to the middle west and he eventually purchased a farm of eighty acres in Illinois. After ten years, however, he returned to the Empire state and was married. He then again came to Illinois and for twelve years resided upon his farm, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. On the expiration of that period he sold his property there and came to Michigan, securing eighty acres of land in Allegan county, which he improved, making his home thereon until he died at the age of sixty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mahala Cook and was born at Pavilion, Genesee county. New York, in 1836, while her last days were passed on the old homestead in Allegan county at the age of sixty-five years. In the family of this worthy couple were six children : Ambrose C. ; Marcus, a resident of Casco township; Mrs. Ahce Bennett, who is living in the same township; Mrs. Alta May Overhiser, deceased; Harris, of this township; and Mrs. Hattie Johnson, of Casco township.

I-Iistory Of Allegax Colwty 237

to Michigan and settled on a farm on section 22, Casco township, Allegan county. He continued under the parental roof until sixteen years of age and during that time became familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He then started out in life on his own account and was employed in a sawmill and also at farm labor. When twenty-six years of age he and his brother Marcus together purchased the farm upon which Ambrose C. Usher is now living. They had fifty acres of land on section 22 and with characteristic energy began to plow the fields, plant the seed and in due time harvest the crops. After his marriage Mr. Usher of this review purchased his brother's interests and has since made his home upon this farm. At- one time he was the owner of a small orange grove in Manatee county, Florida, and spent two winters there with his family, but sold that property about a year ago. With the exception of those brief periods he has remained continuously upon the old homestead in Casco township and he has nearly his entire fariTi of fifty acres under cultivation. It is devoted largely to the raising of fruit and in one year he sold four thousand bushels of peaches from his place. In the midst of his farm stands a fine dwelling which he erected and in the rear are found good outbuildings for the shelter of grain, stock and fruit. His place is known as the Maple Hill Fruit Farm and is thoroughly equipped for the conduct of the business which is being carried on.

On the 26th of May, 1886. Mr. Usher was united in marriage to Miss Clara L. Brainard, who was born in Lodi, Medina county, Ohio, October 24, 1867, and came to Allegan county about 1870 with her parents. Thomas and Henrietta (Griswold) Brainard, who were natives of Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Usher have been born two children. Essie Viola and Clifford. Mr. Usher votes the Republican ticket and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. That be has progressed in his business life is due to his close application, executive force and firm determination and he is now classed with the representative and prosperous farmers of Casco township.

It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the history of Mrs. Usher's father. Thomas W. Brainard. who owned a finely improved farm on section 22. Casco township. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, in 1833 and is the son of Warren and Laura Brainard. His father was born in Connecticut, January 8. 1790. His parents removing to New York when he was quite young, he spent his boyhood days on a farm in Jefferson county. The means for obtaining an education in those early days were not what they are today and his advantages were limited to the common schools. Warren Brainard was a patriot in the war of 1812. During that struggle the British had placed a cannon ball on top of the barracks at Otsego and Mr. Brainard was given five dollars for procuring the ball on carrying it into camp. After the war he returned home and married the mother of Thomas W. Brainard, whose maiden name was Laura, daughter of Thomas and Polly Cook, .natives of Connecticut, As early as 1817, Warren Brainard came west to Medina county, Ohio, where he was one of the pioneers and had the honor of erecting the fir.st house in Westfield township. It was buih of logs and in dimensions was eighteen by sixteen feet. The following year his family joined him in his new home, they coming overland with an ox team and sled. The home of Mr. Brain- arc! was always a pleasant stopping place to the weary traveler and at one time fourteen families received shelter under his roof, many of whom had come for Mr. Brainard to assist them in locating their land.

Warren Braiiiard, when locating in the Buckeye state, purchased one hundred acres of unbroken land. After improving thirty-eight acres he disposed of the remainder of his property. While gathering butternuts in 1820 Mr, Brainard accidentally fell a distance of sixty feet, which resulted in his being made a cripple the remainder of his life. He died in Medina county in 1848, firm in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which body he and his wife were class leaders. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat. His parents were Ansel and Edith Brainard, the father being a soldier in the Revolutionary war, who lived to attain the advanced age of ninety-eight years. His good wife survived him a number of years and died at the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. They were of English descent, Ansel Brainard's father being one of two brothers who emigrated from England to the United States and settled in Connecticut- Thomas W. Brainard began to learn the trade of a carpenter after reaching his sixteenth year, received four dollars for his first month's wages and at the end of the second month was given seventy-five cents per day. He followed his trade for twenty years and was successful in that undertaking. On leaving Ohio he moved to Montgomery county, Illinois, where he remained four years. At the end of that time, however, he returned to his native state, where he made his home for twelve succeeding years, and in 1870 came to Allegan county, Michigan, where he purchased five acres of his present property. His farm includes thirty acres which is under the most thorough cultivation and a portion of which is given to fruit raising.

In 1851 Mr. Brainard and Miss Henrietta, daughter of William and Louisa Griswokl, were united in marriage. Her parents were natives of New York, and her mother, who is a very active old lady, makes her home with Mrs. Brainard, Mr. and Mrs. Griswold had a family of eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Brainard have two sons and one daughter: Warren, who married Julia Morris; Frank, who married Alice Godfrey; and Clara, Mrs. Ambrose Usher. In politics Thomas W. Brainard is a true-blue Republican and has held many offices of trust in his township, among which was that of justice of the peace, he having been the incumbent of that position for seven years. He passed away in April, 1904, and his wife died in 1900.

William Van Blakcum is proprietor of the Cloverdale farm, an excellent property situated on section 14, Casco township. He is one of Michigan's native sons, having been bom in Pittsfield, Washtenaw county, September 29, 1841, and when twelve years of age he came to this county in company with his parents, Nicholas and Mary Ann (Ackerman) Van Blarcum, who were natives of New York, and became residents of Washtenaw county, Michigan, about 1840. The mother died when her son William was only about eleven years of age, and the father afterward married again, passing away upon his farm near Otsego, Allegan county, when sixty-five years of age. He was descended from an old New Jersey family of Holland descent. William Van Blarcum of this review was the

As previously stated, William Van Blarcum accompanied his father on the removal from Washtenaw to Allegan county, the family home being established about a mile east of Otsego. He remained there until he attained his majority, when he took up his abode in the village of Otsego and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for about four years, during a part of which time he conducted a shop of his owo. He afterward removed to Martin's Corners, where he conducted a shop for two years. He was married in Otsego before coming to the Corners, and later he returned to Otsego, where he worked at his trade for a number of years. While there he lost his wife. Subsequently he took up his abode at Blooiiiingdale, Michigan, having married for the second time, and was proprietor of a blacksmith shop at that place for about four years. He likewise conducted a hotel there for a year and remained altogether in that town for about eight years. He lost his second wife there after about seven years of married life, and upon returning to Allegan county he settled in Casco township in 1886, and for three years carried on blacksmithing at Leisure. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode upon the farm which is still his home and was married again. The farm comprises forty-two acres of land on section 14, Casco township, all of which is under cultivation and is well improved, having substantial buildings and modern equipments upon it. The place is known as the Cloverdale farm, having been named for Samuel Clover, the original owner. Mrs. Van Blarcum's first husband purchased the place from Mr. Clover's widow, and at the death of her first husband it came into possession of Mrs. Van Blarcum. It is a stock and fruit farm and in addition to the cultivation of the orchards Mr. Van Blarcum is now extensively and successfully engaged in raising good horses, in which he takes great pride, making a specialty of draft horses.

Mr, Van Blarcum was first married in 1866 to Miss Cornelia Rouse, a native of Otsego, Michigan, and they had two children, Nettie May, the wife of Arthur Orcott, of Otsego, and Alfred Burt, who is living in Casco township. For his second wife Mr. Van Blarcum chose Elizabeth Evans, a native of Canada. In 1886 he wedded Mrs. Ceha (Janes) Ruell, who was bom at Homer, Calhoun county, Michigan, October 14, 1842, a daughter of David and Nancy (Bacon) Janes, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. They were reared and married in the east and made the journey westward to Calhoun county, Michigan, with ox teams, spending their remaining days there upon a farm which Mr. Janes entered from the government. Their daughter Celia became the wife of William Rucll, a native of Pittsford, New York. They were married, however, in Calhoun county, Michigan, and came to Allegan county in 1866, settling upon a part of the farm which is still the lady's home. By her first marriage she had two children: Fred, who is living in Casco township,, and Florence, the wife of Casper Overhiser, of Casco township.

Mr. Van Blarcum has always given his political support to the Democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him and he has concentrated his energies upon his business affairs. He is now prospering in the raising of fruit and stock, his business having reached quite extensive proportions. Almost his entire hfe has been passed in this county and for more than a half century he has watched the changes which have taken place here, transforming it from an unclaimed and unbroken wilderness into one of the leading counties of this great commonwealth.

Thomas Hagger, residing on section 14, Casco township, has a good farm of one hundred and thirty acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. His life record began in Cambridgeshire, England, April 15, 1844, and he was the eighth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children whose parents were Thomas and Letitia (Saunders) Hagger, who spent their entire lives in England.

When about three or four years of age Thomas Hagger was taken by his parents to Huntingdonshire, England, where he lived until he came to America. He attended school until fourteen years of age and entered business life as a clerk in a general mercantile store, where a stock of dry goods, drugs and other commodities were handled. He was thus employed until he crossed the Atlantic in 1866. He landed at New York and for four years Thomas Hagger remained a resident of Rensselaer county, New York, being employed at farm labor. Thinking that he might have still better business opportunities in the middle west, he then came to Casco township, Allegan county, and purchased forty acres of timber land, constituting a part of his present farm. This he at once began to clear in order to place the fields under the plow and he also erected a good dwelling. He now has one hundred and thirty acres of land which is rich and productive. Of this eighty acres lies on section 14, Casco township, and is the home place. He also iias ten acres of timber land on section 13, Casco township, and forty acres on section 17, Lee township. The home farm is a valuable property, all of which is under cultivation save for the ten-acre tract of timber land. He has kept in touch with the trend of modern progress in his farm work and has erected here a comfortable dwelling and substantial barns. His time and energies are devoted to the raising of fruit and to general farming and he has thirty acres of peaches, cherries, berries and apples. His place is known as the Evergreen Fruit Farm and is equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories.

In October, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Thomas Hagger and Miss Rodella Yerdon, who was born in Herkimer county. New York, May 15, 1853, and when three years of age accompanied her parents on their removal to Cass county, Michigan. She was a young lady of seventeen years when they came to Casco township. She is a daughter of Warner and Sarah Jane (Bowers) Yerdon, both of whom were natives of New York and have now departed this life. Her father devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and was the owner of eighty acres of land in this county, which he improved. The family numbered two children, the younger being Javes, who died at the age of twenty-three years. The only daughter is Mrs. Hagger, who by her marriage has become the mother of seven children: Jane, now the wife of Commodore Coppock, of Casco township ; Nettie, the wife of Alfred Wellington, a resident of South Haven ; Frank Melville, Sanders, Nellie and Lula, all at home.

however, is not remiss in the duties of citizenship but on tlie contrary gives his support to those measures and movements which are calculated to prove of pubHc good. He is a man of action rather than theory and when others plan he performs. He leads a strenuous life and his unremitting diligence and activity have gained him wealth. He is now most comfortably situated in life and no agriculturist of the county exceeds him in activity or business management.

Edward Hagger,- - Since the forests have been cleared away it has been found that Michigan soil is splendidly adapted for farming and fruitraising and many there are who have met with prosperity through the careful conduct of business interests along those lines. Among this number is classed Edward Hagger, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, August i8, 1844, being the sixth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children who were born unto Thomas and Letitia (Sanders) Hagger, who spent their entire lives in England, where the father successfully carried on farming pursuits. When thirteen years of age Edward Hagger accompanied his parents on their removal from Cambridgeshire to Huntingdonshire, England, where he resided until he came to the United States in February, 1862, when in his eighteenth year. He attended school until sixteen years of age and then learned the tailor's trade, which he followed until he came to the United States. He made the voyage alone, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world. He went direct to Hillsdale county, Michigan, and he was offered fifty dollars per month in Hudson to work at his trade but he preferred a wage of eleven dollars per month on the farm, He continued upon the farm until the 4th of August, 1861, when he was enrolled as a soldier of the Union army, enlisting from Adrian, Michigan, as a member of Company A, Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Knickerbocker. The command was sent to Decatur, Alabama, and met the enemy there under Hood. Mr. Hagger took part in a number of minor engagements and skirmishes but no regular battles and the regiment was transferred to Texas in July, 1865, and discharged at Detroit, Michigan, in June, 1866.

When the war was over and the country no longer needed her military aid he returned to Hillsdale county, Michigan, and again worked by the month at farm labor until he was married in 1867. On the 2d of November of that year he came to his present farm, securing forty acres of timber land on section 14, Casco township. This he cleared and placed under the plow, erecting good buildings thereon and further carrying forward the work of improvement until he now has a splendid farm known as the Highland Park Fruit Farm - the name indicating the use to which it is put, for he has excellent orchards upon his place and annually harvests good fruit crops.

Mr. Hagger was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Chase, who was born jn Somerset, Hillsdale county, Michigan, June 5, 1848. Her parents were Daniel and Elmina { Perkins) Chase, the former a- native of Saratoga county. New York, and the latter of Greenfield, lower Canada, and of Scotch descent. Mrs. Chase was a descendant of Robert Bruce in the paternal line, and her maternal grandparents were the first of the family to come to the United States. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hagger have been born seven children : Eugena, the wife of James Holliday, of Woodstock, Illinois ; Minerva, the widow of Stephen Morlaii, and now at home ; Amy, who is a nurse in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Edward Lee, of Park Falls, Wisconsin; Mildred, who is the wife of Harkless Dalrymple, of Lee township; Pansy, who died in infancy, and Robert, at home.

In former years Mr. Hagger gave his political allegiance to the Greenback party but is now a stalwart Republican. He was elected township clerk, but refused to serve, caring nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business interest, in which he is meeting with signal success. At one time he was s member of the Grand Army post at South Haven but is now demitted. His business interests fully claim his time and attention yet he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship and his influence is on the side of political integrity and of progress and improvement in the county.

James Marshall, who for many years was a representative of farming interests in Allegan county, departed this life February 2, 1906, when in his seventy-ninth year. His many sterling traits of character had gained him the confidence, respect and good will of those with whom he was associated and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, April 15, 1827, a son of James and Elizabeth (Buzzard) Marshall, in whose family were the following named sons and daughters, Robert, Samuel, John, Joseph, James, Wilson, Andrew Kells and Clarissa.

In his boyhood days James Marshall accompanied his parents on their removal from Ohio to Greene county, Indiana, where he resided until 1854. In that year he became a resident of Henry county, Illinois, where he remained for five years and then took up his abode in Wells county, Indiana. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he continued to engage in farming in the Hoosier state until the fall of 1871, when he came to the farm on section 2, Casco township, which is now occupied by his son, Thomas N. Marshall. He secured eighty acres of land, of which about fifteen acres had been cleared, while upon it was a small board house, constituting all of the improvements. The entire farm is at this writing under cultivation, save for eight acres of woodland. Mr. Marsliall erected a comfortable residence here and carried on general farming, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and thus annually garnering therefrom good crops. He was drafted for service while living in Wells county, Indiana, and became a member of Company B, Fifty-third Indiana Infantry. The war closed after he had been at the front for nine months and with this exception he continuously gave his life to farm work and as the years passed he prospered in his undertakings.

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Marshall chose Miss Elizabeth Dennis, who was bom in Guernsey county, Ohio, January 13, 1826. They long traveled the journey of life together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and they were separated in death for only a brief period, for Mrs. Marshall survived her husband for but little more than two months, passing away April 27, 1906. Their children were ; Mrs. Eliza Herring, now deceased ; Mary J., the wife of George Wellington; Thomas Newton, who operates the old homestead farm and to whom we are indebted for the material furnished for the his- tory of his parents; Elizabeth, the wife of Barney Herring, of Casco township ; Martha Ann, the wife of Elmer Hahii, of Bangor, Michigan ; Marinda, the wife of Wallace Hogle, of Casco township ; George, who is living in the same township ; John W., who is married and resides upon the home farm, and Eli, who died in infancy.

James Marshall gave his political allegiance to the Democracy throughout his entire life. He was a member of George Fry Post, G. A. R., of Ganges township, and took much pleasure in meeting with his old army comrades. His life was quietly and uneventfully passed and yet his life record contains lessons that are worthy of emulation, for at all times he was faithful to the duties which each day brings and he was ever straightforward in his treatment of his fellowmen in any business transaction.

Charles L. McNitt, a farmer on section 27, Casco township, is one of the worthy citizens that the Empire state has funiished to Michigan. He was born in Wheatfield, Niagara county. New York, August 15, 1845. His father, Sylvester McNitt, was a native of Seneca county, New York, and died in Hartford township, Van Buren county, Michigan, in 1865, at the age of fifty-two years. His life was devoted to farming and carpentering, and after coming to Michigan he secured one hundred and forty acres of lantl in Van Buren county, which he developed and improved. He came of Scotch-Irish ancestry and was a representative of one of the old New York families. In his life he displayed many of the sterling traits of character that have characterized the Scotch and Irish people, and he worked diligently and successfully in the development and improvement of his farm. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and was called to various minor offices. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Brown, was born in Canada, and died in Van Buren comity, Michigan, at the advanced age of eightytwo years. In their family were twelve children: Orville, who enlisted from Van Buren county as orderly sergeant and vla.s promoted to the rank of captain, died a few years ago in Shelby, Michigan. Mrs. Eveline Stratton resides in Hartford township. Van Buren county. William, going to California in the days of the early mining excitement dug gold there for five years and in 1865 returned to Michigan, his last days Being spent in Pentwater. Livira, living in Watervliet, Berrien county, owns one hundred acres of good land, which is a part of the old farm homestead. Charles L. is the fifth in order of birth. Thaddeus lives in Bangor township. Mrs. Julia Curtis is a resident of Hartford township. Van Buren county. Mrs. Jane Adams died at Vanderbilt, Michigan. Alpheus resides in Keeler township. Van Buren county. Archibald lives in Chicago. Mrs. Flora Hoover resides in Hartford township. Van Buren county. Frank was killed by falling in a well when only five years of age.

Charles L. McNitt was a little lad of five summers when taken by his parents to Van Buren county, Michigan, the family home being established in Hartford township about twenty miles south of his present place of residence. They crossed the lake from Buffalo to Detroit on the steamer, the Buckeye State, and by train proceeded to Decatur, Michigan, when they continued their journey with teams to the farm in the midst of the forest. Mr. McNitt remained there with his parents until 1866, when he went to Lawton and was employed in a livery stable for a year. He was then married in

1867 and began farming on his own account on a tract of rented land in Hartford township, where he remained for a year. He afterward spent five years upon another rented farm in Ihe same township, and came to his present place of residence in Casco township in 1873, having one hundred acres of land on sections 27 and 22. He at first bought forty acres of wild land, which he cleared and developed. On this he erected a good set of farm buildings and as he prospered in his undertakings he added to his property until he now has one hundred acres of good farm land all under cultivation. Fruit-raising is an important feature of his place and he now has thirty acres devoted to peaches and apples, the farm being known as the XXXX Fruit Farm. In addition to horticultural pursuits he carries on general farming and has fields which return good harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon them.

It was on the agth of December, 1867, that Mr. McNitt wedded Miss Mary Ann Dolan, who was born in Hemingford, Quebec county, Canada, April 12, 1844. When she was nine years of age she removed to Peru, Miami county, Indiana, with her parents, Thomas and Esther (McGartland) Dolan, who were natives of Ireland, in which country they were reared and married, removing to Canada, after the birth of their eldest child. Mr. and Mrs, McNitt have one son and two daughters. Ellsworth E., who owns fifty acres adjoining his father's farm, is married and has three children, Luciie, Fern and Leland. Alice May is the wife of H. W. Phillips, of Almo township, Kalamazoo county, who is railroad agent there and they have two children. Donna L. and Lola M. Susie E. is the wife of Joseph Mort, of Casco township, and has four children, Erving, Neil, Clarinda and Harold.

Mr. McNitt has been a life-long Democrat, casting his first presidential ballot for Stephen A. Douglas, and for each candidate at the head of the ticket since that time save at the last election. He has never sought or desired office for himself yet he is interested in those movements which he believes will prove of public benefit and to such gives his hearty co-operation. Almost his entire life has been spent in this section of Michigan, so that he has a wide acquaintance, while his many good qualities have gained for him the favorable regard of those who through business or social relations have been brought into contact with him.

Hknry C, Dow, born in Beaver township, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1846, is now living upon a farm on section i, Casco township, and is classed with the representatives of agricultural interests in this part of Allegan county. His parents were Willis and Mary Jane (GenQugh) Dow, natives of the Empire state, who were born near Batavia. Their son Henry was the sixth of their seven children, three of whom are now living. He had two brothers and a brother-in-law who served in the Civil war. Richard G. Dow, of Ohio, became a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, afterward went to the west, where he was drafted and served until the close of the war. Charles Albert was in the three months' service and then re-enlisted for three years in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on the first of June, 1862. He continued with that command until he lost his life at the battle of Malvern Hill while acting as color bearer of his regiment. He had a premonition that he would be killed in that fight and he told the boys that he had eaten his last ration and asked a friend to send his effects home. They urged him not to go into the fight but to use the furlough which he then had in his pocket, but he refused, declaring it was his duty to carry the colors even though he felt that it would be certain death.

Henry C. Dow lost iiis mother while an infant and his father when but seven years of age. When five years old he was taken to Ashtabula county, Ohio, by his foster parents and there remained until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. When in his eighteenth year he joined the army in June, 1864, and was assigned to duty with the Eleventh District Mississippi Squadron on the gunboat. General Grant. He continued in the navy until the close of the war and was in the paymaster's department at Bridgeport, Alabama, for a part of the time, also spending six months in the hospital at Bridgeport. He participated in the naval engagements on Mobile bay and Tennessee river, and also near Chattanooga, and at the close of the war he returned home. So rigorous had been his military experience that for two years he was incapacitated for business.

In 1867, however, Mr. Dow went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and afterward to the upper peninsula, looking for government land. He returned home and afterward came to Allegan county, purchasing a part of his present fann on the loth of June, 1868. That fall he returned to Ohio, where he was married in September and then brought his bride to his present place of residence, where he has since remained. In order to secure property he incurred an indebtedness upon twenty acres of land, which was partially cleared, while a little log cabin constituted the only improvement upon it. He saw some hard times in starting life in the forest, but he persevered and improved every opportunity. At one time, however, he was out of work owing to an injury on the hand. He had no money and an empty flour barrel but was tided over this crisis by a benevolent neighbor who loaned him flour. At that time he had with him his foster parents, for he had determined to reciprocate their kindness in caring for him in his youth by caring for them in their old age. He persevered, however, and owing to his diligence and careful management he has been enabled to add to his farm until lie now has three hundred and forty acres in farm land, the greater part of which has been placed under cultivation by him. Much of it lies on sections I, II and 12, Casco township and he also has forty acres on section 6, Lee township. This is all in one body excepting the forty acres in Lee township, and is one of the excellent farms of the locality. Mr. Dow has also purchased considerable woodland, 'from which he has cut the timber and bark, later disposing of the land. In this way he has cleared a total of about twelve hundred acres in this vicinity. In all of his business dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and trustworthy until his name has become a synonym for honesty and business integrity wherever he is known. He now has one of the largest and finest farms in Casco township known as the Ashland Farm. He makes the raising of fruit and stock the principal features of the place and for the past fifteen years he has been engaged in the nursery business, handling from three to five carloads of nursery stock each year. He is likewise a breeder of Jersey cattle and Shropshire sheep and also good horses, and his stock-raising interests form an important part of his business. In 1893 he erected his present large brick residence, which is finished

In September, 1868, Mr. Dow was married to Miss Flora Ann Hogle, who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1845, a daughter of Ira and Patty Hogle. Four children were born of this marriage, of whom two died in infancy. Ira Earl, the surviving son, is a resident of Casco township, living in the vicinity of his father's home. He is married and has three children, Eric, Thelma and Flora Ethel. The daughter, Evelyn, is the wife of Charles Stennett, of Casco township, and they have three children, Henry C, Arthur and Lee George.

Mr. Dow has been a life-long Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has never sought or desired office yet has taken an active part in assisting worthy friends to office, and delights in the victories of his party. Fraternally he is connected with Jacob G. Fry Post No. 46, G. A. R., of Ganges, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of the Maccabees, and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the degree of Knight Templar in the commandery. He is in hearty sympathy with the teachings and tenets of these or^nizations which are based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. From a humble financial position he has steadily worked bis way upward and though he has met many difficulties and obstacles in his path he has displayed a resolute, determined spirit that has enabled him to overcome difficulties and disadvantages and gain a place among the substantial and prosperous residents of Allegan county.

John Tucker, who follows farming in Ganges township, owns one hundred acres of land which is devoted to the cultivation of fruit. He has operated this place since 1892 and brought it under a high state of cultivation. One of Michigan's native sons, he was born in Wayne county in 1867, and was there reared and educated. His parents were John and Margaret (Beatty) Tucker, the former a native of England, and the latter of Ireland. The birth of John Tucker, Sr., occurred in 1831, and in the year 1851 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. Soon after coming to Michigan he settled in Wayne county, where he lived for a number of years and in 1876 he removed to Allegan county, locating in Ganges township, where he bought eighty acres of wild land, at once beginning the arduous task of clearing and developing it. He vigorously prosecuted his work, placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and erected substantial buildings upon his property. He was an industrious man, whose life though eventful, was active and useful, for he won a gratifying measure of prosperity. He died in 1896, and is still survived by his widow who yet resides upon the home farm. The family numbered six children, all of whom reached years of maturity: William H., deceased: George, Lorenzo, Amos, John and Alonzo. deceased.

To the public school system of Michigan John Tucker of this review is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. At an early period in life he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and has always followed farming, meeting with considerable success up to the present time. As stated, he located upon his present farm in 1892 and he owns here one hundred acres of land in Ganges township not far from South Haven. On this farm he has two thousand peach trees, three hundred pear trees, one hundred and seventy-five cherry trees and one hundred and twenty apple trees besides considerable small fruit. His annual products find a ready sale on the market and the work of picking and packing make the farm a very busy place during the summer months. He carries on his work along modern scientific lines, in keeping with a knowledge that has been acquired in recent years concerning horticultural pursuits and the care of the trees. In 1888 Mr. Tucker was married to Miss Bertha Lamour, a native of Michigan, and they now have three children, Basil P., Lawrence R. and Hildred M. The family are well known in the community where they reside and have a circle of warm friends.

It will be remembered that Manliiis township was the first township area to receive a separate civil organization, although it continued so only a short time, when other town areas were added to it. This township was "promoted" in the early days, and its early organization and population were doubtless largely the result of this activity. John Allen, at the iiead of a party of capitalists, undertook, in 1836, to lay out a city on sections 7 and 8, naming the site Richmond. He secured the services of Ralph R. Mann to direct the work of improvement. It was proposed to erect a large sawmill and around it build a thriving city. A number of laborers were hired to begin the work, and the enterprise progressed to the point where a store and some houses were erected and the mi!! race begun, but the financial failure of Allen, at a time when the entire country was in a crisis of hard times, doomed the undertaking to failure, and nothing remains of permanence to mark this ambitious attempt.

After the failure, R. R. Mann moved to a location south of the first site and erected a water-power sawmill on the creek. This was the first practical milling enterprise in the township, and became the nucleus for a settlement that received the name of Manlius. A store was opened by Johnson Parsons, and a tavern by John Roe. The place liad some importance as long as the mill remained an<l before the railroad caine, but «'as abandoned in 1874. and the village of New Richmond having received considerable impetus in the meantime, Manlius soon declined and in time was discontinued as a railroad station.

For twenty-five years New Richmond was the principal railroad station and supply point for all the country along the river between that place and the lake. The site was chosen as a station because of its convenience to Saugatuck and Douglas both by river and overland, and as soon as the railroad was completed in 1871 postal and passenger communication was opened between these points and a connection established that lasted until the interurban line from Holland to Saugatuck gave a quicker means of access to the villages at the mouth of the river. H. F. Marsh laid out the village of New Richmond, and was proprietor of the first sawmill and store. Two taverns were opened, Gilbert Lamoreaux opened another store, and the business activity of the hamlet increased. The stages that ran from this place to Saugatuck added to the liveliness of the village, and with lum- bering and an increasing fruit- farming vicinity New Richmond enjoyed considerable prestige. Its activity is now confined to fruit and grain shipping, besides several stores and the usual institutions of a place of its size.

A part of the FennviUe village site lies in Manlius township, but besides this the only center worthy of mention is East Saugatuck, near the north line of the town, a station on the Pere Marquette Railroad. East Saugatuck is a village growth resulting from the settlement of Hollanders that overspread this portion of the county. The first settlement had been made there about 1859, but lumbering remained about the only industry of that vicinity until the railroad came. On the completion of the latter a store was opened at the station and in 1873 a postoffice established. The business of the village has never been large, but it is a well defined locality and has long been one of the centers of the Reformed church.

John Lubbers, merchant and postmaster of East Saugatuck, Michigan. is a widely known and popular citizen of Manlius township, of which he has been a resident since March, 1876. His birth occnrred in Ottawa county, Michigan. October 9, 1849.

Mr. Lubbers is a son of George and Maria (Kolvoord) Lubbers, both natives of Holland, who immigrated to this country in 1847, and were among the first to locate in a settlement which has been since largely occupied by their countrymen in Ottawa county, Michigan. Here the elder Mr. Lubbers purchased one hundred and thirty acres of good fanning land. During his residence at this place he held a number of township offices, among them that of school director and highway commissioner. He was the father of nine children, seven of whom reached maturity, and of the latter mmiber six are living, viz.: John, Tryntje, Ralph, Gradiis, John L. and Kate.

John Lubbers was raised in Ottawa county, and there learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he still carries on at East Saugatuck, his son acting as manager. He has been postmaster of East Saugatuck since 1897, at which time he also opened a grocery store in that place, adding the next year the busines of undertaker. His general wagon repair shop is extensively patronized and has grown to a lucrative business.

Mr. Lubbers has attained a great popularity among his fellow citizens and they have honored him with numerous public offices. He has been a school officer since 1871; township treasurer in 1886-7; two years a highway commissioner, supervisor of the township since 1890, being re-elected each year since; in 1898-9 chairman of the board of supervisors, which office he has filled with marked ability, and for the last four years has been chairman of the committee on claims, and was a member of the building committee when the Sheriff's residence and jail was built in Allegan in 1905 and 1906. He has also been for more than twenty years a director of the Ottawa and Allegan Fire Insurance Company.

He was married, in 1876, to Miss Gertrude Snrik, and to them eight children have been bom. six of whom are living: G, John, George, Mary, Ada. Andrew and Gertrude. The Lubbers family are members of the Reformed church, in which church Mr. Lubbers holds the office of deacon. His daughter. Miss Mary, is assistant postmaster and notary public.

Jvir. And Mrs. William H. Stow

W.ILIAM H McCoUMiCK.-Perhaps no man is better known in his vicinrty tlian William H. McCormicli. whose family has always held a hieh place m the respect anil confidence of the people of Allegan coimtv. The father of our subject, James McCormick, came from Niagara county New

York in 1837 and was the first white man to take up land in the township of Manhus. This land was heavily timbered, and comprised a'guartersection, costing one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Upon this property James McCormick built a log house, and began immediatelv to clear and improve the land. He was an enthusiastic hunter, and oii intimate terms with the Indians, with whom he enjoyed many days' sport deer bear wolves, foxes and turkeys being in abundance. As time passed and Michigan became more settled, the home of Mr. McCormick became the stopping place for the incoming homeseeker in that part of the state and with the characteristic habit of the Scotchman at large he extended hospitality to all. In 1S53 he budt a modern frame house, in which our subiect now resides. He was married to Maria Billings, to whom thirteen children were torn, six of whom are living, viz.; William H.. George C. Robert Mrs Belle Pullman Nathaniel, of Fennville, and Mrs. Ella Braithwaite: His death occurred July 24, 1892, at the age of eightv-seven years f. u-fi,'"' Manlius township, in 1840. and' was the first white child born in that section of Allegan countv. remaining there until volunteers William McCormick was one of the first to ofl^er himself and joined Conrpany A. Third Michigan Cavalry, with which command he fought during his entire term of service, being promoted to the rank of Sergeant for valor. He underwent many hardships and dangers during the term of his service, and had three horses shot under him, but escaped injury himself, and was honorably discharged in November 1864

Upon returning to civil life Mr. McCormick again turned hil attention to agncultural purstuts, and is now one of the representative fruit growers of the great "fruit belt" of Michigan, owning three hundred and twentv acres of land, on which are planted ten tbou.sand fruit trees of various kindi beside other small fruits. -

In 1867 Mr. McCormick was wedded to Helen M.. daughter of A M < w =' ?; i!",,""" """ h" born: Vernina E., now wife Sr J' f"'"' "'**'"" »«"' "' Pmnville, In politics Mr. McCormick is a Democrat, and has filled the office of commissioner of higliwa.va for fourteen years and of justice of the peace for four years. He is IZ'^^i "'r S"?^"? 415, F. and A. M,. and Allegan chapter, also of the I, O. O. F, and the Grand Armv of the Republic; of die las named being past post commander. ' 1 . oi

William H. Stow whose birth occurred in Manliiis township October 4. 1K74. IS proprietor of 'Rover's Rest Ranch and Re.sort." located six miles above Sa.igatuck on the Kalamazoo River. His ranch is an ideal one and heautifuNy situated. Here, in days gone bv, the warriors of ZvZJ^t heautifnlly situated. Here, in days gone bv, the warrio s o he PoSawaT teraie tribe of Indians used to camp, for it was one of their favorite resorts On a Prommcnt point, commanding a magnificent outlook, our subject contemplates building a large hotel. This site was occupied, years ai> bv an Indian fort, the Indians realizing not only the beaufr of the locSon that it was admirably adapted to defend. Mr. Stow is a yoimg man of enterprise and enthusiasm, and recognizing the superior advantages of his resort - both by reason of its location and surroundings - intends making it still more accessible by running a launch to and from Saugatuck, on the Kalamazoo River.

Our subject was raised and educated in Manlins township, and. after having come to man's estate traveled extensively. He is now engaged in farming, fruit growing, market gardening, and dairying, conducting all these occupations with marked success. His farm consists of about liftyeight acres, the same being part of his father's farm. He is a son of Edward J. and Sarah M. (Lamoreux) Stow, the fomier having been born in Stow, Summit county, Ohio, March i8, 1822, and dying in the year 1903, the latter being a native of New York state and dying the same year as her husband, but two months later. Edward J, Stow, whose father died when he was but a small boy, was an only son. His grandfather. Captain William Stow, of Connecticut, who with his family removed to Ohio in an early day, was the founder of the village of Stow, in Summit county of that state. The husband of Harriett Beecher Stowe was related to Captain Stow (whose branch of the family had dropped the final "e" from their names), and they were also connected with the Beecher family, the sister of Lyman Beecher having married one of the Stows. The family has been distinguished in the history of the United States and traces its ancestry back to the Pilgrim fathers who came to this country in the historic Mayflower.

The father of our subject moved from New York to Michigan in 1844, but did not settle in Manlius township until 1859. It was almost an unbroken wilderness at that time, but he took up two hundred acres, and during his lifetime fifty acres of it were cleared. Timlier was very accessible in those days and the elder Mr. Stow devoted some time to lumbering on the Kalamazoo river, seven years in all. In 1859 he took a trip to Colorado, riding to and from that state on horseback, and consuming a year on the journey, visiting among other points of interest the famous Pike's Peak. In 1861, during our long and bloody Civil war. the call went out for volunteers, and he joined the Union Army as a corporal in Company I, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. With this command he served his country faithfully and well. He was wounded by bushwhackers during the war and carried some buckshot till the time of his death. He has the distinction of having been the first man in his part of the country to set out a peach orchard: truly a distinction, as this same section has now the reputation among unbiased judges of producing the finest peaches to be obtained in the United States. The senior Mr. Stow was highly respected by his fellow citizens, who showed their confidence by conferring upon him most of the township offices, electing him, among other offices, as the first school director in the township. Socially he was a member of the A. H. Fenn Post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Fennville, of which post he was senior vice.

His children numbered four: Frank, deecased: Allen C, who married Miss Dessie Knickerbocker and is the father of two children, Samuel E. and Candis: William H., our subject; and M. Adella. The two latter arc unmarried. They are both respected and efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Fennville.

CHARLiis N. GiDLEY, of MaiiHus township, a representative farmer and fruit-grower of that locality, owns a fine farm of eighty acres, with two thousand fruit trees of various kinds, all in a line state of cultivation, and testifying to his skill and thrift as a farmer. He was born in Manlius township in 1854. and has resided there continuously since. Mr. Gtdley is a son of A. P. and Lucinda (Meeker) Gidley, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. A. P. Gidley, in company with his parents, John S. and Jerusha (Petitt) Gidley, left New York state for Michigan in 1842 and purchased eighty acres of land, the same composing the farm now occupied by our subject. It was virgin forest at that time, but was almost entirely cleared before the death of John S. Gidley, the grandfather of our subject, A. P. Gidley, the only child of John S., and the father of our subject, was only seventeen years of age when he came to Michigan in company with his father, as aforementioned. There were bom to him three children: Charles M., John and Robert, deceased.

Charles N. Gidley was married in 1881 to Miss Junia Mills, and while this is a pleasant union yet no children bless it by their presence. Mr. Gidley holds the full confidence of his fellow citizens and has held the office of township treasurer for two years and is now in the sixth year as township clerk. In politics he is a Repubhcan and a staunch and ardent supporter of his party. Socialh' he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which order he has passed through the chairs.

WiLLT.VM MiCHiN, a Well known farmer of Manlius township and proprietor of the "Evergreen Fruit Farm," was born in Buffalo, New York, July 13, 1840. He is a son of William and Ellen Michin, who were both natives of Ireland, the former of whom died in 1842. Their family consisted of five children, three of whom are living. Our subject was the fourth of these children in order of birth.

William Michin, our subject, came to Michigan from Niagara county. New York, in the earl}- sixties and settled on his present farni. In 1863 he entered the employ of th^ government as wagon master and in that capacity served one year.

He was united in marriage in 1874 to Miss Agie Warren, by whom he has had two children; J. W,, who married Miss Ann Jenson. and Minnie. Mrs. Agie Michin is also a native of Xew York state, having been bom in Ontario in January of 1840,

Mr. Michin is an extensive and practical farmer and his farm, thirty acres of which lies in Manlius township and sixty-five in Saugatuck township, shows the care and skill that he has expended on it. making it one of the most attractive farms to be seen in that vicinity. This farm has four thousand peach trees, two hundred apple trees, one hundred pear, and fifty cherry trees upon it, and is a very choice niece of property from a fruitgrower's standpoint, although Mr. Michin has not devoted himself exclusively to the production of fruit, but has gone in for general crops and has developed his fann into a substantial and good-paying proposition. The buildings on this farm are very attractive and are among the finest structures to be found anywhere in the township.

tinuously since. He is a son of Ebenezer and Harriet E. (Thornton) Lamoreux, both natives of New York, who moved to Michigan in 1844 and purchased the farm on which our subject now resides. It was then in a primitive state, but they set about clearing and improving it, and even at that early date set out ten acres of peaches. They erected the buildings which still stand on the property and prepared the farm for its present productiveness. Ebenezer Lamoreux, whose father was a native of France and whose mother was born in England, was born in 1827 and died October 12, 1894, aged sixty-seven years. His wife, Harriet E., died in January, 1902. There were six children born to them, of whom our subject is the eldest: Edward, Daniel (deceased), William (deceased), Eliza J., Frank (deceased), and Margaret.

Edward Lamoreux was united in marriage on November 22, 1881, to Elenore Enders, of which union have been born the following children : Louis, February 16. 1883; Hattie A., November r8, 1884; Levi E., November 24, 1886; Floyd E., July 18, 1889; Tressie, April 10, 1S92: Arthur April 8, 1895; Claude M., September 6, 1897; Lovel and Lucille (twins), April 33, 1906, and two other children, now deceased, one of whom was a twin of Floyd. Mrs. Lamoreux was bom at York, Pennsylvania, in 1864. Her parents, both natives of Pennsylvania, came to Michigan in 1866 and located near White Pigeon, where they followed farming as an occupation. They moved to Allegan county in 1877 and located in Clyde township, on a farm of eighty acres. Mrs. Enders is dead, but Mr. Enders still survives, and is now, 1906, in his eightieth year. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are still living,- three of them in Allegan county : Mrs. Lamoreux, Mrs. Elizabeth Truax and William Enders.

August Kluck, a farmer of Manlius township, whose postoffice is Fennville, was born in Germany in 1844. In accordance with the law of the "fatherland" he served for three years in the German Army, but in 1870 emigrated to the United States and has since been a loyal citizen of the land of his adoption. He came directly to Chicago, where he remained for a short time, and then moved to Allegan county, where he has since resided.

Mr. Kluck was married in 1877 to Miss Kate Orther, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Nedwinger) Orther, both of whom were born in Germany, coming to this country in the fifties and reaching Michigan in 1864. To this union ten children have been born, seven of whom are living: Thomas F,, August J., Maggie, Christopher, Louis, Jacob and Charles.

As is characteristic of Germans as a race, Mr, KKick is thrifty, economical and industrious, and his farm shows in its appointments and in the satisfactory returns from the sale of its produce the painstaking care and thought that he has expended in improving it. The farm comprises sixtynine acres, set to apples, pears, plums, cherries, and including two acres devoted to the raising of strawberries. This is the second farm that our subject has owned in this township, the first, consisting of eighty acres, having been disposed of to Mr. E. L. Hutchinson.

August Geske, whose postoffice is Femwille, is a member of the Fruit Growers' Association and a representative fanner and fruit grower of Manlius township. He was born in Germany and spent the early years of his life there. In conformity to the German military law he was pressed into the army service when he arrived at the proper age and served his native country for five years, being in active service in the German-Austrian war. Again in 1870-71 he took part in active service in the war between Germany and France, and was twice wounded in engagements.

In 1873 Mr. Geske began to fee! a great longing to see the United States, and as many another German farmer has done packed up his belongings and emigrated to America, settling in Douglas, Michigan, where he resided until 1881, moving in that year to Manlius township and settling on the farm on which he now resides. This farm at that time contained but sixty acres, but he has added to it from time to time until now it contains one hundred and twenty acres of choice farming and fruit land, brought to its present high state of cultivation by the energy and enterprise of Mr. Geske.

He is one of the largest and most scientific fruit-growers in the "fruit belt" of Michigan, but has not devoted his entire thought to tiiat branch of agriculture, doing instead general farming, which has proved satisfactory and lucrative.

Mr. Geske was married to Miss Pauline Kluck, to whom seven childrer. have been born, five of whom are living : Frank, August. John, Rose and Mary, all of whom were born in Allegan county.

George A. Hare, proprietor of the "Walnut Grove Farni" in Manlius township, was born in the township in which he now resides in 1859. Here he was raised and received his education. He is a son of Adolphus and Hannah (Daily) Hare, the former of whom is a native of New York state and the latter bom in Ohio. They moved to Michigan in 1845 ^"d Purchased eighty acres of uncleared land as a homestead. This was entirely cleared and improved before their death. Adolphus Hare was a veteran of the Civil war. having served as a member of Company H. Third Michigan Cavalry. His death occurred July 22, 1864. at Duvalls Bluff, Arkansas, his wife surviving him imtil 1902. Their family consisted of twelve children.

George A. Hare as a young man worked at railroading, but tiring of this occupation moved to Indiana, where he followed farming for three years. At the end of that time he returned to Manlius township, where he has devoted himself since to farming and fruit growing on a farm of two hundred acres. He raises apples, plums and cherries, in addition to strawberries and small fruits generally,

Mr. Hare has been married three times, first to Miss Mary Johnson, second to Miss Romain McKinister, to whom one child was born, a daughter named Minnie, and third to Miss Louisa Rosenow, by whom he has had two children, WaHer G. and Vera, While not being an ardent politician Mr. Hare has served 'his township in the capacity of pathmaster. Socially he holds a membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Chakles H. Hanson, of Manlius township, whose postoffice is New Richmond, is of New England descent, having been born in Bath, Maine, in 1834, where he was raised and educated. He has in his work shown marked ability in both mechanical and agricultural lines. He is a son of Thomas B. and Mary P. (Bloom) Hanson, both natives of Maine.

Our subject moved to Michigan in 1866 and settled on his present farm, then a part of the virgin forest and consisting of two hundred acres. This he gradually improved and has erected on it two modern and substantial dwelling houses, in one of which he resides. The original farm of two hundred acres has been reduced to fifty-five, seven of which are now devoted to the raising of fruit.

Mr. Hanson is a practical man of affairs and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellows. He has held various township offices for the past twenty years, among which are those of moderator of the school board and school director, while for twenty years he was township clerk. He now counts thirty-seven years of continuous and faithful service in the employ of the Pere Marquette Railway as watchman on the bridge crossing the Kalamazoo river, and at the same time has charge of and runs the steam pump.

His marriage occurred in 1855 to Martha A., daughter of Samuel B. and Elizabeth Appleton. This union has been blessed by four children, namely: Clara, Ida, Charles, Jr., and Samuel. The former two were born in Illinois and the two latter in Michigan.

Isaac Lamoreux, for many years identified with the lumber and agricultural interests of Manlius township, is a son of the Empire state, having been bom in Orange county, New York, November 27, 1830. His parents came from New York in 1845 and took up their abode in Manlius township. With them were their eight children, all born in the state of New York, viz.; Martha, Isaac (our subject), John G., Hannah, Seth, Quincy, Ellen E. and Sarah J. Three more children were born to them in Allegan county, namely: Lyman, George and Elmer. Of the entire family there are now surviving but three: Isaac, George and Ellen E.

Thomas Lamoreux and his family settled in section 8, on a property two hundred and forty acres in extent and part of the original forest. Here they suffered the usual hardships of pioneers, having to depentJ almost entirely on their own resources for even the necessities of life. After the second year of their residence here they were able to raise the material not only of food but with which to manufacture their clothing. There being plenty of game and fish, their table was supplied without stint with what the present generation considers as classified among the luxuries. The Indians were very plentiful in those years in Michigan, but were fortunately inclined to be friendly. Thomas Lainoreux was a man of influence and good standing in his community, and was honored with the election at various times to the offices of supervisor, township treasurer and highway commissioner. His death occurred in 1862. As their name would indicate, the Lamoreux family were of French descent and emigrated to this country before the Revolutionary war, in which struggle they took an active part in defense of Colonial independence.

Mr. And Mrs. Charles H. Hanson

lumber business and rafted considerably on the Kalamazoo river. Subsequently he turned his attention to agriculture, and owned at one time nearly all the land in and around what is now the city of New Richmond. The first farm consisted of eighty acres, fifty of which were soon cleared. The farm lay in section 8. Mr. Lamoreiix subsequently engaged in the fruit growing interests, but now devotes his time exclusively to stock raising on a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres.

In 1862 our subject entered the Union Army as first lieutenant of Company L, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and rendered his service with distinction, being honorably discharged in 1863. In local affairs, those which concern the people at large, Mr. Lamoreux has always taken a lively interest, and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens is shown in tlie fact that he represented them in many public offices, among which are those of supervisor, constable, moderator, moderator of school board and highway commissioner.

Mr. Lamoreux was married in 1866 to Miss Amanda Stewart and to them were born six children, five of whom grew to maturity, namely: Eleanor, a storekeeper and the present postmistress of New Richmond, an office which she has faithfully served for the last nine years; George, Kate, now deceased; Ida, the wife of Lesley Sherman, and Owen.

Mr. Lamoreux can well feel a satisfaction as the evening shadows of his life are growing longer when he looks back over sixty years of residence in Manlius township and can know that his personal endeavors have added much to the material welfare of his vicinity, and in looking in the future that when the time comes to answer the call of the "grim reaper" he may feel that he is missed from his accustomed place in the community and that his name will be remembered.

James H. Pierce, who owns and operates a farm of eighty acres in Saugatuck township, was born in Bristol county, Massachusetts, March 21, 1822, and is the only representative in AUegan county of the family of Abiel and Elizabeth (Cushman) Pierce, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The father was a carpenter by trade and a good mechanic. The family numbered three sons and two daughters : Francis, deceased : James H. ; Harriet, who has also passed away; Abiel, who was a soldier of the Civil war ; and Elizabeth, deceased.

James H. Pierce was reared in the county of his nativity to his fifteenth year, and during that period attended the public schools near his father's home. He then left the parental roof and shipped on a whaling vessel, whose fishing ground was the Indian ocean. The cruise lasted three years, after which Mr. Pierce, having enough of sea-faring life, returned to his home. In 1840 he went to Buffalo, where he learned the tinsmith's trade, after which he went to Boston, Massachusetts, and for a year he was employed at his trade in that city. He purchased a pleasure boat, which he sailed for two seasons in taking pleasure parties along the coast. Subsequently he went to Canada, where he again was employed as a tinsmith and later removed to Cleveland, Ohio. The year 1842 witnessed his arrival in Michigan, but he only passed through the state at that time, his destination being Chicago, where he remained for two and a half years, when he took up his abode at Leland, Illinois, where he entered the hardware business.

During his residence there he acted as postmaster of the town for two years and at the same time carried on his agricultural interests. Removing to Clifton, Illinois, he was also engaged in the hardware business there and at that place acted as treasurer of the school board for three years. He devoted twenty-nine years altogether to the hardware business and came direct from Clifton to Saugatuck township, Allegan county, in November, 1879. At that date he purchased his present farm, comprising eighty acres, of which but ten acres had been cleared, while the buildings were small and in a bad state of repair. Today this is a beautiful and attractive farm under a high state of cultivation, and the place is devoted to general agricultural pursuits and fruit growing. The orchards contain two hundred apple trees. Mr. Pierce, however, is gradually concentrating his energies more and more largely upon general farming. He is practical in all that he does and keeps in touch with the spirit of modern progress as manifest in agricultural and horticultural Hfe.

On March 7, 1850, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Read, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Read. They have ?>ecome the parents of ten children, six of whom reached years of maturity; Ernest F,, Mrs. Clara Starkey, H, C, Albert H., Flora and Archie R. Mr. Pierce has now passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey. Few men of his years are more active or are more closely associated with business life. In spirit and interests, however, he seems yet in his prime and he takes no unimportant part in the work of the farm, which, under his supervision has been brought to a high state of cultivation and improvement, being one of the well equipped farms of Saugatuck township. Whatever success he has achieved in life is attributable entirely to his own efforts, for when fifteen years of age he started out in Ufe on his own account. He had many varied and interesting experiences during his cruise in the waters of the Indian ocean and also in his later travels in this country. Becoming possessed of a laudable ambition to make a comfortable home for his family and acquire a competence for his declining years, he then settled down to the hardware business, and his close application and careful management brought him a gratifying degree of prosperity in this work. Later he made investments in land in Michigan and his present valuable farm property is the result.

Arthur Kool, whose postoffice is New Richmond, is a representative farmer of Manlius township. He is a native of Holland, having been born in that country in 1841, and emigrated to the United States in 1870 to the farm on which he now resides. His parents were Maurice and Hannah J. Koo!, whose family consisted of ten children, two of whom came to this country.

Mr. Kool was married first to Miss Coba Greenwalt, to whom three children were born : Maurice, Garret (deceased) and Henry A. His second wife was a Miss Jane Smith, and their children number five, in the following order of birth : Dena, Coba, Sarah, Jennie and Henry. Mr. Kool and his family are loyal members of the Reformed church.

The farm on which our subject now resides comprises one hundred and fifty-seven acres and is one of the most productive farms of its size in that section of the state. The work of clearing and improving the place has all been the work of the present owner and has well repaid the labor expended upon it. The buildings are as fine as any to be seen in this section and would, in fact, be a credit to any farm. In 1904 Mr. Kool experienced a loss of thirty-five hundred dollars as the result of a fire on his property, but not daunted by this misfortune he rebuilt, and on a more substantial scale than before.

Wayland village found its inception in the boom times of the late sixties, was incorporated as a village a few years after its founding, and has continued with little change in population though with a substantial basis of industry and trade. A short time after its incorporation, according to the census of 1870, the village had 585 inhabitants. The figures for the succeeding decades were: In 1880, 546; in 1890, 533; in 1900, 619.

Wayland township being one of the first to be settled of those situated away from the Kalamazoo river, it was natural that centers of population should be formed. Chambers Corners was a crossroads site, named in honor of Nelson Chambers, who had located on section 5 in 1838. Others who settled near him were A. P. Erownson. Joseph Heydenberk and John Parsons. A schoolhouse was built, as related in the history ot schools, and when the plank road was built through in 1854 a movement was started toward the establishment of a center at this point. Nelson Chambers built the Wayland House for travelers' entertainment and the convenience of the site caused the removal to this point of the first postoffice in the township, the one that had been established at the Barnes Mill on Rabbitt river. During the fifties several well known families located here, members of which have lived here to the present time and been foremost in business and village activities, among them the Clark and Hoyt families, personal histories of whom follow. Among the early merchants, beginning with i860, were Oliver Edwards. Theodore D. Van Valkenburg, W. E. White, J. M. Berry, Clark and Henika.

. The first village plat laid out in this vicinity was given the name of Lomax City, including land about the mill and tannery of Israel Kellogg, a short distance north of the Corners. Several additions were made, and when the board of supervisors incorporated the village the name of Wayland was permanently assigned to the place.

In 1865 Wayland had a population of about 175, half a dozen business firms, several physicians, and had a good basis of growth in the surrounding country. In the latter part of that decade two railroad lines were building through the county in the vicinity of Wayland. and the prospects for village growth were very bright indeed. The road from Allegan, which was the first to be completed, did not pass through Wayland, however, but gave inception to the rival settlement of HilHards, which attracted some of those who had located at Wayland in anticipation of the railroad. But within a few months the Grand Rapids & Indiana reached Wayland, thus securing the business and population that had located there. However, as already mentioned, the village has not increased in size since that time until the last few years.

During the period of rapid increase in population and business between 1865 and 1870, the county board of supervisors were requested to incorporate the village, and this was done at the fall meeting of i868. At the first village election, December 7, 1868, the total number of votes cast was 121, resulting in the election of the following set of officials: Edward M. Fitch, president ; Henry C. Garrett, clerk ; Norton Briggs, treasurer ; William E. White, Alfred H, Bostwick, George W. Pease, Isaac Buskirk, James F. Halbert and Robert B. Deuel, trustees; Edwin E. Hoyt, marshal; Dan G. Slade, poundmaster. The principal officials for the following years are given in the Official Lists.