BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 577-587

     Our subject's grandfather, Patrick Shannon, came to America a short time before the Revolutionary War, and espousing the cause of his adopted country, did good service in that war. He served under the direct command of Washington and was with him in that winter that will ever be memorable in American history, which was spent in terrible suffering, at Valley Forge. He was a man of large means, but his great heart could not endure the sight of suffering that could be relieved by his pocket book, and he spent his substance in relieving the necessities of the soldiers, so that when the war was over he was left with very little. With his wife he then returned to Ireland for a short time to settle their property and convert it into money. It was while they were on that trip that our subject's father, Joseph Cresap Shannon, was born. The grandfather then came back to America and settled in Kentucky, where his son was reared, and whence he enlisted as a soldier in the Black Hawk War, being a non-commissioned officer therein. After that war was over, Joseph C. Shannon apprenticed himself to a tanner in Fayette County, Ohio, and remained with him for two years. During his apprenticeship he became acquainted with our subject's mother, who was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and they were married before a great while.

     After the marriage of our subject's father he was engaged in agricultural work upon his father-in-law's farm for a few years and then located in Wyandot County, where he entered land and also built a tannery. At the time of the birth of our subject his parents' nearest neighbor lived at a distance of two miles. Joseph C. Shannon became so popular with the Wyandot tribe that they conferred upon him the unusual honor of making him a chief. He attended their council meetings, and the fact that he was so favored proved to be a great protection to him and his family. Our subject has inherited the title of chief in the Wyandot tribe, and is to-day entitled to that distinction.

     Joseph C. Shannon later removed to Ft. Findlay, Ohio, where he started a store. He was afterward (578) elected County Auditor, and was serving in that capacity when he dropped dead on the ground which is now used as the cemetery in Findlay, Ohio. His decease occurred in May, 1836, and his body lies interred in that cemetery. It was a memorable and terrible occasion for our subject, who was with his father at the time of his death. His mother had died in 1828, and is interred in Wyandot County. His father was after that twice married. There were three children by the first marriage. By the second marriage there was one son, C. C. Shannon, now deceased, who was a soldier in the late war. He left several children. By the third marriage there were three children, two daughters who died in youth, and one son by name Hiram Strother Shannon, a silversmith by trade; he lives in Minerva, Ohio, where he keeps an hotel. The immediate branch of the family to which our subject belongs comprises, besides himself, a sister, Sarah E., who married David Longshore, and whose home is now in Iowa. Our subject's brother, Capt. Joseph O. Shannon, who now resides in Nebraska, was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion.

     As a boy between the ages of six and ten, our subject spent many days with the Wyandot Indians. He learned their customs and also became familiar with their language. Being a favorite with the braves, he was taught to use the bow and arrow with the skill and expertness of one of their own tribe. He went with them on two memorable journeys to Ft. Wayne and Detroit. He was only ten years of age or thereabouts when his father's death occurred, and was after that sad event sent to live with his mother's sister, a Mrs. Rachael Murphy, of Delaware County, Ohio. With her he made his home until he was about sixteen years of age. He remembers that, as a boy, it was far greater pleasure for him to follow the Indians about, to hunt and fish, than to go to school, but while in Delaware County he was in attendance at the little log schoolhouse for about three months each winter. The teacher that he had must have adapted himself admirably to the temperament of his little pupil, for here he became fond of his studies, and so great a reader that it was his delight to lie in front of the blazing logs in the fireplace and devour anything that came within his reach. At the age of sixteen he successfully passed an examination and received a license to teach. His career as a teacher began immediately, and for his services he received $10 per month during the first term. He afterward attended Granville College, in Licking County, Ohio, until his senior year, managing to teach at the same time during vacations. He had, however, over-estimated the strain that his constitution could endure, for his health failed him and he was obliged to leave school. His college course up to that time had been paid for by working upon the farm connected with that institution and also by teaching, which he followed for nine years.

     In 1850, when about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, Mr. Shannon, having recently been converted, became a Methodist preacher in the North Ohio Conference. Those were days of the itinerancy, when a preacher traveled about on horseback carrying with him only what he could take in his saddlebags, and when, there being comparatively few churches in the country, the schoolhouses or private residences were the places of meeting. He traveled all over Northwestern Ohio, and was stationed in Toledo for a year, although his first year was spent in Bryan, Williams County. He was at Fostoria for two years.

     On March 26, 1854, Mr. Shannon was married to Miss Lucy M. Bassett, of Grand Rapids, Ohio. Their marriage was celebrated in Wood County. The lady was born in Erie County, Ohio, February 15, 1832. By this marriage there have been born four children, whose names are: Anna A., Lillian E., Alpheus G. and Katie. The eldest daughter was born in Waterville, Lucas County, Ohio, June 29, 1855. She married Otto Caple and they live in Vevay Township, Ingham County. Their children are: Harry, who was born in Indiana, August 21, 1877; Lillie E., born in Indiana April 1, 1879; John A., born in Vevay Township, Ingham County, April 2, 1885, and Ruth, also born in this township, January 9, 1887. The second daughter, Lillian E., born March 4, 1860, in Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, married Edward B. Caple January 19, 1887, and lives on section 10, of this township. Alpheus G., born in Ohio (579) in 1862, died in February, 1866. Katie, who was born in 1873, died in that same year.

     In Wood County, Ohio, our subject became connected with the military committee that made its headquarters at Perrysburg, Ohio. His talent in speech making was in requisition, as he made an appeal for volunteers throughout the State. He himself enlisted in the One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, Company A, and was made Captain of the Company. He was in the battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo., in 1861, before he had become a soldier, and his patriotism taking fire he seized a musket and entered the thick of the light. He now says that he wanted to prove whether he was brave enough to stand under the fire of the enemy. After entering the army in 1862, he was assigned to the Army of the Ohio, and was under Burnside's command, having received his commission as Captain July 15, 1862. His services having received honorable mention, he was promoted by Gov. Tod to the rank of Major, May 13, 1863. He had studied civil engineering and was enabled to assist O. M. Poe, now living in Detroit, in laying out the fortifications at Knoxville, Tenn.

     Previous to this Mr. Shannon had been detached from the regiment and was on Gen. Burnside's staff, but while engaged on the work of the fortification he was transferred to the staff of Gen. Tillson. After the plans for this work were completed, he was ordered to take charge of their construction according to the specifications that had been made. To relieve the troops that were worn with excessive duty he was ordered to employ negro labor in constructing the fortifications and January 6, 1864, he received an order to organize a regiment of colored heavy artillery. The regiment was to consist of twelve companies of one hundred and fifty men each. It received the name of the First United States Colored Heavy Artillery, and our subject was appointed its Colonel. As is so frequently the case where worth and merit receive their reward and promotion, our subject was not spared the pain of jealous shafts. Gen. Tillson did all he could to belittle his work and loyalty, but our subject came out of the affair with flying colors and was promoted to the position of Lieutenant-Colonel May 11, 1864, and to the rank of Colonel November 4, 1864. On January 15, 1865, while in the line of duty, our subject's horse stumbled and fell, and rolling over him, crushed the bones of the chest, and by this catastrophe he was ruptured and otherwise disabled. Thus incapacitated for active work, he offered his resignation May 13, 1865. It was accepted, and he returned to his home.

     Previous to his entering the army our subject had studied law, and after his return home he was admitted to the bar in Columbus, Ohio, to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio. It was a gratifying tribute to his ability as a man and an attorney that so early in his career he should be elected Prosecuting Attorney for Wood County, Ohio. There he continued in the practice of his profession until he was stricken down with sickness in 1884. His removal to his present home took place in 1885. He is now retired from active life and makes his home with his daughter. His wife still lives and is the faithful companion of his days of trial as she has been of his days of success.

     In his experience during the war, when there were so many incidents of oppression and wrong done by the soldiers on both sides, Mr. Shannon gave a brilliant example of the magnanimity that should ever characterize a true soldier and a gentleman. The helpless and oppressed never turned away from him without succor or encouragement, and offenders against the weak and helpless were most summarily dealt with.

     The following letter is a copy of an order by our subject to one of the Southern men who had in his possession a little negro boy, whose mother was very desirous to have him:

     (580) FRANK A. BURKHART. Among the sons of the Empire State who have by their lives of integrity, enterprise and success in Michigan brought credit upon both the State of their birth and the State of their adoption, we are pleased to make mention of Mr. Burkhart who was born in December, 1852, in Monroe County, N.Y. His honored parents, Henry and Lydia (Hagedorn) Burkhart, removed to this State when he was an infant of one year, and brought him with them.

     Our subject was brought up upon his father's farm and received an ordinary district-school education, which, although not broad in its scope was thorough in its drill, and gave him an excellent foundation for future attainments and a good preparation for the work of life. Upon attaining his majority the young man started out for himself farming fifty acres of land on section 33, Cohoctah Township, Livingston County, where he still resides. This has been his home with the exception of six years, from April 1884, to April, 1890, when he was carrying on a grocery and provision business in Howell, after which time he returned to the farm.

     In the spring of' 1874 Burkhart purchased eighty acres of timber land adjoining his property on the north, and of that he has cleared sixty acres and has since added to it forty acres more. In 1885 he bought one hundred acres on section 28, in the Township of Howell, most of which is now improved. This property has been gained by his own endeavors, and in addition Mr. Burkhart owns a house and lot in Howell.

     Carlie G. Allison was the name in maidenhood of the wife of our subject, to whom he was united in marriage August 16, 1874. This intelligent and interesting lady was born in the township, of Putnam, this county, March 16, 1857. She is a daughter of James and Dorothy (Hines) Allison, who resided at Pinckney, where Mr. Allison followed the double calling of a miller and a farmer. The three children who survive of the five who blessed this home are Addie B., Claud A. and Ethel. Mrs. Burkhart has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since she was twelve years old and she is active in the service.

     The native home of Mr. Allison was in Orange County, N.Y., and his natal day May 7, 1873. He was but eight years old when his father died and he then lived with an uncle, George Reeves and came with him to Pinckney about the year 1834. In 1836 he assisted his uncle build Reeves' Mill and he continued to reside in Pinckney until his death which occurred June 1, 1864. He left a widow and five children. His two sons and three daughters are now living but his wife died September 17, 1879, at the age of fifty years, having been born March 8, 1825, in Ticonderoga County, N.Y. She was a daughter of  W. Hines, a blacksmith, who came to Washtenaw County in 1828, and later came to losco Township, Livingston County. James Allison was the son of William Allison, who was born April 5, 1791, in Orange County. N.Y., and his wife, Sarah Roe, who was born February 3, 1895. She brought him five sons and two daughter. The family is of Irish origin.

     Upon the fine farm of Mr. Burkhart a specialty is made of the raising of Merino sheep, and a fine flock may be seen there in good condition and well cared for. Mr. Burkhart is a man whose intelligence and judgment is respected by his neighbors, and in his political views he affiliates with the Republican party, but he cares nothing for office and has never sought the political arena, preferring the enjoyments of home life and the pleasure to be found upon the farm.

     PHILO STREET   Nowhere in the township of Tyrone and scarcely in the county of Livingston can a home be found more attractive and delightful than that of Mr. and Mrs. Philo Street, and in this fact we have again a proof that physical ability is not the prime factor in the attainment of domestic order, comfort and delight, for the cultured and thoughtful woman who presides over that home has been incapacitated for more than twenty years from active work, yet she has made a success of her home.

     Philo Street is a son of Stephen B. and Sallie (Way) Street. His father was born October 12, (581) 1806 near Hartford, Conn. At the age of four years he lost his father and after that time lived among strangers. Upon attaining his majority he removed to Darien, Erie County, N.Y., and there engaged in peddling and farming, and also bought and sold stock. In the spring of 1839 he came by lake to the Wolverine State, and made his home on one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, Tyrone Township, this county. From this forest land he cleared the trees, and upon it he raised fine crops and continued to live here until his death, June 7, 1868.

     The father of our subject was a Republican in his political views, and especially active in the promotion of the interests of his party during the Civil War. He served as Justice of the Peace for some time and began life with little means except his innate abilities and character. His marriage took place in Erie County, N.Y., and to him and his wife Sallie were born ten children, three of whom were taken from their arms by death during childhood, and seven lived to older years. They were named: Phoebe, Prudie, Philo, Henry, Sarah, Hiram and Etta.

     February 2, 1838, was the natal day of Philo Street who was born near Darien, N.Y. He was two years of age when he came to this State with his parents. He grew up upon the farm where he now resides, and received the ordinary advantages of the district school. He was twenty-three years old when he began farming for himself, and his first efforts were in working by the month and on shares for others. He now owns eighty acres of the old homestead, to which he has added fifty acres more, and upon his farm he has placed it comfortable handsome house, and most excellent and commodious barns. The principles of the Republican party commend themselves to the judgment of Mr. Street, and he is also strongly in favor of prohibitory action in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors.

     The happy married life of this gentleman began March 10, 1862, and his bride was Martha L., daughter of Amos and Lovisa (Brooks) Dexter. This lady was born in Tyrone Township, March 9, 1839, and her parents are natives of Chili, Monroe County, N.Y. They came to Michigan in the fall of 1838, and lived there until the death of Mr. Dexter, March 26, 1879. The religious proclivities of Amos Dexter were in the direction of the Protestant Methodist Church, but later in life he became a Free Methodist. His wife was a native of the same county as himself, and having reared to maturity four sons and eight daughters she passed her last days in Tyrone Township, Livingston County, this State.

     Mr. and Mrs. Street are active and devoted members of the Congregational Church, and they have brought up their one daughter, Stella, who is now Mrs. J. M. Becker, in this faith. Mrs. Street was thrown from a wagon by a runaway team in June, 1870, and was seriously injured, the lower joint of the spine being broken. She was a confirmed invalid three years and has never enjoyed good health nor been able to labor much since that disaster overtook her.

     She is possessed of many natural talents and is much above the average in intelligence and refinement. Being of an active mind, she could not be content in idleness, and during the past eight years she has employed her time and talents quite profitably as a taxidermist. She now possesses one of the most valuable private collection of birds in the county, and deserves great credit for her labor. The specimens of her mounted birds and fowls attest her skill and are of great interest to all students of natural history.

     DAVID V. SMITH is a general farmer, living upon two hundred and forty-five acres in Meridian and Alaiedon Townships. He was born in Schoharie County, near Middleburg, N.Y., June 6, 1834. His father, Eli Smith, was born in the same place in 1806, and was also a farmer. In 1837 he moved into Washington County and there, remained for a few years and in 1840 came to Ingham County and settled in Alaiedon Township on what is now known as the Perry Stevens farm.

     During the seven years Eli Smith remained (582) upon his farm in Ingham County he made a number of improvements upon the place. At that time there were but few settlers in the township. From that place they moved into Clinton County and there remained for eight years. Thence he went to Shiawassee County where the father died in 1885. Our subject's mother, Sally (Scranton) Smith, was a native of New York, she died in Alaiedon Township in November, 1851. Our subject's grandfather, Noah Smith, was a native of New York, and a farmer by occupation. This branch of the Smith family is of English and Scotch ancestry .

     During his younger days David helped with the farm and attended the district school when an opportunity presented itself. At the age of eighteen he commenced taking care of himself, working as a day laborer, until he was twenty-eight years old. At that time the auspicious event of his marriage occurred. Their wedding was celebrated April 14, 1863. Our subject's bride was Miss Lydia Jane Holden, daughter of Tobias Holden, a farmer and mechanic of Alaiedon Township. She was born January 13, 1838, in Dearborn, Wayne County, this State. Her father was foreman of the mechanics and carpenters who constructed the fort at Detroit. He was born in Schoharie County, N.Y., in 1806, and died in his eighty-third year. The first American ancestor, Randall Holden, came to the United States and settled in Norwich, R.I., in 1642. The coat of arms is still in the possession of the family. Mrs. Smith's mother was, before her marriage, Harriet Lewis. Her decease occurred in 1862. She was a cousin of William C. Bouck who was Governor of New York in 1786. Mrs. David Smith was educated in the Detroit public schools and is a lady of refinement and culture and has a decided talent in the composition of metrical literature. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been blest with two children.

     The son and daughter born to our subject and his estimable wife are by name Ida May and Lewis H. respectively. The former was born October 6, 1864. She married Charles C. Case who now lives in the State of Washington; they have one child--Robbie, who is four years old. Lewis H., a farmer in Alaiedon Township, who was born May 13, 1868, married Flora Webster of Pine Lake; they also have one child, Ida Pearl. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blue Lodge No. 252, of Okemos. He is also a Royal Arch Mason of the Williamston Chapter. Politically he is an enthusiastic Democrat and has always taken an active interest in county affairs. He is now Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are very hospitable people and are representatives of that class whose pleasure is in making this world a happier and brighter abode.

     GILBERT CUSHMAN. A general farmer on sections 9 and 10, Mr. Cushman has learned the secrets of nature and science so thoroughly as to insure success in his dealings with these fickle deities. His farm comprises one hundred and forty acres which is fair, arable land. Our subject was born in Dexter, Washtenaw County, this State, December 25, 1836. He is a man (son? typo?) of Charles Cushman who was a native of Putnam County, N.Y., there born in 1792. He was a farmer and blacksmith and came to Michigan when a young man, purchasing a farm north of Lansing in DeWitt Township, Clinton County. He was one of the first settlers in that township and there died in his sixty-third year.

     The original of our sketch remained under the parental roof until he was twenty years of age, during which time he attended the country school and assisted in the work of the farm. His health failing him at that time, he went to California, where he remained for two years during which he regained his health to a great extent. On returning, to his home he was married in December, 1862, to Miss Bertha Cornwell of Delhi Township. She died August 5. 1880, and two years later, November 9, our subject was married to Olive Joy of Meridian Township. Two children were born of this union--Bertha born April 25, 1884, and Lena, June 10, 1886.

     After the first marriage of the gentleman of whom we are writing, he moved to a farm which he (583) owned comprising forty acres near Delta and there remained for three years. He then sold and moved upon an eighty-acre tract near by where he remained four years. On selling the place above spoken of he purchased his present farm of which there was only about twenty acres cleared at the time. He has improved this erecting a comfortable and conveniently arranged house which is now about seventeen years old. He has also added good barns and outbuildings and the place presents a neat and attractive appearance. He has done a great deal of hard work in order to get his property in the shape that it now is.

     Gilbert Cushman is not connected with any religious body. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance at Okemos, this State, as is also his wife. A Democrat in politics he has always cast the weight of his vote and influence with that party, but has no ambition to hold township office. He and his wife are representative people of the township and are intelligent and refined.

     Mrs. Cushman was born in Oakland County, Mich., December 29, 1854. When she was a small child her parents moved into Meridian Township, this county. Site is a daughter of Horace and Diantha Joy and her father now makes his home with her. He has always been a farmer. The lady was formerly a teacher, having a record of thirteen terms successfully discharged in Ingham, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties. Site also taught one term at Henderson, Mich., and wherever she has been her praises as an educator may be heard.

     E. B. HOSLEY. Many of the native sons of the Wolverine State are now active, enterprising business men and farmers. This fact, coupled with the wonderful prosperity and advances which have been made in every department of living, emphasizes the truth that Michigan is becoming one of the mature States in the sisterhood of commonwealths, and that it can no longer be classed among the younger of the number. Among these sons who are thus honoring the home of their birth we are pleased to name, Mr. Hosley.

     He of whom we write was born in Deerfield Township, Livingston County, Mich, and his natal day was February 20, 1845. He now has his residence on section 18, Oceola Township, and his home has been in Michigan throughout life, with the exception of four years' residence in Texas., whither he went in 1884, with three thousand head of sheep. On his journey he lost fifteen hundred sheep during a stormy period of less than nine days, and the experiment was a most disastrous one to him as he lost in all some $11,500.

     The father of our subject was born in New York and was a farmer by occupation. His name was William Hosley and he was married in Livingston County, Mich. to Eliza H. Beach, who lived to complete seventy years. The grandfather, Joseph Hosley, was also a New Yorker by birth, who came to Michigan in very early times, becoming one of the pioneers of Livingston County, taking up land on the section where our subject was born. He lived to exceed eighty-four years. Four daughters and three sons were granted to the parents, of our subject, and they are all living and have established homes of their own, and no death has occurred among their children. The mother, Eliza Hosley, was the first of the family to be called from earth, and when she passed away she left behind her twenty-five grandchildren who will ever cherish her memory.

     Mr. Hosley is the third child and second son of his parents, and as he had his education in the pioneer days, his schooling was obtained in a log schoolhouse, after which he went to Howard City for further opportunities. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred on Christmas Day, 1868. His bride, Martha Lawther, was born in Howell Township, this county, February 1, 1844, and she was the first-born of her parents, James and Amarilla (Harmen) Lawther. These were early pioneers in Michigan, having come from their native homes in New York and Connecticut respectively to Genesee County.

     Mr. and Mrs. Hosley are the happy parents of (584) two daughters and one son, and to all of them they are giving excellent opportunities for a liberal and thorough education. William J. is a graduate of the Ypsilanti Business College; Nellie will be graduated in the fall of 1891 at Ypsilanti, where she is studying short-hand and type-writing, although her previous education had fitted her for teaching in the district schools, and she had considerable experience in that line. May, who is now a young girl of thirteen, is still attending school and under the parental roof.

     Mr. Hosley has a handsome farm of two hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved. He is a stock-buyer and shipper, and handles from three thousand to five thousand sheep every year. One year he shipped seven thousand to the Texas market, but now makes Buffalo and Chicago his objective points. He handles the best stock that can be found and is a first-class judge of the horse. He has a pair of Abdallah stallions and has some of the fastest and best bred horses in the county. His political views are in accordance with the declarations of the Democratic party, and he is intelligently interested in public movements as he feels is the duty of every patriotic citizen. For two years he was Supervisor of the township, and has held other offices, especially in connection with the schools. He was also Justice of the Peace for eight years and has been Town Clerk.

    GILBERT I. SARGENT. The beautiful farm which bears the suggestive name of Maple Ridge Farm, is located on section 26, Handy Township, Livingston County. The place is a model of agricultural neatness and productiveness, its good features in this direction being beautified by the taste and judgment of its owner, who came to this place in 1839 with his parents and grandparents. He now farms two hundred acres and finds that the best methods and the latest improvements in agricultural ways are those that bring him the largest returns.

     Mr. Sargent is a native of Rutland County, Vt,, being there born March 23, 1836. He is a son of Ira and Harriet (Ray) Sargent, who were also natives of Rutland County, Vt. The former was a carpenter and millwright and followed his calling until he came West, at which time he settled on a part of the farm now owned and occupied by his son. It was at that time heavily timbered. Our subject's paternal grandfather came West at the same time and settled in the same section, continuing to live there until his death, which occurred in 1871. His wife was, prior to her marriage, Miss Lydia Churchill from Vermont, She preceded him to the better land, passing away in 1862. They had a large family and each member was obliged to do his or her share to make ends meet. Politically the old gentleman was a Republican. His son and our subject's father was engaged in farming and working at his trade until his death, which took place in 1842. He was a Whig. The wife still survives and makes her home with the gentleman of whom we are writing. She has attained to a good old age, being seventy-eight years old. Four children came to brighten the household life: They are Emily, now Mrs. W. A. Dorrance, of Deerfield, this county; our subject; George F., of Keokuk, Iowa, and Everett D., of Howell Township.

     Gilbert I. Sargent was afforded all the advantages in an educational way that could be obtained at that early day, that is, he learned the three R's in a log schoolhouse in his district. He has always remained on the farm, after reaching his majority taking possession of the place to which he has since added one hundred and twenty acres of land. He has also other fine property in the city of Howell where it is his intention to soon erect an elegant home and retire from the proprietorship of his farm. Success has crowned his efforts in this industry and he has taken advantage of the means which he has to enjoy as much as possible the pleasures of life, having traveled quite extensively and having learned much of the resources of our country from personal observation.

     "Lives shall not miss their counterparts and each shall meet its own." Mr. Sargent met his fate in the person of Miss Sarah Foster, of losco Township, this county. She was a daughter of Martin R. (587) and Susan (Hallack) Foster, early settlers of this State. Their marriage was solemnized in January 1862. After a number of years of wedded happiness the wife died in 1879. After some time our subject was again married to Miss Belinda Dyer, of Calhoun County, this State. She is a daughter of Orvil and Lucinda (Andrews) Dyer, natives of New York. The father was a farmer and came West to Michigan as one of the early settlers of Calhoun County. There they resided until death claimed them for his own. Mrs. Sargent is the only child of this couple. No children have graced the union of our subject and his wife.

     The beautiful farm which is owned by Mr. Sargent is given largely to the raising of fine stock. Politically he is a Republican, and shows his progressive tendencies, however, by affiliating with the Patrons of Industry and the Grange. Of the first-named body he has been Vice-President and is enthusiastic over the rights and privileges of the masses of the people who are laborers. A generous spirited man he has given liberally of his store to the upbuilding of churches, schoolhouses and roads. The farm upon which he at present resides comprises two hundred acres, and is represented by a view on another page. A sojourn in its pleasant home, that is surrounded with trees and rolling lawns, and dewy meadows, would be an ideal one to the urbanite, weary of the daily struggle.