Wayne County NY Ancestral Sightings, Part 5

Ancestral Sightings contains notices and brief mentions of Wayne County residents found in out-of-county and out-of-state resources. These "stray" notices are important as an announcement of a birth, marriage, death or other event may not have appeared in a Wayne County paper or book. Please send your contribution to this page to co-coordinator Martha. **No notice is too small.** A one-line mention may be the solution to someone's brick wall.

WAYNE COUNTY, NY ANCESTRAL SIGHTINGS: From Other States, Part 5

These sightings and profiles of former Wayne County residents come from various books, newspapers and articles published in other states. Many states "Out West" published books with short biographies about their local residents, telling where they originally came from. Occasionally these contain important genealogical information. Michigan and Ohio genealogical journals are another source to look for the stray Wayne County record. The persons whose short bios and info appear below may or may not be your ancestors, but it's worth scanning through them to check out migration patterns out of Wayne County for clues as to where your own families' relatives went and when.

NEW 12/10/04: Seth N. Beden's biographical sketch was contributed by Colleen Mysliwiec, who is not related to him. From the 1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, in Michigan. Chapman Bros."

SETH N. BEDEN, who is carrying on general farming on a splendid estate of sixty acres in Vienna Township, Genesee County, is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and education. He was born January 25, 1825, in Rose Township, Wayne County, N.Y., and is a son of Smithfield BEDEN, who was born in Smithfield, (now called Fairfield,) Vt., and as he was the first white child born in the township, received its name and also had a grant from the township of forty acres of land on account of his name.

His father, William BEDEN, was the first white settler in that township nearly one hundred years ago. That pioneer felled a large hemlock tree which was used as the back of his shanty, and the father of our subject used to remark that he was born in the shadow of a hemlock tree. The grandfather served for seven years, eight months and eleven days in the Revolutionary War and held the rank of Sergeant. He was also in the War of 1812 as was likewise his son Smithfield.

Smithfield BEDEN became a physician and came to Michigan in 1836, and in Hadley, Lapeer County, took from the Government eighty acres, which he cleared and lived upon until his death, in 1853. When he settled there, there were only fourteen voters in the township which now forms two townships - Hadley and Metamora. For a number of years he was Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk and was a Whig in politics. His faithful wife, to whom he was married in Wyoming County, N.Y., was previous to her union with him, Rebecca MELVIN. She was born in New Hampshire and died in Genesee County in 1874, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Their son, Seth, remained at home until he attained his majority, after which he went away from home and worked for his board while attending district school, and then studied at the Fenton Schools until able to obtain a teacher's certificate.

The young man taught six terms very successfully and entered the State Normal School of Ypsilanti when it first opened. Lack of funds obliged him to drop out for a while and he became Principal of the Howell schools until he could earn means to resume his studies at the Normal.

In order to make up time and graduate with his class he had to take seven studies each term during the last year, and was allowed to undertake this unusual curriculum on condition that when his standing should fall below one hundred on any study he should drop that branch from his list, but he was enabled to continue throughout the year with a grade of one hundred in every branch.

After graduation Mr. BEDEN taught in Romeo, Hadley and other towns until the breaking out of the war, and then enlisted in 1862, in Company K, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and was in every engagement where it took part, and it is the record of this regiment that it was in four more engagements than any other Michigan command, being under fire more than eighty times. During all this time Mr. BEDEN was never excused from duty during a single day and for the last six months he was on Gen. WILSON's staff, as Topographical Engineer.

Since the war our subject has largely engaged in teaching and civil engineering and surveying and has twice completed a term as County Surveyor, but has made his home upon his beautiful farm since 1865. It was during that year that he was united in marriage with Miss Emma A. STEARNS of Vienna Township, Genesee County, and they have had one child - William S., who was born January 25, 1874, and died in his fourth year.

Mr. and Mrs. BEDEN are people of devoted Christian character, his connection being with the Congregational Church and hers with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He is connected with the Bradley Post, No. 194, G.A.R. at Clio, and has been a Republican since the formation of that party. His connection with educational matters and his deep interest in them, as well as his native talents have made him very valuable to the township in regard to all school matters and he has served as School Inspector. He was one of the charter members of the Michigan Engineering Society and has prepared papers and read them before the society. The first Solar Transit ever brought into Michigan was brought hither by this intelligent gentleman and used by him in his surveying and he still has this valuable instument.

NEW 12/10/04: Moses Middleton's bio was contributed by Colleen Mysliwiec, who is not related to him. From the 1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, in Michigan. Chapman Bros."

MOSES MIDDLETON, Supervisor of Forrest Township, Genesee County, is one of the prominent agriculturists of this second of the country. He owns an excellent farm of eighty acres, under a high state of cultivation, which yields him a golden tribute for the care and labor he bestows upon it. As a farmer his dealings have been marked by integrity and shrewdness, and these traits have made him an invaluable aid in the upbuilding of his township, and give him high rank among its citizens. He is interested in promoting the prosperity of the township and county, as well as the welfare of the country at large, and in regard to political questions we find him a Republican, stanch and true.

A native of the State of New York, Mr. Middleton was born in Sodus Township, Wayne County, April 16, 1851, and is therefore at the present writing (1891) in the prime of life. His parents, John and Charlotte (Miller) Middleton, were natives respectively of England, and the vicinity of Albany, N. Y. The father was reared in England, and thence emigrated to America when he was about thirty years old. He devoted his attention to farming in his native land and was thus engaged in the New World. He was married in England, and became the father of two children by that union. After his wife died he married again and two children were also born of that union. Some years after coming to America his wife died and later he was married to Mrs. Charlotte Drumm, the widow of James Drumm. Our subject was the only child born of that union.

In mingled work and play, in the usual manner of farmer lads, the subject of this biographical notice passed his boyhood. At the age of ten years his father died and he then removed with his mother to Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., where her children by her first marriage lived. The education which our subject received was a limited one, and most of it was acquired after he was old enough to study alone and do for himself. At the age of sixteen he left his home in Phelps and coming to Michigan, located in Genesee County. He had lost his father by death when he was a lad of only ten years and consequently he has had his own way to make in the world from childhood. When he came to this State he worked in mills, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade, at which he found employment during the summer months; the winter seasons were employed in teaching. In 1878 he removed to Forest Township, and began to labor as a farmer.

About the time of his location in Forest Township Mr. Middleton was married April 16, 1878, his bride being Miss Suzette C. Cole, of Richfield Township, this county. Mrs. Middleton was the daughter of Walter J. Cole, a farmer of Richfield Township and Marian (Hastings) Cole, his wife. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Middleton, a son Wallace Ray, whose birth occurred January 11, 1884. Although Mr. Middleton has devoted his time principally to general farming he has yet found time for other work. Since he came to this place he has taught several terms in the district school during the winter seasons and about 1886 he began surveying. During that year he was elected County surveyor, which position he held and filled efficiently for four years. At present he is serving his sixth term as supervisor of Forest Township, and in that position he is advancing the interest of the township.

In other positions besides those above named, Mr. Middleton has also served and always efficiently. As Highway commissioner, he improved the condition of the roads of the community; as School Inspector he raised the standards of education; as School Director for fourteen years he did all in his power to secure efficient teachers and offer the best educational advantages to the children of the neighborhood. Upon his farm may be seen in their proper season the various grains which he finds adapted to the soil and climate, while scattered through the meadows are the various breeds of live stock which he raises.

NEW 12/10/04: David Winget's bio was contributed by Colleen Mysliwiec. "Hello, These are not my relatives, but feel that someone may be interested in the information. It comes from the 1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, in Michigan. Chapman Bros."

DAVID WINGET lives on a good farm on section 16, Flint Township, Genesee County. He was born in Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., April 3, 1824, and when six years of age was taken by his parents, Caleb and Mary (Farris) Winget to their new home in Wayne County, N. Y. They settled in Sodus Township, where our subject was reared and educated, remaining there until he was twenty-four or twenty-five years of age. He was early trained in the economic principles of agricultural life, although while living in Sodus he worked at coopering for about three years; aside from that he has always been engaged in farming and in breeding stock.

After leaving Sodus, our subject settled in Huron, Wayne County, N. Y., and lived there until the spring of 1854, when he came to Genesee County and settled in the township of Mundy. There he purchased a farm upon which he resided until the spring of 1883, when he sold out his place and bought where he now lives in Flint Township. Mr. Winget has been an important factor in clearing up and improving the land in Mundy Township, and has made valuable changes, individually and in company with others. He has a first-class series of buildings upon his farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres, and each department of the place is thoroughly developed. He has fine orchards and his stock is of the best grades.

Our subject was married in Wayne County, N. Y., February 15, 1843, to Miss Lucy Abbott, who was born in Galen, of the same locality, June 13, 1824. Her parents were John and Jerusha (Babbitt) Abbott, who died in the place where the daughter was born. Our subject's father passed away in Sodus, N. Y.; his mother died in Mundy Township. Mr. and Mrs. Winget are the parents of nine children, whose names are Elma, Sarah, Almira, Henry, Catherine, Frances, Jerusha, Maxwell D. and Hattie. Elma, Sarah and Almira died at the ages respectively of fifteen, seventeen and twenty-eight years. Almira was the wife of Albert Ives; Henry and Catherine died in infancy; Frances is the wife of Ira F. Wright; Jerusha is the wife of Everette Meeker; Hattie passed away when eighteen years of age; and Maxwell D. was killed by the bursting of a balance wheel, while cutting corn stalks.

Mr. Winget has served as Justice of the Peace in Mundy Township for two terms, and has also been conspicuous in school matters. He is a strong Republican politically, and takes an active part in all local affairs. His attention however is chiefly occupied by his farm work, and the result of his efforts is that he owns one of the finest estates in the county. A view of his place with its principal buildings appears on another page.

NEW 11/22/04: Bios of five former Wayne County natives, or persons with Wayne County connections, who moved to Dallas County, Iowa. Source: "The History of Dallas County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc." Desmoines: Union Historical Company. 1879.

BRENTON, WH. H., stock-dealer, buying and shipping stock, Dallas Center; born in Johnson county, Indiana, January 12, 1840; when thirteen years of age he came with his parents to Iowa; they came by wagon and arrived in this county in October, 1853, and located about three miles south on Sec. 16; upon the breaking out of the war he enlisted April 20, 1861, in the 2d Regiment Iowa Infantry, Co. D; he was wounded in the battle of Fort Donnelson; after the war he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and feeding stock, and for the past few years has bought and shipped stock extensively; he owns 960 acres of excellent land in this county; he married Miss Mary E. Richmond, from Wayne county, New York, May 25, 1862; they have three children: Charles R., Clyde E. and Eva Ann. (Walnut Township)

BROCKWAY, WM. F., watchmaker and jeweler, and postmaster at Adel; born in Wayne county, New York, February 5, 1851; when five years of age he came with his parents to Buchanan county, Iowa; he was brought up there; he served apprenticeship in watch-making and jewelry trade there and in Des Moines for five years, and came to Adel May 15, 1871, and engaged in his present business; he married Miss Iris Byers, from this town, April 1, 1872; they have three children: Leta, Charlie and Della. (Adel Township)

REDFIELD, J. W., capitalist; P. O. Redfield; born in Wayne county, New York, in 1839; came to Iowa in 1857, and located in Redfield; married Pauline Forrester in October, 1866; she was born in Canada in 1846; have one child: Emma Louise. Mr. R. has been a member of the board of supervisors three or four terms. Republican. (Union Township)

RICHMOND, RUFUS R., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Dallas Center; born in Columbia county, New York, January 17, 1815; he was raised there and in Wayne county, and came to Iowa and settled in this county in June, 1855; located near where he now lives and engaged in farming; after the war broke out he enlisted in the 23d Regiment Iowa Infantry, Co. G, and was in all the battles of the Regiment except two; he was in the service three years; he has held office of assessor and was elected justice of the peace at the recent election; he owns 330 acres of land; he married Ann Rossman, from the State of New York, in 1840; she died in January, 1866, leaving six children: Mary E., Allen R., Cassius M., James A., Richard M. and Edward A.; Allen R. was in the 17th Regiment Iowa Infantry, Co. G, and was killed at the battle of Iuka; Cassius M. was in the 23d Regiment Iowa Infantry, Co. G, and died in the hospital. Mr. Richmond again married in 1868 to Elizabeth Barton, from Columbia county, New York. (Adel Township)

SLOANE, SAM. G., publisher of the Dallas Center Globe, Dallas Center; born in Clinton county, Ohio, September 7, 1851; when only two years of age his parents came to Iowa and located in Dallas county; they removed to Chariton, Lucas county, and lived there two years, and went to Sioux City, where they lived until the death of his father, Dr. Sloane; in the fall of 1860 his mother returned to this county and located in Adel, and he was raised here: served apprenticeship in the printing business; he established the Dallas Center Globe, and got out his first issue December 31, 1875; he married Miss Emma Louise BROCKWAY, from Clyde, Wayne county, New York, July 26, 1876; they have one daughter, Verva Mary, born October 1, 1877. (Adel Township)

NEW 11/22/04: Bios of two former Wayne County natives who moved to Jefferson County, Iowa. Source: "The History of Jefferson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc." Chicago: Western Historical Company. 1879.

SPENCER, GEORGE H., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Pleasant Plain; born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1830; came to this county with his parents in 1839. Married Miss D. Thomas in Richland Co., Ohio; she was a native of Ontario Co., N. Y.; have four children living - Thodosia, Charles D., Louisa and Lochiel T. Member of the Baptist Church; was licensed minister in the spring of 1877. Republican. Owns 158 acres of land. His father, George Spencer, was a native of Hartford, Conn.; married Catherine Horne, a native of Wayne Co., N. Y.; came to this county in 1839; he was born in 1793; died Sept. 9, 1862; was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. A Republican, and opposed to human bondage. (Penn Township)

POTTER, A. C., Prof., wholesale and retail dealer in pianos, organs, sheet music, violins and guitars, located in Workman's Block, north side of the square; born in Wayne Co. N. Y.; moved to Fairfield in 1869, where he is permanently located; also gives lessons on the piano and organ and vocal culture. (Fairfield)

NEW 11/1/04: Bios of four former Wayne County natives, or individuals with Wayne County connections, who moved to Oakland County, Michigan.

HARVEY TOWNSEND, who owns a fine farm of 120 acres in Oxford township, Oakland County, was born in Wayne County, New York, May 7, 1836, and is a son of Nathan and Nancy Townsend, both of whom were natives of New York. When Harvey Townsend was 10 years old, his parents came to Michigan, locating 57 years ago in Lapeer County, where the father took up land. Nathan Townsend died in Marathon township, Lapeer County, in 1863, aged 64 years, and the mother died in Hadley township, Lapeer County, a few years later, aged 6o years. The survivors of their children are our subject and his younger brother, Octavius, who is a farmer in Lapeer County. Harvey Townsend was reared and educated in Lapeer County, although he had but few educational advantages. He learned the trade of stone mason and followed that in connection with well digging for some years. He became the owner of a farm in Lapeer County which he sold prior to coming to Oakland County. He has lived on his present farm in Oxford township for the past 26 years. The farm is owned by Mrs. Townsend, and is the one that was first settled by her parents, Isaac and Artimisia Brown, and on this farm her father and mother died, the former in 1888 and the latter in 1868. Mr. Townsend devotes his attention to general farming and has been very successful in all its branches. (p. 594)

Source: "Biographical record; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oakland County, Michigan." Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company. 1903.

STEPHEN M. GAGE, postmaster and general merchant at Walled Lake, Commerce township. Oakland County, was born in Lyon township, this county, July 7, 184I, and is a son of David and Malinda (Brown) Gage, both of whom were born in Wayne County, New York.

After his marriage in New York, David Gage came to Michigan in 1835 and secured 160 acres of government land in Lyon township, Oakland County, and on this farm our subject and the rest of the family were reared. The names of the children are as follows: WVilliam, deceased; Cornelia, who married James N. Wilson, lives at South Lyon and has four children, Elma, David William and Charles; Stephen M., our subject; Jane, Mary and David, deceased; Frances, who married Z. D. Scott, lives in Duluth, Minnesota, and has two children, - Ruth and Alice; two who died in infancy; William, who was married to Dora Hallenbeck of New Hudson, Michigan, removed to Riverside, California, and has two children, Albert and Vena; and an infant that died soon after birth.

Stephen M. Gage obtained his education in the district schools of Lyon township and then took a course at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company B, 20th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf.; after participating in many of the most serious and conclusive battles of the war, he was mustered out at Augusta, Maine, July 12, 1865, being granted an honorable discharge. He did a brave soldier's part in the dreadful days at South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, and on a thousand occasions was exposed to death while on the line, while skirmishing on picket duty and during marches through the enemy's country.

In April, 1865, while at home on furlough, the brave soldier was united in marriage with Jennie Wilson, who is a daughter of Washington Wilson, of Salem, Michigan. After the close of the war, he bought a farm located one mile east of New Hudson, where he resided some five years, selling it to purchase another one a mile west of Walled Lake, in Commerce township. This he also sold five years later and in 1877 embarked in a general mercantile business at Walled Lake where he was well established when a destructive fire burned him out in 1899. With characteristic energy, he immediately looked about for a new building, and finally bought the old school house, which he fitted for his purpose, and has since then conducted a first class general store. He is an ardent Republican and was appointed postmaster by the late President Harrison and was not disturbed during the administration of President Cleveland, a tribute to his personal popularity. Mr. and Mrs. Gage have two daughters, both settled conveniently near: Minnie, born in 1870, who married John B. Strong, a merchant of Laurium, Michigan, and has four children, - Stephen, Harold, Jenette and Amy; and Helen, who married Albert J. Church, of Walled Lake, Oakland County, and has one son, Benjamin.

Mr. Gage is fraternally connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. He and family belong to the Methodist Church. The family is one of both business and social prominence in Commerce township. (p. 407 - 409)

Source: "Biographical record; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oakland County, Michigan." Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company. 1903.

JOSEPH PRESTON TERRY, one of the substantial men, prominent farmers and large land owners of Oakland County, Michigan, resides on his finely improved farm of 340 acres in section 13, Pontiac township. Mr. Terry was born on a farm situated between Port Gibson and Newark, Wayne County, New York, March 14, 1824, and is a son of Nathan G. and Belinda (Preston) Terry, and a grandson of Jonathan Terry.

The Terry family is of French extraction and at the time of the French Revolution became Refugees, settling in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. There Jonathan Terry was born and there he married a young woman with the same name as his own and their children were: Uriah, Ebenezer, Nathaniel, George, Nathan G., William, Jonathan, Mrs. Polly Horton and Mrs. Deborah Horton. It is related of this grandfather that he was something of a poet, and an example of his talent is still extant, some 20 stanzas written on the death of George Washington, and sung in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, at the first Fourth of July celebration after Washington's death.

Nathan G. Terry was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and lived there until the age of 30 years, when he removed to New York, and when our subject was 11 years old removed to Oakland County, Michigan. settling in Commerce township. Six years later, in 1841, he removed to Pontiac township and purchased 240 acres of land, now included in our subject's present farm. to which original tract the latter has added 100 adjacent acres. Nathan G. Terry died in 1852, at the age of 62 years. He was a Democrat in political views. Although not formally connected with any religious denomination, he was a man of exemplary life and was universally respected. He married Belinda Preston, who was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and they had children as follows: Mrs. Deborah Tucker, who died at the home of our subject some two years ago; David D., who lived and died in Oakland County; Joseph Preston, of this sketch; and Uriah and Mrs. Angeline Stockwell, who died in this county.

Mr. Terry has devoted his life wholly to agricultural pursuits and owns one of the finest farms in the county. Formerly he was identified with the Democratic party, but now is in sympathy with the principles of the Poputlist party. As a man of good judgment and large means, he is prominent in all public matters in his township and may always be found casting his influence in the direction of progressive movements which promise to be of permanent benefit to his locality.

Mr. Terry has been twice married. In early manhood he was married to Maggie Bugbee, who was born in New York and was a daughter of Tobias and Naomi Bugbee. At her death she left one son, Josiah P., who resides on the homestead. Josiah P. Terry married Mary Ross, who was born in Oakland County, and is a daughter of David and Lydia Ross, and they have two daughters,- Maggie and Ernestine. Our subject's second marriage took place in 1882, to Mary Bryant, who was born in Pontiac township and is a daughter of Jairus and Hannah (Wilder) Bryant. As will be seen, the Terry family is one of the old and honored ones of the locality and its members enjoy the esteem of the community. (p. 70)

Source: "Biographical record; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oakland County, Michigan." Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company. 1903.

ALONZO SIBLEY, whose death on March 16, 1896, removed one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Oakland County, Michigan, resided on an attractive and productive farm in Commerce township. He was one of the local leaders of the Republican party, with which he had been identified since 1856.

Alonzo Sibley was descended from Puritan stock, paternally and maternally. His father was Elias Sibley, a native of New Hampshire, and his grandfather was Ebenezer Sibley, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. His mother was Ruth A. Chase, a native of Connecticut. After marriage Elias and Ruth A. (Chase) Sibley moved to Preston, Chenango County, New York, where they settled on a new farm. In 1826 they moved to Wayne County, New York, where they remained until 1834. In that year they came to Michigan, settling on a new farm in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, where Mr. Sibley died in 1856 and his widow two years later. They were active and devout members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of seven children.

Alonzo Sibley was born July 14, 1810, in Preston, Chenango County, New York, and attended the early district schools in that community. He began work for himself at the age of 16 years, and when 18 his father gave him his time. He worked at farming for others by the month until he came to Michigan. He landed at Detroit May 10, 183I, from the little steamer "Sheldon Thompson," one of the two steamers then plying on the lakes, the trip consuming eight days. Michigan at that time was very sparsely settled and Indians and wild animals abounded. The young man went prospecting through the State and selected in Commerce township, Oakland County, what became the home farm, buying eighty acres from the government, the deed to which was signed by President Andrew Jackson. In the fall of 1831 he returned to his Eastern home and spent the winter, and in the spring returned to the West and built a log, cabin and began clearing the land, putting in crops and fencing a few acres. He again returned home in the fall of 1832 and the following spring was married to Mary Heath, who was born in Monroe County, New York, in 1813. The young couple proceeded immediately to their new home. They became the parents of a child who died in infancy; Mrs. Sibley died in 1836. Our subject formed a second union in 1837 with Sarah Ann Heath, who died in 1873, having been the mother of seven children, as follows: Mary Jane, wife of James Pratt of Traverse City, Michigan; Harriet A., who married Rev. J. B. Drew, and died in 1886; Watson A., who married Maggie Hubbel and resides in Muskegon, Michigan; Judson L., treasurer of Oakland County, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; and three children who died in infancy. Mr. Sibley was married a third time, November 26, 1875, to Adeline Colby, a daughter of William and Lucy (Dennis) Colby. Her parents removed from Maine to New York in the early days and settled in Wayne County. Her father, was a "Minute Man" in the War of 1812, and died in 1836, at the age of 45 years. His widow was afterward married to Rev. Samuel Wyre, of the Free Will Baptist Church, and they settled at Sibley's Corner in Oakland County, Michigan. Rev. Mr. Wyre died June 6, 1870. Mrs. Sibley was one of 10 children and was born June 10, 1817, in Wayne County, New York, where she received her education. She died March 19, 1896, three days after her husband and on the day of his burial.

Mr. Sibley owned 300 acres of land, 200 being under cultivation. He built his residence in 1846, and it was considered a very fine home, altogether the best in that section. For over 50 years he was a deacon in the Free Will Baptist Church which he helped to organize, and also was trustee. He was a member of the School Board and held three scholarships in Hillsdale College, where his son Judson L. was graduated in the scientific course. His son Watson was in the 22nd Reg. Michigan Vol. Inf., and served three years, taking part in many battles, and acting as hospital steward. He is now a wholesale and retail druggist at Muskegon, Michigan, where he has lived since 1869.

Alonzo Sibley was a Democrat in politics until 1856, when he became a Republican and from that time he was unswerving in his allegiance to that party. He was a delegate to many county, congressional and State conventions, and served as assessor, highway commissioner and justice of the peace, holding the latter office for a period of 12 years. He was a grand old man, irreproachable in character, and his death was mourned in all sincerity by his family and many friends. (p. 42 - 44)

Source: "Biographical record; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oakland County, Michigan." Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company. 1903.

NEW 5/20/04: Myron Snyder's bio was contributed by Colleen Mysliwiec, who says "These are not my relatives, but feel that someone may be interested in the information. The source is History of Lapeer, Genesee, and Tuscola Counties in Michigan."

MYRON SNYDER is a farmer and stockraiser of Elba Township, Lapeer County. He was born in Wayne County, N.Y., October 17, 1829, and was the second in order of birth of a family of three. Sidney W. died in Buffalo County, Neb., and Stephen died in California. Their parents were Peter and Susan (Derby) Snyder, natives of Rensselaer County and Cayuga County, N.Y., respectively. The father was born about 1811 and the mother about 1819. Our subject was reared a farmer, to which calling his father had devoted himself a great portion of the time.

Our subject's grandsire on the paternal side was Stephen Snyder, also a native of Rensselaer County, N.Y. He had a family of three children, whose names were Paul, Peter and Barney. The Snyders were originally of German extraction. Our subject was reared for the most part in his native State and was educated in the common schools of the district.

On reaching manhood the original of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Hoyt, a daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Alferd) Hoyt. She was one of a family of seven children, the ancestors being Maine people. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have three children living, having laid away one little one in God's acre. Adelmer is married and a resident of Duluth, Minn.; Minnie is the wife of W.E. Johnson of Port Huron and Charles M. is married and is a resident of Elba Township.

Mr. Snyder came to Lapeer County in 1867 and purchased a farm on which he now resides. It comprised one hundred and sixty acres of land, but he has since added to it until at the present time he owns two hundred and eighty-give acres of as good land as there is in the township. He raises horses, cattle and sheep and has followed the drover's business, buying and selling and shipping stock here for the past fifteen years. Politically Mr. Snyder votes with the republican party. Socially he is a Mason and is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

NEW 5/20/04: Homer Beach's bio was contributed by Colleen Mysliwiec. "Hello, These are not my relatives, but feel that someone may be interested in the information. It comes from the 1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, in Michigan. Chapman Bros."

HOMER A. BEACH. Besides being the owner of a valuable tract of land in Millington Township, Tuscola County, our subject is proprietor of the general store in the village and not only does a thriving business in his own interest, but makes a convenient market and purchasing place for the agricultural class in this region. Mr. Beach is a son of Aaron and Betsey (Hutchinson) Beach. The former was a native of the old Bay State, but in his young manhood went to New York where he met and married our subject's mother, who was a native of that State. They became the parents of four sons and one daughter. They came to Michigan at an early day and settled in Livingston County on a farm and there lived until their decease. He was a shoemaker by trade and although taking a lively interest in the political issues of the day, never aspired to public office. He died in 1887 at the age of eighty-eight years. His wife died when our subject was about six years of age.

Mr. H.A. Beach was born May 28, 1825, in Wayne County, N.Y. He came with his parents to Livingston County, this State, making his home under the paternal roof until of age. He learned the carpenter's trade and after following it for a short time went to work at farming and carried on the two callings together for some time. Our subject was married in Oakland County, this State, in April, 1853, to Miss Sarah Donaldson, a native of Hickville, Oakland County. This lady died in 1855 and in December, 1858, Mr. Beach was married to Miss Lucinda Ferguson, a native of New York. By this union they became the parents of five children, four of whom are living at the present time, there being two sons and two daughters. Chester A., is in partnership with his father in the store; Frank resides in Millington, Township; Stella lives in Port Austin; Fanny is still at home with her parents.

Mr. Beach came to Tuscola County, October 19, 1853, and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 18 and 19, of Government land; he was the second settler in the township. He followed farming and lumbering as a business until about 1871, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits, having opened the second store in the village. The place was then very new, stumps being the most conspicuous feature, among which wolves prowled at night and deer were not infrequently seen. He now owns three hundred and five acres which is well improved, there being good buildings upon the place and the broad acres being under an excellent state of cultivation. The building that our subject now occupies as a store is 24x80 feet in dimensions. He here carries a well-assorted general stock of boots and shoes, dry-goods, furniture and groceries and does a large business. Mr. Beach is a Republican in politics, but has no aspirations to be an office-holder.

The following short profiles of Finger Lakes residents were spotted in "History of Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, Pa. with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Their Prominent Men and Pioneers." New York: W.W. Munsell & Co. 1880. These are not Wayne County, but being posted in hopes they'll help someone.

IRVING A. STEARNS, mining and civil engineer, was born in Gorham, Ontario county, N.Y., September 12, 1846, and married Chloe W. Shoemaker, of Wilkes-Barre. (p. 236G; Luzerne county)

JOHN J. DURKIN, of Pleasant Valley, was born at Scranton, November 1st, 1851. His wife was M.A. McDonald, of Penn Yan, N.Y. He was formerly a merchant, but is at present justice of the peace, having previously held various borough offices. (p. 330E; Luzerne county)

A.E. HUNT. Alexander E. Hunt, of the firm of Hunt Brothers & Co. (limited), Scranton, was born in Paulina, N.J., April 1st, 1835, and married Frances E. Gay, of Seneca Falls, N.Y. He has served as treasurer of the above named firm. (p. 438C; Lackawanna County)

Bios of four former Wayne County natives who moved to Rock County, Wisconsin. These two county history books can be viewed in the local history room at the New York City main research library at 5th Ave. and 42nd St.

MYRON H. SOVERHILL, a leading dealer in leaf tobacco, of Janesville, has been a resident of this city since January, 1856. He was born in Newark, Wayne Co., N.Y., July 14, 1828, and probably is descended from Samuel Soverhill, a native of Wales, who came to America during the Colonial days. He was a sailor, owning several coasting vessels, and at the time of the Revolution was engaged in the lumber trade between Maine and Long Island. The British captured his vessels and endeavored to press him into their service, but he resisted their efforts, lost his life by so doing, and was thrown overboard into the sea. His son, the grandfather of our subject, for that reason contracted a great hatred for the British, and when the War of 1812 (which was caused by the British trying to impress American seamen into their service) broke out, he immediately engaged in that struggle. He was at that time in command of a military company in the State of New York. He took part in the engagement at Sodus Point, the battle of Chippewa, and the battle of Queenstown, in which Gen. Brock was killed. He continued to live in Wayne County until his death. He had a family of three daughters and three sons - Isaac, Hiram, and Joel, the latter being the only one of the family yet living, his home being the old homestead in Wayne County.

Hiram Soverhill, the father of our subject, was the first white child born in Arcadia Township, Wayne Co., N.Y., the date of his birth being Nov. 16, 1800. He was reared to the occupation of farming, and was united in marriage with Eliza Jessup, who was born in Wayne County in 1808, and was a daughter of Lewis Jessup, a native of New Jersey, who settled in Wayne County at an early day. A family of five children, three sons and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Soverhill, and all are yet living, Myron H., of this sketch, being the eldest; Andrew D. is a resident of Newark, N.Y.; Edward P. makes his home at the same place; Sarah is the wife of John R. Boyce, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Mary, a maiden lady, is with her sister.

The subject of this sketch is the only one of the family who ever located in Wisconsin. He was reared to farm life, and received his education in his native county. After arriving at manhood, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Adeline Sanford, a native of Wayne County, N.Y., and a daughter of Joseph H. and Dorcas (Humphrey) Sanford. Her father's family numbered eight children, four sons and four daughters, but only three are now living - William, of Barry County, Mich.; Emily, wife of Pliny Macomber, of Maple Grove, Mich.; and Mrs. Soverhill.

In the fall of 1855 Mr. Soverhill made a trip to Rock County for the purpose of selecting a location, and purchased a farm on section 8, in the town of Fulton. But little improvement had been made at the time of the purchase, but he at once began to develop and cultivate the land, which he soon transformed into a beautiful farm, which is yet in his possession. From 1856 until 1882, when retiring from farm life, he there made his home. In 1858 he turned his attention to the raising of tobacco, and that year harvested a crop. He was one of the first to engage in that industry in Rock County, and since the date mentioned not a year has passed in which he has failed to raise a crop of tobacco. He purchased the first tobacco bought on commission in the State of Wisconsin, at Edgerton, in 1869, and, though having retired from farm life, he still continues this business, engaged in the buying of leaf tobacco and wool. The magnitude of the tobacco trade and the extent to which Mr. Soverhill has dealt in this commodity is illustrated by the fact that in the season of 1882 he purchased 3,000 cases, or sufficient to load sixty cars with an average capacity of 60,000 pounds. He handles more wool than any other dealer in Southern Wisconsin.

Mr. Soverhill is one of the representative men of Rock County, with whose progress and advancement he has been identified for thirty-five years. In his political views he was in early life a Democrat but when the party divided on the question of slavery, he espoused the cause of freedom, and at the organization of the Republican party joined that body, with which he has since been identified. In his religious views he is a Presbyterian. Mr. and Mrs. Soverhill are the parents of five children, one son and four daughters: Sanford; Minnie, wife of Mr. Tracy, of Chicago; Helen, wife of T. B. Earle, of Edgerton, Rock County; Florence, wife of B. De Forest, of Rock County; and Edith, who is at home.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wisconsin, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state." Chicago:Acme Publishing Co. 1889.

More about Mr. Soverhill with information about other children:

MYRON H. SOVERHILL, farmer, Sec. 8; P.O. Edgerton; born in Wayne Co., N.Y.; came to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled on his present homestead; son of Hiram and Eliza SOVERHILL. Married, Nov. 16, 1851, Adeline SANFORD, daughter of Joseph H. and Dorcas, of Newark, Wayne Co., N.Y.; have five children - Sanford, Mary L., Helen A., Florence and Edith; Charles F., born in 1854, died in 1870; Isadora, born in 1858, died in 1863. Religion, Presbyterian; Republican.

Source: "The History of Rock County, Wisconsin." Chicago:Western Historical Company. 1879.

EUGENE H. SKINNER, the owner of one of the most highly improved farms in Newark Township, situated on section 7, and also a raiser of tobacco, was born in Wayne County, N.Y., Dec. 6, 1846, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza (Peck) Skinner. His father was a native of Kent County, England, his mother of Monroe County, N.Y. Mr. Skinner had previously been married, while a resident of England, and by that union two children were born - Elizabeth, widow of William Golding, of Minnesota; and Theron, who was a member of the 22d Wisconsin Infantry, was taken prisoner, and died at the home of our subject from disease contracted while in Libby Prison.

About the year 1840, Mr. Skinner emigrated with his family to America, becoming a resident of New York, where his wife died. In that State he afterwards became acquainted with and married Miss Eliza Jane Peck. In 1846 he removed to Rock County, Wis., and pre-empted forty acres of land on section 7, Newark Township, but subsequently added to his original purchase until his farm comprised 120 acres. He there made his home until December, 1857, when he made a visit to his mother in New York, where he was taken sick and died. His wife survived him until Feb. 7, 1881, dying at the old homestead in this county. They were the parents of four children - Eugene, of this sketch; Sylvester A., who is living in Louis County, Wash., was a soldier in the late war, serving in the 43d Wisconsin Infantry , from October, 1864 till July 1865, when he was honorably discharged; Mary J., wife of E.K. Felt, of Washington County, Kan.; and Hannah A.

The earlier years of his life our subject passed upon his father's farm, and in the common schools of the county received his education. When thirteen years of age, however, he left his home and went to live with an uncle, with whom he remained until his eighteenth year. Returning to his home in 1863, he took charge of the farm, continuing to manage affairs until 1865, when he bought the interest of the other heirs. He now owns 263 acres of fine land, 180 of which is under a high state of cultivation, while the improvements are among the best to be found in Newark Township. He has a fine grade of all kinds of stock, including short horn cattle, and his barns provide shelter for one hundred head of stock.

On the 20th day of November, 1871, the union of Mr. Skinner and Miss Clarinda Padfield was celebrated. Unto them has been born an interesting family of four children, one son and three daughters - Burton E., Edith E., Eva I. and Agnes M. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have one of the most comfortable homes in the community, where hospitality abounds and all receive a hearty welcome. He is regarded as one of the leading citizens of the community, and has held various township offices, including that of treasurer. In March, 1874, he was elected secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, representing Rock, Plymouth, Newark, Avon, Spring Valley, Beloit and Center townships, and has annually been re-elected. The company insures nothing but farm property. Honorable and upright in all his dealings, Mr. Skinner has won the confidence and respect of all who know him.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wisconsin, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state." Chicago:Acme Publishing Co. 1889.

More information about Mr. Skinner:

EUGENE H. SKINNER, farmer, Sec. 7; P.O. Beloit; born in Wayne Co., N.Y., in 1847; his parents came to Newark in 1848; took up forty acres of land in Section 7, and built a log cabin; afterward bought eighty acres more in same section; his father died in Newark in 1857; his mother is still living, and holds her dower of forty-five acres of land, which he is working with his own. He married in Janesville, in November, 1871, Clarinda Padfield, of Newark; they have three children. When his father died the property, 120 acres in all, was divided between the heirs, and he bought them all out except one sister, who holds her share and is living with his family; in 1869, he built a large frame residence with large barns and all improvements, and now owns 170 acres of land. He is the Secretary of the Newark Mutual Fire Insurance Co. for the protection of farm property from fire and lightning; he has also been Supervisor for three terms, and Town Treasurer; his two brothers, Theron Y. and Sylvester A., were both in the army; Theron died of fever, and Sylvester was in Libby Prison twenty-four days, and then exchanged.

Source: "The History of Rock County, Wisconsin." Chicago:Western Historical Company. 1879.

JAMES P. SHIELDS, farmer Sec. 17; P.O. Janesville; born in the village of Lyons, Wayne Co., N.Y.; he is the son of James and Susan Shields; his father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, 1802; at an early age, he learned the trade of carriage-building; in spring of 1822, came to St. John, N.B., where he was employed in the navy yard for a short time; late in the same year, he went to Boston, Mass., where he worked at his trade until August, 1823, at which time he took his departure for Albany, N.Y., where he sought and secured employment at Gould's carriage-factory, where he remained for years; he assisted in ironing-off the cars first run on the Albany & Schenectady R.R., which was the first railroad ever built in the United States. Married, about the year 1832, in Albany, N.Y., Miss Susan Simmonds, who was born near Schenectady, N.Y., in 1804; the results of their union was seven children - John, born April 25, 1834; William, Jan. 17, 1840; Charles, June 6, 1842; Robert, June 2, 1845; Almen, May 4, 1848; Fanny E., Jan. 18, 1850; James, Aug. 24, 1837. Their parents came to Wisconsin in June, 1847; located in Rock Township; bought a farm of 240 acres, on which he worked industriously, and prospered finely; his sons were industrious, and assisted him much; Mr. Shields, Sr., is still living on his farm in Rock Township; after a painful illness his wife died in April, 1868; his daughter, Mary E., married Henry Kayler, who is living on and managing the old homestead; James P., the principal subject of this sketch, received a common-school education; always was industrious; assisted his father on the farm till the spring of 1861; at that time, his father bought, in Harmony, 160 acres, 80 of which he gave to his son; James appreciates this gift, and has made some handsome improvements; built barn, granary, neat, tasty frame house; cozy home, and managing eighty acres besides; raises a variety of crops; he is prospering finely. Married, in Fort Wayne, Ind., October, 1863, Miss Anna Hopple, who was born in Allen Co., Ind., July 30, 1843; the results of their happy union has been five children; four are living - Nevada, Penola, William, Emma. Mr. Shields is liberal in religion; has always voted the Republican ticket.

Source: "The History of Rock County, Wisconsin." Chicago:Western Historical Company. 1879.

PHILIP PALMER, farmer and miller, Sec. 27; P.O. Afton; born Oct. 29, 1814, in Wayne Co., N.Y.; came to Wisconsin in 1857; lived in Walworth Co. three years and moved to Rock Co. in 1860. Married Miss Lucinda, daughter of William and Anna Potter, of Wayne Co., N.Y., in 1836. They have six children - Evaline A., Caroline E. (died in 1842), Garafelia A., Harriet E. (died in 1849), Hiram P. and George H. He owns 110 acres six miles south of Janesville, where he raises a good grade of stock, etc. He was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1875; was a member and one of the organizers of the Rock River Grange. He and family are members of the Baptist Church in Afton.

Source: "The History of Rock County, Wisconsin." Chicago:Western Historical Company. 1879.

PERRINE, George W., M.D., of Milwaukee, Wis., was born in Lyons, Wayne county, N.Y., December 16th, 1816. He graduated at Geneva Medical College, in 1839. He first practised at Syracuse, N.Y., and afterwards at Lyons, N.Y., in both places making extended and favorable reputation. In 1855, he removed to Milwaukee, where he remained the balance of his life. Previous to his removal to Milwaukee, in the year 1853, he adopted the tenets of homoeopathy, having previous to that time been prominent as an old school physician. Resolutions of respect to his memory were unanimously adopted by the members of the Illinois Homoeopathic Association, the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the physicians of Milwaukeein public meetingn, and the vestry of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church of Milwaukee, of which church he was from his youth a zealous and devoted member. He died April 20th, 1872, aged fifty-five years.

Source: "Cleave's Biographical Cyclopaedia of Homeopathic Physicians and Surgeons," by Egbert Cleave, 1873. Pages 387-388.

NEW 1/23/04 HOLBY, John M., of Lyons, N.Y., a member of the 30th congress; d. at Florida, March 1848.

Source: "American Biographical Notes, being short notices of deceased persons, chiefly those not included in Allen's or in Drake's biographical dictionaries, gathered from many sources, and arranged by Franklin B. Hough." 1875, page 207.

The following bio of Butler native Eben Fitch Runyan was contributed by Hamilton County NYGenWeb coordinator Lisa Slaski.

EBEN FITCH RUNYAN

Eben F. Runyan was born in Butler, Wayne County, N.Y., December 3, 1831, and nearly twenty years of his life were spent in the East, where he secured his education. In the meantime he worked as a clerk in a store, or doing any sort of labor which might aid in elevating him intellectually and financially. In the year 1850 Mr. Runyan decided to make his home in the West, finally locating in McHenry County, Ill., where for three years he engaged in farming operations during the summer months, teaching school each winter. The study of law had always possessed a certain amount of fascination for him, and so diligently did he engage in this, his favorite pursuit, that on May 16, 1855, he was admitted to the Illinois Bar. Removing to Chicago soon after, he began the practice of law, and became a member of the firm of Brown & Runyan, this partnership continuing for a period of three years or more. In the year 1860, the relationship between his former partners and himself having been dissolved, Mr. Runyan entered into partnership with D.J. Avery, a brother-in-law, and Mr. Comstock, a former law student. in 1860 he was married to Miss Flora R. Avery, of Waukegan, Ill. From this time on the young man made rapid strides towards that success for which he was ever striving. He was elected a member of the Board of Education in 1864,and in 1871 and 1872 was President of the Board. In 1876 he was made one of the West Park Commissioners, and assisted in selecting the sites for all the West-side parks. Notwithstanding the various outside matters demanding his attention, Mr. Runyan devoted his time and talents principally to his law practice, and it is not to be wondered at that time he became one of the most successful practitioners in the city. During the more than forty years he was a member of the bar he probably tried more cases than any other Chicago lawyer now living. As a trial lawyer he possessed ability of a high order. He was devoted to the interests of his clients, appearing to make their cases his own. He was a fluent speaker, and his long and varied experience together with ability of a high order, became factors in winning many a difficult case. He was twice nominated for the position of Judge. The firm was again changed, and Mr. Runyan had the pleasure of taking his son, Eben F. Runyan, Jr., into partnership, with new offices located in the Ashland Block.

No matter how busy the man, or how necessary his personality in the social or professional life of a city, Death appears to claim any victim he may choose, and the successful lawyer was no exception to this rule. Bright's disease attacked him, and after an illness which confined him to his bed less than two weeks, Mr. Runyan passed away February 6, 1899. The funeral services were held at the Fourth Baptist Church, Ashland Avenue and West Monroe Street, and the interment was at Rosehill. His numerous clients feel that none can supply the place of the man so faithful to their interests, the family circle is incomplete, and the city has lost a shining example of what industry and hard study can produce. Indeed Chicago is the poorer by the death of Eben F. Runyan, lawyer and gentleman.

Source: "Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, Cook County Edition, Volume I," edited by Newton Bateman and Paul Selby. Chicago: Munsell Publishing Company. 1905. Page 986.

Arcadia native Dr. John Wesley Finch's bio was graciously contributed by Hamilton County NYGenWeb coordinator Lisa Slaski.

FINCH, DR. JOHN WESLEY, of Adrian, Michigan, was born in Arcadia, Wayne County, New York, June 6, 1826. He is the son of Andrew and Catherine (Crandall) Finch, who removed from Kinderhook to Wayne County, New York, where the continued to reside until 1835. Nathaniel Finch, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, emigrated to Connecticut from England, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and located lands which, by his industry and perseverance, he transformed into a pleasant and productive farm. This farm lies about three miles north of where the old Horseneck Church once stood; the old homestead of the Finch's is still owned by the descendants of the pioneer whose name it bears. In 1835, when nine years of age, Doctor Finch removed with his father to Ridgeway, Orleans County, New York. He spent his boyhood upon his father's farm, and early in life acquired habits of industry by which he has secured success and the confidence and esteem of the different communities in which he has resided. While very young, he manifested a decided taste for philosophical, mechanical, and educational pursuits. In 1845-46, he was a pupil at Yates Academy; and, in 1848, at Marion Academy, in the State of New York, where he never failed to distinguish himself for diligence, intelligence, and courteous deportment. In 1849 he engaged in teaching, which profession he followed most of the time until 1855, when he went to Chicago and entered upon mercantile pursuits. In 1857 he went to Red Wing, Minnesota, with a view to making that his permanent home; but the great financial crisis, at that time, having prostrated business, he returned to Ohio the following year. Feeling that his abilities fitted him for the work, he adopted the profession of dentistry, and opened an office in Cleveland, where he remained until 1862. He was then induced to remove to Adrian, Michigan, where he has since continued to practice his profession with marked ability and success.

He has interested himself largely in the prosperity and growth of the beautiful city which he has made his home. In educational matters he has ever felt a deep interest, and has served several years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the city schools. He was one of the founders of the Michigan State Dental Association, of which he is a member, and was elected President in 1875. In 1855 Doctor Finch was initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry, in Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, at Richfield, Summit County, Ohio. When he came to Adrian, he joined Adrian Lodge, No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons, and has continued a member of the same to the present time. He has filled the various offices of the lodge up to and including that of Master, with honor to himself and profit to the fraternity; and is now Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan. He was High Priest of Adrian Chapter, No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, and satisfactorily performed his various and complicated duties. He has filled most of the offices in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Michigan, including that of Grand High Priest, which position he held for the year 1873. At the close of his term, he was presented with a flattering testimonial, by the grand body, for the able, judicious, and impartial manner in which he discharged the duties of his office. For seven consecutive years he has been Eminent Commander of Adrian Commandery, No. 4, of Knights Templar; and no more fitting eulogy upon his honesty, integrity, and ability can be offered than the fact that, for the long time he has filled the office, it has been by the almost unanimous vote of his Commandery. In the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, he has attained to the thirty-second degree. Doctor Finch has retained the confidence and esteem of the various Masonic bodies of which he has been a member; and now enjoys a national reputation as a wise and accomplished Mason, whose hand is ever ready to assist the weak and unfortunate, and whose heart ever beats in response to that of the sorrowing. He has always been independent in politics, voting, without regard to party, according to his honest convictions of right. In September, 1855, he married Frances M. Thorp, of Bath, Summit County, Ohio, and has been a devoted and faithful husband and father. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have two sons,- the elder, Sherman F. Finch, recently graduated at the Michigan University, and bids fair to be as successful as his father in dentistry, which he has chosen as his profession. The younger son, Arthur E. Finch, a bright and promising lad, is still engaged in his studies at school. Doctor Finch, although in his fifty-second year, looks really ten years younger, which is doubtless largely attributable to his temperate habits. He possesses a strong and vigorous constitution, and has every prospect of a long and useful life.

Source: "American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men, with Portrait Illustrations on Steel. Michigan Volume." Cincinnati, O.: Western Biographical Publishing Co., 1878. Page 37-38.

Galen native Richard L. Dawley's biographical sketch was graciously contributed by Hamilton County NYGenWeb coordinator Lisa Slaski.

RICHARD L. DAWLEY, railroad repairer, son of Elijah Dawley and Esther Baldwin Dawley, of New York birth, was born in Galen, Wayne county, March 26, 1826. He lived on a farm and attended a common school until eighteen years old, residing with an uncle, his parents having died before he was two years old. At nineteen he came to what was then the west, and learned cabinet-making in Milwaukee. August 13, 1846, he enlisted in the regular army of the United States, and served five years, going through the Mexican war under Gen. Scott. On his discharge at Fort Ripley in 1851, he went to Plymouth, Wisconsin, and worked at his trade. In 1856 he became a resident of Winona, where he engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, in partnership with another party. The business removed to St. Charles three years later, and kept up till 1862. In January of the latter year Mr. Dawley enlisted in the 2d Minn. Lt. Art., in which he served till April, 1864, holding the rank of first lieutenant when he resigned. He was an actor int he battles of Perryville, Stone River, Tullahoma, Chicamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and numerous skirmishes and light engagements. His business and family affairs requiring his presence at home, he was compelled to resign. He engaged in farming, his land lying partly within the limits of this city, and followed that occupation till 1873, ever since which time he has been in the employ of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company. Mr. Dawley was at one time director of the city school board, and to him is due a large share of the credit for the establishment of the present graded system of their government and conduct. He was again chosen member of the same board in 1882, for the term of three years. He was chairman of the town board in 1860 and city councilor in 1881. His political principles are democratic. In religion he is orthodox. In 1861 he organized a militia company here, and has ever since been known by the title of captain. Most of this company afterward entered the United States service. Mr. Dawley is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, A.F.and A.M. of St. Charles. In November, 1853, he was married to Mary J. Avril, who was born in Bellville, Canada, May 1, 1835. She was a daughter of Henry Avril, of New York. Mrs. Dawley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at her death, which occurred Aril 4, 1874. Seven children survive her, as follows: William H., born August 4, 1854, now in Fargo, Dakota; Charles L., February 28, 1856, lives at De Smet, Dakota; Ida, April 18, 1858; Emma, November 26, 1859; Hiram A., August 20, 1865; Richard Starr, September 9, 1867; Frank M., March 30, 1872.

Source: "History of Winona County, together with Biographical Matter, Statistics, Etc., gathered from matter furnished by interviews with old settlers, county, township and other records, and extracts from files of papers, pamphlets, and such other sources as have been available." Chicago: H.H. Hill and Company, Publishers. 1883. Page 954.

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