William M. Fenton
| William Matthew Fenton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 7th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan | |
| In office 1848–1852 | |
| Governor | Epaphroditus Ransom John S. Barry |
| Preceded by | Charles P. Bush |
| Succeeded by | Calvin Britain |
| Michigan State Senator | |
| In office 1846–1847 | |
| Preceded by | Gardner D. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Parsons |
| Constituency | 6th District[1] |
| 4th Mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan | |
| In office 1858–1860 | |
| Preceded by | Henry M. Henderson |
| Succeeded by | Henry H. Crapo[2] |
| 1st Alderman | |
| In office 1855–1856 Serving with Alvin T. Crosman | |
| Preceded by | none |
| Succeeded by | Henry I. Higgins |
| Constituency | Third Ward, City of Flint[2] |
| Supervisor | |
| In office 1847–1848 | |
| Preceded by | William Patterson |
| Succeeded by | John L. Gage |
| Constituency | Township of Flint[3] |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 19, 1808 Norwich, New York |
| Died | November 12, 1871 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Adelaide Birdsall |
| Relations | Joseph S. Fenton, Father[4] |
| Children | Ada B., John Brush, Henry, Sarah R.[4] |
| Alma mater | Hamilton College |
| Occupation | Sailor, Lawyer |
| Religion | Episcopal |
William Matthew Fenton (December 19, 1808 – November 12, 1871) was a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is the namesake of the city of Fenton, Michigan.
Early life
Fenton was born in Norwich, New York in 1808[5] and graduated at the top of his class in 1826 at Hamilton College.
On May 4, 1836 Ontario County, New York, he married Adelaide Birdsall a daughter of Judge James Birdsall, of Norwich. and the same year moved to Pontiac, Michigan becoming a merchant.In 1827, he sailed four years on an ocean vessel and became a mate.
In 1837, he purchased a large tract of land in Genesee County in what later were named Fenton Township and the village of Fentonville, which became the city of Fenton. According to local legend, the name of the village, and consequently the township, was decided by Fenton's winning a card game with fellow landholder Robert LeRoy. Fenton was involved in mercantile, milling and real estate business. In 1839, he commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1842.
Politics
Fenton was elected to the Michigan Senate from the 6th District,[5] representing Genesee, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties, 1846-47. He moved to Flint in 1847. In 1847, he was elected Flint Township Supervisor.[3] He served as the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Michigan[5] from 1848 to 1852 under Governors Epaphroditus Ransom (1848–50) and John S. Barry (1850–52). At the first village elections in 1855, Fenton was elected as a Third Ward Alderman with Alvin T. Crossman.[6] He held the position of register of the U.S. land office at Flint from 1852 until it was moved to East Saginaw,[7] and was mayor of Flint from 1858 to 1859.[5]
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Fenton tendered $5,000 to Michigan Governor Austin Blair to help equip the first regiments sent out. He became major of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment early in 1861, but was commissioned colonel of the 8th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and led the regiment to the front. He took part in many battles and resigned in 1863 from ill health.
Fenton was the Democratic candidate for governor in 1864,[5] losing to Henry Crapo. He erected the large block and public hall in Flint that bear his name.
Death
As chief of the fire department of Flint, while on duty, he received an injury which resulted in his death on November 12, 1871. He was interred at Glenwood Cemetery of Flint.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ "Michigan: State Senate, 1840s". Political Graveyards.com. Lawrence (Larry) Kestenbaum. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ellis, Franklin (1879). History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia, PA.: Everts & Abbott. p. 177.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ellis, Franklin (1879). History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia, PA.: Everts & Abbott. p. 184.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 JOSEPH BRUSH FENTON MIGenWeb
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Fenton -- Fenton, William M. entry
- ↑ Chapter XIII: First City Officers. The History of Genesee County, MI.
- ↑ The Development of Flint. Historical Collections. By Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society. Published by The Society, 1907. pg. 371.
- Bingham, Stephen D. (2005) [1888]. "s.v. William M. Fenton". Early history of Michigan, with biographies of state officers, members of Congress, judges and legislators. Pub. pursuant to act 59, 1887. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Library. pp. 263–264. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
- Smith, William V. (ed.) (2005) [1924]. "s.v. William M. Fenton". An account of Flint and Genesee County from their organization. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Library. pp. 238–239. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
Ontario County Marriages from Newspaper Listings May 4, 1836 BIRDSALL Adelaide FENTON William
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Charles P. Bush |
Lieutenant Governor of Michigan 1848–1852 |
Succeeded by Calvin Britain |
| Preceded by Henry M. Henderson |
Mayor of Flint 1858-60 |
Succeeded by Henry H. Crapo |
| Preceded by None |
Alderman, of Flint 3rd Ward jointly with Alvin T. Crossman 1858-59 |
Succeeded by Henry I. Higgins |
| Preceded by William Patterson |
Supervisor, of Flint Township 1847-48 |
Succeeded by John L. Gage |