LEVI PARTLOW

From "Past and Present of Clinton county" - 1910

Levi P. Partlow is one of the native sons of Clinton county who has demonstrated the possibility for successful achievement along agricultural lines. He resides on section 32, Eagle township, where he has valuable property interests, his farm returning to him a very gratifying annual income. He was born upon this farm July 26, 1846, his parents being Palmer and Eliza (Sanders) Partlow, both of whom were natives of St. Lawrence county, New York. The paternal grandfather, Ransom Partlow, was a native of Scotland, and died in St. Lawrence county, while the maternal grandfather, David Sanders, was born in the Empire state. He followed the lumber business there and afterward in Gratiot county, Michigan. Subsequent to their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Partlow came to Clinton county, Michigan, and settled on the farm now owned by their son Levi.

The tract of land was wild when it came into their possession and the father cut the first stick of timber there in I840. His remaining days were passed upon this place and he performed a helpful part in the work of early progress and improvement, reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization. He was also active in public affairs, and took the contract for carrying the United States mail. He was a devoted member and active worker of the Methodist Episcopal church and was prominent in all that pertained to the material, intellectual and moral progress of his community. In connection with his farming interests he operated a threshing machine for some years and he was classed with the sturdy pioneer settlers through whose efforts was laid broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the superstructure of the county's present prosperity and progress. He was in limited financial circumstances when he came to the west but as the years passed by he prospered in his undertakings and as his means permitted he displayed a very benevolent and charitable spirit, the poor and needy finding in him a warm friend. He was also well liked, was popular with his fellow townsmen and made a most honorable record so that he left his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. He died in I884, at the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in I894, at the age of seventy-nine years. In their family were six children, of whom 'Levi P. is the youngest and only one other, John, of Eagle township, is now living. Those deceased are: Samantha, who was the wife of Matthew Davenport, of Eagle township; Maranda, the wife of James Dewitt, of Eagle township; Almond, who died in the village of Eagle in July, I903; and Jonathan, a twin brother, of John, who died at the age of eight years.

Levi P. Partlow pursued his education in a select school conducted by J. V. Jones and also in the local district schools. He has always resided upon the old homestead farm. His father first settled here on twenty-two and a half acres of land but increased his holdings until he had nearly three hundred acres, which is the present extent of the farm. When eighteen years of age Levi P. Partlow took charge of the home place because of his father's ill health, first operating it on the shares but eventually he became the owner and now continues the cultivation and improvement of the property which is to-day one of the finest farms in Clinton
county. He built a modern brick residence in 1900, having all the conveniences of a city home, this replacing his farm residence, which was destroyed by fire. The barns and other outbuildings are thoroughly modern and are commodious, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. Mr. Partlow is one of the few native sons who desire to cling to his native heath instead of seeking the seeming changes of the outside world, and his choice was a wise one, for in the control of his farming interests here he has won success, gaining a very desirable
competency. He was also enabled to care for his parents until the close of their lives, which gave to him much satisfaction in the discharge of this duty.

He has always taken a deep and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the general welfare and in 1900 he served as chairman of the building committee at the time of the erection of the new brick Methodist Episcopal church in his neighborhood. It is a fine structure for a country church and is known as the Union Cemetery church. Mr. Partlow also takes pride in the improvement of Union Cemetery, which was established by his father and neighbors when the land throughout this territory was wild and unimproved. Whatever pertains to the
general welfare or upbuilding elicits his attention and support and he has co-operated in many progressive public measures. His activity in political circles has also been beneficial. He was the first postmaster of the River Bend post office, established on his farm, appointed under Randolph Strickland during President Grant's administration. He acted in that capacity for twelve years or until the post office was discontinued on account of change in route. He has also been justice of the peace for several terms, a member of the board of review and highway commissioner, but still greater political honors have been conferred upon him for in 1903 he was elected to represent Clinton county in the state legislature and was re-elected in 1904. In the first year he received a majority of six hundred and fifty and the second year of fourteen hundred-a fact which is indicative of his personal popularity, the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and his fidelity to duty. He proved an active working member of the house, being connected with considerable constructive legislature and he introduced and supported a number of important bills there which were carried through successfully.

On the I th of August, 1867, Mr. Partlow was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Blasier, a daughter of Peter and Phoebe (Johnson) Blasier, of Oneida township, Eaton county, Michigan. Her father, as well as Mr. Partlow's father, was among the first settlers of the locality and they were great friends. The children of this marriage are as follows: Levi Blaiser Partlow, living on the home farm, wedded Mary Stokes, a daughter of David Stokes, of Eaton county. Parmie died at the age of eight years. After the death of Parmie a little girl was taken in the home, Annie Tillman, who is now the wife of Charles Rathfoot, and they have two children, Harold and Dorothea.

Mr. Partlow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also of the Masonic fraternity. He is a stalwart and unflagging champion of temperance principles and belongs to the Independent Order of Good Templars. His position on this question is never an equivocal one for he stands strong in support of the temperance movement and is opposed to the liquor traffic. All who know him respect him for his fidelity to his honest convictions and he is to-day one of the prominent and distinguished residents of Clinton county, whose public record has been of value to the county which has honored him by high political preferment.