Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2012, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Biographical History of Genesee County, Michigan Author: H.H. Bennett Publisher: B. F. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, IN., 1908. Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Page 357 - 358 CHARLES C. ATHERTON Mr. Charles C. Atherton was born in Burton township May 27, 1863. His father, the late Samuel R. Atherton, was a native of Oakland county, this state, and after coming to Genesee county became a man of considerable prominence in county affairs. Charles's mother was Mary (Lloyd) Atherton, a native of Henderson, Jefferson county, New York. She was married to Samuel R. Atherton at Bradner, Wood county, Ohio, on the 18th day of December, 1855. They came immediately to Genesee county, Michigan, and settled on the farm now owned by the subject of our sketch, who inherited it a short time since. Mr. Samuel Atherton was a man of considerable energy and firm convictions He took an active interest in political affairs and adhered to the tenets of the Republican party. His ability as a financier and his keen business insight soon attracted the attention of his neighbors, and in due time he became well known all over the county. As a result he was placed on the county ticket for treasurer and was easily elected. He discharged the duties of the office in an efficient and masterly way, giving general satisfaction throughout the term. He also served as president and treasurer for many years of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, besides putting in five years as township supervisor and ten years as township clerk prior to his --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 358 election as treasurer of the county. He also served a total period of six years as superintendent of the poor of Genesee county, but these duties, as well as his farm work, did not deter him from active church work. He was deacon for many years of the First Baptist church of Flint. His death took place April 12, 1900, at the age of sixty-seven years. Charles's mother co-operated actively with her husband, in all his affairs, but was especially interested in church work. She died at the old homestead, April 30, 1887, at the age of fifty-two years. Two children were born of this union, but Charles C. is the only survivor, the other son, Lewis, having died in infancy. Charles was an active and lively boy and showed an interest in books quite early in life. His desire for an education grew stronger as he advanced in boyhood, and he applied himself diligently to his studies. His school career continued until he had completed the high school course at Flint. He has devoted himself to farming, finding in that occupation not only profit and pleasure, but also an opportunity to make scientific study of the problems of the soil. He was married at Portland, Michigan, on March 18, 1885, to Miss Phoebe Tyler Morehouse, of that city. Miss Morehouse was the daughter of Japtha and Phoebe (Tyler) Morehouse, who were well known and highly respected citizens of Portland. Mr. and Mrs. Atherton are the parents of two daughters, Josephine M. and Mary Helen. The members of the family are people that feel their responsibilities as citizens of the community, and are ever willing to con- tribute their share of time and means to those things that make for the general good. They are efficient workers in the First Baptist church of Flint, and Mr. Atherton has for five years been a member of the board of trustees. He has also been identified with township affairs to a limited extent, having served a term as township treasurer, and one term as justice of the peace. Only a visit to their home is needed to convince one of its spirit of thrift and good fellowship. Samuel R. was superintendent of the poor of Genesee county at one time for two terms, making in all sixe years. ==========================================================================