USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 61
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 61
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 61
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The young man then went to Dakota, where for one year be kept books for a firm in Pembina. and took up three hundred and twenty seres of land. He subsequently returned to Flushing, and
with B. C. Turner and (. N. Talbot bought the stock of B. Turner, who was carrying on a general store. The firm name now became B. C. Turner & Co., but after a year Mr. Turner sold out his in- terest and the company was known as Chattersi Tallet. Three years later our subject bought Mr. Talbot's interest, and after that continued his business in the old place until he built his present magnificent store, where he is now carrying on the largest mercantile busines in the place. Seven clerks are employed the year round and during the busy season eleven are needed. This gentle- man is one of the Village Trustees and during the years 1889-90 be filled the office of Treasurer for the corporation.
Mr. Chatter- was married, in 1882, to Miss Nel- lie, daughter of Bronson and Carrie (Chamberlin) Turner, natives of Connecticut, who came to Mich- igan at an early day. Mr. Turner was a merchant here for fifteen years and a man of character and repute. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Chat- tors are Lola. Hazel and a little one not yet maned. The family occupies a beautiful home on the west side of the Flint River and Mrs. Chatter is very popular in social circles, being a fine singer and musician, and a woman of education. Our subject is a Republican in his political views and i- prominent in the social circles, being a Mason and a Knight Templar and a member of the Odd Fellows, the Maccabees and the Foresters. No man stands better than he in the estimation of the people of Flushing, and his business is noted for it's system, as everything about him moves like clock work.
OUN H. CARTWRIGHT. The hend of a family that is numbered among the repre- sentative people, socially and otherwise, of Grand Blanc Township, Genere County, is a native of this portion of the State, being born in this township. May 29, 1836. He is the son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Hollenbeck) Cartwright, both of whom were natives of New York. His
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paternal ancestors me said to be English and those uncle of our subject, Aaron Cartwright, was a sol- dier in the War of 1×12 and hore away an honor- os-team for such work. ilis limited advantage. on his mother's side of Holland extraction. An in an educational way were received at the district school in the township, and from the looks that the family library contained he absorbed, in the light of the blazing logs of the fireplace, many of the treasures of English literature.
Nathan Cartwright, emigrated to Genesce Coun- ty, this State, in the spring of 1830, coming by lake to Detroit, and from there proceeded on foot to Genesce County. After remaining here a short time he went to F't. Gratiot and was there engaged in labor for a short period when he returned to tien- eser County and purchased a tract of Government land, his patent bearing the signature of President Jackson. He created a log cabin in the midst of the woods and there settled. Their first home was very tiny, being only 12x21 feet in dimensions and only twelve feet high. Later in life he built n better residence.
On first coming here the father of our subject found the Indians still in possession of much of the land. He was very poor at the time but there were numerous chances for an energetic and ambit- jon- man to succeed at. He and his wife became the parents of two children-John H. and Calvin. lle died May 1, 1876. and in his decease the coun- ty last one of its fast disappearing generation of pioneers, who were familiar with the bowl of the wolf and the war whoop of the aborigines, and who by their industry and integrity made the wildernes literally, morally and intellectually to bud and blossom. Forty-six years previous to his death he arrived in Grand Blanc and soon after purchased of the Government the farm where he afterward resi- ded. He was born in East Avon. N. Y., and al- though not beenpaying so prominent a position as many others, yet he possessed those sterling quali- ties that made him an honest, upright citizen. a
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kind friend and neighbor and an affectionate hus- . difficulties of pioneer experience. He has served
band and father. His wife survived him until Jan- mary 31, 1880, when she too was taken away to her long lume. To her wise and tender maternal care the children owe all that they are to-day.
The original of our sketch was reared to man- hood in this county and united his strength und growing judgment to his father's efforts in clear- ing and improving his place. At an early day he was engaged in breaking land, using the old time
October 17, 1866, Mr. Cartwright was united in marriage to Miss Fannie A. Smith, n native of this county. She is a daughter of Silas and Cornelia Smith, who settled in Grand Blanc Township in 1831. Mrs. Cartwright'sfather was born in Water- ford, New London County. Conn., April 13, 1802. He removed in early manhood to Avon. N. Y., and was there married in 1828, to Miss Cornelia Coy of the same place. In 1831 they removed to firand Mane, where he gave himself with enthusiasm and succes- to the calling of agriculture. They were the parents of four children-George E ... Mary A., Sophia S., and Fannie .A.
An Indian trail ran near his log house in the clearing and along this for several years the tribes' took their way to Detroit to receive an annuity from the Government. They rode their ponies single lile on the path worn deep by frequent travel, a whole tribe from the oldest to the youngest. Mr. Smith died at his residence. August 9. 1880. His wife survived him three years, her death taking place March 11, 1883. She had contributed her full share with her lensband in making Geneste County the beautiful garden spot which it is at the present time.
Mr. Cartwright engaged in active farming until 1875, when he removed to Grand Blanc village and has since made this his home. In him has been developed by circumstances and his post- tion in life, the sturdiness and manhood necessary to one who would combat successfully with the for three years as Clerk of Grand Blane Township and is politically an adherent of the Prohibition party. His wife is a member of the Congregational Church and both are actively interested in the social life of the community. Mr. Cartwright is public-spirited and eagerly embraces every oppor- tunity to help his fellow-creatures. Mrs. Cart- wright is Secretary of the Women's Christian Tem- peraner Union of firand Blanc, and holds the office
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f Treasurer of the Home and Foreign Missionary society and is also a life member of the Home Mis- ionary Society .
To our subject and his wife was given one son, loward Smith Cartwright. May 30, 1888, he could have been sixteen years of age but attacked y the fell disease, pneumonia, it did its fatal work nd he died April 8, 1888. We here make some xtracts from the sermon that was preached at his uneral, which took place in the Congregational Church.
"About two years ago Howard Smith heard the voice of our loving Father calling him to relig- ous duty and active service, and in obedience to hat voice he chose the Lord's people to be his people and their hope to be his comfort, and he nited in covenant with this church. In his un- imely death the church loses a life full of promise, he Sunday-school an attentive learner and the oung people a genial companion. In disposition e was very playful and happy. He was subject his parents with that true obedience which prings from reverence and affection. Their asso- iation and the joys of the Christian home he rized, and ever strove to lead a noble life. His hoice of reading, like his choice of friends, was of pure and noble kind and indicated the quality of is mind.
"That he was loved and prized by the young here was abundant evidence in the bitter sobs in i Sunday school when it was announced that his dirit had, even while we studied the lessons, taken & flight to the school above. The following reso- itions adopted by the Sundayschool Committee xpress the young people's sentiments:
" Whereas, God has seen good to call from us the sirit of our friend and fellow-learner in the School Christ,
"Resolved, that we as representatives of the hurch and Sunday-school express our sense of rep sorrow and great loss, and that we tender our bristian sympathy to the parents bereaved of wir only child in the morning of life's usefulness, id that we bow reverently to the rule of Hun hetse strange providences are always directed to nie wise purpose.
"Howard's reverence and affection for his par-
ents was worthy of imitation by every boy and girl. That boy who enjoys the society and inti- mate friendship of a pure and pious mother is safe from the world's pollution, and that girl whose stret thoughts and life are good enough for father and mother to know will escape every snare of the evil one and gain womanhood's precious goal. When the clouds have rolled away and we stand on the evergreen mountains of life, surveying all the devions ways in which God in His merey has led us then we can understand the promise: . What I do ye know not now, but ye shall know hereafter.' "
RED DOWNER, who has resided in Vis- sar since 18G1, is the son of Tyler and Han- nah (Briggs) Downer, natives of Vermont and New York State respectively. Tyler Downer, who was a son of Simon, also a native of Vermont, came to Wayne County, this State, about 18:31. and was one of the pioneers of that section of country. There were two children in his fam- ily, the other member beside our subject being Undah, who married E. H. Roberts and resides in Wayne County. Jared, who forms the subject of this sketch, was born January 9, 1812, in Wayne County, Mich., and was reared on a farm, assisting his father in clearing and cultivating his land until he reached the age of nineteen years.
In August, 1861, our subject ran away from home and enlisted in Company F, Fifth Michigan Infantry, being mustered in at Ovid. Clinton County. The regiment was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac and participated in the first engagement at Williamsburg, the siege of York- town, battle of Fair Oaks, and the seven days' light. Mr. Downer was taken prisoner at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862, and was kept at Libby Prison two weeks, and ad Belle Isle three weeks. Thence he was exchanged and returned to his regiment at Harrison Landing in August, 1862. remaining with it until the battle of Chantilly, when he was sent to the hospital and never joined the regiment. After funding about five months at the West
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Philadelphia Hospital he was discharged for gen- years. In 1855 he removed with his parents to cral disability and returned to his home.
Mrs. Downer, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wilcox, was born in England, July 16, 1818, and is the daughter of George and Ellen Wilcox. This union has been blessed with nine children, namely: Ellen C., who married Sylvester Holton; Mary .A., the wife of Levi Allen; George Tyler, who was united in marriage with Daisy Longstreet; Edna; Hulda; Truman; Lawrence; Erma and Sid- dey. In 1884 Mr. Downer came to the village of Vassar, being unable to perform any hard labor ou account of disabilities resulting from exposure during his army service. He receives a pension of $10 per month. He is a member of the W. T. Sherman Post, No. 110, G. A. R., and is a Repub- lican in his political belief. For twelve years he has been called upon to occupy the position of Justice of the Peace, and is also a Notary Public.
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ENRY CROFT, one of the representative men of Argentine Township, Genesce County, is a native of Cambridgeshire, England, and was born February 26, 18:36. His parents, William and Elizabeth ( Anker) Croft, were born in England and came to the I'nited States in 1853, locating near Ann Arbor, this State, where the father continued his vocation as a farmer. An honest. upright man and a zealous Christian of the Methodist Episcopal denomina- tion, he was sincerely mourned when he died in 1880 at the age of sixty-five years. The mother of our subject is still living and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Among a family of seven children, three of whom are now living, our subject is the oldest. His opportunities for obtaining an education dur- ing his boyhood days were very limited, and he began life as a wageworker in his seventh year. varning two shillings and sixpence a week by tending sheep. At the age of fourteen he emi- grated to America in company with an aunt, and coming to Ann Arbor, began to work as a farm hand. When his parents arrived three years later , the stock and the investment in goods is a heavy he asisted his father on a rented farm for a few
Argentine Township, Genesee County, where a farm was purchased. The land was wild and not a single improvement had been made. A log house was soon constructed, a spot of clearing made and the work of improvement commenced.
In the fall of 1862 Mr. Croft enlisted as a mem- ber of Company HI, Twenty-second Michigan In- fantry, and served until the close of the war, per- forming most creditably his duty as a soldier. He did considerable service on detached duty, exper- ienced fighting in many skirmishes and some but- tles, and during his three years' service, tasted many of the bitter fruits of war. Since his dis- charge he has suffered more or less from the effects of ill health, resulting largely from his army ser- vice. However, he has continued farming and' now owns a well improved and rich farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 10.
Mr. Croft was married in 1867 to Miss France-, the daughter of David and Sarah Sapp, who emi- grated from England when Mrs. Croft was a child. They located in the township of Northfield, Wash- tenaw County, where they still live. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children, but only one is now living-Frederik, who was horn April, 21, 1870. Politically Mr. Croft is independent, and in religious matters is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife. He has held local offices and is a member of the Union Veterans' Union.
0 SCAR C. BEALS. This gentleman is a mem- ber of the firm of Beals & Maxwell, which is carrying on the principal mercantile estab- lishment of Grand Blanc. This extensive empor- ium carries a fine assortment and is undoubtedly the best and largest store of the kind in any vil- lage in Genere County. Here will be found a complete assortment of dry goods, groceries, hard- ware, paints, crockery, boots and shoes and indeed everything carried in a first-class village store. The annual sales run up into thousands of dollars and
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Mr. Beals began the mercantile business in 1881 in company with A. Armstrong and after a year went into partnership with E. B. Palmer and four years later Mr. Maxwell joined the firm. Mr. Beals is a native of Niagara County, N. Y., and was born July 9, 1810. His parents, Adney B. and Lydia Beals were natives of Vermont. The boy received a fair, common-school education and learned the minutia of farm life, taking a thorough drill in all work of this kind. He graduated at Bry- ant & Stratton's Commercial College in 1865, and for several years taught during the winters.
The West with its undeveloped wealth beckoned to this young man and in 1870 he came to tien- eser County, Mich., and has resided here from that time until this. Two years after his coming his father's family migrated also and his parents speut the remainder of their days here. For years he and his father engaged together in farming, but after awhile he drifted into the mercantile business. Ilis marriage with Emma Tyler in 1872 brought him two children. E. Belle and Lester H. After the death of the first wife he married Miss Jeuna Elliott and they now have a little child who was not yet received a name.
Mr. Beals served some three terms as Supervisor of Grand Blane Township, and twice he was nom- inated for State Senator but was defeated, as his name was on the Democratie ticket and this dis- triet is strongly Republican. He is a member of the Order of the Maccabees and also of the Ma- sonic order. In the Congregational Church he is an active member and is Superintendent of the Sun- day-school. He is a stirring political factor of Grand Hane Township, and is universally con- ceded to have excellent business abilities and to be a most enterprising and popular man.
BRAM SOMERS. This well-known farmer residing on section 25, Mundy Township. Genesee County, is a native son of the Empire State, having been born in Scho- harie County, January 31. 1813. At his native home his early days were passed attending the dis-
triet school and helping upon the form until he reached the age of eleven years. The family then removed just across the county line into thego County, and there made their home for many year -.
Our subject came West in November, 1871, and here again undertook what had been so far his life work, farming, and which has been his pursuit since coming here. I'mon coming to Michigan he first settled in Grand Blanc Township, this county, and lived there four years, before removing to Mundy Township, and in these two townships he has made his home ever since coming to this State. Ile is now carrying on farming upon a splendid tract of three hundred and twenty acres, which he ha- in fine condition and which is yielding him crops of more than ordinary average in value and amonni.
Mr. Somers was married in Otsego County, N. Y., December 19, 1865, to Miss Helen Griggs, who was born in North Norwich. Chenango County, N. Y., February 22, 1817. Mr. and Mrs. Somers are the parents of eight children: Jason E., Edwin L. Sammel A., Alice M., Hiram G., Arthur 1 .. , Nellie 1. and George A. These are all living in good health with the exception of Alice M., who passed from this life at the age of six years, after the family had removed to Mundy Town-hip.
Mr. Somers is a man who is deeply interested in matters of public import and has ever found hus judgment to be in accord with the tenets of the Republican party, but he is also deeply interested in the temperance question and casts his ballot for Prohibition. Both he and his good wife are earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the activities of that circle they find a broad field for work and influ- ence.
The father of Abram Somers bore the same name as his son and the mother's name in maidenhood was Nancy Borst. They both died in Otsego County, N. Y. They were the parents of thirteen children and our subject was the eleventh in order of age. The father of the younger Mrs. Somers was Ebenezer Griggs, who died in Flint Township, and her mother, Merey ( Myers) Griggs, still re- sides there at the old home. Mrs. Somers is the
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fourth in a family of six children born to these worthy parents. She is a lady of more than ordi- mary intelligence and affability, and is highly esteemed in the social circles of Mandy Township. Mr. and Mrs. Somers have played their farm in the land of a tenant and are now somewhat relieved from the heavier burdens of life.
ERRY HANDLIN. This efficient and thor- ough farmer who is located on section 28, Millington Township, Tu-cola County, is a native of Canada and was born July 11, 1818. He is a son of Thomas Handlin, a native of Ireland, who came to Canada at the age of fourteen with his parents, He there married Julia Driskel, a native of Scotland and to them were born seven sohs and three daughters. The father was a sailor in his younger days and after- ward a farmer. We visited both the East and West Indies and followed whaling for four years. Nova Seotia was his home for some years and the then moved to Upper Canada, where he died in Oxford County in 1869, and his wife had passed from his side in 1858 at the same place.
The early days of our subject were passed in Canada and he was there married to Susan .1., daughter of Asa Hallock, a native of Vermont who became an early settler in Canada, where his daughter was born. He was a prominent man and for eight years was High Sheriff of Oxford County. In religions matters he was a zealous and conscientious member of the Methodist Epis- copat Church. He came to Watertown Township, this county, and settled on a farm where he and his wife both died. The name of his wife before marriage was Elizabeth Sprague and she was a native of Vermont. They had three sons and two daughters.
To our subject and his wife the following chil- dren were born: Elizabeth A., Asa, Julia .1., Thomas W., Chares T., John and Netta M. The latter has passed from this life, and Asa and Thomas reside in the State of Washington but the other members of the family reside in this county.
Their mother died in 1879 and the father was again marned in 1883 to Ellen Young, a native of Michigan and a daughter of John and Betsey (Sayer) Young, both New Yorkers, who were the parents of six sous and four daughters.
Mr. Handlin came to Michigan in 1865 and set- thead upon a form of forty aeres in Watertown Township and there resided until 1873 when he removed to Otter Lake, Lapeer County, and there followed the lumber business for four years before settling on the farm of one hundred and twenty Here's where he now resides, in Millington Town- ship. He has cleared all of this fine estate and has one hundred acres under cultivation. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and is a Republican in his political connection.
ILLIAM J. SPEER, whose fine estate is located on section 30, Montrose Township, Genesce County, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, February 19, 1811. That contin- und to be his home until December, 1869, when he came to Genesee County and settled on section ist of this township. His carly training was taken upon a farm in Ohio, and while living there he pursued agriculture, but since coming to Michigan he has followed lumbering to some extent. He has erected good buildings upon his farm and has some hundred acres of excellent land.
Mr. Speer was married in Maple Grove Town- ship. Lapeer County. this State, June 16, 1871, to Miss Alida Reed, who was born in Rensselaer County. N. Y., and was three years old when her parents brought her to Michigan. She is now the mother of two children: Helena M. and James E. For five years Mr. Speer has held the office of Su- pervisor of his township and has been Treasurer for two years. He has been enumerator for the tenth and eleventh census of Montrose Township and has taken an active part in political affairs being a stanch Republican.
Our subject enlisted in the spring of 186t in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio
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Infantry for one hundred days' service and was in only one battle. He has taken an active part in religions work and is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and has served that body as Class-Leader, Steward and Trustee, and has been made delegate to the General Conference and other convention -.
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Robert W. Speer, the father of our subject, was united in marriage with Sarah Jamison, who died in the spring of 1882. The father of Mrs. William .1. Speer was William II. Reed, and her mother was known in maidenhood as Jane Chamberlin. She died in Montrose Township, October 21. 1891. Mrs. Speer is a lady of more than ordinary ability, culture and amiability, and makes a delightful home for her fa nily. The farm has upon it excel- lent buildings and everything is kept in such order as to show plainly the hand of a genuine system- ntie farmer.
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OIN F. CARTWRIGHT. This prominent business man of Davison Township. Gen- este County, who is valued highly in both commercial and social circles was born in this township December 19, 1816, and is a son of Calvin Cartwright who had his birth in New York in 1816. He came to this county in 1836 and first settled in Grand Blanc Township, but in Decem- ler, 1812, removed to Davison. He had previously procured land and having built a shanty, proceeded to clear and improve the farm. Previous to his death, January 15, 1891, he had held every office in the township and had been Supervisor for eleven years.
During the war Calvin Cartwright was very enthusiastic and helpful in sustaining the flovern- ment, and he was a member of the Baptist Church from the time he was twenty years old. His wife is still living and is now sixty-nine years old, having been born October 5, 1822. Her maiden name was Mary A. Fritz and she was born in New York. Of her six children four are living. 1 district school education in the old log school- house was supplemented by studies at Pontiac and
Flint and then our subject undertook teaching. When only eighteen years old our subject enlisted in December, 1861, in the Thirteenth Michigan Infantry and was mustered out of service in June, 1865.
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