Jackson County Michigan History & Genealogy

Tompkins Township
History

From "The History of Jackson County, Michigan"

    When Tompkins was set off as a separate township, some of the townsmen wished to name it after David Adams, but he modestly fell in with the suggestions of Col. R. II. Anderson, to have it named after Hon. Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, of whom he was a great admirer. David Adams built the first farm barn in the township. He was buried March 1, 1879, in the quiet little graveyard that he had helped to purchase and beautify. After his long and useful life of 79 years and six months, he passed peacefully away, leaving his wife, two sons—G. P. and W. H. Adams— two daughters—Mrs. Gr. J. Townley and Mrs. J. Pope—also 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, to mourn him. His death was the first in the family for over 47 years.
    Richard Townley, in his historical sketch, states that the first settler in Tompkins township was Nicholas Townley, who was born in Pennsylvania, and moved to Tompkins County, N. Y., with his father's family, at the age of four years. He entered land in Tompkins township in September, 1834. This was on sections 19 and 30, upon which the first ground was broken the same fall, and a log house was erected, the first in the township. Jan. 5, 1835, Mr. Townley prepared to go back East, for the purpose of bringing his family to their home in the then far West. His son Edward had come with him to Tompkins, and it was decided that he should remain behind while his father was absent on his journey. The latter, on the date mentioned, placed a double harness on one of his horses; and saddling and mounting the other, bade his boy good-bye, and started on his four-weeks trip for Tompkins County in the Empire State. He went by way of Canada, and, encountering snow in that province, paused in his journey long enough to construct a jumper, in which he rode across the line to near Rochester, New York, where he left it, and again mounting his horse rode the rest of the distance on horseback, arriving at his destination about Feb. 5. As his son Anson was in business there, it was finally thought best to not remove the family at that time, and April 8, 1835, Mr. Townley, accompanied by his son Richard, the present county treasurer, and at that time 13 years of age, set out on his return with a wagon containing some articles of household furniture, provisions, etc., and on the last day of April they reached the farm in Tompkins, having made the journey by way of Ohio. The remainder of the family, consisting of Mrs. Townley and five children, came in June. A piece of land on section 21 was entered prior to 1834, but none of it was improved until two years later, when some 10 acres were broken.
    The next settler was Gardner G. Gould, who came with his family from Parma, and took up his residence on section 4, where he lived until his death, some three or four years ago. Mr. Gould was a good and respected citizen, and was for several years Supervisor of the town. His widow is still living, as are also a large family of children. In September, 1835, David Adams, of Lyons, New York, visited the township and located 360 acres of land, upon which he settled with his family in the spring of 1836.
    In October, 1835, Auren Lyon and wife, the third family to arrive, came in and settled on section 17, on the old Clinton road, on the farm now owned by Edward W. Forel. The same fall Joseph Wade and James Davenport entered land from the Gov. eminent, upon which they settled.   In 1836 there was quite an influx of settlers, among whom were Robert II. Anderson, Silas Pomeroy, Loring Sherman, James A. Nichols, Simeon Edson, Eben Dorr and many others. The pioneers were industrious and thrifty, and had plenty to eat, although at times of the plainest description. Occasionally, families would be compelled to subsist upon potatoes and milk, but usually venison could be obtained of the Indians, who, in those days, roamed at will over all sections of the State.
The first child born in Tompkins was a girl in the family of Rev. Marcus Harrison, but the little new-comer survived but a short time. The oldest native-born child in the township now living is Ellen L., daughter of Nicholas Townley, who first saw the light in June, 1836, being the second child born in the district.
    The first school was taught by Miss Mary Hurlburt, the present wife of Anson Townley, Register of Deeds of this county. This school was taught in a small log school-house, on the land owned by James Davenport, on section 19.
    In June, 1837, a terrible event occurred about half a mile from this school-house, the particulars of which are as follows: A man named Mason, who had been in the neighborhood a year or more and had a large family, was complained of to the authorities for abusing his wife. A constable was deputized to arrest him, and he was taken before Squire Adams, a justice of the peace, on Sunday afternoon, and not wishing to proceed with the examination on that day, the prisoner was allowed to go on his own recognizance, he promising to appear next day for trial. That night Mason put a handful of powder into a musket, and charged it with bullets, which he dug from a tree that had been used as a target by some of the settlers. He then left his weapon at the foot of his bed, and rising early the next morning, took the gun and, going out into a grove of trees a short distance back of the house, placed the muzzle of the gun against his heart and then discharged it with a stick. A hole was blown through his body large enough to admit a man's arm. This was the first death of a grown person in the township. Coroner Whipple, of Sandstone, summoned a jury, a verdict was rendered in accordance with the facts, and the suicide was buried in a grave dug near where he perished by his own hand.
    The first religious service held in the township was conducted by Rev. Mr. Parks, a Congregational or Presbyterian minister, living in Sandstone, and was held at the house of Nicholas Townley, some time in the summer of 1835. The congregation was composed of the neighbors in Sandstone and the nine members of Mr. Townley's family. Soon after, the Rev. Marcus Harrison held divine service regularly in the house of Mr. Townley. The first religious service held in the east part of the town was at the house of Robert H. Anderson, on section 24.
    The first township election was held at the house of Joseph Wade on the first Monday of April, 1838. At this election Nicholas Townley was elected supervisor, James Davenport town clerk, Jesse Ferguson treasurer and collector. Mr. Townley was again elected the following year when the county commissioner system came into vogue, and for three years acted as county commissioner. Up to the spring of 1838 Tompkins was a part of Sandstone Township. In that year the town was organized, by act of the Legislature, approved March 6, 183S, and it is proper to add that the township of Tompkins took its name from Daniel D. Tompkins, a former Governor and distinguished citizen of the Empire State. The name was proposed by Robert H. Anderson, then a citizen of the town, but now a citizen of the town of Rives. Mr. Anderson, Anson Townley and Jesse Ferguson are the only persons now living who were present at the meeting held to recommend the organization of the town and give it a name.
Such are a few of the facts connected with the very early pioneer history of this township.
    Of those who may be properly claimed among the pioneer settlers of Tompkins in addition to those already mentioned are; Marcus P. Wade, Willis S. Wade and family, John C. Southworth and wife, Thomas Godfrey and wife, Richard Lord and family, Silas Pomeroy and family, Apollos Lincoln and family, Daniel and John Smith, Warren Sanborn, George W. Rhea, John E. Brown, Jotham Wood, George Wood, Joseph C. Wood, James Churter, Asahel Bryant, and others who settled on new farms.
    From this begininng Tompkins has steadily increased in prosperity, thrift, and population until the present time. From a single family of nine persons, its population, in less than half a century, has grown to probably not less than one thousand four hundred persons, who have the advantage of schools, are blessed with church privileges, and have pleasant and comfortable homes. The wilderness there has been made to blossom as the rose, and enjoyments are realized year after year by the descendants of the early pioneers.
    Tompkins Lodge, No. 193. I. 0. 0. F., located at Tompkins Center, was organized July 25, 1872. The following were charter members: Samuel Western, Robert Godfrey, William Hetfield. The first officers were: Rodney Simmons, N. G.; William H. Western, Y. G.; George W. Barnes, Sec.; Marcus P. Wade, Treas. The present membership is 25; present officers—Ewing French, N. G.; Eber Simmons, V. G.; Robert Cox, Sec.; Lee Botsford, Rec. Sec.; Lewis Barson, Treas.; Marcus P. Wade, Chaplain. The lodge is in a prosperous condition for the number, having only lost one member. The hall is used by the Odd Fellows and Masons jointly, and is used for lodge purposes only.

PERSONAL SKETCHES

Brief biographies of pioneers and other prominent citizens of Tompkins township constitute an essential feature of its history, and accordingly we publish them in this connection:

    George W. BARNS was born in Galen, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 15, 1822; is the oldest child of John and Mary Barns; the father was a native of New York; mother of Ireland, and came to America when she was three years old; father died in New York, in 1873, and the motHer in 1871. George W. left his native county, came to Michigan and settled in this township on his present farm in section 8, in 1863. He has been married twice, the first time to Miss Martha Ann Rhea, March 8, 1855, who died July 24, 1809. The second time he was married to Mary S. Cook, March 1, 1871, daughter of Peter and Abigail (Holben), and was born in West Fayette, Seneca County, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1840; she came to this township in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Barns are the parents of 1 child—Anna E., born March 14, 1872. Mr. Barns is a member of Lodge No. 152 of I. O. 0. F., at Onondaga. In politics he is an uncompromising Republican.

    Charles BISHOP was born in the city of Bristol, England, June 22, 1813; is the fourth son of James and Elizabeth Bishop; he emigrated to America in 1847, and settled in the State of New York; about the year 1850, made his first land purchase of a farm in Oswego County; three years later came to Michigan and settled at Kinneville, Ingham County, and in 1862 settled in this township. Oct. 18, 1852, Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Hannah D. Hutchings, of Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y., daughter of John and Abigail Hutchings, and was born in that county July 2, 1812. Mr. Bishop's parents never left their native country, and Mrs. Bishop's parents also died in their old home. Mr. Bishop is an ardent Republican; enlisted in the army in 1861 and served till he was discharged for sability.

    Joseph B. CHRISTIE was born in Hillsboro, Oneida Co., N. Y. Jan. 17, 1845, is the second son and fifth child of James and Mary Ann Christie, father native of New York City, and the mother, of Ireland; they were married in New York and came to Oakland county, Mich., about the year 1847, and in 1849 settled in this township. Joseph B. was married to Miss Martha Jane Darling, Dec. 25, 1867, daughter of Lewis and Jane Darling, and was born in Concord, this county, May 10, 1849; her father was a native of Vermont, and her mother of New York; the latter died in this county in 1868, and the former in 1876; Mrs. Mary Ann Christie died in June, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Christie have had 6 children—Horace E., Mary J., Homer J. (deceased), Adelbert S., Kate E. (deceased), and Wheeler L. (deceased). Mr. Christie is in sympathy with the late Greenback movement; he has 270 acres in sections 14 and 11, and his farm is one of the best improved in the township.

    Samuel W. CHRISTIE was born in Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 27, 1847, and was brought to this State in his infancy by his parents, who first settled in Oakland county and afterward in this county. He was married to Miss Helen Robinson March 10, 1872, the daughter of William and Maria Robinson, who is a native of Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y.; was born April 19, 1850; her parents are natives of the same place and have never moved from the place of their nativity. Mr. and Mrs. Christie are the parents of 2 daughters and 2 sons—Ruby E., Edith M., Clarence W. and Joseph R. In politics Mr. Christie is a Greenbacker. He has 180 acres of land in his farm, and 100 of it was taken from the original tract his father entered from the Government; the latter is now a resident of Homer, Calhoun Co.

    A. M. COOK was born in this township, Jan. 5, 1844, the eldest child of John M. and Amanda M. Cook, who settled in this township about 1842, and were natives of New York; the father died in this county in 1865; the mother resides at Leslie, Ingham Co., this State. Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Jennie E. Cockburn Oct. 22, 1866, daughter of William and Margaret J. Cockburn, and was born Jan. 17. 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of 4 children—John N., Charles Y., Mabel and Borden D. In politics Mr. Cook identifies himself with the Greenback party; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is Justice of the Peace at the present time. Wm. Cockburn died in this county May 19, 1858.

    Francis DACK is a native of England, and was born March 8, 1836; he came to this country with his parents, James and Mary Ann Dack, in the year 1841, and settled in Brighton, Monroe Co., N. Y.; both parents died in that county; the mother Nov. 14, 1864; the father Feb. 14, 1877. Francis came to Michigan, and settled on his present farm in this township in 1861. He was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hopcraft, April 1, 1863, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Hopcraft, natives of England; was born May 6, 1845. Her father died in 1861, in this township; mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Dack are the parents of 7 children—Caroline F., Mary Ann, William, Elizabeth O, Adeline, Eveline and Francis E. In politics Mr. Dack supports the Greenback party; was formerly a Democrat. He has 290 acres of land in sections 8 and 9, with good improvements, all of which he has made himself; they are supporters of the Methodist Church and faith.

    Samuel W. EARLL is the third son and fifth child of Peter and Elsie Earll, natives of New York, who came to Michigan, and settled in Ingham county in 1839. He was born in New York, Aug 15, 1825, and came with his parents to this State; remained in Ingham County until 1850, when he moved to this township, and settled on section 4, his present farm, which now contains 136 acres. He was married to Mrs. Nancy Earll, widow of Levi Earll, April 19, 1853. She was the daughter of Robert and Annie Montgomery, natives of Ireland, and was born in Bennington, N. Y., March 13, 1821; came to Michigan in 1838; returned to New York in two years; came back and settled permanently in Michigan in 1817. Her parents settled in Onondaga, Ingham Co., Mich., in 1849, and died in 1863. Mr. Earll's parents also died in this same county; mother about 1861, and father in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Earll have had 2 children—Annie Jane, married Adelbert M. Cook; Mary Alsie is living with her parents. In politics Mr. Earll is identified with the Republican party.

    John S. FIFIELD (deceased) was born in Salisbury, Merrimac Co., N. H., Sept. 9, 1805, the son of Enoch and Abigail Fifield, natives of New Hampshire. The family came to this State as early as 1833 and settled in Blackman township, this county, where the father died in the spring of 1853 and the mother in the winter of 1851. John S. was twice married; the first time to Miss Mary A. Pease, Nov. 9, 1834, daughter of Lyman and Frances Pease, and a native of Massachusetts; came to this county not long before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. F. were the parents of 5 children—George B., James S., Dorothy A., Jerome E. and Mary A., all deceased. Mrs. Fifield died Nov. 20, 1848, and Oct. 9, 1849, Mr. F. married Miss Rhoda Pope, daughter of Henry and Rhoda Pope, who was born in Galen, Wayne Co., N. Y., Feb. 24,1820. Her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother of New York. They came to Michigan and settled in Springport, Jackson Co., in 1838, where the father died in 1852 and the mother in the spring of 1847. By the second marriage 7 children have been born—Ruana M., Maryland C, John S., Charles S., Henry W., Libbie and Etta J.; Charles S., Henry W. and Libbie are deceased. Mr. Fifield died Feb. 23, 1872. In the earlier part of his business life he was engaged in the lumber trade; later he gave his attention to farming. Mrs. Fifield is a member of the M. E. Church, as also was Mr. F. many years before his death. He was present and helped to effect the organization of the Republican party in Jackson, and was a zealous worker in the Republican cause. He came with his family to this township in 1855, when he purchased the farm on section 19, where his widow yet resides.

    Clark FOOTE was born in Middlebury, Addison Co., Vt., Dec. 16, 1791; was the oldest child of Freeman and Silence Foote, natives of Massachusetts, who were the parents of 5 children—2 sons and 3 daughters, all born in Vermont. Clark, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Harriet Boardman Sept. 18, 1818. She was a native of Middlebury, Vt., and born April 26, 1797, daughter of Joel and Esther Boardman. Mr. and Mrs. Foote have had 7 children—Horace   B., married Delia Havens; Henry C.; Wallace T., married Hilah E. Foote; Harriet D., wife of Lewis L. Leggett; Helen C, wife of Norman W. Boardman; Harriet S. (deceased), and Charles H., married Mary T. Smith. They were all born in Middlebury, Vt. Mr. Foote emigrated from his native township in the spring of 1845 and settled on land in this township, which he had purchased from the Government 10 years previous, and here he has lived ever since, now in his 90th year; his wife is in her 84th year. Both are orthodox in their religious belief; had been members of the Congregational Church about 15 years when they emigrated West; since that time they have been in fellowship with the Wesleyan Methodists.   Mr. Foote has been a Republican since the dissolution of the Whig party; has never missed but one Presidential vote since he reached his majority, and then he was absent from the State.

    Horace B. FOOTE was born in Middlebury, Addison Co., Vt., June 21, 1819. He left his native State and came to Michigan in the autumn of 1836 and settled at Niles, where he engaged as a clerk in a store two years, then returned to his native State and entered upon the same business. He then went to the State of New York, where he was employed as bookkeeper and paymaster for an iron-mining company, in which business he continued for several years, then returned to Michigan in 1843, and settled in this township. The year following he made his first land purchase of his father, a lot he had bought with several others from the Government more than a decade previous. A year later he purchased another lot of his uncle's, which was from his father's original tract, and is the lot on which his present home is built. Another highly important event in the life of Mr. Foote was his marriage with Miss Delia M. Havens, Nov. 11, 1847, who was born in Clinton county, N. Y., May 13, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Foote have had 7children, viz.: Albert H., Caroline F., Henry W., Harriet E., John C, Charles H. and Katie E. Albert H. married Georgiana Jackson, now deceased. Caroline F. is the wife of Frank D. Hyde; Henry W. married Etna Green; Harriet E. (deceased) was the wife of Riley C. Rhines; John C. married Kate M. Wenman; Charles H. and Kate E. are yet at the paternal home. Mr. Foote and wife are members of the M. E. Church; in politics Mr. Foot is a stalwart Republican, and was present at Jackson when the party was organized. The house in which he lives has been built about a third of a century, and is the oldest frame house in his neighborhood; he has held, at different times, positions of public trust, but has never been ambitious for political preferment.

    Thomas GILKES was born in Oxfordshire, England, May 9, 1832; is the second son of Nehemiah and Hannah Gilkes. The family came to America and settled in Livingston County, Mich., in 1836. Mr. Gilkes has one brother and two sisters living in Michigan; one sister, Mrs. Hannah Mann, lives in this township. He married Miss Miriam E. Britton, Nov. 16, 1854, who was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., Dec. 18, 1834, and was the daughter of Claudius and Sarah Britton; father was a native of Vermont and mother of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Gilkes are the parents of 4 children, viz.: FloraE., born Sept. 23, 1855, wife of H. S. Pulver; Ethel M., born April 14, 1857, wife of W. D. Losey; Claudia M., born May 29, 1871, and T. Britton, born April 24, 1877. Mr. Gilkes settled in this township in 1868. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church and was a delegate from the conference of the West Michigan District to the convention in Baltimore in 1877, for the purpose of effecting a union of the Churches North and South, which had been long divided on the question of slavery; the cause being removed, the union was there effected. Mr. G. is a Democrat in polities; is a thorough temperance man and cast his first vote for the Maine liquor law in this State.

    Oliver G. GOOLD, one of the first settlers of this township, was a native of Connecticut; came to this county from Orleans county, N. Y., in the year 1834, and settled in what is now Parma Township; he then moved in September, 1835, to this township and lived here till his death, which took place Feb. 24, 1875. He was born Aug. 29, 1801; was married to Miss Sarah Booth, Jan. 9, 1825, who was born in Williamson, New York, April 26, 1808. Mr. Goold bought 296 acres of land in this township, on which he settled and made a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Goold are the parents of the following named children: Harriet Emily (deceased) was the wife of George G. Goold; Oliver G, now living on the old homestead, married Rosiana Jenna (deceased); G. G. Goold married Roan Banister; Lucas D., married Frances Helen Dwight; Sarah Jane, married Delos Collins; Susan Maria (deceased); Charles Homer, killed at the battle of Mission Ridge Walter W., died in the service in 1863; John Quincy, married Rosa A. Bryan; Dewitt H, married Basha E. Wilcox, and Josephine P. (deceased). Mr. Goold was not a member of any Church, but was a strictly moral man. Mrs. Goold has been a member of the M. E. Church half a century. Mr. Goold was a Whig in the life-time of that party and joined the Republican party at its birth. He served his township in the capacity of Supervisor several terms.

    George G. GOOLD is the third son of Henry L. and Harriet Goold, and was born in Carlton, Orleans Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1818. He emigrated West and settled in this county in the year 1838; was here about five years before he made a purchase of any land; then bought 50 acres in section 4 of this township, the site of his present home; commenced at once to make improvements, and has since bought 100 acres, which is in section 8. Mr. Goold was married to Miss Emily H. Goold, of this township, July 4, 1843; she was the eldest daughter of Gardner G. Goold, and was born in Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y, Sept. 14, 1825, and died in this township Jan. 13, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Goold had 8 children, as follows: Harriet Adelaide, Mary Rosetta, married I. H. Weatherwax, and Sarah Maria, (deceased), Burr (deceased), Gurdin L., married Amelia C. Krausse; Walter E.; Harry C. (deceased), and Clarence A. (deceased). In politics, Mr. Goold is a Republican; was formerly a Whig.

    George HAYWARD was born in Wiltshire, England, May 12,1827, and is the oldest child of Jasper and Martha Hayward. He left his native land and came to America in 1850, and settled in New Jersey, where he remained about three years; from there he went to the State of New York; staid a little over four years, and then returned to New Jersey; remained there till the spring of 1864, when he again left and emigrated to this State and settled in this county; has been a resident here ever since, living on section 10. His only sister lives at South Haven, Mich.; they came to America together, their father having died when they were children. In politics, Mr. Hayward has been a life-long Democrat.

    James HOPCRAFT is a native of England, and came to America with his parents in the spring of 1856. They settled in Rochester, N. Y., and stayed there one year, then moved to Michigan, and settled in this township in April, 1857. James is the third child. His father, Thomas, died in this township July 19, 1861; his mother, now 68 years of age, is living on a farm adjoining her son's farm; she is a native of England. James lived with his mother until March 18, 1877, when he was married to Effie M. Hazelton, of this township; she is the daughter of James and Sarah Hazelton, and was born in Onondaga, Ingham Co., this State, Feb. 7,1857; 1 child, Clarence C, has blessed their home. Mr. H.was formerly a Democrat, but is now interested in the Greenback movement. He is at present located on section 4.

    Thomas KIRBY was born in Winthorp, Nottinghamshire, Eng., Nov. 28, 1833, the second son of James and Jane Kirkby, who were natives of England, and died in their native land. Thomas, with two brothers, John and Lewis, left England and came to America in the spring of 1854, stopped in the East a few weeks, came to Michigan, and settled in Sharon, Washtenaw Co., where Thomas remained about six years, then sold to his brother John and came to Grass Lake, this county, where he stopped about one year; he moved to Columbia from Grass Lake, where he engaged in farming and lived there about three years; then moved to Liberty Township, where he bought 160 acres of land; farmed that about two years, sold out and came to this township; rented a farm three years, then bought the farm on which he now resides in section 16. He was married to Miss Mary J. Towers, Aug. 24, 1862, at Columbia; she was born in Knipton, Leicestershire, England, Aug. 5, 1837, daughter of James and Alice Towers, who came to this country with their parents in 1849, and settled in Canastota, Madison Co., N. Y. In 1852 she came to Michigan with her parents and settled in Columbia, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkby have 1 child—Cora D., born Feb. 8, 1866. Mrs. K. is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. K. is a brother in the Tompkins Lodge of A. F. & A. M., No. 326. In politics, he is a Green-backer.

    Michael S. LOSEY was born June 26, 1818, in Sparta, Steuben Co., N. Y.; is the third son of John and Charlotte Losey, natives of New Jersey; the mother died in New York and the father emigrated to Michigan in 1840, and settled in this township, where he died about the year 1855. The family consisted of 9 children, 8 of whom settled in Jackson county, the other settled in Kent county; all are living—the eldest being in her 75th year, and the youngest in her 57th year. Michael left his native State, came to Michigan and settled in Ingham county in 1840; lived there about six years and then came to this township, and located on section 35; lived there nearly 19 years, when he bought 160 acres on section 36, moved up on it, and has remained there ever since, adding 80 acres to his original purchase. Mr. Losey has been twice married, the first time in 1840, to Miss Hannah Bradford, a daughter of William and Concurrence Bradford, born in New York Oct. 6, 1818, and died Nov. 5,1858; their children were: Lucretia A., Concurrence M., Hannah L., Amos E. (deceased), Wilson D., John C. (deceased), and Ligurius. Mr. Losey was married the second time to Mary L. Thompson, April 3, 1859, daughter of Dennis and Esther Thompson, natives of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Losey are the parents of Jennie F. and Edith C., both living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Losey are Seventh-Day Adventists, and Mr. Losey was originally a Whig, but is now a Republican.

    Mrs. Hannah MANN was born in Marion Township, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 6, 1841, the daughter of Nehemiah and Hannah Gilkes, natives of England. Dec. 19, 1862, she was married to Albert A. Mann, who was born in Otsego County, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1836, and died in this township Nov. 7, 1876. They had 5 children: Ardella, now the wife of John F. Losey, of this township; Burt L., Lois L, Milo G. and Albert A. Mr. Mann was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, also Mrs. Mann. He was identified with the Democratic party in his life-time, and belonged to the Masonic fraternity. Both were firm in all that pertains to the principles of temperance. Mrs. Mann's parents died in Livingston County, this State—the mother in 1847 and the father in 1875. Mrs. Ardella Losey and Burt L. Mann are members of the same Church with their mother.

    Chester POMEROY was born in Bloomfield, Livingston Co., N. Y., April 18, 1821; the youngest son of Silas and Hannah Pomeroy, the father a native of Massachusetts, and the mother of New York State. They left New York and came to Michigan in the spring of 1837, and settled in this township, where they lived on section 35 till death called them away. The mother died March 18, 1864, aged 71; the father died Feb. 21, 1880, aged 88; he was a minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Church; Mrs. P. was a member of the same Church. Chester, the subject of this sketch, learned the printer's trade at the age of 12, in Westfield, N. Y., and went into a printing office in Jackson the year the family emigrated to this State; the paper published in that office was the Jacksonburgh Sentinel, edited by Nicholas Sullivan. Mr. Pomeroy worked on different papers in Jackson about 15 years, the Jacksonburgh Sentinel Michigan Democrat, Michigan Freeman, Michigan Farmer, the Jackson Patriot and the Jackson Citizen. Mr. Pomeroy was joined in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Weed, Dec. 7, 1848, daughter of Calvin and Eliza M. Weed, and was born in Orangeville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1830; came to Michigan with her parents in 1843, and settled in this township, on section 36; her mother died March 20, 1864; her father Sept. 28, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. P. have 2 children—Ellen J., born Sept. 16, 1849, the wife of Mortimer E. Bartlett; B. A., born June 8, 1859, living with his parents; Mr. and Mrs. P. and children are all members of the Seventh-Day Advent Church. In politics Mr. Pomeroy is a Republican. His father was among the first Supervisors of this township, also one of its early physicians.

    Truman M. SANFORD, son of Truman and Silence Sanford, was born in Greenville, Greene Co.. N. Y., July 8, 1814; father and mother died in that place. He left his home and went to New York city at the age of 15, and engaged as a clerk in a store; a few years later he commenced trade for himself, which he followed until he came to Michigan, in 1851, when he purchased a farm on section 30, and commenced tilling the soil; in that honorable avocation he continued till the time of his death, which occurred in Springport, May, 1875, with the exception of four years in trade at Parma. Mr. Sanford was joined in marriage to Helen C. Snyder, Dec. 17, 1849; she was born Jan. 19, 1829, and was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Snyder, of New York City. They had 9 children—Mary, married Walter H. Chase; Frank M., married Minnie G. Townley; Lyman D., married Ida J. Wilcox; Seymour H., Helen C, Truman M., Cornelia H. (deceased), Edward B. and Harry T. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. was a Democrat. Mrs. Sanford's mother died in Springport, June 22,1871; her father is living, in the 76th year of his age.

    John C. SOUTHWORTH was born Nov. 18, 1812, in German Township, Chenango Co., N. Y., the oldest child of John and Nancy Southworth; father a native of New York, and died in his native State Oct. 23, 1853; mother a native of Connecticut and came to Michigan in 1854, and died in this township, April 21, 1877. John C. came to Michigan and settled in this township in the Fall of 1839. He was married in the State of New York, to Miss Ann Jenet Harris, May 4, 1837, who was born in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y, Aug. 16, 1816, and was the daughter of John B. and Sarah Harris; the former was a native of New Jersey but settled early in New York, and died in that State in 1832; his widow was born on Long Island and came to this county and settled in 1838; she died in this township, in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Southworth are the parents of 3 children— George C, born Aug. 30, 1843; Millard F., born Feb. 16, 1851; Ann Jenet, born July 29, 1856, and died Aug. 31, 1856. There were only about 30 families in this township when Mr. Southworth settled here. He was Postmaster here over 16 years; is a Democrat in his political faith and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has lived on the site of his present home about 40 years, where he and his family have experienced all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life.

    George A. STIMSON was born in Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y., March 19, 1820; the 12th child of John, and the 3d child of Sally, the second wife of John Stimson; father was a native of Massachusetts, and mother of Connecticut; her father, Increase Claflin, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and a soldier through the entire Revolution; two brothers of George A., Gilbert and Lovett, were soldiers in the war of 1812. The father died in Orleans County N.Y., in 1831; the mother, George and three of his brothers left New York, and came to Michigan and settled in Romeo, Lenawee Co., in the spring of 1838, where the mother died in 1851. George A., the subject of this biography, was married to Miss Marietta Stevens, March 27, 1846, the daughter of Levi and Anna Stevens, born in Sheldon, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1821; and came to Michigan with her parents and settled in Romeo, Lenawee Co., in 1836; was one of the pioneer teachers of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Stimson came to this county and settled in Jackson in 1849, where they remained about 17 years, Mr. Stimson working during that time at his trade, building and finishing houses. From Jackson they moved to Liberty township, where they settled on a farm, and after living there about seven years they moved to this township, their present home, on section 28. They have 1 son—Silas R., living with his parents; he married Maggie C. Snedeker, and they have 1 child— Mamie A. Mrs. Stimson's grandfathers, Caleb Stevens and Silas Rawson, were both Revolutionary soldiers. Mr. Stimson's family are all members of the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. Stimson was present at the organization of the Republican party at Jackson; was a Whig previous to that time, but enlisted under the Republican banner at that date, and has walked in that political faith ever since. Mrs. Stimson has a copy of Bunyan's Holy War, a book once belonging to her maternal grandfather. Mr. Stimson is a member of the Masonic brotherhood and belongs to Lodge No. 326, at Tompkins.

    Albert A. STORMS was born in Barry, Orleans Co., N. Y., April 2, 1831; is the third son and fourth child of Peter and Filura Storms, both born in Vermont; they left New York and came to Michigan in 1837, and settled in Columbia, Jackson Co. In 1865 Albert moved from Columbia to this township and settled on section 6, where he yet lives. His father died at this home in 1872, at the age of 77 years; the mother is living with Joseph Storms, a brother of Albert, in Hillsdale county, this State; she is over 80 years of age. Albert A. was married to Miss Ann E. Towers Jan. 27, 1856; she was the daughter of James and Alice Towers, and was born in Knipton, England, July 12, 1841, and came to America with her parents in 1849; they first settled in Madison County, N. Y. In 1851 Mrs. Storms came to Michigan, and settled in Columbia township. Mr. and Mrs. Storms have 3 children—Alice 0., born April 7, 1861; George V., born Nov. 20, 1868, and Frank B., born July 21, 1871. Mr. Storms is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 2, Onondaga. In politics he identifies himself with the Greenback party, was originally a Democrat.

    Joel SWAIN was born Jan. 12, 1821, in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., the eldest son of Aaron and Claramond Swain, the father a native of New York, and the mother of Vermont. They left the State of New York, and came to Michigan in October, 1828, and settled in Lodi, Washtenaw Co.; after living there about two years they moved to Pittsfield in the same county, where Mrs. Swain died in 1833. Mr. Swain married the second time in 1834, Miss Louisa Morgan, and the same year the family moved to Summit, this county, where Mr. Swain bought 160 acres of Government land; after improving and living there till 1840, he moved to this township, and settled on section 18. In 1853 he moved to Berrien county, where he died in 1874. Joel, the subject of this sketch, has lived in this county since 1834, and in this township since 1840. He made his first land purchase of 64 acres in sections 9 and 17 in 1844; in 1856 he settled on his present farm, which is in section 5. In October, 1850, he was married to Miss Deborah A. Sherman, daughter of Lowing and Hannah Sherman, who was born in Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y., Oct. 1, 1825, and came with her parents to Borneo, Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Swain have had 5 children—Harvey M., married Almira Hudson; Homer D., (deceased), Lee, Hattie A., and Cynthia E. Mr. Swain has been a member of the Masonic fraternity about 18 years; in politics he is a Democrat; has experienced all that is incidental to pioneer life.

    John T. TOWERS was born in Knipton, England, Oct. 6, 1835, eldest son and second child of James and Alice Towers, both born in England, and came to America in 1849 and settled at Canastota, Madison Co., N. Y.; in 1852 they left New York and came to Michigan and settled in Columbia, this county; his father died in that township Aug. 27, 1868; his mother is yet living in the 72d year of her age. John, the subject of this sketch, came to this township in 1858; remained one year; returned to Columbia, and the next year came back and settled permanently. Feb. 20, 1861, he was married to Miss Cynthia Sherman, the fifth child of Lowing and Hannah Sherman, and was born in Bern, Clinton Co., N. Y., April 1. 1832; her parents were natives of Vermont, and she came to this State with them in 1835; her father died in this township in 1860; her mother is yet living on the old homestead with her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Towers. They have had 3 children— Nora V, born Oct. 8, 1863; Lucy Isabelle, born Jan. 1, 1866; James F., born May 26, 1868. Mrs. Towers is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Towers is a member of the Blue Lodge at Onondaga, the Chapter at Eaton Rapids, the I. O. O. F. at Onondaga, and the A. O. U. W., Sanborn Lodge, No. 2, at Onondaga; has belonged to the Masonic fraternity about 19 years, and the Odd Fellows two years, and the United Workmen four years. In politics he is a Democrat, but affiliates at present with the Greenback party. Mr. Towers' father was a soldier in the war of 1812.

    Richard TOWNLEY is the third son and fourth child of Nicholas and Hannah Townley; his father was the first settler in this township; was born in Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Sept. 26, 1821; he came to this county with his father in April, 1835. When he reached his majority he purchased 40 acres of land in section 19; he has added 160 acres to the original 40, all in the same section except 40 acres, which is in section 30. He was united in marriage with Miss Louise Van Fossen, Nov. 12, 1843. She was a native of Livingston county, N. Y., and died Aug. 5, 1875, leaving 6 children— Victoria, Inez, Janet, Irving, Montgomery and Bertha; all are living except Inez. Mr. Townley was married to Miss Jane M. Perrine, of Rives Township, Feb. 27, 1877; she was a native of Seneca County, N. Y., and came to this county with her parents in her early girlhood days. Mr. Townley has been Supervisor of his township 11 successive years, and was then elected County Treasurer one term in 1878; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as were also his wives. He was a Whig in politics until the Republican party was organized; he is now identified with the Greenback party. He has been a life-long farmer and in that occupation has been successful; had no school advantages after he was 12 years of age; is practical, self-made and a thorough business man.

    Marcus P. WADE was born in Wayne County, N. Y., July 27, 1815; the second son and fourth child of Joseph and Rhoda (Rundie) Wade; came with his parents, brothers and sister to Michigan in 1834, and settled in Washtenaw County, where they lived till April, 1836; then moved to this county, and settled in this township. His father died July 18, 1846; his mother, Dec. 28, 1861. Marcus P. was married to Miss Nerrissa Cranson, Sept. 24, 1839, a native of Niagara County, N. Y., and born April 8, 1820. She died in this township April 13, 1847, leaving 2 children—Ellen L. and Nerrissa A. Ellen L. is the wife of Andrew Healey, and lives at Albion, this State; Nerrissa A. (deceased) was the wife of Erastus E. Thompson, and lived at East Saginaw at the time of her death. Mr. Wade was the second time married, Jan 4, 1848, to Miss Abigail C. Giles; they have a daughter and son—Mina E., now the wife of Theodore Weston, of Leroy, Ingham county, and Charlie A., living at the old homestead with his parents. The present Mrs. Wade was born in Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt., March 12, 1823; came to Michigan and settled with her parents, in Washtenaw County, in 1844. Mr. Wade has been a communicant in the M. E. Church over 40 years; his family are also members of the same church. He was a Whig until the Republican party was organized, when he joined its ranks, and from its principles and its doctrines, he has never swerved; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He is an adept at “story-telling;" is prudent and economical, but not in the least penurious. Mr. and Mrs. Wade have a strong love for traveling, and have visited numerous cities in the Eastern and Middle States and many in the West; are famous for the preservation of family relics. Mrs. Wade has an hour glass that has been in the Giles family over 250 years; has also in her possession a bed-quilt made by her grandmother, over 100 years ago, and they have a pair of pillow-cases made by Mr. Wade's mother, over 75 years ago.

    Benson J. WOOD was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., March 6, 1844, the youngest child of John and Harriet Wood, natives of New York; came with his parents to this county in the spring of 1868, where his father died Aug. 31, 1874. His mother is now living at his home at the age of 74 years. Mr. Wood married Miss Emily A. Whiteman, Nov. 30,1871. She was born in Hanover Township, this county, Dec. 28, 1845; her parents were born in Genesee County. N. Y., and came to this county about the year 1840; returned to N. Y. in 1850, where the mother died in 1861; the father is still a resident of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had 2 children—Frank C. and Mary E. Mr. Wood is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is a Republican; was census enumerater for this township in 1880.

    Calvin WOOD was born in Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y, March 7, 1811; is the sun of John and Sarah Wood, natives of the same State. He left his native State and came to Michigan in the spring of 1854 and settled in Rives Township, this county, on section 19; in 1868 he moved to section 13, this township. He learned the trade of stonemason, brick-laying and plastering at the age of 16, and followed it as a business 22 years; the remainder of his life he has been a farmer, giving his undivided attention to that vocation. In 1835, Jan 1, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Finch, the daughter of Lewis and Lucy Finch, born in Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 10, 1811. They have had 9 children—James S., married Sarah E. Smith; Mary (deceased), was the wife of T. P. Smith; John W., married Permelia Draper; Lewis F., died in 1862 in the service of his country; Albert, died in infancy; Henry K., married Susan E. Gray; Angeline (deceased); Helen (deceased); Morgan F., married Mary Hay. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church; they joined the M. E. Church about 50 years ago. Mr. Wood is a Republican and a radical temperance man. His father died in New York about the year 1815, and his mother in 1845.

    Henry L. WOODARD was born in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N.Y., June 2, 1832, the son of John R. and Permelia Woodard, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. John R. came to Michigan in 1835, and purchased 80 acres of Government land in Summit Township, section 34, this county. In 1836 the family left New York and came to Spring Arbor, where they remained about three years, then moved upon the land purchased in 1835; the father died in 1847; about a year and a half later the family returned to New York; Henry remained there about three years when he came back to this county and settled on the old homestead in Summit Township. He remained here till about the year 1859, when he changed his location to another part of the township; remained about two years and moved to section 27. In 1869 he sold his farm and was appointed keeper in the State's prison at Jackson, which position he held about four years when he settled again on a farm he had bought in this township, where he now lives. Mr. Woodard was married to Miss Marion E. Wheelock May 13, 1855; she was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 15,1836; was the daughter of Leonard F. and Elizabeth P. Wheelock, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. W. are the parents of 5 children: Carrie H., wife of Champ Green, born Oct. 10, 1858; Leonard E., born Sept. 22, 1861; Libbie M., born Jan. 29, 1863; Minnie E., born Oct. 29, 1864, died Aug. 19, 1865, and Harry L., born July 7, 1870. Mrs. W. is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Woodard is a Greenbacker. His mother is living in Champaign County, Ill., with her youngest son, Elnathan; she was born in 1812.

    Jotham WOOD was born in Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1819; was the third son and fourth child of Jotham and Anna Wood, natives of New Hampshire. The Wood family left New York and came to Michigan in the spring of 1831, and settled in what is now Blackmail Township, this county. Mr. Wood, the subject of this sketch, settled in this township, section 22, in the spring of 1843, and here he has resided ever since. He was married to Miss Leonora King, April 6, 1866; she is a native of Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y., and came to this township in July, 1853; this has been her home ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of 2 children—Nellie T. and Homer E. In their religious belief Mr. Wood is a Liberalist, and Mrs. Wood a Spiritualist. Mr. Wood is a Greenbacker in the strict sense of the term; was elected Supervisor of his township two years. His advantages in school were such as the average boy of his time enjoyed, school in the winter and work on the farm in summer. Mrs. Wood has a Bible that has been in her family 106 years; it was published in 1769.