Page 421-422
Abraham B. GEORGE. In the subject of this biography, the proprietor of an extensive foundry, large machine-shops and manufactory of agricultural implements, we recognize a benefactor to the community. Mr. GEORGE was born at Unionville, Berks Co., Pa., July 29, 1825, is the son of William and Catherine (BOWER) GEORGE, and is the eldest of five children. His brothers and sisters were named: Mary, John B., Lavinia and Abiram R. Mary is a resident at Constantine, Mich., with her husband, Thomas WELBOURN; and Lavinia is now Mrs. Jacob BERGER.
The father of our subject was born at Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1797, and was the second child in his family. Grandfather GEORGE emigrated from Scotland in early manhood, married, and settled near Philadelphia, Pa., where he amassed considerable wealth, and enjoyed a high position socially. The portion of Philadelphia known as George’s Hill is in the vicinity of his residence, and was names after him. Although it was in his power to rear his son in comparatively easy circumstances, he early impressed upon him the necessity of work; accordingly, after spending his early years at home under the immediate care and instruction of his parents, he removed to Berks County, Pa., where he learned the trade of whitesmith (now called locksmith). He continued working at this trade for some time, afterward clerking in a dry-goods store, where he remained until after his marriage. Shortly after this important event he entered into business for himself in the same line, continuing until about 1830, when he removed to Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, engaging in the same business. At the same time he was in the employ of the Little Schuylkill Coal Company, as Superintendent, in which office he remained about five years, having the supervision of over 500 men. In 1835 he moved with his family to St. Joseph County, Mich., the journey being performed with wagon and team. Their route lay through Pittsburgh, Pa., Canton, Ohio, and across the Black Swamp, and on via Cleveland, which at that time was but a small hamlet. The journey occupied thirty days. They arrived in the month of June, and settled on 160 acres of Government land, about a mile and three-quarters west of the village of Constantine. Until Mr. GEORGE could prepare a home for his family they took up their residence in a small house that had been built by a cousin, A. K. BROWER, who had previously come to St. Joseph County. With his usual energy, Mr. GEORGE promptly began to improve his land, and raised the first season a small crop of buckwheat, upon which to live through the following winter. He continued upon this farm for several years, when he put his youngest son in charge of it, and made his home in Constantine. The farm at this time was in a very high state of cultivation, and was provided with substantially built and convenient farm buildings. In addition to the farm he possessed forty acres of beautiful timber land, also his home in the village, where he resided until the death of his wife in September, 1887, when he removed, to live with his daughter, Mrs. WELBOURN, which he has since continued to do. He has reached the advanced age of ninety-one years. In his earlier years he was associated with the Democratic, but later affiliated with the Republican party. He has always entertained and advanced high sentiments of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and at all time evinced his scrupulous desires for that condition of Government and those measures which would insure the greatest good to the Republic. By no means an office-seeker, he has, however, been called at different times to fill divers offices, and has always done so in a careful and honorable manner.
Religiously, both Mr. GEORGE and wife were members of the German Reformed Church. His wife, who for so many years with nobly, womanly spirit stood by his side, cheering and helping in all the difficulties of business and pioneer life, was the daughter of Abraham and Anna BROWER. She was born in Pennsylvania, and spent her early womanhood at home, only leaving it when she was married, to take the management of her own household. She was a lady whose temperament and essentially maternal and womanly qualities commended themselves to all who knew her in family, church and social relations, either as mother, wife or friend. She was respected, admired and beloved, and has left upon many hearts and lives the imprint of her noble spirit.
With such parental influences, we should be disappointed if no fruit were shown in the history of our subject. Reared under these happy influences, in spite of the limited educational opportunities of pioneer life, he grew strong, manly and vigorous in both body and mind, and received the impulses and impetus which have ever left him, and which we must consider the secret of the prosperity peace, and harmony of his life. About 1843 he left the farm and went to Constantine, and commenced learning the trade of molder in the foundry and machine works of Messrs. Stafford & Pitcher. He continued his position with this firm until the subsequent change in the same in the year 1851, when he was elected Township Treasurer. He subsequently became Sheriff and Constable. After this he mastered the intricacies of the photographic camera, and conducted a gallery for about four years with considerable success. His mechanical genius, however, was not satisfied with pictures, consequently, about the year 1858 we find him selling reapers and other implements of agriculture for Messrs. Stafford & Mitchell, which firm was practically the same as that wherein his first acquaintance with machines was made. In this business he remained until October, 1861, when he bought his employers out of the business and continued the works on his own account, adding largely to them in various departments as occasion required, until the present.
Mr. GEORGE is now the owner of extensive property in addition to his foundry, machine and implement shops, and is counted among the wealthy men of Constantine. He is a pronounce Republican, and in him the party has a very strong and able supporter. In the Masonic fraternity he is deeply interested, and by his brethren highly esteemed. Besides his membership in Siloam Lodge No. 35, he is one of the honored companions of Constantine Chapter No. 61, and a Sir Knight of Three Rivers Commandery No. 29, K. T. He has been re-elected several successive years to the office of Secretary of his lodge.
In the year 1848 Mr. GEORGE was married to Mary A. BOYD, daughter of Jacob BONEBRIGHT. When she was about one year old it was her great misfortune to lose her father by death. Her mother remarried, and came to St. Joseph County with her husband. For a time he squatted on Government land, but afterward took up a claim. His career was cut short by death in 1868. Her mother was a member of the Baptist Church, a good, benevolent woman and kind neighbor, a true friend to the sick and suffering. Her death occurred in January, 1864.
Mrs. GEORGE developed similar qualities to those which marked the life of her mother. Her home had been cheered by the birth of two sons. The eldest Edward S., was educated at Lake Forest, Ill., and is now living at Englewood, a suburb of the city of Chicago; and Linville H., who was educated in the Constantine schools, continuing with his parents ever since.
Page 422-423
Heman HARWOOD, whose peacefully declining years are being spent amidst the pleasant surroundings of a comfortable home in Constantine, came to Michigan Territory as early as 1832, accompanied by his brother Ira, they making the trip in a sleigh from Canandaigua, N. Y. He has been since that time a continuous resident of Constantine Township. He had been reared from boyhood to the pursuits of farm life, and followed these contentedly from his youth up, with the exception of ten years in which he was engaged in the lumber business. This latter enterprise was conducted by himself and his two sons, Oliver and Merritt, under the firm name of Harwood & Co.
The subject of this sketch was born at Meredith, Delaware Co., N. Y., June 21, 1810, and is the son of Herman, Sr., and Esther (MILLINGTON) HARWOOD, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Hiram H. HARWOOD, on another page in this volume. The HARWOODS were an old and highly respected family, who after their settlement in America were residents first of Vermont, whence the later descendants migrated to the Empire State. Heman, Jr., upon reaching manhood was married in Ontario County, N. Y., in September, 1835, to Miss Rebecca FISHER, who was born there. The young people commenced the journey of life together at their new home in the West which Mr. HARWOOD had prepared previously for his bride. They became the parents of four children, three of whom lived to mature years, namely: Oliver, Merritt and Francis M., Mrs. HARWOOD departed this life at the homestead in Constantine, Sept. 12, 1887.
Mr. HARWOOD during the progress of the Black Hawk War was drafted into the army, but his services were only required one month. Later he was a Captain of the Michigan Militia. Both he and his estimable wife identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church at an early day, and he has been a warm supporter of the principles of the Republican party since its organization. In the spring of 1869, after years of arduous toil, during which he had been successful in building up a good homestead, he retired from active labor and took up his abode at a snug home in the village of Constantine. His has been a rich and varied experience, and in common with the pioneers about him he endured hardship and privation while country was becoming settled up with a class of industrious and intelligent people. He was one of the men most needed at that period-strong of muscle and brave of heart-one who suffered no ordinary circumstance to discourage him. In his declining years he is surrounded by hosts of friends, and, sitting under his own vine and fig tree, is enjoying the fruits of his labors, often casting back a glance at the old days, and is enabled to relate many an interest both by young and old. The name of Heman HARWOOD will stand prominent in the annals of St. Joseph County long after he has passed away, and will be held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him.
Page 423-424
Albert B. DUNNING, attorney-at-law, Sturgis, is one of the most able and successful members of the bar in St. Joseph County. He has a very large practice in the Circuit and State Courts throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana, and also in the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. DUNNING is a native of Monroe County, N. Y., born March 5, 1844. His father, George DUNNING, who came to this county in the spring of 1860, is now a prominent farmer of this township, and a sketch of his life will be found on another page of this volume. Our subject received the preliminaries of his education in his native State, and after coming to this State he pursued and excellent course of study at the Baptist College in Kalamazoo, where he attained a high rank for scholarship. He then decided to enter the legal profession, and read law under J. W. Flanders, of Sturgis, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1870. He commenced to practice in this county with Mr. Flanders, remaining with him until 1873, when he entered into partnership with D. E. Thomas is now in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. DUNNING continued in practice here, and besides acquiring an extensive clientage, has won an enviable reputation for learning and for his eloquent exposition of the law.
Mr. DUNNING was united in marriage to Miss Myra R. BIRD, Nov. 11, 1868. She was born in Unadilla Livingston Co., Mich., and is a daughter of David D. and Agnes BIRD, of Livingston County, Mich. Mrs. DUNNING is a lady whose lovely character and many pleasant social qualities endear her to a large circle of friends. She is a sincere Christian and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The household circle of our subject and his wife is completed by the presence of their two charming daughters, Gertrude and Ruth M., who are aged fifteen and twelve years respectively.
Our subject is a fine example of the self-made men of the country, and this brief review of his life shows him to posses more than ordinary talent, and though still a young man, has already, by sheer force of character and an indomitable will, won an enviable distinction in his profession, and is accorded a high place at the bar. He is an ornament to this citizenship, combining, as he does, solid attainments, and a clear and vigorous mind with sterling sense and unaffected kindliness.
Page 424-425
Hiram H. HARWOOD, a retired farmer of Constantine, has by the exercise of keen foresight and excellent business tact, accumulated a comfortable property, and with his good wife is enjoying it in one of the pleasantest home in the township. In the life records of the pioneers of a country we have a valuable source of its history; therefore, it gives us much pleasure to present to the readers of this Biographical Album of St. Joseph County a brief account of one who, although one of the earliest pioneers of the county, is still living, and an honored citizen, preserving much of the old-time vigor that made his aid so valuable in developing the agricultural resources of this region.
Our subject comes of a sturdy New England ancestry, but is himself a native of New York State, his birth occurring in New Lebanon, Columbia County, Sept. 25, 1812. His parents, Heman and Esther (MILLINGTON) HARWOOD, were born in the historical old town of Bennington, Vt. and there the days of their childhood were passed, and there they united their fortunes for better or for worse. They afterward became pioneers in New York State, settling first in Meredith, then in New Labanon, and from there to Ontario County. After spending several years in New York State they again launched out into pioneer life, and made their way, in June, 1832, to St. Joseph County, Mich., whither two of their sons had preceded them, to prepare a shelter against the time of their arrival on land which had been selected the previous year, in Fabius Township. The following year, in 1833, the father bought a tract of land in Constantine Township, and in the years that followed built up a comfortable home on Broad street. In that dwelling the life of the faithful wife and devoted mother closed to mortal scenes, June 12, 1835, at the age of forty-nine years. The father spent his declining years in Constantine Village, dying March 5, 1869, aged eighty-three years. He was three times married, his second wife being Miss Polly EDDY, and the third Mrs. Amanda RICH; all are now deceased.
Hiram, the third of the ten children born to his parents, was reared to the life of a farmer, and was actively engaged in that honorable calling until his retirement. In January, 1831, then being a youth of nineteen years, he stated with his brother Heman in a sleigh from Canandaigua County, N. Y., to drive to Michigan, for the purpose of locating on his father’s land, and prepare for the arrival of the remaining members of the family.
The boys began that memorable journey on the 3d day of January, and on the 25th day of the same month arrived at their destination, the then village of Lockport, now known as part of Three Rivers, on the St. Joseph River. They immediately erected a log cabin about a mile from there, in the township of Fabius, and commenced to clear land enough for a garden. The following year our subject removed with his father to his farm in Constantine, and remained with him until he became of age, when he settled on land purchased by his father in Fabius Township. He built a house, improved the land, married, and lived there some four or five years, when he lost his wife, and after that sad event returned to his father’s home. He lived under the parental roof some two years, when he again married, and returned to his farm in Fabius Township. After living there two years he bought a tract of land in Constantine Township of his uncle MILLINGTON, and removed to that place. He industriously set about clearing his land, and, by judicious management and downright hard labor, succeeded in improving a valuable and highly productive farm. He owns at the present time quite a large tract of land in Constantine Township, and owns and occupies the fine old mansion which was owned and built by the late Gov. Barry, pleasantly located on North Washington street.
Mr. HARWOOD has been twice married. He was first wedded, in Fabius Township, to Elvira RICE, a native of Pittsford, N. Y. She died in Constantine Township after a brief but happy married life. Mr. HARWOOD’s marriage to his present estimable wife took place in White Pigeon, Jan. 1, 1839. Her maiden name was Arvillo DENIO, and she was born in Bennington, Vt., Sept. 28, 1813. Her parents were Arial and Lovina (HARDWOOD) DENIO. They spent their last years in Rutland County, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. HARWOOD have passed the golden milestone that marks a happy wedlock of half a century. For fifty long years they have been spared to bless each other and the many friends whom they have gathered around them, to whom they have endeared themselves by the thousand and one acts of kindness and helpfulness so characteristic of their warm, genial, loving natures. During these many years that they have been together their life has not been all joyous; sorrow has often supped with them, and in the death of three of their beloved children they have been reminded of the mutability of life, and of the hope that lies at the heart of man of a home beyond the grave, and their faith in the immorality of the soul had been strengthened. Their son Mylon died in infancy; their son Daniel W., a young man of much promise, who was engaged in the mercantile business, died when but twenty-six years of age; Herman C., a bright young lad died when about fourteen years of age. Our subject and his wife still have four children left to soothe their declining years: Albert E., who resides in Constantine Township; Cerintha, who is the wife of T. H. RITTER, of Constantine; Mary J., who lives with her parents; and Jennie A., who is the wife of Samuel HARVEY.
Our subject has an excellent record as a public official in his township, he being a man of sound principles, good business habits and clear judgement. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace two terms, that of Township Assessor for several years, and has also been the incumbent of all the school offices. In politics he uses his influence in favor of the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and in their daily lives nobly exemplify its teachings.
Page 425-426
George W. GRAY, a retired farmer and hotel manager, is spending the declining years of a successful life in the beautiful town of Sturgis, in the pleasant home to which he has enjoyed the ample competence that he has gained through the shrewd management of his affairs. Through his having been identified with the business and agricultural interests of St. Joseph County for many years, and the proprietor of a popular hotel, he has become well know to the people at large and to the traveling public in particular, and all have accorded him the high place in their estimation due to a just, generous and upright man. He is the owner of the Berridge House, which he purchased in 1880 and managed successfully until the fall of 1888, when he leased it and retired to his present residence.
Mr. GRAY was born in the town of Scipio, Cuyahoga Co., N. Y., July 13, 1825. William GRAY, his father, a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., was a brave soldier in the War of 1812, serving under Gen. McLain in the navy department, on board the gunboat "Sackett Harbor;" the same boat, bearing a different name, may still be seen in Sackett’s Harbor. Our subject’s uncle, Samuel GRAY, was a soldier in the same war, serving in the infantry under Gen. Scott, and he participated in the battles of Lundy’s Lane, Chillewa, Quebec, etc. Our subject’s father was also in the bombardment of Quebec and Sackett’s Harbor. They doubtless inherited their military ardor from Benjamin GRAY, grandfather of our subject, a Revolutionary soldier, who served under Gen. DuQuesne, and his brother, Reuben GRAY, took part in the Revolution under Gen. Francis Marion, and was killed in the battle of Cowpens. He left five sons, and ex-Gov. GRAY, of Indiana, is lineally descended from him. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Elizabeth HEDGER, was a daughter of another Revolutionary hero, Edward HEDGER, who took part in the battles of Bunker’s Hill, Yorktown, Monmouth, White Plains, Spuytenduyvil, Germantown and Bennington, and though he fought bravely and well he never received a wound.
It will be seen from the foregoing that the blood of sturdy patriots flows in the veins of our subject, and that he has just reason to be proud of his Revolutionary ancestors. Doubtless he inherited from them the bold and enterprising spirit that has made him successful in his various undertakings. He is, however, a self-made man, and obtaining such education as the schools of the time afforded, he started out in the world with no other fortune than a courageous heart and a willingness and capacity to work. He came to this country Sept. 23, 1851, and settling in Sturgis, sold boots and shoes and brought hides, etc., for Rittersbaugh, Baker & Co., of Clarence Hollow, N. Y. After engaging in that business six years his health failed him, and he resumed his old trade, that of brick and stone mason. He worked at that for four years and then went into a shop again. Three years later his failing health drove him to the farm, and he was profitably engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1880, when, as before mentioned, he invested some of his capital in a hotel, and turned his attention to its management. He still owns his farm, which is one of the finest in the county, comprising 212 acres of highly productive land in Burr Oak and Sherman Townships.
Mr. GRAY was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. BAKER, May 5, 1852, and of their pleasant wedded life three children have been born, two of whom live; Kit C. and Eddie B. Kit married Alice THRUSTON, and they make their home on section 30, Burr Oak Township; they have four children, namely: Faith, Thomas, George and Spencer. Mrs. GRAY is the daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (HIRSHEY) BAKER, both of whom are deceased. She was born in New York in 1826.
When our subject entered the then little village of Sturgis nearly thirty-eight years ago and cast in his lot with its pioneer businessmen, being a young man of exceptional habits and high principles, he gained the confidence of the people among whom he had come to make his home from the very first. He took as active part in developing the town and its various interests as any of his contemporaries, and his name will always be honorable associated with the energetic, enterprising and worthy pioneers of the town. He is a man of strong convictions, and is broad minded and liberal in his religious views. Politically, he is a stanch advocate of the doctrines promulgated by the Republican party.
Page 426-427
George Willard MATTICE, editor and proprietor of the St. Joseph County News, which is published at Mendon, established this journal in September, 1886, and although still in its infancy, it is recognized as a very vigorous enterprise, one evidently bound to succeed. Its projector is a man of more than ordinary ability, one who has seen much of life, and especially the Western World, having visited nearly all of the States and Territories west of the Missouri River. He has made good use of his opportunities, is well read and well informed, and on account of his uniformly courteous demeanor toward all with whom he comes in contact, has made hosts of friends in this county.
The first five years of the life of Mr. MATTICE were spent in the village of Middleburg, Schoharie Co., N. Y., where he was born Aug. 11, 1854. Five years later his parents removed to Fultonham, the same until a youth of sixteen years, and then spent one year as a teacher. He had always taken kindly to his books, and was ambitious to obtain a thorough education. In the eighteenth year of his age he entered the State Normal School at Albany, N.Y., where he took a full course, and from which he was graduated June 29, 1875.
The following two years were spent by young MATTICE as a teacher in his native State, which he was then obliged to leave on account of failing health. He was then for three years connected with the advertising department of the Union Pacific Railroad Directory, and it was in the employ of this company that he prosecuted the travels which we have already spoken of, not only in the West, but over many of the Eastern States. In the winter of 1879 he journeyed to Oregon, and in June following proceeded to Takoma, Wyo., and made his initial experiment as a publisher.
In 1882 Mr. MATTIE began suffering from his old physical affliction, and migrating to the eastern part of Washington Territory, established the Press at Medical Lake. He was married in January, 1883, and in the fall of that year, leaving the confinement of office work, embarked in stock-raising, at which he occupied himself until the summer of 1886. He then sold out his interests in that section of country, and for a time sojourned in Marshall, this State, the former home of his wife. His next enterprise was the establishment of the News.
The family of Mr. MATTICE includes his estimable wife and two bright boys. He has never taken a very active part in politics. He officiated as Justice of the Peace in Washington Territory, and socially, is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Page 427-428
Frederick D. HASSENGER. To this gentleman belongs the distinction of being one of the oldest settlers of St. Joseph county now living within its borders, he having taken up his residence here in 1838, and during these fifty years he has been prominently identified with its farming community. He has not only witnessed almost the entire growth of this section of the country from the primeval forest that he found here in all its grandeur to its present wealthy and advanced condition, but he has been no unimportant factor in developing its agricultural resources, and so contributing to its material prosperity. His farm is on section 19, Constantine Township, where, with his sons, he owns 640 acres of some of the finest farming land in Southern Michigan, also owning 160 acres in Presque Isle County, Mich.
Our subject was born in Mifflin Township, Mercer Co., Pa., July 7, 1818. His parents, Abraham and Eve (BLECHLER) HASESENGER, were also natives of that county, and there began their wedded life. They afterward removed to Richland County, Ohio, where the father died. The mother died in Wood County, Ohio. They had a family of eleven children, of whom our subject was the youngest. He was eight years old when his parents made their home in Richland County, and cast in their lot with the pioneers of the county who had preceded them. He was reared on a farm to manhood’s estate, and then learned the carpenters’s trade, which he followed most of the time as long as he was engaged in active labor, although he carried on farming at the same time. He lived in Richland County, Ohio, until he was about twenty years old, when he came to St. Joseph County, being then a single man, and has since been a resident of this township, with the exception of a few years which he spent on the line in Cass County. He has been very successful in his agricultural ventures, and derives an ample income from his farm, which is finely located in a rich and fertile region, and is provided with a neat and commodious set of buildings for every necessary purpose.
Mr. HASSENGER was married in Cass County, this State, Dec. 12, 1847, to Miss Margaret LINTZ. She is a native of Alsace, and was born in that Province of French parentage, when it formed a part of France, Feb. 19, 1828. She was eleven years old when her parents, Peter and Elizabeth (MARLOW) LINTZ, likewise Alsacians by birth, came with their family to America in 1839. They settled in Constantine Township, this county, and here spent the remainder of their lives. They had seven children, of whom Mrs. HASSENGER was the eldest. Five sons have been born to her and her husband, of whom the following is recorded: John P. married Minerva YOUNG, and resides in Constantine Township, and has been a teacher for twelve years: Jonas M. lives at home with his parents, and has also been a teacher for six years; Franklin A. married Ida YOUNG, and resides in Constantine Township, and for fifteen years past has taught school fall and winter, at present teaching in Mottville; Levi D. married Lettie YOUNG, and resides in Constantine Township; Jerome N. lives at home with his parents.
Mr. HASSENGER is a man of great intelligence, with a good fund of information and sound common sense, and with his wife, a lady of more than ordinary mental endowments, occupies a high social position in this community, where they are both deservedly regarded with confidence and respect. Their sons are young men of ability and force of character, who have inherited from their parents those high principles and industrious habits that do and will have them valued citizens wherever they may be. Mr. HASSENGER is a consistent and esteemed member of the Dutch Reformed Church. He is liberal and public-spirited, and any movement looking to the advancement of his township finds in him ready and substantial support. He has taken an earnest interest in educational matters, and has done good service while acting in various official capacities on the School Board. In politics he strongly advocates the policy of the Democratic party.
Page 428-429
David L. WHITE, a respected citizen and prosperous farmer, and a member of the Cyclone Fanning Mill Company, resides in White Pigeon. He was born in Huntington County, Ind., Jan. 5, 1850. He is the son of Lewis WHITE, who went to Indiana in 1838, from Cayuga County, N. Y., where he was born. His mother was Elizabeth (GIBSON) WHITE. The father was born in 1800, and died in April, 1878, at the age of seventy-seven years. The mother died Dec. 29, 1878. They reared a family of five children, of whom only two are living. Our subject, and his sister Mary J., who is now the widow of Dolphus O. CLARK, are the survivors.
The parents of the subject of this sketch settled first in Lockport Township in 1851, and moved to White Pigeon Township in 1861. Our subject has always followed agricultural pursuits until five years ago, when he leased his farm and moved into town. He now owns a farm of 200 acres, one and a half miles east of town, which he has leased. The farm is well improved and finely located. He is one of the company which established the Cyclone Fanning Mill factory, in the spring of 1886; they now employ eleven men and keep eight salesmen on the road. Their produce runs over 100 mills a month. During the year 1888 they found the demand for their goods increasing so rapidly that they were unable to fill all their orders, and now have under consideration plans to increase their product and supply all who wish them. The mill is one of the most novel in construction that has ever been made. It applies to a valuable purpose one of the laws of nature which so far has proved very destructive to life and property, namely, the spiral, whirling motion of air in the cyclone which gives the mill its name. In this mill it is produced to clean out of grain is left in a first –class marketable condition. It is the simplicity of construction that is the chief recommendation, and it is so obvious to every observer that its value is at once conceded. It is in all respects a thoroughly scientifically constructed machine, and it does its work so rapidly and well that every farmer will have one and appreciate its value.
Our subject was married to Miss Rachel A. DALE Nov. 14, 1877; she is the daughter of Amos DALE, now deceased. She is the mother of one child; Clement L. Herself and husband are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which organization they hold an important place. Both husband and wife are members of the County Grange, P. of H. Mr. WHITE devotes himself exclusively to the prosecution of his business and enjoying the quiet of his home.
Page 428-429
Monroe EVANS. As is well known, the soldier element has always played a conspicuous part in the upbuilding of Michigan, from the days of the famous General and Governor, Lewis Cass, and even before, down to the present times, when a popular officer of the Union Army recently ably filled the gubernatorial chair. The volunteer soldier who marched in the ranks, and by his strict obedience to the orders of his commanders, his intelligent efficiency, steady courage, discipline under fire, ardor and patriotism, was an important factor in suppressing the Rebellion, and offtimes received promotion to important official grades for gallant and daring conduct in some hard-fought battle, has also borne an important part in securing the advancement and material prosperity of this great commonwealth. As a fine representative of this class, we are glad herewith to present a sketch of the life of the gentleman whose name is at the head of this biographical notice. He is now living in retirement in one of the pleasant homes of the pretty town of Sturgis.
Mr. EVANS was born amid the beautiful hills of Windsor County, Vt., July 15, 1834, he being derived from a sturdy, intelligent New England ancestry. His father, Calvin EVANS, was a native of Maine, but when a young man he left the home of his birth and took up his abode in the Green Mountain State. He there met and married Abigail WYMAN, a daughter of David WYMAN. In 1838 Mr. EVANS removed with his family to Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and there he kept a hotel, which during the Patriot War was the headquarters of the American officers. The Hon. William Seward was his next door neighbor. The parents of our subject were greatly respected by all in their community. His father was a man of clear head and sound judgement, and in his capacity of "mine host" was popular with all classes of people. To him and his wife were born nine children, eight of whom live, namely: George W., Mary C., James W., Ludelia M., Helen M., Harriet M., Calvin W. and Monroe.
Our subject received a liberal education in the Newark Academy, N. Y., which well fitted him for any walk in life that he might prefer. He was in the prime of early manhood when the late war was raging, and he enlisted to assist in the defense of the institutions of the country, becoming a member of Company F., 2d New York Mounted Rifles. He was actively engaged in several important battles, and his efficiency and bravery while in action were rewarded by promotion through the various grades to that of Second Lieutenant, he acting in that capacity in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Talopotomy Creek, Cold Harbor, etc. He was in the heat of battle in front of Petersburg from July 15 to Aug. 31, 1864, and he was at Weldon Railway and Poplar Springs Church. He was captured on the Preble Farm, in front of Petersburg, Oct. 4, 1864, and experienced the hardships of life in the various prisons at Petersburg, Libby, Salisbury, N. C., Danville, Va., and from the latter pen was sent back to Libby, and from there sent down the river on the first boatload of prisoners for general exchange under Gens. Grant and Lee. Arriving in Annapolis, Md., Feb. 22, 1865, he was sent home on a leave of absence, and the war closing before he had recruited from the effects of diet in the rebel prisons, he received his discharge by mail, and thus closed his life as a soldier and an officer in the great civil strife in which he won an honorable military record, one of which he and his friends may well be proud.
Mr. EVANS came to Sturgis in the spring of 1869, and has ever since been a useful and influential citizen of this community. For four years he served as Deputy Sheriff, performing the duties of that office with signal ability, and in such manner as to win the encomiums of his constituency. He is conspicuously identified with the various societies represented in Sturgis, the Masonic I.O.O.F. and the G. A. R. claiming him as one of their most valued members. In 1884 he was one of the grand officers of the Grand Encampment of the I. O.O.F. of Michigan and he was Officer of the Day for two years in the G. A. R. He is a man of fine capacity, and has a clear, well-balanced mind, and his genuine kindness of heart and good comradeship have gained him many warm friends.
Our subject has been twice married. He was first wedded to Miss Cornelia M. THOMPSON, a daughter of Jeremiah and Emeline THOMPSON. Mrs. EVANS was born in Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1834, and died May 5, 1885, and thus was closed a life well spent and full of all things that go to make a good woman. By that marriage four children were born, of whom but one survives, Frances E. She is the wife of Wilfred B. WILDE, of Sturgis, and they have five children, namely: Grace, Nina, Arthur, Cornelius and Ralph. The marriage of our subject to his present wife was solemnized in June, 1887. She is a gracious, frank, warm-hearted woman, and makes their home pleasant and cozy. Mrs. EVANS’ maiden name was Mary E. MORSE, she being a daughter of Emory and Emily MORSE. She has been twice married, and by her first marriage to H. E. BOYD became the mother of one daughter, Carrie M., who is now sixteen years old. Religiously, Mrs. EVANS subscribes to the Methodist doctrines, and is an attendant at church although not a member, and is also a member of the W. R. C., an auxiliary of the of the G. A. R. Mr. EVANS always responds generously to any call for financial aid from the various churches and benevolent institutions.
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