Person Page - 3634

Sackett, Judge Thomas Lorenzo, of Mt. Clemens, a descendant of General Stark, was born at Pittsford, Monroe County, New York, November 2, 1819. He was the son of Ralph and Polly (Stark) Sackett. His education was received in the common schools of Macomb County, Michigan. He was thrown upon his own resources in boyhood, and early developed self-reliance and independence. He possesed a mechanical genius; and, for a few years, worked at the carpenter's trade. Immediately after leaving school, he contracted to build certain bridges over the Clinton River, near Mt. Clemens; and then undertook the manufacture od suction pumps, at Frederick, Michigan, and at Dayton, Ohio. He was a Whig; but, on the organization of the Republican party, he joined its ranks, and remained a steadfast worker in its interests until his death. In 1864 he was elected Register of Deeds for Macomb County, and was re-elected in 1866. In 1868 he was elected, on the Republican ticket, Judge of Probate; and held that position at the time of his death, which occurred in 1875. He was repeatedly Supervisor of his town—his superior knowledge and experience of values rendering him a popular candidate for the office. He was an efficient and diligent public servant. As Judge of Probate, he was the friend of the widow, and gave his advice and shaped his decisions, as far as possible, in her favor. His hand was always open to the poor; his whole life was one of charitable acts. He never questioned any one who applied to him for assistance, and lent his credit without hesitation whenever the favor was asked; yet such was his industry and good judgement, that he left a competence for his family. He was a warm friend—any person possessing his confidence could command all he possessed. Quiet and reserved in all his habits, he despised any thing like show in conduct or personal attire. He was very social and fond of games; particularly draughts, which he played with remarkable skill. After a year of suffering, he died of heart-disease. His funeral was attended by the civic societies and the people at large. Members of a German Workingmen's Society, bearing flags draped in mourning, were present in the procession. One motto which they carried, "Honor to him who has earned it," was at the last moment, laid by loving hands upon his coffin, and lowered into the grave. February 6, 1855, Judge Sackett married Mary Bingham, of Perry, New York.

—American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men, Michigan

Melancholy Occurrence.—On Sunday last, two young men, one of them named Benjamin Sackett, a brother of Thomas Sacket, of Frederick, the other named Little, were hunting wild turkies near the residence of Mr. Cambell; the former, while in the bushes, attempting to call the turkies by imitating them, was mistaken for one by Little, and shot at, the ball striking him in the breast. He has since died from the effects of the wound.—Mt. Clemens Pat.

—Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Michigan, 16 Oct 1847, p 2

[George] Bonney was, during the war of the rebellion, a member of Co. D, 47th Ohio Volunteers. He served three years, participating in many engagements. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, he was wounded in the side. He marched with Sherman from "Atlanta to the Sea," and holds a Congressional medal of honor, which was honestly won. It is needless to add that he was a brave soldier and true patriot.

—Weygant, The Sacketts of America

[Byron] enlisted in Co. D, 47th Regt. of Ohio Vols., in 1861, and served for three years and three months, as corporal and sergeant, participating in siege of Vicksburgh and a score of battles and skirmishes.

—Weygant, The Sacketts of America