My Genealogy Hound

LEVI SPRINGSTEEN. Such as Michigan is, she has been made through the energetic efforts and patient perseverance of the sturdy race of pioneers who, during the early half of this century, penetrated its dense forests and cleared the land which forms the present sites of flourishing cities. The family of which our subject is a member has for more than a half-century been identified with the development of this section of Michigan and the name is one well known throughout Cass County, especially in La Grange Township, where our subject makes his home.

Henry Springsteen, father of our subject, was born in Rockland County, N. Y., and was descended from ancestors who emigrated from Holland in an early day and became closely associated with the progress of the United States. Henry Springsteen, who was reared upon a farm, in his youth was bound out to an elder brother to learn the trade of a carpenter, and after completing his term of apprenticeship followed that trade for many years. In his native county he married Eleanor Clark, and soon afterward removed to Ontario County, N. Y. They became the parents of four sons and four daughters, three now living, as follows: Eliza, Catharine and our subject. When our subject was a mere infant the family removed to Niagara County, where the father purchased one hundred acres of heavily timbered land. He cleared the place and added to it until his aggregate possessions amounted to three hundred acres.

In 1837, Henry Springsteen came to Michigan, making the long journey in wagons and occupying considerable time in the removal. Reaching Cass County he rented land on Kinnie’s Prairie, where he remained for two years. Later, he bought one hundred and sixty acres near Dowagiac, but died two years after coming to this place, before he had effected the improvements which he had planned. In his religious belief, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and served as Class-leader in that religious organization. His wife was also a devoted member of that denomination. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was a man of great loyalty to his country, serving with valor in the War of 1812, although he never received any compensation for his services.

Born in Ontario County, N. Y., March 10, 1815, our subject was taken in his infancy to Niagara County, where he grew to manhood. When about twenty-three years old he married Miss Ariminda, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Vanderhoof. This lady died in 1844, leaving one daughter, who passed away when twenty-one years old. The second marriage of Mr. Springsteen united him with Mrs. May Hunter, nee Stillwell, an estimable lady, who departed this life in 1890. Beginning farming operations soon after his first marriage, Mr. Springsteen cleared large tracts and increased the value of his property by erecting suitable and substantial buildings. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, the most of which is improved. In his political opinions, he believes that free trade will subserve the best interests of the nation, and accordingly casts his influence on the side of the Democratic party.