USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 25
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Mr. Rankin is known throughout the state of Michigan as the supreme recorder of the Knights of the Loyal Guard. He was one of the nine busi- ness men of the city of Flint who originated and founded that order, which is a fraternal beneficiary co-operative insurance society. It was founded upon entirely original and new plans, and started with a membership of five hun- dred February 21, 1895. Its growth has been steady and it is creating a strong reserve or emergency fund. The order is still growing, as its business- like methods appeal to business men, and its fraternal features to the younger generation seeking good, substantial insurance.
Mr. Rankin is serving his twelfth consecutive year as a member of the board of education of Flint, and is treasurer of the board. He was president of the board two terms.
After serving ten years as a member of the board of control of the Michigan school for the blind, by appointment of Governor Pingree and re- appointment by Governor Bliss, he resigned during the current year to accept an appointment by Governor Warner as resident member of the board of trustees of the Michigan school for the deaf, located at Flint, of which board he is treasurer. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Union Trust and Savings Bank of Flint, and a member of the Genesee Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Washington Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Genesee Valley Commandery, Knights Templar, Michigan Sovereign Consistory, Moslem Temple, Mystic Shrine, the Elks, Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum, Loyal Guard and Maccabees.
We have briefly placed before our readers a few of the facts bearing on the biography of one, who, though of foreign extraction, has grown to the fullest stature of an American patriot, and one whose life, influence and character are well worthy the emulation of the generation that soon will be called upon to continue the superstructure so well begun.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
GEORGE W. BUTTON.
Mr. George W. Button, who has been for many years one of the most energetic farmers of Genesee county, is a native of Michigan. His father, John H., was a native of Massachusetts, while his mother, Susan ( Butler) Button, was born in New York state. John H. Button emigrated from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, and from there to New York, where he obtained his wife, and then came on to Michigan. Mrs. Button ended her days at Farrington and Mr. Button passed to rest while living at Flushing. He had been a citizen of considerable prominence, having served in the state legislature when the capital was still at Detroit. He was also called upon to fill many local offices. He was a Whig, and later a Republican, taking a decided stand at all times for a clean and upright discharge of all official and private duties.
George spent his boyhood days on the farm, remaining at home until twenty years of age, receiving such education as the county schools afforded.
After the Civil war had begun he enlisted in a Michigan company and went out to defend the old flag. He was made sergeant at Pontiac and went forth in that capacity. He, with the regiment, was captured at Snodgrass Hill, Chickamauga, having in the meantime been promoted to the second lieutenancy. A long period of prison life now lay before him, and this brought him much regret, not that he cared so much for the exposure and hardship of his confinement, but that it took him out of active service and deprived him of the privilege of taking a hand in the raging conflict. At last he was paroled and transferred to the Federal lines. Following this he was sent to Annapolis, where he was given a thirty days' furlough. He then rejoined his regiment and was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was placed back with his old company, remaining therewith until mustered out at the close of the war. During all these years of alternate hope and despondency his ardent patriotic enthusiasm never lost its warmth, and his faith in ultimate victory never wavered. The old colonel of the regiment was for many years dean of the State University at Ann Arbor.
After the war George returned to the old farm in Oakland county and took charge. Later he came on to Flushing and became engaged as a dealer in general merchandise, in company with his brother, James A. Button, present postmaster. He next disposed of his business interests and went to
GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 365
Kansas, becoming engaged there in sheep ranching, remaining several years. The range being cut down by the encroachments of settlers he closed out his business there and removed to another part of the state, coming back to Michigan a few years later. Since that time he has operated his farm ad- joining the town of Flushing, devoting the major part of his time to the raising of high grade cattle. In this he has had singular success, owing largely to his skill in the managing and the disposing of his herds. He also holds an interest in the local creamery.
While at Pontiac, Michigan, Mr. Button was married to Delia Ann Pier, of Farrington, daughter of William H. and Margarette Pier. At the Pier reunion, recently held at Flint, thirty-four of the descendants were gath- ered together. Mr. and Mrs. Button have two children-Alice, who is the wife of Royal De Wolf, real estate broker at Ann Arbor; and Fredrick, who is at home on the farm.
Mr. Button is a staunch Republican, but has steadily refused to enter politics, preferring rather to devote himself exclusively to his business interests.
ZALA BEEBE.
Mr. Zala Beebe is a descendant of pioneers from New York state. His parents, Harvey and Mindrell (Goff) Beebe, were both born in New York, but came west to Ohio in 1836. A year later they removed to Genesee county, Michigan, and settled in Grand Blanc township. Here they faced the prop- osition of turning some of the wilderness into a home, a task which so many of our noble ancestors accomplished. Mr. Beebe bought forty acres of wild land and set to work clearing away the forest, and in a year or two they had about half of it under cultivation. His labors were cut off by his death, which occurred in the early '40s.
Mrs. Beebe was afterward married to Peter Hempstead, who was also a pioneer in that vicinity. Soon after their marriage they removed to Mundy township, where the process of subduing the wilderness was again begun, this time resulting in the clearing and putting into good condition eighty acres of the virgin territory. On this farm Mrs. Hempstead lived until April, 1892, attaining the age of seventy-six years. She had two sons and one daughter by her first husband, but the daughter died when quite young. The two sons were Zala and Edmund.
Zala was born in Grand Blanc township on October 25, 1839. He was brought up on the farm in Mundy township and received such an education
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as the schools of the time afforded. He remained at home until about sixteen years of age, and then went out from under the parental roof to hew and carve his own path through the wilderness way. He was a hard worker, ever willing to put his shoulder to the wheel, and had no difficulty in finding em- ployment by the day or month, just as he chose. He not only applied himself diligently to his work, but he laid by a part of the proceeds of his labors, and in the course of about four years he managed to purchase some forty acres of land, which he set about to put into shape for cultivation.
A short time after this the great Civil war cloud burst over the country. Mr. Beebe had always felt a strong throb of patriotism within his breast, and when the time came for the response to his patriotic impulses he foresook the ax and the plow and joined the troops for the front.
In January, 1864, he enlisted in Battery E of the First Michigan Light Artillery, and spent almost one and one-half years in the service. His experi- ences in this service were not only exciting, but were often attended with great peril and dangerous encounters. He was fortunate, however, in escap- ing serious mishap, and looks back now upon this era of his past with consid- erable pride and satisfaction.
Mr. Beebe was married on September 8, 1859, to Miss Phoebe F. Slaght, who was a native of New York state. She was the daughter of Matthias and Mary Jane ( Peterson) Slaght, who were also among the goodly company of pioneer settlers in Genesee county. All of their days were spent in Genesee county. While on a visit to Rochester, Michigan, Mr. Slaght died and Mrs. Slaght returned to Mundy township and made her home there until her death, September 16, 1893.
After returning from the war Mr. Beebe located on the land in Mundy township that he had purchased before going to the front, and for the next twenty-eight years he applied himself to its cultivation. During this time he succeeded in bringing the farm up to a well improved state. His hard and steady work resulted in good drainage, substantial buildings and other im- provements in proportion. In 1893 he removed to Flint, where he has since lived a retired life.
Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have been blessed with the following children : Mary Elizabeth, born on February 7, 1860; Ella, born on February 17, 1862; Wal- ter, born on June 6, 1866; Julia, born September 18, 1875. Their family records are herewith appended.
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Mary Elizabeth Beebe was married on November 18, 1877, to Adelbert Storer, and to this union were born the following named children: John, born September 25, 1879; Carrie, born November 26, 1881 ; Zala, born De- cember 19, 1893, and Edward, born December 5, 1899.
Ella Beebe was united in marriage on October 4, 1888, to Wallace Covert. Not having any offspring they are rearing an adopted child, Char- lotte Covert.
Walter Beebe was married to Mary Harvey on July 31, 1893. Three children have graced this union. The eldest son was born on February 15, 1894, and died on the 26th of the same month without having been named; De Etta was born on December 13, 1895; the third child, Walter, on June 12, 1902.
Julia Beebe was married on November 30, 1893, to Herbert Biglow and has given birth to the following named children: Gertrude, born March 9, 1896; Garriet, born June 30, 1898; Glen, born on March 18, 1901, and died June 23, 1901 ; Harry was born on June 17, 1904.
The Beebe home is at 1020 Ann Arbor street and their many friends find here at all times an atmosphere that is both hospitable and congenial.
REV. EDGAR RANDALL.
In the person of Rev. Edgar Randall, pastor of the Grand Blanc Baptist church, we have a good representative of that noble and self-sacrificing body of men who have done so much by precept and example to build up the sturdy citizenship of our fair land. Perhaps no one other class of citizens has done greater service to the state and country than the loyal and fearless preachers of the Gospel. They have been men that have faced privations and endured hardships, yet have adhered unswervingly to the narrow path that leads onward and upward to peace and to victory.
Rev. Randall was born in Tekonsha, Calhoun county, Michigan, on February 21, 1844. His father, Gilbert Randall, was a farmer by occupa- tion. He was an upright and industrious citizen, and a man of firm convic- tions. He died in the same month and year in which Edgar was born, aged twenty-nine years. Edgar's mother, Alma (Howe) Randall, died in Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1890, having passed beyond her seventieth year. She was the mother of four sons, of whom Edgar was the youngest. He was reared to manhood in Calhoun county and underwent the usual experiences incident to the life of the times. He received his elementary education in the Tekonsha schools, but he soon concluded to carry his training as much further . as was possible. We therefore find him continuing his education by taking a
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special course at Hillsdale College, Michigan. He was an ardent student and applied himself industriously to his work, and this characteristic has been one of his distinguishing marks throughout his life.
For about fifteen years prior to entering the ministry Mr. Randall was engaged in the profession of teaching, and thereby gained valuable experience in the study of human nature, as well as acquiring a broad and deep sympathy for childhood. He was ordained as pastor of the Grand Blanc Baptist church in 1879 and has since continued service there in that capacity. He is among the oldest pastors in the state of Michigan, and has made a record for service. faithfulness and loyalty that is hard to excel.
When the great civil strife burst over the land he enlisted in Company E of the First Regiment of the Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He entered into the conflict with his usual zeal and vigor, but after sixteen months of service was severely wounded at the second battle of Bull Run, and on account of this was discharged from the service. He was reluctant to retire and would not have done so had he been able in any way to have retained his place in the ranks.
He is a member of the General Crapo Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and takes a leading part in all efforts made by that and kindred organizations to keep alive the spirit of patriotism and love for the flag.
Mr. Randall was first married at Tekonsha, Michigan, to Miss Loretta Rogers, who died at Burlington, Michigan. He was again married, this time in Burlington township, to Mary Engle, who was born in Calhoun county, Michigan. His life and activities have been such that he will long be re- membered after passing to his reward.
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ALEXANDER MCCALL.
Hugh McCall, 3 years old
One of the most progressive as well as obliging undertakers of the county is Mr. Alexander McCall, of Grand Blanc. He was born at Mumford, Mon- roe county, New York, October 13, 1839. His parents, Hugh and Mary (Blue) McCall, were also natives of New York. Hugh McCall was born in Montgomery county, New York, in 1810, and reached the advanced age of ninety-one years, having lived until December 6, 1901. His first wife, mother of Alexander, died in Onondaga county, New York, in 1864. He afterward married Mrs. Sophia Wilber, who, also, at an advanced age, sur- vives her husband. In coming west in 1868 he settled in Mundy township, Genesee county, and later removed to Grand Blanc, where he operated a harness and shoe shop.
Alexander was the eldest of a family of eleven children and lived in Mumford, New York, until he was eleven years old, at which age he removed with his parents to Onondaga county, same state. Here he lived until 1865, being engaged in farming. Following this he spent about a year in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, after which he came to Detroit, spending about one year there in carpentry work. He next moved to Genesee county, Michigan, where he purchased a farm in Grand Blanc township in February, 1867. For the next seven years he continued operating the farm and at the expiration of that time disposed of it at a good price. He then spent a few months in Detroit and vicinity, working at his old trade of carpentry. Following this he returned to Grand Blanc and purchased a half interest in the wagon busi- ness, with William Elliot as a partner. He was thus employed for about two years, during which time he became engaged in the undertaking business
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in Grand Blanc, and since that date, 1877, has continued at that work. In connection with his regular line as undertaker Mr. McCall has also for twelve years handled hardware and implements, starting in 1879 the first hardware store in the town of Grand Blanc. His business methods are such as to win the confidence and esteem of all who know him, and he has reached a place of high standing in the community both as a business man and as a citizen.
Mr. McCall was first married to Miss Mary A. Stewart in Monroe county, New York, and she later departed this life while they were living in Onondaga county, same state. His next marriage was to Miss Clara E. Thompson, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, who later also passed to her rest. Caroline (Chapin) McCall, his present wife, was the daughter of Barton B. and Lucy (Bur- bank) Chapin. Caroline was born at Coldwater, Michigan, October 31, 1856. Her father was born in New York state in 1809 and came to Genesee county, Michigan, early in the summer of 1834. Her mother, the above mentioned Lucy (Burbank) Chapin, was born in Washington county, New York, and was married to Mr. Chapin after coming to Genesee county, Michigan. Bar- ton B. Chapin's father, Chauncey Chapin, was one of the very earliest pioneers of Genesee county. His wife's maiden name was Hannah Palmer, and both she and her husband ended their days in Grand Blanc township, Mr. Chapin acquiring the age of eighty-eight years. Barton B. was the father of six children, of whom Mrs. McCall is the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. McCall are the parents of one son, Hugh C. McCall.
Mr. McCall has held the office of justice of the peace for four years. He is a Republican and has taken an active part in the political affairs of the county, often serving as delegate to the various conventions, taking a stand always for fair dealings and an honest administration of public business.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the Flint Lodge, No. 23, having been a member of the order since 1862.
HON. JAMES BARTON WALKER.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Hon. James Barton Walker was born in the town of Locke (now Summer- hill) in Cayuga county, New York, September 12, 1812. He was the seventh son in a family of ten children. Until he was twenty-one years of age his time was spent on his father's farm, performing the various duties to which the sons of not wealthy farmers of those days were subject, and afforded but meager apportunity for mental culture. Being a diligent scholar, how- ever, he succeeded in acquiring what was considered in those days a good common school education, which was supplemented by some study in Court- land Academy. On arriving at the age of manhood he engaged in school teaching for two years, when he left his native state, and in June, 1836, became a resident of Flint, which was then a mere hamlet.
Mr. Walker was engaged as clerk in the first dry goods store opened in the embryo city, the proprietors of which were Messrs. Beach and Wesson, where he worked one year : when he became agent for Hon. C. S. Payne, and subsequently clerk for H. M. Henderson. In 1838 he built a store on the north side of the river in the first ward, filled it with general merchandise and continued in the mercantile business there until the fall of 1842, when, having built a store on the corner of Saginaw and Kearsley streets, he re- moved his mercantile business to that place, where he continued in general merchandise until 1858, being twice burned out, rebuilding each time.
In 1840 he married Miss Almira Simpson, of Caledonia, New York, who, with their daughter Anna, Mrs. A. D. McGool, survived him. In 1854 Mr. Walker succeeded General C. C. Hascall as trustee of Michigan asylums ; and in 1857 he was appointed by the governor acting commissioner to superin- tend the construction of the asylum for the deaf, dumb and blind at Flint.
In the spring of 1858 he discontinued his mercantile business and devoted his whole time and energy to the arduous duties of trustee and acting com- missioner, which he continued to fulfill with great and recognized fidelity to the interests of the state and the institution until the buildings were completed and the institution under his management fully established when, in 1873, he resigned his official trust to Governor Bagley.
Mr. Walker was elected mayor of the city for 1870-71, and during his term of office manifested his characteristic calm judgment and energetic force. It was during his administration that the first pavement of Saginaw street was accomplished, the most valuable public improvement effected in the growing city. Always enterprising and public-spirited Mr. Walker en-
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tered zealously into the organization of associations for the public prosperity. He was one of the original founders of St. Paul's Episcopal church, and for many years one of its wardens. He was one of the founders of the Flint City Gas Light Company and the Genesee County Savings Bank, of which he was president from its organization until his death. He passed from the scenes of earth November 15, 1877. aged sixty-five years. His only child, Mrs. A. D. McCool, died February 1, 1902, leaving no issue.
1
COL. EDWARD H. THOMSON.
Edward Hughes Thomson was born at Kendal, in the lake country, Westmoreland, England, June 15, 1810. His parents were Edward Hughes and Mary Thomson, his wife. His mother died while he was quite young, and his name was transposed to Edward Hughes Thomson. His father, who was English born, moved to Boston, Massachusetts, while the subject of this sketch was a small boy. When he had reached the proper age he was sent to school at the academy at White Plains, New York, for several years. Later he sailed before the mast for two years, but then deciding to educate himself for the law he entered the law office of Millard Fillmore at Buffalo. When he was twenty-two years old, having been duly admitted to the bar, he located at Buffalo, but soon removed to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1836-37 Michigan received a large number of immigrants from other states, and among them was Colonel Thomson, who reached this state in the spring of 1837 and located in Atlas, which was then a part of Lapeer county.
Governor Stevens G. Mason, Michigan's first governor, appointed Mr. Thomson prosecuting attorney of Lapeer county. He remained there but one year, however, when he removed to Flint and entered into a law part- nership with John Bartow, who was then registrar of the United States land . office at Flint.
Among the first lawyers who came to the little town of Flint were Mr.
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Rugg and John Bartow, experienced, able lawyers, coming from different localities, but with a kindred purpose, to escape the influence of conviviality, which at that time permeated all classes in older settlements. Men of liberal education, with culture and refinement; gracious and urbane in manner, they gave a tone and trend to legal practice quite unusual in small towns, where generally the pettifogger, with little knowledge of law and less of general cul- ture, thought the man who could use the most abusive language to his oppo- nent in the case was the best lawyer.
A little later came William M. Fenton and Levi Walker, men with pro- found. knowledge of law and gentle, dignified manner ; so that it happened early Flint largely escaped the blatant lawyers.
In 1845-46 Mr. Thomson was prosecuting attorney for Genesee county. In 1847 he was elected to the state senate, his district embracing Genesee, Oakland, Lapeer, Shiawassee, Saginaw and Tuscola counties, and also the entire upper peninsula. He was the father of the bill which provided for the location of the institution for the deaf, dumb and blind in Flint, and the in- sane asylum in Kalamazoo. By his activity in the advocacy of a foreign emi- gration bill he attracted the favorable notice of Governor Ransom, and was appointed state immigration agent, with headquarters at New York city. Subsequently his headquarters were changed to Stutgart, Germany, and by his indefatigable efforts he was directly responsible for the removal of over twenty thousand hard-working Germans to the state.
When the war of the Rebellion broke out Governor Blair appointed him a member of the state military board, and later Colonel Thomson was made the president of the board.
With all his busy life he always found ample time to cultivate the graces of life, and as a social, genial, gentleman was beloved by a host of friends. He was a ripe Shakespearean scholar, and his magnificent Shakespearean library, which now, through the munificence of the late James McMillan, graces the University of Michigan, is one of the finest private collections ever made in the central states. In 1878-9 Colonel Thomson served the city of Flint as its mayor. He died February 2, 1886. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary Bemis, of Buffalo, New York, by whom he had one daughter, Mary, afterward Mrs. A. B. Witherbee, and son, John R. Thom- son. In 1840 he married Miss Sarah Teresa Bush, of Flint, by whom he had
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one son, Edward H. Thomson, Jr., who died November 1, 1889, John R. having died some years before.
MRS. SARAH TERESA THOMSON.
Mrs. Sarah Teresa Thomson, wife of Colonel E. H. Thomson, was born July 19, 1818, at Brighton (near Rochester), New York state. Her parents, David and Laura A. Bush, were of staunch sturdy New England stock. She inherited from her father a character almost rugged in its straight- forward uprightness. She enjoyed a course of study in Leroy (New York) Female Seminary under the tutelage of Mrs. Ingham Stouton, an eminent in- structress of young women. This was one of the early schools affording ad- vanced education to women.
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