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ILLIAM B. CHITTENDEN William B. Chittenden, a successful fruit-grower and general farmer of Ottawa County, and a prominent citizen of Crockery Township, was born in the town of Dix, Chemung County, N.Y., November 7, 1850. He traces his ancestry to Vermont, where his paternal grandparents, Samuel and Sarah ( Hodges) Chittenden were born, and whence, soon after the war of 1812, they moved to Geauga County, Ohio. There he followed agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife passed away while residing in New York. The father of our subject, Benjamin F. Chittenden, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, November 7, 1818. In 1856 he came from Geneva, N.Y., to Ottawa County, Mich., whence he resided until 1863, removing thence to Wisconsin, and spending one year in that state. He then returned to Michigan, and now makes his home upon the farm he purchased in 1866, and which, through his tireless exertions, has been cleared and converted into one of the best farms in the township. In former years he was employed in sawmills, but for several years he has given his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. His wife bore the maiden name of Abigail T. Woodruff, and is still living, being well preserved and strong in spite of advancing years. Of a family of eight children, four of whom are now living., the subject of this notice is second in order of birth. At the age of six years he was brought by his parents to Michigan, and grew to manhood in Ottawa County, and receiving his education in the district schools near his father’s home. He resided with his parents until his marriage, September 3, 1877, when he was united with Miss Julia, daughter of Andrew J. Hale, and a native of Kenosha Wis. Five sons and two daughters have blessed this union, as follows: Arthur L., Emmons C., William B., Manley, Floyd, Alta, (Deceased) and Emma. In all local matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, Mr. Chittenden is interested, not, passively, but in an active manner, aiding them with his time, money and influence to the fullest extent possible. His first Presidential ballot was cast for Gen. Usysses S. Grant, and at each recurring national election he has taken pleasure in depositing his vote in the interest of the Republican party. He is a member of the School Board f this district, and through his interest in educational matters has been enabled to promote the cause of public schools and the standard of education very materially. For ten consecutive seasons Mr. Chittenden and his brother Eugene have owned operated a threshing-machine, and as they are thoroughly competent their services are in constant demand during the harvest. They have recently purchased their third machine, and expect to continue to make this business one of their specialties. In 1881 our subject purchased the forty acres where he has since resided. At that time only fifteen acres had been cleared, but through his efforts the entire tract bas been placed under fine cultivation and improved with substantial buildings. |
Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company
Transcriber: Charles Armstrong
Created: 6 May 2003
URL: Return to Bios Index