Legislator Details

Image of William M. Fenton
Image Description:
Portrait of William M. Fenton scanned from Rep.Dist. 6 page previous to p.23.

William M. Fenton
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 37

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 12/19/1808
City: Norwich, NY
County: Chenango County, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 5/12/1871
City: Flint, MI
County: Genesee County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 1/1/1871
City:
County:
Country:
Cemetery:

Marital Information:
Married Adelaide S. Birdall, daughter of Judge James Birdall, 4/11/1836 of Norwich, NY. Adelaide died 11/9/1869.

Number of Children: 4

Background

Religion:
Military Service: United States Army
Occupation: sailor, lawyer, banker
Race:

Education:
Graduated head of his class from Hamilton College in 1826

Biographical Sketch:
Eldest of 9 children of Joseph S. Fenton. Grad. from Hamilton College , 1827. Went to sea for 4 yrs, leaving as a mate of a merchantman. Moved to Michigan in 1836; bought land where Fenton now stands in 1838. Admitted to the bar, 1841. Moved to Flint in 1850; elected mayor, 1858. Held several positions of government but after coming back from the war he focused on personal business. Injured as a Chief-Engineer fireman responding to an alarm; he died as a result of his injury. He was a member of the Knights of Templar Commandery.

Notable Facts:
Elected Lt. Gov. 1848-1852; 1861 appointed member of the State Military Bd. and a major in the 7th Infantry then colonel of the 8th Infantry ('the wandering regiment') and financed most of their opperations. Instrumental in securing the establishment of the State Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in Flint, MI.

Sessions Served:

Twelfth Legislature, 1847
Chamber: Senate
Party: Democratic
Committees Served On: State Affairs , Finance
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Flint
County of Residence Genesee
District: 6
District Description: Counties of Chippewa, Genesee, Lapeer, Mackinac, Oakland, Saginaw and Shiawassee

Date Elected: 11/2/1846
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1847
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:
Eleventh Legislature, 1846
Chamber: Senate
Party: Democratic
Committees Served On: Finance , Public Instruction, State Library , Militia
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Fentonville
County of Residence Genesee
District: 6
District Description: Counties of Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Midland, Gladwin, Michilimackinac, et al

Date Elected: 11/3/1845
Date Sworn In: 1/5/1846
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:

Bibliography:

Cyc 1:231-32; Rep.Dist. 6:23-24, portrait facing p.23;
View Bibliographical Sources