My Genealogy Hound

SAUNDERS L. VAN CAMP, prominently identified with the history of Berrien County, Mich., since 1866, has held with efficiency various offices of trust in Benton Township, and is widely and favorably known throughout this part of the State. Mr. Van Camp is a descendant of distinguished lineage. His remote ancestors were Hollanders by birth, but his paternal great-great-grandfather emigrating to America, founded the branch of the family famous in the early annals of our country. The paternal grandfather, Moses Van Camp, was a native of the Dutch Colony of New York, and was one of the original founders of the city of Albany. Later Moses Van Camp figured conspicuously in the settlement and progress of western Pennsylvania, and, a man of earnest purpose, sterling character and executive ability, was a most important factor in the development of the best interests of the Middle States. The parents of our subject, Garrett and Julia A. (Saunders) Van Camp, were natives of New York. The father was born in Genesee County. The birthplace of the mother was Otsego. The maternal grandfather, Capt. Elisha Saunders, served with courage in the War of 1812, and was killed at the battle of Lundy’s Lane.

Our subject was born in Pennsylvania, where he attained to mature age, and in 1862, answering the call of the Government, enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, and having served two years and three months was wounded at Gettysburg and from the effects was confined in the hospital. Mr. Van Camp actively participated in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburgh and Gettysburg. The war ended, he returned to his home, and in the spring of 1865 was united in marriage with Miss Abbie A. Pettis, the following year, 1866, journeying to Berrien County, Mich., where husband and wife settled in the dense timber. The eighty acres, entirely covered with wood, was in time brought to a high state of cultivation, and Mr. Van Camp has converted the once wilderness into an orchard of fruit, giving his attention mainly to the culture of peaches. The beautiful residence and other substantial improvements render the homestead one of the most attractive in Berrien County. Two of the three children born unto our subject and his estimable wife survive. Eda H. is the wife of W. L. Strome, of Berrien County; Ralph L. is the youngest born; and Neal G. died in infancy.

Fraternally, our subject is a member of George H. Thomas Post No. 14, G. A. R., at Benton Harbor, and much enjoys the reunions of the tried and true. He is also an Odd Fellow of the subordinate and encampment lodges. Politically, Mr. Van Camp is a Republican, and was twice elected Treasurer of Berrien County and with ability discharged the duties of the office from 1883 to 1887. He also for several years occupied the position of Supervisor of the township, and in this capacity did much for the progressive interests and mutual welfare of his fellow-townsmen, to whom his public work gave unbounded satisfaction.

Bevil H. Van Camp, a prosperous and leading horticulturist of Benton Township, Berrien County, Mich., born upon the old homestead in Erie County, Pa., in 1845, remained there until he had arrived at manhood. He received a good common-school education and enjoyed a course of instruction in the Normal School. In 1870, Mr. Van Camp was married in the Quaker State to Miss Margaret L. Evans, daughter of Joshua Evans, who came to Coloma, Mich., in 1880, and about two years before his death, in March, 1893, he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Van Camp.

Our subject settled with his wife in Berrien County in 1875, and purchased a part of the farm now owned by his elder brother. In 1885, he bought the ninety acres of timber land which, cleared, cultivated and improved, is now a most valuable homestead. The farm is devoted mostly to the culture of fruit and berries, Mr. Van Camp being particularly successful in the handling of strawberries and peaches. One son, George, is at home and assists his father in the conduct of the farm. Maud, the little daughter, died in infancy, and Robert passed away when a child. Our subject, in common with his father and five brothers, is a stanch Republican. In April, 1893, he was elected Treasurer of Benton Township, and is now giving a portion of his time to the duties of that responsible office. Fraternally, he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has many warm friends within the order. Mr. and Mrs. Van Camp are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Benton Harbor and liberally aid in the extension of its good work and influence. They are widely known and are identified with the social and benevolent enterprises of their home locality, commanding the esteem of the entire community by which they are surrounded.