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Portrait and biographical album of Newayco (sp) County, Mich.
containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and
representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and
biographies of all the governors of Michigan and of the presidents
of the United States: also containing a complete history of the county,
from its earliest settlement to the present time.

Published by Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, 1884

Transcribed by Linda Talbott

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Page 186
WOODARD, Cassius M.
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Cassius M. Woodard, merchant at Grant Station, Ashland Township, was born
Sept. 21, 1856, near the city of Grand Rapids, Kent County.  His parents,
Amos and Ruth (Congdon) Woodard, were early residents of that county, and
were there married.  They removed with their family to Muskegon County in
1860, and engaged in agriculture in Moreland Township.  Three years later
they returned to Kent County, went again to Muskegon County (Casnovia), and
afterwards to Cedar Creek Township in that county.

Mr. Woodard obtained a good practical education during the seven years he
remained in Cedar Creek Township, and at 18 years of age became a teacher 
in the common schools of Newaygo, where he labored four years.  In 1878 he
went to the Commercial College at Valparaiso, Ind., where he completed a 
full course of study according to the the curriculum of the institution.
He then went to Grand Rapids, where he embarked in the grocery business.
In 1880 he established himself in trade in general merchandise in Bridgeton,
transferring his interests later to Ashland Center.  He made a permanent
settlement at Grant Station in October, 1882, where he has since operated
prosperously, and is gradually extending his radius of business relations.
His stock includes all varieties of merchandise, to meet the local demand,
representing a cash value of $5,000, with annual transactions aggregating
$12,000.  In addition he has established a tin shop, the trade therein
requiring two assistants.

In political sentiment Mr. Woodard is a Republican, and has always been 
active in local politics.  He has been Superintendent of the public schools
and Justice of the Peace for some time.  He is connected with the Masonic
fraternity at Newaygo and with Lodge No. 362, I.O.O.F., at Ashland Center.

Mr. Woodward was married in Grand Rapids, Sept. 24, 1879, to Mattie, daughter
of Calvin and Emily
(Page 187)
(Woodard) Sutliff.  (See sketch.)  She was born in Bridgeton, May 6, 1859,
and received her education in her native township.  She was an industrious
student, working with a purpose, and at 15 years of age she commenced 
teaching, in which profession she proved herself capable, efficient and
successful.

The household includes two children, born as follows:  Claude M., March 20,
1881, and Dennis E., Aug. 31, 1882.

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