HON. CHARLES RICH. Although this gentleman has passed from the scenes of earth, he has left the memorial of a world made better by his life. The hardships of pioneer existence he bravely endured, conquering what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles and attaining prosperity by almost superhuman efforts. The record of his labors may well serve as an incentive to the young and as an encouragement to those who start out in the world with no capital save a willing disposition and a hopeful spirit. Referring to his family history we find that in 1785 Thomas Rich, grandfather of our subject, removed from Warwick, Mass., to the town of Shoreham, Addison County, Vt., and settled on the farm which has ever since been the home of some of his descendants. In his removal he was accompanied by Charles Rich, Sr., father of our subject, then a lad of fourteen years, afterward a member of Congress and a man of wide influence.

It was in Shoreham that our subject was born July 30, 1802, and there he passed his youth. The best opportunities for obtaining an education were given to him, and he was graduated from the military school of Capt. Partridge, of Norwich, Vt., in 1823. His marriage was celebrated in 1827, when Betsey Treadway, of Shoreham, became his wife. Buying a farm, Mr. Rich began to work for himself and devoted considerable attention to the breeding of merino sheep, receiving one-half of the flock left by his father. In 1836 he became desirous of trying his fortune in the newer portion of the country, and selling his farm and sheep, he removed with his wife and two children to Conneautville, Crawford County, Pa. There he engaged in merchandising which did not prove a financial success; he was so well and favorably known among the Whigs, to which party he adhered, that he received the nomination as member of Congress, but was defeated at the polls with the other candidates of his party.

In 1847 Mr. Rich removed with his family to Elba, Lapeer County, this State, and commenced life anew m what was then an unbroken forest. It was at that time that the courage and sterling character of Mr. Rich and his estimable wife were put to the most severe test of their lives. Having moved West for the purpose of repairing their fortunes, they remained in Lapeer until a log house could be erected on the new farm. While still in Lapeer the whole family was taken violently ill with a fever then prevalent, and Mr. and Mrs. Rich were so low that their lives were despaired of, but both recovered to find themselves childless, their daughter of eighteen years, and son of sixteen, having succumbed to the terrible disease. Childless and greatly discouraged, they removed to their farm as soon as the house was completed, which was early in January, 1848. In 1851 a daughter was born to them and her bright face blessed their home until 1864 when her death, at the age of thirteen, again left them childless and well-nigh heart-broken.

During his first years here, there was at times, as in all other new countries, a scarcity of food but although Mr. Rich was poor, no one was ever turned away by him when it was possible for him to aid them. While living in Elba, Mr. Rich held the office of Supervisor for three years. In 1856 he was elected County Clerk and Register of Deeds, removing upon his election to Lapeer where he remained until his death. Previous to his removal to Lapeer he was elected County Judge and held that position until it was abolished. In 1861 he was appointed a member of the State Board of Agriculture and proved a valuable aid to the infant Agricultural College. He afterward held the office of Probate Judge for two terms. His death occurred at his home July 16, 1872, his widow survived him twelve years.

In all his business relations Mr. Rich had the respect of those with whom he became acquainted. While he was a member of the Board of Supervisors the present town of Rich was organized and was named after him by the request of the people of the new town and the unanimous vote of his fellow members of the Board. In his social relations he was especially happy; while never demonstrative he made everyone feel welcome and there was no place where people found a more hearty welcome or unostentatious hospitality than with Uncle Charles or Aunt Betsey, as they were affectionately called by their many friends, regardless of relationship.

[GLT, pp. 1047-8]

Representative in the legislature from Lapeer county in 1873-4-5-7-9, Speaker of the House in 1877-9, Senator in 1881, and Representative in congress from March 11, 1881, to March 4, 1883, was born in Conneautville, Pa., April 23, 1841. He received a common school and academical education, is a farmer, and in politics a Republican. When he was five years of age he removed with his parents to Addison county, Vt., and from there to Elba, Mich., in 1848. He was strongly supported for governor in 1880, and was a leading candidate. He was defeated as a candidate for a second term to congress. He is now commissioner of railroads by appointment of Gov. Luce.

[EHM, pp. 551-2]

HON. JOHN T. RICH, President of the State Fair and Agricultural Association, was born in Conneautville, Crawford County, Pa., April 23, 1841. He is descended from Thomas Rich, who in 1785 removed from Warwick, Mass., and settled in Shoreham, Addison County, Vt., on the farm which is still in possession of the family. At the time of the removal, John Rich, the son of Thomas, was a child. Upon the breaking out of the War of 1812, he enlisted in the service of his country, but was soon taken sick and died, leaving his widow with one child, John W., the latter being only two years old when he was thus orphaned. Two years later his mother married again, and John W. lived with her and his stepfather until he was fifteen years old, when he started out in life for himself.

Soon after attaining to his majority John W. Rich removed to Lockport, N. Y., and later to Conneautville, Pa., where he was married in 1839, to Miss Jerusha Treadway of Shoreham, Vt. In the autumn of 1846 he removed with his wife and children to Vermont, where within one year he lost his younger son by croup, and his wife by consumption. The family then consisted of himself and John T., a child of six years, the subject of this biographical sketch. In the spring of 1848 this child was brought to Michigan by Hon. John B. Wilson and wife, and in the following November, John W. Rich removed to this State, bringing with him a few merino sheep from the flocks of Rich Bros., Tyler Stickney, and D. and O. Cutting. The direct descendants of the sheep may still be found upon the farm to which he brought them. Soon after his arrival here he formed a partnership with Charles Rich, which continued until 1867.

December 25, 1849, John W. Rich was united in marriage with Miss Ann Winship, of Atlas, Genesee County, this State, and this estimable lady is still living on the old homestead. The father of our subject was of a retiring disposition, sturdy principles and unflinching integrity. He was elected to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Highway Commissioner, and was candidate for Supervisor, but was defeated with his whole party ticket. He was one of the original incorporators of the present prosperous Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Lapeer County, and was among its most enthusiastic supporters. After an active life he died August 9, 1872, mourned by a large circle of friends whose esteem he had always retained.

The subject of this biographical notice received a good common-school education, and expected to enjoy high educational advantages, He finished the academic department, but owing to poor health was deterred from pursuing the extended course he so much desired. When about twenty-two years old, he was married March 12, 1863, to Miss Lucretia, the daughter of Samuel Winship, who is referred to at greater length in the biography of John Winship in another portion of this volume. At an early age he entered into the public life of the community, and has since been prominently connected with the political history of the county, having filled many of the highest positions within the gift of the people.

During the four years, from 1868 until 1872, in which Mr. Rich represented the people of Elba Township on the County Board of Supervisors he contributed greatly to the advancement of his township and the county, and so high was the estimation in which he was held by the people, that in 1872 he was elected to the State Legislature, and returned in 1874, 1876 and 1878. In 1877 he was chosen Speaker, and again in 1879, and as a presiding officer he earned the respect of all parties by his ability, promptness and fairness. While acting as Speaker of the House none of his decisions were ever reversed and seldom were appealed. He was instrumental in having many improvements introduced into the business methods of the House, for which coming Houses will be grateful to him. His constituents retained the greatest confidence in his practical ability, and he has moreover gained a wide influence by his strict adherence to principle, and his sound common-sense. In August, 1880, he was a candidate for Governor before the State convention, but David H. Jerome was placed in nomination at the tenth ballot. During the same year, however, he was elected to the State Senate, where he was an enthusiastic worker in all that promised to be for the benefit of his locality and constituents.

In 1881 Mr. Rich was elected to Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the election of the Hon. Omer D. Conger to the United States Senate; the following year he was unanimously re-nominated but was defeated at the polls by his opponent, the Hon. E. C. Carlton. Gov. Luce appointed him, in 1887, Railroad Commissioner, which position he held two terms. In 1891 he was made President of the State Fair and Agricultural Association, and is at present filling that important position with great efficiency. At the same time he is devoting considerable time and attention to the supervision of his fine farm in Elba Township. For seven years he has been President of the Michigan Merino Sheep Breeders Association, and for five years has served as President of Lapeer County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is worthy of all the trust that has been reposed in him in the high positions to which he has been elected, and his friends confidently expect that in future years other honors which are warranted by his ability will be accepted and adorned by him.

[GLT, pp. 215-6]