USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 6
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In 1866 he married Gertrude A. Belcher, of Flint, and they have two chil- dren-Irving Belcher and Mrs. Eusebia F. Hardy.
Mr. Bates was born at Cazenovia, Madison county, New York, June 28, 1845. He was educated in the common schools and at the seminary located at Cazenovia, where his father and mother, his only brother and also his wife were all educated.
Mr. Bates is a thirty-second degree Mason and is past grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias.
The subject of this sketch has led a very active life, as will be seen by reading the above, but has found time to prepare and deliver many addresses on various subjects. His private library is unusually large and well selected, and he spends much of his time among his books.
MICH
CAPTAIN CHARLES S. MARTIN.
Captain Charles S. Martin is a descendant from a distinguished military ancestry, having had representatives in all the important wars of the republic from its birth to the present time. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the continental army during the war of the Revolution, and contributed his serv- ices to set the country on its feet. The next generation gives us the grand- father, William Martin, who served in the war of 1812, doing valiant duty for the flag. The next in line is the veteran of two wars, Charles P. Martin, the father of the subject of our sketch. He was born in Newburg, New Hamp- shire, September 8, 1824. When the Mexican war was declared he went into the service, and saw duty under the command of General Winfield Scott. In 1863 he enlisted in Company C. First Michigan Cavalry, was afterward con- signed to the Black Horse Cavalry, and later transferred to Company A, Ninth Regiment Reserve Corps, and was discharged November 16. 1865, at Wash- ington, D. C. He was married in 1858 to Miss Betsey E. Keyser, a native of New York state. Their marriage took place at Howell, Michigan, after which they removed to Pontiac, Michigan, where Mr. Martin engaged in the carpenter business. After the close of the war he returned to Pontiac, where he spent the remainder of his days. He passed away January 2, 1897, and was survived till January 7, 1903, by his wife, who died at Birch Run, in Sagi-
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naw county. They had but one child, Charles S., who was born in Byron, Shiawassee county, Michigan, January 12, 1859. He was educated in the public schools and early learned the carriage painter's trade, spending three years in service as an apprentice, which was followed by two years of service under contractors. He followed this occupation until April, 1878. In 1879 he came to Flint and has been a resident of the "Vehicle City" ever since. In April of 1888 he was appointed substitute letter carrier and became a regular carrier on September Ist of the same year. He discharged the duties of his appointment faithfully and with credit to himself and to the service, and continued at the work until the "late unpleasantness with Spain" arrested the attention of the nation. When the cry "Remember the Maine" was echoed throughout the land Mr. Martin could not restrain his patriotic impulses, and was enlisted under the old flag, so nobly defended by his ancestors. He was made second lieutenant of Company A. Thirty-third Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, and served in that capacity throughout the war. He received the rank of first lieutenant after his return home, and had seen service not only as regimental quartermaster, but of many other official duties as well. Upon his return to Flint he resumed his duties as letter carrier, and has since continued in that capacity.
For eight and a half years he was in the fire department of Flint, and resigned upon his appointment in the carrier service. He is the commander of the local organization of Spanish War Veterans, and has held distinguished honor in the Odd Fellows' fraternity, being past commander of the Patriarchs Militant of the state of Michigan. He is a loyal supporter of the Rebekah Lodge and has held chairs of prominence in other orders as well, notably among the Knights of Pythias.
He was married in Flint on May 2, 1880, to Miss May Culver, who was born in Flint on March 4, 1863. She is the daughter of Alfred and Helen (Lewis) Culver, who were among the early settlers in the county. Mr. Culver was engaged in the foundry work in Flint, and died in 1870, aged forty-two years. Mrs. Culver is still living. There were four children in the family, of which Mrs. Martin was the youngest.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of one son, Frank R., and one daughter, Alice H., who has become the wife of Harry E. Annett. Mr. Mar- tin was elected captain April 23, 1900, and served four years, resigning and being honorably discharged from the captaincy of Company A, Third Infantry.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
GEORGE D. FLANDERS.
In the life history of George D. Flanders we have a somewhat variable and an interesting career. His parents, as well as he himself, were natives of New Hampshire. His father, Charles B. Flanders, was born at Warner, New Hampshire. in 1820, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sophia A. Williams, in New Hampshire in 1823. After their marriage they lived for a time at Clermont. same state, where their only child, George D., was born August 30, 1844. From Clermont they removed to Adrian, Michigan, in 1853. While the Civil war was going on in 1862 they went to St. Joseph, Missouri, but came back two years later and settled in the city of Flint. While here he engaged in the mercantile business, also in farming. and succeeded in carrying on his vocation to an honorable and successful close. He died in February, 1895, followed later by his wife, on December 9, 1896.
George came west with his parents in 1853 and was given a good edu- cation, as well as a good foundation by his home training for the structure of life. He went to St. Joseph with his parents in 1863, remaining there for a short time only. He went to Denver next, and there offered his services to a Mr. Edmund Rollins, who had a contract of furnishing hay to all the government posts in that vicinity. George was thus engaged for one winter, receiving $150 per month and board. He soon showed strong points in getting things accomplished, and in being able not only to get along with men, but was also able to get out of them their maximum work. In, conse- quence he was put in charge of the field work, in which there were operated often as many as twenty machines at one time. He was in Denver during the famous Sand creek massacre.
The following year he returned to St. Joseph and took up work as as- sistant bookkeeper for Hartwig, Sloop & Co., a large mercantile establish- ment in that thriving city, for about one year. In the meantime his parents had come back to Flint and his father had bought two lots with a frame store building on the corner lot of Third avenue and North Saginaw street. He then sent to St. Joseph for his son to come and assist him in the mercantile line. George was associated with his father in business and farming until the latter's death. When Detroit street was opened up a lot was donated to Charles B. Flanders providing he would build a store building thereon.
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Mr. Flanders agreed to this quite readily and carried out the proposition with surprising success.
He was in favor of making improvements generally and took great pride in fixing up his own property in a neat and substantial way. He improved the property at the corner of Third avenue and North Saginaw street, mak- ing it not only more presentable, but also more attractive and useful. He probably built the first brick building that was built in that block where his present business is located.
At that time he was adjudged rash and inconsiderate by people generally for building so far out of town, but time has vindicated his faith in the ulti- mate growth and thrift of the "Vehicle City."
Mr. Flanders was married to Miss Anna C. Rankin, the daughter of Francis H. and Arabella (Hearn) Rankin. She is the mother of three sons. One of these is Charles B .; another is Francis H., who is engaged in the coal business at the present time, having partaken seemingly of his father's mer- cantile instinct. The third son is John L., who is a popular member of the community, participating actively in its life and spirit. He is closely identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Elks, as well as other kindred organiza- tions. Mrs. Flanders and children are members of the Episcopal church. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Hurley hospital, of Flint.
THEODORE M. TUPPER.
Among the many worthy and loyal citizens of Flint mention must be made of Theodore M. Tupper, of 1413 Harrison street. Mr. Tupper's father, Reuben H. Tupper, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, August 22, 1801. His mother was Caroline (Olmstead) Tupper. They came from Genesee county, New York, to Genesee county, Michigan, in August, 1831, and settled in Grand Blanc township. They lived here, however, but a short time, and then removed to what is now Burton township, two miles south of Flint, where they made their home for several years. While living at the latter place the wife and mother died. Mr. Tupper later removed to Flint, making his home for some time on Detroit street. Later he removed to the country again and ended his days on the farm on Fenton road in Flint township in 1869. The family of children were three in number, viz., Betsey, Theodore M., and Garwood. Theodore was born in Monroe county, New York, De- cember 27, 1831, and was an infant when his parents came to Genesee county, Michigan, and consequently is one of the very oldest settlers of the county. He has always lived in the county and has found opportunity to apply himself to many and various occupations.
In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and for three years he faced the dangers and exposures of heroic service in defense of the flag. He was in the army of the Cumberland and
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took part in many of the most bitter and hotly contested conflicts of the war. Although the trials and discouragements of this dreadful carnage were severe in the extreme, Mr. Tupper never faltered for a moment, and now has only a feeling of pride for having contributed his part in keeping intact the "stars and stripes." He is a member of the General Crapo Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a National Leaguer.
He was married in Burton township March 22, 1860, to Miss Edna Wells, who was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1839. She was the daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Long) Wells, who came from Crawford county, Pennsylvania, to Genesee county, Michigan, in early days, and settled in Flint township, where they ended their days, Mr. Wells having attained the age of seventy-nine years, while Mrs. Wells died at the age of seventy-seven years. Their family consisted of five children, of whom Mrs. Tupper was the fourth. She was sixteen years old when her parents came to Genesee county.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tupper settled on a farm in Flint township, remaining there about two years. Following this, they removed to Clayton township, where they remained for a number of years, com- ing finally to Flint. They are the parents of five children, as follows: Sarah has become the wife of Corwin Storer; Nellie died when about twenty-one years old; Minnie is the wife of George Spaulding; the other two are Arthur and Early.
The Tupper homestead is noted for its congenial and social atmosphere, and the many friends find there at all times a genuine and hearty welcome.
Mrs. Ester Green, who was the sister of Mr. Trupper's father, and aunt of our subject, was the first white person who died in Genesee county and was buried by the Indians.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
THOMAS DOYLE.
During the nineteenth century when emigration to America from Europe was flowing in a steady stream, there came to our shores a goodly proportion of liberty-loving sons and daughters of the "Emerald isle." Among these were the parents of one of Genesee county's steady citizens, Mr. Christopher Doyle, who came from Ireland to America when quite a young boy, making his home with George M. Dewey until he reached his maturity. He engaged in early life in the lumber business on a small scale, later going into the freight transportation traffic, which preceded the days of railroads and was still employed at this occupation at the time of his death, which occurred at the age of thirty-two. His wife, Alice Gillespie, born also in Ireland, was the daughter of Patrick Gillespie, who came to Genesee county as early as 1836. She survived her husband several years, and was the mother of four sons, Thomas, James, John and Christopher.
Thomas, the subject of our sketch, was born in Flint October 12, 1852. He was brought up here and was educated in the local schools. When man- hood was reached he engaged in the lumber business, continuing therein until about 1887, winning for himself the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He associated himself with the Flint Boom Company as general superintendent, retaining this connection during the life of the company.
In the meantime he extended his interests by investing in farm land in Flint and Mt. Morris townships, but also retained his active commercial re- lations by engaging in the coal business. The schoolhouse erected on North Saginaw street has been given the name of the Doyle schoolhouse. He has taken a lively interest in educational affairs and has been an ardent sup- porter of the cause of education in the community. Recognizing his value and devotion to this phase of civic life, his fellow citizens have placed him for ten successive years on the board of education.
He has also served for three years on the board of aldermen of Flint, taking always a fair and impartial view of matters submitted to that body.
Mr. Doyle was married at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in January, 1879. His chosen companion was Miss Ellen Ganson, who was born and raised in Genesee county. Their union has been blessed with six children, but it was not decreed that all of them should live. Three of these died in infancy,.
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but the other three are spared to brighten the home and fireside. They are Ambrosia, Helen, and Thomas. Mr. Doyle takes a lively interest in the questions of the day, keeping himself well informed in all matters pertain- ing the welfare of the community, the state, and the country. He has advocated and lived according to the policy that nothing is settled until it is settled right.
ARTHUR O. BURR.
Mr. Arthur O. Burr is not a native "Wolverine," but was born in New York state April 18, 1847. His parents were also natives of the "Em- pire state." His father, who was the son of the noted Lyman Burr, of Con- necticut, was born on August 2, 1822. He followed the occupation of farm- ing and died in April, 1906. His mother, whose maiden name was Cassandra Gerry, was born on August 26, 1822, in Wyoming county, New York, and died there in April, 1901. Their family consisted of six children, viz., Helen, Arthur O., Martha, Roclyn, Alida and Stanley.
Arthur was the eldest of the family and his youthful days, up to the age of twenty, were spent on the farm, where he learned the rugged lessons of the problems of the soil, and developed the spirit of perseverance and self- reliance that have characterized his after life. In October, 1867, he joined the tide of emigration westward and drifted to Genesee county, Michigan. After teaching school in this locality for a short time, he returned to the parental home in York state, remaining there for about one year, after which he returned to Genesee county. At this time he entered the Flint high school and attended it for one term. He then took up work in the meat business, and followed this for a short time, working with his uncle, Alanson Burr, at Mt. Morris. Following this he engaged in farming in Genesee township, abandon- ing that occupation in 1876, coming from there to Flint. He made his home in what is now the third ward, engaging at the same time in gardening. Two years later he moved to his present residence. He has a tract of about twenty-five acres, upon which he has erected good buildings. He has en- gaged in gardening and has developed the science to a high degree of per- fection. He has learned the art of securing a fine product, as well as obtain-
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ing an ample yield from the soil. He can show as fine specimens of garden truck as are to be seen in the markets of the city.
He was married in Genesee county, Genesee township, September 20, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Simons, who was born there March 28, 1852. She was the daughter of Joseph Simons, one of the pioneer settlers of the county, having settled here in 1837. Upon his arrival he purchased a forty-acre tract of wild land, upon which he built a log cabin for his home. He cleared and improved the land and farmed it until his death in 1887, having acquired the age of sixty-nine years. He was a deeply religious man and an active worker in the Mt. Morris Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Burr's mother's maiden name was Eunice Damon. She was a native of Livingston county, New York, and died at the Burr homestead in the latter part of January, 1901, having attained the age of seventy-three years. Besides Mrs. Burr there were two other children, viz., Charles L. and Ella E. Mrs. Burr was reared at the Simons homestead in Genesee county. Since her marriage to Mr. Burr she has borne four children-Nellie M. is the wife of Walter S. Cudaback ; Archie died in infancy ; Floyd L. is a mining engineer; Charles I. is associated with his father in the gardening occupa- tion, and they have succeeded in making an attractive area out of their tract of land. Those children that reached maturity were given the advantages of the Flint high school. The mother is active in Sunday school work and an efficient helper in all the activities of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their home shows not only energy and thrift, but has also an atmosphere of whole- some piety.
HON. GEORGE M. CURTIS.
In 1837 Burton township was almost a virgin wilderness, there being but one or two settlers within its domain at that time. These were Peres Atherton and James Ingall. But a newly married couple from the east then arrived to try the realities of pioneer life. They were the parents of George M. Curtis, the subject of our sketch. His father, Asahel Curtis, was a native of the "Keystone state," while his mother, whose maiden name was Mariah J. Conover, was born in Connecticut. They came to Genesee county directly from Orleans county, New York.
Their experience upon their arrival in these parts forms one of the true pictures of the pioneer life of the times that make such an interesting chap- ter, nay, volume in our country's history. Mr. Curtis brought a team with him, coming from Buffalo to Detroit by way of the lakes. He had to cut his road through the timber to his destination, arriving here in 1837, and pur- chased wild land at $7 per acre. He built his own log cabin, the one in which George M. was born on January 4. 1843. Later they built a frame structure, in which they lived their busy and active life, both attaining the age of seventy-three years.
George's father was an active Democrat, thoroughly interested in public matters, being for a number of years a justice of the peace. In the latter
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capacity he performed many marriage ceremonies, always taking great pleas- ure in "tying the knot." Many trials also were brought before him as tribunal, great confidence being felt in his impartial attitude and high sense of fair play and justice. He was instrumental in organizing the Congregational church in what was known as the Burton schoolhouse, which congregation has since come to Flint. Of the three sons born to the parents, two have since died. Dewitt cleared and operated a farm near Chicago, and reached the age of seventy-two years. Leverett E. was unmarried and followed the jeweler's trade, departing this life at Dallas, Texas, after attaining the age of sixty-four years.
George M. spent his boyhood days at home, gaining valuable experience in subduing the forest and tilling the soil. He attended school in the little log schoolhouse with its primitive benches and meager equipment-strong fac- tors, however, in promoting self-reliance and sterling independence. Later he attended the Union school in Flint, capping this with a course in the Nor- mal school at Ypsilanti, Michigan, in this way preparing himself thoroughly for his work as a teacher, and also laying a broad foundation for the sterner problems of life before him. He began teaching at the age of nineteen, and for ten years taught successfully in the district schools of the county, living on the farm in the meantime and assuming the full responsibility of its direc- tion. After his father's death he bought the full interest in the farm, later dis- posing of it and re-investing in another farm of ninety-two and a half acres, known as the Parker homestead. This farm has been managed with great skill and foresight, resulting in thorough drainage, modern buildings, consist- ing of a substantial and commodious bank barn, as well as other buildings and conveniences. In fact, so thorough and energetic has been his work that this farm ranks as one of the very best in the township.
It is usually the case with men of a progressive and alert temperament that they specialize in certain lines. Mr. Curtis has devoted his special atten- tion to the breeding of high grade stock, realizing that in this way he could not only gratify his innate love for experiment and improvement, but also contribute toward the advancement and progress of the agricultural interests of the county. On his farm were to be found some of the best specimens of Percheron horses, a breed of draft horses originating in Perche, a district of France. He has exhibited as many as nine horses at one time at the fairs. and when doing so would take away nine winning cards, the premiums usually
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being the highest offered. Sheep breeding also received a considerable share of his attention. Specializing chiefly in Shropshire breed, he achieved great suc- cess in this line also. He sold many fine breeding animals and has been a most potent factor in promoting a spirit in the county for a better and higher grade of domestic animals. As a result of this there has come to be in the county a higher grade of stock generally, and Genesee county now has a reputation on this score which is almost second to none in the state.
Mr. Curtis' intimate knowledge of agricultural affairs and his deep in- terest in the progress of this industry have resulted in his identification with the county Agricultural Society, of which for many years he was a director. In 1898, on account of failing health, he gave up active farm work and removed to Flint, where he has since resided.
Although an educator in his time, and an expert in stock raising, Mr. Curtis has had broader interests still. As before stated, his father was an active Democrat, but George was too original and independent to follow in the paternal path, and broke away early in life, identifying himself with the Republicans of his vicinity. As is to be expected from a man of his type, he was repeatedly called upon to serve his fellow citizens in an official capacity, holding at different times such places as school inspector, treasurer, township clerk, and supervisor. More distinguished, however, than all of these were his services in the state legislature, whither he was sent for two successive terms, namely, the sessions of 1893 and 1895. While here he reflected great credit on his constituents by means of his aggressive spirit, being placed as he was on several important committees. He was made chairman of the committee on the School of Mines. He was originally opposed to this school, but after a visit of inspection he reversed his views and endorsed it, inasmuch as its graduates found no difficulty whatever in securing immediate employ- ment. He served also on the agricultural committee, rendering here very efficient service, owing to knowledge and experience. On the farmers' commit- tee he acted as chairman, acquitting himself here also with his customary credit.
Since coming to Flint, though practically retired, he has served for four years as the supervisor of the second ward, finally resigning. For eight years he has been first treasurer and then president of the Genesee County Mutual Insurance Company, of which his father was one of the organizers, dis- charging his duties with eminent ability and satisfaction, the assessments
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being comparatively light, proving both foresight and economy in its man- agement.
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