USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 14
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 14
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 14
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The present Mis. MeArthur became the wife of our subject May 16, 1881, and her maiden name was Louisa Lossing, She is a native of Canada and was born August 8, 1811, being the daughter of AAlbert and Amanda ( Bingham) Losing. The Bingham family is of New York extraction, with its ancestry from England. Mrs. McArthur had her education in the common schools and she is " lady of intelligence and character, having great influence in the community. She is a devout member of the Free Will Baptist Church in which connection she finds a broad sphere of usefulness.
D ANIEL. RYANT. The gentleman who owns the farm on section att, Flint Town- ship, Gencee County, was born in tego County, N. Y .. January 17. 1825. Ile lived in his native county until eighteen years of age and thence removed to Chondaga County. which was his home for two years. Having im- bild the Bohemian spirit from the mottled con- dition of the country. August 2, 1815, he emigrated to Genesce County. Mich. For a short time he was engaged in lumbering in Flint and in Bay City and then was employed in his trade which was that of a blacksmith. He continued to live in Flint until 1855, when he settled on the farm whereon he now lives and since that time he has given his attention for the most part to farming.
Sine. 1876 our subject has laid aside the active labors of his hitherto busy life, and retired to en- joy the comforts of his well earned competency. Hle cleared his farm and created upon it a good clas of buildings. His place compris one bun- died and two acres of land. all of which is under cultivation and which is highly productive. It has been made valuable besides by the addition of Tasteful and comnations buildings. there bring a
comfor table and pleasing dwelling aud good barns
Hur subject was married in Flint, Mich., August 1, INIT, to Miss Mary . Link, who was born in Mt. Morris, Gener County, N. Y., December . 18:3. Mr and Mrs. Ryant are the parents of ohe soll-Francis-who married Miss Nancy Ben- son, of Canada. He is a machinist by trade and occupation. Both our subject and his wife are public-spirited people who are interested in all that promises to be for the advancement of the locality in which they live. They are connected in their church relations with the Methodist Episcopal body. in which he has filled various offers.
The original of our sketch is a son of William and Lydia ( Alger) Ryant the former being a na- tive of Dublin, Ireland, and the latter of New York State but of Welch ancestry. They lived the greater portion of their life in the Empire State, the father passing away in the Catskill Mountains. The mother died in Davison Township. Genere County, this State. Daniel Byant is one of four children, there having been three daughters and one con; he is the third in order of birth. The father of Mrs. Ryant was John Link. Her mother was Sarah I. Stanard. They were the parents of nine children They came to Genere County in 1836. Politically our subject is a strong temperance man and shows hi- leaning in this direction by his connection with the Prohibition party. They are an excellent family, who are numbered onong the best class of Flint's town -people.
ORACE G. MANN is a resident of the vil- lage of Mt. Morris, Genesee County. Mr. Mann was born in this place. June 11, 1×55 He is a son of William H. Mann, a native of Canada. On reaching manhood our sub- jeet's father came to Michigan, in 1815, and heated in Gen :: Township. upon a farm, where he was engaged in agricultural pursints for about twenty- live years. He ow ned the land where Mt. Morris is now built and platted the town, naming it Dover. It was afterward changed, however, to it- present
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name. He was a man of undeviating enterprise und push, and the town ones what it is today to our subject's father. He individually created a- many as thirty-tive buildings in the plir.
As is inevitable in the case of one who has large plans and large escentive outlook, our subject's father met with reverses and lovers. In 1871 a lite swept away nine of his buildings, upon which there was no insurance. William Mann was engaged for years in the mercantile business. He was a strong temperance advocate, nor did he ever ose tolower in any shape. He was one of the promoters of the Prohibition party in this section of the State, and although not connected formally with any Chri- tian organization, lived a true Christian life. He was personally pleasing and had most genial man- ners. He was a natural artist and his taste was di- rested particularly to the painting of flowers, for which he had an intense love. His derarse look place JJanuary 6. 1871, and he was interred with great honor in the Mt. Morris cemetery.
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Our subject's mother was in her maiden days Miss Laura d. Boutwell. a native of New York. Her parents removed to Canada when she was about ten years old. She still survives at the age of seventy seven years. They were married in the Dominion. Of the fourteen children that were born to them six are now living-Nathan W., Em- ily, Jenny. Francis, Lewi- D. and Horace Gi.
Our subject was the youngest of his family and was reared in his native place. He finished his bus iness education as the Bryant & Stratton College. of Detroit, and after that he spent one year in Clio, Mich., as clerk in a general store. The de- erase of his father occurring about this time, he ;- sumed charge of the business, which was in a very unsatisfactory state. Under his able management it has increased until he now does a business amounting to $50000 per year. He ship produce and keeps a general stock of mercantile goods.
Our subject was first married in 1876 to Matilda Smes, who died in 18as, having one daughter. Iva 1 ... a young lady now fifteen years of age, who i- her father's efficient cashier. Our subject was again married. in 1890, to Italia (. Hughes, who is her husband's co-laborer in his commercial work. Mr. Mann keeps busily employed live clerks, I.
sides the assistance that his wife and daughter give. Politically he is a Republican and socially belongs to the Masons and also to the Genesee Valley Com- mandery, lange No. 23, Knights Templar. Ile. moreover, belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, at Mt. Morris.
OHN ENGAN. One of the most successful farmers in Mt. Morris Township, Genere County, is he whose name is given above. His place, which occupies one hundred and fifty six artes, is located on section 30. He is no ex-Treasurer of the township, having served in that capacity for two terms. Mr. Eagan is a native of the Emerald Isle, having been born in County Longford. December 15, 1831. He is a son of . Michael and Mary ( Murtagh ) Eagan, who were na- tives of the same place. His father was a mechanic and was also a thatcher, which he continued until his dercase. Mrs. Hagan came to America with her son, with whom she resided until her dercase, No. vember 21. 1889.
Of the sis children composing the family, John is the second in the order of birth. He remained in his native land until past fifteen years of age. and attended the common school. although his ad- vantages in this direction were very limited. June 21, 1850, he left Dublin and reached Liver- pool by steam. where he took the sailer "Caroline Nemet" and landed in New York August 15. 1850. He premamed in the metropolis for eighteen months, serving as a hack driver.
In the fall of 1851, Mr. Ragan came to Michigan and howated in Flint, where he engaged in working at blacksmithing for King & Forsyth. He remained with them for two years, then worked as a journey- man blacksmith for two years after which he located ai line Ham and opened a blacksmith shop. In No- vember, 1858, le started n shop at Flushing, where he remained until March, 1877. when on account of ill health, he was obliged to give up his business. De manufactured wagons and sleds. He finally en- fered the grocery Inviness, but continued that only a short time and in 1882 purchased his present
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farm, and einer coming here has made great im- provenants upon the place. All is under the plow with the exception of twelve acres and is all fenced. le has a fine home, barns and granary, and is accessible to two good towns-Flushing and Flint. His place boasts a very fine orchard. He devotes himself mainly to grain and stock-raising.
Mr. Eagan was married in Flint, July 5, 1857, to Miss Caroline Hinkley, who though born in New York, came to Michigan when quite young. They have been the parents of four children who are de- ceased and have three in whom they find much joy at the present time. They are JJohn M., Agnes and Joseph B. Mrs. Pagan is a daughter of Jere- miah Hinkley, who was born in Delaware. Her mother was Phebe A. Brown before her marriage. Mr. Eagan was Township Treasurer and Collector for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church in Flint; he is a Democrat in politics.
LBERT J. PALMER. The gentleman whose town, and was born in Barry, Ontario. Canada. December 21, 1861, and is a son ; his first year's sales amounting to $8,000. John and Maria ( Verrall) Palmer. His father was born in Cornwall, England, and his mother in the same country in the city of Brighton, Sussex County, the former devoting himself to agricul- tural pursuit- while in his native land and came to Amerien in 1853, locating at Toronto, In 187 the started for Australia but died while making prep- arations for the trip in New York City. He had previously traveled through South America and indeed had spent much of his life in seeing the different countries of the Western Hemisphere.
Our subject was given the advantages of a com. mon-school education, only discontinuing his at. tendance at the age of seventeen years. He came to the United States in fati9, proceeding at once to Michigan and locating in Tusedla County, where hesoon after went into lavines at flagetown. The original of our sketch was accompanied hither by
his mother who soon contracted a second marriage, her husband being William Carr. of Capetown.
Albert Palmer began life in this place asa clerk for .Joseph tage and was employed here in that capacity for some time, leaving this position only to go to Saginaw where he became engaged as salesman for W. 1. Clark, a dry-goods merchant in that city. After remaining with Mr. Clark for four years our subject returned to Canada, going to Toronto where he staid for two years and then returned to Gagetown. In October, 1890, he opened a general store here for the sale of dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes, und since that time has been very successful in his business. He carries a well-assorted and selected stock of goods that is perfectly adapted for the patronage it bas from the agricultural re- gion surrounding Gagetown.
Mr. Palmer was married September 10, 1890, his bride bring Miss Thirza Hall, of Akron, Mich. She is a daughter of John Hall who has for a long time been engaged in the agricultural calling in that place. Our subject is a follower of the Re- pubhean policy and theories and has all faith in the future of his party. He is allied socially with the Free Masons and is a member of the Knights of the Maceabers. Although our subject has but recently started in the business of which he is pro- prietor, it is now most encouraging for the future,
C HARLES FRANKLIN SHARP. Among the enterprising and popular young business men of Mundy Township no one is more worthy of the notice of our readers than this pub- lie-spirited and capable young man. who is carry- ing on a prosperous business as proprietor of the Mundy Tile Works. Although considerably under thirty years of age, he has made his mark in the community. He is well respected for both ability and character, and is building up an industry which bid- fair to be of considerable importance in the community.
Our subject was born in Fenton Township, Coneste County, August 19, 1864. His father was
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Jolim Sharp and his mother hore the maiden name of Lucy Hardy, and both were residents of Pen- ton Township. They were the parents of eight children, and "Frank," as he j- familiarly called among the people of the township. is the fifth in order of age. Upon the father's farm this young . man had his early training in industry and the good qualities of perseverance. thrift and econ- omy, and was educated in the connuon schools. L'util October, 1888, he resided in Fenton Town- shipand then came to Mundy Township, where he bought a half interest in the Mundy Tile Works, which were then being carried on by 11. 1. Unas. He entered upon this work in May, 1886. and two years later bought out the entire busi- ness. He carries on these tile work- in an exten- sive manner and manufactures about forty miles of tiling yearly, for which he finds a ready sale in the home market.
This valuable young member of society estab- lished a home of his own and brought to it a bride in the person of Miss Belle Conner on the Ist of March, 1886. They were married at Holly. Oak- land County, this State, and the lady is a native of Fenton Townslup. They have one child. to whom they have given the name of Roy. The political sympathies of Mr. Sharp are with the Re- publican party and he is active and influential among the young men of his township. vet he is not in any sense an office-seeker or politician.
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MOS S. CRAPSER. This proquent farmer and stock-raiser of Burton Town- ship, Genesve County. is a son of pioneer parents and is descended from good old Holland stock, his early ancestors having settled in the famous Mohawk Valley generations ago. Ilis farm is a model one and covers two hundred acres on section 33, and several years ago he was awarded first premium at the county fair for hay- ing the best farm in the county, all things con- sidered.
Mr. Crapser was born in Burton Township. this county, May 3, 1812 and his father, Vibertus
C'rapser, was a native of Greene County, N. Y., where he followed farming, coming to Oakland County, Mich., in 1835 and in 1837 removing to ienesee County, where he took op some land from the Government in Burton Township this becom- ing one of the first settlers therem. He had to out a road to get to the spot where the built his log shinty and here he lived until the fall of 1876 when he departed this life at the age of sixty-five, leaving behind him a record as an honest man and a sincere Christian. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father, Charles Crapser, was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., where he lived for some years and theu moved to Greene County, the same State, where he died. He was of Dutch descent. The mother. Mary Story, was born in New York and of Quaker parentage. She became the mother of five children, four of whom are still living and she survived until 1811.
An ordinary district-school education was all' that was granted to our subject and this was a short course and in the log schoolhouse. He has always lived upon the old homestead and remem- bers when wild game was plentiful and enjoys telling stories of the chase. He was married in 1880 to Isabella C. Palmatier, daughter of John K. and Julia (rapser) Palmatier, both natives of New York, where their daughter also was born.
The father of Mrs. Crapser was a ccarpenter and spent his life in his native State, dying in 1875, while the mother is still living and has a family of three children still about her. Mr. and Mrs. Crapser have four children, Mabelle L., Ralph Amos, Su-ie Mary and Jessic Emma.
Our subject is a Republican in his political con- victions and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Farmers' Alliance. His fine estate comprises two hundred seres. For a number of years he has devoted himself largely to the raising of Jersey cattle, Chester-White pigs and Englishshire Imported horses and has some very line Hambletonians. He spent twelve or fifteen years in the produce husiness at Grand Hane. Mr. Craper has always taken a great interest in horse desh and has owned some of the fastest homes in Geneser County. Mas. Compper is of French extraction and was born and reared in
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New York City. She is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and their large old fashioned Trame house is very attractive both in exterior and interior. Mrs. Crapser is a graduate of Normal College of New York City.
ETER E. MEINTEE. D. D. S. Our subject is a popular dentist residing in Imlay City. He was born in Louth Township, County Lincoln, Ontario, Canada. December 11, 1813. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Stoner) Melater, the father being a native of Ireland and the mother of Scotland. The former was a farmer and died when our subject was only about eight years of age. Thus beseft of his paternal parent the original of our sketch entered the family of Lyman Wells, a dentist of Simevr, Canada. He there received a common-school education and at the age of seventeen he entered the Dental I'niversity of Toronto, Canada, where he remained for three years. He was graduated in 1862.
Our subject was not satisfied with the instruction that he had received by itself, and spent two years in taking special instruction. He then became an avistant in the office of Dr. Lyman Wells, working with him until 1882. Dr. MeIntee was married Fcb- ruary 11, 1863, 10 Mi- Mary J. Horton, of Pelham, Welland County, Canada. She was a daughter of Zephaniah and Abigail (Thomas) Horton. Mr. and Mrs. Melater have become the parents of three children, all daughters. They are La vora Adelaide, Szef Mice and Nellie Lee. The second daughter married Andrew Cornell and lives in Imlas City; her husband is telegraph operator; the youngest daughter five, with our subject, while the old- est daughter, Mr-, Edward Mulvey, lives in To- route. Mrs. Melater died February 18. 1879. March 8, 1882, our subject was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Hutchison, of Simone, Norfolk County, Canada. By this mar- ringe there is one child. David Yours, who was born in Imlay City. September 21, 1885.
Shortly after our subject's marriage to the last- named lady he removed to Imlay City, when be
has built up a good practice, being skilled in his profession. Oursubject is Republican in poli- ties but has never been an office-socker. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having become " in Port Dover, Ontario, becoming a member of the Eric Tanlge. He is also a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows in Imlay City and . belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. In both societies he has lilled all the offices. He is a mem- ber of the American Home Protective Association.
EWIS PASSMORE, one of the representa- tive farmers of section 5, Gaines Town- ship. Genesee County, was born in Devon- shire, England. June 17, 1816. His parents, John B. and Maria Passmore, came to America when this son was between live and six years old, and not long after they were settled in Clayton Town- Ship, this county, they both died. I'mon the home farm Lewis grew to manhood and made his home there until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he went to Lapeer County, where he look up a farm in the forest, and having cleared it, devoted himself to its cultivation. Having lived there for eleven years, he sold the property and rented a farm in Mt. Morris Township.
A year later young Passmore bought a farm in Flint Township, Genesee County, where he lived for some three years, after which he put the prop- erty in the hands of a tenant and during the next three years made his home in the city of Flint. After this he bought two hundred and seventy- six acres of land in Gaines Township, which is the property where he now lives.
The marriageof Lewis Passmore and Mrs. Flor- ener (Bump) Caswell took place in Clayton Town- Ship. February 23, 1871. This lady was born in Flint Township and is a daughter of Ellis .J. and Nancy (Stewart) Bump. Her first husband was Hiram Caswell, and by that union she had three children -- Ernest M. James M. and Carrier (). The latter died in early infancy. The offspring of the second marriage are Robert C. V., Lewis J. B. and Bertie R.
yours , Respt IN. Underhill.
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Is strict attention to the duties of his calling and an intelligent understanding of the peculiari- ties of the soil and climate, Mr. Passmore has made a success of farming. He is earnestly inter- ested in the success of the Democratic party, with which he is affiliated. Mrs. Passmore is a sister of Mrs. Ellis Jacox, of Flint Township, and of this family more will be learned in the sketch of Mr. Jacos in another part of this volume. This lady is an earnest and devoted member of the Seventh Day Adventists, and in character and ability is a superior woman. Mr. Pasmore's publie spirit and intelligence make him a leader among his neighbors, and his judgment and expe- rience are much relied on in local affairs.
ILALLAMI 1. UNDERHILL .. The fact of a man being well spoken of by those among when he has spent the greater portion of his life, is a sufficient indication of his char- deter, and thus Mr. Underhill may be men- tioned as a representative of the best element of his community-a man of strictest integrity, and one who, by a life of industry and the exercise of economy, has obtained for himself a competence. He now resides in a pleasant home in Olio, whither be removed in 1891. Prior to this time he resided in Thetford Township, where he was engaged in farming operations, and where he he- came well known as a man of profity and honor. For the past ten years he has been preparing him- self during his leisure hours for the ministry. to which he wishes to devote his remaining years. \ sincere and earnest member of the Christian or Disciples ' Church. at Pine Run, he has officiated in the capacity of minister there since 1886.
In Niagara County, N. Y .. Mr. U'underhill was born July 1, 1812. When he was only two years old he was orphaned by the' death of his father, Charles, who was a native of Canada and a farmer by occupation. The mother, Julia ( Whitehouse) Underhill, a native of New York State, was also removed by death during the childhood of our subject, and thus doubly orphaned lo was taken
into the home of his uncle, Mr. Whitehouse, in Vienna Township, Genesce County. During his youth he attended the common school in the vil- lage of Pine Run and gained a rudimental knowl- edge of the "three R'S". Subsequent study has greatly enlarged his fund of knowledge and he is How well informed on all topics of local and gen- oral importance.
When ready to begin life for himself Mr. Un- derhill chose farming as his occupation, and at the same time learned the trade of a mason, at which he was engaged until about 1883. However, he did not neglect his farming interests, which he carried on in Thetford Township on an eighty- arre tract of land, half of which has been improved by himself. His success in agricultural pursuits was due chiefly to his determined perseverance of character and his wise judgment. When the call cune for soldiers in the summer of 1862, Mr. I'mderbill enlisted in the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, and with his regiment was incorporated in the Army of the Cumberland. He served nearly three years, taking part in a number of important engagement-, among them the battles of Nashville, Blair's Cross-Roads, Atlanta and Buzzard's Roost. In 1861 he was taken sick and was sent to the hos- pital at Frankfort, Ky,, where he remained for four werk ..
When prace once more came to our country, and the soldiers were honorably discharged and sent to their various homes, our subject. among others, was mustered out in the fall of 1865, and at once came to Michigan. After his return he was married. May 10, 1866, to Miss Ellen Tinker, a native of Ashtabula County. Ohio. The family born to this worthy couple comprises ten children. namely: Charles, Ehver. Clayton. Ada. May, Fred, John. Jessie. Ella and Blanche, all of whom sur- vive. The son Charles is engaged in a machine shop at Pine Run, while the remaining sons oper- ate the old homestead. The daughters have been given excellent educations and are accomplished young ladies, very popular in the social circles of the community.
Mr. Liderhill possesses in a rare degree those qualities which mark a man of honor and veracity, one in whom his fellow-citizens can safely trus1.
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He is greatly interested in the welfare of his adopted county, and takes an active part in every- thing that tends to promote it- moral elevation of educational status. As above mentioned, he is especially active in religions affairs. The litho- graphic portrait is presented m connection with this biographical notice.
AMMES M. TORREY. This representative farmer. whose beautiful farm and comfort- alde buildings are situated on section 25, Flint Township. Genere County, is a native of that township, and was born July 5. 1819. His father, Asa, and his mother, Orrissa (White) Torres, are of Eastern birth, the former having his nativity in Bethany, Gender County. . V. ). February 19, 1811, and the latter in Franklin V't., July 26. 1810. They came to tienere County, Mich., in the fall of 1835 and have a family of seven children.
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