Biography of Charles Alford    Charles Alford – Few citizensof Ottawa County have resided here for a longer period than has the subject ofthis brief sketch, who has lived upon his present farm in Tallmadge Townshipsince the fall of 1845. During the half-century of his residence here, he haswitnessed many wonderful changes, and has himself been a prominent factor infacilitating the progress of his community. His services on behalf of hisfellow-citizens are appreciated by the people of the township, and he occupies ahigh place in their regard. Born in Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., May 4, 1817, our subject is the son ofRoswell and Elizabeth (Carl) Alford, natives of New York State, the latter beinga daughter of Benjamin Carl. Charles is the eldest child in his father’sfamily, and was only five years old when he was bereaved by his mother’sdeath. Afterward his father married again, and he remained with his father andstep-mother until he reached the age of twenty-one. In the mean time he attendedthe common schools of Lyons, where he laid the foundation of the broad fund ofinformation he afterward gained by practical education in the school experience. At the age of twenty-one, Charles Alford commenced to work as a farm laborerin the employ of others, and continued thus engaged for one year. He then, atthe age of twenty-two, established domestic ties, and afterward began farming onshares, continuing in that way until the fall of 1844. Then leaving the countyof his birth, he came to Michigan and settled in Ottawa County, where hepurchased a tract of land in Tallmadge Township in the spring of 1845. He stillupon resides upon his original purchase and engages extensively in raising grainand fruit, in both of which he has met with success. On Christmas Day, 1839, Mr. Alford was united in marriage with Miss Melly,daughter of Joel Burch, a resident of Lyons, N. Y., and unto them there havebeen born eight children, only two of whom are now living. Ann married C. P.Reed, and resides in Ravenna, Mich., and Hannah, the wife of William Millard,lives in Ottawa County. The wife and mother departed this live in 1867, leavingto her family and friends the memory of a pure and holy life, devoted withunselfishness and love to the welfare of her husband and children. Since attaining his majority, Mr. Alford has upheld with enthusiasm andfidelity the principles of the Republican party, his first Presidential havingbeen cast for Gen. William Henry Harrison. Personally, his services in publicoffices are highly appreciated and he has served as Supervisor of TallmadgeTownship for four years, and has been Treasurer for a number of terms. It is tosuch citizens as he that Tallmadge Township owes the prominent position itoccupies as one of the first townships in the county. Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & OttawaCounties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company Pg. 288,291