Alfred Washington Hart, son of William (1858-1924) and Rose E. (Peacock) (1858-1933) Hart, was born 9 October 1890, Locke Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  Alfred's parents were both born in England.  In 1880 William wed Rose and in 1888, with 3 children in tow, the family immigrated to the United States settling first in Locke Township.

Alfred was a fraternal twin to Albert George.  By 1900 the Hart family was living in Meridian township and both boys were attending one of the township schools, probably Okemos.  Their father had become employed in the 1890's by the Grand Trunk Railroad Company and tended the Haslett crossing, also acting as crossing tender for the Michigan Electric Railway company in Haslett.  At home the boys and older siblings took over the farm work since their father's job took long hours.

Alfred completed three years of high school.  He would have graduated from Okemos with the class of 1909.  After schooling he hired himself out as a laborer.  On 11 April 1912 he married Pearl Belle Potter in a ceremony held at 1st Baptist Church of Okemos.  Rev. Hudson officiated the ceremony.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 11 April 1912

A marriage license was issued Thursday morning to Alfred W. Hart of Lansing and Pearl Potter of Okemos.

Alfred completed the World War I Draft Registration form 5 June 1917.  He listed his occupation as farmer and was described as medium height, medium build with brown eyes and light hair.  The registrar noted, "lost one eye."  Alfred was not drafted into the war effort.

In 1924 Alfred's father contracted small pox and was dead within a few short days.  The Lansing State Journal published innumerable articles on the virulent 1924 pox outbreak which seemed to be confined to the Haslett, Pine Lake areas in Ingham County.  Roads in and out of the district were closed to the public with 18 cases reported.  State health authorities believed the small pox epidemic originated in Windsor, Ontario.  Although border authorities were insisting upon vaccination of all people crossing from Canada, it was reported that many had "slipped" through.  Mr. Hart was in constant contact with people coming going on the railroad and this is where he may have become infected.  Mr. Hart was interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.

Alfred and Pearl never had children.  In the 1930's Alfred became an ordained minister of the gospel and over the next 50 years he established and was active with Towar Gardens Community Church.  Pearl, born 29 October 1892, died 16 October 1981.  Alfred died 28 September 1985, Eaton County, Michigan.  Alfred and Pearl were interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Monday 30 September 1985

ALFRED W. HART (REV.)

DIMONDALE

Age 94, died September 28, 1985 at a local nursing home.  Rev. Hart served in the active ministry for 50 years, and was Founder and Pastor of Towar Hart Baptist Church.  He is survived by several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Towar Hart Baptist Church with Rev. Veder Bass officiating.  Interment will be in the Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.