BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 225-242

     Very forcibly are we reminded of this remark of Bayne's in the present sketch. Up to a certain point it is biography, pure and simple; then it becomes biography and history in about equal proportions; then once more it returns to biography, and history disappears, still leaving behind it, like the rivers of California, golden sands too precious to remain ungathered.

     The good State of Michigan has received the best of compliments for the excellence of its soldiers in the great war of the Union from that grand old patriot, Gen. George H. Thomas. We once heard a dying Massachusetts officer say that she "was equally good in infantry, cavalry, artillery, and the corps of engineers." But high as the compliment was, it does not give her the full meed of praise that she deserves. The green sash had its honors as well as the red; the yellow flag its mission as well as the stars and stripes; there were times when the knife of the surgeon was as indispensable and required as much fortitude in its proper use as the sword. The writer of this sketch well remembers a day, after the greatest of all our battles, as the wounded lay in thousands and the surgeons were few, when he would willingly have given up all other kinds of knowledge save one to know how to make a proper use of a box of surgical instruments. With the modesty of true science the results of their labor have been recorded, but too often we are without record as the danger and cost at which those results were achieved. Only, then, has biography found its true use when it possesses the power of transfusing character into the reader, and where it widens into history, causing our homage to the nation to transcend our homage to the man. We honor the physician who has bravely maintained his post during a pestilence, if he lives, as a hero; if he dies, we lament him as a martyr, and erect an enduring monument to his fame. Why not similar honor be given to the hero-surgeons of the war? and among others, to our modest friend kind worthy fellow citizen, Surgeon Ranney, of the Second Michigan Cavalry?

     In modern sketches of biography we notice that increasing attention is given to the question of ancestry. As in animals, so in mark, there is a general law of heredity that asserts itself too plainly to be denied. The time was when Coleridge remarked that "the history of a man for the nine months preceding his birth would probably be far more interesting and contain events of greater moment than all the threescore and ten years that follow it." It was ridiculed as a speculation far more curious than useful. But it is so no longer. The received opinion now is that character is the result of innumerable influences from without and from within, which act unceasingly through life. Who shall estimate the effects of these latent forces enfolded in the spirit of a new-born child--forces that may date back centuries, and find their origin in the life and thought and deeds of remote ancestors---forces, the germs of which, enveloped in the awful mystery of life, have been transmitted silently from generation to generation and never perish? All cherishing Nature, provident and unforgetting, gathers up all these fragments that nothing may be lost, but that all may ultimately re-appear in new combinations. Each new life is thus the heir of all the ages, the possessor of qualities, which only the events of life can unfold." * Especially in the life of a physician, to give some particulars concerning (226) his parentage is not so much a matter of laudable pride as of scientific information. Many things that will hereafter appear in this sketch, are thus readily accounted for that; would not be understood otherwise.

     George E. Ranney was born June 13, 1839, in Batavia, N.Y., the county town of Genesee and almost equidistant from Buffalo and Rochester. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were born in Ashfield, Mass. His father's name was Joel Ranney, that of the old patriarch, who came to New England from Scotland in 1620, Thomas Ranney. Many of his descendants have been men of influence and position, and not a few of the family are still found in their original county of Franklin. It is something to come from a stock that has staying qualities and does not run out; it is something more to inherit the perfervidum ingenium Scotorum; and in this respect, as in so many others, a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children and his children's children to the remotest generation.

     The mother of Dr. Ranney was Elizabeth P. Champlain, the daughter of Francis Champlain, who died at the early age of thirty-two, from injuries received in the War 1812. He was the direct lineal descendant of Samuel Champlain, the celebrated French naval officer, who, in 1609, discovered the lake that still bears his name, founded Quebec in 1608, and to whose courage and enterprise France was indebted for the establishment of her Colony of Canada. Ranney still lives with her son in a happy and peaceful old age, and with a keen relish and recollection of events public and private in the long, long ago. As often happens, the son "favors" his mother, and to a practiced eye the French lineaments in his countenance are obvious. In the early days of our history the Scotch and French frequently united in marriage each having a common Celtic origin.

     Joel Ranney received an excellent education and for some years turned it to good account as an intelligent farmer and dealer in stock. Then came the crash of 1837, a debased currency, stagnation in business, and bankruptcy all over the land. The long-continued "hard times" had at least one good effect--it compelled multitudes to "go West and but for this enforced hegira from the East, Michigan would not have been the mighty commonwealth she now is.

     Mr. Ranney, with his wife and four children, removed to Kent County, Mich., and after their full share of malarial illness and other, inevitable hardships of pioneer life, he secured a good home and eighty acres of land about three miles south west of Grand Rapids. Then came calamity indeed. Long before the farm had been cleared or rendered productive, the good husband and father died, and George, now a lad of twelve, had to form the brave purpose of fighting the battle of life alone The offer of work for wages on a farm with the privilege of attending winter school, was at once accepted, and from that time forward he went through the young American's regular curriculum of farming, driving team, clerking and railroading. At the early age of seventeen he found himself at Stafford. N.Y., as freight and ticket agent of the Buffalo, Corning & New York Railroad. In his endeavor to keep order at his station, there were some who despised his youth, and occasionally got the worst of it. One of them, the son of a Director, complained to his father, and the Director insisted that George should be dismissed. Nothing daunted, however, he appealed to the Superintendent and asked him to inquire of the citizens as to the merits of the case. The result of this inquiry was that George was indeed removed from his position, but only to another and a better one in the Superintendent's own office. Such an incident is as creditable to the young defender of his rights, as it is mean and contemptible on the part of the cowardly aggressors. The victory was something,  but the good opinion of the Superintendent, that "George was capable of occupying a much better position," was a good deal more. It gave him a new impulse in his attention to duty, and very soon he was promoted to Wayland--excepting two, the most important station on the road. His determined coolness and pluck, and his ability to overcome opposition and to avail himself of opportunities of advancement, were marked characteristics of our young railroad agent, of which we shall see numerous illustrations in his future career. In an ebbing tide let us cast anchor and hold on; the tide (227) will soon turn again. Only a dead fish floats wit the stream.

     Meanwhile, underlying all other things in young Ranney's mind was an intense desire for knowledge. Hence his sacrifices to attend winter school; hence his exemplary diligence at Stafford Academy, under Parson Radley; at Rushford Academy, under Prof Saylles; at Cary Collegiate Seminary, under Dr. Eastman. Hence his enthusiastic attachment to some of his fellow-students, especially to Thaddeus C. Pound, afterward of Wisconsin, whose subsequent success in political life fully justified the admiration of his friend. This attachment was one of the kind that those only understand who have had the privilege of enjoying it. "The union of two minds," says the greatest reflective thinker of all time, "from that sympathy which is the result of unity of aim in the acquisition of truth, is the highest to which they can aspire." Like that of comrades in war, the attachment of classmates is proverbial. This is the true Platonic love: what so often goes under the name is but a base and unworthy counterfeit.

     In addition to, the desire of knowledge, young Ranney had also a very definite ideal before his mind of the kind of man he would like to be. Of all the men with whom he had come into more immediate contact, none had more deeply enlisted his youthful admiration than a certain beloved physician, in whom the "code of ethics" was most happily exemplified. Would his coming ever be watched for with so much anxiety? the door be opened with as much reverence for his opinion in matters of life and death? Would he ever have in his power to confer similar benefits on the sick and suffering? The way did not seem to be easy but there was a way, and he found it. The grim lions that so often seem to be in the path of sloth and cowardice are found by the brave and industrious to be chained on either side. They are not in the path itself.

     Our biography now widens into history. In 1858 young Ranney came to Charlotte, Mich., and after spending some time in a drug store, began the study of medicine under Dr. Joseph P. Hall In 1860-61. He attended his first term of medical lectures in the University of Michigan. But those were times in which men were studying the condition of their country more than anything else.

     "War a healer" seems strange doctrine to many who do not distinguish between war and mere bloodshed, but not to such philosophers as DeQuincey, or to such poets as Wordsworth. There
are times when the body politic requires the sword, just as the body physical requires the knife. War in a good cause is not the greatest evil which a nation can suffer. If slavery will not give way to freedom, nor freedom to slavery, the sword is the only umpire that can settle the controversy.

     In September, 1861, young Ranney enlisted as a private under Capt. H. A. Shaw, and assisted him in recruiting a company for the Second Michigan Cavalry. His knowledge of medicine soon made him its third Hospital Steward. The radical change of habits in a thousand men recruited from their homes imposed arduous duties upon the surgeons, and in the summer of 1862 the Hospital Steward was temporarily assigned the duties of an Assistant Surgeon at New Madrid, Mo. By overwork and exposure he was there taken ill, and the disease being severe and long protracted, he was mustered out of the service. During his convalescence he attended another term at the Michigan University, and was graduated in March, 1863. But it was not his lot to lose time waiting for patients. Letters from his regiment to Gov. Blair, recommending Dr. Ranney as their unanimous choice for Second Assistant Surgeon, at once secured him the appointment, and on the 13th of June he joined his old regiment at Triune, Tenn.

     (228) Those who know what cavalry service is, as compared with that of infantry how desperate are the raids and how frequent the skirmishing, can well believe that Surgeon Ranney's position required no little fortitude and self -possession. Take a few examples: On the first day, advance from Triune there was a fight at Rover, in which a soldier belonging to another brigade, was severely wounded in the arm. His own surgeon confessing his utter inability to operate on account of his trembling nerves, the medical director himself was obliged to operate, and took Dr. Ranney to assist him. The trembling surgeon was not alarmed without cause. The scene was exciting in the extreme. Bullets whizzing thick and fast; squadrons dashing here and there; everything uncertain as to the result of the conflict; the wounded man just on the ground where he fell, and no time to take him anywhere else--these, it must he confessed, were not very desirable conditions for a capital operation. But the two surgeons, solely intent, on their work, made the amputation as required. From that day on, through the entire campaign, Surgeon Ranney found a true friend and a kindred spirit in Medical Director Greer. Knowing that the post of honor was the post of danger, the Director took the full measure of his calm and resolute assistant, and thence forward lost no opportunity to give him better positions.

     Take another example: In the Atlanta campaign, during the hundred consecutive days in which the Federal forces were under fire, a soldier of the brigade having lost his leg, it was, of course, the duty of his own surgeon to operate, but when everything was ready he confessed that he could not operate under fire. At his request Dr. Ranney made the amputation. and being seen by many of the combatants, it thus gained him a reputation for nerve and self-possession that he never afterward forfeited. Soldiers love and admire courage, not only in other officers, but in chaplains and surgeons.

     Take a third example: A Wisconsin brigade suffered severely in killed, wounded, and prisoners, one of the prisoners being the Colonel himself. Their own ambulances not being accessible, those of Dr. Ranney's brigade were ordered up. Alarmed by the near approach of the enemy the Brigade-Major and his assistants fled to the rear, reporting their own hairbreadth escape, and the certain capture of Surgeon Ranney and his assistant. Greatly to the chagrin, however, there came an order from Dr. Ranney for more ambulances. They arrived promptly, and with them an order from Director Greer for Dr. Ranney to assume the duties of Brigade Surgeon. The promotion was a rapid one, but it was well deserved, and the Doctor held the position with increasing honor during the remainder of the very active and trying campaign that culminated in the capture of Atlanta.

     But it was at the memorable battle of Chickamauga where Dr. Ranney was in the greatest peril. One day in September, 1863, a telegram came to the War Office at Washington. "The army is in total rout!" By noon came another telegram-- "Gen. Thomas still holds the center!" Never were President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton in more complete bewilderment. Unfortunately for Dr. Ranney his place on this trying day was not the center with Gen. Thomas. The right wing, struck heavily in the flank, was sent flying in disorder toward Chattanooga. The cavalry covered the retreat, first massing at Crawfish Springs, and then retreating about half a mile and massing again. While still near the springs the enemy were threatening and firing at long range. A detachment under Gen. Rucker dashed up to get the position and strength of the Federals, fired at them, and retreated. Dr. Ranney thus far during the retreat had been in the immediate rear of his regiment, but meeting a wounded man making his way toward the hospital and quite exhausted from loss of blood, he dismounted and applied dressings to stop the bleeding. In the meantime the cavalry had started, leaving Dr. Ranney a short distance in the rear; he hastened to overtake them. Just at that moment, however, Gen. Rucker's command charged the Federal cavalry from the flank and rear, and the rebel cavalry having got in between the surgeon and his brigade, he found himself in a very difficult position. Making his way to a road about three miles distant, and which ran parallel with the road to Chattanooga, he reached it in advance of the Confederates, but in the rear of Gen. Sheridan, (229) who was covering the retreat on the same road near the base of the ridge.

     Riding rapidly along, joyous and confident of his escape, he came to a diagonal road crossing the two others. But the clatter of horses' feet, the rebel yell, and the command to halt from a company of Texas rangers charging down upon him not twenty rods off, showed him at once that his hopes were disappointed. Quickly turning his horse, he tried to reach an undergrowth of oak, which might partially obstruct the rangers' view. Those at the head of the column having fired three shots at him, to avoid any more he jumped from his horse without checking his speed, hoping the animal would continue its course on the road. Much to his surprise and alarm, the horse stopped and endeavored to follow him into the bushes. Three of the rangers halted to take him and his horse, but not daring to stop long enough, they got the horse only.

     The firing of the rangers at Dr. Ranney having been noticed by some rebel cavalry in the rear, they formed a line across the open field in the immediate vicinity of tile woods, where the Doctor was hugging the ground as closely as possibly behind a friendly rail cut, about half the size of his body. Skirmishers came across the field and into the woods, and one came over within ten rods of his hiding place. Watching for him to raise his gun and take aim before he cried for quarter, the Doctor concluded to wait until the very last moment. Fortunately the skirmisher was looking higher and beyond him, and not finding any one to shoot at, returned to his horse. From behind his slender protection the Doctor watched the horse's legs until he was glad to see those at the end of the column.

     It was now evening, and the sun was just going out of sight. One thing was certain, the rebels had fairly cut him off from his own army. He had had a hard day of it. Hearing the firing at the front, just as he had sat down to breakfast, he snatched a hard-tack, and after the whole weary day of work, this was all he had to eat. Tired and hungry and cold, he at last found a dead man's blanket soaked with blood, and wrapping himself up in it laid down, in a fence-corner and slept until morning.

     What could he do? Between him and his own army was that of the rebels. On his right were some twenty miles of barren and inhospitable mountains. He did the only thing possible in the circumstances and reported himself to Surgeon Hawley (now of Peoria, Ill.), who was then in charge of the well-filled hospital at Crawfish Spring, and where he was immediately assigned to duty.

     Soon Gen. Bragg's Adjutant-General and others belonging to his staff, including Dr. Fluellin his medical director, visited the place to parole the wounded soldiers and some surgeons who had been taken prisoners. The surgeons were asked to sign the same parole as the soldiers. Some did so without hesitation. When Dr. Ranney's turn came to sign, he said that according to the cartel existing between the Federal and Confederate Governments the surgeons, as non-combatants, could not legally be made prisoners of war. He also said that if the Federal Government were holding Confederate Surgeons who were captured in the legitimate discharge of their duties he was willing to be held as a hostage until the wrong was redressed, but he would not sign the parole. The controversy grew hotter and hotter, until the Adjutant-General told the Doctor he must either sign the parole or be put under guard.

     "Put me under guard, then," said the plucky surgeon.  "I will look to my own Government to see that justice is done in the case.

     Fortunately, at this critical juncture Dr. Fluellin submitted a paper, which is still in Dr. Ranney's possession, and reads as follows:

     "We, surgeons and assistant Surgeons of the United States Government, captured at the battle or Chickamauga, on September 20, 1863, do solemnly swear that we will not bear arms against or give any information detrimental to the Confederate States Government, nor in any way or manner assist the United States Government until we leave, or are exchanged for such Confederate surgeons as have been captured in the legitimate discharge of their duties and held by the United States Government. And as, we are only paroled to attend the Federal wounded we will report to the command of the post at Atlanta, Ga., as soon as our services can be dispensed with."

     (230) When a man's head is in the lion's mouth it requires some grit to object to the terms on which the king of beasts may see fit to let the head out again; but this is just what John Knox did when a slave on board the galley, and what Dr. Ranney did when a prisoner at Crawfish Springs. In the end, all were satisfied with the paper except the Adjutant-General, who had to pocket the affront from the sturdy "Yank" as best he could. The subsequent experience of the Doctor for forty-four days in the Libby Prison is, unfortunately, too familiar to need detail. One thing, however, at Libby was quite characteristic. Having picked up a work on medical jurisprudence, he read it with more interest than one would expect in such unfavorable circumstances.

     Early in July, 1864, the portion of the Second Regiment then in the field, was ordered to return to Franklin, near Nashville, and there join the other part of the regiment, which had been absent on veteran leave. Arrived at Franklin, the post hospital was put in charge of Dr. Ranney, and shortly after he received veteran leave of absence for thirty days.

     Returning to his old friends at Charlotte, he employed his last eleven days in recruiting men to fill the quota for the towns of Eaton and Carmel. The first two days he enlisted twenty-seven, and before the expiration of his furlough the whole quota of fifty-one. These recruits, equally to the surprise and delight of his old regiment, now reduced to a minimum, he marched into their camp, thus securing for some twenty officers the rank to which their commissions entitled them. The Second Regiment soon had an opportunity of showing their newly acquired strength by repelling a raid of the rebel cavalry under Gen. Wheeler, and driving him beyond the Tennessee. Almost immediately repeated under Gen. Forrest, and in the engagement at Pulaski, lasting a whole day the Federals suffered the heaviest loss, but the Confederates abandoned the field.

     While at Pulaski, Dr. Ranney was called from the field to operate for the First Brigade. The church used as a hospital, being full to overflowing, he was ordered to establish another hospital and furnished with assistants for that purpose. Being the only medical officer with his regiment, he was relieved from the hospital and allowed to accompany his command when it removed from Pulaski. Forrest was driven across the Tennessee, but only to be succeeded by Hood and his entire army, now reinforced by the army of Dick Taylor. After some severe skirmishes with the Second Cavalry and other regiments who were acting as pickets to prevent Hood crossing the river, his overwhelming numbers soon enabled him to accomplish his design with much loss to the Federals.

     A more intensely interesting moment than this was scarcely known during the war--Sherman cutting loose from his base and starting southward from Atlanta on his great march to the sea; the sagacious Thomas keeping his own counsels and organizing a new army out of everything on which he could lay his hand; Gen. Grant leaving Richmond for Washington on his way Westward to find what it all meant; and Hood with characteristic audacity determined to carry the war into Africa. In vain the Union cavalry contested the ground inch by inch, felling trees and fighting behind barricades on every hill that would give them advantage; the columns of the enemy were too heavy. Schofield fell back from Pulaski to Columbia, and after fighting all day and marching twenty-five miles at night, got into position early October 30, at Franklin. Never were the rebels in better spirits. Hood had delayed his attack until all his forces could be brought up, some fifty-five thousand men. Opposed to him, under Schofield, were only twenty thousand men. "Break those lines," shouted the impetuous Hood, "and there is nothing more to withstand you this side of the Ohio River. On to Nashville, and you will have nothing to do this winter but eat and drink and sit by the fire and swap jack-knives."

     The second Michigan Cavalry, occupying the extreme left and actively engaged from early morning were driven by noon across the little Harpeth. While crossing, the rebel infantry rushed forward, flaunting their flag, and shouting triumphantly, "You are our prisoners!" But their exultation was altogether premature. Skillfully availing himself of a little bend in the river and of an adjacent woods, Gen. Croxton had placed there a regiment (231) in ambush. Opening upon the enemy, a galling and enfilading fire upon his flank, the Second Cavalry lost no time in improving their opportunity to the utmost, and so, to the great chagrin of the rebels, made good their escape to the other side.

     The ambulances were thus thrown into a very hazardous position on the flats between the two rivers, and an orderly was dispatched by Gen. Croxton to Dr. Ranney, telling him that his command would soon fall back, and he must look out for the consequences. But the order not being peremptory, the Doctor continued to gather up the wounded men in the train now slowly moving to the rear and near the centre, which was in the village of Franklin. A second time the orderly galloped up, with positive orders to move on at once if he did not expect to be captured. But the order was more easily given than obeyed. Ft. Granger, which the Second Cavalry had helped to build, and which they had called after their old Colonel, now opened their batteries on the enemy's line. The Confederate artillery returned the fire with equal spirit. While thus between the fires the Federal center gave way, and the enemy perceiving their advantage, rushed in like a torrent, carrying the hill, taking eight of our guns, and planting the rebel flag on our breastworks. But again their rejoicing was not to last. Col. Opdyke, in one of the most splendid counter assaults of the campaign, retook our guns and captured ten rebel flags and three hundred prisoners into the bargain.

     It was now night, and the train of ambulances was still in very critical circumstances. Our own cavalry had galloped through fields and woods, miles away to the left and rear, to guard our flanks. The soldiers about the fort were beginning to start camp-fires, when suddenly Dr. Ranney heard the command, "put out those fires!" and in the stentorian voice recognized that of Col. Streight, whose acquaintance he had made a few months before in Libby Prison. At once making himself known to the Colonel, he asked for further orders. "Move on to Nashville," Was the reply "for unless you and your ambulances occupy the field alone, there is no other way for you. I am now in command of the rear-guard, and shall soon move there myself."  Just in time to get in advance of the rear-guard, Dr. Ranney had the satisfaction of bringing every ambulance and every soldier safe within the defenses of Nashville. That was a proud day in the history of the young surgeon, which none of his friends, either in the army or out of it, are willing should be forgotten.

     But the work of the ambulance and its various attendants is not yet done. By December 9, Hood had established his lines south of Nashville. The season is against him, for it is a week of severe cold. Numbers are no longer in his favor, for the Fabian policy of Thomas had been successful. The besieged (?) were more than the besiegers, and in all respects in much better shape. To sit by the fire at Nashville they must pass through another fire much worse than that of Franklin. Thomas orders in advance. The first day's work gives him sixteen guns and twelve hundred prisoners; the second day's work gives him in all four thousand four hundred and sixty-two prisoners, two hundred and eighty-seven officers and fifty-three guns.

     One of these prisoners Gen. E. W. Rucker, in command of a division of rebel cavalry, was known by the Federal cavalry as "the man on the gray horse who often dashed up to the Federal lines to get them into a position to exchange shots. While fighting hand to hand with a Union captain, his left arm was shattered just below the shoulder by a ball. As the first Federal surgeon to see him, Dr. Ranney courteously offered the General's staff surgeon his assistance, and the professional courtesy was returned by a request to perform the operation himself. The next morning he sent him in a comfortable conveyance to Nashville. The last time Dr. Ranney saw "the man on the gray horse" previously was just before the charge at Chickamauga, which resulted in his capture.

     After Hood's defeat by Gen. Thomas, a hot pursuit was made by the cavalry, and consequently many Confederate wounded fell into the hands of the Federal surgeons for treatment. Hood got over the Tennessee with a remnant of his army and the loss of his last gun. The Union cavalry, having reached the Tennessee, wintered at Florence and Waterloo. Meantime Dr. Ranney had been commissioned as a full surgeon, and the hospital (232) departments of his corps being organized into divisions, he was put in charge of the First Division Hospital Department, and appointed its chief operator.

     Tennessee once more repossessed, now for Alabama! While Gen. Canby was operating from the South, the movement at the North was led by Gen. James H. Wilson, detached by Gen. Grant from the Army of the Potomac, and sent West with his veterans for this particular purpose. His command consisted of about fifteen thousand men, and was known as the Cavalry Corps of the Military Division of the Mississippi. His objective point was Selma, where, after a long and fatiguing march, a decisive battle was fought, resulting in the capture of many prisoners and a large amount of army stores. Wilson pursued the enemy to Montgomery which surrendered under a flag of truce, and then pushed on to Columbus, and Macon, Ga.

     It may be well imagined that this was an exceedingly active campaign, and that the number of sick and wounded requiring surgical aid was very great. At Macon the hospital departments of the three divisions constituting the corps were consolidated. Dr. Ranney was ordered to receipt for all medical stores to the surgeons in charge of the other divisions, and to establish a corps hospital in the building formerly used by the State of Georgia as an asylum for the deaf, dumb and blind. About three hundred patients were gathered here from various places on the line of march, and some ninety soldiers who had been under the care and treatment of the rebels. The case of the latter was pitiable in the extreme. Either through meagre facilities, or actual neglect of rebel surgeons, their wounds had been suffered to become gangrenous; arteries had sloughed and required ligation. in some cases amputation had to be resorted to to save life, but in the end not one of that number died.

     Macon being only twenty miles from Andersonville, when the rebel armies surrendered the prisoners at this murderous and ever-accursed place were of course released. The poor starved and emaciated prisoners who were unable to join their own commands or bear transportation home were provided for in the corps hospital. The horrors of that well-known stockade or "prison-pen" will be remembered long after those of the "Old Sugar-House," in the days of the Revolution are forgotten. It was just as much crossing the death-line to go into Andersonville Prison as to go out of it. So indignant was Dr. Ranney at the enormous outrage here perpetrated on civilization and humanity that he complained of Capt. Wirtz for his brutality, and had him arrested and placed under guard. In this connection it may be as well to remember that when the war was ended Capt. Wirtz was the only rebel that was legally hung, and most richly did he merit it. The. only regret is that those in higher office who shared in his unparalleled crime, did not have a similar share in his well-deserved punishment.

     Nor was this the only instance in which Dr. Ranney resented the abuse of office. When he found those of our own army who were deliberately taking advantage of their position for private and mercenary purposes, at the expense of the public good, he did not, hesitate over his own name to notify Gov. Blair and other authorities at home, and secure efficient measures for the remedy of such abuses. Tros Tyriusve nihi nullo discrimine agetur. Rebel or "Yank," it was all one to him; where corruption was, it must be cauterized and its progress arrested.

     During the month of July, 1865, the Second Michigan Cavalry was mustered out of service, but the ability of Dr. Ranney as a surgeon was now too well known to leave him without employment. Gen. Croxton, of Gen. Ed McCook's Division, under whom he had served in the Chattanooga campaign, offered him a commission as surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Colored Infantry, which he accepted, and with which he remained until it was mustered out, in January, 1866. During the latter part of his service he was at Augusta, and, his duties with his regiment being light, he attended a course of lectures in the Georgia Medical College.

     And now, having gone through the war, as Lee has it in his farewell to his disbanded army, April 9, 1865, our history once more returns to biography.

     In February, 1866, Dr. Ranney established (233) himself as physician and surgeon in Lansing, Mich. Here he has built up a solid and steadily increasing practice, and now holds an enviable position in his profession, not only in the capital city, but in all the adjacent country. In 1866 he assisted in the organization of the Michigan State Medical Society, of which he was then elected, and of which he has ever since continued to be, the Recording Secretary. In 1873 he served as President of the Michigan Central Medical Society. In the same year he was elected corresponding member of the Old Wayne County Medical Society. In 1872 he was Chairman of the Lansing Board of Health. He has been Resident Surgeon at Lansing to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, and the Chicago & Lake Huron and the Chicago & Northeastern Railroads. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and has often been a delegate to that body from the Michigan State Medical Society, and served as the Committee on Necrology for Michigan in 1879-80. Nor have his labors been confined merely to the practical duties of his profession. To its periodical literature he has contributed papers upon "Bandaging for the Relief of Inflamed Mammæ;"  "Lipera;" Bad Water a Cause of Typhoid Fever;" "Progress of Medical Science, with Hints upon Vulgar Errors impending it," etc.

     Dr. Ranney is an honorary member of the Pere Marquette Medical Society and the Saginaw Hospital Staff; corresponding member of the Detroit Library Association; member of the American Public Health Association; the American Medical Association and British Medical Association; Fellow of the British Gynecological Association, etc., etc. In 1886 he was a delegate to the British Medical Association held in Brighton, England. He is Superintendent of the Lansing City Hospital, and is now (1891) President of the Michigan State Medical Society. He is also a member of the Association of Railroad Surgeons of Michigan. He is Division Surgeon of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad, and of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad; belongs to the Pension Examining Board of Lansing; and is a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

     As a physician he is unusually quick and skillful in his diagnosis of disease; simple, judicious and conservative in his treatment; very gentlemanly and conciliatory in his contact with his patients; and just that kind of physician, who, when once known, is most valued, and loved alike by rich and poor. The men of all others for whom he seems to entertain a most vehement dislike, are the various quacks and pretenders to medical knowledge, whom a wise and stringent Legislature ought long since to have driven from a State as intelligent as that of Michigan.

     In politics, though by education and choice a Republican, he is not of the noisy kind, or at all inclined to make himself conspicuous on the stump. In religion he has equally decided opinions as in medicine. He believes that its tendencies and results ought always to characterize the medical man, who at every step in his career, in the very tissues and organs of the human frame, should not fail to see sublime and beautiful evidence of the wisdom, power, and goodness of the Great Creator. Its true demonstration he thinks is quite as often in the life as in the elaborate argument.

     It would naturally be expected that a man who had gone through so varied and trying all experience would endeavor to secure for himself a happy home. In September, 1869, Dr. Ranney was united in marriage to Isabella E. Sparrow, daughter of Bartholomew Sparrow, late of Kellebeg Enniscorthy, Ireland, a woman of great tenderness of disposition, and admirably adapted by her many virtues to dignify and adorn domestic life. They have one son, now (1891) eighteen years old.

     It was Dr. Ranney's misfortune to lose his daughter, Florence, June 4,, 1891, aged ten years and three months. She was a child beloved by all who knew her, and of her Bishop Davies wrote, that she impressed him as one of the brightest and most beautiful girls he ever saw.

     Many--oh, how many!--were our unreturning brave who died on the battle-field, who perished by the wayside, who wasted away their inestimable lives in rebel hospitals and prison-pens through starvation and neglect. The evil which of all others has threatened the body politic of late has been poverty of blood. It will take more than one generation to make good the loss, Yet one thing is (234) ever to be remembered: but for such surgeons as Dr. Ranney who jeopardized their lives in the high places of the field, our loss would have been incalculably greater. They have returned, indeed , many of our Boys in Blue, without a leg or without an arm, but, thank God! they have at least brought back their undying love for the Union, and enough of their glorious spirit has been left to save us from a Civil War far worse than Rebellion, and thus give us the grandest prospect of a national development which has ever opened upon the human race. We, close, then, our sketch in the same spirit in which we commenced it,--HONOR TO THE GREEN SASH AS WELL AS TO THE RED.

     *Gen. Garfield's Oration on the Life and Character of Gen. George H. Thomas, p. 5.

     REV. HARVEY HODSKISS. This well-known temperance orator and revered minister of the Gospel residing in Locke Township, Ingham County, was born February 12, 1818, in Pratts' Town, Steuben County, N.Y. On the paternal side he is of Puritan descent and his maternal grandfather was for a short time a member of the Revolutionary army. When very young he removed with his parents to what is now known as Orleans County, and when ten years old he removed to Chautauqua County, and there grew to manhood.

     Having arrived at manhood, young Hodskiss; learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed for a number of  years. His early life in the woods and on the farm had not been adapted to giving great advantages in the line of education, but his own love for learning and intense ambition led him on, and he became a thorough student.

     Desire Hill was the maiden name of the lady who became our subject's bride in Chautauqua County, N.Y., April 9, 1837. She was born December 9, 1817, in Genesee County, N.Y., and her parents were Robert and Hannah (Sullivan) Hill. She is of good patriotic stock as her grandfather Hill was a Revolutionary Soldier. By her union with Mr. Hodskiss there were born five children, only one of whom is surviving: Louisa, wife of Leander Wright, residing in this county, who has a son, Harvey, who is working the farm of our subject. He has a son now six years of age. Those who have passed away are: Nancy, Ann M., Plimpton and one who died in infancy. The father joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when about eighteen years old, and began preaching and exhorting at the age of twenty-three, and has continued in the work up to the present time, part of the time serving in that church and part of the time in the Wesleyan denomination. He has never had the advantage of college learning, but studied at home, and many a night sat up until midnight or 2 o'clock in the morning, in order that he might gain the knowledge which he felt was necessary for one who would speak acceptably to the people. He passed a successful examination before the Conference and became a regular preacher in Ohio in 1845. He came to Michigan in 1855, and located in Locke Township, this county. For nearly four years he officiated as Chaplain of the Jackson State Prison, but he resigned that position to take a regular appointment from the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now, even at his advanced age, filling numerous pulpits in this vicinity.

     This reverend gentleman has been an extensive lecturer on the theme of temperance and an active worker in that cause. In his political views he was long attached to the Republican party, but is now an active Prohibitionist, and both he and his wife are helpers for every good cause. In the early days in Ohio he was a strong Abolitionist and a Free Soiler. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he has gained by strict economy and persevering labor.

     When the Republican party was first organized Mr. Hodskiss lectured extensively in its interests throughout Ingham County, and in 1860 he was a candidate for the Legislature on that ticket, but was defeated by a minority of fourteen votes. His lectures have been well known throughout Ingham, Jackson, Shiawassee, Manistee and Oceana Counties. While he was residing in Ohio he was instrumental in helping to organize the Wesleyan Church, which seceded from the Methodist (235) Episcopal Church on the question of the abolition of slavery. On the 9th of April, 1888, Mr. Hodskiss and his devoted companion celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding day, which was a happy occasion to all who know and love this worthy couple. Our subject is quite active and vigorous for a man of his years.

      AARON BOTSFORD. A loving daughter dictates the notes for the following biographical sketch of her father, who has from childhood been her hero and model of all excellence. He is now the owner of a fine farm on section 2, of Williamston Township, Ingham County. He is a son of Samuel Botsford, a native of Millford, New Haven County, Conn. Thence he went to New York, where he was married to Lucy Bullen, from which union six children were born, four sons and two daughters. Mr. Botsford came to Michigan October 21, 1833, and lived in Washtenaw County until his death, which took place September 20, 1878. The mother died January 23, 1861. Mr. Botsford was a carpenter by trade and was in the War of 1812.

     Aaron Botsford, was born June 15, 1818, in Wyoming County N.Y., and was sixteen years of age when he came to Michigan with his parents and lived at home until he was of age. He then went on a farm and bought eighty acres of land in Washtenaw County. After his purchase on taking an inventory of his possessions he found that he had just seven cents in money, a team and a plow. (236) He cleared and broke the ground and lived there from 1840 to 1861. His marriage took place November 27, 1842, at which time he was united to Elizabeth Savage, a daughter of David Savage, a native of Orange County, N.Y. They were, however, early settlers in Washtenaw County.

     To our subject and his wife were born the following children: Henry, Eugene, Ann M., Willard, Mary E., Irvin, Julia A., Minnie and Olin. In 1860 our subject came to the this county and settled on a farm of two hundred and twenty acres. Of this he has given a portion to his children and now has but one hundred. He has made most of the improvements upon his farm. Politically he is a strong adherent of the Republican party, and has been Justice of the Peace for three years. The wife of Mr. Botsford died March 21, 1887.

     She who dictates this sketch, Mrs. Julia A. Gilbert, a daughter of our subject was born April 14, 1861. She was married April 1, 1888, to Andrew Gilbert, a son of Daniel and Lucinda Gilbert, the former a native of Alleghany County N.Y., and latter of Ohio. To them have been born two sons and three daughters. Mr. Gilbert was a carpenter by trade and on first coming to the State settled in Eaton County, Benton Township, where he lived for a number of years, thence removing to Midland County, and there died in 1882, the mother passing away in 1886. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert has been born one son, Roy, whose natal day was September 29, 1889.

     DAVID ROBISON. The honorable record in both peace and war of this worthy resident of Howell Township, Livingston County, is a pleasant theme for the pen of the biographer. His life since his early years has been an open page to be read by all the citizens of this county, and upon it there is not one blot nor blur and all are glad to do honor to a man whom they respect and whose career is worthy of the regard which he receives.

     A splendid farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres upon which can be found graded stock and Short-horn cattle, employs the energies of Mr. Robison. It is located on sections 4 and 9, of Howell Township, and by its well-kept appearance and productiveness shows to every passer-by the master hand of him whom owns and operates it. Canada is the birthplace of our subject, who was born in 1839. His, parents, John and Martha (Funston) Robison, were natives of Ireland, who came to Canada after their marriage and there engaged in farming. At an early day they migrated to Howell and purchased the land now owned by our subject. They improved the land and brought it into a high state of cultivation and lived on the same until death intervened. The decease of the mother took place in 1876 when she had reached the age of seventy-six years, as her birth was coincident with the beginning of this century. The father survived ten years longer, and reached the age of ninety-one. Of their seven children four are now living, namely: James, David, Mrs. Dunn, and Catharine (Mrs. Roth.) The father was a Democrat in his political views and one of the well to-do men in his township.

     The early education of David Robison was given him in Canada and he followed up his studies after reaching Livingston County. He had thorough practical training upon the farm and remained on the old homestead taking charge of the same as his parents were in declining years. He has thus had the management of the estate from the time he was quite a young main, and since that time be has added to it by purchase to a considerable extent.

     In the winter of 1863 Mr. Robison made up his mind to leave home and enlist under the banner of our country, and he enlisted as a private in Company I, Fifth Michigan Infantry, continuing in service until July, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge. During the battle of Spottsylvania Court-house, which took place May 21, 1864, this brave soldier was wounded by a ball through the arm and was for some time in the hospital at Fredericksburg and later was sent to Washington for treatment. The most serious disaster which befell him during his service was his captivity. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Hatchies (239) Run and was kept a prisoner in Libby Prison from October 22, 1864, until March 1, 1865. He became very much emaciated during his imprisonment. He is a man who stands five feet, nine and one-half inches in height, and when he entered prison he weighed some one hundred and sixty pounds, but during captivity was reduced to seventy-five pounds.

     Having received an honorable discharge July 12, 1865, Mr. Robison now returned home and took charge of his farm. He is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has no greater pleasure than in reunions with his old comrades. He belongs to the Waddell Post of Howell. He is a Democrat in his political preferences and is now filling the office of Justice of the Peace. His beautiful home which he erected in 1872, is presided over by his niece, Miss Mamie Cummisky, as he has always remained single. The social, political and agricultural circles of the county esteem Mr. Robison as one of their most prominent members, and his wealth and enterprise make him a felt power in the community.

     ROBERT C. KEDZIE, A. M., M. D. The genealogy of the Kedzie family, to which our subject belongs, reads within the last three generations as follows: His grandfather, Adam Kedzie, was born in Hawick in 1746, and passed a portion of his life in his native Scotland, where he was occupied as a farmer. In the spring of 1795, accompanied by his family, he came to the United States and settled in Delaware County, N.Y., where, in the village of Stamford, he and his wife died. His son William Kedzie, father of our subject, was also born in Scotland in 1781, in the same place of which his father was a native. He too, was reared, as a farmer and came to the United States when fourteen years of age with his parents. He made his home for a time in Stamford, N.Y., thence removed to Delhi, and coming to Michigan in 1826, settled in what is now known as Deerfield, Lenawee County. He was a Scotch Presbyterian and after living a life of usefulness, he passed away in Deerfield, in 1828. The mother of our subject, who was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Telford, was born in Cambridge, N.Y., June 29, 1792, and was the daughter of James Telford, a farmer.

     The subject of this sketch was one of eight children born to his parents, three of whom are living. They are the Rev. Adam S. Kedzie, who is the editor and proprietor of the Grand Haven Herald; William, of Adrian, Mich., who is a retired farmer, and Robert C. of this sketch. Dr. Kedzie lived in Deerfield for fifteen years, during which time he attended the district school. When seventeen years old he entered Oberlin College, and after a student life of six years he was graduated in 1847. For two years he was engaged in teaching in Rochester Academy, Mich., and he then devoted himself to the study of medicine, being graduated from the medical department of the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, in 1851. He first located in Kalamazoo, remaining there about one year, then spent eleven years in Vermontville and one year in the army as Surgeon in the Twelfth Michigan Infantry.

     In 1863 Dr. Kedzie was appointed Professor of Chemistry in Michigan Agricultural College, and has ever since held that position. He has published a handbook on chemical analysis, which has been of use in colleges and among scientific people. He has also written many papers in connection with the State Board of Health, of which he is a charter member, for four years its President, and for eight years connected with the Board, declining re-appointment. He has also been President of the American Health Association and Vice-President of the American Medical Association. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the advancement of Science and Vice-President of the Department of Chemistry in said society. He is also Fellow of the American Academy of Medicine. A practical chemist, his interest is chiefly in laboratory work and applied chemistry. In 1867 he was a member of the State Legislature, representing the northern half of Ingham County, being elected as candidate of the Republican party.

     On May 20, 1850, Dr. Kedzie was married to (240) Miss Harriet E. Fairchild, a sister of the ex-President of Oberlin College. Mrs. Kedzie is a talented woman and a suitable companion for her scholarly husband. They are the parents of three children--William K., who was born July 5, 1851, was a graduate of the Michigan Agricultural College in the Class of '70, at which time he took the degree of Bachelor of Science, and in 1873 Master of Science. In 1873 he was appointed Professor of Chemistry at the Kansas Agricultural College, at Manhattan which position he held for five years, and was then appointed Professor of Chemistry of Oberlin College, where he remained for two years. He died April 10, 1880, while in office. He was married to Miss Ella M. Gale, of Manhattan, Kan., and left to his bereaved widow two children--Ella Pearl and William Roscoe K., aged fourteen and twelve years respectively. Our subject's second son, Robert Fairchild, was a graduate of the Agricultural College in 1871, took the degree of Bachelor of Science, and subsequently the degree of Master of Science. He was Professor of Chemistry in the Agricultural College of Mississippi for two years, and died February 13, 1882, at the age of nearly twenty-nine years. He left a widow, whose maiden name was Nellie Sawyer, of Manhattan, Kan. The third son, Frank Stewart, was born in 1857, and was graduated with the class of '77 from the Agricultural College, like his brothers taking the degrees of Bachelor of Science and subsequently Master of Science. He is now Adjunct Professor of Chemistry in the Michigan Agricultural College. After his graduation he spent six months in Berlin, Germany, studying chemistry. He married Kate Marvin, of Lansing, this State, in December, 1887.

     For the past forty years Dr. Kedzie has been associated with the Congregational Church, The last twenty-five years he has been a member of that denomination at Lansing, as is also his wife, and as were his two eldest sons. His membership with the Peninsular Chapter of the Alpha Delta Phi of the State University of Michigan, and its old members has been the source of much pleasure as the years have passed. In politics he has been a life-long Republican. The chief work of the life of Dr. Kedzie has been given to the State Agricultural College. Dr. Kedzie has a very firm hold on the students and graduates of the Michigan Agricultural College, of which he has not only been a finished instructor but a friend, and it is safe to say that no other professor is held in higher esteem than he. His many student friends earnestly trust that he may be spared still many years to grace the college hall with his presence.

     A lithographic portrait of Dr. Kedzie accompanies this sketch.

     JAMES PEACH. Among the prominent and successful farmers of Green Oak Township, Livingston County, is the enterprising Englishman whose name appears at the head of this writing. His beautiful farm and attractive home constitute one of the ornaments of the township and by his integrity, good will and intelligence he has made himself a place in his adopted country.

     This farmer was born in Cambridgeshire, England, November 17, 1833, and is the son of Charles and Ann (Ankar) Peach. The mother passed from earth in 1880, but the father is still living and now at the age of eighty-four is enjoying the affectionate care and comfort afforded him by his son. These parents had eleven children, eight of whom are still in this life.

     While quite young James Peach enjoyed the advantages of good schools, but his school life was not long prolonged, as he began work at the age of thirteen, and for his first endeavors received only the nominal stipend of $15 a year. He worked upon farms and in various ways from year to year but did not make much headway in acquiring means until after he came to America.

     In 1854 James Peach and his parents came to America and landing in New York, journeyed at once to Ann Arbor, Mich., where the young man engaged in various kinds of employments for a short time and then entered the service of William St. Clair, with whom he remained for six years. In 1861 he came to Green Oak Township where he (241) had purchased a farm on section 8, and here he has made his home from that time to this. After coming to this country he took an intelligent interest in party movements and allied himself with the Republicans, but he is now more actively interested in Prohibition movements. The Presbyterian Church is the religious body with which he has connected himself and he is looked upon as an efficient helper therein.

     It was with exceedingly limited means that this gentleman began life but he has gained a handsome farm of one hundred and twenty acres of first-class land. He devotes considerable time and effort to the raising of stock and makes a specialty of sheep. Since his coming to this country he has twice revisited his old home and finds much pleasure in thus reviving the memories of his early days.

     WILLIAM H. WENK. Of the many wide-awake and progressive German-American settlers in this State, no one is more respected for his various good qualities than is he whose name adorns the head of this sketch. Clear-sighted, with a good reasoning faculty, and being prudent and providential, he has succeeded in attaining a most comfortable position in agricultural life. He was born September 28, 1820 in Longen-salya, in the province of Sachsea, Prussia, and is a son of John C. and Mary (Marhold) Wenk, who were born in the same place as was our subject. The father was a machinist by trade. He served in four wars, all of which were directed against Napoleon and his generals. His military experience extends over a period of eleven years during which time he traveled over a great portion of Germany, Australia and France and was subjected to the severest military discipline, for Prussia is notorious for the severity directed against its subjects, who are drafted into service.

     Our subject's father was twice married, he of whom we write being a child of the first union and one of three children born to his parents, of whom two grew to maturity--William H., our subject, and Christiana, who came to the United States. The second wife was Dorothea Marhold a sister of the first wife. She was the mother of two children whose names were Christian and Joana, the latter of whom came to the United States. Our subject's father died December 6, 1832. The consort of his youth passed away in 1825, and his second wife departed this life in 1846. All were members of the Lutheran church.

     The original of our sketch is a grandson of Christopher Wenk, who was a carpenter and served in the Prussian Army under Frederick III. He was the father of two sons and two daughters. She who gave our subject birth was a daughter of Andreas Marhold, who was a woolen weaver. Reared in his native village, William H. Wenk received the advantages of a good education in his native land. At the age of fourteen he began to learn the cooper's trade, at which he worked for four years without any remuneration. This he followed until he came to the United States, October 10, 1852, at that time leaving Germany on board the sailing vessel "Hampton" and landing in New York City February 8, 1853. They suffered a stormy and perilous voyage and more than once despaired of reaching land.

     The original of our sketch first located at Newstead, Erie county, N.Y., February 13, 1855. He came to Michigan and settled in Oceola where he followed his trade and three years later invested in his first real-estate venture in this country, it comprising ten acres which he farmed in connection with his trade, finally acquiring thirty acres which he sold, and, April 12, 1875, he located on eighty acres where he now resides on section 20, Deerfield township, Livingston County. This he has gradually reduced to the most perfect state of order and productiveness, at the same time continuing to run his coopering business. The fact that Mr. Wenk was without a dollar when he landed in Erie County is a commentary in itself upon the untiring industry and hopefulness with which he has devoted himself to accumulating a property that shall support him in his declining years.

     (242) Our subject was married September 26, 1847, to Miss Rebecca Francisca Hertzer, who was born November 21, 1825, in the same city as was her husband. She is a daughter of Christian and Caroline (Tahl) Hertzer, who were also natives of her own native city. The father was a cooper and he gave to his four children such advantages as were possible in his station of life. The names of the children are, R. Frances, Mary F., Dr. August H., who resides in North Abington, this State, and Edward H., all of whom came to the United States. Mrs. Wenk's parents came to this country in the year of 1853, landing April 28, after an ocean voyage of six weeks. Both our subject and his wife are adherents to the Lutheran faith and are honored and respected members of society, and are good illustrations of what will, seconded by energy, can accomplish for a man in this country.

     Mr. and Mrs. Wenk have no children of their own, but on March 6, 1869, they adopted William Harman. He and his wife--Nora House, in her maiden days, reside with our subject. They have one child, named Flora Helmaine.

     HARRISON TOBIAS. The immediate genealogy of our subject reads as follows: Harrison Tobias is a son of Henry and Henrietta (Lake) Tobias, natives of Livingston County, N.Y. On beginning their domestic life they sought to raise their standard as high as possible, and the five sons and three daughters that came to them, if they did not have the luxuries that money could buy, at least had the advantage of the valuable inheritance of an honorable and unstained name. Our subject's father served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He was a farmer and, at quite an early day removed to Pennsylvania, and after spending ten years in the Quaker State, he removed to Livingston County, Mich. 

     Five years were passed by the original of our sketch in the place to which he first came. He then removed to Ingham County and settled on a farm of twenty acres, which he later sold, investing in eighty acres which he also sold. Mrs. Henrietta Tobias died in 1865. The old gentleman was again married to Elizabeth Plum, who did not survive a great while. Probably worn out by pioneer life which he had experienced in both Livingston and Ingham Counties, Henry Tobias died in 1878.

     Harrison Tobias was born May 25, 1843, in Livingston County, Mich., and remained at home most of the time until he reached maturity. His boyhood and early manhood years were employed on the home farm. On reaching his majority he worked out for a time by the month and finally, on September 16, 1870, he persuaded Miss Delia Haddy to leave a life of single blessedness and take up the threads of a new existence with him. Their nuptials were solemnized in Williamston, Ingham County. Mrs. Tobias is a daughter of Jacob Haddy, a native of Germany and one of the early settlers of Wheatfield Township. His first acquisition of property here was forty acres, to which he later added one hundred and sixty acres, and to this he bent his energies in clearing and improving. Mrs. Tobias' mother was before her marriage Sarah Ecker and she and her husband were the parents of nine children. Mr. Haddy has always been a farmer, being one of the progressive men who have made Ingham County notable for their fine farms and good class of buildings. He came to Michigan about 1842-43.

     Mrs. Tobias was born June 4, 1847, in Wheatfield Township. Since her marriage with our subject five children have been born to them. They are Hattie, Mamie, Charles, Etta and Ida. The eldest daughter is now the wife of George B. Haskell and resides on a farm in Wheatfield Township. The children are all bright and accomplished young people, who are greatly respected in the community. in which they live. Our subject in 1875 bought eighty acres of land, some of which he sold, but has added one hundred and twenty acres. He has cleared about forty acres and has erected some good buildings. Following in the wake of the popular political belief, our subject is a Democrat. Mrs. Tobias' great-grandfather, Isaac Haddy, was a soldier in the regular army of Germany.