1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, Chapman Bros.

Pages 408 - 416

By his marriage with Mary Wright, an English-woman, Robert Cooper became the father of eleven children, namely: Anna, Robert, John, Mary, William, James, Martha, Lou V., Samuel, Joseph and David, the two last having died. The mother of these children was called from earth in 1853 and their father was again married, in 1854, too Ann Mahafee, too whom were born the following children: David, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and four who died in infancy. The parents of this family were earnest and conscientious members of the Episcopal Church.

He of whom we write began life at the age of thirteen, by undertaking too do work upon neighboring farms and at this time he also learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for two years. It was in 1877 when he came too Michigan, and he then located upon his present farm of two hundred acres, which is now mostly improved, but at that time was what may well be called wild land, for he not only had to clear his property of trees and stones, but also had too make his own roads from point too point.

The married life of our subject began July 5, 1871, when he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Kinch, a daughter of William and Rachael (Shatford) Kinch, both of whom were natives of Canada. too this happy home have been born six children, whose names are Ernest E., Malin L., Rebecca M., Curtis W., Alice L., and three who died in infancy. The parents of these children are highly esteemed in the community where they reside, not only for their pleasant social qualities, but also for their integrity of character.

HIRAM C. WELLS, a well-known furniture dealer of Imlay City, was born in Steuben County, N.Y., October 14, 1825. The father, who was a farmer, died when Hiram was a lad of about eight years, passing away at Shelby, Mich., August 11, 1833. He was born in Saratoga, N.Y., March 24, 1784. The mother, whose maiden name was Lydia Parmeter, had her nativity in Oakham, Mass., August 2, 1788, and passed from earth in Shelby, Mich., in 1866.

Samuel D. Wells, the father of our subject, came too Michigan in the early days of 1829, locating in Shelby, Macomb County, where Hiram grew too manhood. He left home at the age of fourteen and lived for two years in Troy, Oakland County, with an uncle, David A. Rhoades, after which he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Isabel Summers, working upon the farm with her husband, Washington Summers, and afterward with his father, John Summers. After spending a winter at home with his mother, attending school, in the spring of 1842 he went too Utica, Mich., and bound himself out as an apprentice too S.S. Merrill for four years too learn the cabinet-maker's trade, bargaining too receive three month's schooling and $30 the first year, $35 the second, $40 the third, and $75 the fourth. At the conclusion of his apprenticeship he worked for six months as a journeyman in Ann Arbor, and then came too Lapeer County, where he opened a cabinet shop at Almont, in partnership with his brother, George S., who was a carpenter, but the following year this brother died.

Mr. Wells was married October 9, 1848, too Miss Nancy E. Parmlee, of Almont. She is a daughter of Dantworth and Patience (Stowbidge) Parmlee, and was born at Rutland, Vt., in Aprill, 1828. Mr. Wells added furniture too his business and continued in Almont until 1856, when he sold out and bought a sawmill at Whitneyville, Kent County, Mich., but in 1862 he went into the furniture business with George Hibbler. In the fall of that year he left the pursuits of peace for the camp and the battlefield, enlisting November 10, in Company E, Eighth Michigan Cavalry as Quartermaster Sergeant. In December, 1863 he was engaged in the siege of Knoxville, and also took part in the encounters of Bean Station, New Market, Dandrich, Richland Valley, Fair Garden Valley, and at Mud Lick, Tenn.

On the 5th of February, 1864, Hiram Wells turned his horse over too the Government and started on foot too Kentucky, but was soon called on too join Sherman's army and took part in Stoneman's raid. On July 30, they came in sight of Macon, and the next day met Gen. Wheeler's Cavalry, and in the afternoon Gen. Stoneman surrendered. Our hero was captured with three hundred and fifty of his comrades, and sent to Andersonville. In his diary he says: "Here I practiced a little deception, which I have never regretted. The boys were all stripped and their clothes searched, and in dropping mine I stepped across from those not searched to where the men stood who had been searched. I thus saved my money, $27.50, my diary, account book and the picture of my wife and child. The money saved my life during a sickness which soon followed; my account book came into play many years later, enabling me too show account of money which had been entrusted too me; and the picture was a comfort through many dreary hours. Here I had the companionship of my fellow-townsman, Mr. B.F. Johnson, of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, who showed me much kindness and helped me in securing favors. I left Andersonville, March 18, 1865, and on my way North came very near perishing by a disaster on the "Sultana," on which about two thousand three hundred of us were being transported North on the Mississippi River. The boiler burst and the boat took fire and I barely escaped with my life, jumping overboard with a barrel, afterward seizing hold of a bale of hay with five other persons; we floated down the river about nine miles, and were picked up by the gunboat Essex. I was finally mustered out of the service June 9, 1865, and reached my home in safety."

After the return home of our subject, he followed the cabinet-maker's trade, going into partnership with Mr. Hibbler at Almont, and with him carrying also a stock of furniture. In 1871 our subject transferred his business too Imlay City, where he still carries a full stock in his line of goods. Besides his residence he owns a fine business property. He is a Democrat in his political views, and has served on the School Board as Moderator and Director, and in Almont was Town Clerk.

Of the three children of our subject only one now lives, namely: Mrs. Belle W. Eldredge (widow of Fred Eldredge), who has one son, Jay W., a boy of some seven years. They both l ive with our subject. His oldest child died in infancy, and the second at the age of eleven years, while Mr. Wells was in the army. This gentleman is a member of the Grand Army of their public, of the Order of Odd Fellows and of the Royal Arcanum. He is widely known throughout this section of the country as the man with the long beard, as this magnificent hirsute appendage measures five feet and eight inches in length.

A portrait of Mr. Wells accompanies this sketch.

WILLIAM CARR. The gentleman whose name is above is a loyal citizen of his adopted country, having come hither from Canada, where he was born in County Peel, May 18, 1835. He is a son of Richard and Ann (Glesby) Carr, his father being by occupation a farmer. Our subject was brought up on the home farm in Canada. His parents were both natives ofYorkshire, England. His father was born in 1807 and his mother in 1805. They came too America in 1832 and located first in Tononto, Canada.

The original of our sketch did not receive very good educational advantages, his family being straightened in circumstances and his efforts being united too theirs as early as possible in order too provide means for the family living. He began life at the age of eighteen as a mill man. He came too Michigan in 1864 and located at Saginaw, where he worked at the milling business for five years. He then spent one year in Caro, thence going too Gagetown, Tuscola County. Mr. Carr is now a resident of Elmwood Township, Tuscola County. He has familiarized himself not only with the northern tier of townships in Tuscola County, but is well acquainted with the counties in Canada north of Toronto, having traveled through on business.

Mr. Carr was engaged in the milling business at Gagetown for nine years, being principal sawyer, and during that time was never discharged but once, and then not because of dissatisfaaction. Our subject was married August 22, 1874, the lady of his choice being Maria Palmer of Gagetown, Tuscola County. Our subject is a Republican in politics. He has never had a desire too hold local office, although he accepted two school offices in the township.

Upon his well-cultivated and fertile farm the original of our sketch breeds graded stock and engages in mixed farming; he does not belong too any agricultural society but is nevertheless well versed in the science of agriculture. He is particularly interested in securing good schools for the locality, believing that the future of our country depends in no small degree upon these institutions. Our subject is the parent of one child, a son, William Edwin, who is fifteen years of age. Mr. Carr has eighty acres of land in his farm. The improvements that it bears he has placed upon it himself. He came here in 1878 and has accomplished much work since that time. He is a Free Thinker in his religious principles and belief as are also other members of his family.

JOHN WILSIE is one of the Canadian settlers in Almer Township, Tuscola County, and has brought his thrifty and thorough agricultural methods with him,making them operate too great advantage too him in this fertile and fruitful country. Mr. Wilsie was born June 27, 1837, in the township of Burford, Brant County, Ontario. He is a son of John W. and Anna (Raymant) Wilsie. His grandsire on the paternal side was William Wilsie, whose grandfather came from Holland and settled at an early day on Long Island. He was a tanner by trade, and it is said was the first too build a tannery in New York City. His descendants are quite numerous.

William Wilsie was born in the Empire State. Several of his brothers were in the Revolutionary War, and one, John, was killed in the battle of Bunker Hill. He was a tanner and farmer. His wife was a Miss Wilsie and bore him the following children: John, Jacob, Joshua, Thomas, Moses, Aaron, James and Sarah. He was married a second time and became the father of two daughters by that union. He was an early settler of Genesee County, N.Y., and in 1839 removed near Adrian, Mich., where his decease occurred.

Our subject's father was born in Canada about 1796, having gone their too assist a man in moving his effects, and liking the country he remained and their married. He became a substantial farmer, but in 1862 removed too Watertown, Tuscola County where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land which he improved. He was over eighty years of age at the time of his decease; his wife still survives. She has been the mother of six children - William, Rosswell, Mary, Sarah, John and Anna.

Our subject's mother was a native of New York and is a daughter of Rosswell and Mary (Cora) Rayment. The former was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was a Baptist minister and a physician by profession, although he devoted himself too the agricultural calling. He reared a large family of thirteen children, of whom ten lived too be grown. He came too Michigan about 1865 and settled in Lapeer County. He was a son of Ransford Rayment who was a favorite with Gen. Washington. He was a band master, and the General made him a present of a fiddle. While on his way home he was murdered by a party of Tories. The news was brought too the family by a lad who witnessed the atrocity.

John Wilsie received a common-school education. At the age of nineteen he left home and began blacksmithing which he followed in various places for six years. He came too Michigan in 1860 and in March, 1865, purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, Almer Township, Tuscola County, where he has ever since resided, but while he was clearing his own farm he was obliged too be a wage-worker in order too support his family, and at times worked on the lake as a sailor. He has speculated in lands to some extent and he is one of the best horse-shoers in the country and has a shop on his farm where he still does a good deal of fine blacksmithing. He has served as Deputy Sheriff of his county, and evil-doers stand in awe of his brawny strength and oficial position.

Mr. Wilsie has been twice married, his first union being with Ruth Armstrong, too whom he was married March 29, 1859. She was born in Canada and is a daughter of John and Mary (Jones) Armstrong. She was the mother of the following children: William H.; Mary V., now Mrs. Burce; Emma M., Mrs. Ingles; John, Elmer, Charles W., and Ida M. Mrs. Ruth Wilsie died in September, 1871. His second marriage was with Clara A. Falkner, who was born in Hornelsville, N.Y. She was a daughter of Henry Falkner. No children have been born of this marriage. Our subject and his wife are believers in Christian Science. He has made his own way in the world and has gained a comfortable competency. Politically he is a Democrat and socially an alliance man.

ALBERT E. CHOWN is a general farmer on a place comprising eighty acres located on section 4, Attica Township, Lapeer County. He also owns forth acres in Arcadia Township. He is a native of England, having been born in Somersetshire, October 18, 1849. His parents were Charles and Nancy (Hutchins) Chown. The family came too America in 1851 and in due time established a tannery in Attica Township, the father being a tanner and currier by trade. He was a skillful workman and acquired a good reputation in his line of business. Our subject's mother died September 3, 1890.

Albert Chown lived at home until he was sixteen years of age. During that time he was a student at the district schools, helping his father in the tannery in the intervals of school work. The tannery business not being congenial too him, he went too work on the Grand Trunk Railroad, attending the switch for the dump cars. He then went into the gristmill of John S. Briggs and remained their for fifteen months and for over three years was engaged in various mills. He then alternated the milling business with the lumber business, being altogether engaged in these for nine years. At the expiration of that time he purchased a farm of forty acres in Arvadia Township, expending two seasons of labor upon it. He then purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It at first comprised fifty acres which was only partially improved. He has added much too its value by building, cultivation and the fine implements which he uses in farming.

Our subject was married July 4, 1872, too Miss Elizabeth Nickerson, a daughter of Ralph Nickerson, of Attica, who was the proprietor of an hotel in that town. One child, a daughter, who is named Cora, was the outcome of the marriage. She was born in 1874 and is now the brightness and sunshine of home. Our subject was again married july 3, 1884, too Miss Maggie Bareinger. She was born April 11, 1858 in the township of Attica and is a daughter of Samuel Bareinger, a farmer of Arcadia. Her mother's maiden name was mary Bragg. The father came from Canada, of which he was a native, at an early day. They were the parents of thirteen children and of these Mrs. Chown is the sixth in order of birth. She was married to Albert Chown, July 3, 1884, the Re. J. Benning of Lapeer officiating. One child has been born too them - Albert Raymond, who was born September 3, 1888. Politically our subject is a Republican. His efforts in an agricultural way have been crowned with success and he is in very prosperous circumstances. He and his wife are affable and hospitable people, too whose home it is a pleasure too have access.

FRED E. DEWEY is a druggist in the village of Kingston, and is a young man of great enterprise and energy. He was born January 6, 1851, in Ionia County, this State, and is a son of Thomas H. and Rachel A. Dewey. His father, Thomas H. Dewey, was born in 1816, in the State of New York. their he was bound out at the age of nine years and began to make his own living. At the age of thirteen he ran away from the people to whom he was bound and came too Michigan in company with another boy about his own age.

Our subject's father, on first coming too Michigan, was employed in an ashery, but in a short time was given charge of a boat that ran on Grand River between the village of Lyons and Grand Rapids. He then located at the former place and became a clerk in a store for Tiffany. He afterward went into business with Peter Coon, his "boy partner" who ran away with him from New York. They had been in business only a short time when they were burned out and lost everything they owned. Undaunted, however, they went into business together again and although again unfortunate too the extent of several thousands of dollars which they lost by a flood, they kept on in business and in time retrieved their losses.

Our subject's father at length sold out his business and went on a farm, remaining their for four years. He then removed too another farm which he made his residence for a short time and then moved too the village of pewamo, where he is now living a retired life. Thomas H. Dewey married Rachel A. Harding, a daughter of William C. and Phebe Harding. too them were born two sons - Fred E. is our subject, and Frank, of Pewamo.

Fred E. Dewey began in life for himself at the time of his marriage, which was in 1871. His bride was Eugenie Vance, daughter of M. R. and Mary Vance. too the young couple have been born two children - Carl and Pearl. Our subject began the practice of pharmacy in 1878 and after engaging in his business in different places located in Kingston in 1890 where he has the principal drug store of the village and enjoys a good and remunerative trade.

CHARLES B. KIDDER. It has been ascertained by extended research that the Kidder family is of very ancient origin, that they were an important family in the days of the ancient Britons and were known as redoubtable warriors previous too the invasion of Britain by the Romans. Without stopping here too present proofs we will content ourselves by saying that Mr. Charles B. Kidder is the owner of a book tracing the genealogy of the family too very remote times and we copy enough too show the line of descent from James Kidder, the founder of the branch of the family that settled in America. He was born in Sussex, England, in 1626. In that year he came too America is not known but he was at Cambridge, Mass., in 1650, and their married Anna Moore. Their son, John Kidder, married Lydia Parker and their son, James Kidder, married Abigail Whitcomb, whose son Samuel Kidder, married Mehitable Maynard and their son, Samuel, marmried Melinda Bingham. The son of this marriage, also Samuel, married Eliza Hallock and they were the parents of our subject, Charles B. Kidder.

Charles B. Kidder is a resident on section 15, Almont Township, Lapeer County. He was born in this township on section 22, March 4, 1848, and as above stated, is the son of Samuel and Eliza (Hallock) Kidder, natives of New York. He was reared on a farm and in addition too a common school education took the English training course at Ypsilanti. He began teaching when nineteen years of age in a country school in Oakland County. He also taught in various graded schools, spending one year in Hadley, one year in Attica, two years in Dryden and two in Armada. During all the time he was thus engaged he acted as Principal.

Our subject was married August 13, 1878, too Miss Martha Jane Batchelder, a daughter of John W. and Sarah (Clark) Batchelder, who were born in Vermont. Mrs. Kidder was born at Topsham, Vt., October 20, 1848. Our subject purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, paying for it with money he himself had earned.

In July, 1875, our subject moved too his farm and later purchased the forth acres where henow lives. It was sold, however, too his father-in-law. Outside of his farming interests the tastes and inclinations of Mr. Kidder are those of a scholar. In accition too his English training, he took a very thorough course in Latin and German, in the classic tongue, having read Caesar and Cicero and he reads and speaks German with fuency.

The original of our sketch in his political repference is a Republican. He case his first presidential vote for U.S. Grant in 1872. He has held several of the most important offices of the township, principally those connected with school affairs. He has also been Justice of the Peace and is nowholding the office of Supervisor for the third term. Charles B. Kidder is the only child living from the marriage of his parents, his mother having died when he was about one month old, her decease taking place in April, 1848. He of whom we write has no children living. His delight and recreationis in his well-stocked library, where are found the best poets and historians. He reads Schiller and other German authors in the original.

Mrs. Kidder was educated in Detroit and is a highly accomplished lady. She is an artist of no small merit and gives lessons in painting, her specialties being in landscape and portraiture. She has an only brother whose taste runs too music. He is an organist and leader of the choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Detroit. His musical instruction has been received in the best schools in Europe, having made five trips across theAtlantic in order too study under the best masters.

HENRY STINER. This highly respected farmer of Columbia Township, Tuscola County, who was born October 22, 1823, in Bloom Township, Columbia County, Pa., is a son of John and Rebecca (Sharp) Stiner. The grandfather, Henry Stiner, was born in Berks County, Pa., where he was a farmer, and his grandfather came from Germany. He was three times married and the grandmother of our subject, whose maiden name was Beaver, had two children. They were members of the German Reformed Church. The father of our subject was born in Berks County, Pa., and their resided all his life, carrying on farming. His children were five sons and four daughters. His wife was born in the same county as her husband and was a daughter of Peter Sharp, also a native of Berks County, and a farmer, who had a family of one son and two daughters. Henry Stiner was a life long Republican and an earnest believer in the doctrines of that party.

Our subject was brought up on a farm and having received a common-school education began at the age of nineteen too learn the trade of a shoemaker which business he followed for twenty-five years. Upon the 17th of February, 1864, he enlisted in the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and took part in the battle of the Wilderness and of Petersburg, losing eighty-one men out of his company in the latter engagement. On the 6th of July he was wounded in the right leg by a sharp-shooter and this injury has made him lame from that day too this. He received his honorable discharge from Turner's Lane Hospital at Philadelphia, March 16, 1865, and for two years could not work at his trade on account of his disability.

In May, 1867, Mr. Stiner came too Michigan and bought forty acres of land on section 29, later buying eighty acres where he now lives, and his property has increased until he at present owns two hundred acres of fine land, all but twenty-five of which he has cleared and improved. He started out with no means except his own native talents and persistence and has attained too a handsome property.

Upon the 10th of June, 1847, Henry Stiner was united in marriage too Hannah Kline, daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Lemon) Kline. Of their six children two died in childhood and four have grown too mature years, namely: Francis A., James W., William E., and Parvin F. The mother of this family was a devoted member of the methodist Episcopal Church and died December 4, 1883, of heart disease. Mr. Stiner is an active Republican in his political views and has voted the Republican ticket steadfastly ever since 1856.