Cass County, Michigan

Biographies

Biographies:

Caral MECHLING BENNETT

(e-mail: cmechlingb@aol.com)

Theobald MECHLING, arrived ship James Goodwill, at Philadelphia PA, in 1728. He married Anna Elizabeth LAUER d/o John Peter & Anna Margaretha. Theobald's log house continues as a residence, being built circa 1734. It is the hope of many family members, that the Homestead and some of the 211 acres may be returned to the MECHLING family. For more information on this, contact Caral M. BENNETT, as above.

More on Theobald, as well as a photo of this log house at the

Thomas H BOLES:

from "The History of St. Joseph County, Michigan" The Lewis Puiblish ing Co.

"But five years of age when his father died, Thomas H. Boles acquired his early education in the pioneer schools of his day, and as soon as physically able began to assist in the farm labors. At the age of fourteen years he assumed the entire management of the homestead, which at that date ha d only 20 acres cleared, although plenty of grain had been raised for the family use. Deer, Wild turkey, and other kinds of game were then abundant, supply ing the family larder with what these days would be called luxuries. Since that time, Mr. Boles has witnessed many wonderful transformations in the face of the country, the pathless forests having given way before the axe of the pioneer; the log cabins of the fathers being replaced by commodious frame houses; while the hamlets of early times have developed into thriving villages an d populous cities and towns. Succeeding in course of time to the ownership of the home farm, he has cleared the land, putting it in a high state of cultivat ion, and further enhanced its value by the erection of a good set of farm buil dings. Of recent years, with his son, he has become interested in tree planting , having set out several thousand forest trees of different varieties, including black walnut, catalpa, yellow locust, white oak, red oak, hickory, pine, willow, elm, ash, and white maple.

Mr. & Mrs. Boles have in their possession one of the old deeds executed under the hand and seal of President Van Buren, and dated September 10, 1838. They also have a fine collection of Indian arrow heads, about 55, all collected from their own farm. These are arranged in an attractive cabinet. The homestead of Mr. & Mrs. Boles is known as Forest Home.

!1870 Census Fabius Twp, St. Joseph Co., MI age 36
Real Estate valued at $5500.00, personal Property at $1300.00

Joshua BROWN

Joshua Brown, was a native of Southern Indiana, and when a young man came to Elkhart County as one of the first pioneers, and after his marriage located in Cleveland Township, where he bought land and cultivated it until 1847. Selling out, he then moved into Cass County, Michigan, where he acquired a tract of 300 acres and occupied it until his death when about seventy-three years of age. Joshua Brown married Mary Proctor, whose father, John Proctor, was also an early settler of Elkhart County.

William Joshua Brown, Joshua and Mary's son, was only an infant when his mother died and he was reared by his father and step-mother. His early life was spent as a farmer, and from March, 1865, to August of the same year he served with a Michigan regiment in the Civil War. After following farming for a time he acquired an outfit and began the drilling of wells and was in that work for a number of years. In 1885 he moved to Elkhart and is still living in that city, where for about fifteen years he kept a store, handling second-hand goods. On August 14, 1865, he married Eliza Clara Hilton, who was born in Union, Cass County, Michigan, December 17, 1844. Her father, Hiram Hilton, was one of the early settlers of Cass County, but in 1850 went out to California as a gold seeker, making the journey across the plains with teams and being several months en route. He started to return by way of the Isthmus, but died while on the way. Hiram Hilton married Ann Eliza Covey, who survived her husband many years and was three times married.

William and Eliza Brown had ten children who grew up, their names being Mary E., Clarence and Clara, twins, Aaron Cassius, William Orrin, James, Myrtle, Jennie, Lettie and John all born in Cass Co, Michigan.

Taken from the "HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY" supervised by Abraham E. Weaver, 1916. With additions by Cindy Kimes , 1998.

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John Clendenen, 1860-1933; History of Cass County Michigan pages 692-694

John Clendenen, who is engaged in farming in Silver Creek township, ownes and operates one hundred and ninety-five acres if land, and in connestion with the tilling og the soil carries on stock raising. He was born in the township where he yet resided, his natal day being December 22, 1860. His father, Oscar Clendenen, was a native of Virginia, born December 20, 1829, and came to Michigan as one of the early settlers of Cass county, arriving in 1848. He settled in Silver Creek township, where he carried on general farming and there his death occurred March 7, 1870, when he was about forty years of age. He was well known in the community, held a number of local offices and took and active and helpful part in the work of general improvement and development. In early manhood he wedded Miss Harriet Swisher, who was born February 28, 1839, in Ohio, in which state her girlhood days were passed. She camr with her parents to Michigan and is still living in this state. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: John, of this review; Frank; and Florence, who was born October 7, 1870, and died November 3, 1900.

John Clendenen was reared upon the old homesteas farm and was educated in the district schools. He has lived all of his life in Silver Creek township and remained at home up to the time of his marriage, which important event in hos life was celebrated in 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma Oyler, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Robinson) Oyler. The father, who was born December 25, 1827, died September 22, 1888, and the mother, born October 14, 1826, died March 3, 1886. Mrs Clendenen was born in Pokagon township, Cass county, and spent her girlhood days in her parents' home. Mr. Clendenen took his bride to the old farm homestead, where his entire life had been passed. He has always given his attention to general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-five acres of rich and productive land, on which he carries on general farming and also raises stock. Everything about his place is kept in good condition. The fields are well tilled, the buildings are in good repair and he uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. As a business man he is progressive and enterprising and his well directed labors are bringing him gratifying success.

Mr. Clendenen has always been deeply interested in matters pertaining to the general welfare and his fellow townsmen recognizing his loyalty to American institutions and his interest in local welfare have called him to various public offices. He served as clerk of his township for two years, was a treasurer for two years and highway commissioner two years. He was also justice of the peace for many years and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, so that he "won golden opinions from all sortd of people." In 1905 he was elected supervisior of his township, which position, which postion he is now filling and in this office as in all of the other he is found as a faithful and capable official.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clendenen have been born five children, of whom four are noe libing, Neil, the third child, being deceased. He was born November 1, 1890, and died September22, 1892. The others who still survive are Bessie, Lulu, Earl and Thelma. In his political views Mr. Clendenen is a Democrat, deeply interested in the success and welfare of his party. Fraternally he is connected with the Master Workers and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church in Silver Creek township. He takes and active and helpful part in church work and is one of the church trustees. His entire life has been passed in this county and that he has ever merited the support and regard of his fellowmen is indicated by the fact that many of his staunchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from his boyhood days down to the present time.

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John F. Clendenen, 1860-1933; Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties Michigan

page 398

John F. Clendenen. Many of the best known farmers and residents of Cass County have been born and reared within its confines. In them we find men of energy and enterprise, who in the trite parlance of the present day might appropriately be called "hustlers," and who are bound to become wealthy and influential citizens as the years go by. John F. Clendenen was born on the farm where he now lives, December 22, 1861, and, although young in years, is old in experience. He is a man whom nature seems to have intended for a farmer, for, owing to his desire to keep out of the beaten path, and to his adoption of new and improved methods, together with industry and good judgment, he had met with more than the average degree of success in pursuing his calling.

The parents of our subject, Oscar and Harriet (Swisher) Clendenen, were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, and his grandparents, Robert and Amanda (Hinchman) Clendenen, were natives also of the Old Dominion, where they resided many years. At an early date the grandparents emigrated to Michigan and settled in Cass County, where the closing scenes of their lives were passed, Oscar Clendenen was born December 20, 1829, and was quite young when he came to Michigan with his parents. All his scholastic training was received in the district schools, and his time was spent, when out of school, in assisting to improve the home place. He was married in Cass County, Mich., to Miss Harriet Swisher, daughter of John Swisher, and shortly afterward purchased eighty acres of the farm upon which our subject is now living. To this he added from time to time until he became the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres, all improved and under a good state of cultivation. On this farm his death occurred in March, 1870. He was a hard-working industrious man, and one who was universally respected. In politics, he was a Democrat, and held a number of official offices. His widow was married the second time, to William Ketchum, and now resides in Dowagiac.

Of the three children born to his parents, our subject is first in order of birth. Frank, the second child married Miss Lena Flanigan. The other child was named Florence. John F. received a good practical education in the district schools of Silver Creek Township, and remained with his mother until grown. In December, 1884, he married Miss Emma Oyler, a native if this county, and the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Robinson) Oyler, who were early pioneers of Cass County. To this union were born four children, ad follows: Bessie; Lula; Niel, who died at the age of two years; and Earl. In Politics, Mr. Clendenen is a Democrat, and has held a number of local offices. He was Township Clerk for two years, Highway Commissioner one year, and in 1893 he was elected the second time as Township Treasurer. He is a public-spirited young man, and one of the best farmers in his section.

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Sarah Jane Clendenen

was the daughter of William Issac Clendenen {b. 1832 VA, d. 1912 Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI} and Margaret {Burke} Clendenen {b. 1835 d. 1907 Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI}.

She was the granddaughter of Robert A. Clendenen {b. 1802 VA, d. 1851, Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI} and Amanda {Hinchman} Clendenen, {b. 1809, VA, d. 1886 Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI}

Sarah Jane Clendenen was b. 1861 Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI, d. 1949 Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI. She had one brother Wilbur Clendenen b. 1868, d. 1942, also in Silver Creek Township Neither Sarah or Wilbur ever married and they spent their entire lives on the family farm {my family has always referred to it as the "Clendenen Homestead"} in the same location where Robert A. & Amanda Clendenen originally settled when they moved from Virginia to Michigan in 1848. {I don't know if it was the original land, or her father bought adjoining land, but I do believe it was the same area in Silver Creek Township.} Sarah was the last member of the Clendenen family to live on that farm and when she died, it was sold.

It appears that Sarah did not travel very much, but she was an avid collector of the memorabilia sent to her by those family members who did travel or who had moved on to other states. I suspect that most of these photos are of family members belonging to distant branches, therefore I will include a list of the names that they could possibly be connected to as well as the names of the people in the photos that we were able to identify from Sarah's albums in hopes that others can make a connection.

Children of Robert A. & Amanda {Hinchman} Clendenen Oscar F. Clendenen, b. 1829, {my 2nd great grandfather} {died in Cass Co. MI} William Issac Clendenen b. 1832 {died in Cass Co. MI} Van Buren Clendenen b. 1835 {died in MI} John Floyd Clendenen b. 1837{died in LaSalle, Ill.} Andrew Irwin {Irving} b. 1841{died in Maywood, Ill.} George Washington Clendenen b. 1844 {died in Fulton, Ill.} They also had 3 daughters, Mary Ann, Martha Ann & Sarah Jane {b. 1849} but all 3 daughters died in the fall of 1851, along with their father, so none of the photos would be connected to them}.

Harriet SWISHER b. 1839,{wife of Oscar F. Clendenen b. 1829}

Frank Leslie CLENDENEN b. 1864, {son of Oscar, married Lena FLANIGAN b. 1871} They owned CLENDENEN DANCE ACADEMY {haven't found where that was located yet} and lived in Davenport, Scott Co. Iowa in 1900. Several of the photos seem to be of people in plays that he produced.{?} Frank & Lena were parents of 3 children, Fontaine, Lionel, & Carma {?}. They also wrote 4 books on dance that are now on the Internet {1900-1918} and Sarah had a lot of contact from him and his children, so some of this may be from them.

Harry Byron NOBLE {husband of Florence Clendenen, b. 1869, dau. of Oscar. She died in Fulton, Ill.}

Emma Jane OYLER, b. 1861, {wife of John Floid Clendenen b. 1860, of Silver Creek Township Cass Co. MI} She was the daughter of Daniel C. OYLER b. 1827, and Catherine Jane ROBINSON b. 1828,{dau of Mitchell Robinson & Mariah Caldwell}.

Elsie Belle LEE {wife of Earl O. Clendenen, s/o John Floid Clendenen}. Elsie was the daughter of Herbert Ashton LEE & Rosella BARNUM. {Rosella was the daughter of John Barnum & Nancy Lugene LARABEE, of Decatur, Van Buren Co., MI}

Sarah had photos going all the way back to Robert A. & Amanda Clendenen {b. 1802 & 1809} on my father's side, {my 3rd great grandparents} and John Barnum {b. 1842} and Daniel & Catherine Oyler {b. 1827 & 1828}{my 2nd great grandparents} on my grandmother's side, so these photos could be of anyone connected to the family since then. We have several photos with names that we did not recognize, but after research, I was able to find that they were indeed connected to our family, so it is most likely that these remaining photos are of family members, and not just "random" photos that she acquired. The majority of the photos were of the Clendenen's, Lee's, Barnum's & Oyler's, so it is most likely that the unidentified photos are connected to those branches.

Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

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Abijah HUYCK

John Huyck was born in the State of New York September 27, 1783, and deceased in Marcellus September 15, 1881. He emigrated to Ohio, and from thence to Lanawee County Mich., in 1826, and ten years later came to Nicholsville, Cass County, where he labored for about three years in running a mill erected by Alexander Copley. May 3, 1836, he entered 160 acres of land in Marcellus Township, to which there was no road, and he and his sons, who commenced almost immediately to improve it, followed an Indian trail to their new home, where a rude log house was erected, a small spot of land cleared, and one hundred apple-trees set out, Mr. Huyck believing in the early introduction of fruit trees. The township at this time had only three other resident families. Mr Huyck and his wife, Mary Christie, who was born August 11, 1792, and deceased May 27, 1854, were the parents of ten children, eight of whom accompanied them to this section of the country. Their names are as follows: Richard J., who resides in Volinia; Catherine A., in Iowa; Eveline and Delia, in Manistee; Norman, in Missouri; William F. and Rosetta, who are deceased; Edward, George O. and Abijah, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Delaware County, N.Y., October 18, 1818. Abijah, who was the eldest son at home, worked for his father until twenty-six years of age, as the family was large, and his services needed, which mark of filial duty is characteristic of the man. Two years later, when in his twenty-eighth year, and $200 in debt, he borrowed $25 and entered forty acres of land, and commenced the laborious task of clearing it up, and he can date his success in life from this starting-point. Although of slight physique, he was endowed by nature with unusual vitality, and has labored not only hard, but incessantly. When not working on the farm, through the long winter days, for twenty-five years he engaged in coopering, and no matter what pleasure or recreation he indulged in, the time spent was always earned in advance in the cooper shoop by overwork, it being one of his principles to waste no time.

In 1862, he erected a saw-mill on the Big Creek in Section 29, and gave considerable attention to the lumber business for a number of years. Notwithstanding his other enterprises, he paid much attention to agriculture, and the small farm of forty acres increased year by year until at one time he possessed 487 acres of land, and at the present time has one of the best farms in the township, and a commodious farm house with suitable barns. A view of his residence will be found on another page. Mr. Huyck, who is the oldest pioneer now living in his township, enjoys the reputation of being a thorough business man, and among the best and most liberal farmers in the county. He has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs of his township, and donated liberally to the building of the first schoolhouse. Mr. Huyck is a great lover of the manly sport of hunting, and in his early youth and manhood had ample opportunity to indulge in this sport, the woods being filled with game, and for fifteen years, from the first of October up to the holidays, he killed no less than seventy-five and as high as a hundred deer. He was accounted the best shot in the county, and his presence at a shooting match, once a great source of amusement among the people, was the signal for the death of numerous turkeys, he shooting from forty to 100 rods without rest. As a consequence, his rifle was always in demand, and in fifteen years he sold fourteen rifles to anxious purchasers.

He was united in marriage December 5, 1847, to Sila Christie, and is the father of seven children, as follows: Mary S., John E., Arthur W., Alice A., Herbert A., Ernest W. and Mabel.

Contributed by Jerry Stafford who descends from this line

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George KETCHAM

ILLUSTRATED ALBUM OF BIOGRAPHY OF THE FAMOUS RED RIVER OF THE NORTH AND THE PARK REGIONS, INCLUDING THE MOST FERTILE AND WIDELY-KNOWN PORTIONS OF MINNESOTA AND NORTH DAKOTA

ILLUSTRATED; CHICAGO; ALDEN, OGLE & COMPANY; 1889. Pages 303-304:

GEORGE KETCHAM. In glancing over the biographies of the many incumbents of the county office in the different counties comprised in the famous Park Regions of Minnesota, it will be seen that American-born citizens furnish a large part of the persons who fill their responsible positions with satisfaction to all parties concerned. The subject of this article is the present incumbent of the office of county attorney of Grant county, Minnesota, to which position he was elected in 1884, and re-elected in 1886 and 1888. He is a native of Michigan, born in Cass county on the 9th day of January, 1850, and is the son of Samuel and Abigail (Pullman) Ketcham, natives of New York State. The father of our subject was a Baptist preacher, and is now living at the advanced age of eighty-one years. The mother of the present subject died in February, 1888, at the age of seventy-five years.

They were the parents of the following named children – Franklin, Lewis, George, and Elizabeth. The two first named are deceased, having died in infancy.

Mr. Ketcham attended school in his native State and graduated from the Hillsdale College in 1873. He then decide to enter the profession of law, and accordingly studied two years under Judge Coolidge and was admitted to the bar. He then commenced the practice of his profession at Cassopolis, Cass county, Michigan, and devoted his entire time to it for seven years. In 1882 he removed to Grant county, Minnesota, and on settling there at once engaged in the law business.

Mr. Ketcham was married on the 10th day of October, 1877, to Miss Minnie Wethey, and this union has been blessed with one child, Koyla, born September 11, 1884. Mrs. Ketcham is a native of New York State, and received her education in Michigan, at the high school in Cassopolis, where she was married. She is a daughter of A. Wethey, a farmer of Grant county, Minnesota. The subject of this sketch is a republican in his political belief and takes an active interest in all public and local affairs. While in Michigan he was elected to the office of Circuit Court Commissioner, which position he held for six years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and one of the most popular and highly esteemed citizens of the county. He is a man of the strictest honor and integrity and stand high in the community in which he lives.

Contributed by Judith Weeks Ancell

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John William MECHLING and Alamandel James TALLERDAY

Two early Cass Co MI men, as found in the Cass Co History:

Genealogical Data on JOHN WILLIAM MECHLING 1859-1947 and Alamandel James TALLERDAY 1847-1923

from: Vol. III, Line of John Jacob MECHLING, MECHLING/MECHLIN/MACKLIN History compiled by Dorothy HALLARN MERCY, 1996 Edition.

For more information, contact MECHLING Historical Assn. newsletter editor

Daniel OYLER 1827-1888 From "History of Cass County Michigan" Page 218

"Daniel Oyler, although not a pioneer, is one of the old residents, having been in Pokagon over thirty years. He was originally from Cuyhoga County, Ohio, from which place he emigrated with his parents and brother John in 1848."

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Biographies From

The History of Cass County, Michigan
 published in 1882 by Waterman, Watkins & Co. of Chicago

HON. GEORGE MEACHAM. The history of Cass County would be incomplete without a sketch of the life of Hon. George Meacham, who has been intimately identified with it ever since and even before it had its present political existence. Simeon, father of George, was born August 28, 1776, [corr. 1766] and died August 26, 1886. George Meacham was born in Paris, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 18, 1799, from which place he removed with his parents to Jefferson County, of that State. At the age of nearly four years, he met with that irreparable loss, the death of his mother, by which event he was obliged to face the stern realities of life and to perform labor far in advance of his years. In his tenth year, he went to live with a man by the name of Merrill, with whom he remained four years. His advantages for education were meager indeed, and when seventeen, at which time his school days ended, he had received but twelve month's schooling. But despite the obstacles which beset his path, he has risen superior to adverse circumstances and has conquered success in every department of life. At the age of nineteen, his father gave him "his time," and he commenced life for himself, working as a farmhand and in lumber camps. In 1826, he disposed of his property and started for Michigan, arriving in Detroit on the 26th of September of that year; the winter was spent in Ann Arbor, where he found employment in a grist-mill. Early in the spring of 1827, in company with his brother Sylvester, George Crawford and Chester Sage, he started West with an outfit which consisted of three yoke of cattle, attached to a heavy lumber wagon, camp equipage, a stock of provisions and ammunition, and a plow. On the 11th of April they reached Beardsley's Prairie, where they erected a log cabin, which soon became known as "Bachelor's Hall," and to which hunters, trappers, land-lookers, any one and every one, were always welcome. It was the original intention of the company to select a location where they could raise grain sufficient for their own consumption and traffic with the Indians. As soon as the location had been decided upon, George Crawford started for Ohio for goods, but learning that "Bachelor's Hall" had been broken up, returned without them, and, as there was every reason to believe that the country would soon be occupied with actual settlers, the original project was abandoned, and the Meachams turned their attention to agricultural pursuits, George commencing on land now owned by George Howard, in Ontwa Township, which he purchased when offered for sale by the Government. Mr. Meacham remained here until 1836, when he removed to Porter, having purchased the John Baldwin farm, and to which he has added from time to time until he now possesses 420 acres of fine fertile land, and has always been accounted among the foremost, most successful and progressive farmers in the township.

He had constructed for his use the first threshing machine used in this section of the country, which was known as an open cylinder, it being destitute of a straw-carrier. He devoted much attention to the propagation of superior stock, and the value of his example and influence in this direction, on the township, it would be difficult to estimate. In 1830, he was appointed the first Sheriff in the county, by Gov. Cass, which office he filled for six consecutive years. The judicial circuit at this time embraced all the territory north and west of St. Joseph County, and in summoning a jury of twenty four he took all but five of the legally qualified jurors in this scope of territory, the payment of a tax of 60 cents being one of the qualifications, which excluded a large number.

Mr. Meacham, although not a politician, has always given proper consideration to matters of public interest, and although not an aspirant for office has occupied the highest positions in the gift of the citizens of the county. In 1839, he was elected to the Representative branch of the Legislature and in 1859 and 1860, occupied a seat in the State Senate. The duties of both positions were discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Industry and perseverance are perhaps the most prominent points in Mr. Meacham's composition, the possession of which despite the unfavorable surroundings of his former days, have given him an enviable position among the leading agriculturists of the county.

He has not only been successful in the accumulation of a valuable property but in the building-up of an unspotted reputation; October 6, 1829, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Rinehart, who has shared his joys and sorrows and the trials and adversities of a long and eventful life. They have been blessed with eight children - Elizabeth E., wife of J. Richardson, of Porter; Cyrus; Hiram, one of the prominent farmers of the township, and for many years its representative on the Board of Supervisors; Mary, now Mrs. T. A. Hitchcox; Harriet E. and Julia A., wives of T. T. Sheldon and E. Rinehart, respectively; Marilla A. and Oliver G.

Mr. Meacham is in his eighty-third year, and for forty-seven years has been a resident of the county. And while the lengthened shadows proclaim an advancing old age, he lives in quiet and serenity, surrounded by the comforts of life, the products of his untiring industry and enjoying the respect and esteem of the people with whom he has been associated for one-half a century.

THE RINEHART BROTHERS. In the history of Cass County, an especial interest attaches to the history the five Rinehart brothers, not alone from the fact that they were the representatives of one of the prominent pioneer families of the county, and were closely identified with the early settlement of the townships of Penn and Porter, but from their high social standing, and the enviable records they have made as citizens. The old adage that every flock has its dusky member never applied to this family, for no one can point to a single, unmanly or disreputable act in the lives of any of them; socially, morally, and in fact in every way they seem to have each vied with the other to preserve, unspotted the family escutcheon. The family are of German descent. John, the father of the immediate subjects of this memoir, was a Virginian, and was born in 1779. In 1829, he came to Cass County, and first located in Penn Township. In the history of Porter will be found an interesting narrative of the early experiences of the family. They remained in Penn until their removal to Porter, where the older Rinehart died in 1856.

JACOB RINEHART. Jacob, the elder of the five, was born in Virginia in June of 1804; he was reared to habits of industry and thrift, which coupled with good judgment and economy, has brought its sure reward - a competency in old age. He came to Cass County with his father, but shortly after went to Cincinnati, where he engaged in boat-building, but soon rejoined the family; he connected himself prominently with many of the initial events in the early history of Porter, and in company with Lewis and Samuel, he built and operated the first sawmill in the township. Since 1831, his business operations have been largely confined to running the mill until it failed to be remunerative and farming. Mr. Rinehart has been three times married, first to Jane Emmons; they reared a family of six children, viz.: William, Elijah, Eliza, Mary Jane (deceased), Lewis,and Melinda. After his first wife's death, he married Mrs. W. Wright, and on her demise Jane Saunders. He has never been an aspirant for civic honors, but has led a quiet and comparatively uneventful life, and is now passing in peace and quiet the declining years of a well-spent life.

LEWIS RINEHART. Lewis Rinehart was born in Virginia, December 5, 1807. He was reared on a farm, but learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which occupation he followed in Ohio. He accompanied his father to Cass County, where Nov. 28, 1830, he married Miss Anna Frakes, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 13, 1812. She came to Michigan in 1830, with her parents.

As noticed elsewhere, Lewis was one of the owners of the first sawmill in Porter, and he did his full share in the development of this section of the county. In 1839, he removed to the farm where his widow now resides, and where his death occurred in December of 1879. During the Sauk war, he held a Lieutenant's commission. He served his township in the capacity of Collector, but devoted his time and attention principally to agricultural pursuits, in which he was eminently successful. Mr. Rinehart was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and a man who was universally respected for his many estimable qualities. He and his worthy wife were blessed with children as follows: Samuel M., John W., Margaret (deceased), Emeline (deceased), Henry, Nathan, Eliza J. (deceased), Sarah, Mary, Lucretia, and Lewis Clark.

In December, 1831, as Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart were returning from a visit to her father in Kalamazoo County, they were overtaken by a severe snow storm, and night coming on they could not descern their pathway, which was only marked by blazed trees, and realizing the extreme danger of continuing further, he cleared the snow from underneath a tree whose branches hung low, and covering his wife and her infant child with blankets, he remained there until daylight the next morning, and was only kept from freezing by vigorous walking. The child, Samuel M., that was thus sheltered that cold winter's night under a forest tree, is now living at Union. Did our space permit, many other incidents could be related, showing the pluck and determination of the man, and of the many trials and hardships he encountered in his pioneer life. He died December 6, 1879; his wife is still living on the old homestead, near the village of Union.

SAMUEL RINEHART. Samuel Rinehart, the third son, was born in Rock- ingham County, Va., in September of 1809; reared to the life of a farmer, he has followed his chosen avocation successfully through a long life with the exception of perhaps a few brief intervals. He has resided on his present farm since 1847. He is genial and social, and one who, without ostentation or display, pursues the even tenor of his way, doing what his judgment dictates as right. His mind is a storehouse of pioneer incidents and experiences which he delights in relating. He has never taken an active part in politics, but first affiliated with the Whig and now with the Republican party. He is a prominent member of the Baptist Church, in which he is a Deacon. He was married August 12, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Eleazer and Martha Hunt, old settlers of Kalamazoo County. Mrs. Rinehart was born in 1821. They have been blessed with a large family of children, all of whom are highly respected members of society and are members of the Baptist Church. Their names are as follows: Martha A., Christina E., Amos W. (deceased), Mary, Anna M., Martin (deceased), Elias W., Ellen E., Alice A., Emma A., Amanda F., Minnie C., Charles (deceased), and Mabel.

JOHN RINEHART. John Rinehart, or Uncle John, as he was familiarly known, was born in Rockingham, County, Va., June 15, 1814. At the age of nine he came with his father's family to Clark County, Ohio, and from there removed to Cass County in February of 1829, and settled on Young's Prairie, on or near the farm now occupied by Isaac Bonine, Jr. He entered the land lately occupied by him in the year 1836. October 1, 1837, he was married to Miss Parthenia Lawson, and during this year moved on his farm, where he lived forty-four years. He was an honest man, a kind and indulgent father, and an unselfish neighbor, and no one ever neared his happy home but "what they were sure of a hearty welcome from Uncle John." He was a member of the Birch Lake Methodist Episcopal Church, being one of the leading spirits engaged in the erection of the church edifice, and his house was always open for the benefit of the church society. He was, also, a member of the St. Joseph Valley Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., to which he had belonged for over thirty-five years, being one of the charter members, and had filled all the chairs. Mr. Rinehart died February 20, 1881, and left a wife and five children. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. W. P. French, pastor of the Birch Lake Methodist Episcopal Church, who preached an eloquent discourse from Exodus, first chapter and sixth verse: "And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation." The funeral was the largest ever held in this part of the country.

Mrs. Rinehart was born March 15, 1821, in Champaign County, Ohio. They had a family of seven children - Caroline J., Lewis W. (deceased), Wellington C., Elizabeth E., R. Melcinia, Emma O., and Thomas, who died in infancy. Mrs. Rinehart, after the decease of her husband, took the sole charge of the business, which she managed with consummate ability. She is a lady of generous impulses, and a worthy counterpart of her husband. She is a member of the Baptist Church.

ABRAHAM RINEHART. Abraham Rinehart was born January 5, 1817, in Rockingham County, Va., and came to Cass County with his father's family. At the age of sixteen, his father "gave him his time," and he commenced life for himself. Two or three years later, he went to Iowa and Illinois. In the latter State he made the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Owen, whom he married in February of 1838. In August following Mrs. Rinehart died, they having come back to Cass County, and he was again married, in 1843, to Miss Hannah E. Denton. They have six children living - Clarence Landais, Carlton W., Mary Amelia, Carrie E., Annis A. and Myra E.; five deceased - Adaline E., Charles D., Edward L., Harriet D. and Abbie A. Mr. Rinehart has lived an ordinary lifetime in Cass County, and has witnessed its development from a wilderness to one of the best agricultural sections in the State, and in his own person, typifies many of the agencies that has wrought this great change. In his political and religious affiliations, he is a Republican and a Baptist.

John B Woods on 1860 Cass Co. Silver Creek twp census with father WS Woods, age 4, born in MI.

John B Woods on probate records in Cass Co Mi., with sisters Peninah J., Sarah C., and brother James, for the estate of his father Wiley S Woods, who died April 15,1864. His uncles William W Hinchman and Thomas Easton were appointed Guardians April 20,1864.

John B Woods, son of Wiley Woods on 1870 Cass Co. Newburg Townshipage 14, living with his Aunt and Uncle Isaac S Pound and Elizabeth Hinchman Pound.

Sept 9 1878 John B Woods received $140.00, the balance from his fathers estate.

State of Michigan, County of VanBuren, John B Woods age 24, and Helen M Vanderhoof, age 20 were married on Dec. 26,1878 by John W.H. Carlisle, Clergyman. Witnesses, Rosita Hoppin and Lovinia Hoppin.

John B Woods and Wife Helen Vanderhoof, along with their son Sherban, went with Helen's Parents William and Ann Vanderhoof to the Dakota Territory. These families were one of many from Cass Co MI. to be attracted by the Westward movement. Their winter in Dakota Territory was the hardest they had ever experienced, excepting the terrible blizzard of 1886. I think they were there for about eight years before returning to Decatur, VanBuren, MI. While in Dakota Territory, the had three more sons, Clarence B., James and John Wiley.

After returning to VanBuren Co., they had four more children, Carrie, Harry, Harold and Violet.

Helen Woods died while giving birth to Violet on May 27,1897 in Decatur.

April 8,1898 Warren L. & Susie Veach sold land to John B Woods, NW 1/4 NE 1/4, section 20 VanBuren Co MI. Deed recorded June 13,1898.

State of Michigan County of Cass John B Woods, age 45 and Susie Morris, age 35, both widowed, were married on July 8,1900 by J Henry Hammond, Clergyman. Witnesses were, Rose Debolt and Clara Hammond.

Feb 18 1904 John B Woods sold Land to William Vanderhoof, NW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 20 Vanburen Co MI. Deed recorded Feb 24 1904.

April 19,1905 Elias Thompson sold land to John B Woods, Lot 11, BLK F, Decatur. Deed recorded April 20,1905.

March 3 1906 John B Woods sold land to William A Graham and Roxana, Lot 11, BLK F, Decatur. Deed recorded August 24,1906.

March 12, 1907 John B Woods sold land to George Delong, NW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 20. Deed recorded March 19 1907.

April 23,1908 Andrew J Johnson and Rosaline M sold land to John B Woods NW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 20. Deed recorded Sept 4,1908.

Sept 10 1908 John B Woods sold land to Thomas Dawker and Mary NW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 20. Deed recorded Sept 12,1908.

March 30 1910 Sophia P DeLong sold land to John B Woods NW 1/4 NE 1/4 section 20. Deed recorded April 8 1910.

April 6 1912 Andres J Johnson and Rosaline sold land to John B Woods Lot 3,4 BLK 22 Decatur. Deed recorded April 08 1912.

Jan 26 1914 John B Woods sold land to John W Woods and Eva c. L3,4 BLK-22, Decatur. Deed recorded Jan 28,1914.

John B Woods and Susie Morris Woods divorced, but I don't have a date.

My Dad, George Woods only remembers seeing Grampa John B Woods once, when dad was about 4 or 5 years old. Grampa let his sit on his lap and play with a pocket watch he had.

Aunt Ica and Aunt Madeline told me about Great Grampa John B Woods getting trampled by a horse. He was not suppose to go into the stall with this horse, and he had been warned, this horse was dangerous. Well Grampa who always liked to give horses carrots, walked into the stall anyway with a carrot for the horse. He fed the carrot to the horse, and then the horse reared Straight into the air and came down on grampa. The horse kept rearing and stomping grampa. Grampa was all broken up and blinded, and they took him to Ann Arbor Hospital. He was there about three weeks. Uncle Clarence went and got him and took him to his home in Kalamazoo. Grampa was there about three weeks before he died in June of 1978.

Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Wiley S. Woods: 

In the 1840's Wiley Woods used to pick up, haul and deliver merchandise from Baltimore, with a wagon train made up  of 6 to 12 teams of horses.  He hauled loads both ways, one way to Baltimore with goods and produce to exchange for commodities that could not be had in the country.   The wagons would be started and Wiley Woods would follow on horseback to take care of the caravan and exchange the country products when they reached the market.

1843 Logan County W VA tax list,  Wiley Wood, with 1 wooden Clock.

Roll of Company "C" First Regiment Kentucky, Mounted Volunteers, Mexican War.

May 25 1846, W.S.Wood, Rank Private, Mustered in on June 9 1846, in Louisville, KY for 1 year.  W.S.Wood was a prisoner of war from January 1847.  He was mustered out in June 8,1847 in New Orleans, LA.

Wiley S Woods married Virginia Hinchman in ca 1847, and along with her parents and other members of the family, came by wagon train.  Wiley Woods was the Wagon Master.

1850 Cass County, Silverstein Township, Mi census, shows Wiley Woods from VA, a farmer, with wife Virginia, and two daughters, Lucinda, (I don't know why she was listed as Lucinda, her name was Penniah Jane}, and Sarah C.

1860 Cass Co MI census, W.S. Woods, age 39, farmer, worth $800.00, and 100 acres of land, with daughter, Jane age 13, son John B. age 4, and James age 2.  Sarah Woods, age 9, is shown in household of Ebenozor Copley.

April 15,1864, Wiley S Woods died at age 43 years, 7 months and 19 days old.  Wiley and his wife Virginia are buried in the California Cemetery, in Silvercreek Township, Cass Co., MI.

April 25,1855 John K Hinchman and wife Peninah gave to daughter Virginia Woods 80 Acres in section 22 of Silvercreek Township

Silas Ireland sold to Wiley S Wood 80 Acres in section 23, Silvercreek Township

William Hartzell sold to Wiley S Wood 80 Acres of land in section 23, Silvercreek Township

Wiley S Wood and Virginia sold before 1858, 80 Acres of land in section 23 to John Stark, Silvercreek Township

Feb 8 1864, Wiley S Wood sold 80 Acres of land section 23 in Silvercreek Township to Patrick Moran.

Wiley S Woods and his brother-in-law Clement Hinchman both died on the sane day, April 15, 1864.

Their children Amanda Hinchman, Penniah Jane Woods, Sarah C Woods, John Burl Woods and James S Woods are all on probate records together in Cass County, Michigan.  William Hinchman and Thomas Easton, both brother-in-laws of Wiley were appointed Guardians of all the children.

Submitted by Sharon Cornell

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