HIRAM STOUTENBURGH

Notes:

Hiram was the oldest child of the family during hard times. As his brothers and sisters were being taught to read and write, he was required to help support the family. While still living on Scaugog Island, he worked for a man for 3 days to
earn a violin. He had to reglue the instrument after his father smashed it, claiming it made sweeter music afterwards. When he was 23 years old, Hiram moved to Flint, Michigan with his parents, stayed for a couple of years, then the family
moved to the farm at Port Sanilac. Hiram was married in a double ceremony with Hiram Smith, brother of Mercy, and Elizabeth Stoutenburg, sister of Hiram Stoutenburg. In March, 1861, Hiram bought a 40 acre farm 1.5 miles east and 1 mile north
of Applegate, Michigan for $240. A mortgage of $168.80 was taken From Mr. Hartman London, and was paid off in Aug, 1871. In Dec. 1862, Mercy bought 20 acres for $75. cash which she had inherited from her father. In 1862, Hiram played violin
for the opening dance at the Cadillac Hotel in Lexington, Michigan. He started at 8 PM and was playing and calling the dance still after midnight. He earned $10 for his effort. It was the most money he ever earned for one dance, and it
seemed like a fortune. Hiram got his leg broken at a logging bee at Sam Dickens farm when his oxen ran away with a log which swung aroung, catching him between it and another log. The story goes that the doctor was drunk when he set the leg,
which is why one leg was shorter then the other. While he was recovering, the county supervisor visited saying that Hiram had to accept aid from the county. Hiram agreed, only after it was determined that this was a loan, and not aid. He
didn't want his children to see his name on the county books. He paid back the $16. In 1876, the family sold the old farm and bought 120 acres in Custer Tnsp. from Wm. Chapman. Mother, Father, and nine children moved there. The farm had
40 acres on the south side and 80 acres on the north side of Forester Road.

HIRAM married MERCY SMITH on 19 Nov 1859 in Lexington, Michigan. MERCY was born on 9 Jul 1839 in Ontario, Canada; died on 5 Mar 1899 in Carsonville, Sanilac Co., Michigan; was buried in Washington Tsp. Cem., Sanilac Co., Mich.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. MARY DIDAMIA STOUTENBURGH was born on 2 Nov 1857 in Sanilac Co. Michigan; died on 14 Jan 1935 in Bay City, Michigan; was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Bay City, Michigan.