Andrew J Hatfield. farmer, section 15, Emerson Township, was born in Medina Co., Ohio, July 11, 1839, and was the son of Jacob and Roxie (Houghton) Hatfield, natives of Pennsylvania and Cortland Co., N. Y. The former went to Ohio when seven years old, and lived on a farm in Medina County until 1862, when he moved to Michigan, and came to Gratiot County. He settled first in Newark Township, and then in Bethany Township, where he died Sept. 28, 1870. Mrs. Hatfield was of Puritan ancestry, and when quite young was taken to Medina Co., Ohio, where she was married at the age of 16. She died March 22, 1841, at the age of 20 years, 10 months and 29 days, leaving two children,�Andrew J. (our subject), and L. Catharine (Shelly), who died in Charlotte, this State, in November, 1881.

Andrew worked on his father's farm and obtained an academic education at Seville, Ohio. When 22 years old, he engaged for a short time in teaching. Nov. 25, 1860, in his native county, he was married to Julia, daughter of John and Barbara (Geisinger) Wydeman, natives of Northumberland Co., Pa., and of German descent. They emigrated to Canada, where they were married, and 15 years later they removed to Medina Co., Ohio, where Julia was born, March 28, 1836. She was educated in that county, and lived at home (her father dying April 26, 1850) until her marriage. Two years after that event Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield came to this State and county and located in Newark Township. He purchased 40 acres in that township. May 25, 1864, he engaged with J. M. Kidd, of Ionia, as agent and collector for their fanning-mill establishment. This business he followed for 12 years. In April, 1877, he moved to Emerson Township and located on a farm of 80 acres, partly improved. He has it now nearly all in good cultivation, and has a very fine residence, which cost $3,000.

Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield have a family of three,� Emma E., born May 25, 1861 (married and residing in Grand Rapids); William Forest, born Aug. 24, 1862, and Arthur H., born July 21, 1864. They are members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of Ithaca Lodge, No. 123, F. & A. M. Politically he is a staunch Republican. He has held the office of Deputy Sheriff.