Charles Rich Biography, Lapeer County, Michigan

This Biography extracted from “Portrait and Biographical Record of 
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan…”, published be Chapman 
Bros., Chicago (1892), p. 1047-1048

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.

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HON. CHARLES RICH. Although this gentleman has passed from the scenes 
of earth, he has left the memorial of a world made better by his life. 
The hardships of pioneer existence he bravely endured, conquering what 
seemed to be insurmountable obstacles and attaining prosperity by 
almost superhuman efforts. The record of his labors may well serve as 
an incentive to the young and as an encouragement to those who start 
out in the world with no capital save a willing disposition and a 
hopeful spirit. Referring to his family history we find that in 1785 
Thomas Rich, grandfather of our subject, removed from Warwick, Mass., 
to the town of Shoreham, Addison County, Vt., and settled on the farm 
which has ever since been the home of some of his descendants. In his 
removal he was accompanied by Charles Rich, Sr., father of our subject, 
then a lad of fourteen years, afterward a member of Congress and a man 
of wide influence.

   It was in Shoreham that our subject was born July 30, 1802, and 
there he passed his youth. The best opportunities for obtaining an 
education were given to him, and he was graduated from the military 
school of Capt. Partridge, of Norwich. Vt., in 1823. His marriage was 
celebrated in 1827, when Betsey Treadway, of Shoreham, became his wife. 
Buying a farm, Mr. Rich began to work for himself and devoted 
considerable attention to the breeding of merino sheep, receiving one-
half of the flock left by his father. In 1836 he became desirous of 
trying his fortune in the newer portion of the country, and selling his 
farm and sheep, he removed with his wife and two children to 
Conneautville, Crawford County. Pa. There he engaged in merchandising 
which did not prove a financial success; he was so well and favorably 
known among the Whigs, to which party he adhered, that he received the 
nomination as member of Congress, but was defeated at the polls with 
the other candidates of his party.

   In 1847 Mr. Rich removed with his family to Elba, Lapeer County, 
this State, and commenced life anew in what was then an unbroken 
forest. It was at that time that the courage and sterling character of 
Mr. Rich and his estimable wife were put to the most severe test of 
their lives. Having moved West for the purpose of repairing their 
fortunes, they remained in Lapeer until a log house could be erected on 
the new farm. While still in Lapeer the whole family was taken 
violently ill with a fever then prevalent, and Mr. and Mrs. Rich were 
so low that their lives were despaired of, but both recovered to find 
themselves childless, their daughter of eighteen years, and son of six-
teen, having succumbed to the terrible disease. Childless and greatly 
discouraged, they removed to their farm as soon as the house was 
completed, which was early in January, 1848. In 1851 a daughter was 
born to them and her bright face blessed their home until 1864 when her 
death, at the age of thirteen, again left them childless and well-nigh 
heart-broken.

   During his first years here, there was at times, as in all other new 
countries, a scarcity of food, but although Mr. Rich was poor, no one 
was ever turned away by him when it was possible for him to aid them. 
While living in Elba, Mr. Rich held the office of Supervisor for three 
years. In 1856 he was elected County Clerk and Register of Deeds, 
removing upon his election to Lapeer where he remained until his death. 
Previous to his removal to Lapeer he was elected County Judge and held 
that position until it was abolished. In 1861 he was appointed a member 
of the State Board of Agriculture and proved a valuable aid to the 
infant Agricultural College. He afterward held the office of Probate 
Judge for two terms. His death occurred at his home July 16, 1872, his 
widow survived him twelve years.

   In all his business relations Mr. Rich had the respect of those with 
whom he became acquainted. While he was a member of the Board of 
Supervisors the present town of Rich was organized and was named after 
him by the request of the people of the new town and the unanimous vote 
of his fellow members of the Board. In his social relations he was 
especially happy; while never demonstrative he made everyone feel 
welcome and there was no place where people found a more hearty welcome 
or unostentatious hospitality than with Uncle Charles or Aunt Betsey, 
as they were affectionately called by their many friends, regardless of 
relationship.



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