USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 15
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 15
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 15
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Our subject had his early training and educa- tion upon the farm where he now lives and stud- ied in the common schools. He continued to re- side with his parent- at the old homestead until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he removed to Flint and entered the law office of Long & field. studying with them for a portion of two years. Prior to that time he had devoted himself to a considerable extent to teaching, and at the same time bad proseented his own studies.
After leaving the office of Long & Gold. this young man removeed to Millington, Tuscola County, and there practiced law Oor two and a half years, and was admitted to the bar May 29. 1879, at Flint. He then removed to Wilmot. Tuscola County, where he engaged in the merean- tile and lumber business for a year.
The next removal of Mr. Torrey was to Kings- ton, in the same conuty. and there he practiced law for six years, and during the last twenty months of that time he was Postmaster of that village, being appointed under Postmaster-tion- cral Wanamaker. He returned to Flint Township April 1. 1891. to take charge of the homestead and
cate for his aged parents, He here carries on farming operations, cultivating one hundred and thirty acre. Our subject was married in Davison Township, Genere County, this State, May 20, 1871. taking as his wife Sarah A., daughter of James and Thomison (Im) Baxter, both na- lives of England, the former born in 1819 and the latter in 1823. The mother has passed from this life and the father, who still survives, resides in Flint. Of their duce children Mrs. Torrey is the oldest. She was born in Seneca County, N. Y., May 3, 1850, and she is now the mother of one child. Ina B.
Mr. Torrey has held the office of Township Superintendent of Schools, School Inspector and Township Clerk. He takes an active part in poli- tical affairs and is an ardent Republican. Since he was eleven years old he has been an active mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is now. Superintendent of Court Street Church, in Flint, and Why. Toney has also been a worker in its ranks since she was sixteen years old. Our sath. jert is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees and Royal Arcammm. all at Flint, and in every department of life he is a representative citizen.
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AMES E. RICHMOND. This gentleman, who has been a resident of Marathon Town- ship, Lapeer County, since 18ft, and who is the Postmaster at Columbiaville, is a na- tive of New York, having been horn in Steuten County, February 15, 1833. When his parents, Edward and Susan Richinond, came West from New York, their native State, they located at once in Marathon Township, where his father, who was a carpenter by trade, decided to take up land on section 31. He bought a live tract of sixty- eight aeres and settled upon it. and throughout the remainder of his life did little at his trade, preferring to devote his energies to clearing and cultivating his farm.
The father continued to reside upon this land until about three years prior to his decrease, al.
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though he did not part with the property. but placed in the hands of a tenant. He died An- gust 27. 1861. the mother having passed away September 3, 1818.
Since leaving home Mr. Richmond has pursued various callings and in his early days followed blacksmithing and surveying, but in the fall of Jak he went into company with D. H. Lawrence and then undertook lumbering. He has been ste- cessful in these branches of business and now owns one hundred and thirty-eight acres on section 22. which is as fine a piece of property as one may expect to see in a day's ride.
He of wlunn we write this sketch was married December 15. 1856, to a lady who has ever proved n faithful helpmate to him in the business of life. and her work and influence have greatly conduerd to his prosperity. Her maiden name was Susan MeArthur, and she is a daughter of Andrew and Phoebe MeArthur, and a native of New York. The four children who have blessed this marriage are by name: Millah ti .. Mary E ... Mabel C. and
The political doctrines which Mr. Richmond considers most sound and conducive to the pros- prity of the country are expressed in the declara- tions and platform of the Republican party. He has held various offices. among which are those of Supervisor and Treasurer of the township, holding the latter office for two years, his term beginning in 1881. His service as Supervisor extended through the years of 1882. 1883. 1881. 1887 aml 1xxx, and he has been Postmaster siner May, 1889.
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G GEORGE J. W. HU .. is one of the Anglo- American farmers to whose thrift, industry and thoroughness the State of Michigan owes so much of her superior agricultural methods. Mr. Hill was born in Gloucestershire, England, June 11, 1820 He is a son of Joseph and Maria ( Wall) Hin. The former was a butcher who lived and died in his native place. Our subject's mother eume to the I'nited States and died in Cattaraugus
County, N. 1. They were the parents of three children of whe im the original of this sketch is the eldest. He was reared and passed the early years of his life in his untive land, coming to America when twelve years of age and landed first in Que- bee, Canada.
Our subject went from Canada to Livingston County, N. Y., and for some little time was vari- ously engaged in farming and in logging. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to learn the cabmet-maker's trade and gave a service of three years. At the expiration of his apprentice- ship in 1837, he came to Michigan, locating first at Ypsilanti and there worked at his trade for three years, thence coming to Flint, where he was occu- pied as a dealer m furniture and an undertaker, until 1870, when he settled in Flint Township, Genere County, on the farm upon which he now lives, and which is located on section 8.
Mr. Hill was married in Bath, Steuben County, N. Y., January 5, 1818, to Helen Bidwell, a daugh- ter of Eli and Helen (Grant) Bidwell. The former was a native of Hartford, Conn .. and the latter of Schenectady County, N. Y. She was of Scotch and the father of English ancestry. Their decease took place in Bath, N. Y. Mr. Bidwell was a brick-maker in his carlier years and Inter engaged in blacksmithing. Mrs. Hill was the sixth in order of birth of seven children born to her parents. The day of her nativity was July 28, 1828. She became a resident of Flint, Mich., in 1815.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill are the parents of eleven chil- dren, whose names are as follows: George, Frank B., Clarence, Sarah, George 2d, Helen, Flora, Fred- erick, Arthur G., Alice E. and Harry. The chest George died in infancy; Frank, who married Mar- garet Pirnie, resides in Denver, Col .; Clarence died when young; George married Emma A. Burns and died in 1887. Our subject affiliates with the Democratic party and he has taken an active interest in local political affairs. Mrs. Hill is a member of the Presbyterian Church and allows no occasion to pass when by word or deed she can nid in the good cause. Since the spring of 1870 our subject has been engaged in farming and is now the owner of two hundred uvres of land. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife
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is one of the charter members of the Ladies' bi- brary Cinb which was established in Flint mn Isal. Hi- farm bear- line buildings, a pleasant residence and capacions and well-built barns. He is a man to whom one never appeals in vain in behalf of any worthy and reliable enterprise. The grand. parents of Mr. Hill were Alexander and Margaret (Kelly) Grant. The grandfather died in Schener- tady County. N. Y., in Fall.
ETER VANTINE. Among the represen- tative families of tienere County we find this veneralde octogenarian, whose home is in Atlas Township, and who stands at the honored head of one of the most respected vis- cies of the township. He was born November 25. 1811, in Cayuga County. N. Y., and is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Titsworth) Vantine. The father's family is of Holland extraction and has been for generations well known in the State of New York. His brother. John T. Vantine, of Oak- land County is a prominent man in that part of the State.
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When only a child, our subject removed with his parents to Erie County, N. Y., and received his limited schooling, when the daily walk to and from school was over a stretch of eight miles so that the boy did not have more than very limited advantages in thisline. In early youth be learned the elements of farming and adopted that as his life work.
Mr. Vantine was married in Erie County N. Y .. November 28, 1831, and his wife, whose maidea name wa- Lusinda Lockwood, became the mother of four children: Harriet, baac, and two who have died. Harriet is now the widow of Heury Updegraf and both reside in this township. After a short residence in Erie County. the young couple came to Genesee County and settled first in Atlas Town- ship, this county, and afterward in Groveland Township, Oakland County, but four years later returned hither. The son Gane who still resides with his parents, married Mahala J. Merwin, and they are the parents of seven children, namely : |
Bomben, James, Emma, Abigail, Will, Addis and Alice. Our subject and his wife look an infant girl to raise, by the name of Eunice P., forty two years ago and adopted her as one of the family. She is married but still remains at home.
The faithful and devoted wife, who for more than half a century walked hand in hand with Mr. Vantine in the journey of life passed to her heny- enly reward, September 3, 1890. She had with him shared the hardships and privations of pioneer life and together they had also enjoyed the comforts and satisfaction of property in their declining years, and her companionship is keenly missed in this pleasant home. It is pleasant to hear Mr. Vnn- tine relate incidents of his early life in this region when Indians, wolves and bears were his most fre- quent callers. He is a splendid representative of the typical Wolverine pioneer and receives what he richly deserves, the esteem and confidence of all who know him. His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party since its organization and his hand has ever been open to aid in every movement which would conduce to the welfare of his neighbors and the prosperity of the Commonwealth.
8 AMPEL WALKER, deceased. The worthy and honored subject of this sketch was an carly pioneer of Atlas Township, Genesee County , Mich and was a native of the North of Ireland, where he was born February 11, 1812. His parents Matthew and Sarah Walker, were of Scotch ancestry. They emigrated when he was about eighteen years old to America and spent . several years in New Brunswick. His elementary education was taken in the National schools of tre- land and he had none of the advantages of a higher course of study.
In the old territorial time this young man came to this county and settled upon the farm where his widow now resides, encountering many hardships and bravely meeting privations. His first home was in a shanty and later in a snug log cabin, which afterward gave way to the pleasant and
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comfortable home that was his at the time of his death, which sad event occurred June 17, 1885.
The marriage of Samuel Walker and Catherine Jones took place May 11, 1856. This lady is a native of the North of Ireland and was born in 1825, being a daughter of John and Margaret Jones. She is the mother of one daughter, Margaret E., wife of Stephen Harding. Mr. Walker was iden- tilled with the Presbyterian Church and was highly ostermed by all who knew him, His political pre- ferences led him into the Democratic party, but he was ever ready to co-operate with any of his neighbors who were working for the social and educational upbuilding of the community.
The estate consists one hundred and seventy- one acres of land, the product of Mr. Walker's life labor, and his wife and daughter reside in the homestead, and are members of the Methodist Epi- copal Church at Atlas, He was a kind and loving Imsband and father, a man of integrity and honor, and enjoyed the confidence of all who came into business relations with him. Although he has "passed to the bourne from which no traveler re- turn- "his memory is still green in the heart of those who honored and revered him.
C HARLES MeNEH. Atlas Township. Gene- see County, is favored with the residence of many progressive and intelligent men whose enterprise and integrity have not only given themselves a fair meed of prosperity but where character has added notably to the reputation of the township. Such an one we here name. He is a native of Chittenden County, Vt., and was born December 13, 1811. His parents, Charles and der- usha ( Lyman) MeNeil were natives of Vermont and his grandfather Lyman took part in the War of 1812.
In his native State our subject lived until reaching his majority and during his youth attended the di-t- riet school and took thorough training upon the farm. In 1835 he emigrated to the Wolverine State, which was then a Territory, and came to what was then Lapeer County, which is now included
in tieneste County. He traveled by stemmer from Charlotte. St., through lake Champlain then by canal as far as Albany, where he took the railroad for U tica which was then the terminus of the road and then resumed the canal travel to Buffalo and came over the lake to Detroit, from which place he traveled by stage to Grand Blane Township be- ing eighteen days on the way.
During the first winter of Mr. Me Neil's residence here he assisted his brother in clearing and chop- ping and with this brother who is now the llon. . I. 1 .. MeNeil. be kept bachelor's hall for some time. His first purchase was where is now the site of Davison Station, but as he desired to be near his brother ha exchanged his property for his present farm in Adlas Township. In 1810 be built a log cabin about 16x22 feet, and therein resided for several years. His first marriage took place June 1. Ist, and he was then united with Rebecca,. daughter of Augustus Davison, by whom he had two children, Abigail and derusha, both of whom have now passed away, and their mother died, (le- tober 30. INI8.
The lady who is now Mrs. McNeil bore the maiden name of Caroline Wilson and became the wife of our subject, September 2. 1856. She was born in Washington County, Vt., December 11, 1×20, and is a daughter of Samuel and Keziah (fireen) Wilson, both natives of Massachusetts and a sister of John A. Wilson, whose sketch appears in this work. At the age of thirteen she removed with her parents to Livingston County, N. Y., and in 1838 after the decase of her mother she came with her father to Michigan, where they became pioneers in Atlas Township. She taught school for three years in New York and seventeen years in Genesee County. this State. She is a genuine pioneer teacher and deserves great credit for the courage and endurance she showed in those carly days. She is the mother of two children-Jerusha K. who to following as a teacher in the steps of her mother and Cornelia W. who is at home.
When Mr. MeNeil first came here he made his home in the dense forests and did much hard work in clearing the land and cultivating it. In the fall of lots he returned to his native State and for three years had charge of a steamer on Lake
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Champlain. In the spring of 1852 he took the gold fever and went to California, but instead of min- ing he was employed for three years as a clerk for a trading company, after which he returned to Michigan and has since made it his home, The Baptist Church is the religious body of Mrs. McNeil choice and her husband is a member of the Pres- byterian Church. In his political views he is in necord with the Democratic party.
OHN C. DAYTON. To our subject it is be- lieved belongs the distinction of being the second oldest person now living in Genesee County, who is a native of this county. He is a whole-souled and sunny-tempered man who has a kindly word for everyone. He is pro- prietor of the Dayton House, one of the first-class hotels of the city, and is ex-Mayor of the city. He was born in Grand Blanc, October 28, 1837. lle is a son of Jonathan and Maria (\'pham) Day- ton. The father was a native of Rutland County, V't., and was a son of Daniel Dayton, a New Eug- land farmer, as was our subject's father, Jonathan Dayton was married in Vermont, and in 1812 lo- cated at Avon, N. Y, and was there engaged in farming until 1828. He came to Michigan as a pioneer, being accompanied hither by three families who came from Detroit by team. cutting their road as they came along. Mr. Dayton, Sr. purchased Government land in the center of Grand Blanc Township, and began life in a log house as a pio-
The family home was afterward built of square howed logs, and was the finest house in the county at that time. It was bated on the old Detroit turnpike. Later they built the first frame dwel- ling house in the county. They improved the farm, and about 1861 our subject's father retired from active labor, making his home in Flint untit his death, in 1875, being at the time seventy-nine years of age. He was a Whig originally , and later . Ircame an ardent Republican. In his religious creed he was an Episcopalian and both be and his
wife were charter members of the first Episcopal Church in the county, he being a Vestryman and Lander for many years.
Our subject's mother belonged to a family noted for its longevity. Her father, Joseph Upham. lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and his mother lived to be one hundred and five years old. Mrs. Dayton died in Flint in 1871. His father was thrice married. The first union resulted in the birth of one child, who died. By the second marriage he was the father of three children, and by the third marriage two children. Our subject and Helena, Mrs. 11. C. Van Dusen, of Chicago, were the children of this last-named marriage.
J. (. Dayton learned the rudiments of farm- ing while at home. He attended the district school during the winters, and gave his attention to his farm labor during the summer. He has drawn wheat to Pontiac, a distance of twenty-eight miles, and sold it there for fifty cents a bushel. For a great many years the Indians received their payment from the Government in a løg school- house located on our subject's farm, the agent Ix- ing J. Frazier, of Saginaw. From the time he was twenty-two he worked a farm on shares, but in 1865 he left it and removed to St. John's, where he became engaged in the manufacture of crack- ers with a. M. Frisbie. Three years later he bought out his partner and continued the business alone, it being very extensive for those days, handling from $28,000 to $30,000 per year. While at St. John's he served his village as Trustee for two terms. In 1872 he sold out the business, and located in Flint.
After returning to this city, our subject dealt principally in horses until October, 1880, when he purchased the Dayton House. It was then known as the Brotherton House, and was built about 1875. It has one of the finest sites in the city, and is located on the west side of Detroit Street. It is a first-class hotel, and caters largely to the com- mercial trade, the traveling men being most appre- ciative of its comfortable quarters.
Mr. Dayton was married in Grand Blanc Deto- ber 20, 1859, to Mie Jenny E. Wolveston, a native of Saratoga County. N. Y., and a daughter of Den- ni- Wolvertem. Mrs. Dayton was educated in
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Rochester, N. Y., where her father was Manager for the Rochester House. In 1886 our subject served a- Alderman for a short time in the place of 11. (. Walker, and in 1888 he was elected Mayor of Flint on the Republican ticket. Although not himself professing a formal creed, he has the greatest re- gard for churches and especially that to which his wife belong -- the Episcopal.
G FORGE W. BELFORD. The gentleman whose name appears above is no longer of this earth. He leaves behind him, however, a record that is worthy the perusal of the young who should have before them an example in which uprightness of principle and industry and perse- verance are paramount features. Mr. Belford was a native of Oakland County, this State, being here born April 5. 1816. He was a sơn of Hugh and Flora ( Maxwell) Belford, both of whom were na- tives of Ireland. He was a brother of Mrs. Hiram Hodges, of Grand Blane Township. He wa- reared to manhood in his native county and from carly youth was engaged in farming.
Our subject received a fair education in his boy- hood, attending the district schools in Oakland County. Like most of our American citizens. however, be made the journal of the day with which our country abounds his text books and from them he learned many valuable lessons. Ile was considered a well-informed man and his opin- ions were always met with respect.
Uur subject was married February 12, 1878, his bride being Alive A. Butts, who was born in Grand Blane Township, Genesee County, February 7, 1852. She is a daughter of William II. and Eliz- abeth Butts, who were prominent pioneers of Grand Blaue and of whom further mention may be found elsewhere in this volume. By their union our subject and his wife became the parents of six children, three of whom are living at the present time Delbert Il., Lida F. and Georgie ti.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Belford resi- ded for three years in Holley Township. Dakland County, and thener removed to Grand Blanc
Township, Genesee County, locating on section 21, where they lived until the decease of our subject which took place January 22, 1887. Our subject had served on the School Board and did good work in this capacity. He was a Republican in his political liking and was one of the progressive ' men of his party where he resided. Mr. Belford was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land, besides $2,000 worth of personal prop- erty. This is the product of his life's work, which had been one of persevering industry. In his home life our subject was n kind and loving father and hu-land, an obliging neighbor and a benefac- tor to all who needed a kindly word or helping hand. In his death the township lost one of its best citizens. It is generally said of him, that his word was as good as his bond. His widow resides in Grand Blane Township. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at South Grand Blanc. Din subject was a man who possessed admirable business qualifications and the success that be acquired before his early demise speaks better than can mere laudatory terms of his fore- sight and industry.
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D AVID W. BRUSTE, of North Branch Town- Sluip, Lapeer County, is one of those worthy sous of our noble pioneers who remember with great interest and just pride the labors which those early settlers performed in the former day's, and where own boyhood was spent in the very township where he now resides, He was born on section 12. North Branch Township, on the 27th of January, 1865. His father had his birth and carly training in New York and bore the name of Wilmont Bruise, while his mother who was English by birth was known in her maidenhood as Ennna Nichol -.
The life work of the father was that of a farmer and the son was carly trained in the practical work incident to a rode but thoroughly cultivated pio- neer farm. As his parents were among the first settlers in the township he had thorough experience
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in the hardships of those days and can give many interesting recital of the labors and sports of the boys who were so prominent a factor in the work of that time.
This youth was granted but very limited op- portuntie- for education as he had no advantages otherwise than the district schools of the neighbor- hood which he attended regularly and conscienti- ously when he could do so. His education has had to be mainly gained by means of study and obser- vation since he reached mature years. He began life for himself at the age of sixteen years as a farmer on the old homestead and this has been his home throughout life. His father was the first set- ther on this section road and he ent his place out of the wilderness. His political views have brought him into alliance with the Democratic party but he always content- himself by a conscientious dis- charge of the duty of suffrage and does not mingle with politicans or seek office of any kind. To his parents were born seven children as follows: Homer, David, Susie, Frances, Ludington, George and Mabel.
Our subject and his mother and youngest sister now remain at the old homestead. His father died May 7, 1883 and was buried at St. John's Cemetery.
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h IRAM A. HODGES. Grand Blane Town- ship, tienesse County, contains some of the most enterprising citizens and worthy mem- bers of society in the county and prom- inent among these men of a higher grade is the present efficient Highway Commissioner of the township. He was born January 23, 1817, in Can- nda, and iva son of Lloyd and Cynthia L. (Law- rence) Hodges, his father being a native of Ver- mont and his mother of Canada, while bi- grand- father Lawrence was a soldier in the War of 1812.
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