History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 51

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Everts & Abbott, Philadelphia, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 683

USA > Michigan > Genesee County > History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 51

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James W. Cronk has left a reputation as a keen lover of the hunter's life, and in his rambles about the country in search of land his trusty gun was ever at his side. His aim was unerring, and many choice saddles of venison, and wild turkeys, were among the spoils of the chase. Mr. Cronk had a favorite dog that often accompanied him on these occasions. A morning's hunt resulted in the killing of four splendid deer, which were piled together near the spot now occupied by the residence of IIon. Sumner How- ard in the suburbs of Flint. The next morning a sleigh was drawn to this spot for the purpose of bringing home the game. The morning was a stormy one, the air being filled with heavy flakes of snow. While busily engaged, Mr. Cronk discerned, through the storm, an animal ap- proaching him having the appearance of a wolf. He raised his gun, which was synonymous with death to the victim, and, to his great dismay, learned soon after that his favorite dog lay writhing in agony. The animal lived some hours, but the aim of the sportsman had been too eertain to hope for life.

On another occasion Mr. Cronk was in the woods, and encountered a splendid speeimen of what is known as the "spike-horn buck," whose horns are constructed especially for defense, and whose ferocity when driven to bay makes them exceedingly dangerous as a foe. The animal, after being wounded, dropped motionless, and his vietor, think- ing him dead or dying, approached and drew his knife aeross his throat. As the blood spirted from the wound the animal revived, and at once sprang upon his pursuer. In an instant he was thrown upon his back, while the buck made a desperate charge upon him. His only possible de- fense was in the use of his feet, with which he was able to ward off the attack. This method of warfare was fast depleting his strength, and with every renewed charge his legs were being mangled and torn. In his almost helpless condition the buck was fast gaining ground, when a dog belonging to Mr. Cronk appeared upon the scene in an op- portune moment, and grappled with the buek. In a moment more the rifle had ended the contest.

Mr. Cronk died while doing service in the Mexican war. Ilis widow still survives, and resides in the city of Flint, maintaining the old-time hospitality her husband was wont to exercise ; and their son, Walter I., is a successful farmer in the western portion of the township.

Marvin B. Persons came a year later than Mr. Cronk, and for twelve months made his home with him, assisting him in clearing the farm. Later he effected an arrange- ment with Themas L. L. Brent, a large land-owner, to clear a traet for him in the present township of Flushing, and received as compensation for this service 80 acres of his present farm, which he immediately proceeded to improve. He erected a log shanty, and subsequently married and

made his home upon this traet. Since that time he has added to its dimensions, and he is now one of the represen- tative men of the township.

William Van Slyke came from Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1837, having originally entered land in Richfield, which he exchanged for 80 aeres on section 35, entered by Wil- liam Stanard. Mr. Van Slyke brought with him a superior span of horses, but as it was almost impossible to obtain grain for them, and oxen were better adapted to the wants of that early period, he disposed of them in Pontiae, at a considerable sacrifice. Mrs. Yan Slyke, who still resides in the township, has a keen memory of facts pertaining to her first residence in Michigan. The snakes were so numerous that they almost drove her family from the first log house occupied by them. It seemed impossible to build a house so securely as to make it impregnable to these marauders.

Philip Beltsworth located, in 1836, 99 acres on section Il, and soon became prominent in the various interests connected with the township.

J. D. Eggleston removed from Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1837, and took possession of 120 aeres his father had given him on section 17, this being a portion of 400 acres purchased by John A. Eggleston on sections 17 and 20.

At the time of his coming, the country was almost en- tirely unsettled, thick woods covering the land now marked by well-cultivated farms. The nearest neighbor was James W. Cronk, who was two and a half miles distant. When Mr. Eggleston arrived he had two yoke of oxen and one team of horses. Ile erossed the Flint River in a eanoe, which was drawn across by the oxen. He afterwards removed to his present farm of 168 acres.

John Thorne was among the pioneers of an early date, and found little more than a wilderness to greet his eoming. He established himself on seetion 32, and has resided there since.

Jabez Blackinton first settled in Oakland County, and in 1837 located in the township. He resides on section 15, as does also Charles Blackinton.

The founder of what is known as the Dye settlement is Ruben Dye, who came in 1843, and purchased 40 acres on section 20. This had already been improved, and a leg house built upon it. Hle afterwards added another 40 acres, and later still another, of improved land. His sons estab- lished themselves around him and populated the settlement, -hence the name.

F. A. Begole removed to the township in 1838, choosing a farm in the extreme southwest corner, on section 31. Ile occupies a position of influence, and is successful in the voeation which he follows.

Anson Gilbert came early and purchased 174 aeres on section 6. Ilis son now occupies the farm.

Edward Tupper located on section 29, and his brothers Marvin and John located on the northeast portion of sec- tion 32. They have each followed agricultural pursuits, and won a reputation as successful farmers.

A. Herrick came early to the southern portion of the township, and established himself upon a farm. Hle is also well known as a local preacher.

Robert P. Aitkin settled in Flint in 1842, and pur- chased of George M. Dewey, who was acting as agent for

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HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

T. L. L. Brent in the sale of lands, 80 aeres on section 8. Mr. Aitkin is known as a successful farmer and a public- spirited gentleman. His election for years in succession to the office of supervisor, bears witness to the esteem in which he is held by the town's people.

A portion of Morgan Chapman's farm lies in the town- ship of Flint, on the line between it and Clayton. Alfred Gifford was an early settler, having chosen a tract embracing 120 acres in the northeast quarter of seetion S. Cornelius Lane located 40 acres on seetion 3 in 1840. S. Sellers purchased 44 acres on section 2.

Thomas Daly came very early, and is spoken of as a lead- ing spirit in all the enterprises connected with the first set- tlement of the township. J. Sally was also a pioneer, and improved 30 acres on seetion 11. Ile was employed by Chauncey S. Payne, of Flint, as were also P. McCloskey, James Gillespie, and M. Gillespie, who all came from New York City. James and Andrew Fancheon located on see- tions 16 and 17, and Thomas D. Partridge came as early as 1839, and established himself in the township, while Nathan J. Rublee was still an earlier settler. Jasper Bristol came in 1837, A. Goodner the year previous, and B. B. Krewsen in 1844. They are all successful farmers. Elias J. Bump located in 1841, and has recently removed to the city, having gained a competence by his labors.

T. H. Nesbitt moved from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1854, and purchased the southwest quarter of section 23, comprising 140 acres. Only 25 acres of this was improved. He introduced the first harrow into the township, which was made to order by James McAlester, of Flint. When Mr. Nesbitt came, most of the marketing was done on foot, butter and eggs being often carried many miles by the pedestrians.

The year 1842 witnessed the advent of Iliram Hall, who purchased a farm of 80 aeres on seetion 23. Ile afterwards located on the southeast quarter of seetion 26. His son, Anson Hall, married a daughter of Capt. Benjamin Boomer, and now owns 165 acres on sections 26 and 35. James Carter purchased on sections 4 and 9, and William Boucher settled on section 20. James Chase located on seetion 11.

The surface of the township is undulating, comprising some fine stretches of level land, varied by gentle declivi- ties, which give variety to the landscape and make it one of the most attractive townships in the county. The soil is a mixture of elay and sand, and generally of good quality, though varying in localities, and affording a bountiful erop to the farmer. The streams of water which traverse its surface are the Flint River and Swartz Creek, the first of which passes through the city, flows through the northern portion of the township, and passes out near the northwest corner. Swartz Creek rises in the township of Gaines, and enters the southwest corner of the township of Flint, meandering in a northeasterly direction, flowing into the Thread, and eventually into the Flint River. The Chieago and Northeastern Railroad enters the southwest corner, and runs northeast to the city of Flint.

The town-house, which is a convenient and accessible building, ereeted for the purpose of holding elections and meetings pertaining to the business of the township, is located on section 22.

The township cemetery embraces a tract of land pur- chased from the farms of Marvin Persons and James W. Cronk for the purpose. It is inclosed with a neat and sub- stantial wire fence and ornamented with well-grown shade- trees. The many beautiful marble slabs which it contains bear witness to the tender memories which departed friends have left behind.

BRISTOL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Bristol Methodist Episcopal church is so named from the fact that it is within the boundaries of the Bristol settlement and embraces among the congregation a large number from this immediate locality. It is a wooden struc- ture, and was built, in 1872, by subscription, the only church in the immediate locality not being sufficiently large to meet the wants of the growing congregation.

The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Mosher, who remained one year, and was followed by Rev. Mr. Goss. His sue- cessor was Rev. Mr. Seeley, who was followed by the Rev. Mr. Goss, the present pastor, now (1879) filling a second term.

This ehureh was formerly a part of the Torrey class, and was connected with the South Flint circuit, but is now a part of the Swartz Creek cireuit.

TORREY METIIODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

In 1836, Rev. James McAlester, whose accidental ac- quaintance with the neighborhood has already been allnded to, formed a class and held service at the house of Alonzo Torrey .. The members of this class embraced the follow- ing persons : Jesse Torrey, Eunice Kelsey, Melissa Torrey, Orissa Torrey, Jeremiah Kelsey, and Jane Bristol. After a sehool-house was erected, a meeting of the class was held each Sabbath and preaching once a fortnight, the distance from the residence of the pastor making it inconvenient to hold service more frequently.

The first circuit preacher who ministered to the spiritual wants of the little flock was Rev. Luther D. Whitney, who held services during the years 1838-39, and the last pastor was Rev. John McEldowny.

A year since the Torrey class was attached to the Court Street charge, and since that time there has been no regu- lar service.

The church building was creeted in 1852, and is an un- pretentious structure of wood. The records indicate that the first trustees were Jesse Torrey, James Ellis, R. Cum- mings, O. Sanborn, Albert Torrey, Asa Torrey, and Alonzo Torrey. It was attached to the Grand Blane circuit at. that time, and the preacher in charge was William Blades. The records are not sufficiently complete to enable a con- secutive history of the church from that time to be pre- sented.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ROBERT P. AITKEN

was born in 1819, in Montgomery (now Fulton) County, State of New York, of Scotch deseent, his mother's maiden

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FLINT TOWNSIIIP.

name being Chalmers, and grandmother's on the mother's side being Stewart, claiming descent from the family of " Royal Charlie," of Scotland ; but, as Mr. Aitken is a staunch Republican, he claims no preferment on this account.

At the age of seventeen he went to the city of New York, and served as clerk six years, having by striet economy saved a few hundred dollars. Seeing little chance for a young man having a small capital to commenee in business in a large city, he decided to try his fortunes in

ROBERT P. AITKEN.

the West. Accordingly, in the autumn of 1842 he started for the then small town of Flint, in the State of Michigan, taking with him a small stock of merchandise. Owing to the extreme scarcity of money, he exchanged a portion of his goods for eighty acres of wild land on seetion 8, in the town of Flint, where he now resides, and forthwith went to work improving the same. On the 12th of March follow- ing he was married to Miss Sarah J. Johnstone, who, with · her father's family, had preceded him from New York City only a few months. Miss Johnstone was born in the city

of New York in the year 1823, and up to this time had never spent much time in the country ; but a board shanty was speedily ereeted on this land of their own, and to- gether they commenced under new auspices the journey of life. Many privations had to be endured, but their farm has increased to two hundred and twenty aeres, one hundred and sixty being improved. Any success or improvement made may be set down as the result of constant labor. They have raised a family of ten children,-five sons and five

MRS. ROBERT P. AITKEN.

daughters,-of whom two sons and four daughters only now survive. Besides having improved a large farm, mainly by his own hands, Mr. Aitken has served his township as supervisor twenty-one years (twenty years consecutively), and his distriet four years in the State Legislature.

Mr. Aitken has lived an active life. He has done faith- ful service in both publie and private walks of life during the past thirty-seven years, and claims at least the eredit of making two blades of grass to grow where only one grew before.

FREDERICK A. BEGOLE.

Prominent among the most successful and intelligent farmers of Genesee County, and as a representative man of the rich township of Flint, is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this brief biographical sketch. Ilis grandfather, one of that steadfast band of French Hugue- nots who were compelled to leave their native land for the enjoyment of religious liberty, came to America during the last quarter of the eighteenth century, and settled in the quiet town of Ilagerstown, Md .; and there, in the year 1786, was born his son, William Begole, who, in 1802, emigrated northward with his father, and settled in the then remote wilderness of Livingston Co., N. Y. The son, William, was then a youth of sixteen years, the pos- sessor of health and an energetie spirit, but, beyond these, having little or nothing, in hand or in expectation, to aid him in the battle of life which he was then about to eom- menee. He chose the vocation of agriculture, and entered

upon it with an industry and persistence which at last brought their inevitable reward, though not until after several years of hard labor and privation. In the war of 1812 he entered the army as a soldier, and served his country with eredit, though not without serious detriment to his business. In January, 1814, he was married to a daughter of Capt. Bolles, formerly of Maryland, who had emigrated thence to Livingston County with the elder Begole. The fruit of this union was ten children,-seven sons and three daughters,-all of whom he raised to maturity except one son, who died in youth. Three of these sons he afterwards established upon farms in Genesee Co., Mich. He died in Livingston County, June 28, 1862, aged seventy-six years.

Frederick Augustus Begole, the second son of William, was born at Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., on the 11th of March, 1817. The early years of his life were passed amid the labors of his father's farm und the disci-

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IHISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

pline of the common school (such as it was) until his twenty-first year, when he left the paternal roof to seek a fortune for himself in the wilderness of Michigan, to which a strong tide of emigration was then setting from Western New York. Ilis destination was the then recently organ- ized county of Genesee, where, two years before, his father had purchased for him the northwest quarter of section 31, in the present township of Flint. In due time, the young pioneer reached the spot which was to be his future home ; and if at first view the prospect seemed to him a discour- aging one, it is not to be wondered at, for, although the soil was deep and fertile, it was covered by a dense growth of the heaviest timber, and long years of severe labor must intervene before this wilderness could be made a productive farm. In the seven weary miles which lay between him and Flint River, on the east, there was only one solitary cabin, but to the westward at a distance of a few miles was the house of a settler, at which he took board while en- gaged in underbrushing a few acres of his land during the first season after his arrival. In the succeeding winter he worked by the month at the settlement of Flint River, and having saved a small amount of money, he returned in the summer of 1839 to his property, on which he built a log house, but could not cover it for lack of shingles. These he split out and shaved during the winter of 1839-40, and in the spring of the latter year, after having roofed his cabin (though as yet it had neither door nor windows), he returned to his father's farm in New York.

On the 23d of February, 1841, he married Angeline, daughter of James Chapman, of Livingston County (who afterwards removed to Clayton, Genesee Co., and died there at the age of seventy-one years), and in May, 1842, re- turned to his lands in Michigan, sawed out a door and

windows to his eabin, established his family within it, and planted a few potatoes among the stumps to help eke out his scanty means of subsistence during the following winter. Then he commenced in earnest the work of clearing his farm, and by dint of hard labor succeeded in preparing a field of about four acres in time to sow it with wheat the next autumn. In this work of elearing he lay under most dis- couraging disadvantage, for, being entirely without money to purchase stoek or team, for his early farming operations he was compelled to hire the latter at the rate of three days of his own labor for each day of team work with wagon, and at the same time was obliged to labor for others to procure the necessaries of life for his family. Thus times continued to be exceedingly hard for the young settler, and he found the struggle for a livelihood to be a most arduous one through all of the first season and the succeeding winter and spring, until his first crop of wheat was ready for harvest; but from that time seareity gave way to plenty, and his privatious were succeeded by a prosperity which has never since been interrupted. The heavy forest has been driven back from his pioneer clear- ings, field after field has been added to his tilled acres, the log cabin has long since given place to fine and substantial farm-buildings, and the addition of an adjoining traet has given him a farm of two hundred and forty aeres, as fer- tile and highly cultivated as any in the county of Gene- sce.

Mr. Begole has never been a seeker after public position, but has several times been called to township offices, among these being that of justice of the peace, which he has held during more than twenty consecutive years. His children -two sons and a daughter-are married, and well estab- lished in life upon farms adjoining the homestead.

G. J. W. HILL.

G. J. W. IHILL

Was born in Gloucestershire, England, Jan. 14, 1820. When twelve years of age he came to America and joined his mother, then residing at Dansville, N. Y. Her husband

MRS. G. J. W. HILt.

being deceased, she had again married at that place Josiah Kent.

In the fall of 1832, Mr. Ilill went to learn the cabinet- inaker's trade. In 1840 he came to Flint, and, in company

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FENTON TOWNSHIP.

with David Foote, established the furniture business, which was the first in that line in Flint. This firm was dissolved the following year, but Mr. Hill continued the business for more than thirty years.

Jan. 5, 1848, he was married to Miss Helen Bidwell, formerly of Bath, N. Y. Her mother was a Grant, from Galloway, Scotland.

In 1870, Mr. Hill concluded to change his business and try agriculture. He sold his fine property in Flint, and purchased a farm of two hundred acres some five miles west of the city, embracing fine and commodious buildings and land in the highest state of cultivation. Here, with their fauuily of nine children (having buried two), they enjoy

the comforts of a country home, and at the same time retain their position in society in F'lint, where they have been identified with the Presbyterian Church since 1845. Ile has been leader of the choir in that church for twenty years, and his wife a prominent member of the same for a like period. She was one of the charter members of the Ladies' Library Association of Flint, and is still an active member.

Mr. Ilill was for many years a member of the first band in Flint, which was organized in 1848.

In social life Mr. Hill is genial and companionable, in business matters prompt and reliable, and commands the respect of all.

FENTON.

THE township of Fenton includes township 5 north of the Michigan base-line, in range 6 east of the principal meridian, as designated on the United States Government survey. It lies in the southern portion of the county, and is bounded east and south by Oakland and Livingston Counties respectively. Its physical features are varied and interesting. The principal stream is the Shiawassee River, au insignificant affair at its entry in the southeast corner of town, but attaining to respectable proportions ere it leaves it on the west. Its general course is northwest, and its waters furnish several excellent mill-powers,-notably at Fenton and Linden villages. After leaving Fenton it re- ceives the surplus waters of numerous lakes, large and small. Of these lakes the township contains no less than 20, cov- ering a total area of about 2160 acres, apportioned as follows : Long Lake, on sections 2, 11, 13, 14, 23, and 24, 850 acres ; Ilibbard's Lake, section 12, 30 acres ; Crooked Lake, section 13, 50 acres ; Loon Lake, sections 15 and 16, 150 acres; Squaw Lake, principally on section 15, 60 aeres; Ball Lake, section 21, 40 acres ; Mnd Lake, section 22, 225 acres ; Silver Lake, sections 27, 28, and 33, 275 acres ; Pine Lake, sections 28, 29, 32, and 33, 160 acres ; Byram Lake, sections 29 and 30, 130 acres; others, not named on the map, 190 acres. Aside from these are mill- ponds, covering perhaps 80 acres, making the total lake and pond aren of the township about 2240 aeres, or more than that of the entire balance of the county.

Many of the lakes of Fenton possess clean, bold shores, sandy bottoms, and deep waters, and most of them abound in numerous varieties of fish, such as bass, perch, and others. The Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad passes between Silver and Mud Lakes, which are separated by but a narrow space ; Silver Lake is tributary to Mud, and through the latter to the Shiawassee River, and is so named from its elea. waters and bed of light sand. Byram Lake was named from an early settler on its shore, and the others from various circumstances and surroundings.

Long Lake, the principal sheet of water in the township

and county, is about three miles in length, and averages nearly half a mile in width. With the exception of its southwestern shore, which is marshy in places, its borders are most picturesque and lovely. The southern extremity, below " the narrows," is in most places shallow, and wild rice grows profusely in localities. " McOmber Point," ex- tending in a northeast direction to the narrows, is low and marshy, and below it is a grove of pines. The timber on the western shore is mostly cleared away, while on the east considerable has been left, extending to the water's edge, and rendering the effect one of great beanty. Occasional sombre pines are seen, the dark green of the foliage con- trasting with the lighter hues of the oak. High banks ex- tend along a great part of the eastern shore. The outline of the lake is broken by " points" and bays, and a fine island of over 20 acres is situated near the centre, north and south, and somewhat nearer the western than the cast- ern shore. Another small island is near the extreme southern margin of the lake.

The vicinity of the lakes of Fenton was the favorite re- sort of the red tribes who occupied the region ere the advent of a paler race. The clear waters tempted them to launch their canoes thereon and entice from their depths their finny inhabitants, or disport in wanton glee amid their waves. The surrounding hills and forests afforded them rare sport in the chase, for deer, wolves, bears, and other animals-fit targets for the hunter's skill-abounded. So much attached were the red men to this beautiful " land of lakes" that it was their desire, when their days of hunting on earth were over, to be laid to rest amid the scenes made dear by life-long association. Ilere, on the border of the lake, their remains were laid, their faces to the setting sun, and the rippling waters murmured their funeral songs, while the breezes wailed a mournful requiem through the pines, as the spirits of the warriors journeyed to the happy hunting-grounds of their fathers.

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History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 51

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Everts & Abbott, Philadelphia, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Abbott Number of Pages: 683

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Everts & Abbott, Philadelphia, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Abbott
Number of Pages: 683