ALLEN C. ADSIT -
Was born in Rutland, Jefferson Co., NY, on Feb. 20, 1837. His early life was spent upon his father's farm, receiving such education as the district school and county institute afforded. He studied law at Watertown, NY and was admitted to the bar in 1859. Enlisted in the 44th NY Volunteers in 1861, and participated in the principal battles in which the Army of the Potomac were engaged. At the close of the war he settled at Spring Lake, Ottawa County, Michigan and engaged in the mercantile business in company with Hon. J. B. Perham. He was supervisor of said town for six successive years and Representative in the State legislature from Ottawa County in 1871 and 1872. In 1874, having resumed the practice of law, he was elected prosecuting attorney for said county, and served during the years 1875 and 1876. He removed to Grand Rapids in 1877, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of the law. Politics Democratic. p. 33
CALVIN BRITAIN -
Was born in Jefferson County, NY in 1800, came to Michigan in 1827, and was the first settler in the town of St. Joseph, Berrien County. He was for a short time connected with the Carey mission. He preempted land in 1827 and 1829, but the survey was not made by government until 1830. He remained a citizen of the town from 1829 until his death, January 18, 1862. He was one of the prominent men of Michigan in the pioneer days and a member of the Legislative Council from 1832 to 1835; State Senator in 1835, 1836, and 1837. Representative in the legislature in 1847, 1850 and 1851; and member of the Constitutional Convention of 1850. In 1852 he was Lt. Governor, during the first administration of Gov. McClelland. In politics a Democrat. Never married. He laid out the village of St. Joseph, first known as Newberry. p. 123
JOHN BURCH -
Senator from Monroe County in 1842 and 1843, was a native of Jefferson County, NY. He came to Monroe in 1834, where he followed the business of a warehouse man, and was in politics a Democrat. He was a supervisor, and treasurer of the city of Monroe. Died at Monroe. p. 138
CHAUNCEY DAVIS -
Representative from Muskegon County in 1861,2,3,4, was born in Jefferson County, NY on March 15, 1812 and died February 9, 1888. He received a common school and academical education and taught school several terms. In 1835 he went to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and was engaged in house building for twelve years. Removed to Muskegon, Mich., in 1848, where he became a leading businessman, especially in the lumber business. He was the first mayor of Muskegon in 1860 and again in 1871. He filled important positions in business corporations, and was liberal in aiding schools, churches, railroads, etc. In politics a Democrat until 1854, then a Republican. p. 220
ROSCOE D. DIX -
Was born in Jefferson County, NY, June 11, 1839, and removed to Berrien County, Michigan, with his parents in April, 1852. He lived on a farm until he was 17 years old, taught district school and attended Albion College. He enlisted at Kalamazoo, April 26, 1861 in Co. K, 2d Michigan Infantry. Served with his company in every engagement in which it participated, as private, corporal and sergeant, until he was severely wounded at Knoxville, Nov. 24, 1863, and was then in hospital until discharged, May 25, 1864, permanently disabled. In 1864 he was nominated and elected by the Republicans as Register of Deeds of Berrien County, and was re-elected in 1866-68 and 1874. In 1869 he engaged in the abstract and real estate business, and is a member of the firm of Dix & Wilkinson. He was a member of the school board twelve years, village trustee eight years, and president of the Village of Berrien Springs for two terms. He is a Republican and has actively engaged in every campaign since 1864; has served on the Republican County Committee, and in nearly every campaign as president of the local Republican Club. He was elected commissioner of the state Land Office in 1886 by a vote of 181,995 to 172,104 for Alonzo T. Frisbee, Fusionist, and 25,516 for Charles L. Fraser, Prohibitionist. p. 231
IRA MAYHEW -
Was born in Ellisburg, (Jefferson Co.) NY in 1814. He received an academical education and taught from 1832 to 1836. He was principal of the Adams Academy in 1837 to 1841, then Superintendent of Schools in Jefferson Co., NY. He came to Michigan in 1843 and was principal of the Monroe branch of the University. By appointment he became Superintendent of Public Instruction, and held it from April 17, 1845 to March 28, 1849. He was active and efficient in his duties, and in 1849 published a book entitled, "Means and ends of universal education." In 1851 published a treatise on bookkeeping. In 1852 he was principal of Albion Seminary, and in 1854 was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, and was again elected in 1856, serving from 1855 to 1859, and in all holding that position for eight years. He then established the Albion Commercial College, which was removed to Detroit and successfully manged by him for many years. He was Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third District, 1862-65. Now retired. A Democrat until 1854, since a Republican. p. 441
WILLIAM PROBERT -
Representative from Manistee County in 1879, was born in Gloucestershire, England, March 24, 1835 and was educated in common schools. He emigrated in 1850 and settled in Jefferson County, NY. In 1861 he enlisted in the first regiment of Wis. Vols, and participated in many engagements, and was mustered out at the expiration of enlistment. In 1864 he removed to Pleasanton, Mich. He has been supervisor and has held minor offices. Occupation, farmer. Politics, Democratic. p. 538
ALANSON SHELEY -
Was born at Albany, NY August 14, 1809. His early life was spent on his grandfather's farm in Jefferson County, NY, and attending common schools. As a boy he took a timber raft down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec and at 16 was apprenticed three years to learn the trade of a mason, and became a foreman on the Rideau Canal in Canada. He came to Detroit in 1831, and in 1832 built a stone lighthouse on Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, the oldest now standing. He was a builder and contractor at Detroit for several years, and later was interested in lumbering for the Black River Steam Mill Company. In 1859 he became a partner with J. S. Farrand in the drug trade, and is still one of the firm of Farrand, Williams & Co. He was an active Whig in politics, but helped organize the Republican Party in 1854. He was an alderman five years, and Senator in 1867-71,2. He is a leading Presbyterian and has acted as superintendent of a Sunday school for many years. He has always been a strong temperance man. He possessed great strength, and many stories are told of his prowess in his younger days. He still lives at Detroit, and is active mentally and physically. pp 583-4
HENRY WYMAN -
Representative from Lenawee County in 1845; was born in Jefferson County, NY in 1803. By profession a physician; in politics a Democrat. Now resides at Blissfield. p. 719
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