George B. Woodbury, a prominent businessman residing
in Eggleston Township, Muskegon County, is passing the twilight of his
life quietly and serenely upon his homestead on section 36. He is a native
of Massachusetts, and was born in Sutton, Worcester County, November 18,
1816. He spent his boyhood days in the old Bay State and thence at an early
age removed to western Michigan, and stopped for a time in Grand Haven,
proceeding from that place to Muskegon. Here he engaged in engineering
and also conducted a large business as a blacksmith for several years.
In 1850, attracted to the far West by the discovery
of gold in California, Mr. Woodbury proceeded to that State, the journey
being made via the Isthmus of Panama. After a long and tedious voyage he
arrived in the golden region, where he engaged in mining and in other pursuits
for about eighteen months. He then sailed on the brig "Mexico" up the Pacific
Coast as far as Queen Charlotte Island. The report of fabulous quantities
of gold to be found in that country induced him, with a number of other
men, to attempt its discovery. After a few weeks of prospecting, they were
disappointed in their search for gold. Having heard of a white metal which
they supposed to be silver in quantities farther up the coast, they continued
their journey to that point. Again they suffered disappointment, for the
silver they expected to find proved to be only a beautiful white substance,
a stalacite formation.
The adventurous miners found the Indians very numerous
and aggressive, making it neccessary for them to erect barricades and use
every means of protection. At the time of their departure, the savages
gathered in great numbers along the shore near the vessel. To avoid an
attack, they waited for the outgoing tide and suddenly, hoisting sail with
the gentle breeze blowing from the shore, they sped smoothly out to sea,
followed by hundreds of Indians in their canoes. The attempt of the natives
to fasten a line to the vessel and tow it back to shore was only prevented
by the careful guarding by the sailors. The pursuit continued for some
seven or eight miles out to sea, and, the speed of the vessel increasing,
the canoes with their occupants gradually disappeared in the distance.
In due course of time and without further event, the voyagers arrived at
the Golden Gate.
Mr. Woodbury next assisted in erecting a sawmill
at Humboldt Bay, a short distance from the coast. He continued engaged
in that business about eighteen months, but about six months later returned
by the Nicaragua route to Grand Haven. In that city, on the 11th of December,
1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel S., daughter of
George W. and Harriet E. (Ford) Johnson. The newly-wedded pair commenced
housekeeping at Ferrisburg, where Mr. Woodbury engaged as an engineer for
a milling and lumbering company. After one year in that village, he again
located in Muskegon, where he followed the business of engineering and
blacksmithing.
On the 24th of April, 1885, Mr. Woodbury came to
Eggleston Township and settled upon the farm where he has since resided.
This farm embraces one hundred and ten acres, equally divided by the Grand
Rapids Road, and is considered the best estate in the township. Politically,
Mr. Woodbury is a true Republican, and, while while having no political
aspirations, takes a deep interest in matters of public importance. Socially,
he is identified with the Independant Order of Odd Fellows. He and his
wife have been the parents of the following sons and daughters: Lizzie,
Mrs. W. J. Near, of Muskegon; William Henry and Hattie, deceased; Lincoln
J., who is a resident of Park City, Utah; and George B., Jr., living at
home. Mrs. Woodbury is the niece of Jonathan Ford, the first settler of
Muskegon, who built the first sawmill in the place.
*George B. Woodbury is the great-uncle of Sally Bowman
W. Edson Stickney
W. Edson Stickney, who
is engineer and machinist of the Hackley & Hume Lumber Mills, of Muskegon,
was born in Painesville, Ohio, January 16, 1842, and is a son of Charles
W. Stickney, a native of Vermont, who became one of the early settlers
of Lake County, Ohio, where he located in 1816. The mother of our subject
was in her maidenhood Nancy E. Ballard. She was born in Connecticut, and
was a daughter of James Ballard, one of the honored pioneers of Lake County,
Ohio.
In his native city,
Edson Stickney was reared to manhood, and in its common schools he acquired
a good education. When a young man of twenty years he offered his services
to the Government, donning the blue in 1862 as a member of Company D, One
Hundred and Fifth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was commanded by Col. Hall,
and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in
many important battles, including the engagements at Perryville, Chickamauga,
and Mission Ridge and was in the Atlanta Campaign. He went then with Sherman
on the memorable march to the sea and through the Carolinas. After about
three years of faithful service, during which he was always found at his
post of duty, he was mustered out at Washington, D. C., in June, 1865.
The honored soldier
then returned to his home in Painesville, Ohio, where he remained until
the spring of 1868, when he went to Newaygo County, Mich., and settled
in Bridgeton, where he established a small shingle mill, which he carried
on for two years. On the expiration of that time we find him in the city
of Muskegon, where he has since made his home. He now holds a good position
as engineer in the machinery department of the Hackley & Hume Mills.
In politics, he is a supporter of Republican principles. He is a charter
member of Muskegon Lodge No. 133, A. O. U. W., and a charter member of
the Modern Woodmen Camp of Muskegon.
Mr. Stickney has been
twice married. In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss Elmira M. Graves,
who died in 1876. In 1883, he was again married, Miss Minnie C. Armstrong,
a native of Van Wert, Ohio, and a daughter of Sidney J. Armstrong, becoming
his wife. Their union has been blessed by a son and a daughter, Clarence
B. and Ethel May, who are the light and life of the parents home. The family
resides at No. 118 West Muskegon Avenue. Mr. Stickney keeps up his army
acquaintance through his membership with Phil Kearney Post No. 7, G. A.
R. He was one of the valiant soldiers to whom the country owes her safety
and in a large degree her present prosperity. For three years he was at
the front, much of the time under fire and always ready to aid in the defense
of the Old Flag which now floats so proudly over the united Nation.
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Copyright © 1999 by Patti Norton .All rights reserved.