Chesaning Township

Chesaning History  |  Chesaning First Land Owners  |  Chesaning Legal Cases | Biographical 1  |  Biographical 2

BIOGRAPHICAL 2.

T. L. Green Postmaster of Chesaning, Mich., was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., and is a son of Thurston and Rachel Green, also natives of the "Empire State." Mr. Green grew to manhood on a farm and received a liberal education. On May 10, 1867, he came to Chesaning and opened a general store. In 1873 he was appointed Postmaster of Chesaning, which position he still occupies. He is a member of the firm of Green & Gould, manufacturers of lumber, etc. They erected a mill at Chesaning in 1881, at a cost of $4,000, and intend to bore a salt well soon. Mr. Green is a Mason, a Knight Templar and a Republican. He was Treasurer of Chesaning tp. five years, and Supervisor for two terms. He was Clerk of the Village Board eight years, and is now a Trustee of that body. He was married Sept. 17, 1862, to Julia A. Ireland, who was born Feb. 1, 1841, and is a daughter of Job and Ursula Ireland, natives of Chenango Co., IN. V. Mr. Green's father is a resident of Coventryville, N. Y. His mother died March 12, 1856.

John B. Griswold, merchant, Chesaning, was born in Vermont, Feb. 3, 1809. While yet a lad his parents, Asel and Prudence Griswold, removed to Cheshire Co., N. H. At the age of 10 years Mr. Griswold left home and commenced the battle of life for himself. He learned the trade of a sawyer, and in August, 1836, arrived at Owosso, Mich., where he remained some time. He helped build a saw-mill at St. Charles, also one at Chesaning. He followed his trade for over 30 years, also boating for a lengthy term. In 1872 he opened a hardware store at Chesaning, where he enjoys a good trade. Mr. Griswold carried the mail from Owosso to Saginaw for 10 years, and from Corunna to Chesaning for six years. In 1832 he married Eliza Jackson. Five children were given them, two of whom are living—William G. and Martha, wife of Norman Parshall. The deceased are John H., Augusta and Catherine. Mrs. Griswold is a daughter of John Jackson, and was born at Salem, Mass., Feb. 2, 1813. Mr. Griswold's grandfather, John Griswold, and his 8 sons were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Matthew Griswold, an ancestor of John B., was of English blood, and settled in Connecticut on land given to Oliver Cromwell by the English government. He was the first Governor of Connecticut.

Byron S. Hewitt, deceased, was born in 1835 in the State of New York; his parents afterward came to Michigan and settled in Genesee county; at 21 he bought a farm of 80 acres of land at Chesaning, which was a wilderness at that time. He and several other young fellows built a shanty, where he staid (sic) about two years; he then was at Flint about two or three years; then he married; at 26 he moved back on his place and lived there the remainder of his life. He died in 1879 leaving a wife and 2 children. His wife was born in 1834, in England, and came to this country when she was about 16, with her parents. She still lives on the farm. Joyce Hewitt, his elder daughter, was born in 1863, and Mary Hewitt was born in 1869. Mr. Hewitt joined the Methodist Church when he was about 22 and he lived and died a devoted Christian.

Llewellyn Homer, of Chesaning, was born at Youngsville, Warren Co., Pa., March 27, 1850, and is a son of Lemuel and Elizabeth Homer, natives of New York and Pennsylvania. When Mr. Homer was nine years of age his parents removed to West Spring Creek, Pa.; his mother died at Youngsville the same year. Three years later he accompanied his father to Chesaning, Mich., where the latter died Aug. 17, 1872. On Sept. 3, 1864, and when only 14 years of age, he enlisted in Co. C, 29th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., being honorably discharged Sept. 21, 1865. The year 1866 he spent in Pennsylvania, and in 1868 returned to Chesaning, where he has since resided. He was married Nov. 16, 1870, to Rowena Parshall, who was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., in February, 1850. They have 1 child, Harry L., born Dec. 8, 1880. Mr. Homer is Democratic in politics.

Ammon H. Lobdell, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Chesaning; was born at Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1828. His parents were Pliny and Nancy Lobdell, the former of whom was born Jan. 2, 1801, and his mother, Aug. 17, 1802. Ammon ripened into manhood on a farm and in 1866 located in Chesaning tp., Saginaw Co. He was married Oct. 10, 1848, to Caroline Northum, daughter of Levi Northum, and born in Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1830. Of the 12 children given them, 9 are living—Ida G., wife of Mr. Erastus Wirman; Emine L., wife of George McCormick; Martha A., wife of Frank Lobdell; Louise D., wife of Wallace Day; Florence M., wife of Arthur Lewis; Austin K., Gabriel and Charles E. Pliny, Seymour and Cary are deceased. Mr. Lobdell is a member of the I. O. O. F. and P. of H. societies and the Republican party.

Rufus P. Mason.—This pioneer of Chesaning was born in Cheshire Co., N. H., Oct. 25, 1813; his parents, Joseph and Lucy (Flint) Mason, were natives of Connecticut. Joseph Mason was born March 6, 1751; served as a Sergeant in the Revolutionary war from its beginning to its close, and removed to Cheshire Co., N. IL, soon after the close of the war, where he died Feb. 18, 1834. His wife died at the same place Jan. 6, 1833. They had a family of 14 children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. Rufus P. Mason passed his youth on a farm, in the meantime receiving a common-school education. May 17, 1840, he was married to Caroline Otis, a daughter of Isaac Otis, who was the first United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He also established a bank in New York city, acting as its President for four years. He afterward founded the Atlantic Bank of New York city, and acted as its President until his death, in August, 1860.

Rufus P. Mason before coming to Chesaning had followed the business of building and constructing railroads, acting as superintendent for other parties, at a salary of $1,500 per year. This position he abandoned and came to what is now Chesaning village, in the fall of 1841, and selected land. With the exception of five years spent in New York and one and a half years in the Lake Superior country in the lumber business, Mr. Mason has been a constant resident of Chesaning village since 1841. He kept one of the first stores and the postoffice at Chesaning village, and has been constantly identified with its business interests up to date. He now resides in the village, and owns and operates a farm of 180 acres.

Mr. Mason is a Republican, and has served his tp. as Highway Commissioner 20 years, Justice of the Peace four years, and Tp. Clerk 10 years; he also acted for a time as Secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. They have a family of 5 children, as follows: Mary E., now the wife of Rev. C. W. Austin; Tryphena, now living in China, where her husband, Rev. O. W. Willits, has acted as a missionary since 1880; W. Otis, Allie and Fanny.

Mr. Mason is a thorough business man and enjoys the respect and esteem of all. In his younger days he was noted for his activity, and as a pedestrian was seldom excelled; as an example, he walked from Pontiac to Chesaning, a distance of 75 miles, in 16 hours, the roads being quite muddy at the time; and at another time, from Bay City to Chesaning in one day. He is still active and vigorous, although nearly three-score and ten.

James A. Mericles, farmer, sec. 6, was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1835; parents were Cornelius and Betsey Mericles, natives of New York; subject of sketch grew to manhood in Cayuga county of native State; on Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D,. 23d Reg., Mich. Vol. Inf., and was discharged July 1.2, 1465; then came to East Saginaw, where he remained. 7 years; subsequently removed to Midland county, but while there two saw-mills owned by him burned to the ground, and he then went to Hazelton, Shiawassee Co., and afterward to present location; was married March 6, 1859, to Emma Anthony, daughter of Hiram and Lucy (Beebe) Anthony, natives of New York; former was born Aug. 2, 1803, and the latter March 4, 1808; wife was born in Madison Co., N. Y., July 14, 1842; they have an adopted child, Minnie J., born April 6, 1868; subject owns farm of 80 acres.

David W. Milks, farmer, sec. 13, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. V., June 30, 1830; parents were Benjamin and Polly (Moore) Milks; former was born near Lake George, N. Y., and served in war of 1812; subject was raised on a farm; received common-school education; was married Oct. 20, 1850, to Harriet Turner, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kelch) Turner; wife was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y.. Feb. 21, 1830; they have 3 children—Joseph E., born Aug. 1, 1851; Polly A., born April 13, 1854, and Barney R., born March 30, 1864; subject settled in Chesaning tp. in June, 1856; owns 40 acres of land; is neutral in politics; himself and wife are Seventh-Day Adventists, assisting in organizing said society in Saginaw county.

John S. Miller, a respected citizen of Chesaning, was born in York Co., Pa., May 12, 1800; parents were John and Sarah Miller; former a native of New Jersey, and drummer in Continental army at age of 18 years; latter a native of Pennsylvania; subject received a good education; in 1826 went to Carroll Co., Ohio; came to Saginaw county in 1865; was married April 25, 1821, to Mary Ryland. Seven children were born—Thomas J., Charles W., John T., William and David; Eliza and Julia A. are deceased; wife died Nov. 22, 1840. He was married again June 29, 1841, to Sarah A., daughter of James and Sarah Davis; wife was born in Washington Co., Pa., Feb. 19, 1821; 4 children given to second union—Sabra E., wife of S. S. Carson; Mary E., wife of Hiram Whitney; Samuel, who married Susan Norman, and Joseph H., married to Anna McClellan; 4 sons were soldiers in civil war; subject and wife are members of United Brethren in Christ; former is Republican in politics.

C. Moessner, dealer in boots and shoes, Chesaning, Mich., was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Dec. 31, 1834; came to America in 1851; spent two years at his trade at Grand Rapids, Mich.; until 1863 was located at Owosso; in latter year came to Chesaning; was married in 1859 to Catherine Hickman. Of 5 children born to this marriage 3 are living—Fred M., Maggie C., and Agnes; John and Louisa A. are deceased; subject and wife are members of Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which the former is a class leader; subject is a K. of H. and a Republican; his father came to America in 1870, and resides with him.

Robert H. Nason, one of Chesaning's wealthiest and most prominent men, was born in Northampton, England, June 9, 1832. His parents, Charles and Harriet Nason, emigrated to America when he was two years of age, and settled near Buffalo, N. Y., where Robert was reared on a farm. In October, 1852, he came to Chesaning and engaged in farming and lumbering. He began here with very limited means. His business was buying and drawing logs to Chesaning and hiring them sawed. In 1859 he purchased a water-mill, situated on the site of the present flouring mill. He ran this mill two years, then bought a tract of pine land of 1,500 acres, five miles east of Chesaning, and built on it a saw-mill; then sold it to Wilcox Bros., of Jackson, for $25,000. This was his first speculation. He afterward came to Chesaning and built a saw-mill at a cost of $4,000. He ran it for two years, them purchased a tract of pine laud of 2,500 acres in Albee, where he operated in lumber 10 years, then sold an interest to a Mr. Gould, changing the firm to Nason & Gould. During this time he built a mill in Maple Grove tp., which he ran four years, then sold. He speculated in land for a number of years. He now owns 1,000 acres of tine land in the vicinity of Chesaning.

Mr. Nason owns a large interest in the salt block at Garfield, and also a saw-mill there, built in March, 1878, at a cost of $10,000.

July 4, 1851, Mr. N. was married to Miss Susan Odell, by whom he has had 3 children; of these 2 are living, viz.: Geo. M., married to Miss Hattie Blount, and Ida.

In politics Mr. Nason is a Republican.

William H Niver, Jr., druggist, Chesaning, was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1835. His parents, William H. and Eleanor Niver,were natives of Orange Co., N. Y. William H., jr., was raised a "farmer's boy," and his educational advantages were limited to those of a district school. He learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and from 1855 to 1865 was a farmer of Saginaw county. In the latter year he opened a drug store at Chesaning, where he has since been engaged in business. He was married Jan. 1, 1856, to Lemira Parshall, who was born in Livingston Co., Mich., July 3, 1840. Her parents, Israel and Minerva Parshall, were natives of New York. Of the 3 children born to this union 2 are living—Alice M., wife of James L. McCauley, and Emeroy A. Frank E. is deceased. Mr. Niver is a Mason and a Republican.

Israel Parshall (deceased) was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., May 4, 1815. His parents, Asa and Susannah (Kinney) Parshall, were natives of Long Island, the former being a miller. Israel came to Havana, Mich., in 1855, and sent after his family the following year. He was the founder of Havana (or "Parshallville "), and served as its Postmaster until death, and his widow filled the office until 1870, when it was discontinued. Mr. Parshall aided to organize a Baptist society at Havana, which, after a four years' existence, was removed to Oakley. Mr. Parshall was married May 19, 1839, to Minerva Cole, daughter of Joseph. and Elizabeth Cole; the former of whom was a native of New York, and died April 11, 1878. Mrs. Parshall's mother was born on Long Island, and now resides in Oceola, Livingston Co., Mich. Of the 7 children sent to bless this alliance 6 are living—Lemira, born July 3, 1840; Merritt, born April 1, 1844; Ursula, born Jan. 25, 1846; Milton C., born Jan. 20, 1850; Alvira E., born April 25, 1852; Cynthia C., born Dec. 9, 1855, and Milles L., born Dec. 25, 1864. On Aug. 25, 1865, Mr. Parshall was fatally wounded by an accidental discharge of his gun while deer-hunting. He was a man of sterling worth, a father of love and charity to the community, who held him in the highest esteem. He was Republican in politics. Mrs. Parshall was married Dec. 31, 1872, to Guy Van Gorder, who was born at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 25, 1832.

S. J. Patterson, Chesaning, Mich., was born in Erie Co., Pa., March 25, 1827. His parents were John and Eliza Patterson, the former a native of New York and the latter of Rhode Island. When five years of age, Mr. Patterson accompanied his parents to Lake Co., O., where he remained for 17 years. He then went to Flint, Mich., and worked one year at blacksmithing, and after a two years' residence in Brady tp., came to Chesaning, where he has since resided. He has worked in the lumber business for 15 years; also at mason's trade; enlisted in Co. G, 3d, Mich. Cav., and fought in over 50 battles and skirmishes; was married April 29, 1853, to Samantha Swift, who was born in Ohio in November, 1835, and daughter of Nathaniel and Sallie Swift. They have 4 children Alice A., wife of Orville Chase; Ida, Wilber and George. Lua is deceased. Mr. P. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a Republican.

Lewis Pearson, farmer, northwest quarter of the northwest quarter, sec. 4, was born in Sweden in 1840. His parents are Perry Johnson and Hannah (Mons) Pearson. Lewis was educated in Sweden, and reared on a farm. In 1872 he came to America, and located land in Chesaning tp., where he owns 90 acres of good land. He is a Republican, and in 1880 was elected Tp. Assessor. He was married in 1861 to Hannah Pearson, but no relative. This union has been blessed with 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. Mr. Pearson is one of the substantial farmers of Chesaning tp. Names of children—Anna, Ellen, James, Perry, Nelson and Jennie, all at. home. Mr. Pearson has cleared up 70 acres of timber land by his own and family's labor.

Lyman Perkins, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Chesaning; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 11, 1812; is a son of Peter and Mary Perkins, natives of Vermont; former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and received pension until his death, which occurred March 3, 1881, at the advanced age of 93 years; Mrs. Perkins died in May, 1872; subject of sketch was reared on a farm, and in 1874, settled on present farm, which contains 70 acres; is Republican in politics; was married Aug. 16, 1851, to Nancy Lockwood, who was born in Ohio, July 13, 1830; is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Lockwood, natives of New York and Ohio; of 9 children born to them, 8 are living—Mary, Lucinda, Lyman J., Emily, Edward, Benjamin, Florence and Laura; wife's grandfather served in the Continental army, under Gen. Washington.

Joseph Perrot (deceased) was born in France, March 19, 1821. His early life was spent in agricultural pursuits, and in. 1842 he came to America. He passed three years trading with the Indians on the Rocky Mountains. Then went South, and was overseer on a plantation a portion of the time from 1845 to 1851. In 1852 he went to Detroit, Mich., and was engineer in a saw-mill for four years. He came to this county about 1853, and lived here till his death, which occurred Oct. 21, 1874. He was married at Detroit, in May, 1853, to Mrs. Josephine Paywet, widow of Peter Paywet (dec.) and daughter of Peter and Dodau Gullerat. Two children were given to them—Adella, wife of Alexander Stephens, (married May 10, 1870), was born Feb. 28, 1854, and Adolphe J., born March 19, 1856.

Garrett Post was born in New York city, Aug. 10, 1824; his parents were James and Margaret Post, of Hackensack, N. Y. He resided in New York city until 10 years old, when his parents died, who were buried the same day and in the same vault, on Bedford street. The subject of this sketch then went to Middlesex Co., N. J., and lived with his mother's relatives three years; then returned to New York city, remaining one year, when he went with his uncle to Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he was reared to manhood. At the age of 19 he went to Auburn and learnt the blacksmith's trade; lived there six years, and then worked at his trade in Montezuma two years; then went to Waterloo, Seneca Co., and ran a shop four years. Feb. 2, 1847, he married Catherine, daughter of Peter Maynard; she was born in Waterloo, N. Y., May 11, 1829; they have had 5 children, of whom 4 are living: James M. was born Nov. 17, 1848; Thomas J., March 18, 1850; Eugene B., April 25, 1856; Garrett M. H., Feb. 18, 1867; Helen Rachel, born May 9, 1852, died July 5, 1866. Mr. Post came to this county in October, 1869, locating in Chesaning; in six months he went back to Genesee Co., where he had settled in 1851, and in 1875 returned to Chesaning. He has been proprietor of a hotel in Chesaning four years; has been Justice of the Peace four years. He is agent for the N. Y. Fire Ins Co., and the Phoenix Co., of Brooklyn. He is a Republican. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary war. His father was once a partner of Cornelius Vanderbilt, in a ferryboat.

Amos W Price (deceased) was born at Elizabethtown, N. J., March 4, 1811. When 11 years of age he commenced an apprenticeship at trunk-making, where he remained for seven years. For 25 years previous to his death he was the general agent for Michigan for Sheldon &r, Co., book-publishers, of New York city, and always, took a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the educational welfare of Michigan. He assisted largely in revising Michigan's edition of school geographies. He was married June 10, 1868, to Eliza Clark, who was born at Suffolk, Eng., Dec. 4, 1835, and accompanied her parents, Samuel and Mary Clark, to America, in 1857. Three children were born to them, 2 of whom are living—James W., born Jan. 13, 1859, is cashier for Geo. Peck & Co., of Detroit; William C., born Nov. 24, 1862. Mr. Price died Jan. 18, 1879. Mrs. Price resides on sec. 29, where she located in 1876.

Cyrus C. Tubbs was born in Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 10, 1852. His parents are Samuel K. and Almeda Tubbs, the former of whom is a native of Vermont, and the latter of New York. Cyrus was reared on a farm, and received his educational training in the Howell high school. He was married Aug. 12, 1875, to Eliza Allen, who was born at Chesaning, Sept. 16, 1856, and is a daughter of William P. and Eliza A. Allen. Some years since Mr. Tubbs purchased an interest in the drug store of Dr. Eldred, of Chesaning. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and is a K. of H. and a Democrat.

George W. Rogers, farmer, sec. 23, was born at Fort George, Canada, April 17, 1812; parents were Dean and Mary (Peasley) Rogers, natives of Connecticut; father was lost on lakes in 1812; subject was bound out to work at . age of six years; mother and sister went to Canada, where latter soon died; family were separated; for many years didn't know each other's whereabouts; subject reared a "farmer's boy;" at age of 21 years went to Wolves Creek, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and purchased saw-mill, which he ran for 15 years; then came to Flint, and in 1856 purchased 320 acres of timbered land on sec. 23, Chesaning tp.; was married Jan. 7, 1837, to Maria Flanders; 8 children born, 6 living—Levi D., William G., Francis M., Marcellus D., Maria, wife of William Judd, of Nebraska, and J. Morris; Flora M. and Americus are deceased; subject and wife are members of M. E. Church; he is Republican, and has been Justice of Peace for eight years; Highway Commissioner for three years; owns farm of 80 acres.

David B. Smith, farmer, secs. 19 and 20, is a son of William and Eliza Smith, early pioneers of Saginaw county. He was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Feb. 18, 1836, and when six years of age accompanied his parents to Saginaw county, suffering the toils and privations of pioneer life, and the humble educational facilities then afforded by a district school. He was married Feb. 15, 1863, to Hannah Day, who was born in Oakland Co., Mich., May 15, 1841, and daughter of Willett and Meda Smith. Mr. Smith owns 80 acres of well-improved land, and is an advocate of Democracy.

Judge William Smith is one of Chesaning's most worthy pioneers. He was born in Worcester Co., Mass., April 28, 1800, a son of Oliver and Hannah Smith, who were natives of Norfolk Co., Mass. Judge Smith was reared on a farm, and at quite an early age he learned the trade of stone mason. About this time he turned his footsteps southward, intending to locate in North Carolina; but not being satisfied, returned in a short time to New England, walking the entire distance. The years 1820 and 1821 he was employed at his trade in the construction of the Erie canal; he subsequently clerked in a store at Pelham, Mass., two years, five years at Cape Cod, and one year at Walpole, Mass., at which places he followed the butchering business. He then was engaged at burning coal at Hopkinton and Princeton for six years, when he returned to the business to which he was reared, that of farming, in the town of Leicester, Mass., where he remained until 1842; he then came to Chesaning, -where he immediately entered 200 acres of land, on which he soon erected a log shanty. This was on sec. 21.

He has been a resident of Chesaning from that time up to the present, sharing in all the hardships incident to a pioneer life, and for nearly half a century has been identified with the best interests of the tp. of Chesaning. In politics he is a Democrat, and has filled various offices of honor and trust, among which is that of Supervisor three years. In 1845 he was chosen County Judge, serving four years, and later was elected and has filled the office' of Justice of the Peace for four years. At an early day he was appointed Postmaster, and he distributed the mail from his house for a number of years. He also acted as mail-carrier from Corunna to Saginaw City in those early days. Feb. 2, 1826, Judge Smith was married to Miss Eliza Boyden, who was born in Hillsboro Co., N. H., July 5, 1806, a daughter of Jonathan and Tryphena Boyden, both natives of Massachusetts. To this union 7 children were born, 6 of whom are living, as follows—Eliza A., now the widow of William P. Allen; John L., who married Anna Rhodes; Edward, who married Alice Smith; Geo. W. C., who married Sophia Day; David B. who married Hannah Day; William, Jr., who married Electa Hooker, and James N., who married Lydia Fuller.

While living in Massachusetts Judge Smith was commissioned a Captain by Gov. Levi Lincoln, in the 1st Regiment of the 1st' Brigade of the 5th Division of Massachusetts Militia, and acted as such for several years. The father and four uncles of Judge Smith were soldiers under Gen. Washington during the Revolutionary war. Their names were Oliver, Jeremy, James, John and Eliphalet Smith. The last-named witnessed the execution of Major Andre. Two of the sons of Judge Smith—William, Jr., and James N.,—also served on Federal side in the war of the great Rebellion.

After an unbroken married life of nearly half a century, Judge Smith and his life partner were sundered by the hand of death; his estimable and beloved wife departed this life May 17, 1875, leaving her aged husband, children, and many friends to mourn her loss. She was a good wife, a kind mother and a true woman.

This family of Smiths were very early settlers in Massachusetts, and were of English origin. The father of Judge Smith was born Aug. 24, 1762, and died in August, 1844, while his mother died in 1803, in September. Judge Smith still resides on sec. 21, Chesaning tp.

C. C. Sprague, carpenter, Chesaning, was born in Erie Co., Ohio, 1836; parents were Seth and Lucy (Durham) Sprague, both of Scotch descent. Subject of sketch came as a missionary in 1864, and labored several years in this and Genesee counties; settled in Taymouth tp. in 1860, and in Chesaning tp. in 187,9; owns house and lot at Chesaning; was Tp. Clerk one year, Highway Commissioner three years and Justice of the Peace six years. In politics is Republican. Was married, in 1860, to Wealthy S. Peck, of New York. They have 3 children Lucy L., Sarah E. and Cora I. B. Subject and wife are members of the United Brethren in Christ. Lucy L. is connected with the Baptist and Sarah E. with the M. E. Church.

Edmund Stearnes, an early pioneer of Chesaning tp., was born in Brattleboro Co., Vt., April 28. 1813; parents were Isaac and Cynthia Stearnes. Subject of sketch went to Washington Co., Vt., at age of eight years, where he learned the painter's trade; came to Detroit, Mich., in 1834; went to Flint in 1837, and in 1856 came to Saginaw county; was married Jan. 6, 1833, to Laura M. Amable; of 5 children given them, 4 are living—James, who married Emma Logan; Charles W., married to Mary Austin; Harriet, wife of Alanson Thayer, and George M., who united in marriage with Odele Gillett; Mary is deceased; wife was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1817, and is daughter of Cornelius and Cynthia Amable, natives of New York. Subject owns 40 acres of land on sec. 23, and is a Democrat.

O. F Walker, dealer in furniture, Chesaning, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., March 13, 1832. His parents were Jacob and Cynthia Walker, the former a native of Chenango, and the latter of Oneida Co., N. Y. Mr. Walker passed his boyhood days on a farm, and at 12 years of age learned the carpenter's and cabinetmaker's trades, under Silas Newcomb, of Pike, Wyoming Co., N. Y. He followed his trade at different cities until 1851, when he came to Chesaning. He pursued the same avocation till 1869, when he established his present business. On April 26, 1855, he married Cordelia Mudge, who was the first white child that was born in Castello tp., Barry Co., Mich., May 5, 1838, and is a daughter of Lorenzo Mudge, a prominent pioneer of Barry county. Three children were given to this happy union—Royal O., who married Cora Clark; Emma C., a school-teacher, and Burtrand. Mrs. Walker died Oct. 19, 1865, and Mr. W. was again married July 29, 1866, to Emily A. Merrill, who was born in Wayne Co., Mich., in September, 1842, and is a daughter of Leander and Emily Merrill, of New York. They have 2 children—Libbie and Lena. Mr. Walker's grandfather was a soldier in the Continental army.

Elihu Westfall, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Chesaning; was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., April 10, 1830, son of Abram and Elizabeth Westfall; former born in New Jersey in 1790, and was soldier in war of 1812; died Oct. 9, 1864; latter born Feb. 27, 1790, and died Oct. 6, 1875; subject of sketch was reared in native State; in 1857 removed to Erie Co., Ohio, where was farmer till war; enlisted in Co. C, 55th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and in 1863 had leg broken by fall from wagon; was honorably discharged Sept. 23, 1863; was engaged in manufacture of salt for some time; came to Chesaning on April 23, 1867; started for Italy, where be remained one year, engaged in the oil trade; was married May 15, 1851, to Amelia Van Gorder, daughter of John and Sallie Van Gorder; wife was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., July 11, 1828; 4 children born to them—James H., who married Carrie Finney; George F., married to Eva C. Gaylord; Albert E. and Judd B.; have 1 adopted child, Nellie Porter; subject and wife are members of Disciples of Christ society; former is a member of I. O. O. F., and Republican in politics.

Reuben Wiltse, farmer, sec. 4, was born in Canada in 1801. His parents were Cornelius and Patience (Mott) Wiltse, natives of the Eastern States, the former of German, and the latter of Irish descent. Mr. Wiltse received an ordinary education, but has been a Bible student the greater portion of his life. He was converted to the gospel of Christ in 1826, and for several years has been a local minister in the M. E. Church; also a class-leader. Mr. Wiltse is a Republican, and owns a good farm. He came to this State in 1856, and located in Chesaning tp. In 1824 he married Nancy Brown, a native of Canada. They had 6 children, 4 of whom are living. Mrs. Wiltse died in 1839, and a year later Mr. Wiltse married Mrs. Ann (Armstrong) Free, who died Dec. 10, 1880. The names of Mr. Wiltse's children were Peter, Chloe, Rhoda, Ezra, Phoebe, Cornelius—all living, except Peter and Cornelius, deceased.

William W. Wyman, farmer, sec. 27, was born in Onondaga, Co., N. Y., April 12, 1822; father was born at Boston, Mass., Nov. 29, 1783, and was seaman on board frigate "Constitution;" was taken prisoner three times, and died Sept. 4, 1854, aged 71 years; mother was born in Canandaigua Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1790, and died April 13, 1862; grandfather of subject, Ebenezer Wyman, was a soldier under General Washington; subject of sketch received practical education in agricultural pursuits; was married Dec. 25, 1846, to Harriet Hollenbeck, daughter of Cornelius and Frances Hollenbeck; wife was born in New York Feb. 13, 1828; have 1 child (adopted), Zalmore Mallory, born March 12, 1858; subject is member of Masonic fraternity, is a Democrat, and owns farm of 60 acres.

Chesaning History  |  Chesaning First Land Owners  |  Chesaning Legal Cases | Biographical 1  |  Biographical 2

BACK TO LIST OF TOWNSHIP HISTORY 1881

Source: History of Saginaw County Michigan, By Michael A. Leeson, Damon Clarke, Published 1881 Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Chicago pages 795-834.

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