Oceana County MI Archives History - Books .....Pentwater Biographies 1882 ************************************************ 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 December 17, 2008, 6:25 pm Book Title: HISTORY OF OCEANA CO., CHICAGO, H.R. PAGE & COMPANY, 1882 SAMUEL A. BROWNE, secretary and treasurer of the Pentwater Lumber Company, is a gentleman to whose energy and ability the village of Pentwater, as well as Oceana County is largely indebted for its present prosperity. He came to the county in 1869, from Chicago, having purchased, in connection with W. B. Phillips, of that city, the lumbering interest of Richmond & Bean, and in a short time he gave the business a wonderful impetus, by extending the field of operations from the adjacent plains to the immense pine forests up the north branch of the Pentwater, containing some 200,000,000 feet of the choicest pine. This was done by a system of dams, four in number, rendering the river navigable for logs. This has been of incalcuable benefit, to the village and and to the whole region bordering on the river, as it has made possible the development of that section of the country. To show the value of the country thus opened up, we may mention that at one sale the Pentwater Lumber Company sold $204,000 of pine land, and some quarter sections in Crystal have sold as high as $20,000. Mr. Browne, on his arrival at Pentwater, saw at once the prime necessity of railroad communication, and set himself at work with characteristic energy to secure that boon, nothing daunted by the prediction of failure in consequence of the failure of former attempts in the same direction. He secured a pledge of $50,000 in stock, and the right of way, and in three months preparations were under way to lay a track from Montague to Pentwater. Seeing that the fruit and stock interests would become, after lumbering was over, the paramount interests of Oceana, Mr. Browne threw his energy into these channels, and demonstrated in a number of cases the value of sandy soil for fruit raising, by taking up locations in Weare, Crystal, etc., that had been run over by the lumbermen and abandoned. This has been of signal service in the development of the county. He has at the present time a farm in Golden with 20,000 fruit trees under successful culture. But his chief triumph is in his stock farm of 240 acres, on Section 12 of Golden, purchased in 1878, on which he has fine herds of thorough-bred Jerseys, Short horns, and Galloways, the latter being probably the finest collection in the state. In pigs he keeps the choicest Berkshires. But it is in the trotting stock that Mr. Browne has acquired a reputation far beyond the limits of the state, having some fifteen of the choicest brood-mares, (some with a record as low as 2.28,) and keeping a stud of from thirty-five to forty horses. Mr. Browne, with his Scottish-Irish origin, inherited an intense detestation of slavery, and was during the war a warm friend and supporter of the Union. Being in St. Louis when the war was about to break out, he raised a company of militia, and was with Gen. Lyon at the capture of Camp Jackson, and was offered the colonelcy of Blair's regiment, but was obliged to decline the honor, on account of the severe and extended ilness of his wife at that time. During Lincoln's great campaign in 1858, against Douglas for the senatorship, Mr. Browne drove the former throughout the southern portion of Illinois, and is proud to reckon the martyred president among his friends who have passed to their reward. Mr. Browne was born in Antrim, Ireland, September 18, 1834, settled in Chicago in 1854, came to Pentwater in 1869, and has been president of the village, school moderator, and presidential elector for the Ninth Congressional district in 1880. He married in 1856, at Ballymina, Ireland, Miss Jane Hanna, also of Scottish-Irish descent, by whom he has four surviving children, the eldest of whom, William H., is manager of the large saw-mill. The others are Miss Maggie J., Samuel A., and Charles F. We may add that during Mr. Browne's residence in Muskegon, when he was a partner in the extensive lumber business at Pt. Sherman, he took an active part in the development of that section, in connection with the harbor, the Boom Company, and in many other ways. But to enumerate all the public services of the subject of our sketch, would prolong this to undue length, and we content ourselves with giving but one more instance of his public spirit. When putting through the railway, finding it impossible to procure right of way and depot grounds at a reasonable price from the then owner of the farm on which the village of Shelby is located, Mr. Browne concluded, in company with Mr. Pettinger, of Shelby Township, F. A. Nims, of Muskegon, and J. G. Gray of Pentwater, to purchase the farm from Mr. Bryant for the sum of $4,000, then deed to the railway company, free, the depot grounds and right of way through the land, and at once had the property platted, and in this way originated the present thriving village of Shelby, now the largest in Oceana County. The late George W. Maxwell, who did much to build up Pentwater, was born in Tompkins, N.Y., January 9, 1840, remaining on the old homestead until 1860, when he went to Beloit, Wis., to engage in lumbeirng. In the Fall of 1862, Jacob S. Brillhart sold his lumbering interest in Pentwater to Hart & Maxwell, when George acted as a foreman, until he became a partner in 1865. They dissolved in 1866, selling to Richmond & Bean, and George continued the mercantile business until April, when the firm of Maxwell, Sands & Co., was organized for general merchandise and manufacturing. In 1875, Mr. Maxwell's health failed, and he died in Chicago, on January 21, 1876, sincerely mourned by all who knew him. Wm. E. Ambler was born at Medina, Ohio, December 18, 1845, and resided there till his parents moved to Hillsdale, Mich., in 1859. He entered Hillsdale College, but in 1865 left that institution, going to Albion College, where he graduated in the scientific course. In 1866, he entered the law-school at Albany, graduated, and was admitted to practice. In 1867, he finished the classical course at Adrian College, receiving the degree of B. A. The same Fall established himself as a lawyer, at Minneapolis, Minn., but in 1868 returned to Michigan, and began the practice of law at Pentwater, Oceana County, where he continues to reside. He has been president of the village, and is a member of the firm of Nielsen & Co., bankers. In 1870, Adrian College conferred on him the degree of A. M., and in 1875, Hillsdale College did likewise. Mr. Ambler was chosen a trustee of the latter institution in 1881, and is not only the youngest member of the present board, but the youngest member ever elected. He was a senator in the State Legislature in 1878, and re-elected in 1880; was elected president pro-tempore of the Senate, January 14, 1881, and was chairman of committees on appropriations and finance, engrossment and enrollment of bills, and reform-school for girls. He is a man of maked ability, and already is making his mark in the state. William B. O. Sands was born in Boone County, Ill., July 2, 1838. Enlisted August 16, 1861, in the Thirty-seventh, Illinois Infantry, as private; served in the department of the Southwest; discharged January, 1865, with a captain's commission. Settled at Pentwater, Oceana Co., Mich., in 1866, and engaged in lumbering and merchandising, and with his partner, E. G. Maxwell, does a yearly business of $300,000 in Pentwater, Crystal and Benona. Fred Nielsen was born in Aarhuus, Denmark, November 16, 1844. Received a high school education in his native city, acquiring a knowledge of English, German and other languages. Settled at Pentwater, Oceana Co., Mich., in 1865, engaging in different pursuits till 1877, when he commenced banking, which he still continues at Pentwater. Married in 1872, Nina M. Bacon. Edwin Nickerson was born in Canada, March 17, 1833. His father settled in Cattarangus County, N. Y., in 1835; thence to Lake Co., Ind., in 1839, and Barry Co., Mich., in 1842. In 1865 he made Pentwater, Oceana County, his home, and built a planing-mill. Is now extensively engaged in lumbering; also owns the flour and custom mill at Pentwater. Has been township supervisor; is the present (1882) president of the village. Married, December 24, 1873, Maria A. Carmichael. L. M. Hartwick was born in St. Joseph County, UInd., in 1848. Settled in Hillsdale, Mich., in 1860, where he received his literary education at Hillsdlae College; subsequently, in 1870, graduated in the law department of the University at Ann Arbor. Practiced law two years in Hillsdale County, then in the Spring of 1872, made Pentwater, Oceana Co., Mich., his home, where he has since resided in the practice of his profession. He also became proprietor and editor of the Pentwater News, March 1, 1880 - still managing that paper. Has been justice of the peace, village recorder, village attorney, deputy collector of customs, circuit court commissioner, etc. Married December 17, 1871, Alice A. Tuller, who was born in Hillsdale County, Mich., May 1853. Two children - L. W. & R. Charles R. Whittington was born in the Isle of Wight, England, January 12, 1835. Settled at Port Huron, Mich., in 1845, and in Pentwater in 1859, engaging in the grocery business. In 1871 he changed his business to furniture, sewing machines and undertaker's goods. Married September 27, 1856. Three children - Charles H., Ida May and Della. Dr. G. O. Switzer was born in Erie County, Pa., March 8, 1854. Settled in Barry County, Mich., in 1861. Received his leterary education at Hastings, Mich., subsequently graduated at the Bennett Eclectic Medical College, Chicago, in 1881. The same year commenced the practice of his profession at Ludington, and i April, 1882, made Pentwater, Mich., his home, where he intends to reside permanently. Dr. William E. Dockry was born in ONtario, Canada, June 6, 1842. Moved to Trumball County, Ohio, in 1849, and to Ashtabula County in 1853. Enlisted, April 27, 1861, in the Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, three months' service. Re- enlisted September of the same year in Company D, Twenty-ninth, Ohio. Discharged July 22, 1865. Graduated at the Cleveland Medical College, February 18, 1867. Commenced practice immediately. Settled at Pentwater, Mich., in 1873, where he still resides, practicing his profession, being also examing surgeon for Oceana County since 1873. Dr. C. W. Cramer was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., April 19, 1848. Commenced the practice of medicine in 1875, which he still continues at Pentwater, Mich. E. W. Hodges was born in Worcestor County, Mass., August 18, 1836. Early learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Settled at Pentwater in 1865; followed his trade, being builder and contractor. Has been identified in village affairs by being commissioner, first assistant chief of fire department, and on the village board four years. Married July, 1861, Mary A. Carr, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa. Four children. Conrad Master was born in Switzerland, September 20, 1824. Settled in Hastings, N. Y., in 1853, and i Pentwater, Oceana County, in 1855. Is a miller by trade, which he has followed since 1838. At present is the headmiller in the cutom and flouring mill of Nickerson & Collister, Pentwater. Married in 1848, Catherine Locher, who died in 1853. Second marriage in 1855, to Catherine Tobin. John M. Cahill was born in County Limerick, Ireland, June 24, 1839. Settled in Washington, D. C., in 1863, and was engaged in the quarter-master department for a year, when he settled at Pentwater, Mich., remaining till 1873, when he went to Chicago and was on the police force, where he remained till 1876, when he returned to Pentwater, where he still resides, being engaged in business. Married, August 27, 1868, Kate McAndrew, who was born in Canada in 1846. Franklin Pierce was born in Huron County, Ohio, September 7, 1856. Settled at Hart, Oceana Co., Mich. in 1868. Now is tinsmith with F. O. Gardner, Pentwater. Married February 25, 1880, Ella A. Falkner, born in Indiana, May 5, 1859. One child. Peter La Bonta was born in Canada, 1833; went to Detroit the following year. He early became a mechanic by trade, working in sash, door and blind factory. In 1859, settled at Pentwater. Enlisted in 1863, in the Twenty-first Michigan Infantry; served till close of the war. In 1880 he purchased the planing mill at Pentwater, which he still operates, also making sash, doors and blinds. Married in 1858, Mary Riley. James Brooker was born in Tioga ?County, N. Y., February 15, 1825. Settled at Detroit in 1830, and in Pentwater in 1855, being one of its first settlers. He kept the boarding house for Charles Mears till 1857, when he engaged in farming in Hart Township. Has made at least three farms in the county, and built the Elliott Hotel, Pentwater, in 1863. Now resides in the village of Pentwater, leading somewhat of a retired life, owning several houses. Married, June 15, 1843, Anna Rocole, who was born in Germany, 1824. F. O. Gardner was born in Medina County, Ohio, February 28, 1845. Enlisted, JUne 1861, in the Eighty-fourth Ohio Infantry. Served till the close of the war with Sherman as orderly sergeant. Settled in Golden, Oceana Co., Mich., in 1865. Engaged in farming and lumbering, owning a sawmill. Settled at Pentwater, in 1874, and is engaged in saw and shingle milling, hardware, brickmaking, etc., doing some $30,000 worth of business annually. Married June 1873, Carrie Aubrey. Peter Dreves was born in Aarhuus, Denmark, August 31, 1842. Settled at Pentwater, Mich., in 1868. In 1880 he purchased the Temperence Billiard Saloon, in which he still continues. William Kuhn was born in Prussia, October 16, 1833. Settled in Chicago in 1857, being a merchant tailor, which he followed till 1866, when he settled at Pentwater, and followed the same line of business for two years, when he built the Pacific Hotel, which he run for eight years, still owning it, though rented. Married February 25, 1860, Henrietta Marks, who was born in Germany, February 26, 1835. Four children - Fred, Martha, Charlie and Willie. Henry C. Flagg was born in Hartford Conn., December 12, 1819. Settled in Hamden Co., Mass., 1842, and in Kent County, Mich., in 1849, Mason County in 1852, and in Pentwater, Oceana County in 1857. Mr. Flagg traces his genealogy on his mother's side to Mr. Brewster, who came in the "May Flower" to America. Has been supervisor seven terms, on the village board eight years. Married, September 12, 1842, Lucy H. Nickelsom, also born in Hartford, Conn., April 3, 1820. H. H. Bunyea was born in Oakland Co., Mich., April 5, 1847. Enlisted in July, 1863, in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry; served in the western department under Gen. Thomas till the close of the war. Settled at Pentwater in 1871; worked at his trade, cooper, carryig on business, which he still continues. Has been postmaster, township and village treasurer. Married, November 29, 1876, Miss A. F. Bacon, who was born in Canada, May 22, 1854. One child - Edith. David C. Wickham was born in Orleans County, N. Y., December 7, 1843. Enlisted July 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry; afterward transferred to the Eigth Heavy Artillery; served in the Second Army Corps on the potomac till the close of the war, with a first lieutenant's commission. Settled at Pentwater, Ocean Co., Mich., in 1872, and is the present harbor inspector; also deals in lumber. Married, December 8, 1873, to Addie Cornell, who was born April, 1852. Two children - Maud and Niel Roscoe. George W. Imus, who was born in Bennington County, Vt., July 14, 1840, came with his parents to Kent County, Mich., in 1844. In 1868 he made Pentwater his home, engaging in merchandise and hotel, still owning the Elliott Hotel, which he rents and gives his entire attention to his business. He has been township supervisor, village assessor, on school board, etc. Married, March 17, 1865, Sarah S. Benham, who was born in Calhoun Co., Mich., September 10, 1844. Two children - Roy D., Georgia F. and lost one by death - R. L., born Aug. 6, 1872 and died February 11, 1875. Additional Comments: HISTORY OF OCEANA CO., CHICAGO, H.R. PAGE & COMPANY, 1882 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/oceana/history/1882/historyo/pentwate120gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 17.1 Kb