William M. Fenton

William Matthew Fenton (December 19, 1808 – November 12, 1871) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is the namesake of the city of Fenton, Michigan.

William Matthew Fenton
7th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
In office 1848–1852
Governor	Epaphroditus Ransom John S. Barry
Preceded by	Charles P. Bush
Succeeded by	Calvin Britain
Michigan State Senator
In office 1846–1847
Preceded by	Gardner D. Williams
Succeeded by	Andrew Parsons
Constituency	6th District[1]
4th Mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan
In office 1858–1860
Preceded by	Henry M. Henderson
Succeeded by	Henry H. Crapo[2]
1st Alderman
In office 1855–1856 Serving with Alvin T. Crosman
Preceded by	none
Succeeded by	Henry I. Higgins
Constituency	Third Ward, City of Flint[2]
Supervisor
In office 1847–1848
Preceded by	William Patterson
Succeeded by	John L. Gage
Constituency	Township of Flint[3]
Personal details
Born	December 19, 1808 Norwich, New York
Died	November 12, 1871 (aged 60)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Adelaide Birdsall
Relations	Joseph S. Fenton, Father[4]
Children	Ada B., John Brush, Henry, Sarah R.[4]
Alma mater	Hamilton College
Occupation	Sailor, Lawyer

Early life

Fenton was born in Norwich, New York in 1808[5] and graduated at the top of his class in 1826 at Hamilton College.

Politics

Fenton was elected to the Michigan Senate from the 6th District,[5] representing Genesee, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties, 1846-47. He moved to Flint in 1847. In 1847, he was elected Flint Township Supervisor.[3] He served as the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Michigan[5] from 1848 to 1852 under Governors Epaphroditus Ransom (1848–50) and John S. Barry (1850–52). At the first village elections in 1855, Fenton was elected as a Third Ward Alderman with Alvin T. Crossman.[6] He held the position of register of the U.S. land office at Flint from 1852 until it was moved to East Saginaw,[7] and was mayor of Flint from 1858 to 1859.[5]

Fenton was the Democratic candidate for governor in 1864,[5] 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.[5]

See also

• Fenton Museum

References

1. "Michigan: State Senate, 1840s". Political Graveyards.com. Lawrence (Larry) Kestenbaum. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
2. Ellis, Franklin (1879). History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia, PA.: Everts & Abbott. p. 177.
3. Ellis, Franklin (1879). History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia, PA.: Everts & Abbott. p. 184.
4. JOSEPH BRUSH FENTON MIGenWeb
5. Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Fenton -- Fenton, William M. entry
6. Chapter XIII: First City Officers. The History of Genesee County, MI.
7. The Development of Flint. Historical Collections. By Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society. Published by The Society, 1907. pg. 371.