USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 10
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Their union was blessed with a robust family of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, David being the eldest of the family. He was brought up on the farm in Burton township and received the hardy training that is afforded by such an experience. On October 7, 1857, he was married to Miss Adelia M. Cook, who was the daughter of Andrew and Irene (Hib- bard) Cook, pioneers of Richfield township; Adelia was born in the latter township on October 31, 1842. Their union has resulted in the birth of four children: Annetta I. is the wife of B. E. Dodge, of Richfield township; An-
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drew J. is living at Fargo, North Dakota; George B. is a practicing physi- cian at Owasso, Michigan; Fred G. is a resident of Flint. The mother de- parted this life on November 5, 1906.
Mr. Hiller has been a resident of the county for over seventy years, and has devoted himself almost exclusively to farming. In doing so, however, he has not narrowed himself down to his own interests, but has taken an active part in general affairs also. His business ability and integrity were soon rec- ognized by his neighbors and friends, and he has been called upon repeatedly to serve in local offices. He has officiated as clerk of Richfield township, and has taken a conspicuous part in county affairs as well. He has been president and treasurer of the Genesee County Mutual Fire Insurance Company over four years, and has conducted the affairs of the company in an efficient and conservative manner. Full confidence has been placed in his sagacity and integrity, and the results of his supervision have demonstrated his fitness for the duties that have been entrusted to him.
He has been an ardent and conscientious follower of the Word of God, having given himself to the service of the Lord when twenty-five years of age. At that time he identified himself with the Methodist Protestant church, and has been a constant and faithful supporter of the faith ever since. He gives not only of his means, but of his time also, assuming his share of the church's activities and responsibilities. He has held many offices in the local church, and is looked to by the other members of the church board, both for counsel and inspiration. It is the wish of his many friends that peace and happiness may attend him throughout his days.
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM A. GARNER.
Mr. William A. Garner, ex-sheriff of Genesee county, has been one of the county's most wide-awake and useful citizens. He is of Scotch-English ex- traction. His father, George Garner, was a native of Canada, born of Eng- lish parentage. His mother, Anna ( Dean) Garner, was born in Cork, Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and by her union with George Garner she became the mother of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, William A. being the second. They left Canada and came to Michigan in the sixties, and settled in Shiawassee county. They engaged in farming and carried forward the work with success. Mr. Garner rounded out his days on the homestead and died March 13, 1886, at the age of seventy-four years. Mrs. Garner died at the home of her daughter at Durand, Michigan, having acquired the magnifi- cent age of eighty-six years. She passed away August 8, 1901. They were very pious parents and were deeply interested in church work, having affiliated with the Baptist faith.
William A. Garner was born in the county of Middlesex, Ontario, August 9, 1839. He grew to maturity in the county of his birth, spending his boyhood days on the farm, and receiving such education as the schools of the day could afford. During these years he was forming the strong physique and sturdy character that have marked his career in later life. When about twenty-two years of age he concluded to broaden out beyond the limits of one occupation, and took up carpentry, and in a short time had ac- quired the skill of a master hand at the trade. In the spring of 1865 he emigrated to Venango county, Pennsylvania, and followed his trade in that locality for about one and a half years. In December, 1866, he came to Genesee county, Michigan, making his headquarters at Flushing. Here he
IO
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prosecuted his trade with renewed vigor, and soon obtained high standing in the community as a workman of the first order, and a man of genuine business ability and integrity. He began contracting and building on a large scale, and devoted considerable time to the construction of public buildings. After ten or twelve years he purchased a farm near Flushing, and began oper- ating it, devoting the major part of his time to its cultivation. He con- tinued this work until 1892, at which time he was elected sheriff of Genesee county on the Republican ticket. Mr. Garner was an active party man and one that inspired confidence by his sincerity, frankness and courage. Upon his election to the office of sheriff he removed to Flint, and has been a resident there since that time. Before his election to this office he had held other important offices, such as highway and drainage commissioner and member of the school board, being its president for a number of years. Another valuable experience while at Flushing was ten years as deputy sheriff. which paved the way for his advance to full control of the office.
Mr. Garner was married October 20, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth A. Miller, who was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, September 20, 1845. She was the daughter of Alexander and Marjery ( McDonald) Miller, both natives of Scotland. They came to America in the latter part of the '40s and settled in Genesee county, Michigan, where they both ended their days, the father dying from the effects of an accident, and the mother surviving this shock but forty-seven days.
Mr. and Mrs. Garner have shown in their daily life the fruits of a whole- some home training. They are ever willing to share the duties and responsi- bilities of the community life.
Their family was made up of four children: George A. died suddenly in Detroit, Michigan, when twenty-six years old; Bert M. is assistant super- intendent in the Flint wagon works, and has proven a source of pride and satisfaction to his parents; Elmer W. is prospering in the grocery business in Flint; Mark B. is still a student.
Mr. Garner is not only an interested supporter of the church, but con- tributes largely to the success of such fraternal bodies as the Masons, Odd Fellows, Grangers, etc. Beyond this he has been deeply interested in world affairs generally, having in 1900 made an extended trip to Europe. He is interested in real estate and has quite a large farm in Burton township. The family is affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
DR. ANDREW SLAGHT.
Dr. Andrew Slaght was born in Lodi township, Seneca county, New York, December 1, 1832. His parents, John and Phoebe (Howell) Slaght, were natives of New Jersey, and came from Seneca county, New York, to Genesee county, Michigan, in 1847, and settled on a farm in Mundy town- ship. They were thrifty and energetic pioneers, and contributed much to the sterling tone that characterized the people of the state at that time, and that has contributed effectively to the subsequent sanding of the citizenship of the "Lake state." They completed their days on the farm, the father dying there May 25, 1881, having reached the age of ninety-one years. The mother passed away July 8, 1871, aged seventy-nine years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom, Andrew, our subject, was the youngest.
The first fourteen years of his life were spent on his father's farm in Seneca county, New York. On coming west with his parents, he remained on the farm until twenty-one years of age, growing up to be a husky, mus- cular youth, well calculated to take up and push to completion any under- taking to which he might address himself. He was educated in the Flint schools, including the high school course. After this he entered the med- ical department of the State University, in 1865, and graduated from that institution with the class of 1868. Preceding this time he had for four
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years taught school during the winter season, and worked out during the summer, in this way succeeding in laying up some funds for use when tak- ing up his study of medicine. He was married in Grand Blanc township April 30, 1857, to Miss Adelia Huff, who was born in Hastings, Oswego county, New York, January 28, 1834. Her father, Jonathan Huff, was a native New Yorker, and died at Hastings in April, 1842, aged sixty years. Her mother's maiden name was Nancy Parks Stowits. She spent the closing years of her life in Genesee county, Michigan, and died at Grand Blanc at the age of eighty years. Their family numbered four children, of whom Mrs. Slaght was the youngest.
Dr. Slaght began the practice of medicine in Mundy township, con- tinuing there for one year. In 1869 he came to Grand Blanc, and here he has since resided and carried on his profession.
He has seen an abundance of work in his day, and has earned a well deserved reputation for efficiency and skill. He places great emphasis on the need of attention to the rules of hygiene, and advocates that nature should be assisted by medicine to overcome the ravages of disease. He places a great deal of emphasis also on the importance of the diagnosis, realizing that a mistake there will be fatal to success in any circumstance.
Dr. Slaght has also given some attention to his one hundred-acre farm in Mundy township, and takes pride and pleasure in its well kept fields and improvements. As a branch of this work he has given time to the estab- lishment of a dairy.
Dr. and Mrs. Slaght are the parents of three children-Lewis E., Wil- liam M., and Frances A., who is the wife of Dr. J. McLaren, of Oakland, California.
He and his wife have shown a most commendable public spirit, and have taken an active part in the social, religious and educational life of the com- munity. They are pillars in the Congregational church, and for about fifteen years Dr. Slaght was superintendent of the Sunday school. It is the hope of their many friends that peace and happy contentment may attend them to the end of their days.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
GEORGE B. PIERSON.
Mr. George B. Pierson, proprietor of the Grand Blanc Mills, was born in Livingston, New York, August 5, 1835. His parents, George and Deborah Maria (Barrows) Pierson, were natives of Avon, Livingston county, New York. His mother died there in the '40s. His father came to Oakland county, Michigan, in 1843, but remained there only a short time. He soon moved to Berry county, where he died at the age of fifty-four years. He was married the second time at Grand Blanc to Susan McCoy, whose death occurred in the same township. Three children were born of the first union, viz. : Harriet, George B., and Jeannette, of whom George is the only one that survives. He came to Michigan with his father, and most of his time since has been spent in this state. He learned the milling business while in New York state, and he has continued to make that his life work, his success in this line being a strong testimonial to his thoroughness and the mastery of the details of his work. He became engaged in this work at Grand Blanc in 1886, and under his supervision was built the structure known as the Grand Blanc mills and is operated chiefly under the plan of the custom business. Mr. Pierson has built up a substantial business through the confidence of his friends and patrons.
He was married in Livingston county, New York, January 4, 1860, to Miss Mary Jane Wade, who was a native of Pittsford, New York, and a daughter of Abraham and Marietta (Horton) Wade. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson have been the parents of six children, only one of whom survives, this being a daughter, Cecilia A.
The other children all died in infancy with the exception of one son, Charles E., who died at Grand Blanc March 18, 1906. He attained the age of thirty-four years, and was married to Miss Angeline Sawyer, a native of Grand Blanc township. Their union has resulted in the birth of one child, Dorothy L.
Mr. George B. Pierson is fully alive, also, to his religious obligations, both to himself and community, affiliating with the Congregational faith. He is a most worthy adherent to the order of Masons.
ALMERON D. BANKER.
Mr. Almeron D. Banker is not a native "Wolverine," but has become one by adoption, having been born in Livingston county, New York, October 22, 1847. His father, Marcus Banker, was a native of Massachusetts and a descendant of sturdy New England stock. His mother's maiden name was Martha Hanna. She was a native of New York. These parents emigrated from Livingston county, New York, early in the 'zos and came directly to Genesee county, Michigan. They settled in the western part of Grand Blanc township, and here Mrs. Banker still survives and is advancing to a grand old age.
Besides the son, Almeron, there is a daughter, Mary H., who has become the wife of W. A. Van Lenuven, and their present residence is at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Almeron's boyhood days were spent on the farm in Livingston county, New York, where he acquired the habits of thrift, perseverance and self- reliance that have stood him so well in hand in his maturer years. His edu- cation was such as was afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood. He remained at home until he reached his majority, working in the mean- time at such various occupations as came to hand. He came west with the
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family and continued on the farm with his father until the latter's death in the eighties.
He was married on February 28 to Miss Eliza M. Bishop, who was a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Morgan) Bishop, both natives of Liv- ingston county, New York. The Bishops were pioneers in Mundy township, where Eliza was born and reared.
Mr. Banker left the farm in Grand Blanc township after his father's death, and removed to Petosky, Michigan. Here he entered business life by oper- ating a restaurant and bakery. He pushed this work with considerable energy and enthusiasm for about two years, at the end of which time he returned to Mundy township, and for the next six years was engaged there in farming. At the close of this period he came to Grand Blanc, in 1889, and engaged in business. He continued at this occupation for thirteen years and then sold out. He has been a resident of Grand Blanc since 1889, and has been closely identified with its growth and advancement. He has shown a commendable public spirit and has always taken a firm stand for progress and improvement. His business and executive ability have been recognized by his townsmen, and evidence of their confidence and faith took form in his election in 1905 as president and general manager of the Grand Blanc Telephone Company.
He still maintains an interest in his well kept farm, and takes pride in maintaining it in a first-class condition. He has it equipped with buildings that are first-class and convenient.
Mr. and Mrs. Banker are the parents of one daughter, Effie E., who holds a high place in the estimation of her many friends.
Mr. Banker has not been an aspirant for public office, but consented to serve two terms as treasurer of Grand Blanc township, discharging the duties with credit to himself and his constituents. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Maccabees and Loyal Guard.
WILLIAM R. PRATT.
The veteran and patriot, Mr. William R. Pratt, has justly won a high place in the esteem of his many friends and acquaintances. He was born in Broome county, New York, on December 26, 1839. His parents were Ezra and Sarah M. (Corset) Pratt, both natives of New York state, where they were married and later removed to Pennsylvania. After a sojourn of a few years in the latter state, they came to Michigan, in 1855, and settled in Rich- field township. Genesee county, where they spent the next few years in active work at farming. Here Mrs. Pratt passed to her rest September 17, 1863, aged fifty-five years. The next move was to Flushing, from whence Mr. Pratt came to Burton township, at which place he lived out his allotted time and passed to his reward November 20, 1888, having reached his eightieth year. Four children were born to this union, viz. : Charles E., Reuben N., William R., our subject, and Frances A., who died at the age of twenty years.
William R. was fourteen years old when he came with his parents to Michigan. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his ma- jority, at which time he became employed by his brother in the painting busi- ness. When the thunders of the great civil strife began to rumble and the dark and threatening war clouds began to lower he decided to put his energies toward helping to keep afloat the "ship of state," and consequently enlisted in
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August, 1861, in Company A of the Eighth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He went into the service to do battle to the finish, and for four years and twelve days he marched beneath the stars and stripes, putting forth his best efforts for the cause. He was made corporal, and when the war closed he was mustered out, taking part in the grand closing pageant at Washing- ton, District of Columbia.
On November 22, 1864, he was married to Miss Harriette D. Estes, who was born in Burton township October 23, 1843. She was the daughter of David and Eliza (Somers) Estes, both natives of New York state. Mr. Estes was born in Broome county, while Mrs. Estes was a native of Otsego county. They came to Genesee county, Michigan, in an early day and settled in what is now Burton township, where they lived out the remainder of their days. Mr. Estes attained the age of seventy-seven years, while Mrs. Estes died at the age of fifty-five. Their family numbered six children. They were Diana, Peter D., Henry, Mary, Harriet and William H.
Upon his return from the army Mr. Pratt lived for about two years upon a farm in Richfield township, devoting himself actively to the work of re- adjusting himself to the routine of labor so interrupted by the war. From here he removed to Grand Blanc township, and in a few years transferred his operations to Matamora, in Lapeer county, removing from thence to Burton township, where he purchased a farm. On this farm he lived continuously for thirty-three years, and in April. 1904, came to Flint, leaving his farm in Burton township in good condition, being well improved and having practi- cally new and substantial buildings. He has taken an active part at all times in township affairs, feeling that it was just as much his duty to keep in touch with the affairs of the people in time of peace, as it was in the time of the country's peril. He takes a decided stand for clean and fair conduct in public office, and has at all times stood firmly upon his own convictions.
Not only as patriots but as sharers in the public welfare have Mr. and Mrs. Pratt assumed their portion of responsibility. They are both active workers in the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Pratt having been a steward of the church for over twenty years. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Mckinley Company of Veterans and Sons.
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WILLIAM LAW.
Mr. William Law was born in Scotland, March 22, 1844, of Scotch parentage: His father, William Law, was a shoemaker by trade and lived out his days in the land of his birth. His mother, Catherine (Woodburn) Law, came to America in 1865, settled in Oakland county, Michigan, and lived there until the time of her death. Their family consisted of four children, of which William, the subject of. this sketch, was the second.
When William was eight years of age the opportunity was offered him to come to America with his uncle, James Woodburn. This was no small undertaking for all concerned, but after due deliberation the plan was agreed to and the party embarked for the new world. The voyage was made without mishap and life in the land of the free was begun in Mercer county, Ohio. Here he soon learned to adapt himself to the new conditions and grew up to sturdy manhood, applying himself diligently and acquiring valuable lessons in self-reliance and practical self-activity. After eleven years in the "Buckeye state" he came to Michigan, and in the fall of 1864 he returned to his native land, Scotland. Seven months later he returned to America, this time bring- ing with him his mother, as aforementioned, and also his brother and sister, settling this time in Oakland county, Michigan.
Wishing to acquaint himself with the extent, resources and possibilities of the great republic he removed, in 1866, to the state of Kansas. There he found many things to engage his attention, and during the period of his resi- dence there he devoted himself to various occupations, applying himself to whatever opportunity offered. His experiences there were varied, and in many ways interesting. After a sojourn there of six years and eight months he returned to Michigan, and for the next year made his home in Oakland county. His next move was in March, 1875, and this time he came to Flint. He now took his place as flagman for the P. & M. Railway.
Though his duties in this position were not strenuous, yet he performed his work so well and established for himself such a reputation for steadiness and trustworthiness that he was soon promoted to a position in the freight- house department of the railway. Here he applied himself closely and in- telligently to his work. Always on hand, he was never known to shirk, exem- plifying in his conduct the maxims which have continually been his rule through life. In 1897 we are not surprised to learn that he was made freight-
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house foreman, a place which he has filled honorably and most successfully up to the present time.
On December 21, 1870, he was joined in matrimony to Miss Ruth A. Huested, who is a native of Michigan. This union has resulted in the birth of five children, as follows: Catherine H., E. Jean, William G., Hugh, and James.
Mr. Law's activities have not been confined altogether to his family and his business. He has found time to respond to the requests of his many friends to participate in the management of the Flint school board, and for two years of this time he was its secretary. In performing these duties he has at all times been modest and unassuming, but has attended carefully to the details of the work that devolved upon him.
Mr. and Mrs. Law have been active and helpful workers in the Presby- terian church, willingly assisting in the community at large. Mr. Law has been an elder in the church for many years.
GEORGE W. HILTON.
Among others of the worthy civil war veterans that have their homes in Genesee county is George W. Hilton, of Flint. Mr. Hilton was born in Pontiac, Michigan, June 5, 1835. His father, Roswell Hilton, was a native of Monroe county, New York, as was also his mother, Susan ( Vorhees) Hil- ton. They came from Monroe county, New York, to Oakland county, Michi- gan, and in 1845 they proceeded to Genesee county, ultimately settling in Flint township, where the father ended his days. Mrs. Hilton died in Kent county, Michigan. She was the mother of eight children, of whom George was one of the younger members. He grew up in wholesome environments of the farm and after reaching manhood became deeply interested in the ante- bellum questions that were stirring the nation. When the civil conflict finally began he enlisted in Stockton's Independents, which afterward became Com- pany C, Sixteenth Regiment of the Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He re- mained in the service for four years and two months, battling loyally to maintain the integrity of the flag. His experiences were such as were com- mon to the heroes of the struggle. Hardships, exposures, wounds, sickness, all were his, yet at no time did he falter, nor did the fire of patriotism burning within his breast ever diminish in its warmth. He was wounded at Gaines Mills, and at the famous historic contest at Gettysburg. On the latter field
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he was so severely wounded that he was incapacitated for active service for several months. His undaunted courage, ability and devotion received due recognition, and he was soon made sergeant of his company. To trace his experiences throughout the war would make a volume of itself. Suffice it to say that he participated in many of the critical engagements of the awful conflict and returned at the close of the war to Genesee county, where he has lived the major part of the time since. For a few years he was located in Huron county, and while there was elected sheriff, disposing of the duties of this office in a straightforward and effective manner. His experience in this office lasted for four years, and he was deputy sheriff of Genesee county under Edward Rust for about one year.
His first marriage was to Miss Harriet A. Russell, who passed to her rest while they were living in Huron county. His second marriage was to Mrs. Alvira (Durfy) Lankin, the widow of Philip Lankin, who died in Jackson, Michigan. Her parents were Jacob and Sarah (Smith) Durfy, both natives of Canada. Her union with Mr. Lankin resulted in the birth of two children, Frederick A. and Edwin P.
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