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Overton |
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| Wm. E.Overton, dealer in general hardware at Big Rapids, was born Henderson, Jefferson Co., N.Y., June 1,1826. His parents Elisha and Ruth Carter, were natives of the Empire State. Mr. Overton was reared on a farm and obtained a good education at the common schools, finishing with two years study at Belleville Union Academy, in his native county. In 1846 when he was 20 years old, he went to New Bedford, Mass., and took charge and sash and door factory owned by Wm. Wilcox and David R. Pierce. He remained in this position 12 years, returning to Henderson, where in company with his brother Joshua Overton, he bought 700 acres of land and for a period of eight years pursued agriculture. He then went to Adams and established himself in the cabinet and undertaking business, which he continued to manage until September 1877. He came to Big Rapids soon afterward and opened a hardware trade firm of Overton and Grenell, in the building now styled the Canada House. In the fall of 1880 the business was moved to the stand it has since occupied. April 17, 1881, Mr. Grenell sold his part of the stock to Messrs. Cox and Cole, who removed their share in about six months. The stock of Mr. Overton represents about $16,000, and his annual business amounts to $55,000. He also owns an interest in the Big Rapids Water-Power Improvement Co., besides his residence and two city lots. He was married in Henderson, to Frances Salisbury, born in Ohio. Hattie the elder child of Mr. and Mrs. Overton, is the wife of C.D.Stimson, lumber merchant of Muskegon; Eugene, the only son, is bookkeeper in the business of his father. Mr. Overton was elected Mayor of Big Rapids in 1882, and has served two years as member of the School Board. |