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Pg. 182, cont. 183
Andrew Breakley, farmer, on sec. 11, Hinton Tp., P.O., Altona, was born at Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 23, 1844. His parents, Andrew and Catharine (Crass) Breakley, were natives respectively of Ireland and Canada and removed to New York prior to their marriage, which took place in that city. Three years after, Andrew Breakley Sr., moved with his family to the city of Rochester, N.Y., where he was employed by the contractors of the ERie Canal as a stone mason. Mr. Breakley, Sr., was employed in his native country in peddling dry goods and linens and early in his life was a companion of A. T. Stewart. Himself and wife died in Rochester.
Until he was 16 years of age, the subject of this sketch attended the public schools of Rochester. He began to prepare for the business of a boat-calker and was so employed three years. The work was so sever and the manager so exacting that the proprietor himself remarked that "that fellow would not say a week;" but he persisted and managed to accomplish his businsess to the entire satisfaction of the parties interested. In 1861 he went to Canada on a visit, but concluded to remain there and was in the employ of his brother in-law for nearly four years. He visited the city of New York and his old home at Rochester, and in the summer of 1866 came to Mecosta, Mi., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land in Hinton Tp., where he built a log house and began his career as a pioneer. Later on he added 40 acres to his original purchase and now owns a fire farm of 80 acres, with 50 acres under first-class improvements. He also owns 40 acres in Millbrook Tp.
Mr. Breakley has been Constable of Hinton Tp. for nine years, School Inspector two years, Highway Commissioner two years, Town Treasurer two years and in the spring of 1880 was elected Justice of the Peace, and Supervisor in the spring of 1883, of which positions he is the present incumbent. He has been School Director six years, and is identified with the issues and interests of the Democratic party; himself and wife are formerly communicants of the English Church.
Mr. Breakley was married in Canada, July 19, 1864, to Matilda, fourth daughter of James N. and Catherine (Flannagan) Decker. The father was a native of the State of New York, and the mother of Canada, and are now residents of Hinton Tp. Mr. and Mrs. Breakley have had six children - James G., born Nov. 18, 1867; Andrew N., July 15, 1872; Edward and Edwin (twins), July 15, 1874; Nellie, Jan. 5, 1880. Ella was born Aug. 9, 1869 and died Oct. 11, 1870.
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