USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 19
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 19
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 19
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Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jennings -- Mabel V., born June 1. 1881, and Lill- inn, April 17. 1886. Mrs. Jennings was prior to her marriage a successful teacher. She was a graduate of the High School of Flint, and taught four years in the School for the Blind at Fhint, and one year at lansing, after the school was removed to that city. After his marriage Mr. Jennings came to the farm which is his present home. In the fall of Isas he was elected County Sheriff on the Re- publican ticket by a majority of thirteen hundred and ninety, and after his election moved to Flint. Uis record as a sheriff is an excellent one, be hav- ing captured every criminal that it was material to apprehend.
L'uder the old law Mr. Jennings was Superin- tendent of schools in Genesce Township, and later served as School Inspector of that township. In the spring of 1881 he was chosen School Inspector and the following year was elected Supervisor of Vienna Township, which position he held until he was elected County Sheriff. At the close of his term of office as Sheriff he was again made Supervisor by a popular vote, and is nt present honored by that office. Since he was ar's old he has been a public official, und
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has always voted the straight Republican ticket. As a representative of the people in the various positions he las held it has ever been his desire to advance their interests and promote their welfare; hence his success. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he has attained to the highest degree, also of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of the Maccabees.
9 ON. CHARLES A. MASON. A cumory view of the business streets of any town, whether large or small, will impress the ah- server regarding the business ability of the various dealers. The very appearance of a store will give an indication of whether or not the es- tablishment is in a thriving condition, and it neces- sarily follows that the degree of judgment that has been shown by the proprietor and his good taste in selecting his stock is made manifest. In Flint one of the most thriving establishments is that of Mr. Mason, who is a dealer in general produce and a commission merchant. Having come to this city in 1818 and residing here continuously since, he has become thoroughly identified with its progressand has contributed his quota to its development.
The son of Jared and Lydia M. (Hartburt ) Mason, our subject was born May 22, 1839. in New Hart- ford, N. Y., of which place the father was one of the merchants, Charles A. was less than ten year- old when he accompanied his parents to Michigan. the father engaging in this city in the hotel busi- nes, and he was for many years foreman in the old Capron factories at New Hartford. After coming to Flint he also engaged in keeping au ho- tel known first as the River House and later as the Genesce House, which was located on the corner of the First Ward Park. AAfterward he built the Carlton on the present site of the Bryant. Mr. Mason was landlord of the Seaville House, which was burned down. Later be resided im Fenton, this county, one year, and next engaged in farming in Burton and Atlas Townships. After selling his estate he removed to Flint, where his death occurred.
In this city our subject received his education, and in his early manhood he engaged in the drug Infine, being with Meats, Turris & Witherby afterward Petty. then with Mr. Wetson and Giles Bishop for ten years. In Late be purchased Wither lo's store opposite the Byrant House and remained there hom 1868 until 1890, making his experi- enve in the drug business cover a period of almost twenty -three years. He made a financial success of Is chosen calling, but while devoting himself closely to his business, he yet found time for deal- ing- in real estate. He erected a beautiful resi- dence on the corner of Third and Lyon Streets, where he has made his home for the past sixteen Years.
Mr. Mason has served in the highest position to which his fellow-citizens have the power to elect bim-that of Mayor, in which he energetically fav- ored any measures for the public good. He also served in the capacity of Alderman for eight years, has been on the School Board for the past six years, and filled other positions of honor and trust. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket. In his present business as a dealer in hides, wools, etc., and as a general commission merchant, he is succes- ful, and carries on an extensive business. Socially he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and with his excellent family, stands high in the estimation of the community. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Lucinda Smith, and is the daughter of David and Lucinda Smith, of Fenton. They have two children-Edna L .. and Lucha, both of whom are graduates of the Flint City High School and young ladies of many accom- plislaments and much culture.
G QUY C. KENNEDY is a dealer in lumber, lath and shingles, who carries on business and resides in Flushing. Ile is a native of Saginaw, this State, and was born February 27, 1871. He is a son of James and Jenny (Drulard) Kennedy, natives of New York and Michigan re- spectivoly, who were married in St. Clair. Our subject's father is located now in Saginaw where
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he has large lumber interests. His father was John Kennedy, a native of Scotland, who canwe to Mich- igan and settled in St. Clair. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade and highly respected for his many superior qualities. He was the incumbent of several offices in St. Clair and the owner of a line farm. Hle raised a large family. On the ma- ternal side our subject's grandparents were Henry and Hannah (Griggs) Drulard, natives of Canada, who settled in St. Clair. Ile is a large lumber dealer and one of the wealthy men of the place. Two children are all that remain of the family of which he is father. They are Jenny, now Mrs. .James Kennedy and James of St. Clair. They are descended from Scotch and French Stock.
Our subject's father enhsted in the Twenty - Second Regiment, Company E, Michigan Infantry, in April, 1862, and was appointed First Lieuten- ant. lle served for over three years and re- ceived a wound in the leg, at the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1802. 110 was at that time taken prisoner and held for seven montlis, at the end of which time he was exchanged. He was the color-bearer of this regiment and also held the office of Sergeant. He was a Republican in polities and socially is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a Mason. He has a family of four children, whose names are as fol- lows: John 1., who is a lumber man in Wisconsin; Pauline, now Mrs. K. K. Kimmell of Saginaw; Guy C. and William F'.
The original of this sketch received his educa- tion in the public and private schools of Saginaw. His first venture in a business way was as Collector of the Saginaw Courier-Journal, with which he re- mained for one year. He was then a clerk for Mocler & Deland, druggists, serving them for six months. He then launched into the lumber business at Saginaw, in partnership with his father.
Our subject came to Flushing October 10, 1888, to accept a position with the firm of Wright & Ketehum, and in April, 1891, he purchased the land, buildings and lumber of said firm and has since run the business. This is the only lumber yard at Flushing and Mr. Kennedy has been doing an extensive business. Personally he is genial and is popular with all clases of people, which is no
small consideration in his business succes. In politi - he is a Republican and socially be belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees.
UMNER I. PIERSON. The present Jus- tice of the Peace in Atlas Township. Gene- see County, and one who is also a promi- nent and interested citizen in all that pertains thereto, is he whose name appears above. He is a native of this locality, having been born in Atlas Township, May 20, 1856. He is a son of Deloss D. and Philena (Douglas) Pierson, both of whom were natives of New York. Detoss D. Pier- son came with his family to Genesee County some time in the '50s, and remained a resident of Atlas Township until the spring of 1891, when he re- moved to Flint, where he is now a resident. While a citizen of this district he ever took a prominent part in its local government.
Our subject's father served as Commissioner of Dramage in Atlas Township. He is now over sixty years of age and the father of three children, of whom our subject is the oldest. Following him are Herbert and William S. He is a Republican in politics and favors all progressive movements. In their religions predilection. he and his wife are Baptists. Our subject has been identified with the interests of the locality in which he lived through- out his life. He was educated in the district school of Atlas Township and for some two years at- tended the Flint High School. In 1879 he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and took a course at the Eastman Business College.
After our subject had graduated he was engaged in teaching district school for some fifteen winters and spent the remainder of his time in farming. He was married December 27, 1880 to Miss Eva . Browne, who was born in this State and is a daughter of Henry W. Browne, formerly of Goodrich but now deceased. By this union there have been two children-Ephraim .I., who was born October 16, 1882 and Bessie, who was born October 1, 1886. Our subject is the owner of one hundred and sixty-four acres of land. He has
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been fairly successful in life and has a pleasant and comfortable house.
In the spring of 1882 Mr. Pierson was elected Justice of the Peace and has served up to date. He and his wife are united in their church prefer- ence with the Free Baptists. Socially they are ac- tive members and great additions to the life of the locality. Our subject is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a gentleman of unusual education and culture to be found outside of professional life; he has also excellent business qualifications, as the success which has thus far at- tended all his business dealings goes to show.
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G EORGE NILES, a farmer of Burlington Township, Lapeer County, was born in London, Canada. November 6, 1833, and is the oldest of three brothers and one sister who is now the wife of Charles Wing, of Lapeer. These brothers and sister are the children of Benjamin and Lurena (Perkins) Niles. The father was born in Maine about the year 1790, and was one of a large family of brothers and sisters. Our subject. come to Michigan with his parents at the age of six years and they located in Marathon Township. this county, where they lived for nine years and afterward located in what is now called Mayfield.
Our subject grew to maturity . and married Matilda Girossbeck, by whom he had six children, tive of whom are still living: Lorena. wife of C. Cummings; Flora, Mrs. Edward Southerland, of Oregon; George, who resides at home; Robert B., a resident of Oregon; and Amanda M. now Mrs. Charles Mitchell.
At the beginning of the Civil War the sympathies of Mr. Niles were with the Government and the old tag, and it was ever a vital question with him whether he should not help in it- defense. Ile finally enlisted in August. 1802, m Company K, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and being assigned to the Army of the West he took part in the battles of Mone River, Chickamauga, Buzzards' Roust, Atlanta, Dalton, Big Shanty and many others of
minor importance. He served until the chose of the war, receiving his honorable discharge in 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., and then enme directly home with the assurance that he had been faithful in the chscharge of his patriotic duty.
In February, 1866, Mr. Siles removed to his present home on eighty acres of land situated on section 33, Burlington Township, which was nt that time a dense wilderness but to-day is all cleared and constitutes a beautiful farm, having upon it good substantial buildings. The wife of his youth was called from his side by death in March, 1877, and in 1879 Mr. Niles was united in marriage with Mrs. Phobe Allen, widow of Calvin Allen, and daughter of Caleb Purdy. One son has blessed this union and he benrs the name of Leonard.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Niles are active and useful members of the Free Will Baptist Church, in which they find a broad field for usefulness. In his social associations with the men of his township he has identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views he is a stanch Republican.
B ENJAMIN KIRBY, dealer in agricultural implements and generat farming machinery at Clifford, Lapeer County, is a native of Cambridgeshire, England. Ile was born in 1852, at a place called Ellsworth, and remained there until 1869, at which time he decided to emi- grate to America, and came alone to Dorchester, Canada, where for three years he worked at such occupation as he could find and then went to Ingersoll, Canada, where he learned the trade of a blacksmith, remaining there until 1883, when he visited the States and located in Burlington Town- ship, Lapeer County, establishing himself ns a far- mer.
After following this line of work for a few years Mr. Kirby removed from the farm to the village of Clifford and there took up his present business of which he is making a success, as he is active and enterprising and has a keen eye open to the neces- sities of the people and good judgment in regard to supplying them.
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Mr. Kirby was married in Ingersoll. Canada, in 1×71. This union was of short duration as the wife was called from earth October 15, 1876. The second marriage of our subject brought to his home a worthy helpmate in the person of Mrs. Bet- sey Spring, who was the widow of Isaac Spring. By her previous marriage she had one -on. and one daughter has been born to her and her present bus- band. This child bears the name of Theresa P.
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Our subject is the son of William and There's (Cooper) Kirby, both natives of England and members of old representative families. He has one brother who makes his home in Philadelphia and two who live in Lapeer County. Mr. Kirby is a Republican in his political views but is not an active partisan. Since his coming to the county he has been one of the truly representative men, ever interested in the welfare of the community and ready to forward its higher interests by every means in his power.
OUN R. FARQUILARSON. This true-hearted and intelligent Scotchman who has made his home in Montrose Township, tienever County, left his native land in June, 1837. and landed in New York, from which port he at once proceeded West and arrived in Saginaw County, this State, about the first of September. the sune year. His voyage across the Atlantic was taken in a two-masted fig. being two months and two days on the way from Dunder to New York. He was then but fourteen years old and he was accompanied by three sisters, as his mother had died in Scotland and his father, John Farquharson. had come to this country with hisson, James, sonte seven years previous and in Montrose Township spent the remainder of his life.
When our subject reached Michigan he made his home with his father in Saginaw County for some eight years and then came to Montrose Township which was then known as Vienna Township, and here he has made his home since 1×15. He was born in Farfarshire, Scotland, in June, 1822, and throughout life has devoted himself to agriculture.
His tine landed property comprises between three and four hundred seres in Genere and Saginaw Counties and upon his farm he has erected excel- lent buildings and made extensive improvements and now has more than half of his land under cul- tivation.
Mr. Farquharson was married in Saginaw County to Eliza Hough, a native of England and she was taken from her happy home by death in March, 1880, leaving to her husband a legacy of seven children, viz .: dane, who died in 1880, at the age of twenty-four; Jessie, is now the wife of George MeKenzie; Katie died at the age of twenty-three; Eliza, John, James and one who died in infancy. The father and mother of this family were members of the Presbyterian Church and for many years he ha acted as Elder in that religious body. To bischil- dren he has given excellent opportunities for an alication and he is training them to lives of Chris- tian usefulness.
Our subject has for nine successive years been the Clerk of Montrose Township, and for a period of time has been School Assessor. In his political views he finds himself in sympathy with the Dem- ocratie party. His beautiful home and barns at oner attract the eye of every passerby and win his admiration, for they show undoubted marks of a prudent and thrifty farmer and a generous pro- vider.
8 BL.AS E. CURTIS, one of the native sons of Mandy Township, Cieneste County, where he was born July 9, 1839, here grew to manhood and has ever made it his home. He early undertook the work of a farmer's boy and has followed agricultural pursuits through life, and in this work has been thorough and practical mak- ing a succes of whatever he has undertaken.
Mr. Curtis was married in tirand Blanc Town- ship, this county, September 20, 1870, his bride being Mis Emina Countryman, who was born in Oakland County, this State, and who is the mother of nine children, namely; Lillie M., Emma J .. (Mrs. John Caquigne) Mary M., Charles W., Amy. Flor-
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ener A .. Fern, Sophia and Cash N. Mrs. Emma Curtis ched in Mandy Township, February 21, 1891. Her beautiful Christian character made her beloved not only by her family and friends but by all who came in contact with her. She was an earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church and mi efficient worker in every good cure. Her abil- ties and willingness making her foremost in many
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In political matters Mr. Curtis has taken a lively interest although he cannot in any sense be called a politician or office secker, but he feels it the duty of every citizen to make himself familiar with the duties of good tiovernment, and to cast his vole intelligently. The principles and politics which his judgment approve are those which are endorsed by the Democratic party and he casts his vote with that body. His religion- convictions led him to make himself a member of the Presbyterian Church and in its work he is active and efficient. I pon his farm he has erected excellent buildings which accommodate well his farming operations and his live-stock and his home is one of comfort and cun- venience. His one hundred broad and fertile acres me all improved, thoroughly cultivated and very productive and they hear the marks of good man- agement. Our readers will find further detail in re- gard to the family history in the sketch of a brother of our subject, Lyman T. Curtis.
C 1. BARTLETT. A prominent position. among the lines. men of Flint is held by this gentleman, who is engaged in the grocery and drug business, and is widely known is one of the most enterprising merchants of Flint. A man of ambition and energy. his sterling quali- ties and integrity make him popular wherever he is known, while the success which he has already attained, so early in hte, proves his capability as a financier. He was born November 3, 1852, in Chautauqua County. N. Y., and is the son of John Bartlett, a native of Rutland Coanty, Vt. Grand- father Bartlett, a man of industrious habits and mirentting activity, beld a prominent position
among the citizens of Chantuaqua County, N. Y., where be settled at an early day, and where also he died at a ripe old age.
Agricultural pursuits engaged the attention of John Bartlett, who accompained his father in his removal to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he owned a large farm at Pomfret. He lived to be three-score and one year of age, and then passed from earth mourned by a large circle of acquaint- ances, and especially by his children, to whom he had left a legacy more precious than gold that of an honorable and stainless name. He was promi- nent in Masonic circles and also in the Democratic party. He married Julia D. Sullivan. a native of New York State. She at present resides in Pom- tret, N. Y. at the age of seventy-seven years.
There were nine children in the family to which our subject belonged, and among so large a circle he could obtain few advantages in the way of an education. He was reared to farmung pursuits and attended school in the district where he resided. At the age of eighteen he entered the State Normal School at Fredonia, N. Y. and there he was grad- nated in 1873, after studying for three years in the institution. Immediately after completing his education he came to Flint, where he entered the employ of F. W. JJudd, a merchant in this city. Later he was clerk in the establishment of Forbes it Young, druggists, for three and one-half years. then for two years with Charles Ripley, dealer in boots and shoes. Next we find him again with Forbes & Young, whom he bought out in 1879, and has since been engaged in business under the name of C. L. Bartlett & Company. His establish- ment is conveniently located at No. 321 Saginaw Street, and here he does a large business, having a live stock of groceries, drugs, paints and oils, glassware. crockery, provisions, etc. He is a regular pharmacist and a member of the State Pharmacy Society.
In 1879 Mr. Bartlett was married in Flint, to Miss Alforette D. Goyer, a native of Flushing, this State. Two children have been born of this con- genial union, Grace G. and an infant unnamed. Socially Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workman and in his politics he is a stauch adherent of the principles of the Democratic
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party. A man of fine attainments and more than ordinary ability, he gives his hearty support to any measure that will benefit the people socially, morally and financially. The curse of education linds in him a firm friend, and as he keeps himself well informed on all topics of current interest, he is a pleasant conversationalist and an agreeable com- panion.
RANCIS H. JAQU'ES. This native of Canada who was born in Oxford County. January 27, 1818, is now living in Cionesce Township, Genesee County. His father, John Jaques, is a native of New Brunswick and came to Oxford County, Canada when young and there pursued the calling of a farmer dying at the age of sixty-four. His wife, Mary Bailey, was born in England and came to Canada when a little girl and is now living at Oxford having completed eighty- one years. They were the parents of two daughters and three sous.
When sixteen years old our subject left his na- tive home and came to Oakland County, Mich., where for four years he worked by the month on a farm and then rented a farm for seven years. after which he came to Genser County, and bought the property where he now resides. He was married in April, 1872 to Ebie Howard, who was born in Wyoming County, N. Y. and to them were granted one daughter and two sons. Frank A. was born September 25, 1873; Arthur D. Nov- ember 18, 1871 and died March 28, 1890, and May Rose was born May 6, 1882.
Mr. Jaques has a farm of four hundred and twenty-six acres and most of it is now finely cultivated. The he carries on farming and stock- raising and has two large barns, one measuring Hix 108 feet on his home farm, and on section 80 of Richfield Township. this county, he has a large grain and hay barn, 32x70 feet and another 36x50 feet and a sheep shed 20x70 feet besides a horse barn. He has also a farm on section 36. Tieneste Township, where he has seven large barns and three dwelling houses and these farms all touch
one another, thus forming one extensive tract of two hundred and sixty six aeres in tienesce Town- ship and one hundred and fifty-six aeres in Rich- field Township. He keeps three hundred and lifty head of sheep and eighteen cows from which he takes the milk to the factory, receiving cheese in return.
In regard to political matter Mr. Jaques votes for principle and not the party, and always prefers to use his own judgment in deciding on the merits of the candidate rather than to trust to the dietum of the party leaders. He has been on the town Board of Review and is a member of Litchfield I'nion Church, of which he is the Treasurer. Ile was one of the leaders in the scheme of purchasing a new organ for the church, a matter which has given great satisfaction to the people.
6 HOMAS COX. This intelligent and public- spirited citizen of Mundy Township, Gene- see County, has Is fine farm on section 33. His parents were Robert and Mary (Sopp) Cox, and both of them were born in Cambridge- shire, England, and came hither from their native home in 1862. Upon first reaching this country they came West to Michigan and at first located in Washtenaw County, where they lived for some two years, and then came to Genesce County and settled on section 33. Mundy Township, which proved to be their last home on earth.
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