Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan, Part 27

Author: Chapman bros., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 948

USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 27
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 27
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 27

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Mr. Baxter was married February 27, 1853, to Miss Rachel A. Cummings, who was born in Erie N. Y., May 30, 18:11. She was a daughter of Lewis and Elste Cummings, and when a child came with her parents to Genesce County, settling in Atlas Township in 1836, her father being one of the early pioneers in that district. She was one of a large family of children, of whom the following survive: Mrs. Baxter, Orlando, Loretta, now the widow of Addison Mathias; Stephen, Edward, George 11. and Nellie (Mrs. Rockafellow). The mother resides in Flint.

Mr. Baxter lies buried in Tennessee, where his spirit left the body. He was a man who was much esteemed among friends and acquaintances. Hle was a Democrat in politics. In addition to the comfortable farm of eighty acres which Mrs. Bax- ters owns in Atlas Township, she receives a pen- sion from the Government. She is one of the active and working matrons in every good cause in this vicinity. She is a sister of Stephen and Ed- ward Cummings, of whom further mention is made in another part of this work, and her family are among the prominent pioneer families of Atlas Township.

R OSWELL PRESTON. No one in this vicin- ity is more worthy of excellent representa- tion in this Recoup than the venerable and honored septuagenarian whose name appears above. He is a representative pioneer of Genere County and resides in Goodrich. He was born in Washington County, N. Y., October 23, 1817, and is a son of Levi and Sarah ( Ames) Preston, both of whom were New Englanders. Our subject's maternal grandfather Ames is said to have been a Revolutionary soldier. Our subject's father was taken away when his son was but a wee babe and

in 1831 with his mother and a brother be removed to Niagara County, N. Y., that being his home until the fall of 1836 when he emigrated to Mich- igan by way of the lakes. His mother and brother made the trip on the Canadian side by wagon. All met nt Sandwich, Canada, and crossed to De- troit. Thence they came to Genesee County, this State, and the family settled on section 10, Atlas Township, and were among the first to locate in the town. Levi Preston had come to tienesce County first in the spring of 1836 and had pur- chased five hundred seres of land from the Gov- ernment, paying the usual price-$1.25 per nere. While here he had commenced to build a small frame house and on the arrival of the family they completed it and settled in it. Levi Preston lived in Atlas Township until 1856 when he moved to Oakland County. While here the brothers worked together and during that time did a vast amount of pioneer work. The situation was a complicated one and the early settlers were obliged to plan comprehensively in order to effect the result which is seen at the present time.

Roswell Preston was married March 2, 1851, his bride being Elizabeth Nesmith. a native of Erie County, N. Y., who was born September 1, 1828. She was a daughter of David and Emeline (Wright) Nesmith, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. Her grandfather Nesmith was a Revolutionary soldier and her father served in the War of 1812. She had come to the wilds of Mich- igan to make her home with her parents when but fifteen years of age and accomplished the trip by riding and at times plodding over bad roads, fording rivers and camping out by night where they ran the hazard of being assailed by Indians or wild beasts. She was one of a family of seven children, three of whom still live. They are Win -. field S., Mrs. Preston and Sarah, Mrs. Harlow Hus- ted.

Our subject and his wife have been the parents of five children, four of whom still live. They are Emma. Mrs. Alexander Campbell; Caroline, Mrs. Frost; Belle, Mrs. Henry Parkis, and Grant E. In early days our subject was known as an unerring shotsman and has killed as many as fifty-one deer since settling here. He has served

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

n. Constable of Ata- Township for a number of Years and was Deputy Sheriff for one and one-half years. He was also Highway Commissioner and Justier of the Face. \ Republican in politics, he has been one of the stanched advocates of the party in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have arrived at year's that perforce command the regard of the mass of people. Their experience has been a varied and extensive one and their struggle with the various contingencies of the position has been well made.

C HARLES RAUBINGER, of Mandy Town- ship, Gener County, was born in Baden. Germany. September 9, 1837 and remained in his native land until he reached the age of eighteen. He left formany in the spring of 1851 and landed in New York City in April, remaining there for three months after which be removed to Pennsylvania, where he found employment upon a canal for awhile before going to Luzerne County where he worked at the trade of a mason for two season- and then come to Flint, Genere County. Somewhat later he spent two years in Shinwassee County upon a farm and then returned to Flint, where he found varied employment until 1862.

In April of that year the young man enlisted in Company A. Tenth Michigan Infantry serving his adopted country for three years. and receiving his honorable discharge April 22, 1865. He took part. in the battles of Jonesboro and Bentonville and also in unmerotts skirmishes. In March 1863 he was made Corporal and the Ist of September. 1861 he was promoted to be sergeant. When the war was over he returned to Flint and was employed in a saw mill until 1876. He then bought eighty Here in Mundy Township, and hove became a rei- dent. From time to time he has added to his acreage until he now has one hundred and twenty aeres, half of which is improved.

Mr. Raubinger was married in Flint, Mich., Det ther &, Jis, to Mary Lynch who was born in Ireland. August 16, 1817. They have had seven children, namely: Philip .A., Charles La, Frederick

M., Mary E., John F. (deceased), William J. and Edward 3. The parents of this household are de- voted members of the Catholic Church and in pol- ities Mr. Raubinger is independent. Since coming to this township he has followed agricultural pur- suits and is making of them a success,

Michael Lynch, the father of Mrs. Ranbinger, was born in Ireland, as was also her mother, whose maiden name was Honour O'Connell. It was in 1852 when they came to America and settled in Carbon County. l'a .. whence they come in 1856 to this county, where they lived in Flint until 1863 and then bought a farm in Gaines Township. where they lived till their death. They had live children, of whom Mrs. Raubinger is the fourth.

Anton Raubinger, the father of our subject. was like his son a native of Baden, Germany, and there he spent his days. His wife hore the maiden name of Elizabeth Auchter, and she also spent her life in Baden. Their son Charles was the second in their family of five children. Hlv is one of the best of our German-American citizens in this township.

ESLEY B. BANGILART. Among the prom- inent citizens of Flint, there is probably no one more in touch with that wide- awake and generous public spirit, which has helped this city along the lines of education, philanthropy and general culture than W. B. Banghart, well known as the proprietor of Banghart Park. on Long Lake. He is also a dealer in pianos, organs and sewing machines. Mr. Banghart was born Jannary 31. 1813, in Oxford Township, Warren County, N. I .. and is the son of Philip (., and the grandson of Michael, a farmer of Warren County, who served in the Revolutionary War and died in Warren County. He was of German descent.

Philip C. Banghart was a farmer by occupation, and in 1815 he came to Michigan, settling in the the woods of Lapeer County. There be built a log house and improved a farm. In 1818 he located in the vicinity of Oxford, where be placed im-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

provements upon another farm, and there resided many years. He died at the home of his son, om subject, in Flint, in 1881. He was prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as a local minister for a number of years. He was a Democrat mu his political attiliations. His wife. Sophia (Mount) Banghart, was born in Warren, S. .1., and died in 1877. Her father was killed in the War of 1812, where he served in our com try's defense.

Eleven children were born to the parents of our subject, and of these nine are now living. One son, Theodore T., served in the Mexican War and was active in securing recruits. The scenes of the first recollections of our subject, who was the youngest, member of the family, are of the prime- val surroundings of Michigan, where he was reared in Oxford. He alternated attendance at the dis- triet school with labor on the farm, and remained at home in charge of the farm of eighty acres. which he purchased in 1861. Considerable un- provement had already been made upon the place, and he erected a new residence and further em- bellished the place. In 1879 Mr. Banghart sold hi- estate and removed to Flint, where he took the agency of a sewing machine and clothes wringer company, and he has been a successful soheitor siner first taking the agency. In 1882 he became agent for organs, and two years later, began to deal im piano; he also does a large real estate business. In 18x1 he bought a patent and engaged in the manufacture of the Eureka Cooker, selling the same for seven yours throughout the United States and making the venture a financial success. In 1890 he bought thirteen acres on Long Lake, Genere County, and this he converted into a park. Around the lake twelve cottages have been erected and the place is a favorite resort of pienie parties. It is reached by car one and one-half miles from Fenton, then by steamers across Long Lake, and is a lovely spot, picturesquely located and a quiet, healthful re- treat.

eighty miles from New York City, and three mile- from Belvidere. Mr. Bangbart has a pleasant home at No. 920 Stockton Street. May 17. 1876, he was married to Miss Josephine A. Davidson. She is the daughter of the Boy. James F. Davidson, a native of Brown County, Ohio; her grandfather, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, died in Indiana. The Rev. .. F. Davidson was a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and for fifty- four years was never absent from a conference. For years he was Presiding Elder, and his death in 1885 was deeply mourned throughout the district where he was so well known. He died in Fenton on his seventy-fifth birthday; for eleven months prior to his demise he was blind. He was first a Democrat, but in later life a Prohibitionist.

The mother of Mr. Banghart was Catherine Wittenmyer, who was born in Ole, and was the daughter of Col. John Wittenmyer, an officer m the Mexican War. He was a merchant, first in Ohio and later in Berrien County, this State. Of hi- four children two are living. Mrs. Banghart was born in Detroit, October 12. 1216, and re- ceived a good education in the High School of Detroit. She taught music from the time she was aventeen until her marriage. Four children have heen horn to Mr. and Mrs. Banghart, Callie W. and W. DuFay, and two died in infancy. Mr. Bang- bart has been a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church choir since he was twenty-one your old, and has also taught vocal music. He is very active as a Prohibitionist, and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

AMES WILLIAMS is Chief of the Flint Fire Department. which position he has held since 1875 and has commended him- self during that space of time to the citi- zeus whose property and lives he has been commissioned to guard, as well as to the body of brave fire laddies whose acknowledged chief and head he is. The department was changed, in AApril, 1876, from a volunteer to a paid body.

In 1882 Mr. Baughart became the possessor of his grandfather Banghart's oll home of two hun- dred and nineteen acres in Warren County, N. J., also thirty acres of woodland, and this place be rented until 1889, when he sold it. It was located In the first-named condition it had eyested from

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the first history of the town and had three hand engines. Afterward they purchased a stemmer maned "Col. Fenton," in honor of one of the I have any voice have been made since his coming prominent citizens of the city. Later they pur- chased a larger engine called "City of Flint" and at the time the paid department was organized they were in possession of two steamers and two hose carts, replacing the old engine with a new one which they also named "Col. Fenton."

The engine house was built before the or- ganization of the department. It is a substan- tial mick block, 50x80 feet in dimensions and three stories in height, located at the corner of Saginaw and Third Streets, The department comprises twelve men, four of whom give their entire time to their work and the others following their respective avocations. They are named call men, although all sleep in the engine house.

Since the advent of the water works the de- partment has depended for force mainly upon the force supply. The present equipment consists of two hose wagons, one hose carriage, a book and truck and two steamers which are held in reserve in case of necessity. There are also five trained horses and all other accessories usually found in a well-organized city department. The sleeping rooms are on the second floor. The balance of the house is devoted to a fine council chamber. Everything about the place is admirably kept and managedl.

Mr. Williams was born in Newburg, Orange County, N. Y., August 11. 1811. He is a son of John and Sarah Williams. The father was in Insiness in New York, the family having moved to the city when our subject was young. He was there educated and then joined the New York Fire Department. He served his time and then received his honorable discharge from the Metro- politan Pay Department. At the time of coming West, about 1870, he decided on locating in Flint, and at once engaged in painting; he also im- mediately joined the fire department, in March, 1×71. He held the position of foreman of the book and ladder truck until he received his appointment as Chief, which position he has held continously without break ever since. He has served in this capacity with credit to himself and

in the most satisfactory manner to the city. Most of the improvements in which he could here.

In addition to his work in this direction he has been one of the Board of Alderman for the Fourth Ward for four years and a member of the School Board for three years. Our subject was married to Miss Kate E. Montgomery of New York City. He has become by this union the father of two daughters-Sadie and Ella, who were graduated with honors from the High School. Mr. Williams' ability in a business way and his integrity of character are vouched for by all who know him.

S AMPEL H. PAINE is a retired farmer liv- ing in Finshing. Ile is a native of El- mira. N. Y., and was born on the 13th of May, 1812. He is the son of George and Clara ( Hill) Paine, both natives of the Empire State. The former was a general workman. They lived and died in Elmira. They were both mem- bers of the Baptist Church, and were the parents of twelve children, four of whom still survive. They are our subject, George, Edward and Saralı, who is Mr. Parker. Another brother now de- ceased, was an editor of the Elmira Gazette. Our subject's father was a son of Brinton Paine, a na- tive of England. He was a Colommel in the Revo- lutionary War, Mr. Paine's maternal grandsire, David Hill, was a native of Ireland. He hved at Bainbridge, N. Y.

The subject of this sketch isself-educated. When ten years of age he went to Fountain County, Ind., with Frederick C. Paine, and remained with him until twenty years of age. He then returned to his old home, a distance of one thousand miles, on horseback, the journey occupying twenty days. He spent three weeks in visiting his parents and then went to learn the blacksmith's trade. He was at once engaged as a helper, and received $9 per month for his work. Later he engaged with his brother David in the blacksmithing business and followed that business for ten years.

السنة

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1811 our subject sold out his lavines in New York, and coming to Michigan, located in Flash- mg. He here purchased a shop which he continued to run for fifteen years. Prior to coming to Mich- igan he had purchased eighty acres of land in Flushing Township. While living in the village, he bought a farm which is now part of the village. It comprised fifty-two acres and is now owned by George Newell. Mr. Paine has erected a good many buildings in the village, and during the past six years has been particularly interested in build- ing up the town, as he has retired from the active pursuit of his trade during that time.

Our subject was married in 1832, to Miss Susan Criphen. Three children were born to these par- ents: Arminda, Mr. 11. R.mson; William, who married Aun Richardson, and is the father of six children; and Decatur, a harness-maker in Flint. Mrs. Susan Paine died January 11, 1867. Our sub- jeet was again married November 9, 1875, to Mrs. Eunice Woodford, of Wyoming County, N. Y. She is a daughter of John and Chloe (Huskins) Newall, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively. Mrs. Paine was educated in Ben- nington, Wyoming County, N. Y.

Hle of whom we write favor- the policy as adopted by the Republican party. He is one of the few capable men who have no desire to figure in public office, and although he has frequently been pressed to become a candidate to various offices, he has in- variably refused to accept the honor. Mr. and Mrs. l'aine are socially the leading people of this dis- triet. They have a beautiful home on Beach Street.

P AUL. IL. STEWART. A volume containing biographical sketches of the representative citizens of Flint would be incomplete with out considerable mention of the gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs. One of the influential, early settlers of this city, he came to the township of Flint in 1853 and purchased n partially-improved farm, which was his home for

two years. He then came to the growing town of Flint and engaged in the hardware business on Sag- inaw Street, where he continued successfully for about twelve years. Later he engaged in loaning money and upon the organization of the First Na- tional Bank he became a stockholder and Director, in which capacity he has since served.

Mr. Stewart still continues in business as a real- estate agent and money loaner and there is, per- haps, no citizen of Flint more completely identi- fied with its varied interests than he. His commo- dious residence is pleasantly located on the corner of Saginaw and Third Streets, and with its pretty lawn and tasteful furnishings forms one of the prettiest homes in the city. The lawn formerly extended over the entire block, but Mr. Stewart sold two lots to the Presbyterian Church; enough ground, however, remains to make of the place one of the most charming spots in the community. Mr. Stewart is mainly interested in real estate and considerable business property passes through his hands. Notwithstanding his extensive business interests, he finds sufficient time to serve the pro- ple in a public capacity, and as Justice of the Peace and Supervisor for the Third Ward he has con- tributed to the development of the city. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

A native of Vermont, Mr. Stewart was born in Williston, Chittendon County, June 21, 1809. and is the son of Calvin and Eleanor (Taylor) New- art. Our subject was only two and one-half years old when he was taken by his parents to Smyrna, Chenango County, N. Y., and there he grew to maturity and gained a good common-school chica- tion. In that county his parents spent their re- maining years and finally passed from the busy scenes of earth. When he attained to maturity our subject engaged as a carpenter and joiner, and when he had accumulated enough to establish a home of his own he chose as his helpmate Miss Luceba Kendall, of Gaines, Orleans County. N. Y. Their marriage, which was solemnized in 1836, was of briet duration, being brought to a close in 1850 by the death of Mrs. Stewart.

In 1853 Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Miss Adeline MM. Mather, the daughter of James Mather, of Gaine-, Orleans County, N. Y.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Mather was a farmer and business man and he and his wife both passed from earth in Orleans County. The same year which witnessed the mar- riage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Mather marked their arrival in Michigan and Genere County. Here they have ever lived, esteemed by all who made their acquaintance. A great sorrow came to Mr. Stewart in January. 1890, when his beloved wife died. She was born in 1819 and was therefore ser enty-one years old at the time of her demise. .. woman of great khalness of heart and nobility of character, she was beloved not only by the near- est to her, but by all the residents of the comban: ity. Mr. Stewart is a Christian and has been ves- tryman and warden of the Episcopal Church, to which he belongs.

ANIEL CALKINS, one of the best and most extensive farmers in Clayton Town- ship. and indeed in Genesce County, has a farm of tive hundred aeres, and one of the handsomest houses of the county. His exten- sive and well equipped barn covers musty- live hundred square feet. and the basement extends under the entire structure. The building ha - thirty- foot posts, and is constructed for the comfort and accommodation of his stock. He is a native of Gencare County. N. Y .. and was born January 19, 1811. Hi-parents were Caleband Caroline (Piper) Culkins. The former was a New Hampshire man. and a descendant of a good old Welch family who came to this country generations ago. His father. Caleb, Sr., died in April. 1801. while this som was born November 26. 1801, so that he never knew a father's care. The elder Caleb died at the age of forty-live, and was one of a family of seven broth- ers, all of whom except him, lived to a good old age, attaining from seventy to one hundred and four year's.

times married. By his first marriage, which was with Betsey Lucas, and took place in 1795, he had live children Betsey, Olive, Dimmis, Mercy and Caroline. Their mother died in June, 1805, and in 1806 be look for his second wife, Miss Annie Coville, who love him nine children. namely: Polly, Nelson, Matilda, Maletta, Ann, Eliza. William, Fannie and George. This youngest son was a sol- dier in the I'nion Army, and being captured by the rebels and incarcerated in Libby Prison, died from starvation. After the death of Mrs. Annie Piper, her husband married a lady by the name of Thayer and subsequent to her decease and after he had passed the age of eighty years, Mr. Piper was married in 1851, to a Miss Farr, He died in 1860), having attained the age of eighty-six years.

The parents of our subject were married in the Green Mountain State February 22, 1825, and the following spring they removed to Wheatland Township, Monroe County, N Y., and later re- moved to Oakfield, where, with a brother Daniel, Caleb Calkins purchased a farm in the wilderness at a time when that country was overrun by wolves and Indians. Somewhat later he came West with his father-in-law prospecting in Michigan, and in traveling through Calhoun County on foot, they sold pins, needles and notions to pay expenses. He purchased a farm and returned to New York and lived for a number of years in Alabama Township, Genesee County. In 18In he exchanged proper- ties with his brother Daniel, taking in exchange one hundred and sixty acres in Clayton Township, Genere County, this State. The following spring he sent his household goods on by lake, and with an emigrant wagon and a good span of horses, he started with his family to found a home in Whichi- gan, traveling through Canada, crossing into Mich- igan at Detroit, reaching his new home in October.

This family in their migration were accompanied by Mrs. Sherman Fletcher (a sister of Mr -. Calkins) whose husband had preceded the rest of the party for the purpose of having a house ready for their joint occupancy before the party arrived. He had I failed in completing this endeavor, and the two 1 families moved in with Samuel Wickham for a few days until the Fletcher house was ready. Mr.

Caroline Piper, who became the wife of Calch Calkins, Jr., was born June 12, 1801, in Cincinnati. and was the daughter of Samuel and let-ey (1 .- (as) Piper. Her father was of German descent, and was a colding in the Way of 1812. He was low , Calkins traded his team of horses with Mr. Jairny

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RESIDENCE OF DANIEL Ł CALKI

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Bailey, receiving in exchange a trum of oxen, n wow, a hog, and lumber for his house. In three weeks he had his house up and the family settled in it. During the years of 18H-12 fodder could not be obtained for the cattle, and they were forced to live upon browse or tender twigs of trees that we're felled for that purpose.

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Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan, Part 27

Author: Chapman bros., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros. Number of Pages: 948

Author: Chapman bros., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 948