History of Saginaw county, Michigan; together with ... portraits ... and biographies ... History of Michigan ...

BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP.

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was born Oct. 1, 18-, and died Sept. 8, 18-. Mr. L. is atRepublican, and has held various tp. offices.
Joseph Matthewson, the oldest living settler of Birch Run tp.,
was born in Scotland, Nov. 5, 1819, and is a son of Willianm and
Margaret Matthewson, natives of Ireland, and of Scotch descent.
They emigrated to America in 1823, settling in Canada, but in
1836 located in Lenawee Co., Mich. Joseph located in this tp.
in 1849, when Indians were as common as pine trees. He now
owns 115 acres of good land on sees. 6 and 16. He was married in
this county in 1850, to Caroline, daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth
Smith, who was born in New York in 1831. They have 10 children
-William H.; Ada, wife of Charles Beach; David, George, Margaret, Clark, Hannah, wite of William Bidwell; John,Elizabetli and
Joseph. Mr. Matthewson has been Supervisor of Birch Runl tp.
for four years, and during the late war was enrolling officer for
Government.
Christopher Nicholis, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Cass Bridge; was
born in England in 1831; came to America in 1853, locating in
InghamiCo., Mich., where he remained until 1860, when he settled
in Saginaw county; was married in 1852 to Eliza Foster, who was
born in England in 1831. Of the 10 children born to them, 6 are
living-Harry, Sarah, Charles S., George W., Frederick and Mary
E. his wife died in 1870. He was married again in 1879 to Mary
Burnison, who was born in Canada in 1847. Thev have 1 child,
Benjamin. Subject hlas been Justice of the Peace, and filled several
other tp. offices; owns 70 acres of land, is a member of the M. E.
Church, and votes for the candidates of the Republican party.
Raphael Porter, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Birch Run; was born in
Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 16, 1825; parents were Asa and Tabitha
Porter, natives of New York. Subject of sketch came to this county
in 1866; was married the same year to Sarah E. Warden, who was
born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,in 1847. They have 1 child, Augustus, born in 1877. Subject has held various tp. offices, and is a
member of I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 292, of Birch Run. He owns a
farm of 75 acres.
J. J. Powell was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Sept..20,
1835; parents are Miles and Polly Powell. Subject of sketch has
been engaged in butchering and farming through life; in 1864 he
enlisted in Co. B, 4th Reg. Mich. Cav., and assisted in the capture
of Jefferson Davis; has been Assessor and Director of Schools of
Birch Run tp.; was married in this county Jan. 1, 1856, to Sarah
E. Jacobs, daughter of Francis and Maria Jacobs. His wife was born
in Vermont, Oct. 14, 1837. Nine children have been given the —
Emma E., Margery, Miles, William R., Jackson (deceased), Harvey,
Jason, Arthur, Gertrude and Beniamin.
Louis P. Racine, merchant, Birch Run Station, was born in
France, Feb. 25, 1839. His parents, Peter and Margaret (Croissant) Racine were natives of France and emigrated to America in
1848. They reside at present in Jefferson Co., N. Y., wlere the
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