My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE L. AND JACOB D. ELSON. Among the prominent old settlers of the Lake State are the two brothers, George L. and Jacob D. Elson, both of whom were identified with the State in the days of its earlier and simpler style of living. Their parents, Abraham and Maria (Onderkirk) Elson, were natives of New York State, but at an early period came to Michigan, where they were among the first settlers. The good old fathers and mothers of those days were educated, not as books count, perhaps, but in all that makes noble men and noble women. Their memory is revered and their early struggles appreciated. They have given their descendants a goodly heritage, a land veritably flowing with milk and honey; and, better still, sons and daughters possessed of attributes to make good and noble citizens. The father of Abraham Elson, Jacob Elson, served in the Revolutionary War.

George L. Elson, the elder of our subjects, was born in the Empire State, on the 26th of June, 1823, and there made his home until twenty-four years of age. He then came to the State of Michigan and located about five miles from Benton Harbor. Here he met Miss Harriet Jane Gordon, with whom he was united in marriage, and who bore him eight children: Emma Jane, Mary (deceased), Delia, Susan, John, Hattie, George and Matthias. Those of the children married are: Delia, Emma Jane, Susie, Hattie and John. The others are living at home. On coming to Berrien County Mr. Prison purchased forty acres of land, all of which was timber-land, and by energy and perseverance he cleared all but ten acres, and has it in a fine state of cultivation. His principal productions are grain and fruit, and he has accumulated a comfortable competence for his declining years. He is a man of pronounced opinions, firm in his convictions of right and wrong, and is well worthy of the esteem in which he is held. His political inclinations are Democratic.

Jacob D. Elson was the eighth in order of birth of ten children born to his parents, and is a native of this State, born in Wayne County in 1838, his parents having settled there when the country was covered with a dense forest. After remaining in his native county until about 1850, and receiving a limited education in the common schools, he came to Berrien County and here has resided ever since. Farming and fruit-growing have been his principal occupations, and the eighty acres that he owns are for the most part cultivated and improved. He assisted his father in clearing the home place of the timber with which it was covered, and at an early age became familiar with hard labor. Although his educational advantages were not of the best, he has become a well-informed man and is noted for his sound, practical and shrewd views on all matters of public interest.

Jacob Elson was married in 1865 to Miss Helen E. Gordon and ten children were born to this union, five sons and five daughters: T. Edwin, Carrie, Lydia (Mrs. M. Eikes), Cora, Mary, Arthur, Susie, Claud, Wilbur and Ralph. Politically, Mr. Elson adheres to the principles of the Republican party and is a representative citizen of the county.