My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM GARRETT. A native son of the Buckeye State, born in Montgomery County in 1844, Mr. Garrett has long been identified with all the best interests of Cass County, Mich., whither he came with his parents when but a few years old. Naturally his adopted State is the one in which he has the most interest, for all his recollections are of this State. He is a descendant of Irish ancestors, and has inherited the quick wit and energy characteristic of those born on the green isle of Erin. At the present time he is residing on section 1, Silver Creek Township, and has a very pleasant rural home.

His father, John Garrett, was a native of County Down, Ireland, born in 1799, and there grew to mature years, receiving a good education in the land of his birth. At an early age he began life as an agriculturist, and made his home with an aunt who had reared him. Thinking to better his condition in every way, young Garrett emigrated to the United States in 1820, and located with an elder brother at Cincinnati, Ohio. His means were limited when he reached American soil, and his first work was done in a distillery in Montgomery County, Ohio. While residing in that county he was married to Miss Rosa Petticrew, a cultured and refined lady, and in that county their children were born.

Mr. Garrett was engaged in the distillery business for many years, after which he bought a farm and resided on this for some time, or until 1848, when he came to Michigan. Cass County was the objective point, and he settled in La Grange Township, but never invested in land there. Later he went to Van Buren County, purchased a good farm, and resided on this until his death in 1862. His wife survived him until 1878. They were most worthy and esteemed citizens, and had many warm friends in the community in which they made their home. Mr. Garrett was a self-made man in every sense of that term, and what he accumulated in the way of this world’s goods was the result of energy and perseverance. In politics, he had always affiliated with the Democratic party.

Like the average country boy, our subject attended the district school in winter, and during the summer season his place was between the handles of the plow. He thus grew to sturdy manhood. He selected his companion in life in the person of Miss Susan Hutchinson, a native of Franklin County, Ind., and the daughter of Charles and Frances (Sampson) Hutchinson, both natives of England. To our subject and wife were born six children, as follows: Margaret (commonly called Margie), Frank, Nellie, Fannie, Willard, and James B. Unlike his father, our subject is a stanch Republican and an ardent supporter of its platform and principles. Almost immediately after his marriage Mr. Garrett moved on the pleasant farm of ninety acres that he had previously bought, and on this he has since remained. All his farming operations are conducted in a manner showing him to be progressive and advanced in his ideas, and his home is a credit to the township. In tilling the soil Mr. Garrett does not lose sight of the stock-raising industry, and has many fine animals on his place. He and wife are highly regarded in the neighborhood and are most worthy citizens.