My Genealogy Hound

Hon. Charles B. Boughner, one of the most prominent and enterprising farmers of Oakland County, Michigan, owning one of the largest and finest tilled farms in the county, consisting of 250 acres in section 27, West Bloomfield township, has achieved great success in all enterprises which he has undertaken, and has held several prominent positions, which he efficiently filled. He was born in Flemington, New Jersey, in 1825, and is a son of Martin and Catherine (Swallow) Boughner.

Martin Boughner was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 1795, and was a son of Jacob Boughner, who was a pioneer settler of Pennsylvania. After a thorough schooling, he took up the trade of weaving and followed it for a number of years in his native State. In 1835 he removed with his family to Monroe County, Michigan, and two years later (in 1837) settled in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. His wife, Catherine Swallow, was a daughter of John and Ann (Case) Swallow, of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Swallow came to Oakland County in 1836, one year after their daughter, Mrs. Boughner, came with her husband and family. Mr. Boughner died in 1867, and his wife in 1878.

Charles B. Boughner was 11 years of age when his parents moved to Michigan. The most of his schooling was therefore received in the public schools of West Bloomfield township. After completing his education he secured a position as teacher, which he filled during the winters and in the summer months worked on different farms. In 1851 he purchased his first farm with the money he had accumulated by his early industry, the property consisting of 50 acres in West Bloomfield township, and at this period began his successful career as a farmer. Since that time he has added 200 acres to the original purchase, and has at present one of the finest farms in Michigan.

Politically Mr. Boughner is a Democrat, and has held several responsible positions. He was township clerk for a number of years and held the office of supervisor for 12 consecutive years, then retired for four years, and later again accepted the position for two years more. In 1890 he was elected State Senator, which position he efficiently filled for two terms. He was married in 1852 to Sophronia Harger, whose family history will be found in the sketch of Douglas Harger that appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Boughner is still actively engaged in superintending his farm, where he raises stock and conducts general farming operations.