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George C. Nummer: Among the prominent and successful German-American
Citizen of Ionia County resident in Easton Township since 1855. He had 80
acres, well improved, log cabin in which he first sheltered his family
having been replaced by a commodious dwelling and other buildings erected
as occasion demanded. His parents George A. and Elizabeth A. Nummer of
old Tentonie families and their former home was in Saxe-Gotha-Germany.
There the son of whom we write was born May 21, 1823, attended school
from 6 years to 14 years of age. In 1843 the family embarked at Bremen on
a sailing vessel after a voyage of 57 days, during which much rough
weather was encountered landed in New York. They went via the Erie Canal
to Buffalo, thence to Detroit on a steamer, and upon reaching that city
borrowed $3.50 which they owed on the passage money, and discharged that
obligation. A brother of our subject was living 20 miles from the city
and with him the parents remained there until death. Our subject worked
as a farm hand for $7.00 per month for a little more than a year, and
subsequently spent two seasons in Lenoweer County working a farm shares.
He gained a companion in Miss Hannah M. Halstead, with whom he married
October 7, 1847. The bride was a native of the Empire. She was removed
from her family by death August 14, 1853. After having born three
children, one of whom is now living Josephine, wife of Melvin Wood a
resident of Ionia.
Mr. Nummer was again married December 28, 1855 his bride Miss Irene
Wilbur, who was born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., March 29, 1830. Her
parents, Sylvanus and Sabren Blodgett, Wilbur, natives of New England,
came to Easton Township in 1885 and died here after having done much
pioneer work. Eight of the nine children are still living.
Namely Stephen, Irene Nummer, Ruby wife of Augustus Savage, Clarisha
wife of Lucia Ward, Corintha, wife of Charles Chambers, Sarah who married
J.D. Bradford, Electa and Alvira wife of Stephen Nichols. The second
union of our subject has been blessed with 3 children, LeRoy E., Oscar,
Jennie F. The last name is deceased. LeRoy is now Clerk of Easton
Township.
Mr. Nummer possesses many of the sterling qualities of his sturdy and
industrious ancestors and stands in front rank among the farmers of this
section. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the
Party. He enlisted January 3, 1864 in Battery E., First Michigan Light
Artillery which was attached to the Army of Tennessee. He was with
General Thomas and was doing guard duty at Nashville when taken sick and
unfitted for soldier duty. He was honorable discharged August 24. in such
a physical condition that he is in receipt of pension of $14.00 a month.
He and his intelligent and amicable wife are honored members of society
and active in various works of usefulliness. |
