|
CALHOUN COUNTY MICHIGAN CALHOUN COUNTY
He then launched his bark on the sea of mercantile life by opening a grocery store at the east end of State street. He was moderately successful in his venture, but gave it up in 1844 to accept the position of station agent for the Michigan Central at this point. He was the first agent here, and at this time the road was under the control of the State. He was afterwards proprietor of the eating house, in which two positions he was engaged twenty years. It was in this capacity that he achieved a notoriety in the catering line second to none in this part of the State. He was nearly 55 when he resolved to spend the remainder of his days in the peaceful pursuit of farming. Accordingly he purchased 90 acres of seminary land just south of the city, where he has since resided.
He was a gentleman of the old school, courteous and affable, of strict integrity, and was universally esteemed. He was a very prominent member of the Odd Fellows' lodge in this State in the early days of its history. Among the offices of public trust to which he was elected was that of city recorder in 1844.
He was a most inveterate hunter, and no year was allowed to go by without a raid on the foxes of his vicinity. His hospitality was proverbial, and it was in the entertainment of his friends that the qualities were best shown that so greatly endeared him to his friends.
He leaves four children, Mrs. Emma Bailie, Miss Marj Banks, John Banks, of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Anna Hume, of Muskegon. His wife died two years ago.
Michigan
Page 20
|
|
Please help us keep this site online and to continue to bring sites like this one.
Thank you
|
