BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 567-577

     In 1831 when our subject was sixteen years of age he with an elder brother, William, emigrated to America, taking passage at London in it sailing vessel and after an ocean voyage extending over seven weeks he landed in New York City, where he resided for a short time. From there he proceeded to Monroe County, N.Y., where he remained for a short period. In 1837 when the subject of the admission of Michigan as a State was being agitated, our subject came to Ingham County, locating first on section 33, Leroy Township. In order to penetrate to the land which they had taken up they were obliged to cut away the timber for a distance of six miles.

     On reaching their tract our subject cleared fifty acres of land and there he built the first frame barn in Leroy Township. He resided upon this tract for six years, thence removing to White Oak Township where he staid for several years. In 1847 he settled on his present farm which is located on section 23, Leroy Township. At the time of his purchase about twenty acres had been improved and the balance he has cleared, broken and cultivated himself. On his advent into the country Indians and wolves were a more frequent sight than the face of a white man and occasionally a bear was seen. He is now the owner of eighty acres of fertile and productive land.

     In 1835 Mr. Allchin was united in marriage to Miss Ann C. Angell, who bore him eleven children, six of whom are living; they are by name as follows: Elizabeth, Anan H., Levi S., Esther, Anna and Arloa. Elizabeth is the wife of James Monroe; Esther married Alpheus Bixby; Anna is the wife of William Marsh, Arloa married A. H. Libbie.

     (568) Mrs. Ann C. Allchin died in 1888. Our subject three years later was a second time married, his bride being Mrs. Mary C. Sowle, the widow of Eli L. Sowle, of Livingston County, Mich. Their nuptials were solemnized October 20, 1890. Mrs. Allchin is a native of Washington County, N.Y., and was born November 5, 1829. She was a daughter of William and Sarah Birch, natives of New York State. Mr. Allchin has served in a public capacity for a long time, having been School Director and Assessor of his school district, Highway Commissioner and also Justice of the Peace. He is one of the oldest active representatives of pioneer days in Leroy Township and can recall many incidents of pioneer adventure. He was formerly a Whig, but on the reconstruction of the party became a Republican. Now, however, he votes with the Prohibitionists.

     Having passed his days in the hardest labor of pioneer life, Mr. Allchin is now enjoying the knowledge that his early efforts have given him a comfortable support for his declining years. He rests content in the knowledge of a life well spent. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for over half a century and was the prime mover and main supporter in the building of the First Baptist Church of Webberville, Ingham County.

 

     W. J. MILLS, M. D., was born in Onondaga County, N.Y., August 1, 1830, and is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Dickerson) Mills, natives of Albany and Schoharie County N.Y. Our subject was reared a farmer, that being his parent's occupation in life. While he was still a small child they removed to Wayne County, N.Y., about the year of 1833, where the father engaged in farming and at his trade as a millwright. In 1845 they removed to Washtenaw County, Lyndon Township. There Mr. Mills Sr., purchased some land and remained for a period of two years. In 1848 he removed to Livingston County, and settled in the township of Conway, where he was engaged in farming, clearing up one hundred and sixty acres of land.

     On first settling on the tract of land above mentioned Mr. Mills, Sr., built a log house, 18x24 feet in dimensions, He was also obliged to cut out his own roads and hew down the timber, the nearest neighbor being at a distance of three-quarters of a mile from him and no road between the places. It was fifteen miles to Howell, but, although the disadvantages were many there is something to be said on the other side. Game was plentiful and in the early days of their struggle in the State doubtless they would many times have gone hungry had deer, rabbits and squirrels not been so plentiful. The nearest school was two miles from where our subject's parents lived and at best was but a crude affair, the rod playing an important part in school discipline. In pioneer fashion our subject was not to be put out by such small consideration, but immediately set about making a road to the school. The nearest church was at Howell.

     Mr. Mills stood high in the estimation of his fellow-pioneers and was honored by many township offices. He held that most important office--School Director and Trustee--for a number of years. He and his wife were members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He was a Whig in early years and later became a Republican. When death took him from amidst his associates he was greatly missed. His wife is now a resident of Howell, living there with her son, W. J. She is eighty-five years of age and still retains her faculties very well. She has been the mother of six children, three of whom are now living. The eldest is Mrs. Hannah Tucker of Conway, Livingston County; Wesley J., who is our subject, and Mrs. Dalinda J. Hitchcock; the husband of the last named lady died in Libby prison a victim of the cruelty and rapacity of the Confederate soldiers. Mrs. Hitchcock is now a resident of Howell.

     Dr. W. J. Mills when a lad attended school in a log schoolhouse with benches made of split trees Indeed, the whole school outfit was as crude as well as could be imagined at the present time. He, was obliged to go two miles through the woods in order to reach the schoolhouse, and under these (569) disadvantages he acquired a knowledge of the three R's. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, helping his father clear and improve the farm. He then learned the cooper's trade and was engaged in that business in Conway, Livingston County, for eight years. While engaged in this calling he pursued a course of medical study, taking up the Eclectic system, and in order that he might have time for study and appliances to use, the greatest self abnegation was required. Later he studied the Homeopathic system, reading with Dr. E. J. Bates, of Fowlerville, this county, and during the years of 1863-64 attended lectures at Cleveland, Ohio, finally graduating at the Detroit Medical College in 1864. He began the practice of his profession in company with Dr. Huntington of Howell, the gentlemen continuing as partners for two and one half years.

     For the past twenty-seven years the original of our sketch has been one of the most active and popular practitioners in Howell. He has been successful also in a financial way and is now the owner of a fine brick block on Main Street opposite the court house. It comprises four stores with offices in the second story. He also erected four fine houses in the city, three of which he has sold at a very fair profit. The Doctor's residence is on the corner of State and Summit Streets and is a large house, 24x6O feet in dimensions with a fine barn and outbuildings. It is surrounded by a velvety lawn and rare and beautiful shade trees. Dr. Mills' religious views are those of the Seventh Day Adventists; being an ardent upholder of their theories and practice. He is also a stockholder in the Publishing Association, presided over by the Seventh Day Adventists and which is located at Battle Creek, Mich.

     Profiting by the Scriptural assertion that it is not good for man to live alone, our subject was married September 1, 1856, his bride being Miss Adeline I. Hatch, of Allegany County, N.Y. She is a daughter of H. S. and Maria (Hoyt) Hatch. The home and social life is such as to promote the growth of the best traits of the individual and family character. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of one daughter Carrie E. Mills, who attended the Ypsilanti State Normal School after which she entered the college at Battle Creek. Miss Carrie has been engaged as teacher since she was sixteen years of age. She was State Secretary of the International Tract and Missionary Society and was sent to Texas and Washington Territory in behalf of this association. She was also in Portland, Ore., and while there was preceptor of the Adventists School for four years. Our subject's wife, Mrs. Adeline Mills, died April 13, 1865. By a second marriage he was united to Mrs. Annie M. Rathbun, of Highland, Oakland County, Mich. She was a daughter of Henry Bush of the same place. One daughter, Adeline I., was the fruit of this union. She is a bright and handsome young lady, now attending college at Battle Creek, this State. Mrs. Mills passed away from this life to a better world November 11, 1890.

     Our subject is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of this county. In politics he is a rank Prohibitionist and has been such since 1882, although formerly he affiliated with the Republican party. He belongs to the Homeopathic State Medical Society and has been so connected for years past. He is one of the members of the Board of Census and also belongs to the judiciary committee. In 1887 he suffered a backset in his business by being burnt out, but immediately set about rebuilding. He belongs to the Livingston County Pioneer Society and is one of the leading men of the county, giving liberally for all measures that promise improvement and taking a deep interest in matters that pertain to county or State.

      HEMAN PRESTON. The representative of a family that has been notable in the annals of the history of Pennsylvania and Michigan our subject is now in the enjoyment of the bucolic life on his fine farm in Williamston Township, Ingham County. He is the son of Ira S. Preston, a native of New York who was there married to Miss Chloe Buck, who was born in Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of Jonathan Buck, who (570) lived and died in the latter State. The father of Ira Preston and also the grandfather of our subject was David Preston who distinguished himself as a Continental soldier in the Revolutionary War, while his brother was on the opposing side.

     Our subject is one of three children born to his parents. The eldest, Joseph P., is now a Methodist minister and resides in Lyons, Ionia County, this State. Adelia A., who is now Mrs. S. Stebbins, was an early settler in Howell, Mich. The youngest is he of whom we write. When a young boy he was left motherless and his father was again married to Miss Caroline Parsons of Howell. From this union three children were born--Gardner, Ida M. and Jude.

     The original of our sketch was born May 12, 1835, in Perry Township, Wyoming County, N.Y. and when nine years of age came to Michigan with his parents and when about fifteen started out in life for himself, his first occupation being that of a stage-driver from Flint to Saginaw, after which he was engaged in farming. In 1855-56 he attended the State University and graduated, taking a degree as Surveyor and Civil Engineer in 1856. After finishing his course in college our subject went to Fowlerville, Livingston County, and there became identified with the Spiritualists as a medium. He has now, however, adjured spiritualistic doctrines having ascertained the truth.

     In 1867 our subject entered the regular service being one of the First Regiment and enlisting in New York. His first expedition was in Central America. His military career records promotion and many experiences in various States. He then enlisted in the War of the Rebellion and at the battle of Bull Run his regiment was ordered to join McClellan's forces under Gen. Sykes. While in the battle of Harrison's Landing, July 16, 1862, our subject received a ball in the right leg which he still carries; he also received a bayonet wound in the right knee at Savage Station. Later he was authorized by Gov. Blair of Michigan to raise a company; securing thirty-three men he reported and was consolidated with others into the Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, our subject going out as Sergeant-Major of the regiment, He was promoted to the post of Lieutenant March 3, 1863. June 19, 1863, he was incapacitated for service by sunstroke while on the Black Water march and received his discharge December 3, 1863, and was transferred to the Bethany Reserve Corps at Fortress Monroe, where he was promoted to the position of staff officer to Capt. A. H. Perry. He served until December 4, 1864, when he resigned and came home.

     Eager for the much needed rest Mr. Preston settled in Jackson County, where he went to work at his trade as a mason, there being many evidences of his industry in the residences and blocks of the
city. In 1869 he went to Lyons, Ionia County, where he was engaged in building both residences and public buildings. He worked at his trade until 1872 when he went to Chicago and assisted in the rebuilding of the city. His marriage had taken place in 1862, in Jackson when he was united to Betsey A. Tanner, a daughter of Martin Tanner of that place. From this union four children, two sons and two daughters, have been born. The eldest Charles A. is in Tacoma, Wash., working for an electric light company; Stella who is now Mrs. Bunker resides in Williamston; Frank L. is one of the firm of the electric light company in Tacoma, Wash., and is doing well. The youngest child, Kate was adopted by her uncle, Warren Tanner, and now resides in Jackson County.

     Mrs. Preston died January 15, 1873, and after the death of their mother the children were reared by their uncles. In 1873 the original of our sketch assisted in the building of the Advent College at Battle Creek and then went to Duluth, working as assistant surveyor for the Northern Pacific Railroad from Duluth to Puget Sound. He continued there from 1874 to 1885 when he received the news of the death of his father and came home. The next year he settled in Locke Township on a farm whereon he lived until April, 1890, and the following year was married to Amanda Shaw, a daughter of Jonathan Stilson of Oakland, this State and an early settler. The wedding journey was accomplished with horse and buggy, their destination being Chicago, where our subject laid brick for three weeks for $4 per day. While there he was appointed Special Police in Woodland Park. He at that time invested what he had in real estate, Soon after (571) the World's Fair was located in Jackson Park and the greater number of his lots being located not far from that site, he sold at a very handsome profit. He returned to Lansing, Mich., and invested $6,000 in a farm and the rest of his fortune in good real estate and stock, also lending $13,000, $7,000 at 5 per cent. and $6,000 at 6 per cent.

     Mr. Preston is socially a member of the Good Templars and also belongs to Eli P. Alexander Post, No. 203, G. A. R. He has always been interested in progressive movements and is a power in the community wherein he at present lives, not only because of his financial standing, but for his ability in other directions.

     JOHN M. POTTS. He whose name is at the head of this sketch is by birth a subject of that empire upon which the sun never sets, and whose standing among the nations is at the present time the firm and unmoved one of centuries past of wise government, successful combat and large commercial interests. Mr. Potts is just on the border land between the years of hale vigor and patriarchal age, having been born in England, January 23, 1826. He came to this State in 1833, and now lives on section 9, Handy Township, Livingston County, where he is the proprietor of two hundred acres of fertile, finely cultivated land, which under his care has been made to blossom like one of the agricultural gardens of Central and Southern England.

     He of whom we write is a son of William and Mary A. (Weaver) Potts, natives of England. They came with their family to this country and proceeded to the State of Michigan, where with their flock of six youths and maidens they located in Milford, Oakland County, in 1833. There the father took up two quarter-sections of Government land. It was densely timbered and the work of making a home was begun by felling timber which was hewn and mortised for a cabin. Later, when the work of clearing had progressed, they built a fine stone residence and good barns, making a beautiful home of the former dreary and unruly tangle of trees, underbrush and vines. He was recognized as one of the most prominent men of the county, whose financial condition gave him precedence in matters requiring pecuniary aid for the development of the country. Our subject's grandparents on the paternal side were William and Mary (Martin) Potts, agriculturists in England, of whom our subject's father was one of five children.

     The maternal grandparents of Mr. Potts were Henry and Mrs. Weaver, who were farmers in England. The mother was one of a large family. Six children came to enliven the dreariness of the pioneer home and made in themselves a little settlement about their parents. They were Mary A., William, Robert, Francis, John and Susan. Francis and Susan are now deceased. All were reared in Oakland County, and there made their homes, excepting him of whom we write.

     Our subject was reared on the home farm, and bent his efforts toward helping to clear the same, assisted by his older brothers, whose pride in their place was one with that of the father. Our subject's young shoulders were early fitted to the harness, for he began to work when seven years old, and has ever since continued the ways of industry and prudence learned in his early youth, and now in his declining years, with his faithful companion who has been his loving helpmate throughout life, he enjoys the hard-earned fruits of his youthful labor. Twenty-four years of his life were spent under his father's roof, and then he began life for himself, purchasing eighty acres of land, which was at the time partially improved, in the town of Commerce, Oakland County. There was a paucity of improvement about the place, it bearing but one miserable log house and nothing besides to gladden the eye with the reminder that they were living in a civilized land, excepting, as the wife says, a straw stack looming up against the western horizon. They lived on that place for some years. A mushroom springs up in a night, but an oak is the growth of centuries. So all good work takes time and patience, and years passed before the place bore the semblance of a "down-east farm," with well cleared pastures, neatly built fences, a (572) comfortable house and commodious well filled barns. It was accomplished, however, and then our subject sold the place in order to purchase the estate wheron he now lives.

     On coming to his present location, Mr. Potts found a repetition of his other experience, but in a modified degree. The largest town near their residence--Fowlerville--contained no churches, but there was a frame schoolhouse. On their place was a log house and in this they lived until 1883, when on the completion of a fine frame house, which our subject had erected upon a commanding elevation overlooking the entire country, which is picturesque in the extreme in its diversity of feature, they left the log house to make their home in the more comfortable and commodious new one.

     Mr. Potts was united in marriage to Miss Emeliza Sly, their nuptials being celebrated March 14, 1850. She is a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Crawford) Sly, natives of New England, who removed to New York, making their home in Ontario County, where the father was engaged in farming. They came to Michigan in 1832, and settled in Commerce Township, Oakland County, where they lived until their decease. Their family comprised but two children--Mary A. Patten, of Oakland County, and Mrs. Potts. Mrs. Potts had nine half-brotbers and half-sisters. Her father was a Whig in politics. Our subject, politically, favors the Republican party, and gives his vote and influence in that direction. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Potts having thus been connected since sixteen years of age and a greater part of that time in an official capacity. Mrs. Potts has been a church member since fourteen years Of age. Of the family of six children that have been born to this worthy couple, only two are now living. They are Mary E., who is now Mrs. George M. Crawford, and the mother of two children--Spencer G. and Eva M.; and John W., who married Katie Haven, and which union has been blessed by the advent of one child, Prudence. The four who have been laid away in the arms of death are Adella and Adelbert, twins of ten and fifteen months of age each; Susan V. and Eva E. A prominent man in all progressive measures, Mr. Potts is liberal to a fault, giving generously of his store both to public enterprises and to needy individuals. He as a strong temperance man, and his principles in regard to moral and religious matters are of the most tenacious character.

     BURT BRAYTON. There is perhaps no family in Howell Township, Livingston County, which is more highly respected, not only for character, but also for talents and attainments than the one represented by the name at the head of this sketch. Their social standing in the community is exceptionally good, and their value as citizens is shown by the influence which they exert.

     Mr. Brayton's farm of two hundred and fifty acres is situated on section 21, Howell Township. A beautiful residence and fine outbuildings mark the spot and the thoroughly cultivated acres show the hand of a careful, conscientious and intelligent farmer. Both house and barns show that no expense has been spared to make them attractive and convenient for the comfort of the family and of the stock, which is being raised upon the farm.

     This gentleman was born December 18, 1836, in Ontario County, N.Y., his parents, Ira and Esther A. (Louk) Brayton, being natives of that State, who were married in Steuben County, where they carried on a farm for some years before removing to Ontario County. The family's migration to Michigan took place in September, 1838, and for six years they lived on section 9 of this township, after which they removed to section 22. Later Mr. Brayton transferred his interests to Oceola Township, where he carried on a brickyard. He also owned a grist and saw-mill in Howell Township. He was at that time one of the most wealthy men in the county, and employed a large number of men. He was known far and wide as a thorough-going business man of integrity and ability and his enterprise brought him into prominence. He at that time (573) owned some six hundred acres of land. Both he and his good wife were active members of the Baptist Church, and in his political affiliations he was a Republican. He died in Kent County, Mich., in 1889.

     The parents of this pioneer were Nathaniel and Patience (Carrington) Brayton, who had a fine farm in Rensselaer County, N.Y., upon which were reared seven sturdy and stalwart sons. Nathaniel Brayton was a son of Henry and Mehitable (Wallace) Brayton, natives of Massachusetts. Ira Brayton had a family of six children, only three of whom are now living. They are Patience, now Mrs. Bennett, of Detroit; Burt, and Nathaniel, living in Kent County, the owner of a flourishing flouring-mill.

     The joys and trials incident to the life of a farmer's boy were the experiences of Burt Brayton in his early years, and he had the usual fun and drudgery which are to be found in going to the district school. He improved well the advantages which he received, and thus obtained a thorough common sense education, and as a young man he lived for some six years in the village of Howell, where he carried on the business of a photographer. He then removed to this farm, where be now resides, and for a few years made his home in a log house.

     It was upon the 30th of September, 1860, that he took the step which was decisive in its results, as it made for him a home by bringing to his side a bride in the person of Mary J. Park, of Howell, the daughter of William F. and Lusina (Coates) Park. Her parents were natives of Broome and Steuben Counties, N.Y., respectively, and were married in the Empire State. Mr. Park carried on the vocations of farmer and lumberman, and superintended sawmills and rafted lumber in the forests of his native State. His life ended while he was in the city of New York, but his wife afterward removed West with her family, coming to Michigan in 1855 and settling in Oakland County. Somewhat later she removed to Livingston County and made her home in Howell Township, where she lived until death called her away. She had a bright family of three children, Mrs. Brayton's brothers being William F., of Ingham County, and John Q., of Lansing. Mr. Park was in his lifetime an advocate of the principles embodied in the declaration of the Whig party, and his wife was prominent as a useful and active member of the Methodist Church.

     The father of Mr. Park was Thomas, and his mother was Abigail Farland, both of Eastern birth. They had a family of nine children who grew up on the farm to man's and woman's estate. The parents of Mrs. Park were Ransom and Patience (Britten) Coates, both New Yorkers. Mr. Coates was a merchant who came to Michigan in 1855, and settled in Oakland County, where he engaged in farming, and at the time of his death was in Wayne County. He had a family of nine children, and while living in the East was a man of considerable official importance.

     Seven children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brayton, and of this number the eldest, Carrie, has married. The names of the others are Hermia E., Ira E., Mary E., William P., Claude A. and Ivy L. Carrie is now Mrs. J. C. Pell, and she has had four lovely children--Hazel V., Audrey J., Burt G. and Brayton, who died in infancy. Her home is upon a farm in Howell Township. The four daughters have artistic talents which they have developed, and their skill and taste are well known and highly appreciated by their friends, and to all the family has been given musical talent, which has aided greatly in adding to the attractions of their happy home, and to their usefulness as members of society. A fine grade of horses, cattle and sheep is to be found upon this fine farm, and its proprietor is considered one of the most prominent and reliable farmers in Livingston County.

     JOHN DUNNING. A life well spent and duties well performed deserve a serene and happy recess in the afternoon of life, preparative for the greater activity to begin in the other dawning. Our subject has retired from the active labor incident to farm life, having for years been a successful merchant in Unadilla (574) Township, Livingston County. He is a son of Jacob and Martha (Taylor) Dunning, the former a native of Connecticut and a farmer by calling, who was a loyal and brave soldier in the Continental army in the War of 1812. Our subject's mother was a native of New York State, having been born near Auburn. She died in 1828 and her husband in 1833. They were the parents of six children five of whom are still living.

     John Dunning was born June 2, 1812, in the township of Byron, Genesee County, N.Y. He grew to manhood in that county, enjoying in his boyhood but limited advantages as regards education. He was reared on a farm and when about twenty years of age his father gave him his time and he hired out by the month to the nearest farmer. At the small wages of $12 per month he thus worked until twenty-three years of age, saving what he could, and in the fall of 1835 he came to Michigan and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the township of Waterloo, Jackson County, and then went back to New York. In the spring of 1837 he came to Michigan to stay.

     Going to Dexter, Washtenaw County, our subject worked for a month for his board and then went to work for Church & Norton, peddling fanning mills through the country, continuing to be thus occupied for five years, during which time the firm name was changed to Norton & Wakeman. At the expiration of his service here he was engaged for three years in Dexter as a clerk and then went into business for himself at Reeves Mills, March 1, 1846. The following December he moved his stock to the village of Unadilla and continued in the merchandise business, carrying a general stock until 1884, having an experience in this line extending over thirty-eight years. Since the above mentioned time our subject has been in no active business.

     In March, 1846, the original of our sketch was united in marriage to Miss Hettie Howell, a native of New Jersey who came to Michigan when a child. They settled in Dexter in 1835-36. Mrs. Dunning died August 12, 1866. She was the mother of two children, one of whom is still living, a daughter, Flora, the wife of A. H. Watson and lives near Unadilla. She has three children, all boys, of whom our subject is very proud. Two of the boys are now attending the High School at Ionia. Our subject was again married in 1870 to Miss Susan Doty, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1882 without issue. Not belonging to any church, Mr. Dunning has for years been a supporter of two churches in Unadilla. He has always taken an active interest in politics, being an ardent Republican. His first vote was cast in 1836, for President on the Whig ticket.

     Although nearly eighty years of age, he of whom we write still enjoys good health and has a robust constitution. He has always been temperate in his habits and a man of unexceptional morals. He now makes his home with his only daughter. Our subject, having a large capital, makes a handsome income by loaning money. He owns stock in the Detroit Gaslight Company, has stock in the bank in that city and is also interested in a bank at Arkansas City, Kan.

     MRS. LOUISA SCOFIELD, one of the representative pioneer women of Locke Township, Ingham County, making her home on section 3, was born in Niagara County, N.Y., June 17, 1816. Her father, Israel G. Atkins, was a native of New Hampshire, and her mother, Fannie Knight, was born in New York. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and her maternal grandfather served under Washington in the Revolutionary War.

     When still a small child our subject removed with her parents to Erie County, N.Y., and was there reared to womanhood, being given thorough training in both book lore and domestic science. It was upon the 1st of May, 1838, that she was united in marriage with Stephen Scofield, who was born in New York in 1809, and was a son of Josiah and Elizabeth Scofield. He had grown to manhood in his native State and was a man of fair education, yet practically a self-made man. By him she had five children, four of whom are (577) living, namely: Grace, the wife of Lewis Bridger, of Shiawassee County; Ellen, wife. of S. F. Smith, Mayor of Owosso; Henry W., who lives in Locke Township; Marian, wife of Arthur Watkins, of Ontario County, N.Y., and Israel G., who died in a hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, while serving his country during the Civil War.

     In 1842 Mr. and Mrs. Scofield migrated to Ingham County, Mich., and here settled upon the farm where Mrs. Scofield now resides. Like most pioneers who made their homes in this unbroken forest they had hardships and privations to encounter. They first erected a log house and in that resided for more than a quarter of a century.
The present attractive residence was built by Mr. Scofield and he did a great amount of pioneer work. He was A Republican in politics and served his township for some time as Justice of the Peace. He departed this life October 9, 1869, respected by all who knew him, and in his death the county lost one of her best citizens.

     The widow of Mr. Scofield resides upon the valuable estate which he left to his family, and in her advanced years she is enjoying the fruits of a life well spent in usefulness, and is surrounded by friends and neighbors who prize her character. She is identified with the Universalist Church and has ever been a valued member of church and social circles.