My Genealogy Hound

ALONZO VINCENT, proprietor of Hotel Benton, was born in the village of Clayton, Jefferson County, N. Y., January 16, 1844. His parents, Albert and Harriet (Slater) Vincent, were natives of New York, who came to Michigan in 1845, locating in Marshall, and thence, three years afterwards, removed to Berrien County. They settled on a farm, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits for some time, and later came to Benton Harbor, where he died in 1885. His widow is still living and makes her home in this city.

In the parental family there were five children, three sons and two daughters, Alonzo being the eldest in order of birth. He was reared to manhood in Berrien County, where he gained his education in the common schools. In 1861, when a youth of seventeen, he enlisted in the service of the Union, becoming a member of Company D, Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, the Western Sharpshooters, and participated in a number of the hardest fought battles of the war, including the engagements at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Iuka, the siege of Corinth, and later the battle of Corinth and numerous other engagements. Later he was transferred to the Fifteenth Army Corps, Gen. Logan commanding, and served with fidelity and valor until the close of the war. The regiment participated in the march to the sea with Sherman and went thence through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington, where they took part in the Grand Review. Our subject was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., in July of 1865.

Returning to Berrien County, Mr. Vincent embarked in the hotel business at Coloma, but soon afterwards came to Benton Harbor, and assumed the management of the American House. In July, 1890, he became proprietor of Hotel Benton, the finest and most successful hotel in Benton Harbor, and one of the best in southwestern Michigan. The house contains sixty-seven rooms for the accommodation of his guests, and is conducted in first-class style. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent carefully supervise all the departments of the business for the purpose of pleasing their guests, and the table service is unexcelled. The superior character of the accommodations afforded have secured for the house the favor of the citizens of Benton Harbor and the traveling public.

In 1866, Mr. Vincent was united in marriage with Miss Elmira E., daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Young) Enos, of Bainbridge Township, Berrien County. They are the parents of two children: Maude E., an accomplished and refined young lady, and Gertrude Marie, a bright and winning child. In his political preference Mr. Vincent gives his support to the Republican party and takes an active interest in the issues of the day. Socially he is identified with Lake Shore Lodge No. 298, A. F. & A. M., and is also a prominent member of George H. Thomas Post No. 14, G. A. R.