STANTON-Michael R. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

STANTON, Michael R., farmer, Sylvania, was born in Guilford County, North Carolina in 1835, and came to this county with his parents when 2 years old, settling in Liberty Township, at which time this part of the county was yet in the green and very sparsely settled. game of all kinds, including deer and turkey, was numerous and the wolves would howl around the cabin nightly. His father, Solomon BORN Stanton, worked hard to clear up his farm, but was taken with milk sickness and died, leaving the widow with four small children to fight the battle of life alone. With indomitable energy she worked early and late to keep her family together, and succeeded in raising them, though in a very frugal manner. At the age of 20 years, Michael responded to the call of his country and enlisted in Co. A, 85th Ind. reg. for 3 years. He served with honor throughout the campaign. At the fight at Thompson's Station he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in the Libby March 4, 1863, and paroled in April following. Though he was there but for about a month, when paroled he was so weak as to be unable to walk without the assistance of his comrades. He served with Sherman in his famous campaign and march to the sea, and was one of the first to enter Atlanta. He was detailed orderly on Gen. Mower's staff and served in that capacity till the close of the war. In 1867, he married Miss Rachel C. RICHARDSON, of Fountain County, daughter of James Richardson, one of the oldest settlers of that county. They have one child, Emma L. Since returning from the war, Mr. Stanton has devoted his time entirely to managing his farm, which he has acquired by hard work and industry. Mr. Stanton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and also of the AF & AM being secretary of the Sylvania Lodge. In politics he is a republican.