************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Submitted by Cindy Bryant NOAH D. KOUTZ From Portrait & Biographical Album, Ionia & Montcalm Co's, by Chapman Bros, 1891, p589-590. Noah D. Koutz, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Christlieb) Koutz, resides on a finely appointed farm on Section 5, Lyons Twp, Ionia County. He was born in Cumberland County, PA, January 30, 1833. His father was a farmer and cooper by trade and his grandfather, Daniel Koutz, was a private soldier in the war of 1812. His parents resided in Cumberland County for some years after their marriage, and then came to Ohio whence they came to Michigan in 1854 [should be 1852]. They traveled in a prairie schooner, camping out on the way. This new home was in a log house in Sebewa Township, Ionia County. Here they resided for about four years, when they came to Lyons Township, where our subject now resides and spent the remainder of their days. They both lie at rest in North Plains Cemetery, the father having departed this life in 1882 [this is incorrect, should be 1879] and the mother in 1878 [this is incorrect, should be 1874]. The parents of our subject were blessed with ten children and they were so happy as to see them all grow to manhood and womanhood. Those now living are George W.; Rachel, Mrs. JW Mabie; Barnhardt James [he d. 1879]; Barbara, Mrs. Elisha Trowbridge; and Searight. Three of their sons served in the Union Army during the civil war and two of them, Edmond and Israel, died in the service. [Israel didn't die until 1883]. Our Subject received his schooling in Ohio, where he accompanied his parents to their new home when only three years old. [The family may not have moved to Ohio until 1838, after the birth of their youngest son Searight]. He remained at home until his first marriage, which took place October 26, 1859. Sarah E. Scott was the maiden name of the lady who joined her life to his. She was born and brought up in Ohio. They were the parents of three daughters: Mary V., Mrs. Charles D. Nichols; Alice E and Fannie E. These daughters lost their mother January 4, 1871. His second wife was united with him July 30, 1871. She was a native of Nova Scotia, Elizabeth A. Nickerson by name. She was born Sept 6, 1849, and when four years old accompanied her parents to Canada, from which she removed to Michigan in 1865. She is the third child of her parents James and Sarah (Cassie) Nickerson. One child was born to this union, Malvina E. Immediately after the marriage of this couple they took up their home on the farm where Mr. Koutz now lives. A log house 24x16 feet made their first home. The present residence is an improvement on that and was built in 1884, at a cost of $1,800. One hundred of Mr Koutz' one hundred and twenty-seven acres are under cultivation. He pays much attention to sheep culture and owns ninety-seven head of fine grade sheep. He has a fine farm free from debt and is greatly respected in his neighborhood. He is warmly interested in the Prohibition movement. He has been School director and Pathmaster. The first winter that he located on his farm he furnished lumber from it for the building of the railroad bridge. In those days much wild game abounded, and being a good shot he killed many deer and some bears. He and all his family are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the local organization of which Mr. Koutz is a trustee. He is a member of the Board of District Conference and has gone twice as a delegate to the yearly conference. He is a liberal contributor to all church needs and takes an active interest in Sunday-school work. The following is from an old handwritten genealogy from the family: Noah Daniel Koutz - son of Jacob & Sarah, was born January 30, 1833 in the state of Pennsylvania, Cumberland County, Mifflin Township, just east of the Allegheny Mountains. In 1837 or 1838, moved to the state of Ohio, lived there about 15 years. In 1852, came to Michigan, settled in Sebewa Township, south of Ionia, lived there three years. Then bought our wild farm. He cut the first tree that was ever cut on the place. He was married to Sarah Ellen Scott on October 26, 1859. To this union were born three (3) daughters, Mary Viola, Alice Elida and Fannie Elizabeth. The wife and mother passed away January 4, 1971 at the age of 34 years. On July 30, 1871, he married Elizabeth Nickerson. To this union, one (1) daughter was born, Melvina Ellen. The 2nd wife died November 2, 1907. A few years later, he married Ola Wiley. He died December 12, 1912. Jacob Koutz - born 1790 died December 7, 1879 - age 89 years 6 mos, 9 days. Sarah Koutz - born 1790, died October 4, 1871 age 81 years, 4 month, 4 days. Mary Viola Koutz - born September 11, 1861, died May 14, 1914 - age 53 years. She was married to Charles D. Nicles. To this union two (2) children were born, Alice S. Nicles and Daniel Melton Nicles, born June 10, 1890 and died May 10, 1900 at the age of 9 years and 11 months. Alice Nicles was married to Ralph Sweet who passed away in 1928. Mary Viola Nicles (Koutz) was united in marriage to George Norman August 1892. To this union two (2) children were born. Ralph David, who served in World War I and Ruth Viola. Alice Elida Koutz, born July 2, 1863 married Seymore Curtis November 27, 1901. Seymour died July 1944. Fannie Elizabeth Koutz, born Feb 8 1868, married John Eugene Nicles, August 17, 1892. To this union , one son was born, Webster Milo Nicles who passed away July 23, 1916, age 23 years, 7 months. Melvina Ellen Koutz, born April 21, 1872, married Ambrose A. Weeks Dec. 27, 1898. Died at the home of her parents Nov 9, 1906 in the village of Lyons. Edmund Koutz, a Civil War Veteran, born in 1827, died Sept 15, 1865, age 38 years and 6 months. He was married and had several children, all died but one, Seymour Koutz. Barney Koutz, born 1822. Died September 29, 1879, age 57. He married Sabra Meyers, (do not know date). To them was born one (1) son Merrit. Born 1869, died 1928, age 59 years. Israel Koutz, a Civil War Veteran. A Sharp shooter in company 1 U.S.U.S.S.S. This is all that is on the marker, which the government erected. Died in 1861. [ He is in the 1880 Census, and his probate records say he died in 1883]. He was married and had two (2) daughters, Eva and Minnie. After their fathers death, they and their mother went out West. Mary Viola Koutz, born Sept.11, 1861, died May 14, 1914, age 53 years. She was married to Charles D. Nicles. Two children were born to that union, Alice S. and Daniel Milton., born June 27, 1890 and died May 27, 1900. Alice Elida Koutz born July 2, 1863 married to Seymour Curtis Nov. 27, 1901. Seymour died July 1944. Fannie Elizabeth Koutz born Feb. 8, 1868 was married to John Eugene Nicles Aug 17, 1892. One son was born to this union, Webster Milo Nicles, who died July 23, 1916. More information can be obtained from cbryant@qtm.net , or in the Jacob Koutz history found in the Lansing State Library.