USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 22
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 22
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 22
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In 1865 Mr. Hitchcock sold his Eastern property and came to Michigan, locating in Grand Blanc Township, where he bought property and located in 1866. While living on this place he was sev- oral times elected to office but declined to qualify. Removing to Grand Blanc he undertook the grain business and built the first elevator there, and car- ried on this business for over seven years.
In 1872 Mr. Hitchcock Bought a farm in Gene. see Towns hip, and there combined dealing in stock and grain with his faring operations, making Flint his headquarters sol removing to that city in 1878, He entered the firm of Hitchcock, Kline & Co .. which continued until the fall of 1889, and
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had the reputation of being the heaviest dealer in grain, hay and farm produce in that region.
Our subject has since 1889 paid his whole atten- tion to his farm of two hundred and sixty artes. Here he has a fine grade of stock and an excellent orchard. During the Civil War he furnished hun- dreds of horses to the Government. For years he was one of the Directors of the tieneste County Agricultural Society.
This gentleman was married March 5. 1855, tu Mes. Matilda P. Hitchcock, daughter of Alvin Ban, a New Yorker who had become a farmer in Malama Township, and died here at the age of fifty-eight. Mr -. Bam's maiden name was Annie Sample and her father Hugh Sample, who was of Scotch descent, was the first settler at Sample Hill in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. The two children of our subject are Martha .. who died at the age of seventeen years, and Ellie who is a graduate of the Deaf and Dumb Institute of Michigan, and of the Washington Heights Deaf Mate Institute and is now Mas. William Gibney, of Chicago. Mr. Hitch- rock is a true blue Republican and is a frequent delegate to conventions, In lois he was appointed Superintendent of the Poor and under his admin- istration matters have been greatly improved.
0 BIN SEELEY is a member of a family that has done much for this vicinity, both as loyal citizens in the infant days of its fint- ernment and as industrious and enterprising workers who have developed the material resources. He is the third member of the family who is still living, and was born in Edinburg Township. Sara- toga County. N. Y., April 25, 1811. He is a son of Lewis Seeley, who was born in the town of Trumbull. Comn., seven miles from old Bridge- port. (For a fuller sketch of our subject's par- ents see biography of Lewis seeley on another page of this book.) The parents died in tienesee Township, this State, the father being sixty-three years of age and the mother eighty-nine years. They were the parents of nine children, all of
whom grew to maturity, but of whom three only are now living-Damel II., Fayette and Orin. .
The gentleman whose hife history it is our privi- lege to give in outline, was the third son and fourth child of his parents' family. He lived in his native place until eleven years old, thence re- moving with his parents to Onondaga County, N. Y. Ile there remained until about seventeen years old, and theuce went to Orleans County. His home was made under the paternal roof until reaching his majority, and then he worked out by the month as a farm laborer, receiving #11 per month as equivalent for his labor.
Our subject was first married September 7, 1828, to Miss Salma Andrews, a native of New York. By this union there were mine children, all of whom grew to maturity. They are by name Mar- tilla, Harriet, Anna Orin, Edwin, Daniel, William, Julia and Jane. The oldest is the widow of Baily Clapp: Harriet is the wife of Edward Clapp and resides in Flint; Orin lives in Flint; Edwin lives in Sethford Township, Genesee County; Daniel lives near Mt. Morris, in New York, while Will- iam makes his home on the farm and assists his fa- ther with the farm work. The mother of these children died April 9, 1869, and was interred in the Hitchcock Cemetery in Genesee Township.
In November, 1869, our subjeet married a ser- ond time, his wife being Mary De Witt, the widow of Abel Marshal. She was born in New York, May 15, 1817. By her first marriage she beenme the mother of five children, all of whom lived to reach years of maturity. They are: Francis, Sarah. George. Philip and Eliza. Mrs. Seeley was reared in her native place and was there married. She came to Michigan in 1×16, and Mr. Seeley came with his parents in 1836. He returned however, to his native place and remained for four years, but in 1810 he returned to Genesce County, Mich., and located on the place where he now resides. There were no other improvements on the place excepting a log shanty. He first purchased forty Here's and added to it as his means would allow until he is now the owner of one hundred acres of well-improved land. He has created all the build- ings and has a good house and barn.
Politically our subject is a Democrat. He, with
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his wife and family, are adherents of the Conge- gational Church. He can boast of never having had a mortgage upon his place, which in these days of encumbered property is something to be proud of.
OUN M. M. KERCHER. Retired from av- tive Insiness, our subject is at present County Superintendent of the Poor. He is also Secretary of the School Board, having occupied that position for three years. Mr. Me- Kercher was born in Livingston County. . N. Y .. January 1, 1810, and is the son of Daniel and Florence ( Met'andlish) MeKercher. the father being a farmer.
When but four years old our subject was brought to Flint by his parents, the senior Mr. MeKercher having located one hundred and sixty acres of land south-west of the city of Flint. The land was in it- primitive state, there not even be- ing roads cut through and our subject well re- members the trying times of that period. The father remained on this place for thirty years; the mother died when our subject was but twelve years old. Daniel Mekercher was Clerk of Flint Town- ship and was respected wherever known.
Our subject was given the advantages of a very good education, which, with the training he re ceived on the farm, cualded him to make a good start for himself. He apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a emporter and joiner and was very successful in his work in this county. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. MeKercher enlisted in Company B. First Michigan Engineers, and was designed to the Army of the Cumberland, but. afterward was changed to the Army of the Tenn- cosee. He saw much active fighting, having par- ticipated in the battles of La Vergne, Tenn., Look- out Mountain, Missionary Ridge and many other- and after a brave and loyal service of three years was discharged.
After his return from the army Mr. MeKercher ngain located in Flint and followed his trade a few years when he entered the carpentry depart-
ment of the deaf institution, remaining there for a term. In lax he opened a general merchandise store in New Lothrop, Shiawassee County, con- ducting the same for two years, when he again returned to Flint and engaged in the same business For two years more. Our subject was then elected City Treasurer and having a good opportunity to dispose of his business he did so and served his city two terms in the above-named office, giving satisfaction to all. Previous to this time he acted as Supervisor of his Ward for two years, Socially he is identified with the Genesce Commandery, K. T' .. No. Ja, is the present Master of Flint Lodge, No. 23, High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 15, and thrive Illustrious Master of Flint Council, No. 36.
John M. MeKercher was married January 11. 1867, to Miss Matilda E. Atkin, daughter of the Hon. R. P. Atkin. Mrs. MeKercher was born in Flint Township, December 21, 1817. They have become the parents of one child, a daughter, Grave 1. Both our subject and his wife are prominent members of the Episcopal Church and are most highly respected residents of Flint.
IL.LIAM F. CLAPP. Genesce County i- favored with a numerous population of intelligent and progressive farmers, who are interested not only in what concerns them- selves and their own prosperity, but are willing to place themselves in line with all who are working for the welfare of the community. Such an one is Mr. Clapp, who was born in fieneser Township, this county, May 17. 1858, and who makes his home in Montrose Township. His father, Volney T. Clapp, and his mother, Joanna A. (Todd) Clapp, had a family of live children who lived lo grow to to man's and woman's estate, and of this number our subject is the eldest.
The carly training and education of Mr. Clapp was received upon his father's farm and in the district school until be reached the age of fourteen, at which time the family removed to Flint and made their home there for five years, during which
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time the lad had the advantage of the Flint High School, and at the end of that time they returned to the farm, where the young man remained until he was twenty -two years old.
Elsie W. Todd was the maiden name of the lady who became the wife of our subject, September 11, 1878, and she also is a native of Genesce Township. After marriage, the young man rented his father's farm for two years and then came to Montrose Township, and purchased eighty acres on section 15, which he has since made his home. Seventy aeres of this land is now in an improved condition and products excellent and varied crops. Two bright and interesting children have crowned this union-Earl C. and Edith D. Mr. Clapp has held the office of Township Clerk for four year- and School Treasurer one term. He is ever active and earnest in his advocacy of the merits of Demo- cratie principles and the Democratic party and believes that in its doctrines is to be found the true philosophy of Government. He takes an interest in all that pertains to the prosperity of the commonwealth and especially in that portion of the community where he makes his home.
b ARLAN PAGE GAZLAY isa harnessmaker located at No. 100 South Saginaw street, Flint. He is a native of this place, his Father Ward Gazlay, having come here in 1837. The latter was born in Onondaga Hollow, Onondaga County. N. Y., January 21, 181. His wife, the mother of our subject, was known m her maidenhood as Miss Louise B. Hood, and was also a native of New York, having been born Septem- ber 21, 185l, at Knowlesville. The parents were married August 18. 1810.
Ward tiazlay was educated in his native county and for a time before coming West acted as cap- tain of a canal-boat. In 1837, the date of his coming to Michigan, be purchased property on the corner of First and Saginaw Streets, south, in Flint and also located one hundred and sixty acres in Gaines Township, Genesce County and made a purchase in Flint Township, besides owning land
in Mt. Morris Township. After locating his prop- orty he returned to New York and was married, after which he brought his bride to the Wolverine State.
Our subject's father owned the first harness shop in Genere County, Ins first location being on Sag- inaw street, south, occupying the sune building with Benjamin Cochran. He then purchased the old Presbyterian Church which he moved to the location of his old shop and by his ingenuity and energy remodeled it and besides having a conven- ient harness shoop rented a portion to three ten- ants. This building did good service for twenty- six years, until the big fire in that place. The business success which he afterward attained is illustrated in the fact that immediately after the lire he went to Detroit and restocked his shop and the next day was ready for business. Soon after he made arrangements to creet a brick block which still bears his name. In dimensions it is 11x80 feet and three stories in height. Mr. Gaz- lay, Sr., occupied the second story as his place of business until his death, April 7, 1886, having been engaged in successful business here for half a cen- tury. He did not meddle in public affairs, but gave his entire attention to his business and at the time of his death owned considerable property. In religious matters he was a member of the Pres- byterian Church, holding the office of Trustee in that body. At the time of his death he left a fam- ily of six children-Ehzabeth. Mrs. Brooks; Sarah, Mrs. Withey; Harlan Page, our subject; Helen C .; Alice .I., Mrs. Clark, and Otis F. The mother of our subject died December 29, 1882.
Harlan P. Gadlay, our subject, was born in Flint, August 25, 1850. He received a common-school education in his native place and afterward learned the trade of harness-making from his father, and March 1, 1882. established in business for himself. He later purchased the property at the corner of Saginaw and Sixth Streets. South where he opened his shop and had his residence located in the same block. They have continued in this location ever since. Our subjeet served for eleven years as a member of the look and Ladder company during the volunteer service.
Hle of whom we write was married April 11.
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1877, to Miss Margaretta Houghtaling, of Lapeer County, and to them have been born one som-1. Harlan. Otis F. Gazlay, the brother of our sulle jeet, was born December 29, 1861, and after re- ceiving a fair education, also learned the trade of a harnes-maker under the tutilage of his father, continuing in his employ until the death of Mr. Gazlay. He has resided most of the time with our subject. He has an interest in the estate left by his father. Our subject is one of the well- known and successful business men of Flint.
b ERMAN 1. PHERSON, President of the Thread Flouring Mull Company, which is one of the largest in the State, and also une of the Directors of the First National Bank of Flint, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1837, on the lith of August, and is a son of Will- iam S., a native of the same place. The grand- father, Col. Benjamin Pierson, was a native of Connecticut and both an hotel keeper and a farmer. At the age of fourteen he took his brother's place in the Revolutionary Army and although lare- footed, cold and almost starved he drove a team across the mountains and served as a soldier through the remainder of the conflict. He became an early settler in Western New York, assisted in building a millat Honeoye Fall and afterward settled in Aron, where he helped to survey the tieneve Valley and finally turned his attention to hotel-keeping. He took part ako in the War of 1812 and was raised to the rank of Colonel. He was a strong member of the Baptist Church and died at the age of seventy-live. The family is of English decent and the first representative in this country was Abraham Pierson, who came from Yorkshire about the year 1612 and was the father of Abraham Jr., who became the first President of Sale College.
The father of our subject married Miss Fanny Ladd, a native of Non, N. Y., and in ISMO came to Genesee County, Mich., settling in tiener Township, which was his home until his death in IX7%. He was one of the most prominent men in
his neighborhood. und influential in every way, and an active member of the Presby terian Church. The mother of our subject died in tienere Township at the age of seventy-two. Herman Pierson was the oldest in a family of six children and had his varly training in this county. His boyhood was enlivened by hunting and pioncer sports and his intercourse with the Indians gave him quite an understanding of their language. His education was received in the district schools and at the age of twenty-one he came into possession of one hun- dred and twenty acres in Mt. Morris Township, which in 1871 he sold to his brother.
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In 1873 Mr. Pierson cune to Flint and engaged in the milling business, buying a half interest in the Thread Mills and going into partnership with J. P. Burroughs. They have improved the mill from time to time introducing better methods but in June 1879 they met with a great disaster in its destruction by fire. They at once re-built putting in letter machinery and improvements in every way. The Thread Mills were incorporated under the laws of the State in 1886 and two years later our subject became the President of the company. The mills are located on the Thread River and are situated on one hundred and twenty acres of land. half of which is within the corporation and the other half in Burton Township. Their elevator has a capacity of thirty-five thousand bushels and the capacity of the mill is three hundred and fifty . barrels a day. A track connects the mill with the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad and they ship to Philadelphia and Baltimore besides disposing of one hundred barrels a day in the State. Their cooper shop- which are rented to the Super Manu- facturing Company are also on the same tract of land. Besides their fine water-power they have a two hundred horse-power steam engine.
The fine farm of our subject comprises three hundred acres in Genere Township, and upon it are raised fine crops of grain and a superior grade of stock and all is under the supervision of its owner. He was married in 1867 to Miss Adaline S. Jenks, of Mendon, N. Y., by whom he had one Fuld, William .. Mrs. Pierson departed this life une 5, 1871. He was married the second time in Leroy, tieneer County, N. Y., in 1875, to Miss
J. CA. BEgule
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Yours Truly. Ufrs. R. A. Bigoli.
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Mary E. Calvert, a native of that place. Their two children are Carrie C. and Floyd C., and their beautiful home is at the corner of Church and Eighth Streets. The family is connected with the First Presby terian Church and this gentleman was one of the Building Committee and is a trustee and has been on the Board of Elders. He is a Democrat but not radical in his views and he he- longs to the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons and the Royal Arcanum.
REDERICK A. BEGOLE. The gentleman : whose name appears above is the owner of a tine farm located on section 31, Flint Township, Genesce County. He is a native of New York State, having been born in Mt. Morris, Livingston County, March 11, 1817. He is a son of William and Eleanor (Bowles) Regole, the former having been born in Hagerstown, Md., in 1786, and the latter in Fredericksburg of the sanie State. The mother died in Ypsilanti, Mich., while making her home with her son-in-law, Mr. Hezekiah Brinkerhoff. Her husband died in Livingston County, N. Y. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth. He was reared in his native place and remained there until the fall of 1838, when he came to Flint, Mich., being at the time unmarried.
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Our subject began to improve the land upon which he now lives and which was purchased by his father in 18:16, and seeded to our subject in 18:18. He devoted himself to agriculture but a short time, then was engaged as a carpenter for six months in Flint. After being employed for another six months he returned to New York on a visit, but came back to Genesce County and was engaged in work for his brother Josiah (the ex-Governor) for several months. He again made a trip to New York, remaining until 1812, when he brought back with him his wife and child and settled on the land on which he had begun to make improve- ments on first coming to the State, and it has been his home ever since, so that he is now one of the oldest settlers in tienesee County.
Mr. Regole has created a nice series of buildings on his farm which comprises two hundred and forty acres of good and fertile Ind. His marringe took place February 28, 1811, in Mt. Morris, N. Y., to Miss Angelina Chapman, a daughter of James and Elinor (Seank) Chapman. She was born in Allegany County, N. Y., March 9, 1820. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Begole has been blessed by the advent of three living children: Frances E., James A. and William M. Frances is the wife of Peter fordon, dr .; James married Elizabeth Silsby; William married Miss Lilly Begole. Two other children, Philo and Cornelia died in infancy.
In local politics Mr. Begole has always been much interested. He is a Republican of the must pronounced type and never afraid to stand for the principles of his party. For twenty-six years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and has filled school and other minor offices. He has also been greatly interested in the educational matters of the vicinity, realizing how much the advance- ment of the locality depends upon this important consideration. He and his wife also take an active part in religious work. A genial and whole-souled man with whom it is a pleasure to meet, our sub- jeet possesses many of the qualities which have contributed to the popularity and success of his brother Josiah W., formerly Governor of Michigan. His place is characterized by the neatness with which everything about it is kept, while his build- ings are in excellent condition and show taste as well as thrift.
The attention of the reader is invited to the lithographie portraits of Mr. Begole and his esti- mable wife, which appears in connection with this biographical notice.
LMON L. ALDRICH. The capable editor of the Flint tri-weekly Globe, is he whose name appears above, and who has done ex- cellent work. Mr. Aldrich was born in Springwater, Livingston County, N. Y., March 10, 1833. He is the son of Alvin B. and Elizabeth (Dunn) Aldrich. The former was a native of
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Wayne County, N. Y., and was born in 1810. Our subject's grand-ire, Leonard Aldrich, was a native of Massachusetts, and a descendant of George Ald- rich, an English gentleman who settled in Brain- tree, the old Bay State, in 1618, and he was the originator of the Aldrich family in America.
.A native of Massachusetts, our subject's pater- mal grandfather was an early settler in Wayne County. S. Y .. and there died. In that place also was our subject's immediate progenitor born, and later located in Springwater Township, Living- Hton County, in the same State where he began farming. Gin the failure of his health. however, he returned to his native place and there died in 1811. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Dann, and who was born in Manlius. Onondaga County, was the daughter of Jacob Dunn. an carly settler in that county, but a native of New Jersey. He served in the War of 1812. and later resided in Wayne County, and then in Allegany County. where his deecase occurred. He was of liish an- ٠١١١٢٠١٠١
The mother of our subject died in Allegany County, N. Y., in 1871. She reared her children in the religions faith of the family, which was that of the Presbyterian. There were four little ones and of these our subject is the second ellest. lle was reared in Livingston County, N. Y. until the spring of 1&1; he then returned to Wayne County. and later was engaged on a farm in Rush- ford. Allegany County, where he remained until nineteen years of age. During that time he had the advantages offered by a district school and two terme at Rashford Academy. On finishing his course he began teaching in order to accumulate enough money to take bin through the academy in preparation for the I university of Michigan.
During his academical course Mr. Aldrich assu- ciated with men who have since distinguished themselves in various lines. He was a classmate of Licut .- Goy. Pond. of Wisconsin, and also of Senator 11. M. Teller, of Colorado. He had a four- years' course at Rushford and taught for one year in the academy. He was one of the first three per- sous graduating from Rushford in 1855. The fol- lowing year he was employed as Principal of the I'mla (N. Y.) schools, and in the fall of the sanne
year cante to Berrien Springs, Mich., and served as 'imeipal of the High School for one year. lu the fall of 1857 he entered the Sophomore class of the I'niversity of Michigan, devotivg himself to the scientific course. On graduating, in 1×60, he re- ceived the degree of Bachelor of Seience, and in 1869 the degree of Master of Science was alded to hi- honors. After graduation he taught for one year at St. Joe, and then located on a farm in Ham- ilton Township. Van Buren County.
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Engaged at the same time in teaching and far- ing. Mr. Aldrich was also proprietor and editor of the St. doe brardler. He continued it- publication until June. 1×69. when he sold it, and coming to Flint. purchased the Globe, to which he has since given his time and attention. The first copy of the Globe appeared in 1866. its projectors being Robert and Charles Smith and Heury Hilton. It was a large folio, issued as a weekly, which our subject continued until 1886, when he changed it to a tri-weekly. It is now a seven-column folio, devoted to the interests of the community and county. It is Republican in politics, and voices truthfully the predominant sentiments of the party which it represents.
Side from the publication of this journal he has the leading job printing trade in the city. The work is carried on and the offices are located in a substantial brick block on Kearsley Street. The presses are run by water-power. Mr. Aldrich has a beautiful home located on Court Street, No. GOG. The residence was built at a cost of $10,000. The home is pleasingly presided over by Mrs. Ald- rich, who is a lady of striking attractions and pleasing mmmers. They were married June 28, 1800, at Battle Creek, the lady being in her maiden days Miss Deney .A. Abbott. She was born at Cuba, Allegany County. N. Y., and is a daughter of Solomon S. AMbott, a prominent farmer of that place, who now resides in Van Buren County, this State. Mrs. Aldrich was educated in part in Lima College and was graduated from Rushford Acad- emy the same year as her husband; she is an in- telligent and well-informed lady. Three children have come to them: Fred A., a member of the Flint Road Cart Company of this city ; Ralph 1 ... who was graduated from the law department of the
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