Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Valentine, Henry 1855 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 9:37 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) HENRY VALENTINE. Among the many foreign-born residents of Watertown Township, Tuscola County, we are pleased to give room to a sketch of Mr. Valentine, who was born July 10, 1855, in England. His parents are John and Susannah (Gill) Valentine, and of them our readers will find further details in another part of this record. Our subject had his early training and education in England, and was there married to Jane Gummerson, a native of England. To them were granted the following children: Alice G., Susan G., Annie B., Nellie A., John E. and Mary M. Henry Valentine became convinced that if he would give suitable advantages to his young family he must bring them to the New World, where there were openings for the poor, and where all stood on an equal basis. He therefore came to this country and settled in Michigan in 1880, undertaking farm work. At present he is on Mr. Collins' farm. He has been a Prohibitionist ever since he has had a vote in the United States, and is a member of Prohibition League No. 2. Edward Gummerson, the father of Mrs. Valentine, is also a native of England, as is likewise his wife, Alice (Green) Gummerson, and they are the parents of seven sons and six daughters. Mr. Gummerson was an engineer in England and his father and mother were Charles and Keziah Gummerson. They reared to maturity a family of four daughters and two sons. Charles Gummerson was an underlooker in a coal mine. He died in 1856, and his good wife, who survived him, passed from earth in 1872. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/valentin708gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 2.4 Kb

Genesee-Macomb County MI Archives Biographies.....Douglas, Arthur H. 1865 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 9:36 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) ARTHUR H. DOUGLAS, D. D. S., was born near Richfield, Macomb County, this State, November 8, 1865, and is the son of Henry F. and Mary (Inwood) Douglas, the former being a native of Michigan and the latter of England. The father was born in Troy, in 1832, and was a farmer until he was thirty-two years of age, at which time he took up the study of dentistry. Having fitted himself for practice he located at Richmond and undertook his profession and in 1869 he removed to Fenton where he practiced until his death, in December, 1890. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church and a prominent and highly respected citizen and was of Scotch extraction. The mother, who is still living, is also a zealous member of the Baptist Church. Every one of the five children of these parents is still in this life. The public schools of Fenton furnished the educational advantages of which our subject was able to avail himself, and he worked with his father and familiarized himself with the work of dentistry. In the fall of 1888 he entered the Vanderbuilt University at Nashville, Tenn., and took a full course in the Dental Department, graduating in the spring of 1890. He then entered upon the practice of dentistry in the office with his father, and since the death of that parent he has carried on the business. In the spring of 1891 Dr. Douglas was united in marriage with Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Deveraux Smith, a prominent farmer of Tyrone, and a native of England. Our subject is a young man of much promise, as he is both intelligent and enterprising and has a fine command of his profession. In his neat office he has a well stocked library, both professional and literary, and he and his bride are honored members of society. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/bios/douglas707gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 2.7 Kb

Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Collins, John 1816 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 9:33 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) JOHN COLLINS. This gentleman was born in Hampshire County, Mass., September 27, 1816, and came with his parents, Jonah S. and Frances (Simmons) Collins, to the Wolverine State at an early day. The father was born on Cape Cod in 1769, and was one of a family of eight children. He was the eldest of the family and devoted himself to the sea, being a captain on the oceans of the world, and following that calling throughout his early life. The second is Rachel; then Priscilla and Aquilla, Mercy, Gamalia, James and Ebenezer. The Collins family is of English origin, and the the [sic] parental family consisted of the following children: Ebenezer, James, Jonah S., William S., Jane, Samuel, he of whom we write and George T. James resides in Flint, this State; Jonah followed the life of a sailor; William S. lived and died in New. York; George T. is now a resident of Linden, Genesee County; our subject came to. Lapeer County in 1847, and bought the farm where he now resides. John Collins was first married in 1844, to Philinda E. Fitch. She died, however, in a few months and in 1847 our subject married Louisa Parker. Two sons were the result of this union-George N. and Irvin J. Mrs. Louisa Collins died in 1854, and our subject afterward married Caroline M., daughter of Timothy Wheeler. Two children were born of this union-Willard J. and James W. The elder is still living. Timothy Wheeler is a native of Vermont, and was born in 1791. His wife, Susan Walton, was born in the same year and in the same town-Brattleboro. While a resident, of Peru, N. Y., where he resided for four years, he worked in the manufacture of iron and was a skilled mechanic. He brought his family, which comprised a wife and five children, to Lapeer County, in the fall of 1835, and settled on section 1, in the wilderness. He worked at his trade, which was that of a blacksmith, and also did much toward clearing his farm. Mrs. Collins' father died in September, 1872. He and his wife reared a family of five children, they being Shepherd, Mrs. Collins, Susan A., Harriet A. and Daniel W. Susan became the wife of Dennis Greggs; Harriet became the wife of Manley T. Tower. Timothy Wheeler was a son of Daniel Wheeler. He was called out in the War of 1812 and was a participant in the battle of Plattsburg, on Lake Champlain. Our subject is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a Republican in the truest sense of the word, believing in the platform and policy of the party without modification. He is the owner of a beautiful farm of one hundred acres, which bears good buildings. His residence is a thing of beauty and an ideal rural home. The barns and outhouses are capacious and filled to overflowing with the products of the place. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lapeer/bios/collins706gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.6 Kb

Lapeer-Macomb County MI Archives Biographies.....Paton, John H. 1854 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 9:31 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) ELDER JOHN H. PATON. Our subject who is a resident of Almont, is a scholarly man who has devoted himself largely to the study of Bible subjects and has himself been the author of several important and popular theological works. Mr. Paton is a native of Scotland, having been born in Galston, Ayrshire, April 7, 1843. He is a son of David and Christian (Woodburn) Paton. His mother died when he was only six years old, being a victim of Asiatic cholera. His father married again, and coming to this country, located in Michigan, settling in Almont Township in 1852. He began farming in 1853, securing a one hundred and forty-acre tract of land which had formerly been known as the Saulsbury farm, two miles east of the village of Almont. From the time of his father's settlement on the farm above mentioned, our subject lived and labored on the farm and gained a fair knowledge of agricultural life. He received a good common-school education and at the age of seventeen entered that best of all schools in which self-government and command is attained, becoming a teacher in the Retherford district. In the fall and summer he worked at home on the farm and attended school in the winter, and in the summer of 1862 he engaged as a farm hand, but in August of that year he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, under Capt. A. M. Keeler, now of Richmond, this State. The first fall and winter of their service they spent in Kentucky watching for and chasing John Morgan, the famous raider, of that State, the regiment camping during the winter at Lexington. The summer of 1863 our subject spent in provost duty at Nashville, Tenn., until September. The regiment was then sent to the front in time for the battle of Chickamauga, which took place September 19 and 20. Our subject was taken sick and was sent to the hospital at Chickamauga, remaining there for about two weeks. Soon after rejoining his regiment he was transferred to the United States Signal Corps and remained in Chattanooga that winter; was connected with headquarters of the Fourteenth Army Corps on the Atlanta campaign, and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He was also at the Grand Review at Washington, and was honorably discharged from service July 10, 1865, at St. Louis Mo., having moved Westward with Sherman's headquarters. Our subject returned to his father's home and made his plans to become a farmer, the three years spent in the army having broken up his plan for literary education. January 13, 1866, Elder Paton was married to Miss Sarah E. Wilson, a daughter of John and Sarah (Cook) Wilson of St. Clair County, there born January 21, 1844. Her parents were born and reared in England. Our subject having previously bought forty acres of land near Armada, Macomb County, moved there in March, 1866. The young couple there made their home for a year and a half, and then Mr. Paton purchased forty acres in Almont Township. The winter that he was in Macomb County he spent as a teacher, and after coming to Almont he taught for two winters, devoting himself to farming during the summer. Our subject was first personally interested in religion when about fifteen years of age. His father, while in Scotland, had been a member of a church of New Testament Disciples, but there being no church of that kind here, our subject joined the Baptists, and a number of his father's family did the same. While teaching and living in Armada, he began preaching, and there and after moving to Almont, held services in school-houses until he was ordained a minister of the Baptist Church, October 19, 1870. He is now pastor of the Church of Christ at Almont, but does not confine his labors here; he preaches at Peck, Yale and elsewhere throughout the State, and also every alternate Sunday in Washington Union Church in Macomb County. Eider Paton is a man to whom stereotyped creed is galling. He believes in studying the Bible and living according to one's best conscientious understanding of its teachings. Our subject has six children whose names are as follows: Henry W., George Wilber, Nora E., David W., Chrissie E., and Annie E. They were all born in Almont Township, with the exception of Henry W., who was born in Armada Township November 1, 1866. In 1880 Elder Paton published a book of three hundred and twenty-eight pages, entitled "Day Dawn," and in 1882 issued a revised edition. The first edition had four thousand copies, the second three thousand, and sold readily, and the third edition is now out, being revised and enlarged to four hundred pages. Mr. Paton also gets out a semi-monthly magazine which has been published since 1882. It is in pamphlet form and is entitled "The World's Hope." In 1882 he got out a work of two hundred and twenty pages, the first edition numbering two thousand. It was entitled "Moses and Christ," and the sales are still going on. Mr. Paton is now President of the Larger Hope Publishing Company, which name is suggestive of the liberality of his religious views, and of his large hope for mankind. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lapeer/bios/paton705gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 5.9 Kb

Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Winchester, John L. 1854 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 9:27 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) JOHN L. WINCHESTER, a resident in Elmwood Township, Tuscola County, has here a well-cultivated and fertile farm. Mr. Winchester was born in Warren County, in the little city of Warren, Pa., September 6, 1854. He is the son of Elijah and Sarah (Conant) Winchester. His mother was born and reared in Attica, N. Y., and his father in Batavia, the same State, on the borders of Chautauqua Lake. The latter was by trade a baker, and was able to make a very good living in the village where our subject was reared. He was given a limited education, attending the graded schools of Warren, and at other schools until he was eighteen years old. At the age of fourteen years he began life for himself in New York City, where he was employed as a chore boy, and remained for two years. After that he attended the academy in Franklinville, N. Y. The original of our sketch was bereft of his mother when three years old. His father not long after was again married, and the new conditions in the home life were not agreeable to the youth. He was thrown out early in life, his father having moved to Maryland when the son was fourteen years of age, since which time they have been separated. At the age of twenty our subject worked in a mill, and then was fireman on the Pennsylvania & Erie Railroad, filling that post for about eighteen months. This point in our subject's life brings us to the time of the oil excitement, and he, like many others, was drawn therein. He followed the oil business, working for wages for about three years, and for the following four years conducted a business of his own. In 1886 he came to Michigan and began farming. He purchased a place of eighty acres on section 21, which was in a very wild state and contained but little improvement, there being neither house nor barn. Beginning the work, he cleared sixty acres of land, and now has a good two-story house and capacious and well-built barns upon his place. Our subject was married April 2, 1876, to Susie E. Park, of Warren, Pa. They have five children, whose names are as follows: Alice, Carlton, Helen, Marietta and Sarah, all of whom are living at home. They also lost three children by death. Mrs. Susie Winchester died December 10, 1890, and is greatly mourned by her loving life companion as well as children. Our subject has followed farming and stock-raising for a number of years, and has been very prosperous. In politics he favors the Republican party, and is now serving his second term as Township Clerk. He has held various school offices. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/winchest704gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.4 Kb

Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Montague, Horace ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:38 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) HORACE MONTAGUE. It affords us pleasure to insert in this volume the portrait and biography of the gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs, and who has been prominently connected with the development of Tuscola County for many years. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Wells Township, and is known as an enterprising and industrious farmer, whose methods of fertilizing the soil and improving the land are the best, while at the same time he has become known as a public-spirited citizen and a generous-hearted friend. Upon his estate he has placed a first-class set of farm buildings, including a commodious residence, good barns and such outbuildings as will afford shelter for the stock, the various cereals which are stored for winter use, and the machinery which modern civilization requires for the development of a good farm. Charles Montague, father of our subject, was born in December, 1779, in Somersetshire, England. When quite young he left his native home and emigrated to Canada with his father, William Montague, who was obliged to enlist in the English army during the War of 1812 in order to reach America. William Montague was a blacksmith by trade, but after coming to Canada he settled on a farm near London where he remained until his death. The father of our subject left Canada, and moving to Michigan, settled in Indian Fields Township, Tuscola County, in 1865. Upon the home place which he established there, he remained until his death in September, 1889. He served in the War of 1812, being on the side of the United States, while his father fought in the British army. The mother of our subject was known in maidenhood as Maria Hungerford, and was a daughter of Samuel and Alice (Kilburn) Hungerford. Charles and Maria Montague had a family of five sons, Horace being the eldest. The others are Charles Jr., William, Joseph and Samuel A. residing in the township of Almer. Horace N. began for himself at the age of twenty-one, having previously received a fair common-school education. On reaching his majority he was married, his bride being Jane, the daughter of Alexander Smith of Canada. The young couple located on a farm where he had been reared, and remained there twelve years. Mr. Montague engaged in the tanner's business in the village near by, but in 1858 came to Michigan and settled in Port Huron. Three years later he removed to Caro, embarking in business as a blacksmith and running a shop at that place. For many years he aided in the development of the town, clearing ground where Caro now stands and raising grain where there are now business blocks. He has frequently cut big crops of wheat and corn where the court house now stands, and has therefore been a witness of the entire growth of the thriving village of Caro. In 1872 he located on his present farm, where he has since remained with the exception of twelve years on a farm north of Caro. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Montague, namely: Charles, of Caro; Mary J., wife of Alexander McGilvary, of Dakota; Alexander, of Caro; Horace N. Jr., who is Postmaster at Caro; and Maria A., now the wife of Fred Wheat, of Caro. Some time after the death of the first wife, Mr. Montague was again married, his bride being Mrs. Eliza (Van Gilder) Utter, and this union has brought them one child, Ida J. Mrs. Montague was born August 13, 1825, in New York, and is a daughter of Elisha Van Gilder, who was born near Syacuse, N. Y., in 1793. Of nine children, of which he was the father, six are living, viz: Maria, Eliza J., David S., Leonard, Harriet, and Henry. Mrs. Montague first married Stephen H. Utter, a son of Henry and Mary (Webb) Utter. Of that union seven children were born, whose names are as follows: Charles L. (deceased); Edmund H., Emma R., (Mrs. Irvin), Frank S., (deceased); Flora M., Dopking, and William E. Mrs. Montague is a lady of refinement, and is held in high esteem in the community, while her benevolent disposition leads her to use every means in her power to aid those unfortunates who appeal to her for aid. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/montague703gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 5.0 Kb

Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Veit, George C. 1859 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:35 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) GEORGE C. VEIT, one of the most enterprising German-American farmers of this section of Tuscola County, is a resident on section 4, Koylton Township. He is at present the station agent and operator at Kingston on the Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad. He was born December 18, 1859, in Koylton Township, and is a son of John G. Veit, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1837. John Veit emigrated to America when twenty years of age, and located in Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. He there lived until 1857, and was engaged in farming. At the date above mentioned our subject's father came to Michigan and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Koylton Township, which land was patented to him by the Government. Later he returned to Canada, and brought his family with him to his new home in Michigan. Here he lived until 1887, and then went to Portland, Ore, where he now resides. In 1858 John G. Veit married Mary C. Moyer, a daughter of Christopher and Cynthia Moyer. To him and his wife were born five children, whose names are as follows: George C., of whom we write; Albert, Thomas, Rose (Mrs. Kerwin,) and Johnny. Our subject lived at home with his parents on the farm, giving his father the benefit of his efforts until he was twenty-four years of age. At that time he secured the position which he now fills, and has held it ever since, with the exception of a short time, during which he located another office on the same road. September 14, 1887, our subject was married to Miss Nina Corlis, a daughter of James Corlis, of Tuscola County. Mr. Veit is a member of Lodge No. 216, I. O. O. F., and also of Lodge No. 156, K. O. T. M., of Kingston. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/veit702gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 2.6 Kb

Tuscola-Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Pettit, Edwin 1841 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:33 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) EDWIN PETTIT. We are pleased to give place in this RECORD to the life narrative of many a man who came across the border from Canada, and has made his home in the Wolverine State, adding his quota to the industries and activities which have so materially helped to develop the resources of Michigan. Edwin Pettit who now makes his home in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, was born in Canada, a son of John and Maria Ann (Woods) Pettit, both of whom had their nativity and early training in England and came to Canada after their marriage. His father was by occupation a farmer, and upon the farm this son spent the early years of his life. Edwin Pettit did not receive the benefits of an education as he was so situated in childhood as to be deprived of such opportunities, but his native shrewdness and good sense qualified him for attending to business and the fact that he did not feel himself prepared to handle extended accounts has led him into the excellent method of doing business by the cash system. He came to the United States when he was a mere boy, locating with his parents in Lapeer County, Mich., and spending the years of his youth, mostly in that county upon a farm. It was in 1864 that he came to Tuscola County, and he then took up eighty acres of land, and after clearing it proceeded to put improvements upon it. Besides its highly cultivated condition one thing which makes it an admirable piece of property is that it has not now and never has had upon it a mortgage or claim from any one beside its owner. This is as all concede a remarkable record and a very happy one. In 1875 the parents of our subject came to Cass City where they lived a retired life, the mother passing from earth in 1888 and the father dying in 1891. The subject of this sketch was married June 18, 1870, to Ellen Landragren a Canadian by birth who was at the time residing in Elkland Township. One child crowned this union, namely, Frank, who was born March 10, 1874. The wife died June 18, 1889, and our subject now resides alone on the farm with his son. Mr. Pettit's whole life has been devoted to agricultural employments and he carries on stock-raising to a limited extent, keeping only such animals as he needs in order to efficiently pursue the work of the farm. Educational matters have ever awakened a keen interest in his mind and he desires for his son the advantages which he missed in childhood and youth, and is giving to him a thorough schooling in the Cass City High School. His career since making his home here has been marked by thorough industry, devotion to business, a regard for the rights of others and sterling integrity, and the respect of the community is his. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/pettit701gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.6 Kb

Tuscola-Oakland County MI Archives Biographies.....Streeter, William D. 1841 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:31 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) WILLIAM D. STREETER is a resident of the village of Akron where he is engaged in the drug business. He is a son of Elias and Phila (Harmon) Streeter, both natives of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where the subject of this sketch was also born March 26, 1841. The following year his parents came to Oakland County, Mich., and here took up Government land in Brandon Township, Oakland County. The education granted to this youth was very limited as schools were neither numerous nor well established in this section of Michigan. He remained with his father until he was nineteen years of age after which he undertook independent work. This young man contracted a matrimonial alliance with Charlotte, daughter of Sydney Hovey, a New Yorker, and to them have been born four children. The eldest daughter, Mary, has married Edgar Merry and resides in Akron Township with her husband and two sons. Phila married William H. Cook, a merchant and at present Postmaster of Akron. Recine and Louis are the two youngest who are at home with their parents. For some fifteen years after his marriage Mr. Streeter carried on farming and then began the business of hotel keeping, following this calling at Akron, Unionville and Fair Grove. He bought out a stock of drugs of Frank Bosworth, in Akron, taking charge in September, 1890, and is now doing a profitable business in this line, carrying a general stock of notions, drugs, etc. In politics he is a Democrat and takes an active interest in the success of his party. He is at present Constable of Akron Township, and is a member of Tent No. 178, K. O. T. M. His father and mother are living and have both passed the milestone of three-score and ten, yet are active and capable with their mental facilities unabated. There were seven children in the family in which our subject grew to maturity and they are all still living. His brother Jasper, resides in Huron County, Mich., and Simeon lives in Unionville; Jane married George Smith and makes her home in Bay County; Hiram resides in this county, and Mary, who married John Tuttle, lives in Huron County, while Ransom makes his home in Tuscola County. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/streeter700gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.1 Kb

Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Reynolds, William 1811 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:14 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) WILLIAM REYNOLDS. This native of Scotia was born in Ayrshire April 12,1811, and is now a resident of Dryden Township, Lapeer County. His father, William R., was also a native of Ayrshire, and a carpenter by trade and died in his native home when our subject was a little boy and he lost his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Clendennen, at the age of twelve years. They left one son beside our subject, Robert. After the death of the parents the boy was reared by his grandfather, William Clendennen. Our subject came to America in 1831 when he was twenty years old, and while in New York City he learned the trade of a weaver and afterward removed to Jersey City, where he was united in marriage with Margaret Flemming, and there he learned the trade of a carpet weaver. He carried on a manufacturing establishment for the weaving of carpets at Piermont, N. Y., where fifteen looms and twenty-four men were kept busy. After five years of successful work here the establishment was burned down with no insurance on the stock and he lost some $4,000, and he therefore entered the employ as foreman for Thomas Earl, of New York City, a manufacturer of ingrain carpets. A year later Mr. Reynolds came to Dryden Township, this county, and bought eighty acres of land in the woods, putting up a house and at once proceeding to clear and improve the land. Nine children had crowned his first marriage, namely: Thomas, now Postmaster at Thornville; Joseph, deceased; Joseph, 2nd.; Sarah, wife of Peter Schonerman; Thomas J.; Robert, who fell in the service of this country at Buzzard's Roost; Margaret J.; Zavit and Eliza. The mother of these children died in Lapeer County, in 1860. The second marriage of our subject was with Susan B. Suttin who died in 1889, being seventy-seven years old, and he was married the third time April 20, 1890, to Mary Booth, a native of England who was born at Market Wheaton, May 14, 1825. She was the widow of William Booth and the mother of ten children by her first husband. These children's names are: Hannah, Robert L., James V., Jane K., (wife of Andrew Laur of Port Stanley); Richard, Eliza Ann, and Mary C. deceased, Jessie A. (now Mrs. A. Manuel;) Elmer Ellsworth, and Frank A. a railroad man on the Bay City Railway. Mr. Reynolds has a farm of eighty acres upon which he carries on general farming. In politics he is a strong Republican and he is pleased to note that while his last Presidential vote was for President Harrison, his first was for that gentleman's grandfather. He has been a worker in the Sunday-school and a member of the Presbyterian Church, but is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has ever been a liberal contributor to good causes. Mr. Booth, Mrs. Reynold's first husband, was a native of England, where he was born January 7, 1826. He was a Republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and died at the age of sixty-one. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lapeer/bios/reynolds699gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb

Tuscola-Oakland-Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Croop, Daniel 1849 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:11 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) DANIEL CROOP. The sons of New York who have made Michigan their adopted State would form a fine phalanx of thorough-going progressive and enterprising business men and farmers, if they could be brought together in one company, for they have brought to Michigan good methods of pursuing the industries of life, and stalwart qualities of mind, heart and physique. Among them we number Daniel Croop, now a resident of Novesta Township, Tuscola County, who was born in Erie County N. Y., April 26, 1849, being a son of Jacob and Barbara (Werner) Croop, both Pennsylvanians by birth the father being by occupation a farmer. He of whom we write had his birth and early training under most disadvantageous circumstances as his educational advantages were extremely limited and poverty was his lot throughout boyhood, but with all this another affliction burdened him in the fact that he was born with club feet and this trying deformity hindered him not only in the pursuit of wealth, but we may say in the pursuit of happiness, in the first twenty-three years of his life. At that time he left the farm upon which he had been brought up and went to Buffalo, where he submitted to a surgical operation by which his feet were strengthened and straightened so that now this trouble is entirely overcome. Our subject had come West at the age of fourteen, locating in Michigan and engaging in farming in Oakland County and after reaching the age of twenty-four he taught for eight years in Oakland County, and then at the age of thirty-two undertook work upon the railroad at Saginaw where he continued for nine months on the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. He was then made station agent at Otter Lake in Lapeer County, which position he filled for seven and one half years and came to this place in October, 1889, to take charge of railroad matters here. With Mr. J. H. Baker he soon opened a general store for the sale of hardware, groceries, dry goods, and in fact everything kept in a well stocked general store, and he,has devoted himself to this business ever since, and in July, 1891, he bought out the entire interest of his partner so that he is now proprietor of the whole concern. Among the interesting events which we are called upon to chronicle in the life of Mr. Croop is his marriage upon the 15th of March, 1883, to Ella, daughter of Benjamin Stevens of Oakland County, this State. By this union they have one child, a daughter Mildred E. born April 26, 1889, and they have lost one daughter Bessie, who died at the expiration of her first year. The political views which Mr. Croop considers most worthy of consideration of the citizens of the United States are such as are found expressed in the declarations and platform of the Republican party, and he takes a deep interest in public movements, although he is not an office seeker and prefers the occupation of the farm to business and the rush and turmoil of the political arena, and has therefore never sought office. Daniel Croop is at present acting as the agent for the American Express Company and besides has charge of the postoffice. Mrs. Croop is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and her husband attends with her the services of that body. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/croop698gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.1 Kb

Tuscola-Saginaw-Sanilac County MI Archives Biographies.....Hunter, Alexander 1843 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:08 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) ALEXANDER HUNTER, of section 13, Koylton Township, Tuscola County, was born in 1843 in Hattan County, Canada, where his parents, James and Jane Hunter, were then residing. James Hunter was born in 1811, in the North of Ireland, and his father, Alexander Hunter, Sr., was a linen weaver in that country, and brought up his son James to follow the same business, which he continued at while remaining in that country. After coming to Canada, which he did in the spring of 1843, he went upon a farm and continued to follow farming through life, his death occurring in 1887. James Hunter was married while, in his native country to Jane McMillan, daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Curry) McMillan, of Ireland. To them were born nine sons, six of whom are now living, namely: Daniel, who makes his home in Toronto, Canada; Alexander, our subject; Dennis, who lives in Canada; Martin, whose home is in Tuscola County; Charles, who is residing in Marlette, Mich.; and John, who is also in Tuscola County. The parents of James Hunter-Alexander, Sr., and Nancy Hunter-came to Canada to live after this son had come to make his home there, and died in that province a few years later. He and his family were all members of the Roman Catholic Church. At the age of sixteen our subject began life for himself, and at that time came to the pine woods of Michigan, locating at Saginaw, where for five years he worked in the woods and got a thorough insight into the lumber business. At the end of that period he went to Sanilac County, where he engaged in the lumber business for several years, and in 1869 he came to Koylton Township, Tuscola County, and settled upon the farm where he now resides. This, which is now a finely improved farm of four hundred acres, fully half of which is in a productive condition, was not then as we see it now. as a dense forest then covered its area, and it was through hard labor and much of it that the trees were felled, the stumps and stones cleared away, and the land put in condition for raising crops. The marriage of our subject with Ellen Faul, daughter of Archie and Margaret Faul, of Lapeer County, brought to his home a true helpmate, and one who has been his faithful companion in all the ups and downs of life. They were married in 1867, and to them have been born eight children, and these parents have the comfort of seeing them all yet about them in this life. The names are Jennie L., Cyrenius P., Margaret C., Clara M., James N., Mary Isabella, Grover Cleveland and Frank E. Our subject is a member of Newberry Lodge, No. 216, I. O. O. F. His political views bring him into sympathy and action with the Democratic party, and he has held some important local offices. During the first fall after his coming to Tuscola County, he was chosen Township Clerk, and in 1871 he was elected Supervisor of Koylton Township, which office he has held continuously for the past twenty years. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/hunter697gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.8 Kb

Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....Porter, William 1860 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:03 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) WILLIAM PORTER. Many of the native sons of Lapeer Township, Lapeer County, have now grown to years of maturity, and are carrying on the business of life within her bounds. Mr. Porter is one of these and makes his home in Goodland Township. He was born in Almont Township, December 14, 1860, being a son of Andrew and Sophia (Sanborn) Porter. The father is a native of New York and the mother a Canadian by birth and our subject is the youngest of their two children, his sister Emma being the wife of Morris Morton. Mr. Porter has spent the greater part of his life in his native county, working in the forest in the winter months and farming during the summer. His marriage with Miss Mary Ragatz took place February 22, 1879. This lady is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Martin Ragatz, being born December 26, 1867. By this union they have four children: Gertrude, born December 12, 1879; Emma, December 6, 1882; Anna, July 25, 1885; and Grover, July 17, 1888. Mr. Porter has general charge of his father's farm, which is an extensive one, comprising eighty acres on section 33, and an equal extent on section 32. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising, paying especial attention to horses. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and politically is a Democrat. Andrew Porter, the father of our subject, was born in the State of New York, July 13, 1830, and is a son of John Porter, who came west when this son was only six years old. The family located one mile north of Utica, Macomb County, and here Andrew Porter grew to manhood and upon arriving at his majority undertook work for himself, apprenticing himself to the blacksmith trade. He afterward went to work at the fanning mill business, which he followed for six years and subsequently learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner at which he worked for about three years and later spent one year in farming. The father of our subject bought out a livery stable in Almont which he carried on successfully for eight years, after which he returned permanently to farming. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sophia Sanborn and is a native of Michigan, being a daughter of Elijah Sanborn. She was united in marriage with Andrew Porter in 1856, and, as we have said, became the mother of two children. The father, like the son, is a Democrat in his political opinions and works in that party. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lapeer/bios/porter696gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.3 Kb

Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Smith, Thomas F. 1837 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 8:01 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) THOMAS F. SMITH was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., February 9, 1837. He is a son of Lonson and Susan (Frazier) Smith; the former was born and brought up in Connecticut and the mother was a native of Canada. Our subject's father was by trade a blacksmith, but for the greater portion of his life followed the calling of a farmer. The original of our sketch for several years was associated with the interests in various ways of the village of Watertown, N. Y. He there received a limited education, for although the schools were very good, the time that he could spend there was not considerable. When he was sixteen years of age he went to Dresden, Canada, in order to learn the harness-maker's trade, having two years previously gone to that country with his parents. After serving-three years' apprenticeship he was determined to try his fortune in the Western country and went to Iowa, beginning work at Waterford. He staid there for about one year and then went to Pontiac, Ill., where he resided for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Canada and spent several years in work at his trade. Desirous of seeing something more of the Western country our subject went to Kansas and for two years was employed in the city of Topeka, thence removing to Wichita, where he opened a harness shop under the firm name of Smith & McComb. While there he helped organize Sedgwick County and was one of those instrumental in nominating St. John for Governor during his first term. He spent about six years at Wichita and his business netted him $1,000 per annum. In all he spent fifteen years in Kansas and came to Michigan in 1881, locating on the place which he now owns and occupies, which is on section 23, Elmwood Township, Tuscola County. His place is all in a high state of cultivation and bears evidence of being under the best of management. Our subject was married January 9, 1867, to Jane Nellis, of Chatham, Canada. Four children have blessed and sanctified this union. Their names are Ada, Maud, Roy Lonson and Susan, all of whom are still living. Mrs. Jane Smith died July 6, 1879, while they were residents of Wichita, Kan. In November, 1882, our subject was again married, his bride being Mrs. Pickel, of Millington, this State. This union has been blessed with one child- Flossie. Mr. Smith's eldest daughter married Dr. Lowe, of Chicago; the other children are all at home. Since coming to his present place our subject has made farming his sole business and has been very successful. Politically he is a Republican and has acted as Township Treasurer, and was Sergeant-at-arms in the Senate at the State Legislature held at Topeka, Kan. Mr. Smith is an enterprising and progressive gentleman who favors all measures that promise to be for the benefit of the township. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/smith695gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.7 Kb

Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Cook, Wilbert H. 1865 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 7:58 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) WILBERT H. COOK is one of the young business men of Akron, where he carries on a fleurishing business in hardware and is also a member of the agricultural implement firm of E. D. Cook & Son. He is also the present Postmaster of the village, being appointed to this office in 1889. He is the son of E. D. and Jennie (Waldo) Cook, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. The father came to Michigan in 1851, and located first in Saginaw County, whence he afterward removed to Tuscola County, where he married and became one of the business men of this place. The subject of this notice was born in this county July 4, 1865, and until he was sixteen years old he attended the district school and worked upon the farm. He then entered the employ of the McCormick Reaper Company, and a year later entered the store of Cook & Standard at Akron, where he remained for two years, and then again went on the road for the McCormick Company, and a year later bought out Mr. Standard's interest in the firm with which his father was connected, and joined him under the firm name of E. D. Cook & Son. Mr. Cook is a very energetic and industrious business man, and is bound to succeed in any enterprise which he undertakes. Four years ago he started on a capital of $400 and has now built up an excellent business, and quite recently the firm has added a large and well assorted stock of hardware to their former lines. Wilbert H. Cook celebrated Christmas Day in 1886, by making it his wedding day, his bride being Phila Streeter, a daughter of W. D. Streeter, of Akron. In 1888 this young man took a commercial course of study in the International Business College of East Saginaw, and took his diploma. He finds that this course of study has been of real service to him in his business. He is a stalwart Republican in his politics and is a member of the Northern Star Lodge No. 277 A. F. & A. M. of Unionville, and also is identified with the Order of the Maccabees. The firm of E. D. Cook & Son, did a business of over $40,000 in 1891, and their prospects were never brighter than now. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/cook694gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.0 Kb

Tuscola-Lapeer County MI Archives Biographies.....McGinnis, James 1840 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 7:56 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) JAMES McGINNIS, the genial host of the principal hotel in Kingston, and who gives his attention and time to the comfort of the traveling public, who may be dependent upon his kindly graces and good will for the time being, is he whose name is given above. He is one of the numerous delegates from our sister country, coming across the borders from Canada. He was born in the county of Welland, Canada, November 14, 1840, and is a son of Frank and Nancy (Cornfoot) McGinnis. The former was born in the Emerald Isle, but was brought by his parents to America when a mere child. They located in Canada, and there he was reared on a farm. While yet in his young manhood he left the Dominion and went to Cleveland, Ohio. He had no experience in commercial life, having previously lived on a farm. On coming to the United States he went to handling stock, buying and selling extensively. From Cleveland he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and there died in 1860. In 1838 our subject's father was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Cornfoot, a native of Canada, and a daughter of James and Mary Cornfoot, both natives of Scotland. From their union there were nine children, three of whom are yet living. They are: James, of whom we write; John, who resides in this State; and Frank, a resident of Bay City, this State. After the decease of our subject's father, the mother again married, her second husband being David Miller, of Cincinnati, Ohio. This union was blessed by the advent of two children-George and Mary. The latter lives in Kingston, and is the wife of Cornelius Burns. Our subject's mother died in October, 1889. The original of our sketch began life for himself when about fifteen years of age and has ever since made his own living. He first engaged in the butcher business, having served an apprenticeship in that line. He followed this business for many years, but on coming to Michigan, about 1868, he located in Lapeer County, upon a farm, spending seven years in clearing it and in improving and making a fine home place on it. After that he came to Kingston, where he has been engaged in various occupations. For the last five years, however, he has been the proprietor of the Kingston Hotel, and dispenses good cheer from its hospitable board. August 27, 1861, Mr. McGinnis was married to Miss Serena Wigle, a daughter of Christopher and Mary Wigle, of Canada. From this union there are two children-Bertie B. and Grace. The first-named is the wife of Peter H. Clark, who lives in Illinois; the second is the wife of Charles Soper, of Kingston. James McGinnis served in the late war, being in Company L, Third Ohio Cavalry. He enlisted August 30, 1862, and took part in various noted battles. He was at Perry ville and Stone River, and after the last-named battle was captured and was confined in the prison at Atlanta for six weeks. He was then taken to Libby Prison, and there remained over two months. From that place he was sent to Annapolis, and thence to his own State, remaining for some time at Camp Chase, where he received his honorable discharge in 1865. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/mcginnis693gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb

Tuscola County MI Archives Biographies.....Hill, George J. 1833 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 7:52 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) GEORGE J. HILL, one of the prominent business men of Unionville, is carrying on a flourishing business as a wagon and carriagemaker. His parents are Cheney and Catherine (Jones) Hill, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Genesee County, N. Y., where the subject of this sketch was also born, May 5, 1833. His grandfather, John Hill, was a Vermonter and a soldier in the War of 1812. He came to Michigan in 1840, and located land in the wilderness. His death occurred here in 1853, and the father and mother of our subject, who had followed him here in 1849, died here in July, 1857. Our subject grew up on the farm and lived with his father until he reached the age of twenty-six years. His marriage united him with Harriet J., daughter of Otis Clark, a native of New York, who was residing in Genesee County at the time, This happy union was blessed by the birth of three children, two of whom are living-Minnie, who married Benjamin Brundage and lives in Akron, Mich.; and Oscar D., who married Amelia Kasemeyer, and makes his home at Unionville. In September, 1864, Mr. Hill enlisted in Company H, Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, which regiment was attached to the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Thomas, and he served until the close of the war, and was mustered out of service in September, 1865. He was at the siege of Decatur, Ala., and participated in various important engagements. He now draws a pension of $17 a month, which he appreciates in his declining years. His wife died in 1867, and he now resides with a cousin. The political views of Mr. Hill bring him into the Republican ranks, and he and his family are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of Bridgeport Lodge, No. 257, A. F. & A. M., and Caro Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M., and is also prominent in the R. A. Morford Post, No. 359, G. A. R. Oscar D. Hill is associated with his father in the wagon-making business. When our subject was in the army he had charge of his company, and when his Captain, Larue Schram, was taken ill and returned home, Lieut. Hill had the command of the company until the close of the war, but by some carelessness or injustice an outsider was granted the commission of captain. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/hill692gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.1 Kb

Tuscola-Oakland County MI Archives Biographies.....Laing, John C. 1833 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher [email protected] April 29, 2007, 7:49 pm Author: Chapman Bros. (1892) JOHN C. LAING. New Jersey has furnished a large quota of worthy and valuable citizens who have helped to develop the agricultural and commercial resources of the Wolverine State, and among these we may mention the family which is here represented. Our subject who resides in Cass City, was born in Sussex County, that State, on the 17th of October, 1833, and his parents John and Jane (Wilson) Laing, were also natives of New Jersey, his father being from Warren County, and his mother from Sussex. The father was in early life a farmer but later became an hotel proprietor. The great-grandfather on the father's side emigrated from Scotland, and at an early date settled at Plainfield, N. J. A common-school education and one year at the academy at Newton, constituted the scholastic advantages offered to our subject, and he completed his studies at the age of twenty. His father had died previous to the birth of this son, and his mother subsequently married Wilder Winslow, of Springfield, Oakland County, Mich., whither his mother came in 1854. John Laing began life for himself in the fall of 1853 by teaching during the winter and following various occupations in the summers. In this course he continued for about four years, after which he removed West, and in the spring of 1857 located in Flint, but removed to Tuscola County in the fall of the following year, making his home in Elmwood where he went into the woods and began to clear a farm. He says there was not a stick cut within miles of his place when he took his land from the Government. He devoted himself uninterruptedly to the work of subduing the wilderness and cultivating his farm until 1869, when he gave up farming and removed to Cass City, where he undertook the management of a general store. There were but few houses in the town. The partnership which he then entered into with his brother-in-law, P. R. Weydemeyer and that gentleman's brother W. I. Weydemeyer under the firm name of Weydemeyer & Laing, continued until 1877, when Mr. Laing purchased the interests of the other members of the firm, and since then has been handling the business alone. In the meanwhile they had purchased an interest in the Cass City flouring mill, in which they continued to be interested until 1878, the mill being run under the name of Nash, Laing & Co. Since 1878 our subject has had entire charge of the milling business. Mr. Laing was united in marriage, November 24, 1857, to Sarah E., daughter of John and Ann (Kane) Weydemeyer, who were natives of New Jersey. Mrs. Laing was born in Springtown, Warren County, that State, September, 2, 1833, and by her union with our subject she has been granted three children, Arthur E., Minnie A. and Stanley J. Both sons have passed to the other world, and the daughter is now married to Orrin K. James, of Ovid, Mich. The political preferences of Mr. Laing have brought him into close affiliation with the Republican party, and his personal popularity has brought him prominently before the people. For a number of years he has held the office of Township Clerk, and indeed was the first man who filled that office in his township. He was also Supervisor for one year when he lived in the township of Waterloo now known as Elmwood. For the past thirteen years he has been the Treasurer of Elkland Township. Additional Comments: Extracted from: Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of the Presidents of the United States Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892 File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/tuscola/bios/laing691gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.2 Kb

Jackson-Muskegon-Newaygo County MI Archives Deaths.....Melville, Henry J. June 27, 1910 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: JA Markiewicz [email protected] April 29, 2007, 3:19 am Name: Melville, Henry J. Date Of Death: June 27, 1910 Time: Place Of Death: Grand Rapids, Michigan Residence: Michigan Soldiers' Home, Grand Rapids, MI Gender: Male Race: W Age: about 64 Marital Status: Married Spouse: Warren, Ada B. Date Of Birth: about 1846 Place Of Birth: New York Mother's Name: unknown, unknown Mother's Birthplace: Unavailable Father's Name: Melville, unknown Father's Birthplace: Unavailable Cause Of Death: Unavailable Hospital: Unavailable SS Number: Unavailable Occupation: Unavailable Funeral Home: Unavailable Doctor: Unavailable Coroner: Unavailable Informant: Unavailable Date Of Burial: 1910 Place Of Burial: Grand Rapids Veterens' Facility, MI (Plot 6, Row 4, Grave 3) Date Recorded: 1910 Source Of Record: Certificate of Death Additional Comments: Obituary: GR Herald: Tue, 28 Jun 1910 Burial at Grand Rapids Veterens' Facility, M (Plot 6, Row 4, Grave 3) File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/jackson/vitals/deaths/melville172gdt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 1.7 Kb

Jackson County MI Archives Deaths.....Melville, Edward James November 2, 1934 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: JA Markiewicz [email protected] April 29, 2007, 3:03 am Name: Melville, Edward James Date Of Death: November 2, 1934 Time: 4:20 a.m. Place Of Death: Jackson, Michigan Residence: 1305 Railroad St., Jackson, MI Gender: Male Race: W Age: 59 yrs., 3 mos., 15 days Marital Status: Married Spouse: Wright, Lillian M. Date Of Birth: July 18, 1875 Place Of Birth: Muskegon County, Michigan Mother's Name: Warren, Ada Mother's Birthplace: Michigan Father's Name: Melville, Henry J. Father's Birthplace: New York Cause Of Death: Unavailable Hospital: W. A. Foote Memorial Hospital, Jackson, MI SS Number: Unavailable Occupation: carpenter - Michigan Central Railroad Funeral Home: W. E. Bailey Doctor: A. M. Shaeffer, M.D. Coroner: Unavailable Informant: Lillian Melville (wife) Date Of Burial: November 5, 1934 Place Of Burial: Woodland Cemetery, Jackson, MI Date Recorded: November 5, 1934 Source Of Record: Certificate of Death Certificate No.: State Office No. 918, Register No. 601 Additional Comments: Obituary: Edward James Melville, newspaper: Jackson Citizen Patriot, Nov. 4 1934, pg. File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/jackson/vitals/deaths/melville171gdt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 1.8 Kb