William A. was the second son of John L. and Olive L. (Hawley) Diamond and was born in 1868. His brother Henry, two years his senios, met an untimely death at the age of eighteen years, by the kick of a horse. His only sister, Lottie, died in 1898 at the age of thirty-four years, a yong lady of many graces and vitures. His father and mother were married December 24, 1863, the father paying the debt of nature August 10, 1870, while yet in the vigor of young manhood.

The oldest Diamond was a most genial, companionable man, was a mechanic by trade and many substantial structures, houses and barnes in the vicinity are evidences of his handiwork. He, after marriage, settled upon the farm now owned by his son. The improvements having their beginnning with the father have been carried steadily forward by the son, until today the Diamond farm consists of one hundred and sixty broqad acres under a fine state of cultivation, with improved breeds of cattle, sheep and hogs, with neat and commodius frame buildings overlooking the entire estate, making it one of the most desirable country homes of the county. At the age of twenty years, with his mother and sister as home keepers, William Diamond started farming for himself, and being to the manor born, had made a success of it.

He was married Sept. 25, 1895, to Miss Selora Dunsmore. To them one child, a son was born September 29, 1898.

His home is still the home of his mother, who knows the blessedness of having a dutiful son to lean upon in her declining years.

In politics Mr. Diamond has always been an enthusiastic Republican, believing in what his party advocated, having unbounded faith in it to manage the affairs of the state and nation for the best interests of the people.

He has served as Town Treasurer most acceptably, and will doubtless, if he consents, honor the ticket with his name for more important positions yet many times in the years to come.

He is identified with the F. & A. M. of Mason Lodge No. 70. As all intelligent, progressive farmers should do, he takes commendable pride in the fact that he is "line up" with the organiztion of the Grange, believing it to be the one national order whose funcamental principle is the elevation of the farmer, intellectually, morally and financially. Although not united with any church society, Mr. Diamond by the uprightness of his life and character teaches the lessons of morality and virtue to the limit of his influence.

This brief outline of the life and character of William A. Diamond would be in complete without a record of the fact that he was the grandson of Henry A. Hawley, one of the early pioneers of the county. All old residents are familar with the location of the Hawley farm about three miles east of the City of Mason. Mr. haowley was a man of marked energy, well informed upon the general topics of the day and bearing always a character above reproach. He cleared away the forest, improved the land and erected substantial farm buildings. e kept "open house" always and many a weary land looker has found here a comfortable lodging for the night. He contributed generously, both in money and labor, to any enterprise that he deemed helpful to the community. A brief autobiography of him published in a History of Ingham County, a book that also contains a portrait of Mr. Hawley and a bird's eye view of his fam and buildings, says of him, "Where the pulic welfare seemed to demand it, he has consulted neither comfort nor convenience, but has worked a strong and willing hand. Since attaining his majority, he has never failed to present himself at the pools on election day, always casting his vote with the same party -- old line -- Whig and Republican. His religious faith has always been of the truly liberal type. He died some years since honored and respected by a large circle of aquaintances."




Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Pages 230 - 231

Biographies Michigan Biographies Project

Sondra Higbee

Old Fashioned ClipArt