Daniel S. Bacon


Daniel Stanton Bacon was a Michigan politician and judge. He was the father of Elizabeth Bacon Custer, wife and later widow of General George Armstrong Custer.

Early life

Daniel S. Bacon was born on December 12, 1798 in Onondaga County, New York to parents Leonard and Elizabeth Stanton Bacon. Daniel later moved to Michigan, and settled in Monroe, Michigan.

Career

In 1822, Bacon taught school on the River Raisin. Bacon engaged in a number of different businesses with his partner, Levi S. Humphrey. One business Bacon engaged in was being a practicing lawyer. Bacon served as a member of the Michigan Territorial Council representing the 5th district from 1832 to 1835. On November 5, 1838, Bacon was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives representing the Monroe County district from January 7, 1839 to April 20, 1839. Bacon served as a probate judge for a number of years. He also served as president of a bank in Monroe, and as director of the Michigan Southern Railroad Company.

Personal life

Bacon first married Eleanor Sophia Page. Bacon had four children with Eleanor, including Elizabeth Bacon Custer, an author and the wife of General George Armstrong Custer. Bacon was widowed upon Eleanor's death on August 12, 1854. In 1855, Bacon was remarried to Rhoda Pitts Wells.

Death

Bacon died on May 18, 1866 in Monroe. He was interred at Woodland Cemetery.