My Genealogy Hound

EMANUEL G. EBY, a successful business man of Three Oaks, was born in Charleston, Va., March 12, 1830, and is the son of William Eby. His father was born and reared in the Old Dominion, and there married Miss Jane, daughter of Adam Grubb, both natives of Virginia. About 1832 they moved West to Ohio and located in Springfield, where Mr. Eby followed the occupation of a farmer and also engaged in the grocery and other business. He remained a resident of Springfield until his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife passed from earth two years after his demise.

There were born of the union of William and Jane Eby eight children, of whom six grew to manhood and womanhood, and are now living. They are: William, who is book-keeper for a coffee house in Columbus, Ohio; Catherine, the wife of James Johnson, a carpenter of Springfield, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Daniel Smith, pastor of the Lutheran Church at Mansfield, Ohio; E. G.; William and Maria. Louis, a saddler by trade, died at Springfield, Ohio; and Maria, Mrs. John M. Newkirk, died in St. Louis, Mo. The father of this family was a Republican in politics and held a number of local positions, serving as a member of the City Council and also as Overseer of the Poor. He was one of the pioneers of Springfield and was prominently connected with its best interests.

The subject of our sketch was reared in Springfield, and acquired his education in the schools of that city. At the age of sixteen he commenced to learn the trade of a harness-maker under Peter Moody, and was employed at his trade in Springfield until 1868. At that time, accompanied by his family, he removed to Michigan and, locating in Three Oaks, embarked in the harness business. He has since been engaged in this line and has met with success, being a man of good judgment, excellent capabilities and sound common-sense. He carries a complete stock of harness, whips, etc., and has a large trade from the people of Three Oaks and the surrounding country.

At Elgin, Ill., in 1854, occurred the marriage of Mr. Eby to Miss Sophia M., the daughter of Jasper Peet, a native of the State of New York, and a prominent stove dealer in Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Eby was also born in New York, and was there reared to womanhood, removing to Springfield, Ohio, with her parents in 1849. Mr. Eby has a family of two children: Flora L., who is the wife of Sidney A. Munger, a jeweler residing in Sturgis, Mich.; and Edward K., who is in the employ of the Mackinaw Railroad, being agent at Gaylord, Mich. A Republican in politics, Mr. Eby has served as a member of the City Council for several years and is still officiating in that capacity. He has rendered efficient service as a member of the Board of Education, and has been Treasurer of the town for a number of years. Socially, he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and has held several offices in the lodge. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church and are liberal contributors to religious enterprises.