USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 13
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 13
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 13
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
一
636
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Pace for one form, Asesor and School In- spector, and has held the position of Commissioner of Highways for two terms. He represented Bien eser County in the State Legislature during 1813. when it met in Detroit. He then served on the Committee on Banks. A petition was made to the Legislature to take from Lapeer County four townships and add them to Genesce County. Mr. Gage was greatly in favor of this and urged it upon the committee so that it passed and added greatly to the proportion of valuation in Genere County. He has owned eighty acres of land, but has sold of some and now has forty aeres all of which he has clemed himself.
OUN B. M. INTYRE was born near New- market, Canada, April 3, 1833. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Me- Intyre, who were both from Scotland, con- ing to Amerien at an early day. Our subject's father was a minister in the t'hristian Churel al- though he had spent a great portion of his life as a sailor. Mr. Melntyre was reared in Canada until thirteen years of age, excepting four years spent in New York between 1811-15. At that age he came to Whichigan and located first in Lapeer County. spending most of In- time there until he was seventeen years old. He made his living by work- ing out as a farm laborer, and when at the age above mentioned, he went to Saginaw and breame engaged in the lumber business.
As a lad at home our subject had excellent ad- vantages to acquire an education, but after com- ing to Michigan that important branch of his career was entirely neglected. Our subject began his business career by buying an eighty -aere tract of land in Elba Township. He sold this place and purchased the place where he now resides in 1856. His farm comprises two hundred and forty acres of land, and although it was in a perfectly wild and uncultivated state when he first came here, he has siner reduced it to an excellent condition of cultivation and improvement, and has put a great deal of money upon the place in buildings, stock
and in the agricultural implements necessary for advanced farming. AAside from this place our sub- jeet own- between four hundred and five hundred acres of land in different parts of the township.
Mr. Melutyre was married January 11, 1858, to Miss Phebe J. Lawrence, of Brandon Township, Oakland County, this State. By this marriage there are three living children, whose unmes are Samuel D., Marion M. and Harriet C. Mrs. Phebe MeIntyre died in April, 1865.
On October 20, 1865, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Crawford, of Oxford Oakland County, this State. By this marriage there are nine children-Edward, Nettie, Rose, Lovell. Jane, Joe, Grace, Seth and Ruth. One died in infancy. He of whom we write has made farming his business ever since he came to this place. He has been extensively engaged in cattle- raising, being particularly interested in fine Dur- ham stock. He is now also breeding Clydesdale horses; he has now a registered Clydesdale, by name Lord Clyde. He keeps a number of horses on his place and at present has twenty-four on hand. He employs himself in mixed farming. Mr. Melntyre is a Republican in politus and has held the office of Supervisor for mine years, while he has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-four years. He has been Township Clerk for two years and abo Township Treasurer for some time. He is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and . his wife is a Free-Wid Baptist; they are particu- larly interested in the upbuilding of good schools and public enterprises in general.
2 HOMAS BRANCH. More than forty years have come and gone since this gentleman opened his eyes to the light of day in the city of Flint. Here he grew to a capable, stalwart manhood, and has since been identified with the development and prosperity of his native county He has been an especial factor in promoting its ag- ricultural interests, with which he is now connected, having a line farm in Forest Township. This es- late comprises two hundred and forty acres of its
٠
637
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gol land as is to be found in the township, and hy persistent Ialhow Mr. Branch has brought it to a high degree of eultivation, and upon it he has erected shitable buildings. His parents were among the early settlers of this county and it has been his pleasure to witness and assist in almost its entire develophtent from a state of nature.
Thomas Branch. Sr., father of our subject, was born in Cornwall, England, while his mother, Zih- bie (MeGuire) Branch, was a native of Ireland. The father, who followed the trade of a mason, emigrated to the United States, locating first in Maine and later in Buffalo, N. Y. Thence he re- moved to Michigan, settling in Saginaw and com- ing from there to Flint. Although not a native- born American, he was a true patriot and soon after the opening of the Civil War he enlisted in defense of the l'nion, serving three years and re- turning home in February. 1863, with a record as a soldier of which his descendants will ever be proud. He survived until January , 1876, when he passed from earth, leaving to his children the her- itage of an upright life. The mother did about two years prior to her husband's demise, in 1871.
The subject of this biographical notice was born . August 21. 1819. in Flint. this State, and as soon as old enough, was sent to the publie school of that town, but when the fate war broke out be be- came restless and langed to join the army. His father enlisted and went to the front. and although he was only eleven years old be resolved to fol- low him, and share in the exeitement and perils of the battlefield. Failing to seeure the consent of his mother to this perilous enterprise, he ran away from home in 1861 and joined his father at the army heelquarters, Thomas Branch Sr. was in charge of the supply train belonging to the regi- ment, and later was given charge of the division supply train. When father and son returned home. the former commeneed to farm on the place where the latter now resides, and the many improve- ments apparent on the estate are the result of their efforts. The line orchard which every autumn yields a large harvest of golden. luscious front was set out the same year the father died.
During the winter of 1875 a very important event occurred in the life of our subject that be-
ing the date of his marriage to Charlotte Hibhard, a refined young lady residing in Richtield Town- ship. this county. I'nto them were born ten chil- dren, two of whom are now deveased-Thomas and Bessie, the former dying at the age of two years, and the latter in infancy. The survivors are named as follows: Nina, Hattie, Elsie. Fred, Lolic. Carl, Josephine and Roland, all of whom are still under the parental roof, and by the careful training of their parents are being fitted for useful positions in the business and social world.
Since the death of his father, Mr. Branch has had charge of the old homestead. although he is not always resided here. In 1878 be herame proprie- tor of the Branch House at tOfisville. retaining the management of the same for eight years. For two years afterward he was engaged in farming. then moved to Columbiaville and conducted an hotel there called the Bristol's Hotel. This he rebuilt and named the Custer House. Since leaving that place he has remineed continuously on his farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He has never been an office seeker. although he takes sufficient interest in political affairs to cast a straight Denueratie ballot. He belongs to the Farmer's Alliance, and is considerably interested in educational matters. le and his wife are gen- ial and courteous, and their attractive home is the center of perfeet hospitality.
Fo BANK C. TWITCHELL The genial gen- theman whose biographical sketch we take pleasure in here presenting, is State Agent for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Fleming Manufacturing Company. manufacturers of Boss, Leader. Walk- away, and Reversible Road Machines, also road plows, dump serapeis and exeavators. He is an active and cuterprising business man, who is well informed on every topie and is a thoroughly agreealde and companionable gentleman. His res- idenes has been in the city of Flint since 1888. He is a native of Michigan, having been born in Benton Harhor, Berrien County, October 8, 1859, Mr. Twitchell is a son of James S, and Harrict
1
638
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
M. (Høyt) Twitchell, the former a native of Onon- digo County, N. Y., and his father, having come from Connecticut and being a millwright by trade, settled in Onondaga County where he built and operated mills of his own. He was also a farmer. He was of Scotch descent and the name was orig- inally spelled without the "1"_Twichell. Our subject's father was also a farmer and soon after his marriage, which was solemnized in New York, he came to Berrien County and settled in the vicinity of the present site of Benton Harbor, where he had a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This he sold in 1872 and located near Flushing, owning a farm in the eastern part of Shiawassee County. He now resides in Flushing and in mid- the age is prepared to enjoy the degree of success which he has acquired. He was County Treasurer of Berries County for two terms and also held other township offices.
The original of our sketch was one of four chil- dren born to his parents, the oldest, Hattie, being deceased. Ella, Mrs. Crank, resides in Flushing; our subject was the third in order of birth, and Edward who lives in Flint, is a traveling man. After a residence of nine years in Benton Harbor Frank (. moved to Saginaw City and there attended school, finishing at the High School. He reumined at home until he had reached his majority and then entered the employ of the firm with which he is at present.
Mr. Twitchell found the business of agent to be not very smooth sailing at first, there being so many competitor- in the field, but hi- sales have increased by a remarkable ratio. In 1888 he be- come State Agent and General Manager in Michi- gan for the firm with which he is and established his headquarters at Flint, his office bring at No. 109 Detroit street. He has succeeded in introduc- ing and making most popul the machines which he selis in every county in the State. He has four men on the road working under him and over one hundred agencies throughout the State.
Mr. Twitchell was married in Flushing, October 12. 1881, to Miss Olivia E. Hoard, a native of Lapeer County, this State, and a daughter of O. B. Heard, a retired farmer of Fin-hing Township, and on the road for our subject. He and his estimable
wife are the parents of two children-Hattie and Clara. Socially our subject belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. In his religious preference he is an Episcopalian and in politics he takes n pride in the fact that he is allied to the Democrats.
ILBUR F. HERRICK. Our subject is a resident upon section 33, having an excel- lent farm which adjoins that of his brother, J. Il. Herrick. He was born upon this place in the family homestead, December 16, 1856. He isa son of the Rev. Alausen and Lydia (Van Strenburg) Herrick, of whom a fuller reference is made in the sketch of our subject's older brother, which appears in another portion of this work. Our subject was one of a family of four children, their names being . James 11., Sarah A., Wilbur F., and a child who ched in infancy. He of whom we write was reared to manhood on the place where he now resides and where he has always lived with the exception of . about three years, when with his parents he made his home in Midland and Lapeer Counties. He was educated in the common school and has always been engaged in farming. He is the owner of the old homestead. which comprises one hundred fifty-live aeres, His father, the Rev. A. Herrick, came to Geneve County in the fall of 1839 and settled where our subject now live. He spent more of his time, however, in ministerial work than in farming.
Our subject was first married in Flint Township to Miss Emily Keat who was of English birth and parentage. By this union Mr. Herrick became the father of one daughter - Emily A. Mrs. Emily K. Herrick died in Flint Township January 20, 1877. Our subject was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Hattie Holtslauder, a native of New York State and a daughter of Samuel Holts- lander, whose decrase occurred in Genesce County. This marriage has been blest by the advent of three children- Samuel A., Wilbur F., Jr. and Myrtle 1.
It is not to be wondered at that so public-spirited and capable a man as is our subject should receive the compliment of party favor. He is a Democrat in his politics and under that party has been elected
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the office of Highway Commissioner which post he has filled for two years. He has always taken a fairly active interest in local polities and as be- comes a loyal American citizen, is well versed in National affairs. In church matters he takes a deep interest and is connected with the Medodiet Epi-en- pal body. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Royal Aremum. He shows his interest in the advancement of his own calling by his union with the Farmers' Alliance.
-
.... ...
1
RANCIS WILSON. This representative and highly esteemed farmer residing on section 12, Mundy Township, Genesee County, was born at Springwater, N. Y., April 21, 1820, When he was quite a young child his parents removed to Connecticut, where he lived until he was sixteen years of age at which time he returned to New York, where in Monroe County he learned the trade of wagon-making and painting, following the business for sixteen years. He then removed to Livingston County. N. Y., and two years later came to Genesve County, this State. In 1852, he settled in Mundy Township, since which time he has followed farming and has met with unusual success in his calling. Upon his farm Mr. Wilson ha- erected an excellent set of farm buildings, and his estate comprises about ninety-five acres.
He was married in Rochester, N. Y., February 1, 1816, to Margaret Von Buskirk, who was born in Henrietta, Monroe County, N. Y., March 13, 1827. They have had one child, to whom they gave the name of Fred Grant. This son was a graduate of the High School at Flint and subsequently entered the University at Ann Arbor, taking up studies in the law department, but on account of ill health he was obliged to relinquish his course of study and died at the Sanitarium at Detroit August Si, 1888. He married Ettie May Curtis, by whom he had two children, one who died in infancy and a daughter. Etta May.
Mr. Wilson has held the office of Highway Commissioner and School Director and in bi- polit- jeal views is an ardent advocate of the principles
of the Republican party. His father, Frederick Wilson. died in Connecticut, and his mother, Susan Brown, died in Calhoun County, Mich. The par- out- of Mr -. Wilson were Garret and Elizabeth ( Rulif-en) Von Buskirk. The former died in Rochester, N. Y .. and the latter at the home of Mrs. Wilson in Mundy Township. The death of their son Fred was an overwhelming how to the fond and proud parents as, although he was still quite a young man, his life was full of promise and he had shown abundant marks of ability and char- adter. The family is highly valued in the commu- nity and Mr. Wilson is a man of more than ordi- mary discrimination, judgment and ability.
In connection with this sketch the reader will notice a lithographie portrait of Mr. Wilson.
IL.LLAM SHAW, a representative farmer of Burnside Township, Lapeer County, is one of our BritishAmerican citizens who has made him-elf ihnoughly one with us in all matters of interest to Americans. He was born in England, .January 18. 1836, and is the son of William and Anna ( Wilcox) Shaw, both natives of England. The father who was a shoemaker by trade was born August 17, 1811, and died August 19, 1852. Of the family of four sons and seven daughters our subject is the youngest, and only three of this large number are now in this life, namely: our subject his brother George and his sister Louisa, wife of James Porritt, of Orion.
In 1853, in company with his mother and his youngest sister our subject left England and came to America, landing at New York and emigrating at once to Pontiac, Mich .. where he made his home with his sister at Orion, working upon the farm. This he continued with more or less regularity for eight years and he then Jeft Oakland County and came to Lapeer County, where he bought eighty arres of section 31. Burnside Township, to which he has added, until he now has one hundred and sixty arres, most of which is now in a highly improved condition.
612
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Om subject was married October 11. 1860, 10 Mis Mary Walker who was born in England June 8, 1812, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Martha (Sparkman) Walker, By this union they have had ten children, fourson- and six daughters, and they bear the names of Charles W. Martha, George E. Eliza, Nora, Margaret, Robert, Gracie, Fred and Clara. Martha is now the wife of John Wilson and Eliza has married William Wilson; George is married and is farming in this township, his wife bearing the maiden name of Elie Forbes; the re- mainder of the children are at home with their parent ..
The political views which Mr. Shaw considers most sound and best adapted to increasing the prosperity of his adopted country are expressed in the declarations of the Democratic party. Since his sojourn in this county he has been prominently identified with every movement for the progress. both socially and materially of its residents and he stands high in the esteem of his neighbor -.
=: .
BRAM TIESWORTH. a worthy representa- tive of the pioneers of Michigan, resides in Atlas Township. Genere County. He is a native of Erie County, N. Y .. and was born August 15, 1829. His parents, Jacob and Jane (Vantine) Tit-worth, were natives of Penn- sylvania, and the grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812.
Jacob Titsworth migrated from New York to Michigan in 18:16 and after residing for a short time in Atlas Township. Genesee County, made his permanent home in Groveland Township. Oakland County, settling in the woods before a tree had been out from its place. A rude log cabin was the family home, Indians were their neighbors and wolves frequent callers at their door, Self-denials and hardships made up much of the lot of these carly pioneers, where means were very restricted. In there early days Mr. Tit-worth often drove to Detroit with an os-team to get provisions and in many places the so-called roads were impassibile.
The brave pioneer died August 25. 189. and
his wife March 8, 1863. Four of their right chil- dionare now living, namely: Ellen. wife of Joseph Russell; Jacob, George and Abram. Our subject carly because inured to the hard work attached to the pi. neer service, and many a time in his early boylu ed drove as many as five yoke of oxen in breaking new land. Self-indulgence had no room in those days and boys had to do without many things which were dear to them. The district schools of Groveland Township, Oakland County, provided all the education which was granted our subject. He was married, in 1853, to Sarah E. Bar- num, a native of New York and daughter of Dr. Richard Barnum, then of Oakland County, and lat- terly of Mlas Township, this county. By this union two children, Charles R. and Hartson U, were born.
Mr. Titsworth has a line property of one hundred and twenty eight-avres in Genesee and Oakland . Counties, and he came to this county in 1878 and settled on the farm which is now his. Both he and his wife are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Goodrich, in which he is now serving as Truster, and has also been Class Leader and Steward. He is a representative pioneer of his district and has been anecessful in life. In politie- he is a Republican and his influ- ener is great among his weightens. His well-im- proved farm and fine residence with its admirable surroundings i- a standing monument to his indus- 1ry, perseverance and good management.
......
C HARLES T. BRIDGMAN. This gentleman is the manager and one of the partners in the largest mercantile establishment in the State, namely : Smith, Bridgman & Co. He is a man of intelligence and extensive business con nections and experience and is considered one of the best financial managers in the State. He has devoted noch time to travel and reads upon every subject with which he comes in contact in travel- ing. He has jourpeyed in every State and Terri- fory in the United States, with the exception of the ";" west rogner of our domain which he will
,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
explore during his next trip. He has visited Europe twice, taking his family with him the second time when he spent some six months abroad.
The firm of Smith, Bridgman & Co., was first organized in 1862 as William L. Smith & Co. and has passed through various changes since then. Dur subject was born in Huntsburg, Ohio, Decem- ber 6, 1815, and was a son of Charles Bridgman, a native of Northampton, Mas., and a grand-on of Noah Bridgman. Their ancestry is traced back to James, who came from England to Massachusetts, in 1632. The grandfather died here at the age of eighty years surrounded by his children and grand- children.
1
The father was married in Massachusetts to Julians Warren and became one of the earliest sel- thers on what is known as the Western Reserve, in Ohio. He carried on farming and the manufacture of brooms and died at Huntsburg at the age of eighty-one. He was one of the original Abolition- ists, being one of the few who voted for James ti. Birney. Upon the formation of the Republican party he transferred his allegiance from the Whig ranks and was a stanch Republican till death, and a member of the Congregational Church. His wife was nn aunt of Bishop 11. W. Warren of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and also of William F. Warren, President of the Boston I'niversity. She was a daughter of Cotton Mather Warren and died in Ohio. in 1873, leaving three children-Lewis W., who died in Illinois in 1868; William IL., who resides in New York City, and our subject.
Charles 'T. Bridgman had his early training in Ohio, but in 18ột being then thirteen years of age he went with his brother W. H., to Chicago, and entered the preparatory department of the I'ni- versity of that city. After two years in that insti- tution he returned to Ohio nud at the age of eighteen entered Russell's Military School, where he finished his education. In 1861, he entered the employ of W. L. Smith & Co., in Flint, and soon took charge of the office, and in 1871 became a partner in the concern. Three years later the name became Smith, Bridgman & Co., which includes four partners, W. L. Smith, Eli T. Smith. Charles H. Bowker and our subject. Their Que store measures 12x110 feet on the ground and
occupies four floors. They carry a fine stock of merchandise and have an extensive trade. Mr. Bridgman is a stockholder of the First National Bank and was a charter member of the Water Works Company. He was also a director of the Conservatory of Music.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah Mckay, took place in Caledonia, N. Y., in 1870, and they have one child, Harry 1 ... who graduated from the High School of Flint in 1891, and is now a student in the l'niversity of Michigan, taking the civil engineering course. Our subject was n member of the Board of Aldermen for two years and is a true blue Republican. He is a member of of the Congregational Church and is on its Board of Trustees.
8 IDNEY MCARTHUR. This well-known farmer of Marathon Township. Lapeer County, had his birth and carly training in the East as he was born in Oneida County N. Y., April 19, 1830. His parents, Andrew and Phabe (Vosburgh) MeArthur were also natives of New York and they came West when this son was about eight years old, locating at once in Mara- thon Township and purchasing one hundred and sixty arres on section 21.
Andrew Me Arthur lived upon this farm until his death which occurred May 1. 1869. His wife sur- vived him for some six years but she also has now passed away. her death occurring March 1. 1875. They had a numerous family and of the twelve children six are still living.
He of whom we write remained with his parents assisting them upon the farm until he reached the mature age of twenty-live years, at which time he decided to purchase property of his own and set up an independent farm. He bought forty acres on section 28, to which he has since added forty aeres more, making eighty in all, and every acre of it is now well improved and in a highly pro- ductive condition,
The marriage of Mr. MeArthur with Hannah
1
D
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Roberts was solemnized March 25, 1855. Thislady was a native of New York and she became the mother of three children, namely: Stan, who is now the wife of Peter Carl; John, who is making his home in Nebraska, and David. The mother of this family passed from lite November 21. 1873.
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.