JOHN BUZZA WHITFORD

Reverend JOHN BUZZA WHITFORD, a prominent clergyman of the Methodist Church, a man of letters, learning and eloquence, a favorite lecturer and experienced editor, has been the pastor of the church at Lake Linden, Houghton County, Michigan, since the autumn of 1899. Mr. Whitford was born at Carharrack, Cornwall, England, October 28, 1856, and is a son of the late William and Jane (Buzza) Whitford, both of whom were also born in Cornwall. William Whitford, who was a miner by occupation, came to the United States in 1865 to follow his vocation. This he did for some time in Ontonagon County, Michigan, and then removed to the State of Maine, later returning to England, where he died in 1891, aged 72 years. He was a member of the Wesleyan Church, as was also his wife, who died in 1878, at the age of 56 years. She was a very superior woman, devoted to her church, family and home. Mr. Whitford was an accomplished musician, and this combination of character and talent gave their children superior mental advantages, which became apparent in all their lives. These children were: Mary Jane, the wife of Rev. Stephen Whitford, of Bowesmont, North Dakota; John Buzza, of this sketch; William, an official stenographer for several medical associations in Chicago and official reporter for prominent medical journals; and Eliza Ann, the widow of John Mitchell, now living in Cornwall. Rev. Mr. Whitford attended both common and private schools in Cornwall. While attending the latter he attracted the attention and fell under the influence of Canon Saltern Rogers, and under his supervision passed through a course of systematic instruction in theology and divinity.

After coming to the United States in 1879 he took a four years' course in theology in California and at Helena, Montana, was ordained deacon, in 1884, by Bishop Kavanaugh. Rev. Mr. Whitford's labors in Montana had commenced 'in 1880, and he remained there until 1887, being ordained elder by Bishop John C. Granberry at Stevensville. In 1888 he came to, Michigan, and in the following year joined the Detroit Conference. He remained five years at his first pastorate in the State, at Oxford, Oakland County, spent one year at Saginaw, four years at Cairo and in September, 1899, moved to Lake Linden, where he has continued ever since. Rev. Mr. Whitford is not only a hard worker and vigorous preacher, but he is also a ready writer and is a valued contributor to The Homiletic Review, The Preacher's Magazine, The Treasury and The Pulpit, having contributed a sermon monthly to the last named journal for a number of years. He has made a diligent study of the Italian language and has given especial attention to Italian poetry. He is an authority on: Italian history and literature and is recognized as an able exponent of the beauties of Dante. His three lectures covering the three sections of the "Divina Commedia," which have been delivered before college and literary societies, have called forth most flattering testimonials from men of letters.

On October 15, 1889, Rev. Mr. Whitford was united in marriage with Elizabeth Bowman, who was born in 1858, in Rochester, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Stewart K. and Effie (Buttz) Bowman, both members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Whitford is a Republican in political sentiment and takes an intelligent man's interest in public affairs.

Source: Biographical Record, Houghton, Baraga and Marquette Counties.  Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1903.