USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 4
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He was married in 1868 to Miss Nettie Eaton, of Brandon township, Oakland county, where later the disastrous visit of the previously mentioned cyclone occurred. One of their daughters, Jessie, is the wife of William Burt, superintendent of the school for the deaf and dumb at Pittsburg, Penn- slyvania. Another daughter. Marion, is the wife of Frank Wildman, of Flint, who is employed in the Citizens' Commercial Bank. Vernie is the chosen companion of William Hart, a contractor, also of Flint. Daniel is the partner in the granite company, while Clark is an employee at the same business in Los Angeles, California.
Their granite works are among the best equipped plants in the state. They carry a large stock of finished monuments and use pneumatic tools and all the latest improvements in machinery.
Probably Mr. Barney will have a more lasting monument than marble or granite in his noble, self-sacrificing and tireless efforts to obtain a fitting memorial for Genesee county's 2.518 Civil war soldiers, as well as the boys of the Spanish-American war. Their names are to be carved in tablets, at great expense, and installed in the court house halls and roster, there to be a perpetual reminder of the noble sacrifices of the "boys in blue." For his work in this connection, and also his efforts as a member of the relief commission
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for eight years, for he went before the board of supervisors of Genesee county and persuaded them to appropriate $1.500 instead of $500 to relieve the worthy, there are already erected monuments in the hearts of his numerous friends.
"Bring the good old bugle, boys, we'll sing another song, Sing it with a spirit that will roll the world along, Sing it as we used to sing it, sixty thousand strong, While we were marching through Georgia."
MR. AND. MRS. WILLIAM C. WOLVERTON.
In 1901 the Linden mills passed into the hands of William C. Wolverton and James Green, under the name of the Linden Milling Company. One and one-half years later Mr. Wolverton became the sole proprietor. The mill was entirely remodeled and equipped with modern machinery, having a pro- ducing capacity equal to the demands both in quantity and character. A feed mill is also run in connection with the concern, and their output has obtained more than a local reputation for excellent quality.
Mr. Wolverton was born in Tyrone township, Livingston county, Michi- gan, seven miles south of Linden, February 7, 1859. His father, Anderson J. Wolverton, is now about seventy years of age and lives on his farm near Tyrone, whither he had come with his parents, Jonathan C. and Hannah, from New York state, being pioneer settlers in that vicinity. Their old home was at Tyrone, New York, and Mr. Wolverton, William's grandfather, on coming to this virgin territory, was instrumental in having the township named in honor of his former home. On arriving they plunged into the un- explored forest and transformed it into the present homestead. Mr. Jona- than C. Wolverton not only did pioneer work in subduing the forest, but took steps to set on foot religious influences in the community, having organized
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the Methodist Episcopal class that held its first sessions in the nearby school- house. He lived to enjoy a ripe old age.
William C. was married on March 4, 1880, to Miss Hattie Rogers, also of Tyrone, Michigan. Her mother's maiden name was Harriet Salsbury, who was the daughter of another pioneer of the county, viz., John C. Salsbury. He was born in Greensburg, Green county, New York, on June 1, 1813, and came to Michigan in 1830, and eight years later settled in Tyrone township. He had a marked influence in shaping the life and development of the com- munity, soon acquiring a good reputation as a man that believed in giving a square deal to every one. He was chosen as justice of the peace, filling this place for many years, alternating at times with other local offices. He was an industrious student of the Bible and became known as an authority on Biblical questions. He was made a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church and ministered to the people in that capacity until his death. He was quite a favorite with the young people of the community and frequently had the pleasure of contributing to their happiness by performing marriage cere- monies.
His daughter, Harriet, mentioned above as the mother of Mrs. William C. Wolverton, was born in Tyrone, Michigan, August 29, 1842, and died February 19, 1904, at Linden, where she was living with her daughter, Mrs. Wolverton. She was married to Nelson Rogers in 1860, their marriage being broken by the latter's death six years later. In 1877 she married Chester Black, who died in 1883, leaving, besides his wife, a son, John C. Black. The latter has lived in the Wolverton family since his childhood, and has devel- oped into a miller of the highest order. He has been of estimable service at the mill, having charge of many of the details of the business. He was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Du Shane, of Howell. Mr. Wolverton does not give his entire time to the Linden mill, inasmuch as he also operates a mill at Argentine. He is thoroughly experienced in the business, having worked in this line since leaving the farm at the age of twenty-one. At that time he entered the mill at Parshallville, serving there for a number of years as an employe, later obtaining a half interest in the concern. He takes great pleas- ure in conducting the affairs of his business on a strictly high grade basis.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ALONZO B. HYATT.
Another one of Linden's esteemed and capable citizens is Alonzo B. Hyatt, postmaster and proprietor of a general merchandise store in the Masonic Association building. He has been in business at this location for the last ten years. His first commission as postmaster was issued under President Harrison's administration in 1889 and expired in 1895. He was re-com- missioned in 1897 by President Mckinley, and has fulfilled the duties of his office in a masterly fashion, giving eminent satisfaction to all patrons and friends.
He was born at Deerfield. Livingston county. Michigan, on April 10, 1846. His parents were Daniel T. and Maria ( Wise) Hyatt, who were both emigrants from New York, and were married there. They came to Michigan in 1837, and began their preparations for a home at Deerfield, which at that time was practically nothing but a forest. They followed the usual pioneer custom of building themselves a neat log cabin and in this cabin the subject of our sketch, Alonzo, was born. His parents removed into Indiana for a short time, returning to Michigan in 1856. Alonzo's father was quite a skilled mechanic and patternmaker. and constructed the model for the first separator built in Michigan, the machine being built by R. T. Merrill, of Birmingham. He died at Linden at the age of seventy-eight years.
Alonzo remained on the farm until he was seventeen years of age. In 1863 he joined the Sixth Michigan Cavalry and began active field service in Virginia. Much of his time in this state was spent in the historic Shenan- doah valley, which had become a veritable hotbed of contention. Fearful de- struction of life and property raged in this beautiful valley until it at last became a desolate and woe-begone scene. Instead of beautiful farm houses, dotting the thrifty landscape. there remained only heaps of ashes and scorched and blackened timbers. The rolling fields, with ripening grain waving before the breezes, gave place to an entangled mass matted together with heroic blood. Mr. Hyatt remained with the regiment until the close of the struggle. and was then discharged at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1865.
In 1866 he came to Linden, where he was later married to Miss Cornelia Benton, daughter of Y. E. Benton, merchant and farmer of Linden, who set- tled here in the '50s. Since his father's death Mr. Hyatt's mother has had her home with him, and under his kindly care and forethought for her comfort
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and welfare, she has been permitted to acquire the unusually ripe old age of ninety-three years.
Mr. Hyatt spent several years on the farm, but his adaptability and training led him to broaden out into activities other than tilling the soil, al- though he has never given up active interest in agricultural pursuits.
In 1876 he went into mercantile life and has risen each successive year until he has a secure business standing in the community. For two years he discharged the duties of township treasurer in a commendable way, and has taken an active part in the political activities essential to party machinery. He has not sought for public office, but has rather been chosen by his friends as a fit and able representative of the people's interests. He is thoroughly familiar with all the methods of procedure in matters political, and is recog- nized as a valuable man on the floor of the party conventions.
In lodge matters, also, has Mr. Hyatt shown himself to be not only active and ambitious, but worthy as well. He has been a Mason since 1872, and has been Master Mason for seven consecutive years, and has also been representative in the grand lodge sessions. He has held the highest office with- in the gift of the Fenton Commandery, and is a Mystic Shriner of the Moslem Temple in Detroit.
His family consists of three children. Claude E. has received a good education and is rendering efficient service to the community as deputy post- master. Josephine, one of the daughters, is assisting also in the postoffice duties. The other daughter, Maude, is the wife of James Hoover, who is employed by the D. U. R. R. at Detroit, Michigan. It is the hope of Mr. Hyatt's many friends that his opportunities for activity may long be continued.
F. D. CLARKE.
The high standing of the city of Flint has been largely due to the push and energy of its leading citizens. In almost all the phases of the city's life are to be found marks of excellence, progress and effectiveness. Probably in no other department, however, is this more observable than in its public insti- tutions, and among these there is none that deserves more particular mention than the institution for the education of the deaf. This school stands as the pride, not of the community alone, but of the entire state. Its equipment management, curriculum and methods are excelled nowhere in the county, and in many respects have served as models that have had marked influence in shaping the work and management of similar institutions throughout the state and country.
This excellent state of affairs has been largely brought about by the broad- minded and efficient superintendent of the school, Professor F. D. Clarke, A. M., who has been at the head of the institution since 1892. Mr. Clarke belongs to a military line traceable back to Revolutionary times. His great-grandfather, William Clarke, was colonel of the Second North Caro- lina Continentals of the regular army in the Revolutionary war. Colonel Clarke's father, John Clarke, came from England to Petersburg, Virginia, and emigrated from there to North Carolina. The colonel's son was a
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privateer in the war of 1812. William J. Clarke, father of our subject, was a man of prominence and ability, being controller of the state of North Caro- lina before the Civil war, and attaining, also, the rank of captain in the war with Mexico. At the breaking out of the Civil war his military experience and wide acquaintance put him again into the field, and the cause he espoused received from him unselfish support and unqualified devotion. He was colonel of the Twenty-fourth North Carolina Troops and he did active and heroic service in Lee's army all through the war. After the close of the strug- gle he became circuit judge in his own district and finally answered to the last roll call in the year 1887.
Francis D. Clarke, subject of our sketch, was born January 31, 1848. His training and education have been indeed broad and comprehensive, carry- ing out to the fullest the ideals of the cavalier days. In 1861 he entered Davison College, North Carolina, remaining there until he enlisted in the Confederate service in 1863. He entered the navy, served on board a Virginia ironclad, and aided in the torpedo service, besides doing patrol service on the James river. Later he was present at and achieved valiant service in one of the fiercest conflicts known at sea, viz., the encounter at Mobile bay. With a powerful squadron Admiral Farragut made a swift descent on this im- portant and strongly defended harbor. Mr. Clarke was on board of one of its strong vessels of defense, the ironclad ram called "The Tennessee." In time the Confederate fleet was dispersed, but not without a determined and heroic struggle. From shore to shore the harbor resounded to the deafening roar of the terrific guns, intermingled with the shouts of the officers, the cries of the wounded and the wails of the dying. Black clouds of smoke, pierced here and there by lightning flashes from the cannons' mouths, rolled in great masses over the face of the waters, seemingly bent on covering up the fearful carnage.
The Federal admiral, Farragut, lashed to the rigging of his flagship. the "Hartford," saw suddenly a terrific cloud of spray near by, and a moment later a Union vessel went to the bottom, having struck a fatal torpedo. But more than that. Coming down upon the "Hartford" at full speed was the black monster, the "Tennessee," on board of which as above stated, Mr. Clarke had done service. Then ensued a most terrific conflict. The "Tennessee" was surrounded by bombarding and battering ironclads, and finally was forced to surrender. Mr. Clarke escaped and entered the naval brigade. To be brief, he served loyally till the close of the war, was made first, midshipman,
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
then lieutenant (the youngest in the service), fought on both land and sea, having hopes of some time being an admiral under the new republic. Dis- appointed, of course, in this, he lost no time, however, but at the close of the war went into business at Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1869 he entered the New York school for deaf and dumb, remaining until 1885. In the meantime he took a scientific course leading to civil engineering at Columbia College, New York, receiving his degree of A. M. in 1873. This college is easily one of the foremost in the country. Its curriculum is wide, is equipment ample, and its instructors are men of the very highest order obtainable either at home or abroad. A degree from this institution is a guarantee of scholar- ship and attainment recognized throughout the land. In addition to this Mr. Clarke completed a course in literature in the University of New York, thus adding another department to his already well-stocked store of educational capital. In going to New York city Mr. Clarke had expected to receive an appointment in China, but in this his hopes were not realized. He took up work as a teacher for the deaf in the meantime, continuing at this until 1885. At this time he was afflicted with a severe attack of pneumonia, which left him in a greatly impaired state of health. A change of climate was advised, and he gave up his $2,500 position, taking in its stead a $1,200 offer at the Little Rock state school for the deaf in Arkansas. His experience here was of a very trying character, the combination of poor health and poor pay making a road that would have been discouraging even to an "Arkansas traveler." But he set himself vigorously to work, and by dint of hard and continuous effort he brought the school up to a creditable and commendable basis. In 1892 he was elected to the superintendency of the Flint school, as stated in the fore part of this article. Here his work has been not only successful but largely origi- nal. He trains his own teachers, drawing them usually from the list of high school graduates. His activities have reached out to the public of the country through all available channels. He was elected vice-president of the American Federation of Teachers, organized at Flint, which holds its sessions every three years. His contributions to some of the leading magazines of the country have been rife with scholarship and thought-provoking to an eminent degree. His text-book, "Michigan Methods," dealing with how to teach the deaf, was the summing up of his lectures to teachers, and has gained an inter- national reputation, being used in such countries as Ireland, England, China, France, etc. The effectiveness of his work may be noted from the fact that
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about five-eighths of the deaf children learn to talk. Attention is given also to the manual training feature of the institution, the courses here also being both modern and comprehensive. Mr. Clarke has made practical use, too, of his knowledge of the sciences, having given special study to electricity, heat- ing, lighting, ventilating, etc., and has applied these in his plans for the equipment of the school buildings.
Professor Clarke was married in Connecticut to Miss Cecilia L. Ransom, a successful teacher in the city schools of New York. She is a woman of culture and excellent standing in the community, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is a niece of Governor Lansing.
Professor Clarke is a thirty-second degree Mason, having held im- portant offices all along the line, and is at the present time worshipful master of Flint Lodge, and has been recently elected grand marshal of the Michigan Grand Lodge of Masons.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarke have living with them their niece, whose home has been with them since she was two years of age. They are active workers in the Episcopal church, of which he is vestryman. Professor Clarke's long tenure in the position he now holds is clear evidence of the endorsement of his work in that capacity, and the recipients of the fruit of his labors are to be congratulated upon having in their midst a man of such vital and moving force within the domain of his profession.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
WILLIAM STEVENSON.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. William Stevenson, is another of Flint's early and substantial citizens. He was born in Dromore, county of Down, Ireland, August 17, 1830. He came to Flint in the month of July, 1848. For eighteen years he was engaged in the jewelry and book trade, making substantial and steady progress by his upright dealings and thorough work- manship. As time passed and the town grew in population as well as in business activity, he foresaw greater opportunities for business achievements in the real estate field, and consequently transferred his activities to that line, doing some building also as he went along.
Having obtained a reputation in the community for his integrity of character and his firm stand for fair dealing, he was asked by his fellow townsmen to officiate for them in the capacity of justice of the peace. These duties he performed so well that he has been holding that post continuously for over thirty years, and has received the title of "judge," and is commonly known about town as "Judge Stevenson," which is simply a compliment to him for the quality of his work in that capacity. His public service has not been confined to this channel only, however, for he has served for many years as a member of the council, doing good service by his sane views on public matters. In addition to this he has been called upon to serve on the city school board, and was also made a member of the building committee at the erection of the high school building.
He has taken a deep interest in the educational growth and advancement of the city, being fully alive to the splendid opportunities open to the people of the country, providing proper attention were given to this vital phase of community growth. In recognition of his attitude in school matters and his commendable public spirit, he was prevailed upon to serve on the committee on teachers and schools, and had a marked influence in raising the standard of teachers in the public schools, standing at all times as the champion of the idea that the best are none too good for Flint.
But not only in the departments of justice and of education has Mr. Stevenson been concerned, but also in the religious life of the community has he taken a conspicuous part. He was closely identified with the movement to establish the Garland street Methodist Episcopal church. To this work he was a liberal contributor, giving freely not only of his means, but also of
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his time as well. The building was of his own designing, and was superin- tended by him while in process of construction. This church was built in 1861 and has since been torn down and another built. As long as it stands it will remain a monument to his interest, sacrifice and devotion. In 1870 he was instrumental in organizing the McFarlan Land Company and in bring- ing into the market and improving that section of the city known as the Mc- Farlan addition.
It would seem that in these multudinous activities Judge Stevenson could find time for nothing more, but there was also implanted within him a love for music, which has found expression in the forms to which he found himself adapted. In his sturvey and study of the musical field he was led to conclude that the musical tastes of the people should be improved and the standard of the community raised. Especially did he feel this need in the case of the church and Sunday school music of the day. He is widely known as the author of hymns and tunes of a sacred character, his devotional nature breaking forth in a spontaneous symphony of praise. In the many faces of the diamond of character Mr. Stevenson has reflected the light of true man- hood, his versatility of talent rendering valuable service in shaping the business, social, educational, religious, artistic and aesthetic thought of the community.
His marriage, May 3, 1869, was to Nellie J., daughter of Alfred Tivy, of Tuscola county, Michigan. Only three of their children are surviving at this time. His home is on Garland street, in a section of the city which he did much to promote, and is one of the centers of that culture and refinement that leave lasting impressions upon those who have found here genuine hos- pitality. Mr. Stevenson was private secretary in 1883-84 to Governor Begole and was major on his staff.
CAPTAIN GEORGE E. NEWALL.
"Breathes there a man with soul so dead Who never to himself hath said, 'This is my own, my native land?' "-Scott.
George E. Newall, captain of the Eighth Michigan Infantry, was born at Flushing, Genesee county. September 18, 1842. He comes from military stock, his father, Thomas Newall, born at Manchester, England, November 8, 1819, being the son of John Newall, a sailor in the English navy, who served in that capacity on Lake Erie during the war of 1812. He attained the magnificent age of eighty-four years. Captain Newall's father was a cotton spinner and was married at Stockport, England, to Miss Sarah Bow- den. Soon after they emigrated to America, landing at New York and later coming on to Flushing, having friends there. They engaged in farming for a while, removing to Flint in 1848. In 1852, in company with Isaac Merriman, he built and operated a planing mill. After his partner's death he associated with himself J. W. Armstrong, operating as Newall & Company until 1881, at which time he retired. Mrs. Newall died October 1, 1888.
George entered the planing mill at the age of fourteen, remaining until 1861, when he enlisted in Company E of the Seventh Michigan Infantry, be- ing later transferred to the Eighth Regiment, Company A. He went out
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as first lieutenant under Colonel Fenton, and having S. C. Guile as captain. He showed marked ability from the start, and was destined to see much active service. At James Island Captain Guile was killed and Newall suc- ceeded to the captaincy. From this time on he experienced the realities of the carnage of war. He took part in as many as twenty-five battles and skir- mishes, acquitting himself with honor at every contest, and enduring wounds and hardships without a feeling of regret. He led his company in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, all of which were notable points of contest and involved hard and strenuous fight- ing, entailing at times the loss of many loyal and heroic lives. At length his physical strength began to show signs of depletion. Weakened by wounds and by incessant duties in camp and field, he was at last compelled to retire from the service, and in 1863 resigned and came home to recuperate his health.
After the close of the war he went into the planing mill again, and con- tinued at that work until 1881, at which time he was elected as county re- corder, serving continuously till 1885. On account of his clear and quick insight into legal matters and having the unqualified confidence of the people, he has become widely known as a pension attorney, practicing before the department of the interior since 1888. His business ability and integrity won for him the appointment to the postmastership of Flint in 1891, which ap- pointment he filled with great ability, discharging his duties in an impartial and commendable way.
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