My Genealogy Hound

C. G. TERWILLEGER. The finger of time is one of the most satisfactory and reliable endorsers of a man’s career. Men in the various walks of life may with justification halt and hesitate to listen to the advice of a beginner, but the voice of the old and reliable agriculturist always carries with it attention and respect. This rule applies to C. G. Terwilleger, whose name represents one of the most successful farmers of Volinia Township. He is now actively following the occupation to which he was reared, and which has been his life’s work, a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker.

The father of our subject, Cornelius Terwilleger, was a native of the Empire State, born in the latter part of the eighteenth century. This family was originally from Holland. He was married in Hamilton County, Ohio, to Miss Mary Stikles, a native of Pennsylvania, and they resided in that county until 1833, when they moved to Shelby County, of the same State. They were pioneers of that county, and there they passed the remainder of their days. Of the twelve children born to this much-esteemed couple, five sons and seven daughters, three besides our subject are now living, all daughters. Mr. Terwilleger was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was under Gen. Hull at Detroit. Both he and wife held membership in the Presbyterian Church, and he was a Whig in politics.

Their son, C. G. Terwilleger, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 29, 1824, and all his youthful days were passed in assisting on the farm and in attending the district school, which was held in a log schoolhouse, with slab seats, fireplace, etc. When eighteen years of age, he decided that farming was not the occupation designed for him, and he went to Indiana, where he spent three years in learning the blacksmith’s trade. From there he went to Hamilton County, Ohio, located eleven miles north of Cincinnati, and was married January 1, 1850, to Miss Jane Lawrence, a sister of Levi B. Lawrence. (See sketch.) She was born in New York State.

In 1853, our subject and wife came to Cass County, Mich., settled on section 4, Volinia Township, and improved a fine farm here. This farm is now owned by Jasper Van Curen, and the large brick residence on it was erected by our subject. Mr. Terwilleger settled on his present farm in 1861, and on this he has ever since resided. He has made great improvements in the place, and takes a natural pride in its appearance. Of the eighty acres owned by him, seventy are under a fine state of cultivation, although the tract was originally heavily timbered. In 1869, he built a nice two-story brick house. Brought up a Presbyterian in his religious belief, he remained so for twenty years, after which he was a Universalist. While in Ohio he met Mr. Lawrence, his father-in-law, borrowed some books from him and was deeply interested in the doctrines advanced. At Carthage, Ohio, he heard a Second Advent preacher and debated with him privately. He kept on reading and seeking information, and finally became thoroughly imbued with the Swedenborgian belief. A great many of his articles on this subject have been printed in the newspapers. He is a seer and a prophet, can foretell events, and has frequently entertained visitors from the other world.

His mother died when he was fifteen years old. One week previous to her death our subject foretold it exactly by vision, and while at the funeral he was approached spiritually and told that his mother was not dead, but was in the crowd. This event startled him spiritually in his present course. Mr. Terwilleger has been a great reader all his life, is thoroughly posted on all topics, and is especially well posted on all subjects relating to the Swedenborgian belief. He takes much interest in public affairs, and has been a member of the School Board here.