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| George Risbridger, farmer, sec. 1, Deerfield Tp., P.O. Altona, was born in England May 19, 1823. His parents, Isaac and Ann (Ridley) Risbridger, were natives of England and lived and died in their native country. Mr. Risbridger had his contest to make in the world single-handed and alone, and his early life in his native land was passed as a farmer. He came to America in 1850 when 27 years of age, reaching New York in the month of May. He went thence to Portage Co., Ohio, and was there engaged during three years in the manufacture of potash and pearlash. He next came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., removing a year later to Barry County. There he bought 80 acres of unimproved land, built a house and cleared 70 acres, setting out an orchard of 150 trees. After a residence of 15 years he sold his place and bought 200 acres of well improved land in Bedford, Calhoun County, where he resided 13 years. Again disposing of his place, he came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of partially improved land, where he has since resided. Mr. Risbridger was married March 2, 1850, in England, to Sabina, daughter of George and Hannah Eager, also natives of England. She was born Dec. 30, 1832, and died in Deerfield, July 12, 1883, leaving seven of ten children born of her marriage to Mr. Risbridger. Following is a record of their births: George I., Dec. 30, 1854; Hannah M., Oct. 24, 1857; Byron P., Aug. 29, 1859; Ida O., Dec. 4, 1863; Francis H., Oct. 23, 1865; Charles J., Dec. 2, 1867; Mary S., Feb. 2, 1869. Fanny, born March 19, 1851, died Sept 4, 1853; Henry, born Nov. 23, 1852, died Sept. 10, 1853; Wm. W. born Aug. 1, 1861, died Oct. 27, 1863. Mr. Risbridger has been actively interested in educational matters for many years. He is a voracious reader; conversant with the affairs of the day and, mindful of all the circumstances which surrounded and baffled his ambitions in his native land, has ever been ready to lend his aid and influence to all reformatory measures which promised to correct popular evils and improve social grades. In politics he acts independently; is a prohibitionist in principle and believes in the education of the masses as a safeguard of the best interests of the future. He early identified himself with the Grange movement, and himself and wife, who co-operated with him in his views and efforts, were charter members of Bedford Grange, No. 65, P. of H., located in Calhoun County. they were also charter member of Pomona Grange, P. of H., in Calhoun County, and Mr. R. is still active in its interests. He was one of the founders of a cooperative store in Battle Creek and is one of its stockholders. Both himself and wife were zealous members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a Class-leader eight years. |