USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 2
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. Barker has been a loyal and interested citizen, and has left his impress on both the social and industrial life of the community.
1
ALVIN NELSON CODY.
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths ; In feelings, not in figures on the dial. We should count time by heart throbs.
He most lives
Who thinks most, feels noblest, acts best."
-Philip James Bailey.
The name of Cody is familiar all over the American continent, and since "Buffalo Bill's" tour of Europe, the name is familiar there also. But this sketch is not intended to deal with the noted man of "Wild West" fame, but of his fourth cousin, Alvin N. Cody, superintendent of schools of Flint. He was born at Mayville, Tuscola county, Michigan, September 10, 1868. His father, Nelson Cody, originally of Ontario, was a skilled millwright and wheelwright, and came from Lapeer county to Tuscola county in 1864. In 1866 he, with Mr. Horace Fox, built and set in operation a large mill at Mayville, continuing at this work until 1870, at which time he retired to his farm two miles from Mayville. Here he spent his remaining days, pass- ing away September 23, 1903, at the age of seventy-two. His wife's maiden name was Emily Swift, daughter of Joseph and Harriet Swift, pioneers from
3I
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the "Nutmeg state," Connecticut. They came to Michigan when Lapeer county was still a wilderness. One of their sons, Rev. William J. Swift, of Lansing, Michigan, was the first student to enter the University of Michi- gan from Lapeer county.
When Alvin's parents established themselves in Tuscola county the town of Mayville was not in existence. They helped to organize the first Metho- dist Episcopal class established there, and contributed much toward the growth and prosperity of the church. His father took an active part in school affairs, serving for several years as school inspector. He had decided convictions on matters political, also, and voted for Fremont. Later he fol- lowed the dictates of his conscience and threw all of his influence on the side of temperance and identified himself with the Prohibition party.
The mother died at her home in Fremont May 9. 1907.
The family consisted of seven children, one of whom, Arthur, died when quite young. One daughter, Emma, became the wife of Charles A. Mills, of Mayville. Another, Hattie, was married to a Mr. Cody, of Ontario. A third daughter, Alice, was married to Mr. John Paul, now residing at Caro. Walter E. resides at the old home. Ernest E. is the present superintendent of schools at Plainwell, Michigan.
Mr. Cody's boyhood days were spent on the farm. His industrious habits, coupled with a firm foundation of moral and religious culture, prepared him for the problems of life that were to confront him. Of course the demands of the farm came first, but such was his ambition to get a broad education that he willingly walked the two miles to the village high school, completing the course in due time. He then began teaching. After having taught one year in the districts he was elected principal of the Fostoria schools in the southeastern part of Tuscola county. His next change was to Laingsburg, and in 1898 he entered Albion College, having also rendered service as a member of the county board of examiners in Shiawassee county. At the college he took the scientific course, specializing in biology. He be- came laboratory assistant to Professor Barr of this department. He gradu- ated with the class of ICor, taking the degree of bachelor of science. At the time of his graduation he was elected to deliver the address to the under- graduates, performing his task with credit to himself and honor to his class.
He was not contented, however, to stop here. His innate love for his work and his consciousness of the value of a broad and liberal equipment,
32
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
led him to continue work at the State University, and he received there the degree of M. S. in 1902. The following autumn he became high school prin- cipal at Flint. Here his work was thorough, scholarly, and highly successful, and he soon won the confidence of all. When the superintendency became vacant he was chosen to fill the place, and during his term of service in that capacity, he has demonstrated his eminent fitness for the work. He has taken a stand for good preparation and equipment on the part of the teacher, and insists upon a thorough and rational method in the school work. As fast as possible he is endeavoring to equip the schools with the best modern ap- paratus, supplementary material, and sanitary improvements. The high school is fast taking its place as one of the best in the state.
Mr. Cody is quite an energetic institute worker, and has a high pro- fessional spirit, being a member of the National Educational Association and of the state and local associations as well.
He was married in June, 1893, to Miss Bertha Watters, of Mayville, daughter of Whitfield and Mary E. Watters. She is a native of New Jersey, is a high school graduate, and has shared with her husband in the college work. Their home is blessed with one daughter, Elizabeth. They are par- ticipants in church work, and in many ways are contributing favorably to the general tone and high standing of the civic and social life of the community.
REUBEN VAN TIFFLIN.
Mr. Reuben Van Tifflin, late of Flint, was born at Rush, Monroe county, New York, June 25, 1826, and died at Flint, Michigan, January 4, 1906. His parents were Peter and Hannah (Allen) Van Tifflin, the former having been born in Middleburg, Holland, in 1796, coming from thence to Albany, New York, with his parents, who later removed to the western part of the state. He was a farmer by occupation, and in 1834 came to Grand Blanc, Michigan, with his family, and began life here on the farm where one of the sons, David, now lives, and where the father died. February 27, 1891, at the magnificent age of ninety-five years. The mother, Hannah, died on the same farm March 18, 1871. She was a native of East Hampton, Connecticut, where she was born June 22, 1801, being the daughter of William and Esther (Goff ) Allen.
Ten children were born of this union, nine of whom reached maturity, and of these, two are still surviving. The other sons were Henry, a farmer, who died at Fenton at the age of seventy-eight ; William, a farmer also, died at Fenton at the age of seventy-six; Schuyler. born in 1828, served through the war of the Rebellion and was made lieutenant of the Tenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He died in the Army Hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, during the war, and is buried in Glenwood Cemetery at Flint; the next son in
3
34
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
the order of birth was Reuben, the subject of our sketch ; Robert, born in 1832. died at Flint in 1899, at the age of sixty-seven ; he was a soldier in a Michigan Cavalry Regiment. The daughters were Esther, born in 1822, who became the wife of Henry H. Holland, of Mundy township, and attained the age of sixty-seven years ; Alice, born in 1830, became the wife of A. I. Brainard and died on their farm near Grand Blanc, aged seventy-three; Delphia died at the age of eleven years.
Reuben was eight years old on coming to Genesee county, and grew to maturity on the parental farm. After leaving the farm he came to Flint and learned the carpenter's trade, and later spent about two years at Detroit. On returning to Flint he became a contractor and built the present high school building in 1873. He also built the City Hall and the Ladies' Library building. For more than twenty-five years he had the supervision of the building of the school for the deaf. He became the owner of a fine, large farm in Bur- ton township, upon which, however, he never lived. He was a loyal and active as well as energetic citizen. but never aspired to hold public office, preferring rather to give all his attention to his business interests. He was an alert citizen and took quite an interest in the affairs of the city. He took steps to secure the charter to make Flint a city, and circulated the petition for the same. In the latter part of his life he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Episcopal church, having served as vestryman for several years. He was married March 19, 1855. in the old St. Paul's church to Sarah Simpson, youngest of five sisters, of Scotch ancestry, she being the daughter of Alexander and Margaret Simpson. Sarah Simpson was born at Caledonia, New York. She proved an efficient and worthy helpmeet to her husband through all the years of his busy and successful career. The five Simpson sisters married and resided in Flint. All were pioneer settlers. Ruben selected the timber that was used in the construction of the school for the deaf over fifty years ago. At that time the entire fourth ward was a pine forest.
35
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
GEORGE M. DEWEY.
This gentleman was born in Canandaigua, New York, January 1, 1817. His father, Ebenezer B. Dewey, was from Royalton, Vermont, whither they returned in 1822. The father then became proprietor of a stage line of some three hundred miles between Albany, New York, and Montreal, Canada. In 1848 he settled on a farm in Mt. Morris township, Genesee county, Michigan, and there spent the remainder of his days. He lived to be ninety-four years old. The mother of George M. was Harriet Meeker, a native of Hubbard- ton, Vermont. She was taken away at the age of thirty-six, George then being but eighteen years of age. The father married for his second wife Sarah Gilbert, who died just six months before her husband, at the age of eighty-nine. George M. was the oldest of the family, and was educated at the Academy of Royalton, Vermont. At the age of sixteen he became clerk in his father's stage office, and remained there until 1836, when he decided to go to Missouri, but on reaching Detroit, in 1837, he was persuaded by friends to remain in Michigan. And, going by stage, to Corunna, he walked from thence to Flint, where he found a sawmill, two groceries and a few log houses. In the fall of 1838 he established a mercantile house, soon having an extensive trade with the Indians, who accorded him the honor of being named A-wan-a-ga-gu-zeek. Within three years he began to buy land, at which he continued until he owned between 60,000 and 75,000 acres, for much of which he paid but fifty cents per acre. In 1848 he was made receiver for the local land office for the government, which office was retained four years, his bond being $150,000. In 1845 he became a breeder of sheep, and soon introduced the first merino from Vermont. January 1, 1857, he became organizer for the Flint, Pere Marquette railroad, and after the exercise of great energy and persistence obtained a franchise. He paid for the survey, bought the right-of-way to Saginaw, and let contracts for building the road, of which he was president until 1861. It was only through his shrewdness and determination that Flint secured the road, the original idea of many of his associates being to have the line follow another route. In 1856 Mr. Dewey erected the A-wan-a-ga block, which still stands as a monument to his foresight and business sagacity. It required a clear mind and great force of character to erect so expensive and substantial a business block at a time when the future of Flint was in the balance, but it was such enterprise and display
36
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
of faith that soon induced others to follow his example, making assurance doubly sure, and laying a solid foundation for the future progressive city, where men now are hailed as benefactors who deign to erect pretentious blocks when conditions are past the experimental stage and rentals are guaranteed. He was one of the citizens whose efforts resulted in a charter for the city of Flint, and served on the first board of aldermen. His marriage, June 1, 1848, to Miss Ellen Cummings, youngest daughter of Judge Simeon Cummings, served to establish what for sixty years has proved one of the most popular homes in Flint. All the forty-three years of their companionship was passed in the Dewey homestead on Garland street, which he had erected in 1846, it being the third residence built on that now most popular residence thorough- fare. There he delighted to extend unquestioned hospitality to his many friends, its parlors often resounding with the mirth and repartee for which his character was so well suited; and there on the 21st of December, 1891, the spirit of this most genial and accomplished man passed to its reward. For forty-six years he was vestryman in St. Paul's Episcopal church, and was the last survivor of the original nineteen enthusiastic young men and women who organized the church. Mr. Dewey was a Whig, becoming a Republican upon the organization of that party at Jackson, "Under the Oaks," in 1854, and for several years was a member of the state central committee.
Mrs. Dewey was born at Batavia, New York, and after her father's death came with her mother to Flint. The other members of the family consisted of three sons and four daughters. A brief reference to the career of some of these children may not be without interest. Thomas R. Cum- mings, born at Batavia in 1814, was private secretary to Governor Barry, first governor of Michigan. He was deputy secretary of state under Governor Ransom, and helped to lay the carpets for the new capitol building. In 1847 and 1848 he was county clerk of Genesee county. He died in the sanitarium at Otter Lake, having been an invalid for three years. He was considered a high authority on the early history of Detroit and the surrounding towns. George Cummings was an able attorney of Flint and died there at the age of fifty years. Simeon Bradford Cummings died in Flint on May 3, 1906. He served in the Civil war under the standard of the Second Michigan Regiment. One of his sisters, Elizabeth, remained unmarried and attained the age of ninety- three years, having made her home with her sister, Mrs. Dewey. Another sister, Olive, married Elias Williams. She died at Maple Rapids at the age
.
37
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of eighty years. Harriet was married to S. A. Pengra, who was connected with the New York & Erie railroad at Rochester. After her husband's death in Flint she went to Portland, Oregon, in 1903, and died at the age of eighty- two. The mother's maiden name was Fanny Bradford. She lived in Flint until her death at the age of eighty-six, a woman universally loved, and one that was acknowledged to be a queen in the realm of home life.
ALEXANDER McFARLAN.
The city of Flint is characterized not only by its commercial enterprise and push, and by its admirable civic spirit, but also by the good taste evinced in the style and arrangement of its residences. One of the best examples of the homes of this character is the McFarlan homestead on North Garland avenue, occupied by the McFarlans.
Alexander McFarlan was born in Flint October 30, 1852, and with his sisters, Mrs. R. Whaley and Mrs. Anna Barks, of New York, are the only survivors of his father's family. His life has been spent in the city of Flint, with whose growth and development he has been most intimately associated. He was connected with his father in his business enterprises, which consisted of extensive farming interests as well as business ventures in the city itself. Since his father's death Alexander has carried on the supervision of the farm work, and has been abundantly able to take care of the many details that have 'evolved upon him. .
While busily engaged with his personal affairs Mr. McFarlan has been fully alive to his duties as a citizen, and his fellow townsmen have not been slow to recognize his value as a public man and to make use of him in a public capacity. He is a director of the Citizens' Bank of Flint, and has contributed much toward its conservative policy. He was alderman also from his ward,
39
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
and in that capacity conserved the city's interests by his judicious views on questions vital to the municipal policy of the town.
At the age of twenty-seven Mr. McFarlan was married to Miss Margaret Phillipson, who was born in Genesee county, being the daughter of one of the highly respected residents of the county. Their union has resulted in the birth of two daughters, one of whom is still at the parental homestead. The other, Louise, is the wife of John W. Ackley, of New York city.
FRANK L. WELLS.
Mr. Frank Wells, the present able chief of police of Flint, has been con- nected with that department of the city's affairs for many years. He was born in Grand Blanc township, Genesee county, March 13, 1857. His parents were Theodore J. and Demaris (Ingersoll) Wells, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York, their marriage taking place in Lapeer county, Michigan. Theodore Wells followed the harness marker's trade, first in Grand Blanc township, later going to Lapeer county. His wife died when Frank L. was about five years old, and he was placed under the care of his grandparents. Theodore later came to Flint and went into the harness manufacturing business, continuing therein for many years. He provost marshal, helping to conduct drafting, etc. He was made deputy provost marshal, helping to conduct a drafting, etc. He was made deputy sheriff under McCall. His father, Lewis Wells, was for many years a dairy- man, occupying a farm two miles south of Flint, and was one of the pioneers in that business, continuing at that until within ten years of his death at the age of seventy-four. His wife was Sarah Long, the aunt of the late Judge Long, of the supreme bench. One daughter of Lewis and Sarah Wells, Edna, is still living, the wife of Theodore L. Tupper, of Flint.
Our subject, Frank, remained with his grandparents from the age of five
4I
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
until sixteen and became an expert dairyhand, being unexcelled as a milker. He grew up a rugged and husky boy, attending school in the districts, and later coming to the city schools of Flint. He was a steady student, well liked by his companions and teachers, acquiring a good reputation as a lad of cour- age and a lover of fair play. At sixteen he went to working out by the month, continuing so until his marriage at the age of twenty-one to Miss Josephine Fowler, daughter of Hannah Fowler, widowed, living in Flint township. His grandparents came to Flint at this time, and Frank rented the farm, remain- ing there two years, after which he removed to a farm in Oakland county. Here he continued for two years longer, at the expiration of which time he came to Flint, and for the next three years was attached to the police force of the city. He then became engaged in the hack business and followed that vocation for six years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the city's life in its varied and manifold phases. He then returned to the police force, and for the last twelve years has retained his connection with that department. His services began as patrolman, but later he was made assistant chief, holding this position for two years. In 1906 he was made chief of the department and has continued in that capacity since. When he first came on the force twenty- one years ago there were but two patrolman employed and one marshal. Now the force consists of nine men besides the chief and constabulary.
He is recognized as a fearless and conscientious officer and one in whom the people have implicit confidence. Although a Republican he was 'first ap- pointed by a Democratic mayor, and has been retained by the present incum- bent of that office, which fact is a strong testimonial to the efficiency and fit- ness of the chief.
His family of two children is made up of Lewis T., R. F. D. carrier, of Flint, and Lettie May, wife of George Joiyce, dye worker of Owasso.
Mr. Wells is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Lodge of Elks.
JAMES HENDERSON.
James Henderson, late of Flint, was born in Livingston county, New York, January 29, 1812. He was the son of George and Jane (McGregor) Henderson, who were both of foreign birth, the former being a native of northern Ireland, and the latter of Scotland. They came to America in early life and were married in this country, devoting their days to farming, chiefly in the state where James was born. James' boyhood days were spent on the farm, and here he developed the strong constitution and independent spirit which characterized his after life. His education was such as was afforded by the district schools of the neighborhood, but before reaching maturity he left the parental roof and started to do battle for himself. He entered into em- ployment at a paper mill in one of the nearby towns and was engaged here for several years, picking up many valuable ideas along the line of business methods. He then came to Flint, Michigan, this being in 1840, and entered into partnership with his brother, Henry, in the dry goods business and con- tinued at this for four or five years, at which time the partnership was dis- solved, each taking a share of stock and starting in business for him- self. James continued as a merchant until his death in 1865. He was a man of sound ideas and of absolute integrity, inspiring a confidence and respect on the part of his patrons and associates. Such a course is bound
43
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
to bring success, and the prosperity and substantial progress of his af- fairs bore witness to the splendid spirit pervading the establishment. As an illustration in point, mention may be made of the fact that many of his former friends preferred to deposit their surplus funds with Mr. Henderson rather than place them in the local banks.
In politics he was a pronounced Republican, but never sought public office. He stood for clean political methods and official integrity. In faith he was a Presbyterian and was a faithful and efficient worker in the church, holding many important places of trust in the local society. His religious life made itself felt in the formative influences of the town, and his gifts to charities and kindred interests were means of stimulating the splendid spirit of altruism, which is one of the distinguishing marks of the city's life today.
He was one of the promoters of the Glenwood Cemetery and assisted in laying out the plat. His patriotic spirit showed itself in many ways. At the breaking out of the Civil war he promised all his clerks that wished to enlist that they should have their appointments reserved for them on his list of em- ployees if they wished to work for him again upon their return from the war.
He was married in 1842 to Miss Mercy Hill, who was born in New York state in 1819. She was the daughter of Daniel and Lucy (Cary) Hill, whose lives were spent within that state. Mrs. Henderson departed this life in 1897. She was a woman of profound Christian character, a member of the Presbyterian faith, and one that won and retained many warm and appre- ciative friends.
This union resulted in the birth of ten children, whose names are here appended in the order of their birth: Horace and Clarence, now deceased ; Harriet, wife of Morris A. Knight, a merchant of Flint; Chester, deceased; Alice and Albert, twins, both dying in infancy; James, having his home in Chicago; Henry, living in Flint; Lester H., in the insurance and loan busi- ness in Flint; and Helen Louise, wife of Lewis B. Lee, of Oak Park, Illinois. Thus the splendid heritage of children but added luster to an already well- rounded and praise-worthy record.
44
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
C. A. LIPPINCOTT.
Rev. Charles Augustus Lippincott, the able and well-known pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Flint, was born July 30, 1865, at Piedmont, West Virginia. His father was Ebenezer Wood Lippincott. His mother's maiden name was Annabelle Weir. They were people of high ideals, and were strong supporters of popular education. Charles was given as broad an education as circumstances would permit, and made the most of the privileges that came to him. While in attendance at the Washington and Jefferson Col- lege in 1887 he applied himself industriously to his studies and laid a founda- tion for a broader scholarship, and also for a self-reliant and aggressive career. He graduated from this institution with honors in 1887.
Having decided upon his lifework he began his preparations by taking the theological course in Princeton, following this with similar work in Union and McCormick seminaries, graduating from the latter institution in 1890.
He was now fully prepared to enter upon his life's work and answered to the call to come to the First Presbyterian church, of Joliet, Illinois, this occur- ring in 1890. Here his labors were eminently successful and satisfactory, his genial disposition and untiring industry resulting in great profit to himself as well as those to whom he ministered. After five years of service in that field he accepted the invitation to become associate pastor of the Second Presbyterian church of Chicago, and his ability and worth soon received recognition. Four years after entering this field he became acting pastor of the same church, this honor coming to him without solicitation on his part. It was simply a testimonial to the strong endorsement of the man by the people of the church. In 1901 he became the pastor of his present congregation and has royally ful- filled the expectations of his church.
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.