BACK TO 1888 PORTRAIT INDEX
 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARTICLE ON WILLIAM BUFFUM

William A. Buffum, a representative general farmer and stock-raiser of this county, resides on section 11, Bethel Township, and after a well-spent life of over four-score years, during which he has watched with much interest the growth and prosperity of his county, he is patiently waiting until the shadows are a little longer grown and he is called away to the enjoyment of his reward.

Mr. Buffum was born in Rhode Island in 1805, and was the ninth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children included in the household of Richard and Mary (Wheeler) Buffum, also native of "Little Rhodie."  When William A. was a little lad of five years his parents with their family migrated to New York and remained there until their death, which occurred for the mother in 1818, and the father in 1835.  Richard Buffum was a farmer by occupation, and also followed milling.  They were descended from Quaker ancestry, and were consequently opposed to fighting. 

Our subject was prospered in his undertakings and was soon in a position to take upon himself the responsibilities of a family.  He was accordingly united in marriage in 1832, the lady of his choice being Maria Van Dusen, who was born in the Empire State in 1812, and was the eldest in a family of six children born to John and Anna (Woodworth) Van Dusen, also natives of the Empire State.  Her parents resided in their native State until their decease, which occurred a number of years ago.  After marriage Mr. Buffum settled in New York with his young bride, and remained in that State until their removal to the West.  They had purchased a farm in Western New York, which they disposed of upon their removal to this county in 1852.  They settled in Coldwater Township near Branch, where Mr. Buffum purchased eighty acres of partially improved land, and remained there three years engaged in its cultivation.  He then sold that property and bought forty acres of partially improved land on section 11, Bethel Township, on which he has since continued to reside.

Mr. and Mrs. Buffum became the parents of six children, three of whom still survive -- Helen, Emma and Byron.  Helen, Mrs. Burch, resides at Batavia Center, and Emma, Mrs. Linden, at Coldwater; Byron married and resides at Ovid; Robert M. was married, and died in Butler County, Kan., at the age of fifty-two years, leaving a family; Agnes Bair died in 1882 at forty years of age, in Coldwater, and Martin married and operated the home farm until his decease, April 15, 1882, at the age of thirty-six, leaving two children to mourn their loss.