they moved to Illinois. His father moved to Kansas in 1858, and died in that State in 1865. Mr. C. resided in Illinois until 1857, when he returned to this township and purchased a farm about two miles from his present home. He was united in marriage Nov. 29, 1849, with Miss Harriet T. Cooper, by whom he has had 2 children, 1 now living-Edwin N., born Dec. 14, 1865; the deceased was George W. Mrs. C.'s father came to Michigan in 1839, and moved to Illinois in 1847. Her mother died in New York in 1838, and father in Illinois in 1857. Mr. C. and wife are members of the Universalist society. Politically he is a Democrat; he owns 40 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre. He has followed the blacksmith's trade 43 years.

Ambrose S. Crouch, farmer, on sec. 10; P. O., South Jackson; was born Feb. 14. 1801, in Hebron, Tolland Co., Conn. His parents were Richard and Beatrice (Strong) Crouch, natives of Connecticut. He was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to Michigan in 1836, and entered 160 acres of land of the Government, where he has resided ever since. He made the road running east and west by his farm. Was united in marriage March 1, 1828, to Miss Nellie. Hendricks, by whom he had 3 children, 2 of whom are now living, viz.: Richard and Nathaniel. Mrs. C. died Jan. 17, 1832; Mr. C. was again married July 3, 1832, to Miss Mary Tuttle; they were the parents of 2 children, 1 of whom is now living-Sarah J. Mrs. C. died June 17, 1834. He married for his present wife Miss Mary Rhoades, and they are now the parents of 4 children, viz.: Mary, Cordelia, Ambrose and Henry. Mr. C. is a member of the Episcopal Church, and politically is a Greenbacker. By good, frugal and industrious habits, Mr. C. has raised himself to be one of the influential citizens of Jackson county. He came to this county with very little means, and has acquired a large property, consisting of 416 acres of land, and is now reaping the rich reward of his early industry.

Henry J. Crouch, farmer on sec. 5; P. O., South Jackson; was born Aug. 25, 1848, in this tp., the youngest son of Ambrose S. and Mary P. Crouch, natives of Connecticut and New York. He remained at home until 21 years of age, then worked a farm on shares for one year. In 1870 he purchased a farm on sec. 10 and remained there until 1875, when he sold out and purchased his present farm. Was united in marriage Oct. 31, 1869, to Miss Ann M. Warner, born Nov. 19, 1852, in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y. They are the parents of 3 children, 1 of whom is now living-Albertie, born Aug. 1, 1873; the deceased are Alma M. and Claude B. Mr. C. now owns 100 acres of land, well improved. Politically he is a Republican.

Nathaniel Crouch was born Jan. 16, 1833, in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y. His father, Ambrose Crouch, was born in Connecticut; his mother, Nellie nee Hendricks, in New York. They came to Michigan in 1836, and their son remained with them until seven years of age, when he returned to New York, and resided with his grand

parents until he was 21. He returned to Michigan and managed his father's farm one year on shares, when he and his brother purchased 180 acres of land, which they owned four years, and he sold out to his father and bought his present home. He was married to Jane A. Freeman Nov. 28, 1856. One child was born from this marriage Sept. 8, 1862, Nellie E. Mrs. Crouch died Oct. 12, 1862, and Mr. C. was married again March 26, 1863, to Amanda Conley. Of their 3 children 2 are yet living-Chas. F., born Sept. 21, 1866, and Nathaniel, Jr., born June 25, 1875. Mr. Crouch and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican, and owns 320 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. is a dealer in Norman Percheron horses, having purchased the half-blood Emperor in 1880, and in 1881, the full-blood Alan, and other blooded stock at the same time. Address, South Jackson.

He

Frank W. Fowler is the son of Justus and Olive (Miner) Fowler. His parents were of English-Dutch descent and natives of New York. He was born in Spring Arbor, Jan 20, 1852. In 1878 he purchased of the heirs to his grandfather's estate the farm where he now resides. His grandfather entered his claim during the early history of the county. Mr. Fowler was married Oct. 6, 1875, to Eva Waite, a native of Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y., where she was born Dec. 9, 1855. She came to this State with her parents in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have 1 daughter, Iva E., born Oct. 7, 1876. Mrs. Fowler is a member of the Free Methodist Church. Mr. Fowler is a Republican, and has acted as School Inspector three years. He owns 140 acres of land, in sec. 19, valued at $5,600. P. O., Hanover.

Uriel H. Gates, farmer, sec. 13, was born Oct. 29, 1829, in Dansville, Steuben Co., N. Y. His father, Harry Gates, was born in Litchfield, Conn., Sept. 25, 1799. His mother, Harriet J. Brown, was born in Rome, Oneida Co., March 19, 1809. Mr. Gates was brought up on a farm and received an elementary education in the common school. He worked at home until 22 years of age, when he finished his education in the Wesleyan Seminary and Female College, in Albion, Mich. On leaving school he worked a farm three years on shares. Dec. 18, 1855, he was married to Mary Jane Marsh, in Columbia, and they have 2 children,

In

Cora L., born Sept. 29, 1863, and Burt M., born Sept. 23, 1872. In 1839 he came to this State with his parents. After his marriage he lived on his father-in-law's farm for four years, and then moved to Calhoun county, where he remained a year, returning to the farm he had left, and after another year bought a farm. He kept it two years and then exchanged it for his present farm. 1875 he built a fine brick house. His place comprises 92 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He is a Democrat. The father of Mrs. Gates, Samuel P. Marsh, came to Michigan in 1834, being the fourth settler in the tp. of Columbia. He died Dec. 12, 1880. Francis Hawley, son of William and Melanie (Sales) Hawley, was born in Rollin, Lenawee Co., Mich., Feb. 19, 1840. His parents came to Michigan in the fall of 1832. He was reared upon

the farm and received a fair education at the common school. He remained at home until 26 years old, and July 3, 1867, he married Maryette Gibson. She was born July 17, 1849. After their marriage they moved to their present home. Five children have been born to them, of whom 3 are now living, viz.: Effie M., born May 9, 1871; Otto F., May 19, 1873, and Mattie A., July 22, 1880. One child died Oct. 30, 1865; the second, Dec. 3, 1877. Mr. Hawley owns 40 acres of land, valued at $2,800. Politically, he is a Republican, and he served three months in the civil war. In addition to agriculture, he is agent for the sale of all kinds of church furniture and school supplies, also of the Victor folding and lock school-desk, manufactured by Thomas Kane & Co., Chicago, Ill.

Josiah Hawley, farmer, on sec. 16; P. O., South Jackson; was born Sept. 6, 1830, near Rochester, N. Y. He was brought up on a farm, and received a fair education in the common schools; was brought to Michigan in the fall of 1832, and located in Adrian; thence he removed to Lenawee county, thence to this county, where he has resided ever since. Was married Dec. 14, 1854, to Miss Jane Snyder, and they are now the parents of 3 children, namely: Lina, Lillie, now Mrs. C. A. Alverson, and Harriet. Politically, he is a Republican, and owns 100 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. He is a self-made man, having no start in life, securing all he has by hard work.

He

Nicholas P. Houghtalin, son of Benjamin F. and Gertrude (Harder) Houghtalin, natives of New York, and of German descent, was born April 14, 1828, in Livonia, Livingston Co., N. Y. was reared on a farm and received an elementary education in the common school. In 1846 he emigrated with his parents to this State and located in Somerset, Hillsdale Co., Mich.; he remained at home until 24 years of age; in 1852 he came to this tp. and purchased the site of his present home. When he purchased the farm he was obliged to borrow $100 to make the first payment, paying 17 per cent. interest on the amount; the first year the crops were a failure, but by hard work and economy he has accumulated considerable property. Was united in marriage March 18, 1852, to Miss Nancy A Crawford, and they became the parents of 2 children, viz.: Esther A. and Rose M. Mrs. H. died April 22, 1857. He was again married Sept. 16, 1860, to Miss Sarah C. Babcock; she died Aug. 20, 1864. He married his present wife, Mrs. Sabra Town, March 16, 1869, by whom he has had 2 children, viz.: Cora B. and Gertrude. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Constable and Deputy Sheriff, and now holds the office of Notary Public. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. Church, and give liberally to all good causes. Politically, he is a Democrat and a member of the Andrew Jackson Association. He owns 160 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; is a farmer on sec. 11; P. O., Jackson.

Noah Keeler, farmer on sec. 15; P. O., Liberty; was born Feb. 16, 1812, in Butternut, Otsego Co., N. Y. His parents were Eben

ezer and Annie (Ames) Keeler, natives of New York, and of English descent. When 18 years of age, he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade; he followed that business until 1839, then commenced farming, following that occupation ever since. In 1837 he emigrated to Michigan, and in 1838 he purchased 117 acres of land; afterward he returned to New York and remained until 1839, when he returned and has resided in this tp. ever since. Was united in marriage May 13, 1832, to Miss Mary A. Young; they were the parents of 4 children, of whom 2 are now living, viz.: Frances, now Mrs. J. Hawkings, and Ransom. Mrs. K. died Nov. 14, 1864. He was again married May 14, 1865, to Miss Hannah Pickett; she died April 18, 1880. He married his third wife, Mrs. Jane R. He owns

Gibbins, Jan. 9, 1881. He has held several tp. offices. 300 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre, Politically, he is a Democrat and a member of the Pioneer Society. Mr. K. has seen much of the hardships of pioneer life, and this country change from a howling wilderness to a beautiful and fertile land.

Wallace E. Kennedy, breeder of and dealer in Spanish Merino sheep, on sec. 26, was born March 14, 1844, in Liberty tp., his present residence. His parents were Allen and Mary J. (Haight) Kennedy, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts and of English descent. He was brought up on the site of his present home, receiving a fair education in the district school. At the age of 21, he traveled in Illinois a year, married, and himself and wife spent about six months visiting in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1866 he purchased a farm, for $1,700, going in debt for the whole; two years afterward he sold it for $2,400; lived one and a half years with his father-in-law, then bought a farm of 53 acres at Liberty; exchanged places with his father three years, then returned and resided at Liberty again two years, when, Jan. 7, 1875, his father died, and he was appointed administrator of the estate; in settling he bought the place, 180 acres, on which he has since resided. He is a member of the Congregational Church. In 1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and in 1880 he was census enumerator. Politically, he is a Republican,

His marriage took place Dec. 14, 1865, espousing Miss Clara R. Chapman, who was born Jan. 14, 1846, in Eckford, Calhoun Co., Mich., and their 2 children are, Evarts A., born Sept. 13, 1866, and Cora M., born Nov. 17, 1868. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Universalist society. Her father, Mr. Chapman, is a native of the State of New York, and was born Sept. 10, 1817; he was reared to manhood iu Phelps, Ontario county, and came to Michigan in 1841; worked on a farm, by the month; in 1842 he moved into this tp., and worked by the month one year, then purchased a farm, resided on it two years, sold it, and for a time worked for various persons by the month and year; then he bought another farm, on which he lived until 1875. In 1842 he married Miss Lydia A. Eaton, who was born Sept. 27, 1823, in Manlius,

Onondaga county, N. Y. They are now living with their daughter, Mrs. Kennedy.

Portraits of both Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy appear on pages 948–9. of this volume.

Miller Kerr, farmer on sec. 15; P. O., Liberty; was born in this tp. Oct. 10, 1840. His parents were Robert and Carlinda (Miller) Kerr, natives of New York, and of Irish-Dutch descent. He was brought up on a farm and received an elementary education in the common schools. His parents came to Michigan in the spring of 1837, and located in this tp. His father died Oct. 6, 1864, and mother Jan. 26, 1875. When his father arrived in this tp. he had but 75 cents. He has always lived at home, and still resides on the old homestead. Was united in marriage April 5, 1866, to Miss Emma J. Slaght, who was born April 6, 1842; they are the parents of 4 children, viz.: Georgiana, born March 9, 1869; Robert B., born July 24, 1871; Eleanor P., born Dec. 18, 1872; and Maud B., born Aug. 11, 1874. He now owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Politically, he is a Democrat. He has been a hard-working, industrious man all his life, and is a highly respected citizen of his community.

Abraham H. Kipp was born Nov. 12, 1829, in Flatbush, Ulster Co., N. Y. His parents, Abraham and Sally (Turk) Kipp, were of Dutch descent. His mother died when he was nine years old, and his father bound him out for seven years to a man named Andrew Wolven, who lived at the foot of the Catskill mountains. There he received treatment so abusive that two years after he ran away, working his passage on a steamboat on the Hudson river, and went to New York city in search of an uncle; but his journey was a failure and he 'returned to Albany. There he engaged as

a driver on the canal, but having been worsted in the fights it was impossible to keep out of, and thrown several times into the canal, he changed his vocation to that of book agent. He followed this pursuit at intervals for five years, alternating this employment with rafting on the Alleghany river. In 1849 he went West to take observations and returned the same year. In 1850 he went to Illinois, worked out by the mouth and saved $100, then purchased 80 acres of land at $1.25 per acre. He sold it and doubled his money. He traveled through Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Virginia and Kentucky, and engaged in speculating. In 1858 he visited friends in Michigan. He decided to return permanently to Michigan, which he did, and was married March 10, 1858, to Miss Huldah Every. She was born Aug. 22, 1837. They have been the parents of 3 children, viz.: Flora E., born Aug. 10, 1860, died March 24, 1864; Frank W., born Feb. 12, 1865, and Charlie M., born June 28, 1871. Mr. Kipp lost one eye when a small boy playing with a gun. He has held the office of Notary Public eight years, and was appointed for four years more by the Governor, Jan. 26, 1881. Has held various tp. offices during the past 20 years. He purchased his present homestead, con