WILLIAM M. FENTON - b. Norwich, New York, December 19, 1808. After graduating from Hamilton College in 1826 and later embarking on a career as a common seaman, Fenton settled in Pontiac and went into the mercantile business with Robert LeRoy in 1935. Two years later the firm moved to Dibbleville (now Fenton, Michigan) with Fenton and LeRoy platting this town. In 1842, he became a lawyer. He was elected to the State Senate in 1846 and was active in securing the establishment of the Institute for the Deaf Dumb and Blind and its location in Flint. From 1848 to 1852 he was lieutenant governor of Michigan and following his tenure was appointed by President Franklin Pierce as register of the land office in Flint. In 1858 he was elected mayor of Flint. During the Civil War he helped recruit the 7th Michigan Infantry and commanded the 8th Michigan Infantry, serving honorably (2 years) until illness forced him to resign his commission. An unsuccessful gubernatorial bid against fellow Flint citizen H.H. Crapo in 1864 ended his political career with Fenton returning to private business. He constructed the Fenton Block in Flint in 1865 and subsequently guided the organization of the Citizens National Bank in 1871. Col. Fenton was chosen Chief Engineer of the Flint Volunteer Fire Department and his zeal in the performance of his duties resulted in his death from injury on May 12, 1877.