USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I > Part 74
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Toward the close of 1853 a meeting of the settlers of the dis- trict now known as the township of Birch Run, decided to apply to the County Board for the organization of No. 10 north, of range No. 6 east. This application was made by 19 freeholders, and was considered by the supervisors in session, Feb. 9, 1853. The Board resolved: " That the territory as described be, and the same is hereby, dnly organized into a township, to be known and designated by the name of Birch Run, which said township is de- scribed as being within the limits and under the jurisdiction of the county of Saginaw and the State of Michigan; and be it further resolved, That the first annual meeting for the election of township officers for the further organization of said township, be held at the liouse of Proctor Williams, situate in said township of Birch Run, on the first Monday in April next, and that the following named persons, to wit: Lyman Webster, Beverly M. Brown and Proctor Williams, being three electors of said township, be and they are duly designated and appointed to preside at said township meeting, and to perform all the duties required by the statute."
The first township meeting was held at the house of Proctor Williams, the first Monday of April, 1853, when the following in- spectors declared the polls open: Beverly M. Brown, Moderator; Calvin Silvernail, Clerk; Lyman Webster and Proctor Williams. The result of the balloting was as follows :-
For Supervisor, Joseph Matheson. 18; Proctor Williams, 17. For Clerk, Calvin Silvernail, 21; Elisha Marvin, 14. For Treasurer, Hiram M. Brown, 19; Elisha Marvin, 16. For Justices, Beverly M. Brown, 35; Proctor Williams, 23; Lyman Webster, 34; Erastus Hammond, 18; R. H. Little, 16; Jacob W. Sims, 7. For Com- missioner of Highways, Beverly M. Brown, 19; Jacob W. Sims,
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
19; Elijah O. Williams, 17; Thomas Robins, 16; James Trumble, 16; Elisha Marvin, 16. For School Inspectors, Lyman Webster, 19; Hiram M. Brown, 19; Myron L. Root, 16; Joseph Mattheson, 16 ;. For Overseer of Poor, Andrew Chappell, 18; Tyler Parkhurst, 18. For Constables, Geo. Brown, 35; J. W. Sims, 20; Thomas Robins, 19; Abner Curtis, 19; Andrew Chappell, 16; Elijah O. Williams, 6; Leander McDonald, 16.
In addition to these officers the following were elected to fill the minor township positions; Michael Reardon, Commissioner of Highways; Jerome D. Embury, Superintendent of Schools; Orrin Cornell. School Inspector; John Wilson, Eliakim Morse, Oliver Smith and Hezekiah Cooper, Constables; Lucius Bell, Deputy Clerk.
The following is a list of the principal officers of the township since 1853:
SUPERVISORS.
Joseph Matheson 1853-'4
Harvey J. Loomis 1868-'9
David Sproul. 1855
J. V. Horton. 1856
Theo. F. Smith 1857-'8
John Dobson .. 1872
Alfred Williams.
1859
Louis P. Racine. 1873.'4
Preserved H. Warren 1860
Chester A. Branard. 1875-'8
Joseph Matheson. 18
Allen R. Brown. 1879
David Sproul
1863-'5
Enoch Smith. 1880-'1
CLERKS.
Calvin Silvernail. .. 1853
Elisha Marvin. . 1854-'5
Chester C. McLean. 1856
Henry D. Miller. 1875-'6
James Trumble. .1857-'65
Talbot Slenon. . 1877
Thomas S. Marr. 1866
Warren Campbell. 1878
James Trumble. 1867-'70
Leonard B. Arger. 1879-'80
Warren Campbell.
1871
Alfred Holmes.
1872
TREASURERS.
Hiram M. Brown .1853
Dewitt C. Chappell. 1854-'5
Emory Norris. 1856
James Marr. 1857
Enoch Smith 1871-'2
P. H. Warren 1858
William J. Herron. 1873-'4
Isaac Tottan. . 1859
Enoch Smith. 1875-'6
Harvey J. Loomis. 1860
Allen R. Brown. 1877-'8
Duane Osborn. .
1861-'2
Isaac Tottan. . 1879-'80
James C. Marr.
1863
Isaac Tottan. 1864
James C. Marr. .1865-'9.
C. P. Douglass 1870
Oscar E. Utley 1881
Aaron C. Edwards. 1873
Warren Campbell. 1874
Middleton S Beaclı 1881
John Dobson
1866-'7
John Dobson. . 1870
Orville A. Kent. 1871
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BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP.
#
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Beverly M. Brown, Proctor Will-
iams, Lyman Webster, Erastus Hammond. 1853
Elisha Marvin. 1854-'5
Proctor Williams. 1856
Preserved H. Warren. 1857
Chapman Williams.
1858
David Sproul .. 1859
Proctor Williams. 1860
Robert Colville, John Marr 1861
Garrett B. Gray 1876
Erastus Hammond. 1862
V. B. Rottiers
Henry Perry
1863
Lucius Bell. 1878
John Dobson.
1864
T. L. Runnels. 1879
Geo. Smith, Nathan Bears. .. 1865
· Alfred Holmes.
1880
Wm. Wheeler, Thos. Campbell .. 1866
Robert Campbell. 1867
William J. Herron. 1868
Oliver Smith. 1869
A. D. Rundlet. 1870
David Sproul. 1871
Orville A. Kent 1872
David Sproul. 1873
Alfred D. Rundlet, David Devoe.1874 David Sproul. .1875
V. B. Rottiers 1881
FIRST LAND-BUYERS.
The purchasers of the United States land in this township are enumerated as follows:
Daniel H. Haynes. sec. 1, Jan. 23, 1851. Rebecca Burhans, sec. 1, Dec. 4, 1852. J. G. Hunter, sec. 1, Feb. 17, 1854. Sarah Hunter, sec. 1, Jan. 9, 1854. Joseph Sergeant, sec. 1, July 18, 1854. S. A. Godard, secs. 1 & 2, Aug. 26, 1836. Samuel Beach, sec. 2, March 6, 1854. Othill Bliven, sec. 2, Nov. 9, 1854. E. Hammond, sec. 2. March 23, 1854. John Curry, sec. 2, Feb. 10, 1855. Daniel Hammond, sec. 3, Nov. 4, 1854 Alex. Bombard, sec. 3, Dec. 16, 1854. John G. Hubinger, sec. 3, Nov. 22, 1853. George Pollod, sec. 3, Nov. 22 1853. Leveritt Hodgman, sec.3. April 19, 1853. Lansing Levis, sec. 3, Nov. 10, 1854. Volney Chapin, sec. 3. Jan. 6, 1854. William Bevins, sec. 3. Nov. 10, 1854. Richard Hall. sec. 3, Nov. 10, 1854. John G. Hubinger, sec. 4, Aug. 6, 1851. John Wooding, sec 4, Jan. 23, 1854. L. Hodgman, sec 4, April 19, 1853. P. O'Connor, sec. 4, March 10, 1855. D. A. Pettibone, sec. 4, Feb. 15, 1854. John Smith, sec. 4, Jan. 6, 1855. John Wooding, sec. 4, May 18, 1854. Nicholas Bouch, sec 5. Aug 24 1836. John G. Gebhard, sec. 5, Aug. 24 1836. David Dietz, sec. 5. Aug. 24, 1836. Jabez W. Troop, sec. 5. Sept. 16. 1836. David Sproul, sec. 5, Nov. 10, 1854. Chas. H Carroll, sec. 5, June 28. 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 5, June 28, 1836. Nicholas Bouck, sec. 6, Aug. 25, 1836. John G. Gebhard, sec 6, Aug. 25, 1836. David Dietz, sec. 6, Aug. 25, 1836. Chas. H. Carroll, sec. 6, June 28, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 6, June 28, 1836. T. L. L. Brent, sec 6, April 11, 1836. Jerome B. Garland, sec. 6, Nov. 8, 1854.
T. L. L. Brent, sec. 7, April 11, 1836. John Adams, sec. 7, Nov. 8, 1854. J. J. Charruand, sec. 7, June 25, 1836. Frederick Baell, sec. 7, June 25, 1836. Enoch Smith, sec. 8, March 10, 1854. A. Letterman, sec. 8, Oct. 24, 1853. John M. Chandler, sec. 8, Jan. 22, 1855 Chas. H. Carroll, sec. 8, June 28, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 8, June 28, 1836. Jacob Messenger, sec. 8, Nov. 28, 1854. Charles A. Mitts, sec 8, Jan. 16, 1855. Gideon Lee, sec. 8, May 3, 1836.
J. B. Garland, sec. 8, March 30, 1836. Thomas Redson, sec. 9, Nov. 11, 1854. John Wooding, sec. 9, Nov. 7, 1854. John Curry, sec. 10, May 10, and April 8, 1854. 1
C. B. Holinshed, sec. 10, Dec. 11, 1854. Isaac Lincoln, sec. 10, May 15, 1854. Silas S. Lee, sec 10, Dec. 12, 1854 John Wooding, sec 10, March 14 1855. Volney Chapin, sec. 11, Nov. 3, 1851. George M. Dean, sec. 11, Nov. 14, 1853. Henry B. Dean, sec 11, Nov. 14, 1853. Guy Shaw, sec. 11, Jan. 9, 1855. Ebenezer Williams sec. 12, May 9, 1854. Wm. Johnson. sec. 12, May 20, 1853. Volney Chapin, sec. 12, Nov. 3, 1851. Julia Norris, sec 13, Nov. 16, 1853. Jonathan Cudney, sec. 13, Nov. 10. 1854. Herman Camp, sec. 13. Dec. 5, 1853. Rozel Brooks, sec. 13, Jan. 16, 1855. Herman Camp, sec. 13, Nov. 17, 1853. John Diamond, sec. 14, Jan. 16, 1855. James Buckley, sec. 14, Nov. 11, 1854. Proctor Williams, sec. 14. Dec. 12. 1854. Nathan Beers, sec. 15, Dec. 15, 1854. Nelson Doud, sec. 15, Nov. 9, 1854. George M. Dean, sec. 15, Nov. 10, 1854. Moses R. Norris, sec. 15, Nov. 11, 1854.
.
726
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
William Boots, sec. 15, Sept. 3, 1853. Gideon Lee, sec. 17, May 3, 1836. Chas. H. Carroll, sec. 17, June 28, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 17, June 28, 1836. Wm. Moon, sec. 17, March 28 & 29, 1836. Ashel Aylsworth, sec. 17, Oct. 14, 1836. Horace Gilpin, jr., sec. 18, Feb. 11, 1837. J. J. Charruand, sec. 18, June 25, 1836. Frederick Baell, sec. 18, June 25, 1836. William Clark, sec. 18, Feb 28, 1851 W. H B. Jaillet, sec. 18. March 3, 1851. Norman Little, sec. 18, March 3, 1851. Peter Gaskin, sec. 19, Feb. 28, 1851. N. C. Hayward, sec. 19, Sept. 13, 1836. Michael Jordon, sec. 19, Feb. 23, 1851. John Donigan, sec. 19, March 3, 1851. Norman Little, sec. 19, March 3, 1851. George C. Moon, sec. 20, March 29, 1836. William Moon, sec. 20, March 29, 1836. Chas. H. Carroll, sec. 20, Jan. 28, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec 20, Jan. 28, 1836. Nathan Phillips, sec. 20, Nov. 14, 1836. Elias Colborn, sec. 20, Nov. 14, 1836. Edwin Jerome, sec. 20, May 18, 1836. Ezra Saunders, sec. 20, Feb. 23, 1851. Miriam S. Newell, sec. 21, Dec. 9, 1850. Anson Jackson, sec. 21, June 16, 1853 Chas. H. Carroll, sec. 21, June 28, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 21, June 28, 1836 Gideon Lee, sec. 21, Marclı 3, 1836. George C. Moon, sec 21, March 29, 1836. Emory Norris, sec 23. Nov. 10, 1854 Giles Bishop, sec. 22, May 6, 1854. David M. Brown, sec. 22, Sept. 3, 1853. Harriet B. Martin, sec. 22, June 16, 1853. Daniel D. Dewey, sec. 23, Oct. 18, 1854 Mayor Camp, sec. 23, Dec. 28, 1853. James C. Decker, sec. 23, Feb. 8, 1855. Philip Silvernail, sec. 23, May 10, 1854. Jarey E. Day, sec. 23, Nov. 16, 1854. James B. Mitts, sec. 24, Jan. 8, 1855. Herman Camp, sec. 24, Dec. 5, 1853. Jeffrey Silvernail, sec. 24, Nov. 11, 1854 Garden Kent, sec. 24, Oct. 12, 1853. William Simpson, sec. 25, Nov. 10, 1854. James Wadsworth, sec. 26, July 5, 1836. Charles N. Beecher, sec. 27, Oct. 9, 1854. Edward F. Lacy, sec. 27, Dec. 16, 1853. Caleb H. Wirts, sec. 27, June 25, 1836.
C. C. McLean, sec. 27, Oct. 28, 1853. Jacob W. Sims, sec. 27, Dec. 7, 1853. Charles Pratt, sec. 27, Sept. 26, 1836. J. J. Charruand, sec 27, June 25, 1836. Frederick Baell, sec. 27, June 25, 1836. T. L. L. Brent, sec. 28, April 11, 1836. Peter F. Ewer, sec. 28, July 13, 1836. Robert Smart, sec. 28, March 1, 1836. D. G. Hamm r, s c. 28. April 25, 1836. Nathan Phillips, sec. 28, Nov. 14, 1836. Elias Colborn, sec. 28, Nov. 14, 1836. M. Wadhams, sec. 29, March 21, 1837. Eliakim Morse, sec. 29, April 27. 1853. Ezra B. Sparks, sec. 29 Nov. 10, 1854. Peter Line's heirs, sec. 29, Aug. 8, 1854. Oliver Atherton, sec. 29, Aug. 26, 1836. Jacob Fremper, sec. 30, June 15, 1854. Clark Briggs, sec 30, Jan. 9, 1855 Thomas Toursby, sec 30, Nov. 10, 1854. Win. Bingham, sec. 30, Aug. 26, 1836. Elias J. Bump, sec, 30, Dec. 12, 1853. Royal Morse. sec. 31, Nov. 1, 1853. Sylvan Comford, sec 31, April 10, 1854. John J. Davis, sec. 31, Nov. 10, 1853. Herman Camp, sec. 31, Dec. 8, 1853. John Truesdell, sec. 32, Aug. 26, 1835. Benj. Pearson, sec. 32, Aug. 26, 1836. Rowley Morris, sec. 32, Aug. 26, 1836. Chas. P. Holmes, sec. 33. April 28, 1836. Gideon Lee. sec. 33, May 3, 1836. Peter F. Ewcr, sec. 33, July 14, 1836. Phil Truesdell, sec. 33, Aug 26, 1836. R. E. Dibble, sec. 33, June 25, 1836. Chas H. Carroll, sec. 33, June 23, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 33, June 28, 1836. Rowley Morris, sec 33, Aug. 26, 1836. Chris. Like, jr., sec. 34, Sept. 26, 1836. Chas. H. Carroll, sec. 34, June 28, 1836. Wm. T. Carroll, sec. 34, June 28, 1836. Robert Sınart, sec. 34, March 1, 1836. R. Blackmer, sec. 34, Sept. 24, 1836. Wm. Richardson, sec. 34, Sept. 24, 1936. David Smart, sec. 34, March 1, 1836. George Call, sec. 35, Sept. 26, 1836. M. Wadhams, sec. 35, March 21, 1837. F. McDonald, sec. 35, Sept 26, 1836. R. Blackmer, sec. 35, Sept. 24, 1836. Jolın Rathbun, sec. 36, Dec. 31, 1853. M. Wadhams, sec. 36, March 21, 1837.
Few of those patentees became permanent settlers. The present occupying proprietors purchased their lands from them, and there- fore claim all the credit for bringing this portion of the county into its present high state of cultivation.
THE SCHOOLS.
There are eight districts in the township, each possessing a sub- stantial frame school-building, which with other school property are valued at $5,300. Not one of the schools is graded. The number of children enrolled is 459, of which number 371 were reported as
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BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP.
regular attendants. The total expenditures for the year ending 1880 were $2,884.66. The amount derivable from primary school fund was $191.04; the sum of distriet taxes, $1,766.90; the amount of the two-mill tax was $169.59; from other sources, $187.32. The total indebtedness of the distriets is $785. The number of teachers employed in 1880 was 14, of whom six were males.
There is only one tavern in the township, viz .: that of David Sproul, on seetion 17.
THE VILLAGE OF BIRCH RUN
contains four grocery stores, operated by Messrs. Beach & Fineh, M. J. Collom, L. P. Racine, and C. M. Roek. The latter has a shoemaker's shop in connection with the store. The railroad runs through this village. The present station agent is Alfred W. MeKee. The hotel kept by Mr. Fineh has been in operation for a number of years. The population of the village is about 75.
The first Baptist church was built in 1872. It is a neat frame structure. The society of this ehurel is large and influential. Under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Niles, it continues to make great advanees. The temperance workers of the town are energetic and able in the advocacy of the sacred eause.
BIOGRAPIIICAL.
The rest of the history of Birch Run township ean be better told in the form of brief personal sketehes of its principal eitizens, many of whom are the pioneers that opened the settlements here and materially helped to make this community what it is to-day.
John Armstrong, farmer, see. 17; P. O., Bireh Run; was born in England, in 180S, and is a son of John and Dorothy Armstrong. In 1841 he eame to Ameriea, landing in Quebee; 1849 landed in East Saginaw. In 1852 eame to this tp .; has served one term as Highway Commissioner. He was married in England, in 1833, to Ruth Hutton, who was born in 1810. Five children were born to them, 4 of whom are living-James, Elizabeth, wife of Simon Sharrow; Hannah, wife of Benjamin Bauker, and David. Ruth is deceased. Mrs. Armstrong died in 1841. Mr. A. is a member of the Episcopal Church and is a Republican. He owns 117 acres of land.
Clark Briggs, farmer, see. 30, was born in New York, Jan. S, 1808. and is a son of Thomas and Hannah Briggs, both natives of New York. Clark was raised on a farm, and has pursned the vo- eation of a farmer through life. In 1854 he came to Saginaw county with only 10 shillings in his pocket, and at present he owns 166 aeres of good land, and is comfortably situated in life. He was married in 1838 to Phobe Pieree, who was born in New York in 1812. Of their children only 3 survive-Phoebe, wife of Peter Baldwin; Eunice, wife of Nelson Morse, and James. Two sons, Clark and Franeis, lost their lives during the civil war.
728
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
Allen C. Close, farmer, sec. 32, was born in Ireland in 1809. He came to America in 1835, and to Michigan in 1863. He was married in Ireland to Catherine Doane, who was born in the "Emerald Isle " in 1809. They have 3 children-Daniel, Alice, wife of John Dewey, and William. Mr. Close is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Marlin J. Colin, general merchandise, Birch Run Station, was · born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 10, 1837. His parents are Xavier and Julia (Hory) Colin, natives of France. Marlin was reared on a farm, and when of age went to sea, remaining on the waters for 10 or 12 years. He then came to this county and entered the general mercantile trade with L. P. Racine. He has been postmaster of Birch Run Station since July 19, 1875. He is con- nected with the Masonic and I. O. G. T. (being W. C. T.) societies, and a member of the M. E. Church and Republican party. He was married in New York to Phobe M. Jolinson, a native of the "Empire State." They have 3 children -- Albert J., Louis and Ed- mond D.
G. W. Coon, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Birch Run; was born in New York, May 9, 1815. His parents were George and Nancy Coon, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Vermont. G. W. was married May 25, 1840, to Eliza A. Cotter, who was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1820, and was a danghter of John and Lucy (Wilson) Cotter, natives of Vermont. One child was born to this union, Victoria L. Mrs. Coon died in 1873, and at Flint, Mich., in 1878, Mr. C. inarried Lucinda Carr, who was born in Canada, May 25, 1834, and is a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Carr, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Connectient. Mr. Coon is a Mason, and has been Township As- sessor in the State of New York.
Truman Curtis, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Pine Grove; was born in New York, March 4, 1804; parents were Jeremiali and Mary Curtis, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent; father died when subject was small, and he was bonnd out to work for a Presbyterian; was severely whipped for attending a Methodist meeting, and ran away from his master; he has been a farmer through life, with exception of a few years at cabinet and chair making; was Justice of the Peace three years; has been Highway Commissioner and School Director, and is connected with I. O. O. F .; was married Oct. 20, 1823, to Sophronia Gillett, who was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1805; of 7 children given them, 5 are living-Silva A., wife of Jonathan Smith, of New York; Lauren, James, Sophia and Emmett. His wife died in 1849. He was married again in Olio to Barbara Ferguson, who was born in Lake Co., O., April 5, 1824. They have 6 children-George, Josephine, Charles, Albert, Ella and John M .; subject and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and well-respected citizens of Birch Run tp.
Samuel Dexter, farmer, sec. 19, was born in New York, Jan. 17, 1816, and is a son of Samnel and Mary Dexter, both natives of
729
BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP.
Massachusetts. Mr. Dexter came to Saginaw county in 1863, and now owns 43 acres of good farin land. He is a man thoroughly posted on ecclesiastical matters, having formerly been a minister of the gospel. He was married in 1841 to Mary Coon, who was born Oct. 31, 1819, and is a daughter of George and Nancy (Butten) Coon, her father of Rhode Island, her mother of the State of New York. Five children have been given them, 2 of whom are living- George S., Edna E., wife of John Dellinger. The deceased are Saralı J., Ella and Nancy M.
Morgan Dodge, farmer, sec. 28, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 24, 1821, and is a son of Obed and Betsey (Merrill) Dodge, the former a native of New Jersey, of English descent, and the latter a native of Vermont, of French ancestry. Mr. Dodge learned the ship-carpenter's trade in 1839, and worked at it for 17 years. IIe was also engaged in the lumber business, and was fore- man of a large ship-yard for several years. He came to Saginaw county in 1877, and since then has filled several township offices. He owns 80 acres of farm land. Mr. Dodge was married in Jeffer- son Co., N. Y., in August, 1849, to Maria, daughter of Carlton and Prnda Parker, who was born in Canada West in 1830. They have 3 children-Carlton, born in 1854; Edward, born in 1862, and George, born in 1864.
A. C. Edwards, farmer, sec. 29, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y .. Nov. 23, 1839, and is a son of Pierpont and Lucinda (Williamns) Edwards, the former of whom died while on a visit to this county in 1879. The latter is still living, and resides with the subject of this sketch. Mr. Edwards was inarried in New York, in 1863, to Flora, daughter of Richard and Mary Near. Mrs. Edwards was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1841. They have 1 child, May, born Sept. 12, 1870. Mr. Edwards is connected with the I. O. O. F., the Baptist Church, and the Republican party. He owns 80 acres of land. P. O., Birch Run.
William H. Ferguson, farmer, sec. 28, was born in New York Oct. 15, 1844. His parents were Jeremiah G. and Sallie J. (Honey- stead) Ferguson, natives of New York. The latter is still living, and resides with her son. In 1861 William H. enlisted in Co. E, 33d N. Y. Light Artillery, serving three years in the service of the Union. He is a member of the Greenback party: owns 40 acres of land. He was married in 1865 to Mary A. King, who was born in England in 1844. They have 5 children-Louisa, William, John, George and Lucinda.
Reynear Hoagland, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Birch Run; was born in New Jersey June 23, 1847; parents are Elias and Maria Hoag- land, natives of New Jersey ; subject of this sketch came to Saginaw county in 1869; was in the "construction corps" of the Union army 18 months, during the civil war; is Democratic in politics; was married in Genesee Co., Mich., in 1871, to Mary Shay, who was born in Lenawee connty in 1847; they have 1 child-Lizzie, born Sept. 2, 1871; subject owns 80 acres of land.
730
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.
Hon. Alfred Holmes, retire l farmer, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., March 22, 1805, and is a son of Caleb and Eunice Holme, natives of Connecticut. Mr. Holmes lived on a farm until 16 years of age, when he learned the blacksmith's and carpenter's trades. He came to Michigan in 1837, first locating in Livingston county, and in 1843 in Saginaw county. He is Democratic in politics, and in 1848 was elected to represent this district in the Michigan Legis- lature. Since then he has filled various tp. offices, and has given gen- eral satisfaction. He was married in New York, in 1830, to Elmira Hillier, who was born in New York in 1805. Of the 2 children born to this marriage, 1 survives-Ada A. Mrs. Holmes died in 1836, and in 1865 Mr. H. was joined in marriage to Mrs. Jane Davis, who was born in New York in 1830. They have 1 child-Edith, born in October, 1870. Mrs. Holmes has 4 children by a former marriage-Erma A., wife of Tabor Davis; Anna E., wife of Cy- renius Finch; Nora, wife of M. S. Beach, and Allie. Mr. Holmes' portrait is given in this volume. See page 239.
Orville A. Kent, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Arbela, Tuscola Co., Mich. ; was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, 1834; parents are Gurdon and Huldah (Granger) Kent, natives of Connecticut. Sub- ject of sketch was reared on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits through life; now owns a farm of 240 acres, all the result of hard toil and economy; was Supervisor of tp. for one term and has held various other tp. offices; was married in Saginaw county, in 1857, to Sophia Curtis, daughter of Truman and Soplironia (Gillet) Curtis; wife was born in New York, Aug. 11, 1840; 6. children given them, 3 living-Bert. G., born Oct. 17, 1871; Fred., born Nov. 7, 1869, and Emelia, born Sept. 7, 1877; deceased are-Orson N ., born Aug. 2, 1860, and died July 26, 1867; Ole G., born Aug. 8, 1864, and died July 12, 1867; and Otis, born Sept. 21, 1867, and died Oct. 28, 1867.
Augustus Letterman, farmer, sec. 6, Birch Run tp., was born in London, England, in 1824; parents were Richard and Catharine Letterman; subject of sketch was reared a " farmer's boy" and has been successfully engaged in farming through life; he was one of the pioneer settlers of Birch Run tp; he owns 200 acres of farm land; was married in Canada, Jan. 15, 1850, to Anna McNeal, who was born in Ireland in 1825. Ten children have been given them -- Kate, Ellen, Robert, Frank, Bessie, Maggie, Archie, Jennie, Mary and Rachel.
Harry Letterman, farmer, scc. 6, was born in Upper Canada, Feb. 14,. 1836; parents are Richard and Catherine Letterman, natives of England, who came to America in 1834; subject of sketch was reared on a farm, and came to Saginaw county in 1856, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits; at pres- ent owns 160 acres of good land; was married in this county, March 27, 1864, to Mary Dobson, who was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 4, 1842. Of 5 children born to this union, 4 are liv- ing-Clara B., born Jan. 23, 1864; Eveline, born Jan. 18, 1866; Allie, born Dec. 23, 1871; and Delia, born Oct. 1, 1869. Albert.
731
BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP.
was born Oct. 1, 18-, and died Sept. 8, 18 -. Mr. L. is al Repub- lican, and has held various tp. offices.
Joseph Matthewson, the oldest living settler of Birch Run tp., was born in Scotland, Nov. 5, 1819, and is a son of William and Margaret Matthewson, natives of Ireland, and of Scotch descent. They emigrated to America in 1823, settling in Canada, but in 1836 located in Lenawee Co., Mich. Joseph located in this tp. in 1849, when Indians were as common as pine trees. He now owns 115 acres of good land on secs. 6 and 16. He was married in this county in 1850, to Caroline, daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth Smith, who was born in New York in 1831. They have 10 children -William H .; Ada, wife of Charles Beach; David, George, Mar- garet, Clark, Hannah, wife of William Bidwell; Jolin, Elizabeth and Joseph. Mr. Matthewson has been Supervisor of Birch Run tp. for four years, and during the late war was enrolling officer for Government.
Christopher Nicholis, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Cass Bridge; was born in England in 1831; came to America in 1853, locating in Ingliam Co., Mich., where he remained until 1860, when he settled in Saginaw county; was married in 1852 to Eliza Foster, who was born in England in 1831. Of the 10 children born to them, 6 are living-Harry, Sarah, Charles S., George W., Frederick and Mary E. His wife died in 1870. He was married again in 1879 to Mary Burnison, who was born in Canada in 1847. They have 1 child, Benjamin. Subject has been Justice of the Peace, and filled several other tp. offices; owns 70 acres of land, is a member of the M. E. Church, and votes for the candidates of the Republican party.
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