*****Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message must appear on all copied files. Commercial copying must have permission. ***** Submitted by Mary Del Rivett ADA TOWNSHIP BIO'S FROM THE BOOK KENT COUNTY HISTORY 1881 JOHN AMES was born in the parish of St. Stephens, Pr. of New Brunswick, Dec. 31, 1821. He is the son of Elijah and Susannah (Stone) Ames, the former a native of Mason, N. H. born Feb. 14, 1785 the later born in Machias, Me., April 24, 1788. The ancestors of Mr. Ames were English and akin to the celebrated Ames, manufacturer of agricultural implements in Massachusetts. Mr. Ames mother died May 12, 1828, and his father Oct 13, 1842. Soon after the former event he made his way into Washington Co. Me, where he engaged in lumbering until 1850. In September of the following year he purchased his present farm of 135 acres on sec. 4, of a squatter who had built a log "shanty,", cleared a small patch of ground and set out nine apple trees, six of which are still living and bearing fruit. Indian trails were then the only thoroughfare, and Mr. Ames has been a participator in all the pioneering enterprises of the town. He was married March 16, 1852, to Margaret, daughter of Issac and Mary Tomlinson, in Tecumseh, June 19, 1831. Three of five children are living; Mary E. born April 30, 1856. Mrs. Albert Fairchilds; Alice, June 4, 1861 --wife of Judd Potter--and Willis, Sept 3, 1862. Mrs. Ames died Oct 26, 1870. Mr. Ames married a second time Sept 2, 1873, to Sarah, daughter of John and Susan Russell, natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Ames was born in Monroe Co. Mich March 22, 1848. They have two bright little daughters; Myrtie A, born May 19, 1875, and Martha M. May 28, 1879. Mr. Ames is a Republican in political faith and he and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. WILLIAM H. BANKS (DECEASED) was born in Goshen, Orange Co, N. Y. April 16, 1806. His parents, Henry and Susanna Banks were natives of England. and in 1818 settled in Wheatland, Livingston Co, N.Y. He served an apprenticeship with his father at the age of 21, and worked as a mechanic eight years. In March, 1832, he entered 200 acres of land in Commerce twp. Oakland Co. MI. The Indians were then in possession of this state and Pontiac was but an Indian Trading Post. In November, 1867, he sold and went to Grand Rapids for the purpose of educating his children. In 1868 he purchased a pine tract in Montcalm county and engaged in lumbering until 1871, when he settled on a farm in Ada. He was married Oct. 1, 1834, to Jane f. Mc. William, born at Schenectady, N. Y., May 1, 1812, daughter of William and Margaret McWilliam, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Banks have eight children---John W., James A., William H., Alice S., wife of Levi Moore; Mary J., Mrs W. M. Hathaway; Margaret A., Charlotte A., and Joseph R. Mr. Banks died Sept. 19, 1876. He spent his life in usefulness and was an exhorter of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for a number of years. He was a public-spirited man and actively interested in all poltical and religious affairs. In early life he was Whig, but became a Republican, and an uncompromising Abolitionist. His loss to family and friends is one that cannot be repaired. BENJAMIN BEACH one of the oldest pioneers of this township, was born near Lake George, Warren Co., N.Y. March 14, 1804. He is the son of William and Lucy (Gleason) Beach, the former born Aug. 18, 1776, the latter May 14, 1786. Mr. Beach died June 29, 1857. Mrs. Beech died Aug. 21, 1862. Benjamin Beach, father of William Beach, was renowned for having servered through the entire period of the Revolutionary war---seven years. Mr. Beach, of this sketch, is the oldest of 12 children, five of whom are living. He was reared on farm, and in 1828 engaged in a saw-mill in Essex Co., N. Y. and a year later returned to Warren county. In 1831 he was married and went to Glen's Falls, and in 1832 to Syracuse, where he operated a salt block one year. He went thence to Oswego county, and subsequently to Onandaga county. In May, 1836, he came to Port Huron and became one of the corps of engineers engaged in surveying the D., G. H. & M. R. R. He went back to New York in the fall, and in August, 1837, he "squatted" on the place where he now resides, a part of which he entered in August, 1838. He has by subsequent additions increased his farm to 120 acres. At the time of his "locating" the Ottawas were very numerous, and were frequent visitors at the pioneer home. Sometimes nearly a score of them would call in a day, and Mr. Beach was familiarly known to them as Flint, and highly considered from his skill as a deer hunter. His farm is in fine condition, 112 acres being in tillage. He married April 28, 1831, to Betsey, daughter of Horace and Charlotte (Frazier) Ward, born at Springfield, Vt. Sept 24, 1812. They completed a half century of happy married life, Apr. 28, 1881. Following is a record of their children---Sarah S., born March 6, 1836, now Mrs. Mark Spencer, dec.; Warren, May 24, 1841, married M. A. Putruff, dec.; Martha M., april 12, 1839, now Mrs. Geo. Strong; Orrin, March 9, 1844, married Anna E. Friedewick; Alice J., Dec 17, 1848, now Mrs. Wallace Langs; and Seymour, March 8, 1853, married Rosa B. Culver. SAMUEL BEACH farmer, was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 13, 1833. His parents, Samuel and Harriet (Treadwell) Beach, were also natives of Yorkshire. In 1842 they settled near Syracuse, NY, and in 1843 came to Calhoun Co. In 1845 they moved on sec 11, Ada, where Mr. Beach, sr., entered 80 acres of land. He died July 3, 1848 , and his wife Feb. 10, 1870. Mr. Beach was bred a farmer, and in 1857 located on the farm he now occupies, 120 acres on sec 16. He proved his single-heartedness toward the land of his adoption by enrolling himself to maintain her flag over an integral Union. He enlisted Aug. 29, 1864, in Co. B., 3rd Reg. M. V. I., Capt. Moore, in the brigade of Gen. Thomas. He was in the fights at Decatur and Murfreesboro and received his d ischarge Mary 19, 1865, He was married Nov. 11, 1857, to Emily, daughter of John and Ann Findlay, of Scotland, born May 30, 1836. They have five children--Gertrude M. born Aug. 8, 1860, (Mrs. Wm. Collar); Theodore E., July 27, 1863, married M. J. Schenck; Chas. E., Jan 14, 1867; Mina E. July 18, 1870, and Roscoe, April 16, 1877. Mrs. Beach is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Beach is a Republican. THOMAS BOYLON was born in the county of Lowth, Ireland, April 15, 1827. He came to America with his parents, Cornelius and Mary McCabe Boylon in 1834. They settled in Seneca Co. NY. moving in the fall of 1840 to Livingston Co. MI. Mr. Boylon was bred on a farm and has spent most of his life as an agriculturist; has operated a thresher for 30 years. In 1856 his father settled in Vergennes and he passed five years there, locating on 160 acres on sec. 7. this tp., in 1861. This farm, includes the old Indian reservation. Mr. Boylon was married Feb. 5, 1860, to Susan A. Murray, born in Troy NY. Feb 24, 1841. They had 11 children, of whom five are living--Mary, James, Michael F., Lillie and Anna. During the diphtheria ravages of 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Boylon lost four children within six weeks--Thomas F. , Catherine, Cornelius and Susan. The family are connected with St. Andrews's Catholic Church of Grand Rapids. Mr. Boylon belongs to the National party and has been Jusice of the Peace six years. W.P. CARL farmer, sec 29, was born in Groton, Tompkins Co., N.Y. June 12, 1819. He is the son of David F. and Sybil Carl, of New York. His father served in the war of 1812 and his maternal grandsire was a soldier at Bunker Hill. He early learned the blacksmith's trade of his father and traveled, working at his trade until 1848, when he entered 40 acres on sec. 29, in this tp.; He pursued his trade the next three winters in different places in this State and returned to his farm, where he built a shop and followed his business until 1878. He was married April 15, 1850, to Calphurnia N., daughter of Moses and Jemima Parker, born at Clear Creek, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. Aug. 27, 1825. Three of their children are living---Wilson J., Lucy E. and L. L. Perry is deceased. Mrs.Carl died March 24, 1875. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity and is a Republicann. He served as Deputy sheriff of Kent County in 1879. Mr. Carl retains his old homestead. L.B. CHAPEL was born in Oakland county, and is son of Gurden and Rachel Chapel, the former born in the State of New York, the latter a native of Ontario. They settled on a farm five miles north west of Ada in 1844, and with all the experiences of the pioneer, Mr. Chapel grew to manhood. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Buena Visa for a term of years, and since abandoning it he has been occupied with farming. He was married in 1850 to Helen M. Dennison, born in New York of English parentage. They have five children, as follows: Augusta A. , Addie O., William A., Elmer E., and Royal A. Mr. Chapel was a soldier of the late civil war; he enlisted in 1864 and was honorably discharged in 1866. His regiment was one of the last four from Michigan that were discharged. He belongs to the National party in politics, and owns a farm of 100 acres on sec. 27. Mrs. Chapel is connected with the M. E. Church. AMOS G. CHASE M.D. was born in Italy, Yates Co., N.Y, May 29, 1820, and is a son of Rev. Amos and Mary (Shepherd) Chase. Dr. Chase acquired his early education in the common schools, and in 1842 came to Lenawee county, with his father returning to New York in 1843. In June of the same year they came to this county, where the senior Chase entered sec. 10 of Ada entire and also 30 acres on sec 11, also 80 acres on sec. 36, Cannon tp. The father returned to New York and after some months came to this county and subsequently to Kent. Dr. Chase began the study of medicine with Dr. G. W. Walker, of Ada. He was under his instructions 14 months, when Dr. Walker died and Dr. Chase succeeded to his field of practice in Ada, where he is the only physician. In July, 1876, he opened drug store in conjunction with his son, F. C. Chase; he has a full stock of drugs, and the annual transactions average about $5,000. Dr. Chase was married Nov. 6, 1845, to Betsey, daughter of Calvin and Lydia A. Kelsey, born in June, 1828, in Wales, N.Y. They have three children, Harriet S. (wife of John M. Butler). Fred C. and Clayton V. Dr. Chase is a member of the Masonic order and is a Republican. He performed the duties of Justice of the Peace one term and of Township Treasurer one term. JOHN L. CLEMENTS pioneer of Kent county, was born in Seneca, Ontario Co. N.Y.Feb 14, 1811. He is the son of Samuel and Catherine Clements, the former a native of Lancaster Co. Pa. and the later of Essex Co. N. J. They are amoung the first settlers of Lima, Washtenaw Co., where they settled in 1825. He followed the Lakes as sailor boy three seasons, and in 1837 returned to "fair Washtenaw" and kept hotel at Mill Creek one year. From that time he worked a part of his father's farm until 1846, when he entered into a partnership in a grist-mill in Grand Rapids, known as Clements and Sweet's mill. His relation continued until 1854 when Mr. C. navigated Grand river with the steamer "Porter." In April, 1855, he purchased 400 acres of land on sec. 33, 34 and 35. During the next two years he constructed the dam and built the "Ada Mills." The expense was $7,000. He ran the mill two years and sold out, since which time he has been occupied in farming. In the spring of 1857 he platted South Ada. He was married in December, 1838, to Zipporah R., daughter of Wm. G. and Polly Beach, born in Cayuga Co. N.Y. They have one child, Edward B. born July 14, 1844. He was educated at the Pontiac High School and is also a graduate from the Law Department of the State University at Ann Arbor. He took his degree in 1871. Mr. Clements has held various offices of public trust, amoung them that of Justice of the Peace 12 years. He served one term as Supervisor in Washtenaw county. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns a valuable farm of 260 acres. CORNELIUS COURTWRIGHT a leading citizen of Ada, was born in Tioga Co., N.Y. Sept 25, 1821, and is a son of Moses and Esther Courtwright. His grandsire, Gideon Courtwright, was a hero of the Revolution. Mr. Courtwright, of this sketch, was bred on a farm and obtained his education in the common schools. In 1844 he entered 120 acres of Government land on sec. 10 and 15, Grattan tp, and found home and employ among the farmers of Plainfield until 1847, when he went to Muskegon, where he pursued lumbering three years, and returned to this county and purchased 80 acres on sec 16, Ada. He was married April 17, 1851, to Sarah Naysmith, born in York, Livingston Co. N.Y. July 26, 1827. They have one child, Edgar J., born Jan 22, 1858. He was reared on his father's farm and married Feb. 4, 1878, Libbie Mason, born in Troy, N.Y. Dec. 1, 1854. Mr. Courtwright is widely esteemed for his benevolent character and honorable record. GEORGE CROW son, of Elias and Philatha Crow, was born in Newfield, Niagrara Co., N.Y. Nov.16, 1832. His parents belonged to the pioneer element of Ada and assisted in all its improvements, such as making roads, building school-houses etc. and his father was one of the organizers of the township.. His father born in New York in 1799, and his mother in 1800. They were married in 1820 and came to Detroit in 1830. They went to Ionia Co. a short time after, they came to Ada and Mr. Crow entered 137 acres. He died in 1841, and his wife Feb. 8, 1875. George Crow was married July 5, 1856, to Emily A., daughter of James and Isabella Grant, sister of his first wife, born in Scotland in 1842. She died Jan. 21, 1881, and left two children---Claud G., born Feb. 26, 1876, and Maud E., June 9, 1877. Mr. Crow enlisted in the war for the Union Aug. 3d1, 1864, in the Thirteenth Mich. Independent Batterly, and received his honorable discharge in July, 1865. He resumed farming, and in 1875 located 80 acres on sec.27. He also owns 40 acres on sec. 22. He is a Republican in politics and a Congregationalist in religious faith. He is now serving the second term as Town Treasurer. MAHLON DENNIS farmer, was born in Walpole, Prov. of Ont. March 8, 1829. He is the son of Adam and Leah Dennis; the former was born in September, 1792, and the latter, Feb.21, 1795. The father was a teamster for the British in the war of 1812. In 1840 he brought his family to this tp. whre he had previously pre-empted 80 acres on sec.24. In 1851 he purchased his homestead on sec 32, and took possession of it. He died there Nov. 17, 1868, and his wife also, Feb 21, 1872. Mr. Dennis of this sketch is fifth son and sixth child of a family of nine children, of whom six are living. He was married Aug. 31, 1857, to Mary, daughter of John and Margaret Camp, born in Elgin Co., Prov. of Ont. April 5, 1838. They have one child left of three-----Ettie E., born May 25, 1862. she is a young lady of fine attainments. Mrs. Dennis died March 8, 1866, and July 3 of the same year Mr. Dennis was married to Mary A.., daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Camp, born May 16, 1838, in Elgin Co., Ont. They have three children---Amelia R. born April 10, 1867; Asa M. Sept 11, 1870, and Arby j., July 9, 1876. Mr. Dennis, wife and daughter Ettie are members of the Baptish Church. He is in possession of the family homestead; is a Democrat in political faith and one of the most respected and esteemed citizens of Ada. The farm was in its primal state when it came into Mr. Dennis' hands, and he has cleared and improved it until it ranks with the major portion of the county in beauty and fertility. LUTHER DENSMORE carpenter and joiner, Ada, was born in Potter, Yates Co., N.Y. July 9, 1833. His parents, John and Elizabeth Densmore, were also natives of New York. Mr. Densmore's grandfather, David Densmore, was a Revolutionary patriot. At the age of 21 Mr. Densmore served an apprenticeship of five years with his trade. He served one year in New York State, and then in 1855 came to Ada and served four years with Henry Hoyt and John Schenck. Since that date he has followed his trade, and for the last four years he has been foreman in the Bridge Department of the D.,G.H.&M.R.R. October, 1864, he enlisted in Co. B. of the New 3d Mich. Inf. under Capt. Moore. He participated in the skirmishes of Murfreesboro and Decatur, and at the close of the war moved off to Texas and was mustered out at Victoria, Texas, and discharged at Detroit, June, 1866. He enlisted as Corporal and was promoted to Orderly Sergeant the autumn of 1865. Mr. Densmore was married Oct. 18, 1858, to Miss Gertrude Holt, daughter of Henry and Mary Holt, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y. born Mar. 27, 1835. They have three children---Georgia H., born May 24, 1860, wife of William H. Smith; Jessie E., born July 19, 1862, and May L., born May 7, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. D. is a Republican. MICHAEL FARRELL a prominent Irish farmer of Ada, was born in Waste-math, Ireland, July 14, 1811. In May, 1835, he emigrated to America and remained in New York till 1837, when he came to Detroit, and was engaged as State foreman and contractor on the M.C.R.R. till 1844, when he came to Kent county and entered 960 acres in Ada, Grattan and Cannon tps. Since that time Mr. Farrell has followed agricultural pursuits. He was married Feb. 15, 1836, to Miss Mary McCormick, daughter of Wm. and Catharing McCormick. Mrs. Farrell was born in County Waste-math, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1817. This union was given 11 children, viz:---Hannah, William, Garrett, Catharine, Michael, Margaret, Charles (deceased), Mary A., Eliza j, Julia and Ellen. Mrs. Farrell died Mar. 9, 1878. Mr. F. and family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. F. is a Democrat in politics. He owns a valuable farm of 720 acres. JAMES GRANT pioneer, was born in Murrayshire, Scotland, in September, 1813. His parents, Lewis and Jane Grant, were natives of french ancestors who migrate to Scotland about 600 years ago and founded the distinguished "Grant" clan of the Highlands of "Albion". He was married in May, 1835, to Isabella Spence. Of nine children born to them six are living---William (see sketch), John , George, Albert, Robert, and Jane. Mr. Grant came to America in 1850 and the same year to Kent Co., purchasing 40 acres on sec 5, Ada tp. Mrs Grant died Fed. 21, 1861, since which time Mr. Grant resides with his children. He is a Republican and belongs to the Wesleyan Methodist Church. WILLIAM GRANT son of James and Isabella Grant, was born in Murrayshire, Scotland, Jan 7, 1839. He came to America with his parents in 1850 and lived with them in Ada until he attained his majority. July 20, 1861, he enlisted in the late war in Co. K. of the famous First N. Y; (Lincoln)