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			JOSEPH WATSON AND ALICE (CRANE) COURTER.

JOSEPH WATSON COURTER, who resides in Sidney Township, Montcalm County, was born in Essex County,
N. J., July 18, 1852.  He is the son of H. and Allis (Bowden) Courter, both being born and bred 
in Essex County.  Here this boy spent his early life until his seventeenth year taking advantage 
of the educational advantages offered in the common schools, thus obtaining a good business 
education.  His father then removed to Sidney Township, Montcalm County, Mich., and engaged in 
the lumber business, having his son's assistance in this work until the latter reached his 
majority, when he began working for Clark & Rhinsmith, who were engaged in lumbering.  In 1877 he
established a home for himself, and going back to Newark, N. J., for "the girl he left behind 
him," he was joined in marriage February 22 to Alice Crane.  They have become the parents of 
three children:  Arthur E., born October 16, 1878; Anna M., July 22, 1881; Frank H., May 19, 
1884.  The eldest son, Arthur, was snatched away by death when only four years old.
	The place where Mr. Courter now resides is the same to which he brought his bride 
immediately after their marriage.  He at that time purchased one hundred and twenty acres, 
something less than one hundred of which was then unimproved.  He has completed his house and 
built good barns upon the farm.  In his early manhood he had large responsibilities in connection
with his father's family, as first his mother and afterward his stepmother died leaving quite a
family of little ones to be cared for by him.  This trust he discharged faithfully and has 
proved a true elder brother to the younger members of the family.  In politics he is a 
conservative Republican and votes for the best man who is nominated.  He has served two terms as 
Supervisor by election, besides filling out one unexpired term by appointment.  He takes an 
active interest in educational matters, has been School Trustee and has worked hard to get a new 
district set off from the Sheridan district.  He finally succeeded with the help of citizens and 
neighbors in this endeavor by taking the matter before the Legislature of the State.  He is a man
who is resolute and determined in carrying out plans which his better judgment dictates and is a 
reliable and honored member of society.



This biography is taken from "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, 
MICH."  Chapman Brothers.  Chicago, Illinois.  1891.  Pages 232-235.