USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 11
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 11
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 11
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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
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C BARLES BUTLER. The last hymn has been sung, the last sad words said over the varthly portion of him whose name appears above, but the spirit from which emanated so much that is enduring is still abroad, breathing its le's- some of honor. uprightness and purity of life not only to there who knew him, but through them to coming generations. The sketch below is a me- morial a- lasting as the granite -haft, because it reurs itself in that most enduring part of humanity-the mind. It is rated by those who love him best,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPINCAL RECORD.
Mr. Butler was a native of Connecticut. there be- ing horn November in, 1755. He was a son of Joel and Mary (Payne) Butter. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was taken a prisoner and contined on a British puson ship. s here he had smallpos and enduied i l hard- ships. Our subject himself served as a soldier in " the War of 1812.
When a boy Mr. Butter removed with his par- ents to Mulison County. N. Y. and there lived mi- til bi- majority. He then removed to Genese County. of the same State and was the captain of the first canalhat which can the entire length of the Erie Canal from Buffalo to New York City. It had on bond among it- passenger- Gov. De Wit ( linton and other dignitaries and on the last visit of Cion. Lafayette to this country our subject took him and his son for a short distance on the canal. He received his education in the pioneer school of his day. He was, however, a well-posted man, having lived through some of the most impor- taut history of this epoch.
The original of our sketch was married in Ohio, June 21. 1827. his bride being Miss Philena Copley. a native of Oneida County. N. Y., and born De- cember 17, 1806. She was a daughter of Lemon and Sally (Cooley ) Copley, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts. When nine years of age she setted in Ohio with her par- ents. To Mr. and Mrs. Butter were born seven children. four of whom are living. They are Charles A., Sarah A., wife of b. D. Howell. George. and E. Lonia.
In 18:30 Mr. Butler with his family emigrated to Michigan and settled in Genesee County, pro- euring a fann of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35. He purchased the land from the Gos- ernment at $1.25 per acre. Their first home here was a small log touse and they lived in that for many years. They were not esempt fhom the usual hardships incident to pioneer life. The In- dians were frequent visitors, and the gun stood in a convenient corner to ward off eneroachments of wolves or other wild animals. Their nearest weigh- bar for a time lived sixteen miles south of the us. chur subject remained bere until his death, which look place April 36, 1880. He was highly respected
by all who knew him and was regarded as among the best citizens of the locality.
M an early day our subject had to carry his w hyat to l'ontiar to grist, making the journey with oven and finding a market for the sunplus product in Dedoit. He was a Republican in politics, al- though he was formerly a Whig. In local offices he served as Justice of the Peace. In his religious belief he was a Presbyterian. His widow still sur- vives and lives on the home farm. She takes great comfort in the consolations offered her by religion, being a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Butter left at his death one hundred and seventy acres of land as the produet of a life of industry and perseveradee. tOur subject bad besides himself living in this vicinity, two brother -- John and Moses . For years they lived near each other and their neighborhood was known as Butlers' Corners.
0 SCAR SWEERS, a representative, prosper- vus farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 26. Atlas Township.tienere County. was born September 1. 1818. His parents were Manley and I.vdia (Van( leve) Sweers.the former being a native ' of Vermont and the latter of New York. In 1836 they emigrated to Michigan and took up land from the Government and lived in the dense forest miles away from any neighbor m a log cabin. A num- ber of years later the father built a better home and into it he moved his family, but now here were they happier than in that little log cabin. In those early days Mr. Sweets need oxen in breaking up his ground and in other farming operations. He is now an ortogenarian and is one of the oldest liv- ing pioneers in Atlas Township.
The father of our subject has ever been public- spirited and enterprising and cheerfully endured the many bardships wluch came to the pioneers of a new country. In September, 1801, he was deeply bereaved by the death of his faithful companion, who had shared with him the joys and sorrows of life and in her death the county best one of its
Oscar Sweers was reared to man's estate amid
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
scenes of pioneer life and in his early days assisted his father in the rough work incident to a new country. He used to drive the ox-team which broke the stubborn virgin soil and became inured to the hardest kind of farm work. He received his education in the district schools and is mainly self- educated. December 9, 1875, he married Frances E., daughter of John and Hulda Rhodes, The father of Mrs. Sweers who is now deceased, is me- morinlized in this volume. By this union one daughter has been born, Jessie E., who was born December 3, 1876.
The gentleman of whom we write is a stanch He- publican in politics and is an earnest advocate of the principles represented by that word. He is publie spirited and ever active in movements which are intended to elevate the standard of morality und education in the community. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres which he calls the home farm, besides thirty-five aeres in Lapeer County, and he und Ins good wife are highly esteemed as members of society.
8 T. CLAIR S. HAMLIN. A farm of more than ordinary beauty and productiveness is that of our subject, which is to be found on section 9, Gaines Township, Genesee County, and the buildings upon it are valuable and well suited to the business of farming. The house especially is an ornament to the neighborhood and one which is prepared for the comfort and enjoy- ment of the family.
This gentleman was born in Aurelius. Cayuga County, N. Y., May 6, 1833. When he was one year old his father moved to Onondaga County, and lived there for sixteen years, so that this son's boyhood days were passed in that county. llis father was a lumberman and at the age of seven- teen the youth accompanied that parent to Syra- euse where he lived for three years and attended school during one winter.
und then came to Northville, Wayne County, Mich., where his father had already settled. The young man now assumed the profession of a teacher in Wayne County, and found his services in good demand, as able and well educated teachers were greatly needed and highly appreciated at that time. He therefore pur-ned this line of work for ten sile- cessive years in Wayne, Oakland and Livingston Counties, and also taught during the winters for eight years longer, and during that additional time carried on farming summers.
The first marriage of Mr. Hamlin took place in Augusta Township, Washtenaw County, this State, March 17, 1863, his bride being Mary Smith, a na- tive of the Wolverine State. They settled at once m Gaines Township, of which Mr. Hamlin has since been a resident and his wife was called from the activities of earth October 13, 1878. She was a devout and earnest member of the Methodist Church. There are now living five of their chil- dren, namely: Lemuel W., Willard R., Frank .1. Fred L. and Clarence 11.
The present Mrs. Hamlin, who is a lady of more than ordinary ability and lovelines of character, bore the maiden name of Sarah Young. She was born in Gaines Township, this county, August 13, 1863 and was joined in marriage with our subject in Venice Township, February 28. 1879. By this marriage there are two children, Gertie M. and Clara E. Mr. Hamlin has held the offices of School Inspector and Drainage Commissioner and being an ardent Republican he has taken an active part in political movements. He is a man whose line abilities and sterling character command the re- spect and esterm of his neighbors.
8 IMEON E. ANDREWS. One of the most successful farmers in tienesce Township, Centre County, is he whose name appears above. He was born in Rensselaer County M. Andrews, a native of Connecticut, who was born in New Haven. Heserved in the War of
The family then returned to Cayuga County, N. Y., September 23, 1820, and jan son of Sammen anel there St. Clair Hamlin remained until he was Twenty years old. Hestudied in Auburn, one year
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PORTRAIT AND BIGGRAPHICAL RECORD
1812. Our subject's father spent the first twenty years of lus life in his native place and then went to New York State, where he was engaged at his trade, that of a carpenter and joiner. He fol- lowed that trade all his life and contracted him- self in marriage to our subject's mother while in Rensselaer County. Ilis wife was in her maiden days Miss Nancy Stuart. The family lived in various places, wherever the father could command the largest wages.
In 1826, Samuel Andrews with his family came by way of the Erie Canal from Allmany to Orleans County and settled on a little place on the canal called Medina. Thener be removed to Carlton, N. Y., all the time following his trade. He was killed by the falling of a block which was thrown from a window. Our subject's mother lived to be eighty-three years old and died in this county, in the house where our subject now resides. Mr. Andrews' maternal grandparents were James and Dolly (Kindle) Stuart. natives of Massachusetts. The former was a carpenter and joiner and also a farmer. The original of our sketch was one of ten children, there being five daughters and five sons. All but three grew to manbood and womanhood and there are four still living. They are Polly, Jeremiah, Simon and Samuel. Our subject is the fourth child and third son. He was reared in his native place and and remained with his father until his death. He then took care of his mother until he was twenty years of age when he started out in life for himself, coming to Mich- igan in 1811. He first settled in Jackson County, remaining there for one year, then spent four years in Wayne County where he was engaged in farming, thence came to Genesce County and set- ted in the township where he now lives, coming here in 1818.
Our subject's first two years in this district was spent on a rented farm, his location being made on his present place in 1818. There were then no improvements whatever. He built a house of logs which was 18x26 feet in dimensions, cutting the log- himself. He now has eighty acres of well-im- proved land, all the improvements of which have been made by himself. Mr. Andrews was first mapsjen in Orleans County. N. Y., February 21.
1811, to Miss Amy Hicks. She was born in Farm- ington Township, Ontario County, in 1X13. Mix. Amy Andrews died June 21. 1886, and was in- terred in the Genere County Cemetery. They. were the parents of ten children, ail of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. They are-Homer J., Edwin E., Wealthy .I., Chloe 1 .. , Amos E., Mary S. and George W.
Mr. Andrews was married a second time, his bride being Mrs. Samantha ( Wittom) Alexander. The nuptials were solemnized September 21, 1887, in Franklin. September 1, 1891, Mrs. Samantha An- drews also died and was interred in Quisville be- side her first husband, William Alexander. She was born in Vermont and came to Michigan with her parents in 1836. being at the time about ten years of age.
EWIS SWEERS. Among the prominent, , thrifty and enterprising citizens of Atlas Township. Genesee County, none is more worthy of the notice of our readers than the sub- jeet of this sketch. He is a native of the county, having been born here February 29, 1853, and is a son of Manley and Lydia ( VanCleve) Sweers. The father was a Vermonter by birth, and the mother a native of the Empire State, and the Grandfather Sweers is said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812.
Manley Sweers, The father of our subject, migrat- ted in the spring of 1836, from New York to Cien- ver County, this State, and purchased land from the Government where he put up a small log house and resided with his family for a number of years. Later in life, he created a better residence and is now in his eighty-third year, and counted as one of the oldest living pioneers in Atlas Township.
This sturdy pioneer endured the usual hard-hips incident to the life of an early settler and had but limited means with which to provide for his family. He has over been wide awake and enterprising, willing to undertake work for the upbuilding of the county and helpful to the community in every way, He first farmed with the help of oxen litt
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in due time was able to command a team of horses. Itis education had been limited and he had been blessed with but few advantages. His wife, who died September 29, 1891, was also one of the first pioneers of Atlas Township.
Lewis Sweets, our subject, was reared to man's itate in Atlas Township, and from carly youth engaged in farming, although his parents granted him time to secure a good common-school education. It was in 1877 when he was married to Amelia, daughter of William Siebenhar of Atlas Township. whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this vol- ume. By this union one son was born, Lewis I., who was born May 27. 1878. Our subject has made his own property and now owns a good farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He has served as Treasurer of the township for two years and in 1890 was the Enumerator in this township for the Eleventh Census. Politically, he is a Republican and is identified with the Knights of the Maccabees at Goodrich.
R OBERT ORR. It is with sincere gratifica- tion that a biographer takes up his pen to give the life sketch of a man whose char- actor and life, not only reflect honor upon humanity but have proved worthy of the emula- tion of nl who know him. This may be truly said of Mr. Orr, whose uprightness in business dealings and true worth make him a man of mark in the community.
The parents of our subject were Joseph and Ellen (MeCracken) Orr, who were residents of Argentine Township, this county, and the father of Joseph was Allen Orr, a native of Scotland. The father of Ellen MeCracken was also of Scotch birth, and here both the parents of Robert Orr grew to mat- urity, and they were married shortly Ixfore com- ing to America. They made their first settlement in Washtenaw County, this State, and after living there for several years came to this county, and settled in Argentine Township. They had a family of tive sons and two daughters and Robert was the youngest of the flock.
Dur subject was born near Ann Arbor in Wash- tenaw County, April 9, 1816, 'and lived with his father until he beenme of age, when he engaged in farming on his own account. About the year 1868 he settled in Fenton Township, where he lived upon a farm for ten years, and then sold it and removed to Mundy Township, which has since been his home. He has always followed farming and agricultural pursuits and is the owner of one hundred and sixty avres. He was married Febru- muy 1, 1878, to Miss Betsey, daughter of the late Robert Newton, who had died in Fenton Town- ship, this county, JJanuary 15, 1870. The mother bore the maiden name of Margaret Blinston nud she had also passed from earth, dying in Fenton Town- ship. October x. 1877. The father of Robert New- ton was Thomas and he lived and died in England. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Orr was Thomas Blinston who also spent his life in his native land. England.
Robert and Margaret Newton had five children, two sons and three daughters, and Mrs. Orr is the youngest in the family. She was born in Cheshire, England, May 2, 1858, and was seven years old when she came to America with her parents. The children who have come to brighten the home of our subject and his worthy wife are four in num- ber, George, Byron, Burns, and a little son who died in quty infancy. In his political preferences Mr. Orr is a pronounced Republican and he is vou- fident that the principles of that party are best adapted to bring about true prosperity for our country.
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ON. THOMAS CHALMERS TAYLOR. This gentleman is a lawyer by profession and is also engaged in farming, having a farm of two hundred and forty acres, on sections 28 and 31, in Almont, where he resides. He is a native of this place, having been born in Almut Township, at the edge of the village, on the same place where he now resides, his birthday having been April 19, 1813. He is a son of James and Jabet (Lochbead) Taylor, both natives of
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
Scotland. The father came from Kinross and the mother from Kilmarnock, Gotland. The father come to America in 1826 and located first in Con- neclient, employing himself there in the manufac- ture of carpets. He was there married, In- wife having come to America with her parents. Not a great period after then marriage lad clipsed be- fore they came to Michigan, their advent being in 1831.
Our subject was one of fourteen children born to his parents, eleven of whom grew to maturity and ten of wlun are still hving. six in Michigan and three in the Dakotas. When the father can to Michigan be purchased one hundred and sixty aeres. onsection 28. in Abmont Township. He was an enterprising and prudent business man and held various township offices, having been Supervisor a number of years. He was a candidate for the State Legislature in 1856, on the Democratic ticket, but his party being in the minority. he was defeated. He was drowund in Lake Erie. April 12. 1858.
Is of whom we write was reared on the homme farm. He received the rudiments of his education in the district schools and then went to Romeo Academy. The winter that he was eighteen he hegan teaching and was thus engaged at various times. He entered the University of Michigan in I865 and was graduated from the literary depart- ment in 1869, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He taught at Lesthe as Principal of the graded school and then took charge of the school- at Hastings, Barry County, this State. While he was thus engaged he had been reading law and in the fall of 1871 was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law at Hastings, following his pro- fession there for one yet and thence removing to Almont.
In the spring of 1872 Mr. Taylor was married to Hannah C. Fowler. of Aurelius, Ingham County. Mich .. and they are the parents of seven children: May F., James S .. Enuna R., Thomas C .. Robert I ... Joseph H. and Louisa F. The eldest daughter graduated from the schools in this place and is now a student at AMma College. The aneestors of Mis. Taylor were numbered among the Puritans and early settled at Andover. Mass. Hep tatal-
grandfather Fowler was killed in the battle of Bunker Hill and his wife was so overcome with grief at his sudden death that she soon died, leav. ing a family of small childien, the youngest of slun, Josiah Fowler, grandfather of Mrs. Taylor, was about two years of age. He was separated from his family at that time, and on account of his infancy they became lost to him and he to them. Only in recent years, through the family name of "dosiah," did the descendants learn any- thing definite of the lost members of that branch of the Fowler family,
In politics Mr. Taylor votes the Republican ticket, having always been identified with that party. Since 1878 he has resided at Ahmont, and carries on farming on the old homestend of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he resides, Hle has another righty acres on section 31, .\mont Townslup. He served as village attorney of MI- mont and Township Treasurer for a number of years, and has been Secretary of the School Board since 1876, with the exception of a portion of a year. He was elected a member of the State Leg- i-lature in 1889, serving one term and deelining a te-nomination. During bis time of service he was chairman of the l'hiver-ity Committee and a member of the Judiciary Committee, and was ever faithful to the interests of his constituency.
LBERT E. ATHERTON. The gentleman whose name appears above and whom we take pleasure in representing among the enterprising mannfacturers of Genesee County is the proprietor of the well-known Atlas, Flour. Saw and Stave Mills, located in Atlas Township. Genesee County. He began business in Atlas in the spring of 1880, first itting up the fouring-mill throughout and a year ago chang- ing to the roller-proces, putting in the hest ap- pliances made by the Case Company of Columbus, Ohio. This mill has a capacity of about fifty bar rels of four per day and also grinds feed.
Mr. Allerton employs one miller and a helper
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the grist-mill; his work is mostly custom work. He ship to various town- throughout his locality. his trade being for the most part that of sack flour. In the various department of his sawmill be keep- constantly employed five of six men, the slave and heading department - being itted out with the latest improvements in machinery. He began manufactoring staves and hedings about 1887. The mills are located on Kear-ley Crock in the village of Atlas and are run iy water power. there ling an excellent dam to control the water supply.
Mr. Atherton is a native of this county and was born September 2. 1850. He is a son of Childs C. and Sinsan (Colvin) Atherton. He was reared to manhood in Bartion Township and received a gl common-school education. having besides the ad- vantage of thorough business training. He was married in 187% to Miss Ettie Farrar, a daughter of O. P. Farrar, of Atlas Township. He became engaged in business in Atlas in 18stu.
Our subject isa Republican in his political faith, believing that to be the party that most favors advancement in all commercial and governmental lines. le and his wife in their church relation are Baptists. Socially he is connected with the Knight- of the Maccabees. The business fact and ability of him of whom we write is recognized throughout this region. The mills of which he is the proprictor are valued at simond and they bring him in a fine income.
It will not be out of place to bere add a few words regarding the family from which Mr. Ather- ton took his wife. Mr. O. F. Farrar is one of the representative pioneers of Genesee County. le now resides on section 7. Alla- Township. this county. He is a native of New York, having been born in Livingston County. November 15, 1818. lle is a son of Pearson and Nancy Farrar. New Englanders by birth and education. His grand-ire Farrar was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. O. P. Farrar when a boy came with his par- ents to Genesee County. this State, making the journey via Lake Eric and by water way, landing at Detroit and thener came northward with as- team. Pearson Farrar on his arrival settled in firand Blane Town-bip, being one of the first pio-
Here's there. He subsequently died in Atlas Township. Mr. O. P. Fariar arrived at matur- ny in Grand Mane Township. He was married January 31. 181. to Miss Sarah R. Mills, a native of fichesee County. and born Spirit 11. 1822. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Mills, natives of the Empire State. When but lit- teen years of age she emigrated with her parents to Lapeer County, Mich., which was her home un- til her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Farfar were born four children. three of whom are living. They are Ettie J. ( Mr -. A. E. Atherton) Flora .A., ( Mrs. William Hobart ) and Edson .A. Mr. Farran settled on lis present farm in Atlas Township about 1854 and has lived here ever since. Hle owns ofle mundred and eighty-three acres of aud and arable land.
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C HANDLER I. ROCKWOOD. This promi- nent and highly respected farmer of Gene- see Township. enesee County, was born in the township of York, Livingston County. N. Y .. May 17, 1525. Conway, Mass,, was the native home of his father, Garrett Rock wood, and January 19. 1795 wa- his natal day. His life ended in Ohio on New Year's Day. 1835. Sarah Holloway became his wife January 2. 1823. She was a native of Massachusetts and was horn September 7. 1791 and survived her husband many years, passing away in Marseilles. H., June 6, 1883. The family record can be traced back as fu as 1636.
Three daughter- and one son made up the house- hold of S. Garrett and Sarah Rockwood. The three daughters were Sarah. Eliza and Maria, one of them dying at the age of six and one passing away after reaching the age of forty years. Our subject is the eldest child and only son. The father died when our subject was only nine years old and this poor boy started out for himself at the age of fourteen going to live with a man with the understanding that he was to remain with him until twenty-one years of age, but worked for him only two years ['ntil he was nineteen yous old be worked on th farm summers and went to school during the win
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