Genesee-Shiawassee County MI Archives Biographies.....Bouttell, Charles M. 1809 - 
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)

CHARLES M. BOUTTELL. Among the citizens of Genesee County, who have arisen from
small beginnings to an eminent position in the estimation of their neighbors, is
the gentleman whose name initiates this biography. To be a self-made man means
something. It means that a man who has earned the honor of being so called has
passed through many hardships and has seen the dark clouds of adversity, but by
perseverance and patience has emerged into the sunlight of prosperity. Mr.
Bouttell has become known as one of the most prominent farmers of Thetford
Township, Genesee County, and having retired from the more active duties
connected with agricultural pursuits, enjoys the comforts which he has gained by
a life time of earnest effort.

  In Otsego County, N. Y., Mr. Bouttell was born November 8, 1809, and is the
son of Osias and Laura (Dunmick) Bouttell, both natives of the Empire State. Our
subject belongs to a family noted for longevity, his maternal grandfather living
to the ripe old age of one hundred and eight years and other relatives also
attaining to nearly a hundred years. Charles M., the subject of this
biographical notice, was reared in New York State and from childhood was thrown
upon his own resources. His opportunity for education was therefore but meager,
although by study and reading he has become quite well informed. Prior to coming
to this State he was engaged in boating on Erie Canal for nine years, but not
feeling satisfied with this manner of living he decided to seek a home in the
far West, as Michigan was then considered,

  In 1836 the appearance of Michigan was very different from its present aspect.
Indians and wild animals roamed at will through the forests and across the broad
prairies, where are now fine estates and large cities teeming with commerce.
When Mr. Bouttell made his way hither with a team in the year above-mentioned he
saw no prospect of the present prosperity, except what might be predicted from
the fertile soil and genial climate. He drove at once to the place where he now
lives and there pre-empted a large tract of land from the Government. He also
entered some land in Shiawassee County, and became busily engaged in clearing
and cultivating the place. The land was covered with a wild forest growth, which
he had first to remove; this he did himself, and such was his enterprise that
during one summer he logged thirty acres himself.

  The nearest market was the village of Flint and there Mr. Bouttell would haul
his wheat, trading five bushels of wheat for a barrel of flour and selling the
flour for twenty shillings. Not only did he clear the farm where he now resides,
but all the land in that locality and he also opened a road east of his place
for one-half mile. As prosperity began to crown his efforts, he felt prepared to
establish home ties of his own and accordingly when he was twenty-eight years
old, in 1837, he was married to Harriet N. Pain, who died, leaving two children,
named respectively Emily F., and Elinor A. Afterward, on January 1, 1854, Mr.
Bouttell was united in marriage with Miss Jane Nixon, the daughter of Allen and
Electa Nixon.

  Mrs. Bouttell is a native of New York, but has spent the greater portion of
her life in this State. She has been of great assistance to her husband in all
his work and he owes his success in no small measure to her co-operation. Their
marriage resulted in the birth of twelve children, who are now occupying
responsible positions in life and are highly respected in the various localities
where they reside. Not only did they receive careful home training but when they
were ready to start out for themselves their father gave to each one forty acres
of the old homestead. He still retains in his own possession a neat estate,
which is devoted to the raising of grain and stock. In social and business
circles he occupies an enviable position and is one of those men whose word is
considered as good as their bond.

  In connection with this sketch the reader will notice lithographic portraits
of Mr. and Mrs. Bouttell.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States

Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892

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