My Genealogy Hound

ELIJAH S. B. VAIL. Though passed from the scenes of his former activity, Mr. Vail still lives in the hearts of the host of warm personal friends to whom he was endeared. His demise was widely mourned, for he had an extensive acquaintance throughout Berrien County and was highly regarded as a successful and public-spirited business man. Such a life as his may well serve as an example for the young to emulate and the aged to admire. A brief review of its most salient features will therefore be appropriate in this volume.

In the city of New York our subject was born September 30, 1821. His father, Charles Vail, was a native of Westchester County, N. Y., and was the son of Thomas Vail, likewise a native of the Empire State. The paternal ancestors were of English birth, and members of the family were represented in America during the early Colonial days. The mother of our subject was known in maidenhood as Nancy Totten and was also a descendant of English ancestors. Elijah S. B. spent the years of his boyhood in New York City, where he was a pupil in the public schools and acquired a practical education.

In 1855 Mr. Vail removed to Wisconsin, where he located in La Crosse and embarked in business as a real-estate agent. He laid out an addition to the city and in other ways aided in promoting its growth. In 1864 he removed from La Crosse to St. Joseph, and here commenced in business as a fruit-grower. He continued on the same place engaged in raising fruit until his death, March 18, 1886. Since his demise his widow has conducted the business upon her property, and as she possesses excellent judgment and energy she has made a success of the undertaking. She owns fifty-three acres and gives especial attention to raising pears, peaches and berries.

This estimable lady was formerly Miss Helen V. Russell and became the wife of Mr. Vail November 29, 1866. She is the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Jennings) Russell, both of whom were natives of New York and early settlers of Berrien County. Mrs. Vail was born in St. Joseph and received an excellent education in the schools of this place. She is a cultured and refined woman. She has two sons and one daughter: Alfred T., residing in Chicago, and Grace and Paul R., who remain with their mother at home. In politics, Mr. Vail was a Democrat.