Benton Thurston, a leading general agriculturist and able Supervisor of Chester Township, Ottawa County, Mich., was born March 20, 1841, in Sullivan County, N.Y., and was the son of Daniel Thurston, who located in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1856. The mother, in maidenhood Miss Madison, passed away in the Empire State when our subject was only a little boy. The father, a ship-carpenter, worked at his trade in Grand Rapids and also erected numerous buildings; he was also a millwright, and in 1858 or 1860 built a large flouring mill in Lisbon. Removed to Lisbon, he handled merchandise for a time, but in 1864 went to Missouri and settled in Princeton. After the war he removed to the eastern part of the latter State and died there in about 1881. He was twice married, and by the mother of our subject had five children. Frank resides in Pennsylvania; John is a resident of South Dakota; Hannah is the wife of Jacob Mann; Benton is our subject; and Alfred makes him home in Colorado.

 

Benton Thurston was mainly educated in the common schools of Ottawa County and was only a young lad when he began the battle of life for himself. Desirous of attending school, he worked for small wages while he was pursuing his studies and was employed variously in clearing land and in the lumber districts. In August, 1862, answering the call of the Government, he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, being first under the command of Gen. Buell and later under R. H. G. Minty, of Detroit. Actively participating in the battle of Perryville, and following in pursuit of Morgan through Kentucky, Mr. Thurston took an active part in the engagements of Lebanon, Stone River and Various skirmishes, after which he returned to Louisville, later engaging in the Atlanta campaign. The brigade to which the regiment of our subject belonged opened fire at Chickamaugua. Finally camping near Louisville, after being mounted almost night and day, Mr. Thurston barely missed being present at the fight of Nashville, and with his regiment went into winter quarters at Grand Springs. In the spring of 1865 the regiment took part in the celebrated Wilson Raid through Tennessee and Georgia, and also fought the last battle at Columbia, Ga. Our subject was captured near Chattanooga, on the Tennessee River, but was immediately paroled and was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn., in July, 1865. Enlisting as a private, he was promoted to be a Corporal, and was mustered out as a Sergeant after two years and eleven months of active service, arriving safely at home July 14, 1865.

 

Having saved a considerable portion of the money received while in the army, Mr. Thurston invested it in the eighty acres of land upon which he now resides and which he purchased some time before the close of the war. The acres were all heavily timbered, and during his absence twenty acres were cleared. Upon his return home he cleared ten cares, and in 1865 and 1866 was logging in the White River country. He worked in different places and was engaged in various occupations until 1871, when he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Rosenberg, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of Benjamin and Mary A. (Suchart) Rosenberg, early settlers of Ottawa County and of German parentage. Of the nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg two died young. David resides in Grand Rapids; Elizabeth is Mrs. Thurston; Hannah, deceased, was the wife of J. P. Burman; Henry, George, Mary and Emma complete the list. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg reside in Ottawa County.

 

Our subject and his estimable wife have been blessed with the presence of four intelligent children: Viola, Vinnie, Earl and Hazel. Viola, an accomplished young lady, is a graduate of the Lisbon School, the High School of Grand Rapids and the Training School of Grand Rapids. She taught successfully in 1892 in the city school, and will have the same position in 1893. Vinnie excels in music and will undoubtedly make that her profession. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Thurston had cleared and cultivated forty acres and built a small house. He has sixty acres under high cultivation now, and has also a peach and apple orchard and handles with profit a high grade of cattle, horses and sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Thurston take a high social position in the best circles of the county and enjoy the confidence and regard of many old-time friends.

 

Fraternally, our subject is connected with Lisbon Lodge No. 229, A. F. & A. M., and is Treasurer of the same, which responsible position he has held with fidelity many years. Politically an Independent, Mr. Thurston has occupied with marked ability various important positions of trust, and in 1887 was elected Treasurer of the township; he was re-elected in 1888, and only beaten by three votes in 1889. In 1890 elected Supervisor, he has been re-elected each succeeding year and has discharged the duties involved to the great satisfaction of his fellow-townsmen. Widely known throughout Ottawa County, our subject is exceedingly popular and counts his friends by the score.

 

 

 

 

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893, Pgs 516-517