My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPHUS FISHER, a prosperous general agriculturist and Justice of the Peace in Sodus Township, Berrien County, Mich., has held with efficiency various positions of trust in his present home, and, a citizen of sterling integrity of character and excellent judgment, discharging the duties of office with fidelity, receives the confidence and esteem of the wide circle of friends and acquaintances among whom he has dwelt for thirty-nine changing years. Our subject was born in Palmyra Township, Portage County, Ohio, October 14, 1828. His father, George Fisher, was a native of Pennsylvania, but with his parents removed to Ohio when a boy, and in his new home followed the avocation of a farmer. He remained in the Buckeye State, constantly engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, until his death. His wife was in maidenhood Miss Esther Simons, a daughter of Nicholas and Elizaeth Simons, well-known and highly esteemed residents of Portage County, Ohio. Unto the father and mother were born ten children, six daughters and four sons, of whom nine grew to maturity. Two of the sons and four of the daughters yet survive.

Josephus, our subject, was the fifth child in order of birth, and, reared upon the farm of his father, and attending the schools of Palmyra Township when he could be spared, grew up to vigorous manhood. At twenty-three years of age; he rented land and began life for himself. For four years he devoted his entire attention to the pursuits of agriculture in his native county, and at the expiration of this time decided to try his fortunes in the farther West. In October, 1854, Mr. Fisher emigrated to Michigan, located in Sodus Township, and settled upon ninety-six acres of land, improved only with five apple trees, and a shanty, in which he lived for five years, his family being somewhat cramped for room in the small habitation which sheltered them so long. In 1859, Mr. Fisher built a commodious and attractive house and a substantial barn and sheds, and also purchased thirteen additional acres of land. Some years after he bought a forty-five acre tract, and by the division of her father’s farm among the children Mrs. Fisher received as her share forty-nine acres, adjoining the last acreage purchased by our subject. Mr. Fisher has no specialty, but raises mixed crops and also handles a good quality of stock, and, a practical man of extended experience, has made farming a profitable and continuous pursuit.

July 4, 1850, Josephus Fisher and Miss Phoebe A., daughter of John and Jane Gano, were united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Fisher were among the very early settlers of Berrien County, and were numbered with the pioneers of the State, John Gano being ninety years old when he died. Our subject and his estimable wife were the parents of six children, the eldest of whom died in infancy, and Edna passed away at two years of age; Alice survived to maturity and died when thirty-two years old. The sons and daughters yet living are: John G.; Urania, the wife of Leander McCain, residing in Sodus Station; and George. John married Mary Killen and has six children; George married Prudence Hart. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are both faithful members of the Disciples Church, and have reared their family in accord with the Gospel teachings of their religious denomination. Our subject, active in church work, has been an Elder for years, and is also Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

Politically, Mr. Fisher is a Republican, and has occupied with ability the offices of Treasurer, Supervisor and Highway Commissioner, in every detail of public work being conscientious, earnest and upright. He is a liberal-spirited citizen and thoroughly devoted to the promotion of real advancement and educational progress. Although now sixty-live years of age, he has never taken a drop of intoxicating liquors nor tasted tobacco. Fair, and guided by law and evidence, his decisions as Justice of the Peace give thorough satisfaction to his fellow- townsmen, and but few cases which come within his jurisdiction are appealed to a higher court.