EDWARD PENFOLD, Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan

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History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan, with Illustrations and 
Biographical Sketches of their Prominent Men and Pioneers.
Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co.  1880.  Press of J. B. Lippincott & 
Co., Philadelphia.

Mr. Penfold is of English extraction, and was born in Sussex, England, May 21, 1828.  
Having become impressed with the superior advantages accorded artisans and laborers in 
the New World, he, at the age of twenty-one, bade adieu to the mother-country and 
embarked for America.  After a brief residence in New York State Mr. Penfold returned 
to England, and was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Gratwick, who was born Dec. 
31, 1827, and was a native of Sussex County, as were also her parents.  Two children add 
to their happiness, --Henry J., born Oct. 11, 1856, and Charles E., whose birth occurred 
Nov. 21, 1862.  An adopted daughter, Miss Hattie, is also a member of the pleasant 
family circle.
  Mr. Penfold returned again with his bride to America, where, in connection with his 
brother Henry, who had meanwhile left his native shore, Edward engaged in labor in New 
York State.  During the year 1855 they removed to Michigan, where he purchased 40 
acres of land in Ganges.  This was soon transformed from a wilderness into fruitful fields, 
and two years later sold and a more extensive farm purchased, upon which his present 
residence stands.  During one of the big fires in that year of fires (1871), and on the day 
Chicago was burned, his log house and the lumber and shingles for a new one, and two 
barns, together with all utensils, were burned.
  During the late war both Edward and Henry Penfold were actively engaged in the 
contest, the latter of whom sacrificed his life for the cause.  In 1877, Mr. Penfold, 
accompanied by two neighbors, visited again his native land for a brief period.  They 
revived many pleasant associations, but returned fully impressed with the advantages of a 
republican over a monarchical government.  Mr. Penfold is regarded as a public-spirited 
citizen, and his career has fully justified the estimate in which he is held.  His wife and 
his eldest son are exemplary members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.