Judson W. Kingsley

Judson W. Kingsley, of the firm of J. W. Kingsley & son, dealers in general merchandise at Kingsley, Grand Traverse County.  He was born in Cincinnatus, Ontario County, New York on the 17th of August 1830.  Judson left for Wisconsin and on to Illinois, when he was seventeen, and remained there until 1865 when he came to Michigan and bought land in Section 8, Town 25, Range 10, Grand Traverse County.  A few years of his life was spent clearing land and farming, preparing his homestead for a proper claim.  

On the completion of the G. R. & I. R. R. he started in trade on a small scale; largely increased his business until he carried an extensive and complete stock of general merchandise.  Judson spent several terms as town treasurer, and held postmaster position from the first establishment of the office until 1889, when his son, C. W. preceded him. He had a wife and five children.

Brief Kingsley Data

Kingsley was a post office and station on the Traverse City Railroad.  The village was brought into existence by the building of that road, and then become a small center of trade.  It derives its name from Judson W. Kingsley, an early pioneer of Paradise Township, where the village is located.

Source: The Traverse Region, published 1884.

@Created by Brenda K. Wolfgram Moore 29une2003