OSCAR M. SHERBURNE Oscar M. Sherburne. Among the old soldiers and successful farmers of Blendon Township, Ottawa County, Mich., stands the name of Oscar M. Sherbourne, an honest upright man, courteous in his intercourse with his fellow-men and possessed of more than average intelligence. Like so many of the representative citizens of the county, he claims New York as his native state, his birth occurring in Chenango County March 8, 1834. He was one of three children born to the union of S.W. and Amanda (Root) Sherburne, also natives of the Empire State. The parents left their native State at an early date and turned their faces towards the setting sun, locating in Cleveland, Ohio, where they remained for eight years. From there they removed to De Kalb County, Ill., but five or six years later came to Ottawa County, Mich. This was in 1854, and they settled in Blendon Township, where the father was engaged in contracting and building. He erected the first mill for the Ohio Lumber Company many of the first frame residences in Blendon, as well as in adjoining townships. He was engaged in contracting and building until his death, which occurred in 1884, at the age of seventy-six. S. W. Sherburne was twice married, his first wife dying in 1830. His second marriage was with Miss Elizabeth Fairchild, who bore him four children, all of whom lived to mature years. Harriett married Henry Woodruff. Charles died in the year 1866, at age twenty-seven. He was in the United States Navy during the war, on the gunboat "A. C. Collier," Mississippi Flotilla. Sarah, deceased, was the wife of H. H. Hodges; and Ellen, deceased, was the wife of Jacob Leslie. The three children born to the first union were: Oscar M.; Malvina, deceased; and Amanda, also deceased, who was the wife of Oscar Gilliland, and died in the year 1891, at the age of fifty-five. The father of these children is still living, and, although eighty-eight years of age, is enjoying comparatively good health. He has a comfortable and pleasant home in Holland, Mich. Oscar Sherburne received a common-school education, and when twelve years of age went to Illinois, where he worked on the farm by the month, his first wage was $5 or $6 per month. Leaving the Sucker State, he traveled over various States, and was engaged in lumbering for some time in Wisconsin. About 1856 he came to Michigan, and up to the commencement of the rebellion worked at the carpenter’s trade. In 1861 he joined Company I, Third Michigan Infantry, under Capt. George Weatherwax and Col. McConnell, and was attached to the First Division, Third Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Sickles. He participated in twenty-eight regular battles, and was in all the battle fought by the Army of the Potomac from the first battle of Bull Run to the Battle of the Wilderness, except Antietam. He was three times wounded, first at the second battle of Bull Run, and was once wounded in the right hand and left foot. After recovering from the wounds he returned to the service and commanded the Pioneer corps until the expiration of his term of enlistment, three years and two months, when he was discharged, on the 20th of June 1864. Returning to Michigan, our subject worked as a carpenter in Grand Rapids for two years, after which he returned to this township, and has since made his home here. He was married the first time in 1859 to Miss Lottie Waite, of Indiana, daughter of Justus and Mrs. (Flint) Waite. Five children have blessed this union: Walter, deceased; Edwin, who resides in Mason County, Mich.; Merton D., in Duluth, Minn.; Charles F., at Grand rapids; and Willie, the youngest, deceased. Charles F. is a mute and was educated at Flint Mute College, and is now working at the cabinet-maker’s trade, having been one of the finest workmen in the city. Mrs. Sherburne died in 1873, and in 1875 Mr. Sherburne married Mrs. Sarah E. Meade, nee Foster. Mr. Sherbourne has filled all the township offices, having been Township Clerk for eight years, Highway Commissioner for a number of years, and Supervisor for eight or nine years. He is a member of Custer Post No. 5, G. A. R., at Grand Rapids.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company

Transcriber: Charles Armstrong
Created: 6 May 2003
URL: Biographies