Darisus Eddy's biography, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan

Copyright © 1999 by Jan Sedore. This copy contributed for use in 
the MIGenWeb Archives.  

 



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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, 1906
CLINTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Page 380-381
DARIUS T. EDDY
Darius T. Eddy, who is a member of the firm of Eddy Brothers, who is
conducting a general store at Eagle and also dealing in wood and coal, was
born in Portland, Michigan, on the 24th of April, 1858. His paternal
grandfather, Stephen Eddy, came to Eagle township, Clinton County, from
Genesee County, New York, in the year 1837, and entered a number of tracts
of land from the government, including the farms now owned by W. F. Kerr,
S. F. Avery, W. L. Tallman, John Pennington and Harriet Avery. Stephen Eddy
was one of the most progressive men of an early day. He was known as a
great fisherman and as a pioneer settler he contributed in substantial
measure to the early upbuilding and progress of his part of the state. He
was the first white man buried in the township, his remains being interred
on his own farm, where the grave is yet to be seen. His son, Jeremiah Eddy,
came from the Empire State to Michigan, settled in Eagle Township and
established what was known as the Grand River Hotel on Looking Glass River.
He thus formed a wide acquaintance through entertaining the traveling
public for many years but about a year prior to his death he removed to
Portland, where he died in 1861, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife,
Serepta Jones, has also passed away.
        Their son, Harvey Eddy, father of our subject, was born in New York, and
came to Eagle Township in 1837. He cut the first ten acres of timber in the
township and for many years was closely associated with the pioneer
development of this part of the state, but eventually he removed to
Portland. He died in 1887, at the age of seventy-four, while his wife
passed away in 1872 at the age of forty-nine years. She bore the maiden
name of Marian Way, and was a native of Canada. In their family were six
children: Lorenzo, who resides at Mattawan, Michigan; Newton J., of
Portland Michigan; Ida M., the wife of Fred Wilson, of Otsego, this state;
Darius T.; Thomas H., who is living in Eagle; and George W., who makes his
home in Otsego, Michigan.
        Darius T. Eddy acquired his education in the district schools and in the
public schools of Portland, Michigan. His mother died when he was fourteen
years of age and he soon afterward began earning his own living as an
employee in the woolen mills at Portland, Michigan, where he remained for a
year. He afterward located on the home farm and attended school during the
winter seasons until twenty-two years of age. He then became telegraph
operator and station agent at Eagle, and afterward at McBride, Michigan,
for the Pere Marquette Railroad Company, acting in that capacity for a
period of twelve years. In 1892 he embarked in his present business in
Eagle as a partner of his brother, Thomas H. Eddy, who for eight years
previous had been connected with mercantile pursuits here. The firm of Eddy
Brothers was then established and they have since capably and successfully
conducted a general store and have dealt in wood and coal. Their patronage
is extensive and is constantly increasing.
        On the 11th of June, 1883, Mr. Eddy was united in marriage to Miss Elsie
B. Skidmore, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, who died in 1897, at the age of
thirty-seven years, leaving one child, Hilah V., who is a teacher in the
public schools. For his second wife Mr. Eddy married Ida M. Sadler, who
died leaving two sons, Homer D. T. and Chester A. In 1904 Mr. Eddy married
Miss Alma McCrumb of Eagle township.
        Mr. Eddy has belonged to the Masonic fraternity since 1892 and is also
connected with the Gleaners and the Loyal Americans. In politics he is a
democrat and has filled several village offices although he has never
aspired to political preferment. He started out in life without capital but
gradually has worked his way upward, brooking no obstacle that could be
overcome by persistent purpose and energy. He is now regarded as a
substantial citizen and one of the capable businessmen of his section of
the county. In manner he is genial, courteous and obliging and whether in
business or social relations he wins the respect and trust of those with
whom he comes in contact.