George Halladay

George Halladay, merchant and farmer, residing on sec. 10, Lincoln Tp., was born in Leeds Co., ONt., March 8, 1820. When he was six years of age his father died, and at the early age of eight years he went to live with his brother-in-law, remaining with him until about 17 years of age. He then started out in the world to take the management of his affairs into his own hands. He learned the trade of carding and dressing cloth, worked at that business for five years, next engaged in farming for a period of seven years, and then returned to his trade, which he followed for 10 years.

In 1870 he came to Michigan, settling at Ashton, Osceola County, where he took possession of 80 acres of land under the regulations of the homestead law, and where he now resides. He has also bought 40 acres on section 9. During the spring following his settlement here he built a store in Ashton and began business, in company with his son Frayer, with $1,000 worth of dry goods and groceries. Their business so increased that they had to enlarge the store building and add largely to their stock. During the spring of 1884, Mr. George Halladay sold his interest in the mercantile business to his son and retired to the farm in Lincoln Township, where he now owns 160 acres of land, and has about 70 acres in a state of good cultivation.

Mr. H. has held the office of Township Treasurer one year, and Overseer of Highways eight years. In his political views he is identified with the Republican party, and in religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife.

He was first married in Canada, Dec. 3, 1844, to Miss Mary White, a native of Ontario. They have had four children, namely, Frayer, Nancy, Samantha and Adelia. Mrs. H. died July 22, 1852, and Mr. H. was again married, in Ontario, March 9, 1853, to Phebe Wing, who also was a native of Canada. By this marriage four children were born, viz: Annetta, Ida, Wright and Burton. the second wife died Sept. 30, 1881, and Mr. Haladay chose for his third wife, in Cedar Springs, Kent Co., Mich., Oct. 11, 1883, Mrs. Elizabeth (nee Robinson), widow of David H. Wightman, who died Feb. 15, 1880. By her former marriage she has had eight children, as follows: William J., Henry H., Clarinda C., Lewis D., Mary E., George S., Louisa, Isabella and Louisa Arabella (twins). Mrs. H. was born in Otsego Co., N.Y., Sept. 23, 1827.

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