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Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1893.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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S. G. ANTISDALE. One of the finest residences in Benton Harbor is “Oakwood Place,” which is beautifully situated on Michigan Avenue and commands a line view of the lake. The well-kept lawn and attractive surroundings invariably cause the passer-by to pause in admiration, and visitors to the city are always shown this place. In this charming home, Mr. and Mrs. Antisdale and family reside, and here they extend a charming hospitality to their hosts of friends.

At present a real-estate dealer in Benton Harbor, Mr. Antisdale was formerly a resident of Ohio, and was born in Geauga County, that State, March 19, 1830. His father, George W. Antisdale, was a native of Ontario County, N. Y., and died July 19, 1887, in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was also named George W., and was born in the Empire State. The mother of our subject was known in maidenhood as Sallie Greeley, and was a cousin of the famous Horace Greeley. She is still living, past eighty years of age. Our subject attended the common schools of Geauga County, Ohio, and after completing his studies he engaged in teaching, following that profession for a short time. Afterward he purchased a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits with success, becoming known throughout his community as an enterprising and efficient farmer.

In 1869 Mr. Antisdale sold his property, and in 1870 removed to Michigan, locating in Benton Harbor and opening a mercantile establishment. He engaged in merchandising for eight years. He then became a wholesale dealer in fruit and vegetables. In 1887 he opened a carriage repository, and in addition sold farm implements. During the following year he erected a substantial brick building on Pipestone Street. In 1891 he sold out his mercantile interests. The building has a frontage of forty-eight and one-half feet, is seventy-two feet deep and three stories in height, being considered one of the finest business blocks in the city. He also owns a business house on West Main Street. In politics Mr. Antisdale is a Republican, and has served for four terms as Mayor of Benton Harbor.

At Chagrin Falls, Ohio, September 6, 1851, occurred the marriage of Mr. Antisdale with Miss Miranda Stone, who at that time was residing in Geauga County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Nathaniel Stone, of Ohio. She died in 1870, leaving two sons, Nathaniel H., now residing in Chicago; and Royal S., whose home is in Geauga County, Ohio. The present wife of our subject, with whom he was united April 23, 1871, was Mrs. Nancy A. Burridge, nee Brunson, an estimable lady, who occupies a leading position in the social circles of Benton Harbor. Mr. Antisdale served as President of the Berrien County Horticultural Society for thirteen consecutive years, and was President of the Berrien County Agricultural Society for five years. At this writing (1893) he represents Berrien County in the fruit department for the Michigan exhibit in Horticultural Hall at the World’s Fair, having been appointed by the State Commission to procure fruit for exhibit.

In this connection it will not be inappropriate to present in brief the principal events in the life of Sterne Brunson, familiarly known as the “father” of Benton Harbor, and who was the father of Mrs. Antisdale. Born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1812, he was the son of Reuben and Nancy (Cathcart) Brunson, and was descended from English ancestors. During the year of his birth, the family removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they remained for three years. From that city they proceeded to Wayne County, Ind., and made that their home for three years, the father being engaged in the nursery business and also as a fruit-grower. From Wayne County the family removed to Elkhart, Ind., where they resided until 1859.

In 1859 Sterne Brunson came to the present site of Benton Harbor, and soon after his arrival conceived the idea of building a town on the east side of the St. Joseph River, and of cutting a canal from the river to the present site of Benton Harbor. He originated and organized the movement, and through his sole instrumentality the canal was put through, and the town was given the name of Brunson Harbor, the name being subsequently changed to Benton Harbor. Later he retired and gave his attention exclusively to the care of the property he had accumulated. He was a man of great public spirit, in politics a stanch Republican, and served as Mayor of Benton Harbor. He donated the lot where the Central School now stands, and aided every movement which had for its object the improvement of the place. Socially, he was identified with Benton Lodge No. 132, I. O. O. F.

April 27, 1826, Mr. Brunson married Miss Sarah, daughter of John Shank, a native of Pennsylvania, who died at Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Brunson became the parents of six children, as follows: Lewis, deceased; John, Nancy A., Rufus, Allen and Horace, the latter being a resident of Chicago. In their religious belief, the parents were members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Brunson passed away in April, 1878, at the home of his only daughter, Mrs. Antisdale. His widow survived him for a number of years, and died in August, 1886, at Mrs. Antisdale’s home.

Nancy A. (Brunson) Antisdale was born in Wayne County, Ind., on the 28th of October, 1830, and is the daughter of Sterne and Sarah (Shank) Brunson. December 8, 1849, she married Alvin Burridge, a native of Vermont and a son of John Burridge, of the Green Mountain State. Mr. and Mrs. Burridge moved to Benton Harbor in 1862, and here he was engaged for a number of years in general merchandising and fruit-growing. He was lost on Lake Michigan on the morning of the 8th of September, 1868, at the time of the sinking of the steamer “Hypocampus.” Of his marriage four children were born, as follows: Nettie, wife of W. B. Clark, of Benton Harbor; Clarabelle, deceased; Lewis T., a merchant in this city; and Nellie M., wife of Charles D. Cole, a commission merchant of Chicago, being a member of the firm of L. B. Smith & Co.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published in 1893. 

View additional Berrien County, Michigan family biographies here: Berrien County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Berrien County, Michigan here: Berrien County Michigan Map

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