 |
|
|
Henry B. Wolcott, farmer and lumberman, sec 15, Millbrook Tp., was born in Bradford Co., Pa., Jan. 6, 1824, and is a son of Benj. and Betsey (Merrill) Wolcott, the father a native of New York, the mother of Pennsylvania. The family went to the State of New York when Mr. Wolcott was 22 years of age, and he remained an inmate of the household four years longer. He was married at the age of 26 and continued to carry on the business of farming there until he was 31 years old, when he came to Michigan and settled in Shiawassee County. He remained there 18 months and went to De Kalb Co., Ill,, and engaged in farming three years. His health becoming impaired he went back to his native State. During the six years of his residence there he held positions of Constable and Collector, and passed the remainder of the time in farming. He came again to Michigan in 1866, and settled in Millbrook Tp., where he entered 160 acres of land under the provisions of the Homestead Act. On this land he erected the second frame house built in the township, and set about clearing the land for agricultural purposes, working three years without a team. The results of his persevering energy are manifest in the appearance of his farm, 110 acres of the original 160 acres being under excellent cultivation. Although he has bought and sold several hundred acres of land in the township, he has always held his first claim as a homestead. Mr. Wolcott was married in Bradford Co., Pa., Nov. 8, 1849 to Ruth, second daughter of Wm. L. and Sally (Vosbinder) Taylor. The parents were natives of New York, and settled in bradford County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Wolcott was born in Tioga Co., N.Y., March 22, 1832. Of 14 children of Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott, eight are still living, born as follows: Sarah S., Oct. 30, 1850; Lewis E., May 7, 1852; Benjamin L., Dec.5, 1853; Betsey E., Feb. 29, 1856; Ettie L., Dec. 4, 1863; Ruth A., June 16, 1869; Maurice D., Feb. 26, 1872; Alice M., Nov. 8, 1876. The deceased are as follows: George J., born Feb. 17, 1858, died Sept. 19, 1863; Laura L., born June 17, 1860, died Sept 17, 1863; Emma E., born Dec. 30, 1861, died Sept. 22, 1863; Charles A. born April 9, 1868, died April 11, 1868; Mary E., born July 8, 1874, died Feb3, 1881; William H., born Dec. 24, 1865, died Nov. 7, 1881. Mr. Wolcott has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, Road Commissioner three years, School Director nine years in succession, and has been a member of the School Board nearly every year. Both himself and wife are active and prominent members of the M.E. Church. Mr. Wolcott was four years a circuit preacher, was regularly ordained and has officiated two years as a local preacher. His impaired health compelled him to abandon circuit work, but he is still engaged in his ministerial labors and expects to be so occupied the remainder of his earthly life, believing that if he is faithful to the end a crown of eternal happiness will be his reward. |