William M. Fenton

William Matthew Fenton (December 19, 1808 - November 12, 1871) was a politician from the U. S. state of Michigan.

Early life

Fenton was born in Norwich, New York in 1808 and graduated at the top of his class in 1826 at Hamilton College. In 1827, he sailed four years on the ocean, becoming mate of a merchant vessel. In 1835, he married a daughter of Judge James Birdsall, of Norwich. and the same year moved to Pontiac, Michigan becoming a merchant. In 1837, he purchased a large tract of land in Genesee County in what later were named Fenton Township and the village of Fentonville, which became the city of Fenton. According to local legend, the name of the village, and consequently the township, was decided by Fenton's winning a card game with fellow landholder Robert LeRoy. Fenton was involved in mercantile, milling and real estate business. In 1939, he commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1842.

Politics

Fenton was elected to the Michigan Senate from the 6th District, representing Genesee, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties, 1846-47. He moved to Flint in 1847. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 1848 to 1852 under Governors Epaphroditus Ransom (1848-50) and John S. Barry (1850-52). He held the position of register of the U. S. land office at Flint from 1852 until it was moved to East Saginaw, and was mayor of Flint from 1858-59. When the American Civil War began in 1861, Fenton tendered $5,000 to Michigan Governor Austin Blair to help equip the first regiments sent out. He became major of the 7th Michigan infantry early in 1861, but was commissioned colonel of the 8th Michigan, and led the regiment to the front. He took part in many battles and resigned in 1863 from ill health. Fenton was the Democratic candidate for governor in 1864, losing to Henry Crapo. He erected the large block and public hall in Flint that bear his name.

Death

As chief of the fire department of Flint, while on duty, he received an injury which resulted in his death on November 12, 1871. He was interred at Glenwood Cemetery of Flint.

References

• Political Graveyard
• Bingham, Stephen D. [1888] (2005). "s.v. William M. Fenton", Early history of Michigan, with biographies of state officers, members of Congress, judges and legislators. Pub. purusuant to act 59, 1887. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Library, pp. 263-264. Retrieved on 2007-07-21. 
• Smith, William V. (ed.) [1924] (2005). "s.v. William M. Fenton", An account of Flint and Genesee County from their organization. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Library, pp. 238-239. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.