My Genealogy Hound

DAVID JUDSON, for many years one of the most successful instructors in the West and now a fruit-grower residing in St. Joseph Township, Berrien County, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., June 12, 1829. He is the son of Henry Lyman Judson, a native of Fairfield County, Conn., born on the 15th of September, 1795, and reared in the city of Danbury, Conn., where he learned the trade of a chairmaker Later removing to New York, he located in Livingston County, where he resided until 1836. From New York he removed to Michigan, and purchased a tract of unimproved land in Hillsdale County, to the clearing and cultivation of which he gave his attention for a number of years. He succeeded in bringing the place to a high state of cultivation, it reaching a foremost rank among the farms of the county. Upon the old homestead his eyes closed in death, September 9, 1840.

Throughout Hillsdale County Mr. Judson was known and esteemed. By his untiring labor for the welfare of the community and the good of his fellow-citizens, he left an influence which extended so perceptibly beyond the home circle that it called forth a universal benediction of honor upon him who so nobly lived and labored. His wife was Catherine, daughter of John Christie. She was born at Albany, N. Y., on the 3d of December, 1785, and died in Branch County, Mich., February 12, 1857. Her childhood years were passed in the city of Albany, whence she moved to Livingston County, N. Y., and from there accompanied her husband to Michigan.

The parental family consisted of four children, of whom two are deceased, Mary Jane and Margery. The survivors are David, of this sketch, and Henry Gilbert, who is engaged in farming in Hillsdale County, this State. David was a child of seven years when he accompanied his parents in their removal from the Empire State to Michigan. His boyhood years were spent upon the home farm in Hillsdale County, where he aided his father in the usual routine of agricultural work, and for a time he conducted his studies in a neighboring school. At the age of twenty-five he entered Hillsdale College, where he availed himself to the utmost of the opportunities offered him.

Upon leaving College, Mr. Judson went to South Bend, Ind., where for two years he engaged in teaching in the common schools. From that city he went to Lansing, Iowa, in 1864, where he accepted the position of Principal of the graded schools. During the same year, on the 8th of September, at Racine, Wis., he was united in marriage with Miss Helen E., daughter of Hon. George W. Selden, a prominent citizen of Mt. Pleasant, Racine County, Wis., and a member of the State Legislature of Wisconsin. Returning to Lansing accompanied by his wife, Mr. Judson resumed his professional labors, and for four years filled the position of Principal of schools, while his wife was assistant Principal.

In the autumn of 1868 Mr. Judson came to Berrien County and purchased the place where he now resides. He did not, however, locate here at that time, but for two years engaged in teaching in Berrien County. In 1871 he and his wife returned to Lansing, Iowa, where they taught in the schools for three years. Thence they returned to Berrien County, and for one year (1874-75) after coming back to Michigan Mr. Judson was Principal of the St. Joseph schools.

In 1875 Prof. Judson removed to Waukon, Allamakee County, Iowa, where he was Principal of the schools for five years, his wife being one of his assistants. Subsequently he had charge of the schools in Villisca, Montgomery County, Iowa, for one year, and the school at Red Cloud, Neb., for two years. In 1884 he discontinued teaching and has since resided upon section 36, St. Joseph Township. The farm consists of ten acres and is devoted to the raising of pears, apples, strawberries, etc. Both as a teacher and a fruit-grower, Mr. Judson has been successful. During the period of more than twenty years in which he was engaged in teaching, he was the instructor of many men who have since gained prominence in business and political circles, and who attribute their success in no small degree to his painstaking efforts and cheerful assistance.

In all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community and the best interests of the nation, Mr. Judson maintains a deep sympathy, and all measures having for their object the promotion of benevolent projects or public-spirited enterprises receive his hearty co-operation. In his political belief, he is a Republican. He has held the office of School Inspector of the township and Highway Commissioner, and has also served as Treasurer of his school district for the past six years.