Lapeer-Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Rich, John T. 1841 - 
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)

HON. JOHN T. RICH, President of the State Fair and Agricultural Association, was
born in Conneautville, Crawford County, Pa., April 23, 1841. He is descended
from Thomas Rich, who in 1785 removed from Warwick, Mass., and settled in
Shoreham, Addison County, Vt., on the farm which is still in possession of the
family. At the time of the removal, John Rich, the son of Thomas, was a child.
Upon the breaking out of the War of 1812, he enlisted in the service of his
country, but was soon taken sick and died, leaving his widow with one child,
John W., the latter being only two years old when he was thus orphaned. Two
years later his mother married again, and John W. lived with her and his
stepfather until he was fifteen years old, when he started out in life for himself.

  Soon after attaining to his majority John W. Rich removed to Lockport, N. Y.,
and later to Conneautville, Pa., where he was married in 1839, to Miss Jerusha
Treadway of Shoreham, Vt. In the autumn of 1846 he removed with his wife and
children to Vermont, where within one year he lost his younger son by croup, and
his wife by consumption. The family then consisted of himself and John T., a
child of six years, the subject of this biographical sketch. In the spring of
1848 this child was brought to Michigan by Hon. John B. Wilson and wife, and in
the following November, John W. Rich removed to this State, bringing with him a
few merino sheep from the flocks of Rich Bros., Tyler Stickney, and D. and G.
Cutting. The direct descendants of the sheep may still be found upon the farm to
which he brought them. Soon after his arrival here he formed a partnership with
Charles Rich, which continued until 1867.

  December 25, 1849, John W. Rich was united in marriage with Miss Ann Winship,
of Atlas, Genesee County, this State, and this estimable lady is still living on
the old homestead. The father of our subject was of a retiring disposition,
sturdy principles and unflinching integrity. He was elected to the offices of
Justice of the Peace and Highway Commissioner, and was candidate for Supervisor,
but was defeated with his whole party ticket. He was one of the original
incorporators of the present prosperous Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company
of Lapeer County, and was among its most enthusiastic supporters. After an
active life he died August 9, 1872, mourned by a large circle of friends whose
esteem he had always retained.

  The subject of this biographical notice received a good common-school
education, and expected to enjoy high educational advantages. He finished the
academic department, but owing to poor health was deterred from pursuing the
extended course he so much desired. When about twenty-two years old, he was
married March 12, 1863, to Miss Lucretia, the daughter of Samuel Winship, who is
referred to at greater length in the biography of John Winship in another
portion of this volume. At an early age he entered into the public life of the
community, and has since been prominently connected with the political history
of the county, having filled many of the highest positions within the gift of
the people.

  During the four years, from 1868 until 1872, in which Mr. Rich represented the
people of Elba Township on the County Board of Supervisors he contributed
greatly to the advancement of his township and the county, and so high was the
estimation in which he was held by the people, that in 1872 he was elected to
the State Legislature, and returned in 1874, 1876 and 1878. In 1877 he was
chosen Speaker, and again in 1879, and as a presiding officer he earned the
respect of ail parties by his ability, promptness and fairness. While acting as
Speaker of the House none of his decisions were ever reversed and seldom were
appealed. He was instrumental in having many improvements introduced into the
business methods of the House, for which coming Houses will be grateful to him.
His constituents retained the greatest confidence in his practical ability, and
he has moreover gained a wide influence by his strict adherence to principle,
and his sound common-sense. In August, 1880, he was a candidate for Governor
before the State convention, but David H. Jerome was placed in nomination at the
tenth ballot. During the same year, however, he was elected to the State Senate,
where he was an enthusiastic worker in all that promised to be for the benefit
of his locality and constituents.

  In 1881 Mr. Rich was elected to Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the
election of the Hon. Omer D. Conger to the United States Senate; the following
year he was unanimously re-nominated but was defeated at the polls by his
opponent, the Hon. E. C. Carlton. Gov. Luce appointed him, in 1887, Railroad
Commissioner, which position he held two terms. In 1891 he was made President of
the State Fair and Agricultural Association,and is at present filling that
important position with great efficiency. At the same time he is devoting
considerable time and attention to the supervision of his fine farm in Elba
Township. For seven years he has been President of the Michigan Merino Sheep
Breeders Association, and for five years has served as President of Lapeer
County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is worthy of all the trust that has
been reposed in him in the high positions to which he has been elected, and his
friends confidently expect that in future years other honors which are warranted
by his ability will be accepted and adorned by him.


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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