Alonzo Thayer

Alonzo Thayer

ALONZO THAYER, mechanic and engineer, section 27, Ashland Township, was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 12, 1828. He is the son of John G. and Hannah (Pangborn) Thayer, natives of New England, who settled in Michigan previous to their marriage, which event took place in the City of Detroit, June 30, 1813. The father was in the service of the United States during the entire period of the war of 1812, with the rank of Captain. After their marriage they became residents of Washtenaw County, and in 1840 went to Kent County, where the father died, in 1848.

In 1849, Mr. Thayer attained his legal freedom, and in April previosu to his reaching that period he set out on a prospecting tour through the West and Northwest. He traveled eleven States and Territories, and in the fall of 1851 returned to Michigan. He settled in Ottawa County, where he was married April 3, 1852 to sarah Jane, daughter of Caleb and Sabia (Hewitt) Whittemore, natives of Connecticut. Mrs. Thayer was born in Essex Co., N.Y., where her parents resided. They came to Michigan in 1850, and located in Kent County.

After his marriage Mr. Thayer remained in Ottawa County and was occupied in a saw-mill, after which he came to Newaygo County and followed the same calling on the Muskegon River. His next remove was to Grand Rapids, where he resided until the spring of 1867, when he made a permanent settlement in Newaygo County, buying 40 acres of land in Ashland Township, whereon he fixed his homestead and turned his attention and energies, to a certain extent, to its improvement and cultivation. He belongs to the National party in political affiliation, and is an active member of Ashland Grange, No. 545.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer were born as follows: Ella W., Feb. 26, 1853; Myron F., Oct. 6, 1857; Frank A., Feb. 22, 1861; Florence J., Oct. 1, 1863; Hiram, Feb. 23, 1866; Emma E., Dec. 23, 1870; Frederick A., Jan. 28, 1874.

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