SMITH P. ALBERTSON Biography / Allegan County, Michigan 
 
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File contributed for use by MIGenWeb Archives, Allegan Co. 
by Janet Wilkinson Schwartz (wilkinschw@aol.com) 
February 2003 
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Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren 
Counties, Michigan.  Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1892. 
 
SMITH P. ALBERTSON.  As an example of those whose success should inspire 
others to greater efforts and nobler deeds, may be mentioned this gentleman, a 
prominent resident of Allegan County, and a progressive farmer of Watson 
Township.  He was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., March 31, 1835, and is the 
son of DANIEL and MARIA (PETERS) ALBERTSON, the former born in 1806 
and the latter in 1805, in Dutchess County.  The paternal grandfather of our 
subject, JOSEPH, was born in New York, of Dutch parentage, while on his 
mother's side, he is the grandson of SMITH PETERS, a resident of the Empire 
State. 
 
The parents of our subject had a family of five children, one daughter and four 
sons, all of whom grew to years of maturity.  The father pursued the calling of a 
farmer in his native State, and also in Kalamazoo County, Mich., where he 
located in 1854.  His death, in 1876, was a loss to the community in which he 
resided for more than twenty years and where he had gained an enviable 
reputation as an upright and industrious man.  The subject of this biographical 
notice accompanied his father to Michigan at the age of nineteen years, and 
about the same time was married, April 25, 1854, to Miss MARY ANGEVINE, the 
daughter of BARTHOLOMEW and SARAH (PETERS) PETERS. 
 
The native of New York, Mrs. ALBERTSON was born in Columbia County, May 
22, 1837, and was the youngest child in the family circle.  Her mother died when 
she was only four years old, and, in 1854, she came with her father to Michigan.  
After their marriage, our subject and his wife located first in Cooper Township, 
Kalamazoo County, on a rented farm, but one year later removed to Prairieville 
Township, Barry County, where another twelvemonth was passed on a rented 
farm.  Afterward Mr. ALBERTSON bought a farm and for three years was 
engaged in its improvement.  Then selling out, he removed to Otsego Township, 
Allegan County, and after renting there for one year, purchased the place which 
he still owns and which is pleasantly located on section 27, Watson Township.  
Its eighty acres have been brought to a high state of cultivation and various 
needed buildings have been erected from time to time, until now the farm is one 
of the best in the community. 
 
Mr. and Mrs. ALBERTSON are the parents of one child, a daughter, HATTIE, 
now the wife of AARON TREECE.  In his political affiliations, Mr. ALBERTSON 
was, prior to 1881, a stanch Democrat, but since that year has used his influence 
in behalf of the principles of Prohibition.  He has served, with credit to himself 
and to the general satisfaction, in various official capacities.  In 1881, he was 
Supervisor of Watson Township; he has also served as School Inspector, and in 
the school offices, and at present is Notary Public.  Socially, he is connected with 
the Grange, and in the various measures for the benefit of the people, takes 
great interest.  His life demonstrates the fact that energy and integrity will lead to 
success in any honorable vocation, and his wide-awake and generous public 
spirit has helped the community along the lines of education and philanthropy.