USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
Mr. Stevens was born in the village of Genesee, Michigan, October 20, 1843. He was the son of Horatio and Orrila (Cogswell) Stevens. His father was a native of Connecticut and his mother of New York state. They were married in the state of New York and came to Genesee, Michigan, about 1840. The elder Stevens was a substantial farmer. Both parents of our sub- ject are now dead.
Harvey Stevens was the third of eight children, viz., Russell, Mary Jane, Harvey, Clarissa, Horace, John, Austin and Frank. Mary Jane, the second of this family, became the wife of Christian Kist, who was a soldier in the Fifteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The other sister, Clarissa, is now dead. All the other brothers, except Russell, are still living.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm and was educated in the common schools. Later he learned the carpenter's trade and has worked at that ever since the war. On December 25, 1865, he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Reedout, a native of New York state, and to this union there was born a son, George H., who is now a farmer in Lapeer county, Michigan.
Mr. Stevens enlisted in Company K of the Twenty-third Michigan In- fantry at Flint, Michigan, August 30, 1864. He was mustered in September 5, 1864, and joined the regiment at Johnsonville, Tennessee. He participated in the battles at Nashville, Columbus and Franklin. He did not make the march with Sherman to the sea, as his regiment was left with General Thomas to fight General Hood's army. Private Stevens was mustered out of the service at Salisbury, North Carolina, June 28, 1865. He has served as deputy
18
274
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
sheriff of Genesee county under Sheriff Arthur McCall. Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN C. HUGHES.
Mr. John C. Hughes, of Flint, superintendent of the Michigan State Telephone Company, has long been closely identified with the telephone inter- ests of the city, having held his present position for eighteen years. He en- tered the telephone work in 1887, coming to Flint as night operator. He was identified with the district work before coming to Flint, both at Muskegon and Detroit, and since coming here has had the satisfaction of seeing the business make marvelous strides.
As superintendent of the district he has been enabled greatly to extend the company's interests, and has at the same time managed to give the people most satisfactory service. The home exchange was established in 1881 by the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. From that date up to 1904 there have been installed about two hundred and eighty miles of toll line, extending to the various towns in the district, including such places as Densie, Goodrich, Grand Blanc, Mundy, Swartz Creek, Waterton, Flushing, Mt. Morris, Clio, etc.
The Michigan State Telephone Company succeeds the Michigan Tele- phone Company, and since this company has come into possession of the plant there have been many changes and extensions made.
Facilities have been installed that will accommodate an extensive patron- age, and the modern switchboard equipment is of the very best and most highly improved type.
In Genesee county there are about three thousand three hundred patrons, and about fifty-five employes are kept constantly busy taking care of the system. The lines are being extended steadily and the prospects for the future of the company are exceedingly favorable.
One feature of the work that is making unexpected advance is the long distance patronage. This is making such forward strides that it has ex- ceeded the most sanguine expectations, and is an evidence of the fact that the long distance phone is rapidly becoming a popular medium for business com- munication. The company is extending its circuit constantly, and communi-
275
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
cation with Detroit, Toledo and other points is not only available, but is being made use of more and more.
Mr. Hughes was for eleven years connected with the Hughes-Mann Ice and Coal Company, which was later disposed of to the Wildanger Company of Flanders. He was its treasurer, and the affairs were quite successful and satisfactory.
Mr. Hughes has been an able promoter of the public utility spirit of the city, and his energy and business enterprise have stimulated the growth of the city's interests in many ways.
This has been recognized by the business men of the town and a gen- eral feeling of appreciation prevails throughout the district.
WILLIAM J. OTTAWAY.
One of the most successful as well as reliable stock shippers of Flushing is William J. Ottaway, born in what is now Clayton township, Genesee county, Michigan, on September 17, 1842. His ancestry goes back beyond the sea, both of his parents having been born in Kent, England. His father was George Ottaway, and his mother's maiden name was Harriet Boutcher. They came to America in 1838 and settled in Genesee county, in which is now Clayton township, known at that time as Flushing township. They ended their days there, he having reached an advanced age. Their union was blessed with the characteristic old-fashioned family, consisting of twelve children, five daughters and seven sons. Six of the members of this large family are still living. They are Horace, who now operates an excellent farm in Tuscola county, Michigan; Thomas, who is likewise engaged in Clayton township; Samuel E., who now resides in Flushing; Sarah A., who is the widow of Judson A. Stone, late of Clayton township, and Stephen C., also a farmer of Clayton township.
The subject of our sketch, William J., was reared in the old homestead in Clayton township, where he lived until he was almost of age. He was a boy of steady habits, and one who applied himself zealously to whatever work came to his hand. After reaching his majority, the fearful conflict between the north and the south came on amain and William cast his lot with the Union
277
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
forces. He enlisted in the Thirteenth Battery of the Michigan Light Artillery on July 31, 1864. He continued in the service until the close of the war. After his return home he came back to Clayton township, remaining there for about one year, at the close of which he removed to Flint, and while there he occupied himself in the meat business. He continued at this for another year, coming on to Clayton township a year later, and then began farming and handling live stock, and has continued at this ever since. He has carried his work on in a very creditable, able and business-like fashion, and his habit of square dealing has crowned his efforts with well merited success.
He was married in Clayton township, Genesee county, on February 20, 1867, to Miss Helen M. Brown, who was born in that vicinity, and who was the daughter of James E. and Mary D. (Sheldon) Brown. These people were among the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. Brown was a native of Connecticut and Mrs. Brown was born in Ohio. They came to the west from Erie county, New York, and settled in Genesee county, Michigan, in June, 1837. They lived for one year in Flint, and in two years after coming to Genesee county removed to the country and settled in Clayton township, where they lived out their allotted time. Mr. Brown died at the age of sixty- two years, while Mrs. Brown attained the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Brown was supervisor of Clayton township for more than twenty-one years. There were nine children born to them, of whom Mrs. William J. Ottaway was among the youngest.
This union was blessed with two children-Edith M. and Elmer J. The latter is a publisher and printer at St. Clair and Port Huron, Michigan.
Mr. Ottaway was one of the first residents of Flushing when the village was organized, coming to Flushing in 1868, and was one of the first trustees of the village. He is a man who has taken an active part in all the public affairs of the community. Mrs. Helen Ottaway died on July 25, 1901. She was born on August 30, 1844. She was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Ottaway was a trustee and also a steward. He is an ardent supporter of the Odd Fellows' fraternity and is actively iden- tified with the Ransom Post, No. 89, Grand Army of the Republic. Edith M., the daughter of Mr. Ottaway, was married October 30, 1907, to Edward M. Langdon, of St. Petersburg, Florida, and they will make that city their future home. Mr. Ottaway spends his winters in Florida.
WARREN HAVEN TAYLOR.
Dr. Warren Haven Taylor, practicing physician of Flint, was born at Pine Run, Genesee county, Michigan, in the '70s. His father, Philander Taylor, was a native of New York state, having come to Genesee county over a half a century ago with his parents, he being then only a lad of twelve years. Philander Taylor's father, whose name was John, settled upon the farm at Pine Run, and there ended his days at an advanced age. Phil- ander Taylor, also a physician, is still living, having his residence at Clio. He remained on the farm till middle life, and then took the medical course at the University of Michigan, graduating with the class of 1885. He has since been in active practice at Clio, and is the only son of the family that remained in Genesee county. He had two brothers and two sisters. John Taylor is a resident of Chicago, and Charles I. is a practicing physician at Clarksville, Michigan.
Warren H. was reared on the farm at Pine Run and assisted also in clearing and improving another farm in Thetford township, but during these years he gave industrious attention to the study of medicine, acquiring quite a thorough knowledge of the subject under the tutelage of his father, whose medical library was quite etxensive and modern. He completed the medical course in the Detroit Medical College in 1896, and for four years practiced his
279
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
profession with his father at Clio. Here he gained valuable experience and demonstrated his fitness for his chosen vocation in a very decided and com- mendable manner. He built a capacious store building and equipped an elab- orate office. He erected the telephone company building and developed the telephone business throughout the vicinity. This enterprise seemed to grow almost spontaneously, and in a short time became an unqualified success. After eight years of successful business at Clio he closed out his in- terests at that point and removed to Flint. He erected a residence at 1216 North Saginaw street, and has continued in practice since. He had no diffi- culty in obtaining creditable standing among the members of the medical fra- ternity, and a flattering practice was soon established. He has been actively identified with the state and county medical societies, and has taken a stand in the front ranks of practical and progressive practitioners. He carries his own stock of medicines, buying them in large quantities, thus giving his patients the benefit of the moderate prices thus obtainable. One entire wall of his reception room is completely filled with this part of his equipment.
Dr. Taylor was married on September 12, 1900, to Miss Minnie B. Wing. of Clio, daughter of David Wing, a prosperous and progressive farmer of that community. She was a successful teacher in the public schools prior to her marriage. One son, Donald, has been born of this union.
The doctor has been connected not only with the various associations, but is also an estimable member of the Masonic fraternity. He plays the double B flat bass in the Flint city band.
For fifteen years before coming to Flint he was one of the leading singers in the local Methodist choir at Clio, having been its choral director, and for over two years his effective bass voice has been heard in the chorus choir of the First Methodist church of Flint. Thus in a manifold and un- selfish degree has he given forth the best of his resources-professionally, socially and morally.
280
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
JOHN R. SHANK, M. D.
Mr. John R. Shank, a prominent physician of Flint, was born at Mt. Morris, Livingston county, New York. His parents, Franklin and Adelaide (Johnston) Shank, were both natives of New York state, the mother having been born also in Mt. Morris, New York. Adelaide's parents were Abraham and Maria (Beecroft) Johnson, who started for Michigan in the '40s, but made their first stay of three years at Brantford, Ontario. At the expiration of that time they came to Oakland county, Michigan, and continued on a farm there for several years. Their next move was to Genesee county, where they settled upon a farm in Mt. Morris township. Mr. Johnson set himself to the heroic task of reclaiming the land from the wilderness, and in time the work was accomplished. He died there upon the farm, having reached an ad- vanced age. He was survived a few years by his wife.
Franklin Shank came to Michigan and bought a farm half way between Flint and Flushing in Mt. Morris township, near the farm of the Johnston family. Here the mother died a few years later, and the father returned to New York state, where he remained for a time and then returned to Michigan.
He entered the United States army for regular service in the Civil war, and after its close returned and made his residence at Bay City. Later he came to Flint, and there engaged in carpentry, becoming also a contractor. He helped build the school for the deaf, doing the finishing work on the interior. He died in Flint. His widow occupies the old home at the corner of Third and Oak streets and is remarkably well preserved, considering her age.
The union was blessed with three children-John R., our subject; Laban, a physician located at Empire, Michigan; and Guy S., a plumber of Flint.
John R. graduated from the Flint high school and for three years suc- cessfully taught school. He then entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of Michigan, graduated in due time, and since then has been practicing his profession, having been in Flint for several years. His first locations were at other points. He has devoted himself to general practice, and has been actively connected with the work of leading associations, such as the state and county medical societies. His practice is large and substan- tial. His broad sympathy and generous spirit have won for him many friends, all of whom hold him in high esteem. He is a Republican in politics and for two years was a member of the city council. He takes a lively in-
28I
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
terest in party work and has been of great value to the party through his wise and conservative policy. He is an active worker in the societies of Odd Fellows and Masons. He is constantly on the alert and has never ceased being a student, taking especial delight in the subject of biology. In this way he manages not only to grow, but to grow symmetrically, and to become of value to the community as a leader and thinker in the various channels of intel- lectual thought and progress.
Dr. Shank was married to Miss Sadie Campbell. She is a woman of broad culture and has formed a most helpful and effective helpmeet to her husband in his work. She has a great talent for music and is enabled to entertain her many friends in a delightful and enviable manner.
JARVIS E. ALBRO.
Captain Jarvis E. Albro, of 1029 Garland street, Flint, was born on the Albro homestead in Mt. Morris township April 14, 1842. His parents were pioneer settlers in the county. His father, Rodman W. Albro, was born in the state of Rhode Island, but came in early life to New York city, from which place he emigrated with his wife and three children to the west in July, 1839. He settled in what is now Mt. Morris township, in section thirteen.
His mother, Susan (Harper) Albro, was born in Nantucket, Massa- chusetts, and both father and mother ended their days on the old homestead, the former attaining the age of eighty-four, passing away in November, 1897. The mother died in August, 1864, in her sixty-fourth year. Their family consisted of seven children, of whom Jarvis was the fourth.
He was reared on the farm, attending the district school, and continuing there until he was eighteen years of age. He then attended the Union school in Flint for one year, completing his studies sufficiently to enable him to take up teaching, in which he was engaged for one year.
On August II, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry and went to the front for active service for his country, and continued in the field until the close of the struggle in 1865, being mustered out in July of that year. He was in the army of the Ohio and took part in many of the trying
283
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
conflicts of the war. He was present at the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, Resaca, in Georgia, Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville, Ft. Anderson, North Carolina, and Kingston, same state. A private when he enlisted, his manli- ness, courage and cool-headedness soon won for him recognition, and he was steadily promoted through the first and second lieutenantcy by Governor Aus- tin Blair, and later to the rank of captain by Governor Crapo. He served in the latter capacity until mustered out at Salisbury, North Carolina, at the date previously stated. As is naturally to be expected he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is at present chaplain of the Governor Crapo Post, No. 145. After returning from the war he was engaged as foreman of a farm near Greenfield, Wayne county, Michigan, which farm was owned by James F. Joy. He continued at that work for three years, and then for four years filled a place of similar capacity on the farm of E. N. Wilcox. He then returned to the Mt. Morris farm. He took an active part in the general af- fairs of the community. He served as supervisor for eleven years and was again elected, but resigned the office. He was also elected to the place of county drainage commissioner, which place he held for eight years. Since coming to Flint Mr. Albro has consented to assist in the public affairs of the city, and has for two years been alderman from the fifth ward. He is at present acting as president of the Genesee County Pioneer Picnic Association.
In the educational line, also, has Mr. Albro cast much of his influence for progress and advancement. For three years he was superintendent of schools in Mt. Morris township, and was chairman of the board of super- visors in 1884, although a Democrat, he being the first Democratic chairman ever chosen to that position in that township.
On Christmas day, 1876, he was married to Miss Margaret L. Carpenter, of Mt. Morris township, daughter of Rowland and Cordelia Carpenter, also pioneers of the county. Five children have been born to them, consisting of Morton, Gertrude, wife of Melvin McNeil; Alice, Raymond, and Sherman.
Mr. and Mrs. Albro are also helpful and consistent members of the Garland street Methodist church.
EDWARD G. RUST.
Mr. Edward G. Rust, ex-sheriff of Genesee county, Michigan, was born May 5, 1865. His parents were William F. and Mary Jane (Banacroft) Rust, who emigrated to the west from New York state. They first settled in Indiana at Ligonier, and came later, in 1865, to Genesee county, Michigan, settling in Grand Blanc township. Here they spent the remainder of their days with the exception of the closing years of Mrs. Rust's life, which were spent in Flint, where she died December 26, 1904, aged sixty-five years. Mr. William Rust was a Democrat and active in the political affairs of the county. He was aggressive and at the same time one who carefully weighed the probable consequences of policies and undertakings, and impressed his friends and neighbors as an able man of affairs. He died on his farm November 26, 1894, aged sixty-five years. Both of the parents were active workers in the Methodist church of Burton. Their family consisted of four children. One of these, E. Summers, is operating a farm in Grand Blanc township; Delia is the wife of Edward B. Palmer, of Flint; James B. died in infancy.
Edward was brought up to manhood on the farm in Grand Blanc town- ship. He was a boy that applied himself steadily to his work and showed signs of a courageous disposition. He remained on and helped conduct the farm until his marriage and for some time afterward, and later rented a farm
285
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of Dr. Wilson, known as the "Old Beols" farm. He remained on this place for five years, at the expiration of which time he bought the Michael Fer- guson farm in Grand Blanc township. Here he lived and conducted this farm until he was elected sheriff of Genesee county, in the fall of 1900, assum- ing the office January 1, 1901.
At the expiration of the first term he was re-elected for a second term. He was also township clerk of Grand Blanc township for two years, and was its supervisor for six years. He is a Democrat in politics and has taken a conspicuous part in the political affairs of the county. His merits as a citizen have been recognized by his fellow townsmen. He was for about one year chief of police for the city of Flint.
He was married in Grand Blanc township November 30, 1887, to Miss Eva M. Jones, who was also born in the same township. She was the daughter of Henry L. and Hannah M. (Davis) Jones. Mr. Jones died in Grand Blanc township April 29, 1902, having been born on May 12, 1829. Five children were born to them. Four of the family were boys, the daughter being the third child of the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Rust are also the parents of five children-Ethelyn D., Sumner, William H., James B. and Harold J. Mr. Rust is a loyal adherent to many of the secret orders of the city, such as the Elks and Knights of Pythias. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rust are active workers in the Baptist church of Flint.
FRANK VERT.
Mr. Frank Vert, a pioneer farmer of Genesee township, was born in Scotland February 8, 1836. He was the son of William and Margaret (Mowat) Vert, both of whom ended their days in their foreign home. The father was a carpenter and was a skilled and industrious workman.
Frank was educated in the land of his birth and after completing the fundamental studies secured a commercial course, which he also carried to completion. He became a bookkeeper, continuing thus until his twenty- second year.
About 1857 he left his native soil and emigrated to Canada. After ar- riving, he became engaged in the flour milling business, continuing at that time until 1869, at which time he came to St. Clair county, Michigan. He remained here for a few years and changed to several other points, coming at last in 1889 to Flint. He had previously been in the county for a short time, but did not remain. Since 1889, however, he has been a permanent resident of the county. In 1894 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section thirty-three, having been engaged in the milling business up to that time.
In 1861 Mr. Vert was married to Miss Jane Harper, a native of Eng- land, and daughter of Robert and Mary (Evans) Harper. After over forty
287
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
years of domestic peace and happiness Mrs. Vert was taken hence, de- parting this life in 1902. Eight children were born to this union, consisting of Catherine, Mary, Eliza, Henry (deceased), Martha, William, Frank and Robert. In rearing and training for useful citizenship such a splendid family, Mr. and Mrs. Vert have conferred one of the most valuable and durable boons upon the community and state. The home life has been a center for inspiration and achievement, and the spirit of thrift, industry and good fel- lowship engendered there will live for generations, ever increasing and widening in its sphere of usefulness.
Mr. Vert has never sought public office, but has always taken a stand for clean and upright administration of public affairs. He has not confined himself to any one party, but has preferred to vote for the man that he thought best fitted for the place. He may be classed, therefore, in that ever increasing body of patriotic American citizens known as the independent voter.
CHARLES S. PIERSON.
One who has for many years been closely identified with the growth and development of the county is Charles S. Pierson, of 1228 Beech street, Flint. His father, Charles C. Pierson, was born January 18, 1818, at Avon, New York. He came to Genesee county, Michigan, as early as 1840 and purchased about one hundred and forty acres of land, mostly new. While working on his farm shortly after taking possession of it he met with a most unfortunate mishap. He was engaged in his first threshing, and in an un- guarded moment his right arm was caught in the machinery and was sev- ered at the elbow. This, of course, unfitted him for further duty on the farm and he cast about for other means of winning a livelihood. He thereupon went to Albion and took a course of study and training at Albion College, fitting himself for the profession of teaching. His studies here continued for a period of two years, and then he began his labors as teacher. He taught with success and put in the winter seasons at this work, while in the summer time he occupied himself on his farm in Grand Blanc township. This plan he followed for several years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.