Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Greattracks, James 1804 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com December 19, 2006, 10:24 pm

Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)

JAMES GREATTRACKS. Among the venerable and prominent octagenarian pioneers of
Genesee County, who have done their share in developing the country, we take
pleasure in bringing to the notice of our readers the subject of this sketch.
James Greattracks is a representative citizen of Grand Blanc Township, and
resides on section 30. He is a native of Albany County, N. Y., and was born
November 25, 1804. He is a son of Oliver and Parnal (Leet) Greattracks. His
mother was a native of Connecticut and he believes his father to have been a
native of Long Island. His grandfather, Sylvanus Greattracks, was a soldier in
the Revolutionary War.

  When six years of age our subject was bound out to a farmer in Greene County,
N. Y., and when eight years of age, with his master removed to Livingston
County, the same State, and there remained until he was eighteen years old. He
purchased the balance of his time from his master for $140 and began for
himself. As a lad he received a rudimentary education, attending school a short
time during winters, and many a night after the family had retired he worked
until far into the night over his "cipher sums", studying by the light of a
hickory bark fire. So eager was he to obtain some education that he assimilated
everything that came in his reach and became a well-informed and intelligent man.

  Our subject was married while a resident of New York, October 14, 1824. His
bride was Eliza Norton, a native of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of six
children, three of whom are living at the present time. They are Sarah C., Laura
A. and Lemuel N. Sarah is the wife of James Kimball; Laura is the wife of Norman
Fradenburg. Eliza Greattracks died June 22, 1835, and thirteen years later our
subject was a second time married, his nuptials being solemnized on the 22d of
October, 1848. The lady of his choice was Susan Ripson, a native of Canada, and
born August 15, 1816. She was the daughter of Tice and Elizabeth (Flint) Ripson.
By this union there were born four children, three of whom are living. They are
Elizabeth, Mary E. and Augusta M. Elizabeth is the wife of George S. Chapel.

  In 1846 our subject determined to better his condition if possible and removed
to Michigan, settling in Grand Blanc Township, where he preempted a tract of
land on section 31, and there resided for a few years. In the fall of 1873 our
subject settled on his present farm, which comprises one hundred and forty-eight
acres of fertile land. The work that they have done may be estimated from the
fact that on coming here the land which he procured was perfectly wild and their
home was made in the woods. He and his wife, however, set about the work of
clearing and improving with such zest and enthusiasm that the wilderness was
soon reduced to a state of most beautiful order. Mr. and Mrs. Greattracks are
now enjoying the fruits of a life well spent in usefulness. They have a large
circle of friends in whom they find their social solace. Politically our subject
is a Prohibitionist, and has ranged himself on the side of progress. He has
always been a strong advocate of schools, and he and his wife lend their
encouragement to every beneficial measure which is advanced in this locality. In
their religious belief they are adherents to the creed as held by the Baptist
Church.

  When only three years of age Mrs. Greattracks came with her parents from
Canada and located in Alleghany County, N. Y. They resided there until she was
seven years of age and then went to Livingston County. Her father, who died in
Alleghany County, was a Revolutionary soldier, and her paternal grandfather,
also his eldest son and brother-in-law were killed in one of the battles of the
Revolutionary War. In 1837 Mrs. Greattracks with the members of her family
emigrated to Genesee County, Mich. She was there engaged as a teacher. She is a
noble and intelligent woman, who has been an inspiration and aid to her husband.
Both our subject and his wife are widely known and are leaders in their social
circle. Their many friends trust that happy years may pass over their venerable
heads before the sounding of the last tattoo.


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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