Portraits and Biographies of the Governors of Michigan, and of the Presidents the United States, 628. 629, 630
REV. SIDNEY ALDRICH, is a local Deacon of the Concord Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well read, a man of fine intelligence, and a thorough theologian, but now after the arduous labor of many years is practically retired, and living amid the comforts of a pleasant home in Spring Arbor. He and his estimable wife are held in high esteem among the people of this place, and their home is the frequent resort of the many friends whom they have gathered around them during their sojourn in this county.
Mr. Aldrich was born in Suffolk County, England, January 2, 1817, and when three years old went with his parents to Kettleborough, where he attended a private school for a time, but at a very early age was put to work, his parents being in limited circumstances.
He distinctly remembers the appearance of Framlingham Castle, which was within a mile of where he attended school, and was the scene of many an interesting story in the olden time. By improving his leisure hours he succeeded in obtaining much useful knowledge in his youth, and remained with his parents until a lad of fifteen years.
Learning then that his uncle, David Aldrich, intended emigrating to America, he obtained the consent of his parents to accompany him, and started on the long voyage in March, 1832. They embarked at Yarmouth on a merchant sailer, the"Baltic," bound for Quebec, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days landed on Prince Edward's Island. Young Aldrich had little enjoyment during his ocean voyage, being ill nearly all the time, and was shut in the hold of the ship three days at one time, on account of a storm in which the masts were carried away.
Mr. Aldrich remained in Quebec until May, then repaired to Plattsburg, N. Y., where he hired out on a farm at $6 per month; $5 in cash, the rest in merchandise. About this time he experienced religion, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving $3 of his hard earned money to the minister. The following summer he worked on the same farm at 17 per month. In 1834 he went to Buffalo, and commenced an apprenticeship at carriage-making, serving four years, and thereafter was employed as a journeyman.
In 1839 he went to Clarence, N. Y., where he worked at his trade one year, in the meantime appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, that year, by his marriage with Miss Lydia A. York.
Mrs. Lydia Aldrich was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., September 23, 1818, and is a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth York. Stephen York was one of the earliest settlers on the Holland Purchase, being located near the town of Clarence, Erie County, where he spent the remainder of his days. His wife was a very well educated lady, and was employed as a teacher; she died in Liberty Township, this county, March 2, 1882.
In 1840 Mr. Aldrich went into business for himself, put up a house and shop, and engaged in the manufacture of carriages, first giving employment to two hands, and later increasing his facilities and employing more. He likewise bought thirty acres of land, which he cultivated in connection with his other business. His health becoming impaired he was not able to do much work himself, and finally abandoning the factory, purchased sixty acres of land in Newsted, where he engaged in farming for ten years. In January, 1864, Mr. Aldrich took up his line of march for Illinois, intending to purchase land, but becoming ill at Urbana returned by the way of Jackson, and stopping with a friend was persuaded to buy a farm of one hundred acres in Summit Township, this county. Returning then to New York State he brought his family hither, and locating on his new purchase, dug out the stumps and stones, cultivated the land, and became prosperous. He added forty acres, and remained upon that farm until 1881. Then, on account of his wife's health, he rented the place and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty Township, in the vicinity of Liberty Mills. This removal, however, proved of no avail, as the wife and mother passed away soon afterward.
He then sold the Liberty Township farm to his son, and resided with his son George, in Summit Township, one year.
On the 24th of February, 1883, he was married, in Jackson City, to Mrs. L. M. Dunnett.
This lady is a daughter of Leonard Woodworth, a native of Vermont, who removed to Saratoga County, N. Y., prior to his marriage, and sojourned there until his death. His wife, Abigail Parks, was born in that county, and is the daughter of Solomon Parks, one of its pioneers. Mr. Parks carried on farming and merchandising, and at his own expense built a bridge across the Hudson River. His wife died in Akron, N. Y., about 1866. Of the eleven children born to them seven grew to mature years, viz.: Susan and Lorinda now deceased; Solomon P., a resident of New York State; Warren and Benjamin, deceased; and Selden, who lives in Spring Arbor Township, this county. The latter served as a Union soldier from the beginning until the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Aldrich was born June 5, 1824, in Saratoga County, N. Y., and lived there until a child of ten years on a farm. She was only seven years old at the time of her father's death, and lived with a sister, but attended the best schools and acquired a good education. In 1843 she removed to Akron, N. Y., and on the 1st of July, 1846, was married to George B. Dunnett. The latter was born and reared in Clarence, N. Y., and was a shoemaker by trade. He engaged in business in Akron, where his death took place May 7, 1863.
Mrs. Dunnett subsequently carried on a millinery business until coming to Michigan with her brother Selden in 1869.
Subsequently she removed to Jackson, where she remained until her marriage to our subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich after their marriage remained in Jackson until April, 1883, and then coming to Spring Arbor, Mr. Aldrich purchased a home, and is now living retired from active labor, with the exception of acting as administrator for the estate of Betsey Weldy. After thoroughly studying the Scriptures and theology Mr. Aldrich began preaching in Newsted Township, where he received his license as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1860 he was ordained as a Free Methodist Deacon. Upon coming to Michigan there was no church of this denomination, and he was invited to take charge of the Moscow Circuit, and was thus occupied one year. Since then he has officiated as a local Deacon, and although solicited to join the regular conference, declined to do so on account of advanced age. He was very successful in his labors in the Master's vineyard, instituting many revivals, and laboring as he had opportunity to promote the good work. He is a Trustee and Steward in the church at Spring Arbor, and has officiated as Class-Leader many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are the parents of nine children, who were born as follows: Orlando W., March 30, 1840; Allen F., February 10,1843, died January 11, 1889; Anna L. was born March 5, 1845; Harriet A., June 16, 1846; Edgar L., born September 25, 1850, died December 13, 1857; Sidney G. was born September 4, 1853; Charles A., born May 25, 1855, died April 10, 1868; Clarence A., born March 30, 1858, died March 28, 1859; Homer Willie, born January 29, 1860, died November 23, 1883. Orlando W., at the age of twenty-one, enlisted as a Union soldier in the Fourteenth New York Infantry, and served over two years. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, a ball striking him in the nose. He was a bright young man and a close student. After returning home he was married, then went to Bloomington and entered the Wesleyan University. from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B., A. M. and Ph. D. Later the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Prince Albert University at Ontario, Canada. He commenced the practice of law in Bloomington, and subsequently was Professor of Law and German in his alma mater, also editor of the Monthly Jurist, at Bloomington. He possesses fine literary talent, and is the author of "Contracts," and other law books. He finally went to Columbus, Ohio, where he became Attorney for the Mutual Insurance Company of Columbus, a position which he occupied some years. He afterward turned his attention to agriculture, and is now living on a farm near Columbus, he still prosecutes his law practice, however, and is recognized as one of the leading attorneys of the city. Allen F., another son of Mr. Aldrich, served in the One Hundredth New York Regiment, was present at several battles, and upon one occasion was obliged to swim a river, which resulted in his contracting a severe cold, on account of which he was confined in the hospital, and finally received his honorable discharge. Upon returning home he engaged in farming in Liberty Township, and was also interested largely in fruit growing, and was a member of the Pomological Society. Ann L., Mrs. Charles Filley, is a resident of Osceola County, this State; Harriet A., Mrs. Roscoe Lewis, lives in Gratiot County; Sidney G. was graduated from Jackson High School, and then from the law department of Michigan State University. He practiced in Vermontville until his health failed, and is now farming in Gratiot County; Willie H. was also graduated from the Jackson High School, after which he started an insurance business before reaching his majority. Subsequently he' was engaged in the same business in Columbus, and afterward went to Chicago, where he was foreman of a tannery, and died there of malaria.
Mr. Aldrich, politically, is a Prohibitionist, and frequently has served as a delegate to the State conventions. He was a strong Abolitionist during slavery times, and has assisted many a fugitive along the underground railroad to Canada, feeding and sheltering them, and protecting them in times of danger, besides paying their passage to the Dominion. It will thus be seen that he is a reformer in the strictest sense of the term.
The father of our subject was Elijah Aldrich. a native of Palgraph, Norfolk County, England, and born in 1797.
He was reared on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits his entire life, which was spent near his birthplace.
He was a Baptist in religious belief, and died when about fifty-five years old.
The maiden name of his wife was Sidonia Vincent; she was born in Norfolk County in 1793, and died in 1830. Her remains rest in the Baptist Church at Chasfleld.
The four children besides our subject who grew to mature years, all died in England, being named respectively, James, Letitia, Edgar and Anna.
Additional family notes:
Daughter Ann L Filley d 29 Jun 1910 Lincoln Osceola Co Michigan (buried Reed City).
REV. SIDNEY ALDRICH, is a local Deacon of the Concord Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well read, a man of fine intelligence, and a thorough theologian, but now after the arduous labor of many years is practically retired, and living amid the comforts of a pleasant home in Spring Arbor. He and his estimable wife are held in high esteem among the people of this place, and their home is the frequent resort of the many friends whom they have gathered around them during their sojourn in this county.
Mr. Aldrich was born in Suffolk County, England, January 2, 1817, and when three years old went with his parents to Kettleborough, where he attended a private school for a time, but at a very early age was put to work, his parents being in limited circumstances.
He distinctly remembers the appearance of Framlingham Castle, which was within a mile of where he attended school, and was the scene of many an interesting story in the olden time. By improving his leisure hours he succeeded in obtaining much useful knowledge in his youth, and remained with his parents until a lad of fifteen years.
Learning then that his uncle, David Aldrich, intended emigrating to America, he obtained the consent of his parents to accompany him, and started on the long voyage in March, 1832. They embarked at Yarmouth on a merchant sailer, the"Baltic," bound for Quebec, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days landed on Prince Edward's Island. Young Aldrich had little enjoyment during his ocean voyage, being ill nearly all the time, and was shut in the hold of the ship three days at one time, on account of a storm in which the masts were carried away.
Mr. Aldrich remained in Quebec until May, then repaired to Plattsburg, N. Y., where he hired out on a farm at $6 per month; $5 in cash, the rest in merchandise. About this time he experienced religion, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving $3 of his hard earned money to the minister. The following summer he worked on the same farm at 17 per month. In 1834 he went to Buffalo, and commenced an apprenticeship at carriage-making, serving four years, and thereafter was employed as a journeyman.
In 1839 he went to Clarence, N. Y., where he worked at his trade one year, in the meantime appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, that year, by his marriage with Miss Lydia A. York.
Mrs. Lydia Aldrich was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., September 23, 1818, and is a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth York. Stephen York was one of the earliest settlers on the Holland Purchase, being located near the town of Clarence, Erie County, where he spent the remainder of his days. His wife was a very well educated lady, and was employed as a teacher; she died in Liberty Township, this county, March 2, 1882.
In 1840 Mr. Aldrich went into business for himself, put up a house and shop, and engaged in the manufacture of carriages, first giving employment to two hands, and later increasing his facilities and employing more. He likewise bought thirty acres of land, which he cultivated in connection with his other business. His health becoming impaired he was not able to do much work himself, and finally abandoning the factory, purchased sixty acres of land in Newsted, where he engaged in farming for ten years. In January, 1864, Mr. Aldrich took up his line of march for Illinois, intending to purchase land, but becoming ill at Urbana returned by the way of Jackson, and stopping with a friend was persuaded to buy a farm of one hundred acres in Summit Township, this county. Returning then to New York State he brought his family hither, and locating on his new purchase, dug out the stumps and stones, cultivated the land, and became prosperous. He added forty acres, and remained upon that farm until 1881. Then, on account of his wife's health, he rented the place and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty Township, in the vicinity of Liberty Mills. This removal, however, proved of no avail, as the wife and mother passed away soon afterward.
He then sold the Liberty Township farm to his son, and resided with his son George, in Summit Township, one year.
On the 24th of February, 1883, he was married, in Jackson City, to Mrs. L. M. Dunnett.
This lady is a daughter of Leonard Woodworth, a native of Vermont, who removed to Saratoga County, N. Y., prior to his marriage, and sojourned there until his death. His wife, Abigail Parks, was born in that county, and is the daughter of Solomon Parks, one of its pioneers. Mr. Parks carried on farming and merchandising, and at his own expense built a bridge across the Hudson River. His wife died in Akron, N. Y., about 1866. Of the eleven children born to them seven grew to mature years, viz.: Susan and Lorinda now deceased; Solomon P., a resident of New York State; Warren and Benjamin, deceased; and Selden, who lives in Spring Arbor Township, this county. The latter served as a Union soldier from the beginning until the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Aldrich was born June 5, 1824, in Saratoga County, N. Y., and lived there until a child of ten years on a farm. She was only seven years old at the time of her father's death, and lived with a sister, but attended the best schools and acquired a good education. In 1843 she removed to Akron, N. Y., and on the 1st of July, 1846, was married to George B. Dunnett. The latter was born and reared in Clarence, N. Y., and was a shoemaker by trade. He engaged in business in Akron, where his death took place May 7, 1863.
Mrs. Dunnett subsequently carried on a millinery business until coming to Michigan with her brother Selden in 1869.
Subsequently she removed to Jackson, where she remained until her marriage to our subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich after their marriage remained in Jackson until April, 1883, and then coming to Spring Arbor, Mr. Aldrich purchased a home, and is now living retired from active labor, with the exception of acting as administrator for the estate of Betsey Weldy. After thoroughly studying the Scriptures and theology Mr. Aldrich began preaching in Newsted Township, where he received his license as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1860 he was ordained as a Free Methodist Deacon. Upon coming to Michigan there was no church of this denomination, and he was invited to take charge of the Moscow Circuit, and was thus occupied one year. Since then he has officiated as a local Deacon, and although solicited to join the regular conference, declined to do so on account of advanced age. He was very successful in his labors in the Master's vineyard, instituting many revivals, and laboring as he had opportunity to promote the good work. He is a Trustee and Steward in the church at Spring Arbor, and has officiated as Class-Leader many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are the parents of nine children, who were born as follows: Orlando W., March 30, 1840; Allen F., February 10,1843, died January 11, 1889; Anna L. was born March 5, 1845; Harriet A., June 16, 1846; Edgar L., born September 25, 1850, died December 13, 1857; Sidney G. was born September 4, 1853; Charles A., born May 25, 1855, died April 10, 1868; Clarence A., born March 30, 1858, died March 28, 1859; Homer Willie, born January 29, 1860, died November 23, 1883. Orlando W., at the age of twenty-one, enlisted as a Union soldier in the Fourteenth New York Infantry, and served over two years. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, a ball striking him in the nose. He was a bright young man and a close student. After returning home he was married, then went to Bloomington and entered the Wesleyan University. from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B., A. M. and Ph. D. Later the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Prince Albert University at Ontario, Canada. He commenced the practice of law in Bloomington, and subsequently was Professor of Law and German in his alma mater, also editor of the Monthly Jurist, at Bloomington. He possesses fine literary talent, and is the author of "Contracts," and other law books. He finally went to Columbus, Ohio, where he became Attorney for the Mutual Insurance Company of Columbus, a position which he occupied some years. He afterward turned his attention to agriculture, and is now living on a farm near Columbus, he still prosecutes his law practice, however, and is recognized as one of the leading attorneys of the city. Allen F., another son of Mr. Aldrich, served in the One Hundredth New York Regiment, was present at several battles, and upon one occasion was obliged to swim a river, which resulted in his contracting a severe cold, on account of which he was confined in the hospital, and finally received his honorable discharge. Upon returning home he engaged in farming in Liberty Township, and was also interested largely in fruit growing, and was a member of the Pomological Society. Ann L., Mrs. Charles Filley, is a resident of Osceola County, this State; Harriet A., Mrs. Roscoe Lewis, lives in Gratiot County; Sidney G. was graduated from Jackson High School, and then from the law department of Michigan State University. He practiced in Vermontville until his health failed, and is now farming in Gratiot County; Willie H. was also graduated from the Jackson High School, after which he started an insurance business before reaching his majority. Subsequently he' was engaged in the same business in Columbus, and afterward went to Chicago, where he was foreman of a tannery, and died there of malaria.
Mr. Aldrich, politically, is a Prohibitionist, and frequently has served as a delegate to the State conventions. He was a strong Abolitionist during slavery times, and has assisted many a fugitive along the underground railroad to Canada, feeding and sheltering them, and protecting them in times of danger, besides paying their passage to the Dominion. It will thus be seen that he is a reformer in the strictest sense of the term.
The father of our subject was Elijah Aldrich. a native of Palgraph, Norfolk County, England, and born in 1797.
He was reared on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits his entire life, which was spent near his birthplace.
He was a Baptist in religious belief, and died when about fifty-five years old.
The maiden name of his wife was Sidonia Vincent; she was born in Norfolk County in 1793, and died in 1830. Her remains rest in the Baptist Church at Chasfleld.
The four children besides our subject who grew to mature years, all died in England, being named respectively, James, Letitia, Edgar and Anna.
Additional family notes:
Daughter Ann L Filley d 29 Jun 1910 Lincoln Osceola Co Michigan (buried Reed City).
Portraits and Biographies of the Governors of Michigan, and of the Presidents the United States, 628. 629, 630
REV. SIDNEY ALDRICH, is a local Deacon of the Concord Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well read, a man of fine intelligence, and a thorough theologian, but now after the arduous labor of many years is practically retired, and living amid the comforts of a pleasant home in Spring Arbor. He and his estimable wife are held in high esteem among the people of this place, and their home is the frequent resort of the many friends whom they have gathered around them during their sojourn in this county.
Mr. Aldrich was born in Suffolk County, England, January 2, 1817, and when three years old went with his parents to Kettleborough, where he attended a private school for a time, but at a very early age was put to work, his parents being in limited circumstances.
He distinctly remembers the appearance of Framlingham Castle, which was within a mile of where he attended school, and was the scene of many an interesting story in the olden time. By improving his leisure hours he succeeded in obtaining much useful knowledge in his youth, and remained with his parents until a lad of fifteen years.
Learning then that his uncle, David Aldrich, intended emigrating to America, he obtained the consent of his parents to accompany him, and started on the long voyage in March, 1832. They embarked at Yarmouth on a merchant sailer, the"Baltic," bound for Quebec, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days landed on Prince Edward's Island. Young Aldrich had little enjoyment during his ocean voyage, being ill nearly all the time, and was shut in the hold of the ship three days at one time, on account of a storm in which the masts were carried away.
Mr. Aldrich remained in Quebec until May, then repaired to Plattsburg, N. Y., where he hired out on a farm at $6 per month; $5 in cash, the rest in merchandise. About this time he experienced religion, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving $3 of his hard earned money to the minister. The following summer he worked on the same farm at 17 per month. In 1834 he went to Buffalo, and commenced an apprenticeship at carriage-making, serving four years, and thereafter was employed as a journeyman.
In 1839 he went to Clarence, N. Y., where he worked at his trade one year, in the meantime appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, that year, by his marriage with Miss Lydia A. York.
Mrs. Lydia Aldrich was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., September 23, 1818, and is a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth York. Stephen York was one of the earliest settlers on the Holland Purchase, being located near the town of Clarence, Erie County, where he spent the remainder of his days. His wife was a very well educated lady, and was employed as a teacher; she died in Liberty Township, this county, March 2, 1882.
In 1840 Mr. Aldrich went into business for himself, put up a house and shop, and engaged in the manufacture of carriages, first giving employment to two hands, and later increasing his facilities and employing more. He likewise bought thirty acres of land, which he cultivated in connection with his other business. His health becoming impaired he was not able to do much work himself, and finally abandoning the factory, purchased sixty acres of land in Newsted, where he engaged in farming for ten years. In January, 1864, Mr. Aldrich took up his line of march for Illinois, intending to purchase land, but becoming ill at Urbana returned by the way of Jackson, and stopping with a friend was persuaded to buy a farm of one hundred acres in Summit Township, this county. Returning then to New York State he brought his family hither, and locating on his new purchase, dug out the stumps and stones, cultivated the land, and became prosperous. He added forty acres, and remained upon that farm until 1881. Then, on account of his wife's health, he rented the place and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty Township, in the vicinity of Liberty Mills. This removal, however, proved of no avail, as the wife and mother passed away soon afterward.
He then sold the Liberty Township farm to his son, and resided with his son George, in Summit Township, one year.
On the 24th of February, 1883, he was married, in Jackson City, to Mrs. L. M. Dunnett.
This lady is a daughter of Leonard Woodworth, a native of Vermont, who removed to Saratoga County, N. Y., prior to his marriage, and sojourned there until his death. His wife, Abigail Parks, was born in that county, and is the daughter of Solomon Parks, one of its pioneers. Mr. Parks carried on farming and merchandising, and at his own expense built a bridge across the Hudson River. His wife died in Akron, N. Y., about 1866. Of the eleven children born to them seven grew to mature years, viz.: Susan and Lorinda now deceased; Solomon P., a resident of New York State; Warren and Benjamin, deceased; and Selden, who lives in Spring Arbor Township, this county. The latter served as a Union soldier from the beginning until the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Aldrich was born June 5, 1824, in Saratoga County, N. Y., and lived there until a child of ten years on a farm. She was only seven years old at the time of her father's death, and lived with a sister, but attended the best schools and acquired a good education. In 1843 she removed to Akron, N. Y., and on the 1st of July, 1846, was married to George B. Dunnett. The latter was born and reared in Clarence, N. Y., and was a shoemaker by trade. He engaged in business in Akron, where his death took place May 7, 1863.
Mrs. Dunnett subsequently carried on a millinery business until coming to Michigan with her brother Selden in 1869.
Subsequently she removed to Jackson, where she remained until her marriage to our subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich after their marriage remained in Jackson until April, 1883, and then coming to Spring Arbor, Mr. Aldrich purchased a home, and is now living retired from active labor, with the exception of acting as administrator for the estate of Betsey Weldy. After thoroughly studying the Scriptures and theology Mr. Aldrich began preaching in Newsted Township, where he received his license as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1860 he was ordained as a Free Methodist Deacon. Upon coming to Michigan there was no church of this denomination, and he was invited to take charge of the Moscow Circuit, and was thus occupied one year. Since then he has officiated as a local Deacon, and although solicited to join the regular conference, declined to do so on account of advanced age. He was very successful in his labors in the Master's vineyard, instituting many revivals, and laboring as he had opportunity to promote the good work. He is a Trustee and Steward in the church at Spring Arbor, and has officiated as Class-Leader many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are the parents of nine children, who were born as follows: Orlando W., March 30, 1840; Allen F., February 10,1843, died January 11, 1889; Anna L. was born March 5, 1845; Harriet A., June 16, 1846; Edgar L., born September 25, 1850, died December 13, 1857; Sidney G. was born September 4, 1853; Charles A., born May 25, 1855, died April 10, 1868; Clarence A., born March 30, 1858, died March 28, 1859; Homer Willie, born January 29, 1860, died November 23, 1883. Orlando W., at the age of twenty-one, enlisted as a Union soldier in the Fourteenth New York Infantry, and served over two years. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, a ball striking him in the nose. He was a bright young man and a close student. After returning home he was married, then went to Bloomington and entered the Wesleyan University. from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B., A. M. and Ph. D. Later the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Prince Albert University at Ontario, Canada. He commenced the practice of law in Bloomington, and subsequently was Professor of Law and German in his alma mater, also editor of the Monthly Jurist, at Bloomington. He possesses fine literary talent, and is the author of "Contracts," and other law books. He finally went to Columbus, Ohio, where he became Attorney for the Mutual Insurance Company of Columbus, a position which he occupied some years. He afterward turned his attention to agriculture, and is now living on a farm near Columbus, he still prosecutes his law practice, however, and is recognized as one of the leading attorneys of the city. Allen F., another son of Mr. Aldrich, served in the One Hundredth New York Regiment, was present at several battles, and upon one occasion was obliged to swim a river, which resulted in his contracting a severe cold, on account of which he was confined in the hospital, and finally received his honorable discharge. Upon returning home he engaged in farming in Liberty Township, and was also interested largely in fruit growing, and was a member of the Pomological Society. Ann L., Mrs. Charles Filley, is a resident of Osceola County, this State; Harriet A., Mrs. Roscoe Lewis, lives in Gratiot County; Sidney G. was graduated from Jackson High School, and then from the law department of Michigan State University. He practiced in Vermontville until his health failed, and is now farming in Gratiot County; Willie H. was also graduated from the Jackson High School, after which he started an insurance business before reaching his majority. Subsequently he' was engaged in the same business in Columbus, and afterward went to Chicago, where he was foreman of a tannery, and died there of malaria.
Mr. Aldrich, politically, is a Prohibitionist, and frequently has served as a delegate to the State conventions. He was a strong Abolitionist during slavery times, and has assisted many a fugitive along the underground railroad to Canada, feeding and sheltering them, and protecting them in times of danger, besides paying their passage to the Dominion. It will thus be seen that he is a reformer in the strictest sense of the term.
The father of our subject was Elijah Aldrich. a native of Palgraph, Norfolk County, England, and born in 1797.
He was reared on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits his entire life, which was spent near his birthplace.
He was a Baptist in religious belief, and died when about fifty-five years old.
The maiden name of his wife was Sidonia Vincent; she was born in Norfolk County in 1793, and died in 1830. Her remains rest in the Baptist Church at Chasfleld.
The four children besides our subject who grew to mature years, all died in England, being named respectively, James, Letitia, Edgar and Anna.
Additional family notes:
Daughter Ann L Filley d 29 Jun 1910 Lincoln Osceola Co Michigan (buried Reed City).
REV. SIDNEY ALDRICH, is a local Deacon of the Concord Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well read, a man of fine intelligence, and a thorough theologian, but now after the arduous labor of many years is practically retired, and living amid the comforts of a pleasant home in Spring Arbor. He and his estimable wife are held in high esteem among the people of this place, and their home is the frequent resort of the many friends whom they have gathered around them during their sojourn in this county.
Mr. Aldrich was born in Suffolk County, England, January 2, 1817, and when three years old went with his parents to Kettleborough, where he attended a private school for a time, but at a very early age was put to work, his parents being in limited circumstances.
He distinctly remembers the appearance of Framlingham Castle, which was within a mile of where he attended school, and was the scene of many an interesting story in the olden time. By improving his leisure hours he succeeded in obtaining much useful knowledge in his youth, and remained with his parents until a lad of fifteen years.
Learning then that his uncle, David Aldrich, intended emigrating to America, he obtained the consent of his parents to accompany him, and started on the long voyage in March, 1832. They embarked at Yarmouth on a merchant sailer, the"Baltic," bound for Quebec, and after a voyage of seven weeks and three days landed on Prince Edward's Island. Young Aldrich had little enjoyment during his ocean voyage, being ill nearly all the time, and was shut in the hold of the ship three days at one time, on account of a storm in which the masts were carried away.
Mr. Aldrich remained in Quebec until May, then repaired to Plattsburg, N. Y., where he hired out on a farm at $6 per month; $5 in cash, the rest in merchandise. About this time he experienced religion, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving $3 of his hard earned money to the minister. The following summer he worked on the same farm at 17 per month. In 1834 he went to Buffalo, and commenced an apprenticeship at carriage-making, serving four years, and thereafter was employed as a journeyman.
In 1839 he went to Clarence, N. Y., where he worked at his trade one year, in the meantime appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, that year, by his marriage with Miss Lydia A. York.
Mrs. Lydia Aldrich was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., September 23, 1818, and is a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth York. Stephen York was one of the earliest settlers on the Holland Purchase, being located near the town of Clarence, Erie County, where he spent the remainder of his days. His wife was a very well educated lady, and was employed as a teacher; she died in Liberty Township, this county, March 2, 1882.
In 1840 Mr. Aldrich went into business for himself, put up a house and shop, and engaged in the manufacture of carriages, first giving employment to two hands, and later increasing his facilities and employing more. He likewise bought thirty acres of land, which he cultivated in connection with his other business. His health becoming impaired he was not able to do much work himself, and finally abandoning the factory, purchased sixty acres of land in Newsted, where he engaged in farming for ten years. In January, 1864, Mr. Aldrich took up his line of march for Illinois, intending to purchase land, but becoming ill at Urbana returned by the way of Jackson, and stopping with a friend was persuaded to buy a farm of one hundred acres in Summit Township, this county. Returning then to New York State he brought his family hither, and locating on his new purchase, dug out the stumps and stones, cultivated the land, and became prosperous. He added forty acres, and remained upon that farm until 1881. Then, on account of his wife's health, he rented the place and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty Township, in the vicinity of Liberty Mills. This removal, however, proved of no avail, as the wife and mother passed away soon afterward.
He then sold the Liberty Township farm to his son, and resided with his son George, in Summit Township, one year.
On the 24th of February, 1883, he was married, in Jackson City, to Mrs. L. M. Dunnett.
This lady is a daughter of Leonard Woodworth, a native of Vermont, who removed to Saratoga County, N. Y., prior to his marriage, and sojourned there until his death. His wife, Abigail Parks, was born in that county, and is the daughter of Solomon Parks, one of its pioneers. Mr. Parks carried on farming and merchandising, and at his own expense built a bridge across the Hudson River. His wife died in Akron, N. Y., about 1866. Of the eleven children born to them seven grew to mature years, viz.: Susan and Lorinda now deceased; Solomon P., a resident of New York State; Warren and Benjamin, deceased; and Selden, who lives in Spring Arbor Township, this county. The latter served as a Union soldier from the beginning until the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Aldrich was born June 5, 1824, in Saratoga County, N. Y., and lived there until a child of ten years on a farm. She was only seven years old at the time of her father's death, and lived with a sister, but attended the best schools and acquired a good education. In 1843 she removed to Akron, N. Y., and on the 1st of July, 1846, was married to George B. Dunnett. The latter was born and reared in Clarence, N. Y., and was a shoemaker by trade. He engaged in business in Akron, where his death took place May 7, 1863.
Mrs. Dunnett subsequently carried on a millinery business until coming to Michigan with her brother Selden in 1869.
Subsequently she removed to Jackson, where she remained until her marriage to our subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich after their marriage remained in Jackson until April, 1883, and then coming to Spring Arbor, Mr. Aldrich purchased a home, and is now living retired from active labor, with the exception of acting as administrator for the estate of Betsey Weldy. After thoroughly studying the Scriptures and theology Mr. Aldrich began preaching in Newsted Township, where he received his license as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1860 he was ordained as a Free Methodist Deacon. Upon coming to Michigan there was no church of this denomination, and he was invited to take charge of the Moscow Circuit, and was thus occupied one year. Since then he has officiated as a local Deacon, and although solicited to join the regular conference, declined to do so on account of advanced age. He was very successful in his labors in the Master's vineyard, instituting many revivals, and laboring as he had opportunity to promote the good work. He is a Trustee and Steward in the church at Spring Arbor, and has officiated as Class-Leader many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are the parents of nine children, who were born as follows: Orlando W., March 30, 1840; Allen F., February 10,1843, died January 11, 1889; Anna L. was born March 5, 1845; Harriet A., June 16, 1846; Edgar L., born September 25, 1850, died December 13, 1857; Sidney G. was born September 4, 1853; Charles A., born May 25, 1855, died April 10, 1868; Clarence A., born March 30, 1858, died March 28, 1859; Homer Willie, born January 29, 1860, died November 23, 1883. Orlando W., at the age of twenty-one, enlisted as a Union soldier in the Fourteenth New York Infantry, and served over two years. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, a ball striking him in the nose. He was a bright young man and a close student. After returning home he was married, then went to Bloomington and entered the Wesleyan University. from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B., A. M. and Ph. D. Later the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Prince Albert University at Ontario, Canada. He commenced the practice of law in Bloomington, and subsequently was Professor of Law and German in his alma mater, also editor of the Monthly Jurist, at Bloomington. He possesses fine literary talent, and is the author of "Contracts," and other law books. He finally went to Columbus, Ohio, where he became Attorney for the Mutual Insurance Company of Columbus, a position which he occupied some years. He afterward turned his attention to agriculture, and is now living on a farm near Columbus, he still prosecutes his law practice, however, and is recognized as one of the leading attorneys of the city. Allen F., another son of Mr. Aldrich, served in the One Hundredth New York Regiment, was present at several battles, and upon one occasion was obliged to swim a river, which resulted in his contracting a severe cold, on account of which he was confined in the hospital, and finally received his honorable discharge. Upon returning home he engaged in farming in Liberty Township, and was also interested largely in fruit growing, and was a member of the Pomological Society. Ann L., Mrs. Charles Filley, is a resident of Osceola County, this State; Harriet A., Mrs. Roscoe Lewis, lives in Gratiot County; Sidney G. was graduated from Jackson High School, and then from the law department of Michigan State University. He practiced in Vermontville until his health failed, and is now farming in Gratiot County; Willie H. was also graduated from the Jackson High School, after which he started an insurance business before reaching his majority. Subsequently he' was engaged in the same business in Columbus, and afterward went to Chicago, where he was foreman of a tannery, and died there of malaria.
Mr. Aldrich, politically, is a Prohibitionist, and frequently has served as a delegate to the State conventions. He was a strong Abolitionist during slavery times, and has assisted many a fugitive along the underground railroad to Canada, feeding and sheltering them, and protecting them in times of danger, besides paying their passage to the Dominion. It will thus be seen that he is a reformer in the strictest sense of the term.
The father of our subject was Elijah Aldrich. a native of Palgraph, Norfolk County, England, and born in 1797.
He was reared on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits his entire life, which was spent near his birthplace.
He was a Baptist in religious belief, and died when about fifty-five years old.
The maiden name of his wife was Sidonia Vincent; she was born in Norfolk County in 1793, and died in 1830. Her remains rest in the Baptist Church at Chasfleld.
The four children besides our subject who grew to mature years, all died in England, being named respectively, James, Letitia, Edgar and Anna.
Additional family notes:
Daughter Ann L Filley d 29 Jun 1910 Lincoln Osceola Co Michigan (buried Reed City).
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