USA > Michigan > Genesee County > History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 101
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113
N. N. WILSON.
Among the first settlers of Genesee County, few, if any, have done more for its advancement and improvement than Nahum N. Wilson. Ife was born Jan. 10, 1805, in New- port, N. II., where his parents resided until he was ten years old, when they moved to Norwich, Vt., where Mr. Wilson passed his youthful years. Until he was nineteen, he worked on his father's farm in the summer and went to school in the winter, making such good use of his opportu- nities that at that age he commenced to teach school. This he did for eight successive winters, part of the time in Vermont, the remainder in Lower Canada, where he had purchased one hundred and forty acres of land. This farm of wild land he partly cleared, and built upon it a house and barn. But, not liking his situation, he sold, and in 1834 emigrated to Genesce Co., Mich., which was then " the Far West." Ile settled in what was then called Thread Village (now the city of Flint), and worked at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Wilson helped build the first bridge across Flint River, and the first dry-goods store,- known as the Elisha Beach store. Ile also helped to erect the Stage & Wright mill, which was the first on Flint River. In this mill Mr. Wilson fitted and hung the first saw ever run in the place, and sawed the first stock of' boards turned out by the mill. In the spring of 1838 he moved into the town of Vienna, and worked on a farm for the ensuing year. After this he worked the Hotchkiss
7
392
HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
farm in Vienna, either on shares or by paying the rent by chopping off and clearing land. With his first year's earnings he bought of the government the cast half of the northwest quarter of section 25, in the town of Thetford, which he still owns. When the town of Thetford was christened, Mr. Wilson gave it its present name, after a town in Vermont.
In the spring of 1843 he moved, with his wife and four children, into a small log shanty which he had built upon the twelve acres which he had previously cleared. Life on his own farm then commenced,-a life destined to be a laborious although an honorable one. In the fall of the same year he built a block-house on the site of his present commodious mansion. To the eighty acres first purchased he has added until he now owns six hundred and fifty acres of land, two hundred and fifty of which are finely improved. He has also given his sons over three hundred acres.
In 1838, at the second town-meeting held in Vienna, he was elected supervisor, holding the office three years. After moving into Thetford he was elected town clerk, which po- sition he held several years. This shows the esteet and confidence of his townsmen, as Thetford has always been strongly Republican and Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, his first vote having been cast for Andrew Jackson. Ile has been a justice of the peace for twelve years, and in that capacity, aud as notary public, has done the most of the conveyancing for the country around him for many years. Ile was East Thetford's first postmaster, holding the office many years. In an early day Mr. Wilson did considerable surveying. He surveyed and subdivided a good share of the north half of the county.
Mr. Wilson has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Phalle R. Slafter, who was born in Norwich, Vt., Jan. 1, 1806. They were married March 17, 1828, and their union was blessed with eight children, as follows: Mercy E., born July 26, 1830; Carlos P., born March 9, 1833 ; William HI., born Aug. 8, 1839 ; Farwell A., born July 18, 1841; John N., born Nov. 19, 1843; Persis A. born March 1, 1846; Samuel J., born Sept. 3, 1849 ; and Nahum T., born Feb. 22, 1852. Mrs. Wilson died Aug. 13, 1863. Mr. Wilson remained a widower until Oct. 31, 1867, when he married Miss Mary Woodward, who was born in Hartford, Vt., July 12, 1819.
He has ever been distinguished for his generosity and liberality towards those less fortunate than himself, and, while thus assisting the needy and unfortunate,-never turning the wanderer hungry from his door,-he has been prospered, proving the truth of the saying, that " the liberal soul shall be made fat."
We close this brief sketch of Mr. Wilson's life by ap- pending the commendation of his neighbors and fellow- townsmen : " He is a man honorable and upright in all his dealing ; one against whom not a word is said; one loved by his friends and esteemed by all who know him."
CHARLES M. BOUTTELL
was born in Oncida County, N. Y., on the Sth day of November, 1809. The death of his father, when he was
thirteen years old, threw him upon his own resources, and was, no doubt, the me.ins of developing his character for self-reliance and good judgment in business matters, which has made him so successful in life. After his father's death he worked on a farm for three years, then went on the Eric Canal as a driver. For five summers we find him driving,-a life of hardship and privations, truly, but an exciting and fascinating one. Then for four years he was a steersman on the canal. But he was looking ahead to something better than boating, and in 1836 he came to Michigan and bought of the government eight eighty-acre lots, four in Shiawassee County, the others in Thetford; Genesce Co. This took all his means, and he then drove team in Flint for two years, after which he again returned to his old business of boating, which he followed for four years and then quit it forever. In 1841 he came West and permanently located on his land, about thirty-five acres of which he had had cleared while he was boating. When he went upon his farm his residence was a small log house, which stood a little to the rear of where his barns now stand. He lived alone, but knowing he must eat, even in the wilds of the West, he came prepared, bringing with him a barrel of beans, twenty bushels of potatoes, and pork enough for ten men. Ilis needy neighbors soon relieved him of his surplus supplies, and blessed the ignorance which brought them into their vicinity. At different times Mr. Bouttell has owned over one thousand acres of land, and he now owns three hundred and sixty aeres, two hundred and fifty acres of which are under good improvement. Politi- cally, he is a Democrat, but has never sought office. He has always taken great interest in educational matters, and has long been one of the school officers of his district. In 1841, Mr. Bouttell led to the altar Miss Harriet Payne. Their union was blessed with two children, Emma and Eleanor. Mrs. Bouttell died June 22, 1853. Jan. 1, 1854, he married Miss Jane Nixon. There have been born to them the following children : Castillo, born Nov. 10, 1854 ; Lovias, born April 11, 1856 ; Morris O., born April 16, 1858 ; Jerome O., born June 28, 1860; Harriet, born Aug. 8, 1862; William II., born Jan. 11, 1865; Charles R., born Oct. 1, 1867 ; Wesley M. and Leslie B. (twins), born Dec. 23, 1871 ; Laura J., boru April 29, 1876; and Horace T., born Aug. 19, 1878.
JACOB W. SHARICK,
the subject of this sketch, born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 4, 1825, was one of thirteen children. ITis father and mother, Abraham and Fanny Sharick, were born in Lan- caster, Pa., and at the time of the birth of Jacob W. were living on a farm which had been in the family many years. When Mr. Sharick was nineteen, his father sold his farm in Pennsylvania and moved to Genesee Co., N. Y., where he bought a large farm. Jacob grew to manhood, working on the farm summers, and going to school winters. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Sharick left home and commenced life on his own account, his worldly possessions consisting of a team of horses. After working land for other people for eleven years, he determined to have a farm of his own, and so came to Michigan, where land was cheap, and bought
RESIDENCE OF F. S. TAYLOR , THETFORD, MICHIGAN,
THETFORD TOWNSHIP.
393
one hundred and twenty aeres, it being part of section 29, in Thetford, Genesee Co. He now is owner of one hun- dred and sixty acres of as fine land as can be found in the State, on which he has erected a fine house and numerous outbuildings. A fine view of Mr. Sharick's farm-home is presented on another page of this work. In politics Mr. Sharick is, and has always been, an ardent Republican. He believes that all men should be free, and allowed all the rights of citizenship, without regard to race or color, wealth or station. In every relation of life Mr. Sharick holds that
honesty is the best policy ; and it has ever been his motto to do as he would like to be done by. As a citizen and neighbor he is highly esteemed. On the 26th day of Feb- ruary, 1853, Mr. Sharick married Miss Elizabeth S. Smith, daughter of Christian and Mary Smith. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 26, 1827. Their union has been blessed with two children,-John W., born April 23, 1854, and Benjamin F., born Jau. 18, 1856. They have also an adopted daughter, Annie E., born Sept. 19, 1865.
O
WILLIAM GREEN.
MRS. WILLIAM GREEN.
WILLIAM GREEN
was born in the State of New York, Feb. 8, 1810. While yet a boy he came to Michigan, stopping in Oakland County, where he grew to manhood. He had no one to care for him, and hence earned his support by working at anything he could get to do. His chances for an education were very limited, but what little book-knowledge he obtained, added to good judgment and an untiring energy, made him very successful. On the 4th day of February, 1836, he married Miss Abigail Ilibbard, daughter of John and Roxey ( Bart- lett) Hibbard. She was born in Vermont, Jan. 31, 1812. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Green moved into the town of Lapeer, Lapcer Co., and bought a farm of new land, after paying for which they had just enough left to buy a cow. Mr. Green at once built a log house, and with his accustomed energy commenced to clear and improve his farm. Fifty acres had been cleared and an orchard set out when he sold, and bought an improved farm in the town of Bruce, same county. Here they lived fifteen years, being prospered and every year adding to their worldly goods. They then sold out and bought Mrs. Green's old home, in Oakland County, where they resided four years, when they sold, and purchased a farm in Birmingham, in the same county. The latter they traded for a farm in Thetford, and made a permanent settlement, where Mrs. Green still resides. The far.n then consisted of one hundred acres of
well-improved land, to which he made additions until they owned, at one time, three hundred acres. For many years Mr. Green kept a hotel in the house where his widow now lives, and was known far and near as a genial host and a man respected and esteemed for his honesty and integrity. He died Nov. 6, 1867, mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Green six children,-Henry, born Jan. 10, 1837 ; Alvard, born Jan. 11, 1839; Minerva, born Jan. 4, 1841 ; Marga- ret, born April 2, 1844; Roxcy, born Dec. 14, 1846, died Dec. 10, 1847 ; and John, born Dec. 10, 1849.
FRANKLIN E. DODGE.
Among the early settlers of Thetford there are few, if any, who have seen so much of the world, or led a life so full of adventures and romance, as Franklin E. Dodge. Ile was born in the town of Colchester, New London Co., Conn., Jan. 29, 1821. The death of his father, when he was eight years old, left him to make his own living. Ile lived with his unele until he was fifteen, when he started for the State of New York, working his way and carning money to buy the clothing he so much needed. For the next four years he wandered about, working some of the time on a farm and one season as a driver on the canal. He then got the whaling fever, and went to New York with a man who was
50
IHISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
hiring whalers ; but a couple of weeks in a sailors' board- ing-house gave him an idea of the life of a whaler, and he gave the scheme up. But in 1836 he shipped on the line-of- battle-ship " Ohio," which was then fitting out in Boston for her first voyage, under the command of Commodore Hull, of the U. S. N. Mr. Dodge helped ship her rigging, guns, cte. They sailed from Boston to New York, and from there on n three years' eruise to the Mediterranean Sea. Visited all the ports of that sea, and the ports of the principal conn- tries in Europe. He siw many of the erowned heads of the Ohl World, which ouly made him love still more the free government of his native land. While in the port of Toulon he saw the French frigate which went after the remains of the first Napoleon. The news of the Patriot war started his ship for home, where they arrived in 1839, after a voyage full of excitement and with the daily expecta- tion of war and carnage. Ile was paid off and discharged in Boston, and then went to Avon, N. Y., to visit his mother. Here he remained some time, although he was very uneasy and longed for the excitement and freedom of a sailor's life. The carnest protestations of his mother prevailed, and he worked at whatever he could find to do until 1813, when he came to Thetford and purchased of his stepfather the forty acres on which he now resides, and the forty aeres east of it. of the government. Mr. Dodge had but little means, and the next spring he returned to New York and worked through the summer; then came back to his farm, and built a house and commeneed to improve. In 1843 he went to a neighbor to buy some boots, and got not only his boots, but a wife, who proved to be a true pioneer's help- meet. She never stood back and said " go," but was always willing to put her own shoulder to the wheel also. Her maiden name was Miss Mary Skinner, and they were mar- ried Oct. 12, 1845. Miss Skinner was born March IS. 1826. A few days after their marriage they moved to their new home, Mrs. Dodge driving the cow, while Mr. Dodge drove the oxen which hauled all their goods in a wagon-box,-going five miles through the woods. They lived some time in a shanty until a log house was erected. Ilis first erop of wheat he hauled through the woods to Square Wilson's, who had a board floor on which he could thrash it. At that time there were no roads or paths; their going and coming were by blazed trees Mr. Dodge had marked. Though they lived in the woods, cut off from churches and their Christian associates, still, as Mr. Dodge very feelingly says, they felt that God was with them in the wilderness, as he had been with him in his seafaring days, when he knew that his mother's prayers were with him. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have both been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over thirty-six years. Mr. Dodge was a Democrat until 1864, since which time he has been an ardent Republican. There have been born to them nine children, as follows : Elizabeth, born March 2, 1847; Byron E, born dan. 12. 1849; Franklin A., born Sept. 20, 1850; Emma L., born Nov. 13, 1852; Ellen A., born Dee. 21. 1854; Herbert W., born Sept. 12, 1857 ; Lydia F., born Dec. 23, 1860 : Nelson E., boru March 14, 1865; and Mary E., born Nov. 21, 1867.
GEORGE GEIGER, JR.
Of the foreigners who come to America to carve out for themselves homes and fortunes, there are none who are more gladly welcomed than the Germans. A frugal, indus- trious, and honest people, they become citizens of whom a country may well be proud,-citizens who, in days gone by, have supported our government with their money and their lives.
J. George Geiger, Jr., was born in Göppingen (Haniga), Wurtemberg, Germany, Jan. 5, 1832. His father, J. George Geiger, Sr., was also born in Würtemberg, and there resided until 1850. Hle was a farmer, and in chat year he sold his small farm for over two hundred dollars per acre, and with his wife and six children shipped at Antwerp for America. After a voyage of thirty nine days, he lauded in New York City, whence he went to Erie Co., N. Y., where he engaged in farming. J. George, Jr., worked in Erie County at such employment as he could find to do, until he earned enough money to buy two eighty-acre lots of wild land in Thetford, Genesee Co., Mich. The deed was taken in his father's name, and in 1854 the fiquily moved into it. After coming to Michigan, he worked in Flint until 1857, when he went upon one of the eighty-acre lots, which his father deeded to him. Ile has since bought forty aeres, and has now a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres under good cultivation,-all of which is due to Mr. Geiger's good management and in- dustry. He married Miss Henrietta Hoppe, July 12, 1857. She was born in the city of Horn, Germany, Jan. 17, 1839. She was the daughter of Gotfried and Sophie (Althott ) Hoppe, who came from Germany about the same time as Mr. Geiger's family. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Geiger three children, as follows: John G., born July 20, 1858; Frederick, born Feb. 25, 1861 ; and ller- man, born Aug. 25, 1869.
WILLIAM H. LONG.
David Long was born in Greenwood, Perry Co., l'a., Dec. 21, 1815. Ilis wife, Miss Aun Schaffer, was born in Wittenberg. Germany, Dec. 4, 1817. They were married in Pennsylvania, and soon after went to Erie Co., N. Y., where he bought a small farm. This he sold, intending to move West, but instead again bought and resided there three years Jonger, when he sold and (in 1851) came to Thetford, purchasing the farm he now owns, which he has cleared and built upon. Mr. Long has had a family of eight children, six of whom are now living, and of whom William H. Long, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest. He was born in Lancaster, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1839. Mr. Loong's chances for au education were meagre, being limited to the common schools, and after he was twelve years old he was ouly privileged to attend in the winter. At the age of twelve he came to Michigan with his father, and from that time ou his services were required on the new farm during the summer. In the winter shingles, which were then their medium of exchange, had to be made; so he worked at shingle-making at night that he might go to school during the day. In this way he fitted himself for teaching, which be commenced in 1800, and has followed during the winters
-
RESIDENCE OF W. H. LONG , THETFORD, MICH.
RESIDENCE OF F. E.DODGE, THETFORD, MICH .
OLD HOME.
-
RESIDENCE OF HENRY DRUDGE, THETFORD, MICH.
395
THETFORD TOWNSHIP.
(with four exceptions) since that time, and with marked success. In 1867 he purchased part of the northeast quarter of section 3G. To this, his first landed possession, he has since added, so that he has now a fine farm of sixty- seven acres, mostly cleared and improved. Mr. Long has taken an active interest in educational matters, his knowl- edge of which has been made good use of by his fellow- townsmen, who elected him as school inspector and super- intendent for six years, and as one of the directors for ten years. Mr. Long is an ardent Republican ; he takes a deep interest in the politics of the country, and especially so in township matters. Ile has also served as clerk of the town four times. On the 20th day of June, 1867, he was married to Miss Persis A. Wilson, daughter of Nahum N. and Phalle R. (Slafter) Wilson. She was born in Thetford, March 1, 1846. Their family embraced three children, as follows: Nahum W., born May 17, 1870; Mary A., born Feb. 22, 1874, died Sept. 7, 1875; and Ralph D., born Sept. 17, 1876.
DANIEL F. BENNETT.
Among the carlier settlers of Thetford there are none who stand higher in the respect of the people, or who have done more to advance the growth and prosperity of the town, than Daniel F. Bennett, of whom we shall attempt a brief mention. Ile was born, March 31, 1821, in the town of Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he resided until 1837, when his father moved to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. IFere he grew to manhood, working on his father's farm summers and going to the district schools winters. At the age of nineteen he commenced life for himself, teaching winters and farming summers. Ile bought a farm, which he owned until the fall of 1844, when he deeded it to his brother on condition that he should take care of his parents. Ile then set out for Michigan, his outfit being a team, wagon, and harness, and about ten dollars in money. In the spring of 1845, Mr. Bennett bought, on a contract, the eighty-acre lot where he now resides. It was heavily timbered, and all new. Ile built a small frame house, doing the carpen- ter work himself, being a natural mechanic, and life in the woods commenced. The forest soon disappeared, and to-day a well-improved farm of over two hundred acres is the re- sult of his industry and good management. In politics Mr. Bennett had been a Democrat until the fall of 1878, when he joined the National party. He has for nine years held the office of supervisor, two years has been town clerk, ten years justice of the peace, and school inspector for twenty years. Has also been the candidate of his party for legislative honors Of his popularity and good stand- ing in his township nothing need be said. The fact that for thirty years he has been in some office to which his fellow-townsmen have elected him speaks louder than words, and is a tribute of which any one may well feel proud. Mr. Bennett has been twice married,-first to Miss Ursula Scott, in the spring of 1839. She died Nov. 18, 1868. They had five children, named as follows: Sabra, Joanna, Frances, Franklin P., and Ernest. For his second wife be married Mrs. Mary A. Pierce, Dec. 28, 1869.
JACOB KURTZ.
Among the sketches written for the county histories there are none we like better to peruse than those which give the record and history of those who, when the toesin of war sounded, sprang to the front and risked life and limb in the defense of the " Stars and Stripes." Such a man was Jacob Kurtz, the subject of this short narrative. His father, Jacob Kurtz, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., on the 21st of March, 1813. Ile adopted farming as his occupation and always followed it. His wife, Anna Leib, was born Feb. 17, 1818, in Pennsylvania. Jacob, Jr., was born in Erie Co., N. Y., July 7, 1843. Ilis education was ob- tained at the district schools of his native town, where he resided until the breaking out of the Rebellion. Sept. 5, 1862, then but nineteen years old, he enlisted as a private in Co. B, 116th New York Volunteer Infantry. He served three years, and was promoted successively to cor- poral and to sergeant. Mr. Kurtz was engaged in all the skirmishes and battles his regiment took part in, including Plain Store, siege of Port Iludson, Coxe's Plantation, Sabine Cross- Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. Ile was mustered out in June, 1865. Ile came home from the war and again engaged in farming. In 1866, Mr. Kurtz bought a half-interest in a grocery-store in Buffalo, which proved a poor investment, and after fourteen months he sold out at a loss. Ile then purchased his grandfather's old home in Clarence, and worked it six years successfully. He then sold at quite an advance on what he paid, and thus got a fine start in life. Ile then came to Thetford and bought one hundred and thirty- one acres of land, known as the Ed. Clapp farm, to which he has since added, so that it now contains two hundred and seventy acres, with splendid improvements. In politics Mr. Kurtz is a strong Republican. On the 27th day of No- vember, 1866, he was married to Miss Susannah Diller. She was born in Clarence, Erio Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1845, and is a daughter of Abram and Catherine (Drudge) Dil- ler. Abram Diller was born in Erie County, Jan. 25, 1815; Mrs. Diller in the same county, April 1, 1819. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz three children,-Frank- lin A .. born Nov. 4, 1867 ; Edith A., born Dee. 31, 1869 ; and Charley, born April 14, 1872. Mr. Kurtz was wounded in the leg by a minie-ball at the battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864.
HENRY DRUDGE
was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1823. His father, Joseph Drudge, was a large and successful farmer, of whose large family Henry was the fourth. Henry lived on the farm, going to the district schools winters and farming sum- mers. When he was nineteen his father died, leaving cach of the children a small farm. Henry worked his own, and also farmed for others on shares. In this way he got his start in life. In 1857 he sold his land and moved to Thetford, where he bought the farm he now owns. It was nearly new, but a few aeres having been plowed. But the energy and good management of Mr. Drudge soon made the wilderness blossom as the rose. Now, at the age of fifty-six, he is living on as fine a farm as it is often the lot
396
HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of man to see. In 1878 he commenced building a beauti- ful house, which stands near where the old one stood,-a house that is at once an ornament to the town and a source of pride and pleasure to Mr. Drudge and his family. A view of his home adorns a page of this work. In early days a Whig, upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks. He has never sought office, but has served several years as deputy sheriff of the county.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.