George D. Sanford Page 311 - GEORGE D. SANFORD, ex-Postmaster of Grand Haven, is numbered among the prominent and popular business men of this enterprising city. He is still a comparatively young man, and with a clear record in the past, bids fair to have a bright one in the future. He was born on the 7th of January, 1843, in Kent, Portage County, Ohio, where he attended school in his earlier years, afterward entering the High School at Akron. He removed with his parents to Watertown, Wis., and in 1859, when sixteen years of age, came with them to Grand Haven, where he has made his home for over thirty years. May 1, 1873, he married Miss Frances Stoner, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Webb) Stoner. Six children have been born unto them, of whom two sons and two daughters are living. In 1860 Mr. Sanford started in business for himself, buying out the news stand of George D. Harvey, for which he paid $50. During the first week he took in $12 of counterfeit money, but that was sufficient experience for him in that line, and the men who can pass a spurious article on him to-day are scarce. During war times he did a lively business in newspapers, and when his supply was exhausted and he was unable to furnish his customers, he would mount a store box and read the news to the assembled crowd. In 1865 our subject first entered the political arena as candidate for Clerk of the Township of Grand Haven, which then included the village in its jurisdiction, and was elected over his competitor, Henry Brouwer, who had never before been beaten when a candidate. Since then Mr. Sanford has served ten terms upon the Board of Supervisors of Ottawa County, and in 1882 came within one vote of receiving the nomination for State Senator, and would probably have received it, had he not withdrawn in favor of John Roost, of Holland. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for nine years, and was President of that body. He is a member of five secret orders, in two of which he holds high and responsible offices. Mr. Sanford received his appointment as Postmaster under Cleveland August 15, 1885, and was confirmed February 8, 1886. During the term of his office, he could always be found in his proper place, and employing an efficient corps of clerks, the service was above criticism, he making the most popular Postmaster that has ever served the people of Grand Haven. November 17, 1889, he resigned from the post-office, which he had conducted for over four years. He made a most acceptable officer and enjoys the cordial respect and good-will of all parties. Our subject has always been a stanch Democrat, and served several years as a member of the State Central Committee of that party. He is a genial, popular gentleman, has a pleasant family, and is a model and successful man of affairs, and has by a life of strict integrity and faithful attention to business won the confidence of all who know him.

Source: Portrait and Biography of Ottawa County, 1893

Transcriber: Susan Davis Gates
Created: 13 January 2003
URL: Biographies