Chat
|
Daily Search
|
My GenForum
|
Community Standards
|
Terms of Service
|
|
|
Biographical sketch of G. A. WONCH from the book entitled, "Biographical Memoirs of Saint Clair County, Michigan," published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Publishers in Indiana.
============================================
G. A. WONCH
Although a native of Canada, born near Paris, December 30, 1840, G. A. Wonch has been a resident of Wales township, St. Clair county, Michigan since 1849. He is a son of Charles and Jane Wonch, the former of whom was also a native of Canada, born in 1818, and reared a farmer. Charles Wonch cleared off a great deal of forest land in the New Dominion while residing there, and on coming to Wales township purchased a tract of forty acres in the wilderness, which he also cleared up and converted into an excellent farm, on which he resided and which he cultivated until his death, which occurred in 1901. To Charles and Jane Wonch were born eight children, namely: G. A., whose name opens this biographical record; Joseph, who is a farmer and is married to Mary Ellen Mias; Eli, deceased; Mary A., wife of Lyman Nestle, a farmer in Sanilac county; Harriet, married to Lee Bush, also a farmer; Elijah, deceased; Barber, married, and Louisa J., wife of Samuel Thompson, a farmer and also a practicing physician. Charles Wonch was a Republican, but, although loyal to his party, never sought an office. He was a sincere Christian and died a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
G. A. Wonch was joined in marriage, in 1864, with Ellen Bush, daughter of Griffin and Hannah (Griswold) Bush, the former of whom was born on the bank of the Hudson river, New York, in 1812, and the latter in Vermont in 1819. Griffin Bush came from the Empire state to Michigan in 1841, and was one of the earliest pioneers of Columbus township, St. Clair county. Two years later he came to Wales township, where he did a great deal of clearing, lumbering and hunting. As related of one of his exploits in the latter capacity, he was awakened one morning by the squealing of a pig, and on arising he caught sight of a large bear lugging off a porker, and of course Mr. Bush gave chase in order to interfere with Mr. Bruin and his breakfast. After a long pursuit Mr. Bush succeeded in killing the bear, which weighed over five hundred pounds and fully compensated him for the loss of the pig. Mr. Bush died November 1, 1896, leaving a family of five children, born in the following order: Charles, who died young; Ellen, now Mrs. Wonch; Nancy, wife of Albert Vanderlip, who is working in the marble works at Emmett; Edith, married to Jerome Harp, a farmer, and Alfred L., married to Harriet Wonch, and farming in Greenwood township. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Wonch no children have been born.
In politics Mr. Wonch has voted with the Republican party ever since entitled to the right of franchise. He has served as justice of the peace for several terms, an office he still fills, and is the present postmaster at Goodells, which position he has held for eight years. In addition he has filled all the school offices. In connection with the postoffice, Mr. Wonch also conducts a general store and is doing a thriving trade, counting among his patrons the best class of people.
In 1864, toward the latter part of the Civil war, Mr. Wonch enlisted at Pontiac in Company K, Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and with it participated in several lively skirmishes and also did a great deal of picket duty, serving until 1865. Thus, through his military as well as civic services and general usefulness and public spirit, Mr. Wonch has won for himself a most enviable reputation, which no one can possibly deny his right to enjoy.
============================================
PLEASE NOTE: I do not have any personal interest in researching the WONCH surname or the St. Clair county, Michigan location. I am merely posting a select number of the biographical sketches found in the above-referenced book *upon specific written request* as a service to the genealogical community. Therefore, please do not contact me with regard to research interests in the above. Thank you.
Followups:No followups yet |
| http://genforum.genealogy.com/mi/saintclair/messages/60.html | ||
 |
Agreement of Use Link to GenForum Add Forum |
|