When a young man he went to Yates county, N. Y., where he found employment as a clerk in a dry goods store owned by a Mr. Eben Smith. Being amibitious and showing a marked capability for the business, he was eventually taken into partnership with Mr. Smith, and there remained for six years. In the meantime he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Lawrence, dauther of Samuel Lawrence of Yates county, N. Y. This union was blessed with ten children. In 1836 they removed to Michigan and settled twenty miles west of Detroit in Oakland county.

Our subject was a man of strong personality, kind and hospitable in manner and made friends readily, and became quite prominent and successful.

In 1846 he represented his locality in the Legislature in Detroit. He was one of those that voted for the removal of the capitol to Lansing. In later years he became identified in business in the capital city, in which he continued for six years. He also became interested in this city in extensive purchases of land, and built one of the earlier hotels in the capital city, which was called the Benton House. He died in Lansing, at the Hudson House, and there passed away one of the old pioneer citizens, who left the impress of his individuality upon the communith where he resided. Having spent almost his entire life in Michigan, he had a wide acquaintance within its borders, and his strength of character, his honorable conduct and his fidelity to manly principles made him one of the representative and valued citizens.

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 506

Biographies Michigan Biographies Project

Sondra Higbee