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KENT COUNTY GOVERNMENT
SHERIFFS
COUNTY CLERKS
PETER RANDOLPH LIVINGSTON PEIRCE was a prominent citizen of Grand Rapids for upward of a quarter of a century. He was born at Geneseo, New York, May 25, 1821, and was a son of Colonel John Peirce, who moved from Virginia to Western New York about the time of the War of 1812. From Geneseo, in 1836, Peter removed to Detroit, where for a time he read law, and thence in 1840 came to Grand Rapids. Here he again studied law in the office of George Martin (afterward Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court), meantime keeping a bookstore, and was one of the active members of the Grand Rapids Lyceum, the debating club of the period. In 1843 he removed to Cincinnati and engaged in mercantile trade. While there he became interested in temperance movements, and wrote a history of the Order of the Sons of Temperance in Ohio, of which 100,000 copies were published and circulated. He also contributed many articles to the newspapers of that city, and formed a habit of writing for the newspaper press, which he kept up through life; his productions in that line being always sprightly and readable as well as useful. From Cincinnati Mr. Peirce returned to Grand Rapids in 1850, and followed mercantile business some five years. He had the eye and the taste of an artist, with talent in architectural drawing. In each of the years 1853, 1854, 1855 he was chosen City Clerk, serving three terms. In 1854 he was elected Clerk of Kent County, and re-elected to the same office until he served seven consecutive terms, running through fourteen years. In that position he won universal commendation, and was called the Model County Clerk of the State. As an officer he was methodical, expert, prompt and exact in his records and in the details of the public business. He was chosen to the State Senate for the term of 1869-1870, and there his services were indefatigable and efficient, to the great benefit of the cause of education; he being the chairman of the Committee on Education and influential in procuring the passage of the Act abolishing the rate bill and making the common schools free; also successful in urging liberal appropriations for the State University. Mr. Peirce was elected Mayor of Grand Rapids in 1873 and also in each of the years 1875 and 1876. From about 1870 for some six years he was connected with the ??Land Department of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company, and compiled a historic and descriptive map of the country comprising its land grant, which was widely circulated, at home and in Europe. March 19, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster at Grand Rapids, which office he held at the time of his death. Through all his life Mr. Peirce was an active, industrious, public-spirited citizen, and in social circles remarkable for his cheerful, lively and happy disposition and mirthful mind, which made him a welcome guest at all gatherings. During the War for the Union he was active among the foremost in promoting enlistments, and generously alive in aiding needy families of the gallant men who went to the front, giving liberally of his own means in numerous instances. He was very popular with the soldiers and worked in their interests at all times. He was popular as a lecturer, and as a speaker at public gatherings, and it was said of him that for eighteen consecutive years he delivered an address at some Fourth of July celebration. His happy manner of spicing with wit and anecdote and humor his fervid patriotism, earnest appeal and instruction, always insured him a large and well pleased audience. In religious sentiment Mr. Peirce was an Episcopalian of liberal views; was a member of that denomination after 1843, and a vestryman of St. Mark’s Church in Grand Rapids for eighteen years. In its behalf he manifested a zealous interest, and managed many trusts with scrupulous fidelity. Politically, from its organizaion, he was an active, earnest and enthusiastic adherent of the Republican party. Mr. Peirce married, in May, 1843, Ellen E. Steele (daughter of Chester Steele of Hinesburgh, Vt.), who died in January, 1858; and again in April, 1859, Cora, daughter of Benjamin H. and Maria J. Mitchell of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who survives him and is yet a resident of Grand Rapids. In domestic life, his was a happy household. Mr. Peirce died at his home, November 12, 1878, leaving a widow, two sons and a daughter. Few in their lives had more or warmer friends than he, and few or none are more sincerely mourned when the death summons comes. He was a member of the Bar of Kent county, but never entered into general practice as an attorney. As a citizen and as a public officer, Peter R. L. Peirce was a man of spotless integrity. His life was one of influence and usefulness. |
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NAME |
YEARS |
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Jacob Barns |
1837-1838 |
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E. W. Barns |
1842, to fill vacancy |
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Benjamin Smith |
1843-1844 |
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George H. White |
1845-1846 |
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John M. Fox |
1847-1852 |
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Fred. W. Worden |
1853-1856 |
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Leonidas S. Scranton |
1857-1860 |
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John R. Stewart |
1861-1866 |
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William G. Beckwith |
1867-1872 |
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Simeon Hunt |
1873-1876 |
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Loomis K. Bishop |
1877-1882 |
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Henry F. McCormick |
1883-1888 |
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Nathaniel Rice |
1889- |
COUNTY TREASURERS
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NAMES |
YEARS |
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Hiram Hinsdill |
1837-1838 |
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Aaron Dikeman |
1839-1843 |
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Sidney Smith |
1843-1844 |
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James Davis |
1845-1848 |
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Solomon O. Kingsbury |
1849-1852 |
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Nelson Robinson |
1853-1856 |
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Daniel C. McVean |
1857-1858 |
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Thompson I. Daniels |
1859-1866 |
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George Young, Jr. |
1867-1872 |
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Henry Bremer |
1873-1876 |
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John A. S. Verdier |
1877-1882 |
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Andrew J. Stebbins |
1883-1886 |
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Charles D. Stebbins |
1887-1888 |
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Sherman T. Colson |
1889- |
| ANDREW JACKSON STEBBINS was born in Madison county, New York, October 14, 1840. In October, 1846, he came to Michigan with his father, Gaius P. Stebbins, who settled in Sparta, Kent county, two miles south of Sparta village. Charles D. Stebbins now owns and lives on the farm first taken up by his father, on Section 26 in Sparta township. Andrew J. in youth attended the common school. When the War of the Rebellion came on, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Michigan Infantry, and went into the service; had charge of medical supplies at Hospitals No. 1 and No. 4, Nashville, Tennessee, and was hospital steward until the close of the war. After his return he worked on a farm two years, and then engaged in the lumber trade; for several years owning and operating mills on Section 1, Sparta, known as Stebbins’ Mills; also lumbered several years for William T. Powers. He then built an elevator at Sparta Center, and bought grain for some time. Afterward, in 1880, he went to Dakota and spent a year in Deadwood, lumbering there for W. T. Powers. Mr. Stebbins is mainly a self-educated man, but has always taken great interest in schools. At his mills in Sparta, after two years of hard work in that behalf, and several defeats, he succeeded in securing the organization of a school district formed of territory taken from the four towns of Sparta, Algoma, Tyrone and Solon; also in having a good school house built, and nicely furnished with patent seats and desks. While he lived there he managed to have at least nine months of school each year; often making personal contributions for the maintenance of good schools, and frequently giving presents to the small scholars for constant attendance and faithful work in their studies. For several years in Sparta he held the office of Justice of the Peace. In 1882 he was elected Treasurer of Kent county, since which time he has resided in Grand Rapids, and was re-elected in 1884, thus holding the office four years. In 1889 he was elected a member of the Common Council – Alderman from the Fourth Ward. Mr. Stebbins married, in 1866, Mary V. Gillam of Sparta. They have three children – Miss Elsie, born in 1869, teacher; Orson D., born in 1870, book-keeper, and Leo A. J., born in 1888. Politically, Mr. Stebbins is a Democrat. He was a charter member of Kent Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and High Priest therein until he removed to Grand Rapids. For many years he has owned a fine farm in Sparta, but never lived on it. At present he is engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in partnership with Charles A. Robinson. |
COUNTY SURVEYORS
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NAMES |
YEARS |
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Charles Shepard |
1843 |
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William Slawson |
1845-1846 |
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Volney W. Caukin |
1847-1848 |
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William Slawson |
1849-1852 |
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James Dockeray |
1853-1854 |
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Ezekiel Howell |
1855-1856 |
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David R. Smith |
1857-1860 |
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John F. Tinkham |
1861-1862 |
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Edward L. Briggs |
1863-1866 |
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Riley Smith |
1867-1868 |
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Robert S. Jackson |
1869-1874 |
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Dorr Skeels |
1875-1882 |
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Homer A. Collar |
1883-1884 |
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Emory W. Muenscher |
1885-1886 |
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Elias C. Martin |
1887-1888 |
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Dorr Skeels |
1889- |
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THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The office of County Commissioner was not an abiding one. The first election of members for that board was held in November, 1838. By an act approved February 10, 1842, the Legislature abolished the office, and established a Board of Supervisors instead. Those who served on the Kent county Board of Commissioners were: Robert Hilton, Rodney Robinson, Sylvester Granger, William B. Hawks, and William H. Withey. The Board of Supervisors is the legislative body of the county, and has supervision of all its public affairs. Below are given the names and terms of service of these guardians of the public welfare, by towns and wards.
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NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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Sidney Smith |
1838-1840 |
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Rix Robinson |
1841 |
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Norman Ackley |
1842 |
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Sidney Smith |
1843 |
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Rix Robinson |
1844 |
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Amos Chase |
1845 |
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Nelson Robinson |
1846-1852 |
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Emory F. Strong |
Jan. to April, 1853 |
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Gurden Chapel |
1853 |
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John H. Withey |
1854-1856 |
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Peter McLean |
1857-1858 |
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Moses O. Swartwout |
1859 |
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Peter McLean |
1860-1865 |
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William H. Mekeel |
1866 |
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Hiram A. Rhodes |
1867 |
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Peter McLean |
1868-1869 |
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John T. Headley |
1877 |
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Peter McLean |
1878 |
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John T. Headley |
1879-1880 |
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Peter McLean |
1881 |
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Walter S. Plumb |
1882-1884 |
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John T. Headley |
1885-1886 |
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E. B. Clements |
1887 |
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John Headley |
1888 |
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Edward B. Clements |
1889 |
ALGOMA TOWNSHIP
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NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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Smith Lapham |
1849-1852 |
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James Mosher |
1853 |
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Smith Lapham |
1854 |
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George H. White |
1855 |
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Morgan Allen |
1856 |
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Smith Lapham |
1857 |
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James Mosher |
1858 |
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William Thornton |
1859-1860 |
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Morgan Allen |
1861-1864 |
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Horatio N. Stinson |
1865-1866 |
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Walter Chipman |
1867 |
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Horatio N. Stinson |
1868-1876 |
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Neal McMillan |
1877 |
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Oscar House |
1878 |
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John T. Gould |
1879-1880 |
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Nathan Gould |
1881 |
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John T. Gould |
1882-1889 |
ALPINE TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Edward Wheeler |
1847 |
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William H. Withey |
1848-1850 |
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Alonzo Brewer |
1851 |
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Charles T. Hills |
1852 |
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John B. Colton |
1853-1855 |
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Reuben H. Smith |
1856 |
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Lyman Murray |
1857 |
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Reuben H. Smith |
1858 |
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Lyman Murray |
1859-1865 |
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Isaac Haynes |
1866-1872 |
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Henry D. Wedge |
1873 |
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Lyman Murray |
1874 |
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Henry D. Wedge |
1875 |
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Lyman Murray |
1876 |
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Norton Fitch |
1877-1882 |
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James Hill |
1883-1889 |
BOWNE TOWNSHIP
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NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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Roswell F. Tyler |
1849-1852 |
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A. C. Hill |
1853 |
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Daniel C. McVean |
1854-1856 |
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James H. Truax |
1857-1858 |
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Luke Strickland |
1859-1861 |
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Jared Miller |
1862 |
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Luke Strickland |
1863-1864 |
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James H. Truax |
1865-1867 |
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Abner D. Thomas |
1868-1870 |
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A. Lewis Coons |
1871-1872 |
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Abner D. Thomas |
1873-1874 |
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W. T. Remington |
1875 |
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A. Lewis Coons |
1876 |
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Abner D. Thomas |
1877-1879 |
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David M. Skidmore |
1880 |
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James C. Johnson |
1881-1885 |
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Martin A. Holcomb |
1886 |
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Peter J. Sinclair |
1887-1888 |
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William E. Davis |
1889 |
BYRON TOWNSHIP
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NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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Gideon H. Gordon |
1836 |
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George W. Scranton |
1837 |
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Julius C. Abel |
1838 |
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Robert Howlett |
1839-1841 |
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W. R. Godwin |
1842-1843 |
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Eli P. Crossett |
1844 |
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W. R. Godwin |
1845-1847 |
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Elijah McKenney |
1848-1849 |
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Jerry Boynton |
1850 |
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James M. Pelton |
1851-1854 |
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Amos B. Smith |
1855 |
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James M. Pelton |
1855-1860 |
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S. S. Towner |
1861 |
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James M. Pelton |
1862-1863 |
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Loyal Palmer |
1864-1866 |
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William P. Whitney |
1867-1874 |
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Samuel Tobey |
1875-1877 |
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William P. Whitney |
1878 |
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Samuel Tobey |
1879-1882 |
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Byron McNeal |
1883-1887 |
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James S. Toland |
1888 |
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Moses Rosenberg |
1889 |
CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP
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NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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John P. McNaughton |
1840-1841 |
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Norman Foster |
1842-1843 |
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Roswell F. Tyler, William Gibson |
1844 |
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John A. Cornell |
1845 |
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Justus G. Beach |
1846-1847 |
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Reuben H. Smith |
1848 |
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William H. Brown |
1849-1853 |
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Lyman Gerould |
1854-1856 |
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Zabin Williams |
1857 |
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William H. Brown |
1858-1859 |
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Warren S. Hale |
1860 |
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William H. Brown |
1862-1862 |
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William I. Wood |
1863-1864 |
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Adam B. Sherk |
1865-1867 |
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William I. Wood |
1868 |
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Marcus Buell |
1869 |
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Adam B. Sherk |
1870 |
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Robert S. Jackson |
1871 |
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William I. Wood |
1872 |
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Martin Whitney |
1873-1876 |
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Austin W. Hill |
1877 |
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Marcus Buell |
1878 |
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Sherman T. Colson |
1879-1888 |
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Alfred W. Stow |
1889 |
CANNON TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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Andrew Watson |
1846 |
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Hugh E. McKee |
1847 |
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Norman Ackley |
1848 |
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James Dockeray |
1849-1850 |
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Andrew Watson |
1851 |
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Timothy E. Wetmore |
1852 |
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James Dockeray |
1853-1854 |
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Daniel C. Pratt |
1855 |
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Benjamin Davies |
1856-1861 |
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George W. Van Every |
1862 |
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James Dockeray |
1863-1865 |
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Asa P. Ferry |
1866-1870 |
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James Dockeray |
1871-1875 |
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Loomis K. Bishop |
1876 |
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Albert W. Davis |
1877 |
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Andrew J. Provin |
1878 |
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William C. Young |
1879-1881 |
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William S. Johnson |
1882-1886 |
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Oscar House |
1887 |
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William S. Johnson |
1888 |
|
Frank Ladner |
1889 |
CASCADE TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
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Peter Teeple |
1848-1849 |
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Asa Denison |
1850 |
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Frederick A. Marsh |
1851 |
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Peter Teeple |
1852-1853 |
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Asa Denison |
1854 |
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Gideon H. Denison |
1855-1857 |
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Peter Teeple |
1858 |
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Gideon H. Denison |
1859 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1860-1861 |
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Horace Henshaw |
1862-1863 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1864 |
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Henry Holt |
1865 |
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Henry C. Denison |
1866-1867 |
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Alfred Stow |
1868 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1869-1872 |
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Horace Henshaw |
1873 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1874-1877 |
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Henry C. Denison |
1878 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1879-1881 |
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William C. Denison |
1882 |
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George P. Stark |
1883-1884 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1885 |
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George P. Stark |
1886 |
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Edgar R. Johnson |
1887 |
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George P. Stark |
1888 |
|
John H. Withey |
1889 |
COURTLAND TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Philo Beers |
1839 |
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Isaac Tower |
1842 |
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Philo Beers |
1843-1844 |
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John Austin |
1845-1846 |
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Nelson Miles |
1847 |
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Philo Beers |
1848-1849 |
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Fred W. Worden |
1850 |
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Horatio N. Stinson |
1851 |
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Philo Beers |
1852 |
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Harry H. Kingin |
1853 |
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Asa P. Ferry |
1854-1855 |
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Philo Beers |
1856 |
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Isaac T. Worden |
1857 |
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W. H. Myers |
1858 |
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Jacob I. Stoner |
1859 |
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Wheaton L. Hewitt |
1860 |
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Calvin Thompson |
1861 |
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William H. Myers |
1862-1866 |
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Barton Johnson |
1867 |
|
William H. Myers |
1868-1877 |
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Isaac M. Hunting |
1878 |
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Charles M. Mann |
1879 |
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Elias C. Brooks |
1880 |
|
Charles M. Mann |
1881 |
|
Fred. Stegman |
1882-1883 |
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W. H. Myers |
1884 |
|
Simeon P. Peterson |
1885-1886 |
|
William F. Woodworth |
1887-1888 |
|
Charles H. Carlyle |
1889 |
GAINES TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Peter VanLew |
1848-1853 |
|
Alexander Clark |
1854-1855 |
|
Peter VanLew |
1856 |
|
Aaron Brewer |
1857-1860 |
|
Charles Kelly |
1861-1862 |
|
Aaron Brewer |
1863 |
|
Charles Kelly |
1864-1865 |
|
James M. Pelton |
1866 |
|
Charles Kelly |
1867 |
|
Henry L. Wise |
1868 |
|
James M. Pelton |
1869-1870 |
|
Aaron Brewer |
1871 |
|
William J. Hardy |
1872 |
|
Aaron Brewer |
1873-1876 |
|
Valentine Geib |
1877 |
|
Lewis A. Solomon |
1878-1879 |
|
Nelson Kelly |
1880-1885 |
|
Lewis A. Solomon |
1886 |
|
Nelson Kelly |
1887 |
|
Lewis A. Solomon |
1888 |
|
Valentine Geib |
1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Rix Robinson |
1834-1835 |
|
Ezekiel W. Davis |
1836-1838 |
|
William G. Henry |
1839 |
|
Francis J. Higginson |
1840 |
|
George Young |
1841 |
|
John Almy |
1842-1843 |
|
Josiah L. Wheeler |
1844 |
|
Truman H. Lyon |
1845 |
|
Daniel Ball |
1846 |
|
Harvey K. Rose |
1847 |
|
James M. Nelson |
1848 |
|
Aaron Dikeman |
1849 |
|
Lewis Reed |
1850 |
|
Foster Tucker |
1851-1852 |
|
Abram Shear |
1853 |
|
Foster Tucker |
1854 |
|
Lewis Reed |
1855 |
|
Foster Tucker |
1856 |
|
George W. Dickinson |
1857 |
|
Augustus Treat |
1858 |
|
Kendall Woodward |
1859 |
|
Obed H. Foote |
1860 |
|
Foster Tucker |
1861-1873 |
|
Henry F. McCormick |
1874-1882 |
|
Henry H. Havens |
1883-1889 |
GRATTAN TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Milton C. Watkins |
1846 |
|
John John P. Weeks |
1847-1848 |
|
Milton C. Watkins |
1849-1850 |
|
Frederick C. Patterson |
1851 |
|
Milton C. Watkins |
1852-1853 |
|
Converse Close |
1854 |
|
Luther K. Madison |
1855 |
|
Converse Close |
1856 |
|
Milton C. Watkins |
1857 |
|
Converse Close & Dudley Newton |
1858 |
|
George D. Wood |
1859-1860 |
|
Theo. N. Chapin |
1861 |
|
B. W. B. Madison |
1862 |
|
Salisbury Mason |
1863-1864 |
|
George D. Wood |
1865 |
|
Volney W. Caukin |
1866 |
|
George D. Wood |
1867 |
|
Oliver I. Watkins |
1868-1870 |
|
Jerome A. Duga |
1871 |
|
Oliver I. Watkins |
1872 |
|
John W. Nicholson |
1873-1875 |
|
Oliver I. Watkins |
1876 |
|
Alvin C. Davis |
1877-1878 |
|
Aaron Norton |
1879-1884 |
|
Oliver I. Watkins |
1885-1886 |
|
Johnson M. Giffin |
1887-1889 |
LOWELL TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Cyprian S. Hooker |
1848 |
|
Harrison Wickham |
1849-1851 |
|
Cyprian S. Hooker |
1852-1853 |
|
John Brown |
1854-1856 |
|
Cyprian S. Hooker |
1857 |
|
Jacob Chapman |
1858 |
|
Arvine Peck |
1859 |
|
Charles B. Carter |
1860-1863 |
|
Almon M. Elsworth |
1864-1869 |
|
Robert Hunter, Jr. |
1870 |
|
Edmund Lee |
1871 |
|
Simeon Hunt |
1872 |
|
Charles R. Hine |
1873 |
|
Robert Hunter, Jr. |
1874-1877 |
|
Almon M. Elsworth |
1878 |
|
Leonard Hunt |
1879-1880 |
|
Jarvis C. Train |
1881-1882 |
|
Milton C. Barber |
1883 |
|
Henry Mitchell |
1884 |
|
Leonard H. Hunt |
1885 |
|
Henry Mitchell |
1886-1887 |
|
Augustus W. Weekes |
1888-1889 |
NELSON TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
George Hoyle |
1855 |
|
Urias Stout |
1856 |
|
Adolphus L. Skinner |
1856-1860 |
|
Benjamin F. DeCou |
1861 |
|
Adolphus L. Skinner |
1862 |
|
Barton Eddy |
1863 |
|
Nicholas R. Hill |
1864-1867 |
|
David B. Stout |
1868 |
|
Henry C. Russell |
1869 |
|
Mindrus H. Whitney |
1870-1875 |
|
David B. Stout |
1876 |
|
Henry C. Russell |
1877 |
|
Albert D. Eldridge |
1878 |
|
John Berridge |
1879-1884 |
|
Edgar L. Phelps |
1885-1887 |
|
John Berridge |
1888 |
|
Fred. Hubbard |
1889 |
OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Thomas Spencer |
1849 |
|
Harry McArthur |
1850-1853 |
|
Thomas Spencer |
1854 |
|
Harry McArthur |
1855-1857 |
|
Richard L. Wells |
1858-1859 |
|
John Davis |
1860 |
|
William R. Davis |
1861-1864 |
|
Rufin Caukin |
1865 |
|
William R. Davis |
1866-1874 |
|
Harry McArthur |
1875-1876 |
|
William Brown |
1877 |
|
William R. Davis |
1878 |
|
William Brown |
1879 |
|
Neil Stewart |
1880-1882 |
|
H. E. Rowley |
1883 |
|
H. A. Rowley |
1884 |
|
Nelson B. Rich |
1885-1886 |
|
Neil Stewart |
1887 |
|
Edward H. Jones |
1888-1889 |
PARIS TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Joel Guild |
1839 |
|
James A. Davis |
1840 |
|
Foster Kelly |
1841 |
|
Hiram H. Allen |
1842 |
|
Stephen Hinsdill |
1843 |
|
James A. Davis |
1844 |
|
Clinton Shoemaker |
1845 |
|
James A. Davis |
1846 |
|
Benjamin F. Freeman |
1847 |
|
William S. Parsons |
1848-1849 |
|
Sluman S. Bailey |
1850-1851 |
|
James A. Davis |
1852 |
|
Sluman S. Bailey |
1853-1854 |
|
Timothy S. Smith |
1855 |
|
Hiram H. Allen |
1856 |
|
Timothy S. Smith |
1857-1858 |
|
Sluman S. Bailey |
1859-1860 |
|
Timothy S. Smith |
1861-1862 |
|
Samuel M. Garfield |
1863-1865 |
|
Timothy S. Smith |
1866 |
|
Isaac D. Davis |
1867 |
|
Horace Henshaw |
1868 |
|
John P. Wykes |
1869 |
|
Samuel L. Garfield |
1870-1872 |
|
Wright C. Allen |
1873 |
|
Samuel Langdon |
1874-1875 |
|
Christian P. Friend |
1876-1877 |
|
Samuel Langdon |
1878 |
|
Jerome E. Phillips |
1879 |
|
Christian P. Friend |
1880-1882 |
|
Jerome E. Phillips |
1883-1884 |
|
Hugo B. Rathbun |
1885 |
|
Everett Hurd |
1886-1887 |
|
Jerome E. Phillips |
1888 |
|
Fremont E. Skeels |
1889 |
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Zenas G. Winsor |
1838 |
|
Collins Leach |
1839-1840 |
|
Ezra Whitney |
1841 |
|
Gideon H. Gordon |
1842 |
|
A. Watson |
1843-1844 |
|
H. C. Smith |
1845-1846 |
|
William Thornton |
1847 |
|
Chester Wilson, Jr. |
1848 |
|
Henry C. Smith |
1849-1852 |
|
Peter B. Wilson |
1853 |
|
John Hamilton |
1854-1855 |
|
H. C. Smith |
1856-1858 |
|
James K. Morris |
1859-1860 |
|
H. C. Smith |
1861-1866 |
|
Austin Richardson |
1867-1868 |
|
Horace Konkle |
1869-1875 |
|
H. D. Plumb |
1876 |
|
Horace Konkle |
1877 |
|
Henry D. Plumb |
1878-1879 |
|
Nathaniel Rice |
1880-1888 |
|
Robert M. Hutchins |
1889 |
SOLON TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Edward Jewell |
1857-1858 |
|
Nicholas R. Hill |
1859 |
|
Edward Jewell |
1860-1861 |
|
Nicholas R. Hill |
1862 |
|
Edward Jewell |
1863 |
|
Edward Pryce |
1864 |
|
Oliver P. Jewell |
1865 |
|
John J. Dean |
1866 |
|
Reuben W. Jewell |
1867 |
|
Mindrus H. Whitney |
1868 |
|
Asel B. Fairchild |
1869-1870 |
|
Benjamin Fairchild |
1871 |
|
Edward Pryce |
1872-1877 |
|
Asel B. Fairchild |
1878-1879 |
|
Oliver R. Lewis |
1880-1882 |
|
Albert G. Rose |
1883 |
|
Jeremiah Payne |
1884-1887 |
|
Edmund C. Woodworth |
1888-1889 |
SPARTA TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Lewis W. Purdy |
1846-1847 |
|
Jonathan E. Nash |
1848 |
|
Lewis W. Purdy |
1849 |
|
Horace McNitt |
1850 |
|
Jonathan E. Nash |
1851-1852 |
|
Caleb Amidon |
1853 |
|
Jonathan E. Nash |
1854-1856 |
|
Ira Blanchard |
1859-1860 |
|
Jacob Spangenberg |
1861-1862 |
|
Ira Blanchard |
1863 |
|
Christopher C. Hinman |
1864 |
|
Rufus Payne |
1865 |
|
Sidney McNitt |
1866-1867 |
|
Volney W. Caukin |
1868-1871 |
|
Christopher C. Hinman |
1872-1874 |
|
Jonathan E. Nash |
1875-1876 |
|
John Manchester |
1877 |
|
Jonathan E. Nash |
1878 |
|
Christopher C. Hinman |
1879-1880 |
|
Rezin A. Maynard |
1881-1882 |
|
James B. Taylor |
1883 |
|
Christopher C. Hinman |
1884 |
|
Avonley E. Roberts |
1885-1888 |
|
Leslie E. Paige |
1889 |
SPENCER TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Freeman Van Winkle |
1861 |
|
Thomas Spencer |
1862 |
|
Charles S. DeCou |
1863-1864 |
|
Charles D. Spencer |
1865 |
|
Jacob Van Zandt |
1866 |
|
Matthew B. Hatch |
1867-1873 |
|
Jacob Van Zandt |
1874 |
|
Scott Griswold |
1875-1878 |
|
John Moran |
1879-1880 |
|
Michael Ward |
1881 |
|
John Moran |
1882 |
|
Scott Griswold |
1883-1884 |
|
Volney F. Cowles |
1885 |
|
Scott Griswold |
1886-1888 |
|
James Ward |
1889 |
TYRONE TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Uriah Chubb |
1855-1860 |
|
Albert Clute |
1861 |
|
Milan L. Squires |
1862 |
|
Joseph Keyes |
1863-1864 |
|
Uriah Chubb |
1865-1867 |
|
Charles T. Smith |
1868 |
|
James M. Armstrong |
1869-1871 |
|
Augustus C. Ayres |
1872 |
|
Henry C. Wylie |
1873-1874 |
|
Henry J. Barrett |
1875-1876 |
|
Henry H. Wylie |
1877 |
|
George Hemsley |
1878-1880 |
|
George Snyder |
1881-1886 |
|
William W. Fenton |
1887-1888 |
|
George Snyder |
1889 |
VERGENNES TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Rodney Robinson |
1838 |
|
John M. Fox |
1839 |
|
John J. Devendorf |
1840 |
|
Alanson K. Shaw |
1841 |
|
Thompson I. Daniels |
1842-1844 |
|
Arba Richards |
1845 |
|
Henry M. Brown |
1846-1847 |
|
John B. Shear |
1848 |
|
Thompson I. Daniels |
1849 |
|
Morgan Lyon |
1850 |
|
Lucas Robinson |
1851-1852 |
|
Orlando J. O’Dell |
1853-1855 |
|
Philip W. Fox |
1856 |
|
Thompson I. Daniels |
1857-1858 |
|
Silas A. Yerkes |
1859-1860 |
|
Alex. McLean |
1861-1862 |
|
Jacob W. Walker |
1863-1889 |
WALKER TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Lovell Moore |
1838-1839 |
|
Ebenezer Davis |
1840-1841 |
|
James Davis |
1842-1843 |
|
Isaac Turner |
1844 |
|
James Davis |
1845-1846 |
|
John Potter |
1847 |
|
Silas Hall |
1848 |
|
John Potter |
1849-1850 |
|
William A. Tryon |
1851-1852 |
|
Curtis Porter |
1853 |
|
Milo White |
1854-1858 |
|
William C. Davidson |
1859 |
|
Milo White |
1860 |
|
Charles H. Leonard |
1861-1862 |
|
Jeffrey C. Champlin |
1863 |
|
Henry C. Hogadone |
1864-1865 |
|
Horace McNitt |
1866 |
|
Jeffrey Champlin |
1867 |
|
Ezra A. Hebard |
1868-1874 |
|
Abiel A. Wilson |
1875 |
|
Perley W. Johnson |
1876 |
|
Abiel A. Wilson |
1877 |
|
Ezra A. Hebard |
1878-1879 |
|
Abiel A. Wilson |
1880-1881 |
|
Perley W. Johnson |
1882 |
|
Abiel A. Wilson |
1883-1886 |
|
John Kinney |
1887-1889 |
WYOMING TOWNSHIP
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
William R. Godwin |
1848-1851 |
|
Nicholas Shoemaker |
1852-1854 |
|
Egbert Dewey |
1855 |
|
Ebenezer Davis |
1856 |
|
Nicholas Shoemaker |
1857 |
|
Horatio N. Ball |
1858-1859 |
|
Job Whitney |
1860 |
|
Ebenezer Davis |
1861-1862 |
|
Job Whitney |
1863 |
|
Horace O. Webster |
1864 |
|
Dwight Rankin |
1865 |
|
Joseph Blake |
1866 |
|
Ebenezer Davis |
1867 |
|
Augustine Godwin |
1868 |
|
John T. Emmons |
1869-1870 |
|
Augustine Godwin |
1871 |
|
Salisbury Mason |
1872-1875 |
|
Clinton D. Shoemaker |
1876-1877 |
|
William K. Emmons |
1878 |
|
William H. Nearpass |
1879 |
|
Augustine Godwin |
1880-1884 |
|
Clinton D. Shoemaker |
1885-1886 |
|
Nichol D. Emmons |
1887-1889 |
CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS AT LARGE
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Henry R. Williams |
1850 |
|
Truman H. Lyon, Boardman Noble |
1851-1852 |
|
David Caswell, Isaac Turner |
1853 |
|
Ralph W. Cole, John W. Peirce |
1854 |
|
Lewis Porter, Martin L. Sweet, Isaac Turner |
1855 |
|
David S. Leavitte, David Caswell, Charles C. Comstock |
1856 |
GRAND RAPIDS – FIRST WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Amos Rathbone |
1857 |
|
John Clancy |
1858 |
|
John McConnell |
1859 |
|
William H. Godfroy |
1860 |
|
John McConnell |
1861-1868 |
|
Arthur Wood |
1869-1871 |
|
Patrick J. Britton |
1872-1873 |
|
Arthur Wood |
1874 |
|
Patrick J. Britton |
1875-1876 |
|
William Riordan |
1877 |
|
John Steketee |
1878-1888 |
|
Hendrikus Leppink |
1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – SECOND WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Harry H. Ives |
1857 |
|
Robert Hilton |
1858 |
|
John Almy |
1859-1860 |
|
Henry Grinnell |
1861-1863 |
|
Clark C. Sexton |
1864 |
|
Alonzo Seymour |
1865-1866 |
|
Henry Grinnell |
1867 |
|
George M. Huntly |
1868-1870 |
|
Ebenezer M. Ball |
1871-1873 |
|
William D. Talford |
1874 |
|
Jefferson Morrison |
1875-1876 |
|
Robert B. Loomis |
1887-1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – THIRD WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Warren P. Mills |
1857 |
|
Ransom P. Luce |
1858 |
|
Noyes L. Avery |
1859 |
|
Ezra T. Nelson |
1860-1861 |
|
George C. Nelson |
1862 |
|
William N. Cook |
1863-1864 |
|
William D. Talford |
1865-1866 |
|
William I. Blakely |
1867-1868 |
|
Emory Wheelock |
1869-1870 |
|
William I. Blakely |
1871 |
|
William N. Cook |
1872-1874 |
|
George Cook |
1875-1878 |
|
Simeon L. Baldwin |
1879-1883 |
|
John Benjamin |
1884-1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – FOURTH WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Jonathan F. Chubb |
1857 |
|
Leonard Covell |
1858 |
|
John W. Williamson |
1859-1860 |
|
Billius Stocking |
1861-1865 |
|
John W. Williamson |
1866 |
|
Billius Stocking |
1867-1868 |
|
David W. Northrup |
1869 |
|
Billius Stocking |
1870 |
|
George M. Huntly |
1871 |
|
John B. Colton |
1872 |
|
George A. Field |
1873-1874 |
|
George M. Huntly |
1875 |
|
Harry H. Ives |
1876-1880 |
|
Myron E. Pierce |
1881 |
|
Harry H. Ives |
1882-1886 |
|
William D. Frost |
1887-1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – FIFTH WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
James N. Davis |
1857 |
|
Philander H. Bowman |
1858 |
|
James N. Davis |
1859 |
|
William Hovey |
1860 |
|
Charles W. Warrell |
1861 |
|
George R. Pierce |
1862-1863 |
|
Frederick W. Fitch |
1864 |
|
George W. Gay |
1865-1867 |
|
Bernard F. Shinkman |
1868-1869 |
|
James N. Davis |
1870 |
|
Jared Wells |
1871-1872 |
|
George W. Betts |
1873 |
|
Adolphus L. Skinner |
1874-1877 |
|
William A. Brown |
1878-1881 |
|
Adolphus L. Skinner |
1882-1885 |
|
Simon Sullivan |
1886-1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – SIXTH WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Erastus Clark |
1871 |
|
Isaac Simmons |
1872 |
|
Peter C. Shickell |
1873-1874 |
|
Billius Stocking |
1875 |
|
Isaac Simmons |
1876-1884 |
|
Peter C. Shickell |
1885-1888 |
|
Jacob A. Smits |
1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – SEVENTH WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
Lewis Martin |
1871 |
|
John W. Williamson |
1872-1874 |
|
Lewis Martin |
1875-1877 |
|
Ira Currier |
1878 |
|
Lewis Martin |
1879 |
|
Ira Currier |
1880-1882 |
|
Henry O. Schermerhorn |
1883-1889 |
GRAND RAPIDS – EIGHTH WARD
|
NAME OF SUPERVISORS |
YEARS |
|
James N. Davis |
1871-1877 |
|
Madison J. Ulrich |
1878 |
|
James N. Davis |
1879-1885 |
|
Madison J. Ulrich |
1886 |
|
Robert E. Courtney |
1887-1889 |
|
Since the establishment in 1877 of the Grand Rapids City Board of Review and Equalization the members of that Board (list given in another chapter) have been likewise members of the Kent County Board of Supervisors. BILLIUS STOCKING was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county, New York, June 12, 1808. His parents were Billius and Patience (Grey) Stocking, natives of Massachusetts, the former born in 1779, the latter in 1777. In the fall of 1833, he, with his brother, Daniel C., came to St. Joseph, Michigan, and in May, 1834, came through on foot from that place to Grand Rapids, sleeping two nights in the woods, and one night at Gull Prairie, on the way hither. They staid here two weeks, meantime visiting Grand Haven; returned to St. Joseph on foot; thence went by schooner to Chicago, and from there went to Ottawa, Illinois, near which place Mr. Stocking purchased 160 acres of land. They then returned to the east, spending about four weeks in the journey. In the fall of 1836 Mr. Stocking again started for Grand Rapids, coming by water to Fairport, Ohio, and the rest of the way on foot, reaching this city in November. During the next winter he chopped wood and split rails, and in the spring of 1837 settled upon the place where he now lives, the northeast quarter of Section 23, Town 7 North, Range 12 West, for which he paid the State $3 per acre when it afterward came into market, and which he soon improved by clearing fifty acres. It is now a part of the city of Grand Rapids. From it, without compass, he and his brother ran a road southeast to Bridge Street, which is no Stocking street – named for him. In the township organization, before the city days, Mr. Stocking was Treasurer of Walker, from 1843 to 1846, inclusive, and also served two terms as Justice of the Peace. In the city he has served as Supervisor for his ward, in all, no less than seven terms. Until he recently retired from public responsibilities under the weight of advanced years, he was also usually filling some other position of official trust, especially those pertaining to schools, in which he has taken great interest. He has also been Under Sheriff of Kent county for one term. Since 1853 he has given much time to land explorations and locations for purchase or settlement in the northern portion of this Peninsula of Michigan. Mr. Stocking married, December 5, 1838, Mary Hunt, who was born June 20, 1818, in Halifax, Vermont. They have resided for more than fifty years in the same location. Of five children born to them, two are now living. The elder daughter married John Widdicomb. Mr. Stocking is one of the very few surviving pioneers; and, at upward of four-score years, having seen and been a part of the growth and progress of Grand Rapids from its wildwood days, none have a surer place than he in the esteem and affections of its people. (See page 107) ADOLPHUS L. SKINNER was born at Pierpoint, St. Lawrence county, New York, January 27, 1834, and came to Jackson county, Michigan in the spring of 1840. He was educated at the common schools, and Michigan Central college when that institution was located at Spring Arbor, in Jackson county. He came to Grand Rapids in 1851, but returned to Jackson county in the spring of 1852, remaining there attending and teaching school until the fall of 1854, when he came back to Kent county, and purchased from the Government 280 acres of land in the township of Nelson. There he lived, working on his farm summers and teaching school winters until March 23,1863, when he moved to Grand Rapids, and has since been a resident of this city. January 1, 1861, he married Lucinda A. Provin, of Cannon township, who died in this city May 21, 1881, at the age of 42 years. Three sons were born to them of whom the eldest died at six years of age, and the other two are living: Harry J., aged 23, at Great Falls, Montana, and Mark, aged 18, attending the High School in this city. In public official positions the services of Mr. Skinner have been often called for an zealously rendered. During his residence in Nelson he was Supervisor of the township for six years. In 1860 he was appointed an Assistant United State Marshal, and took the United States Census in the north half of Kent county. Later, in this city, he has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Supervisor many terms, Alderman for his Ward, member of the Board of Education for several terms, and for the past four years Member of the Board of Review and Equalization. On the Board of Supervisors he has served in all nineteen years, and is the present year (1889 Chairman of the Board). Since coming to this city Mr. Skinner has been engaged in the collection of war claims, and in real estate and insurance business. In the examination of titles to real estate and looking up tax matters, his long experience has made him an expert. In 1872 he platted an addition of forty acres in the Fifth Ward of this city, and built for himself a family residence on Plainfield avenue, where he has lived for the past eighteen years –a bustling, active, neighborly, public-spirited man and citizen, enjoying the respect and warm good will of all about him.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR These officers are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. During the first four or five years after settlement no public provision was made in Grand Rapids for the support of the poor. The pioneers were neighbors and friends, and the unfortunate amongst them usually found sympathy and care. But in April, 1839, the town voted to raise $300 for the support of the poor. It is presumable that the financial revulsion of 1837 brought about the resort to public aid. In the earlier days the practice was to "farm out" the paupers to the lowest bidder for their care. At first each town took care of its own. In May, 1849, the County Superintendents advertised for sealed proposals for keeping and clothing the paupers of the county until the first of November following. This advertisement was signed by George Coggeshall, William G. Henry and Jonathan F. Chubb as superintendents. In 1855 the county purchased its Poor Farm, on Section 16 in Paris – 80 acres of land, at a cost of $1,800, and the paupers were moved there December 1, 1855. The farm is now much enlarged and improved; and there the poor of the county are well cared for. The following have served as County Superintendents of the Poor. |
|
NAMES OF SUPERINTENDENTS |
YEARS |
|
John M. Fox, Solomon L. Withey, Wilder D. Foster |
1854 |
|
J. M. Fox, S. S. Bailey, Solomon L. Withey |
1855 |
|
Curtis Porter, William Parsons, Thompson Sinclair |
1856 |
|
C. Porter, Wm. Parsons, Aaron Dikeman |
1857-1858 |
|
Leonard Covell, Timothy S. Smith, George W. Allen |
1859-1860 |
|
Hiram H. Allen, Curtis Porter, George W. Allen |
1862-1863 |
|
Hiram H. Allen, Ebenezer Anderson, William Bemis |
1864-1868 |
|
William Leppig, Samuel Scudder, John Steketee |
1869-1871 |
|
W. Leppig. J. Steketee, Riley Smith |
1872-1873 |
|
W. Leppig, Riley Smith, Reuben H. Smith |
1874 |
|
Moses V. Aldrich, Reuben H. Smith, Riley Smith |
1875-1878 |
|
R. H. Smith, Asa W. Meech, W. L. Coffinberry |
1879 |
|
W. L. Coffinberry, R. H. Smith, A. W. Meech |
1880 |
|
W. L. Coffinberry, R. H. Smith, S. M. Pearsall |
1881-1883 |
|
W. L. Coffinberry, R. H. Smith, A. W. Meech |
1884-1887 |
|
W. L. Coffinberry, Nelson B. Rich, A. W. Meech |
1888 |
|
A. W. Meech, N. B. Rich, David Lankester |
1889 |
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MOSES V. ALDRICH, prominent for nearly a quarter of a century in the business circles of Grand Rapids, was born at Macedon, Ontario county, New York, September 13, 1829. His education was only such as could be obtained at the common schools of his boyhood days. His father, Stephen H. Aldrich, moved to Michigan in 1836. Soon afterward Moses was in the employ of a railroad company, working faithfully to earn his own subsistence and to contribute to that of his father’s family. A few years later he entered a dry goods store at Plymouth, Michigan, as a clerk. While still a youth he attracted all who knew him by his affability, his obliging dispositions, and his strict integrity. About 1852 he was promoted to partnership in the firm of J. S. Scattergood & Co., a fact which amply testifies to the confidence and esteem of his employers. Glancing at this beginning and through his uniformly successful career, the fact becomes apparent that Mr. Aldrich was essentially a self-made man. In 1855 he disposed of his business at Plymouth and came to Grand Rapids, entering into partnership with his wife’s father, William B. Ledyard, in the manufacture of fanning mills and milk safes. This business grew to large proportions, and its products supplied the market in a large part of Michigan and Wisconsin. Mr. Aldrich was active manager of the concern, and pushed it with extraordinary vigor and success. In 1860 was organized the banking house of Ledyard & Aldrich, in which Mr. Aldrich continued as a partner until 1862. In February, 1871, he opened a private banking house and continued in this business until his death. After his death this enterprise was merged in the Grand Rapids National Bank, by reorganization. Mr. Aldrich’s intuitive judgment of men and affairs, his thorough integrity, and his fine executive ability, commanded public attention, and he was chosen Mayor of the city for three consecutive terms, in 1868, 1869, 1870. He had a habit of close watchfulness, as untiring in public as in private affairs, and he won general commendation in his official acts. From 1875 until his death he served as County Superintendent of the Poor, an office accepted purely out of kindness of heart to the unfortunate and suffering. The County Poor House may be rightly called his crowning charity. When asked why he should give his valuable time so persistently to this distasteful work, he replied that it was to satisfy himself that abuse should not be added to the ills already visited on the helpless and imbecile inmates of this institution. Mr. Aldrich was stern in justice. It was one of the pleasures of his life to give advice and assistance to young men of spirit and ambition. He had been poor himself, he said, and he knew how hard was the struggle. On the other hand, he had small patience with the shiftless poor, refusing aid to such except in cases of destitution. Though a stanch Republican, Mr. Aldrich was no ambitious politically. Such offices of local trust as he was persuaded to hold were accepted for the public good and not for personal aggrandizement. He loved the place which he had chosen for his home, and he entered into all its enterprises with indefatigable and fearless zeal. The prosperity of Grand Rapids to-day is a fitting tribute to the sound judgment and untiring energy of her pioneers, her early "city father". One by one these able men are dropping from the ranks, and the record of their lives is preserved for their posterity. On the list of these the name of Moses V. Aldrich will ever have a foremost stand. The pathos of an early death accrues to him. He was cut down in the prime of his manly success, at the age of only fifth years. He died December 8, 1879, leaving a wife, two grown daughters and two sons. The wish of his heart was not fulfilled – "that he might live to see his dear boys men."
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