Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and biographical record of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago - 1893 Page 124-125 GEORGE B. WOODBURY, a prominent business man residing in Eggleston Township, Muskegon County, is passing the twilight of his life quietly and serenely upon his homestead on section 36. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Sutton, Worcester County, November 18, 1816. He spent his boyhood days in the old Bay State and thence at an early age removed to western Michigan, and stopped for a time at Grand Haven, proceeding from that place to Muskegon. Here he engaged in engineering and also conducted a large business as a blacksmith for several years. In 1850, attracted to the far West by the discovery of gold in California, Mr. WOODBURY proceeded to that State, the journey being made via the Isthmus of Panama. After a long and tedious voyage he arrived in the golden region, where he engaged in mining and in other pursuits for about eighteen months. He then sailed on the brig "Mexico" up the Pacific Coast as far as Queen Charlotte Island. The report of fabulous quantities of gold to be found in that country induced him, with a number of other men, to attempt its discovery. After a few weeks of prospecting, they were disappointed in their search for gold. Having heard of a white metal which they supposed to be silver existing in quantities farther up the coast, they continued their journey to that point. Again they suffered disappointment, for the silver they expected to find proved to be only a beautiful white substance, a stalactite formation. The adventerous miners found the Indians very numerous and aggressive, making it necessary for them to erect barricades and use every means of protection. At the time of their departure, the savages gathered in great numbers along the shore near the vessel. To avoid an attack, they waited for the outgoing tide and suddenly, hoisting sail, with a gentle breeze blowing from the shore, they sped smoothly out to sea, followed by hundreds of Indians in their canoes. The attempt of the natives to fasten a line to the vessel and tow it back to shore was only prevented by the careful guarding of the sailors. The pursuit continued some seven or eight miles out to sea, and, the speed of the vessel increasing, the canoes with their occupants gradually disappeared in the distance. In due course of time and without further event, the voyagers arrived at the Golden Gate. Mr. WOODBURY next assisted in erecting a sawmill at Humboldt Bay, a short distance from the coast. He continued engaged in that business about eighteen months, but about six months later returned by the Nicaragua route to Grand Haven. In that city, on the 11th of December, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss RACHEL S., daughter of GEORGE W. and HARRIET E. (FORD) JOHNSON. The newly-wedded pair commenced housekeeping at Ferrisburg, where Mr. WOODBURY engaged as an engineer for a milling and lumbering company. After one year in that village, he again located in Muskegon, where he followed the business of engi- neering and blacksmithing. On the 24th of April, 1885, Mr. WOODBURY came to Eggleston Town- ship and settled upon the farm where he has since resided. This farm embraces one hundred and ten acres, equally divided by the Grand Rapids Road, and is considered the best estate in the township. Politically, Mr. WOODBURY is a true Republican, and, while having no politcal aspi- rations, takes a deep interest in matters of public importance. Socially, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife have been the parents of the following sons and daughters: LIZZIE, Mrs. W. J. NEAR of Muskegon; WILLIAM HENRY and HATTIE, deceased; LINCOLN J., who is a resident of Park City, Utah; and GEORGE B., Jr., living at home. Mrs. WOODBURY is the niece of JONATHAN FORD, the first settler of Muskegon, who built the first sawmill in the place. ===========================================================================