Adam Johnstone

Adam Johnstone, dealer in general merchandise at Wheeler Willage, is one of the prominent and well-known citizens of Gratiot County. As such it is not only ap]iropriate but it is also a pleasure to give him a biographical sketch in this volume. He was born in Leeds County, Ontario, Canada, May 22. 1862. His father, Adam Johnstone, was a native of Scotland: his mother,.\nn (Moran) Johnstone was of Scotch-Irish descent and was born in Canada. The subject of this sketch was one of a family of five children — - James: Jojm; Grace, who married Robert Oliver and died at the age of thirty years: -\dam: Marguerita, who married Frank B. Ransford. The father died in. Caro. Tuscola County, Mich., in the year 1881, at the age of seventy-one years. The mother resides in Caro, aged 80 years.

In 1864, when our subject was two years old. the family came to Michigan locating in Tuscola County, where Adam passed his youthful days, and where he received a common-school education, and also learning the blacksmith trade, the occupation followed by his father. At the age of eighteen he left the paternal home and went to Kansas City, ?missouri, where he worked at his trade a year, and then returned to Michigan, and for six years was employed in a state mill at Wheeler, this county. In the year 1887 he embarked in mercantile trade at the Willage of Wheeler, a business which he still follows. By fair dealing, coupled with energy and enterprise, he has built up a prosperous and lucrative trade, and is justly ranked as one of the solid business men of the county. In addition to his mercantile pursuits he is actively interested in farming, being the owner of two farms near Wheeler Willage and one in Porter Township. Midland County. He also finds time to look after the interests of the Wheeler l!ank as its president, and is one of the vice-i)residents of the First State Savings Bank of Breckenridge.

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Recognizing his ability and his reliability, the people of 'heeler Township have many times called Mr. Johnstone to official positions of responsibility. He served seven years as township clerk — 1889. "00, '91, '92, '96, '97, '98. In 1899 he was township treasurer. In 1901 his constituents elected him supervisor, and he was re-elected three times and again elected in 1908. It seems appropriate to say. in this connection, that the township generally goes Republican by a large majority. Consequently, the election of Mr. Johnstone, who is a Democrat, may plausibly be looked upon as conclusive evidence that he enjoys the confidence of his townsmen in an unusual degree.

Mr. Johnstone is an active and influential member of the Masonic order, having reached the,32nd degree, and also of the Knights of the Modern Maccabees, and the Cleaners. Mrs. Johnstone is a member of the M. E. Church and of the order of Gleaners.

George W. Torbert was Ixirn in Milfurd. Delaware. June 2'', 1847, son of Nathaniel I\ and Mary A. (Johnson) Torbert..As a youth and young man he served ou water-craft as steward both on the.Atlantic and on the Great Lakes. Leaving that occujjation he was for some years in business at Fremont and Evart, Mich., coming to Breckenridge in 1881. Since that time he has been engaged in o]5erating planing mills and in building at Breckenridge. Recently he sold his business at Breckenridge and has removed to Wheeler Willage to engage in the same business..As a citizen of Breckenridge and of Wheeler Township Mr. Torbert has always been fully alive to the interests of his community, and has taken an active part in all enterprises for the betterment of conditions. He has been entrusted with official responsibilities and has always enjoyed the fullest confidence of his fellowmen. He has been a justice of the peace almost constantly, and was postmaster during both administrations of President Cleveland: all of wliich reveals the fact that he is a Democrat of the active, progressive sort. Mr. Torbert was married in Fremont, Mich., January 25, 1878, to Alary L., daughter of Hugh and Alary Al. (Callighan) Aliller. They have one son, Hugh L., now connected with a large banking institution in Detroit. Hugh was clerk of W'heeler Township three years, and in 1908 was the Democratic candidate for county treasurer.

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(Higgins) Blackmail ami was born in Erie County. Ohio, April 29, 1830. As a citizen of this county he was justly rated as a man of strict integrity, and gave excellent satisfaction in his township in various positions of trust — supervisor in 1873, clerk in 70 and 71 and treasurer Warious and sunday years — eight in all — from 1868 to '89. He was married in 18.0 to Mary Furman, and seven children were born to the union — Mary J., Lovina E., Sabra D., Evaline, Juliet, Nora J\I. and Wilbur. I'.y Mr. Blackman's death, which occurred January 28, 1911, Gratiot County lost an exceptionally good and conscientious citizen. Mrs. Blackman died December 16, 1884, aged 2 years.

The following list gives a share of those citizens who, during the past fifty years have been more or less conspicuous in the business and official life of Wheeler Township. Perhaps about half of those named are still spared to read these lines. The others have gone to their reward: David Milliiian; Romanzo E. Goodnough; Hiram Tubbs; Samuel Wilson; Hamilton Allen; Joseph Brumby; Leverett H. Town, John H. Parrish, (former sheriff of Gratiot County); Daniel W., Justin.A., and 11. C. Breckenridge; William H. Weed; John Yager; 'william R. Bradford: Silas D. Hoard; William I,. Reid; Eugene S. Owen; William O. Watson; Albert P. Poland; Chas. H. Howd; Hugh L. Torbert, Democratic candidate for county clerk ni 1908;.\lf. F. Crawford; Thomas Crawford; Charles Merrill: Lemuel Waggoner: Fred Chapin; D. L. Wilson; W. C. Folkert; H. J. and C. A. Zubler; Newell Bradford; H. M. Boneman; Leslie A. Howe; Jesse E. Hodge.

Beach, Amos, near Breckenridge, Dec. 25. 1892, aged 70. A ])pioneer in good standing. Bonesteel, Mrs. Eleanor, March 31, 1891, at the age of 83 years. Bradford, Wm. R., July 7, 1903. Aalued and popular citizen. Breckenridge, Justin A., June, 1903, aged 60. Early on the scene, and a prominent man in his township and village — Breckenridge. Bonesteel, Thirza E., March 19, 1908, aged 56. Buswell, John, at his home in Breckenridge, February 1, 1912, aged about

73..\n esteemed resident of Bethany for years and an old soldier. Bradford, Harrison, Oct. 5, 1912. aged 74 years. Cruson, Floyd L., Sept. 23. 1879, aged 7. Cruson, Martha B„ Oct. 7, 1879, aged 4. Cruson, Lewis J., Oct. 28, 187*'. aged 2. Children of Charles and Belle D.

(.'rusi 111. Cross, Arthur, ( )ct. 6, 1879, aged 10. Cross, William H., Oct. 11. 1879, aged 3. Cross, Bessie, Oct, 13, 1879, aged 12. Cross, George A., Oct. 20, 1879, aged 7. Cross, Willis H., Oct. 21. 1879, aged 3. Children of Joseph and Alice Cro-s, of Wheeler \"village. Cross, Mrs. Alice, wife of Joseph Cross, March 19, 1884, at her home in

Wheeler Aillage. Curtis, Mrs. Rebecca (Picket), at the residence of her daughter and sonic-law, J. Wesley, and Charlotte (Picket) Smith, February 2, 1902,

Widow of Elijah Curtis, of Hamilton, Coleman, James, January 23, 1904, A pioneer of the early 60s. Coleman, Ulysses L., Dec. 12. 1902, aged 62. respected early settler.

Caswell, Mrs. Frank, Sept. 21. 1910.

Clemens, Isaac, at his home near Breckenridge, February 24, 1911, aged 65.

Chapin, Frank W., at hi.s home near Breckenridge, May 8, 1912, aged 54.

Son of the late D. W. C. Chapin, and a popular citizen. Cross, Joseph, May 9. 191.S. An upright citizen of 'heeler Village, long in mercantile l)business. Daniels, Content, Dec. 3, 1874, aged 89.

Deeter, Mrs. Hannah, wife of John Deeter, March 23. 1800. aged 68. Ellsworth, Richard E., Aug. 25, 1887, aged 32.

Ellsworth, James, Sept. 8, 1887, aged 37. Was township clerk two terms. Ellsworth, Richard, father of Richard E. and James, Aug. 7, 1888, aged 76. Eaton, Geo. B., Jan. 29, 1905. Proprietor of a large stock farm in eastern

Wheeler. Ellsworth, Mrs. Julia Ann (Smith). May 18, 1913. at her home in Wheeler

Village, aged 56 years. She was an esteemed old settler, widow of

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Came to the county in 1862, first settling in Sumner. An old soldier. Poland, Albert P., Dec. 22, 1901. An early settler in St. Louis, later in trade at Wheeler Village. Falor, Geo. Wm., at Maple Rapids, Oct. 18, 1912. aged 83. He came to

Wheeler Township in 1877; was an upright citizen, leaving seven children. 31 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Gary, Wm. R., March 2, 1909, aged 80. 'l,located in Wheeler in 1868, and was an upright citizen. Goodenough, Romanzo E., Dec. 1, 1910, aged 79. Came in 1865. and was entrusted with many honorable positions. An energetic, argumentative and upright citizen whose last days were embittered by adverse circumstances. House, James, January 23. 1886, aged 77. Howd, Mrs. Cynthia R. (Putnam), Julv 2S. 1883, aged 36; esteemed wife of Chas. II. Howd. Hill, Mrs. Lottie (Ostrander), wife of Ed. Hill, of Breckenridge. at Lansing,

Dec. 22, L'lO. leaving many friends. Holmes, Mrs. Betsey (Beam), at Long Beach, California, Jan. 22. 1911.

Daughter of Asa P. Beam, of Lafayette. Hohe, Laden, Oct. 6, 1912, at St. Mary's Hospital, Saginaw, of cancer.

Popular landlord of the Wheeler Hotel. His age was 56 years. Harding, Rev. Brent, suddenly Nov. 30, 1912, aged 71 years. He was pastor of the P.reckenridge Baptist Church and was very highly regarded in the community. His wife died about a year prior to his own death. Hogle, Franklin, lay 27. 1912. aged 76. A soldier in the Civil War. Himebaugh, Mrs. Clementine, at her home in Edmore. Mich., May 29. 1913, aged 60 years. She was a daughter of Jonas Davis, of Springport, Mich.:

was married (first) to James Weed, and was for many years a respected resident of Breckenridge. Lewis, Jacob, July 13, 1910, aged 67.

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Newman, Mary A., wife of Job Newman, at Breckenridge, Oct. 16, 1891, a-ed 55. Oakes, Sarah J., Nov. _'8. 1888, aged 50. Oakes, Maria P., Feb. 21, 1894, aged 84. Mother of Oscar Oakes, former supervisor. Owens, James S., May 20, 1894, aged 39. Parrish, Wm., Sept. 12, 1893. A valued pioneer. Parrish, Betsey, Jan. 18, 1893. aged 65. Pomeroy, Milo A.,.\ug. 4, 1909, aged 64. A first-class citizen, supervisor in 1882 and '84. Porter, Aaron R., Sept. 26, 1S)04, aged 61. Son of Elijah Porter, one of the first settlers in Pine River. Reid, Wm. L., Aug. 2, 1912, aged 7i. Was several years supervisor of

Wheeler. Smith, John H., March 6, 1872, aged 52. Father of Newel Smith. Mrs.

Jane Smith, the wife of John H. Smith died February 14, 1882. Sexton, Mrs. Adaline M., wife of Hiram Sexton, Aug. 2, 1879, aged 44. Stevens, Joshua, May 28. 1874. aged 64. Sexton, Mrs. Adelia,' Dec. 18. 1888. aged 82. Swope, Edgar Udell, April 1, 1907, aged i5; son of Mr. and Mrs. Barney

Swope. Stone, Warren H., h'february 29, 1908, aged 83, at Breckenridge; retired from an active life as a farmer, manufacturer, doctor, preacher, lawyer. Scholtz, Wilhelmina, March 25, 1908, aged 42; wife of Chas. A. Scholtz, former county drain commissioner. Scholtz, Charles A., Nov. 16. 1912. aged 54 years; at his home in St. Louis.

where he had lived a few years. He held the office of city surveyor, and had served a term as county drain commissioner. He was for several years a resident of Wheeler Township. Mrs. Scholtz died in

Sexton, Hiram, at his home in Breckenridge, June 28, 1913, aged 78 years.

He was an old soldier and settled in Breckenridge in 1871. He was an energetic and popular citizen. Sexton, Edwin, March 1, 1910, aged 78.

Selleck, Bradley H., at his home in Breckenridge, March 27, 1911, aged 78. Smith, John Wesley, April 28, 1913, aged 67 years. He was an old soldier and came to Wheeler Township in 1866. He was a prominent and respected citizen; served as postmaster at W'heeler about 12 years, his sister, Mrs. Ellsworth, succeeding him. Thissell, Mrs. Betsey, July 13, 1902, aged 81; widow of John M. Thissell.

They settled in Lafayette in 1862. Thissell, John F., died at his home in Breckenridge, Dec. 1, 1912. Tubbs, Hiram, at his home in New Mexico, March. 1913. aged 80 years. A

]3ioneer of \\heeler Township. Watson, Miss Belle A., at Ithaca, Dec. 20, 1879, aged 24. Sister of '. O.

and Dr. C. S. Watson, of Breckenridge. Weed, James M. April 23. 1885. aged 41. Wilcox, James, April 1' 1888. aged 74. Watson, Mrs. Harriet, widow of John T. Watson, and mother of \ O.

and Dr. C. S. Watson. April 24, 1894, aged 67. John T. W'ation died in

Oakland Countv, Mich.. Tulv 15. 1864. Wood, Stephen, Oct. 10, 1894. Wolverton, Wm., Sept. 15, 1891, aged 49.

Wierman, Fred., Sept. 28. 1909. aged 72. Settled here in 1871.

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Zimmerman, Frank J., in Breckenridge, Oct. 20. 1''10, aged 2.: son of Wm.

1879, March 16 — The sawmill and oar factory of Sexton & Braddock was destroyed by fire this morning, with a loss of $3,000; insurance, nothing.

1880,.April 22 — Ring & Rust's sawmill, two and a half miles east of Wheeler Willage, was destroyed by fire.

1881, Nov. 24 — The barn of Hiram Tuhbs burned with all its contents. 1881, Dec. 4 — Breckenridge had a fire that destniyed Dutcher &.Sons'

general store; building owned l)y D. W. lireckenridge. Parmatier's meat market adjoining also burned.

1883, Dec. 3 — \Vm. Bradford lost his barn by fire, contents included, excepting live stock, which was saved with difficulty.

1884, Dec. 5 — 'heeler Village lost the Commercial Hotel by fire in the evening of Dec..th, with most of its contents. Loss. S2.500; insurance, $1,500.

1885, March 17 — The.Andrus House, Breckenridge, Geo. B..Andrns, proprietor, was burned with its contents. Loss. $1,400; insurance, $650.

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1886, Nov. 24 — Fire destroyed Oberlin's blacksmith sho), Wheelock's wagon shop and a residence building belonging to Mr. Lockwood. Weed's livery barn and the railroad depot were saved by hard work.

1889, Jan. 19 — The state mill of Morris & Moore at Breckenridge, was burned with all its contents early in the morning. Loss, $6,000 and no insurance; a severe loss also to the village and the surrounding country.

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1902, April 24 — Chauiicey Morris lost his barn by fire, also 10 head ot cattle, three horses, hay, grain and farm implements.

1912, April 17 — Isuilding owned by Wm. Kipp, in 'heeler Village, and occu]Med by D. N. Wilson with a hardware stock, was destroyed l)y fire, part of the stock being saved.

1913, Jan. 17 — The residence and millinery store of Air. and Mrs. P. S. Robinson, Breckenridge, were burned this morning.

1913, April 28 — fire in the rear portion of Charles Merrill's general store, Breckenridge. at about 9 o'clock p. m., made fast work necessary by the firemen and other citizens, but their efforts were effectual. Though the fire was fierce for a time the loss was not great; fully insured.

1913, May 2? — Fire destroyed a barn for Will Watson about five o'clock p. m. A valuable span of horses and much other property, contents of the barn, were destroyed. There was some insurance.

As printed in Gratiot County, Michigan. Historical, biographical, statistical. Chronicling the events of the first sixty years of the county's existence as the above of white men; with county, township, city and vi (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.