My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1893.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

BENJAMIN S. CARPENTER, a leading citizen and successful general agriculturist of Benton Township, Berrien County, Mich., prosperously cultivates his fine homestead located on section 34, and has for a long period of time been associated with the upward progress of his present locality. Mr. Carpenter was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., February 18, 1821. His father, Stephen Carpenter, is also a native of the Empire State, his birthplace being in Wayne County. The paternal grandfather, John E. Carpenter, was born in Massachusetts and, a courageous man, bravely served in the War of 1812. The father, Stephen, also participated in the troublous scenes of that war, and his widow drew a pension long after his death, the mother of our subject was in maidenhood Miss Hannah Scovill, daughter of Henry Scovill. The father cultivated farms in Onondaga and Cattaraugus Counties of New York State, and later made his home in Warren County, Ohio. Finally, in 1860, he removed with his family to Berrien County, Mich., and continued to reside in Sod us Township until his death in 1861.

Of the ten brothers and sisters who gathered about the old New York State fireside many years ago, eight survived to years of maturity, and five are yet living. Our subject was the eldest-born; Stephen resides in Huron County, Ohio; Hannah is the wife of Rodman Ellis, an able agriculturist of Huron County, Ohio; Mary is a widow and is at home in Huron County, Ohio; and John Carpenter has a residence on the lake shore in Berrien County. The second son surviving, Benjamin S., our subject, was born and reared in Cattaraugus County, and is a practical farmer, thoroughly understanding the tilling of the soil. He was reared in his early home, but moved with his parents to Ohio, in which State he was married to Miss Amy Amanda Foote, a daughter of John S. Foote, a prominent farmer of Huron County, Ohio, the birthplace of his daughter, Mrs. Carpenter. The newly-married couple remained for a time in Huron County, Ohio, and then journeyed to Michigan, settling in the spring of 1845 in Berrien Springs, Berrien County. Here the husband at first followed his trade, until he bought a farm and devoted himself to the pursuit of agriculture in Sodus Township. At the expiration of five years he removed to Hagar Township.

Benjamin S. Carpenter is an active member of the Baptist Church and an efficient aid in the good work of that religious denomination. He is in political affiliation a Democrat, and was the first Supervisor of Sodus Township. He bought eighty acres of land in Hagar Township, and lived there for sixteen years. In 1880 he located where he now resides. He has nine children, all living. His first wife did not long survive her marriage, and left no children. Some time after her death he was married to Miss Malvina Nixon, daughter of John and Sarah Nixon. The second wife became the mother of three children, of whom two are yet living: Arthur, whose home is in Coloma; and Ella, wife of Nelson Gibney. A third time entering the bonds of matrimony, with Sarah Sly, Benjamin S. Carpenter had his family increased by the birth of five children. Minnie is the wife of Nelson Mowell, a teamster of Chicago: Carrie married Chauncey Curtis; Tena is the wife of Joseph Stump, a farmer of Nebraska; Benjamin A. resides in the township; and Alma, at home. Our subject has a farm of twenty acres, all under high cultivation and devoted to fruit. He raises strawberries principally, but has a fine peach and apple orchard, and has made a success of horticulture. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the United Brethren Church, and has held in that religious denomination the official positions of Deacon of the church and Steward. A man of upright character and sterling integrity, his influence is cast on the side of right. In political affiliation he is a sturdy Democrat, and in all matters of public welfare is ever prepared to do his part as a true and liberal-spirited American citizen. Widely known, our subject has a host of friends in the community of the county, for so many years his constant abiding place.

* * * *

This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published in 1893. 

View additional Berrien County, Michigan family biographies here: Berrien County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Berrien County, Michigan here: Berrien County Michigan Map

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.