Pages 304-305

Isaiah Hatfield, farmer, section 36, Newark Township, is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Franks) Hatfield, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania. After their marriage, they located in Wayne Co., Ohio, where they resided more than 30 years. Their family comprised five sons and two daughters, named as follows: William, Michael, George, Jacob, Isaiah, Charlotte and Sally. Late in life, the parents moved to Medina Co., O., to reside with their youngest son, and there lived till the father's death. The mother returned to Wayne County, where she died.

Mr. Hatfield was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, April 28, 1822. He left home at the age of 16, and engaged in farming, afterwards becoming interested in managing threshing-machines, which business he pursued nearly six years. In 1853, associated with his brother Jacob, he went to the State of Iowa and bought 590 acres of land, which they sold after one season, and returned to Ohio. They bought 170 acres of land in Medina County, and held its proprietorship seven years. Mr. Hatfield sold his interest therein in the spring of 1861, and came to Michigan. He bought 80 acres of unimproved land in Newark Township, and disposed later of 40 acres. All but eight acres of the remaining moiety are cleared and under cultivation. He is independent in political sentiment and action, and has occupied the various school offices in his district. He is connected by membership with the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Hatfield was married Aug. 30, 1848, to Mrs. Polly (Weidman) Shank, widow of Michael Shank, and daughter of John and Barbara Weidman. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and after their marriage removed to Canada, where the daughter was born Feb. 27, 1821. But one of three children born of her first marriage survives, Mariette. The others were named John and Henry. Three children have been born of her marriage with Mr. Hatfield : Teresa, May 16, 1856; Adam P., born July 18, 1849, and died March 24, 1850; George, born Feb. 2, 1850, and died Sept. 16, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield are members of the Church of United Brethren. Mr. H. was for 30 years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has for four years been a minister in the Church to which he now belongs.