Mecosta County MI Archives Biographies.....Wilder, Harry M. March 20, 1837 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 April 17, 2009, 8:40 pm Author: Chapman Brothers HARRY M. WILDER, farmer, sec. 30, Grant Tp., was born March 20, 1837, in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich., and is a son of Joel and Hannah Wilder, both of whom were natives of Ontario, N.Y. His father was born Sept. 6, 1794, and died June 28, 1867; and his mother was born July 19, 1800, and is now living in Lapeer Co., Mich. Mr. Wiler became a soldier of the civil war, enlisting at Detroit, Aug. 20, 1861, in Co. F., 16th Mich. Vol. Inf. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the seige of Yorktown, in April, 1862, Hanover Court-House, May 27, 1862; Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862; Gaines' Hill, June 27; White-Oak Swamp, June 30; Malvern Hill, June 30; Turkey Bend, July 1; 2d Bull Run, Agu. 30; Antietam, Sept. 16; Shepardstown, Sept. 19; Fredericksburg, Dec. 13; Chancellorsville, April 3, 1863; Middleburg, June 21; Gettysburg, July 1 to 3; Williamsport, July 12; Wapping Height, July 21; Bristow Station, Oct. 14; Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7; Mine Run, Nov. 27; Wilderness, May 5, 1864; Laurel Hill, May 8; Spottsylvania Court-House, May 18; Magnolia Swamp, June 1; Bethsaida Church, June 2; Petersburg, June 18, Petersburg & Norfolk Railroad, July 30; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 18, 19, 21; Preble Farm, Sept. 30; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27 (2d), March 25, 1865. Mr. Wilder holds the following testimonial from his superior officer: "Sir: Accept my congratulations and thanks for having so nobly and successfully performed your duty during your perilous term of service, and for having been connected with an organization which has with honor to itself participated in the following named battles: (See foregoing list.) With many good wishes for your future, I am respectfully yours, B.F. PATRIDGE Col. Commanding 16th Mich. Vol. Inf.' Mr. Wilder was married Jan. 15, 1863, to Melinda Thompson, of Lapeer Co., Mich., born April 26, 1845. One child was born of this marriage - Don J., March 31, 1866. The mother died April 21, 1866; and Mr. Wilder was again married June 18, 1867, to Lydia E., daughter of L.D. and Nancy Marsh, of Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich. She was born in Quincy, Branch Co., Mich., May 22, 1849. Of this marriage two children have been born: Del C., Aug. 17, 1870, and Dio D., May 28, 1872. Mr. Wilder came to this township in August, 1865, and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres, where he has since resided. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Road Commissioner, is a member of the G.A.R. and of the Order of Masonry. He was one of 12 voters who organized the township in 1866, and his first wife's death was the first event of that character in Grant. The present Mrs. Wilder taught the first school term of 13 weeks. She received but $2.20 cash for her services, her patrons paying her in such articles as they possessed. One man settled his proportion with ax- helves, another with part of a harness, another sent his ox-team to work on her husband's farm. Those people were all honorable, and have made their way in the world, now owning well improved farms. The character of the primary school-ma'am of Grant may be better understood from the fact that she walked twice to Big Rapids and back - 15 miles - to hear political speeches, feeling it her duty to be informed on the popular issues of the day. Additional Comments: 1883 Portrait & Bio Album of Mecosta Co. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/mecosta/bios/wilder587nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 4.1 Kb