USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 35
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 35
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 35
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The district school was the scene of our subject's education up to the time he was eleven years old, and after he was twelve he learned the weaver's trade, which was his father's, and after coming to this country began working upon farms at $ a month, but after the first year worked for his fa- ther. They began farming with a joke of oxen, a plow, a drag and a three-year-old heifer.
In 1877 this young man began independent work on eighty acres of land which he had pur- chased some time before, and which was all cov- cred with heavy timber. Here he built a log house and began clearing, and his present time rosi. dener was created in 1877, Abbie R, Secoloy, of Cas County, Mich., bocame the wife of our sub. jort in 1876. She is a daughter of Aber and Ruth Seeley, of New York, the father being born In Saratoga and the mother in Ningara County
They had come to Michigan at an early day, the Seeleys being the first settlers in this township. Mr. Seeley died in 1871, and his estimable wife is still living in Cas County. The seven children of our subject and his wife are: John .A., Jessie R., David E., Julia 1 .. , babel 1 .. , Ida F. and James .1.
The political principles of our subject are in accord with the doctrines of the Republicnn party, and he is frequently a delegate to county conventions. He has been Highway Commis- sioner for two terms and is now Drainage Com- missioner. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for eight years, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Trustee. I'mon his farm of two hundred acres he raises thorough- bred Short-horn cattle and Poland-China swine, and carries on an extensive dairy business, keep -. ing seventeen cows.
LBERT J. BRARAZON. There are few homesteads in Genesee County more at- tractive than that recently purchased by the subject of this sketch, and known as . the Casey Potter farm. Without ostentation or any great amount of display, it is the synonym of comfort and plenty, with all the evidences of cult- ivated tastes and the refinements of modern life. It is pleasantly located on section 20, Thetford Township, and comprises eighty acres of good land. Mr. Brabazon is widely and favorably known as a skillful and progressive farmer, prompt in his business transactions and in all respects a valued member of the community. He possesses great influence in this locality, where he is respected as a wise, noble-minded citizen, and his hand is felt in all measures that are in any way calculated to benefit the township or county.
Having passed his entire life in Thetford Town- Ship, Mr. Brabazon is quite well known here, and Is conceded to be one of the most enterprising among the : a fer residents of the county. He was born
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in Thetford Township. Genesee County, on March 25, 1853, and is the son of John and Wealthy Aun (Skinner) Brabazon, natives respectively of England and Connecticut. The father received a good education in his native country and studied med. icine with the intention of practicing the profession, but upon coming to this country, he engaged in farming which suited his natural tastes to such an extent that he devoted his entire life to agricult- ural pursuits.
Between the ages of eight and fourteen our sub- jeet attended the district school, and as he improved his opportunities to the utmost, he acquired a goud practical education. At the age of seventeen he began life for himself, having been thus early thrown upon his own resources by the death of his father when he was eleven. His mother survived until 1880, when she too passed from the busy scenes of earth. She was again married after John Bradazon's death. but spent her closing yours with Albert .. , who had purchased the old home- stead at the age of twenty-one years. Here he remained until 1891, when he purchased the estate on section 20, and located thereon.
A very important event in the life of our sub- jeet was his marriage, March 1. 1878, 10 Miss Alvira Coolidge, a resident of Thetford Township, Genesee County, and a daughter of Moses D. and Mary M. Coolidge. Her father died in the Anderson- ville Prison during the Rebellion. Five children have come to brighten the home-William Edward. Eva. Byron, Linnie Ann and Mabel Alvira, all of whom remain under the parental roof. and are bring given excellent opportunities for good educations, which will enable them in future years to occupy positions of honor and usefulness in the world.
Mr. Brałazon believes that the principles of the Republican party are best adapted to the interests of the Government, and he necordingly casts his ballot for the candidates who are pledged to up- hold these principles. His fellow-citizens recognize his fitness for official positions and have chosen him as Township Treasurer, in which he is serving efficiently. He takes more than ordinary internet in educational affairs and has held various offices on The School Board. The Farmer's Alliance recognize
him as one of their most earnest members, not is there any measure or principle that tends to pro- mote the development of the township in which hi- support may not be relied upon. At present his health is very poor, but he is able to do the necessary work, and hopes soon to regain his wanted health. He operates as a stock-raiser as well as a general farmer, and in both of these de- partments of agriculture he is careful, reliable, and painstaking. ming the methods best adapted to success in his chosen calling.
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ENZO D. BULLOCK. The gentleman whose name is above is one of the successful farmers of Elba Township, Lapeer County. He was born in Decatur, Otsego County, . N. Y., in 1832, and was the ninth in order of birth in a family of twelve children, whose names are as follows: Abigail K., Mary A., Caroline, Martha J., John. Almira, Alvira, William, our subject, Elizabeth, Saloma and Irving. The parents of this large family were Shubet and Sally (Camp- bull) Bullock. The father was born in Cambridge, Mass., in 1793, the mother in Otsego County, N. Y .. ahout 1795.
Our subject's paternal grandfather. William Bol- lock, was a native of Massachusetts. He served in the Revolutionary War. He reared a family of four sons and one daughter, as Follows: William, Cyrus, Israel, Slutade, and Electa who became the wife of Benjamin Starkweather. The family ure of English descent and have ancestors in the past who distinguished themselves in the lustory of of their country. Menzo Bullock's father was a cabinet maker by trade and a skilled workman.
The original of this sketch reached years of maturity in the Empire State and came to Lapeer County, Michigan, in 1854. He purchased the farm where he now resides in 1857 and the same year he assumed the duties and responsibilities of married life, his bride boing Miss Sarah J, Vilas, As the years have passed the home carele has been increased by the advent of eight children, seven of whom are still living, and whose mimes ure ny
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follows: Selinda .A., Edward 1., Julian W., Lizzie \ .. Albert M. George and Edith M. Edward is a res- ident of Dakota: Lizzie is the wife of A. Sutherland.
Mrs. Bullock is a daughter of Orch Vilas, who was born in Derby, Orleans County, St., in January, 1803. He removed to Canada East in 1822, where he remained until 1835, when he removed to Wheatfield, Niagara County, N. Y. In 1817 he came to Elba, Lapeer County. In 1829 he had mar- ried Jane Severance, a daughter of Ebenezer Ser- erance; she died, leaving no issue and in 1832 he married Sarah, daughter of Elijab Hall. They came to this county and here resided until the time of the father's death, which occurred in Sep- tember of 1859. The children are as follows: Lucy, who married William Hewett; Alden, who resides in Isabella County; Edward R. lives in Elba; Sarah J. is Mrs. Bullock; William died in the army.
Oreb Vilas was a son of Aaron Vilas, who was born in Worcester County, Mass, in March, 1770; he died in March, 1859, in Quebec, where he spent the last days of his life. He was a brother of Lavi B. Vilas, who was father of Hon. William Vilas. Po- litically, Mr. Bullock is a Prohibitionist and votes as he thinks; in their church preference he and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
B ENJAMIN COTHARIN. This gentleman is one of the oldest settlers now residing in Flint, he having bought property in 1836 upon the site of the present city. . \ native of Seneca County, N. Y., he was born Sep- tember 10, 1812, and is the son of Samuel and Leah (Dutcher) Cotharin. The father followed the occupation of a carpenter and joiner, as well as a millwright, and removed in 1815 to Genesce County, N. Y., south of the town of Brockport. At that time our subject was a child of three years, and he later want to Avon, Monroe County, with his parents, Afterward the family removed to Mendon, N. Y., where Benjamin attended school and received n common-school education, This.
however, was not the permanent location of the members of the family, for they finally settled in Rochester, N. Y ... where the parents spent their remaining years.
When sixteen years old Benjamin Cotlarin left home to make his own way in the world and eu- gaged as an apprentice to a shoemaker in Palmyra. N. Y. After the time of his apprenticeship expired he worked at his trade in Reynolds Basin and in the spring of 1831 he started in business for him- self at Johnson's Creek. After a close confinement of two years, devoted assiduously to his trade, his health failed and be sold out his business and en- gaged as a journeyman, peddling his wares from Rochester, N. Y., for three years, and becoming well known in the vicinity of that place as a relin- ble dealer and an honest man. The year 1836 marked his arrival in Genesee County, this State, the journey being made by way of Buffalo, N. Y., through Ohio to Detroit.
In Shiawassee County, this State, Mr. Cotharin purchased one hundred and twenty acres of unim- proved land and also bought a lot in this city on Saginaw Street between Second and Third Streets, paying $300 for the same. In the fall of 1836 he returned to the State of New York where he spent the following winter. February of 1837 found him on the return trip and he reached the city of Flint on March 10. Here he opened the first shoe shop in the place and engaged as a shoemaker. On March 31 he traded his land in Shiawassee County for property in Oakland County. About this time he established domestic ties of his own, choosing as his wife Miss Eliza Carter, of Oakland County, and with her he was united in the holy bonds of. wedlock February 18, 1811. Mrs. Co- tharm was born March 22, 1822, and was the daughter of Joseph Carter.
After his marriage Mr. Cotharin farmed until 1817 when he sold his place, which he had partly improved, and purchased the Dow farm in Spring- field Township, Oakland County, which was his home for eight years. Upon this farm he made extensive improvements, bringing the soil to a high stato of cultivation and erecting substantial buildings, After having farmed until 1855 ho embarked in the mercantile business in Springfield
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Township and was thus engaged for ten months. At the same time he managed an hotel with site- cass. Having from these varied sources accumu- lated considerable money be removed to Flushing. this State, and bought a farm which he operated for two years. We next lind him in Flint, where lu was engaged in the grocery business twelve years, and general merchandise until 1868. . It that date he retired from active business and has since, in the enjoyment of a comfortable compe- teney, passed his declining yours. His course in business has been such as to gain for him the con- lidence of all who know him, and in social circles his kindly heart and genial manner- win for him the friend-hip of everyone who meets him.
Aside from the various lines of business above mentioned Mr. Cotharin has engaged in other en- terprises. He has been a Director in the First National Bank since the second year of its exist- ence, making twenty-nine years in all, and has also loaned money. Until 1889, when he disposed of it, he owned six hundred and five aeres in Grand Blanc Township, this county, and now owns one hundred and sixty-one acres in Genesce Township. this county, on which his son resides. He is the owner of city property of considerable value, including three stores on Saginaw Street, one brick store at Flushing, and has disposed of twenty-five actes situated mostly within the limits of the city of Flint. In the growth of the city he has always been interested and has served eth- ciently as Alderman of the Frst Ward.
tributions. The wife passed from earth Dec. 18, 1 888. This worthy old couple were highly estremed wherever known, and it is with pleasure that we present this brief sketch of their lives. They were instrumental in bringing Flint to its present position among the prominent and most thriving cities of the State, and long after they both shull have passed hence, their names and memories will be fuld dear in the hearts of the citizens of Genesee County.
S IDNEY SAYERS. One of the most attrie- tive farms in Indian Fields Township, Tuscola County, is owned by the gentleman whose name appears above. He is a native of Canada and was born in County Lampton, Province of Ontario, March 4, 1846. He is a son of Thomas Sayers, who was of English origin. The latter was a farmer by calling and devoted himself to his chosen avocation throughout his residence in Canada. He left England with his parents when but four years of age and on settling in Canada was engaged on a farm and worked for other peo- ple for some years, but by energy and economy he soon obtained a tract of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself the remainder of his life. On reaching manhood he married Mary Ward, daughter of William and Mary Ward and their domestic life was of the pleasantest nature.
The congenial marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cotha- Our subject was one of nine children born to his parents, seven of whom are yet living-Ann, William. Mary, Alice, George, Sidney and James. Ann is now the wife of William Clements, of Da- kola; William lives in Canada, as does his twin sister Mary, who is now the wife of Richard Thompson; Alice is the wife of William Roberts and resides in Canada; George lives in Washington; Sidney is he of whom we write; James resides in Canada. The father of these children died in July, 1881. rin brought to them seven children, only three of whom are now living. Martha died at the age of seventeen years; John, who resides in Flint, oper- ates a farm in tienesce Township; he married Belle Ferguson and they have two children-William and Hattie. B. F., who married Nora Behee, is in the furniture business in Flint. He and his wife have one child-Marguerite. George A. is in the elevator business in Flint. He and his wife, who was known in maidenhood as Roma Golden, have four children-Arthur, Jessie, Georgeand Blanche. Our subject began life for himself in 1867. In- ginning his career on a farm. The following year he came to the United States and located in Tus- Mrs. Cotharin was a consistent member of the Moth- odist Episcopal Church, which Mr. Catharin attends and supports by liberal and regular con- cola County, where he has since resided. In 1873
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he was united in marriage to Emily A. Spooner, a a daughter of Robert and Hannah Spooner, of Canada. Most happily married, our subject und his wife are the parents of seven children, whose names are as follows: Maggie M., Minnie .A., 1.0t- tie .I., Cora M., Mary 1 ... Vinn G. and Arthur J. None of the cluldren have as yet left the home nest.
Politically, be of whom we write casts the weight of bi- vote and influence with the Democratic party. By industry and good management he has made a success of farming and instead of the eighty aeres of stump and brush land which he secured on first coming here, he now owns a beautiful farm which is all under cultivation and which has good fences and an attractive and commodion- residence with barn- and outhouses adequate to the needs of the farm.
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1 SKVEL HILL, a prominent and successful farmer of Davison Township, Genesee County. has a beautiful farm on section 19, upon which may be seen as line farm buildings as there are in the county. He is highly respected in the com- munity, not only on account of his excellent qual- ities as a citizen and farmer, but also as a tribute to his sufferings undergone in Rebel prisons during the war. He has resided here for forty-five years and is a native of Genesee County, N. Y. where he was born July 9, 1838. His father. JJoseph Hill, was a Vermonter who removed to New York when young and came to Michigan in 1816, settling in this township and who now lives at Davison Sta- tion. He has held various offices here having been Treasurer and Highway Commissioner.
Sarah Smith, a Vermonter by birth, became the wife of Joseph Hill and the mother of our subject, who is one of ten children, eight of whom are now living. The mother passed from earth in . 1873. Our subject was eight years old when his parents came to Michigan and he is familiar with all the incidents of pioneer life. There was not then a schoolhouse in the township, and the chil- dren had to go miles to school. At the age of
twenty one he undertook independent farming, and in the fall of 1861 bought forty neves of partly improved land.
The young man joined the Union army in Augu-1, 1862, enlisting in Company K, Twenty- third Michigan Infantry under Col. Chapin. He passed through the siege of Knoxville and while on picket duty about six miles from that city he was captured and sent to Pemberton prison, whence he went to Belle Island and after that to Andersonville, where he experienced the horror of that prison pen from April to September. He was thence taken to Charleston and after that to Florence, and was so sick and starved that he never knew when he was liberated from this prison, not becoming conscious until he reached Wilming- ton, N. C. Upon arriving at Baltimore he was given a furlough but was detained at Detroit un- til he was mustered out June 7, 1865. He weighed one hundred and eighty pounds when he was cap- tured but after he had recovered sufficiently to walk out he found his weight to be one hundred and five pounds. When he was in Andersonville he had charge of a squad of prisoners to whom he issued rations, and during much of the time he had hardly any clothing to wear. He spent almost this- teen months in rebel prisons and this experience is a very painful subject to him.
Resuming farm life, this young hero located on his present farm. He had been married in 1861 to Alice, daughter of Alson Seeley, a native of Con- nectient, who was the first man who settled in Davison Township. His sister. Deborah Seeley, who accompanied him to this western wilderness, was the first white woman to enter this township and she died here at flie age of eighty-four. Ile subsequently married Lorzena Wicker and reared a family of six children. Mr. Seeley died March 1. 1862, when about fifty six years old and his wife died in May, 1887.
The six children who have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hill are Emerson, Rosella, Joseph. Arthur, Daisy, and Walter. The eldest has com- pleted his course and received his diploma at the Flint Normal School and all of the children are receiving a thorough education. Mr. Hlill is a member of the Republican party and identified
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with the Grand Army of the Republic and also I couple made the journey back to the new home with Lodge No. 100. 1. 0. 0. F.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill are both liberal contributors to religious societies. Their large brick house, built in 1887. is commodious and attractive and the barn is an excellent one. On this line farm a good grade of stock is raised and all this fine prop- erty is the result of his own energy and enterprise as he started out without means.
S AMUEL R. ATHERTON. The first repre- sentative of the Atherton family to settle in Amerien came here in company with a small colony of people from England, nenrly a century and a half ago. Little is known of this pioneer to the New World, except that he settled among the hills of Massachusetts, and at his death, the date of which is not recorded. he left a son. Shubael Atherton. During the days of the French and Indian War the farmers in the region in which this scion of the family lived, were in constant dread of the incursions of the savages, and their loaded rifles were kept near at band, both in field and house, and certain members of the family were placed on duty as sentinels to give timely warning to the workers.
Notwithstanding the precautions of the farmers. and especially the family of which we are writing, their dusky for crept upon them unawares, and Shubael Atherton, with some others, was killed. He left, however, one son to perpetuate the family name. This youth, Adonijah, became a farmer as his father had been. He married Temperance Worthington, and this couple had live sons and six daughters. The family scattered as years passed and the second son, Shubael, determined to try his fortune in a country lying farther West, so in the year 1808, when twenty years of age. he left his home with but little capital. save a good name and an honest purpose to succeed in the world, and emigrated to Jefferson County, N. Y. There be located a tract of land in the town of Henderson. Hle, however, went back to Massachusetts for his wife, who was Miss Clarissa Childs. The young
established in New York. Later on two brothers, accompanied by the parents, joined this brother in Jefferson County. N. Y. Three children blessed this union, and all gave willingly their service in the Revolutionary War.
In 1825 Shuibael Atherton, with his wife, two children and a nephew, emigrated to Michigan and settled on the farm which they had procured by exchange. The place was in the present township of Waterford, Oakland County, and about two miles west of Pontiac, and when the township was organized the name of Waterford was given to it by Mr. Atherton, father of our subject, on account of the many beautiful lakes within its boundaries. Two children were born to the family here, namely: Sarah, whose decease occurred May 20, 1831, and Samuel Rufus, who was born May 10. 1832, the last named being our subject, and the only surviv- ing member of the family.
In 1836 our subject's father caught the then pre- vailing fever, which tended toward the new lands of tieneve County. and started out on a prospect- ing tour. A land office had just been established at Find River, and being much pleased with the surrounding country, the party with which he was determined to locate a tract of Government land on the 'Thread River in the present town of Burton. As there were several members of the family who procured land on the Thread River it was called the "Atherton Settlement," a name which it has børne for more than fifty years, and which doubtless it will continue to hear much longer.
Our subject, Samuel R. Atherton, who is the ex- County Treasurer of Genesee County, has lived in Burton Township for lifty-five years. He was born in Waterford Township, Oakland County, May 10. 1832, his birthplace there being a log house. Hle was four years old when brought to this township by his parents, in 1836. The new home was a wil- derness, and the cutting out of roads and clearing of the farms depended wholly upon individuals, but as they had relatives near at hand it was not so lonely as for many other families. His father created a log house, in which the family lived for many years. It served not only as a residence. but was also used as a chapel for religious services.
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The audience gathered socially in the winter time about the fireplace, which had a stick chimney, Samuel Atherton attended school in the log school- house of pioneer days and studied on slab benches. The school year was limited to about three months during the winter.
Bereft of his father when sixteen years of age, the original of our sketch was obliged to give his labor in connection with his brother to the cultiva- tion of the farm, and together they cared for their mother. In the spring of 1855 be purchased his present farm, on sections 21 and 22, Burton Town- ship. It was partially improved, and smee moving upon the place he has devoted himself to the clear- ing and cultivation of the tract. On December 19, 1835, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Lloyd, who was born in Rodman, Jefferson County, N. Y. She is a daughter of Eli and Eu- nice (Skinner) Lloyd, both natives of the Empire State, who emigrated to Ohio at an early day and there died.
Mrs. Mary Atherton died April 30, 1887. She was a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and; a zealous and devoted Christian. She was, how- ever, pre-eminently a home-maker, and the greatest eulogy that can be paid her is that she made home pleasant. She left three children-Lewis, Charles (, and Minnie. Charles C. is now married and lives on the home farm. They were married March 18, 1885. The bride was Miss Phade Morchouse, daughter of deptha B. and Phobe (Tyler) More- house, a native of Portland, Iona County, Mich. The oldest son and only daughter are deceased. Mr. Atherton was a Republican in his political creed, and belonged to that party until 1883. when he joined the Prohibitionists. He has held various township offices, and has been Supervisor of the town-hip for five years. In 1876 our sub juet was nominated by the Republican party as Treasurer of Genesee County, and received a most flattering election. He held the office for four years. He takes a great interest in temperance, and also in church work, having been a member of the Baptist Church since fifteen years of age. He has been a Deacon of the First Baptist Church since 1872. Our subject is President, and has been Treasurer, of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Com-
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