The immediate progenitor of our subject was born on, the old homestead in New York, and reared to fairly understand the duties incident to farm life. He was eighteen years of age when his father died and soon after devoted himself to learning the blacksmith's trade. When twenty-four years old he removed to the Buckeye State, where he secured a farm and about 1851 came to Flint, this State, and entered three hundred and twenty acres of land in Brada (Brady?) Township, Saginaw County. This he cleared and improved as did he also several other farms. In 1864 he removed to Greenbush, Clinton County. Now, at the age of eighty-eight years, he lives with his children, having divided his property among them according to his own ideas of right and equity.

     Our subject's mother died in 1861 and Mr. Patterson, Sr., married a second time, the union being with Mrs. Jane Gillett. The first wife bore him fifteen children, of whom ten were reared to years of manhood and womanhood. They are Selden J., George, our subject, Edward J., Chauncy, Franklin, Maria, Mary J., Olivia and Elmira. The eldest son served in the Third Michigan Cavalry during the late war, while George enlisted in an Ohio regiment; Edward J. served in Stockton's regiment and also in the Sixth Regular Artillery. The children were reared in the creed of the Baptist Church. Our subject's mother was a daughter of Selden Bennett, a farmer of Irish origin.

     After reaching manhood Ransom F. Patterson came to Michigan with his father and settled in the woods. His school days were very few, the whole time passed in such an institution over text books, comprising at the most, only a few weeks. He has accomplished much, however, for himself in an educational way, being of a quick and assimilative nature. He assisted his father in clearing four farms in Saginaw County and at the age of fourteen was hired out and worked in an hotel at $13 per month, living variously at Chesaning, St. Charles and Bay City. During the summers he assisted his father at home with the harvesting.

     December 16, 1863, Mr. Patterson enlisted in Company G, Third Michigan Cavalry. He was engaged in the first fight at Collierville, Tenn., and was distinguished for his readiness for duty. He served until March, 1865, when, while engaged in building a bridge, he received a serious injury, which has affected him ever since. He was discharged February, 1866, at San Antonio, Tex., and his regiment disbanded at Jackson, Mich., in March, after which he went to Greenbush, Clinton County, and there remained for one year and a half. He then removed to Deer Creek and permanently located, his residence being now at that place. For the first four years after coming here he conducted his farming operations on shares. He now resides on section 7, and he and his wife own one hundred and sixty-three acres, of which about one hundred acres have been cleared and improved and bear a good class of buildings. He is the owner also of another farm and of one hundred and twenty acres.

     Mr. Patterson has been twice married. His first marriage was May 31, 1866, at which time he was united to Elizabeth Howe, who was born on the farm where our subject now resides. She was daughter of John and Eunice (Jones) Howe, who came to this State from near Yonkers, N.Y., in 1840 and settled in Deer Creek. Mrs. Howe was born near Lockport, N.Y. She reared two children--James and Elizabeth.

     Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson died March 12, 1874, leaving one son whose name is John F. The present wife was previous to her marriage a Miss Eva Johnson, a daughter of Michael and Bethania (Jones) Johnson, the father being a retired merchant at Linden. By this marriage our subject is the parent of two children--Fred and Zada E.

     On another page of this volume the reader will find a lithographic view of Mr. Patterson's pleasant home.

     WILLIAM H. DECKE.  To give a sketch of, the life story of a prominent business man and an old soldier is a pleasant task, and we are pleased to have so good a subject in the name which appears at the head of this paragraph--the proprietor of one of Lansing's large retail and wholesale markets. Mr. Decke was born in Germany, at Hermaurode, Hessen, July 27, 1839, and was there reared until he reached the age of fifteen years. His father, Christopher Decke, was a native of the same town and a farmer who had been well-to-do, but his property was much depleted during the season of war, as he had to quarter soldiers. He was a man of true Christian character and worthy of the respect of all who knew him. In 1858 the youth with his parents came to America, locating in Penfield, Monroe County, N.Y., coming somewhat later to Michigan and making their home in Delta Township, Eaton County, where the father died at the age of eighty eight and the mother passed away when eighty-nine years old. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Albrecht. Her father, John Albrecht, was a prosperous farmer In their native place and a soldier in the wars waged by Napoleon. They had eight children, four boys and four girls, of whom our subject was the youngest. He came to America to escape military duty, leaving Bremen in the spring of 1856 and upon landing, making his way to Washington, Orange County, N.Y. This young man had not a nickel upon arriving in this country and he set to work to find employment and cheerfully labored for $4 per month. As soon as he had earned enough to make the journey he came to Macedon, Wayne County, N.Y., and worked on a farm and attended school for three months.

     In August, 1861, the first cavalry regiment raised in that county enlisted this young man in its service and he was mustered in at Rochester as a member in Company 1, Eighth New York Cavalry. On his way to the front he received a serious injury, falling thirty feet from a railroad abutment, and injuring his ankle. He was in a hospital at Washington until June, while his regiment was at Menden Hill ready for the spring campaign. This body took part in conflicts at Edward's Ferry, up the Shenandoah, the battle of Winchester, Harper's Ferry and Annapolis Junction and then went down the Shenandoah Valley again back and forth all through the fall. Having joined the Army of the Potomac, they took part in the battles of Antietam and Hagerstown, then followed the rebels up the Rapidan and after several fights turned and went to Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, and Gettysburg. Afterward they returned to Frederick City and on to Williamsport, fighting every day for a week.

     At Frederickstown our young hero was wounded July 10, 1863, being shot through the right thigh with a minie ball and was in the hospital for three days without attention, and his companions dispaired of his recovery. As soon as he considered himself able to resume active service he asked to be sent to his regiment, but as those in command did not think him yet able they refused, but he stole away, saddled a horse and was soon with his comrades.

     The young soldier was present during Mead's retreat and saw smoke at Rapidan, Stephensburg and Brandy Station, also at Fairfax Station and Culpeper. His regiment was the first cavalry body to cross the Rapidan in the spring of 1864 and they took part in the battles of the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, also in those at White House, Cold Harbor and in front of Petersburg. During Wilson's raid they lost one-half of their men. They went up Weldon railroad in the Shenandoah Valley to Winchester and Fisher's Hill and were driven back from Newmarket to Middletown, but they succeeded in repelling the rebels and took back every wheel that was lost on Wilson's raid. October 19, at the battle of Fisher's Creek this regiment captured fifty-eight pieces of artillery besides other booty. The regiment was mustered out December 8, 1864, at Rochester, N.Y.

     At the battle of Brandy Station the young soldier was seriously injured by his horse which jumped over a fence as it was coming in from picket duty in the night. At the battle of Culpeper Courthouse he received a sabre thrust in his right shoulder but did not leave his regiment for hospital treatment at that time. His only other serious wound was a shot received in his right hand from a revolver.

     After reaching home Mr. Decke was employed on a farm until September, 1865, when he came to DeWitt, Mich. and began work on a farm, and in 1867 purchased forty acres on section 16, Delta (649) 
Township. Here he improved his place and continued the cultivation of the soil until he finally drifted into the meat business. In 1876 he opened a market in Lansing and two years later removed to town where he now carries on an extensive business, not only in the local trade, both wholesale and retail, but also by buying and shipping to distant points. He has accumulated real estate and owns three houses in the city.

     The marriage of our subject took place in Rochester, in 1865, and he was then joined to Miss Mary Gorman, of Newark, N.J. Five children have crowned this union, namely: William, George, Elmer, Frank and Charles. All are at home except Frank, who is pursuing his studies at the University of Michigan where he expects to take his diploma with the Class of '93. This thorough-going business man is intelligent in his understanding of American public affairs and affiliates with the Republican party. He is highly esteemed by all who come in contact with him in a business or social way, and he has every reason to be proud of his sons.

     MRS. SARAH M. DREW. The estimable lady to whom we would now call the attention of our readers is the widow of Emerald D. Drew, a New Yorker by birth, whose parents were Noah and Amy (Lyon) Drew, who as well as their son were natives of the Empire State. Noah Drew was a farmer and many years ago came to Michigan, settling in Marion Township, Livingston County, and afterward making his home in Howell. In 1885 he went to England on business and spent some time there, and previous to his contemplated return he died there in 1889. The mother was living in Marion Township, this county, when she received her call to the other world. Their children were Emma D., John C., Martin V., Milton, Allen, Ellen (Mrs. Hughes), Mary (Mrs. Conklin) and Job W.

     Emerald D. Drew was a mechanic, and made his home at Howell, where he engaged in the business of a builder and contractor, and some years later entered upon a mercantile career. He finally sold out his interests in Howell, and in 1875 established himself in the mercantile business at Fowlerville, and thus continued until his death in 1877. He was a successful business man and built up a large and prosperous trade. His political views brought him into sympathy with the principles and movements of the Republican party, and he was a member of the Odd Fellows. He belonged to the Christian Israelite Church.

     Mr. Drew went to California in 1860 and engaged in mining operations, and later undertook an extensive farming business in which he was quite successful. He remained there seven years, returning to the East in 1867, and two years later he established himself in a home of his own by choosing as his wife Miss Sarah M. Hughes, of Howell, daughter of John D. and Delia M. (Perry) Hughes. Mr. Hughes was a native of New Jersey, and his wife was born in New York. They came West previous to their marriage and were united in the bonds of matrimony in Washtenaw County, where they settled on a farm. Later they came to Livingston County, and took charge of a farm two and one-half miles east and south of Fowlersville, (Fowlerville???) Handy Township. Mrs. Drew lost her father by death in 1889, but her mother is still with her, and they make their home together. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are Sarah M. (Mrs. Drew), Arvid H., Norman R., Lucy A. (Mrs. Van Riper) and Minnie D., now deceased.

     The father of Mrs. Hughes was Joseph Perry, and his wife was Sally Carr. They came West from New York in 1827, settling at Lodi, Washtenaw County, Mich. when there were only two small houses in what is now the city of Ann Arbor. Of their eight children only two are now living--Delia (Mrs. Hughes), and Emeline (Mrs. Camp.) The others are Norman, Antha M., Weller, Grant T., Adaline, Booth, Lucy A., Burgess and Merritt.

     Since the death of her husband Mrs. Drew has continued to carry on his mercantile business. She suffered a heavy loss in the fire which took place March 15, 1891, but she is undaunted in her (650) determination to succeed in business. For its accommodation she is now building a handsome brick block on the corner of Grand Avenue and Grand River Streets. Her beautiful home is situated on Grand Avenue. She is a lady of considerable culture, and received her higher education at Pinckney. When fifteen years old she commenced teaching, practicing her profession in both Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. She is proficient in both German and music, and gives instruction in the latter art. Her father, whose memory she greatly reveres, was a prominent man in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and filled the office of Class-Leader. She is both socially and in a business way one of the most important ladies in Fowlerville, and has the respect and confidence of the community.

     The parents of Mrs. Hughes, Joseph and Sally (Carr) Perry, moved from Genesee County N.Y., to Saratoga Springs, same State, where they resided twelve years prior to coming to Michigan. Mrs. Drew prior to her marriage was a member of Star Lodge, Fowlerville, Mich.

     PETER OLSEN, deceased. A large foreign element has gone into the make up of the social and industrial life of Michigan and the continent of Europe has furnished many worthy citizens who have made themselves honored and respected in this New World. Among them we may mention with respect the name which appears at the head of this sketch, the name of one who for many years was well-known in Cohoctah Township, Livingston County but has now "passed to that bourne from whence no traveler returns."

     Mr. Olsen was born, June 7, 1846, in Fjelde, Denmark, and he is the son of Ole Knudsen and Bodil Knudsen, who carried on farming operations in their native land and brought to man's and woman's estate two sons and two daughters. All of their children with the exception of one daughter have made their home in the United States. Our subject came hither in 1872 and with $300 capital settled in Howell, and began working at whatever employ he could find. In 1875 he joined his brother, Knud, in taking one hundred and sixty acres which they cleared and improved and brought into a highly productive state, our subject placing upon his portion a handsome residence.

     Mary Larsen was the name by which the lady was known who became the wife of our subject , March 12, 1875. She was born in Rykkerup, Denmark, May 24, 1857 and is a daughter of Lars and Anna C. (Rasmussen) Knudsen. Her father was a farmer and he and his good wife had eight daughters and four sons, all of whom grew to woman's and man's estate. One son, Christian, has since died in Oceola, May 11, 1889, having been in the United States since 1882. Four daughters, Sine, Sophia, Christina, and Mary, came to the United States and the second of these daughters died in Marion Township, leaving a husband and one daughter. Mrs. Olsen was the first of her family to come to this country.

     Mr. Olsen returned to the old country to bring his bride to her new home and after their arrival here in the spring of 1875 others of the family connection became interested in the New World and many of them decided to emigrate hither. To this worthy couple were born two sons, Fred Ferdinand and Christian C. The Lutheran Church is the religious body with which our subject was identified from childhood and with which, with his faithful wife, he is still connected. His political views brought him into sympathy with the Democratic party and he was ever intelligently interested in the movements of American politics. His death took place, December 7, 1887 and he was truly mourned by those who had been associated with
him in life.

     GEORGE G. MORTON. Meridian Township, which is located in the northern part of Ingham County, has many beautiful farms, but none are better managed than the small one, comprising seventy acres on section 29, belonging (651) to the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch. It would seem that in the '30s there must have been a general exodus of families from New York State to Michigan, and Mr. Morton was one of the long train to come hither at that time, making his move October 26, 1839, from Whitesburough, Oneida County, N.Y. His father, Seth Morton, was a native of Rutland, Vt., having been born there in 1795.

     Our subject's immediate progenitor was a carpenter by trade, but carried on farming in connection with his trade. When his son, George was but eight years old the family determined to come to Michigan, and made the momentous journey hither, settling first in Bengal Township, Clinton County, in 1837. At that time there were very few white settlers in the township, and obliged to go to DeWitt, thirteen miles from their home, as the nearest point at which they could get groceries. Wild game was at that time very plentiful, and very frequently the pioneer stood in his doorway and shot deer.

     That necessity is the mother of invention is never more apparent than in pioneer days and our subject's family had to resort to many ludicrous makeshifts. A tree top was used in lieu of a clothesline, and was also the vehicle upon which the wheat was dragged to the barns. These stirring conditions of life, however, were calculated to develop firmness, strength and independence of character. In 1852 Mr. Morton, Sr., was attracted to California with the bands that were constantly starting out to that promised land of golden treasure. The trip overland occupied six months and two days, and on arriving he spent two years in working in the gold mines. The feverish life of early days was not pleasing, however, to the old gentleman, and he returned to more quiet Michigan, and having cleared up a farm he moved into DeWitt, where he died. His wife, our subject's mother, was in her maiden days Miss Philora Tuttle, a native of one of the Eastern States. Her decease took place in 1861, at the age of sixty years.

     The original of our sketch remained at home until he had reached his majority, giving his parents the benefit of his work and attending district school. On the breaking out of the war in 1861, his patriotism took a practical turn, and in September of that year he enlisted in the Second Regiment, U. S. Sharpshooters, Company B, and served faithfully until the close of the war. He was assigned to duty with the Army of the Potomac and was with Berdan's U. S. Sharpshooters, serving in the Second Division. June 1, 1864, he was taken prisoner near Petersburg, and was first sent to Libby, but was subsequently changed to Andersonville, and from there to Charleston, and thence to Florence. During the nine months of his imprisonment he suffered the miseries incident to those foul places. While at Florence he was at one time three days without rations. A brave and daring soldier, he made a record in his military life that his friends feel justly proud of.

     On the close of the war Mr. Morton returned to DeWitt and conducted the work on the old farm until 1874. Ambitious, however, to manage a larger estate, he rented the old homestead and assumed the charge of the large farm of six hundred and forty acres in Delhi Township, remaining there for seven years. He then returned to the old homestead, and there worked for one year, at the expiration of which time he sold out and bought the farm upon which he now resides.

     The gentleman of whom we write was very happily married in 1861 to Miss Jane Cushman, a daughter of Charles Cushman, who was an old pioneer in De Witt Township. Mrs. Morton is also a sister of Gilbert Cushman, of Meridian Township. The lady was born February 17, 1839, in Washtenaw County, this State, and when three years of age, she with her parents moved to Clinton County, this State. Children of their own have been denied this worthy couple, but they bestowed the wealth of their affection and protecting care upon an adopted son, taken into the family when he was eight months of age. He goes by the name of the name of Joseph J. Morton and was born May 15, 1871. This young man has most flattering prospects for the future. He is bright and intelligent and his friends will be greatly disappointed if he does not realize their expectations for him. Mr. Morton is a member of (652) the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Capitol Lodge, No. 66, of Lansing. He was formerly a Democrat, but for the past twelve years has been a Greenback advocate. The center of a wide circle of friends, Mr. Morton merits the esteem and confidence which is accorded him on every side.

     MORTIMER D. GARDNER. This gentleman, who is the son of Amilo and Hannah (Mixter) Gardner, is the grandson of William Gardner of Connecticut, who was one of the early settlers of Millford, (Milford?) Oakland County, Mich., but whose death occurred by drowning, after he had returned to Connecticut when an old man. His large family of children bore the following names--Alexander, Amilo, Almiron, Abel, Myndred, Lovilla, Lucy and Delia. Alexander, Almiron, Abel, Lovilla and Lucy have died. William Gardner married Mary Randall, who was Mrs. Wightman by a previous marriage. He was an active Democrat in his political sympathies and served his country in the War of 1812.

     Amilo Gardner was born September 18, 1805, and pursued farming most of his life, although in early years he was a drover, buying cattle all over the State of New York. He also served as Justice of the Peace through most of his life in New York. In 1850 he moved by team and wagon from Herkimer, N.Y., to Fulton County, Ill., being thirty-three days on the road, and the following spring he pursued his journey to Michigan by way of Chicago, and in the spring of 1851 (Only forty years ago) his horses mired in the streets of Chicago and he had to pull them out with an oxteam. He bought and settled upon two hundred acres on section 28, Tyrone Township, Livingston County, and he proceeded to clear and improve it and place upon it excellent farm buildings.

     The father of our subject was the first man who raised hops in Michigan and he sold as much as $5,000 worth of this crop in a single year. A team, a wagon and $7 were his fortune when he left New York, and he is now a successful owning three hundred and eighty acres of excellent and richly cultivated land. His six children are Mortimer D., William D., Alonzo E., Austin R., James R. and an adopted daughter, Laura L. Williams. The father and mother are earnest and devoted Christians, and members of the Christian Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church respectively, and the father has ever been an active and stanch Democrat. He is a liberal giver to church and charitable purposes, and the house of worship which was erected upon his farm was half paid for by this liberal family. He has served the public as Postmaster for twenty-six years.

     The mother of Mortimer Gardner was born January 8, 1814, and died October 7, 1881, being a daughter of David and Hannah (Bronson) Mixter, who carried on a farm in New York. The subject of this sketch was born May 10, 1834, in Warren, Herkimer County, N.Y., and received a common school education, by which he so thoroughly profited as to be able to teach in both New York and Michigan. He makes a specialty of teaching Mono-Chromatic painting, which he finds very profitable, and he sometimes receives from his pupils as much as $500 in a single season. He moved with his parents to the West, but not liking Illinois, started back to New York, and stopping in Michigan found a congenial home, which he has since maintained in this State. He began farming with his father, and also "kept tavern," as it was then called, where they now reside.

     The marriage of our subject December 27, 1854, to Miss Sarah A. Griswold brought to his home a cultivated and intelligent lady, who is a fit helpmate to this progressive man. She was born in Chemung County, N.Y., and was a teacher for years, being largely self-educated. Her parents, George G. and Alzina (Roberts) Griswold, were born in Chemung County, and her father was a farmer, who came to Oceola Township, Livingston County, in the territorial days and here owned a large tract of land. His family consisted of four sons and four daughters.

     Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have had born to them two children, Amito G. and Adda A., now the wife of George Wilcox. Our subject is an honored and respected member of the Free and Accepted (653) Masons, and both he and his good wife are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Since his first coming to the State he has resided continuously in Tyrone Township, and he now owns one hundred and ninety-one acres on sections 27 and 28, from most of which he has himself cleared away the trees. This gentleman has been active in politics and attends all the conventions, having served nine years as clerk. He has generally declined political honors, but has served as Deputy Sheriff for twenty-five years and as Notary Public for the same length of time.

     William D. Gardner, a brother of our subject, married Lenora Griswold, and they are the parents of two sons. Alonzo married Nettie L. Reed and Austin R. married Mary Kinsman, and to them have been granted two daughters. James R. Gardner married Emma Kinsman, and Laura Williams, the adopted sister, is the wife of Joseph R. Griswold and has three sons and two daughters.

     RILAND S. WILCOX. This well-known and highly respected farmer whose pleasant home may be found on section 10, Oceola Township, Livingston County, is of Eastern birth, his nativity having occurred July 8, 1830, in Alleghany County, N.Y., where his father, Alonzo Wilcox, was also a native in 1807. Our subject's mother, Sarah Dean, a Vermonter by birth, lived with her young husband on the tract known as the Holland Purchase until they came to Michigan in 1836.

     The first family home in the West was on what is known as the Dr. Wixon place, in Novi Township, Oakland County, but after about a year they came to Livingston County, settling in Oceola Township and taking up Government land on section 33, in the year 1837. Here the young man cut logs and built him a log house measuring about 14x24, and having cleared up the place, improved and cultivated it, made it his home for seven years, subsequent to which they removed to sections 4 and 9, of the same township, and there again built a log house and improved the land. His last years were spent in Fowlerville where he lived to be seventy-four years old. His politics led him to affiliate with the Democratic party and he served his township faithfully and efficiently as Highway Commissioner. His good wife lived to be seventy-eight years old and was the mother of six sons and five daughters, all but one of whom are still living and have families of their own.

     Our subject is the first-born of his parents and was a child of six years when the family migration was made to this State. He has therefore spent most of his life here and received his schooling in the log schoolhouses of Oceola Township. His boyhood days alternated between school and farm work, and he was in efficient helper to his father and when quite young assumed charge of the farm. For ten years he was accustomed to go into the pine regions during the lumbering seasons but spent his summers on the farm.

     Debby Chambers was the maiden name of the lady who became the bride of our subject, September 27, 1857. She was born in New York but came when quite a small child with her father, James Chambers, to Michigan. After marriage the young couple made their home on the spot where they still reside, as the young man had purchased one hundred and sixty acres and had it partly paid for before marriage. Here he built a little log house in the midst of the clearing and proceeded to improve the property and cultivate it. Not a stick had been cut upon the place before he took it, but previous to settling here he had put twelve acres into condition for tillage.

     Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Alonzo J., who married Miss Hetty Staley, of Oceola Township; Emma B. and Adelbert, both of whom reside at home. From small beginnings our subject has gained a handsome property, and besides the one hundred and sixty acres on the home place he has forty acres on section 4, seventeen acres on section 3, and fifteen acres on section 2. The attractive and commodious house in which his family now resides was erected by him in 1869 at a cost of $2,000. His horse barn has the dimensions of (654) 37x37 feet, the old barn is 30x41 feet and the grain barns are 36x44 and 30x46. He keeps on an average one hundred and fifty head of sheep which he finds to be profitable, and he deals largely in the buying and selling. He also keeps good horses.

     The political views of Mr. Wilcox have led him into alliance with the forces of the Democrat party and he has great faith that the principles promulgated by the author of the Declaration Independence will yet triumph in the government of America, but he is not in office seeker and has held no positions of public service. He was at one time a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is well-known in the county as favorable to all good causes and pays generously for the support of institutions of religion and education, although he is not a member of any particular church.

     EBER S. ANDREWS, editor of the Williamston Enterprise, is a son of Sylvester Andrews, and a grandson of William Andrews who was born October 18, 1789, in Rhode Island, and died May 7, 1856. When a young man William Andrews went to New York, and in 1813 was married to Rebecca Hall, a native of Saratoga County, who was born May 13, 1796, and died October 20, 1824. To them the following children were born: George, deceased; Martin B., Eli B., Sylvester S., Delia E., Hiram B., Charity C. and Susan L. All of these children were born in New York, and it was in 1833 that William Andrews came to Michigan and settled in Commerce Township, Oakland County, whence He removed in 1845 to Howell, Livingston County, where he died. His good wife spent her last days with her eldest son in Ionia County. Her husband passed his last years upon a farm, but during most of his life devoted his energies to managing a sawmill.

     Sylvester Andrews was born February 18, 1821 in Saratoga County, N.Y., and was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and upon first leaving home was engaged in the sawmill business in Port Huron. His wife, Maria, was a daughter of Isaiah Hudson, a son of Abram Hudson, of Morristown, N.J., who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandfather of our subject had the following children: Frank, Elisha, Nancy, Sydney, Elizabeth, Olvie, Pluma A., Maria and Charlotte. Mr. Hudson was a millwright and farmer, and a man of considerable property, and one of of the pioneers of Oakland County. He finally removed to Saginaw County, where he engaged in mercantile business.  To Sylvester Andrews and his good wife were born only one child, our subject. The father is an express agent at Howell, Mich., where he is also engaged in selling agricultural implements, a line of business in which has been interested for many years. He is still in active business, although he has reached the limit of three-score years and ten. His faithful and devoted wife was snatched from his side by death in August, 1855, when the cholera swept through Port Huron. He has since that time twice married, but no children have been born. 

     Eber S. Andrews was born in Port Huron, May 12, 1853, and at the age of six went to Livingston County with his parents, where he resided until 1872. He started in life for himself at the age of thirteen, and worked upon a farm until he was apprenticed to Joseph T. Titus, and after working for three years at the printers' trade decided to attend school for a year at Howell, which opportunity he improved most heartily, as he had had no other education except what he received in the common country schools. In 1871 he went to Saginaw, and in 1872 was married in Howell to Emma Huntington, a daughter of Dr. William Huntington, who, when a young man, had emigrated to Oakland County, where he was married to Phoebe Tibbits.

     The father of Mrs. Andrews, although now seventy-four years of age, is in active practice as a physician in Howell, and his son William C. is also following the same profession there. After marriage Mr. Andrews made his home in Jackson, and afterward in Kalamazoo, and later in Howell, in all three places following his trade. At Howell (657) he purchased an interest in the Livingston Republican, and after one year's experience upon that newspaper he came to Williamston, and purchased in December, 1874, the Williamston Enterprise, which he has since conducted and edited. He has one of the best equipped country offices in the State, and has built up quite a business in job printing, as for fifteen years he has made a specialty of society printing, and his paper has a circulation of twelve hundred.

     To our subject and his amiable and intelligent wife have been born four children--Olive M. resides at home and graduated in 1891 from the Williamston High School; Jessie is in the senior class of the same school; and Helen and Neina are still school girls. Mr. Andrews is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the Williamston Lodge, No. 153. He is also connected with the higher branches of the order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Williamston Lodge, No. 205. In the Baptist Church with which he, his wife and daughter are connected he is a leader, and is now for the third time filling the office of Clerk of the Shiawassee Baptist Association, which includes Ingham, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties. He is member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has been a member of the City Council during three terms. In politics he is a Republican.