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ALBERT C. VREDENBERG general farmer and stock-raiser, section l3, Lincoln Township, was born in Ingham Co., Mich., April 4, 1846. His father, George W., was a native of Newark, N. J. of German parentage, was a farmer, and died in Jackson Co., Mich., June 17, 1863; his mother Rebecca (nee Williams) Vredenberg, was a native of New England, of English descent, and died in Pennsylvania in 1852.

Albert C., the second son in the above family of four children, was three years old when his parents moved from this state to Pennsylvania. They lived six years in Jefferson County, Pa., during which time his mother died, and he came with his father to Jackson, Mich. in 1855, settling near the city. Here young Albert received a good education. When he was sixteen years old his father died, and when eighteen he threw himself into the jaws of death for the salvation of his native land. He enlisted in Co. G. 29^th Mich. Vol. Inf., Sept. 9, 1864, Commanded by Col. Saylor, of the Army of the Cumberland. He was in the battles of Decatur, Alabama, November and December, 1864, of Murfreeboro, Tenn., and many others. During his term of service he was promoted Corporal and was honorably discharged September 20, 1865.

He then made a tour through Wisconsin, came to Shepherd, Michigan and purchased a quarter of section 14, Lincoln Township, made some improvements upon it and sold it. Previously, however, he had bought eighty acres on sections 13 and 14, to which he had added fifty acres by purchase and the whole hundred and thirty acres are in a good state of cultivation. He has three large stock and grain barns, which cost nearly $15,000 and his large residence cost $1,300.

Mr. V. is a member of the G. A. R. post at Salt River, holding now the office of Surgeon. In his township he has been Highway Commissioner, Supervisor two years, and held minor offices. With regard to national questions he votes with the Republicans.

November 12, 1866 at Mt. Pleasant, Mr. V. married Miss Martha Cole, daughter of Benjamin and Eunice (Calkins) Cole, the latter being natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, of English ancestry. They were early residents of Lincoln Township. The father, a farmer died in June 1877, aged 69; the mother is still living at the age of 68 at Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. V. was born in Ohio October 8, 1849. When she was two years old her parents moved to Allen County, Indiana, and 1866 to Michigan where she has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. V. have four children, namely George H. born Nov. 21, 1868; Perry H. born Aug. 29, 1872; Mary A. born Oct. 5, 1877 and Fanny M. born Sept. 29, 1879.

Copied from 1884 Isabella County Autobiography