USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 8
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specialist in these lines. . He has been a member of the State Homeopathic Society and has kept fully abreast of the times.
But Dr. Knapp, though very busy with his large practice, has been use- ful in the community in other ways as well. He has demonstrated his faith in the permanent and substantial growth of the town by making his invest- ments in city property, and has stood for cleanliness, good sanitary condi- tions, and a wide-awake public spirit. It is likely, however, that in his services as president of the school board he has been a most potent factor in pro- moting the city's welfare, having given his time to it in this capacity for over twenty years. During this interim he, with the other members of the board, succeeded in bringing the schools up to such a high plane of excel- lence that they have become the pride of not only the town and the county, but of the state as well. The graduates are conceded by the examiner at the State University to be second to none in the state. Although Dr. Knapp has always found time to assist in advancing the highest interests of the community, he has had no time to mingle in politics, but rather followed the maxim of attending strictly to business.
He chose as his companion in life Miss Melissa Stevens, a normal stu- dent, and for some years a teacher. Her death occurred in July, 1906, after almost thirty-seven years of happy married life. She, too, was a person of rare attainments, and one who was ever ready to be of service to those around her. She was identified with many of the local societies of her sex, and entered fully into the progressive spirit of the community.
Doctor and Mrs. Knapp were blessed with one daughter, Eloise, wife of Dr. W. L. Slack, a successful specialist of Saginaw, and also with two sons. One of these, Mark S., is a practicing physician at Flint. He is a graduate from both the literary and medical departments of the State Uni- versity, as is also the other brother, Don Dewitt. The latter is in business with his father and both of the sons show that they have partaken of the paternal spirit. No doubt the good book speaks truly when it says that the iniquities of the parents shall be visited upon the children, but it seems also to be often just as true that the spirit of the parent, like Elijah's mantle, is handed down and rests upon others as a sacred legacy.
JOHN BECKER AND WIFE.
This esteemed citizen of the "vehicle city" was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, January 20, 1833. He was eighteen years old when, in company with his brother, Jacob, he left Germany to become a party of the sturdy citizen- ship of the "land of the free." His journey across the Atlantic was not in one of the speedy ocean greyhounds that now make the trip in a few days, but rather in one of the customary sailing vessels of the time. He landed in New York city and then moved on westward until he came to the "Buckeye state," settling in Seneca county, where he remained until 1856, working out at various occupations that came to hand. In the fall of the year last men- tioned he came to Genesee county, Michigan, and obtained employment in a lumber yard. For two years he worked not only in the yards, but also at such other occupations as opportunity offered. On January 24th he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Winters, also a native of Germany, hav- ing been born in Wurtemburg, January 26, 1834.
After his marriage he and his wife went to Huron county, Michigan, and purchased an eighty-acre tract of government land, this being practically new and uncultivated soil. He applied himself industriously to the task of sub- duing the land, and by dint of hard work and steady application he suc- ceeded in bringing forty acres of it to a satisfactory state of cultivation and
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productiveness. He continued to live there for ten years, and made a great change in the land on which he lived. At the expiration of that time he dis- posed of the farm and with his wife and family of four children he returned to Genesee county, Michigan, and settled in Flint at 1429 West Court street, where they have since resided. He owns and operates a farm of forty-five acres in Flint township.
Being a man of good business judgment he was able to see opportunities outside of farming, and soon formed a partnership with his brother, Christopher, in the manufacture of brick. They continued together for two years, and then he sold out his interest to his brother. Shortly after this he went into the same business for himself, and continued at this for several years, finally disposing of his plant. He then devoted himself exclusively to farming, and this has been his occupation up to the present time. He has lived for forty-five years in Flint township and is a man of excellent standing among his acquaintances, being not only industrious and frugal, but also an obliging and honest neighbor, willing at all times to accommodate a friend or lend a helping hand to any one who may desire a favor.
Mr. and Mrs. Becker have become the parents of five children, all of whom are daughters. They take great pride in their children and use every endeavor to bring them up in the pathway of virtue, thrift and economy.
Minnie, the eldest, has become the wife of William Woodworth; Eliza- beth married Charles . Burbridge, of Flushing; Sophia cast her lot with William Collins, of Flint; the next daughter in order of birth was Mary; following her is Sarah, who became the wife of Robert Orme, of Clayton township.
During the war the family circumstances were such that Mr. Becker could not well leave for the front, and when he was drafted he furnished a substitute, borrowing the money needed for the purpose.
Mr. and Mrs. Becker are members of the Evangelical church and are willing helpers in its support, he having been one of the trustees of the church for many years. Mr. Becker has also held for several years the office of commissioner of highways.
OTTO P. GRAFF.
Mr. Otto P. Graff, supervisor of Grand Blanc township, Genesee county, Michigan, was born at Exeter, Monroe county, Michigan, March 11, 1880. His father, Henry M. Graff, was a native of Niagara county, New York, and his mother of Erie county, the same state. They came to Michigan in 1872 and settled in Monroe county, where they continued to live until 1883, at which time they removed to Grand Blanc township, where they have since resided. They are steady, congenial people, and are held in high esteem by neighbors and friends. Three children have been born to them, consist- ing of Elizabeth, Jacob A., and Otto.
Otto was three years old when he came with his parents to Grand Blanc township. He was reared to manhood on the parental homstead, being trained and disciplined by the arduous tasks of life on this farm, and has lived continuously in the township. He was an active and energetic boy, and one who did not shirk from the tasks that fell to his lot. He was educated in the common schools of the community and applied himself assiduously to his studies. At the age of sixteen he entered the Flint Normal school, taking a two years' course, and followed this with one year at the Fenton Normal. Being amply qualified, he entered the profession of teaching, and for seven
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years was engaged at that work in Grand Blanc and Mundy townships. He was held in high esteem by the patrons of the districts in which he taught. For four years he has school inspector for Grand Blanc township, and dur- ing this time proved an efficient and helpful factor in the educational ad- vancement of the communities under his jurisdiction. He took a firm stand for improved and modern apparatus and recommended raising the standard of teaching methods. For two years he was a member of the school board, and in the spring of 1906 was elected supervisor of Grand Blanc township, being re-elected in the spring of 1907.
Ever since reaching his majority he has taken an active interest in all public affairs, and has made a favorable impression on all his friends by his hustle and energy. He is a Republican in politics. He is wide-awake to his religious obligations and takes a lively interest in the growth and mainte- nance of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Blanc Grange, and also the Independ- ent Order of Gleaners.
His kindly disposition and genial humor have won for him many friends and the prospects for his future are both bright and promising.
WILLIAM J. KING AND WIFE.
William J. King, secretary and treasurer of the brick and drain tile company of Grand Blanc, was born in Mundy township April 26, 1870. His father, John W., was a son of the late William J. King, one of the pioneers of the county. . Mr. John W. King died in Grand Blanc township, having attained the age of about fifty-six years. The mother's maiden name was Mary C. Johnson, a native of New York state. After the death of her hus- band, John W .. she was again married. this time to David Richardson, and she now has her home in Fenton. Three children were born of the first union, the other two, besides our subject, being Ameriatte, wife of E. H. Cook, and Minnie, the wife of Fredrick Parker.
When William was quite young his parents removed to Flint, and this continued to be his home until 1892. He attended the public schools of the city, taking also the course offered in the high school. In 1892 he settled in Grand Blanc township, where he has since been a resident. He became con- nected with the brick and tile works there, and has continued at that business ever since. He has given the work his entire time and keeps himself well informed on the progress and development of the business. He is thor- oughly familiar with all problems connected with the manufacture of brick and tile, and is well informed on the drainage problems of the day. The plant is run on a strict and economical basis, and close adherence is given to upright business methods. While the company is a stock company, Mr. King is the sole owner of the plant. The major part of the concern is taken up with the manufacture of drainage tile, and in this line the output of the plant is quite
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large, being excelled in quantity by but very few plants in the state, and in quality by none in the country.
Mr. King was married in Flint. April 18, 1903, to Miss Myrtie L. Smith, a daughter of Jacob L. Smith, resident of Flint. Three children have been born to them. They are Maxwell D., Byron W., and Francis K.
Mr. King has cheerfully responded to the requests of his many friends to assist in the promotion of the educational interests of the community, and they have found in him an ardent supporter of the cause of education. He has been wide-awake to the advantages of a good training, and is anxious that this privilege shall be placed within the reach of every child able to avail himself of it. He is a Republican in politics, and is also a member of the Odd Fellows.
J. C. ADAMS AND WIFE.
Jayno C. Adams is descended from New York ancestors. His father, Colonel James Adams, was a colonel in the army during the war of 1812, and was born in Johnstown, New York, June 8, 1796. His mother, Sarah ( Parks) Adams, was born November 11, 1798, also in the same state. They came to Genesee county, Michigan, in 1835, and settled in Grand Blanc township, then in quite a primitive state. They purchased a tract of uncleared land from the government in section 17, upon which they spent the remainder of their days, busy and happy in their new environment. The colonel died March 6, 1868, and was survived by his wife until April 22, 1871. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom our subject was the eighth.
Jayno Charles was born in Livingston, New York, June 13, 1832, and was only three years old when his parents came to Michigan. He was reared on the farm, remaining with his parents until he was of age, assisting in the cultivation of the soil and in procuring the necessities requisite for the support of the large family. He was a helpful son, and filled a worthy place in the family circle.
Upon leaving the homestead, he purchased a farm in Grand Blanc town- ship and engaged in farming and stock buying, and has spent the major part of his life in that locality. He has confined himself largely to dealing in
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stock, but for ten years he followed various occupations. He was married in San Francisco, California, on April 28, 1860, to Miss Helen M. Ellis, who was a native of Onondago county, New York, where she was born March 10, 1840. She was the daughter of Horace H. and Mary E (Kennedy) Ellis, who came to Genesee county, Michigan, in 1857, and settled in Grand Blanc town- ship, continuing their life there until their days were numbered. Mr. Ellis was born in Connecticut in 1795 and died in 1877. Mrs. Ellis was born in New York state in 1810 and lived up to April 10, 1870.
Their family consisted of seven children, of whom Helen was the fourth. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have become the parents of four living children : Belle E. is the widow of F. M. Thompson and lives in Fenton, Michigan ; Mittie is the wife of Dr. John D. Riker, of Pontiac, Michigan. Jayno W. is a farmer in Oakland county, Michigan. Flora is the wife of Royal L. Goodale. They have buried five children, all of whom died quite young.
Mr. Adams is a man who has taken an active part in public affairs and has always shouldered all responsibilities of citizenship. He believes in the "square deal" for every one, and does not hesitate to stand upon his own convictions. He and his wife are loyal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church, and have assisted substantially in its progress and maintenance.
Mr. Adams is a highly esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity.
THOMAS FARMER.
Prominent among the expert veterinary surgeons of the state is Dr. Thomas Farmer, of Grand Blanc. Dr. Farmer has breathed the air of three different countries at different periods of his life. He was born in Wales, November 1, 1845. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Jones) Farmer, both natives of Wales, set sail for America when Thomas was four years of age. They came to Canada and settled at Perth, Lanark county. Thomas's father was a blacksmith and followed his trade after arriving in Canada. He was an honest and conscientious workman, and nothing left his hand that was not carefully and skilfully executed. He taught the trade to Thomas, and instilled into his mind the same principles that had guided him in his labors at the anvil and the forge. The ringing of the hammer and sledge made music from early morn till the going down of the sun, and a cheery atmosphere of busy activity was ever present in his shop. He was called from his labors and gathered to rest at the age of fifty-two, having been preceded by his wife, who passed away at the age of thirty-three. They were the parents of six sons, of whom Thomas, our subject, was the eldest.
He was reared at Perth and remained there until twenty years of age. Having learned his trade, he came to Carrollton, Illinois, where he followed his father's trade for about one year, returning at the expiration of that period to
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Ontario. He then joined for a short time in the warfare against the Fenians, at the close of which he came to Michigan and followed his trade in Lapeer and Hadley, coming to Grand Blanc in September, 1875. Here he has been engaged in business ever since. In 1886 he took up the study of veterinary surgery, having always been interested in the subject. His experiences in the shop were such that his attention was frequently directed to the subject. He is a man of keen observation and good judgment, and after deciding to take up the work of veterinary, he felt the need of expert training for the duties of the calling. In pursuance of the idea he entered and completed a course in the Veterinary College of Chicago, finishing the work in 1888. Since 1900 he has given his entire time to this work and has achieved great success. In 1904 he was appointed by the late Governor Bliss as one of the state board of veterinary examiners, which distinction he still holds.
He was united in marriage in June, 1868, to Miss Jane McLaren, a native of Ontario, and a daughter of Robert and Maria (Marks) McLaren, who came to Michigan also in an early day and settled in Muskegon, where they spent the remainder of their days.
Dr. and Mrs. Farmer are the parents of five children. Edith is the wife of W. H. Tyndall, of Maryville, Missouri; Cora is the wife of F. H. Sanford, instructor in the department of forestry in the Michigan Agricultural College ; Jessie is the wife of Dr. W. G. Bird, of Flint ; Mabel is single ; Robert Jones is a dentist in New York city.
Dr. Farmer has the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, and is at the present time president of the Grand Blanc school board, and assumes cheerfully his share of the responsibilities of citizenship. He was recently ap- pointed president of the state veterinary board by Governor Warner.
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GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ORRIN HART.
Mr. Orrin Hart is the son of Marcus E. and Polly (Clarke) Hart, early settlers of Genesee county. Mr. Marcus E. Hart was born in Connecticut and after his marriage settled in Triangle, Broome county, New York. Here he engaged in farming and lumbering, and in 1836 joined the tide of emigra- tion westward and settled in Genesee county, Michigan. Here they remained for a short time, and in the spring of 1837 they removed to Calhoun county, Michigan, where Mr. Hart died in the fall of the same year, aged forty years. Mrs. Polly Hart was afterward married to Mr. Boutell and died in Livingston county, Michigan, after approaching within four years of the cen- tury mark. There were three children of her first marriage, of whom our subject, Orrin, was the eldest. He was born in Triangle, New York, July 23, 1825, and was in his eleventh year when he came with his parents to the west. After his father's death he went to live with an uncle, Samuel Clarke, in what is now known as Genesee township. He lived with his uncle until the latter's death, which occurred when Orrin was eighteen years old. After this, Orrin made his home with another uncle, Ogden Clarke, in the same town- ship. Mr. Clarke was at one time probate judge of Genesee county, and Orrin grew up under good influences and associations. He was fully alive to his advantages, and as manhood came he increased not only in stature and physical strength, but also in mental equipment as well. Judge Clarke moved to Flushing when Orrin was twenty-two years old, and the latter continued to make his home with the judge until he was married in Flushing, January I, 1853. to Miss Hannanett Constant, who was a native of York state also. After his marriage he settled upon a farm in Flushing township, which he had previously purchased. Here the newly married couple went energetically to work and soon made flattering progress in operating and improving the farm. The period of domestic felicity was cut short, however, by the wife's death in 1862. Following this misfortune Mr. Hart gave up work on the farm and located in the village of Flushing. Here he purchased the flouring mills and operated them for forty-three years. He was again married to Miss Margaret E. Ashbaugh. Robert O. and Rennie Hart were the two children born to him in this last union.
Robert O. Hart was born in Flushing February 21, 1871. His mother was a native of Ohio. Robert was reared in the town of his birth and was
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educated in the local schools. He was a diligent student and an active, wide- awake boy, possessing the usual share of mischief and surplus energy that characterize the typical American youth.
He profited, however, by all the opportunities that came his way to fit and equip himself for the exigencies of business life that were liable to con- front him. In 1889 he entered the flouring mills as an employe, and soon made himself familiar with the details of the business. In 1893 he went into partnership with a cousin, John K. Clarke, under the firm name of Hart & Clarke. This partnership continued for one year, during which time the business grew in volume very noticeably. At the expiration of the year the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Hart went into association with his brother, Rennie E., and they together operated the mills under the name of Hart Brothers. They pushed the business with marked discrimination and success, giving eminent satisfaction to all with whom their business brought them in contact. This association continued until 1905, at which time Robert pur- chased his brother's interest in the mills, and formed a stock company, known as the Hart Milling and Power Company, and they are operating under that title at the present time. The business has steadily progressed and has been marked by energy and characterized by uprightness and square dealing.
Mr. Hart was married at Flushing August 29, 1893, to Miss Lula E. Tubbs, who is a native of Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Philander and Rachel Tubbs, who were able and highly respected people. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, viz., Orrin C. and Sybil M.
Mr. Hart has given a great deal of time to the prosecution of his busi- ness affairs, and has made it a rule to do with all his might whatever he under- takes. However, in spite of his manifold activities, he has found time to re- spond to the requests of his friends to take part in the local government, and has held many offices of trust and responsibility. In all these he has done his part faithfully and cheerfully, and has lived the role of a loyal and reliable citizen. In lodge matters, also, he has contributed, being an able and efficient worker in the ranks of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are also esteemed members of the Eastern Star. Mr. Hart further affiliates with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. COLLINS.
Among the many able-bodied men of Flint is John W. Collins, a man of wide experience and broad ideas. He is not an American by birth, but has become one by adoption. He was born in Ireland, in the county of Tipperary, better known as the valley of Sweet Slievenamon. His father, Patrick Col- lins, was a farmer in comfortable circumstances, having had a lease on sixty- six acres of fertile land, and also a lease on some land which was transferable to his children for ninety-nine years. He died August 7, 1871, at the age of fifty-five years. His wife's maiden name was Mary Hanrahan. She died on the home farm in 1884, having attained the age of seventy years. Six chil- dren were born to them, viz .. Michael, Daniel. Catherine, James, Mary and John W.
John was thirteen years old when his father died and he continued to live with his mother till 1873. In August of that year he embarked for America, and on his trip had one of the exciting experiences of his life. The vessel on which he sailed was wrecked at sea, but the passengers and the crew were rescued, and they were landed at Quebec instead of at the United States port for which they were bound. He made his way to New York city, and for nine years received valuable experience here as bookkeeper for J. & N. Col- lins, cotton brokers. Having a desire to see the country and to better his con- dition if possible, he resigned his position here and came west to Chicago. Here he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, being connected with the bridge department. He spent fourteen years almost continuously in this work, and received helpful training in transacting business of this char- acter. This experience has stood him well in hand since, and has been a valuable aid to him in his ventures. Mr. Collins' next move was to
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Racine, Wisconsin, where he became employed as timekeeper for the Racine Wagon and Carriage Company, in the wood department. This position was filled by him for three years, after which he went west into the employ of the Michael Higgens axle works, remaining with the latter firm for one year. He then came to Flint and for the next two years was engaged in the Flint axle works.
He then decided to go into business for himself, and in 1903 began operations as a contractor for the building of cement walks, and has con- tinued in the general contract business. Since 1906 he has devoted his whole attention to sewer contract work. His wide experience, thorough business methods, and upright dealings have brought him not only many contracts, but the support and good will of his business associates.
Mr. Collins was married in New York city June 30, 1878, to Miss Anastasia Hurley, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland. Four children have been born to them: Mary is the wife of John Heller, of Racine, Wisconsin ; Patrick M. lives in Racine and is in the employ of the Racine Wagon and Car- riage Company ; Thomas J. lives at Brooklyn, New York. The other daugh- ter is Ellen. Mrs. Collins died in Chicago September 10, 1888.
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