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Note: N6567 Posted by Steve Harrison, Harrison-Harlan-Trainer-Wade Ancestors (RootsWeb) raleighwood@@juno.com
Author: Orville W. Coolidge
Title: A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County Michigan
Abbrev: A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County Michigan (1906)
Publication: Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906
Text: WILLIAM F. BAINTON, a member of the firm of Bainton Brothers, millers and merchants of Buchanan, in which city he was born May 4, 1862, comes of English descent. His father, William H. Bainton, was a native of England. When a young man he crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Oswego, New York, whence he came to Berrien county, Michigan, at an early day, casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers. He built a mill, which was one of the first in the township, and he also owned a mill at Berrien Springs, which he afterward traded for a farm. He was married in this county to Miss Amanda M. Swift, who was born in Ohio and came to Berrien county with her father, John Swift, who took up his abode in Bertrand township, settling there when the number of its inhabitants was small and when the work of improvement had scarcely been begun. Mrs. Bainton is still living. The father died in 1866. He was a prominent man, closely and helpfully identified with the development of the county. He was engaged extensively and successfully in business as a merchant and miller and he also owned several large farms. He possessed in a considerable degree that quality which is termed commercial sense and through his keen sagacity and indefatigable energy, together with judicious investments he steadily advanced from a humble financial position to one of affluence. In the family were six children, of whom two sons and two daughters are yet living: Emma J., a resident of Buchanan; Nettie J., the wife of Dr. J. C. Snyder, of Toledo, Ohio; Charles L., of Buchanan; and W. F. Bainton. The last named was the eldest of the sons and the third child of the family. He was reared in Buchanan and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools. In connection with his brother, Charles L. Bainton, he returned his attention to the milling business in 1886, having built the mill in 1885. He had spent the year 1883 in the milling business in Dayton, Michigan, and thus gained practical knowledge of the trade. He afterward returned to Buchanan and was engaged in farming until 1885, when, as stated, he and his brother built the mill which the following year they placed in operation. They also engaged in merchandising until 1903, conducting a grocery and feed store. The capacity of the mill is one hundred barrels and the trade is large, for the output is of such a quality that a ready market is secured. The brothers are also engaged in fruit farming, Charles L. conducting the fruit farm, while William F. Bainton has charge of the milling business and the store. He has been very successful in his business ventures and his well directed efforts have been a source of benefit to the city as well as to himself. He is a director of the Niles Building & Loan Association and president of the Buchanan Loan Association. In politics a life-long Republican, he has manifested deep interest in the party and its growth but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has always spent his life in Buchanan and in all matters of citizenship is progressive and helpful, withholding his support from no movement or measure that he deems will prove of general good.
Note:
Biographical sketch of William F. Bainton. Pages 759-760.
Page: 759-760
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