 |
|
| WM. N. SEATON, merchant, Altona, was born in Canada, Sept. 28, 1839. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (smith) Seaton, natives of Englend, who came to America in 1838 and located in Canada, where the father is still resident. The mother died in November 1877. Mr. Seaton remained in the home of his parents until the age of 25, and in the winter of 1864 came to Mecosta County and bought 120 acres of unimproved land in Hinton Tp., on which a part of the village of Altona is located. Within three years (64-'65-'66) he cleared 40 acres of his farm. In 1868, associated with Bently Davis and Harrison J. Brown, he built the Altona dam, and in the same year he and Mr. Davis erected the first saw-mill. Fifteen months after, William and Henry Seaton purchased the interest of Mr. Davis, and continued to operate the mill four years, selling out to Wm. Egbert, who sometime after, disposed of the property to H. J. Brown. Mr. Seaton, after closing his mill interests, turned his attention to farming and rearing stock. He owns 180 acres of land, 100 of which is under a good state of cultivation and improved by a good set of buildings. He rented his place in March, 1883, and purchased a place in Altona. In December 1882, he formed a partnership with R. L. Willett for the purpose of engaging in the sale of general merchandise, which was effected Jan. 1, 1883, and is now being carried on with satisfactory results. Mr. Seaton was married in Canada, to Charlotte, daughter of Benj. Budgen. Her parents were natives of England, and about 1848 came to America and settled in Canada. One child, Charlotte L. E., was born of this marriage, Feb 27, 1869. The mother died March 28, 1869. Mr. Seaton was again married Dec. 4, 1879, to Mary J., daughter of George and Jane Quigley, born Jan. 4, 1855. The parents of Mrs. Seaton reside in Montcalm County; the father is a native of New York, and the mother was born in Wales; the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Seaton, George R, was born Oct. 7, 1881. Mr. Seaton is a Republican. He has been Justice of the Peace one year, and School Director six years. He has been actively zealous for the best interests and advancement of his township, and has done all in his power to enhance the growth and prosperity of Altona, which is, so to speak, his foster-child, he having, in connection with H. J. Brown, platted the village, which was accomplished May 21, 1870. Mr. Seaton's family attend the M. E. Church. He has been for a long time Superintendent of the Sunday School, and has been Class-leader about 15 years. He is also radical in his views of temperence. Mr. Seaton's portrait is given in this work. |