BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 515-525

     H. & A. HUDSON.  It is not now an unusual thing to find ladies launching into business for themselves and making a striking success in their chosen calling. The two ladies who are the proprietors of the Hudson House in the city of Lansing could not well fail, however, to elicit the smile of Fortunatus, for so clever are they and so pleasing in manner as to make their place an attractive and homelike resort for gentlemen and ladies. The firm is composed of two sisters, Mrs. Hattie (Hudson) Bowie and Miss Allie Hudson.

     The ladies are of English parentage, their father, Martin Hudson, being a native of Berkshire, England, and there born May 4, 1819. He was reared in his native land until a child of ten or twelve years and then with his parents came to America. They located in Rogersville, Ohio, on a farm, where the young man was reared, but as soon as he had a voice in his own affairs he began service as a bell boy in the old American House in Cleveland, gradually working up in the business and finally set out for himself as the proprietor of a hotel in Huron, Ohio. Later he removed to Milan, Ohio, where he remained in the hotel business until he came to Lansing in 1859. He brought his family hither by stage from Jackson. He had been here previously and had leased the old Lansing House, which he ran until it was burned. He then became the proprietor of the old Benton House, now known as the Everett House. This he continued for about two years and then took charge of the old Eagle House, which he later purchased, changing its name to the American House.

     When the new Lansing House, now called Hotel Downey, was completed Mr. Hudson furnished the place and opened it, giving a grand house-warming as the inaugural affair. He conducted it for about eleven years, from 1864 to 1875, and then sold his interest in it to N. G. Isabelle. Later he built the Hudson House on the site of the old American House. This building is a fine, large, substantial edifice, well furnished and conducted by him until his death, which occurred March 15, 1889. He was at the time sixty-nine years of age. He was of a genial, whole-souled nature and greatly liked by all who came in contact with him. In his political liking he was a strong Republican and of course in his position the weight of his influence was not small. He was the Vice-President of the Michigan Hotelmen's Association and for many years was one of its most prominent members. He took an active stand in the workings of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a representative to the Grand Lodge almost every year. For one term he filled the position of Alderman from the Third Ward, but resigned the place at the end of the second year. The last two months of his life he spent at Harper's Hospital at Detroit and there died. Although he was not connected with any religious body his inclination was strongly toward the Episcopalians.

     The mother of our subjects was, previous to her marriage, Miss Elizabeth Crask, an English lady, who was born in the town of Lynn. She came to America with her mother when but eleven years of age and was married at Florence, Ohio, December 6, 1843. She died September 23, 1887, at the age of sixty-three years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and a devoted Christian woman with high ideals of right and honor. She was the mother of five children, whose names are as follows: E. Herbert, Winthrop, Lester, Hattie H. and Allie L. The eldest son enlisted in Company A, Twentieth Michigan Infantry, and served over (516)  three years in the Civil War. He is now a resident of Chicago. Winthrop died in 1875 in Lansing, Lester is in business in Lansing.

     Hattie and Allie were both born in Lansing and were here reared and educated. After their father's death they became the possessors of the Hudson House and have since been its proprietors, and guests who come here suffer no diminution of care and attention from times past. It is run in first-class style and is a popular resort for the best people of the place and of those who are sojourning here for a short time. Miss Hattie was married August 8, 1889, to Harry A. Bowie, a native of Portland, Me. He came to Lansing a young man and now has charge of the Hudson in company with his wife and sister-in-law. The subjects of this sketch are both regular attendants of the Episcopal Church and if ladies could have politics theirs would be Republican.

     The attention of the reader is invited to the lithographic portrait of the late Mr. Hudson, found in connection with this sketch.

     WILLIAM B. EAGER. Prominent in agricultural and church circles is he whose name we have just given, whose splendid farm is to be found on section 7, in Oceola, his native township. Here he was born November 6, 1849, and his father, Jacob M. Eager, was a native of Orange County, N.Y., where he had his early training and education. Thence he came to Oceola Township, Livingston County, in 1847, locating where his son William now lives. Here he took up from the Government one hundred and twenty acres of wild land and proceeded to chop logs with which to build a home. After improving this place he removed to Millington and there engaged in the milling business, but after six years removed to Howell, where he now resides. He is an earnest Republican in his political views and most wisely and judiciously has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He is an active and efficient member of the Presbyterian Church find helped to build the first church that was ever erected in Howell.

     The grandfather of our subject also bore the name of W. B. Eager, and came to Michigan from Orange County, N.Y., during the same year in which his son, Jacob, removed hither. He also took up land here although he returned to New York for a while, but came back to this State and here spent the remainder of his years, dying at a good old age. The maiden name of the grandmother of our subject was Moore, and his mother's maiden name was Emily Comfort, was also born in Orange County, N.Y., and is still remaining in life to be the comfort and inspiration of her children. Of her four sons and one daughter all are living, except one that died in infancy.

     The original of this sketch was reared in his native home and remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when he was united in marriage, October 14, 1874, to Laura Walker, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride's father, Mr. Robert Walker, of whom our readers will be pleased to know more, and they will find a brief sketch of him on another page of this book. This lady is a native of Oceola Township, and had her birth in 1855. The young couple remained with Mr. Eager's parents for one year after marriage, and then built for themselves a home on section 8, Oceola Township, and there carried on general farming for eight years, after which they removed to the old homestead where they now reside.

     Four manly sons have been granted to this couple and to them they have given the following names: Lyman, Robert, James L. and Arthur P. One hundred and twenty acres of Mr. Eager's farm is situated on section 7, and one hundred and thirty-three acres on section 8, and all is under cultivation with the exception of sixty-five acres which remain in timber. For eleven years he has been operating a threshing machine, and he bought a new steam thresher this fall. He keeps some very fine cattle and now has three head of thoroughbred Holsteins and keeps from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty sheep the (517) year round. He also has five roadsters and draft horses, and everything about his farm is in excellent condition.

     The Republican party is the political organization with which Mr. Eager finds himself in harmony. He was Township Clerk in 1889 and 1890 for seven years was a school director. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and has held offices in that body. Both he and Mrs. Eager are members of the Presbyterian Church and take an active part in its work.

     BENJAMIN SHOWERMAN. New York has sent many of her sons as pioneers to Michigan and almost invariably they have proved good citizens, to whom the development of the country owes unspeakably much. He whose name is at the head of this sketch is one of the many who came hither at an early day and have been instrumental in the general upbuilding and perfecting of the State. He now resides on
Section 15, Wheatland Township, Ingham County, where he has a pleasant home that promises to be a haven of rest and peace to his declining years.

     He of whom we write is a son of William Showerman, a native of Columbia County, N.Y. He was there married to Gertrude Morrison, a daughter of Conrad Morrison, a native of the same county. To the elder Mr. Showerman and his wife were born five sons and two daughters that enjoyed ordinary educational advantages. They remained in New York until the death of the father, who throughout life was engaged as a farmer. He was a member of the militia in the Empire State and was ready to be called upon in time of need.

     Our subject, Benjamin Showerman, was born April 5, 1824, in Columbia County, N.Y. He was but five years of age when his parents removed to Wayne County, and there he grew to manhood. His experience was much the same as that of other young men of his day and age. On reaching manhood he was married to Miss Jane E. Shuk, a native of Greene County, N.Y., their marriage ceremony being performed April 28, 1848, in Wayne County, N.Y. Nine children have come to these fond parents, their names being Mary E., Melvin B., Catherine G., John W., Louisa, Edward A. and Jennie. The two latter are deceased.

     In 1861, when the future of Michigan was established and sure to be a success, our subject came to the State and located in Wheaton Township, Ingham County, securing eighty acres of land upon which he began here as a farmer. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres. All of this he has cleared and broken, now having one hundred and ten acres under a high state of cultivation. A good orchard has been set out that now yields an abundant crop of the most luscious and tempting fruit. A comfortable and tasteful dwelling has been erected, also good barns and outhouses, most of this work having been done by his own individual efforts.

     Politically, Mr. Showerman is a believer in the principles of Democracy, and all the tenets of that platform have to him a reason and a right for being. In the spring of 1891 he was elected Justice of the Peace and has officiated in that capacity thus far most satisfactorily. A genial and pleasant tempered man, our subject is popular with all who know him.

     GILBERT J. DANIELS. There is probably no man more truly and justly respected and beloved by the community in general in Unadilla Township, Livingston County, than he whose name we have just given. He has ever stood for the right in every line of thought and has maintained a sturdy Christian character throughout his whole career. His kindly interest in his neighborhood has deservedly gained the good will of all, and his upright dealings have committed their respect.

     Gilbert Daniels, Sr., the father of our subject, was born March 22, 1797, in Montgomery County, N.Y., and was a son of James Daniels, a soldier in (518) the Revolutionary War. His good wife, Margaret (Dutcher) Daniels, was also a native of Montgomery County, and was born April 2, 1800. After marriage they removed to Orleans County, where they resided until 1834, when they came to Michigan, and settled upon forty acres of wild land in Unadilla Township. Here the father of our subject erected a log shanty, which he covered with bark, and until they discovered the splendid living spring which is now well-known they drank from the creek. They came here before the organization of the county, and there were then only six families of whites within what is now the limits of the township, but Indians abounded all about them.

     Somewhat later a better house was built upon the farm, and there these parents lived for a number of years after which our subject built a cozy home for them on his farm, where the mother died March 30, 1869, and the father passed from earth February 17, 1875. The mother was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church at Plainfield, and they had but one child, our subject. He was born October 12, 1823, in Montgomery County, N.Y., and was eleven years of age, when he came to Michigan. Here he attended a school taught by Cornelia Williams, now deceased. His father had twenty shillings in money, a cow and a hog, as his personal wealth when he came to this new home. The son remained beneath the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-seven years.

     The happy wedding day of Gilbert J. Daniels was December 15, 1850, and he then took to wife Chloe M. Beale a daughter of Emery and Sophronia (Rice) Beale, both New Yorkers who came to Michigan among the first settlers and made their home in Lima Township, Washtenaw County. In 1835 they came to this township and made their home in Plainfield for the remainder of their days. The father and mother of Mrs. Daniels had eleven children, three only of whom are now living, and after her mother's death her father was united in marriage with Mrs. Topping, who brought him no children. Eugene Beale, the brother of Mrs. Daniels, is now the Postmaster at Ann Arbor.

     The wife of our subject was born September 12, 1832, in New York, and was so well prepared by her attendance upon public school as to be able to teach after coming to Michigan. After marriage they settled upon their farm on section 21, Unadilla Township, and in time added to the first eighty acres until they had one hundred and fifty-one acres, and eighty acres more came to their share after the death of the father. Upon this farm they lived from 1850 until 1888, and they then retired from active work and made their home in Gregory where Mr. Daniels now resides, as he lost his faithful wife in January, 1890.

     Of the eight children granted to him and his companion, six still survive: Fred A., who married Ella Wood; Mary Ella, who is the wife of Fitch Montague; Emma J., who resides upon the homestead; Nettie C., who lives in California; George B., deceased; Gilbert E., who lives upon the homestead; Josephine, living on the farm; G. Adolphus, deceased. To all of these children Mr. Daniels has afforded excellent opportunities for education. George was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School, and also took a course in pharmacy at the State University. Nettie is a graduate of the High School and of the State University and is now filling a responsible position as teacher at a salary of $1,250 per annum.

     The father of these young people was in his early years a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and was instrumental in erecting the house of worship at Plainfield, giving $400 toward the building fund. He had it removed to its present position, and sustained it there for several years, and while in connection with that denomination he was Class Leader and delegate many times to the annual conference. He was a delegate at Springfield, Ohio, when the conference was split upon the slavery question. He is now connected with the Presbyterian Church at Plainfield, and has been a leader of a Bible class for years.

      This gentleman is thoroughly interested in educational efforts, and has been a member of the School Board. He has been identified with both the Sons of Temperance and the Good Templars, and in the latter society he filled responsible positions. In his early manhood he was a Democrat, (519) but on account of the slavery question left the party for the Republican ranks, and now feels that the great interest centers in a movement against the saloons, and is a pronounced Prohibitionist.

     JOHN W. WRIGHT  has been a pioneer in his branch of business in Howell, Livingston County. He is a manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, besides doing planing. His place of business is located east of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad. He established this business in 1869 and it was the first of the kind in the place. He has not been without discouragements, for in 1874 he was burnt out and the cineration cost him some $20,000. Undaunted by this loss he set about erecting a new place of business, and stocked it with the finest machinery.

     The present shop owned by Mr. Wright has a frontage of sixty feet and is ninety feet in depth. The steam engine which is the motive power running his machinery, has a twenty-five-horse power. If a workman is known by his chips, one must conclude that our subject does a very extensive business and indeed he keeps a large number of hands employed and turns out the best quality of work. He of whom we write was born in Onondaga County, N.Y., November 19, 1826. His parents were James and Cynthia (Clark) Wright, natives of Connecticut. The former was a builder and added to his work as a farmer that of a contractor. In the early days he came to Michigan settling here in 1836, at which time the Wolverine State plainly showed the source from which its pseudonym was derived, for wolves prowled through the forests, making the environs of the settlements hideous in the night-time with their barks and cries. He settled in losco Township, Livingston County, and there engaged in farming. He lived to reach the good old age of fourscore and four years. His wife passed away in 1856. Prior to his death he had acquired a fine farm, comprising four hundred and forty acres of land and was considered one of the well-to-do farmers of this county. His father and our subject's grandfather was William Wright. He located at an early day in Dutchess County, N.Y., and was there engaged in farming. His grandfather was one of three brothers who came from England in the seventeenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Our subject's grandfather, William was a Major in the Revolutionary War and during his service he was taken prisoner by the British troops and held for a Iong time on board the Jersey prison ship. James Wright our subject's father, was honored by the confidence and respect of the people whatever, he went. He was for some time in losco Township Justice of the Peace and Commissioner. He moved to Howell in 1873. Of the family of nine sons and three daughters, eight children are now living--William, Isaac, Walter, John W., Elisha C., Thomas, Leonard and Philip.

     The original of our sketch was reared as a farmer boy and although the secrets of scientific and practical agricultural life were early inculcated in his young mind, he received a good education and being naturally a bright young man, assimilated all that came within the scope of his acquirements. After finishing school he taught for three terms in Livingston County and then turned his attention to farming on an extensive scale, the tract which he cultivated being located in losco Township. There he farmed eight hundred and forty acres and was thus engaged for eighteen years.

     One of the most fertile tracts in the county--Mr. Wright's farm--was well suited for most extensive and prolific cultivation. He had erected a fine home thereon, which was comfortable and conveniently arranged. He made a specialty of fine stock. Even at that time he was engaged in the lumber business, owning a steam sawmill at a distance of six miles from Howell. This mill he also lost by fire, entailing a loss of $1,000. He was in the lumber business for seven years and was very successful.

     While living in losco Township he was honored by the election to every office in the gift of the township excepting that of Collector and Constable and at the time he removed to Howell seven office were made vacant by his departure. In 1850 Mr. Wright was married to Miss Caroline Disbroe, a native of this State. Seven children have blest (520) this union. They are by name, Helen, Lewis A., Hester, Seth, Frank, Fred and Erny B.

     Politically he of whom we write affiliates with the Democratic party, its free trade principles appealing to his commercial interests. Socially he is a member of the Masons and is also a Knight Templar. Mr. Wright has a fine home, located on East Street. It is beautifully located and surrounded with shade trees. Interiorally it is furnished and decorated most beautifully and yet not too fine for daily use. He is one of the prominent business men of the county and is conspicuous for his energy and go-ahead-itiveness.

     SAMUEL A. TELLER. Prominent among intelligent and prosperous stock-raisers and farmers, and well known throughout Cohoctah Township, this county, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His fine farm with its excellent improvements forms one of the most attractive features of Cohoctah Township. Mr. Teller was born October 22, 1834, in Girard, Erie County, Pa. He is a son of Henry and Rosalinda (Porter) Teller and a grandson of Henry Teller, who was born in Albany, N.Y., prior to the Revolution. His ancestors came to this country from Scotland and the old gentleman himself was a merchant and a large landowner.

     Mr. Teller's great-grandfather emigrated from Scotland and here reared three sons, whose name were, Remsen, Henry and James, some of whom participated in the Revolutionary War under Washington. Our subject's grandfather served in the War of 1812 as Captain of artillery and carried or a large mercantile business in New York City. He was very fond of horses and raised some of the finest breeds known at that day. He died in Schenectady, N.Y. He was a Universalist in religion, which at that time was a new creed. Politically he was a Democrat, believing in the party in the original meaning of its name. He was the father of three sons--Henry, James and Remsen, and also of three daughters--Caroline, Rebecca and Maria, all of whom lived to have families of their own. Our subject's father was born in Albany, January 1, 1802. He was a self-educated man and was reared a farmer. Henry Teller, at the age of eighteen, left home and engaged in teaching school in Allegany County, N.Y. About 1822 he removed to Girard, Erie County, Pa., where he purchased a farm of two hundred and forty-four acres, to which he
added until, at the time of his death, which occurred May 4, 1888, he aggregated a property of five hundred acres. His son, Henry, is now the owner of the homestead. The father was active in politics. Originally a Democrat, the issues concerning Kansas caused him to change and he became an active and stanch Republican. He was an ardent Abolitionist and one of the original members of the Republican party. During the years of 1860-61 he served in the Legislature of  Pennsylvania. He was an uncle of Senator Teller. In his private life the senior Mr. Teller suffered much sadness. He was thrice married. His first wife bore seven children, of whom six grew to years of maturity. They are Isaac M., Jasper N., Samuel A., Henry R., John, Louisa and Mary. Isaac served in the War of the Rebellion and was engaged in the engineer corps. Henry fought under Sherman and John was killed at Savage Station, Va., in 1862. He was brevetted a First Lieutenant. The first Mrs. Teller died May 23,1843. She was a devoted Christian and a firm believer in the Presbyterian doctrines. The second wife was Jane Cross, who bore him one child, Margaret. Mrs. Jane Teller died in May, 1865. The third wife who still survives, was before her marriage, a Miss Delia Patterson. Our subject's mother was born in Girard, Pa., and was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Clark) Porter, who were natives of Eastern New York. The former was a miller by occupation. He and his wife both passed away in Girard, Pa. They were adherents of the Presbyterian creed. The father was a Republican in his political belief. He is well-known as an uncle of Fitzjohn Porter. Mr. Samuel A. Teller was brought up on the home farm and received his education in the common schools of Girard, Pa., afterward entering the (521) High School at Madison, Wis. At the age of eighteen he left home and engaged as a teacher, first at Prairie du Chein. In 1858 he came to Cohoctah Township and located on section 15.

     He bought, the following year, one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, and there resided for four years. From that place he moved to section 21, where he bought five hundred and sixty acres which he bent his efforts toward clearing and improving. In 1880 he came to the place whereon he now resides, which is located on section 22. He here owns one hundred and forty-four acres of well-cultivated and arable land.

     For some years the original of our sketch has served as Justice of the Peace and still holds that office. Formerly a Republican, he is now an adherent of the Democratic party. The gentleman knows what it is to suffer bereavement in the family. His first wife, to whom he was married January 3, 1857, and who was a daughter of James and Mary Wilkins, died May 11, 1863. She left one child, a son, Willard E.; she was a member of the United Brethren Church. December 24. 1871, our subject again assumed the matrimonial relation, his bride being Miss Eliza Bowers, who was born in Oneida County, N.Y., in 1850. She was a daughter of John and Mary (Cole) Bowers. By this marriage five children have come to bless the estate of their parents. They are, John A., Ella, Edward D. Mary R. and Mabel E.

     TIMOTHY WARNER, who has lived in Brighton Township, Livingston County, since 1837, is a native of Livingston County, N.Y., and was born in the township of Lavonia, September 19, 1819. Although he has reached more than three-score years and ten usually allotted to man, he has lost none of his interest in life. His father was Dute Warner, a native of Rhode Island, who emigrated to Vermont and thence to New York. At an early day he moved his family to Michigan, but returned to New York in a short, time, where he spent the remainder of his life. Our subject was in his nineteenth year when he came to this State with his parents in 1837. His manliness having been early developed by the exigencies of the time, although it was so wild here, his parents left him behind on their return to New York and since that time he has here made his residence.

     Our subject began his career by farming land on shares. There were but three settlers in this vicinity in 1837 and young as he was, and inexperienced in organization, Mr. Warner was called upon to assist in organizing the township, and in giving its name. In those early days, things were as primitive as possible and had it not been for the hard labor required in reducing the fields to a productive state, one with artistic instincts could have reveled in the wilderness of sylvan beauty.

     Although our subject was never much of a hunter, he has frequently seen as many as thirty-six deer in a drove that seemed to recognize in him a friend, so mildly did they turn upon him their beautiful eyes. He of whom we write has frequently exchanged beads for venison with the Indians. He purchased his first land about 1845. It was located on section 27, and was entirely unimproved. He bent his energies and efforts toward bringing it to a cultivated state, and has ever been a hard worker.

     In 1847, Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia Jones, who was a native of New York, having come hither with her parents in an early day. They are the parents of six children, whose names are as follows: George; Henry; John, who is deceased; Louisa; Lottie, also deceased, and Alfred. The young people who are still living, are intelligent and industrious, being worthy representatives of that class of people who accomplish most in the world. They make a comfortable and pleasant home, each member of the family doing his or her utmost to be an inspiration to the best work and thought for those with whom they are associated.

     The original of our sketch was, previous to 1884, a Republican, and since that time has transferred his allegiance to the Democratic party feeling that in its principles and platform, there are more and better advantages for the agricultural class than in (522) any other. The confidence and respect that the people of the community repose in him of whom we write is evidenced by the fact that he has been appointed to several offices of importance in the gift of the township. For two years he was Township Treasurer, and was elected Justice of the Peace. He was a Road Commissioner for three years and during the term of his office did efficient service in putting in a good condition the arteries that carry the wealth of the nation. Our subject is the owner of four hundred acres of land. He has been the proprietor of six hundred acres, but has disposed of all but his present holdings. At one time he owned a half interest in the old Woodruff gristmill, which was built at an early day and which stands near where he now lives. Mr. Warner has been a successful farmer and indeed, were his labor and industry not thus rewarded, one would question justice and equity. It is said that we shall eat bread by the sweat of our brow, and there is nothing sadder than to see early labor and industry go for naught in the afternoon of life. He of whom we write is in a position to thoroughly enjoy the going down of the sun, and his many friends wish for him that the sunset may be as broad, bright and enduring as possible. He has been dividing his property among his children preparing for the end.

     WILLIAM S. TURNER. The part owner and proprietor of the excellent farm located on section 29, Williamston Township, Ingham County, is he whose name is at the head of this sketch. He is the son of Richard Turner, whose father was Stiles Turner, a native of Massachusetts, who at an early day removed to New York and in 1831 came to Jackson County, and settled on a farm where he passed the remainder of his life. His wife, before her marriage, was Deborah Morton and unto them were born ten sons and three daughters. In early days Stiles Turner was a sailor but devoted the latter part of his life to farming. He died at the early age of forty years and his wife passed away about 1853. All that was mortal of him was laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery as was also his wife who died in the city of Lansing. Mr. Turner was in Cuba at the time of the insurrection, when the negroes tried to overturn the Government.

     Our subject's father, Richard Turner, was born in New York, January 11, 1814. He came to Jackson County, settling in Lima Center, when a lad of seventeen years of age, being independent and supporting himself by working on a farm. He was married in that county in 1849 to Miss Euphemia Smith, a daughter of Jacob Smith, a native of Germany, who, after emigrating to America, removed from New Jersey to New York and finally settled in Jackson County, Mich., later coming to Ingham County, where his decease took place. His wife was Elizabeth (Smith) Smith. They reared a large family.

     Our subject is one of eight children born to his parents; they are Florence E., Augustus, Libby, Frank N., William S., Hattie, Kate E. and John M. Our subject's father came to Lansing when it was all woods, and at one time was lost in the forest where the State Capitol now stands. In 1837 he came to Ingham County, but soon returned to New York and there remained until 1842, when he returned to Ingham County and worked at his trade as a carpenter, assisting in erecting the first frame house ever built in Lansing. He was variously employed until his death, which took place April 8, 1888. His wife and family still reside at the homestead in Williamston where the father settled in 1866. He and his wife were ardent believers in Prohibition principles.

     Our subject, William S. Turner, was born March 7, 1858, in Lansing, and was engaged in school work and in assisting his father until twenty-one years of age when he took a trip to California and was gone two years, after which he returned to Ingham County and has since been employed in cultivating the old homestead. He was married December 29, 1886, in Emmett County, Mich., to Arvilla Long, daughter of Asbury T. Long, a native of Ohio, who had removed from the Buckeye State when a young man. He was there married (525) to Jane Moore, a daughter of William Moore and a native of Ohio. To them were born four sons and four daughters. In 1870 he came to Michigan, locating first at Lansing where he resided for six years, when he went to Emmett County where he now resides at Harbor Springs. He served through the late rebellion.

     Our subject and his wife are the parents of one child, a daughter, whose name is Hazel. Their home life is very pleasant, Mrs. Turner having a genius for making all about her comfortable and happy. Socially Mr. Turner is a Master Mason, belonging to Williamston Lodge, No. 153. He has held most of the offices in the Masonic lodge and is at present Senior Deacon. Politically he is a Republican, having the greatest faith in the future of that party.