USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 20
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 20
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 20
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Of the thirteen children in this family our sub- jeet is the third in order of age. He was born in Cambridgeshire, England, December 17, 1841, and was there reared upon a farm and continued to live in his native home until the spring of 1861, when he emne to America and settled in Washte- uaw County. For several years he remained there and was employed in farm labor, but in 1878 he came to tienesee County, and for four years lived with James Cole, and in the spring of 1883 settled upon the farm where he now lives. Here he cul- tivates eighty aeres and his farm boasts one of the best and largest barns in the township. He is a man who is deeply interested in all matters of pub-
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CHARLES M. BOUTTELL.
MRS. JANE BOUTTELL.
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lie concern and is truly active in helping forward every movement which his judgment approves, as being calculated to promote the welfare of the community.
The marriage of our subject occurred in Linden. this county, March 18, 1883, and he then took to wite Anna Kimnle, who was born in Fenton Town- ship, this county, January 18, 1853. She is the daughter of Solomon and Martha ( Martin) Kit- ble, and a lady of intelligence and ability. Her reputation as a home-maker and housekeeper is a superior one, and Ther character as a friend and neighbor is such as to win her the affection and estrem of those with whom she is brought into social relations. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox have been been bom two children-Eher and Ethel. and in the care and culture of these little ones the parents are most deeply interested, and to their interests are profoundly devoted.
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HARLES M. BOUTTELL. Among the citi- Zells of Genesee County, who have arisen from small beginnings to an eminent position in the estimation of their neighbors, is the gentle- man whose name initiates this biography. To be a self-made man means something. It means that a man who has earned the honor of being so called has Lassed through many hard-hips and has seen the dark ed aids of adversity, but by perseverance and patience has emerged into the sunlight of pros- perity. Mr. Bouttell has become known as our of the most prominent farmers of Thetford Township, Gene-ce County, and having retired from the more active duties connected with agricultural pursuits, enjoys the comforts which he has gained by a life time of earnest effort.
In Otsego County, N. Y., Mr. Bouttell was born November 8. 1stth, and is the son of Osias and Laura (Dunmick ) Bouttell, both natives of the Em- fire State. Our subject belongs to a family noted for longevity, his maternal grandfather living to the ripe old age of one hundred and eight veus and other relatives also attaining to nealy a han-
dred year -. Charles M., the subject of this bio- ographiced notice, was reared in New York State and from childhood was thrown upon his own re- sources. His opportunity for education was there- fore but meager, although by study and reading he has become quite well informed. Prior to com- ing to this State he was engaged in boating on Eric Canal for nine years, but not feeling satisfied with this manner of living he decided to seek a home in the far West, as Michigan was then con- sidered.
In 1836 the appearance of Michigan was very different from its present aspect. Indians and wild animals roamed at will through the forests and across the broad prairies, where are now line es- tates and large cities teeming with commeree. When Mr. Bouttell made his way hitler with a team in the year above-mentioned he saw no pros- peet of the present prosperity, except what might he pedicted from the fertile soil and genial chim- ate. He drove at once to the place where he now lives and there pre empted a large traet of land from the Government. He also entered some land in Shiawassee County, and became busily engaged in clearing and cultivating the place. The land was covered with a wild forest growth, which he had first to remove; this he did himself, and such was his enterprise that during one summer he logged thirty acres himself.
The nearest market was the village of Flint and there Mr. Bouttell would haut his wheat, trading live bushels of wheat for a barrel of flour and sell- ing the four for twenty shillings. Not only did be clear the farm where he now resides, but all the land in that locality and he also opened a road east of his place for one-half mile. As prosperity began to crown his oforts, he felt prepared to es- tablish home ties of his own and accordingly when he was twenty-eight years old, in 18:37, he was married to Harriet N. Pain, who died, leaving two children, named respectively Emily F., and Elinor 1. Afterward, on January 1, 1851, Mr. Bouttell was imited in marriage with Miss Jane Nixon, the daughter of Allen and Electa Nixon.
Mrs. Bouttell is a native of New York, but has spent the greater portion of her life in this State. She has been of great assistance to her husband in
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all his work and he owes his success in no small measure lo her co-operation. Their marriage re- sulted in the birth of twelve children, who are now occupying responsible positions in life and are highly respected in the various localities white they reside. Not only did they receive careful home training but when they were ready to start out for themselves their father gave to each one forty acres of the old homestead. He still retains in his own possession a neat estate, which is de- voted to the raising of grain and steek. In social and business circles be occupies an enviable posi- tion and is one of those men whose word is con- sidered as good as their bond.
In connection with this sketch the reader will notice lithographie portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bonttell.
h ENRY PARSELL, one of the oldest settler- in Genesee County, and who may be called the oldest business man in Flint, as he was in business for some forty five years, has now retired from active life. He was born in ('lar- ence, Erie County, N. Y., March 20, 1812, and is a son of Robert Parsell and a grandson of Robert Sr., both New Yorkers by birth. Our subject re- mained in his native home until he was sixteen years old and he remembers seeing about the year 1818, the only house that stod in Buttalo, after that city was destroyed by fire in 1812. his father pointing it out to him. The father gained his title of Major in the War of 1812, as he was a Fife Major and a fine performer upon that instrument. His life was one which he had plowed up from the ground and must have been lost there during the Revolutionary War. The family is of Dutch de- scent, and the mother. Olive Giver, was a native of Herkimer County and the mother of six sons, of whom our subject is the only survivor.
Two months a year was about all the schooling that Henry Parsell received in his boyhood. and at the age of sixteen he went to lockport and for five years served an apprenticeship to the lares-
maker's trade and afterward served as a journey- man in various cities. In 18:17 be enlisted in the Patriot War and served under tien. Winfield Scott. for which he received a land warrant for one hun- dred and sixty acres of land which he sold for $160 in gohl.
In 18 10 our subject came to Michigan and located in Flushing. this county, on a farm of one hundred acres and began housekeeping in a shanty. This property be sold in 1816 and located in Flint. Here he purchased a store and a house and manufactured the first harness and the first saddles that were made in Flint. He enlarged his business and at one time had ten men in his establishment. The first handsome store building built by Mr. Parsell was destroyed by fire as was also the second which burned in 1862 at a great loss. To this was added the loss by fire of a mill which he had bought at Fryden and in all the lost about $17,000 in these disasters. Throughout the time that he was active in business he was considered the best harness- maker in the State, and he now owns various handsome pieces of property in Flint and has dealt much in real estate. He has also been largely in- terested m mines in Colorado, and has a valuable property near Ouray, Col. In 1886 he closed out and cold his property, retiring from active life on account of ill-health.
Mr. Parsell was married in Erie County, N. Y., in 1836, to Miss Mary Mead. a native of Cayuga County, who became the mother of nine children. The two eldest have died, namely: Loretta, and Adelbert, who was for ten years Deputy Sheriff of this county and acted as sheriff in Colorado for seven years previous to bis death in October 1888. He had served his country for some three years in the First Michigan Regiment of Engineers and Mechanics. His death interrupted a brilliant career in Colorado where he was rapidly Incoming one of the foremost men in the State.
The children next in age are: Arlone, who is now Mrs. Lee. of Detroit; Clarence H .; Isabella, deceased: Homer, who enlisted as a drummer boy at the age of fourteen. in the Twenty-third Michi- gan Infantry im 1862 and served until the close of the war; Florence, now the wife of Mr. A. Mil- wards, of Detroit; Viola, Mas. H. Lamb, of Imlay
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City and Nellie, who died young. The family is connected with the Episcopal Church which Mr. Parsell helped materially to build and he is a prom- inent Democrat, being a frequent delegate to county and State conventions,
RS. ELIZA (APPLEGATE)CARPENTER, the widow of Joseph Carpenter, was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1823. She is a daughter of James and Charlotte (Carson) Applegate, natives of Sussex County, N. J., where they made their home throughout life. He was a thorough and capable farmer, a Democrat in his political affiliations, and with his wife a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The brothers and sisters of our subject are: Robert, Rachel, Deliah, William, Mary and Enoch.
The early education of Mrs. Carpenter was taken at Trenton, N. J. and at the age of twenty-five years she became the wife of Joseph Carpenter, who was born in 1823, in Warren County, N .J. His parents, Joseph and Christian (Sharps) Carpenter, were natives of New Jersey, and the father was a farmer by occupation. His political views brought him into alliance with the Democratic party and his religious convictions made him a Methodist. Their children were as follows: Joseph, John, Sarah. Elizabeth. Mary M., Henry, Rhoda. Christian, Stiles, Robert and Willie.
Joseph Carpenter received his education in War- ren County, N. J., and was carly employed upon the leme farm, but left home at the age of seven- teen and learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed until he came West in 1819 and settled in Pontiac, Oakland County, Mich., where he followed his trade for thirteen years. He then came to this farm where his widow now resides and purchased one hundred and sixty acres. I'mon this he made good improvements and placed substantial buildings, carrying on general farming in a systematic and thorough manner.
The husband of our subject was killed on a rail- road bridge on his own form on the 7th day of January. 1891. He was going down to the woods
where his men were chopping to give them orders, and being very deaf he did not hear the train ny- preaching. As he stood on the bridge he happened to turn around when it was very near him. He saw that he could not reach the end of the bruge and stopped to one side, but the train struck him and he was injured so severely that he lived but one hour. His loss was deeply felt in the com- munity.
The tive children of this couple are Stiles A., Mary M., AAnnie, Hattie and Sarah E. The oldest son married Nellie Harper and has one daughter, Emma. Mary, who married Mr. Jones is de- ceased; Annie is Mas. Lyons and has one child. Charles J .; Hattie, who became Mrs. Wormley has five children: Floy. Erna. Mand, Joseph and Fred. Sarah E. resides at home with her mother.
When Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter first came to this country this region was a dense and unbroken for- est and deer and wild turkeys were all about their door. They were then fully half a mile from any neighbor and there was no church nearer than Flushing. Notwithstanding the hardships of the pioneer times, Mrs. Carpenter says that they were very happy in making their home comfortable and enjoying together the experiences which came to them. She loved her work and in the companion- ship of her husband and children felt that a wild- erness was not dreary. She is a notable house- keeper and is considered one of the foremost mat- ross in this part of the country. Her character and influence make her a woman of mark and she i- universally respected.
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UDGE HENRY R. LOVELL. Our subject is the present Judge of Probate of Benesse County, and has held this position since January, 1885. He was born in Sharon, Conn., May 30, 1831. He isa son of John B. and Catherine M. (Gold) Lovell. His grand- father, Joshua Lovell, was a native of Connecticut. Our subject's maternal grand-ire served in the Rey- olutionary War. He was a member of the Conter- tient Legislature for twenty years. Judge Lovell's
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mother died in Flint while an inmate of her son's home; her decease occurred in June, 1881. when aged eighty -four years. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom our subject was one of
The original of our sketch was reared on the home farm. Heearly had the advantages of good schools, and in 1852 he went to Manchester, St. and entered the academy in order to prepare for college, which he did in 1853, entering the I'nion College at Schenectady, N. Y., from which he was gradnated in 1857 with the degree of Bach- clor of Arts. He began teaching at Troy (Vt.,) Conference Academy, then wa- Principal for a while at the Whitehall (N. Y.,) Academy. and was Principal for two years at the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and while there was honored by the degree of Master of Arts.
Giving up his pedagogie work in 1861, our sub- jeet came to Flint April 10, the day on which Ft. Sumter was fired upon. He at once entered Col. Fenton's law office and in November of that year was admitted to the Michigan bar. He then started an office by humuself and has continued m the practice of his profession ever since. In 1867 he became a member of the Constitutional Con- vention which met at Lansing, and was on the judiciary committee.
From 1870 to 1871 he was Prosventing Attorney of Generve County, and in Isst he was elected Judge of Probate on the Republican ticket. and re-elected in 1888. He is, and has for the past thirteen years, been a member of the School Board, having during that time tilled every po-i- tion on the Board.
The original of our sketch was married in West- field, Mas .. December 21. 1858. 10 Miss Maria I. Harrison, who was born in the above named place and who was a student and graduate of Mt. Hol- yoke Seminary, and later became a teacher. Judge Lovell is the father of four children-Almira I' .. Helen I., Harriet A. and Henry 11. The oldest daughter is a graduate of the I university of Michi- gan, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts; she is now Register of the Probate Court. The second daughter graduated from the same istitu- tion, also receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. She is now assistant professor in the Baltimore Female College. Harriet, like her sisters, graduated with honor and received a like degree in their Alma Mater, and is a teacher of physics in the Detroit High School. Henry II. who graduated from the Flint High School in the Class of '91. is now pursuing the electre engineer- ing course in the Michigan University.
Our subject is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, and also of the Knights of Phythias, and he has been Grand Chancellor of the State. He and his family are members of the Congregational Church. He has a pleasant home at No. 803 ('lif- ford Street.
... 0 JAMES Q. MALLERY. Our subject is the President of the Castrer-Mallery Company, - an incorporated agricultural implement com- pany in the city of Flint. He was born at Sodus, Wayne County. N. Y., March 9, 1855, and i- a son of Harvey N. Mallery, a native also of Wayne County. and a blacksmith hy occupation. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Miss Sarah Billett, she being born also near the birthplace of her son-Sodus, .N. Y.
Wout twenty years ago the family came to Gen- este County and located on a farm near Mt. Mor- ris, remaining there two years. when they came to Flint, where the elder Mr. Mallory engaged in blacksmithing. continuing in this occupation to the present time. Our subject's mother is still living and they make their home in the Third Ward. They have only one child. our subject.
James ti. received his education in the city school of Flint, supplementing the same by a clerkship of five years with the firm of F. U. & F. 0. Pierce, grocers. At the expiration of that time he began dealing in agricultural implements with his father, their place of business being on South Saginaw street. He continued in this but a short time when he engaged to work for the hardware firm of Simington & Hughes, remaining with them for two years, when he bought an interest in the Castroe Mallory Foundry. the firm name being
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Castree & Mallery. The company was in corpor- ated in 1886 with a. B. Castrer as President. Two years later our subject became its President. They manufacture laud rollers, cultivators, barrows, bob sleds and all kinds of agricultural implement -. giv- ing employment to thirty -live men.
Our subject was married to Miss Ida B. Johnson, February 27, 1878. Mrs. Mallory is a daughter of James M. Johnson of this city. To them have been born one child, a sou, Harvey J. Mrs. Mal- lery was born in New York, Nov. 21, 1861, and was brought to this State when quite young by her parents, Socially. Mr. Mallory is a member of the Masonic order, being identified with Genesee Lodge, No. 171. The Castrer-Mallory Company is one of the leading industries of Flint and adds greatly to the business prosperity of the place.
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M RS. MARY PATON. The lady whose name appears above is one of the mafrons of Flushing whose ex perience ex tends over a varied portion of the history of this vi- cinity. She is the widow of John Paton, a Scotch settler of an early day in this county. John Pa'on was born November 3, 1801, in Blackford, Perth- shire, Scotland. He was a son of James and Mary (Menzio-) Paton, natives of Scotland. They had three children-Ann, who was Mrs. William Dutt. Mary, who was Mrs. W. Joice and John.
John Paton was educated in Scotland, and early learned the art of manufacturing woolen goods. lis emigration to America took place in 1527 and he seeured employment at Paterson. X. J. and later engaged in the manufacture of woolen good- with Mr. Woodhouse, where he remained until 1831 when he came to Michigan and located in what is now known as Finshing Township. Genere County. there purchasing a tract of three hundred and fifty acres on sections 22 and 27. He was the first set- fler in this township when the bowl of the wolf and visits from the red men were not infrequent. He settled at a place on the river in what is now Flint Township.
ing Township and settled on the farm which he at first purchased. He improved it by creating n com- fortable ham house and began the work of clear- ing. It proved to be his home until his death which occurred April 12, 1886. He was a thorough farmer and made of his place a perfeet agricultural tract. Several times he held the office of Treasurer. He was also Road Commissioner and held some other offices. He was a Republican in politics and in his religious sentiments held to the church of his country, being a strong Presbyteriau, and was one of the organizers of the first church built in this place." He was not so bigoted. however, that he did not give generously to the support of other churches.
Mrs. Paton tells the writer that she lived here without seeing a woman for six months. There were no roads at the time and their guide through the waste of woods was the blazed trees. There was plenty of game of all kinds and the larder needed never to be empty of meat supplyed by the rifle. tOur subject was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Evans, the daughter of John and Mary (Abbott) Evans, natives of Ireland, but whose parents were from England. Her maternal grandparents were natives of England but resided in Ireland. Her . paternal grandparents were Michael and Elizabeth (('oats) Evans, natives of England. The former was a retired surgeon. Our subject was married to Mr. Paton, November 22, 1835, and as the years passed became the mother of four children, three of whom are now living. They are --- John, Mary and An- nie. The first named married Sarah Beaty, and is the father of one chibl. a daughter, whose name is Fanny Eveline. He resides in Flushing. Mary is Mr -. Lutze and Annie is Mrs. Morlit.
As a young lady Mrs. Paton received her educa- tion in the manufacturing town of Manchester, England. She came with her father to America in 1830 and in 1835 located in Flushing on a part of what is now the Paton farm, On reaching De- troit she and her father came to this place on foot. After the first day they found their way by the Indian trail, making eleven miles the first day and twenty-one anles thesecond. Mrs, Paton has many warm friends in this county and has lived to enjoy
In 18:17 Mr. Paton brought his family to Flush- , the comforts of a beautiful home in a country
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which was desolate on her advent here. Her son was the first white child born on this side of Flint Bridge and Mary M. was the first white girl born in Flushing Township. The latter, How Mrs. Lutze, is a talented and cultured woman, who is interested in everything that is progressive and enterprising. She belongs to the Literary and Sci- entific Circle of the Chautsaqua Club, having grad- unted with the Class of '81. She is also a talented artist and her home is beautified by the work of her own hands. She and her mother belong to the Presbyterian Church.
B ENJAMIN F. COTHARIN. The city of Flint has many flourishing business estal- lishments, and prominent among these is the furniture store of Mr. Catharin, which is conveniently located near the cornerof Saginaw and Second Streets, Mr. Cotbarin carries a splendid line of furniture and upholstered goods, occupying live floors, one hundred and forty feet deep. The stiecess which has come to him is the reward of his determined and judicious cforts, and while finan- cially he has accumulated a competency, he has at the same time carned a place among the representa- tive and honored citizens of Flint. those who have become identified with its growth and closely con- weeted with its progress.
Mr. Catharin was born in Springfield Township. Onkland County, this State, March to, 1800, and is the son of Benjamin and Eliza (Carter) Catharin, of whom see sketch elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was seven years old when he accompanied his parents to this city and here he gained Ins edu- cation. After completing the course of study m the High School he attended the Commercial Col- lege of Detroit, where he became well grounded in the principles which contribute to success in busi- nes. After completing his education he was for a time with F. W. Judd and later formed a partnership with William Charles in 1872, the firm name being Charles& Catharin. Thisconnection was continued for four years, when Mr. Cotharin bought out his
partner's int rest and continued the business alone. His establishment has always been located on Nagi- Haw Street and has gradually grown to its present magnitude.
Every measure calculated to promote the inter- est- of Flint receives the hearty co-operation of Mr. Cotharin. He is now one of the Directors of the Flint Water Company, with which he has been connected since soon after its organization. He is Director and Vice-President of the Equitable Sav- ings and Loan Association, of which he was one of the organizers at the time of its inception August 1. 1889; he is also a stockholder in the First Na. tional Bank. Socially he is a Knight Templar, connected with the Genesee Valley Commandery, No. 15, and is a member of Washington Chapter No. 15, and the Blue Lodge of Flint No. 23; he is also a member of the Maccabees. In the city of Flint he owns business houses, as well as private residences and lots, and the brick structure which he occupies for his formture establishment, was built under his direction. It is 20x1 10 feet in di- mensions, and comprises five stories above a base- ment. He is interested in the Platte Iron Mine, located in northern Michigan.
On October 12, 1874, Mr. Cotharin was united in marriage with Miss Elenora Beche, the daughter of G. W. Beche, of Flint. Mr. and Mrs. Cotharin have one child, a daughter, Marguerite. They are consistent members of the Episcopal Church, in which he is a Vestryman. Socially they are wel- coned in the most select circles of the city, and under their hospitable roof their many friends are Wout to gather and pass pleasant hours.
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