James Malcolm

Pages 242, 243

JAMES MALCOLM. As a progressive and successful agriculturist of Tallmadge Township, the subject of this sketch is known, either personally or by reputation, to all the citizens of Ottawa County. During the long period of his residence here he has become inseparably connected with the progress of the community, and while advancing his individual interests has also aided in developing the resources of the township and county. In connection with agriculture he has also followed the trade of a carpenter, and through the intelligent prosecution of these two vocations he has accumulated a competency.

In Canada, August 23, 1826, our subject was born to the union of Daniel and Margaret (Crosett) Malcolm, the former a native of Scotland, while the latter was born in New York, being the daughter of James and Margaret (Pescod) Crossett. The only child of his parents, our subject was given every advantage within their power to bestow upon him, and for some time he was a student in the common schools of Canada. He was employed on the home farm until he was twenty, when he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter, and at the expiration of his apprenticeship followed that occupation in Canada for ten years.

On coming to the States Mr. Malcolm sojourned for a time in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he worked at his trade for one year. Feeling dissatisfied, however, with the location and prospects offered by that city, he came to Ottawa County, where the indications were so favorable that he decided to purchase property here. The land that he purchased in Tallmadge Township in 1861 was wholly unimproved, and it was only after the most arduous efforts on his part that the "wilderness was made to bloom and blossom as the rose." Finally the land was cleared, the soil placed under cultivation, suitable buildings erected, and ornamental and fruit trees planted, and the farm now ranks among the best in the vicinity.

At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Malcolm was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Parmelia, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Vincent) Stephens, and to this marriage ten children were born, as follows: Sarah Ann; Alethea, who became the wife of John Yonker and resides in Grand Rapids; Rhoda; Minerva, the wife of William Schroder and a resident of Grand Rapids; George, who died August 24, 1893; James, Ebon, Thomas J., Rachel and John. The wife and mother died in 1888, mourned by all who knew her, but especially by the members of her family, to whom she had always been tenderly attached. In his political belief Mr. Malcolm always casts his ballot in support of Democratic principles and candidates. He had been the incumbent of numerous official positions, including the office of Township Commissioner, which he has held for four terms. Mr. Malcolm’s father was twice married; by his first marriage he had three sons and four daughters, all deceased except one son, Jeremiah, who resides in Kansas.