USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 9
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On November 3, 1904, Mr. Collins was again married, taking as his wife Julia M. Brennon, who was born in Flint October 14, 1869. She was the only child of the family. Her father, Patrick Brennan, was a farmer in Burton township and was born in Queens county, Ireland. Her mother, Mary (Connelly) Brennan, was born in Tipperary county, Ireland, and died in Burton township July 1, 1878, aged thirty-seven years.
Mr. Collins is a member of the Royal League and the Knights of Colum- bus. He and his wife are devoted members of the St. Michael's Catholic church.
NATHANIEL H. FRISBIE.
Nathaniel H. Frisbie was the eighth of a family of nine children of Hon. Philip S. and Calista (Farnham) Frisbie, natives of New York state. They were among the very early pioneers of Michigan, having come west in an early day and settled in Springfield township, Oakland county. The father reached the age of fifty-nine years. He was a prominent man in Oakland county and was at one time a member of the Michigan legislature, and was also justice of the peace for a long term of years. Deeply interested in re- ligious affairs he actively sustained the Methodist Episcopal church in the locality and contributed freely and substantially to its maintenance. The mother, also was an active church worker, died at the age of seventy-six. These parents were people of marked individuality and stamped lasting im- pressions of character and ideals upon their children.
Nathaniel was born at the pioneer homestead on May 10, 1850, and spent the first seventeen years of his life under the paternal roof, receiving such education as was offered by the common schools of the vicinity. At the age of eighteen he went to New Hampshire and was occupied in general work there for several months. While there he was married, December 6, 1869, to Miss Mary J. Bragg, who was born June 15, 1850, at Charlestown, New Hampshire. She was the daughter of Alby M. and Susan D. (Allen)
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Bragg. Mr. Bragg was a native of Vermont and reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was one of the leading men of his home town, Alstead, Vermont, both socially and politically, being known generally as Captain Alby. He and his wife both were ardent supporters of the Baptist faith. Mr. Bragg's father, Boswell Bragg, was a cousin of General Bragg, of Confederate fame. Mrs. Bragg was a native of New Hampshire and reached the age of seventy-two years, and was the mother of seven children, two sons and five daughters, Mary being the third child of the family.
After his marriage, Nathaniel and wife came to Michigan and began farming at Davisburg, Oakland county. They remained there for about one year and then returned to New Hampshire, coming back to Oakland county a year later, and shortly after located in Genesee county. They purchased a farm in Vienna township in 1872, and for the next five years they devoted themselves to the cultivation and improvement of this tract of land. This farm Mr. Frisbie traded for another farm in Flint township, exchanging the latter for one in Fenton township and resided on this farm until 1897. He then took up his residence at Flint, and has been engaged in the real estate business there ever since.
Three children have blessed this union: Marshall M. is an attorney in Flint, and is a graduate of the department of law of the University of Michi- gan. His practice has been a matter of steady and substantial growth, re- sulting, as it has, in many manifestations of confidence and esteem on the part of his clientele. One son, Ernest, died in infancy, and their daughter, Luna, was married to Abram F. Gay, who died in 1901, she passing away December 7, 1903, at the age of thirty-two years. Their family consisted of three children : Arthur L., Harrold A., and Mary C.
Mr. Frisbie is an active public man, seeking to promote the general wel- fare of the city in every possible way. He is a respected member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and co-operates freely in promoting the best in- terests of the fraternity. He maintains still a relish for the farm, being the owner of a valuable tract of land in Genesee county.
HIRAM B. GILBERT.
Mr. Hiram B. Gilbert was born in Cummington, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, August 10, 1834. His mother's name was Polly (Goldthwaite) Gilbert, and was born in Massachusetts. His father's name was Domer Gil- bert. They ended their days in Hampshire county and were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. Hiram was the seventh child. He was brought up at Worthington, Hampshire county, whither his parents had removed when he was still quite young. His parents engaged in farm- ing and Hiram assisted in tilling the soil and was of inestimable service to the family. At the age of twenty he left Massachusetts and came to New York state, where he spent about one year, and then came on to Genesee county, Michigan. He arrived here in the spring of 1855 and learned the carpenter's trade in Grand Blanc. After following this trade for several years he pur- chased a farm in Mundy township, upon which he settled and continued its operation for the next five years. He made his work on this farm count for improvements and better facilities, and at the expiration of the period men- tioned was enabled to dispose of it readily and at a profit. He then removed to Grand Blanc, and for the next few years again turned his attention to his trade. After a period of about five years he changed his location to Clarkston, Oakland county, Michigan, and continued to ply his trade as a carpenter in
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conjunction with farming. Selling out again he removed to Fenton, and a year later bought another farm in Mundy township, continuing to operate it until the fall of 1903, at which time he disposed of the farm and removed to Grand Blanc, where he is enjoying the retirement so well earned.
He was married in Grand Blanc April 14, 1858, to Miss Pamelia Rem- ington, who was born in Grand Blanc, Genesee county, Michigan, June 6, 1837. Her father, John Remington, was born in Connecticut in 1810. Her mother, Julia Ann (Goff) Remington, was born in Genesee county, New York, May 24, 1814. These parents came from Rush, Genesee county, New York, to Genesee county, Michigan, in 1834, and settled in Grand Blanc township, being among the very early and hardy pioneers of the county. They spent the greater part of their married life in Genesee county, and for fifteen years made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Gilbert. During the last seventeen years of his life Mr. Remington was widowed, but con- tinued to make his home with his daughter. Mrs. Remington died in 1890, having reached her seventy-sixth year. Mr. Remington died in Grand Blanc May 29, 1907, having reached the magnificent age of almost ninety-seven years. Their children were three in number : Ira is a farmer in Mundy town- ship; Pamelia, mentioned above, and Charles, who died in 1890.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are the parents of six children, viz .: Alma, wife of William Shaw, of Fenton ; Edward W., Hetty A., wife of A. W. Alger, of Grand Blanc township; Frank I., a merchant of Grand Blanc; Parna, wife of Louis Bigelow, of Mundy township; and Charles A., a farmer in Banister. Gratiot county, Michigan. Two of the children died in infancy. Mr. Gilbert occupied the office of justice of the peace for two terms. He has affiliated with the Republican party, and has always taken a lively interest in township and county affairs. Both he and his wife did much to promote the growth of the Baptist church, and Mr. Gilbert has for many years been an excellent guide in the Sunday school work.
JONATHAN CRAPSER.
Mr. Jonathan Crapser is one of the pioneer elevator men in this section of the state. He was born in Burton township, Genesee county, Michigan, September 22, 1844. His parents, Albertus and Mary (Story) Crapser, were natives of Green county, New York. They decided to leave their home in that state, and in 1838 they came to try the fortunes of life farther west, and consequently emigrated to Michigan, settling in Groveland, Oakland county, where they purchased a farm. They were industrious, upright and congenial, and found the life in their new environments much to their liking. They developed their farm to a commendable degree, and succeeded in producing excellent crops. They lived on this farm for two years, when they purchased another and moved to Burton township, Genesee county, where they died, the father acquiring the age of sixty-five years, while the mother attained the age of sixty-eight years.
Five children were born to them, of whom Jonathan, our subject, was the youngest of the boys .. He was brought up on the farm, where, under rigid discipline, he acquired strength and character, which have been the ruling elements of his honored and successful life.
His education was such as was to be obtained in the common schools of the neighborhood, and Jonathan took advantage of all that was available,
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making good use of his time both in and out of school. He remained on the farm throughout his younger manhood, and on September 21, 1870, entered into matrimonial relations with Miss Anne M. Tiffany, a native of Norwich, Connecticut, and a daughter of Charles and Lucy Tiffany. After marriage they took up their residence in the village of Grand Blanc, having already purchased the elevator there. This elevator Mr. Crapser has owned and operated ever since, and has been intimately connected with the growth of the grain business throughout these years. His brother, Amos L., was a partner in the concern for the first five years, from 1868 to 1873, but at the expiration of that time Jonathan assumed full possession. He is the pioneer elevator man on the P. & M. R. R. between Detroit and Ludington. He did service for this road when it was in process of construction, and was engaged, while yet on the farm, in laying the roadbed and in securing some of the materials used in constructing the roadway. Upon the completion of the road and consequent establishment of business, Mr. Crapser foresaw the opportunity for grain and produce traffic opening up, and obedience to his impulses led him to leave the farm and enter the mercantile field. During these years he has not only been an expert elevator man, but has engaged at times in the sale and shipment of produce, and has also dealt extensively in lumber, especially the hardwood variety. In these activities he has often done business on a large scale, having at times as many as fifty men in his employ. He managed these affairs with judgment and discretion, and mani- fested great proficiency as an employer.
In a public way, also, did Mr. Crapser participate in the life of the community, having served as supervisor of Grand Blanc township for two terms. Two children make up the family, Samuel C. and George M. Mr. Crapser is still wide-awake on all matters pertaining to both public and private affairs, and his views, as the fruit of his own firm convictions, are held in high esteem by all who know him.
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GEORGE E. MUNDY.
Mr. George E. Mundy was born in Clayton township, Genesee county, Michigan, December 23, 1860. His father, Thomas Mundy, came to America in 1850, when he was twelve years old. The family settled in Clayton town- ship and here Mr. Mundy is still living. George's mother, Mary J. (Darling) Mundy, was a native of Lockport, New York. She was the mother of twelve children and died on the old homestead at the age of forty-seven years.
George was the eldest of this splendid family and was reared on the old homestead. He grew to manhood in the midst of such circumstances as would most likely develop him into a thoroughly reliable and industrious worker. He left the farm at the age of twenty-three, having received a com- mon school education while there, and soon after was married to Miss Mary Vernon, who was born in the English settlement of Flushing. She was the daughter of Enoch and Hannah ( Bailey) Vernon, who were both natives of England. She was the fourth of a family of seven children. Soon after their marriage they set out on their career as farmers, taking up their quarters on a farm in Clayton township. Here they applied themselves diligently to their chosen work, and in due time the appearance of the farm bore testimony of progressiveness and thrift. They remained on this farm for fifteen years, after which they removed to Flint. Here Mr. Mundy entered into business
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as a produce dealer, and pursued this line for some time. After living in Flint for about one year and a half, he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres in Clayton township and removed thither.
He operated this farm for about two years and his work here was evi- dence of his thrift and economy. At the expiration of this time he rented out the farm and removed to Flushing in December, 1902, disposing of the farm later. Since living in Flushing he purchased a large farm in Flushing township, and still owns this tract, which is in a good state of improvement and productiveness. Since living in Flushing, Mr. Mundy has been engaged in the sale of buggies, wagons, wire fence, etc.
Mr. and Mrs. Mundy have been the parents of two children. Their family experience has been darkened, however, by a dense cloud of sorrow that aroused for them the sympathy of their hosts of friends. Their daughter, Floy B., met her untimely death, January 31, 1898, when but fourteen years of age. She was struck by a fast train on the Grand Trunk Railroad at Swartz creek. Their other child, Hazel M., survives.
Mr. Mundy held the office of township treasurer of Clayton township for two years, discharging the duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of all his constituents. He is holding the office of drainage commissioner in Flushing township, and is known throughout the vicinity as a man of a progressive and energetic temperament. He takes an active interest in public affairs and stands for the square deal in all matters, whether public or private. In lodge matters, also, Mr. Mundy has impressed his personality upon many. He is an active Mason and has been an unbiased and creditable devotee to the princi- ples and teachings of the order.
JOSEPH L. DUNBAR.
Joseph L. Dunbar, contractor and builder, is one of Flint's steady and respected business men. His father was Joseph Dunbar, who was also a car- penter and contractor, and one of the men that had a hand in the building of many of the substantial homes in the county. He died at Flushing in 1851, aged fifty-nine years. Joseph's mother, whose maiden name was Christina Bigler, died also in Flushing in 1871, having reached the age of seventy-five. She was the mother of six children-one son, our subject, and five daughters.
Joseph was born in Rochester, Oakland county, Michigan, June 3, 1838. He was about three years old when his parents moved to Genesee county. His education was obtained in the common schools of the neighborhood, which, though not elaborate, were sufficiently good to give him a start in the rudiments of learning. He applied himself to his studies and made the most of the time while the opportunity was open. At the age of twelve years his father died, and, being the only son, it fell to him thus early in life to shoulder the responsibility of looking after the interests of the family. While this was in many respects a very heavy load for such young shoulders to carry, yet he set himself resolutely to the work, facing problems that arose with a stout heart and a dauntless spirit. When a tree is growing to maturity the buffet- ings of wind and storm serve only to strengthen and develop the fibers of its
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sturdy trunk and branches. Such was the case, in analogy, with young Joseph. The difficulties and perplexities of the work before him served rather to de- velop him into the full stature of a thoughtful and resolute manhood, bringing out the latent faculties that were slumbering within him.
He early saw the need of having a trade at his command, so that as soon as practicable, he became an apprentice at carpentry. In that day the work of an apprentice was not liberally paid, and the period of his training was also of more extended duration than is the case now in the busy rush of modern achievements. His salary the first year was $50 and board. But he knew the value of what he had earned, and later he began to make use of his earn- ings in a practical way. He bought a lot in the town of Flushing for $40 and worked for two and one-half months for money with which to make his first payment of ten dollars. In this way he began not only to save and make use of his savings, but he also began thinking along such business lines as invest- ment, values, etc. He adhered closely to his trade, and for over thirty years made his home in Flushing. During this time he became a much valued and. highly esteemed member of the community, known by all his friends and neighbors as an industrious and thoroughly reliagle gentleman.
In 1878 he removed to Flint, and has since that time made that city his home. Mr. Dunbar was married at Orion, Oakland county, on Christmas day, 1862, to Miss Mary Ann Bigler, who was born in Oakland county, September 15, 1843. She is the daughter of Jesse and Ann (Tower) Bigler, widely respected citizens of Oakland county. This union has been blessed with a family of three children, not all of whom are surviving. Lena became the wife of F. G. Sutherland, of Flint. Jennie departed this life in 1890, aged fifteen years. Daisy is the wife of Ray Brownell, of Flint.
Mr. Dunbar is an active member of the Masonic fraternity. He has never sought public office, preferring rather to give his undivided attention to the demands of his business.
FRANKLIN E. HOLLIDAY.
Mr. Franklin E. Holliday is a native of the "Buckeye state," having been born in Huron county, Ohio, September 2, 1851. His parents were Eno and Sarah (Curtis) Holliday, both natives of New York state, but descendants from New England ancestry. Eno Holliday was a farmer by occupation and ended his days in Huron county, Ohio, attaining the age of eighty-two years. His wife survives him and is now living at quite an advanced age.
Franklin was reared on the farm and received his schooling in the local common schools. He was a boy of industrious habits and early showed an ac- tive interest in the general affairs of men. At the age of eighteen he started out for himself, and for about one year worked out at farm labor. On Janu- ary 25, 1872, he was married to Miss Mary C. Kirkpatrick, a native of Ohio, and daughter of William and Charlotte (Coder) Kirkpatrick. She was born in Ashland county, Ohio, March 23, 1849.
After marriage they rented a farm and began to mold and carve their way through the ragged pathway of life. After about six years of busy and aggressive work on the farm Mr. Holliday decided to put his faculties to other tests, and forthwith transferred his activities to New York city. Here he engaged in the ice business for a time, later entering the employ of the street railroad company, serving in the latter capacity for about nine months.
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Following this venture he returned to Ohio and in the autumn of 1880 he emigrated to Genesee county, Michigan. Upon his arrival here he purchased a farm in Richfield township, and for the next four years he applied himself assiduously to its operation. He made great improvements on the tract and brought the place up to a much better standard of appearance and production. At the expiration of four years he rented out the farm and returned to Nor- walk, Ohio. He was a man that had a broad grasp of affairs and could adapt himself readily to new environments and conditions. He began work at this time as carpenter and became inspector of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, staying in the latter employ about four years, after which he returned to his farm in Richfield township. In 1893 he returned to Flint feeling that here he could have better advantages for his children, to whom he was strongly de- voted, and for whom he was anxious to obtain the best possible facilities for training and education. He has since that time made Flint his place of residence. He has devoted some of his time to the stock business, and has also done con- siderable contracting and building. All with whom he came in contact soon came to have confidence in his business integrity and sterling good sense. During his active duties in life he has often consented to serve his fellow citi- zens in such capacities as justice of the peace and member of the school board. He has also been alderman from the sixth ward and is an active supporter of the Republican cause. He was defeated in the race for the mayoralty at the time of the election to that office by Mayor Mckinley.
In 1900 Mr. Holliday made a tour of Alaska, having charge of the car- penter work for the Golden Sands Mining Company on the Penny river, fourteen miles above Cape Nome. He was on duty there from May until November, and takes great pleasure in thinking over his experiences in that wonderful territory. He is far advanced in the Masonic fraternity and has been a loyal devotee to the tenets of the order.
Mr. and Mrs. Holliday are the parents of two daughters: Leuella M. has become the wife of Charles I. Burr, while Philena J. was united in mat- rimony to Ernest A. Smith. The entire family have exerted a wholesome and beneficial influence on the general, tone of affairs in the community.
EZRA NEWMAN.
The parents of Ezra Newman were pioneers of Oakland county, having come hither from Tompkins county, New York, in 1831. The father of our subject was John W. and the mother's name was Fanny (Conrad) Newman. They made their home at Orion, Michigan, and there ended their days. Mr. John Newman died January 6, 1892, aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Newman died December 24, 1902, aged eighty-five years. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Ezra was the fifth. He was born on a farm in Orion township, Oakland county, Michigan, September 23, 1847. He remained upon the farm when growing to manhood and received the discipline and school- ing afforded by life on the soil. In 1878 he purchased a farm of his own in Mundy township, Genesee county, Michigan, and devoted his energies to its improvement and development. He conducted his work here with complete success, and soon became a member of good standing in the community. He continued to live upon this farm until the spring of 1906, at which time he gave up active supervision of farm work and removed to Flint. He still owns the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mundy township. He was mar- ried in October, 1876, to Miss Eliza Snyder at Oxford, Oakland county. Mrs. Newman was born at Addison, Oakland county, July 23, 1853. She was the daughter of Cornelius and Mary M. (Boyse) Snyder, both natives of New
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Jersey. Mr. Snyder was born in Warren county, New Jersey, December 9, 1815. Mrs. Snyder was born in 1821. They came to Michigan in the spring of 1839 and settled in Addison township, Oakland county. They were hard- working and industrious people, and they were well fitted to rear and edu- cate their large family, which consisted of fifteen children, of whom Eliza was the twelfth. A strong spirit of fellowship and love pervaded the family life, and mutual helpfulness and kindly regard and devotion to one another were some of the characteristics that manifested themselves in the domestic circle. One can picture to himself in imagination a family fireside scene on a winter evening, the chores being performed, the wood brought in and the family then gathered about the room in various attitudes and occupa- tions. The reading of Scripture or story, the outburst of song or laughter, accompanied by the undertones of the muttering winds, presented all in all a combination that is hard to fully appreciate, and one that can never be forgotten.
Mr. Snyder was gathered to his fathers on May 27, 1899, aged eighty- three years. Mrs. Snyder lived until May 31, 1898, having reached her seventy-seventh year.
Mr. and Mrs. Newman occupy a pleasant home at 1300 Grand Traverse street, and are highly esteemed by all their friends and neighbors. Mrs. New- man is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Newman is a Democrat.
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DAVID W. HILLER.
Mr. David W. Hiller is a descendant of pioneers, having been born at Ogden, Monroe county, New York, January 26, 1834. His father was John Hiller, a native of New York state. His mother, Mary Sherman, was a native of Vermont and was a cousin of the distinguished general, W. T. Sherman, and the Hon. John Sherman.
When David was in his third year his parents emigrated from Monroe county, New York, to Genesee county, Michigan. They settled there in what is now Burton township, and remained there practically all their days. Mrs. Hiller died August 13, 1889, having acquired the age of seventy-six years. Mr. Hiller passed away June 29, 1895, having reached the age of eighty-seven years.
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