A REMARKABLE CHARACTER PASSES
Asa Stratton- One of Best Known Pioneers in Kalamazoo County- a Man With an Interesting history-Recognized for His honest, Industry and Capability

The death of Asa Stratton. which occurred at his home in Richland Wednesday morning, was not unexpected as he had been steadily failing in strength for many weeks, his age, with complications revealing to his friend the fact that his life here must soon end. During his years of activity he was one of the best known characters in this part of the county and after feebleness that accompanies old age necessitated his retirement to a quiet life at home, he was remembered by his numerous friends. He was one of the pioneers of two states, spending his boyhood days in Ohio, and later, when that state had become well settled, coming to Michigan to repeat the adventures and accomplishments, with the hardships and deprivations of the pioneer here. He was born in Perry, Wyoming county. N. Y. February 24, 1828. When he was three years old his parents moved to Orangeville, an adjoining town and five years later they started for Ohio. They made the trip with horses and vehicles, the six older children leading the way with a wagon, in which were most of the household effects and the father and mother and babe following in buggy drawn by an Indian pony. They settled in Franklin, Portage county, Ohio. His father was afflicted by rheumatism and as he was the third child and the oldest son. He was required to assume much responsibly. His time was considered too valuable to be spent in school, except during the winter months. Even then he must keep the wood cut for the fireplace and with the flail thresh wheat enough for the family’s flour. One winter he was able to attend school only twenty-one days. A key to his character is seen in the fact that when his own children began attending school, and reached the point where he left off his own studies, he studied with them and so added much to his education He revered the memory of his mother and spoke of her as level headed industrious and economical. He was one of a family of twelve, all but one growing up to marry and establish homes of their own. He told many interesting stories of his early struggles and labors his adventures and pleasure of his boyhood home. Through the industry of the entire family a considerable property for that region was acquired and comforts not possible to many of their neighbors were enjoyed. When he was nineteen years old, his brothers had become old enough to take his place at he and he went out to work. His father, in accordance with the custom everywhere then collected his wages of $10.00 a 1 month. When he was twenty one his father gave him an ax and a pair of sheep shears to cut his fortune. He cut wood, sheared sheep, worked on farms for $14.00 a month and in many ways practice the …him by his parents, In 1850, he made a trip to Michigan. He turned to Ohio and in May 1852 he was married to Eliza Foster. The same fall they came to Michigan, having the sum of $600 as the result of industry. He purchased what is now a part of the Barrett farm and lived in a log house with shake roof, stick chimney and stone-backed fireplace. He cleared the land and to do this he .. of Red Oak timber, which if now standing would doubly pay for the land at the present advanced price. The next year he purchased another farm and by industry and economy he became of the wealthiest farmers in that section of the county. In 1866, he built a large and comfortable dwelling large barns and other buildings until he felt that nothing was lacking for his comfort and that of his family. In 1895 his esteemed wife died. They had become the parents of eleven children, all but one of whom survived to mourn their mother's departure, and nine of whom survive the father. Three years later he was married to Mrs. Sara Parmelee, then principal of the Richland school and a much-loved character. They have continued their residence in the old home in Richland, but through the failure of the Richland bank he lost almost his entire property, as he was one of the stockholders. This was a great blow to him as he realized that, through no fault of his, many in less fortunate circumstances lost the little they had saved. His life was marked by strictest honesty and integrity and as a business man he was held in high esteem, his opinion being much sought after. For several mouths past his strength has been failing and his life gradually went out. A fuller account of his interesting life may be found in severe issue of the Argus last spring, when he dictated his biography to his daughter, Mrs. Harvey for publication. His surviving children are Henry and Fred Stratton of Kalamazoo, Frank of Allegan, George of Dakota, Charles of Galesburg, Freeman of Allegan, Mrs. J. E. Young of Portland, Mrs. Grace Nel of Portland Ore., and Mrs. Sarah Harvey of Richland. His funeral service was held at his residence this morning at eleven o’clock, conducted by Rev. T. A. Scott. Semi-Weekly Argus January 6, 1911 page 1

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