History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 187 - 188

ALBERT B. SOUTHWICK

Albert B. Southwick, who resides on section 27, Wexford township, was born in Centerville, St. Joseph county, Michigan, on the 30th of September, 1848, his parents being Elijah B. and Harriet (Brown) Southwick. In the spring of 1884 the father removed with his family from Kalamazoo county, Michigan, to Wexford county and settled in Wexford township, where he and his wife spent their remaining days, her death occurring when she was about sixty-eight years of age, but the father survived until he reached the age of eighty-two years. Unto them were born six children, of whom Albert B. is the eldest. In the county of his nativity and in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, Mr. Southwick of this review spent his boyhood days and at the time of his parents' removal to Wexford county he also settled in this portion of the state upon the farm which has since been his home. He has since erected good buildings here for he is a progressive agriculturist, and his labors have kept abreast with the improvements of the times that has marked the pursuit of agriculture as well as all other lines of business life. He has placed a part of his land under a high state of cultivation, having fifty-five acres improved. His farm comprises altogether one hundred and thirty-five acres and from time to time he extends the boundaries of the cultivated tract. He raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and he also has good grades of stock upon his place. Mr. Southwick has been twice married. In Leonidas township, St. Joseph county, Michigan, he wedded Miss Rachel Addison, a native of Indiana, and unto them were born two children, who died in early youth. The mother also passed away in Mendon, St. Joseph county, when about twenty-five years of age. On the 3d of October, 1877, Mr. Southwick was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Frederick, a daughter of John B. and Helen L. (Seas) Frederick, who came to Wexford county in the spring of 1898. Here the father died February 19, 1901. Mrs. Southwick is the eldest of his family of eleven children and was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 30th of June, 1855. By her marriage she has become the mother of three living children, Mercy A., Lydia E. and Ida A., and they also lost one daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. Southwick has served as supervisor of Wexford township, has also been township treasurer, justice of the peace, highway commissioner and school inspector. A11 this indicates that he has the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen, who recognize his capability for office and therefore honor him with positions of public trust. He has, indeed, been active in township affairs and is regarded as a valued citizen. Fraternally he is connected with Maqueston Tent No. 654, Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Southwick is a man of considerable business capacity, of keen discrimination and unflagging energy. it is these qualities which have brought to him a creditable measure of success, making him one of the substantial citizens of his community. He is a western man, possessing the energy and adaptability that has always characterized the people of this section of the country, and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged.