Maple Grove Township

Maple Grove Township embraces within its borders 36 full sections, and is without doubt one of the best agricultural townships in the county; much of its territory is still covered with timber, mostly of hard wood; it has a variety of soil, gravelly, stony, sandy loam and clay. Its lands are drained by the Mistiguay creek or river, which passes through its eastern border, several branches of the same passing through the township in different directions. The township was first settled nearly 30 years ago, by a man by the name of John Hammer. He located in section 36, on land that was given him by a speculator, if he would remain upon it and make an improvement. John "hammered" away, and improved about three acres, on which he had built a shanty, when he became disgusted or discouraged, and returned to whence he came. The next to settle in the limits of the township was Joseph Voith.

The first town meeting was held in a log house, then the house of James V. Judd, in April, 1867; there were 17 votes polled, which resulted in Brunson Turner being chosen Supervisor; Simon E. Trumbull, Clerk; and Horatio W. Felt, Treasurer.

The first school-house was built in 1859, of basswood, slabs.

The first teacher to preside was a Miss Malvina Perry receiving for her labors 75 cents per week, and "boarding round."

The agricultural productions for the year 1880 were 30,883 bushels of wheat, 25,782 of corn, 13,052 of oats, 42,969 pounds of butter, 19,827 dozen of eggs, while the same year the assessment showed in the township 200 farms and a population of 1,378. Joseph Payne raised the first grain in the township. In harvesting the same, he and his wife cut two acres with butcher-knives.

The first church building erected in this township, was St. Michael's Catholic church, located on the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 28, and was completed in 1865. It is a neat frame building 26 feet wide by 36 feet long. The congregation consisted only of five families at that time; and they were pioneers," and had very limited means. The Rev. Father Louis Vandriss, now of Lansing, was the first pastor. The congregation now numbers 75 families. The Rev. Father Reis, of East Saginaw, now has charge of the parish.

The first religious service held in the township was about 25 years ago, immediately after the bass-wood school-house had given way to one of logs. In this building John White preached; he belonged to a society called the "Denomination of God."

The citizens of this township are well provided with educational facilities, and quite a contrast is presented to the first bass-wood shanty erected for that purpose. There are now seven public school buildings, which during the year 1880 were attended by 300 scholars; each of the seven school districts average a session of eight months annually. To pay the salaries of teachers, there was expended in 1880, $1,187.50.

Besides the above is a school kept in the Catholic church on section 28, under the auspices of that denomination. It has an attendance of 75 scholars. Here both English and German are taught. This school has been in successful operation for the past five years. The present teacher is Mr. Albert Klees.

There is but one store. It is located in the center of the township, and kept by Keeler & Co. The place is named Layton's Corners. A blacksmith-shop is the only other business carried on there. In the store is kept the postoffice, Mr. Albert Klees being the present postmaster. There is another, named Elk Postoffice, located on the southeast quarter of section 25.

There are three saw-mills in this township, all run by steam, located as follows: on the northwest corner of section 19, the northwest quarter of section 9, and the northwest quarter of section 6. Leavitt's shingle-mill is on the northeast quarter of section 24.

ORGANIC.

The township was organized under the following order, under date of Jan. 1, 1857:

WHEREAS, Application has been made to the Board of Supervisors of the county of Saginaw by petition, which said petition is signed by more than 12 freeholders of the unorganized territory of township number 9 north, of range 4 east, under the jurisdiction of the township of Chesaning, in the county of Saginaw, in the State of Michigan, and within the legal boundaries of said county of Saginaw, to organize the said territory into a township, to be known and designated by the name of Maple Grove; therefore be it

Resolved, That the unorganized territory above mentioned be, and the same is, hereby organized into a township, to be known and designated by the name of Maple Grove; and it is further

Resolved, That the first township meeting in said unorganized territory be held on the first Monday of April, 1857, and that the same be held at the house of John W. Peitz, in said township, and that Brunson Turner, — Bull and J. W. Peitz, electors of said township, shall preside at said meeting, and exercise the same powers as the inspectors of elections at any township meeting.

SUPERVISORS.

CLERKS.

TREASURERS.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

LAND-BUYERS.

The first land-buyers in the township of Maple Grove are given as follows:

BIOGRAPHICAL.

In the personal history of the tp., many important events are noticed and much information at once interesting and instructive given:

Joseph Artman, farmer, sec. 15, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Aug. 25, 1825. He came to the United States in 1857, and located at Sheboygan, Wis., where he worked in a saw-mill for some time and lost two fingers of his left hand. He removed to Hancock, Houghton Co., in the Lake Superior region, and there carried on an extensive harness-making establishment for some time. He is a thorough workman, having followed that trade for 32 years. In 1869 he removed to Maple Grove tp., where he bought 120 acres of timbered land. While a resident of Houghton county, he had a house burned down, in which lay the corpse of one of his children. His wife moved the body twice as the fire advanced, and the shock to her nervous system, and the cold which settled on her lungs, proved fatal, and she died in Maple Grove tp., April 11, 1870, exactly one year after the fire.

Hiram T. Austin, farmer, sec. 20, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1833. He is a son of Jonathan and Lydia (Durkee) Austin, father a native of New York, and mother of Vermont, both of English descent. When 10 years of age Mr. Austin accompanied his uncle to Orion, Oakland Co., Mich., and in the fall of 1852 went to East Saginaw, where, for seven years, he worked in saw-mills in summer seasons, and in the pineries during the winters. In the fall of 1859 he bought 80 acres of land in this tp., 40 of which he subsequently traded for two three-year-old steers, one cow, one yearling heifer, and $50 worth of wheat and flour. At Nashville, Tenn., October, 1863, he entered Co. A, 4th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Leach (afterward Capt. Stone), and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Aug. 23, 1865. He was married at East Saginaw Jan. 2, 1857, to Ann Maria, daughter of Lawed and Maria A. Worth, who was born in Canada Dec. 13, 1835. Two children were given them, Sasson J. born March 17, 1861, and Jared L., born June 26, 1853. Mrs. Austin died April 2, 1878, and he was again married June 6, 1880, to Sarah E., daughter of David S. and Elizabeth Irland.

William Babcock, farmer, was born at Geneva, Seneca Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1825, and was the first son born to John and Acsah (Palmer) Babcock, natives of Jefferson Co., N. Y.; subject of sketch was educated in common schools; in 1844 went to Cayuga Co., O., and in 1860 to Maple Grove tp., where he bought a quarter section of land; at Brooklyn, O., Oct. 16, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 41st Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and was slightly wounded in the left temple by a piece of a shell at the battle of Mission Ridge; lay in hospital two weeks and was then discharged; married Elizabeth, daughter of David W. Poe, of Pennsylvania; have 3 children—Maria, born in Madison Co., Wis.; Solon, born at Brooklyn, Cayuga Co., O., Nov. 6, 1860, and Joseph, born in Maple Grove tp., Oct. 8, 1866; subject is a Greenbacker, and was a Justice of the Peace for two terms.

Jason Carmer, fourth son of Silas and Catherine (Carmer) Carmer, was born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1842. His father was born in New York, Oct. 18, 1797, of English descent, and died Nov. 13, 1877. His mother was born in New Jersey of German descent. By occupation, Mr. C. is a farmer. He came to Maple Grove tp. March 10, 1877, and bought 60 acres of land on sec. 32, 20 acres of which are now under cultivation. He was married at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 17, 1866, to Adeline A., daughter of Elijah and Catherine Rappleyea, born at Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., March 11, 1848. They have had 6 children, 5 born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y. Clarence O., born Dec. 7, 1866; Jason L., born March 11, 1868; Cyrus E., born March 30, 1870; Catherine L., born Jan. 12, 1872, and Cyrenius E., born Sept. 26, 1877. In politics Mr. C. is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He served 100 days in Co. B, 98th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf. He enlisted at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1864, and was discharged Dec. 22, 1864, at Buffalo, N. Y.

Winfield S. Carpenter, agriculturist, was born at Herman, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1842. His parents are Russell and Rebecca (Reid) Carpenter, father a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., and mother a native of Salem, Vt., both of English descent. Mr. Carpenter first located in Michigan in the fall of 1866. After residing for some time in Oakland and Lapeer counties, in 1876, he exchanged farms with a Mr. Stewart, receiving 80 acres of land in this tp. He has 25 acres under cultivation. At Canton, N. Y., in September, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 60th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served three years in the army of the Potomac, and on board a man-of-war for one year. He was a prisoner at Belle Isle for one month. He was honorably discharged in September, 1865 Mr. Carpenter was married in Oakland Co., Mich., to Sarah L. Allen, who was born Feb. 20, 1845. They have 1 child, Katie, born in October, 1873.

Harvey Carter, farmer, was born at Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 31, 1841. His parents are Ira F. and Elizabeth A. (Curtis) Carter, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Montrose Co., Pa., both of English descent. Harvey was educated in the high school at Mosier, Crawford Co., Pa., and has taught school several terms. He also worked at the cooper's trade six years. In 1861 he located at Joliet, Ill., and a year later in the Lake Superior region, where he held several tp. offices. He settled in Maple Grove tp. in 1874, and bought 80 acres of land, 15 of which he has improved. He was married Oct. 16, 1866, to Martha, daughter of Isaac and Mary Fisher, who was born in Sheboygan Co., Wis., June 12, 1845. They have 7 children—Lemira A., Martha E., Elizabeth A., Reuben M., Lillian H., Harvey F., Jr., and William W. Mr. Carter and wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican.

Thomas S. Casson, first son of Mordecai and Sarah S. (Strongerharm) Casson, was born at Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 15, 1838: His father was born at Thorne, Yorkshire, Eng., Oct. 12, 1802. His mother was born at Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., and died Oct. 19, 1878. He was educated in the common schools of New York, and attended one term at Alfred University, Allegany Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1860. When 15 years of age he removed to Steuben Co., N. Y., and was there married, Dec. 31, 1863, to Martha, daughter of Asahel and Mary —, who was born at Tuscarora, Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 11, 1840. They have 7 children—the first 2, Clarence and Mordecai, were twins, and born in Steuben Co., N. Y., July 24, 1864; Hugh G., born May 26, 1868; Sarah, born at Rush, Shiawassee Co., Mich., March 17, 1871; Ernest, born at Bennington, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Dec. 11, 1872; Mary, born July 14, 1877, and Olive I., born March 6, 1879. Mr. Casson came to Maple Grove tp. in December, 1875, and bought 80 acres of land on the northwest quarter of sec. 20, where he now resides.

William L. Deneen (deceased) was the first son of John N. and Ann (Chapman) Deneen, the former a native of Milton, O., of German and Irish descent, and the mother a native of Youngstown, O. (born March 22, 1815). Mr. Deneen was a lumberman by occupation, and led a varied life from the age of 17 years until 1871, when he bought 40 acres of land on sec. 4, 25 of which he improved. Mr. Deneen was married Dec. 31, 1870, to Laura, daughter of Tobias and Laura Reeser. They have 3 children—Joseph N., born Feb. 10, 1871; Ariadna, born April 15, 1879, and John T., born Sept. 18, 1880. Mr. Deneen was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Saginaw county, and after serving some 13 months had occasion to arrest a noted horse-thief by the name of Clark, alias Bayard, and while doing so received a pistol ball in the shoulder, from the effects of which he died in St. Mary's Hospital at East Saginaw, March 21, 1881.

James Ferril, one of the oldest settlers of Maple Grove tp., and second son of John and Olive (Montgomery) Ferril, was born in Milton tp., Richland Co., O., Sept. 18, 1819. He removed to Fulton, Indiana, in the fall of 1842, and went to work on a farm, where he remained four years, then went to Monroe Co., Mich., and after residing there nine years, came to Maple Grove tp., in the spring of 1857. He bought the southwest quarter of sec. 15. He now has 120 acres, 53 of which are under cultivation. When he arrived in Maple Grove tp., he possessed an ox team, two cows, one yearling heifer, and five dollars in cash. His land cost him two and one-half dollars per acre, and having no money he took a job at chopping and clearing 17 acres to pay for his 160 acres, and procured his deed from probate court. He had to cut his own road, a distance of eight miles, through the timber to get to his land. He was married in Monroe Co., Mich., March 2, 1846, to Clarissa, daughter of Benjamin and Joanna Mann; of their 4 children, 3 are living—George B., born in Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 9, 1850; Olive J., born in Washtenaw county, Aug. 22, 1857, and William F., born in Maple Grove tp., Saginaw Co., Aug. 5, 1860. In politics Mr. Ferril is a Republican.

Benjamin Franklin, only son of John and Chloe (Dibble) Franklin, was born at Florida, Montgomery Co. N.Y., June 12, 1818, and is of English descent. By occupation he is a farmer, although he has been engaged in lumbering a number of winters. He came to Maple Grove tp., in the spring of 1863, and purchased 240 acres of land on sec. 32. He now has 120 acres, 32 of which are under cultivation. He is one of the earliest settlers in this tp.

He has been Justice of the Peace four years, and is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He was married at Tonawanda, Erie Co., N. Y., to Minerva, daughter of John and Giffa Hatch, who was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 7. 1817, and died in Maple Grove tp., Mar. 28, 1874. They had 10 children born in Erie Co., N. Y., 6 of whom are living—John B., born March 23, 1839; Freelove J., born June 6, 1843; Wesley D., born Aug. 23, 1846; Asa O., born June 30, 1847; Mina A., born Aug. 24, 1854; Nancy M., born June 26, 1858; and the deceased are—Minerva M., born April 26, 1842, died May 24, 1872; Esther A., born Aug. 20, 1851, and died Sept.13, 1851; William H., born July 20, 1852, and died Sept. 6, 1852; Mary C., born Nov. 12, 1856, died May 3, 1857. He was again married Sept. 7, 1874, to Leah Totten, who was born at Gilderland, Albany Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1828; she was the daughter of Samuel and Agnes (Sixbee) Totten.

Mrs. Franklin was the widow of Peter Waldroff, when she was married to Mr. Franklin. Mr. Waldroff' was a native of Schoharie Co., N . Y., and died at Flint, Mich., in 1871, and left to his widow 2 children—Marion Eugene, born April 2, 1849, and Mary E., born in November, 1852.

William Glazier, Jr., farmer, sec. 33, was born at Staunton, Lincolnshire, Eng., July, 13, 1832. His parents were William, Sr., and Elizabeth (Hardy) Glazier. William was educated in England, and in 1855 came to the United States, locating at Howell, Livingston Co., Mich. He resided in Macomb Co., Mich., about eight years, and in 1871 bought 160 acres of timbered land in Maple Grove tp., where he has since resided. He was married Jan. 3, 1875, to Mrs. Irena Glazier, widow of Thomas Glazier (dec.) and daughter of John and Sarah A. Savage. She was born at Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich., July 23, 1849. They have 1 child, Ilda May, born Aug. 13, 1879. Mr. Glazier has 35 acres of his farm under cultivation, and politically is a Democrat.

P. A. Green, agriculturist, sec. 16, was born at Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., July 8, 1837, of Scotch and English descent. He is the third son of Francis and Rebecca (McNeil) Green; father was born in Massachusetts, July 15, 1810, and died at Burton, Genesee Co., Mich.; mother was a native of Rhode Island, and died at Amherst, N. Y. Mr. Green located at Flint, Mich., in 1862, and removed to Maple Grove tp., Oct. 16, 1867. He bought 120 acres of land, 80 acres of which he has improved. Mr. Green is a pioneer of this tp.. and has been prominently identified with all its public improvements. On Aug. 8, 1879, his barn was burned with all the grain, hay and other crops he had raised that year, besides three horses, and most of his farming implements. His loss was estimated at $4,000. Mr. G. was married April 11, 1864, to Mina J., daughter of Amos P. and Emeline J. Watkins, who was born Nov. 28, 1844. They have 4 children—Clarence C., born at Burton, Mich., June 25, 1865; Bertha R., born Feb. 9, 1871; Lennie F., born Oct. 19, 1875, and Clare R., born June 28, 1819.

Leonard Haffner, farmer, sec. 22, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1833; his parents' names were Louis and Elizabeth (Kellerman) Haffner. Leonard Haffner came to America in 1853, and located at Baltimore, Maryland. In 1857 he went to Canada, and in 1860 -located 80 acres of land in this tp., 70 of which he has improved. He was an early settler in Maple Grove tp.; he has been tp. Commissioner, and is a Republican. He was married in Canada, in 1859, to Susanna, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Barnhart. They have 5 children—Mary E., born April 14, 1864; Phœbe C., born Feb. 14, 1866; Calvin Lewis, born Sept. 12, 1867; Emma, born Feb. 3, 1869, and Rebecca, born July 19, 1870. Mrs. Haffner died in 1874, and Mr. H. was again married, May 11, 1875, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ann Shook. 3 children have been given them—George W., born Feb. 7, 1876; Cora E., born Sept. 8, 1879, and John G., born March 24, 1881. Mr. Haffner and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.

George M. Henige, farmer, sec. 27, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 20, 1829, and is a son of Anthon and Magdalene (Jambon) Henige. He passed his early life in Germany, attending school and acting as salesman until 17 years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he resided 18 years. In 1862 he came to this county to see his brother-in-law, Joseph Voith, the first settler in Maple Grove tp., and in the winter of 1863 bought 404 acres of land, 65 of which he has since improved. He is Democratic in politics, and has served as Justice of the Peace six or seven years. He was married in Ohio to Ann Maria Voith. They have 6 children—Sarah Elizabeth, Severinus, Maria Louisa, George M., Mary and Henry. The first two are natives of Ohio, and the remainder of this county.

Jacob Henige, farmer, secs. 22 and 27, was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 16, 1836. He is a son of Anthony and Mary M. (Shambo) Henige. In 1846 he accompanied his parents and three brothers to this country, and settled at Vernon, Crawford Co., O., where he bought 36 acres of land, and also farmed 36 acres belonging to his brother. After a residence of 25 years at Vernon, in the spring of 1871, he settled on 80 acres of land on sec. 27, which he had purchased of his brother in 1867. He also bought 80 acres on sec. 22. He now has 60 acres under cultivation. He is Democratic in politics. He was married June 3, 1862, to Mary A., daughter of John and Mary A. Sutter, who was born at Vernon, O., Sept. 16, 1841. They have 7 children—Mary S., Jacob, Ann S., Mary T., Rosa B., Mary F. and Barbara M. Mr. H. and family are members of the German Catholic Church.

Ephraim Hoskins, farmer, was born at Shefford, Lower Canada, May 4, 1814. He is the second son of Joab and Lydia (Spaulding) Hoskins, natives of Canada, of English ancestry. Mr. Hoskins removed to Spencer, Medina Co., Ohio, in 1849, and in 1855 located 40 acres of land in this tp., 20 of which he has improved. He was married in Canada, June 23, 1840, to Lenora, daughter of Ezekiel Lewis. They have 4 children—Lucy C., born at Shefford, Can., April 7, 1843; Roxana, born at Harrisonville, O., Nov. 8, 1848; Carrie P., born at Spencer, O., Aug. 20, 1852; and Hiram B., born at Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., Feb. 9, 1856. Mr. Hoskins is a Republican.

Martin I. Hulbert, son of James S. and Alma L. (Dowd) Hulbert, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1837. His father was born at Morristown, Morris Co., N. Y., of English descent; his mother in Rutland Co., Vt., of Irish descent. He received his education in the common schools of Ohio, and in the spring of 1853, removed with his parents to Clinton Co., Mich. After a residence of 27 years in Clinton county, he came to Maple Grove tp., Mar. 16, 1880, and bought 104 acres of land on sec. 19, 40 of which are under cultivation. He was married at Essex, Clinton Co., Mich., Jan. 18, 1866, to Mrs. Sarah Cook, daughter of William and Jane Jones, who was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., May 5, 1833. They have 4 children, all natives of Clinton Co., Mich.—James T., born Dec. 3, 1866; William O., born May 16, 1868; Alma L., born April 16, 1870 and Omer F., born Nov. 23, 1876. Mr. Hulbert enlisted at Morristown, N. J., Sept. 6, 1865, in Co. C, 33d N. J. Vol. Inf., under Capt. C. E. Sutton, and served 10 months in the army of the Cumberland. In politics he is a Democrat. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

John Hunter, first and only son of William and Ann (Walzer) Hunter, was born in Springfield, Otsego Co., near Otsego Lake, Dec. 17, 1821. By occupation he is a farmer. He came to Pontiac, Oakland Co., June, 1830; moved to Flushing in 1848, then to Maple Grove in 1856. He is an old settler; came here when the tp. was all a wilderness, and cut his road a mile and a half through the woods to his place and built a log hut, which now stands on his place near the new one, and is kept as a post office. He bought 120 acres of land, which was covered with timber, and now has the most of it under cultivation, He was married March 4, 1845, to Matilda Stone, daughter of Wm. F. Stone, of Commerce, Oakland Co., Mich. They have had 5 children—Albert W., born March 31, 1849; Mary E., April 5, 1851; John S., April 13, 1853; Ida M., Nov. 1, 1855; Newton B., born in Maple Grove, Oct. 20, 1866. The first 4 were born in Flushing. Mr. H. was the second Supervisor in the tp., and held that office for 10 years; Justice of the Peace 12 years, and various other tp. offices and has been Postmaster 15 years. In politics he is a Greenbacker. His wife belongs to the Methodist class of Maple Grove. He enlisted in Flushing, Genesee Co., Aug. 27, 1864, in the 13th Mich. Battery under Capt. Charles Dupont, of Detroit, and served one year, doing post duty at Fort Reno.

Madison Irland, farmer, sec. 13, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Jan 22, 1830. His parents were David S. and Elizabeth (De-Bar) Irland, father native of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pa., of Scotch descent, mother a native of Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., of German parentage. Madison learned the carpenter's trade in early life, which he followed for 10 years. In 1837 he located at Deerfield, Livingston Co., Mich., and in 1873 in this tp., where he bought 117 acres of land on which he has made a number of good improvements. He was married at Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., Sept. 19, 1856, to Emma S., daughter of Thomas and Ann Hough, and a native of Stockport, England. Four children were given them—Franklin, born July 7, 1858; Annie E., Oct. 26, 1864; Emma M., Feb. 12, 1871, and Madison, April 24, 1873. Mrs. Irland died, and Mr. I. was again married to Rachel A. Mead, daughter of Eli and Nancy Thomas. Mrs. Irland was born at Pittsfield, Warren Co., Pa., Sept. 26, 1852. They have 1 child—Elizabeth, born in Maple Grove tp., April 6, 1878. Mr. Irland is a Democrat.

Henry James, farmer, was born in Chautauqua Co., N.Y., in 1825; parents were Robert and Betsey James, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Vermont; subject of sketch was educated in academy at Fredonia, N. Y.; subsequently taught school for eight years; came to Maple Grove tp. in 1860, and bought a quarter section of land on sec. 15; afterward purchased 80 acres on sec. 27, in Maple Grove tp.; Nov. 13, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Mich. Cav., Captain D. H. Darling, and accompanied that regiment in all its meanderings through the war; was once sent home for five months as recruiting agent; was discharged Nov. 13, 1865; is a faithful member of Republican party; was married Oct. 10, 1852, to Phena M. Parmelee, who was born at Walworth, Marion Co., N. Y.; parents are Thomas J. and Chloe (Atwell) Parmelee; 5 children have been sent to seal this union—Harriet E., born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1854; Martha A., born at Flint, Genesee Co., Mich., Nov. 20, 1857; Frank G., born at Palmyra, Lenawee Co., Mich., Nov. 24, 1860; George N., born in Maple Grove tp., Sept. 3, 1868, and De Land C., born in Maple Grove tp., April 11, 1873. Mrs. James is a member of the Church of God.

Mr. James has served the tp. in nearly all of its various offices, among which is Tp. Clerk, Tp. Superintendent of Schools, etc. He was appointed in 1867, by the Governor of the State, State Road Commissioner, and served in that office for eight years, and supervised and laid out all the jobs for the building of the Clio and Chesaning State road; 3,000 acres of land were appropriated for this purpose, and a large amount of money; all this passed through Mr. James' hands in payment for work on this road; he has served as Justice of the Peace 12 years, and now occupies that office; he has been very active in promoting the cause of education, in building school-houses, etc., etc., and has been School Director of his district continuously since his residence here.

James V. Judd was born in Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1822. He was the third son of Asahel and Catherine (Vincent) Judd. His father was born in New Britain, Hartford Co., Conn.; his mother was born in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y.; both of English descent; by occupation he is a farmer, and he received his education in the common schools of New York. He moved to Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., in 1845, and in 1854 he removed to Maple Grove. He was the fourth settler in the tp. He bought 160 acres of land, and since then has purchased 100 more, situated in sec. 35. He was married Oct. 8, 1840, to Nancy S. Bouck, the daughter of Jacob and Martha Bouck. She died Aug. 8, 1849. Of their 4 children 1 is living—Seymour A., born Sept. 3, 1846 in Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., Mich. Mr. Judd married again, this time Persis L. Ganson, daughter of Nathan and Julia Ganson, Genesee Co., N. Y. They have 11 children—Ordell, John, Hattie, Elmer, Ganson, Albert, Delphina, Cyrus, Pearl, Dorr, Theodore. Mr. J. has been Tp. Treasurer 2½ years, and was the first Treasurer of the tp. Mr. J. and wife belong to the Church of God, in Maple Grove. He enlisted in Owosso, Shiawassee Co., Aug. 29, 1862, in Co. G, 6th Mich. Cav., under Captain George A. Drew; he served until April 25, 1863, and was discharged on account of disease contracted by exposure. He served as teamster in Washington.

Albert Klees, school-teacher and farmer, was born at Shelby, Richmond Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1853. His parents were Nicholas and Cecilia (Yetzen) Klees; father a native of Prussia; mother, of Switzerland, and came to this country in 1833, while the former came some years later. Both are deceased. When Mr. Klees was 16 years of age, he went to Atlantic, Iowa, where he clerked in his uncle's store. He afterward clerked in a store at Shelby, Ohio. In 1874 he entered Kline & Howland's Commercial Academy at Oberlin, O., from which he graduated Nov. 27, 1874. In April, 1877, Mr. K. came to Michigan, and located at Layton Corners, in this tp., opening a general store, in company with a Mr. Keeler. A year later Mr. K. bought his partner's interest, but soon after sold it to his former partner, and purchased 40 acres of timbered land on sec. 16, where he lived until 1880, when he bought 20 acres on the same section, where he now resides. In 1878 he was appointed P. M. of "the Corners," which position he still occupies. On Nov. 3, 1880, he took charge of the parochial school, and has taught the same up to the present time. He is now serving his fourth term as Tp. Clerk. Mr. Klees was married at Bucyrus, O., Nov. 6, 1874, to Maria Gase. They have 2 children—Ivo Albinus and Urban A. Mr. K. and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat.

Harrison Magoffin, farmer, was born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1840. He is the second son of James H. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Magoffin; father born near Gettysburg, Pa., in 1808; mother born in Pennsylvania; both of Scotch and Irish descent. Harrison enlisted at Columbus, O., in the Signal Corps U. S. A., attached to Gen. O. O. Howard, under Gen. Sherman, on March 15, 1864, and was discharged Aug. 22, 1865. He was married Oct. 27, 1869, to Laura T., daughter of Madison Bagley, who was born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1850. They have 2 children—Laura F., born in New York, Feb. 6, 1871, and Minnie M., born in Maple Grove tp., Nov. 18, 1880. Mrs. Magoffin is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. came to this tp. in 1872, and bought 40 acres of land, 17 of which he has improved. He is a Democrat in polities.

George Miner, farmer, was born in Medina county near Cleveland, O., Oct. 3, 1845. He is the second son of Joseph P. and Levina (Johnson) Miner; father a native of Massachusetts; mother of New York; both of English descent. George was educated in Ohio, and in 1872, bought 80 acres of land, where he now resides. He was married at Homerville, Medina Co., O., Aug. 11, 1868, to Isabella, daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth Miller, who was born at Cleveland, O., Aug. 11, 1849. Three children have been sent to bless this union—Joseph B., born in Medina Co., O., July 21, 1869; Amyette, born Oct. 21, 1874, and Mabel M., born Oct. 12, 1879. Mr. Miner believes in the principles of the Democratic party.

John Northwood.—This gentleman is one of the most prominent, energetic and enterprising citizens of Maple Grove tp., as well as one of its pioneers. The parents of John Northwood were William, who was born April 11, 1809, in Shropshire, England, and Mary, born in county of Norfolk, England, Aug. 29, 1806. This family located on sec. 35 in November, 1854. They were almost the first settlers in the tp. limits, and were the first family that permanently settled within the borders of what is now known as Maple Grove tp. Joseph Voith, a single man, and his father, had preceded them, however, some 10 days. William Northwood took up 160 acres of land and immediately erected a log shanty. 12x14, with a trough roof. Into this building he moved with his family of wife and 2 children. This land was in its virgin state and heavily timbered, and indeed the family were obliged to cut their road through four and one-half miles of forest and underbrush to reach their land on their first arrival. One hundred and twenty acres of this first 160 has been improved by John Northwood, and brought into a good state of cultivation. He has also added to his possessions, so that now he owns 280 acres of land, 170 being improved and subject to the plow.

John Northwood, the subject of this sketch, was born at Addle Hill, St. Paul's Parish, London, England, July 17, 1838; from the age of 4 to 11 years he attended the parish schools of the city of London. In 1849 his parents came from that city with their family and located at Wellington, Lorain Co., Ohio, where they remained for about one year, and then moved to New Hudson, Oakland Co., Mich.; but, not being satisfied with the new home, after about one year they went to Detroit, Mich. There they remained until 1854. During all this time John Northwood had been attending school whenever opportunity afforded, but soon after the family's arrival in Detroit, he, being in his 14th year and strong and hardy for his age, shipped as a cabin boy on board of the steamer "Ruby." This boat ran between Detroit, Port Huron and Goderich, Canada. He followed the lakes three years, and then came with his father's family when they located in Maple Grove tp.

Jan. 27, 1864, at Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., he was married to Miss Martha Packard, a native of Flushing, and daughter of Origen and Savillah (Hartsock) Packard, the former a native of New Hampshire and of English descent, and the latter from Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. At 19 years of age Mr. Northwood had the full charge of his father's family and endured all the hardships of a pioneer life, not only in cutting and cleaning up the forest, but in hundreds of other ways. He was obliged at different times to pack provisions on his back from Flushing, a distance of 10 miles, as he had no team. The country being sparsely settled with bad roads, etc., a team could hardly get through.

In 1861, the war of the Rebellion having broken out, Mr. North'wood entered the Union army as a private, enlisting in Co. C, 16th Mich. Vol. Inf. He served with this regiment up to and through the Peninsula campaign. He participated in the siege of Yorktown, battle of Hanover Court House, and the seven days' fight before Richmond. At Gaines' Mills, June 27,1862, he was wounded in both arms by minie-balls, losing his strong right arm. He fell into the hands of the enemy at Savage Station, Va., June 30, and was by them confined in Libby prison for 26 days, when he was exchanged. He then repaired to Philadelphia and entered a hospital, remaining until Aug. 18, 1862, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He immediately returned to Maple Grove tp., and resumed the management of the farm.

Mr. Northwood has always been a Republican, and has served his tp. in nearly all of its local offices. In 1863 he was elected Town Clerk, and the same year was appointed by the Provost Marshal of the 6th Congressional District, to the position of enrolling officer, with the rank of 2d Lieutenant. As such he enrolled the tps. of Maple Grove, Chesaning, Brady, Chapin, Brant, St. Charles and Fremont. Under this enrollment the apportionment of troops was made out to furnish men under the different calls of President Lincoln. In this capacity Mr. Northwood served until the close of the war. For the last 21 years Mr. Northwood has continuously held some office in the tp., among which have been Supervisor, Township Clerk, Justice of Peace, School Inspector and Constable. Mr. N. has also acted as Notary Public for the past 14 years. He has always taken a deep and earnest interest in the cause of education, using his means and influence in promoting the same, and has acted as School Director for the past 14 years, and continuously a school officer in his district since its organization in 1858. Although Mr. N. is not a member of any Church, he has always given liberally of his means to support the gospel.

Mr. Northwood and wife have a family of 2 children—named as follows: Mary S., born Dec. 20, 1864, and John W. (an adopted child and his nephew) born June 3, 1870. Mr. Northwood's mother resides with him, and although 75 years of age is still active and enjoying good health.

Mr. Northwood has the best-improved farm in the tp. He has a large two-story-and-ell frame house nicely painted, that cost cash at least $1,500, built in 1873. It is surrounded by neat out-houses, while the grounds are well kept and inclosed by a picket fence. In 1875 he erected a large and commodious stock and hay barn, equaled by none in the tp. The place is a most attractive one, and Mr. N. is surrounded with everything that is calculated to make a human being comfortable—with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. He is noted for his liberality toward those in needy circumstances: toward all that are worthy, he is ever ready to extend a helping hand. He is held in high esteem by all who know him, both at home and abroad. His portrait is given on page 877.

Thomas M. Parmelee, third son of Thomas J. and Chloe A. (Atwill) Parmelee, was born in Palmyra, Lenawee Co., Sept. 29, 1844. His parents were born in Rochester, N. Y., and of English descent. By occupation Thomas M. is a farmer. He was educated in the common school of Palmyra; came to Flint, Genesee Co., in 1858; remained but a short time there, and removed to Maple Grove the following year, and bought 60 acres of fine land on sec. 26. Mr. P. is one of the earliest settlers in Maple Grove and has done much for the improvement of the tp. He came here when the country was new and settled in the midst of a howling wilderness, and with the help of a very amiable and prudent wife he has now a fine farm, in a central location, under good cultivation, with fine buildings. He was married March 24, 1870, to Sarah M. Williams, daughter of William and Hannah A. Williams, who was born in Victory, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1849. Out of 4 children they still have 3, all born in Maple Grove—Emily I., July 4, 1871; Phoebe A., April 28, 1873; George M., April 23, 1878; Carrie A., April 3, 1874, and died Oct. 30, 1876. Mr. P. is a Republican, and has filled numerous tp. offices, among which are those of School Inspector four years and Constable 10 years.

George Rolfe, farmer, sec. 33, was born at Great Milton, Oxfordshire, Eng., Aug. 6. 1831. His parents are Edmund and Sarah (Clayton) Rolfe. Mr. Rolfe came to the United States in the spring of 1853, locating at Waterford, Oakland Co., Mich., and in 1855 in this tp. He took up 160 acres of land under the "graduation act." He was one of the first settlers of the tp., and suffered many privations in clearing up his land, and making improvements. At one time he was a week in hauling 900 feet of lumber from Flushing to his home. Mr. Rolfe is a Democrat, and a member of the Church of England. He was married March 16, 1863, to Martha, daughter of James V. and Nancy S. Judd. Of their 2 children, 1 is living—Lucy S., born Sept. 12, 1867. Mrs. Rolfe died March 30, 1875. He was again married, July 28, 1877, to Hattie H., daughter of Erastus K. and Maria Totham, who was born at Clay, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 14, 1853. They have 1 child—Ichabod, born April 23, 1878.

George Sholler, first son of Nicholas and Barbara (Oswald) Sholler, was born in Baden, Germany, June 3, 1833. He emigrated to Canada in 1852, and in 1859 to this tp., where he bought 60 acres of land. He had to cut a road five miles through the timber to his house, and for two years carried his provisions seven miles on his back. On Nov. 18, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Darling. He was disabled at Meriden Hill, by his horse throwing him, and was then transferred to the veteran corps, from which he was honorably discharged Nov. 13, 1865. He was married in Canada, April 25, 1855, to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Barnhart, who was born July 23, 1838. They have 9 children, all natives of Maple Grove tp.—Mary A., born Jan. 13, 1860; Rebecca, born Aug. 12, 1866; Sarah, born Jan. 20, 1868; Adeline, born Nov. 28, 1869; George, born Oct. 5, 1872; Isabella, born May 19, 1873; Laura, born Sept. 14, 1875; Clara E., born Oct. 19, 1877, and Lucy M., born Nov. 8, 1880.

Orin L. Slade, second son of John P. and Esther (Trask) Slade, was born at Pennfield, Ontario Co., N. Y. Aug. 20, 1819. He located in Montrose tp., Genesee Co., Mich., in 1855, where he purchased 110 acres of land, lying on the line between this and Genesee county. Mr. S. has worked at the carpenter's trade for 25 years, but is chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, now owning 80 acres of excellent farm land. He was elected Justice of the Peace for Montrose tp. in 1857, and has filled that position almost every year since. He was married March 9, 1843, to Phoebe, daughter of Joseph and Polly Pettyes, who was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1814. Two children have been given them—Franklin W., born in Erie Co., Pa., April 21, 1845, died in Genesee Co., Mich., July 17, 1867; and Charles M., who was born near Buffalo, N. Y., May 17, 1848. The latter was married in Maple Grove tp., May 11, 1869. to Roxanna, daughter of Ephraim and Lenora Hoskins. They have 4 children, all born in Genesee Co., Mich.—Eva May, born May 17, 1872; Ephraim L., born Jan. 8, 1874; Ernest M., born April 7, 1876; and Amy, born Feb. 10, 1878. Mr. Slade and his father, Orin L., own 140 acres of land in Montrose tp., Genesee Co.. and 80 acres in Maple Grove tp., Saginaw Co. Charles M. has been Constable three years and was Deputy Sheriff two years. He is a Republican and a Free Mason.

Abram Smith, second son of David and Martha (Cable) Smith, was born at Worcester, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1811. His father and mother were born at Norwalk, Conn., and are of English descent. Mr. S. learned the wagon-maker's trade, and worked at it for 20 years in Madison Co., N. Y. He was married at Madison, N. Y., to Sarah A. Blakeslee, who was born at New York city in March, 1838. They have 4 children, all natives of Madison, N. Y.—Maria, Jared B., Elvira D. and Martha. He went to Saline, Washtenaw Co., Mich.. in October, 1846, and remained there six years. He came to Maple Grove in 1857. He was one of the earliest settlers in the tp., and endured a great many hardships and privations during his early pioneer life. He now owns a fine residence and 80 acres of land, situated on the northwest quarter of sec. 30. On locating here, himself and son (then a small boy nine years of age) cleared 45 acres. He had 2 sons in the army of the Rebellion, 1 of whom died in Smithville Hospital Feb. 22, 1864. His wife died in September, 1870, and he was married again the following year, to Julia Henderson. They have 1 child, born in Maple Grove tp., Nov. 30, 1872.

Hiram Tozer, who owns 40 acres of good farm land, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1827; parents were David and Annie (Trask) Tozer, the former a native of Keene Co., N. H., of French descent, the latter of Welsh and English descent; subject of sketch was a blacksmith for 30 years; in 1855 located at Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., and in 1859 in Maple Grove tp., where he bought a farm of 100 acres. On Jan. 1, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 14th Mich. Cav., under Capt. Gage, of Saginaw, and was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain by a shell; was discharged July 18, 1865; was married July 4, 1847, to Mrs. Rebecca Lonnen, a daughter of F. Orvin; 2 children given them—Hiram D., born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1850, and Harvey, born March 27, 1854.

Philander Tozer, son of David and Annie (Trask) Tozer, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1833. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of New York; subject of sketch was a shoe and harness-maker for six years, since which he has been a farmer; on Sept. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Mich. Cav., under Capt. E. H. Darling; was taken prisoner July 6, 1863, and paroled after one month; was twice wounded, once in the back of the neck, and was discharged Aug. 10, 1865; was married Sept. 2, 1862, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Thomas and Annie Hough, of Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich.; 3 children were given them—Annie, born in Maple Grove tp., Sept. 17, 1867; John B., born Dec. 5, 1870; and Thomas, born April 27, 1872; wife died and was again married Nov. 19, 1876, to Adeline, daughter of Roswell and Calista Hoskins; of their 2 children, 1 is living, Grace A., who was born in Maple Grove tp., Oct. 17, 1877.

Joseph Voith, the pioneer settler of Maple Grove tp., and the second son of Undine and Walbuga (Nast) Voith, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 10, 1832. He received only a limited education, and in 1852 accompanied his parents to the United States, locating near Winchester, Ind. Mr. Voith has always been a farmer with the exception of a few months engaged in copper mining at Eagle Harbor, in the Lake Superior region. His parents gave him $400, and he arrived in Maple Grove tp., Oct. 22, 1864, with $300 in pocket. He purchased 160 acres of land at 18½ cents per acre, 60 acres of which he has improved; and it is now valued at $4,000. He built a small log hut in the timber, and for 13 years lived alone, having never been married. He was the first permanent white settler in the tp., and was forced to cut a road six miles in length through the timber and swamps to get access to civilization. On Feb. 24, 1865, he enlisted in Co. D, 6th Reg. Mich. Heavy Artillery, under Capt. C. W. Stone. He was discharged at New Orleans, La., Aug. 20, 1865, and returned to his cabin in the timber in Maple Grove tp. His nephew, Frank Voith, has lived with him for several years past. He was born in Houghton Co., Mich., and is a son of John and Frederica (Fleger) Voith. He received his education in the common schools of Maple Grove tp. and Hazelton. He was reared on a farm, but has also learned the carpenter's trade and worked on railroad bridges.

Mr. Joseph Voith has improved three farms from the stump, 60 acres on his own, 25 acres on George Henege's places, and 40 acres on Jacob Henege's place. Mr. Voith is independent in politics, and believes in voting for the best men. He voted for Fremont and also for LincoIn, for President, but now rather favors the Democratic party. Mr. Voith has served his tp. in various offices, among which was Justice of the Peace, Constable, etc. Mr. Voith is a member of the Catholic Church; and helped to build the church edifice in Maple Grove, and when finished, bought and presented a fine church bell to the congregation.

When Mr. Voith first came here there were a good many Indians, while bears, deer, wolves and other game were very abundant, and game was about the only fresh meat he had. He killed 10 bucks during the first year, but never killed a doe, although he had many opportunities. The mosquitoes were very numerous, and he describes them as being so thick as to be like clouds. Mr. V. is a very quiet, industrious, strictly honest and neighborly man, possessing those qualities that are calculated to make friends with all classes. He speaks of the Indians as being honest in their dealings and not guilty of theft, as has been attributed to them. In an early day it was almost impossible to plant except on the knolls, water covering the ground until the first of June.

John Wolfe, son of Jacob and Polly (Leatherman) Wolfe, was born in Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1828. His father was born at Northumberland, Pa., Jan. 17. 1.803, and his mother at same place, Nov. 20, 1805, both of German descent. He received his education in his native place, and came to Bay City, Saginaw Co.. Mich., in the spring of 1854. He was married at Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., June 29, 1852, to Mary, daughter of Joseph and Angeline Boquett, who was born in Canada, near Montreal. They have 7 children—Mortimer M., Jerome A., Henry J., Della B., Marion C., Clarence and Ray H. Mr. Wolfe came to Maple Grove tp. in April, 1868, and bought 80 acres of land on sec. 30. He sold that and afterward purchased 80 acres on the southeast quarter of sec. 29. In politics he is a Democrat.

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 865-884.

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