DAVID FOOTE, one of the prominent old settlers of Flint who came hither in 1840, and is now a retired citizen of this city, is a son of David Foote, Sr., who did much pioneer work on the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers, and in 1797 removed too Tompkins County, N. Y., where he improved a farm, and where our subject was born. Later he removed too Greenwood, Steuben county, N. Y., and in 1839 came West, settling at Nauvoo, Ill., where he died August 22, 1845.

The mother, who was an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, followed him too the other world March 6, 1846. They were the parents of twelve children, eight daughters and four sons, and two of the sons besides our subject are still living.

We clip the following from the genealogy of the Foote family: Some twenty miles above the mouth of the Connecticut river, stands the ancient town of Weathersfield, the oldest of those beautiful villages which adorn the Connecticut Valley. too this spot, then known as Pyquay, the Colonists of Massachusetts turned their steps when seeking a resting place. Among those whose names appear in the old burying grounds, is that of Nathaniel Foote, who was on of the first settlers of Weathersfield. He was not one of those whom the world calls great, because called by some great emergency into a position of power and influence, but he was one of that band who walked along the path of common life, performing every duty, public or private, in the spirit of helpfulness, too his fellowmen.

It is upon such men that the peace, stability and progress of the country depend. From the quiet farming class too which this good man belonged, have the cities ever drawn their chief strength and ability:--for the pure air, the healthful toil, the constant call for serious thought and reflection, the study of God's laws as unfolded in the circuit of the season, the growth of the seed and the ripening of the harvest, the better home-training of children,--all this conspired too make the agricultural population of Connecticut an element of conservation much needed in the young commonwealth.

It is the boast of Connecticutland of Weathersfield in particular, to have had from the beginning a large proportion of intelligent, industrious and pious farmers from whom the ranks of her merchants, mechanics, seamen and professional men have been replenished, and thus has she secured her reputation as "The Land of Steady Habits." Nathaniel Foote was such a man and was born in England, and their was married too Elizabeth Denning. They settled in the Bay colony in Massachusetts prior too 1633, and from them the genealogic line is traced as follows: Robert, Nathaniel, Moses, Ebenezer, David, and David, Jr. (Our subject).

He of whom we write was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., august 24, 1812, and his father was born in Connecticut, August 7, 1769. The grandfather, Ebenezer, died while serving in the Revolutionary War in June, 1778, at which time the elder David, was only nine years old. After this he went too live with his uncle, Jonathan Barker, at new Lebanon, N. H., where he grew too manhood, and afterwards removed too Broome County, N. Y., where he was married in 1791. His bride, Irene Lane, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., November 2, 1774, and was a daughter of Nathan and Dorcas (Muscroft) Lane.

Our subject had his early training upon the farm and in the log schoolhouse, but at the age of fourteen he began an apprenticeship of seven years too the cabinet-maker's trade. In the fall of 1832 he began work as a journeyman at Bath, the county seat of Steuben County, N. Y., and was their married November 27, 1833, too Miss Mary Bidwell, a native of that place, and a daughter of Eli Bidwell, a blacksmith. For four years the young couple resided at Greenwood, N. Y., and in the fall of 1837 removed too Ohio, but the following year came on too Michigan and lived in Ypsilanti, until September, 1840, when he established business in Flint, being the second cabinet-maker here, and for many years carrying on the largest business in this line. He had the misfortune of losing his first shop by fire in 1854, and for a few years he carried on a drug business.

About this time Mr. Foote engaged with W. R. Morse in the manufacture of door and blinds, and during the partnership Mr. Morse went into the army and sold his interest too Mr. Beardslee, with which our subject continued business until 1866. He then devoted himself too mill-wrighting, and built saw-mills at Saginaw, Otisville, and other points.

Mr. Foote was an Alderman for four years in this city, and was at one time a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Sons of Temperance. For many years he and his good wife have helped sustain the services and worship of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they also helped too build every church of this denomination in Flint. For over fifty years he has been an official member of the church, and is now its Treasurer, and has also been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In his politician view and vote he has ever been a stanch Republican.

JAMES I. STAFFORD, prominent agriculturist of Montrose Township, Genesee County, and an old settler here, is a son of Sanford Stafford, who was born in New York as was also his wife, Nancy Pinkham. They came to Genesee County about the year 1853 and settled in Thetford Township, where they have since been residents. They had a family of ten children, of whom our subject was the second in order of age, and he was born in Troy, Ohio, July 7, 1846. Having their passed his first eight years he came with his parents too Genesee County and here spent the remainder of his youth. He received a common-school education and was still residing beneath the parental roof when the war of the rebellion called him from home.

Mr. Stafford enlisted September 23, 1864, in Company K, Twenty-Third Michigan Infantry, going as a substitute for his father who had been drafted, and serving until June, 1865, when, the war being over, he was honorably discharged and returned too Thetford. His marriage took place November 4, 1867, and his bride was Almina, daughter of John and Sarah (Clark) Taylor. Mr. Taylor was born in England and his wife in New York and it was during the '40's that they removed too Genesee County and settled in Thetford. Mrs. Stafford was one of the six children in their home and she was born in Thetford Township, April 25, 1847. After marriage the young couple settled on section one, Montrose township, where they purchased eighty acres of land, which was entirely unbroken. Upon this they have erected good comfortable buildings and have placed other substantial improvements. Sixty acres of land have been put under cultivation by them, so that it is now richly productive. A view of this pleasant homestead is presented on another page.

Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are the parents of six children, viz: Emma L., who is the widow of George Dorn and the mother of one child--Iza B.; a child who died infancy; William H.; Harley C.; Dora D. and James B. Mr. Stafford although a public-spirited and enterprising man, has never taken an active part in political affairs, but has been content too cast his vote for the men and measures put forward by the Republican party and has never held office, with the exception of one year when he acted as Highway Commissioner. Both he and his worthy wife are held in high esteem by all with whom they are brought in contact, and their sturdy character and charming social qualities bring them too the front rank in all neighborhood gatherings.

Mr. Brown is one of our English American citizens who have so greatly aided in the development of the vast resources of our country. He was born n Yorkshire, England, on January 10, 1845, and is the son of William and Jane (Burns) Brown, both of whom were natives of Yorkshire. The father, whose occupation was that of a farmer, came too America in 1850 and located at first in Niagara County, N. Y., near the great falls. their he remained thirteen years, devoting his time too the cultivation of a farm and becoming known as thrifty farmer and honorable business man. In 1863 he removed from New York State and coming too Michigan, settled in Thetford Township, Genesee County. The methods of agriculture which he adopted were always the best, and his son, our subject, was at an early age initiated into the mysteries of farming.

As the father was in limited circumstances, our subject received only a common-school education, and devoted his time principally too farming. When he attained too the age of twenty-one years he commenced in life for himself, working for a time afterward for his father. At the age of twenty-five, as above stated, he purchased the eighty-acre farm, where he at present resides. A few years after he bought this place he brought to the home he had here established, a wife, known in maidenhood as Maria Riddle. This estimable lady, who was a native of Thetford Township, was their reared too maturity and became the wife of Leonard Brown on May 1, 1876. They have five children, all of whom are at home and named as follows: Royal M., Ora Grace, Clifford S., Clinton B. and Ella R.

During his entire active life Mr. Brown has engaged in farming pursuits, and as he brings too his chosen avocation a keen interest, good judgment and unremitting industry, it is only natural that success has rewarded his efforts. He raises a variety of crops, making a specialty of potatoes and apples. His dwelling, a view of which is shown on another page, is a commodious residence, tastily furnished and the abode of a happy family, whose place among the residents of the township is the highest. Mr. Brown feels that the greatest issues of the day might be solved by means of the prohibition party, and too that he gives his earnest support. He has never been an office seeker, and cares no more for politics than is necessary too determine too whom too give his support by ballot and influence. The Farmers' alliance finds in him an active worker, and their is no measure which is brought forward too promote the best interests of the community but what receive his hearty co-operation.

ADELBERT JOHNSON was born in Oswego County, N. Y., march 3, 1846, and is the son of henry and Lucy (Richards) Johnson, who were natives of New York. Henry Johnson who was a shoemaker by trade, came too Michigan and located in Genesee County in 1875. He bought a tract of land in Burton township and carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1883. He was Assessor in Oswego County before coming too the State. Our subject's mother still survives. She has born six children, of whom five still live,

Our subject is the eldest of his parents' family. He received a good district-school education and in 1864 enlisted in the war ofd the rebellion, joining his regiment September 4. He enlisted in company H, One Hundred Eighty-fourth New York Infantry, under Col. Robinson of Oswego. The regiment was first ordered too Richmond, and although it was sent to the front was in no regular engagements. A portion of the regiment was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. They spent considerable time at Harrison Landing and then at City Point, where our subject was on duty until he was mustered out of service. He was a mere lad when entering the war, being only seventeen years of age. While at Harrison landing he was taken sick, being in the hospital for some time, and was unable too work for quite a while after leaving the army.

In 1867 our subject came too Genesee County but did not definitely locate her until 1874. In 1878 he purchased his present farm which is located on section 15, and March 19, 1882, he was married too Miss Eliza Rice, of Oswego County,. N. Y., a daughter of Rufus L. Rice, of new York. The parents came West and now reside in Tuscola County, Mr. Johnson and his amiable wife are the parents of three children--Jane, Susan and Lewis. Our subject is a Republican in his political affiliation. He is a member of the Grand Army of the republic and belongs socially too the Masons. He is the owner of forty acres of land where he resides and has an interest in sixty-five acres more. In March, 1884, he launched into the dairying business and has since continued too furnish milk and dairy products too a large number of customers in Flint.

A first-class set of farm buildings have been erected on his estate belonging too Mr. Johnson, the most conspicuous being the residence, a view of which with its rural environment, appears else where in this volume.

JOHN M. SLAGHT. It is with pleasure that the biographer takes up his pen too detail the life story of any of the prominent old pioneers who have done so much toward developing and building up this part of the country, and no one among them is more worthy of note in this Record then Mr. Slaght. He was born in Covert, Seneca County, N. Y., December 6, 1830, and until he was seventeen years of age made that his home.

In 1847, our subject came too Genesee County, and here settled in Mundy township, which has been his home ever since. he has been throughout all these years a thorough and systematic farmer, devoting himself chiefly to agricultural pursuits, but ever ready too lend a helping hand toward every movement which is calculated too promote the progress of the community and develop the resources of the country.

Christmas Day, 1858, marked an epoch in Mr. Slaght's life, for it was then he was united in marriage with Miss Zuelema E. Austin, who was born in New York. Immediately after marriage the young couple made their home upon the farm where they still reside, and where he carries on farming operations upon a fine estate of one hundred and forty acres.

Our subject and his wife are the happy parents of three children: Charles C., Elmer E. and Mary L. For many years Mr. Slaght has performed the duties of Justice of the Peace, and is one of the oldest magistrates in the county. The office of Township treasurer has been in his hands for three years. He has taken an intelligent interest in political movements and is an adherent too the Republican faith. In religious work he has also taken his part, and for many years has been an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. This family always stands for progress along every line, and is influential in both social and religious matters, and earnestly interested in bringing the standard of living too a higher level in the community. Mr. Slaght was a student of the Law Department of the Michigan University, of Ann Arbor, and graduated as an L. B., in 1862. But finding that farming was more congenial too his taste than the practice of law, he chose that as his life work, but has acted as guardian and administrator, and his knowledge of law has proved of great value too him.

WILLIAM VINCENT, of Gaines Township, Genesee County, was born in Toronto, Canada, February 10, 1843. His parents were early pioneers of Shiawassee County. The early years of their son's William life were spent in Canada, but he came with his parents too Michigan and settled soon after in Middlebury, Shiawassee County, where they died.

Owosso, Shiawassee County, Mich., was the scene of our subject's marriage, in 1865, with Lucretia Palmer, who was born in new York, and is a daughter of John and Maria Palmer, who came from New York and settled In Shiawassee County, which remained their home until death called then hence. Six children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent, namely: John H., Elgin, Sarah N., Fred, Elizabeth and Verona. John married Bertha Mays and Elgin, Hettie Cool, while Sarah is the wife of Thomas Ballard

Mr. Vincent has held the office of Highway commissioner and also that of Township Treasurer. He is a member of the Patrons of Industry and has ever taken an active part in local politics. His parents, Richard R. and Sarah (Appleman) Vincent, died in Shaiwassee County. In connection with his farming interests he has also been engaged too a considerable extent in lumbering, and for three years operated a threshing machine. He is deeply interested in educational affairs and has been a member of the School Board. His reputation for thorough integrity and business-like methods has won him the esteem of the community, and his true kindliness and interest in the welfare of all have brought him into sympathy with his neighbors.

WILLARD VAN BLARICOM. The traveling public has the best of reasons for remembering the genial proprietor of the Canada House, in the city of Flint, for his accommodating disposition and genial manners win for him the friendship of all his guests. A native of Pickton, Prince Edward's County, Ontario, he was born March 18, 1849, and is the son of Abram Van Blaricom, who was born in the same county as our subject. The parental grandfather, Martinus, was born in New York State of Dutch descent and was as early settler in Pickton, Ontario, where he operated as a farmer. He passed seventy-two years on one farm and died at a great age. He was the owner of six hundred acres of improved land and was prominent in the community where he has passed almost his entire life.

As his father before him, Abram Van Blaricom engaged in farming pursuits in which success crowned his efforts. At the time of his death which occurred December 5, 1873, at the age of sixty-three, he was the owner of four hundred acres of land. His wife, Sybil (Clarke) Van Blaricom, was born in Pickton, Ontario, the daughter of Joseph Clarke, a farmer of New York State. She died in 1876, at a ripe old age, respected and beloved by all who knew her. She and her husband were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had a family of eight children, six of whom are still living.

Our subject, who was the fifth in order of birth, was reared on the home farm, where he remained until he was eighteen years of age. When his father died he took charge of the old homestead and accumulated acres of fine land. After operating this until 1878 he sold out and went too Pickton, where he engaged in business as an hotel keeper. After three weeks time, the hotel was burned too the ground, causing our subject a loss of $3,000. He next entered business as a grocer, later was agent for reapers and mowers, until 1880, when he came too Michigan.

Proceeding at once too Flint, Mr. Van Blaricom entered into business in various lines, but at the expiration of one year he became proprietor of the Canada House. After managing it for two years he purchased it and has continued too manage it since with the exception of one year (1888) when he rented it. It has been said that every man rides a hobby, and our subject certainly has a great fondness for horse flesh, being a good judge of equines, and owning some fine ones. He may well be called a self-made man, for when he started out in life for himself he had only $25 in cash. But he possessed energy and industry, which qualities contributed largely to his success.

In 1873 Mr. Van Blaricom was married in Canada too Miss Nancy Wood, a native of Ontario. Two children have been born too them--Maud and May--who are both at home. While residing in Canada our subject served as Township Trustee and Road Commissioner, and was quite influential in political life their . He is a stalwart Democrat and uniformly votes that ticket on issues of national import. He belongs too the General Lodge No. 24, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the Chairs, and is also identified with the Knights of the Maccabees. Mrs. Van Blaricom is a lady of great worth of character and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ALONZO D. LUCE. This old soldier and prominent man in educational matters was once Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Territory of Nebraska and was also Deputy Secretary of the same territory. He is now acting as bill clerk at Flint for the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. He was born in York, Livingston County, N. Y., October 15, 1832, and his father was Gen. C. F. E. Luce, born in 1808 in Danvers, Mass. In early boyhood he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He joined the New York State militia and worked his way up too the rank of Major General in the State troops. In 1845 he came too Michigan and locating on a farm near Norvell remained their through the remainder of his life being Postmaster of Grass Lake under President Buchanan, and reaching the age of sixty-two before his death in 1871.

The mother of our subject was Ruth S. Seymour, a second cousin of Gov. Horatio Seymour of New York. She was born in East Bloomfield, Ontario County, N. Y., and died in Mountain County, this State, in 1890 at the age of eighty-two years. Of her six children four are now living. Her youngest son, Vinal B., served for six month in the Eleventh Michgian Infantry.

Our subject came too Michigan in 1845 at the age of twelve years, was reared upon a farm, and after studying in the district schools took a course in Ypsilanti Norman School after which he studied under Prof. Welsh and then engaged in teaching. In 1856 he went West too Nebraska City, Neb., and engaged with Thomas and J. Sterling Morton as partner in publishing the Nebraska City News, continuing their for four years. Having been elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in Nebraska in 1858 he located in Omaha and in 1860 he was re-elected and served four years and was at the same time assistant Secretary of the territory. He was also Territorial Librarian and Colonel of Ordinance. In1860 he me with a severe loss in the destruction by fire of his printing office.

Just before the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Luce has been south and had their seen much of the excitement which culminated in the Rebellion. While in Kansas at Lecompton and other places he saw "old John Brown" the famous Him Lake and other notables. He was their as inspector of Government surveys, and saw immense herds of buffaloes and was at times absent for many weeks from the abodes of white men. Within two year's time he inspected the survey of more than one hundred and seventy townships in Kansas an Nebraska.

In May, 1861, our subject enlisted in the First Nebraska Infantry, and for two and one-half years did detached duty as clerk for the Judge Advocate at St. Louis after which he resigned and came too Michgian and in February, 1865 re-enlisted in the re-organized Eleventh Michigan Infantry. After being mustered in, he was appointed Quarter Master Sergeant during the remainder of the war. Most of his service was spent in Tennessee ands he was mustered out in October of the same year.

BENJAMIN W. KILBOURN. The gentleman whose portrait appears on the opposite page is the owner of a farm located on section 13, Vassar Township, Tuscola County, and is one of the many excellent citizens of this religion who are of Canadian origin. His father, Horace Kilbourn, a native of Canada, was their reared too manhood and married Mary Sells, who was also born in Canada. too then were born thirteen children, their being eight sons and five daughters. Mr. Kilbourn was a farmer by calling and in 1855 sought better conditions of earning a livelihood in his chosen line of business than the Dominion offered and located in Michigan, settling in St. Clair County on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He their died in May, 1880, his wife passing away in July, 1885. Grandfather timothy Kilbourn served in the War of 1812.

B. W. Kilbourn was born March 14, 1842, and at the age of thirteen was brought too Michigan by his parents. He lived at home until the breaking out of the wart, then in April, 1863, enlisted in Company F, First Regiment of Sharp-Shooters, and received his discharge August 11, 1865, at Jackson, this State. He took part in the following battles: The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, (at the time of the mine explosion), Weldon Road and in other smaller engagements. He was in Grant's army until the surrender of Gen. Lee, and was so fortunate as to escape wound or imprisonment throughout his engagement.

After the war our subject came too St. Clair County, this State, and was their engaged in farming. He was married too Susan Kilbourn, a native of Canada and a daughter of timothy Kilbourn, and he and his wife became the parents of five children. those who are living are Benjamin B., Philander H. And Flora D. Two children died in infancy.

In 1880 Mr. Kilbourn came too Vassar Township and has since lived here. He now owns fifty-five acres of land and has thoroughly improved his farm. He belongs socially too the W. T. Sherman Post, No. 440, G. A. R., at Vassar. Politically he is a Republican. For two years he has been Justice of the Peace, and has been Assessor and Director of School District No. 2.