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| JAMES HULLINGER, druggist, Mecosta village, was born in Orleans Co., N.Y., March 6, 1842. His father Dr. William Hullinger, was a practicing physician for 40 years. He was a pioneer of Hillsdale Co., Mich., and was connected with its settlement and the founding of the village known as Basswood Corners. He cut seven linden trees, from which he constructed a house - the nucleus, as it proved, of a village of respectable dimensions, which received its name from the variety of wood which entered into the construction of the first house erected on its site. Dr. Hullinger was a man of adventurous character, and spent much time in travel. He went to California in 1849, setting out from Reading, with four yoke of oxen, traveling with them on foot from Port Sania, at which place he left his company, and reached the land of golden promise six months in advance of the cattle. He went four times to California, once to Pike's Peak, and once to the Black Hills. He is now living in Numnica, Ottawa Co., Mich. At the age of 17 Dr. Hullinger went to Hillsdale College, and after two years of study there enlisted in the Union army, enrolling in the Fourth Mich. Vol. Inf., under Col. Dwight A. Woodbury. He was discharged June 20, 1864. During its period of service the regiment to which he belonged was in 42 engagements. He was detailed as Hospital Steward, and passed the time of his enrollment in the discharge of the duties of that position. On his return from the war he entered upon active preparations for the calling of a carpenter and builder, and was engaged at Stanton two years in the manufacture of shingles. He was making fair progress in that business, when a disasterous fire destroyed his mill, and he was obliged to seek employment at his trade. He came to Mecosta, Mecosta County, reaching there the 20th day of October, 1879. He immediately set about the erection of the building in which he now prosecutes the business that he established, on his location in the village of Mecosta, sheltering his stock of merchandise in a small shanty near his store, until the latter building was in readiness for use. His stock was valued at $600; it now represents $2,000, and includes all goods common to a first-calss drug store, and suited to the local demand. His annual sales amount to $8,000. Mr. Hullinger was married to Vanchie, daughter of Z.B. and Jane A. Stillson, born in Huron Co., Ohio. Two sons - Bailey, born June 6, 1866, and Otto K., born Sept. 16, 1870 - are included in the household. The eldest son is his father's assistant in the drug store. Mr. Hullinger is a member of the A.O.U.W., and himself and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school three years. |