My City February 2023

The Begole family even purchased slaves whenever they could to immediately release them.This mindset settled in Josiah Be gole and his home became the center of the underground railroad and abolitionist movement in Flint before and during the Civil War.The home stood for equality and freedom even later as Begole, then state senator in 1870 fought for women’s rights as a member of the Flint Women’s Suffrage Association and as vice president of the Michigan Equal Suffrage Association. The Begole Family held the home until 1928 after which it remained empty and was scheduled for demolition before E. M. Cumings took possession in 1930. Not wanting to destroy the history of the home, Cumings made the decision to move the house from the center of the growing and bustling city. It was subsequently cut in half and rebuilt at its current location.The house then cycled through a variety of owners, most notably Charles Tutt, Dean of Engineering at (GMI) Kettering University.

Robert P. Aitken Farm House 1110 N. Linden Rd., Flint Built: Circa 1843

peers through its grandiose design and style. It was said that the cupola could be seen from miles away and it was a place Aitken routinely visited to gaze out upon his land. He became a big supporter of the city and was elected Flint Township Supervi sor, a role he would fill for over 30 years. He also served as the secretary of the Genesee County Fire Insurance Company and as representative in the Michigan legislature. His son, David D. Aitken grew up in the house and became Flint City Attorney, Flint Mayor, and U. S. Representative from 1893-97. Robert P. Aitken died in 1905 and is buried in Glenwood Cemetery. ß

Born in Perth, New York in 1819 Robert P. Aitken moved to Flint Township in 1842. After purchasing a large tract of land in Flint Township, he established a very lucrative farm and built his home in 1843. A unique two-story construction with a hip roof and a cupola, the home stood out amongst its

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