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| Timothy Edmonds, dealer in boots, shoes, rubbers, and hosiery, at Big Rapids, was born in Jackson Co., Mich. May 23, 1849. His parents were Washington and Damarias (Buckston) Edmonds he was trained to agricultural pursuits. At the age of 15 he became a soldier in the Union Army, enlisting at Dowagiac, Cass Co., this State, in March 1863, in Company L., 9th Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. W. Miller and was in the service until July 4, 1865. Among other arduous engagements in which he was in action that of the pursuit of Morgan on his retrograde movement before his capture by the brigade of Gen. Shackleford, near Lisbon, Ohio. He was also with the command of Gen. Burnside while attempting to hold East Tennessee, and was on the force that held the foot of Cumberland Mountain until Gen. Frazier’s surrender. He was among the veteran troops, which under Sherman made their triumphant march to the sea. He was wounded Dec. 4, 1864, at Waynesboro, Ga., by an ounce of lead ball, in the left thigh, which he still carries. He was sent to the hospital, and, on the expiration of his term of enlistment, was discharged at Jackson, Mich. The father of Mr. Edmonds died in September, 1863, during his army life, and, on being mustered out of the United States service, he went to work on the homestead on shares, and was thus occupied for three years. He spent the next two years in St. Joseph County, variously engaged, when he went to South Haven, Van Buren Co. There he bought 40 acres of land, which he sold three years later and purchased 80 acres in another location. Meanwhile he was operating as a lumberman. He sold his land again at the end of the year, and engaged in selling stump machines, afterward again embarking in lumbering until the fall of 1867. He then came to Big Rapids, and two years bought a farm of 45 acres in the township of Big Rapids, devoting a year to gardening, and in 1881 again sold out. In the winter of that year he commenced his present business enterprise. His stock is worth about $5,000, and he transacts an annul business in merchandise of $10,000 Mr. Edmonds was married near Lawton, Van Buren Co., to Clara Edwards. Of this marriage two children were born, Grace, in March 1868, and Dora, in June 1870. The second marriage of Mr. Edmonds took place at Big Rapids, Oct. 1, 1876, to Laura Sinkler, who died at this place Jan. 26, 1880 leaving two children, Eugene E. born Jan. 23, 1880, and Clarence H., born June 18, 1878, and died Aug. 12, 1882. Mr. Edmonds was married a third time in Ottawa, Waukesha Co., Wis. Dec.3, 1882, to Mrs. Eva J. Boone, daughter of Thomas H. and Elvira T. Hammond, born in Delafield, Wis., April 21, 1858. Mr. Edmonds is a member of the G.A.R. |