Barry County, Michigan - The whole text, 1912 (part 3 of 4)

Hastings, at tliat time, was a cluster of rudely constructed houses, built in the woods, and Mr. Goodyear spent his first night in the village at Chase's Tavern, situated on tlie bank of the Thornapple, near the present Micliigan Avenue bridge. He brought with liim a stock of general merchandise and drugs and subsequently opened the first store in Barry County on the corner of what is now Creek and Main streets.

It lias been written tliat the young store proprietor, wlien standing in liis own doorway, was unable to see the nearest house, a distance of 100 feet away, on account of the density of the trees that intervened. At tliis time, Mr. Goodyear, w^ho is described as a man of rather basliful and retiring disposition, earned for himself the sobriquet of "doctor", which title clung to him during many years and was bestowed, probably, as a result of the fact tliat he kept a stock of drugs in his store. No records show that he was ever educated in, or practiced the profession of medicine.

Mr. Goodyear continued alone in his first mercantile adventure for several years, but eventually formed a partnership with his brother, W. S. Goodyear. In 1854 he sold his interest in the business to Nathan Barlow, but resumed it one year later, being associated this time with William Barlow. In 1859 lie again disposed of his share in the store, his brother, J. 8. Goodyear, being the purchaser. In tliis same year he started in the hardware business in a one-story wooden building which he built on the })resent site of Pearson's grocery store. This business has continued to the present day and is now conducted by Mr. Goodyear's sons, John F. and David 8., under the firm name of Goodyear Brothers. At the time when he established the liardware business, Mr. Goodyear resided a short distance east of his newly built store., on the present location of the National Bank, and in a wing of liis residence^ whicli extended west and opened into his store, lie conducted a private bank which later became the Hastings National Bank.

Mr. Goodyear retired from business in 1882 after an active mercantile career, covering a period of forty-two yars, during which time he worked tirelessly, furthering his business success with a standard of honesty and square dealing from which he never deviated.

In 1843 he married Miss Mary Barlow, daughter of Nathan Barlow of Hastings. From this union three children were born: William H., George E., and Nathan B. ]\Irs. Goodyear died in 1818 and in 1850 Mr. Goodyear married the sister of his first wife. Miss Ermina 13arlow. The children of his second marriage were: Rosella^, Anna, David S. and John E. Anna, now Mrs. Haft", resides in Grand Rapids. Miss Rose, David and John, all reside in Hastings. No children of the first marriage are now living.

In ])olitics Mr. Goodyear was a firm believer in the princi])les of Democracy and in 1815 he was elected on the Democratic ticket as a member of the state House of Re])resentatives, its sessions being then held in Detroit, as Lansing was still in the wilderness. In 1851 he was elected to the state Senate and in 1871 he was again elected to the House, serving on the Ways and Means C\)mmittee. In 1852 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention that nominated Franklin Pierce for the presidency.

Mr. Goodyear was closely affiliated with the Grand River Valley railway project and witnessed its successful completion, for several years acting as treasurer of that organization. He was financially b;ick of the first newsi)aper ever })ublished in Hastings, "The Pioneer", and contributed to its columns throughout its existence. He was the first President, the first Mayor, the first banker, and, as has been previously shown, the first merchant of Hastings.

Mr. Goodyear's personal character was a rare combination of those traits that rendered him a considerate and lovable father and husband, a conscientious business man and a loyal and public spirited citizen. He was thoughtful and solicitous in his family, honest and painstaking in his financial dealings, and was possessed of a generous, but always conservative, spirit of philanthropy. There are few schools, churches, or other public institutions in

H. A, Goodyear

His death, which occurred May 5^ 1901, caused deep and sincere grief in his home city, the county and the state. The legislature of Michigan sent resolutions of sympathy to Mr. Goodyear's immediate family and as an additional mark of respect, the flags on the capitol at Lansing were placed at lialf-mast on the day of the funeral.

Robert J. Grant

A man who stands out distinctly as one of the representative pioneers of Hastings was Robert J. Grant. For almost half a century lie was one of the foremost figures in all of the city's commercial, political and religious activities and liad an almost incalculable influence in making Hastings the thriving community it lias become.

Robert James Grant was born in Yates County, New York^ February 17, 1822, and died in Hastings, August 12, 189k When only fifteen years of age he moved from the Empire State with his parents and settled in the then wilderness of Michigan, locating near Bellevue. Though young, he knew wliat it was to labor and upon settling in Michigan, his father and he opened a shoemaker's shop.

By industry and economy young Grant accumulated a little means and in 1819, when he was 27 A^ears of age, he moved to Hastings and opened a general store. His ability and close application to business brought him success in his first venture and in the various other enterprises in which he later engaged, among these being the milling and grain business. He was always ambitious and industrious, not for the accumulation of wealth but that he might be the means of helping the weak and less fortunate ones of life. With the Indians, who were in the locality of Hastings in those days, Mr. Grant was very friehdly and among them was recognized as their friend so that in time of trouble they always came to him for advice.

and clothing business in which he was then engaged and went into the elevator business^ his son, R. K. Grant, succeeding him in the mercantile business. Mr. Grant conducted the elevator business until the time of his death.

During his long life in Hastings Mr. Grant was entrusted with many offices of importance. He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1868 and on the expiration of his term of office in 1870, he was chosen for another two-year term. Three times he was ^Nlayor of Hastings, his first term being in 1878. He was re-elected the following year and then in 1882 was again chosen for the same office. Because of his active interest in educational work lie was made a member of the Board of Education and made a very efficient official. In all of his public offices he made a very clean and honorable record and was ever a vigilant and trusted public servant.

Mr. Grant was of a religious turn of mind and soon after attaining his majority joined the Methodist cliurch. He was made a member of the official board of the M. E. churcli in 1850, tlie year after he arrived in Hastings, and continued to serve in tliis capacity until liis death. For 23 years lie was Superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school, resigning in 1877. In connection with Mr. Grant's relations with the Hastings M. E. church the following extract from Daniel Striker's historical sketch of the church, read by him on the occasion of the semi-centennial anniversary of the church's foundation, will be of considerable interest: "December 2, 1852," says Mr. Striker, **R. J. Grant, with D. G. Robinson and Lorenzo Mudge, for the Methodist society purchased from the village school district, lot No. 589, paying $150, with the old school house thereon, each paying the sum of $50. Brothers Grant and Robinson seated and arranged the inside of the building so it answered the purpose for holding religious services for quite a while. The society afterwards paid back what thc}^ advanced for fixing the inside, but the purchase money was never refunded."

In 1867 Mr. Grant, with Daniel Striker, bougnt a tract of 160 acres, north of the State Road and east of Broadway, the same being the southwest quarter of Section 8, Township of Hastings. Later Mr. Grant and Mr. Striker divided their interest in the tract, Mr. Grant taking the land west of Michigan avenue and Mr. Striker the portion east of the same avenue. In 1867

R. J. Grant

Mr. Grant formed what is known as Grant's first addition from the land which he had retained^ and in 1870 he formed Grant's second addition_, lying north of the first addition and being also a part of the tract which Mr. Grant had retained from tlie original purchase. It was on a portion of the first addition that Mr. Grant built the home which has always continued in the family and which is now owned by his granddaughter^ Miss Mary Grant.

In 1841 Mr. Grant married Miss Lucelia Jordan^ and to them three cliildren were born. Of tlie three^ two died in childhood^ one son^ R. K. Grants alone surviving the father. Mrs. Grant died in 1875. Tlie blow was a severe one for Mr. Grant and lie sorely felt the affliction^ but in the hour of trial he put liis implicit faith in God and received comfort.

R. J. Grant was a man wlio^ first of all^ was not selfisli. He delighted in doing kindly and charitable acts for his fellows and was ever sympathetic in his relations with mankind. The mere acquisition of wealth had no charm for liim^ for although lie was prospered in tliis Avorld's goods he always looked upon liis property as a stewardsliip for which he must give a good accounting. Hastings and Barry County are better because R. J. Grant dwelt so lonff in their confines.

It is also most fitting to chronicle the life of R. K. Grant, the only child of Robert J. Grant to survive liim. R. K. Grant was born in Hastings October 8, 1861^ and died in Battle Creek^ following an operation, February 13, 1912, having been a resident of Hastings all his life. He was educated in the Hastings schools and also attended business college. On October 25, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Baitinger of Woodland. To them were born two daughters. Miss Mary, who lives in tlie family home in Hastings, and Miss Grace, wlio is Mrs. Lawrence Colgrove, of Pontiac. Mrs. Colgrove has one son, Philip Grant Colgrove.

Mrs. Grant died in Rochester, Minn., where she had gone to be operated upon, in 1907. On October 26, 1909, Mr. Grant married Mrs. Anna Curtis of this city, who survives him.

Mr. Grant was of a retiring nature. He had many friends and his many deeds of charity were never known unless those who were benefitted by them told of his aid. He was for many years engaged in tlie clothing business wliicli he sold to G. F. Chidester. He afterwards conducted the elevator business which was establislied by his father and which he sold to Edmonds Bros. Later he became associated with Guy E. Crook in the importation and sale of foreign products.

Though engaged in business, lie found time to serve his city as Mayor^ member of tlie City Council and Board of Education. He was a member of the Hastings Pythian lodge and of the three ]\Iasonic bodies of Hastings. He, like his father, was a member of the official board of the M. E. church, of Hastings, and he w^'ls also a director of the Riverside Cemetery Association. Kirk Grant was one of the most substantial citizens of Hastings and liis memory will always be cherished by his friends.

Charles M. Hendershott

It is indeed witli ])leasure that we here present a biographical sketch of Charles M. Hendershott. of Baltimore, better known as "Alike" Hendershott. Mr. Hendershott h,*is had an interesting career as a pioneer, soldier, ;ind ])ros])er()us u})right citizen, and it is most fitting that he should represent his townshi]) in this liistory. It is such men as C. M. Hendershott whom a younger generation should be pleased to honor.

]\Ir, Hendershott was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvani.'i, May 7, 1839. His parents were Isaiah ;ind Maria Johnson Hendershott, the father being of C^erman and the mother of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1851 the mother and father left the Quaker State for Michigan, making the entire journey by team. It was a long journey and nearly six weeks were re(juired to make it. Finally, however, they reached their destination, which was the still new village of Hastings, and there met their son Charles, wlio had come by train Avitli his grandmother to Battle Creek and then had walked to Hastings.

From Hastings the f;imily, which included besides Charles two brothers and four sisters, went to Blivens' Corners and there spent their first winter in Michigan. Early in the spring the father bouglit of Lorenzo Mudge the farm on Section 8, Baltimore^ at what is now Hendershott Corners. Here Charles M. Hendershott lives today^ having greatly increaesd the acreage of the original homestead.

A small log Iiouse was the first habitation of the family and before crops could be put in it was necessary to clear away the trees wliicli grew on all sides. The first crops put in on the new farm were corn^ potatoes^ bagas and turnips^ and all these products came in very handily for the pioneer family. Hunting was good in those days, so meat was not liard to find. Deer were thick, as were also wild turkeys, and Charles M. Hendershott tells of shooting sixteen squirrels in two hours.

The Hendershott boys, however, did not stay at home much of the time. They had to work out by the month to help pay for the farm. Clad in the costume which every one wore, blue denim and leather boots, they went to work on neighboring farms to help their father.

It was when Charles M. Hendershott was working near Galesburg in 1857 that he met young William Shafter, known always to him as "Bill" Shafter. William Shafter, as is well known, later gained fame as a general of the United States army in the Spanish war, but in those days, too, he was considerable of a fighter. Wrestling was his forte and Mr. Hendershott tells that Bill Shafter could throw any man in Kalamazoo County twice out of three times. Saturday at Galesbury was a big day. There was always a fight, a horse race or a wrestling match. Wagers were placed and when it came to wrestling. Bill Shafter always drew down the money.

Mr. Hendershott worked at Galesburg until 1859, when he returned to Barry County. He continued, however, to work out until the beginning of the Civil war. On April 23, 1861, he enlisted for three months in the Third Michigan Infantry, and then on January 9, 1862, he enlisted in Illinois Artillery, Waterhouse Battery E, being mustered out April 29, 1862, on account of sickness. On August 25, 1864, he again enlisted, this time in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry, Company L. With this regiment he was in tlie fight at Henryville, Tenn.-; also on the Lewisburg Pike on Duck River in the same state. He also was in the fighting at Nashville and Columbia. He was mustered out at Pulaski, Tenn., June 10, 1865, and came back to the farm in Baltimore on which he now resides.

voted for every Republican presidentical candidate since. He takes a strong interest in civic affairs and is always on the side of riglit. He is one of those most desirable of men, a good citizen.

During war time, on January 28^ 1863^ Mr. Hendershott married Jane E. Garrison, who died August 23, 1891. To them were born five children, four of w^hom grew to maturity. Of the four there was one son, Charles L, and three daughters^, Laura E.^ now Mrs. Albert Williams; Adella ^I., now Mrs. Ernest Haynes, and Eola, who was Mrs. John Lechleitner but is not now living. Charles I. lives with his father on the old homestead and lias two cliildren. His wife was formerly ^liss Altlia Hammond. Mr. Hendershott's father died in 1875 and his mother in 1885.

Since the war Mr. Elendersliott lias worked hard and industriously. Prosperity has attended his efforts and he is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. All through his life he has been known as a man of honesty and honor. His word has been as good as his bond and he li;is always been fearless in the exi)ression of his convictions. He is a man who is ever ready to extend helj) to the needy and his heart and sympathies are big and large.

A family which has been represented in Hastings since the early '7()'s is the Hicks family, the living male members of which in Hastings are Charles H., William F., Melancthon W. and Ford Hicks, son of the latter and Mary Van Arman Hicks.

The Hicks family are of New England stock and are descended from Zebabiah Hicks, one of the first settlers of Cambridge^ Mass., his wife being Elizabeth Sill. The Hicks family liad two representatives, at least, in the revolution, John Hicks, born in 1725, losing his life on the first day of that struggle. On April 19, 1775, lie invited his neighbor, Moses Richardson, of Cambridge, to join him against the British. They both mounted their horses and stationed themselves where they might shoot at the enemy and were themselves both shot on the same day. They were buried without shroud or ceremony in the harness of war in the graveyard of old Cambridge.

Judge Samuel Hicks^ son of Captain John Hicks^ and descended in the fiftli generation from Zebabiah Hicks^ was born in Cambridge, in 1771. He resided in Bennington^ Vermont, in early life, and after 1798 at Champlain, New York. Here he kept public liouse until 1810. After this date he filled various public offices, such as postmaster^ justice of tlie peace^ judge^, and custom house officer. In the war of 1812 he was commissary and operated so ardently against tlie British tliat they offered a reward for his head. He died July 26, 1825, at the age of 6 k

Samuel Hicks, in 1786, married Charity Corbin, wlio died in 1802. For liis second wife lie married Polly Woodard, by whom lie had six children: George, Melancthon W., Henry, James A., Edward J., and a daughter who died when young. Polly Hicks died June 12, 1835.

The second of the above named children, Melancthon W. Hicks, was the father of Charles H., William F. and M. W. Hicks, of this city, also of Emily Hicks Allen, of Bay City, and of George Hicks, who died in California in tlie gold fever days. Melancthon W. Hicks was born at Champlain, New York, July 11, 1805, and on March 10, 1831, married Sarah Fox, avIio was born January 24, 1809, and died in 1891.

Melancthon W. Hicks came to Michigan in 1811, settling in O.'ikland County. Before coming to Michigan he served for some time as custom house officer at Whitehall, New York. He was an ardent Democrat and was elected in 1850 as a member of tlie State House of Re})resentatives for Oakland County on the Democratic ticket, defeating the father of ex-Governor Warner, who was a candidate for the Whigs.

In Barr}^ County the Hicks family have been active in business and have also been interested in politics. They are all thorough-going Democrats and at })resent W^illiam F. Hicks is a member of the Democratic State Central Committee.

The Hicks family have been strongly marked as consisting of temperate, long lived, energetic, brave, generous men, full of decision of cliaracter. Three of them have graduated at Harvard and three at Yale.

Chris. A. Hough

Chris. A. Hough, of Nashville, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 25, 1846. His father was Joseph Hough, who was descended from German stock, his grandparents coming to this country from Germany and settling in Pennsylvania in 1721. The mother was Nancy A. Evans Hough and was of German and French extraction. In 1671 ancestors of Nancy Evans came to the United States and settled at Philadelphia.

At the age of 23, in 1867, Christopher Hough came to Michigan and for one year was a resident of Morenci. For another year he lived at Ionia and then in 1869 he went to Woodland and went into business as a carriage maker and merchant.

At Woodland Mr. Hough prospered and became a man whom his fellow citizens were pleased to entrust with many public offices. Repeatedly and for long periods he was village clerk, justice of the peace, and president of the school board. In fact, he took a leading part not only in the business, political and social life of Woodland, but also in its religious life, IVIr. Hough being a member of the M. E. church.

Mr. Hough has been a life long Republican and in 1886 he was elected to the office of county treasurer on the Republican ticket. In order to fulfill the duties of this office Mr. Hough moved to the county seat. In 1888 he was again elected treasurer, but in 1889 he turned the active management of this office over to his deputy, Charles Jordan, and went to Nashville as cashier of the newly organized Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. He has resided in Nashville ever since.

The new bank of which Mr. Hough became cashier has been a strong institution from the very start and now stands the second bank in the county in point of deposits. The last statement of the bank shows total deposits of $534,537.30. This being a statement covering the summer period, the deposits are shown when they are lower than at any other time in the year. The bank has had deposits of over $548,000 and this coming winter these figures will probably be passed as there has always been a steady growth in deposits, those of every year being greater than those of any preceding year.

Chris Hough M, F. Jordan

On July 3, 1871, at Woodland, Mr. Hough married Miss Minerva J. RoAvlader, Miss Rowlader's father being one of the early German settlers of Woodland, and her mother a native of New York State. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Hough five children have been born: Claude F., now a successful banker at Mulvane, Kansas; Maude M., who married Duvillo P. Holly and who died at Paducah, Kentucky, in 1895; Elsie L., now Mrs. Glenn H. Young of Pellston, Michigan ; Marie M., wlio died in infancy, and Madeline B., now Mrs. N. E. Trautman of Nashville.

Mr. Hougli is a Mason of long standing, having been a member of that order forty-three years. For many years at Woodland he was master of his lodge. Mr. Hougli has also been a Knight of Pythias for twenty-six years.

Mr. Hough is a member of the local G. A. R. post, having been a private in Company C, 198th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged May 8, 1865.

Although Mr. Hough has held many offices he has never been an office seeker, but rather the people have been the ones to ask him to accept offices of trust and responsibility. These offices he has always filled conscientiously and with scrupulous care for the people's interest. Mr. Hough is a man whom any community might be proud to own.

Milton F. Jordan

Milton Fillmore Jordan was born on the 13th day of November, 1850, on the south half of Section Nineteen, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, in that portion of the frame house which stood on the west side of tlie line between the southwest quarter and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter, of Section Nineteen, the frame liouse being one and one-half stories high, and some seven or eight feet of it extending over the east side of the line.

He attended his first school when past seven years of age, in the old brick school house at Middleville, Michigan, in the summer of 1858, his teachers being Adelia Stone and Francis Brannan. In 1859 he attended the school on Powers Plains, Irving Township, taught by Hannah McNair now Mrs. Nathan Barlow, and who is still living, afterwards attending school there and at Middleville and Irving Station till 1867. He later studied in the Grand Rapids High School, and afterwards at the Ann Arbor, Michigan, High School. Then he entered the Law^ Department of the University of Michigan, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the year 1876. A portion of the time, previous to his graduation, he spent working his father's farm on shares, running a threshing machine, and teaching school, to assist in qualifying for his profession, spending many months of the time each year in the law office of Wright & Ellis at Middleville, Michigan, eacli member of this firm being among the ablest lawyers of Western Michigan, A. H. Ellis later becoming one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Kansas. Mr. Jordan also spent nearly one year in the law offices of Thompson, Reeves & Pratt, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Mr. Jordan immediately after his graduation in 1876 purcliased with Will M. Watkins the "Middleville Republican," which they published for two years. In 1878 he sold his interest in the paper and accepted the nomination for County Clerk. Being defeated, he began the practice of law at Middleville, Michigan, where he has practiced since 1879. He has held the office of Township Clerk of Irving Township one year, and Justice of the Peace of Tliornapple Township from 1880 to 188 k

In 1884 Mr. Jordan was appointed Postmaster at Middleville, Michigan, by Cleveland's Postmaster General, and held the office four years. He was nominated twice for Prosecuting Attorney of Barry County, and each time defeated. He was nominated for Representative in the State Legislature in 1884 and defeated, but was elected State Senator of the Fifteenth district in 1894. He was nominated for Lieutenant Governor on the ticket w^ith S. O. Fisher in 1896, but withdrew from the nomination and the Democratic party later and has since affiliated with the Re])ublicans. He has held the office of President of Middleville for two terms, and was for fifteen years Village Attorney, and for nine years member and Secretary of the School Board at Middleville.

father, Jacob Jordan, was born April 23, 1808, at Cherry Valley, Otsego County, N. ¥., of Scotch-Irish paternity and Dutch maternity. He removed with his father, William Jordan, to Tyrone Township, now Schuyler County, N. Y., near Dundee, about 1816. On February 6th, 1834, he was married to Mary Coldren, mother of Milton F., at West Bloomfield, by Elder David Millard. There were three other sons, Lewis H., Wellington H. and Myron N. Mary Jordan, mother of Milton F., died in August, 1882, and the father died in March, 1895. They are both buried in the South Irving cemetery. They were of the pioneers. They came to the farm in Irving in 1848, and no better or more honorable and respected pioneers ever came to Michigan.

Mrs. Hannah Williams, wife of Daniel Williams, who first settled upon Section 19, Irving Townsliip, in 1837, and Mrs. Cornelia S. Hills, whose husband, Luther S. Hills, first settled and established Irving Station, were sisters of Mary Coldren Jordan.

Alonzo E. Kenaston was born in East Calais, Vermont, in 1856. He had as Iiis inheritance, not a goodly fortune, but something infinitely more valuable, kind, good, God-fearing parents, who early began to instil into his mind that he must be trained, disciplined and cultured if he were to do efiicient work in the world. It was a poor New England farm on the hillside of the old Green Mountain State, tliat returned but a meager living for the hard work required in its tilling, and Alonzo's father was a frail man. Hence, very early in life, he was compelled to take upon his young shoulders heavy burdens. He and his brother bravely and manfully performed their task of caring for the dear ones of the home. But the diflficulties of his boyhood did not prevent him from attending the country school and afterwards, with persistent struggle, paying his way through Dartmouth College, and at the same time helping his brother to support the family at home. Likewise he paid his own way through the law department of tlie Unievrsity of Michigan, helping support the family and the home while doing so.

useful capacities he lived an active professional and business life^ ever concerned in the development and advancement of Hastings^ and always instrumental in his quiet, unostentatious way, in every movement for the betterment of its citizens. He lield at various times tlie offices of justice of the peace, city attorney, circuit court commissioner and mayor. For many years he devoted most of his attention to the real estate and building business. In the last named respect, Mr. Kenaston was remarkably active, and he has left as a concrete and beneficent result of tliis activity over one hundred houses in the city of Hastings.

He was married on ^Iny 18, 1887, to Miss Eva Nevins. Two sons were born to them, Edwin Nevins, who died in infancy, and Leland R., who is pursuing his studies in Higli Scliool. Although not formally a member of the ^I. E. church, he was a regular attendant and a member of the board of trustees. At heart he was a Christian, and a man of pure life and exemplary habits. His gentle, cheerful ways, his consideration for the poor, whom lie was ever ready to help and accommodate, his uniform courtesy and good nature, his integrity as a business man, his interest in the uplift of the community, all these qualities made him a highly respected, influential and lovable man.

Mr. Kenaston was a member of the Kniglits of Pythias, belonging to Barry Eodge No. 13 for twenty-seven years. He was also a member of the famous Hastings Division No. 10, Uniform Rank, which won so many ])rizes and held a national reputation for its wonderful proficiency in drilling.

His death occurred May 9, 1910. During the obsequies tlie business places of the city were closed as a mark of respect to the memory of a man who had interwoven his useful and upright life so intimately into that of the city. The K. of P. and the Barry County Bar Association attended in a body, the former organization conducting the services at the grave.

*Tn the death of Alonzo E. Kenaston this bar has lost one of its best and most respected members, who in life was an honor to the profession, and one who in all his relations to mankind, as friend, husband, father, public official and citizen, exemplified in his daily life and conduct the highest type of American manhood, the memory of whose life will serve as an example and inspiration to us who are left to mourn his loss."

John C Ketcham

John C. Ketcham was born in Toledo, Ohio, January 1, 1873. His parents, John C. and Mary Ketcham, were of hardy English- American descent, and both were former residents of the Buckeye

Six months after the birth of John Ketcham, Jr., the family moved to the State of Michigan, settling on a farm in Maple Grove Township. Here Mr. Ketcham spent his boyhood up to the time that he was fifteen years of age, acquiring during this period that spirit of self-reliance and physical and mental health, that result from some of the vicissitudes and much of the hard work that fall to the lot of the average country boy.

He secured an elementary education in the Branch school at Maple Grove, ^entering the Hastings High School as a student in the fall of 1888, but was able to attend for only seven months, owing to the necessity of employing himself in a business way. He resumed the completion of his education in the fall of 1889, at which time he entered the Nashville High School, but was again obliged to sliorten the term of his studies.

In the spring of 1890, Mr. Ketcham passed the teacher's examination and taught school for one year in the Moore district at Maple Grove. He also taught for the spring and fall terms in the Mayo district scliool at Maple Grove, thus beginning his successful career as an educator while he, himself, was yet a student.

Mr. Ketcham was elected Principal of the Nashville High Scliool in 1893, and served in this capacity until 1897. In this same year, he married Miss Cora E. Rowlader of Wooland and moved to Hastings, where he had been chosen to fill the position of Instructor of English in the Hastings High School. Since this time, Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham have made Hastings their permanent liome. They are the parents of three children, Mildred, John C. III., and Ruth, all living.

educational and government trust, to which lie has been elected or appointed. These include the office of County Commissioner of Schools, to which lie was first elected in 1899, continuing in this capacity for three consecutive terms. He has served as Conductor and Instructor in State Teachers' Institutes for a period of four years, and has acted as Secretary of the Teachers' Reading Circle Board.

As Postmaster of Hastings, Mr. Ketcham has more than met the requirements of his position, growing with the added responsibilities of the task of handling an ever increasing volume of mail, that has necessitated the late removal of the City Postoffice to larger and more adequate quarters.

That Mr. Ketcham is interested in the work of religious and fraternal orders, is indicated by the fact that he is a member of the ]\I. E. church, the Masons, and Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the State Grange and will probably be the next Master.

Mr. Ketcham is pre-eminently a progressive and ])ubiicspirited citizen. He is always to be found back of any enterprise which has for its purpose the furtherance of right and opportunity. His influence in the community is widely felt.

Loyal E. Knappen

A Barry County man who has gone out into other fields and attained success, but who still cherishes a liv^ely and sym])athetic interest in the county of his nativity, is Loyal E. Kna[)])en. of Grand Ra])ids, United States Circuit Judge for the sixth circuit.

Loyal E. Knappen was born at Hastings, January 27, 1851. His father, Edwin Knap])en, was a merchant at Hastings and a member of the mercantile firm of H. I. & Ei. Kna})])en, both members of which firm died of typhoid in the epidemic of 185t, Edwin Knappen dying only a few months after the birth of his son. Loyal. The mother was Sarah M. (Nevins) Knappen and is now the wife of Marcus W. Riker. She now lives at Grand Rapids. Both of Mr. Knappen's parents were born in V^ermont, liis })aternal grandfather having moved to the Green Mountain state from Connecticut.

Young Knappen attended the Hastings public schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he entered the University of Michigan, graduating in 1873 with the degree of B. A. and receiving his M. A. three years later.

After receiving his bachelor's degree, i\Ir. Knappen was assistant principal of the Hastings High School for six months. He then re-entered the law office of Hon. James A. Sweezey at Hastings as a law student, having previously spent some time in this same office. He was admitted to practice in 1875 and became at once the law partner of Mr. Sweezey, continuing in this connection until 1878^ when he formed a partnership with his brother, Charles M. Knappen.

In 1883 Mr. Knappen became associated in practice with Christopher H. Van Arman. Five years later he removed to Grand Rapids, associating himself with William J. Stuart, now Judge of tlie Superior Court of that city. The firm of Stuart, Knappen & Van Arman was thus formed with offices at both Grand Rapids afid Hastings. Mr. Van Arman died in 1890 and for about a year thereafter Charles M. Weaver was a member of the firm and had charge of the Hastings office. Upon Mr. Weaver's retirement from the firm in 1891, the office at Hastings was closed and Mr. Knappen's direct connection with Barry County affairs was, of course, materially lessened, although he has always, as mentioned above, been greatly interested in his old home.

While in Hastings, Mr. Knappen held a number of public offices. From 1879 to 1883 he was prosecuting attorney for Barry County, and from 1880 to 1888 he was United States Commissioner. He was also a member of the Hastings Board of Education for three years, being president one year.

After the closing of the Hastings office, Mr. Knappen continued as a partner of Mr. Stuart until 1893, the firm name being Stuart & Knappen. In 1893 Mr. Knappen became associated with Messrs. Taggart & Dennison under the style of Taggart, Knappen & Dennison. Tliis firm continued six years.

In 1899 Mr. Knappen entered into partnership with George P. Wanty and continued in this relation until his partner was elevated to tlie federal bench. He tlien became associated with Jacob Kleinhans in the firm of Knappen & Kleinhans. Later Mr.

Knappen's son, Stuart E., was taken into tlie firm, wliicli was then styled Knappen, Kleinhans & Knappen. It was while Mr. Knappen was still a member of this firm tliat there came to him, in 1906, an honor for wliich he was universally held to be splendidly equipped. This was his appointment as United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan. That this appointment was a fitting one was well sliown wlien a little more than three years later Mr. Knappen was made United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth District, whicli position lie still holds.

Besides his judicial offices Mr. Knappen was a member of the Grand Rapids Board of PMucation for two years, 1898 to 1900. P'or seven years, from 190i to 1911, he was regent of his alma mater, the University of Michigan, and in 1905-6 he was president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

In 1876 Mr. Knappen married Amelia I. Kenyon, of Hastings. There are three children, all living in Grand Rapids, Stuart E., Fred ]M., and Florence, who is Mrs. Arthur D. Perry.

A man who has done much to help Hastings to become a real city by his enthusiastic interest in progressive })ublic movements is Archie McCoy, now established in business in Grand Rapids, but always at heart a citizen of Hastings.

Arcliie McCoy was born at Brockj)ort, New YorTv, July 11, 1853. He was the son of George B. and Ellen Barke ]\IcCoy and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. In 1854, when only an infant, young Archie was brought from his birthplace to Hastings by his parents. They stopped for a while with his grandfather, John Burke, who lived north of the Gardner farm. During this time his father built a house on the Cale Garwood farm. Mr. McCoy remembers guarding cattle while his father felled trees for them to browse upon.

At the age of 17 Mr. McCoy entered the employ of Harvey Wriglit of Middleville as clerk in that gentleman's general store. Here he received his first experience in the furniture business. Two years later he went to Hastings, where for a time he engaged in the draying business. Later he found employment as tool boy on the Grand River Valley Railroad, now the M. C, and worked

In 1875 he became interested in the furniture business with John M. Bessmer. The venture flourished and from an original stock valued at $324^ a large and thriving business resulted. In 1881 Mr. McCoy bought Mr. Bessmer's interest, although Mr. Bessmer remained with Mr. McCoy for many years.

In 1908 Mr. McCoy sold his stock to Stebbins & Glasgow. Mr. McCoy, however, did not go out of the furniture business by any means after this sale, for he is now Assistant Manager of the Furniture Exchange in Grand Rapids, where he lias a very pleasant and profitable vocation. The Furniture Exchange is one of the large furniture show buildings in the Furniture City and in it are displayed the lines of many large furniture manufacturing concerns wlio desire in this way to get into connection with the retail merchant.

Mr. McCoy is certainly a pioneer of Hastings. While on the railroad Mr. M,cCoy was greatly impressed with the beauty of other cities. With a genuine loyalty for Hastings, he looked forward to the day when it, too, should become as beautiful as other cities. With tlie ambition to fulfill this wish he worked during his entire business life in Hastings. Instead of being selfishly wrapped up in his own pursuits he has always found time to devote to public improvements.

In 1880 Hastings was a backwoods town. Cows ran its streets at large and citizens were forced to put fences about their property. The streets were lanes, there were no sidewalk grades, no street parkings, no lawns, no water system. There was a mill pond which extended along the present course of Fall Creek from State street dam to beyond Grand street. Its stagnant waters filled with the refuse of years, was a dreadful menace to public health. All these things Archie McCoy tried to remedy, and tliat conditions were changed was greatly due to his efforts.

The matter of a water works system is something with which Mr. McCoy was especially active. After the fire of 1885 progressive citizens were convinced that the city needed fire protection if factories were to locate in it. This was aside from the element of safety in a pure drinking supply. The people voted to have a water works system, but tlie council refused to carry out the wishes of the citizens. At the next election citizens, irrespective of politics, elected men as Aldermen wliom they knew would carry out their wishes. They elected Mr. McCoy, W. H. Stebbins, John M. Bessmer and E. Y. Hogle, who were the committee who constructed the system, assisted by J. W. Bentley and W. C. Kelley. The work covered a period of two years. Their results are evident today.

Following this work Mr. McCoy was elected Mayor, serving two years, being elected in 1890 and re-elected in 1891. He saw the possibility of beautifying Riverside cemetery and in his executive position succeeded in having a water main extended to tlie cemetery.

At this time Mr. McCoy was engaged in other })ublic movements. He used his influence in helping the sale of stock for the construction of the C, K. & S. Ry. He also lielped to organize a Building and Loan Association and also assisted in forming the Hastings Electric Eight Company, of botli of whicli concerns lie was treasurer. Mr. ^NlcCoy was also largely instrumental in liaving the Soldiers' monument erected in its present location. He has also always liberally supported the churches of Hastings and there is not a cliurch in the city which he has not been glad to aid flnancially in its construction.

There was in tlie early nineties a general movement among the business men to build up the town by inviting f/ictories to locate in it. This has resulted in doubling the population. The first factory to be organized was the Hastings Furniture Company, of which Mr. McCoy was president and a large stockholder. This factory is now the Grand Rapids Bookcase Company. A little Liter the whip factory Avas organized and Mr. McCoy was one of the principal stockholders. Later, the putting of this factory building at the disposal of Emil Tyden brought that gentleman and his interests to Hastings. The Hastings Chair Com])any, now the Table Factory, was next organized and Mr. McCoy's stock in this company was also heavy.

Then, when Mr. McCoy was holding all of this stock, came the panic of '93, in which Mr. McCoy's factory stock became worthless. In settlement for these stocks, wliich had so depreciated in value that he was forced to sell six dollars worth to pay one, Mr. McCoy sacrificed his entire business and property, including

In 1906, with the beauty of the city still foremost in mind, Mr. McCoy built the McCoy Block on Main street. This up-todate building is a fitting memorial to its builder.

In fraternal circles Mr. McCoy is a Knight of Pj^thias and a Mason. He was left guide of tlie famous Pythian drill corps wliich won three times the world's championship. Mr. McCoy had a record in this connection of never missing a practice drill.

July 16, 1876, Mr. McCoy married Miss Myrtie I). Buckle, wlio died March 16, 1891, at the age of 31 years. April 23, 1899, lie married Miss Ida Pitzsimmons. Mrs. :\IcCoy is intensely interested in music and is a leader in Hastings musical circles. She studied five years at tlie Chicago CoHege of Music, graduating in 1890. She also graduated from the New Scliool of Methods in Chicago in 1898 and from the Thomas Normal Training Scliool of Detroit in 1903. She now conducts a school of musical and dramatic art in Plastings. This scliool was organized in 1897 and was then styled the Hastings Musical Club. It was through Mrs. IMcCoy's efforts that music was first tauglit in the public scliools of Hastings. It took five years' good hard work to do tliis.

A man whose death removed from Barry County a highly respected and substantial citizen was Judge James Betty :Mills, and it is to do lionor to his memory tliat this sketch is written here.

James B. Mills was born in Washington County, :\Iaryland, Pebruary 8, 1836, and died in Hastings April 21, 1903. His father was a clergyman of the Methodist Protestant church and in the discharge of his duties moved with his family to Monroe County, Michigan, in 1846. After living in different parts of the State for some time, in 1854, at the age of 18, young Mills w^ent to Kansas and took up a government claim. He lived in the Sunflower State until the opening of 1859, when he returned to Michigan, this time going to Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County,

Shortly after their marriage the young couple went to Kansas and there lived until 1861^ when, on account of Indian troubles they were obliged to return to Michigan, locating at Pennfield, near Battle Creek. It was about this time that the Civil war broke out, and although a Southerner by birth, Mr. Mills hastened to enlist to fight for the Union, but he was twice rejected for failure to pass the physical examination.

In 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Mills moved to Assyria, where they resided until 1884. During most of this time Mr. Mills held the office of Justice of the Peace and gained such a knowledge of law that on February 5, 1883, he was admitted to the bar. Previous to this he had studied law in the office of Walter Webster, of Nashville, whose practice he bought when that gentleman located in Manistee in 1884. Later Mr. Webster returned to Nashville and became associated with Mr. Mills in the firm of Webster & Mills.

In 1896 Mr. Mills was elected Judge of Probate on the Republican ticket, and four years later, in recognition of his good, clean administration, he was again elected to the same office, which he held at the time of his deatli.

Judge Mills was pre-eminently a man who loved his home. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. He was a man whose career was without spot or blemash and he left behind him a record for integrity and rectitude of which not only his family, but the entire county, may well be proud.

Judge Mills was the father of five children, all of whom are now living. They are Mrs. Helen L. Durham, of Lacey; Albert E., of Nashville; John L., of Tacoma, Wash.; jNIrs. Jennie M. Warren, of Sunfield; and Mrs. Ella Eggleston, of Hastings.

Ezra Morehouse

their new home, on the eve of the new year, 1865, a day that still lingers in the memory of many old settlers as one of intense cold. The family located on a farm, comprising for the most part acres of uncleared land. The buildings, were of logs and the task of preparing the soil for the raising of crops was a strenuous one. Ezra Morehouse was born June 30, 1868, and was the youngest of eleven children. His father died when he was four years old, and up to the time that he was fourteen, young Morehouse continued to live at home, living the active outdoor life of the country boy of tlie period, working hard and learning early to meet and shoulder the many responsibilities that confronted him as one of a large and fatherless family.

Wlien he was fourteen his mother died and the home was broken up. The family scattered and Mr. Morehouse entered the employ of Joseph Kelly, a well known and prosperous farmer of the neighborhood. His salary was twelve dollars a month and board, and his duties comprised all of the tasks that usually fall to the lot of a full grown man.

At this time he was securing a desultory education in the district schools, being able to attend only a few months out of the year. For five years he worked for the farmers in his community, making the best of the opportunities for advancement that presented tliemselves.

In 1887 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and here, as assistant to Stephen Doster, then overseer of a large estate belonging to his sister, from fourteen to twenty-one, saved the sum of one thousand dollars. This he resolved to devote to the finishing of his education, and witli tliis object in view lie entered Oberlin College in 1889. During the two years of his stay in Cleveland, Mr. Morehouse attended night school, taking a course in law and business. He remained at Oberlin four years, partly in preparatory, and partly in college work.

In 1893 he went to Chicago and entered the Moody Institute, a theological training school, where he prepared to enter the ministry. One year was spent in this manner, part of which time he attended a branch of the Moody Institute in Kalamazoo.

In conjunction with his work as a student, Mr. Morehouse also acted as pastor of the Congregational churcli at Doster, Mich., during this time. He superintended the erection of a new place

This same year (1893) lie married Miss Lucinda Doster and assumed active charge of the Congregational cliurclies at Hopkins, Hilliard and Allegan, Midi. He continued his duties as pastor of these churches for two and one-half years, at the expiration of which time, owing to a severe nervous breakdown, lie retired from the ministry.

In 1896 he moved to Prairieville and settled upon a farm. He combined the handling of a lumber business with his agricultural pursuits, and remained there until 1901, at this time removing to Delton, where he built and opened the first bank in that community.

He maintained this bank as a savings institution under the name of E. S. & L. S. Morehouse. Four years later he organized the Delton State Bank, of w^liich he became cashier. Mr. Morehouse witnessed the growth of his banking enterprise, from the first dollar deposited to a sound financial basis, aggregating assets of $140,000, this increase being due to the sound integrity and business sagacity of its promoter. He was connected with the Delton State Bank for two years.

Mr. Morehouse is widely known throughout Barry, Eaton and Allegan Counties as an active and conscientious worker in the cause of local option. He instituted and won the first damage suit brought against liquor dealers in Barry County. Following his lead, seventeen similar cases were tried and the verdict in each instance was disastrous to the interests of the saloons.

In his ably conducted fight to eliminate the saloon from his own and other counties in the State, Mr. Morehouse met with all the opposition that such a cause would necessarily entail, from those interested in its defeat. That his policy of local option has won recognition in the field of his endeavors is a gratifying reward of his efforts in the cause of right.

In 1910 he married Miss Nora Fox, daughter of S. S. Fox of Allegan. Two children were born of the first union, Floy and Pauline, both of whom are living.

Mr. Morehouse is at present candidate of the Progressive party in Barry County for the office of Probate Judge, being nominated unanimously by his constituents.

John W. Munton is a man who is well and favorably known in Barry County because of his absolute integrity of character and rectitude of life. He is an efficient and successful business man and is the father of a family of whom any citizen might well be proud.

]\Ir. Munton is a native of England, being born in Lincolnsliire in 1819. His parents came to tlie United States in 1853, locating in Marshall, this state.

Young ]\Iunton grew to manhood in ^Marshall. He attended the public schools there and learned the carpenter's trade, later having charge of a sash and door factory. In 1872 he located at Big Rapids in the same business and was united in marriage to Miss Alice L. McClure, daughter of David G. McClure of Marshall, in the fall of tlie same year.

In the spring of 1873 the young couple moved to Greenville, where Mr. Munton liad cliarge of a sash and door factory for Hall & Dodge. In 1876 lie engaged in the building business for himself, continuing in this business intermittently until 1895, when business matters called him to Morgan, this county, where he engaged in the saw mill and elevator business. Here by square dealing and diligence he has built up a good, successful business.

Mr. Munton is a member of the Baptist denomination, having united with the church of that denomination at Marshall. He was honored by the church at Marshall by being elected superintendent of the Sunday school, and the church at Greenville elected him to the same office. In the latter church he was also made a deacon.

actively connected with Hastings Lodge No. 52^ F. and A. M., and is Past High Priest of Hastings Chapter No. 68, R. A. M. He is a member of Giblum Council No. 49, Hastings, and Charlotte Commandery No. 37. He is also Past Worthy Patron of the Hastings Chapter No. 7, Order of Eastern Star. He is a man who tries to set forth in his daily life the excellent precepts of these institutions, and his efforts in this direction have indeed borne splendid fruit.

Mr. and Mrs. Munton have been the parents of six children, Clarence J., Charles H., Herbert I., Harry B., Alice, Beatrice, and Cecil G. Of these, all are living except Charles, who died in 1900, just as he was entering upon his promising young manhood.

Of Charles H. Munton it is very fitting that there should be a memorial written here. In 1894 he received an appointment to West Point, ranking at that time forty-fifth in his class. He graduated in 1898, eleventh in his class, with tlie rank of second lieutenant, and became a member of the Twenty-third infantry.

While with this command he was detailed to take charge of a transport from the Philippines to San Francisco. In the latter city he was offered leave of absence to visit his parents, but learning that hostilities had broken out in the Philippines he decided not to avail himself of the opportunity and returned to his command. Soon after his return he was transferred to the Twelfth Infantry with the rank of first lieutenant, and while with this regiment he contracted typhoid fever. He was taken to the hospital and on becoming convalescent was given sick leave to return home. On board transport lie suffered a relapse and died at sea. Funeral services were held at Greenville and he was buried at Marshall with military honors. Special memorial services were held for him at West Point and many were the letters which poured in upon his parents from his superior and brother officers, who had known him at West Point and on the field, attesting to his courage and fine manly characteristics.

The oldest son, Clarence J. Munton, is now a resident of Kendallville, Indiana, where he is superintendent of an interurban railway. Herbert I. lives in Pontiac and is assistant superintendent of the Pontiac Division of the Detroit United Railways. Harry B. is engaged in the railway mail service and lives in Grand Rapids. Miss Beatrice Munton recently married Raymond

John Morse Nevins

W. Knapp of Detroit. She is a graduate of the Hastings Higli School and of the State Normal School of Ypsilanti. Cecil G. Munton lias just left home for Detroit^ wliere he entered the passenger department of the Detroit United Railways.

Mr. and Mrs. Munton certainly have the right to that feeling of satisfaction wliich must arise in the hearts of all parents wliose children have acquitted themselves well and successfully in the world.

Hon. John M. Nevins, pioneer business man and politician, of Barry County^ was born in Braintree, Vt., April 26, 1826^ and was raised on a rugged farm on the eastern side of the Green mountains. In May^ 1811^ with his father's family, lie removed to Richland^ Kalamazoo County^ Mich., where he learned tlie carpenter's trade^ whicli he followed during the summer months^ teaching school during tlie winter.

September 27, 1819, he married Maria Mason^, eldest daughter of Edwin ^lason. April 13, 1853, he removed to Hastings, Barry County, where he resided till liis deatli, January 8, 1890.

His home was at the corner of Jefferson and Walnut streets. The upright was built in 1855, mucli of the carpenter work beingdone by liimself. Here his two sons, Morse E. and Mason C, and his two daugliters, F^vn C. and Anna C, were born. Morse E. Nevins still resides in Hastings and has business interests there. Mason C. Nevins resides at Wichita, Kan., where he has real estate interests. Eva C. Kenaston, widow of the late Hon. A. E. Kenaston, resides on the lots formerly occupied by the old Nevins homestead. Anna C. Campbell, wife of Attorney T. D. Campbell, lias long been a resident of West Bay City, Mich.

Mr. Nevins clerked for Edwin and Heman Knappen his first year in Hastings and then, in 1851, when both Edwin and Heman Knappen died of typhoid in the epidemic which then visited the village and removed many of its citizens, young Nevins formed the partnership of Nevins & Knappen with Ashman Knappen, brother of Edwin and Heman, and continued in the mercantile business, their location being on the north side of State street.

In politics, a Whig until 1854, he in that year joined his political fortunes with the Republican party upon its organization, and to this party he ever afterward strongly adhered.

He represented Barry County in the lower branch of the Legislature in 1857-8 and in 1865-6 he represented the Barry and Eaton district in the state Senate. In politics his sterling qualities and fealty to party brought him into prominence. He was elected a member of the State Republican Committee and served as such in 1860-2 and again in 1870-2, and a greater portion of the time from 1858 to 1876 he held the position of Cliairman of the Barry County Republican Committee. For seventeen years he served almost continuously as one of the County Superintendents of the Poor, and for twelve years he was Secretary of the Barry County Agricultural Society, and from 1875 to 1883 he was Postmaster of Hastings and also for eighteen years was a member of tlie Board of Education of tlie City of Hastings.

A matter wliich is of mucli interest in connection with Mr. Nevins' political career is that at the State Rei)ublican convention in 1870 it was an unexpected and felicitous speecli by Mr. Nevins that secured for Daniel Striker the nomination for Secretary of State, to whicli office lie was duly elected. In this speech Mr. Nevins stated that Barry County in lier modesty had never asked nor had a state official, but with a candidate like Daniel Striker slie now cast this modesty aside and asked, and expected, ^Ir. Striker's nomination.

Perhaps it was as a Christian that Mr. Nevins was especially well known. For years he was a faithful and consistent follower of the Master and was one of the leading members of the Presbyterian church.

John Morse Nevins was known for his kindly traits of character and as a man who filled his niclie of life for the betterment of his fellow man, a man of earnest and strong conviction, and one who would say No in no uncertain manner when a doubtful proposition was put before him, faithfully performing all the duties of the several official positions he held, standing firm for the right as he saw it, and may it be trutlifully said his friends were legion, his enemies none.

A family which came early to this county and settled in Rutland is the Olney family - the name being also spelled Olner by some of the family, although the former spelling is the correct one - and it is a representative of this family, William Olney, whose biograpliy we wish to present here.

Those who know William Olney, and his name is well known throughout the county, know him as a man of sterling integrity and honesty, a good citizen and a man of action. He is the son of Joseph Olney and Mary Kelley Olney. The father was born in Warwickshire, England, February 3, 1820, and at the age of 2i came to the United States. For six years he lived at Rochester, N. Y., and there on October 20, 1850, he married Mary Kelley.

In the same year the newly married couple came to Rutland and settled on the farm on which they lived until death claimed them, the father dying in 1903 and the mother five years later, both having lived to see the original homestead of 85 acres grow to a farm of 100 acres.

Like his father, William Olney is a farmer, and although for the ])ast tliirty years he has been actively engaged in stock buying, lie still owns two farms, both in Irving township. As a stock buyer Mr, Olney is known and admired for his honorable methods and the square treatment which he always extends to those with whom he comes into contact.

]\Ir. Olney, like his father, is a staunch Democrat and is strongly interested in the welfare of his party and country. He is a member of the K. of P. and has belonged to this order for the last quarter of a century.

December 11, 1892, he married Kittie, daughter of the late A. J. Bowne, who was born in Prairieville, December 12, 1853. Her family was one of the oldest in the southwestern part of the county and her father was for many years a man of exceeding prominence in Hastings and Barry county, also in the state at large. He was recognized as having a genius for banking and business affairs and was pre-eminently successful in those lines.

He was the son of John and Sarah Bowne^ Americans by birth and of English descent. They came to Prairieville in 1837^ where John Bowne became a man of prominence, representing his district in the State Senate.

Young Andrew Bowne received his education in the district schools of New York and Michigan, and later, in 1849 to 1851, was a student in the branch academy of the University of Michigan at Kalamazoo. From 1851 to 1853 he studied law in the office of Marsh Giddings of Kalamazoo.

Giving up his law studies in 1853, he went to California, traveled tlirough that state, engaging in various ventures, and returned to Michigan to visit his parents in Prairieville. Here he opened up a general store in 1858, dealing largely in real estate.

In 1868 lie moved to Hastings and opened a private banking business with F. N. Galloway, this private bank becoming in 1870 the Hastings National Bank, with Mr. Bowne as its first president.

Mr. Bowne extended his banking interests into many other fields and while yet a resident of Hastings he became president of the Fourth National Bank of Grand Rapids. This with other interests led to his removal to Grand Ra})ids in 1883.

Mr. Bowne was a life long Democrat and in 1870 was Democratic candidate for state treasurer. In 1876 he was delegate to the National convention at St. Louis, which nominated Tilden and Hendricks. In order to further the cause of the party in Barry County he also founded the Barry County Democrat, later the Hastings Herald, now merged into the Journal-Herald.

Mr. Bowne on February 15, 1853, a few months before he left for California, married Miss Jennie Kenfield, and by this union were born three children, Kittie (Mrs. Olney), Charles and William, all residents of Hastings. In 1873 Mr. Bowne married Miss Sarah Gardner and to them were born two children, Burdette and Beatrice, both of whom are still living. One child, Nina, died at the age of ten.

Hon. Andrew J. Bowne was one of the most influential citizens Barry County has produced. He made himself felt strongly in the community and was a power in finance. He remained president of the Hastings National Bank until his death, at which time he was also president of four other National Banks.

Ebenezer Pennock

Ebenezer Pennock^ or as he is more commonly called^ Eben Perinock, was born in the town of Rushford^ Alleghany County. New York^ January i, 1824. His parents were of English ancestry and came to New York from near Montpelier, Vermont. Mr. Pennock was the fourth child in a family of eleven. He had five own brothers^ two own sisters, two half-brothers and one half-sister.

Mr. Pennock's boyhood days were spent in much tlie same manner as those of most sons of the pioneers of Western New York. His parents were very poor and his opportunities for getting an education were very limited. The public schools of Iiis time were supported on the rate bill plan and his parents were too poor to pay their share of the bill. Mr. Pennock says that even when he did go to school he often took liis dinner basket and went apart from the rest of the pupils to eat his dinner, being ashamed of his meager lunch. At the early age of 12 he was bound out by his parents to work during the summer season at $i per month.

On the 1 itli of October, 1813, he was happily married to Miss Elvira FarweH,, of Rushford. As showing that neither Mr. Pennock nor his bride were very far along the road to wealth and prosperity^ it is related tliat Mrs. Pennock's bridal costume was of calico and that Mr. Pennock had to borrow $1 to get his license and pay the magistrate.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pennock resolved to join the general movement which was at that time being made toward settling the newly admitted state of Michigan^ and after saving up money for the enterprise, on July 14, 1844, they started overland for Michigan. Their outfit consisted of two decrepit old horses, a democrat wagon, $10.50 in cash, and tlie few goods, provisions and cooking utensils necessary to the journey. The entire trip consumed fifteen days.

Their final destination was the home of Mr. Pennock's brother in what is now Richland, Kalamazoo County. Here they found a hearty welcome and almost immediately began to plan to set up housekeeping for themselves. They first lived in a rented house containing one room, for which they paid an annual rental of $8. Both worked out to secure money and goods to furnish the house and to get the necessaries of life. During their first winter in Michigan Mr. Pennock cut four-foot wood at 31 cents per cord and later in the same winter he cut eight cords of four-foot wood at 25 cents a cord to buy liimself a new axe.

After looking over the country a bit Mr. Pennock pre-empted 10 acres of land on Section 17 in Barry Township, and to this place tliey removed in December, 1845, and began the work of carving out their fortunes in real earnest. There was no house upon the land they had purchased and so they found shelter in the house of a neighbor until they could build upon their own land.

While this record as it now reads would lead one to suppose that not many misfortunes came to Mr. and Mrs. Pennock during these early days, yet such was not the case. Sickness and accidents befell them frequently but could not quencli their ambition and determination to succeed.

Wild animals gave Mr. and Mrs. Pennock much trouble in their efforts to get together the necessary equipment of live stock. Wolves and bears were especially troublesome. During the summer of 1816 Mr. Pennock worked out most of the time, receiving as pay for his summer's work a cow, ten sheep and a pair of steer calves. These were kept during the winter without accident, but one day in the following spring, Mr. Pennock upon return from exchanging work with a neighbor, found the sheep missing. The next morning he found that nine of the sheep had been killed by the wolves. An inventory of his losses would make the farmer of today absolutely disheartened.

In 1817 Mr. Pennock put out 17 acres of wheat on his new farm and upon the prospects for a crop he borrowed ^50, witli which he made the overland trip to Kalamazoo and paid for his land at the government land office there at the rate of $1.25 per acre.

Mr. Pennock remained on this piece of land for a few years until he had cleared it up, and tlien he purchased the first 80 acres of the farm near Hickory Corners now owned by his nephew, Alvah Pennock.

Here Mr. and Mrs. Pennock lived for 33 years, and here they fought out the stern battle of life, earning that substantial competence which is enabling them to pass their last days amid the comforts that old age so much appreciates^ and which enables them to contribute to the support of the church and its affiliated organizations.

The first place owned by Mr. and Mrs. Pennock in the vicinity of Hastings, was the house just north of their present home. Here they lived for three years, but Mr. Pennock became very much dissatisfied owing to the complete change in his mode of life. He had always been accustomed to hard work and could not accommodate himself to the change. So lie dis})osed of this property and purchased tlie farm in South Hastings, now occupied by W. L. Pennock. Here tliey lived but one year when they purcliased the place upon which they now live and immediately removed to it. Tliere they liave lived for the past 36 years.

No children of their own have come to Mr. and ^Nfrs. Pennock, but they have given a home to other children who tenderly venerate and res])ect the dear old foster mother and father who so kindly took them in and cared for them in days gone by. ^Irs. Maria Tolles, deceased; Mrs. Etta Barnaby, of Hastings; ]Mrs. Ella Rolfe, of ^Michigan City; W. L. Pennock, of South Hastings, also Mrs. Iva Bedford, of Seattle, Wash., make up the list of those who have been reared under the care of Mr. and ^Irs. Pennock.

To write the religious history of Mr. and Mrs. Pennock would require a careful review of i)ractically their whole lives. In 1850 they became members of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Barry Township, and have ever since been identified with this denomination except for a space of three years when they were members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Hastings Cit}^ The church of their choice has always had their most hearty support and their most loyal service. Even at their present advanced age each returning Sabbath morning sees them at their place of worsliip four miles distant. As had been truly said of them, "They have ever been true defenders of the gospel of Christ and liberal supporters of His church."

school in that township and graduated from the Nashville High School in 1891. He taught district school in Assyria township and was three years superintendent of schools at Harrison, Michigan. He was admitted to the bar in 1894 and graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1895, and in August of that year opened an office in Hastings. In the fall of 1895 he entered partnership with J. Edmund Barrell, and in August, 1896, became associated with P. T. Colgrove. He has been a member of the board of education, chairman of the Republican county committee, city attorney of Hastings, prosecuting attorney of Barry County, and a member of the State senate. He was married in 1894 and has six children.

Lee H. Pryor

Among the younger professional men of the county, whose early prominence bespeaks a long and useful career, must be placed Lee H. Pryor of Hastings.

Mr. Pryor is the son of Leander B. and Cordelia A. Pryor, both natives of New York State, but wlio liave lived in Michigan since 1858. Leander Pryor was of Quaker stock, his father liaving been excommunicated for marrying outside the church.

Mr. Pryor located on a farm in Yankee Springs. He was one of those who went to the front in the perilous days of 1861-65. On March 13, 1864, he married Cordelia A. Snow, and on March 16 of that same year he re-enlisted.

The subject of this sketch was born August 22, 1881, at Yankee Springs. His young boyhood was spent on the farm. In 1897 the family removed to Middleville, where Lee entered the High School and graduated in 1898. He took a post-graduate course in school, intending to enter college in 1899, but was prevented by sickness from carrying his plans into effect.

In 1899 Mr. Pryor came to Hastings and entered a law office and pursued his legal studies for two years. He then entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where he remained one year, and on October 23, 1902, he took the state bar examination and passed. He then took a position in the office of Secretary of State, F. M. Warner, at Lansing, remaining at this work fourteen months.

Lee Pryor Samuel C Ritchie

In 1904 he was nominated by the Republican party for prosecuting attorney and was elected. At the time he assumed the duties of liis office he was only 23 years old, probably the youngest prosecuting attorney in the state. He was re-elected in 1896.

In 1907 he married Miss Winifred Harper, daughter of John S. Harper of Hastings. They have two children. He was president of the Barry County Bar Association in 1906 and 1907. He is a member of the Masonic order, being at the time this is written (1912) High Priest of Hastings Chapter No. 68, R. A. M. He is also an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Grange. In religious faith he is a Unitarian.

Mr. Pryor possesses marked forensic talent and is in frequent demand as a public speaker. He is at present engaged in the pursuit of his profession.

Mr. Pryor, whose own remarkable career illustrates tlie truth of his words, tliinks tliat the most essential condition of success is first, thorougli preparation and study, and then steady application and honest work in putting into practice the principle and theories acquired.

Samuel C. And Harry S. Ritchie

Tlie names here grouped together are those of father and son, and besides the fact that they are both men of sterling cliaracter and unquestioned integrity they are also distinguished as having been tlie only father and son wlio have both been honored by being elected to the office of Sherifi' of Barry County. In this office both father and son served two terms each.

The father, Samuel C. Ritchie, was born at Messenger's Hollow, Livingston County, New York, July 20, 1841. His father was William Ritchie, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, May 15, 1815, and his mother was Margaret Caruthers, also a native of Londonderry, her natal day having been December 16, 1820.

In the summer of 1840 the young couple emigrated to America, landing in New York City in July and at once locating in the southern part of Livingston County. The first work done in this country by William Ritchie was on the Genesee Valley Canal,

In 1862, when young Samuel was 21, the Ritchies moved to Michigan, locating in Yankee Springs Township. In Ireland William Ritchie had done farming and now in Michigan he again turned his attention to agriculture, buying and clearing a farm of 92 acres of wild land and turning it into a productive property.

Young Ritchie received a good common-school education, although at the early age of ten years he began working for wages, receiving eighteen cents a day. He continued to labor by day and month until he was twenty-seven years old when, six years after he had come to Michigan, he bought the farm in Yankee Springs which was his home for the greater part of his mature

Samuel Ritchie was married February 17, 1870, to Miss Anna Doyle, daughter of Darby and Ann Doran Doyle, that couple having come from County Wexford, Ireland, to the United States in 1832. They first settled in Rochester, N. Y., and then seven years later they came to Yankee Springs Town«fiip, wliere tlie future Mrs. Ritchie was born.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie four children were born - George M., Harry S., Lizzie A. and Maggie J. Three of tlie four are living, Lizzie A. having passed beyond. Maggie J. Ritchie is now Mrs. Bert McKibbin and lives in Orangeville, Mich. George Ritcliie lives a short distance south of Hastings and of Harry S. more will be told later.

Samuel C. Ritchie has been repeatedly lionored by his fellow citizens with public office and lie has always been found faithful to his trust. He lias repeatedly been Highway Commissioner and Supervisor in his township. He has also been a census enumerator and for many years from the very foundation of the school district, he was a school officer.

In 1896 he was elected Sheriff of Barry County and two years later he was accorded a re-election. No man could have been more faithful in executing the duties of thrs office, and his record was most enviable.

Mr, And Mrs, J. P, Roberts

Harry S. Ritchie^, son of Samuel and Anna Ritchie, and like his fatlier also Sheriff of Barry County for two terms^ was born in Yankee Springs Township. His early years were spent on the farm there until January^ 1897^ when he came to Hastings and for four years was under-sheriff for his father.

In November, 1901, Harry Ritchie married Lena M. Sylvester, of Hastings, daugliter of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Sylvester. Mrs. Ritchie died December 29, 1909, leaving besides her husband three children, Mary Josephine, Harry Francis, and Robert S., to mourn her loss. The children are all living.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Ritchie was living in Yankee Springs Townshi}) and there in 1901 he was elected to the office of Supervisor. During the next four years Mr. Ritcliie was Deputy Sheriff for Sheriff Furness and then in 1903 he was himself elected Sheriff. In 1910 he was accH)rded another term, which is not expired.

Mr. Ritcliie li;is made a good Sheriff. He has found tliat the office requires a lot of energy, perseverance and courage and he has never been found lacking in any of these qualities. In the pursuit of his duties Mr. Ritchie has been in some particularly trying positions but he has never flinched and has never failed 3^et to do his duty. Several times his escape from death has been almost miraculous, but be that as it may he has always executed his trust.

Mr. Ritchie thinks that success in political life comes from devotion to the duties of the office to which one has been called and he has always measured up to this test.

Mr. And Mrs. J. R Roberts

Coming to Hastings in the 'lO's, Mr. and Mrs. James P. Roberts were of tliat coterie of early settlers who took their part in laying tlie found/ition for the present prosperous and beautiful city it has come to be. Mr. Roberts was born June 23, 1825, in Buck's County, Pennsylvania, of Welsh-Quaker parentage and naturally inherited from these his quiet, unostentatious, peaceloving nature and upright moral qualities. He came first to Hastings in 1844 to visit his brother, Dr. J. B. Roberts, one of its pioneer physicians. He returned in 1849 to open the first drug store in Barry County, and followed this occupation for many years, and was associated with Daniel Striker and later with W. H. Goodyear. He had considerable dealings with the Indians and was much revered by them. He was a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic order. He was a life long Presbyterian, serving as elder in the Hastings church for over fifty years. In the chase he found his greatest diversion and was one of the best known hunters in the county and a famous shot. His love of nature, of birds and animals was one of his strongest characteristics. "A man who read a great deal, thought much and talked little," he never had an enemy. Wliat he did, like many another good man, will not be found in the annals of the state or country's best known, but rather in tliose unwritten volumes which human hearts love to treasure up.

He was married on July 6, 1854, to Anna M. Robinson, who was born in Vassalboro, Maine, October 7, 1834, and came to Hastings with her parents. Judge and Mrs. David G. Robinson, in 1848. She was a student at Albion College in the early '50's and taught in the old Hastings schoolhouse before her marriage. She joined the Presbyterian church by letter in 1852.

In the liome, the church and the community where Mrs. Roberts lived and lovingly ministered for over fifty years, "her light still shines on and on." As a friend wrote lovingly at her death, "There is no death for such as she ! The fragrance of her blessed life on earth will live on in the lives of those whom it cheered and comforted."

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts' married life lacked but a few montlis of fifty years, she dying February 26, 1904, he December 17, 1907. Four children were born to their union: Mary, who died in early childhood; Mrs. Anna D. Mason, Mrs. William A. Chidester, and Mrs. William R. Cook.

Julius Russell

A long time resident and a highly respected citizen was lost to Barry County by the death of Julius Russell February 11, 1901, and this article is written as a memorial to him.

Julius Russell was born at Byron, near Rockford, 111., March 18, 1836. In 1855 his father, Dr. Jeremiah Russell, came from Byron to Hastings and went into partnership with his brother-inlaw, John W. Stebbins, in the dry goods business. Julius, then a young man of twenty, came soon afterwards, entering his father's store and devoting himself to the mercantile business, which he followed constantly till 1899, when failing health compelled him to retire from active life.

After a time the young man became a partner of his father, and later Mr. John M. Nevins was associated with him in business. From 1870, however, Mr. Russell conducted the business alone.

In 1862 Mr. Russell married Miss Charlotte Lawhead Barlow. One child came to bless this union, Harry, who was born in 1866 and died in 1886, just as he was entering upon a promising manhood. Mrs. Russell is still living.

Such is the brief chronicle of an honorable citizen, whose quiet, unostentatious and yet useful life gained the respect and won the friendship of the whole community. His business career was marked by lionorable dealing and his excellent liabits of life stamped him as a good man, a kind neighbor and an exemplary citizen.

Mrs. Charlotte Russell, wlio survives her husband, is one of the well known ladies of Hastings. While her husband was in business Mrs. Russell was his able assistant and showed much ability as a business woman. She resides at the Russell home in Hastings, at the corner of Jefferson and Center streets, and has a liost of friends in the community.

Philo A. And Henry S. Sheldon

For many years in Barry County the Sheldon family has been prominently known. Three generations of this family have lived in the county and in each generation the family has been recognized as being interested in public affairs and as consisting of men of practical and progressive tendencies.

The Sheldons are an old New England family, the first representative of the family in this country being Isaac Sheldon, who was born in Essex County, England, in 1629, and in 1651, at the age of 22^ came to Windsor, Connecticut. In 1653 he married Mary Woodford of Hartford^ and the next year removed to Northampton^ Massachusetts^ of which lie was one of the first settlers^ and where he lived until he died. He was the father of thirteen children.

Johnathan Sheldon, the youngest of the thirteen, was born at Northampton, May 29, 1687, and December 30, 1708, married Mary Southwell. In 1723 he moved to Suffield, Connecticut, and built a house which is still standing. He died April 11, 1769, having been the father of ten children.

It was the eldest of these, Johnathan, second, who was a direct ancestor of Philo A. and Henry S. Sheldon. Johnathan, second, was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1711, and came to Connecticut with his father in 1723. On September 17, 1731, he married Sarah Kent and settled on a farm given him by liis father. He died February 3, 1761, having been the father of a family of ten.

Rufus, a son of Johnathan, second, was born in Suffield, Connecticut, July 10, 1711, and married Rachel Harmon of the same place. He died in Suffield, August 3, 1787, and was the father of seven children.

With Ira, the son of Rufus, the family began a movement to the westward. He was born in Suffield in 1786, but moved to Brutus, New York. He married Mary Sheldon, daughter of Jacob Sheldon, a descendant of Johnathan Sheldon, first, who was born January 25, 1788, and to them were born six children. Ira Sheldon died October 11, 1827.

Harvey N. Sheldon, son of Ira Sheldon, and father of Philo A. Sheldon, is the first of the family to come within the confines of Barry County. He was born at Brutus, New York, September 11, 1819, and came to Barry County in 1810, locating on a farm of 80 acres in section one of the Township of Castleton, in 1843. In 1854 he was elected County Treasurer and held that office twelve years, residing for the most part at Hastings. At the end of that period he moved to Hagar, Berrien County, and engaged in fruit raising. After his removal to Hagar he was Treasurer of the Township and served several terms as Supervisor. He died March 5, 1892.

November 22, 1826, and who died September 17, 1846. To them were born three sons, Ira, born March 29, 1844, and Philo A. and Milo, wlio were twins, their natal day being June 28, 1846. Harvey N. Slieldon married a second wife, Almira Wheeler, on July 4, 1847. She was born January 19, 1827, and was the mother of five children, Mary, Albert, Seward, Jesse and Emma.

Now having traced the ancestry of the Sheldon family from the very earliest days of New England colonization, it is very fitting to sketch tlie biograpliy of a member of the family who, having been born within the county, has lived within its borders all his days and has been active in its political and business affairs for many years. We refer to Philo A. Sheldon.

Philo A. Sheldon, as was stated above, was born June 28, 1846, liis birthplace being the farm of his father in Castleton township. In 1856, two years after the father's election to the office of County Treasurer, the family moved to the Township of Hastings and then in 1857 they came to live in the then Village of Hastings. Young Philo attended school in Castleton, Hastings Township, and also in the village, where school was held in the old schoolhouse on the hill. Here he continued his studies until 1864, when in the month of May he entered the office of tlie Register of Deeds as assistant to S. H. Cook, the register, and D. R. Cook, his deputy. He continued in this office until 1870, when he engaged in the abstract business with D. R. Cook. In 1889 he bought out Mr. Cook's interest in the business and lias since continued as sole owner. From the above it will be seen tliat for forty-eight years Mr. Sheldon has been connected with the business of making abstracts in Barry County, and he is probably better informed on this subject than any man in the county. He is the oldest abstracter in the state in point of service.

Mr. Sheldon has always been a Republican and has held the offices of Supervisor and Alderman many times. He was Postmaster of Hastings under Harrison from 1891 to 1895 and has also made a very efficient secretary of the Barry County Agricultural Society, serving in this capacity several times. He is a public spirited, progressive citizen and is always ready to boost his city and county.

Frank, Harvey S. and Henry S., of whom only Harvey S. and Henry S. are living. In 1892 Mr. Sheldon married Mrs. Johanna Campbell, who died in :March, 1909. Tliere were no children from this marriage.

Of Henry S. Sheldon, who is a present resident of this city, and is engaged with his father in tlie abstract business, we wish to make mention here. He was born January 29, 1876. He attended school in Hastings until he was thirteen, wlien he went to Grand Rapids, at first attending business college in tliat city and later being engaged in various employments calculated to give him a good experience for use later on.

In 1892 he returned to Hastings and went into the postoffice under his father. He continued in tliis connection until 1895, when his fatlier's term as ])ostmaster expired. During his service in tlie postoffice he had been engaged in equipping himself by liard study, alone, for otlier duties, so when lie finished his work with the government he found himself ready to go into the abstract office with his father. In this occupation he has continued ever since with the exception of the period when he served in the Spanish-American war, enlisting with Company K, Thirty-fifth Michigan Volunteer Infantry in April, 1898. He was mustered out in March of the following year with the rank of corporal.

October 21, 1903, he married Miss Ella Coburn and to them have been born two children, Agnes Harriet, born July 9, 1905, and Philo Henry, who was born April 25, 1909.

Like his father, Henry S. Sheldon is a staunch Rei)ublican and is ever willing to do service for his party. For several years he has been Alderman from his ward on the Republican ticket.

Henry S. Sheldon has made for himself a splendid reputation in Hastings as a careful, efficient business man and a citizen who is always interested in progress. Although still young, he has acquitted himself most creditably and there is still a fine future ahead of him.

Clement M. Smith

Clement McDonald Smith, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 1893. He is the son of David W. Smith and Leonora Mc- Donald, pioneers of Barry County, an account of whose lives is given elsewhere in this book. Born December 4, 1844, near Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was brought in infancy by his parents to the farm near Nashville where they had settled. His early years were spent on the farm, where when old enough he bore his share of the labors of the pioneer days, going to the district school in the winters and imbibing such knowledge as those primitive conditions could afford. At the age of sixteen he entered the Academy at Vermontville, where he spent one year in adding to his stock of knowledge. Then, like many another ambitious boy of those days, he tauglit school winters and worked on the farm summers. The scenes of these youthful labors in the school room were Coats Grove, Barryville and the Star district near Hastings. In 1865 he entered tlie Law Department of the University of Michigan, where he remained one year. His straightened circumstances did not permit him to go on with his class, but, with determination to realize his professional ambition, he returned home and tauglit school anotlier year, reading law during spare moments and vacations. In Hastings he read law in the office of Frank Allen and while teaching in the grammar grades in Charlotte he continued liis legal studies in tlie office of Attorney Edward A. Foote. He was admitted to the bar before Judge Woodruff of Charlotte in April, 1868. Forty-five years after his class at Ann Arbor graduated, the honorary degree of Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon Judge Smith, an honor that came to him entirely unsought, in recognition of his distinguished services in the realm of jurisprudence.

After his admission to the bar he opened a law office in Nashville, supplementing his practice by teaching in the first union school opened in that village. In 1869 he went to Middleville and formed a law partnership with Harvey Wright which was continued for about six months. In 1870 he returned to Nashville and practiced law there until 1876, when he was elected Judge of Probate and removed to Hastings. For eight years he performed the responsibilities of this office to the satisfaction of the public.

In the fall of 1880 he formed a partnership with Hon. Philip T. Colgrove of Hastings, which continued until Judge Smith was called to the bench.