My Genealogy Hound

ABRAM C. PENNELL. Few of the pioneer settlers of Berrien County survive to narrate the story of hardships encountered, vast tracts of land cleared and victories gained. The majority of those who served as forerunners of an advancing civilization have closed their eyes upon the scenes of earth, and now live only in the memories of their descendants, who owe to them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. A few pioneers, however, remain to enjoy the comforts and luxuries they have been instrumental in securing, and among this number no one is more deserving of the tribute of respect and admiration than the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch.

A native of New York State, the subject of this sketch was born in the town of Sempronius, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 6th of January, 1815. His parents, Aaron and Sally (Case) Pennell, were natives of New York, where they passed their entire lives. They became the parents of a large family of children, as follows: Robert Zebina; Pamela, wife of Asa Caldwell; Lydia C., Mrs. Daniel Ammerman; Aaron; Union; Daniel, whose home is in Texas; Margaret, Mrs. Selim Hines; Abram C., of this sketch; Bradley M.; Comfort, a resident of Berrien Springs; and Benjamin F., who is engaged in farming in Brown County, S. Dak. All are deceased with the exception of Pamela, Daniel, Abram C. and Comfort.

In Cayuga County Abram C. Pennell passed his boyhood years, attending school during the winter seasons and aiding his father on the farm during the summer. In 1848 he came to Berrien County, where he first located in Lake Township, and later conducted farming operations in Oronoko Township. In 1876 he removed to Berrien Township, where he is still the owner of a finely-improved place, comprising three hundred and seventy-eight acres, and embellished with a good class of farm buildings adapted to their various uses. While he devoted his attention principally to general farming, he also was largely interested in stock-raising and made a specialty of raising sheep. His sons now occupy the old homestead, and under their management it retains its rank as one of the best farms in the county.

The marriage of Mr. Pennell took place in 1837 and united him with Miss Elizabeth B. Smith. Five children have blessed the union, namely: Harriett J.; Byron, who is a farmer by occupation; Edgar S. and R. Smith, who cultivate the old home farm; and Laura, who is the wife of William B. Storick, a resident farmer of Oronoko Township. Mrs. Pennell is the daughter of Richard and Ruth (Wyant) Smith. Her grandfather, Joseph Smith, was born in Middletown, Conn., on the 7th of May, 1745, and died August 11, 1817. Her maternal grandparents were Michael and Hannah (Tooker) Wyant, natives of New England. Richard Smith was born in Durham, Conn., March 14, 1781, and unto him and his wife, Ruth, were born the following children: Edgar, formerly a minister of the Baptist Church, but now deceased; Amanda, who married Truman Brown and is now deceased; Charles A., who died in Berrien Springs; Elizabeth B., Mrs. Pennell; Caroline W., who married Bradley Pennell; Martha W., wife of Walter W. White, of New York; Mary R., who married Hiram Buck (deceased); and Helen M., who is the wife of Wesley Ingley, of Locke, N. Y.

Of unwavering religious belief, Mrs. Pennell has long been identified with the Baptist Church as a faithful member and active worker. They are generous in their contributions to the support of that denomination, and also give liberally to all enterprises calculated to promote the welfare of the people, morally or religiously. Their attractive and comfortable residence is located in one of the most pleasant parts of Berrien Springs. The competency which Mr. Pennell has accumulated and the landed possessions he has gained represent the result of his well-directed efforts through years gone by, and no one is more deserving of success than he. Of more than ordinary intelligence and observation, he has long been prominent in the affairs of the county, and his name is entitled to perpetuation among those of other pioneers.