Charles Peel

Charles Peel, farmer, section 23, Hartwick Township, was born Oct 12, 1838, in Leicestershire, England. His father, William Peel, emigrated from his native country with his wife and children in 1842, locating in Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio. Mr. Peel was three years of age when his parents became residents of the Buckeye State, where he remained during the years of his minority and obtained his education in the common schools. On attaining his majority he came to Michigan, making his first location at Jamestown, Ottawa County, where he engaged in farming on 40 acres of land, of which he became the proprietor by purchase. In the second year of the War of the Rebellion he enlisted at Grand Rapids in the First Regiment, Mechanics and Engineers, enrolling in Co. H, Capt. W.P. Ennis. His command joined the Army of the Cumberland and Mr. Peel was a participant in the battles of Perryville, Lavergne, and Bentonville, besides being in various minor affairs. He escaped without wound or capture, and was honorably discharged JUne 19, 1865, after a military service of over two years. He was made Corporal, and in August, 1864, was promoted to Second Sergeant. He returned on leaving the army to Oakfield, Kent Co., Mich., where he engaged as assistant in a saw and shingle mill, spending three years in that employment. In 1867 he purchased 40 acres of land in that township, on which he operated two years, going thence to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. Some months later he sold his interest there, and in the same year, 1868, he purchased 40 acres which has since been his home. He is now the owner of 120 acres, and 80 acres of the tract are under improvements and cultivation. He is an exceptionally good farmer.

Mr. Peel was formerly a Republican, but is now a supporter of the principles of the Prohibition element. He has officiated in his township as Treasurer and School Assessor.

He was married Jan. 1, 1860, in Paris, Kent County, to Lucy A. Leman, and they have had seven children, - William A., Albert W., Elnora, Percy J., Harvey F., Howard E. and Frank E. Mrs. Peel was born July 6, 1840, in Newfane, Niagara Co., N.Y., and was 12 years of age when she came with her parents to Paris, where she was reared and educated. She is a member of the Baptist Church.

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