Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan, Part 47

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 47
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 47
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 47

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

It is the beast of Connecticut and of Weathers field in particular, to have had from the beginning a large proportion of intelligent, industrious and pious farmers, from whom the ranks of her merch- ants, mechanics, seamen and professional men have been replenished, and thus has she secured her reputation as "The Land of Steady Habits." Nath- aniel Foote was such a man and was born in Eng- land, and there was married to Elizabeth Denning. They settled in the Bay Colony in Massachusetts prior to 1633, and from them the genealogie line

is traced as follows: Robert. Nathaniel, Moses, Ebenezer, David, and David JJr. (our subject).

He of whom we write was born in Tompkins County, N. Y. August 21, 1812, and his father was born in Connecticut, August 7, 1769. The grandfather. Ebenezer, died while serving in the Revolutionary War in June, 1778, at which time the eller David, was only nine years old. After this he went to live with his uncle, Jonathan Bar- ker, at New Lebanon, N. H., where he grew to manhood, and afterwards removed to Broome County, N. Y., where he was married in 1791. His bride, Irene Lane, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., November 2, 1771, and was a daughter of Nathan and Doreas ( Museroft) Lane.

Our subject had his early training upon the farm and in the log schoolhouse, but at the age of fourteen he began an apprenticeship of seven years to the cabinet maker's trade. In the fall of 1832 he lugan work as a journeyman at Bath, the county seat of Steuben County, N. Y., and was there married November 27, 1833, to Miss Mary Bidwell, a native of that place, and a daughter of Eli Bidwell, a blacksmith. Por four years the young couple resided at Greenwood, N. Y., and in the fall of 1837 removed to Ohio, but the follow- ing year came on to Michigan and lived in Ypsi- lanti. until September, 1810, when he established business in Flint, being the second cabinet-maker here, and for many years carrying on the Inrgest business in this line. He had the misfortune of losing his first shop by fire in 1851, and for a few years he carried on a drug business.

About this time Mr. Foote engaged with W. R. Morse in the manufacture of doors and blinds, and during the partnership Mr. Morse went into the army and cold his interest to Mr. Beardslee, with which our subject continued business until 1866. He then devoted himself to mill-wrighting, and built sawmills at Saginaw, Otisville and other points.

The faithful and beloved wife of our subject lived to celebrate with him their golden wedding in 1883, and seven months from that time, passed to the better world. Their nine children are: Helen B., deceased; Charles 1 .. , deceased; George 11., deceased; David Burns, who enlisted in the

١٠

908

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Eighth Michigan Infantry and was shot dead through the head at Pont Royal, S. C .; Warren C'., a photographer in Flint; Mary E. Mrs. Mama, of Ann Arbor; Albert, of this city; William II., also a photographer here, and Andrew I., deceased.

Mr. Foote was an Alderman for four years in this city, and was at one time a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Sons of Temperance. For many years he and his good wife have helped sustain the services and worship of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they also helped to build every church of this denomination in Flint. For over fifty years he has been an olfi- cial member of the church, and is now its Tren- urer, and has also been Superintendent of the Sun- day-school. In his political views and vote he has ever been a stanch Republican.

AMES 1. STAFFORD, a prominent agri- culturist of Montrose Township. Genere County. and an old settler here, is a son of Sanford Malford, who was born in New York as was also his wife, Nancy Pinkham. They come to tienece County about the year 1853 and settled in Thetford Township, where they have since been residents. They had a family of ten children, of whom our subject was the second in order of age, and he was born in Troy, Ohio. July 7. 1816. Having there passed his first eight Jours he came with his parents to Genere County and here spent the remainder of his youth. He received a common-school education and was still residing beneath the parental roof when the war of the rebellion called him from home.

Mr. Stafford enlisted September 23, 1861. in Company K. Twenty-Third Michigan Infantry. going as a substitute for his father who has been drafted, and serving until June, 1865, when, the war bring over, he was honorably discharged and returned to Thetford Township. His marriage took place November 1. 1867, and his bride was Almina, daughter of John and Sarah (Clark) Tay- lor. Mr. Taylor was born in England and hi- wife in New York and it was during the '10- that

they removed to Geneser County and settled in Thetford. Mrs. Staford was one of the six children in their home and she was born in Thet- ford Township. April 25, 1817. After marriage the young couple settled on section one, Montrose Town-hip, where they purchased eighty acres of land which was entirely unbroken. Upon this they have created good comfortable buildings and have placed other substantial improvements. Sixty acres of land have been put under cultiva- tion by them, so that it is now richly productive. I view of this pleasant homestead is presented on another page.

Wr. and Why, Stafford are the parents of six children, viz: Emma 1 ... who is the widow of George Dorn and the mother of one child-Iza B .; a child who died in infancy; William U ; Harley C .: Dora D. and James B. Mr. Stafford although a public-spirited and enterprising man, has never taken an active part in political affairs, but has been content to cast his vote for the men and measure put forward by the Republican party and has never bekl office, with the exception of one Year when he acted as Highway Commissioner. Both he and his worthy wife are held in high esteem by all with whom they are brought in con- taet. and their sturdy character and charming secial qualities bring them to the front rank in all neighborhood gatherings.

BONNARD BROWN. One of the finest farms in tiene-ce County is pleasantly located on section 21. Thetford Township, and com- Inise- vighty acres of finely improved land. Here Mr. Brown has hved and labored ever since he was twenty-five years of age, in the meantime devol- ing his attention exclusively to the clearing and developing of the estate, which at first contained no improvements whatever and was in the midst of the forest. By proper rotation of crops and careful fertilization of the soil he has made of this place one of the fluest homesteads of the com- munity. As a citizen and friend. he is also very

RESIDENCE OF LEONARD BROWN, SEC. 21. THETFORD TP., GENESEE CO., MICH.

RESIDENCE OF ADELBERT JOHNSON , SEC. 17., BURTON TP., GENESEE CO , MICH

RESIDENCE OF J. I. STAFFORD , SEC.1. MONTROSE TP., GENESEE CO., MICH.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

highly esteemed. and enjoys the unlimited con- sidence of the people of this section of the country.

Mr. Brown is one of our English American citizens who have to greatly aided in the develop- ment of the vast resources of our country. He was born in Yorkshire, England, on January 10, 1815. and is the son of William and Jane ( Burns) Brown. both of whom were natives of Yorkshire. The father, whose occupation was that of a farmer, came to America in 1850 and located at first in Niagara County, N. Y., near the great falls, There he remained thirteen years, devoting his time to the cultivation of a farm and becoming known as thrifty farmer and honorable business man. In 1863 be removed from New York State and com- ing to Michigan, settled in Thelord Township. Genesee County. The methods of agriculture which he adopted were always the best, and his son, our subject, was at an early age initiated into the mysteries of farming.

As the father was in limited circonstances, our subject received only a common school education, and devoted his time principally to farming. When he attained to the age of twenty -one years he commenced in life for himselt, working for a time afterward for his father. At the age of twenty-five, as above stated, he purchased the eighty -acre fart, where he at present resides. A few years after he bought this place he brought to the home he had here established, a wife, known in maidenhood a- Maria Riddle. This estimable lady, who was a native of Thetford Township, was there rented to maturity and became the wife of Leonard Brown on May 1, 1876. They have five children, all of whom are at home and named as follows; Royal M., Ora Grace, Clifford S., Clinton B. and Ella R.

During his entire active life Mr. Brown has en- gaged in farming pursuits, and as he brings to his chosen avocation a keen intellect. good judgment and unremitting industry, it is only natural that success has rewarded his efforts. He raises a variety of crops, making a specialty of potatoes and apples. His dwelling, a view of which is shown on another page, is a connuodion- residence, tastily furnished and the almale of a happy family, whose place

est. Mr. Brown feels that the greatest issues of the day might be solved by means of the Prohibition party, and to that he gives his earnest support. He has never been an office seeker, and cares no more for politie than is necessary to determine to whom to give his support by ballot and influence. The Farmer ' Alliance finds in him an active worker, and there is no measure which is brought forward to promote the best interests of the community but what receives his hearty co-operation.

DELBERT JOHNSON was born in Oswego County. N. Y., March 3, 1816, and is the son of Henry and Lucy ( Richards) John- som, who were natives of New York. Hemy Johnson who was n shoemaker by trade, . came to Michigan and located in Genesee County in 1875. He bought a tract of land in Burton Township and carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1883. He was Asesor in Oswego County before coming to the State. Our subject's mother still survives, She has born six children, of whom five still live.

Our subject is the oldest of his parents' family. He received a good district-school education and in 1861 enlisted in the war of the rebellion, joining his regiment September 1. He enlisted in Company Il, One Hundred Eighty-fourth New York Infantry uuder Col. Robinson of O-wego. The regiment was first ordered to Richmond, and although it was sent to the front was in no regular engagements. A portion of the regiment was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. They spent considerable time at Harrison Landing and then at City Point, where our subject was on duty until he was mustered out of service. He was a mere lad when entering the war, being only seventeen years of age. While at Harrison Landing he was taken sick, being in the hospital for some time, and was unable to work for quite a while after leaving the

In 1867 our subject came to tieneser County, Just did not definitely locate bere until 1871. In IXIX be purchased bes prosent farm which is located

912

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

on section 15, and March 19, 1882, he was married to Miss Eliza Rice, of Oswego County, N. Y., a daughter of Rufus 1. Rice of New York. The parents cine West and now reside in Tuscola County. Mr. Johnson and his amiable wife are the parents of three children-lane, Susan and Lewis. Our subject is a Republican in his political affiliation. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic nad belongs socially to the Masons. He is the owner of forty acres of land where he resides and has an interest in sixty-five geres more. In March, 1881, be launched into the dairying business and has since continued to furnish milk and dairy products to a large number of customers in Flint.

A first-class set of farm building, have been erected on his estate belonging to Mr. Johnson, the most conspicuous being the residence, a view of which with its rural environments, appears else- where in this volume.

YOUN H. SLAGHT. It is with pleasure that the biographer takes up his pen to detail the life story of any of the prominent old pioneers who have done so much toward developing and building up this part of the coun- try, and no one among them is more worthy of note in this Recono than Mr. Slaght. Ile was born in Covert, Seneca County. N. Y .. December 6, 1830, and was there educated in the common schools, and until he was seventeen years of age male that his home.

In 1817 our subject came to fineste County. and here settled in Mandy Township, which has been his home ever since. He has been through- out all these years a thorough and systematic farmer, devoting himself chiedy to agricultural pursuits, but ever ready to lend a helping hand toward every movement which is calculated to promote the progress of the community and de- velop the resources of the country.

Christmas Day, 1858, marked an cpoch in Mr. Slaght's life, for it was then he was united in ! marriage with Miss Zuclema E. Austin, who was born in New York. Immediately after marriage

the young couple made their home upon the farm where they still reside, and where he carries ou farming operations on a fine estate of one hundred and forty aere ..

Our subject and his wife are the happy parents of three children: Charles C., Elmer E. and Mary 1. For many years Mr. Slaght has performed the duties of Justice of the Peace, and is one of the oldest magistrates in the county. The office of Township Treasurer has been in his hands for three years. He has taken an intelligent interest in political movements and is an adherent to the he Republican faith. In religious work he has also taken his part, and for many years has been un Elder of the Presbyterian Church. This family always stands for progress along every lime, and is mifluential in both social and religious matters, and earnestly interested in bringing the standard of living to a higher level m the community. Mr. Slaght was a student of the Law Department of the Michigan University, of Ann Arbor, and grad- unted as an 1 .. B. in 1862. But finding that farming was more congenial to his taste than the practice of law, he chave that as his life work, but, has acted as guardian and administrator, and his know- ledge of law has proved of great value to him.

W ILLIAM VINCENT, of Gaines Township. Genesce County, was born near Toronto, Canada, February 10, 1818. His parents were carly pioneers of Shiawassee County. The early years of their son William's life were spent in Canada, but he came with his parents to Mich- igan and settled soon after in Middlebury, Shia- wassee County, where they died.

Our subject lived at home until he was twenty- two years of age, when he undertook farming on his own account. He first engaged in making slaves, which he sold by the thousand, and fol- lowed this line of work in connection with farin- ing as he had opportunity for some ten years, He made his home in Shiawassee County until the spring of 1870, when be removed to Guines

913

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Township, of which he has since been a resident. He has good buildings on his farm and is the owner of two hundred seres of rich and arable land.

Owosso, Shiawassee County, Mich., was the sene of our subject's marriage, in 1865, with Lucretia Palmer, who was born in New York, and is a daughter of John and Maria Palmer, who came from New York and settled in Shiawaver County, which remained their home until death called them hence. Six children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent, namely: John I., Elgin, Sarah N., Fred, Elizabeth and Verona. John mar- ried Bertha Mays and Elgin, Hettie Cool, while Sarah is the wife of Thoma- Ballard.

Mr. Vincent has held the office of Highway Commisssoner and also that of Township Tren -- urer. He is a member of the Patrons of Industry and has ever taken an active part in local poli- ties. His parents, Richard R. and Sarah ( Apple- man) Vincent, died in Shiawassee County. In connection with his farming interests he has also been engaged to a considerable extent in lumber- ing, and for three years operated a threshing ma- chine. He is deeply interested in educational af- fairs and has been a member of the School Board. His reputation for thorough integrity and business- like methods has won him the esteem of the community, and his true kindlines, and interest in the welfare of all have brought him into Sympathy with his neighbor -.

ILLARD VAN BLARICOM. The travel- ing public has the best of reasons for re- membering the genial proprietor of the Canada House, in the city of Flint, for his accom- modating di-position and genial manners win from him the friendship of all his guests. A native of Pickton, Prince Edward's County, Ontario, he was born March 18, 1819, and is the son of Abram Van Blaricum, who was born in the same county as our subject. The parental grandfather. Martinus, was born in New York State of Dutch descent and was

an early settler of Pickton, Ontario, where he operated as a farmer. He passed seventy-two years on one farm and died at a great age. He was the owner of six hundred acres of improved land and was prominent in the community where he lind passed ahnost his entire life.

As his father before him, Abram Van Blaricum. engaged in farming pursuits in which success crowned his efforts. At the time of his death which occurred December 5, 1873, at the age of sixty-three year-, he was the owner of four hun- dred acres of land. His wife. Sy bil (Clarke) Van Blaricum, was born in Pickton, Ontario, the daughter of Joseph Clarke, a farmer of New York State. She died in 1876, at a ripe old age, re- spected and beloved by all who knew her. She and her husband were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had a family of eight children, six of whom me still living.

Our subject, who was the fifth in order of birth, was reared on the home farm, where he remained until he was righteen years of age. When his father died he took charge of the old homestead and accumulated a good property, becoming owner of two hundred acres of fine land. After operat- ing this until 1878 he sold out and went to Pick - ton, where he engaged in business as na hotel kooper. After three weeks time, the hotel was burned to the ground, causing our subject a loss of $1.000. He next entered business as a grover, later was agent for reaper- and mowers. until faxu, when he came to Michigan.

Proceeding at once to Flint, Mr. Van Blaricom entered into lavines in various lines, but at the expiration of one year he became proprietor of the Canada House. After managing it for two years he purchased it and has continued to manage it since with the exception of one year ( 1888) when he rented it. During that time he engaged in the manufacture of brooms. It has been said that every man rides a hobby, and our subject certainly has a great fondness for horse desh, being a good judge of equines and owning some line ones. He may will be called a self-made man, for when he started out in life for himself he had only $25 in cash. But he possessed energy and industry, which qual- ities contributed largely to his success. 1

911

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1873 Mr. Van Blaricom was married in Canada to Miss Naney Wood, a native of Ontario. Two children have been born to them -Maud and May -who are both at home. While residing in Canada our subject served as Township Trustee and Road Commissioner, and was quite influential in political life there. He is a stalwart Democrat and uni- formly votes that ticket on issues of national im- port. He belongs to the General Lodge No. 21. 1. 0. 0. F., in which he has passed all the Chairs, and is also identified with the Knights of the Maccabees. Mrs. Van Blaricom is a lady of great worth of character and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

LONZO D. LUCE. This old soldier and prominent man in educational matters was once Superintendent of Public In- struction for the Territory of Nebraska and was also Deputy Secretary of the same ter- ritory. He is now acting as bill clerk at Flint for the Flint & Pere Marquette railroad. He was born in York, Livingston County, N. Y., October 15, 1832. and his father was Gen. ('. F. E. Luce, born in IsOS in Danvers, Mas, In carly boyhood he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He joined the New York State militia and worked his way up to the rank of Major tienenal in the State troops. In 1815 he came to Michigan and locating on n farm near Norvell remained there through the remainder of his life being Postmaster of tiras Lake under President Buchanan, and reaching the age of sixty-two years before his death in 1871.

The mother of our subject was Ruth S. Sey- mour a second cousin of Gov. Horatio Seymour of New York. She was born in East Bloomfield, Ontario County, N. Y. and died in Montcalm County, this State in 1890 at the age of eighty-two) years. Of her six children four are now living. Her youngest son, Vinal B., served for six months in the Eleventh Michigan Infantry.

Our subject came to Michigan in 1815 at the age of twelve years, was reared upon a farm, and after

studying in the district schools took a course in Ypsilanti Normal School after which he studied under Prof. Welsh and then engaged in teaching. In Ist he went West to Nebraska City Nebo, and engaged with Thomas and .. Sterling Morton as partner in publishing the Nebraska City Vers, continuing there for four years. Having been elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in Nebraska in 1858 he located in Omaha and in 1800 he was re-elected and ser- veil four years and was at the same time Assistant Secretary of the territory. He was also Territorial Librarian and Colonel of Ordnance. In 1860 he met with a severe los in the destruction by tire of hi- printing office.

Just before the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Luce had been South and had there sven much of the excitement which culminated in the Rebellion. While in Kansas at Lecompton and other places he saw " old John Brown" the famony Jim Lane and other notables. He was there a- inspector of Gov- ernment surveys and saw immense herds of buffa- loes and was at times absent for many weeks from the abodes of white men. Within two year's time he inspected the survey of more than one hundred and seventy townships in Kansas and Nebraska.

In May, 1861, our subject enlisted in the First Nebraska Infantry and for two and one-half years did detached duty as clerk for the Judge Advocate at St. Louis after which he resigned and came to Michigan and in February, 1865 re-enlisted in the re-organized Eleventh Michigan Infantry. After being mustered in. he was appointed Quarter Mas- ter Sergeant and held this office and that of Com- missary Sergeant during the remainder of the war. Most of his service was spent in Tennessee and he was mustered out in October of the same year.

Returning to Michigan, this gentleman entered the employ of the Hubbardston lumber company for five years. He had started a business college while living in Nebraska City and is a practical book-keeper and business man. He was married in Saline, Washtenaw County, January 1, 1861. to Mis Frances Thompson a native of Ohio and they have one adopted daughter, Louis, who is now fifteen years old. Mr. Luce is a member of the

...

yours Truly B. W. Filhoun.

917

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Masonic order and also the Knights of Pythia -. He has always been a Democrat in his politics and is a frequent delegate to county and State con- ventions.

B ENJAMIN W. KILBOURN. The gentle- man whose portrait appears on the opposite page is the owner of a farm located on ser- tion 13, Vassar Township. Tuscola County. and is one of the many excellent citizens of this religion who are of Canadian origin. His father. Horace Kilburn, a native of Canada, was there reared to manhood and married Mary Sells, who was also born in Canada. To them were born thir- tren children, there being eight sons and five daughters. Mr. Kilburn was a farmer by calling and in 1855 sought letter conditions of earning a livelihood in his chosen line of business than the Dominion offered and located m Michigan, set- ting in St. Clair County on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He there died in May, 1880, his wife passing away in July. 1885. Grandfather Timothy Kilbourn served in the War of 1812.

B. W. Kilbourn was born March 11. 1812, and at the age of thirteen was brought to Michigan by his parents. He lived at home until the breaking out of the war, then in April, 1863, enlisted in Com- pany F, First Regiment of Sharp-Shooters, and received his discharge August 1. 1865 at Jackson, this State. He took part in the following battles: The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg (at the time of the mine explosion). Wellon Road and in other smaller engagements. He was in Grant's army until the surrender of Gen. Lev, and was so fortunate as to escape wound or imprisonment throughout his engagement.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan, Part 47

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