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				LEVI AND ADELINE (ABEL) WATERS.

LEVI WATERS.  The training of pioneer life encouraged the sterner virtues and developed 
characters which were courageous to meet the trials and discouragements which came with the 
daily life of the pioneer.  Such a character is that of Levi Waters, and he has had indeed more 
than his share of the hard side of life, but he has met it in a way to insure the respect of all 
who know him.  He was born in Steuben County, N. Y., April 7, 1827, and is the son of Stephen and
Hannah (Malatt) Waters, both of New York.  His first great and serious affliction was the loss 
of both parents when he was a little lad of eight years residing in Indiana.  the little orphan 
was put to service as an apprentice at the tanner's trade, at which he worked for six years. 
His schooling amounted to almost nothing, and the education he has, has been gained since he 
reached his majority.  He resides on his farm in Sidney Township, Montcalm County.
	Mr. Waters' parents were living in Canada at the time of the Canadian Rebellion, after 
which they removed to Indiana and there were taken sick and as before said died within a short 
time.  Two sisters also followed their parents to the graves, all being stricken down within six 
months.  His apprenticeship was with a Mr. Pancake, near Wolf Lake, Ind., whom he served only a 
few weeks when his brother cam and took him back to New York where he served six years to learn 
the tanner's trade.  When he came to this State he found work in Kent County and remained there 
until twenty-five years of age.  For nine years he operated his brother's sawmill, and spent 
considerable time in Grand Rapids working at his trade before removing to Montcalm County in 
1865.  Here he took a farm of forty acres, cleared and improved it, building a house and stables.
	December 30, 1848, the subject of this sketch married Adeline Abel, of Grand Rapids.  
Three children have blessed their home:  David Leroy, born January 8, 1850; Luesa J., born 
January 7, 1852, is deceased; and Frances Addella, born February 18, 1855.  This daughter is 
now the wife of John Ferman, of this county.  It would seem that his early afflictions had been 
his full share for life, but more trials were to come soon after he settled in his new home, and
while his son was quite young this child met with a serious accident.  A little later our subject
was struck down by a falling tree and his skull was broken by the blow.  He lay as if dead for 
many hours, but the next day revived and recovered.  He was also struck by a falling bucket in a 
well.  His patriotic impulses prompted him to offer his services to his country in the hour of 
need, and he enlisted in a Michigan regiment but was rejected on account of ill health.  He is 
connected with the order of the Patrons of Industry and also that of the Free and Accepted 
Masons.  He has been Pathmaster and School Director and is now Moderator of the school board.



This biography is taken from "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, 
MICH."  Chapman Brothers.  Chicago, Illinois.  1891.  Pages 238-239.