History of Saginaw county, Michigan; together with ... portraits ... and biographies ... History of Michigan ...

756

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

along as well and as smoothly as the average of human life and condition usually does. Success had come slowly but surely, and the
former days of darkness were not remembered in the present joy
of the heart.
Things moved on smoothly and the spring of 1876 came around,
and it occurred to theim that March would bring around their
golden wedding day; and as they had not been given much co
wordly entertainments, they determined to celebrate it in good
style. The invitations were sent out, and the morning arrived,
and it was a beautiful morning; the guests came amid joy and
greetings, and hearty welcomes, and all was ready for the beginning
of the festivities, when an unwelcome and uninvited guest made
his appearance among the company and commanded the attention
of every one present. That unbidden guest was Death! As the
bride of 50 years arose to repeat the ceremony of her maiden vows
there was a shriek and a fall, and Death had done his awful work.
Instead of the golden wedding it was the sundering of all earthly
ties between Mr. Cogswell and his wife. The guests, after spending most of the day in solemn thoughts and communion with one
another, reluctantly, and with grief, left for their homes. Time
softened Mr. O.'s grief, and again he took unto himself a helpmeet.
Ile married Mrs. Abigail Woodward, of New York, daughter of
A. P. Merrill. Mr. C. had 4 sons, 2 of whom served in the Union
army; one of these, Charles H., is now living near the homestead,
and the other, George L., was killed at the battle of Gettysburg.
The old gentleman is now 77 years of age, and still works his farmn
without help! He is a Universalist and a Republican.
Perry Crane, farmer, sec. 20, was born in Elgin Co., Ontario,
Canada, in 1837; parents were Isaac and Sarah E. Crane; subject
of sketch was educated in the common schools; in 1858 bought 80
acres of land in Brant tp.; price $300; gave one horse, valued at
$100, i. part payment, and worked at carpenter's trade to pay remirainder; now owns 240 acres and house and barn worth several
thousand dollars; was Supervisor one termtn, Tp. Clerk three years
and Treasurer two years; in politics is Republican; in July, 1860,
enlisted at East Saginaw in Co. F, 1st Mlich. Vol. Inf., and was
severely wounded at the battle of Gaines' Mill; while in hospital
was captured by rebels and held in Libby prison for 25 days; was
then paroled, and after lyingin hospital at Philadelphia for five
months, was discharged July 13, 1863; was married in 1863, to
Elizabeth Caughill of Canada; have 5 children-Williamn, Sherman,
Ida May, Minnie and Jeskie.
Winesor Crane, farmer, sec. 21, was born in Elgin Co., Province
of Ontario, Canada, April 8, 1839. His parents were John B. and
Mary E. (lienneker) Crane, the former of whom was a native
of Canada, and the latter of England. Mr. Crane received a good
education in Canada, and on Jan. 1, 1861, settled in Brant tp.
where hle has since resided, engaged in lumnbering and farming.
He owns 157 acres of land: is a UTniversalist in belief. He