USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 23
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removed to Monroe county, New York, where Julia was reared to woman- hood. She was born in 1812 and died at the old homestead in Grand Blanc township in 1887, aged seventy-five years.
She was a most devout and estimable woman and an active worker in the Baptist church. Out of a family of nine children, five sons and four daugh- ters, Isaac, our subject, was the sixth. He was born on the farm and thus early in life learned the wholesome lessons of self-reliance and industry that have characterized his life. He remained at home until twenty years of age, and then started out for himself.
On October 12, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary Estes, daughter of Daniel and Marian (Short) Estes, who were also among the worthy pioneer settlers of Genesee county. They came from Otsego county, New York, in about the year 1838, and settled in Burton township. They, too, battled with primitive conditions, but went through the usual experiences and ended their days upon their farm in that township.
After his marriage Isaac operated his father-in-law's farm for several years. This continued until the death of the parents, and then by purchase and inheritance he obtained full possession of the farm. They continued on the farm until January, 1899, at which time he rented out the farm, now con- sisting of two hundred and five acres of good land, and moved to Flint.
For twelve years he held the office of justice of the peace, and was also chosen highway commissioner. He was elected county superintendent of the poor in October, 1898, and has filled the office most acceptably since that time. He has always been identified with the Republican party and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are also active members of the Methodist Protestant church. He has been chosen for another year as super- intendent of the poor, which will make twelve years of continuous service.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
St. Mary's congregation, Mt. Morris, formerly was attached to St. Michael's parish at Flint. In 1865 the Catholic people of this vicinity, be- coming dissatisfied with the inconvenience attendant upon the traveling to Flint after plodding oxen, and feeling confident that they were able to build and maintain a church of their own, sought for this purpose the authorization of their bishop, Right Rev. Peter Paul Lefevre of the Detroit diocese. The bishop consented and the handful of people began the erction of a frame building upon the grounds donated by the late Christopher Hughes, who resided on the Saginaw road. During 1866-67 the church contemplated was completed, and services were conducted at intervals within its enclosure by the priests stationed at Flint. St. Mary's continued for a time as a mere mission church attached to Flint. In 1869 the congregation petitioned the administrator of the Detroit diocese, the bishop having died in the meantime, for a parish priest of their own. Nothing was done with their petition until Detroit again had a bishop, in 1870. At that date the congregation again petitioned the new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Caspar H. Borgess, and their request was granted. In September, 1870, Rev. Father M. Canters, a young and en- ergetic priest, was sent from Bay City to become the first resident pastor of St. Mary's, Mt. Morris, and Sacred Heart churches, County Line. Father Canters was succeeded by Rev. Father De Kiere. Father De Kiere was a man of note, speaking twenty-two languages with the same ease as he spoke his native Flemish. He remained in charge five years and was followed by Father D. Coyle, who remained three years. Father Coyle was succeeded by Father Van Straelen, who up to the present time has filled the longest
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pastorate in the history of the Mt. Morris congregation. He was there nearly twelve years. To Father Van Straelen succeeded Father Slattery, who re- mained two years, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Father Thomas Luby. Under the administration of Father Luby the rectory has been en- larged and rebuilt, the mission church at County Line rebuilt, and in Mt. Morris, in place of the old frame church, which was so near and dear to the older people, there now stands one of the most beautiful churches in the state -a handsome exemplification of English Gothic of the Renaissance period. The parish, large and energetic, promises in time to become one of the largest in the country districts of the county.
CHARLES F. DE LAND.
Charles F. De Land, one of those able and self-sacrificing pioneer settlers of earlier days, was born at Candor, Tioga county, New York, June 12, 1825. His father, the Rev. Charles De Land, was born at Hartford, Washington county, New York, December 13. 1797. His mother, Susan (Wilmont ) De Land, was born in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, May 11, 1796. These parents came from Hector, Schuyler county, New York, to Genesee county, Michigan, in May, 1847, and settled in Flushing township, and ultimately ended their days on the farm upon which they first settled. Rev. Charles De Land was for many years pastor of the First Baptist church of Flushing, and for eighteen months served the same church in Grand Blanc. He was also pastor of the Mt. Morris Baptist church for some time, and had been in active pastorate work in New York state for thirteen years prior to coming west. Six children were born to him. Of these Virgil W., Milton B., and Alexander J. are deceased ; Joseph M. is on a farm in Flushing township. The next son in order of birth was Charles F. and following him is Mary C., who is the widow of Nelson Talbot.
Charles F. was reared to manhood in New York state and came from Monroe county, New York, to Genesee county, Michigan, in 1847. He had been married in the meantime to Betsey Hinckley, and after arriving in
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Michigan he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in sections fourteen and twenty-three of Flushing township, and settled on section twenty-three. He set to work to improve and cultivate this land, and his industrious efforts soon brought about the desired results. He continued to make this his home until 1904, when he removed to Flushing.
Mrs. De Land died upon the farm in Flushing township on December 13, 1900. She was born March 1, 1829. She was a most admirable and pious woman, and took an active part in church work, being for many years an esteemed member of the Baptist church. Mr. De Land had done some work at the carpenter's trade while still in New York, but after coming west devoted himself chiefly to farming. He still owns ninety-eight acres of the old farm that he purchased in 1847. For twenty-four years he held the office of supervisor of Flushing township, twenty years of which were in succession. He was highway commissioner for four and one-half years, and held the office of justice of the peace for one term. He has always been identified with the Republican party. He is an active worker in the Baptist church, having been a follower of that faith since 1842.
JAMES J. HURLEY.
In the character of James J. Hurley, late of Flint, was to be found such a combination of traits as to make his life story read like fiction. He was born in London, England, of Irish parentage, August 31, 1850, and died at Flint, Michigan, April 4, 1905. At the age of twenty years he and one com- panion embarked for America, having but ten cents between them. He went resolutely to work, however, and later landed in Genesee county, Michi- gan. He engaged in farm labor in Grand Blanc township, coming to Flint soon after. Upon his arrival in the city he engaged in hotel work, and in company with Mr. McFay later operated the Sherman Hotel.
He was married at the age of twenty-five to Miss Mary Flynn, who was dining room girl at the Sherman Hotel at the time, and later became landlady. Mr. Hurley then bought out his partner. Following this he became inter- ested in soap manufacturing, and then for years also became a handler in wood and coal. He transacted his business at the location on Smith street in the first ward of Flint. Next followed judicious investments in real estate and in all his business enterprises Mr. Hurley showed not only great sagacity and foresight, but also a most commendable spirit of fairness and justice. He built a great many residences and was a most reasonable landlord, re- taining some of his tenants for as long as eighteen years. He built not only
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good houses, but store blocks as well, always making creditable additions to the town whenever he made these ventures.
But not only in personal business did he achieve success, but his services were sought for by outside interests as well. He was a director in the Union Trust Savings Bank, and in 1875 was one of the organizers of the Light and Power Company of Flint, of which company he was the leading spirit and manager.
His investments gradually increased in value and he eventually became possessor of considerable wealth. Realizing that much of this came about by unearned increment, Mr. Hurley took a most charitable view regarding the disposition of his belongings. In doing so, however, he was careful not to parade his gifts before men, preferring rather to distribute his beneficences quietly and unassumingly. He willed $500 to each organized church of Flint and donated a block for a hospital site, as well as $25,000 in cash and a resi- due of $25,000.
The site for Hurley Hospital is a handsome location and will form a most valuable, useful and attractive addition to the city's facilities.
Mrs. Hurley died in 1900 after twenty-five years of married life. She was a most excellent woman and supplemented the activities of her husband in a rare and beautiful way.
Mr. Hurley's private secretary was made his administratrix and she discharged her obligations in a business-like and equitable manner, making a visit to London to the relatives and immediate family connections. He left many special benefactions and his quiet demeanor has made a most lasting im- pression on the community. He was not a political aspirant. He affiliated with the Catholic church.
OREN STONE.
Mr. Oren Stone, of Flint, was one of the most representative citizens of the city. He was born in Sennett, New York, July 24, 1833, and died at Flint, Michigan, April 20, 1897. His ancestry is traceable back to early days, three brothers having come to America in 1627. They were the sons of Gregory and Margaret (Grand) Stone, of Mayland, England. The line of descent to Oren began with Deacon Gregory Stone, one of the three sons. He came to Waterford, Massachusetts, in 1635 and to Cambridge in 1637. From him the descendants in order were John, Nathaniel, Hezekiah, Jesse, John and Darius R. The last named was the father of Oren. He was born in 1800 and at the age of twenty years was married to Anna Phelps, who was also born in 1800. They came west and settled on a farm near Stony Run, in Oakland county, Michigan, and later removed to Owosso, Michigan. Finally they located at Flint, where they spent the remainder of their days. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1870, and were per- mitted to enjoy each other's fellowship for twenty-three years beyond that time, making a total period of married life of seventy-three years. Mr. Darius R. Stone passed to rest in 1893 and his companion followed in 1896. Mr. D. R. Stone was a man of independent politics, having espoused, suc-
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cessively, the cause of the Whigs, then the Republicans, later the Prohibition- ists and finally the Cleveland Democrats.
Oren was eleven years old when the family arrived at Stony Run, in Oakland county, in 1844. At the age of sixteen Oren went to Columbus, Ohio, and for two years worked as a clerk in a general store. At eighteen he returned to his parents and bought a stock of goods at Stony Run, which was on the Pontiac and Flint stage line, and he was soon made postmaster at that point. At this time he was married to Miss Susan C. Thompson, daugh- ter of Caleb and Lucinda ( Perry) Thompson, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, who were early pioneers of that state.
In 1857 they moved to Flint and opened a general store. He was later joined here by his brother, Darius H. Stone, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Hadley. He continued in business here, including the handling of real estate, until 1863, when he moved to a newly purchased farm at Whigville, or, as it was later termed, Gibsonville. After remaining upon this farm for one year, he located in Owosso, and after operating a foundry there for a short time, he returned to Flint and opened a nursery in conjunction with real estate and other business. In 1867, with John P. Willard, he established the Flint Woolen Mills. It was a small mill, but did a great amount of custom carding. Mr. Stone was manager of the financial part of the business, and after three years became sole proprietor of the concern, continuing so until 1873, when William H. French and Charles C. Bowker were taken in and the firm of Stone, French & Company was formed. This,two years later, was changed to Stone, Atwood & Company by the addition of W. A. Atwood. The firm now did such a prosperous business that they found it necessary to enlarge the plant, and this was accordingly done. It finally became a six-set mill, and Mr. Stone gave the work his personal supervision, maintaining his in- terest up to the time of his death.
In addition to the woolen business Mr. Stone took an active interest in the real estate activities and public improvements of the town, and was in- strumental in bringing about the Smith-Stone-Turner addition of thirty acres to the city, and also the Genesee county fair grounds addition, of which he was the platter and owner; and one of the organizers of the McFarlan & Company's addition to the city. The residence at the corner of Harrison and First streets was erected by him in 1871 and was the family home for thirty- five years.
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Although a stanch Republican he was not a politician, and did not covet public office. However, he was mayor of the city for one term and served acceptably in that capacity. He was one of the stock company that built the Stone Theater and afterward became sole proprietor. He took a very active part in the progressive life of the city, being at one time president of the Union Club, and at all times a leader in civic improvement. He is a member of Flint Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons; Washington Chapter, No. 15, Royal Arch Masons; a charter member of General Valley Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar ; a member of Michigan Sovereign Consistory of Detroit, and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine; always taking an active part in the workings of the order.
His wife, Susan C. Stone, died March 20, 1870. She was the mother of three children. Willis died in infancy. The two surviving children are Dwight Thompson and Helen Maria. On November 21, 1889, Dwight married Miss Carrie Brow, of Detroit. Their children are Donald Dwight, Oren Francis, Virginia, Helen Jeannette and Caroline Brow.
In 1872 Mr. Oren Stone married for his second wife Mrs. Harriet Stew- art Richards. She was the daughter of Addison and Lucy Stewart, who set- tled in Flint in 1833. Mrs. Stone survived her husband ten years, dying at the family home October 28, 1907.
CAPTAIN EDWARD S. LEE.
Captain Edward S. Lee, member of the law firm of Lee & Parker, of Flint, was born in County West Meath, Ireland. He came to St. Clair county, Michigan, in 1865, with his parents, when he was ten years old. He was reared on a farm in that locality and received his common school edu- cation in the district schools of the neighborhood. After completing the com- mon school course, the next few years found him doing the high school work as offered at Almont and Lapeer in Lapeer county and also at Flint.
At the age of twenty he began teaching, and followed this for two winter terms. He began reading law with Judge Newton, and later with Newton & Howard. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1878, by Judge Turner and began the practice of law in company with Hon. D. D. Aitken, as Lee & Aitken. This firm continued as such for about ten years. For four years he was circuit court commissioner, and for another four years he served as prosecuting attorney. He has also been city attorney of the city of Flint for two terms.
Before the ten years of the life of the firm of Lee & Aitken had entirely passed Judge C. H. Wisner came into the firm, which later changed to Wisner, Lee & Aitken. Following this Mr. Aitken was elected to congress, and Mr. Wisner was made circuit judge, which office he still holds. This disrupted
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the firm, and for the next three years Mr. Lee continued alone. About this time Colonel James S. Parker began reading law with Mr. Lee, and after his return from Cuba, where he served as an officer during the Spanish-American war, became partner with him, making the firm name Lee & Parker, which still so continues.
Captain Lee is an ardent Republican, and was his party's nominee at one time for the mayor's chair of the city of Flint. He has been quite active in the state militia work. He started in the ranks and was steadily promoted through all the grades to that of captain. During the Spanish-American war he assisted in organizing a new volunteer company and was elected its captain, but the war closed before they were called to service. While captain of the state company, under Governor Rich, he was by him appointed on the board of visitors to Orchard Lake Military Academy, and served as such one term. He was local correspondent for the "Detroit News" for ten years before the daily papers were started in Flint. He has a two hundred-acre farm two miles east of Flint. This is given over to general farming, and is in a very fair state of improvement. Captain Lee is one of the directors of the Citizens' Bank of Flint, and is at present the president of the Genesee County Bar Association.
In 1881 Mr. Lee was married to Miss Carrie I. McDermott, of Flint, the only child of James McDermott, the former proprietor of the City Hotel. He is one of the old characters of the city. Carrie I. was born in Rochester, New York, and is one of the alumna of St. Mary's Seminary of Monroe, Michigan. Their family consists of eight children. Ethel G. is a graduate of the Flint high school, and is also a graduate of the New England Con- servatory of Music of Boston, and Thomas Music School of Detroit. For three years she was director of music in the public schools of Flint. Norine, another daughter, attended the Flint high school, and after taking a course in the St. Mary's Academy, became a sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with headquarters at St. Mary's, Monroe, Michigan. She is devoted to teaching and is located as assistant director of music in the parochial schools at Port Huron. Another daughter, Leona, is a freshman in the Michigan Agricultural College, and carried off the freshman society prize in oratory for 1907. Other members of the family are Esperance, Mildred, Patricia, James and Charles.
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Captain Lee and wife are members of St. Michael's Roman Catholic church. He is fond of the deer hunt, having brought home trophies at various times. His family have a cottage at Long Lake and he frequently engages in fishing during the heated season.
DR. SAMUEL W. GIVEN.
Samuel Wesley Given, M. D., late of Flint, was one of the leading prac- titioners of the city. He was born at Drumbo, Oxford county, Ontario, January 31, 1864, and died at Flint May 27, 1907. His father, Robert Given, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and came from there to Canada, where he married Miss Adeline Stringham, who was born in Canada of Quaker par- entage. They engaged in farming, and Samuel's boyhood days were spent among the exhilarating influences of the farm. His father was taken away quite early in life, Samuel being but fourteen years old at the time. The lad's early education was obtained in the local district schools, but his quick grasp and eager spirit made him an apt student, and at the age of eighteen he be- gan teaching, having in the meantime attended the normal school at Wood- stock. He later attended the Woodstock Baptist College, at Woodstock, and later took a business course at Hamilton Business College. Afterward he de- cided to take up the study of medicine. He found it necessary, however, to engage in business in the meantime, and established a wholesale commission house at Hamilton. This he carried on with pronounced success, and the business is still being conducted at the same location by his brother, Robert. The desire to take up medicine as a profession, however, prevailed, and he began reading along that line. He then took a year's course at Detroit, and followed this by entering Rush Medical College at Chicago, graduating from the latter institution with high honors with the class of 1891, which consisted of over two hundred students. He then began practice at Jackson, Michigan. After about one year at Jackson he changed his location to Flint. He was a total stranger at the latter place, but he had received a favorable impression
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of the city and foresaw that it would be a fruitful field for venture. Subse- quent success has demonstrated the accuracy of his conclusions, for he soon became recognized as an able and progressive physician.
He was a member of the various medical societies of the county and state, and was always found alert on the live topics of the profession. His conscientious attention to his duties and his untiring perseverance in treat- ing diseases have won for him not only a large and lucrative practice, but gained for him the admiration of the other members of the profession in the city.
As a citizen he took an active interest in the general welfare of the com- munity. For the last nine years of his life he was a member of the school board, serving one year as president. He was deeply interested in the cause of education, and was an ardent advocate of the progressive spirit in edu- cational lines. The Hazelton school, located in his home ward, the fourth, has been largely improved through his own efforts.
He was an active worker in the Baptist church, having united himself with that faith when nineteen years of age.
On October 5, 1887, he was married to Miss Margaret McPherson, of Ayr, Dumfries county, Ontario. She was a pupil in the school over which Samuel presided as teacher, the acquaintance later ripening into love and union. Their family consists of three children, Donald, Edna and Douglass.
Dr. Given had recently completed a handsome residence at 815 West Kearsley street, Flint, but the period of occupancy was cut short by his death. His home was a social center, since the doctor found great enjoyment in the entertainment of his friends. He was a close reader, fond of history and biography, and rather of a retiring disposition. When called upon, how- ever, he never failed to express himself with force and clearness. He was a member of the Genesee Valley Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar ; also the Woodmen and Maccabees. His taking away at the early age of forty-three years is a matter of universal regret not only to his family and his friends, but also to the citizens of the city as well.
ALBERT .L. ADAMS.
On account of the limitations of the field the editor of a local paper has really a difficult problem with which to grapple. It requires a clear grasp of the needs of the community as well as a broad and catholic view of the trend of affairs in general, in order that the patrons may be furnished with the necessary news of local affairs, and yet be supplied at the same time with such reading matter as will be bread and meat to those intellectually inclined. To do this it is not necessary to invade the field of the magazine, but it lies rather in the judicious choice and the able presentation of the matter that will be in harmony with lofty ideals.
This is the problem that has confronted the subject of our biography, Mr. Albert L. Adams, editor of the "Mt. Morris Enterprise." Mr. Adams is not a native of the "Lake" state, but was born in the state of New York, at Ovid, Seneca county, on March 16, 1844. His father, Lewis Adams, was a carpenter and joiner, a skillful and energetic workman, and came west to Michigan with his family in 1857, taking up his quarters on a farm in Lyons township, Oakland county. His mother's maiden name was Rhoda A. Lay. She died while in middle life.
At the age of fourteen Albert decided upon a printer's career, feeling that the work of that profession would appeal to his desires and ability more than
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anything else. In consequence he returned to New York state, where oppor- tunities were more abundant, and began work at the printer's trade in the offices of the "Sentinel" of Seneca county, and also the "Bee" at Ovid. After serving his apprenticeship and becoming thoroughly qualified he returned to Michigan, and for twenty years from early manhood he followed the trade at Mt. Morris.
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