The life of this man aptly illustrates the truthfulness of the maxim, " Where there is a will there is a way." Born October 8, 1817, at Baptisttown, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, Mansfield J. Park is the oldest son and fourth child of James and Rachael Park

His parents were in poor circumstances, and when our subject was but ten years of age he was thrown upon his own resources. Instead of repining at his lot he sought a situation as a farm laborer, and worked wherever employment could be found until he was twenty years old. Believing that "whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing," he sought the hand of Miss N. C. Myers, of Warren county, New Jersey, and married her before he had yet attained his majority. He now removed to Sussex county. New Jersey, where he conducted a farm and dairy for a number of years. Having accumulated a little capital, he resolved to go where it would yield him the best returns. The fame of Michigan was then sounded abroad in his native State, and he determined to come hither. In May, 1853, he became a resident of the State, and the year following settled upon his present place, section 28, township of Oxford. Here he has resided ever since, accumulating property, and by the practice of industry and economy has become the owner of a large farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Park have been blessed with a number of children, of whom six survive to share with their parents the fruits of their early labors and judicious management.