ABRAM MINGES is one of the famous so called "49er's" who sought fortune's favors in far-away California, in that ever-memorable year in the history of this country, of the discovery of gold. The beautiful farm in Battle Creek Township, on which as the shadows are lengthening on the dial, he is passing the declining years of a life well spent, was purchased by money that he obtained during his stay on the Pacific Coast, and is ample evidence that where so many failed, he succeeded.
Mr. Minges was born June 30,1818. His parents were Christian and Hannah (Shabell) Minges. His paternal grandfather came from the Highlands of Scotland in Colonial times and settled in Cumberland County, Pa. The maternal ancestors of our subject were from Germany. His father was a shoemaker and he worked at the bench somewhat during his youth. But at the age of twenty-two years he came to Michigan and learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed for several years.
In 1849, when the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California was at its height, he abandoned his work to join a company that was bound for the Golden State. The others forming the party were Charley Cooley, Chas. Lowell, Christian Hanna, Thomas TenEyck, George McCamIey, George P. Burrell (who was our subject's partner), Joshua Cook, Samuel Cook and Albert Dewey. Of this number only four are known to have to turned to this part of the country, while three are still living in California.
The little company started on their long journey across the plains and mountains to Sacramento, Cal., from Battle Creek, March 5, 1849, with five wagons and ample supplies. They were six months and ten days on the way; but they arrived at their destination in good health and spirits. Mr. Minges was first employed in making coffins at Sacramento.
He soon went to Sonoma, however, and began to work in the redwood forests, getting out timber with a whip saw as there were then no sawmills in California, except the Sutter mill on the American Fork. The timber thus sawed was valued at $700 per million. The next year Mr. Minges went to mining and was thus engaged seven months. His next enterprise was in keeping a stock ranch, he managed with good financial success during the remainder of his stay in California. The rough life and many hardships that he had to endure not compensate our subject for the comfort of his in old home, although he was making money, so he turned his face homeward, coming by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and arriving at Emmet, this county, December 26, 1851. During his stay in California, and while on the way, he had many strange experiences of the frontier life. He saw much of the Indians, and became well acquainted with their modes of living and customs. While crossing the plains, he and his companions encountered hostile savages, but always managed by small gifts to leave them in good humor. A squad emigrants shot at the Indians one day and the latter revenged themselves by killing a horse and a mule, which luckily belonged to the very ones who had done the shooting.
With the hard-earned savings of two years of toil and sacrifices and privations, Mr. Minges bought the farm of two hundred acres in Battle Creek Township, on which he has since lived which is now one of the most pleasant in all this region of beautiful farms, as well as one of the most productive estates in this vicinity. It is amply supplied with a good class of farm buildings; the fine barns were built by his own hands, and he also assisted in building his commodious residence. Our subject was married February 15, 1852, Elsie Ann, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Cushman) Cowlam. To them were born two children, who died in infancy. This happy marriage was of brief duration, as it was brought to a close by the death of the wife, September 20, 1856.
December 24, 1862, Mr. Minges was again married, Miss Eugenia Amidon becoming his wife, and in her he has had the helpful co-operation that only a capable and true wife can give, and she has made his home comfortable and cozy and has contributed in a great degree to his prosperity and happiness. Mrs. Minges is a daughter of Orlow and Rhuama (Cavada) Amidon, who were natives of the State of New York, and were among the pioneers of Michigan, coming here when their daughter, of whom we write, was thirteen years old. Three sons have been born to our subject and his wife, whom they have named Erwin G., Orlow A. and Frank. Erwin married Cora C. Cummins, and did lives near his parents; Orlow married Theda Hamlin, a graduate of the Battle Creek High School in the class of '83 and a teacher in the public schools the ensuing five years till her marriage; Frank is now in his senior year at the Battle Creek High School.
Mr. Minges had but very meager educational advantages in his youth, but by continual study and reading he has made up for the early deficiencies in his education and is a man of extensive and varied information, who has a broad outlook on life. He has been foremost among his fellow-citizens of in advancing education and all other things that will in any way contribute to the well-being of his township and county and he has been an influence for great good in his community. In antebellum days he was a strong Abolitionist and has been an unswerving adherent of the Republicanparty ever since its formation. He has always done what he could to further the cause of Prohibition. He has been one of the active and intelligent members of the Patrons of Husbandry since the organization of the society fifteen years ago. A man of Mr. Minges' intelligence, high standing and true citizenship, has of necessity had much to do in the management of public affairs, and we find that he filled every town office from Pathmaster to Supervisor. He was Highway Commissioner for eleven years, when he resigned to rid himself of the office. ice was Justice of the Peace five years, and was a member of the County Board of Supervisors a like length of time. He has been School Director and has held other civic positions too numerous to mention. Portrait and biographical album of Calhoun county, Michigan. Page 465
Mr. Minges was born June 30,1818. His parents were Christian and Hannah (Shabell) Minges. His paternal grandfather came from the Highlands of Scotland in Colonial times and settled in Cumberland County, Pa. The maternal ancestors of our subject were from Germany. His father was a shoemaker and he worked at the bench somewhat during his youth. But at the age of twenty-two years he came to Michigan and learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed for several years.
In 1849, when the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California was at its height, he abandoned his work to join a company that was bound for the Golden State. The others forming the party were Charley Cooley, Chas. Lowell, Christian Hanna, Thomas TenEyck, George McCamIey, George P. Burrell (who was our subject's partner), Joshua Cook, Samuel Cook and Albert Dewey. Of this number only four are known to have to turned to this part of the country, while three are still living in California.
The little company started on their long journey across the plains and mountains to Sacramento, Cal., from Battle Creek, March 5, 1849, with five wagons and ample supplies. They were six months and ten days on the way; but they arrived at their destination in good health and spirits. Mr. Minges was first employed in making coffins at Sacramento.
He soon went to Sonoma, however, and began to work in the redwood forests, getting out timber with a whip saw as there were then no sawmills in California, except the Sutter mill on the American Fork. The timber thus sawed was valued at $700 per million. The next year Mr. Minges went to mining and was thus engaged seven months. His next enterprise was in keeping a stock ranch, he managed with good financial success during the remainder of his stay in California. The rough life and many hardships that he had to endure not compensate our subject for the comfort of his in old home, although he was making money, so he turned his face homeward, coming by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and arriving at Emmet, this county, December 26, 1851. During his stay in California, and while on the way, he had many strange experiences of the frontier life. He saw much of the Indians, and became well acquainted with their modes of living and customs. While crossing the plains, he and his companions encountered hostile savages, but always managed by small gifts to leave them in good humor. A squad emigrants shot at the Indians one day and the latter revenged themselves by killing a horse and a mule, which luckily belonged to the very ones who had done the shooting.
With the hard-earned savings of two years of toil and sacrifices and privations, Mr. Minges bought the farm of two hundred acres in Battle Creek Township, on which he has since lived which is now one of the most pleasant in all this region of beautiful farms, as well as one of the most productive estates in this vicinity. It is amply supplied with a good class of farm buildings; the fine barns were built by his own hands, and he also assisted in building his commodious residence. Our subject was married February 15, 1852, Elsie Ann, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Cushman) Cowlam. To them were born two children, who died in infancy. This happy marriage was of brief duration, as it was brought to a close by the death of the wife, September 20, 1856.
December 24, 1862, Mr. Minges was again married, Miss Eugenia Amidon becoming his wife, and in her he has had the helpful co-operation that only a capable and true wife can give, and she has made his home comfortable and cozy and has contributed in a great degree to his prosperity and happiness. Mrs. Minges is a daughter of Orlow and Rhuama (Cavada) Amidon, who were natives of the State of New York, and were among the pioneers of Michigan, coming here when their daughter, of whom we write, was thirteen years old. Three sons have been born to our subject and his wife, whom they have named Erwin G., Orlow A. and Frank. Erwin married Cora C. Cummins, and did lives near his parents; Orlow married Theda Hamlin, a graduate of the Battle Creek High School in the class of '83 and a teacher in the public schools the ensuing five years till her marriage; Frank is now in his senior year at the Battle Creek High School.
Mr. Minges had but very meager educational advantages in his youth, but by continual study and reading he has made up for the early deficiencies in his education and is a man of extensive and varied information, who has a broad outlook on life. He has been foremost among his fellow-citizens of in advancing education and all other things that will in any way contribute to the well-being of his township and county and he has been an influence for great good in his community. In antebellum days he was a strong Abolitionist and has been an unswerving adherent of the Republicanparty ever since its formation. He has always done what he could to further the cause of Prohibition. He has been one of the active and intelligent members of the Patrons of Husbandry since the organization of the society fifteen years ago. A man of Mr. Minges' intelligence, high standing and true citizenship, has of necessity had much to do in the management of public affairs, and we find that he filled every town office from Pathmaster to Supervisor. He was Highway Commissioner for eleven years, when he resigned to rid himself of the office. ice was Justice of the Peace five years, and was a member of the County Board of Supervisors a like length of time. He has been School Director and has held other civic positions too numerous to mention. Portrait and biographical album of Calhoun county, Michigan. Page 465
ABRAM MINGES is one of the famous so called "49er's" who sought fortune's favors in far-away California, in that ever-memorable year in the history of this country, of the discovery of gold. The beautiful farm in Battle Creek Township, on which as the shadows are lengthening on the dial, he is passing the declining years of a life well spent, was purchased by money that he obtained during his stay on the Pacific Coast, and is ample evidence that where so many failed, he succeeded.
Mr. Minges was born June 30,1818. His parents were Christian and Hannah (Shabell) Minges. His paternal grandfather came from the Highlands of Scotland in Colonial times and settled in Cumberland County, Pa. The maternal ancestors of our subject were from Germany. His father was a shoemaker and he worked at the bench somewhat during his youth. But at the age of twenty-two years he came to Michigan and learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed for several years.
In 1849, when the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California was at its height, he abandoned his work to join a company that was bound for the Golden State. The others forming the party were Charley Cooley, Chas. Lowell, Christian Hanna, Thomas TenEyck, George McCamIey, George P. Burrell (who was our subject's partner), Joshua Cook, Samuel Cook and Albert Dewey. Of this number only four are known to have to turned to this part of the country, while three are still living in California.
The little company started on their long journey across the plains and mountains to Sacramento, Cal., from Battle Creek, March 5, 1849, with five wagons and ample supplies. They were six months and ten days on the way; but they arrived at their destination in good health and spirits. Mr. Minges was first employed in making coffins at Sacramento.
He soon went to Sonoma, however, and began to work in the redwood forests, getting out timber with a whip saw as there were then no sawmills in California, except the Sutter mill on the American Fork. The timber thus sawed was valued at $700 per million. The next year Mr. Minges went to mining and was thus engaged seven months. His next enterprise was in keeping a stock ranch, he managed with good financial success during the remainder of his stay in California. The rough life and many hardships that he had to endure not compensate our subject for the comfort of his in old home, although he was making money, so he turned his face homeward, coming by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and arriving at Emmet, this county, December 26, 1851. During his stay in California, and while on the way, he had many strange experiences of the frontier life. He saw much of the Indians, and became well acquainted with their modes of living and customs. While crossing the plains, he and his companions encountered hostile savages, but always managed by small gifts to leave them in good humor. A squad emigrants shot at the Indians one day and the latter revenged themselves by killing a horse and a mule, which luckily belonged to the very ones who had done the shooting.
With the hard-earned savings of two years of toil and sacrifices and privations, Mr. Minges bought the farm of two hundred acres in Battle Creek Township, on which he has since lived which is now one of the most pleasant in all this region of beautiful farms, as well as one of the most productive estates in this vicinity. It is amply supplied with a good class of farm buildings; the fine barns were built by his own hands, and he also assisted in building his commodious residence. Our subject was married February 15, 1852, Elsie Ann, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Cushman) Cowlam. To them were born two children, who died in infancy. This happy marriage was of brief duration, as it was brought to a close by the death of the wife, September 20, 1856.
December 24, 1862, Mr. Minges was again married, Miss Eugenia Amidon becoming his wife, and in her he has had the helpful co-operation that only a capable and true wife can give, and she has made his home comfortable and cozy and has contributed in a great degree to his prosperity and happiness. Mrs. Minges is a daughter of Orlow and Rhuama (Cavada) Amidon, who were natives of the State of New York, and were among the pioneers of Michigan, coming here when their daughter, of whom we write, was thirteen years old. Three sons have been born to our subject and his wife, whom they have named Erwin G., Orlow A. and Frank. Erwin married Cora C. Cummins, and did lives near his parents; Orlow married Theda Hamlin, a graduate of the Battle Creek High School in the class of '83 and a teacher in the public schools the ensuing five years till her marriage; Frank is now in his senior year at the Battle Creek High School.
Mr. Minges had but very meager educational advantages in his youth, but by continual study and reading he has made up for the early deficiencies in his education and is a man of extensive and varied information, who has a broad outlook on life. He has been foremost among his fellow-citizens of in advancing education and all other things that will in any way contribute to the well-being of his township and county and he has been an influence for great good in his community. In antebellum days he was a strong Abolitionist and has been an unswerving adherent of the Republicanparty ever since its formation. He has always done what he could to further the cause of Prohibition. He has been one of the active and intelligent members of the Patrons of Husbandry since the organization of the society fifteen years ago. A man of Mr. Minges' intelligence, high standing and true citizenship, has of necessity had much to do in the management of public affairs, and we find that he filled every town office from Pathmaster to Supervisor. He was Highway Commissioner for eleven years, when he resigned to rid himself of the office. ice was Justice of the Peace five years, and was a member of the County Board of Supervisors a like length of time. He has been School Director and has held other civic positions too numerous to mention. Portrait and biographical album of Calhoun county, Michigan. Page 465
Mr. Minges was born June 30,1818. His parents were Christian and Hannah (Shabell) Minges. His paternal grandfather came from the Highlands of Scotland in Colonial times and settled in Cumberland County, Pa. The maternal ancestors of our subject were from Germany. His father was a shoemaker and he worked at the bench somewhat during his youth. But at the age of twenty-two years he came to Michigan and learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed for several years.
In 1849, when the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California was at its height, he abandoned his work to join a company that was bound for the Golden State. The others forming the party were Charley Cooley, Chas. Lowell, Christian Hanna, Thomas TenEyck, George McCamIey, George P. Burrell (who was our subject's partner), Joshua Cook, Samuel Cook and Albert Dewey. Of this number only four are known to have to turned to this part of the country, while three are still living in California.
The little company started on their long journey across the plains and mountains to Sacramento, Cal., from Battle Creek, March 5, 1849, with five wagons and ample supplies. They were six months and ten days on the way; but they arrived at their destination in good health and spirits. Mr. Minges was first employed in making coffins at Sacramento.
He soon went to Sonoma, however, and began to work in the redwood forests, getting out timber with a whip saw as there were then no sawmills in California, except the Sutter mill on the American Fork. The timber thus sawed was valued at $700 per million. The next year Mr. Minges went to mining and was thus engaged seven months. His next enterprise was in keeping a stock ranch, he managed with good financial success during the remainder of his stay in California. The rough life and many hardships that he had to endure not compensate our subject for the comfort of his in old home, although he was making money, so he turned his face homeward, coming by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and arriving at Emmet, this county, December 26, 1851. During his stay in California, and while on the way, he had many strange experiences of the frontier life. He saw much of the Indians, and became well acquainted with their modes of living and customs. While crossing the plains, he and his companions encountered hostile savages, but always managed by small gifts to leave them in good humor. A squad emigrants shot at the Indians one day and the latter revenged themselves by killing a horse and a mule, which luckily belonged to the very ones who had done the shooting.
With the hard-earned savings of two years of toil and sacrifices and privations, Mr. Minges bought the farm of two hundred acres in Battle Creek Township, on which he has since lived which is now one of the most pleasant in all this region of beautiful farms, as well as one of the most productive estates in this vicinity. It is amply supplied with a good class of farm buildings; the fine barns were built by his own hands, and he also assisted in building his commodious residence. Our subject was married February 15, 1852, Elsie Ann, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Cushman) Cowlam. To them were born two children, who died in infancy. This happy marriage was of brief duration, as it was brought to a close by the death of the wife, September 20, 1856.
December 24, 1862, Mr. Minges was again married, Miss Eugenia Amidon becoming his wife, and in her he has had the helpful co-operation that only a capable and true wife can give, and she has made his home comfortable and cozy and has contributed in a great degree to his prosperity and happiness. Mrs. Minges is a daughter of Orlow and Rhuama (Cavada) Amidon, who were natives of the State of New York, and were among the pioneers of Michigan, coming here when their daughter, of whom we write, was thirteen years old. Three sons have been born to our subject and his wife, whom they have named Erwin G., Orlow A. and Frank. Erwin married Cora C. Cummins, and did lives near his parents; Orlow married Theda Hamlin, a graduate of the Battle Creek High School in the class of '83 and a teacher in the public schools the ensuing five years till her marriage; Frank is now in his senior year at the Battle Creek High School.
Mr. Minges had but very meager educational advantages in his youth, but by continual study and reading he has made up for the early deficiencies in his education and is a man of extensive and varied information, who has a broad outlook on life. He has been foremost among his fellow-citizens of in advancing education and all other things that will in any way contribute to the well-being of his township and county and he has been an influence for great good in his community. In antebellum days he was a strong Abolitionist and has been an unswerving adherent of the Republicanparty ever since its formation. He has always done what he could to further the cause of Prohibition. He has been one of the active and intelligent members of the Patrons of Husbandry since the organization of the society fifteen years ago. A man of Mr. Minges' intelligence, high standing and true citizenship, has of necessity had much to do in the management of public affairs, and we find that he filled every town office from Pathmaster to Supervisor. He was Highway Commissioner for eleven years, when he resigned to rid himself of the office. ice was Justice of the Peace five years, and was a member of the County Board of Supervisors a like length of time. He has been School Director and has held other civic positions too numerous to mention. Portrait and biographical album of Calhoun county, Michigan. Page 465
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