USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 64
USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 64
USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan > Part 64
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November 17, 1873, our subject was united in marriage with Mix Euna Begole, the eldest daughter of Evan Begole, who was born in Ypsi- lanti July 22, 1852. She was there reared and edu- food and became a most attractive and charm-
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ing woman. Mr. Begole has a form of four hun- dred acres, which is well cultivated, and most of which is under the plow. There are three houses upon the farm, in which his tematry may be ac- commodated. He keeps on an average from live to six men. He devotes himself to general farm- ing, but pay's a great deal of attention to stock. raising, having constantly on hand from three to four hundred head of graded Merino sheep. He also has a large number of hogs and cattle. At one time he made a specialty of breeding horses, and now has twelve head of line animals. He ships much stock to the East.
The original of our sketch is the owner of a large amount of stock in the Mexican iron mines, and is also interested in the Mexican Iron Moun- tain Manufacturing Company. The mountain is one mile long, seven hundred feet high and has one-third of a mile in width of pure iron soil, being the largest iron deposit in the world. This will doubtless bring valuable returns to the holders of stock. Mr. Begole is a Democrat in his political preference. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and is one of the most constant in that body at Mt. Morris.
I'DGE SILLAS B. GASKILL, attorney-at-law in Lapeer, was born April 18, 1828. in Gainesville, Genere County, (now Wyo- ming County) N. Y. His parents were Sila- and Jane (Brown) Giaskill, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. The father was a farmer, and the boyhood days of our subject were passed upon a farm until he was about fourteen years old, when he entered the tienesee Wesleyan College, at Lima, N. Y. He was compelled to leave college before graduating and for four succeeding years found employment as a teacher in village schools. He commenced to read law under Judge Hiram Gardner, and in 1858 was admitted to prac- tive at the lar of the State of Michigan.
In 1861 Mr. Gaskill located in Lapeer. About that time le offered his services to his country but was rejected on account of poor health. He became
influentint in Lapeer County very soon after he settled in the city of Lapeer for the practice of hi, profession, and between the years 1861 and 1×59 he was Proscouting Attorney for the county. In April, 1880, he was appointed by Gov. Crosswell as Circuit Judge for the sixth Judicial District and was the first resident of lapeer County who ever served as Circuit Judge. During his oceu- paney of this position, the famous Dr. Hall case was tried before him in Oakland County. Ile served about two years as Judge and his decisions were marked by deep knowledge of the law and unbiased opinions. In his political affiliations be was a Republican until his personal friend Grover Cleveland was nominated for the Presidency, and he worked for him with great energy and enthu- siasin. His practice is extensive in various por- tions of this State and he also practices before the Supreme Court. He is the father of two children- Nettie and Eddie.
OHN RHODES. After a life spent in use- fulness and in helping to perfect each bit of nature with which he came in contact, he whose name appears above was borne to his long home, but has left behind in the hearts and memories of his friends a record that is worthy of emulation by the young and that is an encourage- ment to the middle aged. Having for some time been a resident of Atlas Township, Genesee County, our subject was born in Orange County, N. Y., August 12, 1820. He is the son of William and Mary (Carr) Rhodes. The Intter died when our subject was but a child.
When thirteen years of age John Rhodes with his father and stepmother removed to Western New York and when sixteen years old continued on the rest of the Westward wave to Huron County, Ohio, where he was reared to man- hood .. He there received a common-school edu- ention but was not the recipient of High School ad- vantages. He has devoted himself throughout life to farming. His domestic life began September 2x,
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1X1, when he was married in Ohio to Miss Huldal Hanley, who was born in Huron County of the stine State, August 3, 1821. She was a daughter of John and Roxanna (Beche) Hanley, and both parents were natives of Connecticut. Her grand- father Beebe settled in Lorain County, Ohio and thither Mrs. Rhodes' mother accompanied him al- though she had previously been married in her native State. The men of the family were patriots whose services were always offered in the time of their country's need.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes six children were born, four of whom are now living-Mary J., Frances, Mrs. Oscar Sweers; Calvin L., and Ella M. Sarah and Adel are deceased, the latter dying in infancy. | her maiden days a Miss Frances Goodenough, a In 1813 our subject started with lus wife to Michi- native of Vermont and born in 1806; she died in 1883. Three children were the outcome of that union. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended school in the log schoolhouse of the dis- triet, until twelve years old when he went only in the winter. He remained under the parental roof until of age but was engaged some in working out previous to that time in a lumber camp, and for nine winters he worked in the pine woods. Our subject purchased his first land in Davison Town- ship. this county, in 1853. paying for it by labor in the lumber woods during the winters and spend- ing the sunmers in clearing and improving the place. gan, coming via the lakes, and his parents accom- panied them, but took the overland route. They made a settlement in Genesce County, now owned and excupied by Mrs. Rhodes. They settled in the woods, building a log cabin in which they resided for several years, greeting their present residence later. He cleared up a farm which was in a wild condition, using oxen in the work for a number of years. He died March 1, 1888. In his death Atlas Township loses one of her early pioneers and most esteemed citizens. He was a member of the Con- gregational Church of which he had been Trustee for many years. In his political views he was a Republican. At his death he left a valuable estate After marriage our subject located on his farm but in 1870 he sold out and purchased his present farm, which is located on section 26, Burton Town- which was the result of his life labor. His widow resides on the home farm and she with her children make one of the most highly esteemed families in . ship and he has since resided at this place. Our this portion of the county. subject married Miss Clarissa Merrill, October 15, 186. She was a native of New York and a dangh- ter of William G. and Angeline (Morgan) Merrill, natives of Massachusetts and New York respect- ively. They were pioneers, however, in this State. Mrs. Howe's father was a finely-educated man who was naturally given positions in township and social affairs. When a young man he studied law in Boston until his health failed and he was obliged to come West. Mr. and Mrs. Howe are the parents of four children where names are Edwin C., Mar- ion S., Herbert M. and John G. The oldest is married and lives on an adjoining farm. The see- und is a teacher in the Indiana Normal School.
G EORGE R. HOWE. Our subject is a prom- inent farmer in this section and has a fine place which is under the best of cultivation and boasts a pleasant and attractive home. le was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 16, 1×33, and is a son of Kowa Howe who was born in Franklin County, N. Y. Our subject's father was a farmer but worked at lumbering until he was thirty or thirty-five years old. He came to Bak-
land County, Mich., in 1819 nud in 1851 be re- moved to Davison Township, Genere County. Hle cleared and improved a farm here and made it his home for eighteen years and then came to Burton Township, and has since made his home with his sons. He is now in his eighty-fifth year. Ile remembers some incidents of the War of 1812 and especially of hearing the cannonading at the battle of Plattsburg.
Our subject's father has been associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly seventy years. He is of English ancestry bis father served in the Revolutionary War; be was wounded and received a pension. Our subject's mother was in
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The daughter is a teacher in the district school. Our subject is a Republican in politics and has held various local offices. He was Highway Com- misioner in Bavian Township and Justice of the Poner in this township for seven years. He was ako Supervisor of this township for seven steves- sive years and was elected to a position on the County Board of Superintendents of the Poor in IXXX. Both he and his wife have been associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1835. Our subject is the owner of eighty acres of fine land.
W ILLIAM I. FANNING, M. D. We here present a sketch of another member of that profession which cares for the physical well-being of humanity. one who has made his mark in Lapver and has built up for himself a good practice here. He was born in Elgin County, Canada. not far from London, on July 16, 1813. He is the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Garman) Fanning, the father being a native of Ireland who come to Canada when about twenty years of age and the mother was a Canadian by birth, having been born and brought up in the city of Montreal.
A deep affliction befell this family when our subject was only eight years old. The father died leaving the mother in limited virenmstances with the care upon her of five children, all of them young. The mother never married again but de- voted herself unflinchingly to the care and support of her children and managed to keep them together until they were old enough to earn their own liv- ing. William did what he could to earn money to helpsupport the family and eagerly gleaned what education he could pick up.
The young man ligan the study of medicine when eighteen years old, under Dr. Clark, of Ayl- mer, of Ontario, and at the same time earned his board by taking cute of the Doctor's office. He remained with his kind friend about six years ex- cept while alment attending lectures. He took one term at Cleveland in the Western Homeopathic College and the next term at Chicago at the
Hahnemann College, from which he graduated in 1×69, He came to lapeer and located for practice und here a singular coincidence of disasters de- prived him of his credentials. His office was burned out in 1871 and he thereby lost his diploma, and during the great Chicago the records of the Col- lege were destroyed. He finally decided to pass mother examination and obtained a second diploma which bears the date, 1879, although he really completed his course in 1869. He passed one year in North Branch in this county.
Dr. Fanning was married in Lapeer, March 11, 1X75 to Miss Isabel Woods of this city who was born at Zanesville, Ohio, in June. 1853. One son, Willoughby, was born in Lapeer, January 11. 1877, and although he did not attend school until the age of eight, he is now In the eighth grade and is known as a good and truthful boy. The Doctor is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Knights of Py thias." His political convictions make him a Republican, but he has never been an office-socker. He has met with a high degree of success so much so that he has been obliged to cut off his practice in ver- tain directions. His success does not make him unmindful of those who are struggling and he is ever ready to extend a helping hand to the needy. His pleasant and genial manners add to the popu- larity which his professional skill has given him.
LONZO B. MARKHAM, President of the Commercial Bank of Mayville, is one of the leading members of the Tuscola County Bar and has made his home in Mayville for twenty years. He was born in P'ly- mouth, Wayne County, June 9, 1815, and is a son of Abraham B. and Mary 1. ( Bradley) Markham, natives of New England, whose ancestors for several generations had resided in the Eastern States.
The father of our subject was born April 6. 1800, and in 1825 emigrated alone to Michigan and settled in Plymouth Township, Wayne County, where he purchased Government land,
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the patent for which was signed by President John Quincy Adams. This purebase comprised eighty acres and for sixty-two years it was the home of Abraham B. Markham. He purchased more land and in time his homestead comprised three hundred and twenty seres. He also dealt somewhat in real estate and for many years he was automated the most thorough and successful farmer in Plymouth Township.
In his old age the father was stricken with par- alysis and was removed to Mayville where his death occurred. His funeral was held at his oldl home and he was laid to rest in the old cemetery 21 Plymouth. He was a man of thorough educa- tion and a great reader, always keeping abreast of the times. In his early life he was an old-line Whig and was one of the delegates to the first Republican Convention held at Jackson in June, 1851. His good wife who is still living is now in her eighty-first year.
The brothers and sister of our subject are George B., who lives at Mayville; Henry (., who was a lo- comotive engineer and died at Mayville; Mary L., ! who resides with her mother at Plymouth, and William F., who is the patentee aud manufacturer of the Markham Air Rifle. the principal manufact- uring output of Plymouth. Our subject passed his early life upon the farm, attending the com- mon school and spending one year at the Agricul- tural College and Lansing but his schooling was interrupted by the breaking out of the Civil War and the call of Abraham Lincoln stirred into an active response the patriotismo of this young man, who enlisted August 5. 1842 although only seven- teen years of age.
Alonzo B. Markham joined Company C, Twenty- fourth Regiment Michigan Infantry, which formed a part of the Iron Brigade. His first battle was at Fredericksburg on the Fith of December, and he was with the Army of the Potomar until his dis- charge at the close of the war. Following his re- , turn home he again resumed his studies and grad- uated from the Northville High School in Wayne County. He then took a special course at the University of Michigan graduating from the law department in the Class of '71. His first location was at Mayville and in July of that year be hung
out his shingle upon which was inseribed: "A. B. Markham Attorney at Law." For fifteen years he gave his whole attention to his profession and built up a large and lucrative practice, dealing also in real estate and loans.
The Commercial Bank was established September 17, 1890, with A. B. Markham & Co. as proprie- tors, mund the Commercial Bank building was · created. This is one of the neatest structures in the village. The previous year Mr. Markhamn had built a two story brick block containing four stores on the ground floor. He also owned and platted the Beachwood Addition to the village of Mayville and owns two improved farms besides considerable realty which he is holding for speed- lation. Every dollar of his fortune has been made by his own efforts and notwithstanding his success. he is still a plain citizen, easily approached and courteous to all. He is a shrewd financier and an able lawyer.
Mr. Markham was married January 29, 1873, to Mary, daughter of John Van Riper, a farmer of Livingston County, and they have one daughter, Edith May, who was born December 19, 1871. In political matters he is in sympathy with the Republican party and he has held a number of official positions, having been for several years Circuit Court Commissioner for the county, be- sides twing Supervisor and Township Clerk, and has been the President of the School Board since the Mayville Schools have been graded. He is Post Commander of the Grand Army Post at Mayville and Fast Dictator of the Mayville Lodge and Knights of Honor.
ORGAN W. STINSON. Among the na- tive-boru citizens of Michigan whose pres- ent home is in Fenton Township, Gene- see County, is this gentleman, whose native place is in Addison Township, Oakland County, and whose birth occurred February 25, 1817. His father, George W. Stinson, was born in Essex County. N. Y., in August, 1820, and was
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reared on a farm, emigrating to Oakland County. Mich., nbet 1814, and purchasing a farm in Ad- dison Township. After clearing and improving that place, he sold it and removed to tieneser County in 1855, buying a fanu in Fenton Town- ship, where he remained until his death, April 10, 1×91.
Grandfather Nathan Stinson was a native of New Jersey and came to Michigan at an early day, settling in Genesee County, where he died when seventy-two year- old. The father of our subject was a very successful farmer, and although he started out in life without means, by industry and economy he accumulated a large property. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Gu- lick, and who was born October 23, 1821, became the parents of six children, four of whom still sur- vive. Of these Mr. Stinson is the second and the eldest now living. After he was old enough to work he attended the district school only in the winter season, and in the summer found employ- ment on the farm.
Until he was twenty-two years old our subject remained under the parental roof, but at that time engaged in farming for himself. After renting for one year, he purchased a place, which he has since operated. He was married in 1869, Mis Elizabeth Benedict, a daughter of Silas and Martha E. (Parks) Benedict, becoming his wife. Mrs. Stinson was born in Hartland, Livingston County, this State. Her grandfather, Silas Benedict, was a native of New York State, and at an early day removed to Canada, where his son, Silas, aJr., was born in 1806. During the War of 1812 he re- turned to New York, because a continued resi- dence in Canada became dangerous as he would not swear allegiance to the King of Great Britain. Mrs. Stinson's great-grandfather was scalped by the Indian- during the Revolutionary War. Her father came to Michigan during the early days of its settlement and located in Brandon Township, Oakland County, where he lived twelve years. From that place he removed to Livingston County, and remained there twelve years, going thence to Fenton Township. He now makes his home with our subject. The mother died in 1869.
Mr. and Mrs. Stimcon are the parents of four
children, namely: Martha E., who was born May 21, 1872; Laville, March 31, 1878; George , and Silas R. (twins), July 20, 1879. In his politics Mr. Stinson is a Democrat, and socially is a mem- ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and his wife have membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are consistent in their Christian living. A successful farmer, he is the owner of one hundred and twenty neres of good land on section 31, and is numbered among the most practical and thorough-going farmers of the community.
OHN H. YOUNG, a prominent dentist of Lapeer, was born in London, Canada, Sop- tember 18, 1870, and is the son of James A. and Mary (Harris) Young, both natives of Canada. He is the younger of two sons, the elder, Frederic W., having been born in February, 1867. The boyhood days of our subject were principally passed in Victoria, British Columbia, where he was graduated from the Thigh Schools. When sixteen he began to study dentistry and for four years was thus engaged in Tillsouburg, Ou- tario. Thence he went to the Philadelphia Dental College, and was graduated from that institution in 1890. In October of the same year he located in Lapeer, where he has since resided. In June, 1891, he was married to Miss Ada Aline Moore. of Tillsonburg, Ontario, and the young couple are highly esteemed in Lapeer and vicinity. The Doctor has been an extensive traveler and has visited the principal cities of the United States and Canada.
James A. Young, father of our subject, now lives in Tillsonburg and is general ngent for Mer- cer Bros,, of Alliston, Ontario, dealer- in agricul- tural implements. Grandfather John Young wa- of Pennsylvania-Dutch origin and settled in Can- ada when the present site of London was a wil- derness. He engaged extensively in farming operations near that city. Farther back in the family history the ancestors owned flouring mill- where Rochester, N. Y., now stands, those bring the first mills started in that place.
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"The brother of our subject, who is now a dental student in his office, was born in London, Ontario, and is a graduate of the High School of Victoria. like his brother, he has traveled extensively and is well informed on all topics of general interest. At Tillsouburg he was engaged as a dealer in agricultural implements and was among the most influential business men in that portion of Can- ada. In partnership with his father, he conducted a real-estate business prior to coming to Lapeer in 1891. October 21, 1889, he was united in mar- ringe with Miss Maggie Enric, of Tillsouburg, On- tario, and they have one child -- Arthur H., who was born there November 22. 1890.
ESSE 1. BUCK. Genesee County contains many line farms, but among them all there are but few which deserve more favorable mention than the estate of Mr. Buck, which is pleasantly located on section 31, Mandy Town- ship. Mr. Buck is descended from Asahel Buck, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., who died at the residence of his son William in Washtenaw County, Mich. The son of Asahel was Ahel, (our subjeet's father) who was born in the same county as his father, and who married Miss Sarah, the daughter of Hiram Lanning, a native of New York State. Mrs. Sarah Buck was born in 1811 in Cayuga County, N. Y., and became the wife of Abel Back in her native county August 16, 1832. In 1836 they' re- moved to Salem, Washtenaw County, this State, and thener two years later they removed to High- land Township, Oakland County, where they re- mained until their death. He died June 20, 1860, while she passed away December 20, 1886.
The family of Abel and Sarah Buck comprised thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters. Jesse 11., of this sketch, being the seventh child. He was born in Highland Township, Oakland County, this State, June 28, 1811, and there passed the early years of his life. In 186t he removed to Mundy Township, Genesce County, and purchased eighty acres on section 31, which he at once com- meneed to clear. Since 1861 he has resided in
Mandy Township and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty arres on section 31. lle was married in Fenton Township, in 1865, to Clarinda, the daughter of Joshua Mecker, of the same town- ship. Mrs. Buck was born in Fenton Township, May 11, 1812, and became the mother of live chil- dren, namely: George, who died in infancy; Julia E., who is the wife of Gny Baldwin; Kingsley, Mary .. and Sarah. Mrs. Clarinda Buck died November 25, 1889.
On April 22, 1891 Mt. Buck was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Mattie A. Baird, nee Traphagan, the ceremony which united them taking place in Fenton Township. Mrs. Buck is the daughter of William H. and Jane M. (Ackerson) Traphagan, the former dying October 23, 1889. Mrs. Buck, who is the fifth among six children, was born in Holly Township, Oakland County, this State, March 11, 1856, and is a lady of social culture and great worth. Her first husband was Charles F. Baird, who was born June 28, 1853, in St. Clair County, this State. Mr. and Mrs. Baird resided in Marine City six months, and thence removed to Denver, Col., sojourning there one and one-half years. From that place they returned to Marine City, Mich., where Mr. Baird died October 23, 1880. Mrs. Buck is the mother of one sou by that marriage-Bert B.
Mr. Buck ha- filled the office of Constable for two years and has taken an active part, as a strong Republican, in local political affairs. He is also greatly interested in religious matters, and was at one time Steward in the church as well as a teacher in the Sunday-school.
C HAARLES E. BAKER. This gentleman is the owner of the Kingston Wagon Factory, and has a blacksmith and general repair shop in connection with his factory, besides being engaged in milling and lumbering to some extent. He resides in Kingston Township, Toscola County, where he has a pleasant and comfortable home. He was born in 1800 in Oakland County, this State, and is a son of William and Nancy (Craw-
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ford) Baker. William Baker, who was born in the State of Michigan in 1826 is a son of David Baker, who was a native of Ohio. At the age of twenty-four he commenced in life for himself, learning the cooper's trade and starting a shop at White Lake, Mich. Later he embarked in bu-mess. as a blacksmith.
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