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Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Atherton, Albert E. 1850 -
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 2:20 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
ALBERT E. ATHERTON. The gentleman whose name appears above and whom we take
pleasure in representing among the enterprising manufacturers of Genesee County
is the proprietor of the well-known Atlas, Flour, Saw and Stave Mills, located
in Atlas Township, Genesee County. He began business in Atlas in the spring of
1880, first fitting up the flouring-mill throughout and a year ago changing to
the roller-process, putting in the best appliances made by the Case Company of
Columbus, Ohio. This mill has a capacity of about fifty barrels of flour per day
and also grinds feed.
Mr. Atherton employs one miller and a helper in the grist-mill; his work is
mostly custom work. He ships to various towns throughout his locality, his trade
being for the most part that of sack flour. In the various departments of his
sawmill lie keeps constantly employed five or six men, the stave and heading
departments being fitted out with the latest improvements in machinery. He began
manufacturing staves and headings about 1887. The mills are located on Kearsley
Creek in the village of Atlas and are run by water power, there being an
excellent dam to control the water supply.
Mr. Atherton is a native of this county and was born September 2, 1850. He is
a son of Childs C. and Susan (Colvin) Atherton. He was reared to manhood in
Burton Township and received a good common-school education, having besides the
advantage of thorough business training. He was married in 1878 to Miss Ettie
Farrar, a daughter of O. P. Farrar, of Atlas Township. He became engaged in
business in Atlas in 1880.
Our subject is a Republican in his political faith, believing that to be the
party that most favors advancement in all commercial and governmental lines. He
and his wife in their church relation are Baptists. Socially he is connected
with the Knights of the Maccabees. The business tact and ability of him of whom
we write is recognized throughout this region. The mills of which he is the
proprietor are valued at $10,000 and they bring him in a fine income.
It will not be out of place to here add a few words regarding the family from
which Mr. Atherton took his wife. Mr. O. P. Farrar is one of the representative
pioneers of Genesee County. He now resides on section 7, Atlas Township, this
county. He is a native of New York, having been born in Livingston County,
November 15, 1818. He is a son of Pearson and Nancy Farrar, New Englanders by
birth and education. His grandsire Farrar was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. O. P. Farrar when a boy came with his parents to Genesee County, this
State, making the journey via Lake Erie and by water way, landing at Detroit and
thence came northward with ox-team. Pearson Farrar on his arrival settled in
Grand Blanc Township, being one of the first pioneers there. He subsequently
died in Atlas Township. Mr. O. P. Farrar arrived at maturity in Grand Blanc
Township. He was married January 31, 1844, to Miss Sarah E. Mills, a native of
Genesee County, and born April 11, 1822. She was a daughter of John and
Elizabeth Mills, natives of the Empire State. When but fifteen years of age she
emigrated with her parents to Lapeer County, Mich., which was her home until her
marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Farrar were born four children, three of whom are
living. They are Ettie J. (Mrs. A. E. Atherton) Flora A., (Mrs. William Hobart)
and Edson A. Mr. Farrar settled on his present farm in Atlas Township about 1853
and has lived here ever since. He owns one hundred and eighty-three acres of
good and arable land.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/atherton851gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 4.5 Kb
Lapeer-Barry County MI Archives Biographies.....Taylor, Thomas Chalmers 1843 -
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 2:12 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
HON. THOMAS CHALMERS TAYLOR. This gentleman is a lawyer by profession and is
also engaged in farming, having a farm of two hundred and forty acres, on
sections 28 and 31, in Almont, where he resides. He is a native of this place,
having been born in Almont Township, at the edge of the village, on the same
place where he now resides, his birthday having been April 19, 1843. He is a son
of James and Janet (Lochhead) Taylor, both natives of Scotland. The father came
from Kinross and the mother from Kilmarnock, Scotland. The father came to
America in 1826 and located first in Connecticut, employing himself there in the
manufacture of carpets. He was there married, his wife having come to America
with her parents. Not a great period after their marriage had elapsed before
they came to Michigan, their advent being in 1834.
Our subject was one of fourteen children born to his parents, eleven of whom
grew to maturity and ten of whom are still living, six in Michigan and three in
the Dakotas. When the father came to Michigan he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres, on section 28, in Almont Township. He was an enterprising and prudent
business man and held various township offices, having been Supervisor a number
of years. He was a candidate for the State Legislature in 1856, on the
Democratic ticket, but his party being in the minority, he was defeated. He was
drowned in Lake Erie, April 12, 1858.
He of whom we write was reared on the home farm. He received the rudiments of
his education in the district schools and then went to Romeo Academy. The winter
that he was eighteen he began teaching and was thus engaged at various times. He
entered the University of Michigan in 1865 and was graduated from the literary
department in 1869, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He taught at
Leslie as Principal of the graded schools and then took charge of the schools at
Hastings, Barry County, this State. While he was thus engaged he had been
reading law and in the fall of 1871 was admitted to the bar and began the
practice of law at Hastings, following his profession there for one year and
thence removing to Almont.
In the spring of 1872 Mr. Taylor was married to Hannah C. Fowler, of Aurelius,
Ingham County, Mich., and they are the parents of seven children: May F., James
S., Emma R., Thomas C., Robert L., Joseph H. and Louisa F. The eldest daughter
graduated from the schools in this place and is now a student at Alma College.
The ancestors of Mrs. Taylor were numbered among the Puritans and early settled
at Andover, Mass. Her Great-grandfather Fowler was killed in the battle of
Bunker Hill and his wife was so overcome with grief at his sudden death that she
soon died, leaving a family of small children, the youngest of whom, Josiah
Fowler, grandfather of Mrs. Taylor, was about two years of age. He was separated
from his family at that time, and on account of his infancy they became lost to
him and he to them. Only in recent years, through the family name of "Josiah,"
did the descendants learn anything definite of the lost members of that branch
of the Fowler family.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lapeer/bios/taylor850gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 4.0 Kb
Genesee-Washtenaw County MI Archives Biographies.....Orr, Robert 1846 -
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 2:07 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
ROBERT ORR. It is with sincere gratification that a biographer takes up his pen
to WV give the life sketch of a man whose character and life, not only reflect
honor upon humanity but have proved worthy of the emulation of all who know him.
This may be truly said of Mr. Orr, whose uprightness in business dealings and
true worth make him a man of mark in the community.
The parents of our subject were Joseph and Ellen (McCracken) Orr, who were
residents of Argentine Township, this county, and the father of Joseph was Allen
Orr, a native of Scotland. The father of Ellen McCracken was also of Scotch
birth, and here both the parents of Robert Orr grew to maturity, and they were
married shortly before coming to America. They made their first settlement in
Washtenaw County, this State, and after living there for several years came to
this county, and settled in Argentine Township. They had a family of five sons
and two daughters and Robert was the youngest of the flock.
Our subject was born near Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, April 9, 1846, and
lived with his father until he became of age, when he engaged in farming on his
own account. About the year 1868 he settled in Fenton Township, where he lived
upon a farm for ten years, and then sold it and removed to Mundy Township, which
has since been his home. He has always followed farming and agricultuial
pursuits and is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. He was married
February 4, 1878, to Miss Betsey, daughter of the late Robert Newton, who had
died in Fenton Township, this county, January 15, 1870. The mother bore the
maiden name of Margaret Blinston and she had also passed from earth, dying in
Fenton Township, October 8, 1877. The father of Robert Newton was Thomas and he
lived and died in England. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Orr was Thomas
Blinston who also spent his life in his native land, England.
Robert and Margaret Newton had five children, two sons and three daughters,
and Mrs. Orr is the youngest in the family. She was born in Cheshire, England,
May 2, 1858, and was seven years old when she came to America with her parents.
The children who have come to brighten the home of our subject and his worthy
wife are four in number, George, Byron, Burns, and a little son who died in
early infancy. In his political preferences Mr. Orr is a pronounced Republican
and he is confident that the principles of that party are best adapted to bring
about true prosperity for our country.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/orr849gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.4 Kb
Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Sweers, Lewis 1853 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 2:04 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
LEWIS SWEERS. Among the prominent, thrifty and enterprising citizens of Atlas
Township, Genesee County, none is more worthy of the notice of our readers than
the subject of this sketch. He is a native of the county, having been born here
February 29, 1853, and is a son of Manley and Lydia (VanCleve) Sweers. The
father was a Vermonter by birth, and the mother a native of the Empire State,
and the Grandfather Sweers is said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812.
Manley Sweers, the father of our subject, migrated in the spring of 1836, from
New York to Genesee County, this State, and purchased land from the Government
where he put up a small log house and resided with his family for a number of
years. Later in life, he erected a better residence and is now in his
eighty-third year, and counted as one of the oldest living, pioneers in Atlas
Township. This sturdy pioneer endured the usual hardships incident to the life
of an early settler and had but limited means with which to provide for his
family. He has ever been wide-awake and enterprising, willing to undertake work
for the upbuilding of the county and helpful to the community in every way, He
first farmed with the help of oxen but in due time was able to command a team of
horses. His education had been limited and he had been blessed with but few
advantages. His wife, who died September 29, 1891, was also one of the first
pioneers of Atlas Township.
Lewis Sweers, our subject, was reared to man's estate in Atlas Township, and
from early youth engaged in farming, although his parents granted him time to
secure a good common-school education. It was in 1877 when he was married to
Amelia, daughter of William Siebenhar of Atlas Township, whose sketch will be
found elsewhere in this volume. By this union one son was born, Lewis L., who
was born May 27, 1878. Our subject has made his own property and now owns a good
farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He has served as Treasurer of the township
for two years and in 1890 was the Enumerator in this township for the Eleventh
Census. Politically, he is a Republican and is identified with the Knights of
the Maccabees at Goodrich.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/sweers848gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.1 Kb
Genesee-Wayne-Jackson County MI Archives Biographies.....Andrews, Simeon E. 1820 -
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 2:00 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
SIMEON E. ANDREWS. One of the most successful farmers in Genesee Township,
Genesee County, is he whose name appears above. He was born in Rensselaer County
N. Y. September 23, 1820, and is a son of Samuel M. Andrews, a native of
Connecticut, who was born in New Haven, He served in the War of 1812. Our
subject's father spent the first twenty years of his life in his native place
and then went to New York State, where he was engaged at his trade, that of a
carpenter and joiner. He followed that trade all his life and contracted himself
in marriage to our subject's mother while in Rensselaer County. His wife was in
her maiden days Miss Nancy Stuart. The family lived in various places, wherever
the father could command the largest wages.
In 1826, Samuel Andrews with his family came by way of the Erie Canal from
Albany to Orleans County and settled on a little place on the canal called
Medina. Thence he removed to Carlton, N. Y., all the time following his trade.
He was killed by the falling of a block which was thrown from a window. Our
subject's mother lived to be eighty-three years old and died in this county, in
the house where our subject now resides. Mr. Andrews' maternal grandparents were
James and Dolly (Kindle) Stuart, natives of Massachusetts. The former was a
carpenter and joiner and also a farmer. The original of our sketch was one of
ten children, there being five daughters and five sons. AH but three grew, to
manhood and womanhood and there are four still living. They are Polly, Jeremiah,
Simeon and Samuel. Our subject is the fourth child and third son. He was reared
in his native place and and remained with his father until his death. He then
took care of his mother until he was twenty years of age when he started out in
life for himself, coming to Michigan in 1841. He first settled in Jackson
County, remaining there for one year, then spent four years in Wayne County
where he was engaged in farming, thence came to Genesee County and settled in
the township where he now lives, coming here in 1848.
Our subject's first two years in this district was spent on a rented farm, his
location being made on his present place in 1848. There were then no
improvements whatever. He built a house of logs which was 18x26 feet in
dimensions, cutting the logs himself. He now has eighty acres of well-improved
land, all the improvements of which have been made by himself. Mr. Andrews was
first married in Orleans County, N. Y., February 21, 1841, to Miss Amy Hicks.
She was born in Farmington Township, Ontario County, in 1813. Mrs. Amy Andrews
died June 21, 1886, and was interred in the Genesee County Cemetery. They were
the parents of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. They
areHomer J., Edwin E., Wealthy J., Chloe L., Amos E., Mary S. and George W.
Mr. Andrews was married a second time, his bride being Mrs. Samantha (Wittom)
Alexander. The nuptials were solemnized September 21, 1887, in Franklin.
September 1, 1891, Mrs. Samantha Andrews also died and was interred in Otisville
beside her first husband, William Alexander. She was born in Vermont and came to
Michigan with her parents in 1836, being at the time about ten years of age.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/andrews847gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 4.1 Kb
Genesee-Wayne-Oakland County MI Archives Biographies.....Hamlin, St. Clair 1833 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 1:38 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
ST. CLAIR S. HAMLIN. A farm of more than ordinary beauty and productiveness is
that of our subject, which is to be found on section 9, Gaines Township, Genesee
County, and the buildings upon it are valuable and well suited to the business
of farming. The house especially is an ornament to the neighborhood and one
which is prepared for the comfort and enjoyment of the family.
This gentleman was born in Aurelius, Cayuga County, N. Y., May 6, 1833. When
he was one year old his father moved to Onondaga County, and lived there for
sixteen years, so that this son's boyhood days were passed in that county. His
father was a lumberman and at the age of seventeen the youth accompanied that
parent to Syracuse where he lived for three years and attended school during one
winter.
The family then returned to Cayuga County, and there St. Clair Hamlin remained
until he was twenty years old. He studied in Auburn, one year and then came to
Northville, Wayne County, Mich., where his father had already settled. The young
man now assumed the profession of a teacher in Wayne County, and found his
services in good demand, as able and well educated teachers were greatly needed
and highly appreciated at that time. He therefore pursued this line of work for
ten successive years in Wayne, Oakland and Livingston Counties, and also taught
during the winters for eight years longer, and during that additional time
carried on farming summers.
The first marriage of Mr. Hamlin took place in Augusta Township, Washtenaw
County, this State, March 17, 1863, his bride being Mary Smith, a native of the
Wolverine State. They settled at once in Gaines Township, of which Mr. Hamlin
has since been a resident and his wife was called from the activities of earth
October 13, 1878. She was a devout and earnest member of the Methodist Church.
There are now living five of their children, namely: Lemuel W., Willard R.,
Frank A. Fred L. and Clarence H.
The present Mrs. Hamlin, who is a lady of more than ordinary ability and
loveliness of character, bore the maiden name of Sarah Young. She was born in
Gaines Township, this county, August 13, 1863 and was joined in marriage with
our subject in Venice Township, February 28, 1879. By this marriage there are
two children, Gertie M. and Clara E. Mr. Hamlin has held the offices of School
Inspector and Drainage Commissioner and being an ardent Republican he has taken
an active part in political movements. He is a man whose fine abilities and
sterling character command the respect and esteem of his neighbors.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/hamlin846gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.5 Kb
Genesee-Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Sweers, Oscar 1848 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
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************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 1:35 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
OSCAR SWEERS, a representative, prosperous farmer and stock-raiser residing on
section 26, Atlas Township, Genesee County, was born September 11, 1848. His
parents were Manley and Lydia (VanCleve) Sweers, the former being a native of
Vermont and the latter of New York. In 1836 they emigrated to Michigan and took
up land from the Government and lived in the dense forest miles away from any
neighbor in a log cabin. A number of years later the father built a better home
and into it he moved his family, but nowhere were they happier than in that
little log cabin. In those early days Mr. Sweers used oxen in breaking up his
ground and in other farming operations. He is now an octogenarian and is one of
the oldest living pioneers in Atlas Township.
The father of our subject has ever been public-spirited and enterprising and
cheerfully endured the many hardships which came to the pioneers of a new
country. In September, 1891, he was deeply bereaved by the death of his faithful
companion, who had shared with him the joys and sorrows of life and in her death
the county lost one of its most valuable pioneer women.
Oscar Sweers was reared to man's estate amid scenes of pioneer life and in his
early days assisted his father in the rough work incident to a new country. He
used to drive the ox-team which broke the stubborn virgin soil and became inured
to the hardest kind of farm work. He received his education in the district
schools and is mainly self-educated. December 9, 1875, he married Frances E.,
daughter of John and Hulda Rhodes. The father of Mrs. Sweers who is now
deceased, is memorialized in this volume. By this union one daughter has been
born, Jessie E., who was born December 3, 1876.
The gentleman of whom we write is a stanch Republican in politics and is an
earnest advocate of the principles represented by that word. He is public
spirited and ever active in movements which are intended to elevate the standard
of morality and education in the community. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres
which he calls the home farm, besides thirty-five acres in Lapeer County, and he
and his good wife are highly esteemed as members of society.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/sweers845gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.1 Kb
Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Butler, Charles 1789 - 1880
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
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************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 1:20 am
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
CHARLES BUTLER The last hymn has been sung, the last sad words said over the
earthly portion of him whose name appears above, but the spirit from which
emanated so much that is enduring is still abroad, breathing its lessons of
honor, uprightness and purity of life not only to those who knew him, but
through them to coming generations. The sketch below is a memorial as lasting as
the granite shaft, because it rears itself in that most enduring part of
humanitythe mind. It is reared by those who love him best, Mr. Butler was a
native of Connecticut, there being born November 10, 1789. He was a son of Joel
and Mary (Payne) Butler. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He
was taken a prisoner and confined on a British prison ship, where he had
smallpox and endured untold hardships. Our subject himself served as a soldier
in the War of 1812.
When a boy Mr. Butler removed with his parents to Madison County, N. Y. and
there lived until his majority. He then removed to Genesee County, of the same
State and was the captain of the first canalboat which ran the entire length of
the Erie Canal from Buffalo to New York City. It had on board among its
passengers Gov. DeWitt Clinton and other dignitaries and on the last visit of
Gen. Lafayette to this country our subject took him and his son for a short
distance on the canal. He received his education in the pioneer schools of his
day. He was, however, a well-posted man, having lived through some of the most
important history of this epoch.
The original of our sketch was married in Ohio, June 21, 1827, his bride being
Miss Philena Copley, a native of Oneida County, N. Y., and born December 17,
1806. She was a daughter of Lemon and Sally (Cooley) Copley, the former a native
of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts. When nine years of age she
settled in Ohio with her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Butler were born seven
children, four of whom are living. They are Charles A., Sarah A., wife of D. D,
Howell, George, and E. Louisa.
In 1830 Mr. Butler with his family emigrated to Michigan and settled in
Genesee County, procuring a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35.
He purchased the land from the Government at $1.25 per acre. Their first home
here was a small log house and they lived in that for many years. They were not
exempt from the usual hardships incident to pioneer life. The Indians were
frequent visitors, and the gun stood in a convenient corner to ward off
encroachments of wolves or other wild animals. Their nearest neighbor for a time
lived sixteen miles south of them. Our subject remained here until his death,
which took place April 30, 1880. He was highly respected by all who knew him and
was regarded as among the best citizens of the locality.
At an early day our subject had to carry his wheat to Pontiac to grist, making
the journey with oxen and finding a market for the surplus product in Detroit,
he was a Republican in politics, although he was formerly a Whig. In local
offices he served as Justice of the Peace. In his religious belief he was a
Presbyterian. His widow still survives and lives on the home farm. She takes
great comfort in the consolations offered her by religion, being a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Butler left at his death one hundred and seventy acres
of land as the product of a life of industry and perseverance. Our subject had
besides himself living in this vicinity, two brothersJohn and Moses P. For
years they lived near each other and their neighborhood was known as Butlers'
Corners.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/butler844gbs.txt
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Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Lewis, U. R. S. 1822 -
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
U. R. S. LEWIS. The growth of a community is the result of individual industry,
energy and uprightness, for any section of country is only the aggregate of
individual conditions. When, therefore, we contemplate the life of an upright
man, we realize that his influence is far-reaching and is not bounded by
imaginary lines separating counties or States. It is with pleasure that we
invite the reader's attention to the following record of the life of Mr. Lewis,
and also to his portrait which is presented on the opposite page. For almost
thirty years he has resided in Tuscola County, with the progress of which he has
been identified, and with the development of which he has always been closely
connected.
The father of our subject, Benjamin S. Lewis by name, was a native of Rhode
Island, where he was reared to man's estate. In his early manhood he removed to
New York, where he was married to Miss Betsey Whiting, a native of Vermont. This
worthy couple became the parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom six
are now living two daughters and one son in Huron County, Ohio, and three in
Michigan. In an early day the parents removed from New York to Ohio, where they
located first in Trumbull County, but finally moved to Huron County. The father
engaged in farming pursuits and during all his active career, and died in Huron
County, Ohio, at the age of eighty-two years.
The subject of this biographical notice was born September 17, 1822, in
Auburn, N. Y., and passed his youth in his native place. Until he was of age he
remained at home, learning the trade of a mason, and also working upon his
father's farm. When ready to establish a home of his own, he was married in
1846, in Trumbull County, Ohio, to Miss Olive M. Bartlett, and with his bride
settled in Trumbull County, where in partnership with his father he owned a
farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born nine children, there being five sons
and four daughters. Of these four are now living, viz.: Mary L., Jessie M.,
Freeborn, a physician, who resides in Washington; and William T., the station
agent at Mayville.
In 1862 Mr. Lewis came to Tuscola County and settled on the farm of
seventy-six acres on section 6, Vassar Township, which he still owns. One-half
of this he has cleared and greatly improved, and has moreover erected a neat
residence and other buildings upon the place, which add greatly to its value. He
here devotes himself to general farming, and having been familiar with
agricultural pursuits from youth, it is not strange that he has become a
practical, successful farmer, familiar with the best methods of improving and
cultivating the land. Although coming here not so many years ago, he was in fact
a pioneer, and has done much of the work familiar to early settlers of the
State. In political affairs he has been a Republican since the outset of his
career, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to leave that to
others who can afford to give it more time and careful attention than it would
be in his power to devote to it. By hard labor and applied judgment he has
earned the comfortable competency which he now enjoys, and his indefatigable
labors have contributed to render him among the most prosperous farmers of
Vassar Township.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
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Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Hovey, George 1814 -
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
GEORGE HOVEY. This liberal and progressive citizen of Genesee Township, Genesee
County, whose fine farm is situated on section 2, was born in the village of
Owego on the Susquehanna River, in New York, on the 19th of January, 1814.
Lorenzo Hovey was a New Englander by birth and a miller by trade. He went to
Pennsylvania when about twenty years old and worked on the farm, remaining there
for a few years and being there united in marriage with Anna Hanman, who was
born in Connecticut and brought up there until she reached the age of eighteen.
Owego, N.Y., now became the home of this couple and there the father drove a
team of seven horses for many years. Somewhat later they moved to Dundee, N. Y.,
and from there to Mt. Morris, Livingston County in the same State, which proved
the final earthly home of Lorenzo Hovey, as he died there when sixty-eight years
old. His faithful wife survived him and came to Genesee County, Mich., where she
passed away at the age of seventy-eight. They were the parents of eight children
that grew to manhood and womanhood.
Our subject has only one sister living, as far as he is able to find out, and
she is Emily, the widow of Mr. Terry, of Milwaukee, Wis. One of his brothers now
survives. He remained with his father until he reached the age of nineteen and
started out to make his way in the world with nothing in his hand and being $70
in debt to his father. He worked upon farms by the month, receiving at first
only $9 a month by agreement, although the man for whom he worked was so well
satisfied that he gave him $10 when they came to settlement. He thus continued
for some two years farming in the summer and chopping wood in the winter,
receiving two and sixpence per cord for fire wood.
Mr. Hovey purchased a farm in New York comprising five acres, and having
partly cleared the same remained on it for five years and then came to Genesee
County, Mich., in 1843, and located where he now resides, trading a span of
horses and a wagon and harness for eighty acres of land and giving $80 in cash
in difference. After he had his deed recorded he had thirty-five cents left in
his pocket and no improvements made upon his farm but he had plenty of pluck,
and he proceeded to build a board house into which he moved and where he lived
for nine years.
At the end of that time Mr. Hovey erected the residence in which his family
now lives, and having cleared the timber from his land and put the place under
cultivation he was ready to enjoy his beautiful home. Every stick of timber in
this house was grown upon the place and was sawed in a mill which our subject
built oh the farm, and this same may be said of the other buildings and the
fences upon this estate. He was married in 1840 in the State of New York to
Lucinda Snyder, who was born and educated in Mt. Morris, N. Y. She died in 1886,
having been the mother of the following children: William (deceased); Martha,
the wife of David Flinn, of Indiana; Charles, who resides in Detroit; Emily, who
is now the wife of N. Richardson, of Tuscola County; Fred, who makes his home
with his father.
The original of this life sketch cultivates a finely improved farm of three
hundred and twenty acres of which he has a life lease. He cast his first
Presidential vote for Harrison in 1840 and again he voted for another Harrison
at the last Presidential election and he never has cast his vote for any other
principles than those of the Republican party, and says he never will. He is a
liberal contributor to all good causes and as an incident of his generosity we
may mention that he recently gave $100 to the Congregational Church. Our subject
wishes the statement made that he has never borrowed a cent, nor a dollar in
money, in his life.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
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File size: 4.6 Kb
Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Page, Thomas 1840 -
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 1:11 am
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
THOMAS PAGE is a grocer in Flint and Supervisor of the First Ward. He is now
serving his eleventh term as Supervisor. The general grocery business which he
carries on is run under the firm name of Thomas Page & Co., his partner being
Joseph Walsh, Supervisor of Flint Township.
Our subject was born in Avon, Livingston County, N. Y., July 14, 1840. He is a
son of Abraham and Bridget (Carroll) Page. The former was born at Hitchin,
Herefordshire, England. He was a shoemaker by trade and when seventeen years of
age entered the English army. His term of service was for the most time in
Canada. After his time had expired he located at Avon, N. Y., where he carried
on his trade. In 1854 he came to Flint. His decease occurred in 1867. Our
subject's mother was born in County Sligo, Ireland, and died in Flint in 1882,
at the age of seventy-five years.
Thomas Page is the second eldest of six children born to his parents. He had
the advantage of common-school training in Avon, N. Y., until the time he was
fourteen years old, when he began to learn the shoemaker's trade with his
father. He came to Flint with his parents, August 19, 1854. After his father's
death he continued to run the shoe shop on its present site and was engaged in
the manufacture of shoes made to order and also in the retail boot and shoe
business, continuing thus until 1876, when he was appointed to teach the shoe
business in the Michigan School for the Deaf. He held this position for eleven
years. After leaving it he served as clerk for two years and in May, 1890,
started in the grocery business, which was conducted under the firm name of
Martin & Page, until November 14, 1890. Mr. Walsh purchased the interest of his
partner and our subject became the senior member of the firm. They carry on a
retail grocery business and are located at No. 303 Detroit and Saginaw Streets,
and are very successful in business.
Mr. Page was married in this city, in 1877 to Miss Susan A. Welch, a native of
Long Island. They are the parents of four children, whose names are Mary E.,
Edward M., Thomas C. and Ellen M. Our subject has been Alderman here,
representing the First Ward for four years. In his religious principles he is a
Catholic. He is Treasurer of the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association. He has
always been a Republican in politics. He is one of the oldest members of the
Board of Supervisors.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
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Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Long, William H. 1839 -
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 12:54 am
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
WILLIAM H. LONG is a prominent and influential man in Genesee County who is
active in business matters and well known throughout this locality. He is
Secretary of the Flint Cabinet Creamery Company, of the Genesee County
Co-operative Creamery Company, and also of the Farmers' Home Mutual Fire
Insurance Company. He was born in Lancaster, Erie County, N. Y., October 5,
1839, and is a son of David and Ann (Shafer) Long. The former was a farmer who
was married in Pennsylvania and located in Lancaster County. In the fall of 1851
he came to Genesee County, this State, with a family which comprised his wife
and four children. He came by boat to Detroit, thence by rail to Pontiac and
from there by team to Thetford, where he now resides at the age of seventy-seven
years. He is the owner of seventy acres of good land there and is active in the
Christian Church of which he is a member.
Our subject's mother was a native of Germany. When a child she was brought to
America by her parents who located in Pennsylvania. Her father was a weaver. He
finally settled in Michigan where he died. Mrs. Long, our subject's mother,
still survives at the age of seventy-four years; she is the mother of six
children, all of whom are living and of these W. H. Long is the eldest.
The original of our sketch was reared in Thetford from the time he was twelve
years old. The place was very new and wild. He there attended school for two
winters, in the first log schoolhouse which was built in that district and when
the log house was replaced he attended a few years in the new frame schoolhouse
and then one winter in Flint. When twenty-one years of age he began teaching in
Thetford and followed it for nineteen winters in Genesee County. He was married
in Thetford, June 20, 1867, to Miss Persia A. Wilson, who was born in Thetford
and is a daughter of Nahum N. Wilson, of Vermont, who was one of the first
settlers in the township of Thetford, having helped to build the first frame
house in Flint. He was a surveyor by profession and died in 1887. Our subject
bought a farm on section 36, which he improved, adding valuable buildings, an
orchard, etc. He now has eighth-eight and a half acres which he rents on shares.
In the fall of 1883 Mr. Long came to Flint and became book-keeper for the
Creamery Company, when it became a stock company and in 1887 he became a
stock-holder, a Director and was its Secretary, meantime keeping his old
position as book-keeper. He was one of the organizers of the Genesee County
Co-operative Creamery Company and is one of the stockholders, having been its
Secretary from almost the first. It is the largest in the State and sends out
butter to many portions of the union. Both these establishments are doing a
large business.
Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of three children Nahum W., who is on a
ranch in Montana; Ralph and Carl, who are both at home, Mr. Long was Township
Clerk for several years, also School Inspector and Highway Commissioner.
Socially he belonges the Free and Accepted Masons, also to the National Union.
Himself possessing no formal creed, his wife is a Baptist. He is a whole-souled
Republican in politics.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
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Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Decker, James C. 1828 -
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
JAMES C. DECKER, the oldest merchant now in business in Flint, who opened his
grocery business here on the 1st of November, 1854, has kept his doors open
every day since that time with the exception of Sundays and holidays. Besides
being a first-class business man, he is a skilled mechanic and a fine practical
engineer. His father, Andrew A. Decker, was born in 1808, near Port Jarvis, N:
Y., as was also his grandfather, Joseph, who was a mechanic. The
great-grandfather, Peter Decker, built the first house erected in Deckertown,
Sussex County, N. J., and was of Holland descent.
Our subject was born in that town July 28, 1828, and his father who had been a
farmer in his early days and also a blacksmith was at that time connected with
the Delaware and Hudson Canal. In 1846 the father came to Detroit, thence to
Ypsilanti, where he located with his family, and carried on the trade of a
blacksmith for six years, after which he came to Genesee County, and located
first in Flint, and afterward upon a farm in Genesee Township, where he died at
the age of sixty-four. He was first a Methodist and afterward a member of the
Christian Church. His political opinions were in accord with the doctrines of
the Democratic party.
The mother of our subject was Maria, daughter of Joseph Cole, also a native of
Sussex County, where his farm adjoined that of Gen. VanSickles. Our subject lost
his mother by death in 1870, and of her eleven children, only three are now
living, namely: J. C, Dr. C. C. Decker, of Cincinnati; and Ann, Mrs. Gardner, of
Garfield, Mich. J. C. was nine years of age when he left New Jersey for Lyons,
Wayne County, N. Y., and he received a district-school education and became a
practical blacksmith at the age of seventeen. Upon first coming West, he spent
some time in Ypsilanti and then in Detroit, but soon returned East, and in New
York took up practical engineering, so that he did not return to Ypsilanti until
about 1850, at which time he went to Saginaw and worked as an engineer in a
mill. Previous to this he was engaged for some time as an engineer on the
Michigan Central Railroad between Detroit and Jackson.
In the fall of 1851 Mr. Decker came to Flint and worked as a blacksmith here
until November, 1854, at which time he began his grocery business on Saginaw
Street, where the Wolverine Citizen's office now is. After the first in which
his place of business was destroyed, he bought the lot which he now occupies,
and erected this brick block which measures 20x110 feet, and is two stories
high. Mr. Decker has the largest and first stock of goods in his line in Flint.
Miss Mary Retherford who became Mrs. J. C. Decker at Northville, Wayne County,
in 1851, was born in Rochester, N. Y., and is descended from an old Quaker
family of Philadelphia. Her oldest daughter, Ida W., is now Mrs. Holdridge, of
Medina, N, Y.; Ella is an invalid at home; and Margaret Pearl is acting as her
father's book-keeper. Our subject has passed through all the degrees of the
Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to Flint Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M. and to
Lodge No. 15, R. A. M., besides being a member of Genesee Valley Commandery
Lodge, No. 15, K. T. He is one of the Trustees of the Masonic Aid Association of
the State, and helped to organize the Fire Department of Flint, being foreman of
a company for seven years, and one of the workers therein for thirty-two years.
He was also a Chief Engineer for fourteen years and has done more for its
success than any other man in the city.
In his business he has ever been foremost in introducing new methods and lines
of stock, and was the first one to start a livery wagon in Hint, and brought
here the first chest of Japan tea ever sold in the county, and possibly in the
State- as it came from the first cargo of this tea that landed in New York City.
He was the first to roast coffee, and he has a large coffee roaster which
operates by steam. Both in business lines and in mechanical ingenuity he is a
decided genius. His political views are in accord with the doctrines of the
Democratic party, and he has long been a member of the Baptist Church and was
one of its Trustees for several years.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
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Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....George, Eugene 1829 -
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 12:45 am
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
EUGENE GEORGE, whose pleasant home is situated upon section 12, Mundy Township,
enesee County, was born in Switzerland, December 19, 1829. His father, George
George, was a hatter by trade, and a soldier under Bonaparte and was present at
the burning of Moscow. He came to America in 1849, and his wife, Angeline, came
the year following. They made their home in Mundy Township. In 1853, she was
taken sick and died while on a visit to her daughter in Canada, and her husband
lived until 1877, when he passed from earth in Mundy Township.
The six children of this family were all brought up in their native home and
came to this country with their parents. Our subject was the third in order of
age and was given the opportunity to learn in Switzerland the baker's trade from
his father who kept a bake shop for a while. This young man was one who had a
great desire to see world and understand the different ways of different people,
and he spent some time traveling through Switzerland to see the country and
learn the habits of the people.
In April, 1849, young George left Switzerland for America, and landed in New
York in July of that year, having been fifty-seven days on the ocean, traveling
in a sailing vessel. Since coming to this country he has been a resident of
Mundy Township, with the exception of one season which he spent in Grand Rapids.
May 31,1851, Mr. George married Harriet Ganson, of Mundy Township, a native of
New York State. Mr. George has been engaged in farming since coming to Mundy
Township, and he now has seventy acres of land upon which he has erected
excellent buildings. He formerly owned two hundred and twenty acres, but he has
divided much of his property with his sons. His four children are Theo J.,
Victor, Celina and Florence. The elder daughter is now the wife of Lyman T. Curtis.
Our subject finds himself in sympathy with the leaders of the Democratic
party, and religiously he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Since coming
to this country he has ever cherished an interest in the affairs of his old home
and in 1879 he revisited Switzerland, going by the way of France, and made a six
months' trip for health and pleasure. His pleasant home and excellent farm
buildings are an ornament to the township, and his whole property bears the
marks of a systematic and thorough farmer.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/george838gbs.txt
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File size: 3.3 Kb
Genesee-Oakland County MI Archives Biographies.....Gilbert, Hiram B. 1834 -
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 22, 2007, 12:42 am
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
HIRAM B. GILBERT, a well-known resident of Mundy Township, Genesee County, was
born in Worthington, Hampshire County, Mass., August 8, 1834. There he grew to
manhood upon a farm and came to Genesee County, this State, in 1854, and here he
followed the trade of a carpenter until about the year 1881. He made his home in
Grand Blanc Township for one year and then returned to Massachusetts, but three
years later again settled in Grand Blanc and two years later came to Mundy
Township for five years, and then after five years residence in Grand Blanc
removed to Independence, Oakland County, which was his home for seven years and
then, after a short stay in Fenton, he returned to Mundy Township, where he has
since been a resident.
Since giving up his trade Mr. Gilbert has been engaged extensively in farming
and has good improvements on his farm of eighty acres. He was married in Grand
Blanc Township, April 14, 1858, to Miss Pamelia Remington, a native of Grand
Blanc Township, where she was born June 6, 1837. Six children came to bless this
union, namely: Alma P., now the wife of Wiliam Shaw; William Edward, who married
Hattie Raymond: Hettie A., who married Alva A. Alger; Frank I.; Parna, now Mrs.
Lewis Bigalow; and Charles B.
Our subject has filled the offices of Township Treasurer, Justice of the
Peace, Drainage Commissioner and School Assessor and has ever taken an active
part in political affairs, being quite a leader in the Republican ranks. He and
his good wife are both members of the Baptist Church.
The father of our subject was Domer Gilbert, a native of Albany, N. Y., and
his good wife, Polly Goldthwaite, was born in Peru, Berkshire County, Mass. Both
died in Worthington, Hampshire County, Mass. John Remington, the father of Mrs.
Gilbert, was a native of the Land of Steady Habits, and her mother, Julian Goff,
was born in Rush, N. Y. While Mr. Remington survives at an advanced age and is
one of the oldest settlers in Grand Blanc Township, his faithful companion
departed this life at the age of seventy-six, in Mundy Township. This family is
one of the best known and most highly esteemed in the township, being people of
character and ability and their home is one of comfort and happiness.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/gilbert837gbs.txt
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File size: 3.2 Kb
Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Campbell, George M. 1848 -
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 21, 2007, 9:05 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
GEORGE M. CAMPBELL. The gentleman who at the present time has charge of the
exchequer of Atlas Township, Genesee County, and who is personally a man who
inspires one with the greatest confidence in his integrity and honesty, is he
whose name appears above. He is a native of Columbia County, N. Y., and was born
December 25, 1848, being a son of John and Barbara (Russell) Campbell. He lost
his mother, an irreparable loss to a child, when only fourteen months old. His
father was a native of Scotland and the mother of Scotch ancestry.
In 1858, in company with his father and the other members of the family, our
subject migrated to Michigan, first making his home in Oakland County, where he
staid until 1861, in which year they removed to Genesee County, the family
settling in Davison Township, where the mother died in 1868. They were the
parents of five children, all of whom are surviving. They are John, Alexander,
Allen, George M. and James. John resides in Davison Township, this county, and
was at one time Treasurer of the county. Alexander also resides in Davison
Township and has served as Supervisor. Allen lives in Osceola County, this
State. James lives in Atlas Township. Four of the sons served as soldiers in the
Civil War; Alexander and Allen entered the army in the fall of 1861 and remained
until 1865.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood's estate on a farm and with
the exception of a short time spent in the mercantile business in Atlas, he has
engaged almost exclusively in the agricultural business. He received his
education in the district schools of Davison Township. He was married September
26, 1871, to Miss Inez Harding, a daughter of Daniel and Amaryllis (Swift)
Harding. He enlisted December 24, 1864, in Company I, Thirtieth Michigan
Infantry, but did not go outside of Michigan, doing guard duty at Detroit. He
received his honorable discharge June 24, 1865.
On returning from the army, our subject went to Davison Township and remained
there until 1871, when he settled on a farm on section 18, Atlas Township, and
there remained until he removed to the village of Atlas in the spring of 1886.
Mr. Campbell was first elected Treasurer of Atlas Township in the spring of 1887
and was re-elected in 1888 and again re-elected in 1891. He has also served as
Highway Commissioner of Atlas Township for several terms. He is a Republican in
his political creed.
Our subject and his wife are both interested and interesting members of
society. Mrs. Campbell, who is a very intelligent and prepossessing lady, was
born in this State and vicinity, April 1, 1851. She is a daughter of Daniel and
Amaryllis (Swift) Harding. Her father was a native of New York as was also the
mother. They came to Michigan in 1836 and resided in Grand Blanc Township,
Genesee County, until 1842, and thence moved to the farm now owned by our
subject on section 18, Atlas Township. Her father died August 9, 1883, and the
mother passed away April 1,1888. They were the parents of five children, four of
whom are livingLewis, Marion, (Mrs. Francis Colwell), Deloss and Mrs. Campbell.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are both greatly beloved in their community and are the
center of a pleasing society of the choicest people of the place.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/campbell836gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 4.2 Kb
Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Horton, Henry A. 1840 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
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************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 21, 2007, 9:02 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
HENRY A. HORTON was born in Leeds County, Canada, January 27, 1840. He is a son
of John and Margaret (Horton) Horton. The former was a native of New York, and
the latter of Canada. Our subject's father was a carpenter by trade, although he
spent some time on a farm, and he of whom we write spent his first years in
rural life. He received only a common-school education, and even that was
abridged at the age of sixteen years.
In 1863 our subject began life for himself as a farmer in Oxford County,
Dereham Township, Ontario. He remained there until 1865, and then came to
Michigan, locating in North Branch Township Lapeer County. He did not, however,
settle upon the place where he now resides until 1869, buying it of Mr. Pitts,
of Detroit. The tract comprises one hundred and twenty acres on section 13, and
forty acres on section 15. Although not so very long ago, on coming to this
place he found it a perfect wilderness, and the work of improvement that
confronted him was almost appalling. He, however, bravely attacked the
difficulty and has succeeded in giving it all the characteristics of a
first-class and thoroughly beautiful rural place. He has improved about eighty
acres, which are under an excellent state of cultivation.
Our subject lived in a board shanty for a number of years, building his
present house and barns about ten or twelve years ago. His marriage took place
October 5, 1862, at which time he was united for better or worse to Miss Ellen
Chick, of Ontario, Canada. This union has been blessed by the advent of ten
children, seven of whom are living. They are Minnie, Clara, Bertha, Edward,
Ernest, George and Laura. Minnie, a successful teacher, married Robert Lucas, of
North Branch Township; Clara married Alvin Aris, of the same township. The
deceased ones are Walter, Robert and John.
Mr. Horton has made farming his business since coming to Michigan, and
although his interests in this direction have been general, like the majority of
Michigan agriculturists, he has made a specialty of stock-raising. Our subject
is a Republican in politics, and is one of the able men who can truthfully say
he has never been ambitious to hold office. Mrs. Horton and three of her
daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are interested
workers in the spread of the Gospel.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lapeer/bios/horton835gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.2 Kb
Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Partridge, Thomas D. 1832 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm
************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 21, 2007, 9:00 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
THOMAS D. PARTRIDGE. One of the financial supports of Flint Township, Genesee
County, and a man whose well-kept and splendidly managed farm is one of the
features of this section of the country, is he whose name appears above. He is
of English birth and parentage, having been born in Devonshire, March 6, 1832.
He is a son of Thomas and Ann (Dawe) Partridge, who came to the United States in
1835, and settled in Stafford, Genesee County, N. Y. In 1839, the family moved
to Atlas, Genesee County, Mich., remaining there for two and one-half years and
in 1842 they came to Flint Township, and located on section 36. In January,
1867, the parents retired from active agricultural interests and removed to
Flint where they spent their last days, their decease occurring respectively
March 20, 1880, and January 12, 1883.
He of whom we write is one of four children born to his parents, there being
three sons and one daughter. Of these our subject was the second. He came to
Michigan with his parents and remained at home until twenty-three years of age.
His life occupation has been that of farming, although for two years in the
latter part of the '60s he engaged in the mercantile business in Byron in
partnership with his brother.
Mr. Partridge is the owner of a fine farm, which is made attractive by the
excellent class of buildings which it bears as well as the perfect manner in
which it is cultivated. He is the owner of three hundred and eight acres here.
Since 1866, he has rented his farm confining his attention to an oversight of
the same. In March, 1880, he removed to Flint, and made his home with his
parents until their decease and indeed continued his residence there until eight
years later. He has taken an active part in local politics, being a stanch and
loyal Republican, whose influence as wielded in this direction is not
unimportant. He has been a liberal contributor to all enterprises that promise
to tend to the improvement of the portions of the country in which he lives. He
has valuable business connections in Flint. Although in every way eligible, Mr.
Partridge has never yet made up his mind to join the ranks of the Benedicts.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/partridg834gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.1 Kb
Genesee-Livingston County MI Archives Biographies.....Wright, Thomas 1831 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm
************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 21, 2007, 8:58 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
THOMAS WRIGHT. Prominent in agricultural and church circles in Grand Blanc
Township, Genesee County, is Mr. Wright, whose beautiful home is one of the most
delightful both in appearance and comforts, in the rural parts of this county.
He was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., April 24, 1831, being the son of James
and Cynthia (Clark) Wright, natives of New York and Connecticut respectively.
His grandfather, William Wright, a Revolutionary soldier, was taken prisoner by
the British and passed some time on board one of their ships of war.
James Wright, the father of our subject, migrated with his family in 1836 to
Livingston County, Mich., coming with team and wagon and cattle through Canada,
thus becoming one of the early settlers of Livingston County, at a time when the
wolves howled about the door. He died there in 1872, having been the father of
twelve children, eight of whom are living, namely: William C, Isaac S. A.,
Walter, John, Elisha, Thomas, Leonard W., and Philip D. Elisha is now a minister
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The experiences of pioneer life were those of our subject in his early days
and in breaking the land he sometimes drove as many as six yoke of oxen and a
pair of horses for leaders. After attending the district school he studied for a
short time at both Albion College and the Ypsilanti Normal School and
subsequently taught for seven terms, teaching in the winters. He well improved
all the advantages which he could obtain and is a man of high intelligence.
Our subject was married June 13, 1866, to Perlina Butts, sister of W. H.
Butts, of Grand Blanc Township, and to them were granted live children, namely:
Eltha C., a graduate of the High School and State Normal School at Ypsilanti;
Lewis D., a graduate of Flint High School and now a teacher; Alfred T.,
deceased; Jesse C. and Lora M. In 1859, our subject went to California across
the plains being three months on the journey. After spending the fall and winter
in the gold mines, he went in 1860 to Nevada where he was quite successful in
the silver mines. Returning in 1864 by way of the Isthmus, he settled upon his
present farm where he now owns one hundred and forty acres of land. This is now
one of the finest farms in the township and the property is well insured.
The principles of the Republican party express the views of Mr. Wright on
political matters and he is a public spirited man and with his wife is a member
of the Congregational Church and for fourteen years has served as Sunday-school
Superintendent.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/wright833gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.5 Kb
Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Hibbard, William J. 1836 -
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Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm
************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb(a)yahoo.com September 21, 2007, 8:54 pm
Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)
WILLIAM J. HIBBARD. Among the pleasant homes to be found on section 12, Mundy
Township, Genesee County, is that of the public-spirited citizen whose name we
have just given, and whose portrait is shown on the opposite page. He was born
in Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y., December 8, 1836, and is the son of the late
Ambrose and Almira (Furbush) Hibbard. Our subject came to Michigan with his
parents in 1852, and they made their homes at various times in Mundy, Fenton and
Burton Townships. The father spent the last years of his life in Flint Township,
and the mother died in Fenton Township. Until he was twenty-two years old our
subject lived at home with his parents, and at that time he began independent
farming, which he has followed throughout life. He is now the owner of one
hundred and fifteen acres of as good land as is to be found within the bounds of
Genesee County, and upon it he has placed good and substantial improvements.
Mr. Hibbard married Miss Sophia Rusco, in Mundy Township, February 18, 1859.
She is a daughter of Hiram and Isabella J. (Carman) Rusco, who were early
pioneers in Genesee County, whither they came from New York about three years
previous to their marriage. This county remained their home throughout all their
married life and until called hence. They had nine children, of whom Mrs.
Hibbard was the eldest, and she was born in Mundy Township February 4, 1842.
Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard were the parents of three children, all of whom have been
called in early childhood to pass over the dark river to the better land. The
mother of Mrs. Hibbard while in Flint, attending to matters of business, dropped
dead in the room of a hair dresser, April 6, 1889, she being then sixty-five
years of age. Mr. Rusco lived to reach the age of eighty years. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Hibbard have been for many years identified with the Christian Church, but
not, long since they entered the communion of the Baptist Church. Their many
sterling qualities and attractive social traits give them a strong hold in the
confidence of their neighbors and friends, and no one in the community is more
popular than they.
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892
File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/hibbard832gbs.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/
File size: 3.0 Kb