Mr. Buswell claims New York as his native state, having been born in Essex County, August 8, 1830, to Jacob and Almina (Everest) Buswell, the father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of New York. The father was a carpenter and joiner by occupation and followed that trade in the Empire State all his life. Our subject was the eldest son of his mother’s second marriage, and moved with her to the Buckeye State when but a boy. There his mother spent her last days, and in the year 1865 our subject removed to Michigan, settled in Ottawa County, and for a period now closely approaching thirty years has been intimately identified with the interests of Ottawa County, his settlement in Grand Haven dating from about 1865. He engaged in the lumbering business with C. E. Wyman, under the firm title of Wyman, Buswell & Co., manufacturers of pine lumber, and continued in this business for a number of years. Up to 1884 he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber, but at that date the mill was burned and Mr. Buswell retired from the business. He is a substantial citizen, and by his superior intelligence and rare business ability and efficiency has been identified with the interests of Grand Haven and interested in its welfare. His business qualifications are of the highest order and he is recognized as one of the leading men of the city.

Our subject has been a Director in the National Bank for several years, is President of the Grand Haven Booming Company, a stockholder and Director in Dake’s Engine Manufacturing Company, of Grand Haven, and President of the Grand Haven Match Company. Formerly a Whig in politics, he now affiliates with the Republican party, and is active in his support of its principles. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Hannah Trotter, a native of Summit County, Ohio, and two children were born to them, Forrest F., and Florence E. The mother of these children died in 1878, in 1886 Mr. Buswell was wedded to Miss Ellen J. Cavanaugh, of Grand Haven. One child, H. W., is the result of this union. Progressive in his ideas and liberal in his support of all worthy movements, he is one of Ottawa County’s most esteemed citizens. Most of his property has been accumulated by his own exertions, and he deserves much credit for his energy and industry.