My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM HASLETT, deceased, who was for over two-score years a prosperous representative general agriculturist and successful stock-raiser of Bertrand Township, Berrien County, Mich., during his long career of usefulness held many important positions of trust, and was mourned as a public loss when, June 11, 1889, he passed to his rest. For years he had served acceptably as Supervisor of the township, and as Secretary of the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company discharged his duties with fidelity, and established a large acquaintance throughout the county. Honored for his sterling integrity of character, his memory will long be preserved in the hearts of many old friends tried and true. Our subject was born in Columbia County, Pa., March 22, 1820. His father, John Haslett, was of English descent, as was likewise the mother, Letitia Dunlap, and both the parents were Pennsylvanians by birth. Mr. Haslett went to Indiana with his parents in 1837, and was among the pioneers of St. Joseph County. He gained his education in his native State, and soon after arriving in his new home began life for himself. He was married in St. Joseph County, July 21, 1847, to Miss Mary E. Best, and in the following November located on the farm where Mrs. Haslett now resides.

Mr. Haslett was in political affiliation a Democrat and was elected by that party to the office of Supervisor, which he held with marked efficiency so many terms. He was a prominent member of the lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Buchanan Township. Our subject was interred by the Masons at the Howe Cemetery, a large circle of acquaintances following his remains to their last resting-place. A kind friend and public-spirited citizen, his helping hand was ever extended to assist others in their hour of need. Mrs. Mary Ellen (Best) Haslett was born in White Deer Township, Union County, Pa., September 8, 1828. Her father, William Best, was a native of New Jersey, and was born in Sussex County, in March 1800. Immediately after his marriage he removed with his wife to Union County, Pa., and several years later emigrated to Indiana, settling in St. Joseph County in 1841 He located near Granger, Ind., on a farm, and died there October 12, 1844.

The mother of Mrs. Haslett, Rachel McAfee, was born in the Quaker State August 22, 1805, and died in Pennsylvania in early womanhood, February 3, 1831. The maternal grandfather, James McAfee, was of Irish descent, and is supposed to have been born in the Old Country. The father and mother of Mrs. Haslett were the parents of three children, two daughters and one son. The father, twice married, had by his second wife two daughters and two sons. Mrs. Haslett, who was the eldest child, is now the only survivor of the sons and daughters who gathered in the home of her father. She removed with her father and step-mother to Indiana in 1841, and there completed her education.

Our subject and his estimable widow were blessed by the birth of seven sons, two of whom died in infancy. The five surviving are manly and intelligent young men, worthily performing their allotted duties in life, and occupy social and business positions of usefulness. James D. is a resident of Chikaming Township, Berrien County, Mich., Robert N. assists his mother in the management of the productive home farm. John A. also assists at home. William B. makes his home in Bertrand Township on a farm of his own. Charles L. lives in Chesterton, Porter County, Ind. Andrew D. died when six months old. An infant died unnamed; those deceased were the second and third sons. The children were all born on the old homestead, which contains two hundred and two finely cultivated acres, forty acres situated in Chikaming Township. Mrs. Haslett is a member of the Eastern Star. A woman of resolution and excellent judgment, she conducts her various business interests with ability, and is highly regarded by her many friends and numerous acquaintances of the county of Berrien.