My Genealogy Hound

Hannibal C. English, one of the prominent citizens of South Lyon, Lyon township, Oakland County, and an honored survivor of the Civil War, was born in Tompkins County, New York, April 18, 1837. He is a son of Jacob R. and Jane (Updike) English, both of whom were born in New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob R. English removed to Stark County, Ohio, when our subject was but two years of age, remaining there for 14 years and then coming to Jackson County, Michigan. They were the parents of these children: Hannibal C., of this sketch; Sidney, residing near Jackson, Michigan, who was married to Elvira Bowen; Caroline, who married William Miller, and resides at Jackson, Mr. Miller having died in the army during the Civil War; Minerva, who married Merrill Putnam; Matilda, who married Daniel Updike; Hope, who married George Mills and lives in Kansas; Betsey, who married George Quick and resides near Jackson; and Sarah, who died at the age of 10 years.

Hannibal C. English remained at home until about 24 years of age, attending school, assisting his father and later entering upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter’s trade. He was fast learning the details of carpenter work, when the outbreak of the Civil War aroused in him a loyal feeling and excited a military spirit which he perhaps inherited from both his grandfathers who faithfully served their country in the War of 1812. Mr. English became one of that grand army of the very flower of the land who with one impulse arose in defense of their country’s flag and what it means. At Jackson, Michigan, on September 26, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, First Battalion, 12th United States Infantry, First Brigade, Second Division, 5th Army Corps, entering as a private, and being later promoted to the rank of corporal. On April 1, 1863, near Bull Run, he was detailed as color guard, a dangerous but most honorable position, which he filled until his discharge, September 22, 1864. Mr. English participated in many fearful battles, including Yorktown, Harrison Landing, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Snicker’s Gap, Middleburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Shady Grove, North Ann River, South Ann River. Rapidan, Weldon Railroad and Gettysburg. It could scarcely be possible that a soldier should pass through so much imminent danger without injury, and Mr. English still bears the marks and effects of wounds. At the battle of the Wilderness, not mentioned in the above list, he received a gunshot wound in the left arm which sent him to the brigade hospital on the field for three weeks and he was confined five weeks in a hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, with throat trouble. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and at present is serving as quartermaster of Stanwell Post, No. 456. After the close of his army service, Mr. English returned to Michigan and resumed his interrupted trade. This he still follows, having done much of the building in South Lyon.

On June 10, 1870, Mr. English was united in marriage with Harriet Letts, who was born at South Lyon Michigan, August 24, 1847, and is a daughter of Obediah and Mary (Ingersoll) Letts, both deceased. A family of eight children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. English, namely: Millie, Maud (deceased), Clarence, Jennie, Jay, Alice (deceased), Wesley (deceased) and Myra.

Politically Mr. English is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason. Both as business man and as citizen he is held in high esteem and is considered one of the substantial, representative men of South Lyon.