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| Report of the Pioneer Society of the State of Michigan Vol. XIV, 1890 Lansing, Michigan W. S. George & Co., State Printers & Binders Page 59 - 60 BAY COUNTY |
| Richard Prosper Gustin was born in the county of Middlesex, Ontario, March 18, 1837. He was the son of Eliphalet and Sarah Ann (Edwards) Gustin. He received a grammar school education in Canada, and spent one year at the Michigan University. In 1861 he visited Charleston, West Virginia, then the headquarters of General Cox, and entered the service with Capt. M. D. W. Loomis, acting quartermaster, who was then chief quartermaster on General Cox's staff. From Charleston he was ordered, under Captain Loomis, to New Creek, Va., the base of General Fremont's operations in that Statae. At that time New Creek was a small station on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, twenty-one miles from Cumberland Ford. On Captain Loomis' arrival he found nothing to shelter or supply an army, and so telegraphed to Colonel Clary, chief quartermaster. He replied: "Create a post". |
| The command was literally obeyed, and within
three weeks everything necessary for the wants of a vast army was ready.
Mr. Gustin was detailed to relieve Captain Harrison, at Cumberland, of
quartermaster's stores, camp and garrison equipage, and transportation, and
forward them to New Creek. Afterward he was at General Sigel's
headquarters and served as chief clerk to Captain Loomis and J. G. C. Lee,
acting as quartermaster at Hope Landing, on Aquia creek, Warrentown
Junction, and Alexandria. Subsequently he served in the
quartermaster general's office, on reports, returns and roster.
In October, 1863, he was appointed auditor and attorney for the
quartermaster's department, at Baltimore, Maryland. In 1865 he
resigned the position and opened a United States claim office in Baltimore.
Being thoroughly posted in all branches of the United States Service, his
business was a success. He invested large amount of money for
private banks and individuals, for whom he never lost a dollar.
In April, 1866, he visited Bay City and concluded that the future would be a
bright one. He returned to Baltimore, sold his business and removed to
Bay City to engage in the wholesale grocery business. Mr. Gustin at first transacted business alone, and afterward with a partner, in the firm known as Gustin & Co., whose place of business was in the Griswold block. This was succeeded by Gustin & Merrill, which partnership lasted until January 1, 1886, when , by the admission of Eugene Fifield, the firm became Gustin, Merrill & Co. About three years ago Mr. Gustin retired from the grocery business to give closer attention to his lumbering interests in Alcona county. Some six months later he opened another wholesale store on Adams street, opposite the F. & P. M. freight depot, which business is still carried on. Deceased was largely interested in the lumber business in and about Killmaster, Alcona county, and he was also president of the Alcona gas and oil company. In politics, he was a republican, and six years ago was elected alderman in the second ward, which was democratic by a large majority. The death of Mr. Gustin was a surprise to all his acquaintances. On Sunday, February 17, he was taken sick, but the following Wednesday, feeling much better, he went to his place of business. Thursday he suffered a relapse, and Friday, calling his wife and family about him, said that he was going to die. He realized that he could not recover. He grew gradually worse until death took place, February 25, 1889. He was conscious until within an hour of the time he breathed his last. Mr. Gustin was married to Rachel Smith, daughter of Hon. Henry Killmaster, of Norfolk County, Ontario, October 19, 1863. He leaves a widow and six children. |
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