7' -

-I I

(1j

-1 V/
v V,

1%,

\1111,j b-4
Y\' N (

0
10

I. - v K Z,-I, / /,

2&lt;17&lt; &lt;/'~ 7&lt;

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
THIS VOLUME CONTAINS
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF
LEADING CITIZENS
OF

OAKLAND COUNTY
MICHIGAN
"Biography is the only true history."-Emerson
BIOGRAPHICAL PVBLISHING COMPANY
GEORGE RICHMOND, PRES'T. C. R. ARNOLD, SEC'Y AND TREAS.
Chicago, Illinois
1903

PREFACE
Having brought to a successful termination our labors in Oakland
County in compiling and editing the sketches herein contained, we desire, in
presenting this Biographical Record to our patrons, to make a few remarks,
necessarily brief, in regard to the value and importance of local works of
this nature. We agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that "Biography is the
only True History," and also are of the opinion that a collection of biographies of the leading men of a nation would give a more interesting, as well
as authentic, history of their country than any other that could be written.
The value of such at production as this cannot be too highly estimated. With
each succeeding year the haze of Obscurity removes more and more from
our view the fast disappearing landmarks of the past. Oblivion sprinkles
her dust of forgetfulness on men and their deeds, effectually concealing them
from the public eye, and because of the many living objects that claim our
attention, few of those who have been removed from the busy world remain
long in our memory. Even the glorious achievements of the present age
may not insure it from being lost in the glare of greater things to come, and
so it is manifestly a duty to posterity for the men of the present time to preserve a record of their lives and a story of their progress fromn low and
humble beginnings to great and noble deeds, in order that future generations
may read the account of their successful struggles, and profit by their example.
A local history affords the best means of preserving ancestral history, and it
also becomes, immediately upon its publication, a ready book of reference for
those who have occasion to seek biographical data of the leading and early
settled families. Names, dates and events are not easily remembered by the
average man, so it behooves the generations now living, who wish to live in
the memory of their descendants, to write their own records, making them full
and broad in scope, and minute in detail, and insure their preservation by
having them put in printed form. We firmly believe that in these collated

PREFACE.

memoirs will be found as faithful a record of Oakland County as may be
~obtained anywhere, for the very sufficient reason that its growth and development are identified with that of the men who have made it what it is to-daythe representative, leading men, whose personal sketches it has been a pleasure
to us to write and give a place in this volume. From the time when the hand,of civilized man had not yet violated the virgin soil with desecrating plough,
nor with the ever-ready frontiersman's ax felled the noble, almost limitless,
forests, to the present period of activity in all branches of industry, we may
read in the histories of the county's leading men, and of their ancestors, the
steady growth and development that has been going on here for nearly a
century and bids fair to continue for centuries to come. A hundred years
from now whatever records of the present time are then extant, having withstood the ravages of time and the ceaseless war of the elements, will be viewed,
with an absorbing interest, equaling, if not surpassing, that which is taken
to-day in the history of the early settlements of America.
It has been our purpose in the preparation of this work to pass over no
phase or portion of it slightly, but to give attention to the smallest points, and
thus invest it with an air of accuracy, to be obtained in no other way. The
result has amply justified the care that has been taken, for it is our honest
belief that no more reliable production, under the circumstances, could have
been compiled.
One feature of this swork, to which we have given special prominence,
and which we are sure will prove of extraordinary interest, is the collection
of portraits of the representative and leading citizens which appear throughout
the volume. We have tried to represent the different spheres of industrial and
professional activity as well as we might. To those who have been so uniformly obliging and have kindly interested themselves in the success of this
work, volunteering information and data which have been very helpful to us
in preparing this volume, we desire to express our grateful and profound
acknowledgment of their valued services.
Chicago, Illinois, November, I903. THE PUBLISHERS.

NOTE.
All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted
to their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom the facts were
primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press;
and a reasonable time was allowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted,
or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised; and these
may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate.
A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no means of
knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot vouch for their
accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable
for reference purposes, we have indicated these uncorrected sketches by a
small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject.
They will all be found on the last pages of the book.
'IOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
OF
OAKLAND COUNTY

I ICHIGAN

AUGUSTUS ALBE LULL

Biographical Record
OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
AUGUSTUS ALBE LULL.
AUGUSTUS ALBE LULL, one of the pioneer residents and business men of
Pontiac, Oakland county, Michigan, is a well known capitalist of the city,
having large investments in real estate and various business concerns. He
is a vigorous man, of mental strength and activity, although 86 years of age,
and since 1836 has been a resident of Pontiac.
Mr. Lull was born in Hartland, Windsor County, Vermont, and is a son
of Albe and Mary Levina (Cabot) Lull, being a descendant on his mother's
side from Sebastian Cabot. His father, who was born December 7, 1792, and
who was a general merchant of Hartland, Vermont, came west and died at
what is now Bay City, Michigan, in 1838. His wife died in Vermont.
At the age of 19 years, in 1836, A. A. Lull came to Pontiac, and clerked
in the dry goods store of Seth Beach, one of the earliest and best merchants;
of Pontiac. In the spring of 184I, he established a dry goods store with
Albert F. Draper, under the firm name of Lull &amp; Draper, conducting the store
where the Palace Drug Store now is situated. In 1843, with H. N. Howard,
1

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he erected a new flouring mill on the site of the old Pontiac Mill, and conducted
it along with the mercantile business for some years, the property then passing
into the hands of Matthews &amp; Beach. Mr. Lull sold out the dry goods business
September 30, 1865, to enter the field of banking. With Theron A. Flower
and Stephen Baldwin, and Willard M. McConnell he organized the Second
National Bank of Pontiac, which opened its doors for business in October,
I865, with Mr. Flower as president, and our subject as cashier. Mr. Lull
served as cashier during the 20 years of its charter as a national bank, and upon
its re-organization in I885, as the Pontiac National Bank, became its president
and served as such nearly six years, his nephew Albe Lull being cashier. He
resigned the presidency January I, I89I, and was succeeded by William G.
Hinman, now deceased. Mr. Lull was cashier and had the management of
the bank during the panic of I873, and it is greatly to his credit that the bank
was one of the few in the State and the only one in the county to keep its doors
open and pay its accounts in full. The Pontiac National Bank was succeeded
by the Pontiac Savings Bank, which purchased the old building and assumed
the business of the old bank. Mr. Lull is now largely interested in real estate
and other interests. He is a stockholder and director of the Pontiac Wheel
Company, one of the growing vehicle industries of the city, and his nephew
Albe Lull is secretary, treasurer and general manager. He was the first
treasurer of the Eastern Michigan Asylum and held that office for several
years. He was also one of the directors of the City Water Board which established the water works at Pontiac,-a fine plant of which any city might justly
be proud. Mr. Lull has resided at his present location at the corner of
Williams and Pike streets since 1846, and in i86I built his present comfortable
home.
Mr. Lull was married October 12, 1841, to Clerissa G. Elliott, a daughter
of Charles Elliott, a farmer who located at Pontiac as early as I838. Charles
Elliott came from Litchfield, Connecticut. He and his wife reared a large
family, among them being: W. G., a physician, formerly located in Pontiac,
but now a resident of Holly Springs, Mississippi; Richard H., a druggist
who died at Pontiac; Clerissa G. (Mrs. Lull); and a daughter who married
Dr. Isaac Paddock of Pontiac, who has a son practicing medicine in New
York City. All but one of the daughters are deceased, Mrs. Lull dying May
25, I890. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and prior to the organization
of that party was a Whig. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Church, of which he has been trustee for over 40 years, and elder for the past
38 years. His portrait accompanies this sketch, being presented on a foregoing
page.
REV. DANIEL C. JACOKES, M. A., S. T. D.
REV. DANIEL C. JACOKES, M. A., S. T. D., who was well known throughout the State of Michigan for the great and good work he accomplished as a
minister of the Gospel and through his connection with the State Board of
Corrections and Charities, was a resident of Pontiac for many years and was
living in this city at the time of his death.
Daniel C. Jacokes was born in Charleston, Montgomery County, New
York, April 15, I813, and was the eldest of four children born to Samuel and
Catherine (Hood) Jacokes, both natives of New York State. Catherine
Jacokes was a woman of marked ability and strength of character, and
possessed a clear and active mind with strong convictions as to religion and
morals. When her oldest son was eight years old, he was consecrated by her
to the ministry, as were his two brothers later; with the settled purpose of
becoming a clergyman, he marked out by her advice a course of study to continue the following 30 years, at the expiration of which time he was to buy
new books on all subjects and review his studies. This he afterward did,
twice. It is remarkable that the three sons should have followed with such
exactness the course laid out by their mother.
Rev. D. C. Jacokes prepared for college at a select school, then for three
years attended Geneva College (now Hobart College) at Geneva, New York.
In 1828 he made a trip west, spending one year in Michigan, then returned to
Geneva, New York, where he was married in I832. With his wife, he later
returned to Michigan and for six years was located at Detroit, then moved to
Lodi township, Washtenaw County, where his father had located. There he
spent two years at his studies in preparation for the ministry and in I840
joined the Michigan Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first
assignment was to the Farmington circuit, in Oakland County, a district
covering a wide range, and here he remained a year. He then moved to the
Lake Superior region and took charge of the Indian missions, continuing in

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

this interesting work until I845. His subsequent appointments, for a period
of two years, each, follow in order: Grass Lake, Girard, Northville, Mount
Clemens, Port Huron, Pontiac, Trenton, and Detroit. On the breaking out
of the war, he was appointed chaplain of the 5th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf.,
and experienced the hardships of the Peninsula campaign. He resigned after
one year and was assigned to the church at Dexter, where he remained three
years, then returned to Pontiac and had charge of the church for a like period.
In I868 he was made presiding elder of the Adrian district for a term of four
years, and afterward was pastor of the church at Hudson until 1876. Owing
to the failure of his wife's health, he returned to Pontiac where he continued to
reside until his death. About the year 1853 the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by Wesleyan University of Middleton, Connecticut, and in
I87I he was made Doctor of Sacred Theology by Ohio Wesleyan University.
In September, 1875, Mr. Jacokes was requested by Governor Bagley to accept
the position of commissioner of education of Michigan for the educational
exhibit at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. Upon becoming
convinced of the practicability of the enterprise, he accepted the position and
directed his efforts to the task. To detail the plan originated by him would be
impossible here; suffice it to say that it gave a full and comprehensive exposition
of the educational system of Michigan. IHe devised a plan for the arrangement,
in compact and accessible form, of all the material needed for a study of the
educational system of the State. His plan was adopted by the Centennial
Board and sent to all States and nations for their guidance in their exhibits.
Foreign commissioners spent whole days in examining and copying from the
volumes and diagrams displayed. Much of the credit which Michigan received for this splendid exhibit is due to the energy and wisdom of Dr. Jacokes.
In I877, he was appointed a member of the State Board of Health and served
as such six years, and also in I877 was appointed by the Governor of Michigan
as agent of the State Board of Corrections and Charities for Oakland County,
a position he was filling at the time of his death. From 1878 he was chaplain
of the Eastern Michigan Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac, his culture and
great kindness of heart eminently fitting him for the work. He became an
active member of the American Public Health Association in 1882.
In 1832, Dr. Jacokes was joined in marriage with Mary Ann Slarrow,
who was born in Geneva, Ontario County, New York, by whom he had one
son, Hon. James A. Jacokes, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

They also had an adopted daughter, Mrs. William Park of Trenton, Michigan.
Dr. Jacokes spent a long life in the steady pursuit of knowledge and never
considered his education completed. I-He had in addition to his theological
studies given considerable attention to the study of astronomy and the sciences,
and his research into almost every branch of learning was profound. He had
a remarkable constitution, enabling him to do the work of three ordinary men,
and he could not remember the time when he had devoted more than a few
hours out of the 24 to slumber. He was seen on all except the very coldest
winter days, attending to his outdoor duties without overcoat or other additional wraps on. His reputation throughout the state was an enviable one.
Full of charity and thought for others, he had hosts of friends wherever
his work led him, while his sound judgment and sterling character won him a
place in the front rank of men of refinement and education.
GOODMAN JACOBS.
GOODMAN JACOBS, deceased, for many years a prominent merchant of
Pontiac and at the time of his death vice-president and a director df the First
Commercial Bank, was one of the leading business men of the county, and in
his death, which occurred in July, 1903, the city lost one of its most substantial citizens.
Mr. Jacobs was born in the North of Norway, and was io years old
when his parents brought him to this country and located in the State of
Illinois, where he attended the district schools. He later removed to Minnesota,
and in 1849 caught the gold fever and made his way across the plains to
California. He worked at mining with considerable success, and also did a
small banking business, buying gold dust. He remained in the West for a
period of Io years, then came to Michigan in 1859 and located at Pontiac.
He bought a farm near the city and worked it a couple of years, then moved
to town and engaged in the hardware business on Saginaw street, between
Pike and Lawrence streets, as.a member of the firm of Norton &amp; Jacobs., He

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

continued in this business for some I5 years when he practically retired from
business activity. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank,.
now known as the First Commercial Bank, in 1864, and was one of its first
directors. He continued as director of the bank from its inception until his
death and was also its vice-president for many years.
Goodman Jacobs married a daughter of James Holden, one of the pioneer
citizens of Oakland County. She accompanied her sister to California and it
was there she met and was married to Mr. Jacobs, by whom she had two
sons: H. L. Jacobs, who is now manager of the Union Buggy Company of
Pontiac; and Frank G. Jacobs, cashier of the First Commercial Bank of
Pontiac. Our subject was an active Republican in politics, and for a number
of years served as alderman. Fraternally, he was an Odd Fellow and filled
the various chairs, also belonging to the Encampment. He was a faithful
member of the Presbyterian Church and for a number of years was a member
of the board of trustees.
HON. FRANKLIN B. GALBRAITH, M. D.
HON. FRANKLIN B. GALBRAITH, M. D., one of the most prominent
citizens of Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan, who was distinguished both
as a statesman and physician and surgeon, died in Pontiac February 21, I90o.
Dr. Galbraith was born near Port Huron, Sanilac County, Michigan,
December 26, I840, and came of honorable and substantial ancestry. His
grandfather, John Galbraith, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and later became a resident of Canada, where his son, the father of our subject, Dr. John
Galbraith, was born and where he married Nancy Humphrey, who was also
of Canadian birth, but of Irish ancestry. Dr. John Galbraith was for many
years a practicing physician in Sanilac County, Michigan, where he died in
I880. The mother of Dr. Galbraith passed away in 1878. The parental
family comprised seven children. One son, A. G. Galbraith, was a soldier
in the Civil War and was captain of the 22nd Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf.;
he underwent all of the horrors of war, was wounded at the battle of Chattanooga and lay for 17 months in the terrible prisons of Libby and Andersonville, finally being sent home on parole but dying soon after from the effects;
of his terrible experiences.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

In his early youth, Dr. Franklin B. Galbraith attended the schools in the
vicinity of his home, but at the age of 13 years accepted a clerical position int
a village store. His inclinations were in the direction of medicine and he was
only 17 years old when he entered the medical department of the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor. There he was graduated at the age of 2I. In
I86o he went to New York and attended the College of Physicians, and
Surgeons, from which he was graduated in the following year; immediately
after, he commenced his practice at Lexington, Michigan, where he remained
until the succeeding October when he was commissioned assistant surgeon of
the Ioth Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and in April, I862, he was sent to
Tennessee. On account of failing health, Dr. Galbraith resigned and returned
to Port Huron, where he took charge of the practice of Dr. C. M. Stockwell,
who went into the army. In I863 Dr. Galbraith was appointed surgeon of
the Board of Enrollment, with headquarters at Pontiac, and at a later date was
commissioned surgeon of the 3Ist Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., which, however,
did not go out as an organization, but was broken into fragments which went
to replenish other organizations already in the field. He was transferred to
the 4th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., and with that organization went to the front
and participated in active warfare. Dr. Galbraith remained until almost the
close of the war, and after his resignation was accepted located at Pontiac,
to which city, its people, its development and its varied interests, he devoted
the remainder of his life.
For over 30 years Dr. Galbraith was an honored citizen of Pontiac and
was thrice chosen mayor of the city. His election was considered a triumph
by his Republican friends, but his wise, just and economic administration of
municipal affairs brought him the support of all factions. In I889 he was
his party's choice for the State Senate and was elected from the Fourteenth
Senatorial District by a large Republican majority. His attitude in the
Senate was characterized by the same dignity, sincerity and thoroughness
that had marked him as a physician and a soldier. Although he was thoroughly
identified with the Republican party,. he pursued a policy so manly and conslistent that he seldom felt the lash of party criticism. Through all the stress
of public life, Dr. Galbraith retained his love of literature and a devotion
to the acquisition of knowledge which had been a characteristic of childhood.
His attention was ever claimed by good books, literary excellence on any
subject and by all those discoveries which have placed his profession on such

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

an exalted plane. He was an honored member of the Oakland County Medical
Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
His fraternal associations included the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of
the United States, and Pontiac Lodge, No. 2I, F. &amp; A. M.
Dr. Galbraith was united in marriage in I865 to Marie Smith of Pontiac,
who, although a native of New York, has passed almost her entire life in
Oakland County. The two children born to this marriage are: Grace G., and
Dr. Stuart E., the latter of whom graduated in 1891 from the Michigan
Military Academy at Orchard Lake, and from the medical department of
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in I899, and is now engaged in
medical practice in Pontiac.
The death of Dr. Galbraith brought grief to a large circle outside his own
bereaved family. His personality was strong and of him it may be truly said
as of another: "He earned honor and respect in public life as well as affection
and veneration in private."
E. C. CROUT.
E. C. CROUT, proprietor of the Fairview Stock Farm, located one and
one-half miles south of Rochester, Michigan, is one of the most enterprising
agriculturists of Oakland county. Tie was born in 1862 in Northampton
County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of '. H. and Mary (Bartholomew) Crout,
both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. A sketch of our subject's father
appears on another page of this work.
Our subject, who accompanied his parents to Oakland County in I869
at the age of seven years, obtained an excellent common school education and
then traveled for a time as the representative of a business house. In I891 he
went to Indianapolis, Indiana, and there engaged in real estate dealing, in
which he is still interested. He has owned his present fine farm of 65 acres
since 1902 and it has become under his management one of the notable spots
in Oakland County. He has established here a farm for the sale of stock at
all times of the year and is a breeder and shipper of Hereford cattle, large
Berkshire hogs, and Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. He keeps on hand a
large number of driving and work horses, more than 150 head of registered

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Berkshire hogs, and a number of registered, pure blood Hereford cattle,
among them being an eight-monthl old bull which he values at $500, and a twoyear old bull valued at $I,ooo. Mr. Crout has spared no expense in fitting up
this farm, having expended some $7,000 in buildings alone, all of these being
of the most modern, sanitary kind, fitted with heating and private gas apparatus, telephone and steam fittings, and all so attractive, substantial and convenient as to place the Fairview Stock Farm far beyond anything else of its
kind in this section of the State. His transportation facilities are also of the
best, the Detroit &amp; Rochester Electric Railroad running on the west side of his
farm, where he has erected a private depot. His business is conducted with a
vigor and push that bring the most satisfactory results and prove of much ben-,efit to his neighborhood.
On April 29, 1902, Mr. Crout married Georgia Connolly, who is a native
of Miami, Florida, and they have a little daughter, Ruth Catherine, born April
14, I903.
In politics Mr. Crout is identified with the Republican party, but his busy
life leaves him no time to accept public office. IHe is a liberal contributor to
campaign purposes, as he also is to various public spirited movements in the
township and county.
HON. AUGUSTUS CARPENTER BALDWIN.
HON. AUGUSTUS CARPENTER BALDWIN, nestor of the Oakland County
bar, who was one of the most distinguished figures in the public life of Pontiac
for a period of three score years, died at his residence January 2I, I903. He
had frequently been called to fill positions high in public trust, serving on the
bench, in the Michigan State Legislature, and in the halls of Congress, and in
his professional work reached a height beyond which no contemporary has
soared. In public life and in private, the same rugged honesty and sincerity
of purpose characterized his every act, giving him a place in public esteem
which time cannot alter.
Judge Baldwin was born in Salina, now Syracuse, Onondaga County,
New York, December 24, I817, and is sixth in lineal descent from Henry
Baldwin, who migrated to Woburn, Massachusetts, from Hertfoirdshire, or

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

more probably Devonshire, England, about I630. The latter subsequently
located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which town he represented in the
General Court. He was a subcriber to the "Town Order," drawn at Charlestown for, the regulation of the projected settlement. He married Phoebe
Richardson, whose parents were ancestors of Gov. O. D. Richardson of
Michigan.
Jonathan Baldwin, father of Judge Baldwin, was a native of Canterbury,
Connecticut, and was engaged in the mercantile business until his death in
1822. He married Mary Carpenter, a daughter of Joseph Carpenter of Lancaster, New York. Upon his death the family were left in straitened circumstances, and at an early age Augustus C. Baldwin was thrown upon his
own resources. He was but five years old at the death of his father, and during the six years that followed he lived at the home of an uncle. He then went
to Lancaster, New York, in which vicinity he remained until 1834, when he
went to Buffalo, New York, where he entered the office of the Buffalo Bulletin,
as an apprentice. He continued with this paper until it went under the management of James Faxon &amp; Company, and was changed to the Buffalo Daily
Star, the first daily paper published in Western New York. He was variously
employed during the following four years, teaching school a part of the time,
but always continuing his preparation for betterment by constant study. During the fall and summer of I837 he attended the Academy of Plainfield, and
in November of that year came to Oakland County, Michigan. He alternately
engaged in teaching and study and in 1839 began his preparation for the legal
profession under the direction of John P. Richardson of Pontiac. A branch
of the State University of Michigan was then located in this city and he took
advantage of the opportunity of advancing and perfecting his knowledge of
the branches of education embraced in its course. He subsequently entered the
office of Hon. O. D. Richardson, with whom he continued until he was.
admitted to the bar, May I4, 1842, and then entered upon the practice of law at
Milford, Oakland County. He continued there until March, I849, then
removed to Pontiac where he would have greater opportunities and a larger
field for the exercise of the superior talents with which he was endowed. He.
early attained a position of importance in his profession, and in much of the
important litigation during the following half century he was retained either
by the prosecution or defense. As a criminal lawyer he was without a peer and

OAKLAND COUNTY. 23.
was identified with many of the big criminal trials in Oakland and
adjoining counties.
Judge Baldwin was always an enthusiastic Democrat and one of the
hardest workers for that party's success in Michigan. His first public office
was that of school inspector of Bloomfield township in 1840, and three years.
later he was elected to the State Legislature. He was re-elected to the Legislature in 1845, and took a prominent part in the sessions of 1844 and 1846.
HIe served as brigadier general of the Fifth Brigade of Michigan Militia fromn
1846 until 1862, in which year the existing militia system was abolished. He
was prosecuting attorney of Oakland County during 1853 and 1854. In 1862
he was elected a member of the Thirty-eighth Congress from what was then
the Fifth Congressional District of Michigan, defeating the Republican candidate, R. E. Trowbridge, and served on the committees on agriculture and
expenditures in the Interior Department. In the issue concerning the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, he voted in support of the amendment, that is, for its submission to the States for their
approval. He was re-nominated for Member of Congress in 1864, and was
again opposed by Mn. Trowbridge. The State had in the meantime enacted a
statute authorizing Michigan soldiers in the army to vote in the field. Judge
Baldwin received a clear majority of the home votes, and notwithstanding the
fect that the Supreme Court of Michigan declared the statute, above mentioned, void, the House of Representatives, upon contest being made, gave the
seat to Mr. Trowbridge.
Our subject was made mayor of Pontiac in 1874, and for i8 consecutive
years was a member of the School Board of the city, during which time many
important changes were made in the school system and the High School
erected largely through his influence. He was also active in having Pontiac
chosen as the location of the Eastern Michigan Asylum, and for i8 years was
a member of the board of trustees of that institution. In 1875 he was elected
judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Michigan for a term of six years, and
served four years of the time with characteristic impartiality and a high sense
of justice, retaining the respect and gaining the commendation of the entire
bar. The salary at that time was so utterly inadequate, and the State refusing
to make the necessary constitutional amendment, he resigned the office with
two years of the term unexpired, to take up a remunerative practice. Every
phase of jurisprudence and legal procedure came up in his extensive practice,

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and not infrequently he had his share in the establishment of precedents in the
laws of Michigan. There are few reports of the Supreme Court of Michigan
between I85o and I9oo which do not record important cases with which he
was identified.
The Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake also owes much to
him for its remarkable success, as he was one of its trustees and for several
years its president. He was for everal years president of the Oakland County
Agricultural Society, and of the Oakland County Pioneer Society. For 50
years he was a frequent member and officer of State and local political
conventions. He was a delegate to the National Democratic conventions at
Charleston and Baltimore in I86o, delegate-at-large to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in I864, delegate to the National Peace Convention at Philadelphia in I866, and at different times a member of national and
State central committees.
In October, 1842, Judge A. C. Baldwin married Isabella Churchill, who
died in I894. He subsequently married Flora E. Belding, a daughter of the
late Hon. Friend Belding of Bloomfield. Fraternally, he was a Master
Mason, being a member of Pontiac Lodge No. 2I, F. &amp; A. M.; and Pontiac
Commandery, No. 2, K. T., of which he was past eminent commander. Judge
Baldwin had a comfortable home on Clark street, in Pontiac, where he was
surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of a refined taste. His magnificent
library represented years of accumulation, comprising a large number of voltimes, treating on almost every subject which human versatility might suggest.
However, a large portion of his library was a few years ago placed at the disposal of the Orchard Lake Military Academy. His home also contains a gallery of fine paintings, rare and in good taste.
MRS. REBECCA MORGAN.
MRS. REBECCA MORGAN, widow of the late Edwin Morgan, resides on the
beautiful and well located farm of 20o acres, situated in section I, Waterford
township, Oakland County, which was owned by her late husband. She

OAKLAND COUNTY.

enjoys the distinction of being one of the most energetic and best liked residents of her township.
Edwin Morgan was born in Tompkins County, New York, in 1831 and
was a son of Charles A. and Phebe (Gibbs) Morgan. Charles A. Morgan,
who was a native of New York, came to Michigan in 1845 and located on the
farm in Waterford township, now the home of our, subject, and followed the
pursuits of a general farmer. He married Phebe Gibbs, who was a native of
New Jersey, and they reared four children, namely: John, who resides in
Independence township, Oakland County; Edwin, deceased; William, deceased; and Lewis of Pontiac township, Oakland County.
Edwin Morgan came to Oakland County with his parents when 14 years
of age, and nearly all of his subsequent life was spent in this section. His
boyhood days were spent on the farm, but when 25 years of age his venturesome ideas led him to believe that he could obtain a fortune in the newly discovered gold fields of the Pacific Coast, and he drove all the way to California,
but the expedition proved fruitless and he returned home and began what
proved to be a successful career as an agriculturist. In his younger years he
also followed the trade of a cooper to some extent. He died November 8,
900o. He was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and a
quiet home man, hospitable, kind and well liked.
In 1863 Mr. Morgan was married to Rebecca Cool, who was born in
Independence township, Warren County, New Jersey, June 26, 1840, is a
daughter of Charles P. and Susan (Thatcher) Cool, and came to Michigan
with her parents when she was 14 years of age. Charles P. Cool, who was a son
of Peter Cool, was a farmer of Independence township, Warren County, New
Jersey. In 1854 he removed to Oakland County, Michigan, and secured a
farm in Springfield township, where he engaged in agricultural operations
until his death. He was a fine conversationalist, quite a public spirited citizen and in politics, a Democrat. Religiously, he was an active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and a class leader for many years. He married
Susan Thatcher, also a native of New Jersey, and they reared io children,
namely: Anna M. (Beardslee), of Cedar Springs, Michigan; Jerusha (Gale),
a resident of White Lake township, Oakland County; Lonata (Starkweather),
a wealthy resident of Davisburg, Oakland County; Peter, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Mary (Smith), of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Eli and David,

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

both residing on the old homestead in Springfield township, Oakland County;
Ella, deceased; and Orilla (Enright), a resident of Toledo, Ohio.
Mrs. Rebecca Morgan and her two sons,-William, born October 3,
1872, and Charles C., born December I9, I88I, and married to Helen Klein,
-keep up the farm of I20 acres which previous to the death of her husband
-consisted of 240 acres. William is an inventor and has a patent on a machine
for making wire fence, known as the "Morgan Weaver."
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PONTIAC.
The following historical article was read at the celebration of the 70th.anniversary of the church (February 25-27, I894), by A. A. Lull:
"The First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac was organized by Rev. E. W.
Goodman, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church, February 26, 1824, at
the home of John Voorheis, in the town of Bloomfield and consisted of 13
members. In I833, nine years from its organization, it had so greatly
increased that it consisted of 105 members. During the early period of its
history the country was very sparsely settled, and the members were scattered
through the various townships, living far distant from each other and from the
place of worship in Pontiac. The length and roughness of the roads rendered
it difficult for them to attend church at the county seat. For their accommoda-.tion, meetings were accustomed to be held in school houses and private residences in the various parts of the county; and on such occasions the Lord's
Supper was sometimes administered. But when the county became more
Adensely populated, new Presbyterian and Congregational churches were organized in the various townships. The first members of these new churches were:generally such as had been connected with the First Presbyterian Church of
Pontiac, but had obtained letters of admission for this very purpose. Indeed,
this was not only the pioneer but the parent church, from which originated several of the most flourishing Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Oakland County.
"For example, the Presbyterian and Congregational churches of Roches

OAKLAND COUNTY.

ter, Troy, Birmingham, Wing Lake and Farming-ton were the offspring of
this church.
"In I83I several members of the Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, who
preferred the Congregational form of government, received letters of dismission from the church for the purpose of enabling them to organize a Congregational church. This they did in I83I. Such is the organization of that
church.
"In I835 the church removed to Auburn, but returned in I84I to Pontiac.
At the time of the removal of the church to Pontiac, Presbyterian churches had
been organized at Troy and Birmingham. Consequently, as most of the members lived nearer these churches, they very naturally united with them, leaving
the Pontiac church but little more tllan its organization. The committee,
appointed to procure a room in which to hold religious meetings, secured the
Academy Hall building, located on the lot on which the Willet's Block now
now stands, the title to which was subsequently secured for the church. The
hall was in the second story of the building and had not been used for some
time and was in a dilapidated condition. However, a free use of paint and
white wash improved its appearance and, furnished with board seats, a few
chairs and a table for the minister, the room was pronounced ready for use.
At a meeting of the church, September 7, I84I, the following persons, viz.:
Weston Frost, E. T. Raymond, John J. Hall, Hugh Kelley, Olmsted Chamberlin, Horatio N. Howard, George Williams, Charles Elliott and Caroline
Phelps, presented letters of dismission and recommendation from the Congregational Church of Pontiac and were accordingly received into the church.
"At this time Rev. L. P. Bates was invited to become pastor of the church.
Olmsted Chamberlin and H. N. Htoward were appointed a committee to procure a room in which to hold religious meetings. At a meeting of the church
July I2, 1842, at the Academy Hall, E. T. Raymond and James S. Allen were
elected elders and Wleston Frost was elected deacon.
"At a meeting of the session January 30, I842, A. A. Lull, Clarissa Lull,
Sarah Hosmer, Sarah Morris, Susan Wlresson, Elizabeth Elliott, Olive Stoddard, Eliza H. Hall, Mary C. Chamberlin, Mrs. Charles Elliott, Mrs. Jane
Kelley, Mrs. Cynthia Howard and Mary Raymond presented letters of dismission and recommendation from the Congregational Church of Pontiac and
were received into the church. Of the entire membership of the church, January 30, 1842, I find upon a careful examination of the records, there remain

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

but four now living: Mrs. Sarah Brown (formerly Miss Hosmer), Mrs.
Jane Kelley, Mrs. Elizabeth Paddock (formerly Miss Elliott) and myself,
A. A. Lull.
"Deacon Francis J. Smith united with this church April I9, I829, and
was dismissed by letter September io, I834. After an absence of 45 years,
he was again received into the church in October, 1879, and now at the age
of 87 is hale and hearty.
"Starting out with a membership of 30 or 40, and all in moderate circumstances, indeed it did look discouraging. But then there were no annoyances and jealousies, all worked together, unitedly and harmoniously, though
struggling against adverse circumstances for years, yet hopeful and confident
of ultimate success. The hall was occupied a year or more while on the lot.
The building was then moved on to a lot near and south of the Northern Hotel
and continued to be used as a place of worship until the new church was
erected in I843-44 and occupied the latter part of I844. It was built of brick
and was I think about 40 feet wide by 70 feet long, with two aisles, the pulpit being in the west end of the church and the organ loft and gallery for the
choir in the east end, and vestibule underneath. It had a belfry and well proportioned spire and from its prominent situation presented quite a respectable
appearance.
"There were additions to the church at many of the communion services,
but removals and deaths prevented any great increase of membership for years.
"April, I860, number of communicants, 54; number in Sabbath-school,
60; contributions, not including salary, $83.
"April, 1862, number of communicants, 79: number in Sabbath-school,
90; received for congregational purposes, $700.
"April, 1864, number of communicants, 95; number in Sabbath-school,
Ioo; received for congregational purposes, $9oo; miscellaneous, $Ioo.
"Meetings of the session were held March 7 and I6, 1867, to examine persons presenting themselves for admission to the church. The number examined and received by the session on confession, 52, and four by letter; 27 were
baptized. All were present and entered into covenant with the church and
were received into full communion and fellowship. The large addition was
the result of a precious revival during the special meetings for Io weeks, commencing with the week of prayer, conducted entirely by the pastor, Rev. W. H.
McGiffert, with the exception of three evenings of assistance from the Pres

OAKLAND COUNTY.

byterian minister of Birmingham. Among those received were quite a number of heads of families and adults, including two of the present elders, â
Elder I. B. Merritt and Elder William E. Williams.
"April I, 1867, number of communicants, 1 0; officers, scholars and
teachers in the Sabbath-school, 232; amount received for salary, congregational purposes and missions, $I,978.78.
"Rev. W. H. McGiffert resigned the position of pastor of the church,
April 19, to take effect June I, 1870. Rev. W. J. Parrot succeeded Mn
McGiffert, December, I870, and was here during the building of the new
church and its dedication and remained until October 4, 1872.
"I will now give the names of the ministers who have been settled over
the church as pastor or stated supply since 1842: Rev. L. P. Bates, from I841
to January, 1845; Rev. Charles Rockwell in 1846; Rev. James A. Clayton in
1847; Rev. William Hamilton in 1848; Rev. W. P. Jackson in I850; Rev.
Myron Barrett in 1851; Rev. Dr. Penny in I852; Rev. C. W. Cooper, from
December I6, 1854, to December, I856; Rev. C. W. Mosher, from May i,
1857, to I86I; Rev. J. F. Jennison, from January 13, I861, to August, I864;
Rev. W. I. McGiffert, from January 4, I865, to January I, I870; Rev. W. J.
Parrot, from December, 1870, to I872; Rev. C. R. Wilkins, from May 9,
1873, to I874.
"June 5, 1875, Rev. J. Mills Gelston, having received the unanimous call of the church to become its pastor, was this day installed
by the Presbytery of Detroit. At a meeting of the Presbytery
held in Flint, October I2, I888, the Presbytery dissolved the pastoral relation between the Rev. J. Mills Gelston and the church of Pontiac.
I think it is a well earned compliment to Mr. Gelston, that from the conmmencement to the close of his long pastorate of almost 14 years, that there
were many additions both to the church and society from year to year, increas-.
ing the spiritual power and influence of the church and adding greatly to its
temporal prosperity and that entire harmony existed between the pastor and
church and society during all these years. Very many could hardly be reconciled to the sundering of the ties that had so long and happily existed between
pastor and people, both on account of their attachment to Mn. Gelston and
Mrs. Gelston as well, who had endeared herself to hosts of friends who
regretted exceedingly to have her leave Pontiac.
"In accordance with a notice previously given, a meeting of the church
2

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and society was held in the church parlors to consider the question of extending a call to Rev. W. S. Jerome to become pastor of the church. A motion
was made and unanimously adopted to extend such a call and the vote was
taken by ballot. Messrs. \Williams and Wyckoff were appointed tellers to
receive and count the votes and reported the motion carried unanimously.
"January 4, I889, Rev. William S. Jerome was duly installed pastor of
the church by a committee of the Presbytery of Detroit. The moderator of the
Presbytery, Rev. William A. Service, preached the sermon and pronounced the
constitutional questions. The installing prayer was offered by W. P. Jackson,
the charge to the pastor by Rev. J. Mills Gelston and the charge to the people
by Rev. J. T. Plunkett.
"The fifth anniversary of MIr, Jerome's settlement over the church
occurred January 4, last. I am sure that I express the unanimous sentiment
of the church and society in saying that no mistake was made in calling Mr.
Jerome to the pastorate of the church but that he is the right man in the right
place, as evidenced by the results. The years he has been here have been years
of unusual prosperity, both in winning souls to Christ and in the material prosperity of the church. He may have been fortunate in reaping a harvest, to
some extent, of seed sown by our former pastor and indebted as well to Mrs.
Jerome's self-denying labor and increasing toil in the Master's service, proving
herself a veritable helpmeet.
"List of elders and when elected: John Chamberlin, elected an elder
May I, 1835, served continuously, attending meetings of the session until
March I6, I870. He died in November, 1876. E. T. Raymond, elected January 12, 1842, was dismissed and has since (lied. James S. Allen, elected January I, 1842, was dismissed and has since died. George Williams, elected
in I846, died in February, I873. Hugh Kelley, elected November 26,
1852, died in February, 1879. H. N. H-oward, elected January I, I86I, died
May 3, I886. Henry MAead, elected January I, I86I, died February 22, I893.
A. A. Lull, elected December 14, I865.. E. W. Peck, elected December I4,
1865, died August 25, I889.
"A meeting of the church was held February I6, 1872, to elect four
elders on the rotary plan, the old elders having resigned for that purpose.
George Williams, Levi B. Taft, E. W. Peck and A. A. Lull were duly
elected. At a meeting of the church April 3, 1874, William E. Williams was
elected an elder to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George Williams.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

March 25, 1872, J. B. Merritt was elected an elder for four years. March
16, I886, three additional were elected, viz.: G. M. Trowbridge, H. A.
Wyckoff and James Houston. Since the adoption of the rotary plan of electing elders, February I6, I872, all the elders have been elected their own successors as their respective terms of office have expired down to the present
time. March I9, I890, Samuel Mawhinney was elected an elder for one year
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Elder E. V. Peck, and was re-elected
his own successor for four years from March i8, 189I. September 30, I893,
at a meeting of the church, S. S. Matthews was elected an elder to serve out
the unexpired term of Samuel Mawhinnev, who had been granted a letter of
dismission from the church.
"Statements taken from the reports made at the annual meeting, March
14, 1893: Number of communicants, âresident, 327, non-resident, 88. Receipts,-for congregational purposes. $3,694.96; from Sabbath-school,
$464.0o; from Sabbath-school infant class, $26.77; from \Voman's Missionary
Society, $281.63; from Young \Woman's Missionary Society, $191.02; from
S. D. Circle, $83.66; from Y. P. S. C. E., $28.87. The total amount receivekd
was $4,770.92.
"I have given somewhat in (letail the conditions and progress of the
church from the removal to Pontiac in 1842 (iown to the time of leaving the
old and entering the new church, also the condition of the church as taken from
the reports of the annual meeting, March T4, 1893.
"The circumstances and conditions under which we meet to-night in this
beautiful house of worship, complete in all its appointments, with stained glass
windows, decorated walls, electric lights, sofa seats, with hot water pipes in
each pew and carpeted floors, are in marked contrast with the place of -wo â
ship in the second story of the old Academy Hall, with its primitive furniture,
consisting of board seats, a few wood chairs, and a table for the minister.
Then the revenues of the church could not have been more than six or seven
hundred dollars. The pastor's salary was the munificent sum of $500, paying'
his own house rent and expense of keeping a horse and buggy. H. N. Howard
and myself were volunteer janitors, ushers and men of all work for years,
without salary, though our duties required the trimming and care of oil lamps
and furnishing and preparing wood for the stoves and keeping the church in
-order, it being necessary at that time to practice the most rigid economy in conducting the affairs of the church.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"In conclusion, I am very glad indeed that we have with us on this occasion Rev. J. Mills Gelston, whose pastorate over this church was of longer
duration than that of any other one, it being between 13 and 14 years, which
together with our present pastor's service covers almost the entire term of the
present occupancy of the church. It will afford great pleasure, I am sure, to
all present to hear responses from both Mr. Gelston and Mrs. Jerome, covering the above period, also to hear responses from the pastors of the daughter
and sister churches."
FRANK H. CARROLL
FRANK H. CARROLL, who has been identified with the Pontiac, Oxford
&amp; Northern Railroad Company for a period of more than 20 years, has been
auditor; since I893 and is one of the best known officials of the road. He is
a representative business man of Pontiac, and is deeply interested in the
growth and development of the community.
Mr. Carroll was born in Oneida County, New York, and is a son of
K. and Frances (Hinckley) Carroll. He comes of Revolutionary stock, his
father's great-grandfather, Amos Carroll of Connecticut, having been a lieutenant in the Continental Army, and his maternal great-grandfathers, Timothy
Wylde Wood and Jared Hinckley, having also been in that army. K. Carroll,
father of our subject, was born at Springfield Center, Otsego County, New
York, and died at Rome, New York, in 1878. He was a graduate of Union
College, Schenectady, New York, had been special judge of Oneida County,
and for more than 40 years was actively engaged in the practice of law. IHe
married Frances Hinckley, who was born and reared in New York State and
is a daughter of Ammi H. Hinckley, who was a general merchant at Camden,
New York, for many years, and colonel of the 68th Regiment, New York State
Militia. She is a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, who came
over in the "Mayflower," and of William Bradford, Massachusetts' first
Governor.
Frank H. Carroll was reared in Oneida County, New York, educated at
Rome Academy and studied law under the direction of his father, being
admitted to the bar in New York State in 188I. He came to Michigan in 1882

OAKLAND COUNTY.

as paymaster for the new Pontiac, Oxford &amp; Northern Railroad Company,
with which he has been identified ever since. After the completion of the
railroad, he was elected secretary and treasurer of the company, continuing
to hold that office until the financial headquarters of the company were removed
to New York City. Since 1893 he has been the auditor of the company. He
also has other, business interests, being a director of the Pontiac Savings Bank,
the Pontiac Light Company, and treasurer of the Wolverine &amp; Buckeye
Oil Company, which operates in Allen and Hancock counties, Ohio. He has
also been a director of the Pontiac, Oxford &amp; Northern Railroad Company for
the past 20 years.
Mr. Carroll was united in marriage with Mary Thacher, of Rome, New
York, daughter of R. J. Thacher. a retired merchant of Waterville, Oneida
County, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll have one daughter, Florence
Helen, who was born at Pontiac and is four years of age. Politically, our
subject is a Democrat, and served as mayor of the city of Pontiac two terms,
in 1895 and 1896. Fraternally, he is a past worshipful master of Pontiac
Lodge, No. 21, F. &amp; A. M.; Past T. I. M. of Pontiac Council, R. &amp; S. M.; a
member of Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar, of which he is past
eminent commander; trustee of The Masonic Temple Association; and a
member of the Pontiac Club and of a number of fraternal insurance orders.
In 1895 and 1896 Mr. Carroll was state treasurer of the Foresters of America
of which he has long been an active member. The family home is at No. 35
Oakland avenue. Mr. Carroll and family attend the Presbyterian Church.
H. E. PEIRCE.
H.. E. PEIRCE, vice-president of the Standard Vehicle Company, of
Pontiac, Michigan, and one of its incorporators, has charge of the manufacturing end of the business, with which he has been connected for the past
10 years. It is one of the great industrial plants of Pontiac and its goods are
marketed all over the United States.
Mr. Peirce was born in 1876, at Detroit, Michigan, and there attended

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

school and later graduated at the Pontiac High School, his father, C. J..
Peirce having'resided here for a time, now being the leading optician of Detroit
Our subject began to learn the vehicle business in the C. V. Taylor buggy
plant where he worked four years, and followed this with four years with thePontiac Buggy Company, coming then to his present position. Thus Mr.
Peirce is a well'qualified, practical mechanic and much of the success of this
great industry is owing to his careful supervision, by which the high standard
of the goods is maintained.
In 1901 Mr. Peirce was united in marriage to Grace Hatcher, a native of
Columbus, Ohio. They reside in a very pleasant home on Park street, Pontiac.
Politically Mr. Peirce is a Republican and has always taken a lively interest in
public matters. Fraternally he belongs to Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. &amp; A. M.
and to the chapter and council, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
In his religious views he favors the Methodist Church.
HON. JUNIUS TEN EYCK.
HON. JUNIUS TEN EYCK. Among the members of the legal profession
that have practiced in the past before the bar of Oakland County, there has
been none to excel in brilliancy the late Judge Ten Eyck of Pontiac. His
knowledge of the law was intuitive as well as acquired by long and careful
study, and in early life he established a reputation as a trial lawyer which he:
maintained until his death. He was a man of profound learning, being well
versed in the current affairs of the world, and took a keen interest in all that
pertained to the welfare of this country, his State and county. During his long
residence in Pontiac he made scores of friends, and his death was considered an
irreparable loss to the community.
The Ten Eyck family originally came from Holland and was established
in this country in 1652 by Conraedt Ten Eyck, who in that year with his family located in Newi York, then known as New Amsterdam. Of his children,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

one son located on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, and from him is
our subject directly descended.
Judge Ten Eyck was a son of James Ten Eyck and grandson of Jacob
Ten Eyck. James Ten Eyck was born in New Jersey, May 4, 1790, and was
a prosperous farmer. Hte married Eliza Vanderhoef, a native of New Jersey
and a daughter of Cornelius Vanderhoef, whose ancestors came from Holland.
James Ten Eyck and his family came to Oakland County, Michigan, in I835
and settled on government land in Waterford township. A goodly tract was
cleared and improved and substantial buildings erected upon it, and the family became prosperous and progressive. Mrs. Ten Eyck was born February 6,
1792, and died in June, I849, her husband surviving her io years. They had
two sons and two daughters. The brother of our subject, Tenodor Ten Eyck,
was a soldier during the Civil War and was fighting on the frontier at the time
of the massacre at Fort Fetterman. H-e spent some 15 months in Libby
Prison.
Judge Ten Eyck was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, February
24, I825, and spent his boyhood in his native State. Having come west with
his parents he continued his studies in the high school at Rochester, where he
was prepared for college. He subsequently became a law student in the offices
of Moses Wisner and Rufus Hosmer in Pontiac, and in 1852 was admitted to
the bar. He at once opened an office in Pontiac where he remained until his
death, laboring zealously in the legal arena. IHe was elected Circuit Court
Commissioner and served for two years, then was re-elected for a second term.
During that time, by virtue of his office, he was master in chancery. He served
as prosecuting attorney for four years and acted faithfully in behalf of tlh,
people. He was appointed by Governor Baldwin judge of the Probate Court
to fill a vacancy.
On January I2, i858, Judge. Ten Eyck was married to Marion E. Seymour, a daughter of John B. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Seymour, and a distant relative of Horatio Seymour of New York. Mrs. Ten Eyck was the second white child born in Brandon, Oakland County, her birth occurring at Seymour Lake, May 23, 1837, her parents having settled there as early as I835.
She still resides at the beautiful family home on Orchard Lake avenue in
Pontiac. She has one son, Harry Seymour Ten Eyck, who is married and
lives in Pontiac; for a number of years he was engaged as a mail clerk, running
between Detroit and Chicago, but he now has a run between Detroit and Grand

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Haven. Judge Ten Eyck gave considerable attention to politics, being ever
a stanch Republican. He was a most excellent gentleman and commanded the
respect and esteem of all with whom he was associated and acquainted.
CHARLES S. STRAIN, M. D.
CHARLES S. STRAIN, M. D., one of the young and eminently successful
physicians and surgeons of Oakland County, Michigan, whose selected field
of practice is the pleasant town of Rochester, was born in Patterson, Hardin
County, Ohio. He is a son of Rev. John B. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) Strain,
both of whom were natives of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Rev. John B. Strain was a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church, a man
of literary ability and superior educational training. For a period he was
principal of the old Canonsburg Academy. There he married and after
several years of ministerial work in different towns in Pennsylvania, with his
wife removed to Patterson, Ohio, and shortly after the birth of their son, our
subject, removed to Columbus Grove, Putnam County, Ohio. There Rev. Mr.
Strain died at the age of 68 years, in I892. His widow still resides at Columbus Grove. Dr. Strain is one of the five survivors of a family of eight
children.
Dr. Strain was reared in a literary and intellectual atmosphere and its
influence was shown in the ease with which he carried off school honors. After
graduating at the Columbus Grove High School in i888, he entered a printing
office to learn that trade and from I892 to 1897 showed his versatility by ably
editing the local paper, the Columbus Grove Record. He then decided upon a
medical career and entered the Detroit Homeopathic Medical College, where
he was graduated with the first honors of his class in I902. He settled at
Rochester and has been professionally successful and has gained public confidence and esteem.
In I893 Dr. Strain married Cootie Henderson, who was born at Columbus
Grove, Ohio. Her father, Eli Henderson, was in the milling business in
Putnam County, Ohio, for over half a century.

AARON PERRY B. S., LL. D.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Dr. Strain is socially inclined and is a valued member of Rufus Putnam
Lodge, No. 364, F. &amp; A. M., at Columbus Grove; Columbus Grove Lodge,
No. 376, Knights of Pythias; the Royal Arcanum; and the Prudent
Patricians of Pompeii, of Rochester.
AARON PERRY, B. S., LL. B.
AARON PERRY, B. S., LL. B., whose portrait is shown on the opposite
page, is one of the best known and most successful lawyers of Oakland County,
Michigan, where he has spent nearly his entire life. He was frequently called
upon to fill positions of public trust at an earlier day, but has devoted his later
years to the practice of his profession and study. He is the senior member
of the firm of Perry &amp; Stockwell, with offices in Pontiac, where he has resided
many years.
Mr. Perry was born on a farm in Oakland County, Michigan, November
I, 1848, and is the youngest of a family of eight children born to Abram and
Sophia (Andrews) Perry. His father was born in Warren County, New
Jersey, and died when our subject was 15 years of age. He had come to
Oakland County in 1836 and lived here until his death at the age of 54 years.
He married Sophia Andrews, who was born in Genesee County, New York,
and her death occurred when Aaron Perry was but two years old.
From his father's estate, Aaron Perry received $700, which, with a
sum borrowed, paid his way through school. He received a preparatory education in the Clarkston Union School of Oakland County, then entered the
University of Michigan, and graduating therefrom with the class of I870.
He was a member of the Literary Adelphi and was one of the speakers at
the second sophomore exhibition. In the fall of 1870 he entered into politics
and lacked one vote of securing the I)emocratic nomination for the office of
State Representative. He taught during the following school year at the
Ortonville Academy, and (luring the school year of 1872-73 was superintendent of the Ovid Union School in Clinton County. In the famous Greeley
campaign of 1872 he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with five others formed, the minority in that body. At the close of the
session in the spring of 1873 he went to Muskegon, Michigan, and took charge
of the United States Harbor improvements under his former classmate, C. M.
Wells. In the fall of the year he entered the law department of the University
of Michigan, and in March, 1874, attended a special session of the Legislature
called for the. purpose of considering and submitting a new State Constitution
to the people for their approval at the next election. The session continued
about 40 days. during which time he roomed with Col. C. B. Gnant, then
speaker of the lower house and now one of the Supreme Court justices of
the State. It is a matter of some pride to Mr. Perry, that on account of his
ability in rushing business he was called upon to preside more during that
session than any other member, excepting two, and that during his term of
office he was enabled to do some good work in the interest of the University.
During the next summer lie was for a time in the United States service as
harbor inspector on the W\est coast of Michigan, and traveled some in
Illinois, Wisconsin and the Northern Peninsula. In the fall of 1874 he was
a candidate for county clerk and with a total of 10,OO votes cast he was
defeated by but I I votes. That defeat he now counts as one of his strokes of
good luck, as he was enabled to re-enter the law department of the University,
from which he was graduated the following spring. He then spent two
summers at Sand Beach, assisting Mr. Gilbert of the class of 1870, in charge
of the work of constructing the United States harbor refuge at that place,
spending the intervening winters in careful study of the law in the office of
Judge A. C. Baldwin of Pontiac. In the fall of 1876 he entered actively
into the Tilden campaign and stumped the county in the interest of Democracy.
After the election he became a partner of Judge Taft of Pontiac, with whom
he continued for two years. In the spring of 1878 he was appointed city
attorney and filled that office most efficiently for a period in all of eight
years, and also in 1878 was elected prosecuting attorney in which office he
served for two years. Since that time he has but once been a candidate for
an office, at which time he was candidate for Circuit judge, and, although
he ran ahead of his ticket in his own county, met with defeat. Since I876, he
has practiced law continuously in Pontiac and ranks among the foremost in
the county, having participated in much important litigation and is the president of the Bar Association of Oakland County. Both his tastes and aptitude
fit him better for the trial of issues of law than of fact, and for that reason he

OAKLAND COUNTY.

4 11

has successfully argued a large number of cases before the Michigan Supreme
Court. He has accumulated a large law library and an extensive collection
of miscellaneous books. lie has traveled very extensively throughout the
United States, but never out of North America. Although a member of a
fishing club, he has not caught a fish nor fired a gun in 30 years, and has no
taste for sports of any kind,preferring to dig fossils from a disintegrating ledge
of rocks. He has made a specialty of geology and microscopy and has spent
many hours of recreation in gathering fossils and examining microscopical
specimens. He has a large cabinet of fossils and geological specimens o'
different kinds, and has a large collection of books on the subject of geology.
On Christmas Day, I873, Mr. Perry was married to Sallie Hoffman, who
had been one of his assistants in the Ovid Union School, and they have one
son, Stuart H., who was born in Pontiac in October, I874. Stuart H. Perry
graduated from the literary department of the University of Michigan in I894
with the degree of A,. B., and from the law department two years later. IHe
then entered into partnership with his father under the firm name of A. &amp;
S. H. Perry; for a year prior to August i, I9OI. the firm maintained a branch
office in the city of Detroit under the personal charge of the junior partner.
Upon that date, Stuart H. Perry retired from the firm to become editor of the
Oakland Coiultvy ost and the Pontiac Daily Press, in which he had purchased
an interest. His first experience as editor was while managing editor of the
Inlainder while at the University. May 1, 1902, he became proprietor and
is editor of the St. Johnts iNews at St. Johns, Michigan, where he now resides.
He has traveled extensively in the United States, Mexico and Europe, is a
member of the American Microscopical Society, and has contributed article:
to the publications of that society. Although his tastes are literary, he shares
his father's tastes for geology. Stuart H. Perry was united in marriage with
Maude Caldwell, a daughter of Dr. William C. Caldwell of Fremont, Ohio,
whom he first met as a student at the University. They have one child.
While connected with the Detroit bar he wrote a law book entitled "The
Legal Adviser and Business Guide," which was published in January, I902.
There were many prominent and distinguished men in the class of
I870 in the University of Michigan of which Aaron Perry was a member,
among them being Rufus Day, justice of the United States Supreme Court;
William L. Penfield, solicitor of the State Department of the United States;
Walter B. Stevens, secretary of the St. Louis Exposition; Alfred Noble, one

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the most able engineers of the world, who served on the recent canal commission; Bernard Moses, who was appointed to the Philippine Commission by
President McKinley in I901; Lucius B. Swift, the noted civil service reformer.
of Indiana; and Count Michael Meyerdorff, a well known civil engineer, now
occupying a government position in Washington, D. C. Fraternally, Mr.
Perry is a member of the Pontiac Lodge, F. &amp; A. M.; the Knights of Pythias;
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife is a member of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, which he also attends.
ALONZO SIBLEY.
ALONZO SIBLEY, whose death on March i6, 1896, removed one of the
most prominent and influential citizens of Oakland County, Michigan, resided
on an attractive and productive farm in Commerce township. He was one
of the local leaders of the Republican party, with which he had been identified
since I856.
Alonzo Sibley was descended from Puritan stock, paternally and maternally. His father was Elias Sibley, a native of New Hampshire, and his
grandfather was Ebenezer Sibley, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. His
mother was Ruth A. Chase, a native of Connecticut. After marriage Elias
and Ruth A. (Chase) Sibley moved to Preston, Chenango County, New York,
where they settled on a new farm. In I826 they moved to Wayne County,
New York, where they remained until I834. In that year they came to
Michigan, settling on a new farm in Bloomfield township, Oakland County,
where Mr. Sibley died in 1856 and his widow two years later. They were
active and devout members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of seven children.
Alonzo Sibley was born July 14, i8io, in Preston, Chenango County,
New York, and attended the early district schools in that community. He
began work for himself at the age of I6 years, and when I8 his father gave
him his time. He worked at farming for others by the month until he came
to Michigan. He landed at Detroit May io, I83I, from the little steamer
"Sheldon Thompson," one of the two steamers then plying on the lakes, the

OAKLAND COUNTY. 43
trip consuming eight days. Michigan at that time was very sparsely settled
and Indians and wild animals abounded. The young man went prospecting
through the State and selected in Commerce township, Oakland County, what
became the home farm, buying eighty acres from the government, the deed
to which was signed by President Andrew Jackson. In the fall of 1831 he
returned to his Eastern home and spent the winter, and in the spring returned
to the West and built a log, cabin and began clearing the land, putting in crops
and fencing a few acres. He again returned home in the fall of 1832 and
the following spring was married to Mary Heath, who was born in Monroe
County, New York, in 1813. The young couple proceeded immediately to
their new home. They became the parents of a child who died in infancy; Mrs.
Sibley died in 1836. Our subject formed a second union in 1837 with Sarah
Ann Heath, who died in 1873, having been the mother of seven children, as
follows: Mary Jane, wife of James Pratt of Traverse City, Michigan; Harriet
A., who married Rev. J. B. Drew, and died in i886; Watson A., who married
Maggie Hubbel and resides in Muskegon, Michigan; Judson L., treasurer of
Oakland County, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume;
and three children who died in infancy. Mr. Sibley was married a third
time, November 26, 1875, to Adeline Colby, a daughter of William and Lucy
(Dennis) Colby. Her parents removed from Maine to New York in the early
days and settled in Wayne County. Her father, was a "Minute Man" in the
War of 1812, and died in 1836, at the age of 45 years. His widow was afterward married to Rev. Samuel Wyre, of the Free Will Baptist Church, and they
settled at Sibley's Corner in Oakland County, Michigan. Rev. Mr. Wyre
died June 6, 1870. Mrs. Sibley was one of o10 children and was born June 10,
1817, in Wayne County, New York, where she received her education. She
died March i9, 1896, three days after her husband and on the day of his
burial.
Mr. Sibley owned 300 acres of land, 200 being under cultivation. He
built his residence in 1846, and it was considered a very fine home, altogether
the best in that section. For over 50 years he was a deacon in the Free Will
Baptist Church which he helped to organize, and also was trustee. He was a
member of the School Board and held three scholarships in Hillsdale College,
where his son Judson L. was graduated in the scientific course. His son
Watson was in the 22nd Reg. Michigan Vol. Inf., and served three years,
taking part in many battles, and acting as hospital steward. He is now a

-44

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wholesale and retail druggist at Muskegon, Michigan, where he has lived
since I869.
Alonzo Sibley was a Democrat in politics until 1856, when he became a
Republican and from that time he was unswerving in his allegiance to that
party. He was a delegate to many county, congressional and State conventions, and served as assessor, highway commissioner and justice of the peace,
holding the latter office for a period of 12 years. He was a grand old
man, irreproachable in character, and his death was mourned in all sincerity
by his family and many friends.
HON. THADDEUS D. SEELEY.
HON. THADDEUS D. SEEIEY, one of the best known citizens of Oakland
County, Michigan, and the able Representative from the First District in the
State Legislature, owns a fine farm of I60 acres in section I6, Bloomfield
township. Mr. Seeley comes of pioneer ancestry, his grandparents settling
in Michigan in 1827. He was born at Pontiac, in I867, and is a son of George
H. and Sarah L. (Prall) Seeley.
George H. Seeley was born at Waterford township in 1841 and is a son
of Ira C. and Matilda (Dewey) Seeley, the former of whom was born in
Seneca County, New York. Ira C. Seeley came with the pioneers of 1827 to
Oakland County and settled in Waterford township, where he remained until
I852, when he removed to what is known as the old Harvey Seeley farm, now
owned by the Eastern Michigan Asylum. He owned some 300 acres, the
greater part of which land is now included in the city limits of Pontiac. His
death occurred in I878, at the age of 67 years. In his early manhood Ira C.
Seeley was a W\hig, but became in later days a Republican, but never was
willing to accept public office. He was a consistent member of the Congregational Church. The grandmother of our subject was born in Orion township,
Oakland County, and was a daughter of Josiah Dewey, who came to Michigan
from Vermont. He was locally known as Deacon Dewey on account of his
activity in the founding and supporting of the Congregational Church. He
*died on his farm in 1855, at the age of 84 years. Mrs. Seeley was one of a

OAKLAND COUNTY.

large family, the two survivors being residents of Greenville, Michigan, and
of Iowa, the death of Mirs. Seeley occurring in 1884, at the age of 74 years.
Thus passed away two of the early pioneers of the county, whose uprightness
of character, wholesome and hospitable manners and genuine Christianity left
an impress upon their community.
The father of our subject now lives retired at Pontiac. He was reared
in Waterford township and completed his education at the Pontiac High
School. His first farming was done on land which was then in Pontiac township, but now lies within the city limits. This he sold and purchased the
old homestead, which later became a part of the land dedicated to the Eastern
Michigan Asylum, Mr. Seeley selling a part of it in 1887 and the balance in
I888. In I889 he removed to Orchard Lake, where he operated the Orchard
Lake Hotel for five years; this property he disposed of in 1894, and removed
to Pontiac. One year later he assumed control of the farm of 150 acres on the
Franklin road in Bloomfield township, which he still operates as a dairy farm,
having a reliable tenant, but visiting it every clay and keeping a strict supervision over it. He has taken much pride in stocking the farm with fine dairy
breeds, having Jerseys and Holsteins, it being his experience that the larger
breeds of cattle are the most profitable. Mr. Seeley also owns much valuable
property in Pontiac and is one of the county's capitalists. In politics he
is a stanch Republican. He married Sarah A. Prall, who was born in the State
of New York, and is a daughter of Johnson S. Prall, who came to Oakland
County in I851, locating first in Troy township, but later removing to Pontiac,
where he followed the profession of architect and trade of joiner. Many of
the best buildings of the city were designed and constructed by him. His
leath took place in 189., at the age of 78 years, his children being as follows:
Edwin, an architect at Pontiac' Cassius M., the architect of the asylum at
Traverse City, Michigan, where he resides; Judson L., in the same line at the
Eastern Michigan Asylum, where he is assistant architect; Raymond, who
died some o1 years ago while in the South; Marcus, a bricklayer and contractor, who lives at lonia; Johnson, who is engaged at the Eastern Michigan
Asylum; Henry, who is also engaged at the same institution as an architect,
carpenter and builder; Silvia, who is the widow of William Furse at Waterford; Sarah L., the mother of our subject; and Carrie, who married William
Taylor of the village of Waterford. The two children born to George I!.
Seeley and wife are: Thaddeus D., of this sketch, and Bessie E., who is the

46 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife of Robert Wallace, who is connected with the Lufkin Rule Company
of Saginaw, Michigan.
Thaddeus D. Seeley was reared on a farnl and has been interested in
agricultural affairs all his life. He resides in Bloomfield township on a beautiful farm which is delightfully situated on the banks of Long Lake and is
known throughout the country as Shady Bank Farm, a great depot for the
vaccine and experimental cattle used by Parke, Davis &amp; Company of Detroit.
He has long been an extensive stock dealer, handling some 2,000 cattle
annually. Mr. Seeley has been one of the leaders of the Republican party in
the First District for a number of years and most honorably and efficiently
performs the duties of Representative. He has filled every local office except
that of supervisor, accepting but never soliciting any preferment. He has
always had large financial interests to look after, but has invariably given both
money and time to encourage public enterprises tending to promote the welfare
of the people and the advancement of his section.
In I888 Mr. Seeley was united in marriage with Eva M. Palmer, who
was born in Pontiac in I867, and is a daughter of Samuel A. and Mary
(Kimble) Palmer. The three children of this marriage are: Florence L.,
Mabel P. and George P. Fraternally Mr. Seeley is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, the A. I. U. and the B. P. 0. E.
ALMERON WHITEHEAD.
ALMERON WHITEHEAD is one of leading and substantial citizens of
Birmingham, Bloomfield township, Oakland County. He was one of the
organizers and is a member of the Birmingham Brick Company, Limited, one
of the partners in a large drug and grocery business at Birmingham, and
owns a half interest in the Exchange Bank, a private financial institution which
has done a prosperous business in Birmingham for some I8 years. Mr.
Whitehead was born in Waterford township, Oakland County, Michigan, in
1851, and is a son of Almeron and Ann (Mais) Whitehead.
The father of Mr. Whitehead was born at Newburgh, New York, and
died at Birmingham in I878, aged 6o years. In his earlier years he engaged

OAKLAND COUNTY.

in clerking, but after coming to Oakland County he engaged in farming. He
was a man of prominence and reliability, and was elected several years as
supervisor of WNaterford township and as county superintendent of the poor.
He married Ann Maais, Nwho was born in New York City, of Welsh and English
stock, a daughter of a Baptist clergyman who lost his life nursing cholera
patients in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead were consistent members of
the Protestant Episcopal Church. Our subject is the youngest member, of a
family of nine children born to them, namely: Mary, who died aged I6 years;
Emma, who married Levi Bacon; Richard, who enlisted in Company A, 5th
Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., on August I6, I862, at Clarkston, Michigan, for
three years, was made ist sergeant in May, 1864 and was killed while in.
action at Harris' Shop, Virginia, May 28, I864; Jennie, who married M. A.
Leggett; Alvin H.; Isabel, who married John Allen Bigelow, of Birmingham,
Oakland County; Ann, deceased, who was the wife of Hugh J. Hunt; and
Dr. Charles, who was killed in a railway accident.
Our subject was educated in the common and high schools of Pontiac,
and then spent three years on the farm. He located first in Birmingham
in the capacity of clerk for his brotherrin-law, who contracted to pay him
$Ioo annually for a period of eight years, but at the expiration of six years
admitted him to partnership. This continued two years and then Mr. \Vhitehead went on the road for a year in the employ of a Troy paper house, and
then entered into a partnership with George H. Mitchell, in a drug and grocery
business, a business association which has continued until the present time.
Other enterprises in which Mr. Whitehead and Mr. Mitchell are mutually
interested and which have been unusually successful, are the Exchange Bank,
which was organized in 1886, and the Birmingham Brick Company, Limited.
The latter is the offspring of the brick business of E. E. Daniels, and was
organized by Mr. Whitehead, G. H. Mitchell and E. E. Daniels, at Birmingham, a capital of $15,ooo being invested. They own the finest brick and tile
yard in Oakland County, having a capacity of 25,000 bricks per day; from
12 to I4. men are employed in making stock and wire-cut brick, tile and
foundation blocks, the last named being a specialty. Some 26 years ago Mr.
Whitehead started a weekly newspaper and named it the Eccentric and until
quite recently has edited it, this department now being in charge of Mr.
Mitchell, who attends to its affairs.
In 1878 Mr. Whitehead married Emma Bodine, who was born in 1855
3

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Connecticut and is a daughter of John and Sarah Bodine. Their one son,
Raynale A., born in 1884, graduated in I903 from the Birmingham High
School and in the fall entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He
is a young man with brilliant prospects.
Mr. Whitehead is identified with the Republican party. He has loln
been prominent in village affairs, is a member of the board of trustees and
has been president of the village board for a number of terms, his good judgment in business matters making him a very desirable public official. Fratern â
ally, he is a Mason of the Royal Arch degree, a Knight of Pythias and a.
member of the Knights of the Maccabees. The family belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church.
CHARLES H. PALMER.
CHARLES H. PALM:ER. Among the eminent men of Oakland County,
Michigan, whose names are still familiar and whose memory is still green,
none is recalled with more expressions of respect and esteem than the late
Charles H. Palmer, whose death occurred at his home in Pontiac, April o,
1887. Mr. Palmer was born in Lenox, Madison County, New York, in I8Il4.
In 1837 he was graduated from Union College, New York, and soon after, on
account of exceptional qualifications, was elected principal of the Fredonia
(New York) Academy, and subsequently of the Geneseo Academy.
In 1839 Mr. Palmer was united in marriage with Betsey A. Cowles, a
highly educated and accomplished lady, whose intellectual resources and
amiable qualities made her a most congenial companion. Her generous deeds
and gentle charities are still recalled with grateful affection.
In 1835 the parents of Mr. Palmer removed to Michigan, and, observant
of family ties, he followed and sought a home also in the West. In I847
Mr. Palmer became principal of the Romeo Academy. In those years the
numerous academies were the nurseries of the colleges and universities, and
soon the Romeo Academy, under Mr. Palmer, ranked among the leadilngl
educational institutions of its class. The rich fruit of his training is found
to-day in the intellectual supremacy of nmany residents of this and sister
States. In I85I his educational ability and his breadth of culture caused his
election as one of the regents of the University of Michigan, and he was

OAKLAND COUNTY.

49.soon recognized as a leader, and as the best equipped member of the board. Mr.
Palmer was ardently devoted to the upluilding of that institution, and threw
his whole energy into the work of its re-organization and the perfecting of
measures looking to the making of a great institution of learning which it has
since become. He was made corresponding secretary of the board, and
through his untiring personal efforts, and in the face of great difficulties and
opposition, the celebrated Dr.. Tappan, the patron saint of the University, was
secured as its president. Mr. Palmer's wisdom of choice has since been demonstrated in a thousand ways, but in no direction has it been more apparent than
in placing this institution upon a substantial educational basis.
Although always interested and an active participant in all educational
matters, Mr. Palmer was versatile enough to accomplish great results in more
practical lines of endeavor. n 8 heecide to seek a more active and,
incidentally, a more remunerative field of labor, and secured at Pontiac a
permanent home for his family, and began to cast about for a propitious
opening, resulting in his going to the Lake Superior mining region of Michigan
in I854, where he almost immediately entered upon a career of mining development and operation, in which he was more or less interested until almost the
close of his life. With others in this business, he experienced many of the
ups and downs, but he bravely persevered against all odds and through sheer
grit overcame where many men would have been overwhelmed.
He first opened and managed, as one of the owners, the Pewabic copper
mine, the first successful venture of the kind in the now famous Portage Lake,district. He was one of the incorporators of the Franklin mine, in 1857, and
of the South Pewabic mine, in I865; in I867 he was one of the incorporators
of the Ossipee, nowr the Osceoia mine, and in the same year, of the Kearsage
mine, his identification with these great mines beginning with their opening.
In I856, with other far-sighted business men, he was one of the promoters
of the Portage Lake &amp; River Improvement Company, which was designed to
connect Portage Lake by canal with Lake Superior.
In 1869 Mr. Palmer purchased the celebrated Palmer-Loring tract, adjoining the Calumet &amp; Hecla MAining Company's property. Out of the attempt
to defraud Mr. Palmer of his rights, arose the great suit to maintain his claim,
which was finally decided in his favor, by the United States Supreme Court.
By this decision his old age was crowned with deserved affluence. In I870,
in connection with W\. W. WValker, George Jerome and L. S. Smith, the

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Houghton &amp; Ontonagon Railroad Company was incorporated. After 30 miles
of road was built, from Champion to L'Anse, the Marquette &amp; Ontonagon
road was bought, the combination forming the important transportation line
known now as the Marquette, Houghton &amp; Ontonagon Railroad. These do
not by any means cover all of the important enterprises with which Mr. Palmer
was identified, in all of which he displayed the excellence of judgment and
the clear foresight which is able, without fail, to assure success at the inception
as well as at the close of important negotiations.
From 1875 Mr. Palmer remained almost entirely at his home in Pontiac,
engaged mainly in the prosecution of his suit, but always wide awake to the
needs of the community, and ever ready to champion movements designed to
promote the general welfare, and thus materially aided in the advancement
of the social, educational and moral interests of this locality. His leadership
was generally recognized and it is well known that much credit is due to his
tactful management and skillful plans, that the Eastern Michigan Asylum was
secured for Pontiac. He also took a great interest in the Michigan Military
Academy at Orchard Lake, of which he was a trustee. In religion he was an
Episcopalian, and from I86I until 1877 he served as vestryman of Zion
Protestant Episcopal Church of Pontiac.
Charles H. Palmer was distinguished for his culture, his integrity, his
fine physique, courteous manners and wide charities. He possessed remarkable
powers of analysis and a wonderful capacity and ability for organization. His
clear, keen intellect and quick perception gave him that necessary insight for
the widest and highest development of any proposition, whether political,
educational, or in matters of a purely business nature. He was a man whose
temperament was under control, giving hin a personal magnetism and a
winning address which was notable all through an unusually busy life.
ROBERT LEBARON, M. D.
ROBERT LEBARON, M. D., who for many years has been a prominent
physician of Pontiac, is one of the best known and highly respected members
of the profession in Oakland County, where he has lived most of his life.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Dr. LeBaron is descended from French and Puritan ancestors. Going
back some generalions we find that Dr. Francis LeBaron was an early Puritan
settler in Plymouth, and was buried on Burying Hill at that place. One of his
sons, Lazarus, was born in Plymouth where he practiced medicine during
his entire active life and was also laid to rest at Burying Hill. Another son,
James, married and became the father of David LeBaron, who in turn married
and numbered among his children Dr. Solomon LeBaron, the paternal grandfather of our subject. Dr. Solomon LeBaron married Zada Hull, a near
relative of General Hull of Revolutionary war and war of I812 fame, and
among their children was John LeBaron, father of Dr. Robert IeBaron.
John LeBaron was born in Connecticut in 1803. and married June McCollins, who was born near Batavia, New York, in 1808. They moved to Michigan in 1843, settling first at Battle Creek, then removing to Redford, Wayne
County, where our subject's father carried on farming for several years.
Iater he moved to Farmington township, Oakland County, where he resided
for eight years, and then located in Olive township, Clinton County. There lie
resided for 25 years and died in 1878, at the age of 75 years. He belonged to
the Presbyterian Church and was a man of literary attainments, followingr
the profession of teaching between the ages of 21 and 40 years. His widowv
survived him until I887.
Robert LeBaron was born near Batavia, New York, June 27, I838, and
was the second son born to his parents. He passed his early school days in
Wayne and Oakland counties, Michigan, and when i years old went to
Livingston County, where he made his home for 14 years with Dr. C. W.
Haze, under whose direction he commenced the study of medicine. After
a preparatory course of reading he entered the medical department of the
University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in March, I86I. He
immediately began practice in Livingston County, continuing for two years
in association with Dr. Haze. About that time he received the appointment
of assistant surgeon of the 4th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and later acted as
surgeon of the regiment. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and
was with his regiment until July, I864, when it was mustered out at Detroit.
In August of that year he established himself in practice at Pontiac where
he has since devoted his entire time to professional work, building up a large
and lucrative practice. He is a man of great strength of character and stands
high in public esteem.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

October 13, I869, Dr. LeBaron was united in marriage with Mary B,
Foster, who was born in Clarkston, Oakland County, and is a (laughter of
Horatio and Sophia (Sabine) Foster. Her, parents were natives of England,
who upon coming to this country settled first at Utica, New York, and later
in Oakland County, Michigan, both dying in Clarkston. Three children were
born to Dr. and Mrs. LeBaron, namely; Edith H., Mary F.; and Dr. Robert
Owen.
Dr. Robert Owen LeBaron, who is associated in practice at Pontiac with
his father and Dr. Drake, was born in this city in 1876. He graduated fronl
the Pontiac High School in I896, from the literary department of the
University of Michigan in I900, and from the medical department in I902.
He spent the following year abroad in post-graduate study in hospital work
in Vienna and London. He is now in practice in Pontiac.
Dr. Robert LeBaron is a member of the Oakland County and Pontiac
medical societies as well as of the State and American Medical associations.
He was for a number of years president of the Board of Education of Pontiac.
Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of Lodge No. 21, F. &amp; A. M.; Pontiac
Chapter, R. A. M.; and Pontiac Commandery No. 2, K. T. He is also a
member of the Military Order. of the Loyal Legion of the United States. In
politics, he is a stanch Democrat, while in religious attachment he and his
family belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church.
THE EASTERN MICHIGAN ASYLUM.
In I873 Governor Baldwin, in his retiring message, called the atte:tiort
of the public to the necessity of providing accommodation for the increasing
number of insane persons, then finding no better homes than those afforded
by the county poorhouses and the jails.
In his inaugural message, his successor, Governor Bagley, carried furl-her
the idea and suggested immediate steps toward locating another insane asylum.
As a direct result of his personal efforts, a bill was passed to provide for the
erection of an additional asylum in Michigan. The Governor at once
appointed Dr. E. H. Van Deusen, of Kalamazoo, George Hannahs, of Soutlh

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Haven, and Amos Rathbone, of Grand Rapids, as a commission to locate the
same. Nearly a year was occupied in investigating and inspection, resulting
in Pontiac being chosen in June, 1874. The citizens of Pontiac donated 200
acres of land, eligibly located and also guaranteed an ample water supply and
sewerage removal with proper and sufficient drainage, these guarantees
requiring some $30,000.
It is rare that a State receives such substantial aid from any locality. To
the above donation the State added 107 acres of land by purchase. In November, I874, a building commission was organized, composed of Dr. E. H. Van
Deusen of Kalamazoo, George Hannahs of South Haven, Samuel G. Ives of
Chelsea, and W. M. McConnell and M. E. Crofoot, of Pontiac. The ground
plans of the institution were furnished by Dr. Van Deusen, while the elevation
and working plans were furnished by E. E. Myers, of Detroit. The contract
was let February 24, I875, and the erection of the building was supervised
by C. M. Wells. By July, 1878, the building was completed at a cost of
$467,ooo and Governor Crosswell appointed a board of trustees, consisting of
a building board and ex-Gov. H. P. Baldwin.
In August, I878, the building was formally opened by the transfer of 221
patients from the asylum at Kalamazoc. The Legislature in the winter of
I875-76 appropriated $23,000 for extensions and additional furniture and in
I88i appropriated $75,000 for the building of additional wings. This was
followed in 1885 by the giving of authority for the building of two hospital
buildings, with capacity for 75 or 80 patients, and in 1887 additional land was
purchased. Two cottages were built for the accommodation of Ioo quiet
patients. Up to I889 the total cost of the asylum had been $7I4,899.I8, and
it furnished accommodations for 800 patients. It is regarded as one of the
best, most complete and most admirably managed institutions for unfortunates
in the whole Northwest.
Dr, E. A. Christian has been medical superintendent at the institution
since 1894; the present officers of the asylum are: H. S. Chapman, M. D., of
Pontiac; Harry Coleman, of Pontiac; George J. Vinton, of Detroit; D. E.
Prall, of Saginaw; George Clapperton, of Grand Rapids; Fred E. Thompson,
of Columbiaville, making a strong and representative board of trustees. The
medical officers are: Edmund A. Christian, M. D., medical superintendent;
Jason Morse, M. D., assistant superintendent; with these assistant physicians:
Irvin H. Neff, William MacLake, Anna J. Clapperton, Guy C. Conkle and

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Homer Clarke. Walter P. Manton, M. D., is gynecologist; Louis J. Goux,
M. D., of Detroit, is ophthalmologist. The steward is Edward C. Smith of
Pontiac and Frank G. Jacobs of Pontiac is treasurer.
Eminent physicians have been interested in the asylum since its beginning,
the list of superintendents since I878 being as follows: Henry M. Hurd, M.
D., from 1878 to 1889; C. B. Burr, M. D., from 1899 to 1894; and Edmund
A. Christian from 1894 until the present time. Dr. Christian has been connected with the asylum since 1882, being assistant physician until 1889 and
serving as assistant superintendent from the last named year until 1894, when
he assumed full charge.
The summary of inventory on June 30, T892, amounted to $I,024,IO8.76.
FRANK L. PERRY.
FRANK L. PERRY, cashier of the Oakland County Savings Bank, at
Pontiac, Michigan, which was established and opened for business on January
I, 1893, was born in Oakland township, Oakland County, Michigan, in I867.
and is a son of G. F. Perry. The latter was born in Lockport, New York,
about I84I, and is a son of David Perry, a venerable resident of Vassar.
Michigan. G. F. Perry came to Oakland County some 50 years ago, and is
now assistant cashier of the above named bank. His two surviving children
are: Frank L., our subject, and Mrs. C. L. Durrant, of Amy, Oakland
county.
Our subject was reared on his father's farm in Oakland township and
attended the local schools. In I890 his father was elected register. of deeds
and he spent four years as his father's deputy. He located in Pontiac IO
years since and for nine years has been connected with the bank, serving as its
cashier since I898.
The original incorporators of this institution, which is the second oldest
in the city, were: Joshua Hill; B. G. Stout, deceased; A. C. Baldwin, deceased;
C. W. French; and D. H. Power, the capital being $50,000, the same as now.
The present officers of the bank are: Joshua Hill, president; H. F. Messenger,
vice-president; Frank L. Perry, cashier, and G. F. Perry, assistant cashier,

HON. JAMES A. JACOKES

OAKLA'ND COUNTY.

while the board of directors include these prominent business citizens and
capitalists: Joshua Hill, H. F. Messenger, J. A. Graley, James A. Jacokes,
Chauncey Brace, H. W\. Green and A. L. Moore. The business is of a commercial and savings character and the institution is chartered under the laws
of the State of Michigan. It is in a very flourishing condition, as its statements show.
In I90I Mr. Perry married a daughter of James Tobin of Detroit, and
one child has been born to them.
Mr. Perry has been an active and interested member of several fraternal organizations; he is a Mason of the Royal Arch degree, a Knight of
Pythias and a Knight of Khorassan, while socially he belongs to the Pontiac
Club. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Perry is a well known and very
popular citizen of Pontiac; his uprightness of character, his genial manner
and his friendly spirit, have attracted many sincere friends.
HON. JAMES A. JACOKES.
HON. JAXMES A. JACOKES, formerly judge of the Probate Court of Oakland County, Michigan, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is a lawyeof learning and ability and is a member of the well known firm of Baldwin,
Jacokes &amp; Moore of Pontiac.
Judge Jacokes was born in Geneva, New York, November 21, 1834, and
is a son of Rev. Daniel C. Jacokes, deceased, a record of whose life appears
on another page of this volume. Our subject was educated at home and largely
under the instruction of his father until he had made considerable progress in
the studies of a collegiate course. He then attended Albion College for two
years after lwhich he took up the study of law in I857. He was admitted to
the bar in i86i at Pontiac, in which city he has since practiced with uninterrupted success. He was a student under Judge Baldwin, with whom he was
later associated in practice. In 1882 the firm of Baldwin, Draper &amp; Jacokes
was organized and continued in existence until 1894. In I895 the firm of
Baldwin, Jacokes &amp; Moore came into existence. The firm name is unchanged
at the present time, although Judge Baldwin is deceased, and the firm enjoys

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a large and remunerative clientage, practicing in all the courts. In 1862,
Judge Jacokes was elected commissioner of the Circuit Court, an office he
filled with credit for a period of four years; he was again elected to that office
in 1870 for a term of two years. He served as city attorney for four years and
in I876 was chosen judge of the Probate Court of Oakland County; the
duties of this office he discharged for four years with characteristic impartiality
and a high sense of justice. From I88o to 1895, he was a member of the
School Board. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been an active worker for
party success. He has been a student from early life and is well versed in
literature and science. He has fine social qualities and the general verdict of
those who know him was expressed by a friend who said, "He is one of those
kind-hearted men who have a smile and honest hand for every one."
On October 15, 1867, Judge Jacokes was united in marriage with Camilla
Manning, a daughter of Hon. Randolph Manning, who was associate judge
of the Supreme Court of Michigan in the "fifties." Mrs. Jacokes died
November 22, 1890, and her death was a sad blow to her devoted husband.
She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Judge Jacokes has been identified with many of the important business
interests of Pontiac, among others the Pontiac Savings Bank, of which he
was president for two or three years, and the Oakland County Savings Bank,
of which he is now a director. He is connected with numerous manufacturing
plants and is president of the Pontiac Buggy Company. Judge Jacokes
resides in one of the best residence districts of Pontiac, and has a comfortable
brick home with handsome surroundings.
HON. SAMUEL W. SMITH.
HON. SAMUEL W. SMITI, who represents the Sixth Congressional'
District of Michigan in the United States Congress, has attained high distinction as a member of that august body, and is one of the foremost Republicans
of Michigan. For many years he has been prominent as a lawyer of Pontiac,
and enjoys the reputation of being one of the best criminal lawyers in Eastern
Michigan. He was born in Independence township, Oakland County, Michi

OAKLAND COUNTY.

gan, August 23, 1852, and is a son of Nicholas B. and Mary (Phillips)
Smith.
Nicholas B. Smith was born in M\onroe County, New York, and came
to this locality in I84r, buying 80 acres of raw land in Brandon township,
which he cleared and improved. He soon sold this and purchased I20 acres in
Independence township, where he resided some years. He then removed to the
village of Clarkston, where he conducted a general store until his death. His
wife was born in New York in 1825, and was a daughter of Bildad Phillips,
a native of New England. In girlhood she accompanied her parents to Oakland County, Michigan, where she was married some years later. She died
in I856, leaving two children, namely: Ann Eliza, wife of Lawrence Clarke;
and Hon. Samuel V.
Samuel W. Smith first attended the public schools of Clarkston, then
pursued a higher course of study in Detroit, after which he entered the law
department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which he vwas.
graduated in I878. He had been admitted to the bar in 1877, and after graduation he began practice at Pontiac, continuing alone for a period of six months.
He then formed a partnership with the late Judge Levi B. Taft and Hon.
Aaron Perry, the latter continuing as a member of the firm for one year, then
retiring. Mr. Smith was associated with Judge Taft in a very extensive
practice until the latter's death. From early manhood he was an enthusiastic
worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and he has frequently been called
upon to fill offices high in the public trust. In i88o he was elected prosecuting
attorney of Oakland County and served until 1884, when he was elected State
Senator from the Fifteenth Senatorial District. He took an active part in the
discussion and passage of a law regulating the sale of oleomargerine to protect
the interests of farmers and dairymen, and in the bill for the coupling of freight
cars, introduced for the protection of railway employees. In all important
matters he was to be found fighting for the best interests of the public, and he
became prominent as a champion of the people. His rise in public favor was
steady and rapid and a few years later, he was elected to represent the Sixth
Congressional District in the halls of Congress. In this great body of distinguished men Mr. Smith has gained a place in the front ranks, and the
important bills which come up for passage and discussion find in him either a
stanch friend and advocate or an untiring worker in its defeat. He is a strong,
forcible speaker, well informed on the questions of vital importance to the

60o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

government, and he looks zealously to his country's interests as well as to
those of his constituents.
Mr. Smith was married November I6, I880, to Alida E. DeLand, who
was born near, Grass Lake, Michigan, and is a daughter of Edwin and Susan
DeLand. To this union have been born four sons, as follows: E. DeLand,
Ferris N., Wendell and Harlan S.
HERBERT P. EWELL, M. D.
HERBERT P. EWELL, M. D., president of the Plastic Post Company, an(l
a leading physician of Rochester, Avon township, Oakland County, was born
June 23, 1862, in Shelby township, Maconb County, Michigan. He is a son
of James N. and Elsie A. (Cannon) Ewell, a grandson of Philander Exell
and a great-grandson of Peleg Ewell, who was a member of an old family of
New York, of Scotch extraction.
The Ewell family has been mainly an agricultural one and has always
been honorable and loyal. Its settlement in America dates back to the time
of the Pilgrims, and during the Revolutionary struggle seven of its members
served in the Colonial Army. Peleg Ewell with his son Philander removed
from New York to Michigan in I830, and took up 800 acres of land in
Macomb County, much of it still being in the hands of Dr. Ewell's father,
who still attends to the operation of his farm, at the age of 72 years. Peleg
Ewell died at Utica, Michigan, aged So years. Philander Ewell engaged in
farming until I86o and then started up the woolen mills at Stony Creek and
made both a reputation and a fortune in their operation. After, running the
mills for 25 years, he moved to Detroit and died in that city, aged about 86
years. He reared nine children, the father of our subject being the eldest.
The mother of Dr. Ewell died in 1894. She was born in New York and
was a daughter of a clergyman, who with his wife settled later in Michigan.
She was the beloved mother of five children, as follows: Lydia, who died from
injuries received in a runaway; Herbert P., our subject; Ada, who lives at
home; George N., an undertaker of Bay City, Michigan; and Frank, who died
in childhood.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Dr. Ewell was reared on a farm in Macomb County and attended the
local schools, graduating at the Utica High School in 1882, and supplementing this with a year at Buchtel, College, at Akron, Ohio. In the following
year he went to the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and graduated in
1885 in pharmacy, and then took charge of a drug store at Albion for a year,
preparing for entrance into the medical department of the University of
Michigan. In I888 he received his medical degree and then located at Rochester, where he has since been engaged in an active and lucrative practice. Dr.
Ewell makes a specialty of various chronic diseases and has been wonderfully
successful in his treatment of hernia. He is an inventor of no mean ability
and his automatic truss is sold all over the country, meeting with universal
approbation. This he manufactures himself. He has invented a number of
other surgical appliances of merit, and he also invented the plastic post, formed
a company and is now serving as its president. He is, in addition, interested
in a patent tie for the mail service. His inventions are all of practical value
and have brought him handsome returns.
On October io, I888, Dr. Ewell married Carrie J. Tuttle, who was born
in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and they have one son, J. Mac. On account of Mrs.
Ewell's delicate health, two years have been spent in Tennessee and Alabama.
Dr. Ewell belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, viz: the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees and Modern Woodmen of
America. In politics he is an independent. In religious belief he is a
Universalist.
GEORGE REEVES.
GEORGE REEVES, one of the substantial and representative farmers of
Oakland County, Michigan, resides on his well cultivated estate of 200 acres,
located in section 22, Pontiac township. Mr. Reeves was born June 3, 1823,
in Palmyra, W\ayne County, New York. and is a son of Stephen and Mary
(White) Reeves, and a grandson of James Reeves, who was born in England,
and reared these children to maturity: Lyman; Stephen, James, Fannie,
Amanda and Sarah.
Stephen Reeves was not only an early settler in Oakland County, but he

.62

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was also one of the most prominent and efficient men of his time. He was born
in Wayne County, New York, and was reared there to a farmer's life, and it
was in the hope of bettering his condition that he started for the wilds of Michigan when the Territory was opened for settlement. With two companions,
Stephen Reeves walked the whole distance from his home in Wayne County
to Oakland County, and here he secured I6o acres of land at $1.25 per acre,
*securing a government title. When he brought his wife and babe, our subject,
to this place in the following year, it was still covered with its natural growth
of timber, all of which he cleared off by his own industry. The first pioneer
'home was a log house, I8 by 20 feet in dimensions, which he erected and
which sheltered the family for about 14 years, when he constructed a part of.the present comfortable frame building. Those days were often filled with
much hardship, for within a radius of o1 miles there were no neighbors except
at the little settlement which was the nucleus of the present city of Pontiac.
There were no roads, no mills, no churches nor schools, and the Indians were
still a menace to the courageous white settlers, even Chief Pontiac himself
frequently visiting the neighborhood. In a community of this kind, a man of
the sterling character of Stephen Reeves was welcomed and upon him were
laid the burdens of judicial life and he was called upon to serve in almost
-every local office, his capacity being recognized along with his integrity.
For a long period he adjusted the differences among his neighbors as a justice
of the peace, and for I4. years he served as judge of Probate, under appointment of the late venerable Lewis Cass, at that time Governor of Michigan.
His life closed in I873 after 75 useful years. In his youth he served in the
Revolutionary Wiar as a lieutenant. He was a stanch Democrat and upheld
the principles of that party until the close of his life. The present Presbyterian
Church of Pontiac owed much to his early interest in religious affairs.
The mother of our subject was Mary White, who was born on Long
Island, New York, and was a daughter of Captain White, a whaler and
'deep-sea sailor. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reeves, as follows:
'George; Caroline and Jane, who both married Galloways, brothers; Mrs.
Amanda Fisher, a widow, living at Pontiac; Mrs. Mary Galloway, whose husband was a relative of the Galloway brothers named above; Maria, who died
single; and Mehitable, who resides with our subject.
In early manhood George Reeves married Helen Phelps, who was born
April 7, 1828, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and is a daughter of L. Nathan and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Clarissa (Colt) Phelps, whom she accompanied to Michigan when she was six
years old. Five children have been born to this marriage, the three survivors
being: Stephen, the present supervisor of Pontiac township, living on a farm
adjoining that of his father, who married Susie Colby and they have one child,
Clara; Fred, living with his father, who married Clara Hauxwell and they
have seven children,-Howard, Maurice, Byron, Harry, Helen, Bernice and
Myron; and Frank, residing in Pontiac, who married Carrie Ensign and they
have one child, Edwin. George and Clara, the oldest and youngest children of
our subject, are deceased.
Mr. Reeves, like his esteemed father, has always been a Democrat, and
also like his parent has been proffered almost all of the township offices. His
tastes, however, have not led in the direction of public life and he has declined
to accept positions, consenting only to serve as highway commissioner and as
school inspector. He has always been an attendant of the Presbyterian Church
and has been a liberal supporter of it. Since his 2Ist year he has been a
member of the Masonic fraternity and has attained to the Royal Arch degree.
A long and fruitful life of more than 8o years stretches backward for Mr.
Reeves and he has been a witness of the wonderful developments which have
taken place in this section of Michigan. His years of active labor are over
and he is now surrounded by all that makes life dear,-affectionate friends,
devoted descendants, ample means and a wide circle of estimable fellow
citizens who hold him in the highest regard.
EDWIN V. ALLISON.
EDWIN V. ALLISON, proprietor of the oldest as well as the largest jewelry
store of Pontiac, Michigan, is the successor of his father,- Henry E. Allison,
who conducted this same store continuously for a period of more than 38
years.
Henry E. Allison came to Pontiac in 1849, and two years later succeeded
his brother, John H. Allison, as proprietor of the jewelry store which the
latter had conducted since 1847. The business had been established shortly
before the last named date by a Mr. Marsh. Henry E. Allison conducted the

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business continuously until I887, and gained prominence throughout the
county. During this long period. he repaired upwards of 20,000 watches and
clocks. He died at Pontiac in January, I9go, and his death was sincerely
mourned by his family and many friends. Hte was a Mason of high degree,
having been a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. &amp; A. M.; Pontiac Chapter,
R. A. M.; the Consistory, and' the Commandery, and he did much toward
securing the erection of the Masonic Temple. IHe had one of the most beautiful residences of Pontiac, located on Oakland avenue; the grounds comprising
over five acres were adorned with forest trees and evergreens. He spent considerable time in travel, and covered the United States thoroughly, visiting
most of the points of interest. Mr. Allison was married in 1862 to L. Irene
Rhodes, a native of Oakland County, and a daughter of James A. and Lucinda
(Martin) Rhodes, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire, respectively.
Her parents were early settlers in Oakland County, coming here shortly after
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. iT. E. Allison were parents of six children, as
follows: Henri D., who was educated at the University of Michigan and is
now a lawyer of Seattle, W\ashington: Edwin V.; Bertha I., wife of Benjamin
F. Stevens, a railroad man residing in Los Angeles, California; John R., who
is in the jewelry business in Seattle, Washington; Mary L., wife of Frederick
C. Howland of Detroit, Michigan, who is at home with her mother; and Frank
B., a medical student of the D. C. M., who is now assistant to Dr. H. O.
Walker of Detroit.
Edwin V. Allison was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in I865, and received
his educational training in the public schools. He was graduated from
the Pontiac High School in 1882, and from that time until 1887 he was in his
father's store, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details.
He bought the store of his father in 1887. The store is situated in a handsome
brick building at No. 35 Saginaw street, North, in one of the best business
sections of the city. It is the oldest business of its kind in the city and county,
if not in the State, and the reputation it has always borne for excellence of
stock has been maintained under its present management. It is modern in all
its appointments, and a very complete stock of watches, clocks, diamonds and
a general line of jewelry is carried. Mr. Allison is a practical engraver and
has an extensive trade in that line, and is also a practical watchmaker.
He employs two men steadily and increases his staff of assistants during
rush seasons.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Mr. Allison married a daughter of Charles Bowlby, an early resident and
prominent farmer of Oakland County, who died in 1894. The mother of Mrs.
Allison is still living. Our subject and his wife have two children: T. Irene,
who was born in September, I889, at Pontiac; and Edwinna, who was born
at Pontiac, May 22, I902. The family residence is at No. 35 Saginaw street,
North, and they have a summer home at Cass Lake. Politically, Mr. Allison
is a Republican. He is chancellor commander of Pontiac Lodge No. I9, K.
of P.; a member of the Uniform Rank, K. of P.; and of Pontiac Lodge, No.
21, F. &amp; A.. Mrs. Allison is a Rathbone Sister.
CHARLES A. BURR.
CHARLES A. BURR, cashier of the Bank of Rochester, of which he was one
of the founders, has been engaged in various lines of business since locating
here and has achieved a high degree of success. He was born in Macomb
County, Michigan, in I857, and is a son of Louis and Eliza (Gendrick) Burr.
Louis Burr and his wife were both natives of Germany and came to
America in I850, landing in New York City. They immediately came to
Michigan and located in Detroit, where for a short time Louis Burr was engaged in wagon making and followed the trade of a stone mason. Soon removing to Sterling township, Macomb County, he there engaged in the manufacture of tile and brick, also after 1870 conducting a farm in connection.
There he remained until he died as the result of an accident, January I9, I895,
at the age of 77 years and six months. Mrs. Burr still resides on the old homestead in Macomb County, at the advanced age of 75 years. They were parents
of eight sons and one daughter, and with the exception of one son are all now
living.
Charles A. Burr was reared and educated in Macomb County, and
attended high school at Utica. He taught school at Big Beaver one year and in
the fall of 1876 went to California where for a period of three years he engaged in gold mining. Returning to Michigan he taught school at Warren one
season, then engaged in the hardware business at Utica for two years. In I882
he came to Rochester, Oakland County, and continued in the hardware
4

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business for eight years, then went south for a short time. In 1893, he was
appointed postmaster of Rochester, and capably discharged the duties of that
office until I898. Beginning in I890, he engaged in the undertaking business
successfully for 10 years, and in I890 built the Opera House block, where his
bank is now located. He engaged in the gentlemen's furnishings business for
one year and in the meantime was agent for the American and National
express companies. In 1898, he was candidate on the Democratic ticket for
register of deeds, and in 900o was again a candidate. He served as village and
township treasurer during I901-02. In April, I90o, in partnership with A. F.
Newberry, he founded the Bank of Rochester, of which he has since been
cashier, while Mr. Newberry is with the American Savings Bank at Pontiac,
in which both are interested. They also established the Bank of Warren
in August, I90o. Mr. Burr also carries on a real estate and fire insurance
business, representing I6 of the leading insurance companies in the country.
He has been successful in each venture he has undertaken and is one of the
most successful business men of the village.
In I902, Mr. Burr was united in marriage with Jennie B. Ames of
Warren, Michigan, and they have a comfortable home in Rochester. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 5, F. &amp; A. M., of Rochester, having been
a Mason since I879, when he joined at Utica; and is also a member of the
Council at Pontiac; the Pontiac lodge of the B. P. 0. E.; the Knights of the
Maccabees; and the Independent Order of Foresters. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held a number of important positions with credit.
HENRY ENGLAND.
HENRY ENGLAND, who has a farm of 40 acres in section 4, West Bloomfield township, and I25 acres in Waterford township, near the township line.
is one of the representative agriculturists of Oakland County.
Henry England was born in Monroe County, New York, in 1844, and is
a son of Charles England, who was born in Somersetshire, England. The
latter came from his native country in I840, and located on a farm two miles
from Rochester, New York. He came to Michigan in 1852, and purchased the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

farm on section 33, Waterfoid township, Oakland County, where our subject
now lives. His wife died in I876, and he survived her eight years, dying in
1884.
Henry England took to agricultural pursuits at an early age and has
followed that occupation throughout life, meeting with great success. He is
a careful business man, manages his affairs judiciously, and is possessed of
tireless energy. He has many friends throughout the community and is exceedingly popular.
In 1874, Henry England was joined in marriage with Jane Fleming, who
was born in Clar,kston, Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan,
September 20, I845, and is a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Fleming.
Her father died in I889 and her mother in I90I. There were seven children
in her parents' family, as follows: Mrargaret Ann, deceased; John; William;
Maria; Josephine, who married Noah Bear;dsley, deceased, in I888, and is the
mother of three children,-Mortimer, Herbert and Katie; Jane, the wife of
our subject; and Mary C. Politically Mr. England is unswerving in his
support of the principles advocated by the Democratic party.
T. H. CROUT.
T. H. CROUT, whose fine farm of 81 acres is located in the southwest
corner of section 32, Avon township, Okland County, is one of the pronlinent
and successful farmers of the locality. Mr. Crout was born October i,
1840, in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Josiah and
Hannah (Oyer) Crout, both of whom were born in the Keystone state. The
Crout family is a very old one there, its first settlement dating back probably
200 years. Mr. Crout was a member of a family of four children and of
these two sisters and one brother survive.
The boyhood, youth and young manhood of Mr. Crout were spent in
his native state, where he obtained a good, common school education and
learned the practical methods of farming which have made his operations
in Michigan particularly successful. He was 28 years of age when he came

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to this state, and settled first at Rochester. He worked for some years for the
farmers in Oakland township, making yearly contracts, but it is 24 years
since he purchased his present farm, where he has followed general farming.
In I860 Mr. Crout married Mary Bartholomew, who was also born in
Northampton County, Pennsylvania, a' member of one of the old settled
families there. Two children were born of this union, namely: E. C.,
who is so well known as the enterprising proprietor of the fine Fairview
Stock Farm, located one and one-half miles south of Rochester; and W. S..
who assists his father. Both sons rank among the leading agriculturists of
the county.
While Mr. Crout is not an active politician, he zealously supports the
Republican party, having cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham
Lincoln. Mr.. Crout is one of the old settlers and is well known and most
highly esteemed.
MRS. CECILIA MARY HICKMOTT.
MRS. CECILIA MARY HICKMOTT, residing on her fine farm of 255 acres,
situated in section 24, Pontiac township, Oakland County, is one of the
most highly esteemed residents of her locality. She was born August 8,
I844, in Dorsetshire, England, and is the daughter of James and Marie
Antoinette (Greenwood) White, the latter of whom was born in Paris,
France. She was one of three children of a soldier who served in the French
Army during the siege of Paris.
James White was born in Dorsetshire, England, where he grew up on
a small farm, but later became a seaman and followed cod fishing for years
off the coast of Newfoundland, sailing from Southampton, England. About
I856 he emigrated to America and settled for two years at East Mendon,
Monroe County, New York and then removed to Pontiac township, Oakland
County, Michigan. In I866 he located at Amy, bought a I5-acre tract, and
followed gardening for a few years, selling his products in Pontiac. He had.amassed a competency, and with his wife went on a visit to England in
1871, from which he never returned, having contracted smallpox from which
he died in Southampton, aged 57 years.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Mrs. Hickmott is the eldest of four children born to her parents, the
others being: Mrs. Margaret Ann Edwards, who died in Pontiac 30 years
ago; Mrs. Frances Harriett Wilson, of Amy; and Nicholas, a farmer of
Owosso, Michigan. Our esteemed subject was united in marriage at Pontiac,
January 5, 1865, to James Hickmott, who was born at Horseman's Den,
County Kent, England, November 27, 1830. He came in young manhood
to assist on the construction work of the Erie Canal and for one year lived
in Avon township, Oakland County. Later he engaged in farming, settling on the farm that is now the home of his widow. He was a man of
most industrious habits and was of a kind and genial nature, which made him
much beloved by all who knew him. He began life with nothing but his
youth and energy for capital, but at the time of his death owned a large
estate which he never ceased to improve. He built the present beautiful
residence which his widow occupies and all the buildings on the estate present the same substantial appearance. His death occurred on his birthday,
Novemben 27, I900, aged 70 years. He was much missed in the community
where he had long been highly regarded.
A family of io children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hickmott, as follows: Fred W., residing nearby on an adjoining farm, who married Chloe
Dawson and has one daughter, Viola Lurene: Elmer John, a farmer in
Avon township, who married Alice C. Richardson, and has two children,Margaret J. and Kenneth R.; Leon J. and Margaret, deceased; Amelia, weho
married John Brokenshaw; Mary, who is the widow of Charles Callow,
resides in Pontiac and has three children,-Harold, Sadie C. and Bessie L.;
Ralph, who operates the home farm for, his mother; and Bertha, Grace and
Harry. By a former marriage Mr. Hickmott had one child, Alviron, who
resides in Pontiac. The family is one of the most highly respected ones of
Pontiac township.
J. F. SWEARINGEN.
J. F. SWEARINGEN, superintendent of the Detroit Sugar Company, at
Rochester, Oakland County, was born in Clark County, Illinois, March 9,
I862, and is a son of Dos and Lizzie (Freeland) Swearingen, the former

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of whom died at the age of 45 years. The latter resides in St. Louis, Missouri.
Mr. Swearingen was educated in the schools of Clark county, Illinois,.
and has practically taken care of himself since he was Io years old. He worked
on a farm until the age of 20 and then followed various occupations which.
led to his traveling over a wide extent of country, including Arkansas, Texas,
Colorado and Cuba and other sugar producing countries. In 1884, having
in the meantime sufficiently qualified himself, he began work at Topeka, Kansas,.
as a machinist and engineer. In 1887 in the same city he embarked in the
sugar business, but after a year left the city and went to the southwestern
part of the State where he engaged in the construction of sugar factories.
He continued in this line of business and went to Louisiana, where he worked
until 1894. He so thoroughly understood the various possibilities of the sugar
business by this time that he went to the sugar plantations of Cuba, but did
not stay long on account of the trouble and unsettled conditions there. The
succeeding three years he spent as a traveling engineer for a Chicago house
and in I899 he came to Rochester, Oakland County, in the construction
gang of the factory of which he is now the competent superintendent. He
worked in the plant three years as a machinist and sugar maker, and so
efficiently were all his duties performed, that in April, I902, he was made
superintendent of the plant. This is one of the great industries of the
section and during the season gives employment to 300 men. Mr. Swearingen's economical but thoroughly efficient management has given the greatest
satisfaction and he has succeeded] in increasing the output as well as in
adding to the quality of the product.
In I896 Mr. Swearingen was married to Maud A. Lockard, a native
of Fort Scott, Kansas, and they have a little daughter, Lucile.
JOSEPH PRESTON TERRY.
JOSEPH PRESTON TERRY, one of the substantial men, prominent farmers
and large land owners of Oakland County, Michigan, resides on his finely
improved farm of 340 acres in section 13, Pontiac township. Mr. Terry was

OAKLAND COUNTY.

born on a farm situated between Port Gibson and Newark, Wayne County,
New York, March 14, 1824, and is a son of Nathan G. and Belinda (Preston)
Terry, and a grandson of Jonathan Terry.
The Terry family is of French extraction and at the time of the French
Revolution became Refugees, settling in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
There Jonathan Terry was born and there he married a young woman with
the same name as his own and their children were: Uriah, Ebenezer,
Nathaniel, George, Nathan G., William, Jonathan, Mrs. Polly Horton and
Mrs. Deborah Horton. It is related of this grandfather that he was something of a poet, and an example of his talent is still extant, some 20 stanzas
written on the death of George Washington, and sung in Bradford County,
Pennsylvania, at the first Fourth of July celebration after Washington's
death.
Nathan G. Terry was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and
lived there until the age of 30 years, when he removed to New York, and
when our subject was i years old removed to Oakland County, Michigan.
settling in Commerce township. Six years later, in I841, he removed to
Pontiac township and purchased 240 acres of land, now included in our
subject's present farm. to which original tract the latter has added 100
adjacent acres. Nathan G. Terry died in I852, at the age of 62 years. He
was a Democrat in political views. Although not formally connected with
any religious denomination, he was a man of exemplary life and was universally respected. He married Belinda Preston, who was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and they had children as follows: Mrs.
Deborah Tucker, who died at the home of our subject some two years ago;
David D., who lived and died in Oakland County; Joseph Preston, of this
sketch; and Uriah and Mrs. Angeline Stockwell, who died in this county.
Mr. Terry has devoted his life wholly to agricultural pursuits and owns
one of the finest farms in the county. Formerly he was identified with the
Democratic party, but now is in sympathy with the principles of the Poputlist
party. As a man of good judgment and large means, he is prominent in all
public matters in his township and may always be found casting his influence
in the direction of progressive movements which promise to be of permanent
benefit to his locality.
Mr. Terry has been twice married. In early manhood he was married to Maggie Bugbee, who was born in New York and was a daughter

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Tobias and Naomi Bugbee. At her death she left one son, Josiah P.,
who resides on the homestead. Josiah P. Terry married Mary Ross, who
was born in Oakland County, and is a daughter of David and Lydia Ross,
and they have two daughters,-Maggie and Ernestine. Our subject's second
marriage took place in 1882, to Mary Bryant, who was born in Pontiac
township and is a daughter of Jairus and Hannah (Wilder) Bryant. As
will be seen, the Terry fanily is one of the old and honored ones of the
locality and its members enjoy the esteem of the community.
OBEDIAH KEMP.
OBEDIAH KEMP, one of the highly respected old residents of Oakland
County, Michigan, residing on his snug little farm of 40 acres, located in
section 22, Pontiac township, came to this county June 17, I849, from the
neighborhood of Battle, Sussex County, England, where he was born July
22, 1827. His parents were John and Dorothy (Millman) Kemp, both
natives of Sussex County.
John Kemp was a son of John Kemp, who was also born and lived in
Sussex County. The family has always been an agricultural one and is well
known in England. The children of John Kemp, the elder, were: John, Richard,
William, Henry, who also came to America; Mrs. Sarah Bryant, Mrs.
Hannah Rollinson and George. John Kemp, the second, married Dorothy
Millman, who died at the home of our subject, in January, I888, at the age
of Ioo years. She accompanied her husband to America in I850. Our
subject's father died at the home of his son Obediah, in July, I87I, aged
86 years. These parents were among the early supporters of the Methodist
Church in their locality and led the sober, virtuous lives of good, Christian
people. Mr. Kemp supported the Democratic party.
Obediah Kemp was the Ith born of a family of I2 children, as follows:
Mrs. Mary King; Mrs. Mercy Pile; Mrs. Hannah Carey; Mrs. Sarah Adams,
who now resides in Pontiac at the age of 90 years; John, who died in
January, I902, aged 86 years; Mrs. Dina Twaits, of England; George, de

HARRY C. GUILLOT, M. D.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

ceased; Mrs. Jane Cooper, deceased; Mrs. Barbara Osmund, of England;
William, of England; Obediah; and Mrs. Fannie Hardin, of Orion, Oakland County. This is a family of unusual longevity, the result of strong
and vigorous parentage and quiet, orderly living.
Our subject was 22 years of age when he came to America. His
training had fitted him for farm work, and, after two or three years of service
in and around Pontiac, in I854 he purchased his present farm, which at
one time consisted of I82 acres, in section 22, Pontiac township. He has
retained but forty acres for his own use, selling the remainder to his son
William. Mr. Kemp has a beautiful home, the residence being large and
convenient, and the grounds attractive and well cultivated. He has long
been considered one of the best farmers in the township.
In 1850 Mr. Kemp married Sabina Selms, who was born in Sussex
County, England, and died in November, 1898, leaving two children, William and Fannie. The former married Sarah Fetherson and resides in
Pontiac, their three children being,-Ida, May and Raymond. Fannie married Frederick Dandison of Pontiac, and they have one son, Maurice. On
June 5, 1902, Mr. Kemp married Mrs. Lucy Phillips, who is a daughter of
James and Martha (Mortimer) Walter.
Mr. Kemp has been a consistent Democrat all his life, casting his first
Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce. For the past three years he has
been one of the careful, interested school directors of Pontiac township, and
is a man much respected by all who know him.
HARRY C. GUILLOT, M. D.
HARRY C. GUILLOT, IM. D., mayor of Pontiac, Michigan, serving in this
highest municipal office for the third time, is the only person who has been
elected to the office of mayor for three consecutive terms. He is a prominent
physician as well as a leading citizen, and has been identified with the interests
of Pontiac since 1891.
Dr. Guillot was born at Windsor, Canada, where he was reared and

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

secured his literary education. In I891 he graduated from the Detroit College
of Medicine and served four years on the medical staff of the Eastern
Michigan Asylum, under Dr. C. B. Burr. Since 1895 he has engaged in a
general practice in the city, being favorably located in the North Building,
and has been eminently successful. He is the medical examiner for a number
of the leading insurance societies and mutual benefit organizations. Dr.
Guillot belongs to the Pontiac, Oakland County and the Michigan State
Medical societies and is fraternally associated with the Masons, belonging
to Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and others,
being valued in all on account of his sterling characters and genial good
fellowship. In politics the Doctor is a stanch Republican. He was the successful candidate in the mayoralty elections of I901, I902, and I903.
In I890 Dr. Guillot was married in Canada, and has one son. The family
belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church. A portrait of Dr. Guillot
accompanies this sketch.
THEODORE A. COLLIER.
THEODORE A. COLLIER, who resides on his well improved farm of 230
acres, located on section 9, Pontiac township, is one of the leading farmers,
dairymen and gardeners of Oakland County, and has been largely identified
through his position as a prominent citizen with the general progress of this
section since attaining the years of manhood. He was born in the village
of Perry, Wyoming County, New York, November 28, I849, and is a son
of Charles S. Collier, a native of Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Charles S. Collier spent the greater, part of his life in New England,
where he followed the carriage manufacturing business, being a first class
mechanic. He came to Oakland County, Michigan, when our subject was
four years old, and settled on the fine farming property in Pontiac township now owned by his sons,-Theodore A. and G. H. M. He died in I856
at the age of 53 years. His.only brother, Horace Collier, died in Vermont
many years ago. Charles S. Collier married Eliza Currier, a native of Claremont, New Hampshire, and eight children were born to them, of whom the
five following survive: Mrs. Jennie B. Murry, of Pontiac, Michigan;

OAKLAND COUNTY.

* 77

Charles S., who is the present postmaster at Frankfort, Michigan; George
X. M., a prominent lawyer of Detroit, Michigan; Isadore M., who lives
with our subject and Theodore A. Of the three that died, Hannah died
at the age of 29, and Solon O. H. died of yellow fever soon after the
Mexican War, throughout which he took an active part. Mrs. Charles S.
Collier, the mother of our subject, died in T89o at the age of 83 years,
Charles S. Collier was a Whig in politics. Both he and his wife were active
in the Congregational Church.
Theodore A. Collier was reared on the farm in Pontiac township, attending the country schools of the neighborhood, and has remained on the
home farm. His farming operations include dairying and stock feeding,
none of his grain crops being sold. The land not utilized for grazing
purposes or for the raising of hay and other forage crops is devoted to the
culture of vegetables. He usually raises as much as 2,000 bushels of
onions.
Mr. Collier is a Republican and has served as highway commissioner
and as township treasurer, and has been a member of the School Boarrl for
20 years. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
for 30 years, and has held all the subordinate offices in the lodge. He has
never married. His sister, Miss Isadore M. Collier, and Miss Jennie S.
Gregory have kept house for him during the past 3I12 years.
J. H. McCOTTER.
J. H. MCCOTTER, farm superintendent for the great seed firm of D.
M. Ferry &amp; Company, of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Vermontville,
Eaton County, Michigan, in 1845, and is a resident of Avon township,
Oakland County. He is a son of Simeon and Minerva (Leveridge) McCotter, the former of whom was born in Vermont and the latter in Salina,
New York.
Simeon McCotter came to Michigan in 1837, a member of the Vermont
colony, having visited the country some years earlier. He learned the trade

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of carpenter, and joiner with his father, Howard McCotter, who spent his
life in Vermont. Edward McCotter, father of Howard, and great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Edinburg, Scotland, and came to America
a short time prior to the Revolutionary War, and engaged in shipbuilding
in Philadelphia. The only member of our subject's grandfather's family still
surviving is Samuel McCotter, who resides at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Simeon McCotter died in Vermontville, Michigan, in 1893, aged 87 years;
his wife died two years later. Mrs. Simeon McCotter's father was a prominent citizen of New York, interested in the salt business, and died when
she was about five years old. The four children born to Simeon McCotter
and wife were: Jenette, who married Oscar Hadley, both deceased; J. H.,
of this sketch; Lizzie, wife of F. H. Gage, of Olivet, Michigan; and
George, of Hartford, Michigan.
J. H. McCotter was reared and educated in Vermontville, and remained
at home until he was 2I years old when he took a course in the Agricultural
College of Michigan. He then engaged in various occupations which called
him to different parts of the country, gave him enlightened ideas and a
very thorough training for the work he is called upon to oversee at the
present time. In I880 he settled in his home township and there operated a
farm for eight years, at the same time engaging in the work of growing seed
crops for D. M. Ferry &amp; Company. In February, I887, he entered into
the employ of the company at Detroit and on the road and in I890 moved to
Pontiac as superintendent of the company's seed farm located near the city.
He remained here I3 years, but in I903 the company sold the farm and
purchased another in section 26, Avon township, where he is now located,
as farm superintendent, having charge of some 50 laborers. Mr. McCotter
grows, for the most part, vegetable seeds and in I903 had 270 acres of seed
crops. He has made a close study of this business and manages it in a
practical and satisfactory manner.
On March 25, I874, Mr. McCotter was married to Florence E. Baker,
of Vermontville, Michigan, and they have three children, namely: Agnes,
a graduate of a musical school, who is a teacher of music in the vocal
department of Powhatan College, at Charlestown, West Virginia; Lela, a
graduate of the University of Michigan, who is teacher of biology in the
Bay City (Michigan) High School; and Howard, who is associated with
his father, on the seed farm.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Mr. McCotter is very highly regarded throughout Avon and Pontiac
townships and his knowledge of agricultural matters is acknowledged to be
far beyond the average.
RICHARD BARTLETT.
RICHARD BARTLETT, one of the large and prosperous farmers of Oakland
County, Michigan, located in section 27, Pontiac township, where he owns a
fine estate of 430 acres, was born on a farm near Collins, Erie County, New
York, November 28, I829, and is a son of Smith and Sarah (Allen) Bartlett,
both of whom belonged to honored old families of New England.
Smith Bartlett was a son of Abel and Drusilla (Phillips) Bartlett, the
former of whom was a native of Rhode Island, and a blacksmith by trade.
Abel Bartlett and wife reared a family of nine children, namely: Dexter, Mrs.
Amy Taft, Daniel, Smith, Mrs. Lydia Allen and Mrs. Mary Pierson (twins),
David, Jeremy and Abel. The fourth member of this family was the father
of our subject and he married Sarah Allen, who was born at Danby, Vermont,
and was a daughter of Zoheth Allen of that place. Their children were as
follows: Zoheth A.; Mrs. Mary Pratt; Mrs. Jane Lawton; Seth, who lives at
Collins, New York, aged 82 years; John, a resident of Pasadena, California;
Richard, of this sketch; Mrs. Sylvia Willett of Collins, New York; Mrs. Sarah
Allen; and Mrs. Ann Taylor, of Collins, N\ew York. The father of this family was born in Rhode Island and died at Collins, New York. He took part
in the war of 1812. For some 30 years he was engaged in tanning and shoemaking at Collins and was one of the leading citizens of the village.
Our subject was educated in the district schools of his native locality
which he attended during the winter seasons until he was about 20 years of
age, remaining at home until the age of I8 years. IHe assisted in his father's
tannery when he was a lad and later spent five years at this business at Collins
Center, New York. In May, 1865, he came to Oakland County, Michigan,
and located on his present farm of 430 acres, the beautiful home being situated in section 27, Pontiac township. Mr. Bartlett has built all the commodious and substantial buildings on the place, and has made most of the improvements; the farm ranks as one of the best in Oakland County. He is a practical
farmer and has been more than usually successful.

.80 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In i851 our subject married Phoebe L. Smith, who was born in Collins,
New York, and is a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (White) Smith, and
two children were born to them: Charles S., a farmer of Pontiac, who married
Carrie Osmun, a native of New York, and has three children,-Lena, Beulah
and Charles; and Augustus Smith, who married Louise Carr, a native of
Germany, and has three children,-Lola, Phoebe and Nettie.
Mr. Bartlett cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont and has
voted with the Republican and the Prohibition parties ever since. He has
taken much interest in the agricultural development of his section and is a
valued member of the Pontiac Grange. He is also one of the leading advocates of temperance in the township and belongs to the order of Sons of Temperance. Mr. Bartlett is a good citizen and a worthy representative of that
sober, industrious class which has done so much to make Oakland County the.banner agricultural county of the State.
CLARK B. TURNER.
CLARK B. TURNER, a veteran newspaper man of Pontiac, Michigan,
who was identified with the Pontiac Ga.ettc from 1863 to February 13,
1899, is one of the best known citizens of this place. Mr. Turner was born:at Mount Ross, Dutchess County, New York, May I2, 1838, and is a son of
Cornelius W. and Anna Elizabeth (Young) Turner, both of whom were
born in Dutchess County, New York.
The father of our subject was a prominent citizen of Mount Ross,
where for many years he was a woolen manufacturer.. His death took place
at Flushing, Michigan, when he was 82 years of age. His wife was a
daughter of David Young, the "village blacksmith" at Pine Plains, New
York. She passed away a few years since, aged 82, having reared four
children.
Our subject passed his early school days in New York and Massachusetts, and at the age of I3 entered that equally valuable school, a printing,office, being apprenticed to the proprietors of the Berkshire County Courier,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

where he remained two years. One of the proprietors, Clark W. Bryan,
went then to take charge of the Springficld (Massachusetts) Republican
and was accompanied by young Turner, but the latter subsequently joined
his father at Waterbury, Connecticut. He entered the office of the
Amrerican of that city, with which he remained until 1857, when he entered
the book publishing establishment of George F. Trow, in New York City,
where he continued until the following fall. Removing then to Flint,
Michigan, he soon became foreman in the Wolverine office and filled the
position for six years and then came to Pontiac, and here he began his lonl.
connection with the Pontiac Ga.,ette. In partnership with W. I. Beardsley,
he bought the plant, this being in I863. The new partners found but an
apology of an office, the establishment having been previously in the hands
of non-professional printers and badly managed. They at once renovated
the office and began the task of building up the business, removing into new
*quarters, improving the plant and adding newer and more modern material,
-and continued together four years. In I874 the firm of Kimball &amp; Turner
was formed. The former was particularly efficient in the political department of the paper and his services to the Republican party were later
recognized by his appointment as postmaster of Pontiac, and still later as appraiser for the port of Detroit. Other changes succeeded, he having sold a
half interest to S. J. Tomlinson, the present owner, a former associate, and
in I899, after disposing of all his interests in the Gazette, embarked in a
new enterprise. In association with his two sons, he started the Oakland
County Journal, which later became merged with the Pure Food Era of
Detroit. After some two years the partnership was dissolved. Since then
outr subject has been engaged in the fire insurance business, representing the
American, of Newark, New Jersey, and the Union Fire, of Philadelphia.
Mr. Turner was married on August 18, I868, to Charity I. Northrup,
who was born at Watertown, Connecticut, and was left an orphan at the
age of six years and was reared in the home of her sister, Mrs. James McWhinnie. A family of five children were born to this union, as follows;
Arthur C., a newspaper man; Mabel and Birdie, both graduates of the
Pontiac High School; I-arry N., occupying a responsible position with the
Acme White Lead Works of Detroit, who resides in New York, and in I901
married Lena Peppen, daughter of a prominent Oakland County farmer; and

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Roy N., who is engaged with Burnham &amp; Stoepel, wholesale dry goods dealers
of Detroit.
Both our subject and wife are active in the Methodist Church and for
I6 years he served as Sunday-school superintendent. On January I, I893,
he was appointed by Governor Rich one of the board of trustees of the
Michigan School for the Deaf and served six years as the chairman of the
board. Although not directly connected with journalistic work at present,
Mr. Turner still feels the old charm which never entirely passes away from
those who have been members of the craft.
GEORGE NEWBERRY.
GEORGE NEWBERRY, mayor of Rochester and a prominent and representative citizen of Avon township, Oakland County, was born in Rochester
in I834 and is a son of Seneca and Mercy (Jones) Newberry. The father
was born December 23, 1802, in Windsor, Connecticut, removed to Detroit
in I827, and secured employment with his relative, Oliver Newberry, for
some two years and then removed to Rochester, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He accumulated a large fortune and was able to retire
from business in 1847. He was a man of prominence and reliability and
was selected a member of the first and second State conventions which were
called for the purpose of forming a State Constitution. He was a stanch
Democrat and served two terms from Oakland County in the State Senate.
The Newberry family originated in Devonshire, England, and it has
been said that John Newberry was the discoverer of the art of weaving. The
family is very old and has always been one of respectability and prominence
in public affairs. The grandparents of Mayor Newberry were Dyer and Ruti
(Birge) Newberry, natives of Connecticut, the former of whom, a sea
captain and a soldier in the Revolutionary War, was one of the guards
placed over Governor Franklyn when he was taken from Connecticut to
New Jersey.
Mayor Newberry is the second member of a family of seven children

OAKLAND COUNTY.

born to his parents, as follows: Seneca, of St. Louis; George; Elizabeth,.
Homer, Joseph, and Catherine, all deceased; and Oliver, of Detroit. Our
subject was reared in Rochester and attended the public schools until the age oi
19 years, when he went to Detroit and there for three years was employed by
Zachariah Chandler &amp; Company, who were engaged in the wholesale dry
goods business. He then became interested in the same city in a paper
business which he continued for, 25 years or until 1890. In 1895 he removed
from Detroit to Rochester and met with a hearty welcome, becoming since
one of the most prominent citizens. In politics he has always been a Democrat and takes a lively interest in the success of his party.
In 1858 Mr. Newberry was married to Mary J. Bemis, who was born
in Springfield, Massachusetts, of old New England ancestry. Their one
son, Louis, resides in Detroit, engaged with the Martin Baker Company.
Fraternally Mayor New\berry is a Mason and belongs to Lodge No.
5, F. &amp; A. M., of Rochester. If he acknowledges a hobby, it is yachting,
concerning which healthful enjoyment he has been enthusiastic for a number
of years. He was a member of the Detroit Yacht Club and for seven years
its commodore, as he afterwards was of the Citizens' Yacht Club Association,
an organization he was instrumental in founding.
JOHN WINDIATE.
JOHN WX'INDIATE, one of the substantial farmers and respected citizens
of Oakland County, Michigan, who resides on his fine farm of 275 acres,
in section 12, Waterford township, was born in a log house, located on the
present farm, March 7, 1838, and( is a son of John and Harriet (Elliott)
Windiate, and a gran(lson of Richard Windiate. Both his father and
grandfather were well and favorably known to the early pioneers of this
section.
The first members of the familv to come from their native England
to this locality were the brothers of Richard Windiate, whose prosperity
induced our subject's grandfather to bring his family here in 1836. His
brother Daniel, who was a miller, built the mills at Drayton Plains, the site
5

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the present fish hatchery. Richard Wincliate from two marriages reared
21 children to maturity, 4 by the first marriage and I7 by the second.
John Windiate, the father of the subject, was born in Hampshire,
England, and was 28 years of age when he came to Michigan and brought
with him the sum of $I,200, which he invested in I60 acres of land, on
which stood a log house and barn, buying the property from Dr. Richardson, the brother of Governor Richardson. This purchase exhausted his means
and he and his wife endured many privations and hardships. Very little
of the land had been cleared, but he was very industrious and worked early
and late and succeeded not only in clearing it, but in so cultivating it that
at the time of his death in i880, at the age of 72 years, he was worth
$40,000. Mr. Windiate brought two children and his wife, formerly Harriet Elliott, with him from England. The family was increased by six more
children after locating in Michigan, these being: Mrs. Elizabeth Gosling,
who died in I902 in California; Mary, who married Dr. Riker, of Fenton,
Michigan; John, the subject of this sketch; Alfred, who is a farmer of
Waterford township; Mrs. Harriet Earl, of Waterford township; Frances,
widow of John Stewart, of Waterford township; Mrs. Anna Voorheis, of
Waterford township; and William, deceased.
Our subject lived on his father's farm until the age of 23 years and
then went to Sacramento, California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, in
186I. He spent eight years at Virginia City, Nevada, in the wood business
and in mining, and while fairly successful did not make a large fortune.
On Christmas Day, I868, he reached home and has remained here ever
since until four years ago, when he made a second visit to California for his
health. On the death of his father in i880. the farm came into his possession.
It is a property of great natural beauty and of large value. On it are
located Upper Silver, Morgan and Rogers lakes and Lake Angelus and it lies
between Silver Lake and Lake Angelus, its fertile acres being watered -by
five bodies of fresh water. Mr. Windiate has engaged in general farming
and cattle and stock raising, keeping as high as 25 head of cattle and Ioo
head of French Merino sheep.
In 1871 our subject married Elma Clough, who was born in Livingstone county, Michigan, and is a daughter of Elijah and Catherine Clough,
and their children are: Mrs. Lora Eaton, of Pontiac, who has two children.
-Catherine and Ross; Mrs. Alta E. Stewart, who left two children at

OAKLAND COUNTY.

death,-Ivy and Alma; William, a farmer of Livingstone County, who has
one child,-John; Harriet B., wife of Wesley Stevens; and Fae, who lives
at home.
Mr. Windiate has always been identified with the Democratic party.
He is one of the representative men of the township, is a member of the
Grange and for Io years has served as school director.
CONRAD AMBROSE HOFFMAN.
CONRAD AMBROSE IHOFFMAN, who has been known to the citizens of
Pontiac, Michigan, for many years as a professional musician, was born in
I839 in Orleans county, New York, and is a son of the late Ambrose and
Lydia (Stewart) Hoffman, the former of whom was born in Dundas, Canada,
and the latter in Saratoga, New York.
Ambrose Hoffman came to Michigan when his son was an infant and
bought from the government large tracts of land located in Oakland, Macomb
and Lenawee counties. He resided mainly at Pontiac and followed the
trade of mechanic. In politics he supported the Democratic party, but was
no seeker after political honors. His death occurred at Pontiac, in I883,
at the age of 80 years, his widow surviving some five years longer. Our
subject has two sisters, Theresa, who resides on Florence avenue, Pontiac,
and Mrs, Aaron Perry. The family is all musical, inheriting the talent from
the mother, who possessed a rare voice. Miss Theresa Hoffman possesses
great musical ability and for some years was a very successful instructor
of the piano.
Conrad Ambrose Hoffman was reared in Oakland County from infancy.
and in youth his musical talent was so marked that no difficulty arose as to
his choice of a life profession. As a lad he secured instruction from J. K.
Goodall, of London, England, then in this country, who was concert master
of the Royal Opera of London. Mr. Goodall had been a pupil of Mori, who
had been a pupil of Viotti, the founder of the modern school of violin
playing. Mr. Hoffman wras so encouraged by this master that he devoted

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

all his energies to securing a fine musical education. In I88o he went to
Dresden and was there for a considerable period under the careful instruction
of Eckhold and Lauterbach, with the result that to-day there are few superior
masters of the violin in this country. While skilled in all that pertains to
music and the master of many instruments, Mr. Hoffman has devoted particular attention to the violin and as a performer on this instrument and as
a teacher of the same, he has long been prominent in Pontiac. His activity
in this direction has only ceased during the past five years. He can look
with pardonable pride over a long list of successful violinists who have learned
the management of this delightful musical instrument under his faithful
teaching.
Mr. Hoffman married a daughter of Charles H. Palmer, the latter a
pioneer of Michigan, who was largely identified with the development of
the educational, mining and railroad interests of the State.
Politically Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat, but takes no active interest in
party matters. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic bodies of Pontiac.
Mr. Hoffman spent I8 months in the army during the Civil War, serving as bandmaster of a band he organized in Michigan. This was connected
with one of General Stoneman's brigades and served both in the Army
of the Potomac and in the Army of the Cumberland.
WILLIAM F. NORTH.
WILLIAM F. NORTH, of Pontiac, Michigan, one of the young attorneys
of the Oakland County bar, occupies convenient and well appointed offices
in the Treadway Block of this city. He was born in I876, in Pontiac, and
is a son of Samuel North and wife, the latter of whom died some three
years since. Samuel North was born in Leicestershire, England, 64 years
ago, and came to Pontiac in i864, joining his brother John North, who had
settled here in I855. Mr. North had two sons, William F. and Oliver G.,
the former of whom resides with his father in this city.
William F. North completed the common school course in Pontiac, and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

after graduating at the City High School entered the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor, where he remained two years. In I900 he graduated at the
Detroit College of Law, was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court,
and located at Pontiac.
Mr. North has been active in political circles for some years and is
secretary of the Oakland County Democratic Committee and chairman of
the Pontiac City Democratic Committee. During two terms he served most
efficiently and economically as city treasurer.
In I90I Mr. North married a daughter of L. D. Van Kleek, of the
Pontiac Leather Specialty Manufacturing Company, and they have one son.
The family residence is at No. 67 Willow avenue, where Mr. North was
born. He is a member of a number of fraternal organizations: F. &amp; A. M.,
A. I. U., K. of P., B. P. 0. E. (being president of the local lodge), the
Independent Foresters and the Foresters of America.
DAVID KYLE.
DAVID KYLE, deceased, who for many years was one of the most prominent residents of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, was engaged
in farming on the old Kyle homestead in section 26, where Mrs, Kyle
now resides. He was born upon this farm April 25, 1834, and died there
February ii, I890.
David Kyle was a son of David and Jane (Jagger) Kyle, who were
pioneers of this county. David Kyle, Sr., was born in the north of Ireland,
December 28, I793, and in 1814 came to America, locating in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, Michigan. In June, 183I, he settled upon
the farm in section 26, which is now owned by our subject's widow. He
married Jane Jagger, of Orange County, New York, and they became the
parents of II children, seven of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Sarah
J., who first married Charles H. Murray, and after his death on August 24,
I883, married Pickering Nicholson, of Detroit; James H., born January
29, 1833, who died in September, 1864, leaving one son,-Don; Robert and

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

David (twins), who lived to almost the same age, Robert dying in March,
I89I, and about one year after his brother; W\illiam John, born April 17,
I837, who died January 20, 1857; Mary A., born May 20, 1840, who married Thomas Brown, lives in Ionia County, Michigan, also has three children,-Charles, Edward and Minnie; and Charles, born September 27, 1843,
who died June 10, I892.
David Kyle, subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools
of West Bloomfield township, and in his boyhood worked upon the homestead farm. After his father's death he purchased the interests of the other
heirs in the home farm and carried on farming until his death.
David Kyle was joined in marriage with Jennie Smart, a daughter of
Isaac and Elizabeth (Clegg) Smart, both natives of Newburg, Yorkshire.
England. Her father was born September 15, I809, and was married to
Elizabeth Clegg in 1832. In 1834 they came to America and in 1835 located
in Waukesha township, Wisconsin. In 1836 Mr. Smart took up government land at the time when there were few white settlers and the Pottawattamie Indians were threatening trouble, Gen. Winfield Scott being
stationed in the locality to protect the residents. Mrs. Smart did the mending for this distinguished soldier. Mr. Smart was the earliest settler in
Waukesha township, and Jennie Smart, now Mrs. Kyle, was the first white
child born in this section. The Smart home was thronged with Indians on
the occasion of Mrs. Kyle's birth, their curiosity being excited to see a
white baby, and the chief of the Pottawattamies, with some of his tribe
brought $I,500 which he offered to Mr. Smart for the purchase of the child.
Mrs. Jennie S. Kyle was born September 2I, 1836, in the little log house
which her father first built. In 1840 he built the first frame house erected
on the prairie, and throughout his life was one of the most progressive
spirits of this section. Mrs. Kyle is one of six children, four of whom are
living, namely: Jennie; Benjamin, born in 1838, who lives on the old home
farm; Mary, born in 1840, who lives four miles from the old home farm;
and Maria A., born in I856, who married Robert Boyd, and is now living
in Waukesha, Wisconsin. At the time of his death Mr. Smart owned 396
acres of land in the city of Waukesha, the noted Fountain Hotel, with
accommodations for 800 guests, being built on his property.
Mrs. Jennie Kyle was educated at the Milwaukee Institute and in 1853
was married to Mr. Kyle, by whom she had one son, George H. The latter

OAKLAND COUTNTY.

was born July 25, I860, and married Susan Newton, a daughter of Loomis
and Sarah Newton, of Pontiac, Michigan. George H. Kyle and his wife
have two children, Grace and Lola. Mrs. Jennie S. Kyle was christened in
the Protestant Episcopal Church but became a member of the Methodist
Church, to which her husband's family belonged.
SAMUEL BUCHANAN.
SAMUEL BUCHANAN, a prosperous farmer of Oakland County, owns
and cultivates a fine farm of 142 acres in section 7, Avon township. Mr.
Buchanan was born in Albania, Genesee County, New York, August 21,
I842, and is a son of Philip and Margaret (Grow) Buchanan, the former
of whom was born in New Jersey and the latter in Pennsylvania. The
Buchanan family originated in Scotland and has given America many
prominent citizens, one of these being James Buchanan, President of the
United States, who was a cousin, once removed, of our subject. The
father died in New York in 1854, aged two months beyond 52 years. The
mother died in i887 at the home of our subject, aged 78 years. Their
family consisted of seven children, the four survivors being: Samuel and
a brother and two sisters, who reside near St. John's, Michigan.
Mr. Buchanan was reared on the home farm in Genesee County, New
York, and lived with his mother until 22 years of age, when he engaged in
farming for himself; after his marriage his mother made her home with
him. In 1867 Mr. Buchanan came to Michigan and settled on his present
farm, buying a quarter section of land, which he still owns. At the time
of purchase, it was covered with a valuable growth of walnut and oak and
he has devoted himself to the clearing of this land and to general farming,.
devoting time and attention also to the buying, feeding and selling of considerable cattle and stock. He is one of the practical and successful
agriculturists of Avon township, the owner of a fine farm, the head of a
creditable family, and a first class citizen.
In 1863 Mr. Buchanan married Orpha Jane Woolcott, a native of

90o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Genesee County, New York, who died shortly after their marriage. Mr.
Buchanan then married Martha Jones, who was born in Avon township,
Oakland County, and the children of this union were: J. P.; Mary, wife of
George Axferd of Rochester, Michigan; Jesse (George); and Mattie. The
third marriage of Mr. Buchanan was to Sarah Ball, who was born in
Ontario, Canada, and they have a family of five children, viz: Ernest, Carrie,
Mabel, Walter and Jennie.
Mr. Buchanan is a Democrat in his political views and served three years
as highway commissioner of Avon township to the satisfaction of all concerned. He was defeated by a very small majority for supervisor. He has
never been desirous of public office but has been anxious at all times to do
his full duty as a citizen. He cast his first presidential vote for that fine
military commander, Gen. George B. McClellan. At the age of 22 years he
was made a member of the Masonic fraternity, in the State of New York,
and he belongs also to the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Buchanan has
seen a large portion of the United States, having made trips on a number
of occasions, mainly through the South.
FRANK G. JACOBS.
FRANK G. JACOBS, cashier of the First Coimmercial Bank of Pontiac and
one of the city's most successful business men, is a son of the late Goodman
Jacobs (whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume) and has been a lifelong resident of this city.
Mr. Jacobs was reared in Pontiac and received his educational training
in the public schools here. At an early age he entered the field of business,
becoming identified with the hardware business, a branch followed by his
father with success for many years. In 1892 began his connection with
the First Commercial Bank in the capacity of assistant cashier, and one year
later he succeeded B. S. Tregent as cashier. The responsibilities of this position have been great and onerous, but Mvr. Jacobs has discharged his duties in
a most able manner. He also has other business interests in Pontiac, being
an active promoter of a number of projects and a director of several companies.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Mr. Jacobs was united in marriage with a daughter of George Satterlee,
an early resident of Troy township, Oakland County, and they reside on
the Boulevard. They have three children who live at home and are attending
school, namely: George S.; Freida; and Lodwick C. Religiously, they are
Presbyterians. Fraternally, our subject is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks; and the Knights of Pythias.
WALTER W. WHITFIELD, SR.
WALTER W. WVHITFIELD, SR., one of the most prominent and widely
known farmers of Waterford township, Oakland County, residing on a finely
cultivated farm of 290 acres in sections 8 and 17, on Whitfield Lake, was born
on his present farm, September 17, 1839, and has been identified with the
agricultural interests of the township all his life. He is a son of W\illiam and
Sarah (Wigg) Whitfield, both natives of England, where the former was
born in June, I8Io.
James Whitfield, the grandfather of our subject, came to Michigan
prior to his death. His children were: W\illiam, Wralter, Thomas, James,
Daniel, Elizabeth, Mary Ann and Jane.
William W\hitfield removed from Hampshire, England, with his wife
and one daughter and came to Michigan to select a permanent home. The
well watered lands of Oakland County immediately appealed to him, as in his
Hampshire home he had been obliged to buy the water he used. Hence in
I836 he purchased an So-acre farm, b)eautifully situated on the shores of tlhe
lake. A small frame house had been built there and this served as a residence.
He put forth every energy in the clearing of his land, and added to his
original purchase until he had accumulated 600 acres which he left to his
children. He raised grains principally and also good stock. William Whitfield was a man of the highest integrity and held the esteem of all who knew
him, and being a man of genial, lovable disposition, lie made warm friends of
the neighbors who, in the course of time, gathered in the vicinity and with him
assisted in the development of that choice part of the county. In political

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

belief he was a Democrat. Religiously he was an Episcopalian. He married
Sarah Wigg, who was a daughter of Thomas W\igg, a native of England, who
died at the age of 97 years. Three children were born to this union, Mrs.
Ellen Boss, of Flint, Michigan; Thomas W., who resides on a neighboring
farm in Waterford township; and Walter W., our subject, who has the
homestead.
Walter W. Whitfield has been a farmer all of his active life, and has
engaged extensively in the raising of stock and cattle, keeping 40 head of
Durham cattle and Hampshire and Shropshire sheep. For a number of years
the premium tickets have been given to his exhibits at the county fairs. He
has also raised a goodly number of fine horses. His interests have been
principally centered in the cultivation of his land and his careful management has resulted in the raising of fine crops. Mr. Whitfield's property is very
valuable and he enjoys all the comforts and advantages possible to the prosperous and progressive farmer.
Mr. Whitfield married Kezia Prismall, who was born in England, and
they have a family of four, children, namely: Deborah Ellen, Sarah Elizabeth,
Daniel and Jesse William. The family belongs to the Protestant Episcopal
Church. In politics Mr. Whitfield is a Democrat. For the past eight years
he has shown his interest in educational affairs by serving as a member of
the School Board.
THOMAS J. JONES.
THOMAS J. JONES, one of the most prominent farmers of Oakland County,
and a leading citizen in the affairs of Waterford township, owns a fine farm of
230 acres in section 26. He was born in section 23, Waterford township,
Oakland County, March 4, I847, and is a- son of Henry N. and Mary
(Williams) Jones, both of whom were born in Monmouthshire, Wales.
Henry N. Jones, who was a carpenter by trade, was a man in good circumstances in his native country, was well educated and possessed a remarkably
fine library of religious works. On account of oppressive laws, he immigrated
to America in I836, bringing with him his wife, five children and his motherin-law. He purchased a farm of 80 acres in section 23, Waterford township,

OAKLAND COUNTY.3

Oakland County, Michigan, where he farmed, did shoemaking and for some
time also engaged in carpenter work. He cleared almost 60 acres of his land
by his own hands. In politics he became identified with the Democratic party.
Both he and his wife were Presbyterians in religious faith. The children of
Henry N. and Mary (Williams) Jones were: Mrs. Rachel Williams, of Ionia,
Michigan; Mrs. Maria Bachman; Mrs. Ann Enmmons; Edward, of Utica,
Michigan; Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, of A.aterford township; Thomas J.,
of this sketch; and Susan and lWilliam. both of Waterford township.
Thomas J. Jones grew to manhood on the farm and has long been considered one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He owns a fine estate
of 230 acres under the highest state of cultivation, almost all of which he has
accumulated by his own efforts. His interest in agricultural movements has
been shown by his active membership both in the Grange and the Farmers'
Club, where his suggestions and experiments are listened to with interest and
advantage.
Mr. Jones married Elizabeth Berger, who was born at Fayette, Seneca
County, New York, and a son and daughter have been born to them,-Kate
D. and Charles H.
In politics Mr. Jones is a stanch Democrat, and as a responsible and intelligent man he has been called upon to fill many of the local offices which he
has done with the greatest efficiency. He was supervisor for seven years, much
to the benefit of the county and for eight years was a justice of the peace. He
has also served as school inspector for eight years, township clerk and as a
member of the Board of Review. Fraternally, he is a Mason. Both he and
his wife belong to the Methodist Church.
JUDSON L. SIBLEY.
JUDSON L. SIBLEY, who has served as treasurer of Oakland County,
since January, 1903, has long been one of the foremost business men of the
county and is at the present time a resident of Pontiac.
Mr. Sibley was born on his father's farm joining the village of Wixom,

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Commerce township, Oakland County, in I846, and is a son of Alonzo
Sibley, deceased, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. Our
subject was reared and primarily educated in that section of the county,
then attended Hillsdale College, from which he was graduated in 187I. He
then took a commercial course at Mayhem College at Detroit, completing
the same in the remarkably short period of four weeks. Returning home
he formed a partnership with W. C. Wixom in the grain, produce and
lumber business and for a period of nearly 30 years it was recognized as
one of the strong firms of the county, and was only terminated by the death
of Mr. Wixom in I90o. Mr. Sibley has taken an active part in politics for
many years. He served I6 years as justice of the peace and was supervisor
for seven years, resigning the latter office in 1903 to accept that of county
treasurer. He has held numerous offices and was defeated but once in his
candidacy for an office, going down in a landslide when a candidate for
Representative. He is president of the Wixom Canning Company, and has
other extensive interests. IIe has been administrator for many large estates and
has very successfully conducted an insurance business. He has a farm of I30
acres in Commerce township and carries on a large berry business near Walled
Lake, being one of the largest fruit growers in the county. His fine residence
at Wixom was recently destroyed by fire, and Mr. Sibley with his family now
resides at Pontiac.
Judson L. Sibley was united in marriage with Lucia Banks, a daughter
of F. Henry Banks, who was a prominent farmer and early settler of Oakland
County. Mr. Banks sold his farm in 1873 and removed to Northville, Wayne
County, Michigan, where he died. Mrs. Sibley has a sister and two brothers,
as follows: Dr. S. Gertrude Banks, who was one of the first lady graduates
from the medical department of the University of Michigan, and has been
successfully engaged in practice at Detroit since 1875; Thomas P. Banks, of
Detroit, who is a veteran of the Civil War; and Charles Banks, also a veteran
of the Civil War, who is a resident of Novi township, Oakland County. Mr.
and Mrs. Sibley have one daughter and three sons, namely: Gertrude, who
is married and lives in Lyon township; Harry, who expects to begin the study
of medicine in the University of Michigan in the fall of 1903, and is now
assistant to his father in the county treasurer's office; Wesley, a graduate of
the Detroit High School, who is in the office of the Detroit Iron &amp; Copper
IWorks; and Standish, named for Capt. Miles Standish, from whom Mrs.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Sibley is descended, who will enter Pontiac High School in the fall of I903.
Harry Sibley, who also is a graduate of the Detroit High School, is a member
of the Walled Lake Base Ball Club and has attained the reputation of being
one of the best pitchers in Oakland County. Religiously, our subject and his
wife are members of the Free Will Baptist Church. Both are well known in
the county and are held in high esteem for their many estimable traits of
character.
GEORGE BINGHAM.
GEORGE BINGHAM, postmaster and general merchant, at Franklin,
Southfield township, Oakland County, was born in Bloomfield township, in
i865. 1le is a son of David and Eliza (Forman) Bingham, both of whon
were born in Lincolnshire, England.
David Bingham was 17 years of age when he came to. Michigan, and
spent practically his whole life as a farmer. After living seven years in West
Bloomfield township, he removed in i88o to Southfield, where his death took
place in i899, at the age of 6i years. In political sentiment, he was a Democrat. Fraternally he was an Odd Fellow. The mother of our subject died ill
i869, at the early age of 25 years. She was a daughter of William Forman,
who is a resident of Bloomfield, and who came to Michigan about I850. Mr.
Bingham married, secondly, Mary E. Simpson. The children born to the first
marriage were the following: William, deceased; Lorenzo D., who lives in
Southfield township; George, of this sketch; Addie, who is the wife of Ezra
C. Bristol of Southfield township; and Ida, deceased. The children of the
second marriage were: Charles and Floy.
Our subject's boyhood was spent in attending school and in assisting on
the farm, where he remained until he was 23 years of age. His tastes not
being in the direction of farming, he then removed to Franklin, entered the
employ of A. A. Rust, a local merchant, and five years later bought a onehalf interest in the business, the partnership continuing until i899, when Mr.
Bingham obtained full control. He now operates a large general store, stocked
with goods to meet the demands of the tra(le in his section. Mr. Bingham is
also the postmaster at Franklin and is serving his fifth term as supervisor of

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the township. He was first elected to this position on the Democratic ticket
in i894; he had previously held the office of township treasurer, during i89i
and 1892, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. He has proved himself an efficient and faithful official and is popular with both parties.
Mr. Bingham was married first to Alice Rust, who was born in Southfield
township in i866, and died in i9oi; she was a daughter of A. A. and Elizabeth (German) Rust. In I903, Mr. Bingham was married to Clara M. Cox,
who was born in Southfield township in i878, and is a daughter of James and
Martha (Comstock) Cox.
Fraternally, Mr. Bingham is a Mason and Knight Templar; and is a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of
the Maccabees. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant
Church, of which he is a trustee and secretary, and in which he has been
Sunday-school superintendent. Mr. Bingham has many warm friends who
enjoy his business success and his social and political prominence.
JAMES H. PEARSALL.
JAMES H. PEARSALL, a well known resident of Amy, Pontiac township.
who is extensively engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber, was born
on a farm in Troy township, Oakland County, April i8, 1840, and has resided
in this county ever since. He is a son of Henry I. and Mary (Waterman)
Pearsall and grandson of Michael Pearsall, who was a native of New York.
Michael Pearsall was one of the pioneer settlers of this region, locating
here in I825, he at once took up the pursuits of a general farmer and made
his impress on the early life of the community of pioneers. He was a member
of the Baptist Church. He died at the age of 8o years. He had eight children,
namely: Clement, Margaret (Birdsley), Dorcas (Bayley), Sherman, who
resides in Grand Rapids, Laura (Whitney). Alfred, Henry I., and Volney.
Henry I. Pearsall, father of our subject, was born in Saratoga County,
New York, and came to Oakland County, Michigan, with his parents in i825
when a small boy. He was engaged in farming in this county all his active
life, his last 20 years being spent in retirement in his residence in Birmingham,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Oakland County, where his death took place about four years ago, at the age of
84 years. Hlis first wife, Mary Waterman, was a native of Niagara County,
New York, and was the daughter of David Waterman. To them were born
eight children, namely: James H., our subject; Edgar W., deceased, who
lived at home most of his life; Volney, who resides in Grand Ledge, Michigan;
Amelia (Featherstone), of Oakland County; Cornelia; Francis, of Birmingham, Oakland County; Claude I-l., of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Adelbert B.,
of Amy, Oakland County. Henry I. Pearsall's second marriage was to Mrs.
Eunice A. Powers, a widow, and to theni was born a daughter, Belle (Smith),
of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Pearsall was a lifelong member of the Baptist
Church, and very active in church work. Originally he was a Whig in politics
but became a Republican upon the organization of that party; he voted for
William J. Bryan, however, in I896.
James H. Pearsall spent his boyhood days on the farm and has lived in
this county all his life. In I865, when 25 years of age, he purchased a steam
threshing machine which he ran for T2 years and which proved to be a
success, netting him profits sufficient to engage in the lumbering business. He
has since owned two sawmills which he conducted with much skill and ability;
accumulating a small fortune by his early industry, he closed out one mill
and at present runs one of the best equipped mills in the county and is looked
upon by his neighbors as a creditable citizen. Politically he is a Republican,
but takes no active interest in political affairs.
In I862 Mr. Pearsall was united in marriage to Laura J. Morgan, a
native of Troy township, Oakland County, a daughter of Chester Morgan. To
Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall were born two children: Frances Geneva, wife of
Charles S. Newman, a farmer of Avon township; and Ella S., wife of James
Gee, Jr., engaged as foreman at the lumber mill.
R. F. MONROE.
R. F. MONROE, who has been engaged in carriage manufacturing throughout his entire career, is secretary and general manager of the Pontiac Body
Company, wb:ch at the present time engages exclusively in the manufacture

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of automobile bodies. It is a very prosperous enterprise, there being only
one other of its kind in Pontiac, and employment is given to a large force of
men.
Mr. Monroe was born at Kokomo, Indiana, in 1870, and remained there
until he reached the age of 14 years, attending the public schools. He is a
son of Thomas D. and Sarah A. (Thomas) Monroe, and is of English descent.
Thomas D. Monroe was captain of the 3rd Reg. Indiana Vol. Inf., in the
Union Army and served with credit from I86I to I866. He was subsequently treasurer of Howard County, Indiana, for four years. His death
occurred in I88I. His wife, whose brother was at one time chief of police of
Chicago, died in I897. To their union were born four sons and one daughter,
namely: S. A., a contractor and builder, of South Bend, Indiana; Stephen L.,
proprietor of a bakery at Indianapolis, Indiana; W. H., who is traveling representative of the Star Windmill Company, of Kendallville, Indiana; R. F.,
the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. M. Kirby, whose husband is a coal
dealer of Anderson, Indiana.
Upon reaching the age of 14 years, R. F. Monroe went to Chicago and
began work in the plant of the Staver Carriage Company, and he has always
been engaged in the same line of work since. At the early age of 19 years
he was foreman of a department in this large plant, and when 2I had charge
of both the machine and body rooms. He is thoroughly practical and worked
his way to the front by his natural adaptability and strict attention to business.
He began business for himself in I896, assuming active management of a plant
at Columbia City, Indiana, and from there came to Pontiac, Michigan, in
I900, to take charge of the Pontiac Body Company's plant. The incorporators
of this company were Hon. James A. Jacokes, H. F. Messenger, Chauncey
Brace, Albo Green, and R. F. Monroe. The business was partially started in
the fall of 1899, but was practically begun by Mr. Monroe, January 25, I900.
Several buildings have been added under the present management and the
floor space now utilized is about 22,000 square feet, some 80 to IOO men being
employed by the company, with the prospects that this number will be largely
increased in the near future. The officers of the company are: Hon. James
A. Jacokes, president; Chauncey Brace, vice-president; H. F. Messenger, treasurer; and R. F. Monroe, secretary and general manager.
Mr. Monroe was united in marriage with Eva McClain of Fort Wayne,
Indiana, and they have two sons, Raymond and Ralph, both of whom are

OAKLAND COUNTY.

attending school. In politics, our subject is a Republican. He is a Mason and
a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights
of the Maccabees, while Mrs. Monroe is a member of the Ladies of the
Maccabees. Religiously, they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They have a very comfortable home. situated at the corner of Cottage and
Center streets, and although they have resided in Pontiac but a few years they
have become firmly entrenched in the good will and esteem of their fellow
citizens.
OAKLAND COUNTY.
It would be interesting in taking up a history of Oakland County, to
ificlude in it that of the Commlonwealth of Michigan, and to dwell upon thoseinteresting events in its early settlement, which prepared the way for the future
development of all sections of the State. Oakland County was organized in
1820 and stands pre-eminent as being the earliest settled of any interior county
in the Territory. For many years it ranked second oi-ly to Wayne in importance, and still retains its proud position as leader in agricultural products.
With its 576,000 acres, with its abundance of pure, fresh water and consequent
pure, invigorating air, with its unequaled transportation facilities, its rich
farming districts and its natural 1eauties of scenery, it is not a matter of
wonder that Oakland County also ranks high in morality, education and
enlightened citizenship.
The events of the war of 1812 in wnhat is novw M ichigan were quite disastrous to the American cause, but they served to turn the attention of the East
more surely to the great West, and the hardy pioneers in the succeeding years
soon found in the superior richness of the soil of what is now Oakland County
a sufficient inducement to dare the craft of the Indian and the hard conditions.
of life far from civilization. The opening of the Erie Canal, in 1825, made
transportation possible from the Eastern coast and since that waterway was
given to the public until the present time, when stean and electricity have
brought settlers hither from every direction, Oakland County has been ai
attractive point. With its 500 lakes it attracts the tourist and the lover of
natural scenery, while its unabated fruitfulness has kept it one of the most
6

too00

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

desirable counties in the whole United States for tie enthusiastic agriculturist.
For several years after the organization of Oakland County, the Indians
awere quite numerous and local history teems with romance and adventure
for some years, the savages finally entering into peace compacts and gradually
passing westward. By the time Michigan had been admitted to Statehood
in 1837, Oakland county had become a very important section of the commonwealth, and the history of the State will show that many of her most
distinguished sons have been born and reared in this favored county.
The general surface of Oakland County is from 300 to 400 feet above
the level of the Great Lakes. In this county four noble rivers have their
rise,-the Clinton, the Huron, the Rouge and the Shiawassee, which flow out
in four different directions, watering and enriching their banks, emptying
into Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay. The
beautiful summer homes of many of the multi-millionaires are located on the
beautiful and picturesque shores of one or other of these inland lakes, whose
beauty must be seen to be appreciated and whose charm and healthfulness
are beyond all telling. In this region existed the hunting grounds of that
heroic character, the great Ottawa chieftain, Pontiac, and in these solitudes
he passed the last years of a most eventful life, one which left its mark on
this whole locality and which is commemorated here.
The importance of good roads and of increased transportation facilities
soon became apparent to the settlers in Oakland County and they encouraged
the improvement of the Clinton River and as early as 1827 the Clinton River
Navigation Company was organized. In 1834 a horse power railroad was
built from Detroit to Royal Oak, under a charter as the Detroit &amp; Pontiac
Railroad, and in I839 steam power was introduced and the road extended
to Birmingham, and in 1843 continued to Pontiac, the county seat of Oakland. While, in the light of the county's present exceptional transportation
facilities, these primitive affairs seem small and inadequate, at that time they
represented wonderful progressiveness. The first electric road in Oakland
County was the Pontiac and Sylvan Lake, this being soon followed by the
Detroit &amp; Pontiac line, and subsequently by the Detroit &amp; Northwestern, the
Detroit, Rochester, Romeo &amp; Lake Orion, the Pontiac &amp; Flint, and many later
lines, so that now the towns and rich farming districts are in close touch with
the State metropolis and the outside world.
Not everyone can be born in Oakland County, and not everyone can

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I01

reside here or even visit its beautiful hills, dales and placid, smiling lakes,
but those who sigh for a home where industry is repaid a thousand fold, or
those who long for the pictured natural beauties of other lands, can find
within the borders of this favored part of the old Wolverine State the aim
of their ambition and the delight which contents a real lover of nature under
her most alluring aspects.
For data of Oakland County, acknowledgment is made to J. E. Sawyer,
of Pontiac, Michigan, who is one of the city's prominent and representative
citizens.
JAMES B. ADAMS.
JAMES B. ADAMS, a prominent retired farmer of South Lyon, Lyon towlship, Oakland County, and the owner of a fine farm of I6o acres in section
31, was born in I831 at Ovid, New York. He is a son of-Chester and Charlotte (Brown) Adams, and a grandson of Elijah and Elizabeth (Ovenshire)
Adams.
The grandfather, of our subject was born in Scotland and his wife in
England. They were married in Massachusetts and then removed to Ovid,
New York, and there Chester Adams was born and married. With his wife
and six weeks' old son, Chester Adams removed to Michigan and settled in
Lyon township, Oakland County, securing 80 acres of government land, the
deed for which bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson. Chester
Adams died in I875 at the age of 68 years. His widow survived until I880.
They reared a family of three children, namely: James B., of this sketch,
Elizabeth, deceased; and Elijah, deceased.
James B. Adams received his primary education in the district
schools of Lyon township, subsequently spending three years at the Normal
School at Ypsilanti. After finishing his education, Mr,. Adams started to
teach and was so successful that he continued for 15 terms through Lyon and
Salem townships. He made many friends who have continued such through
life. After the death of his father, he continued on the homestead farm,
eventually adding 8o additional acres and continued also the excellent methods
which had made his father one of the good farmers of the township. In

102

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

885 he relinquished active farm work, and purchased a handsome home
in the village of South Lyon, where he has lived ever since.
In 1865 Mr. Adams married Mary Gillette, who was born at Wayne,
Steuben County, New York, and is a daughter of Watson and Amanda
(Crandall) Gillette. After her birth, her father's family removed to Waterloo, Seneca County, New York, and in 1853 removed to Michigan. Mr.
Gillette located in Nankin township, Wayne County, and the mother of Mrs.
Adams died on this farm, in I856, aged 43 years. Mr. Gillette then moved
to Ypsilanti, where he died in I880, aged 70 years, leaving these children:
Ira, of Presque Isle County, Michigan; Reed, of York, Michigan; Huldah,
who died September I8, I903, was the wife of Samuel Dains, of Locke township, Ingham County; Mary, the wife of our subject; John, who died in I875:
and Oliver, of LaPorte, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams have two children: Lottie and Ella. Lottie, born
November I, I872, married John Webb, who owns and operates an excelsior
factory in South Lyon,-they have one child, Winnifred Irene, born May
26, I9OI. Ella married Robert McPherson, who was born in Thamesville,
Ontario, Canada, of parents who came from Scotland. Mr. McPherson
owns two large farms, one in Canada and the other in Lyon township, Oakland County. He is a prominent and influential man, and a member of a
number of fraternal organizations, among which are the Masons, the Knights
of the Maccabees and the Royal Guards. Mr. and Mrs. McPherson have
one child, Clare, born July 7, I895.
Mr. Adams is identified with the Republican party. In religious faith
he is a Presbyterian.
HENRY BIRGE.
HENRY BIRGE, who has occupied his fine farm of I80 acres of land in
section 3, Waterford township, Oakland County, for more than a half century,
was born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, October 24, I816. His
father was William Birge, a clothier and wool comber by trade.
William Birge was a son of Elijah Birge, who was born in Connecticut
and was an officer in the Revolutionary War, a descendant of one of the pas

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I03

sengers on the "Mayflower," the three Birge Brothers, who came on the "Mayflower" being John, Hosea and Ezekiel. Elijah Birge had five sons,-Elijah.
William, Augustus, Ezekiel and John,-two of whom took part in the War
of I812. The children of our subject's parents, William and Minerva (Fox)
Birge, the latter of whom was born in Connecticut of English parentage, were
as follows: William, now a resident of Whitewater, Wisconsin; Leander,
a wealthy farmer; Henry, of this sketch; Dana, a successful farmer of Wisconsin, and Franklin, a prominent farmer living in Dodge County, Wisconsin.
The father was a successful, high principled man of business and was
engaged for a number of years at both Ithaca and Newfield, New York. His
latter days were spent in the home of his son Henry, where he died at the age
of 80 years. He was a pillar of the Methodist Church and was an honest,
upright man of the highest personal character.
The parents of our subject moved to Tompkins County, New York, when
he was a babe and he grew up on a farm, which he left at the age of 20
years, and removed to Waterford township, Oakland County. He then
joined his two brothers at Whitewater. Walworth County, Wisconsin, where
he farmed I60 acres for a few months, but returned to Oakland County, and
first bought a farm near Pontiac and then spent a short time at Lansing, later
locating on his present farm where he has continued to reside for more than 50
years. About 80 acres had been cleared and there were two log houses and a
barn 32 by 70 feet on the place, but the country was still unsettled, game was
abundant and he can recall a tribe of Indians passing single file by his door
for the space of two hours. Mr. Birge cleared his own property and much land
for others. He has done general farming in a sensible, practical way, and has
been particularly successful in raising sheep, cattle and horses, taking prizes
for his fine Durham cattle and Southdown sheep. While not as extensive
a grower as some, his flocks and herds have always been considered of the
finest. Twice he has practically stocked the State Agricultural Farm with
sheep. He sold to Van Colt of New York the finest pair of horses that ever
left Oakland County, and has taken premiums at all the fairs.
Mr. Birge was married to Sallie Staples, who was born in Tompkins
County, New York, and died some seven years since, a daughter of John and
Catherine (Buzzard) Staples, and they had these children: Mrs. Fannie
Coffron, the widow of a wealthy lumber dealer of Lapeer County, who has
five sons and five daughters; Minerva, who died aged 17 years; John W., who

104

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

resides with his father and helps to operate the home farm,-he has three
children; George S., a resident of Le Roy, Kansas, who has three children;
Mrs. Jennie Swift, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, who has six children; and
Mrs. Minnie Drewatt, of White Lake, Oakland County, who has two children. All of these sons and daughters have had high school educations.
Mr. Birge has held many local offices and has always been prominent in the
township. In politics he is a Democrat. He is probably the oldest of the
name in the United States and is one of the patriarchs of Oakland County,
where he has witnessed wonderful developments and has taken an honorable
part in its growth and progress.
PHILLIP M. COLE.
PHILLIP M. COLE, one of the leading citizens and prominent farmers of
Oakland County, who owns and occupies a fertile, well cultivated farm of
200 acres in sections 22 and 23, Oakland township, was born December 20,
1838, in Washington township, Macomb County, Michigan, and is a son
of Christian and Sarah (Mann) Cole, both of whom were natives of Warren
County, New Jersey.
Christian Cole was born March 30, 1812, and was a son of John and
Hannah (Rush) Cole, natives of Warren County, New Jersey, who removed
with their children to Washington township, Macomb County, Michigan.
There Mrs. Hannah Cole died and John Cole spent his last years with his
son Christian. Of the Io children born to them, but two survive,-Mrs.
Elizabeth Gulick, a widow, residing at Romeo, and Mrs. Hannah Maria
Gulick, widow of James Gulick, now of Oxford township, Oakland County.
The parents of our subject were married in New Jersey, and in 1834 came
to Michigan, settling in Washington township with John Cole and family.
There Christian Cole resided some three or four years, engaged in a blacksmithing business, and then purchased a farm in section 24, Oakland township, Oakland County, where he engaged in farming the remainder of his
life. His death occurred February r8, I893, at the age of 8I years. His wife
was born August 19, 1812, and died June 20, I876, aged 64 years. Christian

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Ios

Cole was an intelligent and representative citizen and filled a number of
positions in the government of the township. Seven children were born to
Christian Cole and wife, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Phillip M., of this
sketch; Lanah, wife of John Major, of Macomb County; Catherine, deceased;
George, of Oakland township, Oakland County; Margaret, wife of Melvilt
McClure; and Sarah, wife of Edward Farmer, of Rochester, Oakland County.
Our subject was but a child when his parents moved to Oakland township, where he was reared and educated in the common schools. His interests
have been centered in farning all his life, and he has been very successful..
His fine farm of 200 acres is located very conveniently between Rochester
and Orion, giving him two excellent markets. While Mr. Cole's land bears
abundantly all the products of this section, it seems particularly well adapte(
to fruit culture, and many choice varieties are raised.
In I86I Mr. Cole married Elizabeth Chapin, who was born and reared
in Pennsylvania until the age of 11 years, when her father, Charles Chapin,
moved to Oakland County, where he died. A family of seven children were
born to our subject and his estimable wife, of whom he was bereaved October
18, 1894, at the age of 50 years. The children are as follows: Ladorahl
wife of Ellsworth Axford, of Oakland township, Oakland County; Charles,
who lives at home; Sarah, wife of George Ford, of Detroit, Michigan; Alice,
wife of Samuel Carey, of Rochester, Oakland County; George, of Orion.
township, Oakland County; Lillie, wife of WVard Carey, of Oakland township, Oakland County, and Bertha, who lives at home.
Politically Mr. Cole is a Democrat. He has taken great interest in public
matters and on various occasions has held township offices, serving most
acceptably as township treasurer.
STUART E. GALBRAITH, M. D.
STUART E. GALBRAITH, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of the city of Pontiac, is a son of the late Dr. Franklin B. Galbraith and largely
a successor to the extensive practice built up by the latter, whose death
occurred February 2I, I903.

io6

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Stuart E. Galbraith was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1873 and was
educated in the schools of his native city, going from the Pontiac High School
to the Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, Oakland County. Graduating in the literary course at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in
I896, he then took up the study of medicine there, and received his degree il
1899. He then engaged in general practice at Pontiac, being associated
with his father for the last three years of the latter's life. He is now practicing
in partnership with Dr. William McCarroll.
Dr. Galbraith is a member of the Oakland County Medical Society, of
which his father was president at the time of his death, and is also a member,
of the Pontiac Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. He resides with his mother in their beautiful home
No. 17 Huron street, East.
THERON B. SMITH.
THERON B. SMITH, a progressive and energetic business man of Birmingham, Bloomfield township, Oakland County, is a member of the firm of
E. R. Smith &amp; Company, dealers in coal, lumber, grain, etc. He was born
in Warren County, New Jersey, in I869, and is a son of Andrew J. and
Margaret (Prall) Smith.
Andrew J. Smith was a native of New Jersey, where he followed the
pursuits of general farming and by his early industry attained a high position:among the farmers of his section. His life came to a close in 1887, at the
age of 49 years. He was a Democrat in politics. Margaret (Prall) Smith,
our subject's mother, was born in Warren County, New Jersey, and died in
i886 at the age of 46 years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were active members of
the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of three boys, namely:
Frank, who resides on the old homestead; Theron B.; and Clarence C., who
resides in Belvidere, New Jersey, where he holds the important position of
assistant cashier of the Belvidere National Bank.
Theron B. Smith lived on the homestead in Warren County, New Jersey,

HON. JOSEPH S. STOCKWELL

OAKLAND COUNTY.

109

until the year of his father's death, in 1887, when at the age of i8 years he
removed to Birmingham, Oakland County, Michigan, where he soon secured
favorable notice. He is highly regarded as an enterprising and public spirited
business man.,,In 1892 Mr. Smith was married to Hattie Miller, who was born in
Warren County, New Jersey, in 1869, and is a daughter of Henry G. and
Lydia (Allshouse) Miller. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and Mr. Smith is a member of the Birmingham lodge of the Knights
of Pythias. They have no children.
HON. JOSEPH S. STOCKWELL.
I-ION. JOSEPH S. STOCKWELL, whose portrait accompanies this sketch,
was for a great many years one of the most prosperous merchants of Pontiac.
HIe is at the present time judge of the Probate Court of Oakland County.
He is a man of recognized ability and enjoys the confidence and respect of the
people to a marked degree.
Judge Stockwell was born at Redford, Wayne County, Michigan, May
16, 1843, and is a son of Alva and Samantha (Hewitt) Stockwell. His
father, who was born in i8oi, removed from Cayuga County, New York, to
Wayne County, Michigan, in 1832, and passed the remainder of his life
there, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1877, at the age of 76
years. His wife died when our subject was six months old, leaving nine
children, as follows: Mrs. Harriet L. Stanton, of Detroit; Mrs. G. L. \Valker,
of Flint, Michigan; Albert E., of Paola, Kansas; William, of Osawatomie,
Kansas; Orson P. and George H., both of whom died in Kansas; Mrs. J. H.
Little, who died in Bay City, Michigan; Mrs. T. H. Powers, who died in
Bloomfield township, Oakland County; and Joseph S.
Joseph S. Stockwell was educated in the public schools of Wayne County,
and at Farmington, Oxford and Birmingham, Oakland County, and upon
leaving school began clerking in the mercantile establishment of J. J. Green.
He has been a resident of Oakland County ever since locating in Birmingham

IIO

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in 1864, also residing a portion of the time at Highland. He has been a resident of Pontiac continuously since I88I, in that year entering the dry goods
business here as a member of the firm of Axford, Stockwell &amp; Company.
Three years later he purchased the interests of his partners and conducted
the business alone until I895, when he sold a part interest to Waite Brothers,
Robertson &amp; Company, remaining a silent partner in the firm until I9gI,
when he disposed of his interest. In the fall of I900 he was elected judge of
the Probate Court of Oakland County, and has been discharging the duties of
that office since January, I90I. He appointed E. E. Blakeslee as probate clerk.
Until he entered upon his present office, for a period of 15 years he served as
county superintendent of the poor in a most satisfactory manner.
In I866, Judge Stockwell was married to Mary E. Wiley, of Southfield,
Oakland County, her family having come here from Vermont, and to this
union were born four sons, as follows: Fred B., with Edson, Moore &amp;
Company, of Detroit; Joseph S., Jr., secretary and manager of the Crescent
Carriage Company; A. Ross, who graduated from the law department of the
University of Michigan in I90I, and is junior member of the law firm of Perry
&amp; Stockwell, of Pontiac; and Dr. Glenn NW., a graduate of the Detroit College
of Medicine, who is house physician at the Detroit Hospital. In politics, oun
subject is a stanch Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent
Order of Foresters, and a Mason of high standing, being a member of the
blue lodge, Chapter, Pontiac Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar, of which
he is secretary, and the Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Detroit. In religious
belief, he and his family are Baptists. The family home is at No. 20 Williams
street, Pontiac.
JOHN MUIRHEAD.
JOHN MUIRHEAD, formerly located on a fine farm of 80 acres in section
14, West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, died November 26, I872,
leaving a widow and eight children. Mr. Muirhead was born August 9,
1828, in Stirlingshire, Scotland, where both his father and grandfather had
been born before him, and where they had followed agricultural lives.
John Muirhead came to America in I849, and settled in Oakland County,

OAKLAND COUNTY. III
Michigan. In 1857 he purchased the farm now owned and occupied by his
widow. The property formerly belonged to Matthew McCallum and contains 80 acres, well located in section 14, West Bloomfield township. In
1849, Mr. Muirhead married Elizabeth Baird, the estimable lady who survives him.
Mrs. Muirhead was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, April 4, 1828, and
is a daughter of Peter and Jane (Mane) Baird, the former of whom was a
farmer and miller. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Baird were: Robert, James,
Elizabeth and Agnes, Elizabeth being the only member of the family to
come to America. A family of eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Mu1irhead, as follows: Jane, born August 21, I85I, who married John
McCann, now deceased, and lives on her farm in Independence township,
Oakland County, with two children,-Frank and Ralph; William, born
February 7, 1853, who is a farmer, living in section 14, West Bloomfield
township, married Mary La Forge and they have four children,-Roland,
William, Peter and Florence; Peter, born March 5, 1855, owns a large
ranch at Alberta, Canada; Richard, born March 15, 1857, who is a farmer
living in Orion township, Oakland County, married Lulu Rockwell and has
one child,-Hazel; Robert B., deceased; Elizabeth, born April 7, 1859, who
married Francis M. Harger, a farmer located in section 13, West Bloomfield
township, and has four children,-Matilda, Esmo, Blanche and Arvilla;
John, born May 14, i86i, who resides on his mother's farm, married Louise
Holden,-their one son, Charles, is deceased: and Robert, born July 20, 1872,
who married Jennie Randall, who was born near New Haven, Michigan,
where her father, James Randall, now lives, following the carpenter's trade,they have three children: Goldie, born May 8, 1896; Zora, born May 18,
1898; and Olive, born November 28, 1900.
The mother of this large, intelligent and prosperous family has reached
her 75th milestone, but she comes of a race that is strong of heart and sturdy
of body, and life holds for her many enjoyments and manifold duties. Time
has touched her gently and shows comparatively little of the years of hard
work and exposure which this brave mother went through, after the death
of her husband, in order to care for her family of children and to save their
heritage. With her own strong and willing hands she labored in the fields,
worked the oxen in clearing up the land, even got out logs and hewed them
in readiness for the mill. Her reward came when she paid off the mortgage

1 12

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and knew the farm was secure. Since the necessity for labor has long since
passed away, it would please her devoted children to see her enjoy the rest
she has so abundantly earned, did they not realize that her happiness comes
in being busy. She takes pride and pleasure in her fine garden and her four
cows know only her touch at milking time. Her vitality is remarkable. She
belongs to the Presbyterian Church, of which her husband was also a member. In politics Mr. Muirhead was a Democrat.
CLAUDIUS B. BANCRAFT.
CLAUDIUS B. BANCRAFT, one of the representative farmers of Oakland
County, Michigan, was born on his present farm in section 2I, Pontiac town-,
ship, November 9, I832. He is a son of Capt. Joseph and Polly (Dalrymple)
Bancraft.
Capt. Joseph Bancraft, who was one of the earliest pioneers of Oakland
County, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, April I3, 178i, and became a
captain in the American Army during the War of 1812. He served throughout the war and participated in a number of notable engagements. He was
married at Colerain, Massachusetts, just after, the close of the war and then
moved to New York State, where his three oldest children were born. He
came to Michigan on a sail boat and landed in Detroit, then made his way
overland with ox teams to Oakland County, where he acquired a patent from
the government to 87 acres in Pontiac township, on February io, I824. The
Bancraft family lived on their farm in a very primitive way for a long time
and for many things were dependent upon the Indians with whom they were
on good terms and traded. They made maple sugar, which they strained
through blankets, and also pumpkin molasses. He first built a board house,
without floor or windows, and a ladder furnished the means of ingress and
egress. They hung blankets around the beds to protect them from the snow
which would sift through the cracks of the walls, and had to contend with
many similar difficulties. Captain Bancraft was a good friend of Chief
Pontiac, and ofttimes Indians slept before his fire-place. The land was all

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I I3

wild and had to be cleared before cultivation could be undertaken, a task
which meant years of incessant labor. Captain Bancraft lived to reach the
age of 72 years, dying on March 24, I853. He was the only son of a
family of three children, his sisters being Lucinda (Ross) and Abigail (Felton), both of whom died in Michigan. Captain Bancraft married Polly Dalrymple at Pittsford, New York, August 12, I814, a native of Colerain, Massachusetts, and a daughter of James Dalrymple, and they had Io children, as
follows: Joseph; Hull; Lefa (Johnson); John; Damaris; David; Claudius
B.; Stewart; Maria (Watson); and Agnes (Surrhyne).
Claudius B. Bancraft was born and reared on the old home farm, and
with the exception of one year in the "sixties," which he spent in California,
has lived there all his life. He has been a tireless worker and a practical man
of business, acquiring a handsome competency during his long and active
career. He is a man of the highest type and has many stanch friends throughout the county.
Mr. Bancraft was united in marriage with Marbury Clark, who was
born in Granville, Washington County, New York, December i8, 1848, and
is a daughter of William and Esther (Whitmore) Clark. She came to Michigan in 1870. Four children were born of this union: Duane, Polly, Agnes,
and Ethel, deceased. Polly Bancraft married Fred Terry, of Waterford,
and now resides in Detroit; they have a daughter, Loraine. Like his father,
Mr. Bancraft is a Democrat in politics, and has served on the School Board
more then a quarter of a century.
FRANK L. MILLIS.
FRANK L. MILLIS, a member of the prominent business firm of Millis
Brothers, at Pontiac, Michigan, dealers in lumber, doors, coal, wood, etc.,
is one of the leading and enterprising citizens of the city. Mr. Millis was
born in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, September I, 1855, and is
a son of John D. Millis, who, with his eldest son, Elmore P. Millis, established
the business.

114

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John D. Millis was born in 1822, and was married on November 17,
I847, at Nelson, Portage County, Ohio, to Fannie Fuller, who was born in
Leroy, Jefferson County, New York, in 1824. Very soon after their marriage they moved to Oakland County, and resided in Bloomfield township, on
what is now the Grayling farm. Mr. Millis died April 29, I888. Mrs.
Millis survived her husband's death 14 years, her decease occurring August
8, I902, of heart disease. The end came very suddenly and unexpectedly,
there being not even time enough in which to secure a physician. Mrs. Millis
was survived by two sisters,-Mrs. Ellsworth, of Rose City, Michigan, and
Mrs. Earl, of Saranac, Michigan,-a brother, Berley Fuller, of Cleveland,
Ohio, and by three sons,-Elmore P., born in 1851, who is now a farmer
in Lapeer County, Michigan; Frank L., our subject; and Fred M., born
March 25, I859. A daughter, Hattie A., married E. H. Mead, of Sault
Ste. Marie, and died December 2I, I9I0. Mrs. Millis always lived a Christian life of gentleness, and was greatly missed by a large circle of friends.
She was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.
Frank L. Millis and his brother Elmore P. were educated in the Pontiac
schools and attended the Detroit Business College; Fred M. was a student
at the Pontiac Business College after he finished in the Pontiac schools. A
close affection binds the brothers together and their business relations have
been mutually pleasant and profitable.
Our subject continued to reside in Pontiac until he was 19 years old,
at which time a part of the family,-the father and two sons,-removed to
Lapeer County, where the former had purchased a block of pine timber land
from the government, the tract at one time comprising 400 acres. With his
sons, John D. Millis remained on this land for about 12 years, getting out
timber. The firm of Millis Brothers is the only one in Pontiac that has been
actively engaged in getting out its own lumber. Upon the death of their
father, Frank L. and Fred M. Millis purchased the interest of their brother,
Elmore P. Millis, and have continued the business already established in
Pontiac. This firm does the largest business in their line in the city, and
employs a number of men in handling and delivering, using several teams.
The business office of the firm is located in the yards at the corner of
Saginaw and Wesson streets, where there are fine railroad facilities, a side
track running through the yards.
Our subject married Ella M. Benjamin, who was born in West Bloom

OAKLAND COUNTY.

II5

field township, and is a daughter of George W. Benjamin, a venerable resident of the county, living near Farmington. One daughter has been born
to this marriage, Hazel F., a young lady of 17 summers, who is attending
school. The handsome family residence is located at No. 52 Bagley street,
Pontiac. Mr. Millis has, like his father, been prominent in Democratic
politics and has served seven years as alderman from the First Ward.
Fraternally he is connected with the lodge of the B. P. 0. E. at Pontiac.
In religious views the family belong to the Congregational Church.
HON. BYRON G. STOUT.
HON. BYRON G. STOUT. The late Byron G. Stout was one of the
most eminent citizens not only of Pontiac, but of Michigan, one who will
be recalled with pride and gratitude for generations to come. He was born
in Richmond, Ontario County, New York, January 12, I829, and died June
19, I896. lHe was a son of Jesse ILee and Olivia P. Stout, who came to
Oakland County, Michigan, in I831, locating on a farm; the father died in
1874 and the mother on February o0, I890.
The subject of this sketch was reared near and in Pontiac and it was in
Oakland County that he was so highly honored during many years of public
life. When but 25 years of age he was elected a Representative to the State
Iegislature, in I854 and was re-elected in I856, and in I860 he was elected
to the State Senate from the eastern district of Oakland County, and served
with great eclat during that term, as chairman on State affairs and as a
member of the committee on finance and education. In that year he was
engaged in a private banking business in Pontiac, in which he continued until
i868.
In 1862 Mr. Stout was nominated by the Union party for Governor
and he was endorsed by the Democratic party. He demanded a vigorous prosecution of the war for the Union, but favored the suggestion that when armed
resistance should cease, the States should regain their former status with
unimpaired rights. The south having been recognized as belligerent, he main

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tained that there should be no attainder for treason. In this position Mr.
Stout antagonized the Republican party, but he lived to see his position sustained by the highest tribunals of the land. In I868 he received the Democratic nomination for Congress, from the Sixth Congressional District, and
in 1870 was renominated. In 1883 he was nominated by the Fusion party
in the Legislature for United States Senator, and received 51 votes, lacking
but 15 votes of the number necessary. I-e was a delegate to the Democratic
conventions of I868, I880 and 1883. In I890 he was elected to the House
of Representatives and during his honorable term of office as a member of
Congress never failed to advocate all those measures which his political convictions made right to his mind. His public career attracted interest and
attention and at all times reflected the best energies of his mind. The acrimony which always attends a political career of prominence, has passed away
and his fellow-citizens recall him with the deepest respect and are full of
appreciation for the gifts of his intellect and the goodness of his heart.
Mr. Stout was twice married. His son Walter, of his first marriage, died
in 1878, at the age of 14 years. His second marriage was to Hannah C.
Farnham, a daughter of Colonel Farnham, of Addison, Steuben County,
New York, who died while he was serving his congressional term at Washington. Mr. Stout left a large property and one of the bequests which was
disclosed by his will, was that the sum of $8,ooo be used for the erection of
a library building at Pontiac, to be donated to the Ladies' Library of the city,
a literary organization founded by Mrs. Stout. This structure was erected
in the year. following his death by his brothers, William H. and Wilbur F.,
and it was dedicated in 1898 and stands a beautiful memorial on the corner
of Williams and Lawrence streets. This is the only library building in the
county.
Mr. Stout is survived by two brothers. William H. Stout is a resident
of Kansas, in which State he has been very prominent politically and has
served as mayor of Font Scott and in other positions. He is engaged in a
loan business there. He still retains "Evergreen Farm", a valuable property
near Cass Lake. He left Oakland County in 1889. His family consists
of a wife and son.
Wilbur F. Stout was born in Troy township, April 3, 1845, and has
made his home, with the exception of 10 years at Wichita, Kansas, at Pontiac
all his life. He is a man of business energy, conducts a large hardware business

OAKLAND COUNTY.

117

in Pontiac and a wholesale coal business in the West and at various times
has been connected with other enterprises in this city. He has about retired from activity.
Mr. Stout married a daughter of the late De Witt C. Holden of Oakland County, and they have five children, namely: Jesse D., who is in a
carriage business at Valdosta, Georgia; Byron G., who is located at Pontiac,
with the Spring &amp; Wagon Company; Fred, who has been engaged in the
banking business; and Kathleen and HIarry, who are at home. The family
spend the summer months at Cass Lake, having a handsome winter residence
on one of Pontiac's broad boulevards.
Politically Mr. Stout is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to all the
Masonic bodies.
HENRY WARNER.
HENRY WARNER, whose fine farm of I30 acres in section I3, Troy township, Oakland County, compares very favorably with any other in the southeastern section of the county, belongs to a family which was established in
Oakland County in i825. He was born in County Essex, England, in i823,
and is a son of John and Mary (Wood) Warner, both of whom were born
in County Essex, England.
John Warner brought his little family to America in I825, coming immediately to Royal Oak township, Oakland County, Michigan, where he
resided until our subject was i9 years old, removing then to section I3, Troy
township, where he purchased I30 acres of land. His death occurred soon
after, in 1837, at the age of 50 years. His wife, Mary Wood, who died ill
I85i, aged 63 years, was a worthy member of the Baptist Church. A family
of I2 children were born to them, namely: Mary and John D., deceased;
Henry, of this sketch; Jane, who resides near Royal Oak; Francis and
Sarah, who live in Troy township; William and Elizabeth, deceased; Eliza;
Richard, deceased; and two who died in infancy.
Henry Warner was mainly educated in Royal Oak township. His life
has been occupied with farming and he has reason to be satisfied with his
success. He is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of
7

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life, has a most estimable family and enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens.
In 1853 Mr. Warner was united in marriage with Mary Ann King,
who was born in England, a daughter of James and Ellen King. Mrs.
Warner died in February, 1903, in her 7Ist year, leaving three children.
Ellen, who married L. J. Firth, of Troy township and has one child,- Fred;
Fred and Marietta.
Mr. Warner is not identified with any political party, but votes rather
for the man than for a faction. He is highly respected for his honesty and
many sterling qualities which he has inherited from a long line of honored
English ancestors.
JOHN W. BASSETT.
JOHN W. BASSETT, one of the intelligent citizens and wRell-to-do farmers
of Southfield township, Oakland County, who owns 148 fertile acres of land
in section 3, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Michigan. He
was born in I853 in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, and is a son of
William and Roxanna (Curtis) Bassett, the former of whom was born in
New York in I8i8, and the latter in Connecticut in I819.
William Bassett accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1832, his father,
Samuel Bassett, settling on a farm in Bloomfield township, Oakland County.
At his marriage William Bassett settled on a farm in the township of Novi,
which he traded for a store in Novi, but later, purchased another farm in
Bloomfield township, on which he resided until his death in I886. He was
a most exemplary man. He was a member of the religious body known as
the Second Adventists. His wife, who was a daughter of Eli and Sarah
(Jennings) Curtis, died in I891, having been the devoted mother of a large
family, of which our subject is the sixth member, the others being: Ada;
Lawrence, a member of the I7th Michigan, lost his life at the age of 2T
years, from wounds received in defense of his country, at the battle of
Resaca; Leila; Cleantha, deceased; Henry, of Bloomfield township; and
Grosvenor and Milburn, both deceased.
John W. Bassett received his education in the district schools, the Birm

OAKLAND COUNTY. II9
ingham High School and the Detroit Business College. From early manhood he has been interested in farming and has made it a profitable life
career.
In 1877 Mr. Bassett married Elissif Erity, who was born in I858 in
Southfield township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of William and
Orpha (Reynolds) Erity. One son has been born to this marriage, Will,
who resides at home, his father's very efficient assistant.
Like his father, Mr. Bassett is one of the leading Republicans of his
locality, but has cared little for public office, consenting on but one occasion,
to serve as drainage commissioner. He has a pleasant home and very comfortable surroundings and finds enough interests without the cares attendant
upon office. He is held in high regard in Southfield township.
FRANK F. DENISON.
FIRANK F. DENISON, who is prominent amnong the successful farmers
and business men of Troy township, Oakland County, resides on his farm
of 8I acres situated in section 16. He was born on the farm where he now
lives, November 30, 1856, and is a son of Daniel A. and Lois P. (Hopkins)
Denison.
Daniel A. Denison was born in New York State in I815 and lame when
I6 years of age to Michigan in company with his parents and settled in Avon
township, Oakland County. The last days of his father and mother were
~spent in Bay City, Michigan. Daniel A. Denison removed to Troy township
some years before our subject's birth, and engaged in farming. In early
life he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it to a considerable extent.
His death occurred in I888, when aged 73 years. He was a Republican and
held several township offices. He was a faithful and active member of the
Baptist Church. His wife, Lois P. Hopkins, was born in New York State
in 1813 and died in 1896. She was a daughter of Socrates Hopkins, who
located in Troy township at an early date and engaged in farming. At his
&lt;death he was superintendent of the Oakland County Poor Farm. Mrs.

120

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Denison was a member' of the Presbyterian Church. To the union of our
subject's parents were born four children, namely: Avery W. and Eunice M.,
deceased; Victor N., who resides in Detroit, Michigan, and Frank F. Both of
our subject's parents had been married before; Mrs. Denison had three children by her first marriage,-Randolph H. Wiibur, DeWitt E. Wilbur and
Louisa P. Wilbur; while Mr. Denison had one daughter by his first marriage,
-Elsie E., who married Alonzo T. Sharp of New York State.
Frank F. Denison received his education in the district schools of Oakland
County and has always lived in this county. He has followed farming all his
life and is at present situated on the old homestead farm, where he is uniformly
successful in raising some of the finest products of the county. Politically
he is a Republican and is prominently identified with that party which has
honored him with election to the office of township clerk, in which capacity
he is now serving his sixth term; he has also held other local offices. In social
circles he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Knights of Pythias
and Foresters of America.
Mr. Denison was married in i883 to Augusta V. Brand, who was born in
Troy township in i86o and is a daughter of Philip and Fredericka (Genrich)Brand. They are the parents of two daughters,-Rena E., who is teaching
school, and Olive L., who resides at home.
HORACE W. DAVIS.
HORACE WV. DAVIS, superintendent of the Michigan Black Bass Hatchery
at Drayton Plains, Waterford township, Oakland County, has been probably
more closely identified with the fish hatchery interests of this State than any
other individual. Mr. Davis was born in Wilson, Niagara County, New York,
December ii, 1833, and is a son of Ebenezer Davis, who was a lumberman
and miller of Gorham, Maine, and a pioneer in Michigan.
In I836 the parents of our subject removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan,
which at that time was but an Indian trading post, there being only one frame
house standing at the time. There- he was reared, and attended school until

OAKLAND COUNTY.

121

he was i8 years old. In 1864 he engaged in clerking in the village of Grandville, and later, in partnership with Marcus HI. McCoy, started a general
country store. Four years later he sold his interest and entered the railway
mail service, resigning his position one year later to become deputy sheriff
under Freeling H. Peck, in which office he continued for four years at Grand
Rapids. He served two years under the succeeding sheriff, as under sheriff,
when he was appointed chief of police of Grand Rapids. After serving a short
time he resigned and bought the transfer business of John L. Shaw, which he
operated at Grand Rapids for seven years. Mr. Davis then engaged in the
raising of trotting horses, buying a farm for that purpose, and some of his
horses, while not as rapid as the latest wonder, "Lou Dillon," for the time
excited much admiration and astonishment. Many can recall "Sumpter" with
a record of 2:25Y2 and "Oney Davis," of 2:20 record.
After leaving the farm, he served for a period as under sheriff of Kent
County and four years as deputy United States marshal for the Western
District of Michigan under A. Oren Vheeler. This position he resigned when
appointed to his present very responsible position as superintendent of the
Michigan Black Bass Hatchery at Drayton Plains. This suitable appointment came as a result of his efficient services on the Michigan Fish Commission, to which he was appointed in 1893 by Governor Rich. In June, 1902,
Mr. Davis received his present commission.
The importance of the fishing interests of the State of Michigan and the
opportunities afforded for experimenting by Oakland County, can easily be
realized when consideration is given to the great amount of fresh water-ways
which intersect the State. Mr. Davis was the one who started the first complete black bass hatchery in the United States, if not in the world, locating it
at Mill Creek in Kent County. After his appointment on the board, he
suggested as early as 1893 the feasibility of black bass hatching, but he received
but little encouragement from the other members. However, Mr. Davis is
not a man who is easily discouraged and he at once began an exhaustive study
of the game fish and soon demonstrated that a hatchery which would ensure
bass for the stocking of the many lakes and rivers was not only feasible
but quite possible if done under the right conditions. Finally, after much
discussion, the board agreed to appropriate $500 for experilnental work on
condition that Mr. Davis would procure the location and superintend the
construction of the pond. The experiment proving successful, they

122

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

procured an appropriation of $1,500 from the Legislature, and in I898 the
hatchery was successfully constructed, without any personal remuneration to
Mr. Davis. This success attracted attention all over the United States and
similar hatcheries have been constructed. The hatchery at Drayton Plains
was established, an office being located in the old mill, an historic spot. It is
proposed that when fully completed, this hatchery will have a capacity for
3,000,000 of black bass fry annually. Two ponds have been completed, the
water supply being obtained from the Clinton River. In 1902 the appropriation for the establishment of this hatchery was $4,500 and 1903, they had an
appropriation of about $4,000.
When the present hatchery was located at Drayton Plains, Mr. Davis was
the oldest member of the Michigan Fish Commission, and had been its
president for three years. The board was composed of George M. Brown of
Saginaw, Freeman B. Dickerson of Detroit and Mr. Davis. It was through
the business enterprise of Mr. Davis that the board secured the present
desirable location for the Michigan Black Bass Hatchery. It is the only
fishery of any kind in Oakland County, and at present it contains 225 pairs of
black bass, which number will be greatly increased the coming season. This
enterprise is one which should deeply interest every citizen of Michigan as it
promises to prove a source of untold wealth to the State.
EMILIUS L. NEWMAN.
EMILIUS L. NEWMAN, a well known and successful general farmer of
Oakland County, Michigan, owning a fine farm of 8o acres in section 14, West
Bloomfield township, was born in i860 in this township which has been his
home all his life. His parents were Emanuel and Jane (German) Newman,
the former of whom died in July, 1889.
Emanuel Newman was born in New Jersey and came to Michigan in 1841.
He located in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, where he purchased
a farm of 200 acres, close to Pine Lake. He married Jane German, who is a
daughter of George German, and they reared a family of seven children,
namely: Henrietta, William, Augusta, Dora, Emilius, Flora and Cora.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

123

Our subject was reared on the farm and was educated in the common
schools. In I896 he purchased his farm on Pine Lake and since then has
been engaged in general farming, successfully growing all the products of this
climate and latitude. His success testifies to his excellent methods.
In I883 Mr. Newman was married to Eva Durkee, who is a daughter of
Charles and Abigail (Evarts) Durkee, the former of whom is a large farmer
in West Bloomfield township, now living retired in Pontiac, the farm being
under the management of his son Edgar. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Durkee were: Eva and Ella, twins; Lizzie; Charles, Philo, deceased; Edgar
and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have three children, viz: Ida Ruth,
born April 9, I885; Cora, born January io, I891; and Howard Emilius, born
January 17, I903.
In politics, Mr. Newman affiliates with the Republican party. He is held
in high esteem in the township and bears the enviable reputation of being a man
of the highest integrity, of commendable public spirit and of good common
sense.
H. G. MONROE.
H. G. MONROE, a well known citizen of Oakland County, Michigan, is
superintendent of the City Water Works of Pontiac, one of the best plants
of the kind in the State of Michigan. He has served in this capacity since
the construction of the plant, has agitated its extension and improvement
from time to time, and its present excellence is due in a large measure to his
untiring efforts.
In I886 the first proposition in regard to water works was taken up by
the City Council of Pontiac, when an application for franchise was made.
The Council opposed the granting of a franchise and at a special
election that was held the people voted it down. Most of the people favoring
municipal ownership of the water works, the matter was brought before the
Council in 1887. An ordinance was drawn and passed, placing control of the
water works system in a Board of Water Commissioners, consisting of a representative of each ward and the city mayor, the latter to serve as president. The
then incumbent mayor, Dr. Franklin B. Galbraith, appointed John D. Norton,

124 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Alfred Webb, A. A. Lull and D. J. Hammond as members of this commission.
The board engaged the service of an engineer, J. D. Cook of Toledo, who
came to Pontiac and got out the first accurate map of the city. A municipal
election was held in the summer of I887 and bonds to the extent of $75,000
issued, and in the spring of i888 additional bonds to the extent of $I0,000
were issued at 4j/2 per cent. Mr. Monroe was made superintendent of construction and work was begun in the spring of 1888, the plant beginning operations on November I4, i888. The contract for the building and equipment of
the plant had been awarded to W. S. Parker &amp; Company on December 21,
i887. The equipment consisted of two 1,5oo,ooo gallon Worthington duplex
compound condensing engines, and two 75-horsepower boilers, together with
14 miles of mains and 175 fire hydrants. In 1893, a special election was held
and a bond issue of $15,ooo was voted for the extension of the plant, about
four miles of mains and necessary fire hydrants being added. In 1896 the
water board was abolished and the Board of Public Works now has it in
charge, subject to the Common Council. Up to I896, in addition to the bond
issues, some $40,000 of the earnings were used in the improvement and
extension of the system. Owing to the increase in population and demand for
water, the old plant became inadequate, and in 9or. a special election was
held and $5o,ooo in bonds were voted for the extension of mains and increased
pumping facilities. Work was begun immediately and the contract awarded
to the Snow Steam Pump Company of Buffalo, New York, for one high
duty, triple expansion, crank and fly wheel pumping engine of 5,000,000
gallons daily capacity; also for a 200o-horsepower Continental boiler. The old
engine room was 37 feet square, and the boiler room, 30 feet square. The
new engine room is 50 by 70 feet, and the boiler room, 30 by 46 feet. The
building has a stone foundation, with brick superstructure, its height from the
floor being 40 feet. At the close of construction there was a deficiency, owing
to the high grade of machinery purchased, of $15,ooo, which was met by
another issue of bonds. This made a total of $i65,ooo issued in bonds, and
$40,000 spent from the earnings, the cost of the plant as it stands today. The
duty guarantee of the new engine was T40,000,000 foot pounds of work for,ooo0 pounds of dry steam consumed by the engine while running on domestic
service. The test took place June 0o. 1903, and the result showed a duty of
142,384,ooo foot pounds. The engine is the first of its type to be erected and
placed in use in the Lower Peninsula. The engine will average 7,000,000

su:0:000: 0::06 an~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:::
~:i: D::~; ~~::
^ ll^,,*:!-:\::/*^l~~~~~~~~~~~~~l^-';..l*:; ^,:lv i:,:::r
' *; **, 1; 1:i', * ^, 1':1-:1:1 ^^^^^y'lA

ABIRAM PARKER

OAKLAND COUNTY.

127

gallons per day easily. There are 30 miles of mains and 250 fire hydrants,
the source of supply being nine 8-inch wells, of I96 feet average depth, the
water coming up to within two feet of the floor of the building. The average
suction lift is about seven feet, the domestic pressure is 6o pounds to the square
inch, and for fire purposes, if necessary, 150 pounds to the square inch.
Mr. Monroe was born in Rochester, New York, but has resided in Michigan most of his life, coming to the State as a boy. He resided in St. Clair
County for a time and has since been located in Oakland County. He engaged
in various lines of business, but for the past 23 or 24 years has engaged in
engineering. His work as superintendent of the Pontiac Water Works has
been most efficient, and he enjoys the confidence and good will of his fellow
citizens.
Mr. Monroe was united in marriage with a daughter of J. C. Davis of
Pontiac, she being a native of Oakland County. Five children were born to
them, as follows: Lottie E., wife of Homer Osmun of Waterford township;
Sarah Adell, wife of Frank Willits of Pontiac; Hector L., who is employed at
the Pontiac Water Works; and Charles H., and John C., who are attending
school. Politically, our subject is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a Royal
Arch Mason, and a member of the B. P. 0. E., A. O. U. W., and Loyal
Guards. The family home is at No. 68 Norton avenue, and was one of the
first three built on that street.
ABIRAM PARKER.
ABIRAM PARKER, president of the First Commercial Bank of Pontiac,
Michigan, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, came to this city in I845
when it was a small village and is the only one of the pioneers of that day who
have been continuously in business here since. He has been identified with
the various business interests and manufacturing concerns of the community
and is one of its most substantial citizens.
Mr. Parker was born August 3, I831, in Oneida County, New York,
and is a son of Dr. Abiram and Julia A. (McConnell) Parker, and grandson

128

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Eri Parker, the family being of English extraction. The father of our
subject was a successful physician in Oneida County, but in the prime of
life he was called to his final rest, dying December 9, I83I, in the West Indies,
whither he had gone in search of health. H.e married Julia A. McConnell, a
native of New York and a daughter of Joseph McConnell, who died at McConnellsville, New York. Mrs. Parker came to Michigan late in life and died in
the city of Jackson, where her daughter, Mrs. W. L. Seaton resided. Mrs.
Seaton died in April, 1902, and is survived by her husband and two children.
Abiram Parker attended the common schools and later the Rochester
Collegiate Institute at Rochester, New York, from his IIth to his I4th year.
He came to Pontiac, Michigan, in 1845, and after a brief residence returned to
New York and entered Cazenovia Seminary, where he completed his studies.
Returning to Michigan, he entered the store of Willard M. McConnell as
clerk, and later went to Detroit where he became assistant teller in the
Michigan Insurance Bank. After two years he returned to Pontiac, embarked
in the grocery and drug trade and built up and conducted an extensive
business. He became identified with the First National Bank at the time of
its organization in September, 1864, being one of its organizers. He was the
first of its directors elected, A. Gustin and Goodman Jacobs being elected
shortly after. James Andrews was the first president and E. B. Comstock
was cashier. It was organized as a national bank with a capital stock of
$50,00o. Of the original organizers, officers and directors, Mr. Parker alone
survives. Six months after its organization, the capital stock was increased
to $I,00000, and of the stockhelders of record at that time Mr. Parker and
Mrs. Z. D. Knight, of Omaha, Nebraska, are the only ones living. Mr.
Andrews, who died at the age of 92 years, was succeeded as president by
David Ward, Charles H. Dawson and John D. Norton. The bank has been
re-organized as the First Commercial Bank, and in I895 our subject was
elected president, in which capacity he now serves. The other officers are:
William H. Dawson, vice-president; Frank G. Jacobs, cashier; and Charles E.
Waldo, assistant cashier. The directors are: William H. Dawson, John
H. Patterson, Charles E. Crofoot, Charles G. Freeman, A. Parker and C. E.
Waldo. It has been a successful institution from the first, there being
$Iooo,ooo now on deposit, with surplus and undivided profits amounting to
about $30,000. Mr. Parker is a public spirited citizen and enterprising

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I 29

business man, and is interested in most of the manufacturing enterprises of
Pontiac.
Mr. Parker was united in marriage with Sarah E. Beach, who came to
Pontiac when three months old with her parents, Eben and Elizabeth Beach.
They have two daughters; Grace P., wife of F. WV. Fletcher, of Detroit; and
Louise, wife of the late Hon. Mark S. Brewer, who was at one time Representative of the Sixth Congressional District of Michigan in the United States
Congress. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and for some time served
as alderman in Pontiac. He is a member of Pontiac Lodge No. 21, F. &amp; A. M.,
Oakland Chapter, R. A. M.; and of the Council. The beautiful family
residence, built in 1894, is located on Huron street.
CASSIUS J. CRAWFORD.
CASSIUS J. CRAWFORD, who is engaged in agricultural operations on his.
farm of 80 acres in sections 2 and I, Pontiac township, Oakland County, was
born November 4, I865, on his present farni, where he has lived all his life.
He is a son of Robert E. Crawford and grandson of William Crawford.
William Crawford, the grandfather of our, subject, was a native of New
Jersey, but early in life removed to Ontario County, New York, where hefollowed the pursuits of a farmer until 1830, when he journeyed by boat to
Detroit, and from there came by land to Oakland County, Michigan, first
locating in Orion township, where he lived one year. Removing then to.
Pontiac township, he purchased I6o acres of government land from the
United States; 80 acres of this tract have been sold and divided, but the
remaining 80 acres have been kept in the possession of the family and constitute the farm now owned and operated by our subject. A part of this farm
was an Indian corn-field, and the property was what was generally known as"oak opening," there being little timber on a part of it, though most of the
surrounding country was a forest. It was not a difficult matter to clear a
part of the farm of the scanty forest growth that prevented cultivation of thesoil, and it was but a short time therefore before the pioneer with his axe and

130

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

plough had put the farm in fine shape. His first work on the farm, however,
was to build a log cabin in which he and his fanily lived many years. He had
eight children, namely: Robert E., William, Moses, Madison, John, Harriet
(Kimball), Catherine (Chapman) and George.
Robert E. Crawford was born in New York, in I815, while his father
resided in Ontario County. He came to Michigan with his parents in his
I6th year from Canandaigua, New York, and was engaged in farming on the
home acres all his life with the exception of three or four years which he spent
working in the sawmills. He died on the home farm in I896, at the age of 8I
years. He was a Democrat until the Civil War, and then became a Republican.
In social matters he was'a Mason and was always looked upon as a trustworthy friend and neighbor. He married Polly Giddings, a native of Michigan, and they had three children: Stella (Huntington), of Lapeer County,
Michigan; Della (Williamson), of Pontiac, Michigan, and Cassius J.
Cassius J. Crawford has worked on his farm skillfully and diligently and
success has crowned his efforts. Among the improvements he has made since
his father's death is the large and well appointed barn, which was erected
several years ago. He married Sarah Howarth, a native of Orion township,
Oakland County, Michigan, the daughter of John and Sarah Howarth. They
have three children, namely: Wesley, Charles and Mary. Our subject takes
but a good citizen's interest in politics, and is a member of the Republican
party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARLES S. BERRIDGE.
CHARLES S. BERRIDGE, of the drug and grocery firm of Berridge &amp;
Berridge, of Orion, Oakland County, agents for the American Express
Company and the Aetna &amp; Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company, was born
at Greenfield, Wayne County, Michigan, near Six Mile Road, a little west of
the present Detroit Golf Club grounds, September 9, I853. He is a son of
Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Walt) Berridge, the former of whom was born at
Paddington and the latter at York, England.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

131

Joseph XV. Berridge came to the United States a young man of 26 years
and his first work was in assisting to raise the banks of a mill pond, for which
labor he was paid wages, one-half in cash and one-half in whisky. One year
later, in I83I, he came to Michigan and opened a tavern at Plymouth road
and Grand River avenue, where the building still stands. Later he bought
three tracts of 80 acres each on Six Mile road where he followed farming and
also conducted the hostelry known to many weary travelers for many years
as the Six Mile House. His last years were spent with his sons and his death
took place December 20, I9OI, while visiting a son at Otter Lake. He was one
of the most venerable citizens of Oakland County, having been born December
26, I803. His wife died December 23, I884, in her 7ISt year. She was.
daughter of William Walt who settled in Orion township in I83I on the farm
now owned by Charles Wi. Berridge. The children born to Joseph W. Berridge and wife were as follows: Jonathan, a resident of. Bay City, Michigan;
Mary, wife of John Allington of Kochville, Saginaw County, Michigan;
'Eliza, wife of David McVean, of Detroit; George, of Otter Lake, Michigan;
William, of Midland, Michigan; Walter, of Flint, Michigan; Charles S., of this
sketch; and two who died in infancy.
Our subject was reared at Detroit until he was six years! old and
accompanied his parents thence to Orion, from that town to Saginaw, from
Saginaw to Flint and from there to Clio. His first schooling was obtained in
the Clark district and his teacher, Jane Uden, is now the widow of Josiah
Clark and a resident of Orion township. He attended the schools in the
neighborhood of the farm during the few winter months, but from the time
he was Io years of age he has made his own way in the world. It is inter-.
esting to know how a lad of such tender years could earn his own living in
those days, and we learn that he was engaged to "pay off boards" and to work
white lead into the seams of boats after they had been caulked. After the
family removed to Flint, he bought a push wagon and sold pop corn through
the streets, after the manner of the present vendors of that delicacy, and
thus earned quite a sum of money during vacations when he was not attending
school. At the age of 20 years he bought a grocery business at Clio, Genesee
County, Michigan, but this proved a loss, as his entire stock was destroyed by
fire. He then engaged as a clerk with Mr. Reed, and later embarked in a hardware business. On September 9, I882, Mr. Berridge moved to Orion and
opened up his present line of business, in which he has met with success. He

132

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is a prominent citizen of Orion and for two terms has served as village
treasurer; before locating in Orion, he had held offices in other localities.
On January 13, 1876, Mr. Berridge married Mary L. Griswold, at Thetford, Michigan, who was born near Lockport, New York. Their three children
are: Ralph G., of Fresno, California; Mabel W., and Lena G. Fraternally
Mr. Berridge is a member of the Masons, Knights of Loyal Guards, K. O. T.
-M., Foresters and the Tribe of Ben Hur. Politically he is a Prohibitionist.
THE CITY OF PONTIAC.
PONTIAC, the judicial seat of Oakland County, Michigan, stands upoll
ground that less than Ioo years ago was occupied by a frontier Indian trading
post. That men now living fought the wild beasts of the wilderness and fled
from the savage Indians where the roar of traffic and the heavy clang of the
iron wheels of mills and factories driven by the dynamos never then dreamed
of, is marvelous indeed, and a history of this wonderful change should be
interesting not only to the fortunate residents of Pontiac, but to those who
watch the star of the empire westward take its way.
With the exception of Detroit, no other city of the State of Michigan
has been more closely identified with the early history of this section than
Pontiac. In I8I9 the first white settlers came, a trading post having been
-established in the previous year, and a government post office was located at
this point. For many years prior to the coming of the whites, this had been
the chosen home of a powerful tribe of Indians, and in honor and commemoration of their famous chief, the new town was named Pontiac. In 1820 its
advantageous location made it the county-seat and for a long period it was
-the only trading point of importance for hundreds of miles. A stage route was
established in 1822 and the population rapidly increased in this beautiful and
fertile section. It became a center for men of enterprise and energy, whose
-opportunities were confined in the East, and in I837 it was incorporated. In
I86I it secured its charter as a city, the beautiful location and healthful climate

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I33

having attracted sufficient population. From that time until the present,
Pontiac has steadily increased in wealth, population and importance.
From its earliest days education has occupied the attention of the citizens.
The Oakland Chronicie, the first newspaper in the State published outside of
Detroit, was born here, in 1827, which later was merged into the Detroit
Free Press. The present educational system is carried out along modern
lines and the handsome school edifices compare favorably with those of anyl
other city in the country. In addition to the public school system, the healthful
location of the city has made it a most desirable point in which to establish
private schools, a number of which are in a most prosperous condition. The
famous Michigan Military Academy is located at Orchard Lake, within five
miles of the city. Here, too, have been located various charitable institutions,
the healthful and invigorating air being conducive to health, and the beautiful
scenery and surroundings, to moral reform.
Situated as it is, near the source of the Clinton River, its location is almost
in the center of the lake district of Oakland County, thus enabling its citizens
to enjoy delightful rural surroundings, beautiful drives and inspiring scenery.
This natural location has had an effect upon the residents of the city as may be
evidenced in the wide, well kept streets and carefully tended lawns, the boulevards resembling those of the most highly praised cities of Europe. Hence it
is a charming place for a home and the many elegant private residences
testify that taste and wealth are prominent factors here.
Pontiac also is distinguished as a manufacturing city, its products including the commodities most useful in modern life, and there are few civilized
spots upon the earth where some of them have not reached. Particularly is
this the case concerning vehicles and the latest inventions in this line of transportation promise to carry the name of Pontiac still farther.
Since the organization of the Pontiac Land &amp; Improvement Company in
I89I, the beauties and advantages of this city have become more generally
known to the outside world, and a most wonderful growth of population has
taken place during the past few years. To accommodate this, electric lines of
railway have been built, new systems of water and sewerage have been introduced, metropolitan features have been added to hotel life, and now, with a
population of 12,000, Pontiac, the whilom Indian post in the wilderness.
stands at the head of a long line of brilliant, delightful, enterprising and prosperous cities.

134

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

A legacy from the late Hon. Byron G. Stout made possible a fine new
library building, while social and literary clubs fill every demand for intellectual or pleasureable occupation. The 500 lakes of Oakland County surround
the city and afford attractions for the sportsmen and charming sites for summer homes. Pine Lake, situated very near, is one of the most noted, and is a
lovely sheet of water, with a hard gravel beach. Orchard Lake lies immediately west of the city and gained its name from a famous apple orchard on an
island in its center, the orchard dating from Indian days. Other lakes in the
near vicinity, on the banks of which are erected private residences and palatial
club houses, are: Cass Lake, Sylvan Lake, Timber Lake, Otter Lake and
Pickerel Lake, all beautiful in their own way and filled with gamey fish. As
a summer resort, Pontiac possesses every attraction, while as a permanent home
it possesses all those things which bring peace, plenty, health, wealth and
contentment.
The poet Wordsworth found his muse inspired by the beautiful lake
region in which his home was found, and Pontiac, too, has had a bard who not
only has written appreciatively of her beauties, but, as in the succeeding lines,
has permitted himself to be also facetious.
PONTIAC.
Selected from "Original Miscellaneous Poems" by the well known character and poet,
Robert McCracken, published in i877. By courtesy of I.E. Sawyer.
I am an old man, I am something in yearsI have traveled the country far and near;
For wealth and for wisdom I always did lackBut I'll make a few verses for Pontiac.
It's a place of great business-a grist and a mill,
Two blacksmith shops and a whiskey still;
A factory. too, to make cloth for the back â
And this is the village of Pontiac.
The miller is Buckland, a very good man,
If you don't take a bag you'll lose your branBut the weight of your flour you seldom do lackAnd this is the custom at Pontiac.
Two taverns, a merchant, and a hatter likewiseAnd who can a village like this despise?
They have two doctors, a transient quackThese are the physicians of Pontiac.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I35

And as for their 'squires, upon my soul,
There's Gideon 0. and Sidney Dole;
They'll issue a warrant to slap on your backA h â11 of a place is Pontiac.
And there's a man that lives over the bridge,
Nearly half-way to the top of the ridge;
He'll run with a sunmmons, the night ne'er so black,
He's some officer's bum of Pontiac.
And there is the hatter. I'm sure he's no fool,
He'll make you a hat of the coarsest of wool,
Tuck in a few hairs that he shaved from a rat,
And sell it for beaver, in Pontiac.
There stitch with his needle, he sets on his board,
He says he works cheaper than he can afford â
But for silk and for trimmings you always do lack,
And this is the tailor of Pontiac.
The carpenter says he will build you a house,
So close and so snug it won't harbor a mouse.
But when the work's done you'll find a great crack,
And these are the joiners of Pontiac.
They won't work for less than ten shillings per day,
A quart or three pints of whiskey, we'll say,
And for all this great wages, at business they're slack,
They spend half their time in Pontiac.
And there's old McCracken can make a good broom,
For weaving of baskets his knees is his looml;
You'll see him come down with a load on his backHe supplies the people of Pontiac.
And there's the stay merchant, he lives at his ease,
He'll promise you anything, just what you please;
But give him the advantage, he'll take the shirt from your back,
He's the greatest rascal in all Pontiac.
CHRISTOPHER COLE.
CHRISTOPHER COLE, a prominent and substantial farmer of Oakland
County, Michigan, owning two farms, one of 250 acres in section 9, Orion
township, and one of 172 acres in Oxford township, was born in Warren
8

136

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

County, New Jersey, July 17, 1836, and is a son of Christopher and Leah,(Kinney) Cole, both natives of W;arren County, and a grandson of Christopher Cole.
Our subject is the youngest of a family of seven children, the only othe:survivor being his eldest sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Buckner, who resides with
him, aged 84 years. His parents came to Michigan when he was but three
months old, the long journey being made by slow stages by carriage from
their home to Dunkirk, New York, thence by boat to Detroit. Our subject's
father made his first visit to Michigan in 1836 and purchased the present farm
of his son Christopher, in Orion township, prior to bringing his famnilly
thither. He was a very capable man, understanding both farming and
carpentering, and found plenty of employment for all his faculties. The
country was then rough and unsettled, and the nearest neighbor was three
miles distant, while wild animals and Indians still roamed through the forests.
Pontiac was not much more than a trading post, and it was a long distance
to Detroit, without any means of transportation. The villageof Orion consisted of a sawmill. On their farm the parents spent the remainder of
their lives, and the mother, who was born in I799, died in 1858, and the father
in I873; aged 82 years.
Our subject was reared on this pioneer farm and easily recalls many of
the conditions prevailing at the time. He was given as good educational
opportunities as the place and time afforded, and has devoted his life to the
developing of his fine farm, in which he has met with unqualified success.
He owns one farm in Oakford township and also one in Orion township and
is interested in the Bank of Orion and also in the Review Publishing Conmpany.
On August i, 1871, Mr. Cole was married to Maggie E. Wyker, who was
born in Sussex County, New Jersey, and accompanied her parents here in
the "forties." She was a daughter of Alfred Wyker who died when quite
young, leaving two sons,-Daniel and David, both of whom perished in the
Civil wvar, one dying in prison and the other on the field,-and two
daughters,-Mrs. Cole and Mrs. Susie Hoyt, who lives in Detroit. Mrs. Cole
died December 25. I880, leaving one child, Grace L. Mr. Cole has long been
a prominent man in his township, serving as a justice of the peace, supervisor
and treasurer. He is a valued member of the Grange. Politically he is a
Democrat.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I37

Mr. Cole's ancestry is German and the family was founded near Scott
Mountain, New Jersey, in I785, by Christian Cole, his great-grandfather. He
erected a home near what is now known as Montana, New Jersey, and there
reared his family, the name still being well represented in that locality until
the present day. Many of its members have settled in different sections, but
wherever found will invariably show thrift, intelligence and sterling traits:of character.
ROBERT HAWTHORNE
ROBERT HAWTHORNE, whose fine farm of 160 acres is located in section
36, Troy township, Oakland County, is one of the township's leading ancd
influential citizens, and an honored survivor of the Civil war. Mr. Hawthorne
was born in 1844 in Ireland, and is a son of William and. Martha (Piper)
IIawthorle, both natives of Ireland.
WVilliam Hawthorne came to the United States with his family in i850,
and settled in Troy township, Oakland County, on the section opposite to the
one now occupied by his son Robert. Although he did some farming, he
pretty closely followed his trade of blacksmith through his active life. His
death occurred in 1890, at the age of 78 years, being survived by his widow
until I896, when she was 90 years old. Both William Hawthorne and wife
were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. They reared a family
of children, as follows: Samuel and \Villialn, of Troy township, Oakland
County; John of Marine City, Michigan; Esther, deceased; Martha, wife of
Charles Babcock, of Bay City, Michigan; Elizabeth, deceased; Mary Jane.
wife of Martin D. Brown of Detroit; and Robert.
Mr. Hawthorne was educated in the district schools and was reared to
be a farmer, an occupation he has always followed with the exception of the
years he devoted to the service of his adopted country. At the age of I8 he
entered Company D, 22nd Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., as a private, and was
mustered out of the service in July, I865. at Detroit. With the Army of the
West and the Army of the Cumberland, he saw much hard service and participated in many of the most serious battles of the war,-Chickamauga,

138

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Missionary Ridge and the siege and fall of Atlanta, the battle of Nashville and
many others. At Chickamauga he was wounded. His brother, William
Hawthorne, was a member of the 7th Michigan, and was captured at Gettysburg, but was soon paroled. He served on the plains almost a year after
the close of the war. John Hawthorne, another brother, was a member of the
22nd Michigan, enlisting in I865 and was mustered out in a few months.
It may thus be seen that the Hawthorne family has not been wanting in
patriotism.
In I872 Mr. Hawthorne was married to Catherine Dunn, who was born
in Macomb County in I849, and is a daughter of Francis and Bridget Dunn,
both of whom were born in Ireland and came to the United States about 1843,
their marriage occurring in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn settled on a
farm in Macomb County, where our subject's wife was born. Six children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, namely: Herbert J., a lake
engineer; Francis B., also a lake engineer; Delisle B., who is assisting in
operating the home farm; and Harry E., Minnie A. and Alta M., who are still
at home.
Mr. Hawthorne is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a Mason, an
Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, and a very popular member of Fairbanks
Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Detroit.
Mr. Hawthorne successfully carries on general farming, raises good stock
and has some dairy interests, and continues to improve a property which is
now very valuable. His standing in the community is that of an honest,
upright and public spirited citizen, as ready now to support good government
as he was to preserve it in the dark days of the Civil war.
C. A. DE COU, M. D.
C. A. DE COU, M. D., proprietor of Dr. De Cou's Cancer Institute, at
Orion, Oakland County, Michigan, was born on North Manitou Island,
Leelanau County, Michigan, November T, 1862, and is a son of Jacob and
Frances (Pfluger) De Cou.
Dr. Jacob De Cou, who is a native of New York, came to Michigan in
young manhood. He has always been interested in scientific medicine and for

OAKLAND COUNTY.

139

many years has made cancer a subject of exhaustive study. For more than 30
years he has been known as a successful physician of Orion and Detroit. His
treatment has been for external cancer only and so efficacious has it been
that thousands of sufferers all over the country willingly testify to their curres.
Our subject was educated in the local schools and the Michigan College
of Medicine, now the Detroit College of Medicine, and was graduated in
I884. He then engaged in practice with his father, at the Cancer Institute at
Detroit, which was moved to Orion in I888, and has a capacity of 20 patients.
The sufferers from the dread disease come for treatment from every section of
the country and none has failed to be benefited and the majority have been
cured by the special treatment originated and carried out by the Drs. De Cou.
In I896 the elder physician returned to Detroit and the Cancer Institute is now
under the sole charge of our subject. Thousands of dollars have been
expended in the search for, the very remedy which Dr. De Cou uses with such
success.
In I887 Dr. De Cou was married to Maggie De Cou of Pendleton,
Niagara County, New York, and three children have been born to them,
namely: Marcella, Marguerite and Mildred.
Dr. De Cou has served one year as health officer of the village and has
also been one of the councilmen. Fraternally he belongs to the Lodge No.
4.6, F. &amp; A. M., of Orion, and the Chapter, R. A. M., of Oxford; Independent
Order of Foresters; the K. O. T. M.; Knights of the Loyal Guards; Tribe of
Ben Hur and the Knights of Pythias of Oxford. Dr. De Cou combines with
his professional knowledge the devotion of an enthusiast which has made him
eminently successful. He is a recognized authority on the subject of external
cancer, and his cures entitle him to be ranked with the benefactors of the
human race.
WILLIAM M. HALL.
WILLIAM M. HALL, one of the large land owners of Oakland County,
resides on a fine farm of 58 acres in section 33, Troy township, and also owns
210 acres in section 32. Troy township, and 4o acres in section 22. Royal Oa::
township. MAr. Hall was born in 1839 in the State of New York and canme

140

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Michigan in 1847 with his parents who settled in Macomb County. He is
a son of Horace and Abigail (Abbey) Hall, both natives of New York.
Horace Hall is now a highly esteemed, venerable resident of Birmingham, approaching his century milepost, having been born May 9, I814. Until
I875 he continued actively engaged in farming. For several years he conducted what is known in the locality as the Six Mile House, on Woodward
avenue. In his young manhood he belonged to the New York State Militia.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of James and Martha Abbey, was.
born April 27, i8IO, and died April 6, Iqoo. Mr. Hall has one sister, Susan
Ann, who is the wife of John F. Stephens, of Birmingham.
William M. Hall was educated in the district schools and has been connected with agricultural pursuits ever since boyhood. For some 20 years he
was interested in the buying of stock. In 1874 he located in Troy township,
Oakland County, and has occupied his present fine farm in section 33 for the
past I9 years.
Mr. Hall was married in I86o to Rebecca A. Rose, who was born in Brandon township, Oakland County, in 1840, and is a daughter of Joseph Leonard
and Charlotte (Bailey) Rose. Two children were born to them: Frank, who
died in early childhood, and Lotta Bell, who married Percy Parmenter; of
Troy township, Oakland County, and has three children,-Margeline, Ida
Alvenia and Willebell.
Politically, Mr. Hall is a Democrat and has taken an active part for many
years in public affairs in the township. He has most efficiently filled many of
the local offices and has been retained for five terms as supervisor of Troy
township. During this period many improvements have been inaugurated,
many of these being directly traceable to Mr. Hall's excellent judgment. For a
number of years he has belonged to the Masonic fraternity.
ROBERT A. QUATERMASS.
ROBERT A. QUATERMAISS, who has a valuable farm of 130 acres in
sections 25 and 36, Pontiac township, Oakland County, is now enjoying life
at the advanced age of 89 years. He has had a very active business career,
and has been a resident of the county for more than 68 years.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I4I

Mr. Quaternass was born in Caledonia, Livingston County, New York,
September 26, 1814, and is a son of Richard and Thankful (Williams)
Quatermass. His father was born in Massachusetts, and followed the trade
of a mechanic in that State and later in New York. He died when our subject was a small bov. Mrs. Ouatermass was born in Vermont and died
at the home of our subject at the age of Ioo years, four months and Io days.
They were parents of the following children: James, Martin, William, Robert
A., Lucy Hall, and Anna Jane.
Robert A. Quaternass worked in the farm during the summer months
and attended school in.the winters until he reached the age of 19 years, and
then learned the trade of wagon-maker. He assisted his step-father, Seth
Hall, in the construction of the first grain cradle ever made, cutting the
material from trees. They resided near LeRoy New York, at the time.
In 1835, Mr. Quatermass came to Oakland County, Michigan, and worked
at his trade in the employ of Charles Postal for one year, and then purchased
a shop which he successfully conducted for about 30 years. He also engaged
in moving buildings for 30 years, moving more than 3,000 buildings in that
time. In the meantime he ran a sawmill for I8 years, and also followed
the trade of millwright. He now has a farm of I30 acres in sections 25
and 36, Pontiac township, which is devoted to general farming purposes.
On August 26, I838, at Amy, Oakland County, Mr. Quatermass was
joined in marriage with Eunice Culver, who was born at Spring WVater.
Livingston County, New York, January I, 1819. Both are active and in
full possession of all their physicial and mental faculties!. The following
children were born to them: George Washington, deceased; William Martin,
of New Baltimore, Michigan, wTho has four children; Helen (Miller), of
California, who has one child, Maude (Smith); Sarah (Durrant), of Amy,
Oakland County; Charles, deceased; Harriet (Lovell), of Amy, Oakland
County; Emma, who is at home; Florence (Smith), of Pontiac; and
Augustus, who is at home. Our subject and his wife have seven grandchildren, namely: Charles Quatermass, Allert Quatermass, Wilbur Quatermass,
Walter Quatermass, Mrs. Maude (Miller) Smith, Charles Durrant, and
Leon Durrant. They have 12 great-grandchildren, as follows: Kate Quatermass, Robert Quatermass, Emma Quatermass, Russell Quatermass, Howard
Quatermass, Ralph Quatermass, Velma Quatermass, William Quatermass,
Bessie Smith, Helen Smith, Frank Smith, and Josephine Durrant.

142

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Robert A. Quatermass is a Democrat in politics, and for a period of 30
years was highway commissioner for Pontiac township, and was overseer
of a great many of the bridges built through his locality. He is a man of
estimable character and pleasing personality, and has many friends throughout the county.
FRANK O. BLOUNT.
FRANK 0. BLOUNT. This prominent and enterprising young farmer is
successfully engaged in the cultivation of the soil in section Io, Troy township, Oakland County, Michigan, where, with his brother Harry, he owns a
fine farm of I60 acres that ranks with the best in the township. He was born
on his present farm in I88i and is a son of George 0. and Cordelia (Brown)
Blount and grandson of Hlenry and Elizabeth (St. John) Blount.
Henry Blount, grandfather of our subject, was born in New York State
and in I82'5 came to Michigan as a pioneer and settled on the farm now owned
by our subject and there followed the pursuits of a general farmer for many
years. He married Elizabeth St. John, a native of New York State and they
were the parents of six children, namely: Jane, who married Charles Dusenbury and is now deceased; Maria, who married Myron Dusenbury and now
resides in Utica; Ellen F., who is living on the homestead; Frances, who
married Ransom Richards and is now residing in Troy township; Walter,
deceased; Chatfield, who resides in Troy township; and George 0., our subject's father, also deceased.
George O. Blount was born on the same place as our subject and spent
his entire life in the cultivation of the farm. He married Cordelia Brown,
a native of New York State, and a daughter of George A. and Lois Brown.
They were the parents of three children, namely: May, who married Bert
Butler and is now living in Troy township, Oakland County; Harry, who
was married August 12, I903, to Grace L. Kimball, who was born in Pontiac
township, in October, 1878, and is a laughter of William and Louise Kimball:
and Frank 0., our subject. Our subject's mother died in 1887 at the age
of 50 years and his father died in December, I897. George O. Blount was

MASON W. GRAY, M. D.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I45

a Republican in politics. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and took a great interest in charitable and missionary work.
Frank O. Blount is a single man and spends his time on his farm which
he keeps in the best condition, taking great pride in its excellent appearance.
He has several good buildings on the farm and a most attractive, homelike
dwelling, which has served the family for many years. Being generous and
congenial by nature, he has countless friends. Politically he is a Republican,
but takes only the interest of a good citizen in political matters.
MASON W. GRAY, M. D.
MIASON \W. GRAY, M. D., vwhose portrait accompanies this sketch, has
been for the past 20 years one of the leading physicians. and surgeons of
Pontiac, Michigan. He was born at Troy, Oakland County Michigan, in
I8C5, and is a son of George W. Gray, and a grandson of Daniel Gray, who
came from the State of New York to Michigan, in 1832, settling in Troy
township where both father and son followed farming.
George WV. Gray was active in local politics and at one time was one of
the three county drain commissioners. His death occurred in 1875, at the
age of 56 years. The mother of Dr. Gray was born in Oakland County,
Michigan, in 1826, and was a daughter of James Skidmore, who came to
Michigan in 1822, from Utica, New York, and followed farming all his life.
Dr. Gray's birthplace in Troy township is owned by two of his sisters. His
one brother, James S. Gray, is teller of the Pontiac Savings Bank.
Dr. Gray was reared and primarily educated in the district schools of
Troy township and was graduated at the Michigan Agricultural College in
1877; three years later he was graduated in medicine at the University of
Michigan. During I88o and I88I, he served as assistant surgeon at the
Quincy mine, Houghton County, Afchigan, on the southern shore of Lake
Superior, and followed this experience with a period of post-graduate study,
receiving his diploma at the University of Pennsylvania in 1882. In January,
1883, he located for practice at Pontiac. For a time he was in partnership

I46

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with Dr. Le Barron, but has been mainly alone, and is a general practitioner
of the regular school of medicine. During his term of service at the Quincy
mine he was also interested in some cases at the Nonesuch mine in Ontonagon
County.
Dr. Gray has been called upon to serve the city in a number of official
positions, for two years as city health officer, for six years as president of
the Board of Education and as mayor during I885-86. For six years he has
served as a member of the State Board of Health and is generally considered
an eminent member. of his profession. In politics he is actively Democratic.
Dr. Gray married a daughter of Colonel Beach of Oakland County and
they have two sons,-Mason W. Jr., and Elmer Beach. He is a valued
member of all the leading medical societies, the Pontiac, Oakland County,
State and American, and is lecturer for the State society of the 6th District
of Michigan, and has been president of the Pontiac society. Fraternally he
is connected with the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and other organizations. In religious connection, Dr. Gray is a Presbyterian. The pleasant
home of the Doctor and family, is located at No. 135 Orchard Lake avenue,
while his offices are situated at No. 5 North Saginaw street. Dr. Gray is
not only held in the highest esteem by the profession, but by the public in
general.
CHARLES E. WALDO.
CHARLES E. WALDO, whose connection with the Fir.st Commercial Bankof Pontiac began in I883, when he was I6 years of age, is now assistant
cashier and a director of this institution, which is one of the most substantial banks in this section of the State. He is one of the substantial men
of the city, and is interested in numerous important enterprises. Mr. Waldo
was born in Holly, Oakland County, April 12, T866, and is a son of A.
Putnam and Harriet M. (Winegar) Waldo, and a grandson of Charles C.
Waldo.
Charles C. Waldo was born in Vermont in I809, and was a son of
Dr. Godfrey and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Waldo, natives of Connecticut and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

147

New Hampshire, respectively. The Doctor moved to New York, where
lie practiced for nearly half a century, then came to Birmingham, Oakland
County, Michigan, in 1838. He retired from practice five years later, and.
at the time of his death in 1848, at the age of 75 years, lived in Pontiac.
His wife died in Holly in 1872. The father of Dr. Godfrey Waldo was
Daniel Waldo, a Revolutionary hero, whom Washington placed in charge
of the commissary department. Like other members of the Waldo family,
he lived to an advanced age, dying at Pomfret, Connecticut.
Charles C. Waldo, grandfather of our; subject, although not a man or
college education, acquired a good education in the common schools and
academies of New York. He became a teacher and followed that vocation
until I83I, when he began his mercantile career at Union, Broome County,
New York. He came to Michigan in 1839, locating at Birmingham, and
in 1845 moved to Pontiac, where he continued his career as a merchant,
In 1864 he moved to Holly. He was treasurer, of Oakland County from
1864 to I866, and was also a member of the School Board and president
of the village. He served as justice of the peace for a period of 20 years,
and in that time never had a decision reversed by the higher courts. His.
thorough knowledge of the statutes and his sound judgment saved an immense amount of litigation. He was married in 1832 to Ruth Seymour in
Broome County, New York, and she died September 20, I865, having had
one child, A. Putnam, father of ouil subject. Mr. \Valdo formed a second
union with Mary Axford, of Clarkston. He was a man of broad ideas and
was of that type that is a credit to any community.
A. Putnam Waldo wAas born in Union, New York, in 1833, and accompanied his parents to Oakland County in 1839. He engaged in the
mercantile business in Holly and Brighton for many years, but in the early
"seventies" moved from the county. He is now living at Rapid River, in
the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His wife, who was a native of New
York State, accompanied her father to Oakland County when quite yountg.
To their union were born one son, âCharles E. âand four daughters, of
whom one is living in California, another in Chicago, while two are deceased.
Charles E. Waldo was educated in the common and high schools of
Oakland County, and when I6 years of age entered the employ of the First
Commercial Bank of Pontiac as office boy and collector. His rise in this
institution has been steady, and he is now assistant cashier, a stockholder andt

148

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

director. He is also interested in a number of other enterprises and has
been exceedingly successful in all his business ventures. Politically he is a
stanch Democrat, as have been all members of the Waldo family, but he
has never, taken an active part in party affairs. Fraternally, he is secretary
of the lodge of the B. P. O. E. at Pontiac. In religious faith and fellowship.
he is a Presbyterian.
A. L. ROSS.
A. L. Ross, who is extensively engaged in farming in Oakland County,
Michigan, is the owner of a fine tract of I85 acres in section 7, Avon township. He was born in Upper Mount Bethel, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Lockard) Ross.
The Ross family is of Scotch origin and has long been established in
America, the great-grandfather of our subject having served in the Revolutionary War, while the grandfather served in the War of 1812. Joseph
Ross, the youngest in a family of six sons and four daughters, was 75 years
old in December, 1902, and is the only one of the number now living. He
was born in Northampton County, and for two and a half years served as
a Pennsylvania Volunteer, during the CIvil WVar. Although but four years
of age at the time, our subject well remembers his father starting off for
the scene of action. The father was a builder and followed that occupation
throughout his active career. Mrs. Ross came of a prominent Pennsylvania
family, and many of the family now reside there. She died at Rochester,
Oakland County, in June, I895. Our subject is one of seven children, as
follows: Lizzie, who resides at Rochester, Oakland County; James, of
Detroit; Eliza, wife of Frank Kremer, of Oakland township, Oakland County;
A. L., our subject; Sarah, deceased; Emma, wife of Edward Radcliff. of
Catskill, New York; and Cyrus, an electrician of New York City.
A. I. Ross was reared and educated in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and in 1878, when 20 years of age, came to Michigan, settling in
Avon township, Oakland County. Here for a period of 12 years he hired
out by the month, during that time working for four different farmers. He
then began renting a farm and in I890 purchased a farm of 96 acres in section

OAKLAND COUNTY.

149

7, where he has since resided. He worked industriously and with good judgment, and soon added to his farm the amount necessary to make ioo acres,
He later purchased a tract of 85 acres, and at the present time has a well
improved farm of 185 acres. He followed stock raising for some years, but
now devotes his efforts to general farming and dairying. He is one of the
public-spirited citizens and substantial business men of the township, and is
held in the highest esteem by his neighbors and all with whom he is brought
in contact.
In 1883 Mr. Ross was united in marriage with Anna Tienken, of Avon
township, and they have five children: Henry J.; Annie; Nettie Bell; Meta;
and Laura E. Mr. Ross is a Republican in politics and is chairman of the
township committee. In April, 1902, he was elected supervisor of the township and is now serving in that capacity; he has also served as school director
ever since coming to the township. Fraternally he is a member of Lodge
No. 5, F. &amp; A. M.; Knights of the Maccabees; and Foresters of America.
ISAAC BARWISE.
ISAAC BARWISE, one of the extensive farmers of Oakland County, Michigan, who operates 244 acres of land in section 2, Avon township, was born
in Cumberland County, England, April 7, 1826. He is a son of Isaac an(1
Mary (Cockton) Barwise, the former of whom died during the subject's
childhood, and the latter of whom lived to be more than go90 years old.
Isaac Barwise of this sketch, was educated in England and remained
there until the age of 24 years. In 1850 he came to the United States and
settled in Avon township, Oakland County, Michigan, and began farming.
In 1854 he went to Trinity County, California; after mining there for a time,
he took charge of a pack train which was operated between the mining camps
and the trading post at Point Bar, and continued in this employment until
i86i, during this time gaining much experience and enduring many hardships,
and being able then to return to Michigan and become the owner of his
present fine property. His first purchase comprised 140 acres. This land

{so

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is situated very advantageously, only a half mile beyond the village limits
of Rochester, with two trolley lines running on two sides of the farm, their
junction being on the southwest corner and almost in front of our, subject's
residence. Mr. Barwise has been engaged in farming and has raised cattle
and sheep very extensively. He is one of the substantial men as well as one
of the most highly respected citizens of the township.
In 1862 Mr. Barwise was married to Jane A. Underwood, whose people
were early settlers of Avon township. She died in February, 1897, leaving
a daughter and one son, the former, Eva, being her father's housekeeper, and
the latter, John C., being a traveling salesman for a St. Louis business house.
In religious belief Mr. Barwise is a Universalist. He has shown his
interest in agricultural matters by joining the Farmers Club and the Grange.
Until the Odd Fellows lodge was discontinued at Rochester, he was connected
with it. Mr. Barwise has never sought political honors, although, on account
of his intelligence, h-igh personal character and business ability, he is eminently fitted for the same. He has seen many wonderful changes in Oakland
County since he first came here and has had much to do with its agricultural
-improvement.
JEREMIAH STRONG.
JEREMIAH STRONG, a well known citizen and successful farmer and,carpenter of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, was born in 1838
at Rochester, New York, and is a son of Julius Strong, whose father was
born in France.
Julius Strong was born in Montreal, Canada, and as a young man settled at Rochester, New York. Later in life he moved to Detroit and there
the subject of this sketch was reared and educated.
On December 22, I872, Jeremiah Strong was united in marriage with
Mary E. McCallum, at Saginaw, Michigan. She is a daughter of the late
Matthew and Elizabeth (Buchanan) McCallum, the former of whom was
born in Glasgow, Scotland, and there learned the trade of machinist. In
1820 Mr. McCallum came to the United States and located at Rochester.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

1 5

New York, where he followed his trade. In 1829 he came to Michigan and
located on the south shore of Pine Lake, in West Bloomfield townhip, Oakland County. Here this early pioneer secured several large tracts of government land, all of which he disposed of in later years, with the exception of 68
acres. This property he equally divided between his three surviving children,
and the fine farm occupied now by Mr. and Mrs. Strong is a part of the original tract taken up by his father many years ago. A family of eight children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. McCallum, but the only survivors are: Mrs.
Strong, Matthew, and Catherine Landis. Mr. McCallum died in 1878, aged
86 years. His daughter, Catherine Landis, married Robert Kyle Mitchell.
who is a son of William and Mary A. (Kyle) Mitchell, both of whom were
born in Londonderry, Ireland. Mr. Mitchell was born and educated in
Philadelphia and there learned the trade of mason. Later he removed to
WTilmington, Delaware, and came to Michigan when about I8 years old,
purchasing a farm in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County. Mr. anti
Mrs. Mitchell have two surviving children, namely: Eva Roberta, born in
I883, and Mary E., born in 1885, both living at home.
In religious belief the family adhere to the Presbyterian Church.
SPENCER WINSLOW.
SPENCER WINSLOW, who died on his farm in West Bloomfield township,;Oakland County, August 1.3, I82, was one of the most prominent and highly
respected men of the county. He was born January 25, i8IO, in East Bloomfield, New York, and was a son of Stephen and Betsey Winslow, natives of
Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively.
Mr. Winslow was reared and educated in New York, being 27 years
of age when he came to Michigan in 1837. He secured his land in sections
32 and 33, West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, from the government
and always resided upon it. He made his farm one of the finest farms in the
township, and was for years extensively engaged in stock raising. When
he first came to this locality, as one of the pioneers, he taught school for several

152

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

terms and through life was always interested in education. He served as
school director and commissioner and held other local offices.
Mrs. Winslow married Salyma C. Norton, who was born in East Bloomfield, New York, and as bride and groom they came to make a home in the
wilderness of Michigan in 1837. Three children grew to maturity, namely:
Norton R., who married Ann Elizabeth Covert, of Ovid, Seneca County,
New York, and has one son, Edgar S.; Mary Edna, who married Edward
Steele, of East Bloomfield, New York, Junle 10, 1869, was made a widow on
Ju11ly 17, i888, and then came to Michigan and made her home with her
father; and William Lester, a resident of Battle Lake, Minnesota, who married DeEtta Hopkins, of Holland, Michigan, and has one daughter, Ouida
Edna. The mother of this family passed away June 10, 1895, aged 86 years,
one month and seven days.. Mr. Winslow xvas a man of unimpeachable integrity and was highly
esteemed by all who knew him. His death closed a blameless life and removed
from the township one who had always been one of its best citizens.
HENRY C. DENISON.
1HENRY C. DENISON, a prosperous, enterprising farmer of Troy township,
Oakland County, resides on his well cultivated farm of i60 acres situated in
sections 7 and 8. He was born in Troy township in 1845 and is a son of
William A. and Clarissa J. (Bailey) Denison.
William A. Denison was born in Cayuga County, New York, in 1817,
came to Michigan when a young man and first settled with his parents in
the northern part of Avon township, Oakland County, afterward removing to
Macomb County, where they lived a number of years. In 1847 William A.
Denison located on the tract of land that is now our subject's farm, and
entered upon a most successful career. He farmed there for many years and
was prominent among the prosperous farmers and business men of the county.
His death took place October 7, 1900, at the age of 83 years. Politically he
was a stanch Republican and served as justice of the peace for several years.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I53

He was a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, Clarissa J. Bailey, was
born in Troy township, Oakland County, in 1824, and spent the greater part
of her life in that township, dying March 14, 1903. She was a daughter of
James and Dorcas (Pearsall) Bailey, who were natives of New York. James
Bailey, who was a tanner, currier and shoemaker by trade, took up land in
Troy township, Oakland County, at an early day and engaged in farming.
Our subject's father and mother were the parents of five children, namely:
Jennie, deceased; Henry C., our subject; Clara, who married George A.
Shannon, of Alpena, Michigan; William F., a resident of Alpena, Michigan;
and Eva, who married Edmund J. Niles.
Henry C. Denison received his education in the district schools of his
vicinity, and afterward attended the Pontiac High School three terms. He
then took up farming on the homestead farm and began what has proved
to be a most successful career. His shrewd business methods have placed
him among the foremost business men of his township, and he is highly
respected by all who know him. He is a Republican but takes no active
interest in political affairs. He has never married.
ORLO JOHN LASENBY, D. D. S.
ORLO JOHN LASENBY, D. D. S., of Rochester, Oakland County, Michigan, wasi born at Dansville, Michigan, June 15, 1874, and is a son of
Thomas and Ella (Haines) Lasenby. The former was born on the
Atlantic Ocean while his parents were voyaging from England, and the
latter was born at Dansville and was a daughter of John C. Haines, an early
pioneer of that section of the State. Mr. Haines was born at Schenectady,
New York and came of an agricultural family.
Dr. Lasenby is the eldest of a family of three children born to his parents,
the others being: Lee T., a resident of Mason, Michigan, and Gladys, who
resides at home. Dr. Lasenby obtained his education in the schools at Mason,
graduated from the Mason High School in 1893, and immediately after
entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he spent two years.
9

154

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Then, after a year of preparation, lie took the dental course in the Detroit
College of Medicine, where he was graduated July 4, I9oo, with the degree
of D. D. S. He located in Rochester, where he has been very successfully
engaged in the practice of his profession ever since.
On November, 24, I895, Dr. Lasenby was united in marriage with
Clara M. Sanders, who was born at Eden, Michigan. The Doctor was made
a Mason at Mason, Michigan, at the age of 21 years, and is now a member
of the blue lodge, F. &amp; A. M., at Rochester. He is also a member of Lodge
No. 34, B. P. 0. E., of Detroit, and retains his college fraternity association
with the Delta Sigma Delta, of Nwhich he has served as grand master. His
ability and technical skill, combined with his pleasing personality, have made
himi the most popular dlental practitioner in Rochester.
WILLIAM DOHANY.
WILLIAM DOIIANY, the owner of a mlagnificent farm of 333 acres
located in section 30, Southfield township, is one of the substantial and representative men of Oakland County. He was born November 7, 1837, in Farniington township, Oakland County, soon after his parents located here. He is
a son of William and Katherine (Burke) Dohany, both of whom were born
in Queens County, Ireland.
William Dohany came with his family to the United States in I830,
and secured work at Jersey City, New Jersey. He was a man of superior
education and ability, perfectly competent to fill clerical positions and his
capacity was soon recognized and he was made chief bookkeeper of a large
contracting firm which employed Ioo men. His training as a gardener assisteld him greatly after lie settled on his farm in Farmington township,
Oakland County. He became well known both as a farmer and as a successful stock raiser. Although lie supported the Democratic ticket and worked
for the success of that party he was no seeker after office. In religious faith
he was a Catholic, as was his most estimable wife. He died January 31, 1876,
and was survived by his widow until I883. A family of six children were

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I55

born to them, as follows: Mlichael, deceasedl Sarah, wife of Theodore Grace,
of Detroit; John, of Detroit; W\illiam; Miary A., deceased, who was the
wife of John Stanley, of Detroit; and MTatilda, wife of Israel Beatty, of
Detroit.
Our subject is a practical, successful farmer and stock raiser. one who
thoroughly understands his business as is evidenced by his years of prosperity.
His education was the best afforded in the schools of his time and locality,
and Mr. Dohany has always taken his place with the leading men of his township. He has reared a family which reflects credit upon their parentage and
home influences, and commands the respect of all who know him.
In 1866 Mr. Dohany was married to Bridget Eagan, who was born in
T844 il Southfield township, andl is a daughter of James and Palnalpie
Eagan. The following children hlave been born to Mr. and MIrs. Dohany:
John S.. who is a physician in Wayne County, a prominent politician there
and Representative in the State Legislature; Emmet E., who is principal or
the Calmpbell School in Detroit' \VWilliam D., who is chief engineer on the
fire-boat "Detroit," of the Detroit Fire Department; Theresa, who is engaged
in the millinery business at Traverse City, Michigan; Frank H. and Charles
E.. who are associated in the practice of law in Detroit; and James Ambrose,
Clara I'.. and Casper G.. who are at home. In politics Mr. Dohany is a
Democrat.
WILLIAM TIENKEN.
AIWILLIAM TIENIEN, senior member of the firm of Tienken &amp; Case, of
Rochester, is a p1romilinent citizen of iAvon township, and is well known
throughout Oakland County. He was born in Avon township, July 15, I869,
and( is a son of Henry Tienken, Sr., who reared a family of two' daughters
and three sons.
Our subject was reared on his father's farm in Avon township and obtained his education in the public schools of his district and in the Rochester
High School. He was 17 years old when he began his business career as
a clerk in a grocery store in New York City, where he remained for two
'and a half years, gaining much valuable experience in business methods.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Upon his return to the West, he was employed at the Russell House in Detroit
for two and a half years. His next business association was with the wholesale grocery of Hull Brothers, with whom he remained five years, giving up
his position there to embark in the restaurant business. After six years in
that line, in 1899, he located in Rochester, where he formed his present
partnership and has been prospering ever since.
Mr. Tienken belongs to Lodge No. 5, F. &amp; A. M., of Rochester; also
to the chapter, and is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the
Elks at Pontiac. Both as a fraternity man and as an honest and upright
business citizen, he enjoys a wide acquaintance and is held in much esteem
in the community.
HERMAN A. WYCKOFF.
HERMAN A. WYCKOFF, the popular postmaster of Pontiac, Michigan, and
a public spirited and representative citizen, was born in Seneca County,
New York, June 17, 1838, and is a son of John P. and Mary Ann Wyckoff,
both old residents of Oakland County, now deceased.
John P. Wyckoff left the state of New York and journeyed by wagon
with his family into the wilds of Michigan in 1845. He was a man of intelligence and excellent education for the time and one of his first acts was to
pay for the newspaper which was issued at Pontiac, and which is now the
Ga.ette of that city. He successfully engaged in farming in Oakland County,
where he reared and educated his family. Hle was always a stanch Republican and actively supported the measures of that party. His death occurred
on his farm, two and a half miles west of Pontiac, in i886, at the age of 72
years, his widow surviving him until I895.
Our subject was educated in the district schools and the Pontiac Union
School, and until he removed to Pontiac, some 21 years ago, was mainly
engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the time of his marriage he located in
White Lake township, in the western part of the county; upon his removal
to the city, he sold his farm. He has invested largely in city real estate and
is considered one of the substantial citizens. Like his father, a stanch
Republican, he has served in many positions in the gift of his party. For a

OAKLAND COUNTY.

$57

considerable period he was alderman and during the incumbency of Dr.
Galbraith as mayor, he served as chairman of the street committee. For
eight years he served as the able chairman of the Republican County Committee and has always been in the confidence of the leaders of the party. On
June 29, I90O, he was appointed postmaster of Pontiac by the late lamented
President McKinley, and his administration has been so eminently satisfactory
that probably no change will soon be made. The business has increased
materially, there being now seven rural carriers, seven city carriers and two
substitutes, five postal clerks from the Pontiac, Oxford &amp; Northern and the
Michigan Air Line railroads, and five clerks including the assistant postmaster, and a sub-clerk. This means a large amount of daily business and
the necessity for a firm, guiding spirit at the head. Mr. Wyckoff has had a
nu1mber of improvements introduced in the office, including some modern
canceling machines and others designed to make the service of the public more
expeditious.
In i86i Mr. Wyckoff was united in marriage with Mary C. Pinkerton,
willo was born in Novi township, Oakland County, and -is a daughter of the
late Thomas Pinkerton, who took up land in Novi township in I825. He
was one of the most highly esteemed residents of the county, at his death,
at the age of 86 years.
Fraternally Mr. Wycoff is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Pontiac Commandery, No. 2. In religious views he is a Presbyterian, havingunited with this church in his youth.
EDWARD M. MURPHY.
EDWARD M. MURPHY, whose rise in the business world has been little
short of phenomenal, is president of the Pontiac Buggy Company and is
identified with many other manufacturing interests of Pontiac. His start
in life was made without means and the success he has attained is due solely
to his own energy and foresight.
Mr. Murphy w as born December 19, I864, in Wayne County, Michi

I 58

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gan, and attended the common schools of Wayne and Detroit. His father
is deceased and his mother resides in Pontiac. He has three brothers and
one sister, namely: Ann, who lives in Pontiac; J. B., of Wayne, Michigan.
who travels for the Crescent Carriage Company; Robert R., express
messenger on the Michigan Central Railroad; and J. J., who is a physician
of Pontiac.
Mr. Murphy's first active work was in a retail hardware store at Wayne,
and later with the Black Hardware Company, of Detroit. He came to Pontiac
in 1887, and for, a period of five years was identified with C. V. Taylor, a
pioneer vehicle manufacturer of this city. IHe learned all the details of the
business and in I893 was one of the organizers of the Pontiac Buggy Company. He was elected president of the company, F. A. Emmendorfer, vicepresident, and S. E. Beach, secretary and treasurer. The business was started
in a small way at the present location on Oakland avenue, and as the trade
increased the quarters were enlarged from time to time until at the present
time the company has an immense brick building of three stories, with a. total
floor space of about I20,000 square feet. The factory is thoroughly equipped
with modern machinery and good office fixtures, and the company gives
employment to 250 skilled employees. A specialty is made of medium grade
work to be sold at popular prices; phenomenal success has followed the
adoption of this plan. As is customary in this line of manufacture, the wheels
and bodies are purchased and in the factory are ironed, painted, trimmed and
crated for shipment, the various departments of the work being in charge
of different superintendents. The plant is the largest of its kind in Pontiac,
a city which is known for the great numbler of its vehicle manufactories.
The territory in which the produtct is sold extends from Maine to California,
and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf, seven men traveling over the Eastern
territory, while in the West the product is (listributed through jobbers. The
business has increased steadily and rapidly and reflects great credit on the
management. Mr. Murphy has direct charge of the departments of manufacture and sales, while Mr. Beach attends to the office and financing.
Edward M. Murphy is identified with other interests of Pontiac. He
is president of the Pontiac Axle Company, and financially interested in the
Vehicle &amp; Spring Company, the Pontiac lWheel Company, and the Reason
Air Pump Company. In politics he is Independent. Mr. Murphy married
a daughter of F. A. Emmendorfer, who is vice-president of the Pontiac

OAKIAND COUNTY.

I59

Buggy Company, and who has been a resident of Oakland County for almost
half a century. Mr. Emmendorfer has been a prominent farmer and general
business man, and with Hon. Byron G. Stout, Dr. LeBaron, Dr. Wilson and
\V. H. Stout, of Kansas, organized the Pontiac &amp; Orchard Lake Gravel Road
Company, of which he was elected president. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have
four children, and reside in a comfortal)]e home at No. I63 Saginaw street,
South. Religiously they are members of St. Vincent (le Paul's Catholic
Church, of which Rev. F. J. Ryan is pastor.
S. E. BEACH wTas born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and is a son of Col.
S. E. Beach, who died in 1893, at the age of 70 years. Colonel Beacl was
a veteran of the Mexican and Civil Wars. In the latter, he organized a conmpany from Oakland County and served as colonel of the 5th Reg., Michigan
Vol. Inf. He was wounded at Williamsburg and when able to leave the
hospital returned to his home at Pontiac. HIe later served as sheriff of the
county, and at his death was a justice of the peace. Colonel Beach was born
in Lewiston, New York, and early in life came to Michigan, first locating at
Bridgeport, Saginaw County, but later removing to Oakland County. His
widow and three daugtihters are living in Pontiac, his daughters being: Mary
L., Mrs. R. J. Lounsbury, and Mrs. Dr. M. W. Gray. S. E. Beach married
a daughter of Judge Taft. and they have two children: Mlargaret and
Stewart. The family resides at No. 30I Saginaw street, North. MIr.
Beach is a Democrat, and in religious belief the family are Presbyterians.
C. W. CASE.
C. XV. CASE, junior member of the well known har(lware firm of
Tienken &amp; Case, of Rochester, Avon township, was born in Brandon township, Oakland County, Michigan, May 15, i870, and is a son of J. E. Case,
a much esteemed resident of Orion township.
C. W\. Case was reared on a farm in Oakland County, and remained
assisting his father, until the age of 19 years. I-e then reimoved to Rochester
and became assistant to H. J. Taylor, who was operating the leading hard

i6o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ware store. In I899 H. F. Stone bought Mr. Taylor's interest in the business and the firm name was then changed to Stone &amp; Case, which style continued until July, 1899, when Mr. Tienken was admitted to partnership and
the firm of Tienken &amp; Case was organized. This house has a well established
reputation for first class hardware goods of all kinds, including fencing, farm
implements and sewer pipe. The business covers a wide territory and under
the enterprising management of the partners is prospering.
In 1894 Mr. Case was married to Georgia Mason and they have one son,
Mason. Mr. Case belongs to the K. O. T. M. and to Lodge No. 5, F. &amp; A.
-M.. of Rochester. He has been a useful citizen and has held various public
offices, having served as village and town treasurer and been active in promoting movements beneficial to the community. Like his partner, Mr. Tiesnken, he is much esteemed and the firm enjoys the confidence of the public.
DOUGLAS HARGER.
DOUGLAS HARGER, a well known resident of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, residing on his farm in section 13, was born in I832,
in Niagara County, New York, and is a son of Seeley and Arvilla J. (Seeley)
Iarger, both of Seneca County, New York.
After the marriage of our subject's parents, in 1822, they removed to
Niagara County, New York, and at various times owned different farms.
In 1836 they came to Waterford township, Oakland County, lived there
two years, and then, in 1838, removed to West Bloomfield township. There
Seeley Harger purchased a farm of 300 acres, located one mile north of
North Farmington and three miles south of Orchard Lake.
Seeley Harger and wife reared the following children: Joel P.; Edwin
S.; Sophronia, wife of Charles B. Boughner, a farmer of West Bloomfield
township; Mary, deceased; Douglas; Ellen, who was married to Grover
Wixom, who died in 1863, and in 1867 was married to Frank W. Trowbridge, the children of the first marriage being,-Frank, Flora, Arvilla J.
(Wixom) and William, deceased; Elizabeth, George and Arvilla J., all de

He ), 'a
e:: w::D
to fs

JOHN M. NORTON

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I63

ceased; Charles, who is engaged in a stock business at Pontiac; and Emma,
deceased.
Douglas Harger was educated in the West Bloomfield schools and was
occupied in assisting on his father's farm until he was 20 years of age, when
he made a trip to the gold fields of California. Mr. Harger remained in the
West for two years and then returned to West Bloomfield township. In I852
he purchased a farm of I6o acres in Clinton County, Michigan.
In I853 Mr. Harger was married to Matilda Wilson, who was a daughter
of a wealthy farmer of Niagara County, New York, Stephen Wilson, who
was born in I8oo. At his death Mr. Wilson left an estate of 600 acres of
land, which still belongs to his heirs. Mrs. Harger died in 1858, leaving two
children, the younger, Joel P., being deceased. The older, Francis M., now
residing on his farm of I80 acres in West Bloomfield township, married
Elizabeth Muirhead, who is a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Muirhead, a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this work. They
have four children,-Florence, Matilda, Esma, Blanche and Arvilla J.
In I859 Mr. Harger was married to Eunice Wilson, a sister of his first
wife, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Nettie, born
in I86j, now deceased; Mark E., born in I866, who married Alice May
Beattie, daughter of Joseph Beattie, of West Bloomfield township, and has
one child, Ruth; Stephen Wilson residing on an opposite farm, who marriec
Laura Todd, of Pontiac; and Ira, deceased.
JOHN M. NORTON.
JOHN LMI. NORTON, deceased, whose farm was in section 27, Avon town â
ship, was one of the pioneers of Oakland County, Michigan, and was a witness
to its wonlderful transformation from the log cabin days when the country was
sparsely settled and wild animals and hostile Indians abounded, to the present
with its numerous towns, fine country homes and school houses, and highly
cultivated farms. He was born in Richmond, Ontario County, New York, May
5, 182o. and wNas a son of John and Naomi (Short) Norton.

I64

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John Norton and his wife were both natives of Massachusetts and of
English parentage. They settled in New York State at the beginning of
the last century and came to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1823, entering I6O
acres of government land. They made their permanent residence in this
county from I824, and John Norton was prominently identified with the early
development of the country. lie built the first house in what is now Oakland
township, preached the first sermon, and united the first couple in marriage.
Religiously, he was a Free Will Baptist. He (lied in June, 1832; his wife
having died shortly after their. removal to this county. All of these old
pioneers, who underwent privations and1 struggled against seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the clearing of farms and advancing the cause of
civilization, have gone to their final reward, but their work will ever remain as
a monument to their memory.
John M. Norton was four years old wThen his mother (lied and at the
age of 12 years he lost his father, and thenceforth had to shift for himself in
the world. He received a limited education in the schools of the times, and
being a close observer and a constant reader his studies were practically
continued throughout life, being a very well educated man by the time he
reached middle life. His first work was on the farm, hiring out for service at
$5 per month, and for I4 years he continued to work by the month, laying b)y
what he could of the meagre wages he received. After his marriage at the
age of 26 years, he purchased a farm of 16o acres in DeWitt township, Clinton
County, where he farmed for: one year. I-e then purchased a farm in Novi
township, Oakland County, where he resided for eight years. He moved to
Avon township, and later to Troy township, but in I865 returned to Avon
township where he remained and followed farming until his deatl. Mrs.
Norton still resides upon this farn, which is located three miles south of
Rochester.
Mr. Norton was an old line Whig and cast his first vote for Harrison, and
later became a Republican, being a delegate to the first State convention of that
party, held at Jackson. He was one of the active workers in the party and
filled the office of collector, under sheriff and other township offices. In I879
he was candidate of the Greenback party for State Treasurer, and in I882 was
nominated and elected State Senator from the i5th Senatorial District, receiving a majority of 393 votes. He was re-elected to succeed himself. He was
an officer of the convention at Cleveland, Ohio, when the Greenback party was

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I65,.

organized, was a delegate to the convention at Indianapolis when Peter Cooper
was nominated for President, and the one at Chicago when General \Veaver
was nominated. He was conscientious in every act and voted as he deemed
right, without fear or favor. \Vhile laying no claims to oratorical ability, on
many occasions he took the floor in the interest of some principle and with
good results. Orthodox in religious views, benevolent and kind, a good
neighbor, a kind father and faithful husband, he possessed the confidence
of all and was loved by all. He died August II, I902, having been in ill
health for some five years previously.
Mr. Norton married Nancy Hazen, who was born January 22, 1830, at
Richmond, Ontario County, New York, and is a daughter, of Jesse and Elsie
(Taylor) Hazen. Her parents calme to Oakland County and settled in Novi
township, where her father followed farming until his death at the age of
83 years. Her mother died at the age of 42 years. Mrs. and Mrs. Norton
became the parents of six children, namely; Elvira, wife of John King, of
Tower City; William H., a farmer of Romeo, Michigan; John T., a druggist,
of Rochester, Oakland County; Clarence, a physician of Killmpaster, MIichigan;
Grant, a farmer of Oakland County; and Abbie May, deceased. Mrs. Norton
is a woman of many personal charms, and enjoys tile friendship of many who
love her many estimable traits of character. A portrait of Mr. Norton
accompanies this sketch.
JUDSON T. WYMAN.
JUDSON T. WV~YMIAN, a well-to-do and influential farmer of Oakland
County, Michigan, residing on his farm of 100 acres in section 36, Pontiac
township, was born on a farm in the town of Gorham, Ontario County, New
York, May 4, I86o, and is a son of Moses and Melissa Ann (Taylor). Wyman.
Thomas W\yman, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Massachusetts and lived in that State and in New York, engaged at his trade of
carpenter. He had children as follows: Almina; Louisa; Moody; Hannah;
Isaac; Moses, our subject's father; Ezra; Charles; Mary Ann and Sarah.
Moses Wyman was born and reared in New York State. When the
gold fever sw\ept the country in 1849, he went to California, where he engaged

166

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

successfully in the mining of gold for five years. He then returned to
New York, where he purchased a good farm with the gold he had acquired,
and followed farming until I865, when he removed to Pontiac township,
Oakland County, Michigan, and purchased the farm now owned and operated
by our subject, on which property he lived several years until his death,
which occurred in 1869. His wife, Melissa Ann Taylor, was a native of
Clarendon, Vermont, and a daughter of Hiram and Ann Melissa (Walker)
Taylor. They had four children, namely: Judson T., our subject; Charles
E., who resides in Gaylord, Michigan, and is engaged in the lumber business; Sarah (Terry), who resides on a farm in Pontiac townlship, Oakland
County; and Belle B. (Bailey), deceased.
Judson T. Wyman was five years of age when his parents moved to
Oakland County. He has always been engaged in farming and has resided
in Pontiac township, Oakland County, all his life with the exception of three
years that he spent in Macomb County, on a farm of Ioo acres which he
still owns. He has been very successful in his agricultural operations and
ranks with the best farmers in this township.
Judson T. Wyman married Florence A. Davis, a native of Pontiac,
Michigan, and a daughter of Philo and Mahala (Vosburg) Davis, natives
of New York. They are the parents of five daughters, all of whom reside
at home on the farm and attend school. Their names are as follows: Mahala,
Inez, Carrie, Anna and Bernice. Politically our subject was for a while
associated with the Populist party. He was elected to his present position
as highway commissioner by the Republican party. He has been a member of the School Board for 15 years He is a member of the Knights of
the Maccabees.
WILLIAM PALLISTER.
WILLIAM PALLISTER, a successful farmer of Troy township, Oakland
County, and a large land owner, was born in \Aayne County, Michigan, and
came to Oakland County in I875, when 20 years of age. At that time he
located on the farm on which he still resides, in section 23, Troy township,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I67

where he owns 40 acres and also 146 in section 26. The parents of Mr.
Pallister are William and HIannah (Parritt) Pallister.
William Pallister, father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England,
in 1825, and spent some years as a whaler, coming to the United States in his
I8th year. He settled in Wayne County, Michigan, where he engaged in
farming until I885 when he retired to Big Beaver, Michigan, where he has
resided ever since. He married Hannah Parritt, who was born in Detroit,
a daughter of John and Alice (Walt) Parritt, and died in I9OI, at the age
of 71 years. They reared six children as follows: Mary E., who married
Joseph Dickinson of Huron County, Michigan; William; Arthur T., of San
Francisco, California; Alice and Eliza, both deceased; and Robert H., of
Detroit.
Mr. Pallister was educated in the district schools and was reared to an
agricultural life. His main interests have been centered in farming and lie
has successfully developed his large estate into one of the valuable properties
of the township.
In 1876 Mr. Pallister was married to Mary E. Kent, who was born in
VWayne County, in I838, and a family of six children have been born to them,
viz: William T.; Alice Belle, wife of Charles Hommell of Troy township,
Oakland County; Elmer H.; Ella N.; Robert H. and Milo E.
Mrs. Pallister is a valued member of the Methodist Church of Big
Beaver. Mr. Pallister is identified with the Republican party. His fraternal
associations are with the Masons and the Maccabees, where he is found a
pleasant, genial comrade as well as a reliable supporter of fraternal principles.
CHARLES HENRY HARTUNG.
CHARLES HENRY HARTUNG, one of the representative farmers of Pontiac
township, Oakland County, has a fine farm of 347 acres in section I. He is
a self made man in all that the term implies, having begun his business career
without capital, and all that he possesses to-day represents years of toil and
judicious management. He was born in Knowlton township, Warren County,

I68

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

New Jersey, August 5, i86o, and is a son of Robert H. and Rachel B.
(Brands) Hartung, grandson of Philip Hartung, and great-grandson of John
Hartung, who was born in Ne\w Jersey, and was of Holland descent.
Philip Hartung was born in New Jersey, and followed farming, also
working at his trades of wagon-maker and llacksmith. He was very successful in business, owning at one time two good farms and being worth $20,000.
He was an industrious man, of temperate and exemplary habits. He was a
Republican in politics, and a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He
married Elizabeth Robbins, a native of New Jersey and a member of a wealthy
and cultured family. They had four children: Robert H., John; Annie anl
Margaret (Stout).
Robert H. Hartung was born and always lived in Knowlton townlshilp,
Warren County, Newn Jersey. He was a man of considerable wealth but spent
money freely and generously, his children being left to create their own
fortunes. He was twice drafted into the Union Army, the first time furnishing.a substitute. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church and led
a good, Christian life. In politics he was a Republican. His first marriage
was with Rachel Brands, by whom he had three children: James P., of Warren
County, New Jersey; Isaac A., of Oakland County, Michigan; and Rachel
(LaPell), of Oxford, New Jersey. HTe fornmed a second union with a cousin
of his first wife, Rachel B. Brands, a daughter of John B. and Betsy Brands,
and granddaughter of Iavid Brands. They had the following children:
Charles Henry; Elizabeth (Houck), of New-ark, New Jersey; John B., of
Brooklyn, New York, who attained success in the wholesale nursery business;
Ida M. (Shubel), deceased(l Maggie (Raymer), of East Bangor, Pennsylvania; Mary C. (twin), also of East Bangor; Robert H., of Warren County,
New Jersey; Roxie (Emmermlan), of New York City; and Olive, of New York
City.
Charles Henry Hartung spent his boyhood on the old home farm,
attending school in the winter and working on the farm in the summer until
he was 21 years old. He then came with his half-brother, Isaac A., on a visit
to Orion, Oakland County, M\'lichigan, where he remained for a period of four
years. He then purchased his present home in section I, Pontiac township,
where he has since lived. The house is a stone structure which was erected
in i86o at a cost of $4,ooo, and at that time was the finest country home in,Oakland County. The six barns have all been re-built by Mr. Hartung. He

OAKLAND COUNTY.

169

has carried on farming successfully and added to his property until he now has
347 acres in Pontiac and Orion townships. He engages in stock raising and
feeding principally, at times having a large number of cattle and steers on
hand; he has about too lambs each spring. The past year he threshed 2,7oo
bushels of grain, raised 40 acres of corn, producing about 3,000 bushels, in all
raising about $5,000 worth of produce. He has a fine orchard of 200 apple
trees and I,ooo peach trees. He is a public spirited citizen and takes an earnest
interest in all that pertains to the development of tile community. H-e is a
Republican in politics, and at one time was a candidate for highway commissioner of his township. I-e met with defeat because his party is in the
minority, although he ran ahead of the ticket.
Mr. Hartung married lattie M. Lair(d, who was born in Oakland County
and (lied here in 1893. HIe formed a second union with Theodosia Brown, a
native of Oakland County and a daughter of \Williamn and Emma Brown.
They have two children: Esther Della and Howard Chail. Religiously, they
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hartung is also
a stoclkholder in the American Savings Bank of Pontiac.
JAMES S. PARKS.
JIAMES S. I-PRK S, the gentleman whose niamle leads this sketch, is one
of the prominent and leading citizens of Southfield tow\nship, Oakland County,
and is influential in its political, business and social circles. He is at present
engaged in the general mercantile business at Harmon, and conducts one of
the largest patronized stores of the vicinity. He was born in Soutlfield township in I862 and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Laughlin) Parks.
Daniel Parks, who was a native of Ireland, came to America at an early
(late, and locating first in New York, where he was overseer of contract
work on the streets. After a few years residence in the metropolis, lie came
to Mlichigan, locating in Oakland County, where he engaged in farming and
by his early and indefatigable industry improved his situation in life to such
an extent that he became one of the leading citizens and land owners of the

I70

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

county. His death took place in 1882, at the age of 76 years. He married
Mary Ann Laughlin, who was a native of New York State and a daughter
of Robert Laughlin, a prominent merchant of Newv York, now deceased.
Mary Ann (Laughlin) Parks died in i881 at the age of 56 years. They
were the parents of eight children, four boys and four; girls, of whom two
of the former are now living, namely: Daniel, \ho resides in Southfield, and
James S., our subject. Our subject's father was a member of the United
Presbyterian Church and in politics a supporter, of the Republican party.
James S. Parks after receiving an education in the district schools of
Oakland County, engaged in farming in section 25, Southfield township, and
continued to be actively engaged in that occupation for many years; his
farm, consisting of 80 acres, still continues to be his home. He has been
engaged in conducting a general mercantile business for the past three years
and has been successful in his efforts to build up a paying trade among the
residents of his section. He is a Republican and has been prominently
identified with the party for many years. He is at present moderator of
School District, No. 7, and is also serving as treasurer of the township.
In I890 Mr Parks was married to Jane McClelland, daughter of
Alexander and Jane (Hutchinson) McClelland. She was born in Southfield
township in I86I and her first marriage was to Robert Parks, the brother
of our subject, who died and left her a widow with two children, namely:
William A., of Detroit, and Armina, who resides at home with her mother.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James S. Parks, namely:
Elsie and George. Mrs. Parks is a member of the United Presbyterian
Church. She was appointed postmistress by President William McKinley,
and held that position for three years.
PHILEMON J. TAYLOR.
PHILEMON J. TAYLOR, deputy sheriff of Oakland County, and the owner.
of a fine farm of I60 acres in Novi township,'is a prominent resident of Novi
village, where he has lived since his first appointment to his present office, in
I900. Mr. Taylor was born in Commerce township, Oakland County, Michi

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I7I

gan, in 1851, and is a son of Jacob and Melinda (Austin) Taylor, a grandson
of George Taylor and a great-grandson of William Taylor.
William Taylor was born in Ireland and came to America prior to the
Revolutionary War. He was a man of distinguished merit, being one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence. His homne for some years was in
Pennsylvania, where many of the name may yet be found.
George Taylor, the grandfather of our subject, was born in New Jersey,
September I, I782. His wife, Sarah Shoemaker, was born December I6,
I787, in Pennsylvania, of Dutch ancestry. In 1823 George Taylor and his
wife came to Michigan, walking the distance from Detroit to Piety Hill, which
is now known at Birmingham, and spent one year in Troy township and one in
Bloomfield, removing to Commerce township in J831. They settled on the
present site of WValled Lake, where Mr. Taylor died June 30, 1841, being survived eight years by his widow. George Taylor was a captain in the War of
18I2, was a justice of the peace for many years and was a man of wealth and
prominence.
Jacob Taylor, the father of our subject, was born November I6, I820, in
New Jersey, being one of 1 children born to George and Sarah (Shoemaker)
Taylor. His education was obtained in what was then known as the rate school,
and his occupation in life was farming. On September II, I846, he married
Melinda Austin, who was born in New York, and who was a daughter of
Philemon L. and Matilda (Seeley) Austin, both of whom were natives of
Yates County, New York. By trade Mr. Austin was a pump maker; he served
his country in the War of I812. Mrs. Taylor was one of a family of nine
children, and was born February 4, I823, and died July 5. I855. She was the
devoted mother of three children, namely: Matilda, born October Io, 1847,
who married Jerome Barrett of Midland County, Michigan; Marinda, born
July 30, i850, who married Maj. Charles R. Miller, of the War Department at
Washington, D. C.; and Philemon J., of this sketch. The second marriage of
Jacob Taylor occurred July 4, I858, to his sister-in-law, Marinda Austin, and
one child was born to them, Justus, born June 9, I859. Justus Taylor married
Jennie Hill and they have six children and reside on the homestead faritL
Our subject's father died July 20, I896, at the age of 76 years.
Philemon J. Taylor was given the best educational advantages the time
and place afforded and remained on the home farm until the age of 23, when he
located on his own farm of I60 acres, in section TI, Novi township. There
10

172

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he engaged in farming and stock raising very successfully until I889, when he
rented the farm and removed to a comfortable home in the village. Mr.
Taylor is now serving his second term as deputy sheriff of the county, this fact
speaking very plainly of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
In politics he is a Democrat.
The educated and accomplished lady who became the wife of Mr. Taylor
was formerly Sarah C. Tremper, a daughter of the late William and Catherine (Bogert) Tremper, the former of whom was born at Nyack, New York,
and the latter in the city of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Tremper came to
Michigan in 1846 and settled on a farm in West Bloomfield township, Oakland
County, where he died in 1882, aged 72 years, and she died in I888. They
reared seven children, four of whom are still surviving, viz: Peter, a farmer
of Midland, Michigan; Albert, a master carpenter, residing at Pontiac;
William, who is farming in Ohio; and Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor is a graduate of the City Normal School of New York City
and her young womanhood was passed as a teacher, first in the New York
Industrial School, then in the Pontiac High School after coming to Michigan
and still later, for two years, in the village of Commerce. She is an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Novi. For nine years she was
county president of the W. C. T. U., and at present is secretary of the Farmers'
Club and superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school.
GEORGE C. SHIMMONS.
GEORGE C. SHIMMION.S, an honored and well known known farmer of
Pontiac township, Oakland County, has followed the pursuits of an agriculturist since boyhood. He is now the possessor of a fine I6o-acre farm situated
in section I2, Pontiac township, on which farm he was born August 14, I839.
He is a son of Edward R. and Susan (Barrett) Shimmons.
Edward R. Shimmons, who was born in London, England, in I800, was
one of three children, namely: Robert; William, and Edward R. He followed
the trade of a miller in his native country until he attained the age of 34 years

OAKLAND COUNTY.

173

and then immigrated to America, at first locating in New York City, where he
stayed a few months, and then removing to Oakland County, Michigan, where
he purchased the farm now owned by his son, George C. His wife, Susan
Barrett, was born in England, in lI8OO, and died at the family home in Pontiac
township in I877. His death followed seven years later, in 1884. Politically
he was a Democrat. There were I I children in the parental family, of which
number nine grew to maturity, namely: Robert; Edward R., Jr.; Sarah
(Hauxwell); Thomas, of Saginaw, Michigan; William, who died while
serving in the Civil War; John; George C.; Charles H., also of Saginaw,
Michigan; and Mary (Thorp), who resides in Pontiac.
George C. Shimmons, our subject, was married to Mary Latimer, who
was born in England and is a daughter of W\illiam and Susan Latimer. They
are the parents of three children, namely: Bessie (Carpenter), who died, leav:ing one son, Oscar; and Frank and Grover, who live on the farm. Politically
our subject is a Democrat as was his father, and uniformly supports the candidates of his party.
ARZA B. DONELSON.
ARZA B. DONELSON, one of the most extensive stock raisers in Michigan,
has a fitie farm of 214 acres in sections 25 and 26, Waterford township, Oakland County. He began raising a high grade of stock when 15 years old, and
has continued to the present day, being the oldest breeder of horses in the
State. He was born in section 26, \Vaterford township, on the farm which he
now owns, October, 2, 1832, and is a son of Ira and Mary (Shattuck)
Donelson.
His great-grandfather, Daniel Donelson, was the first of the family to
come to this country, working his way from Scotland to Massachusetts, being
sold for his passage money. His son, Daniel, grandfather of our subject, was
born in Massachusetts and lived there throughout life. He was a farmer by
occupation and also conducted a tavern for many years.
Ira Donelson was born in Colerain, Franklin County, Massachusetts,
August 5, I790, and died at Pontiac, Michigan, August Io, I872. In 1837

174

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he made his way overland from Massachusetts to Buffalo, New York, there
took a schooner on Lake Erie and nine days later arrived in Detroit. He took
an ox team at the last named place and following the Indian trail made his
way to Waterford township, Oakland County, where he lived the rest of his
life and where our subject now lives. IHe bought a tract of I6o acres of land,
IO acres of which were partially cleared. and there built a small log cabin in
which he lived with his family for io years. It was in this house that the first
Methodist church of Oakland County was organized by a party of i2 people
who met there for that purpose. The cabin was thereafter known as the
"Methodist Tavern" until a church was built. Arza B. Donelson remembers
carrying pork and beans to the men in the forest who were hewing timbers with
which to erect the first Methodist church in Pontiac. Ira Donelson cleared
about 8o acres of his farm and built a large barn, 32 by 50 feet in dimensions.
He later purchased I20 acres of the governnlent, which with that acquired
from other sources made him owner of about 400o acres in the county. He
began with little or no means and this accumulation was the result of untiring
industry. He was a very good scholar, took an interest in public affairs and
was a supporter of the Whig party until the organization of the Republican
party when he became affiliated with the latter. He was also teacher in the
first school in District No. I, of Waterford township. He married Mary
Shattuck, a native of Colerain, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and they
became the parents of the following children: Horace L., a farmer, who diecd
at the age of 80 years; Abel S., a farmer; Ira W., who was ordained a Methodist minister by the Detroit Conference; Park S., also a minister of the
Methodist church; Mary A. (Shattuck), of Pontiac; and Arza B.
Park S. Donelson, brother of our subject, began working in a drug store
at the age of 14 years and continued two years. He then attended Albion
College, and after graduation entered the lUniversity of Michigan at Ann
Arbor. He subsequently took a course of study in Falley Seminary in New
York, after which he served as president of Albion College for a time, and was
then president of Delaware College in Ohio for I8 years. He was pastor of
the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Toledo, Ohio, for a few years, and
became presiding elder of Northern Ohio. He was twice sent to the General
Conference of the United States, and to the Ecumenical Conference of the
World held in Europe. He died at Dexter, Michigan, May 6, I882, at the
age of 57 years.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I75

Arza B. Donelson was reared Dn the home farm and has lived there all
his life. At the early age of 15 years he began raising horses, buying and
breeding only standard stock. He has bred lHambletonians principally, consisting of Wilkes and Electioneer. Previously he had bred Volunteer and
American Star horses. His principal horses in the stud were Golden Bow;
Agile, by Dictator; Wilkiemont, by Bourbon Wilkes; and Diel, by Spinks, son
of Electioneer. He sold a two-year old filly for, $2,800, and she proved the
fastest in the State in 1891, making a record of 2:29s with a high wheel
sulky. He has owned as high as 500 sheep at a time, and also many head of
cattle.
Mr. Donelson was united in marriage with Susan Voorheis, a native of
Waterford and a daughter of Isaac Voorheis, and they are the parents of
three children: Ida (\Valters) of Detroit, wlho has three children; Willard
MA., who is living on the old home farm; and Mark, of Detroit, who has one
son, Gilbert. Our subject cast his first vote for John C. Fremont and voted
the Republican ticket until the candidacy of Bryan for the presidency, then
supported him. He helped to nominate Governor Pingree. He was president
of the Pioneer Society of Oakland County, also president of the Oakland
County Agricultural Society, of which he is now a director. He has delivered a number of speeches before these bodies and is a very entertaining
speaker. He did possibly more than any other man toward securing the State
Fair Grounds here. He is a man of enterprise and public spirit, and has many
warn friends.
CHARLES ANDERSON.
CH-ARLES ANDERSON, superintendent of construction at the Eastern
Michigan Asylum, has filled that important position since 1878, and for the
two years preceding 1878 had been assistant under Superintendent of Construction C. M. WVells. Mr. Anderson was born in Canada, and is a son of
Scotch parents, who came to Michigan from Canada in I837.
Charles Anderson, the father of our subject, was one of the early settlers
in the vicinity of Lexington, Michigan, where he lived until 1847, when he

176

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

removed to Detroit. For many years he was interested in a lumber business
and was extensively engaged in getting out ship lumber. His death occurred
some 20 years ago, at Pontiac, at the age of 76 years; his wife had died in
I854. The family was not a very large one, the three survivors being
Charles, our subject, and two brothers,-William C., who is a fine painter
and decorator and is the foreman of the painters at the Asylum; and E. C.,
who is engaged in a painting business at Niagara Falls, New York.
Until the age of ten years our subject lived in Detroit and was mainly
educated there. He began his own business career at the age of 19, and for
13 years worked for WT. G. Vinton as a foreman in the latter's carpenter
shops. Mr. Vinton forl 21 years was a member of the board of the Eastern
Michigan Asylum, and was succeeded by his son. Mr. Anderson did not
expect to remain at Pontiac when he first came here, but his services proved
so valuable that he has been retained ever since and has a comfortable home
on the asylum grounds. Although he claims to be but a carpenter, he has
planned all the structures that have been erected except the first buildings,
among them the following: Six outside cottages which accommodate 400
patients; two hospitals, and an extension to the main building that increased
the capacity of that institution I50 patients. He has been continually engaged
in remodeling, repairing and enlarging, has erected ice houses, barns, enmployees' buildings and at the present is engaged in installing new boilers and
in enlarging the engine room. The board is expending $23,000 on the work
now being done on the heating plant. Mr. Anderson also built the new
laundry, fire hall and special barn. The institution owns 500 acres of land
and some of this is cultivated by the patients and accommodations have to
be continually provided. It is in a great measure due to Mr. Anderson's
economical and careful expenditures and his mechanical skill that the constrmction work is carried on so satisfactorily, as he constantly employs from
20 to 40 men and sometimes Ioo. Five years ago a fine electric plant was
installed, with underground wires and arc lights for the large grounds. This
public institution is a great credit both in management and appearance to the
citizens of Oakland County.
Mr. Anderson was married at Detroit to Sarah Grills and the surviving
children are: W. B., who conducts the finest grocery store in Pontiac; Frank
B., assistant postmaster of Pontiac; H. G., who is a carpenter by trade and
is employed at the asylum; and Fannie, who resides at home. One son, C.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I77

D., died while a student at college. The family residence is at No. 19o Elizabeth
Lake Avenue, on the asylum grounds.
Politically Mr. Anderson is a Republican and fraternally a Blue Lodge
Mason. The family is prominently identified with the Presbyterian Church
in which Frank B. is an elder, W. B., a trustee and Fannie, a deaconess.
Mr. Anderson is the second oldest official in continuous service at the
Eastern Michigan Asylum.
WILLIAM MALKIM.
WILLIAM M.A\LKI.M, a prosperous, enterprising farmer of Oakland
County, Michigan, residing on his farm of 8o acres in section I6, Pontiac
township, was born in the city of Detroit, Michigan, October 9, 1851, and is
a son of George and Katherine (Grant) Malkim.
George Malkim was a native of County Cork, Ireland. Enlisting at
an early age in the English Army, he served six years and I42 days; he
received his discharge while in Africa. Returning to Ireland, he stayed there
a short time and then came to America, landing in New York City. He was
married in the metropolis to Katherine Grant, a native of County Down,
Ireland, and not long after with his wife removed to Detroit, Michigan, where
he started a dairy, which he ran for two years. His success in the milk business
netted him such profits that he decided to invest in farming property. Thereupon he removed to Orchard Lake, WVest Bloomfield township, Oakland
County, and there purchased a farm which he worked for 42 years. His
farming operations having provided him with a competency, he sold his farm
and removed to the city of Pontiac, where he lived in practical retirement
until his death in 900o. He built quite a number of houses in Pontiac and
Detroit, and when he died was the owner of seven houses. He reared four
children, namely: Crawford, a contractor and builder of Los Angeles, California; William, our subject; Frank, who resides in Pontiac and is engaged in
the life insurance business; and Maggie (W\hite), deceased. George Malkim
in his political views was a Republican. He was a pronounced temperance
advocate, and in this connection he was a member of the Independent Order

178

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Good Templars. He was an attendant of the Protestant Episcopal
Church.
William Malkim, our subject, was two years old when his father located
at Orchard Lake. He spent his boyhood days on the farm and attended
the district schools which he finished when i6 years of age. He was then
engaged in farm work until he was 24 years old, when he went to Knoxville,
Tennessee, in company with Edwin Phelps of Pontiac, and Joe Harger, and
0. C. Irish, of West Bloomfield township, with the idea of finding a place
where they could raise stock without the necessity of putting up feed to feed
the stock in cold weather. Failing in this object, they secured a franchise in
Knoxville for a street railroad and built the road, which our subject operated
for over three years and then returned to Pontiac. Purchasing a farm at
Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield township. Oakland County, he worked it
for I3 years, then sold it and bought his present place, consisting of 80 acres in
section I6, Pontiac township, which he has worked ever since. He has at
present one of the finest and most highly cultivated farms in his section of the
county.
On April I4, I876, Mr. Malkim was married to Elizabeth White, a native
of Wrest Bloomfield township, Oakland County, and they are the parents of one
son, Carl J., who lives at home. Politically, our subject is a Republican, and is
highly respected by his neighbors for his good citizenship and for the efforts
he has put forth in assisting to build up and improve the community.
OLIVER C. EARL.
OLIVER C. EARL. In a log house on the banks of Lake Angelus,
Pontiac township, Oakland County, in the year 1835 lived an old-time
Methodist preacher, Oliver Earl, and his estimable wife, Elizabeth (Williams)
Earl. They were of sturdy English stock, coming to this State from Niagara
County, New York, in I834.
Coming to this country at so early a date, the trials, privations, but at
the same time veritable pleasures, were an actual experience to them.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I79

Indians were common, and were frequent and welcome visitors. On one
occasion, however, Old Pinch, a traveling Indian, came to the Earl home
and being much filled with fire water, his abusive tongue and uncouth manners irritated the Elder, iwho ordlered him out. On his refusal, he was
promsised a beating if he did not go. As the savage still remained, the expounder of the truth brought out his lash and beat severely the back of Old
Pinch, who doggedly stood and took it. A.t last with a whoop and a run he
left the cabin, took to the woods and was never seen again. The women
and children lived in fear for a long time lest the Indians might avenge the
deed, but the Elder justified his act in his own mind, fearing no more to
attack an Indian than he did the devil whenever an opportunity presented
itself.
In 1836 the Earls tool up a piece of land from the government on the
Sashabaw plains, Independence township, where they lived to good old age.
Elder Earl preached in the neighboring school houses, also in the Sashabaw
Church, which was later built, and preached at the first burial service at the
Sashabaw Cemetery. He married the young folks, blessed the children,
counseled with the elders, made his life a testimony of his belief, buried the
dead, and in fact was a man who gave his best time and thought for the
welfare of others. His wife Elizabeth was a close companion in the pioneer
struggles. To them were born nine children, of whom three are living: Mrs.
Phoebe Stockwell, 86 years of age; Mrs. William Walker, aged 70; and
Oliver C. Earl, aged 65, the subject of our sketch. "Aunt Phoebe," as Mrs.
Stockwell is familiarly called, is well known in many parts of the county
and is a remarkable woman for her age. She claims two accomplishments,walking and mending,-and in either she sets a pattern for the rising generation. Mrs. Walker has never had the health her sister has enjoyed. She
and her good husband, who is now past So, have hospitably opened their
doors for the best families as well as the stranger and have been moving
figures in the occurrences of their day and vicinity. William Walker, as millwright, has helped the fortunes of the county in no small way, in drafting
and building mills, and even now at his advanced age can shape a boat to
please the eye of an artist.
The subject of our sketch was born on the banks of Lake Angelus,
Pontiac township, December 24, 1835. He proved himself a lusty Christmas
gift and like the proverbial preacher's son has ever been alive to fun. In fact

I80

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

many of the neighborhood pranks were attributed to "Clark," as he was
familiarly called. Born near a beautiful lake, he always loved the water, and
when he came to buy a farm for a home he chose along the lakes, the home
farm being nearly surrounded by large and small bodies of water. He received a fair education, but like that of many a man it would have been
meager enough if it had stopped with what he had learned in school. He
worked at millwright carpenter work and farming, and when he married in
I865 a farm home seemed the best thing.
His wife, Hanriet (Windiate) Earl, was born on a farm in Waterford
township, September 22, 1842; both of her parents were from England, and
their ancestors had been farmers for many generations. Her parents located
on the homestead in 1836 on the banks of Silver Lake, Waterford township,
her father vowing before he left England that he would have a fish pond
on his farm. True to his purpose he settled in the lake region of Oakland
County; for while this county has over 500 lakes, yet no more beautiful ones
are found than in Waterloo and West Bloomfield townships. Her father,
John Windiate, was a bailiff in England and being a man of wealth was able
to buy this homestead with its fruits, vines, flowers, bees, the lakes and some
fields under high cultivation, among which he settled his homesick wife and
family. These surroundings, not conlmon in those days, reminded them of
the mother country and helped to heal some of those broken heartstrings.
They were people of worth, the mother, Harriet (Elliott) Windiate, being
a friend to all and a woman of much ability. They were the parents of eight
children, of whom Mary, wife of Dr. A. W. Riker Fenton, is the oldest
living; Alfred, a thorough farmer of Waterford township; John, who owns
the old homestead, âa worthy example of an English farmer; Harriet, wife
of our subject; Frances, widow of the late John Stewart; and Anna, wife
of Hon. Peter Voorheis, one of Westford's representative men.
To Mr. and Mrs. Oliver C. Earl were born three children: Mary,
Blanche W. and Oliver. Mary, born in Waterford, February 22, I866,
married W. V. Heidt, who is in the United States postal service at Detroit,
Michigan. He takes a warm interest in local military affairs and is never
happier than when drilling the boys. His father was an officer in the Civil
War. His mother comes from the prosperous and enterprising German
family of Rhoems, of Detroit, Michigan. They have one son, Oliver H., who
is twelve years of age. Blanche W., born November 24, I868, married

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I11

Jayno V. Adams and has one daughter,-Dorothy Earl. They live on the
home farm. Mr. Adams is the present supervisor of Waterford township.
He was born in Grand Blanc, Genesee County, Michigan, and comes from
an English line. Oliver, the youngest child of our subject and wife, a son
of much promise, was born September 6, 1873. Spending his early days
on the farm, he at last entered the Pontiac High School, from which he was
graduated in I890. The same fall he entered the dental department of the
University of Michigan. Two weeks from the time he entered the University,
he was brought home a corpse. Appendicitis with an unsuccessful operation
by the skilled surgeons of the University 1)rought the feared results. So
hopes that were bright as possible were suddenly blighted so far as this world
was concerned; but Christian hopes are of a different nature and these parents
with wonderful fortitude said "All is well."
Mr. and Mrs. Earl spend most of their time at their home in Pontiac,
but during the summers have a cottage on the Island, a part of the homestead,
where they enjoy the scenes of their earlier life.
WILLIAM ERITY.
XVILLIAM ERITY is one of the large capitalists, successful farmers an(i
universally esteemed citizens of Oakland County and resides upon a finely
cultivated farm of I65 acres in section 3, Southfield township. Mr. Erity
was born at Mentz, Cayuga County, New York, in 1829 and has been a
resident of Michigan since he was 14 years of age. He is a son of Edward
and Melissa (Garrett) Erity, the former of whom was born in Ireland and
the latter in Connecticut.
Edward Erity came at the age of 18 years to the United States, where he
lived until his death in I831. He married Melissa Garrett, who survived him
many years, dying in 1883, at the age of 75. She was a consistent Christian
woman, a valued member of the Methodist Church. The five children born
to Edward Erity and wife were: Edward, deceased; Miles; John; William;
and Ann Eliza, the wife of Hiram Pike.

I82

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

William Erity came to Michigan, as stated, in boyhood, accompanying
his sister and brother-in-law, who settled in Southfield township, Oakland
County, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Erity has engaged in both
farming and milling and is one of the wealthy men of his part of the county.
He has been honored by his fellow citizen's confidence many times by being
elected to various positions of trust and responsibility; he served for a long
time as justice of the peace, as township treasurer and for 15 years as township supervisor.
On November 4, i853, MIr. Erity was married to Orpha Reynolds, who
was born in I828 in the State of New York, and is a daughter of Chester
and Sarah (Green) Reynolds. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Erity, namely: Elissif, wife of John W. Bassett, of Southfield township,
Oakland County; Mary J., wife of Chauncy Nixon, of Southfield township,
Oakland County; and Althea, deceased, who was the wife of Will W.
Masters. Mrs. Erity is an active member of the Methodist Church and is
much beloved for her kind, neighborly actions. Fraternally Mr. Erity is a
Mason, having joined the order many years ago.
MRS. CHASTINA HAGLE.
MRS. CHASTINA HAGLE, widow of the late Peter Hagle, resides on a
fine farm of I94 acres in section 6, Bloomfield township, Oakland County.
She was born in Canada, November Io, 1824, and is a daughter of Joseph
and Clarissa (White) Cook, both of whom were also natives of Canada.
In I846 Chastina Cook married Peter Hagle.
Peter Hagle was born in I825 in Canada; coming to the United States
he settled on a farm in St. Clair County, Michigan, in I868, io years later purchasing his fine farm in section 6, Bloomfield township, Oakland County. He
lived on this farm until his death, October 4, I895, becoming well known and
prosperous as a breeder of thoroughbred cattle and horses. His parents
were Peter and Sarah Hagle, the latter a native of Canada, the former of
New Jersey. Mr. Hagle was a Republican in his political belief. He was a
Methodist as respects his religious preferences.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

183

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hagle were seven in number, as
follows: Amarintha, deceased; Frederick, who lives in Pontiac; Andrew, a
resident of Pontiac township, Oakland County; Anna, wife of Thomas
Myler, a lieutenant of police in Detroit: Miles, who lives on the home farm
in Bloomfield township, Oakland County; Agnes, wife of James Old; an.l
Peter W., a resident of Pontiac township, Oakland County.
While Mr. Hagle was known all over the county as a successful breeder
of fine track horses and thoroughbreds, he was also known as a good farmer,
a desirable neighborhood and a first-class citizen.
~. I.
HAMILTON H. JONES.
HAMILTON H. JONES, a prominent business man of Novi, Oakland
County, owning and operating the largest general store in this section of
the county, was born in I844 in Novi township. He is a son of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Lapham) Jones, and a grandson of Samuel Jones, Sr.
The grandfather of our subject was born near the city of New York,
but at the time of his marriage removed to Ontario County, New York,
settling in the vicinity of Clifton Springs, and there his son Samuel was born.
In I83I Samuel Jones, Sr., removed to Michigan and took up I60 acres
of land in Novi township, Oakland County. Joshua Lapham, the maternal
grandfather of our subject, came to Michigan from Massachusetts, locating
also in Novi township; later in life he removed to Wayne County, where he
died.
Hamilton H. Jones is the eldest of three children now living, born to
his parents, the two sisters being Mary J., who married Alpheus R. Angell,
of Farmington township, and has two children,-Clyde and Estella; and
Estella, who married T. Milton West, who owns a farm in Novi township.
three miles west of the village,-Mr. and Mrs. West have two children, Irma
and Mary, the former of whom married Clifford Shaw, and they reside on
Mr. Shaw's farm two and a half miles west of Novi.
Mr. Jones was born on his maternal grandfather's farm, and was mainly

I84

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

reared and educated in Farmington township. His common school course
was supplemented with three terms at the Ypsilanti Seminary. He then
settled down to farming and continued in agricultural work until I891,
during which time he was regarded as one of the excellent farmers of the
locality. Recently he disposed of one of his 8o-acre farms in Farmington
township, but still owns another 80 acres in section 17 of the same township.
After the death of his father he engaged in the general mercantile business
with his cousin, D. P. Lapham, at Dearborn, Wayne County, where he remained for a year and a half, doing a large and flourishing business, the
first year's business aggregating $48,000. Mr. Jones six months later sold
out his interest to his partner and removed to the village of Novi, where,
on April 2, 1894, he established his present enterprise. He is ably assisted
by his estimable wife and they carry the largest stock of goods to be found
in the locality. It is carefully selected with a view toward pleasing the
generous patronage they receive. The business is carried on with honest
endeavors to please, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been met more than half
way, being popular throughout the whole neighborhood.
On January 3, i866, Mr. Jones was married to Belle Pettibone, who
wvas a daughter of Judson Pettibone, of Farmington township; her death
occurred in i88i. Two children survive her, namely: Judson S., now
operating his father's homestead farm, who married Dora Johnson, a
daughter of Osmond Johnson, of Farmington township, and has two children,-Hamilton and Alice; and Clara B., who married Mathew Moeren,
of Detroit, now the proprietor of the Orchard Lake Hotel in West Bloomfield township.
On October IO, I882, Mr. Jones was married to his second wife, Alice
Samantha Perry, who is a daughter of James W. and Polly Ann (Oviatte)
Perry. James \V. Perry was born at Truxton, Cortland County, New York,
and was a son of William Perry, who died in I851 at Woodstock, Madison
County, New York. The mother of Mrs. Jones was born November 26,
i826, in Allegany County, New York, and was a daughter of William
Oviatte, who at the time of his death was engaged in farming in Illinois.
In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. James W. Perry came to Michigan and located at
Vernon, Shiawassee County, where they purchased forty acres of land,
to which they continued to add until the farm contained i67 acres. Mr.
Perry died in I899 and his widow in I90o. They reared three children,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I85

namely: Alphonso W., born in Madison County, New York, May I6, 1849,
who was married to Ada Light, a native of Michigan,-they have one son,
Colen, and reside on the homestead farm; Alice Samantha, who is the wife
of our subject; and Irma, who resides with her sister. Mr. and Mrs. Jones
have one son, Buddington WV., who was born March 20, 1887.
Politically Mr. Jones is a stanch Democrat. Fraternally he is a Royal
Arch Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner. Mr. Jones is a representative
citizen of Novi township, one of the solid substantial and enterprising men
whose good judgment and public spirit continually contribute to the advancement of the town.
JOHN F. PICKERING
JOHN F. PICKERING. Among the magnificent farms of Oakland
County, Michigan, is that owned and occupied by John F. Pickering, consisting of 308 acres, located in sections i, I2 and 14, Avon township. Few
estates can compare with it in this locality, in cultivation, productiveness or
value. Mr. Pickering was born near Rochester, in Bloomfield township,
Oakland County, June 2, I865, and lost his father one year later. He is a
son of the late William and Elizabeth (Forman) Pickering, both of whom
were born in Lincolnshire, England. They had two children, Ida, deceased,
and John F.
William Pickering was 30 years old when he came to America and settled in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, in 1860. Until his
death in i866 he followed farming. His widow later married her brotherin-law, John Pickering, and is now deceased; her second marriage resulted
in six children: Joseph C.; George W.; Cornelia; Elizabeth; Minnie and
Jennie, deceased.
John F. Pickering was reared in Bloomfield township, and was educated
in the common schools. He continued to reside with his mother until he
was 20 years of age and then he began farming on his own account and
operated a farm in Orion township two years and one in Oakland township
the same length of time. In I893 he moved to Avon township and purchased

i86

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his present fine farm of 308 acres. This large extent of fertile land he devotes to general farming and to dairy purposes, conducting a very successful
milk business in Rochester. The success whN1ich attends Mr. Pickering's
agricultural operations and their extensive character make him an authority
in the neighborhood, and the methods he pursues and the machinery he uses
are justly considered to be of the best. He is very enterprising and progressive
and wields a wide influence all through his vicinity.
On February 22, i888, Mr. Pickering married Mary E. Andrews of
Orion township, and they have three children, namely: Lulu, Lester and
Carmen, all of whom are living at home. Mrs. Pickering's parents were
George and Mary (Bromley) Andrews, natives of England and Oakland
County, Michigan, respectively. They are both deceased. They had four
children: Clara J., deceased; Mary E.; George W. and William.
In politics Mr. Pickering is a Democrat; he has been called upon by
his party to serve in a number of local offices. He is at present the very
efficient highway commissioner and since he has taken charge a very notable
improvement has been shown in the public roads while little demand has
been made upon the tax payers. He is fraternally connected with the Knights
of the Maccabees and the Foresters, taking a lively interest in both organizations. He is considered one of the most substantial men of the township.
MARVIN HESS.
MARVIN HESS, who resides on a beautiful and well located farm of 50
acres between Woodhull and Pond Lakes, in sections 2 and 3, Waterford
township, and section 34, Independence township, Oakland County, is a
highly respected citizen of the county, and has one of the best cultivated
and most productive farms to be found in this fertile and lovely lake region.
He was born February 6, I840, in Rensselaerville, Albany County, New
York, is a son of Peter and Charlotte (Scutt) Hess, and a grandson of
Peter Hess, who was of German parentage, and had eight children, as
follows: Jeremiah, John, Daniel, Lewis, Sophia, Hannah, Peter and David.
Peter Hess was born in Albany County, New York, where he was

OAKLAND COUNTY.

187

engaged in farming throughout his whole life. He was a home lover and
a friend of everyone and always took a leading part in the affairs of his
community. He was a Republican in his political allegiance. In his later
years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his first
marriage to Charlotte Scutt, a native of New York, and the daughter of
Abraham Scutt, he had three children, namely: Marvin, our subject;
Samantha (Thorne), deceased; and Martin. By his second mariage he had
four children, namely: Mary J. (Matice); Smith P.; George; and Wellman,
all residents of Albany, New York.
Marvin Hess, our subject, was engaged in farming in New York before coming to this region in 1873, and has farmed here ever since. Besides
carrying on general agricultural operations, he also keeps some graded stock.
He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Baptist Church of
Waterford. He married Emily Turner, a native of Albany County, New
York, and they are the parents of two children, namely: Josephine, who
married Irving King, a resident of Waterford township; and George W., a
student at Albion College who resides with his parents.
HON. EDWIN G. CLARK.
HON. EDWIN G. CLARK, one of the leading citizens of Clarkston, Oakland County, Michigan, who has been prominently identified with the agricultural, educational and political development of this section for many years,
belongs to a family which has been distinguished for generations. The date
of the birth of Mr. Clark, April 8, I8I5, carries the mind over a vast gulf of
history, for since that time have come the wonders of scientific discovery that
have changed the face of Nature, have transformed modes of living and have
brought all corners of the world together. It may be recalled that tour
years after the birth of our venerable subject, the first steamship crossed the
Atlantic Ocean.
To sturdy forebears, originating in England and later nurtured among
the hills of New England, Mr. Clark probably owes a vitality that at the age
11

188

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of 88 years enables him to take part in and enjoy family and social life. His
paternal grandfather was Jeremiah Clark, who was born in New Hampshire,
a mere lad at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, but old enough to
shoulder his musket and take part in the battle of Lexington. Later in life
he removed to Onondaga County, New York, and settled down to farming.
There he held many of the local offices and appears to have been well qualified.
His last years were spent with his sons in Michigan, where he died in I845,
aged 84 years. He reared one of the patriarchal families not unusual iin
those days, consisting of seven sons and seven daughters, bearing these names,
some of them among the most familiar ones of Oakland County: Mrs. Julia
Cobb; Mrs. Amasa Green; Mrs. Lydia Brown; Jeremiah, Jr.; Mrs. Lucy
Johnson; Mrs. Susan Blair,; Mrs. Amy Poole; Hiram; Henry; Amos; Mrs.
Sarah Walter; Nelson W.; Sidney and Ebenezer.
Our subject was 16 years of age when he accompanied his parents,
Jeremiah and Phoebe (Holdridge) Clark, from his birthplace in Onondaga
County, New York, to Michigan, in I83I. The father settled at Detroit
where he operated one of the first bakeries in that city. Later he came to
Independence township, Oakland County, where he bought over 2,000 acres
of land, much of which he improved, and a great portion of which he sold in
later years. He was a man of remarkable enterprise and built the first grist
mill in the township, which has been standing ever since 1839. This was the
beginning of what is now the busy, enterprising village of Clarkston, the
center of the commercial interests of the township, a description of which
concludes this sketch. Mr. Clark became very prominent in political life and
was elected Representative in the State Legislature and was a Territorial
statesman at the time Michigan was admitted into the Union. He served
in the War of' 812 with the same loyalty as his father had served in the
first struggle with Great Britain, and through his whole life, which was
filled with public honors, he represented the highest class of citizenship. If
not recalled in a hundred other ways, Jeremiah Clark will always have a
monument in the prosperous village of Clarkston, which, with his brother,
Nelson W., he platted and which was named in honor of so valued a citizen.
Jeremiah Clark married Phoebe Holdridge, who was born in Vermont
and was a daughter of Ephraim I-oldridge, and six children were born to
them, namely: Edwin G.; Darwin; Washington; Milton; Newton and Mrs.
Phoebe Abby, all of whom have passed away except our subject.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I89

Edwin G. Clark attended the district schools of his native county, and
after his parents settled at Detroit assisted his father in the bakery. He was
20 years old when the family located in Independence township and from that
time he engaged extensively in farming until he retired from active pursuits
in 1883. His farm of 340 acres was in the near vicinity of the village and
for years was regarded as one of the finest in the township. He was a large
stock raiser and owned much blooded stock, and during the portion of his
life actively devoted to business accumulated a large fortune.
Like his father and grandfather, Mr. Clark has aways been actively
identified with the Democratic party and has been frequently honored by it.
He has most ably filled all the local offices, and in I876 was elected to the
State Legislature. Although so actively interested in politics, Mr. Clark
retained his residence on his farm until 1883, when he purchased his fine
home in Clarkston, where he has since resided, one of the esteemed and
valued citizens. For many years he has been connected with the Masonic
fraternity.
In 1835 Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Mary Lyon, who was
born in England and is a daughter of W\illiam Lyon, who came to America
whlen his daughter was three years old. Nine children were born to this
union, the three survivors being: Washington E.; Lawrence, of Independence township; and Mrs. Livonia Harris, of Clarkston. Mr. Clark married,
secondly, Martha Cobb, who was born in New York. There is no issue to
this marriage.
Washington E. Clark, the eldest son of our, subject and one of the
prominent citizens of Independence township, was born March 3, I840, in
an old log house still standing in section I8, Independence township. His
education was secured in the common schools of his locality and two years
were subsequently spent at the Clarkston High School. He then taught
school for two years in his own and Springfield townships. At the age of 23
years he became a clerk in the general store of M. H. Clark, at Clarkston,
and one year later went to Waterford township where he was entrusted with
the management of the business interests of John G. Owens, which included
a grist and sawmill, a general store, post office and two farms, a responsible
position which called forth abilities not usually found in one of his age.
When Mr. Owens sold out five years later, Mr. Clark went into the business
of buying produce in which he engaged six years, and then became a drover,

I9go

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

an occupation he followed for 25 years. For the past few years Mr. Clark
has confined his business energies to dealing in wool.
In I865 Mr. Clark married Eliza Keeler, who was born in Oakland
County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Lewis Keeler. One son has been
born to them, Rollin W., a very promising young man, a graduate of the
Waterford and Pontiac high schools, and of Gutcher's Business College in
Detroit.
Mr.. Clark possesses many of the characteristics of both his father and
grandfather, among these being settled convictions concerning personal and
political integrity, a manly dignity of character, an honesty of purpose and a
feeling of public spirit which does credit to a representative of the founder
of Clarkston. His Democratic friends have placed hifm in many of the township offices, the affairs of which he has administered with the greatest
efficiency.
Clarkston, the home of our subject, is one of the most enterprising and
progressive towns of Oakland County, Michigan, and has all the advantages
of fine location and the best of citizenship. Nature has done much for this
place, and as early as I832 its fine water front attracted capital and enterprise.
Clarkston is the township seat of Independence township, and is situtated at the head of a chain of beautiful lakes and on the Clinton River, a
stream that divides it into eastern and western Clarkston. Among the early
pioneers to that section was Mr. Holcomb, who erected on the banks of the
river, at what is now Clarkston, a comfortable house, with engineering ability
built a canal and procured a sufficient water power, easily regulated, and constructed a mill. The Clarkston Mills are now known for miles in every direction and are now owned and operated by the grandsons of the enterprising
and far-seeing man'whose enterprise had much to do with the development of
the section. In 1833 when Jeremiah and Nelson W. Clark settled in the
neighborhood, they immediately saw its future possibilities. After purchasing the Holcomb mill, they erected a dam by which they secured a 20-foot
fall and plenty of power with which to operate the first grist mill in that
part of the county. This wonderful adjunct of civilization soon made the
settlement more desirable as a home, and the little hamlet continued to grow
in importance and numbers.
The name of "Clarkston" was given the prospering village, in honor of

OAKLAND COUNTY.

I9I

the family of that name, which, up to the present day, has been prominent
in the affairs of the locality. A general store was started by William and
John Axford, and a distillery and foundry with other necessary industries
of comfortable living, soon were established. Clarkston has been evolved
from the primitive forest, the wild beasts have been driven still farther west,
a fine agricultural region was opened up in close proximity, schools and
churches were built and the gentle amenities of social life became cultivated.
A present view of this charming Michigan town reveals an unusual
number of prospering industries, beautiful homes embellished with works of
art and occupied by cultured and educated owners, a High School which
offers excellent educational advantages, churches beautifully located and well
supported, and a self-respecting population which cordially extends a welcome
to the deserving stranger.
In I902 a building association was formed for general improvement and
it has under consideration many schemes for the public good. The town is
incorporated and the Council includes such substantial and representative
citizens as Austin J. Taylor, president of the board; John Beardsley, clerk;
R. E. Jossman, treasurer; and F. D. Beardsley, Jerome Vliet, Frank Walter,
John McMahon, J. A. Loan, J. D. Ogden, trustees, with Leroy N. Brown,
assessor, and James O'Roark, marshal.
Among the important enterprises engaged in by Nelson W. Clark was
a fish hatchery, where he successfully hatched fish from spawn and demonstrated its practicability to the United States government. The hatchery at
Northville is now successfully operated under the management of Frank
Clark.
H. J. TAYLOR.
H. J. TAYLOR, cashier of the Rochester Savings Bank, is one of the substantial business men and representative citizens of Rochester, Oakland
County. He was born in Oakland township, Oakland County, Michigan,
July I9, 1849, and is a son of William G. and Ann (Axford) Taylor.
Abram Taylor, grandfather of our subject, came to Oakland County,

192

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Michigan, in 1832, bringing his children with him, his wife having previously
died. He settled upon government land in Oakland County and here spent
the remainder of his life, dying at the age of 82 years.
William G. Taylor was born in Warren County, New Jersey, in I819,
and was one of six children born to his parents, five sons and one daughter,
of which number Ogden, of Orion, Michigan, is the sole survivor. William
G. Taylor was about 16 years old when he accompanied his father to Oakland
County, and he resided in Oakland township for many years. In 1867 he
removed to Brandon and followed farming there the remainder of his life,
dying in July, 1887, at the age of 67 years, as the result of an accident. He
married Ann Axford, who was born in Oakland township, Oakland County,
and was a (laughter of John Axford, a pioneer of the township. She died in
1898, aged 72 years. To this union were born six children: C. V., a carriage
manufacturer of Pontiac; Charlotte, wife of James E. Case, of Orion, Michigan; H. J., our subject; William A. and Alice, who are living on the old
homestead; and Ellen M., wife of E. B. Sutton, of Armada, Michigan.
H. J. Taylor was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools
of his district. At the age of 22 years he began life for himself, farming
principally in Avon township until 1888, when he engaged in the hardware
business in Rochester, for two years being associated with Cyrus Reimer. He
then bought his partner's interest, built a new store and conducted the business alone until the spring of 1899. Selling out his store, he bought a farm
in Avon township, where he not only carried on farming but engaged in contracting until January I, I902. Upon that date he accepted the position of
cashier of the Rochester Savings Bank, and has ably discharged its duties
ever since. This institution is on a sound financial basis and is one of the best
conducted banks in Oakland County.
Mr. Taylor is a Democrat in politics, and has frequently served in an
official capacity. He was made supervisor in I883, and from that date until
1902 served in all for a period of 15 years. He has been trustee of the village
of Rochester for two terms, and is now serving his second term as village
clerk. He was a candidate for the State Senate in I900, but with the rest of
his ticket met with defeat. He is vice-president of the Rochester Building
Association, and has served in that capacity since its organization. He now
owns the old homestead in Brandon township. He has a large probate business and has been called upon to handle many large estates.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

193

Mr. Taylor was married December 21, I882, to Florence May Anderson, a daughter of R. D. Anderson, now of Orion, and they have three children: S. Verne; Cyrus J.; and Harold A. Fraternally, our subject is a
member of Lodge No. 5, F &amp; A. M., of whichl he has been treasurer for io
years; Rochester Chapter No. I37, R. A. MA.; Lodge No. I65, Order of the
Eastern Star; and Lodge No. 96, Knights of the Maccabees. He is a man of
pleasing personality, and has a host of friends.
W. C. SANFORD.
W. C. SANFORD, who has been identified with the Pontiac, Oxford &amp;
Northern Railroad for a period of 20 years, is general superintendent of this
system which since his incumbency of that office has never failed to pay a
dividend. He is a civil engineer by profession, but has been engaged ir
railroad work nearly the entire of his active career.
WV. C. Stanford studied civil engineering and after the close of the
Civil War went to Louisiana, where he spent five years in the construction
of levees between Natchez, Mississippi, and the Arkansas State Line. In
1874, following the advice of his uncle, Gen. James Craig, president of the
Hannibal &amp; St. Joseph Railroad and of the Kansas City, St. Joseph &amp; Council
Bluffs Railroad, our subject entered railroad work under George Olds, now
retired, at that time general freight agent of the Kansas City &amp; Council
Bluffs Railroad. He had fine advantages in becoming familiar with the
workings of all departments, subsequently filling various positions with the
Hannibal &amp; St. Joseph, the Chicago, Rock Island &amp; Pacific, and the Atchison,
Topeka &amp; Santa Fe railroads. In October, 1883, he became first auditor of
the Pontiac, Oxford &amp; Northern Railroad Company, which was owned by
Joseph P. Hale of New York, who was also one of the large piano manufacturers of the country. The road is still owned by his heirs. The road is
Ioo miles long, passing through the richest agricultural district in Michigan,
Caseville, on Saginaw Bay, being the northern terminus. Since 1893, Mr.
Sanford has been general superintendent and in every department there is

194

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to be noted a marked improvement, the road and equipment being pronounced
by the railroad inspector to be in first-class condition. Much of the success
in recent years has been due to Mr. Sanford and his progressive methods.
The car shops and locomotive repair shop at Pontiac have been built up
during his incumbency, and are thoroughly equipped for building and repairing cars and locomotives. F. H. Neward is the master mechanic in charge
of locomotive and car repairers. This road carries from I,000 to I,200 carloads of vehicles annually from Pontiac to all sections of the United States,
many of the local manufacturing plants being located along the line of the
road. They have a daily schedule of two passenger trains and two freight
trains each way, and in various seasons are forced to run additional trains to
handle the large traffic. Mr. Sanford is a regular attendant of the Passenger,
Freight and General Managers' Association meetings.
Mr. Sanford united in marriage with a daughter of Colonel Brown of
Ashland, Kentucky, of which city she was a native, and they have three
children: W. C., Jr., who will take up the study of mining and electrical
engineering in the University of Michigan; and Catherine and Edmund, aged
14 and 13, respectively, who are attending school. Mr. Sanford maintains a
summer cottage on Saginaw Bay, which he built several years ago, and there
his family spend the warm months in the enjoyment of outing pleasures.
WILLIAM H. WILLIAMSON.
WILLIAM H. WILLIAMSON, one of the leading farmers and influential
citizens of Oakland County, vice-president of the Monitor Insurance
Company, resides upon a finely cultivated and improved farm of 168 acres,
located in sections 8 and 9, Bloomfield township. Mr. Williamson was born
on his present farm, and is a son of William and Grace (German) Williamson, the former of whom was born So years ago in Lincolnshire, England, and
the latter, 73 years ago in beautiful Devonshire.
In 1844 William Williamson came to Michigan, and located at Detroit,
where he followed his trade of blacksmith for, six years. He then removed

NW*.*::: ' *
-uI.....................
DANIEL KIMBLE

MRS. LUCINDA C. KIMBLE

OAKLAND COUNTY.

199

to the country and in I860 purchased the farm his son now operates. In I888
he retired from active farm work. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are among
the most highly esteemed residents of Bloomfield township. While he prefers
to be bound by no political party lines, he was an admirer of the character of
the late President McKinley and cast his vote for him in both presidential
campaigns. Both he and his wife belong to the Church of England. They
reared a famlily of five children, as follows: Elmer, of Avon township,
Oakland County; Louisa, wife of \illiam Kimble, of Avon township, Oakland County; Laura, wife of Fred Kemp, of Pontiac; Frank, deceased; and
William H.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest of his parents' children. He
was educated in the public schools and has spent the greater part of his life in
this section, variously engaged as drover, wool buyer and stockman and is
probably one of the best posted men on these subjects in this section of the
State. He is not only one of the most prominent agriculturists, but he is also
well known in other lines and is financially interested in various enterprises.
He is vice-president of the Monitor Insurance Company, has been its acting
president for the past eight months and is a director and a stockholder in the
Oakland Telephone Company.
In I888 Mr. Williamson was united in marriage with Nettie Heath, who
was born in 1867, in Millford township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of
Frank and Louisa (Speller) Heath, natives of New York. Four children
have been born to this union: Florence, Mark, Celia and Frank. Fraternally
Mr. Williamson belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is also a Granger
and a Mason. Like his father, he prefers to be independent in politics.
DANIEL KIMBLE.
DANIEL KIMBLE, who resides in section 4, Bloomfield township, has been
a resident of Oakland County continuously since I845 and is one of its most
substantial and influential agriculturists. tie was born in Chili, New York,
November 6, 1822, and is a son of Caleb and Azuba (Scott) Kimble.
Caleb Kimble was born in New Jersey April 17, I785, and died December

200

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

30, I847, in his 63rd year. He was a farmer by occupation and came to Oakland County in I845, dying in Orion township, where he had lived for a short
time previous. His wife, Azuba Scott, was born in Monroe County, New
York, May 17, 1791, and died April 2, I870, at the age of 79 years. Both
were members of the Baptist Church. They were parents of II children, as
follows: Guity, born September 25, i8Ii, deceased: William, born February
20, I813, deceased; Lida, born May 9, I8T6, who died December 24, 1822;
Isaac, born January 9, I818, who died about 1834; Susan, born October 9,
1820, deceased; Daniel, the subject of this sketch; George, born October 13,
1824; Elizabeth, born July 5, 1826, who is the wife of John Bailey, of
Macomb County, Michigan; Martin, born October 17, I830, who lives ill
Fenton, Michigan; John, born October I6. 1832, who lives in Royal Oak
township, Oakland County; and Solomon, born September I6, 1834, who is
living in Linden, Michigan.
Daniel Kimble came to Oakland County with his parents in -845 anl
for a time worked by the.month, receiving $12 per month in the summer
and $8 per month in the winter. During the early days he peddled peaches
and apples in Detroit and at that time found little trouble in covering the
entire city in a day. I)uring the winter months he did the chores about the
farm and also engagec! in teaming. Fy hard work and economical iiving he
was able to do better than merely eke out an existence, and each year found him
better, fixed financially than the preceding one. Ie now has a line farm of
267 acres in sections 3 and 4, and another of 88 acres in section o, Bloonifield
township, all of it being valuable land and under cultivation. At ':l early
period he dealt extensively in fine stock.
In 1849, Mr. Kimble was united in marriage with Lucinda Chamberlin,
who was born in Bloomfield township in I833, and is a daughter of John and
Rebecca (Wilson) Chamberlin. Mrs. Kinible's great-grandfather, William
Chamberlin, was born in New Jersey, September 25, I736; on
June 8, I757, he was married to Elizabeth Finbrook, who (lied April
29, I770. His second marriage was with Ann Park, who died November 12,
I779. His third marriage, which took place in 7782, was with Margaret Park,
who died April 29, I79I. On Augtust 16, 1794, he took for his fourth wife
Ann Mary Kimble. William Chamberlin (lied August 21, 1817, having had
22 children, one of whom, also named William Chamberlin, a son of his third
wife, Margaret Park, was married June T2, T792, at Newark, New Jersey,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

201

to Nellie Sutphin, who was a great-granddaughter of Anneke Jans, of Holland. William and Nellie (Sutphin) Chamberlin had I children, and oi
these John Chamberlin, the father of Mrs. Chamberlin, was b)orn December
3I, 1799. He married Rebecca Wilson, and had six children, as follows:
William, Anna, Mary, Lucinda, Sarah and Joseph. Six children were born
to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kimble, as follows: Sarah; John and
Charles, of Bloomfield township, Oakland County; Wilbur, deceased; Elmer,
deceased; and one who (lied in infancy. Although not a member of any
church, Mr. Kimble assisted in paying for the building of the Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. In politics, lie is independent, and cast his
first vote in 1840 for "Tippecanoe" I-Tarrison. Hte has efficiently filled numerous township offices, and as a citizen is held in the highest esteem. Portraits
of Mr. and Mrs. Kimble accompany this sketch, being represented on foregoing pages.
HON. FRED M. WARNER.
HON. FRED M. \WAIRNER, Secretary of State of Michigan, is not only
a prominent political leader, but is also a very conspicuous factor in the
State's business and social life. Although still justly reckoned a younug man,
he has achieved signal success in various lines and has indelibly iml)ressed
himself upon the history of Oakland County. Mr. Warner was born July 21,
1865, at Hickling, Nottinghamshire, England, and he was brought to America
by his parents, at the age of three months. A few months later, his mother
died and he was adopted as the son of Hon. P. D. Warner, of Farmington,
Michigan.
In early boyhood the youth displayed unusual intellectual strength and
was but 14 years of age when he completed the Farmington High School
course, graduating with credit from that institution. After a term spent at
the State Agricultural College, he took a clerkship in his father's store at
Farmington, and his business ability made him so useful that a few years
later the elder partner retired in his favor. Mr. Warner has continued the
operation of this store, on a much more extensive scale, conducting at the

202

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

present one of the largest mercantile establishments in Oakland County. His
session at the Agricultural College had given him ideas to work on, and these
resulted, in I889, in the establishment at Farmington of the first of a number
of cheese factories and the founding of a local industry which has brought
thousands of dollars to this section. Mr. Warner is the operator of seven
cheese factories, the combined annual output of which aggregates 20,000
boxes or 800,00o pounds of cheese, nearly all of which goes to supply the
Michigan trade. Mr. Warner also conducts a large cold storage plant at
Farmington and is interested in minor enterprises. In I897 he was one of the
organizers of the Farmington Exchange Bank, of which he is a stockholder
and on the directing board. Well poised mentally, Mr. Warner carefully
watches his various interests and makes of each a substantial success.
Mr. Warner from his first years of manhood has been a consistent supporter of Republican principles, policies and candidates, and since I89o has
been identified with official life. In that year he was elected president of
Farmington village, an office he held for nine years. His political strength
was thus well gauged and in I895 he was sent to the State Senate from the
I2th Senatorial District, and served with marked ability through the sessions
of I895-6-7-8. In I9oo at the Grand Rapids convention, he was nominated
by acclamation to the office of Secretary of State and was elected on the
succeeding 6th of November, for the term of I9OI-2, and in the latter year was
re-nominated for the same position, by acclamation, and was re-elected by a
vote of 228,I97, a very flattering testimonial, considering the votes given
other candidates.
Mr. Warner's services have reflected honor upon the State and his
efforts for the honest and economical administration of government and the
peaceable adjudication of disputes, will long be recalled by the citizens of
Michigan. He is the youngest individual to hold this responsible position
since the adoption of the Constitution, in 850o. His public life has shown
him as the official of the State, a patriot first, a partisan afterward and those
who honor and seek robust integrity in high places can look with congratulation upon the citizen who now occupies the chair of Secretary of State for the
Commonwealth of Michigan.
In I888 Mr. AWarner married Martha M. Davis, who was born in Farmington, and is a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Grofft) Davis, formerly
residents of Pennsylvania. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Warnen

OAKLAND COUNTY.

203

are: Susan Edessa, born April T8, I891; Howard Maltby, born January 4,
I893; Harley Davis, born March 4, 1894; and Helen Rhoda, born March 14,
I899.
Mr. Warner's fraternal associations include the Knights of Pythias,
the Loyal Guards, the Maccabees and the Masons, in the latter having taken
a number of the advanced degrees, including that of the Mystic Shrine.
GEORGE FENWICK BRONDIGE.
GEORGE FENWICK BRONDIGE. In every community great or small, there
are found men who by reason of personal attributes, enterprising spirit and
natural ability, have arisen above their fellows in business, social or public
life. Pontiac, Michigan, has numerous examples and one of these is George F.
Brondige, the present register of deeds of Oakland County. Mr. Brondige
was born in Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, October I5,
I855, and is a son of Eli and Margaret A. (Fenwick) Brondige.
The ancestors of Mr. Brondige on the paternal side were originally from
Holland, while on the maternal side they were from England. Eli Brondige,
his father, was born near Iockport, New York, February 2, 1828, and died
June 21, I895. Having been bereft of his mother at the age of three years,
he was taken to the home of his maternal uncle, Eli H. Day, and was brought
by the latter to Michigan in 1838. He followed farming all his life and from
1854 when he settled on the farm in sections 5 and 8, Springfield township,
until his death, he resided on the same farm which remains the home of his
widow. On July 4, I850, he was united in marriage with Margaret A. Fenwick, of Rose township. The Fenwicks were natives of England who located
first in Seneca County, New York, in 1836 coming to Michigan and settling in
Rose township, Oakland County.
Four children were born to Eli Brondige and wife, namely: Eugene,
born May I, I852, and married December 27, 1876 to Alice Foster, is a traveling salesman for the firm of D. M. Ferry &amp; Company, of Detroit, and owns
a fine farm of 2oo acres, adjoining the old homestead; George Fenwick, the

204

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

subject of this sketch; Mary Ella (Mrs. Yager), born June 24, 1862; and Eli
J., born July 10, I873, who is a lawyer at Pontiac. The father of this most
creditable family was a Republican in politics and served in numerous official
positions in the township, offices conferred upon him by his fellow citizens
on account of his ability and sterling character.
George Fenwick Brondige was educated in the public schools of Oakland County and at the Detroit Business College. At the age of I8 he began
teaching school, which profession he followed for several years. He then
went on the road as agent for a party of Detroit capitalists, purchasing lands
in Wrestern Iowa, returning to Michigan in the fall of I88I. In the spring
of the following year he engaged in farming, having purchased 85 acres of
land in section I, Rose township, three miles east of Holly village, adding 40
acres to the original tract in I886, secured from what was known as the John
Fenwick farm, in section 36, Holly township. This farm was considered
one of the most beautiful rural homes in the northwestern section of Oakland
County. During his residence on the farm, Mr. Brondige built up a reputation for excellent farming methods and for the successful breeding of
thoroughbred stock. There he continued until I893, when he removed with
his family to Holly village and went on the road in the interest of a mercantile firm in Detroit, with which he remained for several years. In I897
he removed to the city of Pontiac in which year began his connection with the
public affairs of Oakland County.
Mr. Brondige's careful and intelligent work in the preparation of a
set of abstract books from the county records in the office of the
register of deeds, was of so accurate and exact a nature, that it naturally
attracted attention to him as a possible candidate for the office which he has
so efficiently held since January I, I903. In January, I899, he accepted a
position in the register's office as deputy register of deeds, under A. G. Griggs,
and his election to the office of register followed in the fall of 1902.
Mr. Brondige has always been a stanch Republican, and was that party's
choice for his present position in the campaign of 1902, when he entered the
race for the nomination with five candidates in the field. The political history
of the county shows that the contest was one of the sharpest ever waged in the
party conventions, and he won the nomination on the fifth ballot, with 73 out
of a total of I I5 votes cast. In the election which followed, he was elected by
a handsome majority. Mr. Brondige has shown himself eminently fitted for

OAKLAND COUNTY.

205

the responsible position he fills. Combined with business qualifications, he has
had the necessary experience and possesses the natural courtesy which so
smooths official business. I-is personal attention is given to every detail and
it is a matter of comment that a visit to the register's office requires, under
nresent conditions, only the time necessary to transact any other business
operation. Naturally this leads the citizens of Oakland County to the conclusion that in Mr. Brondige they now have the most efficient, and most
affable and obliging register of deeds that has filled the office since it was
first opened for business. Its requirements demand a man of certain qualifications and these it has been proved Mr. Brondige possesses.
Oi October 5, i88i, Mr. Brondige was married to Letitia Foster, who
was born June 19, I859, in Springfield township, one mile west of Clarkston
village; when she was four years of age, her parents removed to a farm
two miles northeast of Davisburg, where she resided until her marriage. She
is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Parker) Foster, the latter of whom was
born January 15, I819, in Leicestershire, England, and now at the age of 84
years is a revered member of her daughter's home. Samuel Foster was born
April 17, I820, in County Kent, England, and died June 12, 1878. In I828
he came to America and settled at Utica, Oneida County, New York, but in
1836 moved to Michigan, and in I84.5 married the venerable lady who survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Foster were the parents of six children, as follows:
Samuel, born September 20, 1847, who is a resident of Chicago; Sarah
Ann (Bigelow), born December 26, 1849, a resident of Cass City, Michigan;
Charles Thomas, born December 8, 1851, who lives in Rose township, Oakland County; Alice, born January 20, I854, who is the wife of Eugene E.
Brondige, the eldest brother of our subject; Horatio, born December 9, 1856,
who lives in Midland, Michigan; and Letitia (Mrs. George F. Brondige),
who is the youngest of the family. A family of four daughters has been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Brondige, viz: Mabel Letitia, born August 14, 1883;
Georgina Margaret, born April 15, 1887; and Gladys F., and Glennie F.,
twins, born May 17, 1890.
Mr. Brondige is of a social nature and is an active member of Oakland
Tent, No. 248, K. O. T. M., Pontiac Chapter, No. 76, A. I. U., and a
charter member of Camp No. 4399, Modern Woodmen of America. Being
a natural musician and possessing a fine tenor voice, Mr. Brondige has been
identified with a great many musical organizations in Pontiac, and as a skilled

206

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

performer on the cornet has been connected with several band organizations,
and at present is one of the 25 members of the Oakland Light Infantry Band,
formerly the Citizens' Concert Band of the city of Pontiac, a body of
musicians well known through the State. -Ie is a member of Local No. 114,
A. F. of M.
Without doubt Mr. Brondige is one of the most popular citizens of Oakland County in which he has been and still is an incorruptible public official
and a useful public spirited man of affairs.
FRED BECKER.
FRED BECKER, the owner and operator of a fine farm of 84 acres in
section 7, Avon township, Oakland County, on Rural Free Delivery Route
No. 2, from Rochester, was born in Oppenheim, German, December I7, I847.
His parents died in Germany, and he attended school in his native land until
he was 17 years of age, when he came to America, having in the meantime
learned the brewing business.
After two years in the city of New York, on June 28, I867, he removed
to Detroit, Michigan, and secured work at his trade, going in I868 to Chicago,
where he worked one year, then spent the next year in Detroit, and the following one in Chicago, finally leaving the latter city just two days before the
great fire of I87I. He came then to Oakland County and settled on a farm
in Troy township, where he remained until 1876, and then removed to Avon
township, buying his present place. Since taking charge of this property,
Mr. Becker has continually improved it, and has one of the fine farms of
the township, on which he realizes most satisfactory crops. He is a careful,
practical farmer, and watches every portion of his land in order to keep it
up to a high standard of cultivation. His industry has been rewarded, and
he is generally classed with the substantial men of the neighborhood.
In I869 Mr. Becker married Christiana Brand, who was a daughter
of Philip Brand, one of the large farmers of Troy township, Oakland County.
Mrs. Becker died August I8, I897, leaving four children: L. E., a farmer

OAKLAND COUNTY.

207

on the old homestead in Troy township, Oakland County; and Meta, Herbert
and Anna, who are all at home.
In politics Mr. Becker is a Jeffersonian Democrat, and has most capably
served in many of the local offices. He is of a social nature, and belongs to
the K. O. T. M.
SOLOMON C. ELWOOD.
SOLOMON C. ELWOOD, proprietor, of Evergreen Lawn, which is located
in sections 20 and 17, Waterford township, Oakland County, was born in
Royal Oak township, Oakland County, Michigan, February I9, 1842, and is
a son of Daniel and Fanny (Clark) Elwood.
The Elwood family migrated at an early date from New England to the
Mohawk Valley, New York, and there Daniel Elwood was born August I6,
I8II. He came among the pioneers of I830 to Michigan, accompanying his
father, Benjamin Elwood, who had been one of the large contractors engaged
in the building of the Erie Canal, that marvelous piece of engineering for the
times. Benjamin Elwood was born in New York in I775, and came to Michigan in I830 to secure government lands. Both father and son secured large
tracts in Royal Oak township, Oakland County, where Benjamin Elwood died
February I, I859, leaving a profitable farm of I60 acres. He at one time was
a man of very large wealth, but lost a considerable amount of money in the
building of the canal above mentioned. He married a native of New York
of Dutch ancestry, who came of an educated family. They had five children,
namely: Daniel; Hiram; Mrs. Betsey Ager; Mrs. Katherine Stanley; and
Mrs. Mary Bennett. Daniel Elwood was a farmer all his life and died on his
farm in Royal Oak township, January 6, I845, when our subject was but four
years of age. In politics he was a Whig like his father, both of whom had been
prominent in politics. He was one of the leading members of the Methodist
Church in his section of the county.
The mother of our subject was born at Sand Lake, Monroe County,
New York, May 14, 18I5, and died at the home of her son, Benjamin, in September, I890. She was the mother of two sons that grew to maturity, namely:
12

208

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Benjamin F. and Solomon C. our subject. The former was a prominent citizen of Pontiac, a man of much business enterprise and large means, who died at
Pontiac, May 16, 1902.
Solomon C. Elwood has always resided in Oakland County and has
always been a farmer and, it may incidentally be remarked, always a successful one. He owns a fine estate of I20 acres which he has brought to a high
state of cultivation and all through the township Evergreen Lawn is recognized as one of the best farms of the central section of the county. Mr.
Elwood has engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty
of high grade stock. He is prominent in all public matters coming before the
citizens of the township, being a justice of the peace and having served in
many of the local offices with the greatest efficiency and to the credit of himself and the township. During his term as highway commissioner, the roads
were well cared for and while supervisor and treasurer, the finances were
carefully considered. For nine years he has served as school director and
it is a matter of record that the schools of Waterford township equal any in
the county.
On January I8, I864, Mr. Elwood was married to Cordelia Morris, who
was born in White Lake township, Oakland County, June 7, 184I, and is a
daughter of Lewis and Eve (Van Vosburgh) Morris, natives of Rensselaer
County, New York. The three children born to this marriage are: Joseph M.,
who is married and resides with his father; Ida M. (Mrs. Whitfield), of
Waterford township, Oakland County, who has two children,-Nellie and
Ruth E.; and Mrs. Nellie Farrell, of White Iake Township, Oakland County.
In politics Mr. Elwood is a Democrat. He is one of the most active
members of the Farmers' Club, of which he has been president, and esteems its
meetings of such value that he has missed but two of them in seven years.
GEORGE W. CHAPMAN.
GEORGE W. CHAPMAN, one of the oldest and most honored farmers of
Oakland County, resides on his beautiful farm of 70 acres situated in section
i8, Waterford township, and has io acres additional in White Lake town

OAKLAND COUNTY.

209

ship. He was born Febnuary 7, I825, in the town of Leroy, Genesee County,
New York, and is a son of Amasa and Hannah (Akin) Chapman.
Amasa Chapman was born in Colchester, New London County, Connecticut, and was one of seven children born to Ichabod Chapman, the others
being as follows: Dudley C., Olive, Guy, Orel, Rhoda and Laura. Ichabod
Chapman was born in Connecticut of English parentage, and carried on the
pursuits of general farming and dairying there on a 400-acre farm. Amasa
Chapman was educated at the New London (Connecticut) Academy, after
which he engaged as a school teacher and taught 12 winters and during the
summers worked on the farm. Later he engaged wholly in agricultural pursuits, both in Genesee County, New York, and in Oakland County, Michigan,
whither he removed at an early day. HTe accumulated quite a fortune, but
later lost much of it. Politically a Democrat, he was always deeply interested
in politics, held several town and county positions in New York, and was
elected juctice of the peace by the Democratic party. He was also captain of
a company in the New York State Militia. He died in Oakland County at
the age of 87 years. He was united in marriage twice. His first wife was
Hannah Akin, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah Akin, the former a native
of Virginia and the latteri of Massachusetts; they reared one child besides
our subject, namely: Joseph, who was a resident of Flint, Michigan, until his
death in October, 1903, at the age of 8o years. Two children, both now
deceased, resulted from Amasa Chapman's second marriage.
George W. Chapman came to Michigan in 1836 in company with his
larents, who settled about two miles north of the town of Pontiac, in Pontiac
township, Oakland County, and has lived in this county ever since. During
the many years of his busy life he has been uniformly successful in all his
undertakings. He has bought and sold some five or six different farms and by
these speculations has profited financially. He came to his present farm about
1878 and there has spent the past 25 years in raising grain and live stock.
His Herefords and Jerseys are of the finest breed. The fruits of this region
are well represented on his property. The farm is one of the best tilled
farms in his section and produces grain that in quality is unsurpassed by that
grown on any farm in the county. Besides being a farmer, Mr. Chapman is a
business man of the highest rank r.nd is looked upon vb his friends and neigh1,ors as an able and honest citizen.
Mr. Chapman's first marriage was to M\tartha Banner, a native of Oak

210

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

land County. His second marriage was to Minerva C. Shaver, a native of
Wayne County, New York, and three children were born to them, namely:
Carrie (Clark), a resident of Detroit; Ellsworth, of Pontiac; and Florence
B., who resides at home with her parents. Politically our subject is a
Democrat. Ite is a Mason and a member of the Farmers' Club. The family
are Baptists.
HON. CHARLES B. BOUGHNER.
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 fanmily. Mr. Boughner died in 1867, and
his wife in I878.
Charles B. Boughner was II 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 I851 he purchased his first
farm with the money he had accumulated by his early industry, the property

OAKLAND COUNTY.

211

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 I890 he was elected
State Senator, which position he efficiently filled for two terms. He was
married in I852 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.
J. 0. HATHAWAY.
J. 0. HATHAWAY, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Oakland
County, is engaged in superintending his finely cultivated farm of 80 acres in
section 31, Waterford township, which he makes his home. He was born
May 13, I820, near Crooked Lake, Steuben County, New York, and is a
son of Brewen Hathaway. The Hathaways are of English and Dutch descent.
Brewen Hathaway was a native of Seneca County, New York, and came
to Michigan in I830, accompanied by his wife and six children, of whom
our subject was one. He was a cooper by trade but was also engaged at
general farming and stock raising for a number of years in Waterford township, Oakland County. There were nine children in the parental family,
namely: George, deceased; Sally (Van Dorn) deceased; Eliza (Stowell).
deceased; J. 0., our subject; Daniel, of White Lake township, Oakland
County; Asher, deceased; James; Betsey (Voorhies), of Pontiac; and Austin,
a resident of Saginaw, Michigan. Brewen Hathaway died at the age of 44,
and his wife died two years later at the same age. He was a Democrat
in his political convictions. He and his family were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

21.2

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J. O. Hathaway has lived an industrious as well as successful life, having
started out at an early age to support himself, his only property then being a
team of horses. When he was Io years old, his parents moved to Michigan,
and settled first in Pontiac township, Oakland County. Our subject removed
to his present farm in Waterford township ill 1866, where he was engaged in
active farming pursuits until recently, when he retired from active work. Mr.
Hathaway's farm is a well improved and very productive tract of 80 acres;
it originally consisted of I20 acres, but a 40-acre tract was given to his son,
Linus, who farmed it until his removal to Pontiac, where he now lives.
J. O. Hathaway married Mary Dewey, a native of Vermont, who died
five years ago. Three children were reared, namely: Linus, a resident of
Pontiac, who is married and has one child, Myrtle; Altha (Olmstad),
deceased; and Alice, who resides with her father. Our subject takes no active
interest in politics but votes the Democratic ticket.
HOWARD C. ANDERSON.
HOWARD C. ANDERSON was born on his present fine farm of 216 acres
in section 27, Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, April I,
I857, and belongs to one of the pioneer families. His father and grandfather
killed deer where Mr. Anderson now harvests some of his finest crops. He
is a son of John W. and Ann (Moore) Anderson.
Isaac Anderson, the grandfather of our subject, was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, and the family is of Scotch descent. Isaac Anderson was
born in the city of New York, and lived in that state until he came to Michigan as one of the pioneers. He served in the War of 1812. His family
consisted of these children: Mrs. Betsey Hubbard; Mrs. Hannah Goodrich;
Mrs. Clarissa Tuttle; Mrs. Martha Boutwell; John W. and Sylvester E.
He was one of the small band of pioneers who organized the Presbyterian
Church of Springfield in i859.
John W. Anderson was born July 17, I814, in Genesee (now Wyoming)

OAKLAND COUNTY.

213

County, New York, and lived there until 1836, when he accompanied the
family to Michigan. They provided themselves with tools and farming
implements of the time, and brought along a team of horses and a strong ox
team, driving the whole distance from their home in Genesee County to
Buffalo. When they started out from Detroit to reach the land they proposed
to settle on in Springfield township, they were delayed by the deep mudl in
the streets, and before they could proceed were obliged to unload their goods.
Difficulties beset them all the way to Pontiac, and three days were consumed
in reaching the vicinity of Springfield township. The Andersons took up
some government land and also bought some from John Husted, the first
settler, the Anderson family being the second, and for the following three
years lived in log houses hastily constructed. The Anderson family gave
the name to the settlement, whrere, in 1895, a postoffice was establishel.
John W. Anderson was a successful farmer, cleared and owned 260 acres
of land, and was one of the township's most reliable and prominent citizens.
As justice of the peace he settled many neighborhood difficulties, holding
court in his own house, where he also performed many marriage ceremonies.
He was married to Ann Moore, who was born in Sussex County, New Jersey,
and was a daughter of Robert Moore, of Scotch and Irish descent. Six
children were born to them, as follows: Julius, of Andersonville, Oakland
County; Sarah A., who died in I88; Mrs. Alice J. Foster, of Springfield
township, Oakland County; George W., ]who (lied in 1877; Martha E. (Mrs.
Curtis), of Saginaw County, Michigan; and Howard C.
Howard C. Anderson received his education in the local schools and
at the Clarkston High School, and before settling down to farming taught
school one year in Shiawassee County. Mr. Anderson's farm is one of the
most productive in the townnship, and under his excellent management produces large crops of wheat, corn, oats and barley. He is a noted stock raiser
of his section, keeping 15 head of high grade Durham cattle, 75 Shropshire
sheep, 15 head of Berkshire hogs. and a nunlber of horses.
In I886 Mr. Anderson w\as married to Minnie B. Newell, who was
born in Holly township, Oakland County, Michigan, and( is a dtaughter of
George and Parmelia (H1errick) Newell, the latter of whom resides with her
daughter. One son has been born to this union, George W., who lives at
home.
In politics Mr. Anderson is a Republican. He has served six years on

214

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the School Board, and is one of the intelligent and progressive men of the
township. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Springfield, of
which he is one of the trustees.
DAVID LEVI CAMPBELL.
DAVID LEVI CAMPBELL. Among the best known agriculturists of Royal
Oak township is David Levi Campbell, whose farm of 92 acres is located in
sections 26 and 27. He was born in Oxford township, Oakland county, in
I847, and is a son of Welcome and Mary J. (Cheney) Campbell.
Welcome Campbell, who was born in Paris, Oneida County, New York,
in I8IO, and died November II, 1888, in the village of Royal Oak, where
he had been living a retired life for the 18 years preceding his death. He
removed from New York State to Michigan in 1834, and located on a tract
of IIO acres in Oxford township, Oakland County, that he bought of the
government. He also conducted a lumber yard and general store at Oakwood,
then known as Campbell's Corner, until 1859, when he traded the property
for farm land in Royal Oak township, in sections 26 and 27, a part of which
property comprises our subject's present farm. Retiring from active pursuits
in I870, he removed to the village of Royal Oak, and there lived until his
death. While a resident of Oxford township, he had been a member of the
Congregational Church, but on removing to Royal Oak he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Republican of strong convictions, and
voted for Gen. John C. Fremont. Highly regarded as a citizen, he was
elected to various township offices, in which he served with credit. Oun
subject's mother was born in Penfield, New York, May 14, I824, and is still
living. Her parents, Warren and Lucy (Pelton) Cheney, were natives of
Connecticut. Warren Cheney came to Michigan with his family in 1836,
and located first in Wayne County, some miles west of Detroit. Two years
later he removed to Oakland County, and located in Brandon township. Ten
years before his death he moved to Goodrich, and ended his days there.
There were Io children in the parental family, as follows: Mary J., residing

JOHN WESLEY FOX, M. D.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

217

in Royal Oak township, who is the widow of John Felker; Harvey J.,
deceased; Martha A., deceased; David Levi, our subject; Lucinda S., deceased;
Lorinda, who married Joseph B. Grow, of Royal Oak; Andrew C., who
resides in Royal Oak; Lois Esther, deceased; and Albert W. and John L.,
who lives in Birmingham.
David Levi Campbell was educated in the district schools, and has been
engaged in farming all his life. At the present time he is conducting his
farm of 92 acres and at the same time keeping bees, which he has found
to be very profitable. He is agent for the Monitor Insurance Company of
Oakland County.
Mr. Campbell was married in I870 to Julia H. Benjamin, who was born
in Royal Oak township June I, I849, and is a daughter of John and Ruth
(Warner) Benjamin, who were natives of New York State. Our subiect
and wife have been blessed with seven children, as follows: Levi W., deceased;
Charles B.; J. William; Ruth A.; Welcome S., deceased; John D.; and
Mary A., deceased. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which Mr. Campbell is a steward and trustee. He is a Republican in
politics, and has been justice of the peace in Royal Oak township.
JOHN WESLEY FOX, M. D.
JOHN WESLEY Fox, M/. D., a successful physician and surgeon located at
Orion, Oakland County, and one of the town's leading and representative
citizens, was born June 3, 1871, at Leamington, County Essex, Canada. He
is a son of Russell and Jane (White) Fox, both of whom were born in Canadd,
where the former still resides, aged 79 years, the latter having passed away in
July, I90r. The family is of English extraction and was founded in
Canada by the paternal grandfather who came to the Dominion as an artillery
officer with the British Army.
Dr. Fox is one of a family of Io-children, all of whom still survive, all
except our subject still being residents of Canada. His education was secured
in the schools in the locality of his father's farm in Mersey township, and later

2 8

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at Windsor. He then took a classical course at Detroit and later graduated
from Windsor business college. The succeeding five years were spent in the
mechanical department of the Canadian Pacific Railway. His medical studies
were prosecuted under the well known Dr. Summers of Detroit, where he was
prepared for entrance to the Detroit Medical College in 1894, from which he
was graduated in I897.
Selecting Orion as the field of his professional labor, Dr. Fox opened an
office in the old Grange Hall, where he met his patients until he purchased his
present very desirable property in 1899. He is a general practitioner and has
been very successful in his treatment of many complicated cases. He gives
most careful attention to his patients, sparing himself in no way when life or
health are in the balance. Thus Dr. Fox has won the confidence and affection
of the community and he enjoys as much practice as he is able to handle. He
is a close student and has associated himself with the various medical organizations of the county and State, taking advantage of every chance to learn new
nethods to conquer and control disease. His ability has been recognized by
his election as coroner of Oakland County. In politics he is a Republican and
for some years he has served as a justice of the peace and as school inspector.
On May 22, 1901, Dn Fox married Ina Voorhees, who is a daughter of
C. S. Voorhees of Pontiac. He has a pleasant home, agreeable surroundings,
a fine library and a host of warm friends. Fraternally he is a member of a
number of organizations of a social or beneficial character, among which are
the Masons, Knights of the Maccabees, Tribe of Ben Hur, Foresters and
Modern Woodmen of America. 'His interest in all these is sustained and in all
he is a valued comrade. Ever since locating in Orion he has been the chosen
examiner for nearly all the old line insurance companies. On a preceding page,
in connection with this sketch, a portrait of Dr. Fox appears.
ARTHUR H. SCOTT.
ARTHUR H. SCOTT, a prominent farmer and representative citizen of
Oakland County, Michigan, residing on his fine farm of 20o acres in section
3=. Pontiac township, was born November 27, I870, in Oakland County,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

219

Michigan. He is a son of Elisha H. Scott and a grandson of Stephen Scott,
who was born at Franklin Furnace, Sussex County, New Jersey, of Scotch
ancestry. The children of Stephen Scott were the following: Elisha H.;
Charles; Jack, of Washington; Stephen, of Oakland County; Mary; Sarah;
Phcebe; Mrs. Kate DeWitt, of Harbor Springs, Michigan; and Mrs. Hannah
Skellenger, of Davidson, MIichigan.
Elisha H. Scott was born February 2, 1820, in Sussex County, New
Jersey, where he was well educated, and lived until he was 24 years of age.
In 1844 he came to Michigan and took a claim of 240 acres of land in the
vicinity of Seymour Lake, where he spent the remainder of his life, becoming
one of the leading men of Oakland County. He was a stanch Democrat. His
personal character was such that he was chosen by his fellow citizens for
many of the responsible positions in his county, and he capably served for
many years as supervisor, treasurer and as a justice of the peace. Mr. Scott
was married, first, to Catherine Sloat, who was born in New Jersey, and
the children of this union were: Theodore, of Richfield Center, Michigan;
Elizabeth (Phelps), of Bay City, Michigan; iEmmna and Katherine, both
deceased; Mary (Tolfree), of Oxford, Michigan; and Anna (Nicholas), of
East Jordan, Michigan. Mrs. Scott died in I869. Mr. Scott's second marriage was to Ann Hartwell, who was born July 13, I833, at \Vebster, \Vayne
County, New York, and is a dlallghter of Joel and Sally (Brock) Phelps,
The children of this union are: Arthur H.; Irene, wife of George Hamilton,
of Pontiac; and Grace, who married Archie Scott, superintendent of a large
quartz mill at Carters, California. Archie Scott has been a great traveler,
has visited South Africa and Alaska, has crossed the Atlantic four times,
and has made a trip around the world.
Our subject resided at Seymour Lake, his birthplace, until his father
died, when he was about 21 years old, his education being obtained in the
district schools and the Oxford High School, where he took a commercial
course. He then spent one year at Rochester, New York, and upon his return
became associated with C. L. Randall, who is the largest produce dealer in
Michigan. After working for six years for Mr. Randall, on a salary, buying
and selling for him all through the East and South, and in the summers
operating a creamery, he retired to his own farm, which he operates during
the summer and still works, on joint account, for Mr. Randall during the
winter and fall.

220

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On February I, I897, Mr. Scott was united in marriage with Edwina
Wiser, who was born in Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of
Frank and Jennie Wiser. Three interesting children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Scott, namely: Irline, Jessie and Leitha. Politically Mr.
Scott is a Democrat of the old school, and in the triumph of the principles
of that party he sees the salvation of the country. He is fraternally connected
with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees. His travel has given him much experience and a wide acquaintance,
and he numbers friends in every locality he visits, who esteem him highly'
for his sterling traits of character.
JOHN N. HETH.
JOHN N. HETH, who operates a fine farm of I40 acres in section 2,
Southfield township, Oakland County, is one of the prominent citizens of his
section, and a representative of an old pioneer family. He was born in Southfield township, April II, 1852, and is a son of George and Martha (Covert)
Heth, both of whom were born in the State of New York.
George Heth was born in I822, and was a son of Isaac and Betsey
Heth, who came to Michigan in I827, where George spent his life, dying
in I894 at the age of 72 years. He grew up on his father's farm in Southfield
township, Oakland County, succeeded to it, and in turn was succeeded by
the subject. The family has always been an agricultural one, noted for its
successful farming and dairying. George Heth was a Republican in his
political affiliations. For many years he was prominent in the Presbyterian
Church. His wife was no less so, and she still remains a valued member
of the church at Birmingham. She resides with our subject. The two
children born to George Heth and wife were: Emily, deceased, and John N.
John N. Heth was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the
district schools. He has successfully followed the calling of his ancestors,
and for several years past has paid special attention to dairying. His prop

OAKLAND COUNTY.

22 1

erty is well located, his buildings commodious and convenient, and his home
surroundings indicative of thrift and good management.
In 1874 Mr. Heth was married to Amanda Elwood, who was born in
Royal Oak township, Oakland County, in 1854, and is a daughter of Hiram
and Phoebe Elwood, the former deceased, and the latter; still residing in Royal
Oak township, at the age of 78 years. Mr. and Mrs. Heth have three children,-Eugene, Clarence and Blanche. He is identified with the Republican
party, and has served in local offices and has been elected justice of the
peace on more than one occasion. He is a worthy descendant of ancestors
who braved the rigors of pioneer life in Michigan, and with courage, judgment and brawny muscle converted the virgin soil of Southfield township into
one of the most fertile sections of the county.
CHARLES L. SCHULTZE.
CHARLES L. SCHULTZE, one of the leading German citizens and prosperous farmers of Troy township, Oakland County, residing on his farm of
77 acres in section 5, was born in I855 in Germany.
When Mr. Schultze landed at Hoboken at the age of 13 years, it was to
enter the printing establishment of his cousin, Henry Cherouny, then editor
of the Hudson County Journal. After a year in the printing office, young
Schultze decided that his inclinations lay more in the direction of farm work,
and he soon found employment near Poughkeepsie, New York, at the end
of the season enlisting as a private soldier in the i8th United States Infantry,
being discharged at Columbia, South Carolina, a year later. Since that time
he has devoted himself to farming exclusively. In I880 he came to Oakland
County and bought a tract of 20 acres in Royal Oak township, paying $25
down, and entering into a contract to pay the rest in 10 years. There he
built a log cabin, and when it was ready for occupancy he possessed just $13.
Before the family could settle on the land, want of drainage had rendered
it almost uninhabitable, but he managed to carry wife, children and furniture,
and to set up a home. On account of the encroaching water, he found that

222

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farming without drainage was impossible, and went through much hardship
and discouragement. When the boom in real estate reached Royal Oak, it
included his farm, and he was able to clear a handsome sum by its sale. In
I892 he settled on his present farm, which he is constantly improving. Mr.
Schultze's success tells its own lesson of the value of perseverance and
industry.
In 1876 Mr. Schultze was married to Emma L. Killman, who was born
in I856 in Silesia, Germany, and is a (laughter of Christian Killman. A
family of nine children were born to them, the survivors being: Walter,
Charles, Henry, Edward, Fred, Emma and Bertha. Mr. Schultze has endeavored to give his children better educational advantages than he enjoys himself.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican.
Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, the Gleaners, and
the Foresters of America. I-te is a man who commands the respect of his
neighbors, and has a wide circle of warm personal friends. In every sense
of the word, Mr. Schultze is a self-made man, having fought his way, almost
unaided, from the bottom of the ladder.
GEORGE H. MARSH.
GEORGE H. MARSH, one of the representative farmers of Oakland County,
located near Orchard Lake, in section 28, West Bloomfield township, was born
in this county in I854, and is a son of William and Tamson (Marsh) Marsh,
natives of England.
In 1844 Mr. and Mrs. William Marsh came from England to America
and located in Farmington township, Oakland County, Michigan. Mr. Marsh
was a fine farmer. He died in middle life, January io, 186i. His widow later
married John Beal, July 25, 1865, and they had two children born to them.
Joseph, born December 2, 1867; and Ella, who died at the age of two years.
George H. Marsh was the fourth of a family of seven children born to his
parents, namely: Hannah, Edward, Thomas, George H., Charles, Richard
and Albert, all of whom are now living in Oakland County except Charles,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

223

who resides in Clinton County, Michigan. Our subject obtained his education
in Farmington township and worked there until he was 27 years old. Securing
a fine tract of new land from some speculators at a reasonable price, he bought
40 acres in Clinton County, Michigan, which he held until the fall of I887,
when he sold it. He then bought his present 40-acre farm of Mrs. Sarah
King. It is located very favorably in section 28, West Bloomfield township,
and is well adapted to general farming. Mr. Marsh is a first-class, practical
farmer, and makes use of modern machinery to assist in his work. Under hin
methods the land produces abundantly.
In 1883 Mr. Marsh was married to Helen Wixom, a daughter of John
R. WVixom. Two children were born to this marriage, namely: Walter,
born in October, I883, now a resident of Detroit; and Clayton, born June 30,
I888. The mother of these children died in 189T. A second marriage of Mr.
MIarsh united him with Alice Britten, who is a daughter of the late John and
Sophia (Blocher) Britten, the former of whom was a farmer in Oakland
County, Michigan, and died in 1901. The mother of Mrs. Marsh died in
1876, leaving these chi:dren: William, Clara, Charles, Alice, Mary, James,
Cora and Azell. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Marsh,
viz.: Helen, born March 23, 1897; and Clara, born September II, 1898.
Politically Mr. larsh is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the
Ancient Order of Gleaners.
ROBERT D. ROBERTSON.
ROBERT D. ROBERTSON, one of the substantial residents of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, owns and conducts a fine farm of 114 acres,
lying west of Walnut Lake. He was born in Macomb County, Michigan,
June 2, 1835, and is a son of William Robertson.
William Robertson was born and reared in Scotland, and in 1833 came
to America with his wife and three children. He was a farmer by occupation
in his native country, and followed it through life. He first located in Lapeer
County, near, the Macomb County line, in Michigan, and later purchased a
farm in Macomb County, where he lived until his death. He and his wife

224

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were parents of the following children: Euphemia, deceased; John; Margaret, who died in East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1853; Robert D.; and Ann;
John, born November 2, 1830, now living on the old homestead in Macomb
County, was married to Sarah Braidwood, a native of Scotland, and they
have seven children: Mary, who married Charles Lemon, a farmer in Washington; William, a merchant of Romeo, Michigan; Andrew, who is clerking
near Chicago, Illinois; Margaret, deceased; John, who is farming in Northern
Michigan; Robert, who lives on the homestead farm; and Isabel, who lives at
home with her parents. Ann married David Donaldson, a merchant and
farmer of Attica, Lapeer County, Michigan, and they have four children:
William, George, John and Mary.
Robert D. Robertson was reared and educated in Macomb County, Michigan, and has always followed agricultural pursuits except 20 years spent
in mercantile pursuits. He began business for himself at an early day, and by
judicious management and energetic work has achieved a high degree of
success. In I895 he came to Oakland County and purchased his present
farm in West Bloomfield township. It consists of 84 acres located on the
west side of Walnut Lake, and 30 acres on the south side; he has a fine
home that is surrounded by a large lawn and beautiful trees.
Mr. Robertson was joined in marriage with Annie White, of Romeo,
Michigan, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Robinson) White, being one
of Io children, as follows: Eliza, wife of Edwin Waddington, of Petrolia,
Ontario; David and George (twins), the former a resident of Detroit, and
the latter now deceased; Robert, a farmer and merchant at Lapeer, Michigan;
James, a farmer living at Piqua, Ohio; John, a mason of Detroit; Annie;
Lydia, of Romeo, Michigan; Martha, deceased; and Mary, who is teaching
school in Romeo, Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are parents of eight children, namely: William
R., born May i8, 1863, who is engaged in the transfer business in Kansas
City; John H., born September 5, I864, who was married to Bell Connor,
of Detroit, where they now live with their five children,-Naomi, Douglas,
Kenneth, Edgar and Edwin; George U., born July 9, i866, who was married
to Clara Kern, and has one daughter, Anna Estella; Hugh, born September
i8, 1868, who was married to Lillian Whitlark, and is clerk in a grocery house
at Ann Arbor, Michigan; Annie E., born August 9, 1870, deceased; Albert
E., born April 28, 1874, a machinist of Detroit; Estella, born May 21, 1883,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

225

deceased; and Robert, born February I5,,887, who is living with his parents.
Religiously, the family are Presbyterians. Mr. Robertson is a Mason and
an Odd Fellow.
JOSEPH DUMAY, JR.
JOSEPH DUMAY, JR., a well-known resident of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, resides in one of the handsome residences of the
locality, which is beautifully situated in the midst of a well cultivated farm
of 20 acres in section 2, and is surrounded by a fine lawn and fruit trees.
Mr. Dumay was born in 1842 in Detroit, Michigan, and is a son of
Joseph and Julia (Mango) Dumay, both of whom were born in Montreal,
Canada. The father, who was a blacksmith by trade, removed to Detroit in
1831, where a family of Ii children were born, namely: Julia, who married
Frank Lapeer, and has been a widow since I90g, with seven children,John, Celia, Maggie, Alexander, Benjamin, Rosa and Harry; Joseph, Jr., the
subject of this sketch; Betsey, who married George Fissett, resides at Petersburg, Michigan, and has six children, âJoseph, Annie, Lucy, Nellie, Laura
and Ezra; John, who was married to Cynthia Buell, of Harbor Beach, Michigan, and was killed in battle during the Civil War, leaving two children,
Ida and Ada (twins), the former since deceased; Julius, who was married
to Alice St. Pierre,-both are deceased, leaving seven children, George, Louis
P., Alice, Hattie, Alice, Ernest, and Mabel; Sophronia, who married Charles
Barney, and left eight children at death,-Henry, William, George, Elizabeth,
Annie, Alice, Lillie and Charles; and Ellen, who married Albert O'Hara,
and left one child at death; the others died in infancy.
Until I897 Joseph Dumay, Jr., resided in Detroit, where he was reared
and educated. For 23 years he was connected with the Detroit Fire Depart,
ment, as a builder of telegraph lines. Since 1897 he has been comfortably
located on his present farm, where he erected his fine residence. In politics
Mr. Dumay is a Republican. In religious faith he is a Catholic.
Mr. Dumay was married to Josephine Companey, the eldest daughter of
Charles and Mary (Bouley) Companey, who were natives of Quebec and
13

.226

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Montreal, respectively, but were married in Detroit, where Mr. Companey
died December 27, I88I, and his wife in I897. They left a family of 13
children, as follows: Mrs. Dumay: Sarah, who lives in Colorado; Rosa;
John; Charles; Mary; Charles (2); Lizzie: Henry; Albert; Matilda; Edward;
and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Dumay, in the kindness of their hearts, adopted
the little orphan daughter of Frank and Emma Morse, formerly of Vermont,
the final papers being made out in I8o89, when she had reached the age of
12 years. She was then baptized by Father Root, at St. Joachim Church in
Detroit, and was given the legal name of Olive Marie Dumay, becoming thus
the child of her foster parents. She has been carefully reared, and has never
felt the want of parental affection.
WILLIAM H. DAWSON.
WILLIAM H. DAWSON, who, as president of the Pontiac Knitting Company, president of the Vehicle &amp; Implement Spring Company, vice-president
of the First Commercial Bank, and vice-president of the Spring &amp; Wagon
Works, of Pontiac, Michigan, is so largely interested in the manufacturing
and financial interests of this city, is also one of the leading citizens in other
lines. Mr. Dawson was born March 24, I852, at Pontiac, and is a son of
Robert and Cloey (Hicks) Dawson.
The father of our subject was born September 28, I806, at Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and in July, I831, migrated to America, landing at New
York City. After one year spent in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he removed to
Nankin, Wayne County, Michigan, following his trade of blacksmith, and
later at Detroit he engaged in a brewery business. His plant was destroyed
by fire, and he then removed to Pontiac, starting anew in the brewery business, and his plant was again destroyed by fire, on July 16, 1886. He then
retired from business, and his death took place April 20, 1897. His brothers,
John, Richard and Charles, also located in Oakland County, while )ames
and the two sisters, Mrs. Mary Gibson and Mrs. Jean Beaman, remained at
Nankin, and the last named is the only member of the family yet living.
The mother of our subject was born in Yates, Orleans County, New

OAKLAND COUNTY.

227

York, September 3, 1830, and came to Michigan with her people in 1836,
settling at Nankin, where she married Robert Dawson in 1851, and died July
29, I903. These parents had the following children: William H., of this
sketch; Cloey, who still resides at the homestead at No. o16-Io8 Saginaw
avenue, South, in a substantial brick structure erected in 1862; and Mrs.
Janet H. Heitsch, of Pontiac, the other members having died when small.
Our subject was reared in Pontiac, where he attended school and also
the Detroit Business University, which was formerly known as the Goldsmith
Business College. Until the destruction of the brewery plant he assisted
his father, and then began handling real estate, a line of activity he still
continues, his own and the property of his father's estate requiring much
attention. In I9OI he succeeded his uncle, Goodman Jacobs, as vice-president
of the First Commercial Bank, of which he is also a director. The Pontiac
Knitting Company was organized in I902, with Mr. Dawson as president,
succeeding the Pontiac Knitting Works Company. Under the firm hand of
Mr. Dawson and the management of J. D. Partello, a fine business is carried
on, employment being given to I40 employees of both sexes. He is also
president of the Vehicle &amp; Spring Company of Pontiac, which is managed
by M. D. Hubbard, who is secretary and treasurer, and in addition has official
position and directing influence in a number of other business enterprises.
William H. Dawson was married in Monroe County, Michigan, to Jennie
C. Reeves, who is a daughter of John Reeves, of Milan, Monroe County,
Michigan. The two sons of this marriage are: Joe, born August I6, 1878,
and Robert, born July 25, 1 88o. The former capably fills the position of shipping clerk in the Pontiac Knitting Company's plant, and the latter has but
recently been engaged, with Herbert Pound, in getting out an excellent city
directory of Pontiac. Mr. Dawson owns one of the finest homes in the city
on the corner of Jackson and Bagley streets. The family attend the Methodist
Church.
ANSLEY SMITH, M. D.
ANSL1EY SMITH, M. D., a successful practitioner of medicine and surgery, and a most highly valued citizen of Royal Oak, Oakland County, was
born in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, in 1855. He is a son of Platt and

228

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ann (Earl) Smith, the former of whom was born in Ontario, Canada, where
he still resides, a retired farmer of Norfolk County. The family came originally from England, where the mother of Dr. Smith was born, in Sutcumb
parish, Devonshire. She died in 900o at the age of 63 years. She was a
devoted member of the Methodist Church, to which her surviving husband
also belongs.
Dr. Smith is the second member of a family of four children born to
his parents, the others being: Thomas, a farmer of Canada; Cameron; and
Agnes Estelle, deceased.
Dr. Smith was primarily educated in the common schools of Norfolk
County, and then entered the Normal School at Toronto. After six years
of teaching, during which time he became well known as an educator in
Canada, he entered the Detroit College of Medicine, in I88I, and was graduated with great credit in I884, receiving his degree as physician and surgeon.
He entered into practice in the succeeding fall at Detroit, and continued in that
city until 1893, when he removed to Kalamazoo County, Michigan, in April,
1903, locating at Royal Oak. His practice in that village has grown encouragingly, as his ability has become recognized, while his pleasing personal
characteristics have won him friends.
In I884 Dr. Smith was married to Jane A. Phelps, who was born in
1858, at Buffalo, New York, and is a daughter of James and Athalinda
Phelps. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church, but the Doctor was
reared a Methodist. Fraternally he belongs to the National Union and the
Foresters of America, having many friends in both organizations. His professional membership is with the Oakland County Medical Society. Politically he is a Republican.
WILLIAM DANDISON.
WILLIAM DANDISON, a prominent and representative farmer of Oakland
County, the owner, of a fine farm of 80 acres in section I6, West Bloomfield
township, was born in Oakland County, Michigan, in 1845, and comes of

OAKLAND COUNTY.

229

English ancestry. His parents were Joseph and Susanna (Graves) Dandison.
Joseph Dandison was born May 25, 1816, in Cumberworth, Lincolnshire,
England, and was a son of Thomas and Susanna (Wellerton) Dandison, the
former of whom died in 1832, and the latter some seven years later, leaving
Io children, of which family Joseph was the sixth. The latter first came
to America and to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1837, and in the following
year returned to England, where he married Susanna Graves, and with
her returned to Oakland County. He first purchased a small farm in Pontiac
township, but four years later sold it to his brother Robert, and in the following year purchased a farm in West Bloomfield township, on which he lived
until I880, engaged in farming. He then bought a comfortable residence in
Pontiac, and resided there until his death. Our subject's mother died in 1856,
and left six children. Two years later, Mr. Dandison married the widow
of his brother Robert, who had died three years previously. The early pioneer
life of these old settlers of the county was filled with privation and danger,
but Mr. Dandison lived to see the results of his industry and to enjoy the
rewards of his years of toil. For more than a half century he was a member
of the Methodist Church, and his walk and conversation were those of a good
Christian.
Our subject was afforded the best schooling possible at the time in
West Bloomfield township, attending the school sessions in a building directly
opposite his present farm. He continued to cultivate his father's land until
about 36 years of age, and was then known as one of the most careful,
practical and successful farmers of the neighborhood. On May 14, I884,
he was married to Eliza Cornwell, who was born in England, and is a daughter
of Charles and Eliza (Crickmore) Cornwell, who were born in England,
came to America in I865, and lived some Io or 12 years in Detroit, after
which they removed to Kansas. Charles Cornwell, who is a shoemaker by
trade, now lives in Rosedale, Kansas. Mrs. Cornwell died in Kansas, October
28, I887.
In I888 Mr. Dandison bought a part of his present farm, which is
located in sections 9 and I6, West Bloomfield township, and aggregates 80
acres. Here the family has a pleasant, comfortable home, a well improved
farm, and all the advantages of a healthful rural life. Mr. Dandison engages
in general farming and the raising of fine stock. Mr. and Mrs. Dandison have
one son, Forest, born August 8, I886, who assists his father. In politics Mr.

230

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Dandison supports the principles and candidates of the Democratic party.
He has a standing in his community as a man of honor and integrity, and
as one of the first class agriculturists of the township.
WILBORN B. HARRIS.
WILBORN B. HARRIS, the capable manager of the extensive farming
interests of James Cooper, the owner of the Cooper farm of 345 acres in section
24, Bloomfield township, Oakland County, was born in 1862 in Canada, which
country he left at the age of 12 years, his parents removing at that time to
Michigan, and locating at Birmingham, Oakland County. He is a son of
Joseph and Mary Harris, both of whom were born in England. The former
was a farmer, and before his death, in I897, at the age of 78 years, he became
a naturalized'citizen of the United States, and politically supported the Democratic party. The death of our subject's mother was caused in I892 by a
runaway horse. Her parents emigrated from England to Canada, and her
father lost his life through a railway accident. Both parents were members
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. They had a family of I2 children, the
survivors being: Emma, widow of George Williams, residing in New Jersey;
Mary Ann, wife of William Cobb, of Bloomfield township, Oakland County;
Elizabeth, wife of William Hamilton, of Cheloygan, Michigan, and
Wilborn B., our subject.
Wilborn B. Harris has spent the greater part of his life in Michigan,
attending school in boyhood and growing to manhood acquainted with the
work on the farm. In 1882 he came first to the Cooper farm in Bloomfield
township, and where for 13 years he was employed by the year by Mr. Cooper.
During this time he proved so invaluable to Mr. Cooper, who was extensively
engaged in the raising of thoroughbred horses, in addition to farming, that in
I892 he was made foreman of this large estate. Mr. Harris still acts in
that capacity, and'his faithfulness and ability are recognized and appreciated.
Mr. Cooper has turned his attention in late years to the extensive feeding
of cattle, a business thoroughly understood by Mr. Harris, and which under

OAKLAND COUNTY.

231,

his management is satisfactorily as well as economically done. This farm,
which is located a mile and a half north of Birmingham, is considered one
of the finest in the State, and is owned by James Cooper, the manager of
the Quincy copper mine, at Hancock, Houghton County, Michigan.
In I886 Mr. Harris was married to Lena Schrader, who is a daughter
of George and Mary Schrader, who were born in Germany, where the father
died. The mother still lives, being with our subject at the present. Four
children have been born to this union, namely: Ethel, Thomas, Clarence
and Ellen. In politics Mr. Harris is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs
to the Knights of the Maccabees.
JACOB ERB.
JACOB ERB, who conducts a general store in the thriving village of Royal
Oak, Oakland County, Michigan, is one of the substantial business men of
the locality. Mr. Erb was born in Germany in I849, and is a son of George
and Katherine B. (Martin) Erb, both of whom were born in Germany.
George Erb was born in 1821 and died in I896. He served his military
term in the German army according to the law of that land, and came to
the United States in 1853, settling at Albany, New York, where he worked
three years at railroading. He located in Royal Oak, Oakland County, in
1856, where he followed his trade of shoemaking. He was a fine workman,
and always found plenty of employment at his trade. He was also a good
man, and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject's mother
was born in I820, and still survives, retaining all her mental faculties; she
resides at Royal Oak. She is one of the Mothers of Israel in the Lutheran
Church. The children born to these worthy people were three in number, namely: Jacob, of this sketch; George, of Detroit; and Julia, who is the
wife of Iucien Fournier, a druggist of Grayling, Michigan.
Jacob Erb was only a lad when the family removed to Royal Oak, and
there he attended school. Until I88o he worked at shoemaking, and then
started his present enterprise, which his energy and ability have made suc

232

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cessful. Mr. Erb carries a full general mercantile line of goods, such as
he has found suited to the demands of the trade, and his honorable methods
and fair dealing have caused him to prosper.
On December 31, 1872, Mr. Erb was married to Catherine Stauch, who
was born in 1851 in Detroit, and is a daughter of Peter and Mary (Schnitker)
Statch. Four children have been born to them as follows: Mary V., who is
the wife of Frank Springsteen, a farmer of Royal Oak township, Oakland
County; Clara L., who is at home; Lewis G., a very promising young man,
who is a member of the senior class in the law department of the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor; and B. Fred. Mrs. Erb is a member of the
Methodist Church.
In political conviction, Mr. Erb is a stanch Republican. He was first
appointed postmaster at Royal Oak in I88o, and has continued in that office
with every Republican administration since, and is one of the most trusted
officials in the service. His fellow citizens have also more than once recognized his worth by electing him to responsible positions. He has served
on the village board, and has been treasurer of the township, and usually
has a voice in all public matters. He belongs to the Foresters.
4.
FREDERICK DURRANT.
FREDERICK DURRANT, who has been a resident of Amy, Pontiac township, Oakland County, for, a period of more than 38 years, has conducted the
only village blacksmith shop during that time, and is also proprietor of the
only general store, which is conducted by his son, Charles F. Durrant.
Mr. Durrant was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, August I2,
1848, and is a son of Gabriel B. and Mary Durrant. His father, who wa3
of English-French parentage, was born in Ovenshire, England, in I803,
and was married there. After the birth of their first child, our subject's
parents came to America, and Gabriel B. Durrant engaged in general farming
and teaming, having been a horseman prior to his coming to the United
States. They became the parents of the following children: William, a

OAKLAND COUNTY.

253

blacksmith of Athens, Pennsylvania; Samuel, a farmer of Troy township,
Oakland County; Maria (Sergeant), who died in Ontario County, New
York; Orlando, who died in Philadelphia at the age of 24 years; Elizabeth,
who died in Ontario County, New York; CharJes, a tinsmith of Chenango
County, New York, who died at the age of 25 years; Mary Ann, who came
west with our subject, and died in Michigan at the age of 23 years, her
remains being sent back to the old family home in Pennsylvania for burial;
George W., a tinsmith by trade, who is now an extensive farmer and orange
grower, of Durrant, Florida, which village was named after him; and Frederick
Frederick Durrant was five years old when his mother died, and he
was left an orphan at the age of nine years. He lived at the home of his
oldest brother until he was 12 years old, then lived with a farmer for one
year, and subsequently was in the home of a merchant for one year. His
sister, Maria, having married and moved to Ontario County, New York, our
subject went to live with her. He continued to live there until her death, two
and a half years later, and then went to live with Mumford Hays, a carriage
manufacturer, for whom he drove a team. On September 23, i865, he accompanied his brother, Samuel Durrant, to Amy, Pontiac township, Oakland
County, Michigan, where the latter opened a blacksmith shop. Frederick
learned the trade under his brother, with whom he continued for about 20
years. He then purchased the business, and has since conducted it with
uninterrupted success, having the only shop in the village. He also embarked
in the mercantile business, and under the firm name of Durrant &amp; Son conducts the only general store in Amy. He has been very successful in a
business way, and has worked his way to the front among the business men
of the community solely through his own untiring efforts. Mr. Durrant was
united in marriage with Sarah A. Ouatermass, a native of Amy, and a daughter of Robert Quatermass. Her, father and uncle both reside in Amy, and are
88 and 84 years old, respectively. Two children have blessed this union:
Charles Frederick, who conducts the general store at Amy, and is a member
of the firm of Durrant &amp; Son; and Leon Augustus, who lives with his father,
and is employed in the store at Amy. Charles F. Durrant married Kate Perry,
a native of Oxford County, and a daughter of Gleason Perry, the banker of
Oxford. They have a daughter, Josephine. Charles F. Durrant is a Republican, and was the second ever elected in the township, serving two terms as

234

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

township clerk. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Frederick Durrant is a Republican in politics, and for I2 years has served as postmaster
of Amy. He has also been a school director. For a period of 25 years he has
been a faithful member of the Free Methodist Church.
JAMES SIMPSON.
JAMES SIMPSON, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Oakland County,
located in section 4, West Bloomfield township, is well known and most highly
esteemed. Mr. Simpson was born in West Bloomfield township, Oakland
County, Michigan, in I842, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Brown)
Simpson.
The father of our subject was born in I798 in Ireland, and lived until
advanced in manhood, coming to America in I830. The family lived for two
years in Orange County, New York, and then came to Michigan, where Mr.
Simpson took up 80 acres of land in section 23, West Bloomfield township,
Oakland County. He was married to Margaret Brown, who was a daughter
of Robert and Sarah (Kyle) Brown. Mr. Simpson's first wife died February
4, 1848, her children being: Robert, deceased; John of Waterford townshiip,
Oakland County; James; Thomas, a resident of White Lake township, Oakland County; Sarah Jane, who married George Golden of Shiawassee County,
Michigan, and had two children, both now deceased; Isabella, who married
George Hunt of Genesee County, Michigan. In July, 1848, Mr. Simpson was
married to Mrs. Margaret (Craige) Bay and the children of this marriage
were: William, deceased; Margaret, who married Frank Magle of Lapeer
County, Michigan, and reared one daughter, Blanche; Mary Ann, deceased;
Elizabeth, who married Moses Russell of White Lake township, Oakland
County; and William (2), who died in I885. In 185I Mr. Simpson disposed
of his first land purchase and bought a farm of I20 acres in section 3. to
which he later added 20 acres, and on this location his death occurred in I886.
James Simpson, the subject of this sketch, attended the schools of
West Bloomfield township and remained engaged in farming with his father

OAKLAND COUNTY.

235

until the age of 39 years. In I88I he purchased his present valuable farm in
section 4, containing 96 acres originally but now comprising I40 acres, and
there he has a comfortable home with excellent improvements; for the past 22
years he has been most successfully engaged in general farming and stock
raising.
In I88I Mr. Simpson was married to Harriet Margaret Hunt, a daughter
of Hazel and Jane (Crawford) Hunt, the former of whom was born in
Rensselaer County, New York, and in I830 settled in Waterford township,
Oakland County, Michigan, his wife was a native of Ireland and was brought
to America in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt reared these children: Sarah;
Stephen G.; Mary, who married Alfred Dickey, has two children, Jennie and
Lee, and lives in Shiawassee County, Michigan; Harriet Margaret (Mrs.
Simpson); Charles, of Pontiac; and Rebecca E., who married W. P. Green
and removed to Kansas,-they have a family of eight children, Glenn W.,
Grace W., Lulu B., Ross, Ray, Ward, Charles and Clyde.
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have three bright children, namely: Edna M.,
born September 20, 1883; Erle J., born October 14, 1884; and Carl H., born
January 12, I89o. Mr. Simpson is educating his children and at the same
time giving them first class home training, fitting them for future responsibilities as American citizens. In politics Mr. Simpson is a Democrat.
JOSEPH KYLE.
JOSEPI KYLE, deceased, who was one of the prominent farmers of
Oakland County, Michigan, owner of 320 acres of fine land, near Orchard
Lake, in section 29, West Bloomfield township, was born in 1830 in County
Tyrone, Ireland. His father, i-enry Kyle, a farmer of County Tyrone, reared
a family of five children, as follows: William, who came to America before
his brother Joseph; Rachel, who accompanied William to America and later
married Thomas Foster, also a native of County Tyrone,-they died in
Philadelphia, leaving these children, Thomas, Mary Jane, Eliza, Rebecca and
Emma; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Robert, who was married to

236

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Tessie Little of Ireland and now lives in New York City, with the following
children,-Harry, Mary, Robert, Jessie, John, Sadie and Joseph, of whom
John and Joseph reside in Ireland; and Mary, deceased, who was the wife of
William Kinley, now of St. Louis, Missouri, and the mother of three children.
In I855 Joseph Kyle came to America and in the same year settled in
Oakland County, Michigan, where he rented a farm in West Bloomfield township for five years. In I860 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Robertson, who was born in County Derry, Ireland, and is the estimable daughter
of Andrew Robertson, who came to America in I875, bringing with him
another daughter, Ann, who now resides in Detroit. Mr. Robertson died May
21, I889. A family of five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kyle, as
follows: Henry, born in I86I, now operating a farm in West Bloomfield
township, Oakland County, who was married to Flora Duval; Mary Jane,
Annie and Libbie, born, respectively, in 1863, I866 and 1871, who reside on
the old homestead; and William, born in 1875, who resides in St. Louis,
Missouri.
In I865 MIr. Kyle bought a farm of I80 acres in section 29, West
Bloomfield township, which by his industry and good management he
increased to 32o acres before his death. There he engaged extensively in
farming and stock raising and became one of the wealthy and prominent men
of his township. Mr. Kyle was very highly respected and widely known for
his industry and honesty. In politics he was a Democrat. In religion he was a
Presbyterian and in every relation of life was a good man and a first class
citizen. His estimable wife survives him and is one of the most highly
esteemed ladies of the neighborhood, where she is well known for her many
good qualities, her kindness of heart and her bounteous hospitality. Mr.
Kyle died August 25, 1889, at the age of 59 years, and was buried in the
North Farmington Cemetery.
OLIVER H. P. GREEN.
OLIVER H. P. GREEN, postmaster of Orion, Orion township, Oakland
County, can well be classed as one of the representative citizens of the county;
he is held in high esteem as a political leader and organizer. He was born

OAKLAND COUNTY.

237

June i6, I866, and is a son of Joshua C. and Martha (Shirt) Green, both
natives of New Jersey.
Joshua C. Green was born in Belvidere, New Jersey, and came to Michigan when about 20 years of age in search of wealth and began what might
have been a most successful career, had it not been ended by death at the
age of 33 years. He was survived by his widow and two sons: Elmer L., who
lives in Orion township, Oakland County; and Oliver H. P. After the
death of our subject's father, his widow married Isaac Lyons, who died in
I882, the result of their marriage being three children. Mrs. Lyons now
resides in Orion township, Oakland County.
Oliver IH. P. Green, who was 19 months old at the date of his father's
decease, received his education in the old block school house in the western part
of Orion township. At the age of 17 he began life for himself, engaging in
farming and lumbering with his brother in Orion township. They cut the
last of the fine timber in Orion township which at one time was the scene of
great lumbering activity, one of the first sawmills in the State being erected in
that township. Our subject was thus engaged until I889,. when he devoted
himself exclusively to operating the farm he had purchased while engaged in
the lumbering business. In 1893 he sold his farm and purchased the Park
Hotel in Orion, which he conducted for two years.
Politically, Mr. Green is a Republican. In I896 he was appointed deputy
sheriff and served four years under Sheriff John K. Judd and two years
under Sheriff Richard Belt, at the same time serving four years as village
marshal. In September, I897, he was appointed postmaster of Orion oy
President McKinley, a position he filled with creditable ability and on June
30, I902, he was re-appointed by President Roosevelt. He was elected president of the village in 1903 but was unable to act as his other duties occupied
his time. He has been a delegate to nearly all county and State conventions
for many years past, having been a delegate to the convention at Grand
Rapids when Russel A. Alger was nominated for Governor. He takes an
active interest in his party's organization and welfare.
Mr. Green was married March I6, I886, to Josephine A. Hart, a native
of Orion township and a daughter of Abraham Hart, a resident of Independence township, Oakland County, who was a son of William Hart. William
Hart was one of the pioneers of Orion township, taking up a large tract of
land from the government; he died March 17, I891, at the age of 93, and his

238

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wife, in i888, at the age of 78. To Mr. and Mrs. Green has been born one
child, Grace, now aged I6 years. Our subject is a member of the Foresters,
also of Lodge No. Io9, F. &amp; A. M., and of Lodge No. Io57, I. O. O. F.,
all of Orion, Michigan.
JOHN P. WILSON, M. D.
JOHN P. WILSON, M. D., a retired physician and surgeon of Pontiac,
Michigan, was during his active career one of the most prominent and
successful practitioners of his profession in Oakland County.
Dr. Wilson was born in Scotland and received his early educational
training there. He was i6 years of age when he accompanied his parents to
this country, locating in Oakland County, Michigan, in I844. He read medicine under the direction of his father, Dr. William Wilson, a graduate of Glasgow University, and then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons
at New York City, graduating in I85T. He then practiced in association
with his father at Pine Lake, Oakland County, until 1856, in which year he
removed to Pontiac, where he has since made his home. He has always
resided at No. T74 Orchard Lake avenue since making his home in Pontiac, a
period of 47 years. He was a practitioner of the regular school and commanded an extensive general practice. In the Civil War he served as Ist surgeon of the 5th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., and later was brigade surgeon in
Custer's famous regiment. He was taken down with fever shortly after the
engagement at Gettysburg, and was off duty for several weeks. He was discharged from Annapolis Hospital in the fall of 1863 and returned home,
and for five years thereafter he was disabled. He again took up the practice
of his profession and continued until i88o, when he retired from activity
because of his inability to hear well. He is a Republican in politics, and
frequently was called upon to fill important public offices. He organized the
first Board of Health at Pontiac and for a period of I5 years was health officer.
He was a member of the Board of Education for I6 years, and trustee of
the Eastern Michigan Asylum. For the past 18 years he has been secretary
of the Cemetery Board. He is unswerving in his support of the Republican

OAKLAND COUNTY.

239

party and has been since its organization. His first vote was cast for John P.
Hale, and his second presidential vote for John C. Fremont.
Dr. Wilson was united in marriage with a daughter of Gen. Joseph T.
Copeland, she being a native of Maine. They are parents of one son and
two daughters, namely: Fred L., who was educated to be a pharmacist, but
is now conducting a store in California; Mary H., who lives at home with our
subject and wife; and Effie, who married Elder E. Sphink and lives in
Chicago. Religiously, the family are Episcopalians, and the Doctor has
served as vestryman for a period of nearly 20 years. He was formerly a
member of the Oakland County Medical Society, and is now a member of
Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R. He is a man representative of the highest
type of citizenship, and has many friends throughout Oakland County.
EDWARD COE.
EDWARD COE, a substantial farmer of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, now living retired on his fine farm in section 32, was born
March I4, I82I, in the State of New.York. and is a son of Samuel and
Lucinda (Gage) Coe. The former was born in Dutchess County in i786, and
the latter in Montgomery County, in I79i.
In 1832 our subject's parents directed their steps to the rich lands
open for settlement in Michigan and located on the farm now occupied by our
subject, obtaining the same from the government. They entered cheerfully
upon the pioneer life with all its hard conditions, and Mr. Coe succeeded in
clearing a fine farm. There were io children born to him and his good wife,
and they were given such educational advantages as the primitive surroundings and conditions afforded. The children were as follows: John M.,
who died in 1893, in Ionia County, Michigan; Henry, deceased; Samuel Trarrison, who died as a soldier during the Civil War; Edward, of this sketch;
Nancy and Sarah Ann, both deceased; Lucinda, who married Williai: Case
and resides in Ionia County, Michigan: Esther, widow of Wesley Ar'nold,
and a resident of Ionia County, MIichigan; Caroline, who married Melvin
Arnold and resides in Marion, Michigan; and Reuben, the youngest, who

240

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lives in Cleveland, Ohio. The father of this family died in 1851, but the
mother survived until I876.
In 1843 our subject purchased the home farm of his father and continued the business of farming and stock raising, his parents making their
home with him during the remainder of his life. The land proved capable of
high cultivation and Mrs. Coe has had fine farming opportulities. For many
years he continued to operate and improve the estate, which contains 80 acres,
his father's original tract, but latterly has given up the operation of the farm
to his son Carson, considering that the weight of 82 years deserves relief from
activity.
In 1845 Mr. Coe was married to Henrietta Long, who was a daughter of
Benjamin Long, of Ionia county, Michigan. She died in I897. There were
five children in the family: William H., Duane W., Carson, John and Fred.
William H., who resides on an adjoining farm, was married to Medora
Tanner, and has these children: Fred, Eugene, Estella, Eva, Henrietta, Maud,
Albert, Lewis, Wellington, Frank, Arthur and Lena, all of whom are living.
Duane W. Coe, who was born in 85I, married Eva Parmelee and has three
children,-Ella, Lulu and Bessie. Carson, who resides on the homestead
farm, was married to Lovina Orr, and has seven children, as follows:
Edward, Eloise, Elsie, deceased, Carey, Mabel, Ralph, and Maurine, deceased.
Thus, in the evening of life, Mr. Coe is surrounded by numerous descendants
who with willing hands and loving hearts fill his days with ease and comfort.
Mr. Coe has long been identified with the Republican party. In religious
faith he is a Baptist. His memory carries him back to early days in Michigan and his interesting reminiscences tell of a different country than that which
is now so full of business prosperity, modern inventions and comfortable
manner of living. He is well and favorably known and is regarded with high
esteem all through Oakland County.
FRANK HARFF.
FRANK HARFF, whose death occurred October 28, I901, was one of the
well known and prosperous farmers of Oakland County, located on a magnificent farm of 240 acres in section 3, Bloomfield township, three miles southeast

OAKLAND COUNTY.

241

of Pontiac. He was born in Prussia, December 15, 1834. He was a son of
George and Catherine Harff, both of whom spent their whole lives in Germany, and reared six children, our subject and his brother Jacob being the only
ones to emigrate to America. Jacob Harff is located at Cheboygan, Michigan.
Our subject received but common school education, during his school
days assisting his father on the farm. In 185o he came to the United States
in search of wider opportunities, although scarcely well enough equipped to
meet the conditions he found. From New York le went to Cleveland, Ohio,
which city he reached with three cents in his pocket. Fortunately his appearance was in his favor, and he secured farm work at wages of $6 a month,
although he could not speak a word of the English language. Giving close
attention to all conversation, and pushing his wits to their limit, he soon began
not only to understand but to speak the alien tongue and soon had
fluent command of it. Three months after landing, he secured work in a
planing mill, and remained two years when he accepted the offer of a position
in the pineries of Michigan as cook. He worked there a year but at its close
was cheated out of his promised wages and then went to Detroit, whence he
paid his passage to the Lake Superior mining region by working in the scullery
of the boat. For several succeeding years he worked at mining and during the
Civil War chopped wood outside of Detroit, and also found dock work. About
the close of the war he began buying junk, old iron, hides, etc., in the Lake
Superior region and in three or four years had accumulated a small capital.
Mr. Harff then started a tobacco and cigar factory at Detroit in which he lost
$Iooo; upon the closing of this concern, he engaged in cigar manufacturing
and wholesale liquor dealing until 1878. After his long years of industry,
Mr. Harff was then able to buy the farm in Bloomfield township, Oakland
County, now the home of his widow, and from that time until his death gave
his entire attention to farming and the profitable raising of thoroughbred
horses, stock and chickens. His career reads like a romance but shows what
can be accomplished by honest endeavor and persevering effort.
On October 8, I859, Mr. Harff was married to Elizabeth Dietz, who was
born in 184I in Liverpool, England. and is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine
Dietz, who came from Germany when their daughter was one year old,
settling in Detroit, where they died. The four children born to our esteemed
subject and wife were: Fred, now operating the home place, who was married to Olga Wildie, daughter of Martin and Ella Wildie of Birmingham, and
14

242

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

has two children,-Effie and Anthony; Christina, who married Joseph Rang,
and lives in South Dakota; Mary, who married Bruce Chatfield, andl lives in
Troy township; and Annie, deceased, who was the wife of Wilbur Lewis.
Mrs. Harff is a member of the Catholic Church, while Mr. Harff belonged to
the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Improved
Order of Red Men, Knights of Pythias and Foresters, while in politics he was
a Democrat. Mr. Harff died October 28, i90o, respected by all who knew
him. He was a man of energy and courage and accomplished a great deal
and was able to leave a large estate to his family.
DAVID WARD.
DAVID WARD. The death of this esteemed citizen of Oakland County,
on May 29, 900o, at the age of 78 years, removed one of the best known
residents of this section of the State. He was a man of great force of character and was noted for the traits of thrift, perseverance and energy that were
bequeathed him by his ancestors, who were for many decades residents of
New England.
He was born in Keene's Valley, New York, and was a son of Nathan
Ward, who was a native of Vermont and a surveyor by profession. Nathan
Ward surveyed several thousand acres of land in the region of Saranac Lake,
in New York State, for John Jacob Astor and Peter Smith, father of Garret
Smith, who were making a division of their property. In this division, Mr.
Smith took the land mentioned in the vicinity of Sariahac Lake, and Mr.
Astor for his share took what had been their joint property on Manhattan
Island. On this survey David Ward, the subject of this sketch, helped his
father by carrying a chain, being at the time but nine years old. He was
running a compass at the early age of 12 years, and thereafter followed surveying and lumbering together with allied occupations. He accumulated
a great deal of property and at his death owned more than Ioo,ooo acres,
which were located in Michigan, California and West Virginia. He also had
some iron and coal land in West Virginia and Tennessee. He built the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

243

Frederic &amp; Charlevoix Railroad, in Michigan, and had in process of construction a railroad in Pocahontas County, WTest Virginia. He was a manufacturer
of large means and was interested in many financial enterprises, being at one
time president of the First National Bank of Pontiac.
David Ward was married to. Elizabeth Perkins, who was born in Romeo,
Michigan, and is now living in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County,
at the age of 71 years. She is a daughter of George Perkins. Our subject
and wife reared six children, as follows: Henry Clay, one of the largest fruit
growers in the country, owning about 300 acres of land in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, on which is a bearing orchard of nearly 20,000 trees,
who was married to Mary Scott, born at Guelph, Ontario, in 1854, and has
three children,-Franklin B., a trustee of the estate of David Ward, Fred L.,
who is in the lumber business at Bay City, Michigan, and Dolores E.; Charles,
a florist located at Queens, Long Island, New York; Flora, wife of Fred H.
*Fay, a banker of Auburn, New York; Willis C., who has an extensive peach
orchard at Orchard Lake, Oakland County, and is one of the trustees of his
father's extensive estate; Helen, wife of Louis Pelouse, a jeweler of Boston,
Massachusetts; and Perle, wife of George K. Root, of Deward, Michigan, who
is one of the trustees of the David Ward estate.
MRS. HANNAH ANN NEWMAN.
MRS. HANNAH ANN NEWMAN. The venerable lady whose name introduces this sketch is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Pontiac
township, Oakland County, Michigan, her home being in section 12. Mrs.
Newman was born September 30, 1812, at Covert, Seneca County, New York,
and is a daughter of John and Sarah (Proll) Fisher, who were natives of
New Jersey. John Fisher removed to the State of New York in I809 and in
1835 came to Oakland County, Michigan, and spent his last years on a farm
in the home of a son, dying in I854, aged 91 years and i I months. Thus Mrs.
Newman comes of long lived ancestry.
Just prior to removing to Oakland County, in 1835, our subject was

244

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

united in marriage with Justin S. Newman, who was born at Lima, Livingston
County, New York, and was a son of John Newman, who was of English
parentage. The parents of Justin S. Newman had six children, viz: Ezra,
Lewis, Alva, Olive (Whitney), Chastina (Fisher) and Justin S. Mr. Newman died on the present farm of Mrs. Newman in December, 1882, after a
long and industrious agricultural life. After marriage, the young couple
started for their Western home by way of the Erie Canal, at that time considered a wonderful piece of engineering and a transportation line that could
scarcely be excelled, and from Buffalo to Detroit by steamboat. There the
weary travelers were met by Mr. Axford with two strong teams of horses,
attached to a lumber wagon. No seats or conveniences of any kind had been
thought of and in this rude vehicle the pioneers traveled through the woods,
over obstructions and through streams, for five days and nights before they
reached the little log cabin, 12 by 14 feet in dimensions, which was to be
their home. Mr. Newman purchased I60 acres in section 12, Pontiac township, the land being heavily timbered and thus more valuable than it would
have been had it been without timber. The cabin served as a home for three
years and then a larger and more comfortable one was built in which the
family lived until I854 when the present commodious residence was erected.
Mr. Newman devoted his life to farming and left a competency to his
family. He was a Whig in his early days and was later affiliated with the
Republican party, at all times being in opposition to slavery. Through the
efforts of himself and wife, the Baptist Church at Oakland was organized and
he contributed liberally to its support. After 48 years of married happiness,
Mrs. Newman was bereft of a kind, good husband. She has many friends
in the neighborhood, and her children are: John J., deceased, who left one
child, Lena M.; William R. (residing on the Newman homestead with his
mother), who married Lizette A. Brower, daughter of George and Esther
Brower of Port Huron, Michigan, and has these children,-George W., Leo
B. and Lulu Ruth; Mrs. Candace A. Giddings, of Montcalm County, Michigan, who has one child, Jesse R.; Mrs. Harriet W. Bullock, of Pontiac, who
has one child, Lilla; Alfred, who has these children,-Robert Hess, Lewis S.,
Nellie M. and Maggie A.; Edwin, of Tuscola County, Michigan, who has
these children,-Justin S. and Florence May; Mrs. Mary Axford of Pontiac,
who has these children,-Bessie A., John Newman, Olive and Elizabeth;
and Ada Grade, who lives with her aged mother.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

245

Mrs. Newman has I6 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and is
the center of this closely bound, affectionate family. She retains her faculties
to a remarkable degree and easily recalls events of historic interest. She was
personally acquainted with Chief Pontiac and many of his braves and remembers the time of the former's death. She has always been a woman of Christian kindness and during the Civil War interested herself in securing provisions and necessities for the boys in the field.
JAMES W. HENDRYX.
JAMES XW. HENDRYX, a highly esteemed retired farmer of Oakland
County, Michigan, now residing in the village of Farmington, was born in
I829 in Steuben County, New York, and is a son of William and Prudence
(Adams) Hendryx, both of whom were born in the State of New York.
William Hendryx was born in I799, learned the trade of blacksmith,
and with his wife and six children migrated to Michigan in I835. The
family located in Redford township, Wayne County, where the father died
in 1874, the mother having passed away some years prior to that time. The
seven children of the family were as follows: Warren and Lydia Ann, both
deceased; James W., of this sketch; Martha, deceased, who was the wife of
James Crosby; Harriet, who married Porter Houck, has two children, William
and Etta, and lives in Ionia County, Michigan; Frances, who married Evan
McClure, who died in the army during the Civil War, leaving one daughter,
Essie, the wife of Charles Granthem of Farmington; and Roldon B., now
deceased, who was born after the family moved to Michigan.
Our subject attended the schools of Wayne County, Michigan, and
worked on his father's farm until his marriage in 1854, at the age of 25
years. He then located in the town of Livonia, \ayne County, where he
remained two years and then returned to Redford township and lived there
until I877, when he removed to Farmington township, Oakland County, and
bought a farm of I6o acres in section 29. There he remained engaged in

246

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farming until 1894 when he retired from active work. Renting his farm,
he purchased his present comfortable home in the village.
In 1854 Mr. Hendryx was married to Lavina Lee, a daughter of John
and Martha Lee, who were natives of New Jersey. The nine children born to
this marriage are: William, born in I854, who was married to Jennie
Barrows, has reared two children, Luella and Lulu, and lives in Farmington
township, Oakland County; Sarah, deceased; Zoa, born in I860, who married
Nathan Power of Detroit and has two children, Grant and Lucile; Harriet,
born in 1862, who married George Francis and lives in Ironton, Ohio; J. M.,
deceased, born in I863, who was married to Lena Pettibone, of Farmington
and had two children, Kate and Mary; Frank, born in I867, who was married
to Jennie Lenox of Novi township, Oakland County, and they have two
children, Clayton and Flora; Martha,.born in I869, who married John Power
of Farmington township, Oakland County, and has one son, Percy; George,
born in 1872, who was married to Flora Kennedy of Farmington and has one
child, Leo; and Jennie, born in I874, who married Adelbert McDermott ot
Farmington and has one son, J. C.
In politics Mr. Hendryx is a Democrat. He is one of the old pioneer
residents of this part of the State and in a most interesting way can recall
the events of the early days. He is most highly respected and is very well
known.
R. D. SCOTT.
R. D. SCOTT, who is at the head of the firm of R. D. Scott &amp; Company,
extensive manufacturers of carriages and carts at Pontiac, Michigan, is still
active in business affairs although he is now in his 78th year. He possesses
the mental vigor and activity of a man in middle life, and takes a keen
interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his town and State.
Mr. Scott was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1826, and when eight
years of age left his native land and located in Eramosa township, Wellington
County, Canada, where he remained upon the farm until he reached the age
of I8 years. He then began to learn the wagon making trade under his

OAKLAND COUNTY.

247

brother-in-law, Robert Armstrong, at Guelph, Canada, and served an apprenticeship of three years. In December, 1846, he with the other employees of
Mr. Armstrong cut trees near the village of Elora and from them the hubs
and spokes were made, the hubs being turned out with a one-horsepower lathe.
At that time from $12 to $I6 per month and board was the price for
skilled mechanics. Upon the death of Mr. Armstrong in 1848, our subject
succeeded to his business at Guelph, and conducted it with untinterrupted success until I857, the year of stringency in the money market and panics,
Although he lost heavily he was able to pay off his indebtedness, dollar for,
dollar, but had nothing left after that had been done. He came to Pontiac,
Michigan, in the fall of I865, bringing a. wife and seven children, and at that
time was wholly without means, depending upon his labor; from day to day
to support them. He established a repair shop which he successfully conducted at different locations in Pontiac until 1878, when he purchased the
Lawrence street property and began the manufacture of buggies and spring
wagons, also doing general repairing. He employed several laborers and all
the work was done by hand. In I888 he took some specimens to the State Fair
at Jackson, and there found out that he could not compete in prices with
those whose work had been done by labor saving machinery. He saw great
possibilities in the manufacture of road carts and turned his energies toward
that end. His first specialty was a road cart with a parcel carrier under the
seat, and on this he obtained a patent. He had not the means to meet the
demands of the trade and was heard to remark: "If I had $600 per month
for three months, I think I could meet the demand." He secured this money in
February, I889, from Mr. Lull, the banker, and was able to pay it back within
a year. He procured modern machinery and brought the manufacture of carts
up to a state of perfection, and the equal of his cart has not yet appeared on
the market. He patented an improvement in the spring, hanging of the seat
and transfer of motion, adding greatly to comfort in its use. The firm has
built up an extensive business throughout the United States, Canada, and
foreign countries, manufacturing thousands of vehicles each year. The
great growth of the business is due to the individual efforts and foresight of
Mr. Scott, and although he remains at the head of the firm at the present time
he has a general superintendent, a buyer of materials and salesmen, employing
in all about Ioo people. Throughout his long and active career his affairs
have been conducted with the strictest honesty and fairness, and to-day there

248

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is none who enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens to a
greater extent.
Mr. Scott was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Ann Day, who was born
near Hornsea, England, and died in I892. They had seven children, of whom
four daughters and one son, William R., who is associated in business with his
father, survive. Our subject is a Methodist in religious views. He was formerly a Republican in politics, but since 1887 has supported the Prohibition
ticket.
CHARLES SHERMAN.
CHARLES SHERMAN, a well-to-do agriculturist and business man living
on his farm of 95 acres in section 30, Oakland township, Oakland County, is
one of the county's oldest citizens, and is now retired from active agricultural work. He was born on a farm between Canandaigua and Rushville,
Ontario County, New York, August 8, 1819, and is a son of Job and Elizabeth (McClave) Sherman, both natives of the Mohawk Valley, in New York
State.
Job Sherman was born near Saratoga Springs, New York, and followed
farming in the Empire State until I83I, when he removed with his family to
Michigan by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo and then by boat to Detroit,
where they landed November 3rd. He then located in section 18, Oakland
township, Oakland County, three miles north of where our subject now lives,
and engaged in farming. He was a Quaker and his wife was an Episcopalian, but as no church of either denomination was established in Ontario
County, New York, at the time they lived there, they joined the Methodist
Church. The parents and oldest daughter organized the first Methodist
Church in Oakland County, which was located about a mile and a half west of
Rudd's Mills. The father died about 15 months after settling here, aged 51
years. and the mother died at the age of 66. Five sons and two daughters
were born to them, namely: William. who died in New York, at the age
of 21; Cornelia, who married Samuel Eaton, of Ontario County, New York,
and is now deceased; Jeremiah, now deceased, who came to Michigan with the

GEN. SALMON S. MATTHEWS

OAKLAND COUNTY.

251

family; Maria, who married Jerome Walton of Oakland County, both now
deceased; Charles, our subject; James, deceased; and Hoffman, deceased.
Charles Sherman was about 12 years of age when he came to this county
with his parents, and has lived here ever since, engaged in farming. He now
rents his farm and is living a retired life.
Mr. Sherman was married June I8, I846, to Mary Ann Hammond, who
was born in New York and brought to Michigan by her parents when a
child of one and a half years. Her father, Ira Hammond, located in Oakland
township, Oakland County, in 1827, and died on the place where our subject
now resides, in 1863, his wife dying one week earlier than he. Mrs. Sherman
died April 4, I900, at the age of 74 years. The subject of this sketch cast
his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison. He is a Republican
in politics, and has served in several local offices. He is a member of the
Baptist Church and has devoted a great deal of attention to Sunday-school
work since his boyhood, and has served as a Sunday-school superintendent
for a great many years.
GEN. SALMON S. MATTHEWS.
GEN. SALMON S. MATTHEWS, president of the Pontiac Savings Bank,
whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is one of the most prominent and
influential business men of Oakland County, where he has spent nearly his
entire life. He was born September, 1837, in Troy township. Oakland
County, Michigan, and is the youngest son of Salmon J. and Susan (WXhitney) Matthews, and grandson of Salmon Matthews, who came to Michigan
late in life and died in Oakland County.
Salmon J. Matthews, father of ollr slubject, was born in Livingston
County, New York, in 1799, and in 1822 moved to Oakland County, Michigan,
purchasing a farm of 120 acres in Troy township. HIe erected good substantial
buildings thereon and carried on general farming very successfully. A pul)lic
spirited man, he was widely known and universally respected. His death
occurred in 1850 and was considered a great loss to the community. He married Susan \Vhitney, who was born ifi New York State and was a daughter of
Parker Whitney. She died in 1864 in Troy township, having given birth to
nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity.

252

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

At the age of I5 years Salmon S. Matthews began clerking in the store
of Joel P. Toms, at Oxford, and later served in a similar capacity for G. H.
Emmons, with whom he formed a partnership two years later. In 1859, our
subject disposed of his interest to his partner and the following winter was employed in the store of Isaac Butterfield at Pontiac. In April, I86I, he enlisted
in the Union service, and in June of the same year was commissioned ISt lieutenant of the 5th Reg., Mich. Vol. Inf., under Col. H. D. Terry, the regiment
joining the Army of the Potomac in September. The regiment participated in
the battles of Pohick Church, Williamsburg, Fair, Oaks, Glendale, Malvern
Hill, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run,
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Boydton, Plank Roads, Hatch's Run, Petersburg,
and Sailor's Creek. In all of these engagements Lieutenant Matthews took
part except those fought when he was incarcerated in Libby Prison or was disabled by wounds or illness. At the battle of the Wilderness he was shot
through the right shoulder, and at Gettysburg received a flesh wound in his
left leg. June 30, 1862, he was wounded at Glendale by a shot in the left leg
below the knee. He lay for two weeks on the battlefield as a prisoner, then
was sent to Libby Prison on July 14th. He was shortly after paroled and in
September was exchanged. He was in bad physical condition and was sent
to Baltimore where he spent some time. He went home but recuperation was
slow, as the bone of the leg was badly shattered. In December, 1862, he
rejoined his regiment near Bell Plain, Virginia, and assumed command of his
company. For his brave conduct during the two succeeding years he was promoted to major, and in 1863 was made lieutenant-colonel. He was mustered
out of service December 2I, I864, on surgeon's certificate of disability, and
March 13, I865, for meritorious conduct in the battles of Glendale and the
Wilderness was breveted colonel and brigadier-general. The 5th Regiment
sustained the heaviest losses of any Michigan regiment, and the fourth heaviest
of any regiments in the United States.
After the war, General Matthews returned to Pontiac, but it was years
before he recovered his health sufficiently to engage in business. In June,
I866, he was appointed postmaster by President Johnson, and served as such
for nine consecutive years. He then engaged in business at Detroit, although
he continued to reside at Pontiac, and was then appointed quartermaster
general on the staff of Gov. J. J. Bagley for a term of two years, also occupying

OAKLAND COUNTY.

253

that office during the administration of Governor Croswell. He resigned when
appointed United States marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan by President Hayes, and held that office for a period of nine years. In 1886 he was elected sheriff of Oakland county, in which capacity he served with credit from January I, I887, to January I, I889, but declined a renomination. His official life
was marked by a high order of executive ability, and his sterling honesty gave
him the confidence of the people and an extendled popularity. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. He is recognized as one of the stanch
and representative Republicans of the State, and was tendered the nomination
of his district for Congress, but declined owing to a pressure of other duties.
He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, held in Minneapolis
in 1892, which nominated Benjamin Harrison for a second term. He was for
a term of six years a member of the Board of Education of Pontiac. Owing to
an attack of nervous prostration, he has not actively engaged in business
recently, although he is still president of the Pontiac Savings Bank, one of the
strongest financial institutions of the city. He is also a large owner of real
estate in the city and vicinity.
On May 29, 1877, General Matthews was joined in marriage with Anne
E. Hill, a daughter of Harvey N. Hill, of Pontiac, and they have one son,
Charles AV., who is now preparing for the practice of law. General Matthews
was grand commander of the Knights Templar of Michigan, and first commander of the Dick Richardson Post No. 147, G. A. R., which he named in
honor of Gen. Isaac B. Richardson. He is also a member of the Michigan
Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He,
with his wife and son, is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for two
and a half years he served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. Our subject is very fond of travel and spends most of the winter months in that way,
having visited nearly all parts of this country.
THOMAS WYCKOFF.
THOMAS WYCKOFF, proprietor of the Rambouillet United States of
America Farms, located near Orchard Lake, in section 15, West Bloomfield
township, Oakland County, is probably the most widely known and successful

254

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

stock raiser in the State of Michigan. He was born in Romulus, Seneca
County, New York, in 1846.
The great-grandfather and great-grandmothen of Mr. Wyckoff when in
their "'teens" were captured by the Indians in Seneca County, New York,
and brought as prisoners to Orchard Lake Island and confined there. After
about three months they made their escape and found their way to Canada
and later, to their home in Seneca County, where they were married at once
at the ages of 19 and i6 years.
When our subject was two years old, his father came to Oakland County
and purchased a farm of i60 acres in WVaterford township, two and a half
miles from Pontiac. On this farm he reared his family of io children, seven
of whom grew to maturity, as follows: H. A., postmaster of Pontiac and a
prominent citizen of the State, whose sketch will be found in this volume;
Lauren, who died in infancy: Thomas, of this sketch; Frances L., who married H. D. Leonard of Waterford township, Oakland County, and left at her
death in 1884 two children,-Denton, who lives at Ottawa, Kansas, and
Stewart, who died in 1902 aged i8 years; Mary A., who married Dr. Romig,
of Big Rapids, Michigan, who was but recently mustered out of the army
where he had served as surgeon of the 40th Infantry, stationed in the Philippine Islands; and John P., who resides at Butler, New Jersey.
Until he was i6 years of age, our subject was occupied in gaining an
education and he then took charge of a school and followed teaching for one
year. On August 12, 1864, he enlisted as a private in the 3rd Reg. Michigan
Vol. Inf., and was soon promoted to the rank of corporal and later to that of
ist sergeant of his company and still later was commissioned 2nd lieutenant by
Governor Henry H. Crapo, on November 27, 1865, an office he held with the
greatest credit until he was mustered out of the service at Victoria, Texas,
at the close of the war. He participated in the battle at Decatur, Alabama,
where his company was constructing fortifications when forced to fall back to
Nashville, before the advance of Hood. He also took part in the battle of
Nashville and that of Murfreesboro.
Upon his return after the close of the war, Mr. Wyckoff soon resumed
teaching and then abandoned the profession to engage in farming and stock
raising. His first interest was excited in Shorthorn cattle and he bred 50
head of the noted Galloway cattle, his success in producing such fine herds
making him a central figure in the Galloway Michigan Association and elect

OAKLAND COUNTY.

255

ing him to its presidency. He was a charter member of the Michigan
Improved Live Stock Association, a position for which close study and continued success made him well qualified. In I89I he was sent to Europe as the
Columbian commissioner of the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeding Association, in the interests of which he visited Germany from the Baltic Sea to its
Southern confines, and then France, taking courses in the agricultural colleges
under the direction of Hon. Rudolph Behmer, of Berlin, the eminent stock
director of Germany and South Prussia. In France he visited Paris, Marseilles and Rambouillet and all through the lands he traveled he studied the
methods and conditions for raising stock. Upon his return to America, he
brought with him a car-load of the famous Rambouillet sheep, importing
from the Von Homeyer flocks, Pomerania, Prussia, Germany. The raising of
this stock has been the feature of Mr. Wyckoff's farms and all the stock now
scattered throughout the United States came from his place. He is the
originator of the International Von Homeyer Club and a member of its executive board.
Mr. Wyckoff made the first call for the meeting of the American
Sheep Breeders' Association in Pontiac in 900o, of which he was elected secretary. The live stock owned by the members of this association is now valued
up in the millions. Since 1885 our subject has been a director in some of
the Michigan live stock associations. Fraternally he belongs to Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., of Pontiac. In politics he is a Republican.
On April 8, I903, Mr. Wyckoff was married to Effie Florence Howe.
who is a daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Graham) Howe, of Wayne,
Wayne County, Michigan, who reared these children: Burton J., of Pontiac,
who married Catherine Callahan of St. Iouis, Michigan, and has one child,
Delta; Mrs. Wyckoff; and Mae, wife of Fred Hartwig, business manager of
the Queen Anne Soap Company of Detroit. Absalom Howe is a survivor
of the Civil War, which he entered when but 16 years of age as a member of
Company I, 6th Mich., Heavy Artillery. In 1863 he was wounded at Baton
Rouge, Louisiana, a bullet passing through his left lung, hence he was shortly
afterward mustered out. His father was Philetus Howe, a pioneer farmer of
Wayne county, who reared a large family, the greater number of whom
located in Michigan, viz: Joseph, who was killed while serving his country
in the Civil War; Mary and John, both deceased; Zorada, a resident of
Shepard, Michigan; Julius, a resident of Ohio; Hulda, of Wayne, Michigan;

256

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

William, of Shepard,.Michigan; Elizabeth, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Absalom; and Emma, who resides near Detroit.
Mr. Wyckoff has introduced a wonderful variety and has entirely
re-organized the systems of sheep raising in Michigan. His farms are schools
in stock raising, and his numerous medals from expositions demonstrate that
he is a master of his subject, and in this way one of the real benefactors of the
State.
JOHN DONALDSON.
JOHN DONALDSON, a prominent and representative farmer of Troy
township, Oakland County, living on his fine farm of i IO acres in section
32, was born in Troy township in I855. He is a son of John and Eliza
(Wilson) Donaldson, both of whom were born in Ireland.
The father of our subject, who was a miner by occupation, came to the
United States in I853, and located as a farmer in Troy township, where he
followed an agricultural life until within io years of his death when he
retired from active work. His death occurred in I893 at the age of 69 years.
In his political faith he was a Republican. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. He was accompanied from Ireland by his wife, who died at the
home of her son John in I899, at the age of 78 years. Both parents were
most highly respected people whose deaths left many behind who will long
recall them with the kindest feelings. The eight children of Mr. and Mrs.
Donaldson were: Samuel, a farmer of Troy township, Oakland County;
Agnes; Mary, wife of Alexander Groves of Troy township, Oakland County;
John; William J., who is engaged in the furniture business at Flint, Michigan;
Albert R., a commission merchant of Detroit; Elizabeth, wife of James
McKibbin, of Detroit; and Joseph, who is connected with the Home Furnishing Company of Pontiac.
Our subject was educated in the district schools, and since boyhood has
devoted himself to farming. Ile owns a very valuable property which he has
improved and developed to a high state of cultivation. He has also paid some
attention, quite profitably, to the raising of fine stock.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

257

In 1879 Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage with Ellen Todd, who
was born at Flat Rock, Wayne County, Michigan, in 1858, and is a daughter
of William and Isabel (Lambie) Todd. A family of five children have been
born to them, namely: Wilbert T., W. Bennett, John Wallace, Annie E. and
Grace B.
In politics Mr. Donaldson affiliates with the Prohibition party. He is a
member of and a liberal contributor to the Presbyterian Church. The family
is one that stands high in the estimation of the community.
SETH H. KNAPP.
SETH H. KNAPP, who died on his farm of 20 acres, in Redford town
ship, Wayne County, Michigan, after a long and busy agricultural life, was an
estimable citizen and a much respected man. He was born in Schuyler, Herkimer County, New York, June 9, i808, and was a son of Jonah and Catherine (Kane) Knapp, both of whom were natives of Herkimer County, his birth
being on February 27, 1770, and his death in 1841. His widow survived until
June 10, 1853.
Jonah Knapp, who was born February 28, 1770, and died in 1841, came
to Michigan from New York in 1833, and located in Novi township, Oakland
County, taking up a large tract of government land. His wife died in Oakland
County, June 10, 1853. He was the father of eight children.
The late Seth H. Knapp obtained his education in Herkimer County,
New York, and was 25 years of age when he accompanied his parents to
Michigan. He assisted his father in the clearing and cultivation of the latter's
farm, and at the death of his parents received his legal portion of the estate.
He added by purchase to the property left him a farm of 140 acres in Novi
township, which he disposed of at a later date and bought one of 80 acres
located a mile and a half south of the village of Farmington. This land he
also sold, on account of increasing ill health, and made his home on a small
tract of 20 acres in Redford township, Wayne County, where he died. He
was largely interested in stock raising. In business circles Mr. Knapp was

258

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

regarded as a man of good judgment and clear insight, while as a citizen and
as a neighbor, he was held in high esteem.
In I868 Mr. Knapp was married to Wealthy Burton, who is a daughter
of Ira and Abby (Gould) Burton, both of whom were born in Herkimer
County, New York, and came to Oakland County in I83I. Mr. Burton took
up a large tract of government land in Lyon township and there Mrs. Knapp
was born. Mr. and Mrs. Burton reared a family of five children, namely:
Nancy, born February 17, 1832, now residing with her sister, Mrs. Knapp;
Charity, born February 20, I834, who died in 1876; Phebe, born June 21,
I837, who married William Clark and lives in Plymouth township, Wayne
County, and has three children, William L. Burton, Ella Gertrude and Wilmer Samuel; Wealthy (Mrs. Knapp), born February 6, I84I; and Abby, who
resides with Mrs. Knapp.
In political life Mr. Knapp was a Democrat, but he sought no political
preferment. After his death, Mrs. Knapp sold the farm in Redford township
and purchased a property in the village of Farmington, where she resides
with her sister, one of the most highly esteemed ladies in the village, where she
owns other property which brings her excellent returns in rents.
PLATT W. JOHNSON.
PLATT W. JOHNSON, who has a fine farm and home lying along Lake
Angelus in section 7, Pontiac Township, Oakland County, has been a resident
of the vicinity nearly his entire life. He was born at Ball Mountain, Pontiac
township, August Io, I84I, and is a son of Edward and Lucy Ann (Jenks)
Johnson.
His grandfather, Platt Johnson, was a native of Long Island, New York,
and was a cooper by trade. He was an early settler in Oakland County,
Michigan, and had the distinction of making the first grain cradle used in this
county. He was a strong Jacksonian Democrat in politics. He was an honest,
unassuming citizen, and liked by all who knew him. He secured a number of
tracts of 80 acres of the United States government, built a log cabin and lived

OAKLAND COUNTY.

259

in a primitive way for some years. He built the old Blue Tavern at Ball Mountain and conducted it and the post office there for over 40 years, dying at the
age of 86 years. His children were: Edward; Riker; William; Stephen;
Abram; Charles Byron; Phoebe (Galloway.); Catherine (Hurlbut); Mary
A. (Buckbee); Ellen (Decker); Sarah (Buckbee); and Louisa, who died at
the age of I6 years.
Edward Johnson, father of our subject, was born on a farm near Rochester, in Monroe County, New York, and lived there until he attained the
years of manhood. He came to Oakland County in 1836 with his parents, and
followed the trade of a cooper, in addition to which he engaged in farming.
He acquired a farm from the government and lived upon it until his death in
I864, at the age of 53 years. He was a member, of the Baptist Church and
for many years sang in the choir of the Oakland Church. He was a Republican in politics and a strong abolitionist. He was first joined in marriage
with Angeline Gates, a native of New York, by whom he had one daughter,
Eliza M. (Voorheis). He was later married to Lucy Ann Jenks, a native of
Monroe County, New York, and a daughter of Jonathan and Lucy (Whitney)
Jenks, her mother being descended from General Shays, of old blue law fame.
Two children were born of this union: Platt W. and Cornelia Weston,
deceased.
Platt W. Johnson spent his early life at Ball Mountain, Pontiac township, working on the farm during the summer months and attending district
schools during the winter. He remained at home until March, 1872, then
traded the old farm for I6o acres near Elsie, Clinton County, Michigan,
where he lived for seven years. Owing to the ill health of the entire fanily,
he sold out and moved to Los Angeles, California, where he bought a piece of
land and engaged in orange growing for three years and a half. His wife's
health becoming very poor, he sold out there and returned to Pontiac township, Oakland County in July, 1882, purchasing a farm of Ioo acres in section
7, lying along beautiful Lake Angelus. He extensively engaged in raising
berries and grapes for some five years, and at the present time makes potatoes
his principal crop. When 12 years old he was injured by a cultivator and
his knee became stiff, making him lame. I-Ie lives along the lake and conducts a pleasure boat.
Mr. Johnson was united in the bonds of wedlock with Sarah Westoby,
who was born in Lincolnshire, England, and was a daughter of George and
15

260

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Jane (Wilson) Westoby; her mother accompanied her to this country. Mrs.
Johnson died January I, I898, leaving three children, as follows: Alice M.,
who keeps house for her, father; Ada F., who married Fayette M. Thompson
of Pontiac, and has three children; and Mark Edward, who is living with his
father on the home farm. Our subject is a Republican in politics. He is a
representative of the highest type of manhood, and has many friends who hol(l
him in high esteem.
JOSEPH CAMPBELL.
JOSEPH CAMPBELL, one of the large land owners and substantial citizens
of Oakland County, residing on a large farm in sections 8 and 9, Waterford township, was born in Chesterfield, Macomb County, Michigan, August
28, I832. He is a son of Zephaniah Campbell, and a grandson of John
Campbell.
At a very early day John Campbell, who was a native of Scotland,
settled in Cayuga County, New York, where he reared a family of nine
children, one of these being the father of our subject. Zephaniah Campbell
was born in Cayuga County, New York, and from there came as one of the
early pioneers to Michigan. In 1825 he took up I6o acres of government land,
in Macomb County, Michigan, made a clearing of 40 acres of it, and then sold
advantageously, buying from the proceeds 140 acres in the same vicinity.
Mr. Campbell was a hardy, sturdy man, industrious and provident, and for
15 years lived in a log cabin in the wilderness without sighing for the loss
or lack of modern conveniences. He was a careful farmer, and while he did
not cultivate an extensive farm he had the thrift to make all his operations
successful. When he retired he gave his sons the farm, and died in I880,
in Ionia County, Michigan, aged 84 years. His political sentiments were in
accord with the Whig, and later the Republican party.
Our subject is one of a family of nine children, only four of whom
reached maturity, and the only other survivor being Alexander, a farmer
of Ionia County, Michigan. He grew up in Macomb County, and in I855
made the trip to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama on the "George

OAKLAND COUNTY.

26l

Law," which consumed two months on the voyage. After three months
of mining, he returned and resided in Macomb County until 1883, when he
came to Oakland County and secured his farm of 165 acres in Waterford
township. He owns much land in other localities, and is regarded as the
wealthiest man in Waterford township. Mr. Campbell thoroughly understands farming and stock raising, and intelligently devotes his time to agriculture with most satisfactory results.
Mr. Campbell was married first to Agnes Crittenden, who was born
in Macomb County, Michigan, where she died October 7, 1877, at the age
of 40 years. The four children of this marriage were: Cora A., who is
living at home; Irwin and Edwin (twins), the former a stenographer in
Detroit, with two children, Helen and Mildred, and the latter a farmer in
Waterford township, with five children,-Irwin G., Agnes, Hazel, Ruth A.
and Irma A.; and Carrie (Pool), of Independence township. In i880 Mr.
Campbell was married to Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Waterford township, Oakland County.
Mr. Campbell has always been identified with the Republican party, and
during the Civil War supported the administration. In 1863 he was drafted
and paid a substitute the sum of $350 to take his place, his affairs being such
that he could not leave. Mr. Campbell is well known in Oakland County,
and is generally considered one of its leading capitalists. He is a man of
the most excellent business judgment, and possesses, with his Scotch name,
the thrift and integrity of the fine old stock from which he came.. ~*
HENRY CLAY WARD.
HENRY CLAY WARD, located in section 6, Bloomfield township, Oakland
County, is one of the best known fruit growers in Michigan and his name is
known to fruit handlers throughout the United States. He has made this a
life work and has attained a high degree of success. He was born in Richmond, Macomb County, Michigan, October 6, 1852, and is a son of David
Ward and a grandson of Nathan Ward.

262

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Nathan Ward was born in Vermont and was a surveyor by profession.
He surveyed several thousand acres of land in the region of Saranac Lake ill
New York State for Peter Smith, father of Garret Smith, and John Jacob
Astor, who were making a division of their property. Mr. Smith took the
lands in the region of Saranac Lake, and Mr. Astor for, his share took what
had been their joint property on Manhattan Island. On this survey, David
Ward, father of our subject, helped his father by carrying a chain, being at
the time but nine years old. He was a native of Keene's Valley, New York.
He was running a compass at the early age of I2 years, and thereafter followed surveying and lumbering. He accumulated a great deal of property
and at his death owned more than Ioo,ooo acres, which was located in Michigan, California and West Virginia. He also had some iron and coal land in
West Virginia and Tennessee. He built the Frederic &amp; Charlevoix Railroad
in Michigan, and had in process of construction a railroad in
Pocahontas County, West Virginia. He was at one time president
of the First National Bank of Pontiac and was a manufacturer of large means.
He died May 29, 1900oo, at the age of 78 years. David Ward was joined ill
marriage with Elizabeth Perkins, who was born in Romeo, Michigan, and
is now living in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, at the age of
71 years. She is a daughter of George Perkins. David and Elizabeth Ward
reared six children, as follows: Henry C., our, subject; Charles, a florist
located at Queens, Long Island, New York; Flora, wife of Fred H. Fav,
a banker of Auburn, New York; Willie C., who has an extensive peach
orchard at Orchard Lake, Oakland County, and is one of the trustees of
his father's extensive estate; Helen, wife of Louis Pelouse, a jeweler of Boston,
Massachusetts; and Perle, wife of George K. Root, of Dewar;d, Michigan.
one of the trustees of the estate of David Ward.
Henry Clay Ward has alwavs engaged in lumbering and orchard growing, and his magnificent place is located in section 6, Bloomfield township,
where he has about 300 acres of land, on which is a bearing orchard of
I9,500 trees. He owns one of the largest commercial orchards in the United
States, and by fan the largest in Michigan. Orchard growing has been a
study and life work for him, and every detail is done in a scientific as well
as a practical manner.
On December I8, I872, Henry Clay Ward was united in marriage with
Mary Scott, who was born at Guelph, Ontario, in I854, and is a daughter of

OAKLAND COUNTY.

263

Robert and Elizabeth Scott. Three children have been born to them, as follows: Franklin B., a trustee of his grandfather's estate; Fred L., who is in the
lumber business at Bay City; and Dolores E. Mrs. Ward is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Ward is a stanch Republican, and is always found in active support of that party.
JAMES CLARK.
JAMES CLARK, one of the substantial farmers and first class citizens
of Novi township, Oakland County, owning a finely improved farm of 120
acres in section 33, was born in 1851 in Iincolnshire, England. He is a
son of Thomas and Lydia (Mann) Clark, who reared a family of eight children, as follows: John, who lives in England; Henry, who died in Salem
township, Washtenaw County, May 22, 1899, leaving a widow and three
children, Thomas, James and Elizabeth; Maria, widow of John Clark, who is
living in Montana with her dhildren, ---Lydia, W'illiam and Thomas; and
Mary Ann, Eliza, Lydia and William, who live in England.
James Clark, who was the seventh member of the above family, came
to America with his sister, Maria, in November, I867. They located at
Chelsea, Michigan, and lived there during that winter, but ill the spring he
located in Salem township, Washtenaw County, and soon found work at
good wages among the farmers. For nine years Mr. Clark engaged in farming by the month, and providently saved his earnings. In 1882 he bought his
present farm, consisting of I20 acres in section 33, Novi township, where
he has since been engaged in general farming, fruit culture and stock raising.
His efforts have met with success, and he is regarded as one of the substantial
men of his section and as a sensible, practical farmer.
In 1877 Mr. Clark was married to Martha Palmer, who died in I882,
leaving one son, Wardie J., who passed away at the age of I6 years. On
December 20, 1883, Mr. Clark married Mary Louisa Burgess, who is a
daughter of the late Thomas and Viletta (Jenne) Burgess, the former of
whom was a farmer in Isabella County, Michigan, where he died September

264

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

II, 1903, his wife having passed away on the Ist of the preceding July,-.
their children were the following: Lorenzo B., of Clare County, Michigan;
Marcena, of Isabella County, Michigan; Jay C., of Isabella County, Michigan; May Adella, of Lake County, Michigan; Nathan Francis, of Isabella
County, Michigan; Mary Louisa (Mrs. Clark); and Lucia B., Jessie Jennie,
Mark Avery and Amy Elnora, all of Isabella County, Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three interesting children, namely: Bertie
E., born September 24, I892; Blanche Martha, born September 8, I895; and
Lydia Viletta, born March 25, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of
the Northville Methodist Church. In politics our subject is a Republican.
WILLIAM WINTER.
WILLIAM WINTER, proprietor of the Orion Lumber Yards, is a representative citizen of Orion, Orion township, Oakland County, and does an
extensive business in lumber of all kinds, coal and wood, and brick, cement
and other building materials. Mr. Winter was born in Thamesville, Ontario,
Canada, May 4, I864, and is a son of John and Catherine (McFarland)
Winter.
John Winter was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and removed to
Canada when about 18 years of age, locating at Thamesville, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He was held in high esteem as a citizen and
neighbor. He died at the age of 67 in I887. His wife, who was born in
Scotland, removed to the vicinity of Thamesville, Canada, when 12 years old,
in company with her parents. She died in I895 at the age of 78 years. They
were the parents of 13 children, six of whom are living, namely: John,
of Detroit; Maria, who married George Handley, of Thamesville, Ontario;
Rebecca, who married Rev. S. H. Hazzard. a Methodist Episcopal minister,
of Algonac, Michigan; Mary, who married Henry B. Gadd, of Detroit;
William, our subject; and Ellen, who married Austin Walsh, of Holland,
Michigan.
William Winter was reared and educated in Canada, and commenced life

OAKLAND COUNTY.

265

for himself at the age of 20 years at Thamesville, where he engaged in farming for two years. He then removed to I)etroit, Michigan, and entered upon
a service of nine years in the employ of the Detroit Citizens' Street Railway
Company. Beginning as a barn man, after six months he was promoted
to be conductor, a position he filled for two years, being then promoted to
be foreman of all construction work done by the company. Later, he took
charge of the operating department at the Woodward avenue car barns, in
which capacity he continued for two years. He then entered upon general
job and contracting work in Detroit, continuing to be thus engaged until he
removed to Orion, Oakland County, in I898. He was connected with the
Orion Resort Association as superintendent for two years, and in I9oo
engaged in bridge contracting, building all the bridges on the Detroit United
Railway from Royal Oak to Flint, and from Rochester to Romeo. Later he
built all the bridges on the Grand Rapids, Holland &amp; Lake Michigan Electric
Railway. On March 21, I902, he purchased the lumber business of Stanaback &amp; Smolley, and has since increased the stock about double that of the
old company, and at present conducts one of the best equipped and best
managed lumber yards in the county, carrying a full supply of everything in
his line.
Mr. Winter was married November 25, I884, to Esther Jane Gadd, of
Northwood, Canada, a daughter of N. B. Gadd, who now resides in Detroit,
Michigan. They are the parents of three children, namely: Ethel May;
Ernest La Verne and Ida Pearl. Mr. Winter is a Republican, and at present
is a member of the Council and the School Board. In fraternal circles he
is a member of the I. O. O. F., Independent Order of Foresters, and a thirty
degree Mason.
RALPH E. JOSSMAN.
RALPH E. JOSSMAN, cashier of the E. Jossman State Bank of Clarkston,
Independence township, Oakland County, and one of the prominent young
business men of the town, wNas born April 4, T88T, in Clarkston, and is a son
of the late Esidore and Sarah (Lehman) Jossman.

266

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

For many years the late Esidore Jossman was one of the leading citizens
of Oakland County, identified with its mercantile and financial affairs. He
was born October 24, 1840, probably in Posen, Germany, where he married
Sarah Lehman, a daughter of Adolph Lehman. Mr. Jossman came to America
with no capital, but with a determined and courageous spirit, which enabled
him to soon secure work at Syracuse, New York. I 860 he came to Oakland County, Michigan, and started a country store, stocking it with the
necessities for the locality, and his honorable business methods made it a
success. It grew with the village, and for 30 years he led in his line, doing
a large produce business. This he continued until I896. In I871 he met
with a loss of $I,ooo by the burning of an elevator at Oxford, and with a
loss of $5,000 in I887 by another fire. However, these losses did not
cripple him in any way, as he had became a man of large means, and left
at his death four farms and about 700 acres of village property, and his
large interests in the E. Jossman Bank. This enterprise was founded in I885
by Mr. Jossman, and was conducted by him alone until January I, I9OI, when
our subject was admitted to partnership. After the death of Mr. Jossman
the bank was re-organized, December I, I902, with H. Walter, president;
M. Bower, vice-president; and R. E. Jossman, as cashier, and H. Walter,
W. E. Clark, A. K. Edgar, E. Foster, M. Bower, George Gross and J. A,
Jossman, directors.
The children born to the parents of our subject were the following:
Joseph, a merchant of Oxford, Oakland County, who has one child; Henry,
also a merchant of Oxford, Oakland County, who has one child; Samuel,
of Detroit; Ralph E.; Mrs. Martha J. Henry, of Dakota, who has one child;
Carrie 0., who is attending Adrian College; and the late Lieut. Albert L.,
whose death, on July 28, 1902, in the military hospital at Manila, Philippine
Islands, brought grief not only to his devoted family, but to the residents of
Clarkston, who had known him from childhood. Undoubtedly the sad death
of this brilliant young man brought the father's life to a close.
The late Lieut. Albert I,. Jossman was born at Clarkston, Michigan,
July I2, I877. He attended the public schools, and after graduating spent
two years at Ann Arbor in the electrical engineering department of the University of Michigan. At the beginning of the Spanish-American War, he
left college and enlisted in Company M, 35th Michigan Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, at Island Lake, then accompanied his regiment to Camp Meade,

F.,

SAMUEL S. ROBINSON

OAKLAND COUNTY.

269

Pennsylvania, thence to Camp McKenzie, near Augusta, Georgia. While
at the latter camp he was made corporal. When his regiment was discharged,
he immediately enlisted in the regular army, becoming a private in Company
L, 2ist United States Infantry, which was then stationed at Plattsburg, New
York, soon after starting for Manila, At San Francisco he was again
rewarded for meritorious services by promotion to the position of corporal.
Two years later he was sent to the United States in charge of several insane
and criminal soldiers, and was granted a furlough; but before it expired he
was summoned to Fort Leavenworth, where he took and passed the examination for a lieutenancy, and he was promoted to the office of lieutenant in the
27th United States Infantry. On January 2I, I902, he sailed from New
York City with his regiment, with which he proceeded to Malabong, Island
of Mindano, where, on May 2, I90I, he received the injuries which resulted
in his death, which occurred, according to the hospital record, from empyema
gastric, the result of a gun-shot wound. His death came as a sad shock, as a
cheerful letter, written shortly before, to his father, announced his probable
recovery. He was very popular in Clarkston for his moral character and
manly qualities.
Ralph E. Jossman, of this sketch, has been identified with the bank,
of which he is now cashier, for a number of years in some capacity, and came
to the position well qualified. He graduated at the Clarkston High School
in 1896, and two years later embarked in a mercantile business at Devil's
Lake, North Dakota, which he conducted from 1898 to 00OO. The bank
was never in a more prosperous condition than it is today, and our subject is
considered very favorably among the financial circles of the State. Possessing
many of the business attributes which made his esteemed father so successful,
he combines also a pleasing manner, which wins both business and personal
friends.
SAMUEL S. ROBINSON.
SAMUEL S. ROBINSON, who has a fine farm of 200 acres in section 35,
Pontiac township, Oakland County, was identified with the mining interests
of the country for a period of more than 40 years, in which time he developed

220

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and managed a number of the most famous mines in the United States. He
was without a peer in this work and many of his subordinates have emulated
his example and to-day are in the front rank of mine owners and developers.
Mr. Robinson was born on a farm near Cornishtown, Sullivan County,
New Hampshire, January 25, I824, and lived there until he reached the age
of 21 years. He attended district schools during winters until he was I8,
spending his summers in work about the farm. He then taught in the district
schools for three seasons, after which he learned the trade of granite cutting at
Cambridge and Lowell, Massachusetts. He entered the employ of S. F. Belknap, then a Napoleon of railroad construction who had contracts for 300
miles of railroad to be built. Mr. Robinson was superintendent of bridge
building on the Vermont Central for a period of three years, then went to
Lowell, Massachusetts, and conducted the granite business of his brother, who
in I850 went to California to seek his fortune in the gold fields. Two years
later, upon the brother's return, our subject began farming in New Hampshire
and continued two years. In 1853 he became identified with the American
Mining Company, of which Gen. Francis E. Phelps was president, and was
sent into the forests of Ontonagon County, Michigan, to open some copper
mines, the first opened in that district. After, two years of discouraging work,
the mines were abandoned as worthless and Mr. Robinson took the management of a large lumbering establishment in the Southern Peninsula of Michigan, at what is now Port Austin, and there constructed the first docks. Two
years later he moved to Winona County, Minnesota, and farmed until the
summer of I86o, in which year he went to -lancock, Michigan, and took
charge of the Quincy mine for some New York parties. This mine, in which
the development had been started some five years previously, was in debt to the
extent of $Ioo,ooo; when he left six years later, it had earned over a million
dollars. It proved a very rich mine and has been worked ever since, producing
many millions of dollars worth of ore. After six years of arduous labor, Mr.
Robinson felt the need of rest and a change, which resulted in his going to
Nevada, where he spent a year in managing a small silver mine. Then, after
a brief period spent in California, he went east to Waterbury, Connecticut,
where he became connected with the Scoville Manufacturing Company, as
assistant in rebuilding, enlarging and improving that company's manufacturing
plant. In 1871, he became associated with the Detroit Bridge &amp; Iron Works
in building a bridge across the Missouri River at St. Joseph, and superin

OAKLAND COUNTY.

27I

tended that work. They put in seven piers at 60 feet below the low water
mark and in two years completed the work at a cost of $800,000. In 1878,
when the uncovering of the lead-carbonate bonanzas at Leadville was exciting
the country, Mr. Robinson, like many other engineers, went thither. He
became connected with the Iron-Silver mine and the Duncan Mining Company,
which were controlled by William H. Stephens of Detroit and Levi Z. Leiter
of Chicago. It proved a very valuable property, the profits for six months
equaling $500,000. When the control of the mine passed to California parties,
our subject went to Georgetown, New Mexico, with the Mimbres Consolidated
Mining Company, with which he was connected four years. During one year
he shipped to New York silver and lead bullion to the value of $226,000.
During this time the Apaches went on the war path and many of his men
were killed by the Indians. In I884, he resigned from the Mimbres Consolidated Mining Company and took a much needed vacation, spending that and
the succeeding year in traveling in the East and West, doing some mining and
other work of a desultory nature. In I886, he again became manager of the
Iron-Silver mine at Leadville and operated it with the same success as before
for three years. He found that his health was becoming impaired by residence
at Ieadville, which is Io,ooo feet above sea level, and in I889 upon the
advice of a physician he left that locality. He shortly after became identified
with the Isle Royale Landl Corporation, Limited, an English company, which
acquired about 85,000 acres of land, covering most of the outcrop of the copper
bearing formation of Isle Royale, in Lake Superior, and went thither to undertake the improvement and development of the company's property. In I890,
the Wendigo Copper Company, Limited, an offshot from the land company,
was organized, and he became its manager. He continued in this work until
1894, when he purchased his farm in Oakland County, Michigan, and has
since lived there. The mines with which he has been connected have made
many millions of dollars under his management, and their success has largely
been due to his individual efforts, although in his modesty he is wont to give
much of the credit to those who held subordinate positions unden him. He
has led a very active life and has traveled this country over thoroughly, still
spending considerable of his time in study and observation.
The Robinson family traces its ancestry back to as early a date as I634
when the family became established in the United States. David Robinson,
grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and after

272

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

warnd received a pension. His maternal grandfather also served in the Revolution, being a privateer under the first Decatur. He was imprisoned in
England for a time, and after the war was placed upon the pension list.
Everett Robinson, father of our subject, was born in New Hampshire, where
he farmed all his life. He and his wife were parents of seven children,
Samuel S. being the youngest and sole survivor. The others were: William
D., Horace; Jesse L., who served under Gen. Benjamin F. Butler in the Civil
War; Leonard; Julia N. and Emeline.
Samuel S. Robinson was married February 27, I850, to Eliza Norton, of
Weathersfield, Vermont, who died in February, I890. They were the parents
of the following offspring: Ida E. (Bronson), of Nashville, Tennessee;
Frank, one of the editors of the Detroit Evening Journal; Belle (Harper),
of Oakland County; Mary (Lovell), of Oakland County; and Sam S., who
has charge of the electric light works at Lake Linden, Houghton County,
Michigan. On November 2, I893, Mr. Robinson was united to Caroline F.
Krantz, a native of West Prussia; she came to America in I866, landing at
Detroit July IIth. Our subject cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, and
has voted the Republican ticket ever since. Ile was at one time a candidate
for mayor of Waterbury, Connecticut, and was defeated by the narrow margin
of 17 votes. Fraternally he is a member of Commandery, No. I, Knights
Templar, of Detroit. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
GEORGE W. TINDALL.
GEORGE W. TIN)DALL, one of the leading farmers of Brandon township,
Oakland County, owns a fine farm of So acres in section 31, which he has
improved with attractive buildings of modern architecture and substantial
character. Mr. Tindall was born April 14, I838, in Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan, and comes of pioneer ancestry, his parents, Joseph and Patience R. (Freeman) Tindall, coming to Michigan in
I834.
Joseph Tindall was born in New Jersey, and became a prominent and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

273

substantial farmer of Oakland County, owning at the time of his death
a half section of land. He located for the first five years in Springfield township, removing in I839 to Oxford township, where he died October 5, 1856,
aged 53 years. In early life he was a strong Whig, and later became an
active Republican. He served as a justice of the peace and was a man of
considerable ability. He married Patience R. Freeman, who was born in
I803 in New Jersey. Her death took place at the home of a daughter at
Orion, Oakland County, in I889, at the age of 82 years. Our subject was
the Ioth born in a family of 14 children, i of whom reached maturity, two
dying in infancy and one at the age of I6 years, as follows: Phoebe Ann,
who died in I895, at the age of 70 years, was the wife of Charles Van
Wagoner, also deceased; Jefferson K., who died in I895, aged 66 years,
resided on a farm in Springfield township, Oakland County, and left a family
of four children,-Mrs. Hubbard, of California, Mrs. Slocum, of Flint, Michigan, Jay K., living in the old home, and Ralph, who is living in the West (one
child having died young); Emmeline, who married John Crawford, died at
the age of 32 years; Charles Wesley, who was an attorney and a wealthy
citizen of Detroit, died there at the age of 36 years, leaving a widow and
child; Luther, who was in partnership with Charles, died also in Detroit,
aged 42 years, a successful business man; Caroline, who died aged I6; Delia,
who died aged 20 months; William Edwin, who died in infancy; Alameda,
who married Mr. Lawrence, a retired farmer and mill ownen of Bancroft,
Michigan, has had six children, two of whom are deceased; Dr. O. N., who
has long been a successful physician at Toledo, Ohio, is upon the point of
retiring from activity; Edgar, who was formerly a farmer in Oakland
County, is now a stationary engineer at Petersburg, Virginia, and has a
family of two sons.
Our subject obtained a common school education. Being one of a
large family and his services not being needed at home, at the age of I8
years he started out for himself. His energy and industry soon enabled him
to purchase his first tract of land, 80 acres in Shiawassee County, which he
later sold. After several years of work in Oxford township, he bought his
present farm in Brandon township, which, as noted, his perseverance, good
taste and industry have converted into one of the most attractive and valuable homes in the township.
Mr. Tindall was married in the vicinity of Port Huron, Michigan, to

274

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Sarah Townsend, who was a daughter of John and Ann (Gibson) Townsend, both deceased. The former was a lieutenant in the United States
Regular Army, and served in the Black Hawk War. Four children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Tindall: Frank G., who is farming near Davisburg,
Springfield township, was married to a Miss Stowell, and has three children,
-George, Wesley and Elise; Leroy, deceased, who was married in California, and left one son, Percy Leroy: Hoyt A., who died at the age of 20
months; and Clyde, who married a Miss Irish, and they live on a neighboring farm and have one little three-year âold daughter, Ruth. Mrs. Tindall
died in I89I. He married for his second wife Tina Breining, of Detroit.
In politics Mr. Tindall is independent, voting more for men than party.
Fraternally he belongs to the Grange and takes an active interest in its projects. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Church.
EZEKIEL DINGMAN.
EZEKIEL DINGMAN, a well known, prosperous farmer and a survivor
of the Civil War, resides on a valuable, well improved farm of I20 acres,
situated in section 33, Novi township, Oakland County. Mr. Dingman was
born in Greece township, Monroe County, New York, in I840, and is a son of
William and Flora (Sperry) Dingman.
William Dingman came from New York with his family to Michigan
in 1842, and located on a rented farm in West Bloomfield township, Oakland
County. His death occurred at Farmington. The children of William Dingman and wife were the following: Charles, deceased; Ezekiel, of this sketch;
George, Adelaide and Alice, deceased and M ary, wife of Morris Johnson,they are now residents of the State of Washington, but expect to make their
future home in Oakland County.
Our subject was but a babe of two years when his parents came to
Michigan, and he was reared and educated in Oakland County. He grew
up on the farm and has been an agriculturist all his life, with the exception
of the years which he gave to the defense of his country. In the spring

OAKLAND COUNTY.

275

of I86I he was one of the first to respond to the call of President Lincoln,
and as a member of the 2nd Reg., Michigan Vol. lnf., took part in the first
battle of Bull Run. Later he was detailed in the quartermaster's department,
and served until the spring of 1864, when he was mustered out at Detroit.
Upon his return to Oakland County, Mr. Dilngman resumed farming, and
in 1893 purchased his present valuable property, which, through fertility of
the soil and advantageous location, is admirably suited to general farming
and stock raising. He has been very successful in his operations and is
classed with the substantial men of the township.
In I868 Mr. Dingman married Anna MIcDermott, who is a daughter of
William and Mary (O'Donnell) McDermott. MArs. Dingman's parents came
from Ireland to America in 1833, and after nine years of residence in New
York came to Michigan, in I842, locating in Southfield township, Oakland
County, where Mr. McDermott purchased a farm, on which property he died
in November, I889, preceded by his wife, in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. DingmIan
have two sons,-William H. and Charles H. The former married Hattie
Pease, daughter of Henry and Sarah Pease, of Plymouth, Michigan. Mr.
Dingman is identified with the Republican party. He is a valued comrade
in the local G. A. R. Post.
JOSEPHUS GOODENOUGH, M. D.
JOSEPHUS GOODENOUGHI, M. D., is well known through Oakland
County, both as a physician and surg-eon of skill and as an author whose contributions are gladly accepted by the leading periodicals of the profession
throughout the country. Dr. Goodenough has been a resident of Clarkston
since 1871, but he wvas born in Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, New York,
November Io, 1830. He is a son of James and Sarah (Hiller) Goodenough, and a grandson of Solomon Goodenough, who was born in England,
came to America in boyhood, served in the Revolutionary War and subsequently
settled in Vermont, lwhere he died at the age of 98 years, leaving four children.
James Goodeno1ugh the father of Dr. Goodenough, was born in Vermont. In young manhood he removed to Syracuse, New York, where he

276

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married Sarah Hiller, a daughter of John Hiller. They moved to a farm in
Cattaraugus County, from which they removed to Michigan May Io, 1831.
Mr. Goodenough bought his first tract of land, I6o acres, during the administration of President Jackson, in West IBloomfield township, and 400 acres at
Dryden, his death occurring at the latter place, at the age of 56 years, his
hard work in clearing all this land probably tending to shorten his life. He
was a man of fine intellect and was a natural leader of men. In politics he
was a strong supporter of Jacksonian Democracy, and served two terms in
the Territorial Iegislature, the capital then being Detroit. As a member
of the New York State Militia he served in the War of 1812. A family of
seven children was born to James Goodenough and wife, namely: John,
deceased; Josephus; Josephine and Joanna, both deceased; Mrs. Sarah J.
Sutton, of the State of Washington; William, also of Washington; and
Mary M., deceased.
Since the age of six months, Dr. Goodenough has been a resident of
Michigan. When he was six years old his parents removed from West
Bloomfield to Farmington township, and six years later to a large farm in
Lapeer County, where he was reared to the age of I8 years. He then took
advantage of his uncle's residence in Romeo, and became a member of the
latter's family in order to attend the Romeo High School, where he was
graduated with credit. His decision having been made to adopt medicine as
a profession, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and, after taking the prescribed
course of medical lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute in that city, was
graduated in 1856 with his degree of M. D. For seven years he engaged
in successful practice in Macomb County, Michigan, and then went to Waterford, Oakland County, where he remained II years, his pleasant home life
being there broken up by the; death of his wife. The succeeding three years
were spent mainly in travel through the West and South, one year being
spent in Texas. In I87I he located at Clarkston and soon became identified
with the various interests of the locality, rapidly building up a practice which
has absorbed his time ever since. From being a close student, Dr. Goodenough became an author and a favorite one in the profession, his contributions
being constantly found in the Medical World, the Medical Journal, the Medical Age and the Medical Brief, of St. Louis. For years all his leisure was
given to the careful compilation of a most valuable book entitled "Favorite
Receipt Book and Home Doctor," which was issued in I902 from the press

OAKLAND COUNTY.

277

of the F. B. Dickerson Company, of Detroit. This book has met with a
hearty reception, and is already known to some of the farthest parts of the
earth, an order recently being received for 500 volumes from South Africa.
Dr. Goodenough was first married to Eleanor, Walton, who was born
in New York. One son of this marriage survives,-Eugene, of Chicago.
Dr. Goodenough's second wife, Emma Tubbs, was born at Elmira, New
York. One son, Elmer J., has been born to this marriage.
Dr. Goodenoug'h is a stanch Democrat, but has always refused official
recognition. He is a very prominent member of the State Medical Society,
the State Surgical Society, and the National Medical Society. Fraternally
he belongs to the Masons and the Maccabees.
WILLIAM AITCHESON, M. D.
WILLIAM AITCHESON, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon of
Ortonville, Michigan, was born in 1.846, at Paris, Ontario, Canada, and is a
son of William and Jane (Aitcheson) Aitcheson, both of whom were born
at Glasgow, Scotland. In 1840 our subject's parents migrated to Canada,
where the father engaged in farming and where his death occurred in 1886,
at the age of 76 years. The mother died in 1884, aged 75 years. Our subject's father was a stanch supporter of the Liberal or Reform party in Canada.
Dr. Aitcheson has one sister, Mrs. Martin, a resident of Brussels,
Ontario. He was reared on his father's farm and attended school until old
enough to teach, and for seven years followed the profession, in the meantime
beginning the study of medicine. He later entered the Gait Collegiate Institute, from which he was graduated in I868, and in 869 he was graduated
from the Toronto University. lie read first under the direction of Dr. E. C.
Kitchen, of St. George, Ontario, and later under other practitioners, studying
and earning his own way until he was prepared to enter the medical department of the University of Michigan, which he accomplished in I87I. In
1873 he was graduated with his degree, fulfilling a desire he had cherished
ever since the age of 12 years. He located at once in Ortonville, which has
16

278

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

practically been his home ever since. He has gained the confidence and good
will of the citizens and has enjoyed a lucrative practice. He has no specialties, being at home in every line, a close student, a careful practitioner and a
steady handed surgeon.
Dr. Aitcheson was married to Isabella Murdie, who was born near Seaforth, Huron County, Ontario, of Lowland Scotch ancestry. The Doctor has completed a fine new residence and owns sufficient land surrounding
it to enable him to keep good horses. He owns considerable real estate in
Ortonville and vicinity and has dealt considerably in realty. Although
preferably a Republican in his political sentiments, he is liberal and sometimes votes for men instead of party, particularly in local contests. He has
never consented to hold office.
Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Ortonville and the chapter at Oxford, and is a member of the Loyal Guards and the Maccabees at
Ortonville. Both Dr. and Mrs. Aitcheson are members of the Order of the
Eastern Star, of Ortonville. In religious belief they are Methodists, and he
is a member of the official board of the church at Ortonville. His medical
associations connect him with the Oakland County and State Medical Societies, and also the American Medical Association.
J. C. VORHES.
J. C. VORHES, who has extensively engaged in the real estate business at
Rochester, Oakland County, has long been a resident of this community,
where he is widely known and highly respected. He bears an honorable record for service in the Civil War.
Mr. Vorhes was born in Livingston County, New York, November 2,
I834, and is a son of William and Eliza (Coovert) Vorhes, being descended
on both sides from colonial families of prominence. The Vorhes are of
Holland ancestry, the first members of the family to come to this country settling at New Amsterdam, now known as New York City. The Cooverts
were prominently identified with the Revolittionary War.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

279

William Vorhes, father of our subject, located in Utica, Macomb County,
Michigan, in 1836, and there followed fanning until his death, at the age
of 84 years. His wife died three months later, at the age of 83 years. Five
sons were born of their union, namely: Nathaniel, of Kingston, Michigan;
Lester, of Tuscola County, Michigan: J. C., our subject; Frederick; and
Peter. The two last named died shortly after a reunion of the five sons was
held in I90I.
J. C. Vorhes was reared on a farm and beginning at the age of I8 years
served an apprenticeship to the carriage making trade at Romeo and Troy,
Michigan. He subsequently conducted a shop at Troy until I86I, when he
left his business in charge of a brother and on May 26th enlisted at Detroit in
C. O. Loomis' Battery for service in the Civil War. They went to Cincinnati,
thence to Dennison and took part in a number of engagements. They spent
the first summer at Beverly, \West Virginia, having engagements at Rich
Mountain, Elk Water and Greenbrier, West Virginia. In December, I86I,
they were transferred to Bacon Creek, Kentucky, and in February took part
in the battle of Bowling Green, Kentucky; of Perryville; of Stone River,
Tennessee, December 3I, I862; Hoover's Gap, Tennessee; Chickamauga;
Chattanooga; Athens, Alabama; and several minor; engagements. At Stone
River he was thrown from the gun carriage and his hand severely injured,
and at another time he received a wound in the left leg from the explosion
of a shell, and from this has never fully recovered. At Chickamauga, with
almost an entire Confederate brigade opposed to them, the entire battery, with
the exception of one gun, was captured, and Mr. Vorhes was fortunate in
making his escape, men falling on all sides of him as they attempted to make
their retreat. After three years' service as cannoneer in this famous old battery, which was the pride of Michigan troops, our subject was discharged at
Chattanooga. Hie had been elected division artificer at Murfreesboro, but
refused to leave his company, preferring to remain in active service in the
field.
After the close of the war Mr. Vorhes engaged in the oil business in
Pennsylvania one year, then in Canada for a like period. He then came to
Rochester, Michigan, where he engaged in carriage building and conducted a
shop for 25 years, employing considerable help, but in I89o retired from that
)usiness on account of his health. Since T901 he has engaged in the real
estate business, and is meeting with deserved success. He is a Republican in

280

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

politics and has served on the School Board for six years; for four years he
has been trustee of the village board. He is also a justice of the peace.
Mr. Vorhes was married in I867 to Mary Mathews, of Troy, Michigan,
and they have two children living: Fred, of White Pigeon, Michigan; and
Molly, who is at home. Mr. Vorhes is a member of William P. Everett
Post, G. A. R., of Rochester. In religious attachment he is a Baptist, and for
a period of I5 years has been a deacon in the church. He is not only a
sagacious business man, but one of honor and integrity, whose word is as
good as his bond, and he enjoys the confidence of the entire community.
ADRIAN A. GIBBS.
ADRIAN A. GIBBS, one of the representative farmers of Oakland County,
owning a well developed farm of 60 acres in sections 27 and 22, Troy township, was born July 12, I847, in Southfield township, this county. He is a
son of Almeron and Rebecca W. (Brown) Gibbs, the former of whom was
born in New York, and died in Octoler, 1886, at about the age of 69 years.
The latter was born in Vermont, and died February 14, 1884, aged about 69
years, also.
Almeron Gibbs and wife were pioneers in Oakland County, coming to
Michigan and settling here as early as I826. Mr. Gibbs located in section
22, Troy township, where he cleared up a farin and engaged in agricultural
pursuits until the clase of his life. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Baptist Church, and were most highly respected by all who knew
them. They had but two children,-our subject and Asenath, who married
A. B. McKillop, and lives in Lapeer County, Michigan.
Adrian A. Gibbs obtained his education in the district schools and the
Birmingham High School. He then returned to the farm and has remained
interested there ever since, owning one of the finely cultivated farms of the
township, which he has improved with excellent buildings and attractive surroundings. Mr. Gibbs is one of the responsible men of his locality, one
whom his fellow citizens admire and trust. He has filled a number of the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

281

township offices with much credit, and is at present serving his sixth term as
supervisor, an office to which he was elected in I898. He has also been
township clerk and usually has a voice in the public affairs in Troy township.
In 1876 Mr. Gibbs married Elizabeth Mary (Cooper) Revell, who was
born in England in 1852, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary Revell, of
London, who came to the United States when their daughter was an infant,
living also for a time in Canada. No children have been born to this marriage, but in May, I889, Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs adopted the month-old daughter
of Reid and the late Ella Giddings. She has grown under their tender, fostering care into a beautiful maiden of 14 years, and bears the name of Geneva.
Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs belong to the Methodist Church, in which he is both trustee and steward. Politically he is a Republican, as was his father. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees.
Mr. Gibbs is very well known throughout Oakland County and justly
bears the reputation which a long life of integrity and public usefulness has
given him. The appreciation shown him by his fellow citizens is grateful to
him, as it is to anyone who has done his full duty. As an active supporter
of educational and religious movements he is universally esteemed and can be
named with truth as one of Troy's representative men.
N. A. WOLFE.
N. A. WOLFE, who owns a fine farm of 170 acres in sections 17 and 20,
Brandon township, Oakland County, is one of the substantial and representative citizens of his section. Mr. Wolfe was born at Utica, Oneida
County, New York, in I.8o, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Griner)
Wolfe, both of whom were born in Bavaria, Germany.
Both of the parents of our subject came to America in 1835, and both
located at Utica, New York, where they married; they continued to be residents of Oneida County until advanced in years, when they removed to
Lewis County, New York. The mother died there, aged 50 years, the father
surviving until the age of 73. He was a man of vigor and strength, and in

282

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his youth had been a soldier in the German Army. Our subject is the
youngest member of his parents' family, the others being: John, a farmer in
Oneida County, New York; Mrs. John Ptyle, who is living at the Wolfe homestead in Lewis County, New York; Mrs. Charles Castle, of Ava, Oneida
County, New York; and Matilda and Etta, both deceased, the former at the
age of 21 and the latter at the age of eight.
Until he was 25 years of age our subject remained in New York, where
he obtained his education in the common schools. In the fall of I865 he
came to Oakland County, Michigan, and located on his present farm, which is
one of the best improved and most highly productive in Brandon township.
He has engaged in general farming and fruit culture and through his excellent methods and business ability has attained more than usual success. His
large possessions have been gained through his own endeavors, as Mr. Wolfe
is a self-made man. His beautiful home is most conveniently situated as to
the electric road, and thus he and his family are able to enjoy, with little
trouble the conveniences of the city, while not giving up the comforts of the
country. Mr. Wolfe has not spared either time or money in the fine improvements he has made on the place, and he has every reason to feel some pride in
the ownership of so fine a farm and so ideal a country home.
Mr. Wolfe was married first to Emmna D. Kent, who was born near
Bald Eagle Lake, Brandon township, Oakland County, Michigan, and was
a daughter of Ashal Kent, who came as a pioneer to Michigan from New
York. Mrs. Wolfe was born September 27, 1839, and died November 3,
I901, aged 62 years. Two children survived her, namely: Millie M., who
married M. G. Wylie, of Detroit, a member of the mercantile firm of Monroe,
Rosenfield &amp; Company, and has one daughter,-Marvel C., aged 12 years; and
Ray D., born July 7, I880, who is at home. As his second wife Mr. Wolfe
married Mrs. Hannah S. (Maynard) Smith, widow of Andrew Smith, a
most highly esteemed lady.
Mr. Wolfe is a Democrat, following family traditions. He has been
called upon to assume the duties of a number of local offices, has been school
director and highway commissioner and his service has always met the expectations of the public. He is very prominent in a number of fraternal
organizations, belongs to Grovelan'd Tent, No. I I, Knights of the Maccabees, having served in all the chairs; and has been a very useful and enthusiastic member of the Grange, of Ortonville. In religiou s views he favors the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

283

Baptist Church. Mr. WVolfe is a type of the class of men who succeed in
life, one who knows how to join a working arm to a thinking head, and one
who also has the ability to make and keep warm friends. He is very warmly
esteemed throughout Brandon township.
DANIEL GREEN.
DANIEL GREEN, whose fine farm of 200 acres is located in sections 29
and 32, Independence township, Oakland County, was born in Warren
County, New Jersey, July 8, 1828, and is a son of John and Elinor (Addis)
Green, both of whom were born in New Jersey, and a grandson of Maurice
Green, who spent his life in New Jersey, where he became a farmer of large
means.
John Green was the second son of Maurice Green, and was born in \Varren County, New Jersey, December 25, 1793. By trade he was a carpenter,
but later, turned his attention mainly to farming. In 1832 he decided to
migrate to Michigan, and the family started from the old New Jersey homestead with a horse and wagon, which conveyed them to New York, the rest
of the distance to Detroit being made by water. A strong team covered the
distance between Detroit and Pontiac, but the rest of the way had to be made
by means of an ox team, the roads still being in a condition to severely try
the strength of any other mode of conveyance. \Vhen the family arrive(d
on the new home place they found a log shanty 16 by I6 feet in dimensions,
which had been built by a squatter, and this shelter they were glad to use
until a comfortable cabin could be built. At this time the nearest neighbors
were Archibald Phillips, who ran a small sawmill at Waterford, and Colonel
Stannard, who was the postmaster at Springfield. Daniel Green, the subject
of this sketch, recalls the fine fishing then afforded almost at their cabin door,
while frequently deer were thus shot. The plentiful supply of fish and game,
the honey found in the forest trees and the wild fruits and berries which grew
in abundance, not only prevented fear of famine, but gave the pioneers healthful fare which the fresh and invigorating air caused them to enjoy. Through

284

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ceaseless industry John Green cleared his land and put it under cultivation
Had he not been so liberal he would have been a man of large wealth, but
he could never turn a deaf ear to charity, and frequently his kind nature
was imposed upon. For many years he was a justice of the peace, and he is
credited with a great deal of the cordial feeling which existed in the community, his advice being ever in the direction of amicable adjustment of difficulties instead of recourse to the law. He married Elinor Addis, who was
a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Addis, natives of New Jersey, and reared
a large family as follows: Maurice, who is a farmer of Holly township, Oakland County; Daniel; Samuel, a farmer of Holly township; John, deceased;
William, who is in the ice business at Holly village; Hugh, a painter and paper
hanger at Clarkston, Oakland County; Peter, who is in the livery business at
Clarkston, Oakland County; Mrs. Elizabeth Voorhees, deceased; Mrs. Margaret (Herwig) Scadding, of Clarkston, Oakland County; and Mrs. Rebecca
Osmun, of Pontiac.
Daniel Green was four years old when the family came to Michigan
and located on the farm referred to above, which his father purchased for
$I.25 an acre, and where our subject has always lived, with the exception of
nine years preceding his father's death, when he operated a farm four miles
north. The two fine dwelling houses and the four barns which now improve
the farm were erected by our subject. He has engaged in general farming
and the raising of high grade stock and has always kept sheep. His land is
well fitted for grain and other produce also, especially fine potatoes, for which
there is always a good market. In connection with his successful farming
Mr. Green has been interested in other enterprises. During two years he
operated a shoe store in Clarkston and engaged in a flour, feed and corn business in Detroit, while residing there to educate his children.
On April 8, I847, Mr. Green was married to Julia A. Landis, who was
born in New Jersey and is a daughter of John and Annie Landis. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Green are: Mrs. Elizabeth Tompkins, a widow
residing at Pontiac, with her two children, Charles and Mary; Franklin, a
farmer of Independence township, Oakland County; Sophia, who is living
at home; W\ashington, his father's farmer, who has one daughter, Pearl;
Cyrenus, who is a farmer of Independence township, Oakland County, and
has three children,-Stewart, Frank and Gertrude; and Mrs. Ellen Beardslee, who has six children,-Nettie, Orsamus, Hazel, Charles, Avery and Julia.

, -.4

N.......

OAKLAND COUNTY.

287

Mr. Green has always consistently supported the Democratic party. For
eigit years he ably served as justice of the peace in Holly and Independence
townships, for two terms was township treasurer, for many years was a
school director and has long been one of the leading men of the neighborhood. He is very highly esteemed by all who know him and reciprocates
the kind feeling he finds on every side. The family belongs to the Methodist
Church.
WILLIAM H. MORGANS.
WILLIAM H. MORGANS, president of the Standard Vehicle Company of
Potitiac and vice-president of the Pontiac Light Company, has been a resident
of the city since I88o and has been identified with many of its business enterprises. He was born in New York City, October 5, I844, and is the youngest
son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Edwards) Morgans.
Isaac Morgans was born in Glenmorganshire, Wales, and was quite
young when he immigrated to this country with his parents, locating in New
York City. He was a manufacturer of boots and shoes and was visiting in
Connecticut at the time of his death, which occurred shortly before the birth
of our subject. He married Elizabeth Edwards, who was born in New York
City in 1815 and was a daughter of John Edwards, a native of Wales. She
died at Detroit, M'ichigan, January 17, 1884.
William H. Morgans received a limited education in the public schools
of New York City, and at the age of I I years began to learn the trade of a
sailmaker, serving an apprenticeship of three years. March 21, 1862, he
enlisted for a term of three years in Company G, ist New York Independent
Batallion of Infantry; upon the consolidation of the battalion two years later
with the 47th and 48th New York regiments, he held the rank of sergeant.
After serving three years in those commnands, he was mustered out 1b General
Order No. 506. He remained at home for two months and then re-enlisted in
Company E, 8th Reg., New York Vol. Cav., which was attached to the 3rd
Division of the Army of the Potomac. During his service in the army, Mr.
Morgans took part in the following engagements: Yorktown; siege and

288

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

capture of Morris Island, South Carolina; Kenesaw Mountain, and the siege
of Atlanta. He accompanied Sherman on the memorable "March to the
Sea," and at Milledgeville, Georgia, was taken prisoner and for six months
confined at Florence, South Carolina. He was transferred to Richmond,
there exchanged and immediately after rejoined his regiment at Cloud's
Mills, Virginia. June 27, 1865, he received his discharge and returned to
New York City.
In October, I865, acting upon the advice of an uncle, Mr. Morgans came
west and located at Seller's Landing, Illinois. In the spring of I866, he moved
to Toledo, Ohio, where, in partnership with his brother David, he engaged in
the manufacture of sails, and in the fall of I866 located in Detroit, where he
followed his trade for a period of four years. He then became connected with
the gas works and by close application became acquainted with the work in all
its details. In I880, he came to Pontiac, and accepted the management of the
Medbury Gas Works, owned by Mrs. L. R. Medbury, of Detroit. He continued in this capacity until I899, when he purchased the gas plant of Mrs.
Medlbury and organized the Pontiac Gas &amp; Electric Company, of which he
became general manager. On January 15. 1902, he and his associates disposed of a portion of their interest to H. D. Walbridge, and the Pontiac Light
Conipany was organized and incorporated, which company furnishes fuel and
commercial lighting exclusively. The officers of the company are: H. D.
Walbridge, president; XV. H. Morgans, vice-president; and Miss Florence E.
Morgans, secretary, treasurer and manager. The board of directors includes
the officers and Aaron Perry, Joshua Itill, Frank G. Jacobs and Frank H.
Carroll. The offices of the comp)any are on Saginaw street, South, the gas
plant on Wessen street, and the electric plant on Lawrence street, West. From
12 to 20 men are employed, and Miss Morgans has displayed great executive
ability in the management. Mr. Morgans is director in the Wolverine &amp;
Buckeye Oil Company of Birmingham, Michigan, also a memnber of a
Kentucky syndicate in the Kentucky oil fields.
On November I8, I867, Mr. Morgans was married to Mrs. Mary E.
Pittinger of Detroit, a daughter of James A. and Betsy (Newell) Cole, and
they have four children; Onithia K., a graduate of the Pontiac High School
and wife of Edward E. Morrill, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Oak Park,
Illinois, by whom she has two children, Mary Rebecca and Helen; Florence E.,
a graduate of Akeley Hall, at Grand Haven, who is secretary and manager of

OAKLAND COUNTY.

289

the Pontiac Light Company; Anna A., a graduate in music of Akeley Hall and
the Chicago Conservatory of Music; and Morgan, a graduate of St. Johns
College, Annapolis, Maryland, who is engaged with the Snow Pump Works
of Buffalo, New York. Our subject has always been a Republican in politics
and has held numerous municipal and township offices, serving two terms as
alderman from the First Ward. Fraternally, he is a member of Pontiac
LIodge, No. 3, I. 0. 0. F.; Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. &amp; A. M.; Chapter, R. A.
M.; Commandery No. 2, K. T., of which he is past eminent commander;
Moslem Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Detroit; Knights of Pythias; Uniform
Rank, K. of P., in which he has served as ist lieutenant, captain and major of
the 4th Battalion, and is at present holding the office of assistant quartermaster
general with the rank of colonel on the staff of the brigadier-general; the
Royal Arcanum; Ancient Order of United W orkmen; and Knights of the
Maccabees. He is also past commander of Dick Richardson Post, G. A.
R. Mr. Morgans and his family are members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. For a period of five years he has efficiently served as a
member of the Board cf Public Works. The family reside in a beautiful home
at No. 509 Orchard Lake Avenue. A portrait of Mr. Morgans accompanies
this sketch.
JOHN W. PRINCE.
JOHN VW. PRINCE, a prominent and successful farmer of Addison township, Oakland County, Miichigan, owns a fine, well improved farm of 80
acres, which he has been operating since T867. MRr. Prince was born in
1835 in Monroe County, New York, and is a son of George and Sarah (Mazerell) Prince, the former of whom was born in England, and the latter in
Genesee County, New York.
George Prince came to America at the age of 40 years, and was married
in New York State to Sarah Mazerell, who (lied at Saginaw City, Michigan,
while on a visit, some 25 years ago, aged 8o years. Mr. Prince was a farmer
and also a merchant. For 14 years prior to his death he resided with our
subject, but he passed away in his 89th year, while in Saginaw City, where he

290

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is buried. In I844 he brought his family from New York to Macomb
County, Michigan, and later was a resident of Romeo. A family of IO children were born to George Prince and wife, our subject being the fourth member of the family, and the others being as follows: Emeline, deceased; Cordelia, who married Elisha Brown and died in Baltimore; Charles, who also
died in that city; Martha, who married Andrew Stranahan and resided the
greater part of her life at Romeo, Michigan, where she died; Cornelia, who is
the wife of James Durell, of St. Clair, Michigan; Fannie, who married W.
L. Doyle, an attorney of Elkton, Michigan; Lucy, who lives at Ashton,
Michigan; and William H. and James H., who died in infancy. Mrs. Prince
was a consistent member of the Free XTill Baptist Church all her life.
John W. Prince was reared in Macomb County. He has made his own
way in the world and owes nothing to favoring circumstances. Since the
age of 17 years he has followed the carpenter's trade, having commenced
working by the month when only IO years old. In 1865 he came to Oakland
County and worked for two years at building in Oxford and then removed to
his present farm. This he has successfully conducted in connection with his
carpenter business, the latter engaging a large part of his time, as he has done
the greater portion of the building in his vicinity. The new church edifice
at Oxford, which has a seating capacity of Ioo, and which was dedicated in
October, 1903, was built by Mr. Prince, and is a fine specimen of his skill.
Mr. Prince helped to fill the last quota of troops for the Civil War, serving
seven months from Macomb County, in Company H, 8th Reg., Michigan Vol.
Cavalry.
Prior to the Civil War M\r. Prince was united in marriage to Frances
C. Robinson, who was born in Bruce township, Macomb County, and is a
daughter of Abram Robinson, a native of New York, but a resident of Michigan. The other members of her parents' family are: Mrs. Sarah Phillips,
a widow residing in Macomb County: and Hoyt and Filmore, of Macomb
County. Mr. and Mrs. Prince have three sons surviving of their seven children, as follows: George A., who is a farmer in Oxford township, and also
a carpenter, was married to Ettie Shoaf, and they have one son, Claude;
Elmer J., also a farmer in the same vicinity, was married to Ella Snyder,
daughter of J. Snyder, and has one son, MTilliard; and Herbert E., now
operating the home farm, who was married to Emma Letts, and has two
daughters, Maude D. and Ivy F.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

291

Mr. Prince owns one of the best improved farms in Addison township,
one which is well located and very productive, and under his training his sons
have become excellent agriculturists. Politically he is a stanch supporter of
the principles of the Republican party. In religious views he is a Methodist.
Mr. Prince and family are universally esteemed, being first class citizens in
every sense of the word.
OAKLAND LIGHT INFANTRY BAND.
This noted musical organization was brought together by the efforts of
Prof. W. F. Zimmerman in June, 900o, under the name of the Citizens' Concert Band, with these officers: W. F. Zimmerman, musical director; E.
Howland, president; E. L. Keyser, vice-president; Samuel Seamens, secretary; D. H. Power, treasurer; and S. S. Crohn, general business manager.
The band was composed of the following musicians: Homer J. Osmun,
Floyd Lathrop, Fred Parkins, George F. Brondige, cornets; Samuel Seamens,
Fayde Van Kleck, Ray Newman, Edward Linabury, clarionets; Homer Johnson, bass clarionet; John Doig, piccolo; Arthur Hopkinson and Edward Reynolds, altos; Fred Share and Charles Root, bass; Elmer Reynolds and Frank
Doig, melophones; Hector L. Monroe and William Hess, trombones; Dick
Dewey and John Allshouse, baritones; Thomas Compton, bass; Bert Hall,
snare drum; Charles Monroe, bass drum; William Strickland, George Johnston and Ed. Hagle, saxophones; and K. Bingham, oboe.
In April, I903, the Citizens' Concert Band united with the organization
known as the Oakland Light Infantry and took the present name. Owing to
other pressing business matters, Mr. Crohn resigned as business manager.
The Oakland Light Infantry Band has now these officers: E. Howland,
president; E. L. Keyser, vice-president; George F. Brondige, secretary; D.
H. Power, treasurer; W. F. Zimmerman, director; and Dick Dewey, general
manager. The musicians are as follows: Homer J. Osmun, Floyd Lathrop,
Fred Parkins and George F. Brondige, cornets; John Doig, piccolo; Fayde
Van Kleck, Louis Woodhull and Ray Newman, clarionets; Edward Linabury
and Homer Johnson, bass clarionets; Arthur Hopkinson and Fred Share,

292

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

altos; Elmer Reynolds and Frank Doig, melophones; Hector L. Monroe and
William Hess, trombones; Dick Dewey, baritone; Thomas Compton and
Charles Root, bass; Bert Hall, snare drum; Charles Monroe, bass drum; William Strickland, Ed Hagle, and George Johnson, saxophones; and K. Bingham, oboe.
This band is in a most prosperous condition and is in demand all over
the country. It reflects the greatest credit on the musical taste and ability of
both Pontiac and Oakland County and receives much encouragement.
JOHN BENJAMIN.
JOHN BENJAMIN, who is well and favorably known in Royal Oak township, was born on his present farm of I60 acres, in section 8, in 1842. He is
a son of John and Ruth Ann (Warner) Benjamin, both natives of the State
of New York.
John Benjamin, Sr., was born in Monroe County, New York, and died
in Oakland County, Michigan, in I878, at the age of 69 years. He came
here in I832, one of the pioneers in the cabinetmaking trade at Birmingham,
where he lived about three years. In T835 he settled on the present farm
which he occupied until his death. In connection with his farm work he
manufactured the celebrated "Muley" grain cradle. He was a man of fine
character, and on numerous occasions was called upon to serve in offices of
responsibility. Early in life a Whig, he later became a stanch Republican.
He is survived by his widow, who was born in I8I9 in Niagara County, New
York; in spite of advanced years she retains her faculties and many of her
engaging characteristics of youth, and is a beloved member of the household. Her father was Levi Warner, a pioneer cooper of Oakland County, and
her mother was Mary Stoughton, a member of a prominent New York family.
The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin were: Mary; John; Asenath, of Southfield township, Oakland County, widow of Allen L. Perkins;
Levi, deceased; and Julia H., wife of David L. Campbell, of Royal Oak
township, Oakland County.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

293

John Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, wvas educated in the district
schools and has devoted his attention mainly to farming. As a side line, he
owns a job printing press and accommodates his neighbors and friends with
such printing as may be desired by them. In 1864 he enlisted at Detroit
for service in the Civil War, entering Company C, 30th Reg., Michigan Vol.
Inf., in the capacity of fifer, and was mustered out in June, 1865, at Jackson,
Michigan. He is a valued comrade of Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., at
Pontiac. Mr. Benjamin is a prominent Republican, and he has most capably
filled many of the township offices, for seven years serving as supervisor,
for 35 years as school treasurer, and has also been a member of the Board
of Review and township treasurer.
In i868 Mr. Benjamin was first married, Martha A. Campbell, daughter
of Welcome and Mary Jane Campbell, becoming his wife. She died in
1872, leaving one daughter, Martha, since deceased. In 1876 Mr. Benjamin
was married to Ella S. Parker, who was born in 1851 in Royal Oak township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Asher and Harriet N. Parker.
They have one daughter, Elsie M., whom they adopted in 1887; she married
John W. Hawkins in 1902. Both Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin belong to the
Methodist Church. Fraternally Mr. Benjamin is an Odd Fellow. He is one
of the leading and substantial citizens of his neighborhood, and is a worthy
representative of a fine old pioneer family.
JARVIS J. GREEN.
JARVIS J. GREEN, a highly respected citizen of Pontiac, now living somewhat retired, after having been actively engaged in business in this city for
some 30 years, was born on a farm in Farmington township, Oakland County,
one and a half miles from Farmington, Mfarch 13, 1829, and is a son of Wardwvell and Polly (Peabody) Green.
The Green family is an old one in Orleans County, Newv York, and
there \Wardwell Green was born, August 30, 1793, a son of James Green,
who had a family of I3 children, namely: Polly, Lucinda, Naomi, Hopie,

294

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a daughter whose name is not given, Wardwell, Daniel, Champlin, Ray, Calvin, Chauncey, Horace and Luther, all of whom are deceased except Chauncey,
who resides in Pontiac, aged about 88 years, and who for a long period was
one of the ushers at the Eastern Michigan Asylum. Wardwell Green was
married to his first wife in New York, where she died, leaving two children,-Cynthia Ann, who was born September 30, 1817, and died in advanced
age at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Leland, who was born August 20, I819,
and died in Missouri. The second marriage of Wardwell Green was to
Polly Peabody, who died February 27, i886, the mother of these children:
A babe born September I9, I821, who died in infancy; Lucinda, born August
10, 1822, who married the late Gardurous Webster, and resides at Farmington, Oakland County; Emily, born January 17, 1824, deceased in July, I900,
who married William E. Kittridge, who died in 1902; Wardwell, born
February 2, 1826, who was a farmer in Hillsdale County, Michigan, where
he died November 26, I898; Sidney, born July 25, 1827, who is a retired
farmer, living at Mystic, Iowa; Janvis J., of this sketch; Betsey, born September 28, 1830, who is the widow of Walter Kittridge, and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Cynthia Maria, born August 21, 1832, who died unmarried, March 15, I857, at Waukesha, Wisconsin; Helen P., born April II,
1834, who married E. U. Benedict, and resides at Aurora, Illinois; and Seneca
M., born February 3, 1836, who for 35 years was a passenger conductor with
the Chicago, Milwaukee &amp; St. Paul Railway Company, and died in I895 at
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In 1823 Wardwell Green made his first trip to Oakland County, Michigan, where he took up a tract of I60 acres of land, and was the third resident
of Farmington township, being preceded by Arthur Power and George Collins, the former settling in February, 1824, while Mr. Green and wife did
not locate until the following May. There Mr. Green made his home and
engaged in farming until his death December 9, 1836. In politics he was a
stanch Whig, and was a fine type of the sturdy, hardy pioneer of the early
settlement of this locality, a man strong of frame, of rigid morality and
upright in all his dealings.
Jarvis J. Green was but Io years of age when he summoned up the courage to strike out for himself. He made his home for a time with an uncle
and attended the winter schools, becoming in this way competent to engage in
teaching by the time he was 19, and this occupation he followed at various

OAKLAND COUNTY.

295

times for many years. In the agricultural regions, the summers are generally devoted to the necessary work on the farms, but the winter seasons find
the youth of both sexes eager for instruction. Thus for some 12 years Mr.
Green was employed in Farmington township, but on May 20, 1857, in partnership with O. P. Hazard, he embarked in a mercantile business at Farmington, then quite a village, and continued with that gentleman three years,
three months and 10 days. He then sold his interest to P. D. Warner in
August, I860, and in September accepted the position of teacher of the Farmington school, which he taught during the following year. During the next
year he purchased a stock of goods and continued to teach, hiring assistants
for the store, continuing in the mercantile business four and a half years,
finally selling out to O. B. Smith.
After a residence of 36 years, Mr. Green then left Farmington town.
ship, removing to Pontiac in February, 1867, and on April 12, I867, opened
up a mercantile business, in which he continued in this city for almost 22
years, and became almost a landmark, located so long at No. 38 North Saginaw street. Mr. Green was a very successful business man, paying close
attention to the needs of the trade, buying all his own stock and adopting
methods which met with general approval. In 1889 he sold out the business
to C. W. Horton. He then made a trip to Texas, and remained some seven or
eight years in the South, but never gave up his home in Pontiac. Upon his
return, in I897, he bought the business again from Mr. Horton, taking in as
partner John McGee, who died December II, 1902. Mr. Green and Mr.
McGee sold their interests in the business in March, I902, to Beardslee, Herron
&amp; Beattie. Since that time he has been mainly engaged in looking after his
private affairs and enjoying the ease and rest which is grateful after a long
life of business activity.
On January I6, 1856, Mr. Green was married to Elizabeth Harger, who
died January 26, I9oI. She was born in Waterford township, Oakland
County, Michigan, September 6, 1836, and was a daughter of Seeley Harger,
who was an early resident in West Bloomfield and Waterford townships,
coming to Michigan from New York. These children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Green: Ella M., born at Farmington, May 23, 1858, who resides
with her father; Marcus J., born November 23, I86I, who died June 21,
I862; William Elbert, born October I, 1863, who died May 4, I869; and
Gertrude May, born January I8, I870, who died May 6, I871. For some 31
17

296

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

)ears Mr. Green has resided at No. I9I North Saginaw street, after five
years of residence in the adjoining house.
From preference, Mr. Green has kept out of politics, refusing to serve
in almost all of the local offices, accepting but one term as alderman. In politics he is a Republican. Religiously he is identified with the Congregational Church. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge and
the Good Templars. He has led an abstemious, orderly life, and at the age
when many have put aside all worldly enjoyments on account of infirmity,
he is hale and hearty, and in the retention of physical and mental faculties,
relieved from business cares and surrounded by valued old friends, he can
enjoy the ease and comfort which a well spent past brings. In these
days it is rather remarkable to find a man of Mr. Green's years who has never
indulged in either alcollolic beverages or tobacco, but such is his proud record.
FRED A. PARMENTER.
FRED A. PARMENTER, a prominent general merchant at Walled Lake,
Oakland County, Michigan, is one of the town's leading citizens and is a
descendant of an old pioneer family from the State of New York. Mr. Parmenter was born at Charlotte, Eaton County, Michigan, and is a son of William M. and Cornelia (Snyder) Parmenter.
Lynus Parmenter, the grandfather of our subject, was born in New
York and came to Michigan in 1836. He took up land in Novi township,
and there made a comfortable home and reared a family.
William M. Parmenter, father of our subject, was a harness maker by
trade; in I889 he removed to Commerce township and engaged in the harness business at Walled Lake. He married a daughter of Sherwood Snyder.
who was born in Vermont, later moved to Ohio and came to Michigan as a
pioneer, locating in Charlotte. Their three children e: Weilliam, a resident of Pontiac, who was married to JuTlia Crickmore, of Bloomfield township, and has four children, ---Earl, Charles, Eula and Eugene; Charles, who
is deceased; and Fred A.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

297

Mr. Parmenter completed his education at the Northville High School,
and began his business life as a general merchant at Walled Lake, where he
is still located. He is a man of ability and is a prominent factor in the public
life of the town. In 1897 he was elected town clerk, a position he has most
capably filled ever since, with the exception of two years. He is active in
the ranks of the Republican party. His fraternal relations are with the
Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Parmenter is a progressive, public spirited
young man and a most worthy representative of the old pioneer stock of which
Oakland County is justly proud.
ALBERT C. BLUMBERG.
ALBERT C. BLUMBERG, the owner of a finely cultivated and well improved
farm of 75 acres, in. section 12, Southfield township, as well as other properties in Royal Oak township, is one of the good farmers and substantial
citizens of the southeast portion of Oakland County. Mr. Blumberg was
born in Royal Oak township, Oakland County, December 24, I840, and is a
son of George H. and Mary J. (Jordan) Blumberg.
George H. Blumberg was born in I814 in the State of New York. and
was a son of Michael Blumberg, also a native of that State and a participant
in the War of 1812. In 1828 MIichael Blumberg with his family of seven
children came to Michigan and entered 160 acres of land in Royal Oak
township, the deed for which was signed by President Andrew Jackson.
George H. Blumberg, our subject's father, was a carpenter and later also
engaged in contracting, in the course of time becoming a very reliable mechanic,
so much so that he was entrusted vwith the construction of some of the State
buildings and several large railroad depots, including those at Detroit, Pontiac
and Birmingham. He married Mary J. Jordan, who died in 1871, aged 57
)-ears. They had a family of six children born to them, four sons and two
daughters.
Albert C. Blumberg was educated in the district schools of Royal Oak
township and was reared to the life of a farmer which he has followed from

298

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

choice ever since. His land shows the effect of his good management and
brings him ample returns for all his outlays of time and money.
In I867 Mr. Blumberg was married to Rachel E. Everts, who was born
in I846 in Royal Oak township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Miles
and Ruth (McDaniels) Everts, who were natives of Massachusetts, and
members of the Society of Friends. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Everts located in the State of New York and later removed to Michigan,
where the death of the former took place in 1895 at the age of go years. Mr.
and Mrs. Blumberg have a family of five children as follows: Vinnie,
Laverne C., Retta C., Jennie R. and Florence E. In politics Mr. Blumberg
affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of the honest, upright and
much esteemed citizens of Southfield township and a worthy representative
of a respected pioneer family.
JAMES H. HARRIS.
JAMES H. HARRIS, superintendent of the schools of Pontiac, belongs to
one of the old settled families of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan, one
which has been prominently identified with the copper mining regions. He
was graduated from the University of Michigan in I89I, with the degree of
A. B., and in the following year was made instructor in Latin and Greek in
the Saginaw East Side High School.
During the summer of I892 Mr. Harris was offered the instructorship
in Latin and Greek at the Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, and
accepted, remaining five years in that position. He was then elected principal of the Bay City High School, and entered upon the duties of that position in the fall of I897 and held the position until the close of December, I900.
During I894 and 1896 he did a year's graduate work at the University of
Chicago, devoting himself especially to the study of Latin. In December,
900oo, he was summoned back to Orchard Lake as principal of the Michigan
Military Academy, and although he found the affairs of the school in a somewhat complicated condition he entered upon his duties with characteristic

OAKLAND COUNTY.

299

energy and soon had placed the school again in a prosperous condition. In
I9OI he was offered a division superintendency in the Philippines, at a salary
of $2,500 a year, but declined the offer, as he also did that of the principalship of the schools of Youngstown, Ohio. I-e was proffered his present
position during the holiday season of 1902-03, and accepted, taking charge
in February of the latter year of all the schools of the city of Pontiac, with a
total enrollment of 1,853 pupils, including the High School, which has an
enrollment of I92. There are seven school buildings, 46 teachers, 12 grades
and four kindergarten schools which prepare for first grade work. The contrast presented to the early educational advantages afforded in Pontiac is very
marked, as a short resume will show.
The earliest schools in Pontiac date back to 1822, private schools supported by subscription, and were taught at first in the dwellings of the most
prominent and intelligent settlers. Among the very earliest teachers were
two daughters of Jacob Stevens, who probably taught in 1822. Another
early remembered teacher was Ira Hodges. The first school building erected
in Pontiac-a small one-story frame building built about I824-stood a little
west of the location of the old court house. On April 23, I833, the legislative council granted a charter to the Pontiac Academy, and the enterprise
and energy of the citizens were shown by the immediate erection of a suitable
frame building, near the corner of Saginaw and Huron streets, and one of
the early instructors here was Charles Draper. The school was continued
until the advent of the Pontiac branch of the University, which opened September 12, 1837, under the management of Prof. George P. Williams, of the
Central University of Ann Arbor. The school continued but two years.
For some succeeding years schools were taught in various parts of the
town, there frequently being several in operation at the same time. In
the spring of 1835 an institution called the "Pontiac Literary Association"
opened an English and Classical High School, with Mr. Griswold as principal.
Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles, the first Congregational minister in Oakland County,
who came to Pontiac from Chenango County, New York, in 1824, as a missionary, also taught a classical select school for several years in his own
dwelling.
In I844 a High School was opened by S. S. Gale and J. W. Crain. In
1849 Union District, No. 2, was formed, being the inception of the union and
free school system here. The charter of the Pontiac city schools, under which

3oo

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

they are at present incorporated, was granted by the Legislature in I889, the
act of incorporation being introduced by the late Dr. Galbraith, then Senator
from this district.
The principals and superintendents from 1849 to 1875 were: from 1849
to I851, no one particularly designated; Jacob Safford, 1851 to 1853; Byron
G. Stout, I853 to 1854; Johnson A. Corbin, 1854 to 1864; Charles Hurd,
September, I864, to April, 1867; Johnson A. Corbin, spring term of 1867;
Leander W. Pilcher, September, 1867, to January I, 1869; Johnson A.
Corbin, January I, to February I, 1869; T. C. Garner, February I to June 25,
1869; J. S. D. Taylor, 1869 to 1870; C. S. Fraser, 1870 to 1872; Joseph C.
Jones, M. A., 1872, 1875 and 1876, superintendent, J. G. Pattengill, B. A.,
being principal of the High School. Since that date the following have served
as superintendents: 0. C. Seelye, Ferris S. Fitch, Frank S. Converse, Hugh
L. Brown, Ralph B. Dean and James H. Harris.
The present Grove or High School building on Huron street was dedicated August 30, 1871, it being one of the finest school structures in the
state at the time and still ranks as the same. It is finely equipped also. Under
the able administration of Superintendent Harris, great things are in store
for the public schools of this city. He has few superiors as an educator,
while he is also noted for great executive ability.
Mr. Harris has long been prominent in all educational movements and
matters in the State, and during 900o and 1901 he was the efficient president of the Michigan Schoolmasters' Club and during the same year was
chairman of the High School section of the State Teachers' Association. He
is a member also of the National Educational Association and in I9OI read
a paper before the secondary department on "English in the Secondary
Schools." An abstract from this valuable paper appears in the proceedings of
the association for I9OI. He has been a frequent contributor to such educational journals as the Educational Review and the School Review. Among
the many thoughtful and practical articles which have appeared in these
journals during the past few years may be recalled: "The Natural Limitations of the Elective System," "Preparatory Greek in the University," "The
Elective System," "Review of Bennett's Latin Prose Composition," "Report
of the Committee of Twelve on College Entrance Requirements," and the
September (I902) School Review contained a most timely and interesting
article from his pen on "The Present Status of the English Curriculum."

OAKLAND COUNTY.

30i

In August, i901, Professor Harris was married to Grace Galbraith, who
is a daughter of Dr. Franklin B. Galbraith, and a daughter has been born to
them. Their present and attractive home is situated at No. 132 Huron street,
West Pontiac.
Professor Harris retains his membership with his Greek letter fraternity
Delta Upsilon of the University of Michigan and belongs also to the Masons,
being connected with Lodge No. 2I, of Pontiac.
HARRY N. SNOWDON, ESQ.
HARRY N. SNOWDON, ESQ., one of leading citizens of Pontiac, Michigan,
was born at Pontiac in i868, and is a son of the late William H. and Emily
(Barrett) Snowdon.
William H. Snowdon, who was born in Manchester, England, came as
a pioneer to Pontiac, after a university education in his native land. He was
successfully engaged for a number of years as a wholesale dealer in grain
and produce, a business entirely removed from that in which he had been
trained,-that of an inspector and buyer of silk. He was well and favorably
known through Oakland County. His death occurred in May, 1902, at
the age of 68 years. The children that survived him are: Harry H., our
subject; Fred NV., a painter and decorator of Pontiac; Lucy, a stenographer,
living in Pontiac; and Mary, who is married, and a resident of Detroit. Our
subject's mother was born in Manchester, England, and came to Michigan in
youth with her parents. She was married in Pontiac, and is still a resident
of the city.
Harry H. Snowdon obtained his education in the public schools of
Pontiac, completed the course in the Pontiac High School and in I891 was
graduated from the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti. Mr. Snowdon has devoted a number of years to teaching and has served as county
superintendent of schools. On July 4, 1899, he was elected justice of the
peace, and was re-elected July 4, 1903, by a large majority. Mr. Snowdon is
also serving his second term as trustee from the Fourth Ward on the Board

302

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Education, and is serving his fourth year as secretary of the said board.
In politics he is a Democrat, but his personal popularity is such that he has
been twice elected to office in the face of both city and county Republican
majorities.
In I895 Mr. Snowdon was married to Fannie Andrews, of Fenton,
Michigan, and they have three children, namely; Harry Edward, Grace E.
and Ida C. The pleasant family home is situated on Johnson avenue, in the
north part of Pontiac. Fraternally Mr. Snowdon is a valued member of the
Masons, Knights of Pythias, Elks and other bodies. In his religious affiliation he is an Episcopalian.
ALBE LULL.
ALBE LULL, who for many years has been one of the leading business
men of Pontiac, is secretary and treasurer of the Pontiac Wheel Company,
which is one of the prosperous concerns of the city. He is a man of recognized ability and through his individual efforts has achieved a decided business success.
The Pontiac Wheel Company was organized in I898 with a capital
stock of $20,000, which was increased to $55,000 on July 2I, I903. The
object of organization was to supply the local buggy and carriage manufacturers with the wheels they required, and in this their success has exceeded
their expectations. At first they manufactured only buggy and carriage
wheels, but for the past three years they have extensively manufactured wagon
wheels which are shipped to various parts of the country. The total yearly
output is about 50,000 sets of wheels, valued at $2oo,ooo, and of this number
three-fifths are used by the local trade, the remainder being shipped. They
erected a factory with a floor space of 26,000 square feet, and a building with
storage capacity for six months' output. The rough material is obtained from
Indiana and Ohio principally. The plant has excellent railroad facilities,
being located on the Grand Trunk Railway, with Michigan Central connections. The officers of the company are: A. A. Lull, president; Charles H.
Going, vice-president; Albe Lull, secretary and treasurer; and John E. Foley,

JOHN H. JACOBUS

OAKLAND COUNTY.

305

superintendent. With its officers, the following men compose the board of
directors of the company: E. R. Webster, F. R. Boyd and William Caldwell.
The stock is owned by local parties.
Mr. Lull has been a resident of Pontiac since 1877, and has been in
business here since 188i. In that year he became identified with the Second
National Bank, and later with its successor, the Pontiac National Bank, serving as cashier of the last named institution until 1897. Since that time he has
devoted his time and attention to the success of the Pontiac Wheel Company,
and to him much credit for the company's success is due. He is a man of
excellent character and has many stanch friends throughout the county.
JOHN H. JACOBUS.
JOHN H. JACOBUS, cashier of the private banking firm of Carpenter &amp;
Jacobus and also partner in the mercantile firm of the same name, is one of
the most prominent and highly respected citizens of South Lyon, Lyon township, Oakland County, and is deserving of credit for the interest he has taken
in building up the community. He was born in Northfield, Washtenaw
County, Michigan, in 1858 and is a son of John D. and Jennett (Alderman)
Jacobus and a grandson of David Jacobus.
John D. Jacobus was born in New Jersey and came to Michigan in I850,
locating in Washtenaw County, where he followed his trade as painter and
decorator, and rounded out a most successful career, reaching a high place
among the leading citizens of his township; he will long be remembered in
the history of his county as a true and honest neighbor. John D. and Jennett
(Alderman) Jacobus were the parents of eight children, namely: Frances,
the wife of J. W. Hetley, who is engaged in the butcher business at Northville,
Michigan; George L., who was married to Josephine Morse, and has three
children,-Allison, Lilly and Nettie; Byron J., who resides in Detroit, Michigan, where he follows the barber's trade,-he was married to Eliza Hagerdorn, and reared three children, Miller, Maud and Jay; Eva May, who married S. A. Carpenter, our subject's partner in business, and has three children,

306

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Asenath, Jessie and Frankie; John H., whose name heads these lines; Minnie,
the wife of John Highland, who is engaged in the hardware business in the
State of Oregon,-they have reared one child, Ray; Elizabeth, the wife of
Charles Highland, a farmer of Salem, Michigan,-they are the parents of
five children, two of whom died in infancy, May and Julia; and Julia, who
married Charles Sprague, who is engaged in the lumber business in South
Lyon,-they have reared two children, Rose and Hagel.
Our subject received his preliminary educational training in the district schools of Green Oak, Michigaf, later attended the.Ann Arbor High
School and completed his education in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti,
Michigan. In 1879 he began what has proved to be a most successful career,
first engaging as clerk for Hedger &amp; Carpenter, mercantile merchants and
remaining with that firm for eight years. In 1887 he engaged in the mercantile business for himself, continuing for four years; in I891 he bought out
the interest of S. A. Carpenter's partner and established the business under
the firm name of Carpenter &amp; Jacobus. They have at present one of the
most reliable business houses of its kind in the county and in connection with
the store have a private bank, having deposits amounting to $12,000 and with
responsibilities of $30,000. S. A. Carpenter is president and Mr. Jacobus
cashier.
Mr. Jacobus was married to Clementine Carpenter, a daughter of S. A.
and Asenath (Blackwood) Carpenter. They have one daughter, Genevieve,
and they have also adopted a child, John Ray, who is now seven years of age.
Mr. Jacobus has served as treasurer of South Lyon and as custodian of
the public funds of Lyon and Green Oak townships and of the village of
South Lyon. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
C. H. LINABURY.
C. H. LINABURY, justice of the peace at Pontiac, Michigan, was born
at the old Drayton Plains Hotel, in Waterford township, at Drayton Plains,
Oakland County, Michigan, in 1873, and is a son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth C. (Anderson) Linabury, the former of whom was born in New Jersey
and the latter in New York.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

307

Joseph H. Linabury, who died in August, 1896, aged 88 years, was born
at Hackettstown, New Jersey, and came to Michigan in I836, accompanied by
his father, George Linabury. The latter returned to New Jersey in 1838 and
died there in 1883. Joseph H. Linabury was a miller by trade and he was
employed for a time by a Mr. Howard who operated the Yellow Mill at
Pontiac. His home was a farm in Independence township and his son can
recall his stories of the dangers he encountered from wolves when he walked
through the woods to his home on Saturday nights after the work of the
week. Several of his brothers were also residents and business men of Oakland County; Henry, who died some I2 years ago, was a well known merchant of Pontiac and Drayton Plains, and Isaac, also deceased, was a milller
residing near Birmingham. Joseph H. Linabury was a Democrat in political
views and he served many years as a justice of the peace in Independence
township and at Drayton Plains.
The mother of our subject was born in I836 at Elmira, New York, and
now resides at Pontiac. Her father, Alexander Anderson, came to Bloomfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, when she was young. He was a
farmer and surveyor, having followed the latter business in New York and in
Mexico, engaged for the government. He died in Oakland County, about
1871. Some members of Mrs. Linabury's family reside in St. Joseph County,
Michigan. The immediate family of our subject includes three brothers andl
one sister, and four half-brothers and one half-sister, viz: Joseph A., who
has been clerk at the Hodges House, Pontiac, for the past 12 years; George
M., who is a farmer in Waterford township and a Pontiac traveling man;
William A., who conducts a meat business on Saginaw street, Pontiac; Lena,
who is a dressmaker engaged in Detroit; Martin V., who is in the carriage
business at Jackson, Michigan; Clark C., who conducts the Superior House
at Lapeer; Daniel, who is in the drilling business at Pontiac; Elwood, a
farmer of Metamora, Michigan; and Mary Ann (Mrs. Jewell), of Cornwall,
Michigan.
Mr. Linabury was educated in the public schools and in a business college at Pontiac. From I882 to I888 he resided at Colon and Coldwater,
Michigan, but in I892 graduated at the Pontiac Business College, following
which he was elected city clerk. He served as such four years and in April,
I899, was elected justice of the peace and was re-elected to the same office
in I903. Prior to this he had been engaged successively as clerk in a hard

308

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ware store at Elk, Genesee County, for a year, then for five years clerk at the
Rose Hotel, Pontiac, and in the meantime was connected with several important business enterprises. In association with his brother, J. A. Linabury, and
Walter A. Palmer, he assisted in founding the Palmer Carriage Supply Company and served as secretary and treasurer. He was also secretary and treasurer
of the Pontiac Leather Specialty Company, which in I903 was purchased by
Van Kleet &amp; Son. The business was carriage furnishings and leather specialties. With Harry H. Free, Mr. Linabury has secured a patent on a selfwringing mop, which will soon be on the market and manufactured in Pontiac.
Mr. Linabury resides in a pleasant home at No. 345 West Huron street,
Pontiac, which he shares with his mother.
Politically he is identified with the Democratic party. Fraternally he
has membership with the Elks, Knights of Pythias, D. O. K. K., and
Foresters of America. Mr. Linabury is justly regarded as one of the leading
and representative citizens of Pontiac and he enjoys the respect and esteem
of the community which has known him from boyhood.
ERWIN A. CHAPMAN, M. D.
ERWIN A. CHAPMAN, MI. D. One of oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Novi township, Oakland County, is that of Chapman which
located there in I827, and a representative member of this family is found in
Dr. Erwin A. Chapman of Walled Lake, Commerce township. Dr. Chapman
is the seventh member of the family of children born to Aaron R. and Jane
(Smith) Chapman, his birthplace being the homestead farm in Novi township.
Aaron R. Chapman was born at Bristol, Ontario County, New York,
in I8I4, and died in Oakland County, Michigan, in I886. He was a son of
Randall Chapman who located in this State in I827, taking up I6o acres of
land in Novi township, which has been retained in the family's possession
to the present time. The five children of Randall Chapman all became well
known and respected residents of Oakland County; they were as follows:

OAKLAND COUNTY.

309,

Aaron R., father of our subject; Salina, who married William Tafft and
died in I902, leaving six children, Mr. Tafft having died several years previously; Margaret, who is the widow of J. J. Smith and resides at Plymouth,.
Michigan; Jane, who is the widow of Richard McGraw and resides at Detroit;
and the youngest member of the family, a son, who was accidentally killed.
The parents of Dr. Chapman were quiet, orderly people, kind andneighborly, industrious and respected and left a family which reflected
credit upon them and the neighborhood. The brothers and sisters of our subject are as follows: Helen, who married Jackson Welch, and is now living
retired at Northville, Michigan, owning a fine farm in Novi township, Oakland County; Rosella, who married Albert Griswold, who is engaged in the
crockery business at Bay City, Michigan; William, who died in I886; Randall, who is a farmer of Novi township, Oakland County; Homer, who resides
at Novi; Frank, who lives in Novi township, Oakland County; Ada, who
married Charles Button, a farmer of Farmington township, Oakland County;
and Floyd, who was married to Carrie Hazen and resides on the homestead,
farm in Novi township, Oakland County.
Dr. Chapman was reared on the homestead farm mentioned above, and
received his primary education in the district schools, subsequently attending
the Northville High School. His medical education was secured in theDetroit Medical College, where he was graduated in I876. He began practice in March of that year at Walled Lake, where he remained three years
and then went to New York, where he took a post-graduate course at Bellevue Medical College, graduating there in I879. Returning to Walled Lake,.
he has been permanently established there ever since.
In I879 Dr. Chapman was married to Carrie M. Hoyt, who was a
daughter of Dr. James M. and Margaret (Barrett) Hoyt, of Walled Lake,
Commerce township. Mrs. Chapman died in I882, leaving one child, Prudence
Eliza, born June 24, I882. In the fall of I884 Dr. Chapman was married to
Mary Jane Lee, who is a daughter of Austin and Jane (Naysmith) Lee ofBattle Creek, Michigan, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
Glasgow, Scotland. The children of this marriage are: Ethel Jane, born
September 22, I885; Aaron Lee, born May 2, I887; Ruth, born September
I5, i889; Esther Grace, born May 27, I895; and Helen, born December I2,
I90T.
Dr. Chapman is identified with the Republican party. In religious.

310

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

views he is a Baptist. He has been very successful professionally, and he
has gained a position of importance in his line. While never seeking office,
he has always taken a public spirited interest in the welfare of the town and
has generously supported every movement which his judgment has led him to
regard as beneficial. He is universally esteemed and occupies a high social
position.
MELVIN C. MOON.
MELVIN C. MooN was born on his present fine farm of I20 acres,
located in section 32, Independence township, June 25, 1854, and belongs to
one of the pioneer families of the county. He is a son of Stephen and Caroline (Hall) Moon, the former of whom was born August 23, 1823, at Palmyra, New York, and the latter of whom was born in Macomb County, Michigan, and was a daughter of Rufus Hall of Massachusetts.
Stephen Moon was nine years old when he came with his parents to
Michigan in I834. His father, Silas Moon, a native of New York and a
shoemaker by trade, became a farmer in Oakland County at an early day,
and died at Drayton Plains. Stephen Moon lived with his parents at Drayton
Plains, Waterford township, for 20 years and then bought the farm now
owned and occupied by our subject, with whom he resides, retired. In his day
he was a great hunter and fisher and was always a successful farmer. He
recalls many interesting events of the early days and distinctly remembers
when 700 Indians camped on one occasion at Drayton Plains. He has always
been a Republican, but cared more for the pleasures of his home and the
pursuit of his business than for public office. His three children are: Mrs.
Mary Turbush, who is residing at Cairo, MAichigan; Melvin C., and Arville,
who died at the age of I6 years.
Our subject has always resided on his present farm, which he has developed into one of the most valuable stock farms in the township. While
making a specialty of American and Delaine Merino sheep, of which he keeps
about 10o head, he also raises each year about 50 head of Duroc-Jersey hogs
which he has exhibited at county and State Fairs for the past 22 years. He

OAKLAND COUNTY.

311

keeps a few high grade milch cows and has done well with Buff Rock fowls.
He has paid more attention in his breeding to quality than to quantity.
On June 5, I878, Mr. Moon was married to Louisa Huff, who was born
in Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of George and Electa Huff.
Mrs. Moon also takes a great interest in the beautiful farm and its fine condition. It is most pleasantly located between the villages of Waterford and
Clarkston, and with its attractive scenic surroundings presents the idea of a
model rural home.
In politics Mr. Moon is a Republican with leanings in the direction of prohibition. He has served a number of years on the School Board and takes an
active part in all local affairs. For 30 years he has been a member of the
Grange, being one of the charter members that assisted in its organization at
Drayton Plains about I870. For 25 years he has been a member of the
Baptist Church, one of the deacons for the past 20 years and is also a trustee.
He was mainly instrumental in the organization of the Sunday-school of
which he has been the capable and faithful superintendent for several decades.
He has also been township superintendent of Baptist Sunday-schools for three
years. Mr. Moon is held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know
him.
HARMON NACKER.
HARMIION NTACKER. senior member of the firm of Nacker &amp; Palmer,
manufacturers of sanitary specialties and plumbers' woodwork, at AMillford,
Michigan, is one of the energetic and progressive business men of that place.
Mr. Nacker was born September 30, I857, at Dearborn, \Vayne County,
Michigan, and is a son of Frederick and Hannah (Deitrich) Nacker, both of
whom were born in Germany. They were farming people all their quiet,
orderly lives, and the father, at the age of 83 years, still survives, in mental
health, but the mother passed away in 1895, at the age of 73 years. Both from
childhood belonged to the German Lutheran Church.
Our subject was educated in the schools of Wayne and Oakland counties,
beginning farm work while still a boy. Later he learned the blacksmith trade,

312

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

making a specialty of horseshoeing and carriage blacksmithing, and followed
this trade for 20 years, being known as a fine mechanic. For three years
he was connected with the steam and water department of the State Agricultural College at Lansing. In April, I903, Mr. Nacker located in Milford, and
in association with William Palmer bought the plant and works which now
constitute the manufacturing business of Nacker &amp; Palmer. The members
of the firm found a demand awaiting their first class goods and even with the
help of 12 employees find difficulty in supplying the trade. During the busy
season traveling salesmen are sent out to take orders and arrange business;
the members of the firm are men of practical knowledge and can handle a
large amount of business themselves. The factory has been a distinct success and has added materially to the industrial wealth of M/ilford.
On November 22, 1882, Mr. Nacker was married to, Dora Law, who was
born in Michigan, and one son has blessed this union, Owen M., born November 7, I883. This young man has shown exceptional ability, not only being
a graduate of the mechanical department of the State Agricultural College
at Lansing, but also the capable bookkeeper of the Nacker &amp; Palmer factory.
While Mr. Nacker is a Democrat, he is in no way bigoted, and is inclined
to often vote for an excellent candidate, irrespective of party lines. He is a
thorough business man, honest and upright in all his dealings, public spirited
and of much executive ability. He supports all good movements in the community.
LEANDER 0. BANKS.
LEANDER 0. BANKS, one of the prominent and successful farmers of
Novi township, Oakland County, has resided on his fine, well improved farm
of IIO acres, located in sections 13 and 34, since I863. Mr. Banks was born
in the State of New York, November 8, 1826, and accompanied his father,
Aaron Banks, to Michigan in 1844. The latter was born in Chenango
County, New York, in I804.
The father of our subject bought a farm in Commerce township, Oakland County, but later sold the property and removed to the village of Walled

OAKLAND COUNTY.

3 I3

Lake where he died in I882, in his 78th year. His children were the following: Leander O.; Electa, the widow of Mark Furman, who was a farmer of
Novi township,-she has four children, Florence, Wilmouth, Eugene and
Judson; Mary, who married \W. W\. Sly, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Lodema,
Sarah and Frances, who are deceased.
Leander O. Banks came, as noted above, to his present property in 1863
and has been engaged in general farming and stock raising ever since. This
property is locally known as the Walnut Row Farm. Mr. Banks also owns
23 additional acres in Farmington township, Oakland County.
In 1863 Mr. Banks was married to Emeline Burch, who is a daughter of
Ephraim Burch, a prominent farmer of Commerce township, Oakland County,
and a family of seven children have been born to them, namely: Cora, who is
living at home; Ella, deceased; Fred, deceased; Rush, a practicing physician
in the State of Washington, who was married to Ruth Jeffers, and has one
son, Newel; Della, wife of William Thornton, a farmer of Novi township,
Oakland County, who has three children,-Gladys, Frederick and Lucile;
Edna, who married Harry Bogart of Novi township, Oakland County; and
Earl, who still lives at home with his parents on the homestead. On political
questions Mr. Banks keeps well informed and he has long been identified with
the Republican party.
E. J. LAMBERTSON.
E. J. LAMBERTSON, dealer in dry goods, shoes and furnishings at Rochester, Michigan, has one of the leading establishments of the village and is
one of its foremost and most enterprising citizens. He was born in Rochester,
Oakland County, Michigan, in I86., and is a son of John V. and Mary
(Pixley) Lambertson.
The history of the Lambertson family dates back to early colonial times
in America; it was established in New England. George Lambertson, grandfather of our subject, was born in 1795, and at an early day settled in the village of Rochester, Oakland County, Michigan. His home was the second
house on Main street, north of Fifth street, and is standing to-day although
18

314

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

it has been once remodeled. He lied in 1883. He married Ain Vansickle,
a native of New Jersey, and they had three children: Hiram, engaged in
mercantile business, who died in I894 at Caro, Michigan; John V., the father
of our subject; and Mary Anderson (Birdsell), who lived in Texas most of
her life. Mrs. Lambertson died in 1867, at the age of 63 years.
John V. Lambertson was born in Belvidere, New Jersey, and was eight
years old when he accompanied his parents to Rochester, Michigan, in 1834.
He became one of the early merchants of the village and for some years
engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his brother Hiram.
They built the first brick building in the town, it being located on the corner
of Main and Fourth streets. This block was built in I868, and with its'entire
stock was destroyed by fire a few years later. He rebuilt and carried on the
mercantile business there until 1887, when he went to Caro, Michigan, and
engaged in business until his death in 1900, at the age of 74 years. His
widow, Mrs. Mary (Pixley) Lambertson, was born in Monroe County,
New York, and now resides in the old homestead at Rochester, where the
subject of this sketch was born. She is a daughter of Jonathan and Polly
Pixley. Her father was born in 1799 and died in 1876, and her mother was
born in I803 and died in I890. John V. Lambertson and wife became the
parents of four children, as follows: Georgia, born in I850, Argus, born ia
I854, and Louis, born in 1856, all of whom died in 1857 of scarlet fever,
within the short space of io (lays; an(l A.. J.. the subject of this biography,
who is the only one now living.
E. J. Lamnbertson was reared in Rochester and educated in the pullic
schools, after which he worked in his father's store and learned the details
of the mercantile business. He continued with his father until I885, when he
embarked in business for himself and founded his present establishment. His
father and uncle were connected with the store at first and it was conducted
under the firm name of J. V. Lambertson &amp; Company. Since 1887 he has
conducted the store alone. He carries a very comprehensive line of dry goods,
shoes and gentlemen's furnishings, and enjoys a liberal patronage from the
higher class of citizens of the vicinity. He is one of the reliable and public
spirited men of the community and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow
citizens.
In 1887, Mr. Lambertson was joined in marriage to Grace A. Mattison,
of Pontiac, Michigan, and they have one daughter, Mary Lorena. One

OAKLAND COUNTY.

3 1,S

daughter, Deamaris, died in infancy. Our subject is a prominent Mason, as
was his father, and belongs to Lodge No. 5, F. &amp; A. M.; Chapter, R. A. M.;
Commandery No. 2, K. T., of Pontiac; the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge;
and has held most of the offices in each lodge. His father was one of the
first Masons of this section, joining the order when Lodge No. 5 was located
at Stony Creek, and held all the offices. E. J. Lambertson is also a member
of the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a member of the Congregational
Church and was formerly a trustee of the church. He is a Democrat int
politics.
CHAUNCY BRACE.
CHAUNCY BRACE, who conducts an undertaking business at Pontiac,
and is ex-coroner of Oakland County, was born September 8, 1844, in Wayne
County, Michigan, and is a son of Willis and Harriet (Curtis) Brace. The
father w\as born in 1 8oo in Niagara (County, New York. anld dlied in Michigan
in 1857 on the farm in \Wayne (County), \\here lie settledl in 1836. The mother
was also born in Niagara Counlty, New Yorkll andrl still resides in Vaynle
County, at the advanced aoe of to years. Our subject's two brothers and
two sisters all reside in \Wayne County and are as follows: Joel, who is
engaged in a monument business: Curtis; Mrs. Martha Cory and Mrs. Leaphy
Barnes.
Our subject was reared in Wayne County, Michigan, and there atten(led
school. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company E1, 9th
Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the I4th Army Corps in the
Army of the West, under General Thlomas. Altlough Mr. Brace participated in many of the most serious battles of the war, he escaped all injury,
seemling to have led a charmed life. Even when all his regiment with she
exception of four companies was captured, he was fortunate enotugh to belong
to one of the unmolested companies. Bearing a fine record for gallant service,
he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, September 15, I865.
Upon his return to WMayne County, Mr. Brace entered into the foundry
business under the firm name of Brace Brothers, which was continued until
I

,316

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1875. He then began a furniture, marble and undertaking business in partnership, but in 1883 he disposed of all lines except undertaking and has
devoted his main attention to this branch. Hiis furniture line he sold to A. C.
Adams on Thanksgiving Day, J902. From 1896 to 1902 he served as coroner
of Oakland County. Mr. Brace is interested in a number of business enterprises and is on the directing board of the Standard Vehicle Company, of the
Pontiac Body Company and of the Oakland County Savings Bank. In public
matters he is an active and enterprising citizen, one who is ever ready to
further movements for public improvements and civic development.
In 1864 Mr. Brace was married to Mary Randall, who is a daughter of
the late Cyrus Randall, an old pioneer of the county, who died in May, 1898.
Six children have been born to this marriage, namely: Frank W., traveling
representative of Jenks &amp; Muir of Detroit, who has a wife and daughter and
resides in Pontiac; Electa (Mrs. Turner), who has one daughter and resides
in Pontiac; R. J., an employee of the Oakland County Savings Bank, in
-charge of the interest department, who lives in Pontiac; Lucile (Mrs.
Chapin), who resides at Benton Harbor, Michigan; Clarence, who is his
father's assistant; and Jamie, clerically engaged in one of the vehicle factories,
who resides at home. The comfortable family residence is located at No. 86
Mount Clemens street.
Fraternally Mr. Brace is a Mason, having taken the blue lodge, the chapter and council degrees, and is also an Odd Fellow. He is past commander
and has served in all the chairs of Dick Richardson Post, No. 147, G. A. R.
The family belong to the Methodist Church.
JUSTUS BEEBE, M. D.
JUSTUs BEEBE, M. D., who is the leading medical practitioner at Wixom,
Oakland County, was born in Highland township, Oakland County, Michigan, in I837. He is a son of Anson and Betsey (Hovey) Beebe, both of
whom were born in Monroe County, New York.
Anson Beebe came to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1834, prior to the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

317 â

admission of Michigan to the honors of Statehood, and took up 80 acres of
government land in Highland township. There his family of five children
were born, all of whom still survive, namely; Anson, farmer in Rose township, located near Holly, who was married to Esther Grinnell, and has three,
children,-Fenton, Earl and Burt; Justus, of this sketch; Harriet Abigail,
who married Abram Reed, resides at Harrisville, Alcona County, Michigan,
and has two children, Linney and Mattie; Ira Howard, who is a resident of
Saginaw, Michigan; and Olive, who married Horace Webster, resides at
Cleveland, Ohio, and has one daughter, May.
Dr. Beebe obtained his early education in the local schools of Genesee
County, Michigan, and then entered the medical department of the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in I874. He has been
located at Wixom for the past 30 years, engaged in practice and in operating
a drug store. In i86I, at the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted for
service in Company G, 8th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., under Colonel Fenton,
and took part in all the engagements of his regiment while stationed in the
vicinity of Beaufort, North Carolina. He met with an accident which made
necessary his leaving the service in the following year; and he was discharged
as orderly sergeant, at Newport News. Then followed his study of medicine
and his subsequent successful career.
Dr. Beebe married Caroline M. Tenny, who was born in Macomb County,
Michigan, and was a daughter of Levias and Frances A. (Scranton) Tenny.
She died June 20, I903. Her two children both died in infancy. Dr. Beebe
is a Master Mason. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. In
religious views he is a Baptist.
R. J. LOUNSBURY.
R. J. LOUNSBURY, a well known attorney of Pontiac, Michigan, and a
representative of large real estate interests here and elsewhere, was born in
Putnam County, New York, where a brother still resides and where his father,
a prominent farmer, died in I881.

3t8

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Lounsbury prepared for college at Andover, Massachusetts, and was
a student at Dartmouth, in I875 graduating at the Columbia Law School of
New York City. He immediately came to Pontiac to represent Eastern capitalists who were operating in MIichigan, Illinois and other States, and has
retained full charge of their affairs ever since. During the first few years he
devoted considerable time to general practice but since then has found himself sufficiently occupied in acting as trustee and assignee, in looking after the
interests of the Eastern clients and in attending to his own extensive holdings.
In I880 Mr. Lounsbury was married to a daughter of Col. S. E. Beach,
of whom extensive mention will be found elsewhere in this work. Two
children have been born to this marriage, a son and a daughter, the latter still
surviving. Mr. and Mrs. Lounsbury have an elegant home on Orchard Lake
avenue, Pontiac. In politics Mr. Lounsbury is identified with the Republican
party. He is one of the substantial and representative citizens of Pontiac.
GEORGE D. HAMILTON.
GEORGE D. HAMILTON, one of the leading citizens of South Lyon, Lyon
township, Oakland County, who is engaged in the jewelry business, was born
in I85I in Brighton township, Livingston County, Michigan. He is a son
of John W. and Mary Ann (Leary) Hamilton, the former of whom was
born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in England.
John W. Hamilton went from his native State to Chemung County,
New York, and thence to Michigan, locating about 1845 in Brighton township, Livingston County, where he purchased a farm. There he met and in
1849 married Mary Ann Leary, who was a daughter of James Leary of that
neighborhood. Our subject is the eldest surviving member of their children,
who are as follows: George D., our subject; Sarah, who married William
Sutherland,-they live in South Lyon and have two children, Lulu and
Frank; Charles, who lives on the old homestead, was married to Elizabeth
Qfiance, and has three children; Arthur, who is a farmer of Milford township,
Oakland County, was married to Hattie Harwood, and has two children,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

319

William and Louis; Ada, who married John Dow, a farmer of Brighton
township, Livingston County, and has four children; Elizabeth, who married
George Sinock, a farmer of Lyon township, Oakland County, and has two
children; Olive, who married Fred Sturdevant, and lives on the base line of
Lyon township, Oakland County; and Frank, who learned the jewelry business with our subject, and is located at Stockbridge,-he marrie(l Agnes
Clark.
George D. Hamilton was primarily educated in Brighton township,
Livingston County, later attended school at Kensington and completed his
school career in Milford township. Being then ready to learn a trade, he
selected that of carpenter, and served an apprenticeship to the same of three
years and then entered upon building and contracting. During his leisure
moments he had been learning the jewelry business and later became so
interested in it that he decided to devote himself to that business. Consequently in 1883 he opened his present store in South Lyon, where he has ever
since been located and has continued to prosper from the first. He carries
a large stock of attractive and reliable goods and enjoys the confidence of the
citizens.
In 1880 Mr. Hamilton was married to Emma Herald, who is a daughter
of the late Emmett and Angeline (Campbell) Herald, the former of whom was
a farmer of Livingston County, Michigan, but died in Lyon township, Oakland County, in I901. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Herald,
namely: Sarah Ann, who married Moses Shaw, a contractor and builder of
Linesville, Pennsylvania, and has four children,-George, Frank, Fred and
Clifford; Albert, deceased; Frank, who resides in Oakland, California, and he
has one son, George; Willard. a farmer of Green Oak township, Livingston
County, who was married first to Martha Beach and had one son. Ray. and
married, second, Mary Forsche, and has two children,-Frank, deceased. and
HIomer; and twins, Ella and Emma, the former of whom is deceased. To
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born two children: Beryl, who died in
infancy; and Beulah Angy, who was born July 17, I897.
In politics Mr. Hamilton has always supported the Democratic party,
but has taken no very active part in political life. He is a valued member of
the Masonic bodies, blue lodge, chapter and commandery-belongs also to the
Order of Eastern Star and is an Odd Fellow and a Maccabee. He is one of
the intelligent and enterprising business men of South Lyon: and has won

320

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

an enviable reputation as a business man of integrity and as one who is always.
ready to endorse measures that promise to be of permanent benefit to the
village.
JOHN H. PATTERSON.
JOHN H. PATTERSON, a senior member of the firm of Patterson &amp; Patterson, one of the most prominent law firms in Oakland County, Michigan,
has been a citizen of Pontiac since first entering upon his business career.
Mr. Patterson was born at Holly, Olhland County, Michigan, in 1865,
and is a son of Hon. Thomas L. Patterson, who is a prominent attorney-at-law
and was for many years judge of the Probate Court of Oakland County. The.
firm name of Patterson &amp; Patterson has long been prominent before the bar
of this county, Judge Thomas L. Patterson having been in association with
James K. Patterson, the father of Samuel J., who is now a partner of our
subject. They practiced at Holly for many years and stood in the front rank
of the profession.
JOHN H. PATTERSON, senior member of the firm of Patterson &amp; Patgraduated in 1882, and then was a student at the Ann Arbor High School,
preparatory to entering the University. He entered the literary department
of the University of Michigan in 1883 and attended two years, at the same
time attending the lectures in the law department. In I885 he came to
Pontiac and served as clerk of the Probate Court, of which his father was then
judge. I âe continued the study of law under the direction of his father and
also under Thomas J. Davis, then an attorney of Pontiac but now of Duluth,
Minnesota. He was admitted to the bar at Pontiac in 1887 upon examination
before the Circuit Court, and subsequently was admitted to practice before
the United States courts. For some time after beginning practice, he maintained his office at the Court House; in 189o he established his office at the
present location in the Clinton Hall block. In i901 he formed a partnership
with Samuel J. Patterson, his cousin, with whom he has since been associated.
By reason of his early connection with the Probate Court, he gained a valuable
experience in its practice, and since has had much to do in the handling and

ALEXANDER EATON

,a:
I
II.Ik~:c
"":*
",
"'
~.;
x
"C::l

MRS. MARY T. EATON

OAKLAND COUNTY.

325

settlement of estates and in general probate practice. He numbers among his
clients some of the most substantial firms and business men of the county.
He is general counsel for the Pontiac, Oxford and Northern Railroad Company, having succeeded Judge A. C. Baldwin, deceased, to that office in 1901.
He is a director and also attorney for the First Commercial Bank, the strongest
financial institution of Oakland County, and for many other leading concerns.
Mr. Patterson was joined in marriage in I889 with Ella Stanton, who
was born in Oxford, Oakland County, and is a daughter of L. W. Stanton,
former sheriff of the county and for 25 years a prominent resident of Pontiac,
who died in I899. This union was blessed by the birth of three children,
namely: Donald S., Clarence K., and Marion, all natives of Pontiac. The
family residence is at No. 127 Saginaw street, South. In politics Mr. Patterson has always been a stalwart Democrat and has been active in campaign
work. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias; Uniform
Rank, K. of P.; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mrs.
Patterson is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.
ALEXANDER EATON.
ALEXANDER EATON, one of the large farmers, prominent citizens and
pioneer settlers of Oakland County, was born January Io, I820, near Syracuse, New York, and is a son of Alexander Eaton, Sr., who came to Michigan
in 1837. Since 1878, our su1)ject has resided on his fine farml of 120 acres
in sections 3 and o0, Independence township.
The father of our subject was born in Connecticut and learned the
tanner's and shoemaker's trades with which he was connected more or less
the greater part of his life. In 1837 he removed with his father to Michigan
and located in section 5. Brandon township, Oakland County, where he died
at the age of 84 years. The long journey was made by way of the Erie Canal
to Buffalo, thence by boat to Detroit, where he bought a yoke of oxen and
transported his family and household goods to the farm of 120 acres which
lie had selected on account of its desirable location. The first log shanty built

326

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for shelter gave way in three years to a frame house, which was the second
erected in Brandon township. As a survivor of the War of 1812, he received
a pension of $8 a month. He was a Democrat and wherever he lived took a
leading part in political and religious affairs. He was a consistent member
and class leader of the Methodist Church. For a number of years he was a
justice of the peace in Brandon township. He married Mary Crownhart,
who was born in New York and was a daughter of George Crownhart, and
they reared these children: Alexander, our subject; Clark, born November 9,
1822, who is now a resident of Flint, Michigan; Mrs. Mary Draper, deceased;
Mrs. Fidelia Wells, of Ortonville, Oakland County; George, leceased; Mrs.
Emily Gillet, of Cadillac, Michigan: Mrs. Hester A. Barker, deceased: and
William P., who has been lost sight of.
Alexander Eaton, the esteemed subject of this sketch, wnas 8 vears- old
when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and he remained with them
until he was 25 years of age, assisting in clearing up the new land, and in
getting it under cultivation. At the time of his first marriage, he bought 80
acres of land from Nelson Clark. located on the banks of the Kersley. and
lived there two years, clearing 40 acres of the property, erecting buildings and
setting out an orchard. He then removed to Flint, where he engaged one
year in shoemaking and then became associated with his father in a shoe bus:ness at Goodrichville, where he continued four years. Removing then to
East Saginaw, he followed a shoe business there for nine years. doing a large
amount of work and employing six assistants. Mr. Eaton was a skilled workman himself and his enterprise there was very successful, enabling him to
acquire considerable property. There both his first and second wives died
and he then sold out his business, married again and removed to Brandon
township and engaged in farming there until I878, when, as noted above, he
settled on his present valuable property in ]ndependence township. Mr.
Eaton has followed general farming, making something of a specialty of the
growing of potatoes, his land producing I,ooo bushels a vear, of the choicest
varieties.
Mr. Eaton was married, first, to Ada I,. Pitcher, the two children of this
union being: Mrs. Alice Brandon, who makes her home with her father;
and James, of Cairo, Saginaw County. His second marriage was to Louise
Pitcher, a sister-in-law, who at death left two children: Mrs. Ada Young,
of Brandon township, Oakland County; and Curtis E., deceased. His third

OAKLAND COUNTY.

327,

marriage was to Mrs. Malry 'Iruax, a daughter of John Mathews. Mrs.
Eaton died March 8, I903, aged 79 years and two months. In politics Mr.
Eaton is a Democrat and has been three times elected a justice of the peace,
but did not qualify. I-le is a Mason antl a member of the Grange. Portraits
of Mr. and Mrs. Eaton accompany this sketch, being presented on preceding
pages.
JULIEN WILLIAMS.
JULIEN WILLIAMS. Among the many old, prominent and substantial
families of Waterford township, Oakland County, none possesses more historic interest than that of the Williams family. Julien Williams, the present
worthy representative of this family, was born August 13, I840, on the old
homestead of 200 acres, located on Williams Lake, sections 17, I8 and 8,
Waterford township, but now makes his home in the pleasant village of
Waterford. -le is a son of the late Ferdina(nd and Phebe (Cook) Williams.
Ferdinandl Williams was born in the quiet little French town of Detroit,
on the banks of the beautiful river of that name, in the Territory of Michigan.
October 26, 18o6. I)etroit is now a great and flourishing city and the
metropolis of the State of Michigan, a won(lerful. contrast to what it was on
the birthday of her estimable citizen almost a century ago. The father of
Ferdinand was Maj. Gen. John R. Williams, a listinguished and wealthy
citizen of Detroit, who was chosen its first mayor and held the office for: five
times thereafter, and by his public spirit. activity and sterling business qualities did much toward the growth and prosperity of the city and the developing
of the resources of the country. The wife of General Williams was, prior
to marriage, Mary Mott, of Albany, New York, who was closely connected
with some of the old Dutch families on the Hudson. She was a lady of rare
accomplishments and of great personal beauty. Ferdinand, the first son, was
sent to a private school when about five years of age and was thereafter kept at
various private schools in, Detroit until near i years of age, when it was
thought by his preceptors that he was sufficiently prepared to enter college.
His father having relatives and many personal and business acquaintances in

348.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

New York State, some of whom resided at Utica, not far from Hamilton College, it was resolved by his father, to take him there to finish his education, and
some time during the year I823 they started by stage, and after a tedious land
journey of some weeks arrived at their destination. It was found, upon examination, however, that the young man was not sufficiently up in his studies to
meet the high standard required for admission to the college, and he was
advised by the professors to enter the advanced classes in the academy at Utica
and prepare for another examination.
The youth was therefore placed in the family of John C. Devereux, a
well known merchant of Utica, who was a warm personal friend of his father
and who was only too glad of tie opportunity to serve his old friend by
exercising a father's care over his young son. By close application and hard
study for a few months, Ferdinand was able to pass the examination and was
duly admitted to the freshman class at Hamilton College. Being naturally
of a quiet, sober and thoughtful turn of mind, he was not often engaged with
his fellow students in cutting up pranks, according to his own account, but
was fond of hunting and fishing, and spent his leisure moments in the solitude
of the woods. A short time previous to graduation and the receiving of his
degree, in 1827, he returned to his home at Detroit and entered the law office
of the late Hon. A. D. Fraser, and commenced the study of the law. After
some time spent in the acquiring of the principles and looking into the practice of the law, and finding that his tastes were not adapted to the profession,
he gave it up and took a position to edit a newspaper, the progenitor of the
present Detroit Free Press. After some months he also abandoned editorial
work and made up his mind to become a farmer. Being of a wild, ronantic
disposition and fond of the woods, he formed the resolution to explore the
interior of the Territory, which was then a vast, unbroken wilderness, and
after some time found a place to his taste on the banks of a beautiful lake
which still bears his name, located 34 miles west from Detroit, and two miles
southwest of the present village of Waterford in Oakland County. Selecting
there a quarter section of wild land, he erected a log house with his ax and
the assistance of an old colored man named Frank who had been a servant in
his father's family for many years.
About this time he met with an old farmer and his family who had lately
arrived from the central part of the State of New York, one of whose daughters became his wife, and on the 4th of November, I829, he moved with his

OAKLAND COUNTY.

329

young wife, and some provisions and a few household articles, to his future
home and thus became one of the first pioneers of the county. As soon-as he
was settled, he began to chop off the heavy oak timber and clear away the
brush from a piece of land for cultivation, but, unaccustomed to hard work,
and with no practical knowledge of farming, he net with poor success and
experienced many hardships in getting a living for himself and increasing
family, becoming very dependent upon the fruits of the chase. Having
become a skillful hunter, and deer and other game being abundant, they were
not often reduced to extreme want and in danger of starvation, although there
was no market for anything, and the nearest point for procuring supplies was
the small village of Pontiac, nearly io miles away through the forest.
As the country about him began to be settled in the course of a few
years, he was often urged by his neighbors to accept offices of trust, by reason
of his superior education and eminent fitness, but he always declined and never
held any public office except for a few months that of deputy register of deeds
of Wayne County, in which Detroit is situated. For more than 20 years, or
until his last sickness, he had no serious illness, and was remarkably erect,
vigorous and active. I-e died November 12, 1896, in his o9th year, his death
resulting from the effects of a fall.
The venerable mother of our subject died at her home in the village of
Waterford, on April 29, I892. In recalling this remarkable woman and the
events of her life, we can do no better than to use data prepared by a friend of
the family. Mrs. Williams was a daughter of Seth and Urania Cook and was
born in West Bloomfield, New York, near Rochester, March I6, I808. She
was one of a family of eight children, of whom she was the last survivor.
Her parents, with some of her elder brothers, migrated from Rhode
Island many years before and settled on some heavy timber land in the
forests of Western New York. During the War of I812 her father served as
a soldier in the American Army for a short time and was wounded in one
of the battles, for which he received a pension from the government. After
many years of toil in providing for daily necessities and in clearing the land
and making a comfortable home for the family, the painful discovery was
made that the title to the property was worthless, and the family was obliged
to leave everything in the hands of strangers and seek a home in another
place. About this time flattering reports of the attractiveness and advantages
of the Western country reached them through a son who had come to Michi

330

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gan and the parents and family resolved to go westward. They packed all
their earthly possessions and, loading them in a wagon, started with an ox
team for Buffalo, which they reached after a toilsome journey of many days.
There the family took passage for Michigan on one of the first steamboats
built on the lakes, and after a very rough and unpleasant voyage, landed in
Detroit on June 2, 1824, and put up at Ben Woodworth's hotel. Detroit was
then but a small French town numbering from 2,000 to 3,000 inhabitants.
After remaining there a year or so, the family settled at Pontiac, on what is
now known as the Captain Parks farm. Mr. Cook subsequently sold it to
Captain Parks and removed to Shiawassee County, locating near Owosso.
On February 25, I828, Phebe Cook was married to Ferdinand Williams
of Detroit, a young man then but a few months out of college, and, after living
for a time with her people, on November 4, I829, they settled on a wild piece
of land on the west bank of Williams Lake, in the township of Waterford.
The country was then an almost unbroken wilderness, their nearest neighbor
being two and a half miles away at what is now the village of Waterford and
which consisted of a sawmill and three houses owned and occupied by Capt.
Arch. Phillips, Alpheus Williams and Henry Sanderson and their families.
Pontiac at this time was the nearest market where supplies could be obtained
and comprised a half dozen houses and a general store or two. Oliver Williains and family, residing on the banks of Silver Lake, were the only white
people living outside of these places in any direction for many miles until
Grand Blanc was reached on the west, where there was a solitary Indian trader.
While the country was new, few of the early pioneers of Michigan suffered
greater harlsllips than Mrs. Williams and her husband. They had to battle
with fever and ague and poverty.
On one occasion, tluring the Black Hawk War, her husband had to make
a trip to Pontiac for some provisions, and as wild aend exciting reports of a
general Indian uprising and the murdering of the whites had reached them,
the poor wife and mother in fear of her life from the merciless savages
thought it woulld be safer aiway fromn the house than in it. She locked it up
and taking her two little children concealed herself in some bushes under the
bank of the lake near the spot where since were laid two of her children, and
there with trembling linmbs an anxious eves she watched and waited all day
for the return of her husband, who had been delayed and could not get back
as soon as they expected. Mrs. Williams as exceedingly unfortunate and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

33z

met with numerous sad accidents all through her life. When about 14 years of
age she had her left arm dislocated at the elbow from a bar pole falling upon it
and through the stupidity of the doctor, who declared it only sprained, the
member was left in a partially crippled condition which caused her much pain
and inconvenience all through her life. At another time, after she had passed
middle age, she dislocated her left knee and subsequently, when she had
reached nearly three score years and ten, she had to undergo a painful surgical:,peratiol for the removal of a cancerous tumor on her left cheek, which
ever afterwLar(l weakened the left eye. Several years, after, she suffered a
severe injury to her left foot, on a broken sidewalk in Pontiac, from which she
never fully recovered.
Mrs. Williams was a devoted and faithful wife and a loving and affectionate mother and her interest in the welfare of her children and grandchildren never ceased as long as life lasted. She helped them in times of need
fromn her scanty means and was ever kind and charitable to the poor an(l
afflicted. Often in the early times she walked long distances through rain and
mud to sit up nights with some sick neighbor. She was a woman of strong
character and remarkable for her frugality, industry and energy and all the
disappointments in her long life she bore with the greatest fortitude.
Although she and her aged husband had lived apart for many years, he called
to see her a number of times during her last sickness.
Being so patient and self-sacrificing, she was beloved by her children and
grandchildren and she taught them the great truths of religion and to love
that which was pure and good and to shun evil and all forms of vice. She
was the mother of these children: Saxton C., deceased; Mary F.
(McKeand), of Pontiac: Emily Tilden (Streeter): Elizabeth (Ganong);
Ferdinand J., Theodore, Jr., Julien, and Flora Burt. But two of this family
still survive.
Julien Williams lived in Waterford township until the age of 21 years,
obtaining his education in the district schools, the academy at Clarkston and
the Union School at Pontiac, subsequently taking a literary course at the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and also a course in law. He was
gratluated in 1864, was admitted to the bar and entered the office of Gray &amp;
O'Flynn of Detroit, where he remained one year. In addition to his practice
Mr. Williams was interested in real estate in Detroit, where he resided until

'332

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i886 when he returned to Waterford township and took charge of his parents
large real estate interests.
In politics Mr. Williams is a prominent Democrat and during 1870 and
1871 he served as alderman of the old Ioth Ward in Detroit.
HON. GEORGE W. SMITH.
HON. GEORGE W. SMITH, present judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit,
and one of the prominent citizens of Pontiac, Michigan, was born at Warsaw, New York, March 27, I85o, and is now in the prime of life.
Judge Smith was five years of age when he came with his parents,
Orson H. and Jennette (Armstrong) Smith, to Michigan, and he was reared
at Commerce, Oakland county. His study of law was pursued in the city of
Pontiac and in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann
Arbor. He was admitted to the bar in I874. In 1877 and 1878 he served
as Circuit Court Commissioner of Oakland County and in I879 and I88o
he was city attorney of Pontiac. In November, I888, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Oakland County and served six years in that responsible
position, discharging its duties with fidelity and marked ability. On January
I, I896, Judge Smith assumed the responsibilities of his present position as
judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and has made a fine record during the
succeeding years to the present. He is recognized as a learned, fearless and
impartial jurist and no suspicion has ever been cast upon his integrity.
HENRY FRANK STONE.
HENRY FRANK STONE, formerly treasurer of Oakland County, now
represents the New York Life Insurance Company at Rochester, where he
has resided since I898. He was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, October 6,
1851, and is a son of William B. and Sally (LeGate) Stone.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

335

The Stone family is of good old New England stock. The grandfather of our subject was a member of the "Boston Lancers," and died
while yet a young man. William B. Stone was one of five children, three
sons and two daughters, born to his parents, and all are now deceased. He
was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and followed his trade at various places.
He was a carpenter and joiner, a ship carpenter and cabinetmaker, and the
set of tools used by him is now possessed by our subject. He married Sally
LeGate, who came of New England stock and was of French descent. She
was a granddaughter of Capt. John LeGate, who was an old sea captain.
The sea chest used by him is now owned by Henry F. Stone's uncle, Edwin
LeGate. Mrs. Stone, who was one of a family of I4 children, died in I887 at
the age of 75 years, and her husband died in I899, at the age of 88 years. They
were parents of six children, as follows: George W., who died in Massachusetts in I902; James, who died in Boston in I883; Jennie P., who lives in Shelburne, Massachusetts; Sarah, widow of Resolve Shaw, who lives in Lewiston; Henry Frank; and Elizabeth, wife of D. P. Bardwell of Bardwell's
Ferry, Massachusetts.
Henry Frank Stone was reared and educated in his native State, and
at the age of I2 years left his home. He worked for a cattle man and
attended schools in the winter, receiving the advantage of three years in an
excellent district school. He next worked on a farm for three years and
provided the means by which his sister was educated at normal school.
When about 20 years of age, he became supply man at a sawmill and traveled about considerably. He then engaged as head sawyer at a mill in
Shelburne, Massachusetts, for four years, after which he was located at
Greenfield, Massachusetts, one year. He then spent one year in Shelburne,
where he bought a home for his parents, and there they resided until called
to their final resting place. In I877, Mr. Stone removed to Oxford, Oakland County, Michigan, where for one year he was engaged in erecting wind
mills for John Brown. He then entered the employ of Woodward &amp; Rymer,
dealers in agricultural implements at Rochester, Oakland County. He next
engaged in the hotel business there for one and a half years, after which he
located upon a farm in Avon township, where he lived for a period of I7
years. He sold his farm in I898 and returned to his old home at Rochester.
He became very active in political matters and was active in his support
of Hon. D. M. Ferry for Governor. He was appointed tare master at the
19

334

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sugar factory at Rochester and served one year, then was superintendent of
field and tare master in charge of the yard of the Detroit Sugar Company.
In the spring of I903, he became agent for the New York Life Insurance
Company.
Mr. Stone is an enthusiastic Republican and has frequently been honored by election to office. In 1895 he was elected county treasurer and in
I897 was re-elected, and although his residence was io miles away he never
missed a single day at his office, driving every day during the four years.
He was a careful and capable public servant, and was held in high esteem
by his constituents. He was also highway commissioner in Avon township, of which he was also for some time the treasurer. He is an important
factor in the county conventions of his party, and is one of the most enthusiastic workers for party success.
In I88I, Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Ella F. Lomason, a
daughter of G. G. and Dolly (Crawford) Lomason, the former a native of
Belvidere, New Jersey, and the latter of Warren County, New Jersey. G.
G. Lomason, familiarly known as "Doc" Lomason, came to Michigan with
his father, Peter Lomason, in the early "thirties," and located near Rochester, Oakland County. He died in 189T, at the age of 73 years. His wife
died July 2, 1898. Mr. and MIrs. Stone are the parents of one child, Bessie.
He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of Lodge No. 5, F. &amp; A. M., of
Rochester. He is also a Forester and a charter member of the Knights of the
Maccabees.
OSCAR M. WHIPPLE.
OSCAR M. WHIPPLE, senior member of the Whipple Lumber Company,
located at Novi, Oakland County, was born in 1837 in Novi and is a son
of Owen F. and Elizabeth (Simmons) Whipple, the latter born in Ontario
County, New York, a daughter of David Simmons, whose family removed
to Michigan at a later date.
Owen F. Whipple, who wa$ born in 18o6 in New Hampshire, accompanied his parents, in young manhood, to Ontario County, New York, where

OAKLAND COUNTY.

335

he followed coopering, which he continued, after removing in 1832 to Novi
township, Oakland County, where he purchased a farm, which is now included within the village, and operated it until his death in 188i. His wife
died in I868, their four children being as follows: Velaris 0., now residing
at Northville, Wayne County, Michigan, engaged in a saddlery and harness
business, who was married to Martha Johnson, of Plymouth, Wayne County,
who died and left a daughter, Agnes, now the wife of Samuel Cranson, of
Northville; Oscar M., the subject of this sketch; W. A., who is the junior
partner in the Whipple Lumber Company; and Emma, deceased, who was the
wife of the late Milan Johnson.
Mr. Vhipple wzas educated in the schools of Novi township and the
Milford High School, and then returned to his father's farm, which is now
his home. The lumber office is also located there, a business he founded in
I874. As stated above, the homestead farm is now a part of the village of
Novi, and there the business of the company is conveniently carried on. In
association with the two brothers for a number of years was George W.
Whipple, the adopted son of our subject, who continued to be a member of
the household from the age of one year to that of twenty-six. Mr. Whipple
gave the lad all the advantages of good local schooling and he grew to manhood and has continued to be a credit to his foster parents. George W., after
leaving the lumber company, engaged with Fred M. Warner in the manufacture of brick at Farmington, and is now a traveling salesman for the Ross
Lumber Company, of Detroit.
Oscar M. Whipple was married to Lucretia \. Colvin, who is a daughter
of Rufus Colvin, a farmer, born in Vermont. Rufus Colvin removed from
Vermont to Monroe County, New York, and in 1830 came to Michigan, taking up eighty acres of land in Novi Township. Oakland County. There he
cleared a fine farm and comfortably reared a family of nine children, as follows: Benoni, deceased, who left one son. Charles P., who was married to
Lizzie Hudson, of Saginaw, Michigan, and they have two children-Randall and Crystal; Clarissa (Mrs. George Grace), of Novi, who has an adopted
daughter, Clara; Maryette, who was the wife of the late John Pickett, of
Walled Lake, Oakland County; Randall, deceased, who was married to Mrs.
Jeremiah Webb, who now lives at Northville, Michigan; Matilda, deceased;
Collins, deceased, who was married to Lucinda Demorest, who now lives
at Fowlerville, Michigan, with her children, Ada and Fred; Isaac, who was

336

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married to Helen Robinson; Philip, deceased; and Lucretia A. (Mrs. Whipple).
In politics Mr. Whipple votes with the Republican party, but is no aspirant for office. In religious views he is a consistent member of the Baptist
church at Novi; As a business man and as a citizen he is held in high esteem
in the community.
GEORGE SKENE, JR.
GEORGE SKENE, JR., a prominent farmer of Novi township, Oakland
County, whose well improved farm of 80 acres in section 13 compares favorably with any in the locality, was born in I840 in Scotland. Mr. Skene's
native land has contributed to Michigan many of her best and most successful
citizens. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Fraser) Skene, the former of
whom was a farmer and blacksmith in Scotland, where he died in 1873, his
widow remained in her native land until her death, February 23, I900.
Mr. Skene is the second member of his parents' family, namely:
Urquhart, who is living in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland; George, Jr.; Elizabeth, widow of Alexander Wright, living at Ellon, Scotland; Jane, who lives
in Scotland; William, who lives in Scotland on the homestead farm, "Hillhead of Esslemont"; Christina, who married George Boyne, and lives
in Aberdeen; John, deceased; and Margaret, who married Mr. Durno, a
landscape gardener, and resides in England.
George Skene, Jr., left Scotland in 1882 and resided for four and a half
years at Toronto, Canada, removing then to Detroit. There he resumed work
at his trade of blacksmith, opening a shop on Michigan avenue, where he
worked for, some years and then decided to locate on farming land. In I895
he purchased hi's present farm of eighty acres in section I3, Novi township,
and has continued to improve the same ever since. An improvement of importance is a silo, which he had built, with a capacity of I25 tons, and from
this silo during the winter of I902 he fed thirty-three head of stock, having
fattened eleven steers, averaging 1,350 pounds apiece. He is a man with
practical ideas and has found that they bring him success.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

337

Mr. Skene was married in 1865 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to Ann
Manson, who is a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (White) Manson,
both of whom.were born in Aberdeenshire, and reared these children: Margaret, deceased; Christian and Elizabeth, who live on the old farm in Scotland; Ann (Mrs. Skene), and Jane, deceased.
A family of seven children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Skene, as
follows: Jennie, born August 23, I865, in Scotland, who lives in New
York; Margaret Ann, born in Scotland, June 16, I867, who married Francis
Beattie and lives at Iola, Kansas, where Mr. Beattie is connected with the
cement works; George, born in Scotland, February 23, I870, conducts the
old blacksmith business established in Detroit by his father, keeping up a
family trade, his great-grandfather, George Skene, having been the horseshoer for Lord Aberdeen; Alexander, born June 29, 1874, who was married
to Ethel Collins, and is associated with his brother George; Agnes, born in
1876, who lives in Detroit; Isabel Park, who married Albert Moco, who has
been a street railway conductor in Detroit for the past twelve years; and
Alice Wilhelmina, born in Canada August 8, 1883, who is still at home. Mr.
'and Mrs. Skene have reared a most creditable family, all being highly respected members of society. In Scotland Mr. Skene became a member of
the Episcopal Church. His political sentiments make him a Republican.
GUY A. WALTER.
GUY A. W.ALTER, one of the progressive young business men of Clarkston, Independence township, Oakland County, member of the drug and grocery
firm of Guy A. Walter &amp; Company, was born in Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan, December 9, I874, and is a son of Nelson and Josephine (Ainsworth) Walter. A sketch of Nelson Walter appears elsewhere
in this work.
When he was nine years of age the family removed from the farm to
-Clarkston, and there he was educated, being graduated from the High School
in the class of I892. He then went to work for the wholesale drug firm of

338

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

T. H. Hinchman, Son &amp; Company and later entered the employ of the Michigan Drug Company, where he formed the acquaintance of Charles M. Smith,
his present business partner. Soon after Mr. Walter was placed in charge
of Mr. Sinith's general store at Pontiac; one year later he removed to Clarkston and bought the store of F. Hammond and later the drug stock of E. A.
Urch. Tle business of the company is in a very flourishing condition. Charles
M. Smith, our subject's partner, is connected with five stores in different parts
of the country and as he travels for a wholesale drug house, is enabled to
obtain and to quote inside figures. Since May, 1903, the business has been
located in the Maccabee Temple block, where a stock is carried which would
do credit to a much larger town, including drugs, paints, oils, groceries, school
books, stationery and choice confections. The prescription department is in
charge of Edwin F. Steet, a registered pharmacist. In addition to his interest in this prosperous business, Mr. Walter is a stockholder of the E. Jossman State Bank of Clarkston, and is interested in a leading building association.
On June 29, I898, Mr. Walter was married to Marie R. Gabouri, of Detroit, who is a daughter of Frederick and Lenore Gabouri, and one little
daughter has been born to them, who bears the name of Josephine Lenore. In
politics Mr. Walter is a Republican.
CRAMER SMITH.
CRAMER SMITH, cashier of the Pontiac Savings Bank, is one of the prominent citizens of Pontiac, Michigan, and a recognized power in banking circles. His birth took place in 1876 in Oakland County, and he is a son of John
A. Smith, one of the representative citizens of Orion. The latter came to Oakland County in boyhood from WVarren County, New Jersey, and has successfully followed agricultural pursuits in this locality.
Cramer Smith completed the common school course in the local schools
and in I895 was graduated at the Rochester High School. As he had de.
cided to adopt banking as a business, he immediately accepted a position as
teller and bookkeeper in the bank of Webber, Hale &amp; Company at Rochester,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

339

going from there to the Oakland County Savings Bank at Pontiac, serving
one year as commercial teller. He then became cashier of the Orion State
Bank and continued there until some two years ago, when he accepted the
responsible position he now fills with so much ability. Much credit is given
Mr. Smith for the present prosperity of this institution and for its great volume of business.
The Pontiac Savings Bank was organized and began business in November, I898, the officers then being: James A. Jacokes, president; D. J.
Hammond, vice-president; D. H. Power, cashier; while the directors were:
Col. S. S. Matthews, P. A. Hitchcock, B. F. Ellwood, E. R. Webster, T. N.
Funk, J. A. Jacokes, J. S. Stockwell and Harry Coleman. Some changes
have taken place since then, the present officers being: Col. S. S. Matthews,
president; F. H. Hale, vice-president, and Cramer Smith, cashier. The directorate includes, besides the president and vice-president of the institution, the
following well known business men: S. J. Tomlinson, E. R. Webster, F. H.
Carroll and Dr. J. W. Smith. The capital is $50,000. The bank building
was purchased from the Pontiac National Bank, having been built by the
Second National Bank. Particular attention is paid to savings deposits, while
a general banking business is also carried on, money being loaned on real
estate first mortgages.
Politically Mr. Smith is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks, being treasurer of the lodge at Pontiac;
he is also a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, the
Knights of Corson and the Foresters.
Mr. Smith, owing to his business acumen and his untiring efforts, together with his adaptability and quick recognition and acceptance of opportunities, is recognized as rapidly approaching the front rank among the financiers of Oakland County.
CHOLETT CALKINS.
CHOLETT CALKINS, a well-known resident of South Lyon, Oakland
County, and an honored survivor of the Civil \Var, was born in Lyon township, Oakland County, Michigan, in 1837, and is a son of William M. and

340

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Eliza (Ellis) Calkins, both of whom were born in the State of New York.
Our subject comes of Revolutionary stock. His grandfather, Jonathan
Calkins, served six years in the WAar of the Revolution as a member of the
3rd Company in the' First Massachusetts Regiment, which was commanded
by Col. Joseph Vose, at the time of enlistment being but a lad of sixteen
years. After the close of the war he settled in Vermont, but a few years later
removed to Herkimer County, New York, where he married Nancy Ellis,
who was a daughter of Samuel Ellis. His death occurred in Monroe County,
New York, in I833. He was the father of seven children, namely: Benjamin
Ellis, who was married to Malinda Everett; Hannah, who married Eleazer
Warner, of Herkimer County, where she lived until her death, which occurred
after she had passed her ninetieth birthday; Daniel Warren, who was married
to Mary Manwarren, and removed in 1836 to Lyon township, Oakland
County; Eleazer, who came to Michigan in I833 and took up land in Lyon
township, Oakland County, the deed for which was signed by President
Andrew Jackson-he was married to Annie Blood and reared four children,
the survivor being Sylvester, a retired minister living in South Lyon, who was
married first to Harriet Arms, of Brighton township, Livingston County,
who died in April, 1892; his second wife being Jane Rodger, of Lyon township, Oakland County; John G., who was married to Elizabeth March, of
New York; William M., and Benjamin Ellis, who came to Michigan in 1834
and purchased a farm in Lyon township, Oakland County.
William M. and Eliza (Ellis) Calkins, parents of our subject, were pioneers in Michigan, locating in Lyon township in 1833. They reared four
children-Violett, Henry, Daniel and Cholett.
Cholett Calkins was educated in the district schools of Lyon township,
where he was engaged in farming until he enlisted for service in the Civil
War. On August I I, 1862, he became a member of the 22nd Reg., Michigan
Vol. Inf., and until his honorable discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, on June
26, 1865, he performed a soldier's duties, facing dangers and enduring hardships with a courage and heroism which brought him promotion and the
esteem and confidence of his comrades and superiors. He was encamped with
his regiment from November I, 1862, to February I, 1863, at Lexington, Kentucky, performing provost and guard duty, and when the regiment was sent
to take part in the vigorous campaign which followed, he fought in every
battle except that of Chickamauga, having on that occasion been detailed as

ELBERT JAMES KELLY

OAKLAND COUNTY.

343

a camp guard. His soldierly qualities caused his promotion to the rank of
orderly sergeant.
In I86I Mr. Calkins was married, first to Lucy Clark, who died in 1893.
His second marriage was to Celia Dowd, who is a daughter of Seymour and
Lucy (Skinner) (Bowen) Dowd. One son, Lawrence Cholett, has been born
to the second marriage.
In politics Mr. Calkins has always been an active Republican. He is a
Mason, also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He has also been
prominent in Stansell Post, No. 456, G. A. R., and in I890 was appointed
assistant inspector of the Michigan Department, G. A. R., by Henry M. Duffield, department commander. Mr. Calkins may feel a just pride in his army
record. With his comrades he has been honored in story and song, for Oakland County recalls vividly the days when her sons were fighting for the Nation's life and points proudly to them.
Sons of Macomb and broad St. Clair,
And Oakland's rolling fields, were there.
And now they tell, with patriot pride,
How that great day they fought beside
The Rock of Chickanauga.
ELBERT JAMES KELLY.
ELBERT JAMES KELLY, whose business is located at No. Io6 North
Saginaw street, is the leading undertaker in Pontiac. He was born in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, October 23, I85i, and is a son of
James Z. and Mary C. (Chamberlin) Kelly.
James Z. Kelly was born in Pontiac township, Oakland County, Michigan, and was a son of Hugh Kelly, one of the pioneers of this locality. Both
father and son were carpenters and they erected many of the early buildings
through this section. James Z. Kelly was known as Judge Kelly and was very
prominent in the Masonic fraternity. He served as Masonic State lecturer
for California and Nevada for several years, his death in 1878 occurring at

344

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Santa Cruz, where he was interred. The maternal grandparents of our subject
were John and Rebecca (Wilson) Chamberlin. John Chamberlin, who was a
farmer of Seneca County, New York, came to Oakland County about 1822
and took up government land. He made many trips between Bloomfield
township and Detroit, walking the whole way to obtain family necessities.
Mrs. James Z. Kelly was born on the same farm as was our subject, and
died in 1876. Our subject has a twin sister, Mrs. Jerome W. Robbins of
Pontiac, whose husband is a prominent attorney, formerly judge of the State
Court of Mediation and Arbitration; and one brother, Fred A., born in 1853,
who held a number of responsible positions at Buffalo, where he died five years
ago.
Elbert James Kelly was but six months old when he came to Pontiac,
and here he was educated primarily, finishing at the Ypsilanti Seminary.
After five years spent at newspaper work, during which time he became
widely acquainted, in 1874 he purchased a half interest in the Pontiac BillPoster, which is now the Oakland County Post, and in 1876 he became complete
owner and acted as its very able editor and proprietor, until 1890. He then sold
out to a company headed by F. S. Fitch, formerly school superintendent at
Pontiac, who, in turn, sold to Harry Coleman, the present proprietor. Mr.
Kelly spent one year in business at Detroit and then returned to Pontiac and
bought the undertaking business of E. HI. Tompkins, one of the early business
men of the place.
Mr. Kelly has introduced many innovations since he took charge of this
business which is now conceded to be the best conducted of any in the
county. In I902 he introduced the first and now the only ambulance in the
city, which is under the direct care of his son, C. J. Kelly. Our subject was
the first undertaker of Pontiac to secure a State license from the State Board
of Health. For the past 12 years he has been the official undertaker for the
Eastern Michigan Asylum. He carries a very fine stock, uses all modern
sanitary appliances and in every way is wholly up-to-date.
Mr. Kelly married a daughter of Simon Stowell, formerly a resident of
White Lake township, Oakland County, and three children have been born to
them, namely: C. J., who is an electrician; Mrs. H. B. Merritt, wife of a
prominent shoe dealer of Pontiac: and Mrs. Howard K. McCotter, of Avon
township, Oakland County. The family residence is at No. 217 North Saginaw street.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

345

Mr. Kelly has always been more or less identified with city and county
politics and was the Democratic alderman from the Fourth Ward for two
years and in I898 was elected mayor, to succeed Hon. F. H. Carroll, and
served one year as coroner. For 36 consecutive years he has served in the
Presbyterian Church Choir. Fraternally he is a member of I6 societies,
including the Masons, Elks, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and others.
A portrait of Mr. Kelly, executed from a photograph taken in the fall
of 1903, accompanies this sketch, being presented on a preceding page.
W. A. WHIPPLE.
W. A. WHIPPLE, the junior member of the Whipple Lumber Company,
located at Novi, Oakland County, was born in the village of Novi December
6, I84I. More extended mention of this prominent family is made in the
sketch of Oscar M. Whipple, which will be found on another page of this
volume.
Mr. Whipple received his education in the schools of Novi Township and
passed his boyhood in practical work on the farm and in his father's cooper
shop. In I88I he located on the homestead farm. Since I88I he has been
associated with his brother in the lumber business, under the firm name of
the Whipple Lumber Company, a large industry of Novi, doing an annual
business of $Io,ooo and employing several men.
On July 7, I870, Mr. Whipple was married to Emma J. Kimmis, who
is a daughter of A. M. and Rhoda (Coldren) Kimmis. A. M. Kimmis was
born in Vermont and came to Michigan in 1836, locating at New Hudson,
Lyon township, Oakland County, where he engaged in shoemaking and farming. On his way to Michigan he lost all his household possessions through
the wreck of the steamer. In I86I he was elected by the Republican party
sheriff of Oakland County, then thoroughly Democratic, and was given a
second term on account of personal popularity. Mr. Kimmis married first
Rebecca Town and they had two children, Nelson and Sarah, both deceased.
Mrs. Kimmis died in I848 and Mr. Kimmis then married Rhoda Coldren, who

346

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is a daughter of Elijah Coldren, a farmer of Plymouth township, Wayne
County. Three children were born to this marriage, namely: Emma J., wife
-of our subject; Belle, who married Levi Mosher, and has reared one son,
Ralph; and Austin N., who was married first to Blanche Peck, who died in
I897, and second to Violett Mode. Mr. Kimmis died in I896 and was survived by his widow but three years.
Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have one daughter, Mable F., born March 27,
I875. She is a most attractive and estimable young lady, a graduate of the
Ypsilanti State Normal School, and an active worker and member of the
Baptist Church.
Mr. Whipple is identified with the Republican party. He is fraternally
connected with the Masons. His business interests are large and he is considered one of the representative men of the township.
ANDREW K. EDGAR.
ANDREW K. EDGAR, who is engaged in a successful produce business at
Clarkston Depot, Independence township, Oakland County, owns a fertile
farm of thirty-six acres in section 31 in that township. He comes of an old
Scotch pioneer family that settled in Michigan many years ago. Mr. Edgar
was born January 23, I859, in Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a son of William and Ann (Kennedy) Edgar, both of whom were
born in Scotland.
William Edgar came to America and to Michigan in young manhood,
locating at an early date in Springfield township, Oakland County. He was
a carpenter by trade and by honest industry amassed a comfortable property.
His death took place in I89I. He married Ann Kennedy, who had accompanied her parents from Scotland. They were pioneers and made their entrance into Springfield township in a wagon drawn by an ox team. The
six children born to William Edgar and wife were the following: George
and Robert, who farm on the old place in Springfield township, Oakland
County; Mrs. Jennie Hickson, deceased; Andrew K., of this sketch; Henry,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

34?

who with Charles and George Harris, owns a great stock farm of 920 acres
in Gibson township, Bay County, Michigan-they are great shippers of apples and feeders of stock; and Maggie and William, deceased.
Our subject remained on the Springfield township farm until about 1887,
when he moved to his present location, where he has built up a fine produce
business, which is constantly expanding. He has gained much experience
through several months of the year which he devotes to travel through the
South, East and Middle West, for the C. L. Randall Company of Oxford, Michigan. Mr. Edgar deals largely in potatoes, although his operations cover all
kinds of produce. He is one of the directors and formerly was the secretary of
the Howland Manufacturing Company of Pontiac, and is also one of the
directors of the E. Jossman State Bank of Clarkston. Recently he has erected,
a commodious barn and a fine residence at Clarkston Depot, and is one of
the leading men of the vicinity.
Mr. Edgar was married to Emma Freeman, who was born in Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of William
and Ann Freeman, natives of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar have two
children, Claire and Henry. Mr. Edgar gives his estimable wife much credit
for his prosperity, her excellent judgment and capable management contributing both to his success and his domestic happiness.
In politics Mr. Edgar is a Democrat. He has held a number of the
local offices, has been assessor and at various times connected with the School
Board. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. His wife
is a consistent member of the Baptist Church, which he attends.
ISAAC I. VOORHEIS.
ISAAC I. VOORHEIS, whose fine farm of 215 acres in section 27, Independence township, Oakland County, has always been his home, was born
in this township December 2, 1853, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Fisher)
Voorheis.
Peter Voornheis was one of the prominent, reliable and public-spirited

348

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

men of Oakland County, Michigan, to which State he came with his parents
in i832. He was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, August I4, I812, and
died December I7, I893. He was a son of Peter D. Voorheis, who, when his
son was three years old, removed to Seneca County, New York, and later to
Ogden, Monroe County, New York, coming to Michigan as stated above.
The family settled in what is now section 35, Independence township, Oakland
County, where the grandfather of our subject built a primitive shanty of
slabs with a stick chimney and a dug-out cellar. Life then permitted little
luxury, but contentment reigned in this little home and in it were born those
who later became noble men and women. Peter D. Voorheis brought the
first spring lumber wagon from his home in New Jersey. His son Peter
began for himself when almost twenty-one, securing a tract of government
land in section 22. There he lived for nine years and then bought the present
farm of our subject in sections 26 and 27. tTe went through many hardships,
but we have yet to learn from any records that his courage or industry ever
failed. When he wanted something he found a way to earn it, as he split
I,ooo rails to buy his first pair of boots. Much of his early life on his land
was necessarily spent in the open air, and he frequently had, as not altogether
welcome companions, wandering bands of Indians. He finally cleared up a
fine farm of 5oo acres of land, became honored and respected in his community and died at a good old age. On November 27, 1834, he married Mary
Fisher, who accompanied her father, Adam Fisher, from Warren County,
New Jersey, to Oakland County, Michigan, in I833, and was the only surviving member of her family at the time of her death on November 25, I892.
The ten children born to this marriage were: Margaret, deceased; Mrs.
Nancy Tompkins, deceased; Fisher A., deceased; John, deceased; Mrs. Libbie
Hickson, deceased; Mrs. Mary E. Voorheis, deceased; Mrs. Ruth A. Gates,
of Independence township, Oakland County; Peter, of Waterford township,
Oakland County; Elisha, who is living on an adjoining farm; and Isaac I.
Peter Voorheis assisted in the organization of Independence township and
most efficiently assisted in its official management for years. He was a jus=
tice of the peace for a long period, was the main mover in the establishment
of the schools and of the Presbyterian Church in the locality, helped to organize the Sashabaw Society and was a prime mover in the establishment of the
Cemetery Association.
Isaac I. Voorheis is so well known in the neighborhood in which he has

OAKLAND COUNTY.

349

passed his life that a biographer finds no new facts to state. His record has
always been that of a worthy member of an old and honorable pioneer family.
He has cultivated the home farm with industry and success and under his
capable management has made it wonderfully productive. The record of one
year was: 2,000 bushels of potatoes; 3,000 bushels of corn; 500 of oats; 500
of rye; 200 of buckwheat; and 20 tons of hay. In addition fifteen head of
high-grade stock were raised; thirty Rambouillet sheep; eight head of horses
and a large number of hogs. The peach orchards yielded Ioo bushels of luscious fruit. Some two years ago Mr. Voorheis suffered a heavy loss by fire,
when four barns with contents were destroyed, including four head of horses.
Last year larger and better barns were built. Mr. Voorheis is one of the best
farmers in the township and he has taken advantage of his active membership
in the agricultural societies to keep abreast of the times, being a member of
both the Gleaners and the Grange. He is also president of the Olive Branch
Farmers' Club. His social connection is with the Knights of the Maccabees.
For twenty years Mr. Voorheis has been school moderator and takes an active
interest in all public matters pertaining to the prosperity of Independence
township.
In 1878 Mr. Voorheis married Estella Beardslee, who was born in Independence township, and was a daughter of Orsamus Beardslee. She died in
1887, leaving two sons, Arthur, of Independence township, Oakland County;
and Homer, wllo still lives at home. In i888 Mr. Voorheis married Alice
Braidwood, who was born in Sanilac County, Michigan, and is a daughter
of George Braidwood. Three children have been born to them, namely:
Mabel Iona, Isaac W., Jr., and Stanley J.
Politically Mr. Voorheis is identified with the Democratic party. He
is known to be a man of strict integrity and reliability and no one in Independence township stands higher in public esteem.
DAVID MILLER.
DAVID MILLER, a representative and substantial farmer, residing in section 24, Independence township, Oakland County, where he owns a well-improved farm of 546 acres, w\as born November 22, 1840, in section 15, Inde

3550

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pendence township. He is a son of George and Mary (Smith) Miller, natives
of the State of New York.
The father of our subject was left an orphan when too young to recall
his parents, and the only education he had was what he was able to secure
through taking advantage of favorable conditions through life. He was, however, a man of energy and foresight, by means of which he was able to accumulate a large property, which his descendants enjoy. He came to Michigan
in I835 and settled in sections I4 and i5, Independence township, Oakland
County, his old farm now being occupied by his grandson, George Miller. Mr.
Miller lived a long and useful life, dying at the age of ninety years, survived
by several of his six children. At Chili, New York, he was married to Mary
Smith, a sister of Nicholas B. Smith, and an aunt of the Hon. Samuel VW.
Smith, of Pontiac, the present member of Congress from the Sixth Congressional District of Michigan. The six children of George and Mary Miller
were: Mrs. Hannah Sherwood, deceased; Samuel, of Springfield township,
Oakland County; Mrs. Ann McGunagle, deceased; Mary, deceased; George,
deceased; and David.
David Miller was reared in Independence township and secured a good
district school education. His whole life has been devoted to farming, the
improvement, development and cultivation of his large property fully occupying his time. In June, I866, he located on his present farm, purchasing the
first tract of 220 acres from his father-in-law, William Beardslee, and later
adding to it until it now aggregates 546 acres. Formerly Mr. Miller raised
large crops of wheat, sometimes as much as 2,ooo bushels, but since the great
wheat lands of the Northwest have been opened up he finds it more profitable
to devote his attention to other products of the soil, notably potatoes and corn,
the latter of which he uses in feeding hogs, which he sells by the carload. Mr.
Miller usually keeps about fifty head of high-grade cattle, raises twenty head
of horses for his own use, milks fifteen cows, winters Ioo sheep, and has built
huge barns, granaries and shelters to accommodate all.
In I865 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Fannie Beardslee, who
was born on his present farm, and is a daughter of William and Lavina (Munsen) Beardslee, and they had six children born to them, namely: George W.,
who occupies a farm of 300 acres in sections I4 and I5,. Independence township, and has two children-Clarence and Vera; Edward J., who is a farmerof Pontiac township and has three children âBeryl,. Donald and Ferris F.;.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

35I

Annie N., who lives at home; Mary L., who died aged seventeen years; Mrs.
Gertrude Stewart, who lives at Waterford, Oakland County; and Samuel S.,
who resides at home. In politics Mr. Miller is identified with the Republican
party. He is a liberal supporter of the Sashabaw Plains Presbyterian Church.
PETER B. BROMLEY.
PETER B. BROMLEY, junior member of the law firm of Davis &amp; Bromley,
of Pontiac, Michigan, was born in 1863 in Oakland township, Oakland
County, Michigan, and is a son of Andrew J. and Sarah P. (Brewster)
Bromley.
The late Andrew J. Bromley was also born in Oakland township, Oakland County, Michigan, in I840 and died in I865. He was a son of Roswell
Bromley, who was born in Rutland County, Vermont, in I803, and died
in Oakland township, Oakland County, in 1890, having come to this county
when about twenty-two years of age. Soon after his arrival here Rosweli
Bromley married Sybil Pinckney. He was one of the early prominent men
of the county, serving as a justice of the peace and in various public positions.
His large family located mainly in this section and the descendants are numerous: Herrick resides in Tuscola County, Michigan; Burt settled in Oakland
township, Oakland County; Andrew J., was our subject's father; Almond
resides iln Avon township Oakland County; Henry resides on the old farm in
Oakland township, Oakland County; Mrs. Mary Ann Andrews is deceased;
and Mrs. Olive Adams resides in Avon township, Oakland County.
Peter B. Bromley is one of two children born to his parents, his one
brother, Byron C., being a farmer in St. Clair County, Michigan. He was
mainly reared at Pontiac, his stepfather, Tunis A. Rolison, removing fron
Brandon township to Pontiac when Peter B. Bromley was a lad of ten years.
Mr. Rolison was also one of the pioneers of the county and died in I890,
leaving four children, viz: Charles A.. who died at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in June, I902, after serving two years in the United States Regular Army;
20

352

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mrs. Ella Calkins, of Pontiac; Mrs. Millie Livingstone, of Detroit; and Mrs.
Minnie Van Piper, of Pontiac.
Our subject attended the Pontiac High School and graduated in the
teacher's course and then began teaching, in the meantime commencing the
reading of law in I88i. In August, 1884., he was admitted to the bar, since
which time he has won a large degree of prominence in the profession. For
six years he has served as court commissioner of Oakland County; two terms
as city clerk of Pontiac, and was elected by the City Council city attorney for
three years. For the past ten years he has been in partnership with D. L.
Davis, and the firm has been identified with many of the most important cases,
particularly civil, which have been brought into the courts for years. This
firm secured the largest judgment ever awarded in Oakland County-one of
$8,ooo-against the Detroit, Grand Haven &amp; Milwaukee Railway Company.
A recent legal triumph was the securing of a judgment of $2,000 against the
Detroit Sugar Company for Thomas Neeley, who is a prominent miller of
Rochester, Oakland County.
Mr. Bromley was married to Sarah Ditmas, who was born in Brooklyn,
New York, and two children have been born to them-Bruce D. and Ditmas
A.-both bright lads at school. The handsome family home is located at No.
105 Franklin boulevard, in one of the finest residence sections of Pontiac.
Politically Mr. Bromley is a Democrat, but is not very active at present,
the demands of his profession preventing. On account of his fine oratorical
powers he is always in great demand as a campaign speaker. Fraternally he
is a Mason with official position in the Commandery, Knights Templar, and
also belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. and Mrs. Bromley belong
to the Presbyterian Church.
ALPHEUS R. ANGELL
ALPHEUS R. ANGELL, one of the leading agriculturists of Oakland
County, who owns and occupies a fine farm of eighty acres, located in section
I8, Farmington township, was born in 185I in Livingston County, New York.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

353

He is a son of Alpheus and Mary T. (Chasey) Angell and a grandson of
Stephen Angell, who was a highly esteemed farmer of Livingston County,
New York, where he lived to an advanced age.
In 1856 our subject's parents came to Michigan, and located on land
which had been first taken up by John Spinning, a brother, to Mr. Angell's
grandmother, who was formerly Susan Spinning. This tract consisted of
eighty acres in Novi township. Some years later the eighty-acre tract, located
in Farmington township, on the opposite side of the highway, was also purchased. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives, rearing a family
of five children, namely: Zadah, wife of Hudson Wilcox, of Farmington
village, who reared two children-Agnes (who married Clyde Chamberlin, a
jeweler of Farmington, and has one child, Tone) and Maud, now deceased;
Alpheus R., the subject of this sketch; Frank S., proprietor of a hotel at
Walled Lake, who was married to Jennie Hazen, and has two children-Rex
and Zadah; a babe that died in infancy; John S., a farmer of Redford township, Wayne County, who was married to Lillie Lamb and has two children â
Russell and Emma; and George, who ownled the homestead farm, who was
married to Fannie O'Brien, and at his death, December i i, 898, left a
widow and two children-George and Laura.
Alpheus R. Angell was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the schools of Farmington township. In I876 he was married to
Mary J. Jones, a daughter of Samuel Jones, now deceased, who was a farmer
of Farmington township, Oakland County. Samuel Jones was married to
Elizabeth Lapham, and they had a family of six children. Three children
have been reared by Mr. and Mrs. Angell, viz: Clyde F., born November
27. 1876, who was married to Grace Welfare, a daughter of George Welfare,
a farmer of Novi township-Clyde F. ow\ns a fine farm of eighty acres in
Commerce township, where he is erecting a handsome residence; Zadah
Estella, who is now a student at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti,
Michigan; and J. L., born in West Bloomfield township, June 2, I888, and,died December 27, 1888.
In 1883 our subject purchased his present farm of eighty acres in section
I8, Farmington township, and he also owns ninety acres in section I3. In
1898 he built his commodious home on a beautiful part of the farm, in the
midst of a grove of box elder and maple trees. It is surrounded by a fine,
well-kept lawn. The other necessary farm buildings exhibit taste and thrift

354

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and the whole place is one most admirably laid out and cultivated. Mr. Angell engages in a general line of farming and stock raising. His efforts have
met with much success and he is placed with the solid, substantial men of his
township. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
NELSON WALTER.
NELSON WALTER, a prominent member of one of the representative families of Oakland County, a large land owner in Independence township and a
leading citizen of Clarkston, was born February 27, I847, in Independence
township, Oakland County, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Clark) Walter,
the former of whom was born in England and the latter in the State of New
York.
Jacob Walter came to America at the age of twenty-one years and in I836
came from Oneida County, New York, to Michigan, settling fon two years
on the banks of the Maumee River, in Ohio. Ite then removed to the farm
he located in section 8, two miles north of Clarkston, and there the others
were born, his family consisting of eight children, as follows: Julia, Eineline WV., Celestia, Harrison, Sidney, Laura (deceased), Nelson and Nettie (deceased). Our subject's paternal grandparents passed their lives in England,
but his grandfather and grandmother Clark, important people in Independence township, died in July, I845, in this county.
With the exception of two years spent at Saginaw, Michigan, operating
a dairy farm, our subject has spent his life in Independence township,
throughout which he is well and favorably known. Mr. Walter owns a fine
farm of 150 acres in sections 20 and 22, which he purchased in 1874 and
upon which he lived a number of years, in I883 removing to Clarkston where
he built one of the most beautiful and convenient homes in the place.
The farm is now operated by tenants and is one of the most productive in the
township. Mr. Walter is known as one of the largest potato growers in
this section, having raised 40,000 bushels of the tubers in the past io years.
He has a fine apple orchard of 20 acres and has been one of the large and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

355

successful sheep raisers of his part of the county, having sometimes a flock
of 500.
Mr. Walter has always supported the Republican party, and takes an
active interest in that party's welfare. He has been highway commissioner
of the township for two terms, during which time the roads were most carefully looked after and economically repaired. For about 10 years he has
been a member of the School Board and since locating in Clarkston has
served as village trustee and street commissioner. For three years he has been
treasurer of the Monitor Fire Insurance Company of Oakland County; and he
is also superintendent of the Lake View Cemetery, one of the most beautiful
cities of the dead in the county. Fraternally he belongs to Allen Tent, No.
85, Knights of the Maccabees. On February 20, 1872, Mr. Walter was
married to Josephine Ainsworth, who was born in St. Clair County, Michigan,
and was a daughter of Henry and Hetty Ainsworth, who were pioneers in
Michigan. Mrs. Walter died December i i, I886, aged but 37 years. She
was a woman of most amiable character and of exceptional literary ability.
She was well known as a successful high school teacher, prior to her marriage.
Four children were born to this union, namely: Harry N., born January 2,
I873, who was married to Christine Kadd, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and
has two children,-Violet P. and Lester L.; Guy A., born December 9, i874,
who was married to Marie R. Gabouri, and has one child, Josephine Lenore;
and Ralph S., born July I, I88I, who resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
and Alice and an infant, deceased.
FRANK SCRACE.
FRANK SCRACE, a substantial farmer and prominent citizen of Oakland
County, residing on a magnificent farm of i86 acres in sections IO, I and I5,
Independence township, was born May 8, I852, in Amherst, Erie County,
New York, and is a son of John and Mary (Stephens) Scrace.
John Scrace was born at Tunbridge Wells, England, and came to
America in I835, settling in Erie County, New York. He secured work in

356

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

quarries and lime kilns, but this industry caused his death, his constitution not
being able to stand the strain of this labor and exposure. He died in the
spring of 1853, at the age of 40 years, when our subject was a babe of one
year. His wife, Mary Stephens, also a native of England, died in I870, aged
56 years. The children born to them were the following: Samuel, who is a
farmer in Genesee County, Michigan; Oliver, who makes his home with
our subject; William, who with our subject bought a place in Independence
township, and they worked together for 21 years, the connection being severed
by William's death in December, I899; George, also deceased; Henry, who
resides at Williamsville, New York; and Frank. Both William and Samuel
Scrace were soldiers in the Civil War: the former served two years in the
I2th Reg., New York Vol. Cav., in the Army of the Potomac; the latter
enlisted in 1862 in the II6th Reg., New York Vol. Inf., was at the battle of
Port Hudson, and after two years of service was injured and was honorably
discharged.
Frank Scrace came at the age of I6 years with his widowed mother. to
found a home in Michigan. He had but $T5 as his capital, but he soon found
farm work in Genesee County, and remained there for six years, and then
came to Oakland County. He settled here in I874 and after working for
three years, by the month, had accumulated enough to warrant the purchase
of his present fine farm, although the changes he has made in his 25 years of
occupancy have completly transformed it. Mr. Scrace has engaged in general
farming and has brought his land to a condition where it produces some of
the finest crops in the county. His orchards compare favorably with any
others, his peaches being particularly excellent. He is also interested in bees
and owns some 37 swarms. He is assisted in the management of his large
estate by his fine, stalwart sons, to whom he has sold one-half of the stock.
On December 3T, 1874, Mr. Scrace was married to Ann J. Austin, who
was born near Lansing, Michigan, and is a daughter of Hiram Austin. Five
children were born to them, as follows: Henry: Mary, wife of John M.
Hammond, of Independence township, Oakland County; William;' Annie,
deceased; Olive and Ada.
In politics Mr. Scrace is identified with the Democratic party, and he has
held many of the local offices, with the capacity of an honest and intelligent
man. For two terms he was highway commissioner, and for six years was
school director and secretary of the board. Fraternally he belongs to the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

357

Grange and to the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Scrace, as will be seen,
has won his own way in the world, and has not only acquired much property,
but also the respect and esteem of those who know him.
JOHN BROOKS.
JOHN BROOKS, one of the substantial farmers of Oakland County, living
on his valuable farm of 80 acres in Oxford township, was born in I834 in
Rochester, New York, and is a son of John and Ann (Croft) Brooks.
The parents of our subject removed from New York to Lapeer County,
Michigan, some 6I years ago, locating near Dryden. There they reared
a family of Io children, and there the mother died in I859. The father died
in 1884 in Macomb County, Michigan, aged 75 years. They are buried in
a cemetery in Addison township, Oakland County. Our subject is the eldest
of the family and the other survivors are located as follows: Charles, in
Brandon township, Oakland County; William R., James A. and George K.,
in Shiawassee County, Michigan; and Mrs. Hannah Phipps in Lapeer
County.
Our subject was reared in Lapeer County, Michigan, where he attended
the district schools. During his residence there he owned and occupied four
different farms. In I873 he came to Oakland County and bought his present
farm, and also a farm in Addison township, a few miles east. During the
progress of the Civil War, Mr. Brooks did his part in helping to sustain the
government, sending a substitute in 1863, and in 1864 enlisting himself, serving
as a private for about 18 months in Company D, 5th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf.
Mr. Brooks was married to Elizabeth Clack, who was born in Addison
township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of James and Mary Ann
(Butler) Clack, and a sister of Jonathan Clack, who owns a farm in section 4,
Addison township. Her parents were born in Hornsey, Cambridgeshire,
England. James Clack came to America first in I837 and then returned to
England for his wife and two children, whotn he brought over in the spring
of 1838 to a little home he had built on land taken up from the government

358

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Addison township, Oakland County. At the time of his death in the fall of
1884, at the age of 76 years, he owned 300 acres of land in sections 4 and 5.
His father was James Clack, who was a soldier on the field of Waterloo; he
also came to America with his son in 1838 and resided in the latter's home
until his death in I859, aged 94 years. Several other members of the family
came to America and the Clack homestead, now owned by Mrs. Hoyt Glaspie,
has never left the family. Jonathan Clack is a very large land owner, possessing some I,ooo acres, located chiefly in Oakland and Lapeer counties.
A family of four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks,
namely: Mary E., John E., George and James, Jr., who are all living at
home. In politics Mr. Brooks has always been identified with the Republican
party, but he has not sought official recognition, his interests being devoted to
agricultural pursuits. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic
Post of Oxford and takes a great interest in its affairs. The family is held in
very high esteem in Oxford township.
*
JOSEPH B. ROE.
JOSEPII B. ROE, who has been a resident of Michigan since 1852, and is
now one of the substantial farmers of Independence township, Oakland
County, where he owns a fine farm of I36 acres in sections io and ii, was
born in the village of Warwick, Orange County, New York, October 24,
I833. He is a son of Joseph and Emaline (Farmer) Roe, and a grandson of
Joseph Roe, who was born in New York of Holland ancestry. The grandfather had four children, viz: Joseph; Jacob; Pollos, a sailor, and Mrs.
Mary Pelser.
Joseph Roe, father of our subject, was born in Orange County, New
York, where he learned the trade of chairmaker. This trade he followed
and combined with it speculating in horses, later becoming interested in a
livery business. Finally he gratified a desire he had long expressed by coming
West, locating in Michigan, where he died February I8, I886, aged 85 years.
IHe married Emeline Parmer, who was also a native of New York, and a

OAKLAND COUNTY.

359

daughter of Abner Parmer. A family of eight children were born to them,
namely: William Henry, deceased; Mrs. Anna Eliza Peidmore, a widow, of
Orion, Oakland County; John T., who resides with our subject; Joseph B.of this sketch; Mrs. Susan E. Coon, a widow, of Orion, Oakland County; Mrs.
Mary Bailey of Orion, Oakland County; and Ann Eliza (Ist) and George W.,
who are deceased.
Joseph B. Roe was three years old when his parents removed from
Orange County, New York, to Sussex County, New Jersey, where they lived
until 1851, when the family returned to Orange County, New York, and in the
following year came to Michigan. Settlement was made on the present
farm of Mr. Roe, which has continued to be his home ever since. He materially assisted in its development and has improved and cultivated it, making it
a very valuable and productive property.
In I865 Mr. Roe enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company
K, Ioth Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., under Colonel Trowbridge, and saw service
in the Army of the Tennessee, doing much guard duty at Knoxville and
Corinth. In November, I865, he was honorably discharged. In his early
manhood he supported the Democratic party, but the-events leading up to the
Civil War led him to vote for President Lincoln, and he was identified with
the Republican party until the campaign which resulted in the election of
that Democratic statesman, Grover Cleveland. Mr. Roe is now affiliated with
the Prohibition party, seeing in its supremacy a cure for many of the evils
which undermine the principles of good government.
On October 7, I863, Mr. Roe was married to Sarah E. Ogden, who was
born in Sussex County, New Jersey, January 28, 1844, and is a daughter of
Lewis C. and Phoebe (Harding) Ogden, the former of New York and the
latter of New Jersey. Mrs. Roe's maternal grandfather, John Harding, was
born in England, but was one of the patriot soldiers in the Revolutionary
War. His military record, as certified by the Adjutant General of New
Jersey, is as follows: "John Harding served as a Private, Minute Man, in
the Sussex County, New Jersey, Militia; enlisted May, 1776, for one year,
as Private, Captain Peter Dickerson's Company, Third Battalion, First Establishment, New Jersey Continental Line; discharged therefrom upon expiration of term of service; re-enlisted as Private, for the war, in Captain John
Mott's Company, Third Battalion, Second Establishment, New Jersey Continental Line, February 14, 1777; took part in the battles of Brandywine,

360

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Delaware, September I, 1777; White Horse Tavern, near Philadelphia, Pa.,
September 27, 1777; Germantown, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1777; Crosswick's
Bridge, New Jersey, June 27, 1778, and Monmouth, New Jersey, June 28,
1778; served with the Regiment in Major-General John Sullivan's expedition
against the Six Nations in Western Pennsylvania and Western New York,
May ii to November 5, I779; took part in the battles of Newtown and
Chemung, New York, August 29, I779, and in the battle of Springfield, New
Jersey, June 23, I780; transferred to First Regiment, New Jersey Continental
Line, January I, I78I; Private, Captain Joseph I. Anderson's Company, First
Regiment; served in a detachment commanded by Lieutenant John Reed in
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Barber's Light Infantry Battalion, New Jersey
Continental Line, Brigadier-General Peter Muhlenberg's Brigade, MajorGeneral Lafayette's Division, during the Virginia campaign and the siege of
Yorktown, Virginia, April to October, 1781; took part in the battle of Yorktown, October 6 to I9, I78I, and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, October I9, 178I,-during the Revolutionary War."
Mr. and Mrs. Roe have four children namely: Agnes, a student at the
University of Chicago; Mrs. Mary F. Ullrich, of Evanston, Illinois, who has
two children,-Alma F. and Doris S.; Phoebe Ellen, wife of Professor Goodfellow, principal of the Belleville (Michigan) schools; and Anna Eliza, who is
living at home.
Mr. Roe has long been a leading member and substantial supporter of the
Methodist Church. He belongs to the G. A. R., and has long been connected
with the local Grange. The family is one of noted intellectual and social
prominence in Independence township, where all its members are held in high
esteem.
WILLIAM N. TIFFANY.
WILLIAM N. TIFFANY, one of the old and experienced business citizens
of Clarkston, Oakland County, was born August 25, 1856, in Detroit, and is a
son of Louis L. and Elizabeth S. (Johnson) Tiffany, the latter of whom was a
daughter of Augustus S. Johnson of Oriskany, New York.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

361

Louis L. Tiffany was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and was one of
the two sons of Ebenezer Tiffany, who was born in England, who belonged
to the same family that has long been conspicuous in New York. Our subject's father removed from Rhode Island to Detroit at the age of I8 years,
under the care of his uncle, Gov. H. P. Baldwin. For some years Mr. Tiffany
was in the employ of his uncle and then went into a grocery, mercantile and
provision business, later into the shoe trade, subsequently entering the private
banking establishment of H. P. Baldwin, which is now known as the Detroit
National Bank. There he continued until his death in I864, at the age of 39
years. He was an active worker in the Republican party. He was equally
prominent in the Protestant Episcopal Church. Fraternally he was an Odd
Fellow. He was one of the members of the State Militia, of the old "Grayson
Guards," the oldest of the militia organizations. Three children were born to
his marriage with Elizabeth S. Johnson, namely: Mrs. Emily Dresser, of
Detroit; William N.; and Walcott, a traveling salesman of Detroit. Mrs.
Tiffany being left a widow when our subject was but eight years old, married
as her second husband W. C. Habbin, and one daughter, Grace, was born,
who resides with her mother in Detroit.
Our subject ended his school career at the age of I2 years and began
making his own way in the world soon after. He worked in the drug laboratory of Frederick Sterns, later in a Board of Trade office for Harvey Clark for
four years, for two years in the Western Union Telegraph Company's office,
and in I879 entered the employ of his uncle, George A. Johnson, in the shoe
business, on Woodward avenue, in Detroit. A few years later, E. T. Adams
&amp; Company purchased the business and Mr. Tiffany remained with them until
they failed. J. L. Hudson then became the purchaser and retained Mr.
Tiffany, and two years later sent him to St. Louis as manager of the shoe
department' in his department store there. Two years later Mr. Tiffany
returned to Detroit where he remained for the succeeding five years. A
desired change of climate brought Mr. Tiffany to Clarkston, where he became
strong and well in the pure, invigorating air, and accepted a position again in
Detroit, with the Regal Shoe Company. When failing health again warned
him of a necessary change, he returned to Clarkston and established there his
present shoe and gentlemen's furnishing store, a business which has met with
generous patronage from the start.
On June 27, I888, Mr. Tiffany was married to Bertha C. Williams, who

362

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born in Chicago, Illinois, April 6, I866, and is a daughter of Ephraim S.
and Harriet (Beech) Williams, and four children have been born to them,
namely: L. W., who died aged six years; Walter; Doris and Gladys.
In politics, Mr. Tiffany is a Republican. With his family, he belongs
to the Methodist Church and is chairman of the board of trustees. He is a
man of genial presence, friendly and companionable, and those who are
admitted to his hospitable home find an intellectual and refined family.
A. T. RICE.
A. T. RICE, one of the well kno\wn citizens of Novi, Oakland County, the owner of a fine farm of 80 acres in Novi township, was born in
1834 in Steuben County, New York. He is a son of Clark and Sarah Ann
(Coonley) Rice, and comes of old New England ancestry, his forebears being
natives of Connecticut. The early records of the family have been lost, but
one fact is established,-that a grandfather on the maternal side belonged to
that immortal band of patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Clark Rice was reared from the age of three years by his uncle, Noble
Sperry, of Cayuga County, New York, and there he was married to Sarah
Ann Coonley, who was born in Ledyard township, Cayuga County. Our
subject's mother died in I883, and his father in 1894. Of their four children,
our subject is the only survivor.
In I840 A. T. Rice came to Michigan with his parents. When he grew
up, he settled on a farm in Farmington township, Oakland County, in which
township he resided from I850 to I880. On November I5, I860, he was married to Clara Armstrong of Hartland, Livingston County, Michigan, a daughter of Elias and Eunice Armstrong, who were early settlers in the locality.
Our subject resided one year on Mr. Armstrong's property and then purchased
a farm one mile distant, where he remained five years. He then returned to
Farmington and purchased a farm two miles north and one mile east of the
village of Farmington, which he operated for three years. About this time

OAKLAND COUNTY.

363,

came the agitation in the Canadian oil districts, and Mr. Rice made a trip to
Petrolia, Ontario, and during his year's residence engaged mainly in oil
prospecting. Returning to Farmnington, he then engaged in several mill enterprises in Clinton County, Michigan, built a grist mill at Pewamo, Ionia County,
at a later date, and operated it two years, and during the following two years
conducted a hotel at St. John's, Clinton County. This hotel property he
traded for a farm in Gratiot County, Michigan. This farm Mr. Rice occupied
for eight years and during his residence there he served for five years as supervisor of the township. His father's serious illness recalled him to Farmington.
In the following year he bought his present farm of 80 acres, located half a
mile from the railroad station at Novi, and which is successfully operated by
one of his sons, Mr. Rice having retired from active labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Rice have reared but a part of their family; the record is as
follows:.Lucy, deceased; Clark, who died in infancy; Burt and Mertha, twins,
both married,-the former to Myrtle Leadley and has one son, Howard, and
resides at Detroit,-the latter married E. Simmons, a farmer of Livonia
township, Wayne County, Michigan, and has four children, Clara, Harry,
Marlin, and Stanley; and Frank, who married Anna Huffman, a daughter of
the late Charles Huffman, who was a native of Indiana, and a brave soldier of
the Civil War, serving his country for three years and dying shortly after its
close.
In politics Mr. Rice has always been identified with the Democratic
party. Fraternally he is a Master Mason.. I
LEVI C. HAINES.
LEVI C. HAINES, a well known and prosperous farmer and large stock
raiser of Oakland County, owning a finely improved farm of I80 acres in
Addison township, was born in Oxford, Oakland County, Michigan, in 1849.
He is a son of J. H. and Rosina (Arnold) Haines.
J. H. Haines was born July 7, 1828, in the vicinity of Romeo, Macomb
County, Michigan, and was a son of Benjamin Haines, a native of New York,.

364

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who came as a pioneer to Michigan, settling in Macomb County. In I848
J. H. Haines removed to Oakland County and located in Oxford township
on a farm which he subsequently sold and then removed to the village of
Oxford, where he died February 6. I9oI. He had been prominent in township affairs and most efficiently served in the local offices on various occasions.
In politics he was a Republican. His wife, who was a daughter of Robert
Arnold, was left an orphan at an early age. She was born in Macomb
County, August I7, I829, and died in Oakland County, February Io, I892.
Our subject is the eldest of the five children born to J. H. Haines and wife,
as follows: Levi C.; Mrs. Mary Noble, of Addison township, Oakland
County; Mrs. Helen Grover, of Lapeer County, Michigan; Eugene, who died
on his farm in Lapeer County, Michigan; and Fred G. The last named is a
superintendent of the branch of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Detroit, where
he is assisted by his wife.
Levi C. Haines was practically educated in Oakland County and learned
all the principles of good farming while remaining on the home place. For a
time he attended a commercial college in Pontiac. When about 28 years of
age he purchased a farm in Addison township later one in Oxford township and a second one in Oxford, selling these farms and purchasing his
present one some 20 years ago. This farm is highly improved and is under
excellent cultivation. It is fine wheat land and also produces fruit abundantly,
while few men in the locality have raised finer Shorthorn and Durham cattle.
Mr. Haines has also devoted much attention to the raising of PolandChina hogs and Shropshire sheep, proving that the Michigan farm can make
better meat than the very sections from which the noted breeds have taken
their names.
In Addison township, Oakland County, Mr. Haines was married to
Julia Kilborn, who was born in Addison township and is a daughter of Cyrus
and Caroline (Norton) Kilborn, the former of whom died in I875, aged 6I
years, and the latter in I9o00, aged 8I years. Mr. and Mrs. Kilborn came in
the early days to Oakland County, Michigan, from their native State, New
York. Mrs. Haines has one brother, George N., a bookkeeper whose home is
in Florida; and one sister, Mrs. Eva Morse, of Metamona, Lapeer County.
George N. Kilborn was born in Oakland County, received his education in the
district schools here, and taught school for some time. He has taken an
active part in political affairs, and is a prominent Mason. Mrs. Haines was

OAKLAND COUNTY.

365

educated in the district school in the vicinity of her girlhood home, and also
attended the Pontiac High School. Mr. and Mrs. Haines have three children,
namely: Carrie R., wife of W. G. Poole, of Oxford, Oakland County; J.
C., who is at home; and Rollie L., who is attending school in Oxford.
Politically, Mr. Haines is a Republican and he has very acceptably filled
local offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, the
Gleaners and the Grange. Mrs. Haines is a member of the two latter organizations. Mrs. Haines is a member of the Christian Science Church.
Mr. Haines' sister, Mrs. Mary Noble, was bornN'ovember I6, 1855, and
married Jerome Noble, who was born July 23, I853, in Oxford township,
Oakland County, and died in February, 901o. They had four children:
Ralph G., of Deford, Michigan; and Lee S., Florence L. 'and Gladys N. Mrs.
Noble has resided on her present farm in Addison township, near Mr. Haines'
homestead, for the past 21 years.
GEORGE D COWDIN.
GEORGE D. COWDIN, a prominent farmer of Oakland County, president
of the Monitor Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Oakland County, and the
owner of a fine estate in section 13, Brandon township, was born at Avon,
New York, October 21, I835. He is a son of Addison and Bethiah (Douglas)
Cowdin, who came to Oakland County in 1836, locating on the farm which
forms a part of our subject's present property.
Addison Cowdin was born in New Hampshire, and lived there until
the age of eight years, when he removed with his parents to New York where
he was married. He was a highly respected man of his time and locality and
held numerous township offices. He was long a justice of the peace and was
familiarly known as "Deacon" Cowdin. His wife belonged to the religious
body known as "Close Communion" Baptists, but the family attended and
liberally supported the Congregational Church at Oakwood, there being no
Baptist congregation at the time. His death occurred in I888 at the age ot

366

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

81 years. The mother of our subject was born at Avon, New York, in 189o
and died in Oakland County at the age of 87 years. Some of her relatives
reside in Troy township. George D. Cowdin is one of a family of seven
children born to his parents, four of whom are deceased, namely: Eliza, Yates,
Carlos and Ada. The other survivors are: Hannah, widow of Henry Fitch
and a resident of Independence township, Oakland County; and Omer, whoi
resides with our subject.
George D. Cowdin was reared and educated in Oakland County, where
he has always made his home, with the exception of some two years spent itl
the West. The summers of I859, I860 and I86I were spent in the mountains
of Colorado, and in New Mexico, traveling, hunting and prospecting, during
which time he had many adventures. Upon his return to Oakland County he
was married in I863 to Martha Frances, who was born July I, 1846, in
Macomb County, and is a daughter of William Frances. Soon after their
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cowdin located on our subject's present farm, where
he erected a comfortable residence. Mr. Cowdin owns 200 acres of land in
sections 12, 13 and 14, carries on general farming, stock raising and is much
interested in fruit culture. Under his able management, his property presents a very attractive appearance.
Mr. and Mrs. Cowdin have a family of five children, viz: Mae; Roy, a
farmer of Lapeer County, Michigan, spent four very successful years in the
vicinity of Dawson City, Alaska,-he was married to Emma Taylor; and
Addison, Ernest and Frank, who are living at home. Three children are
deceased, namely: Edith, who died at the age of I6 years; Merton, at the age
of nine months; and Claire, aged three months.
Mr. Cowdin is a Republican and has served a number of terms as supervisor and a long period as a justice of the peace. For I5 years he has been the
able president of the Monitor Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Oakland
County, and has been its township agent since the organization of the company
and a director until his election to the presidency. This company was organized in 1871, was re-organized in I9OI and does business exclusively in Oakland County, where it is held in high regard.
Mr. Cowdin joined the Masonic lodge at Oakwood when 23 years old
and was master of the lodge for 14 years. He belongs also to Groveland
Tent, Knights of the Maccabees, at Ortonville. He has been a member of the
Grange since its organization 30 years ago, and of the Farmers' Club, which

OAKLAND COUNTY.

367

helped in the organization of the Oxford Club. Mrs. Cowdin is an active
member of the Congregational Church, which has found in Mr. Cowdin a
very liberal supporter.
MERRICK D. COOLEY.
MERRICK D. COOLEY, who owns a fine farm of 8o acres of well improved
land in section 3, White Lake township, Oakland County, has been a resident
of Michigan since he was eight years old. He was born in 1838, in Geauga
County, Ohio, and is a son of Zadoc and Susan (Patterson) Cooley, the former
of whom was born in Massachusetts and the latter in Syracuse, New York.
Zadoc Cooley moved to Ohio about I825 and to Michigan in I833. He
was always engaged in agricultural pursuits and first settled the family in
Genesee county, where he died in I849 at the age of 56 years. In politics
he was a Whig. Although he adopted no particular religious creed, he was a
man of integrity and moral worth. His widow survived until I899, dying at
the age of 93 years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.
A family of I I children were born to them, as follows: Timothy, a member
of one of the Ohio regiments in the Civil Wiar, who was killed in battle
at Resaca, May 14, 1864, at the age of 33 years; Levi, a resident of Iowa;
Charles, deceased; Mary Ann, who married Festus Chase and lives in Genesee
County, Michigan; Merrick D., of this sketch; Rebecca (Mrs. Sacs), of Iowa;
Louisa E., who married Henry Chapman of Henry County, Ohio; Minerva,
deceased; Alfred G., of Michigan; Augusta, who married Henry Coats of
Michigan and with him moved to California; and Martha, deceased.
Merrick D. Cooley was educated in the common schools, and was reared
a farmer. In I859 he came to Oakland County, Michigan, and settled first
in Independence township, in I88i removing to his present place in White
Lake township, where he has successfully followed farming ever since.
In 1868 Mr. Cooley was married to Mary Bird, who was born in Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan, in 1844, a daughter of Thomas
Bird, a native of New Jersey and a pioneer of this State. One son has been
born to this marriage,-Bird T., born November 12, 1875, at Waterford,
who is conducting a produce business at Drayton Plains, Oakland County.
21

368

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Cooley enlisted, for service in the Civil War, in Company F, 2nd
Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., at Flint, Michigan, in May, I86I, and was mustered
out as a paroled prisoner May 29, 1862, by order of the Secretary of War.
In March, 1864, he re-enlisted, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, in the 69th Reg.,
Veteran Vol. Inf., and was mustered out July 25, 1865. At the battle of the
Wilderness he sustained a gunshot wound and a hernia injury at Brandy
Station. He participated in the following important battles: First battle of
Bull Run; Siege of Yorktown; Williamsburg, where he was captured and
then sent to Libby Prison, where he remained 20 dreadful days before being
paroled. Under his second enlistment, Mr. Cooley took part in the battle of
the Wilderness where he was so seriously wounded that he was sent to the.hospital and was later transferred to the Veteran Reserve at Point Lookout,
Maryland, and remained with that organization until mustered out at Concord, New Hampshire. Mr. Cooley was one of the heroes of the Civil \Var
and has a record to which he can point with pride.
In politics Mr. Cooley is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the
Masons, Knights of the Maccalees, and Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R.
zat Pontiac.
JOHN VINCENT.
JOHN VINCENT, who owns one of the best improved farms of Springfeld township, Oakland County, consisting of I90 acres in sections I, 12 and
w3, was born April 6, 1820, in the parish of Stockland, Devonshire, England,
and is a son of Benjamin and Tabitha (Lane) Vincent, both of whom spent
their lives in England, and reared a family of five children, namely: John;
Benjamin, deceased; Mrs. Charlotte Mills, of Clarkston, Oakland County;
CGeorge, who was lost on the Atlantic Ocean off the ship "City of Glasgow;"
and Henry, a resident of Ohio.
John Vincent took passage from Liverpool for America on the sailing
ship "New Brunswick", leaving his home and parents on his 3qth birthday.
The voyage covered six weeks and two days, and he landed at New York in
i851 with his wife and two children. His brother was established there and
the family enjoyed a visit with him for several months and then came on to

OAKLAND COUNTY..3

369

their objective point, Groveland township, Oakland County, Michigan, where
Mr. Vincent bought 8o acres. He resided there for three years and then
located on his present fine farm in Springfield township. Of this large tract
he has cleared all but 20 acres, and has shown the land to be as productive
as any in the township, responding generously to good cultivation. He raises
much fine stock and is one of the substantial men of the locality. When the
family first settled in the wilderness, it was willing to live in a little house i6
by 26 feet in dimensions, the small residence later being replaced by thle
present comfortable one, which with an additional tenant dwelling and three
large barns give evidence of the great yields of the fields. Mr. Vincent's
orchard is a very important adjunct of the farm, as he has 250 bearing trees,
which his care keeps in good condition.
Mr. Vincent was married to Isabella Broomfield, who was born and
reared a neighbor to our subject, and five children have been born to them,
namely: Howard, a resident of Pontiac; Herman, who lives in Midland
County, Michigan, and has four children; Mrs. Charlotte Mills, of Clarkston,
Oakland County; Earl, of Springfield township, Oakland County, who has
one daughter, Bernice (Mrs. Green), who lives in Detroit; and Herbert, who
lives in Midland County, Michigan, and has three children.
Mr. Vincent for many years was an active Republican. He has honorably
filled many positions in the township and has served as justice of the peace and
adjusted many difficulties. He also belongs to the Grange, believing that
movement to have benefited the farmers greatly. In religious faith, both he
and his wife are Episcopalians. They are good citizens of their community
and all who know them respect them highly. Although in advanced years,
they are still active and interested in all that surrounds them and are the
center of a very devoted group of children and grandchildren.
MRS. EMELINE W. SMITH.
MRS. EMELINE WV. SMITH, one of the highly esteemed residents of
Clarkston, Independence township, Oakland County, belongs to one of the
old and prominent families of this county. She is the widow of the late

370.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Nicholas B. Smith, long a leading citizen. Mrs. Smith was born in Onondaga
County, New York, August 23, 1836, and is a daughter of Jacob and Sarah
(Clark) Walter, the former of whom was a son of Samuel Walter, who was
a silversmith in England.
Mrs. Smith was a babe three weeks old, when the family, in I836, started
on what was then a very long and arduous journey from New York to
Michigan. The father settled on land three miles north of Clarkston, in
Independence township, Oakland County, and she has always lived in this
township. In girlhood she attended the district schools and also a private
school taught by Professor Cochran, following which she became a teacher in
a school conducted by Professor Bellows at Constantine, Michigan. Mrs.
Smith was 21 years of age when she married Nicholas B. Smith, then a
widow with two children,-Ann Eliza (Clark), of Independence township, Oakland County, and Samuel W., of Pontiac, a Member of Congress
from the Sixth Congressional District of Michigan. Two sons and two
daughters were born to this union, namely: Charles M., a traveling salesman
for a Detroit drug house and the owner of two stores in Pontiac, one in
Warren and one in Royal Oak, who was married to Josephine Vliet of Clarkston, resides in Detroit and has two children, Walter and Josephine; John T.
P., the present postmaster of Clarkston, who was married to Charlotte D.
Johnson of Oakland County, and has five children,-Melvina E., Sidney S.,
Julia, William D. and Leda; Nellie Laura, the wife of Charles L. Mitchell,
of Detroit; and Zoea D., who is a stenographer for her brother, the Congressman.
Nicholas B. Smith was born May 22, 1817, at Chili, New York, and
died July 3, I895, in Clarkston. He attended school at Rochester, New York,
and in I840 came to Michigan, buying a farm in Independence township, Oakland County. For eight consecutive winters he taught school in Independence
township and worked at the clearing of his I5o-acre farm, which task he
finally accomplished and had the satisfaction of having his land in a good
state of cultivation. Some Io years later he removed to Clarkston and entered
the employ of John G. Owen, who conducted the first drug store and produce
business in that village. Mr. Smith later owned his own establishment, and
was in the drug business 20 years, after which he retired to private life.
Mr. Smith's first marriage was to Mary A. Phillips, who was a daughter
of Eldad Phillips, an early pioneer and at one time supervisor of Independence

OAKLAND COUNTY. 371
township. Mr. Smith was a very ardent Republican and most acceptably
filled a number of the responsible local offices, being township clerk and for
many years a member of the School Board. He was a Royal Arch Mason and
for It years was master of the Clarkston Lodge. His religious membership
was in the Methodist Church. but he was a liberal minded man and was ever
ready to assist any religious work, irrespective of creed. He was naturally
kind and generous and is recalled by those who knew him best with feelings of
respect and esteem.
EDWARD C. GRACE.
EDWARD C. GRACE, a prominent merchant and highly regarded citizen of
Farmington, Oakland County, belongs to one of the pioneer families of this
section of the State. He was born in 1857 in Farmington township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Randolph)
Grace.
Amasa Grace, grandfather of our subject, came to Michigan from New
York, and located in Farmington township, Oakland County, securing a
large tract of government land. He cultivated this property and also conducted a country inn, for the accommodation of the traveling public, especially
the pioneers passing through the country and greatly in need of a place to
rest after long and tiresome journeys. He kept a team of oxen with which to
assist the heavy wagons through the wilderness, where there were yet no roads
opened, the land being in many places low and swampy. He was located I8
miles from Detroit and at that day it was considered a three-days journey.
On the farm in Farmington township, Theodore Grace was born in I834;
he resides in Detroit, being connected with the wholesale dry goods house of
Edson, Moore &amp; Company. His brother, William, controls the homestead
farm; Benjamin lives in the village of Farmington; Charles lives in Mount
Pleasant, Michigan, and Emily is the wife of Frank Cornstalk, a farmer on a
fine 8o-acre farm east of the village of Farmington. The mother of our
subject died in I86o and his only brother, Otto, is also deceased. Three
children were born to the father's second marriage, viz: William, Surges and
Jennie.

372

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Our subject received his education in the public schools of Farmington
township, and then entered his father's store at Franklin, where he clerked
for eight years, and later clerked for I8 years in Farmington. In I898 he took
charge of this store and conducts it in a successful and up-to-date manner.
His long experience has made him well acquainted with the tastes and
demands of the community and he makes it his pleasure to supply everything
in a mercantile line to be found in an establishment of the kind.
In I884 Mr. Grate was married to Jennie Maria Webster, a daughter
of Gardurous Webster, the late well known retired farmer and harnessmaker
of Farmington, who was born April 21, I813, at Clarence, Erie County, New
York, and was a son of Justice Webster, a farmer and chairmaker, who was
born in 1781 at Whitestown, Oneida County, New York. Justice Webster's
wife, Eliza Doney, was a daughter of a Revolutionary soldier under General
La Fayette. In I832 Gardurous Webster relmoved to Detroit, where he learned
the harness and trunk business, and in 1837 came to Oakland County, buying a
farm in Farmington township as a home for his parents. In I84I he was
married to Lorinda Sandrough, lwho lived but three years, and in I846 he was
married to Lucinda Green. His children were: Charles Loren, Wilmot Hale,
Maria Louise, James Judson, Enlma Dell (wife of Rev. C. H. Morgan of
the Methodist Church) and Jennie Maria (Mrs. Grace). In I844 Mr. Webster removed to the village and there engagedl in harness making until I871,
when he retired from activity. He was prominent in public life, and served as
street commissioner and village treasurer for 15 years. He was a leading
member of the Methodist Church. His death on January 13, I898, removed
one of the best known and most esteemed citizens from Farmington. He cast
his first vote in I840 for President Harrison. His widow still survives, aged
81 years, having been born August Io, 1822.
Mr. and Mrs. Grace have one child, Lulu L., born September 30, 1884.
In politics Mr. Grace is a Democrat, and fraternally he is a member of the
Knights of Pythias.
HARRISON WALTER.
HARRISON WALTER, one of the most prominent farmers and substantial
citizens of Oakland County, who owns a fine farm of 226 acres located in
sections 16, 17 and 20, Independence township, and is president of the E_

OAKLAND COUNTY.

373

Jossman State Bank, in which he is the leading stockholder, was born in section 8, Independence township, July 15, 1840. His parents were Jacob and
Sarah (Clark) Walter, the former of English birth, and the latter a native
of the State of New York.
Jacob Walter came to America at the age of 21, a carpenter by trade, and
in 1836 located in Oakland County, Michigan, where he took up i60 acres of
government land, built on it a log house and after clearing a fine farm erected
the residence that is now the home of Frederick Mills:. Mr. Walter was one
of the hard working, self denying pioneers, a worthy representative of that
hardy band of men who first turned up the soil of the raw prairie and did so
much toward making this the great agricultural section that it is. He was also
a man of stability, good judgment and integrity and on every occasion turned
his influence in the direction of improvement, urging the building of churches
and schools and the improvement of roads and waterways. Jacob Walter
married Sarah Clark and a family of eight children were born to them, as
follows: Julia, the wife of Prof. C. F. P. Bellows of Ypsilanti, who for 20
years was professor of mathematics at the State Normal School; Emeline WV.,
who is the widow of Nicholas B. Smith of Clarkston; Celestia, who is the wife
of B. F. Poole of Chicago; Harrison, of this sketch; Sidney, who is a stockman in Kansas; Laura, deceased, who was the wife of James P. Hoxvell, a
gold miner of California; Janette, who died at the age of i6 years; and
Nelson, a fruit raiser, living in the vicinity of Clarkston.
Harrison Walter has always resided in Oakland County, and few men are
better or more favorably known. In i856 he came to his present farm and has
devoted much attention to the production of fine fruit, for which his land is
admirably adapted. He has made a specialty of apples, having 30 acres in apple
orchards, and keeps 5,oo000 barrels of apples in cold storage. He has recently
erected a handsome brick home costing $I0.000, while all the surroundings are
of an ornamental and attractive character. In conjunction with R. E. Jossman, he is erecting a large evaporator which will have a capacity for 500
bushels of apples daily, and is preparing for an immense trade in this direction. Mr. Walter raises considerable stock, mainly lambs, and is also a large
handler of wool. He ships his live stock chiefly to Buffalo.
Aside from his large agricultural operations, Mr. Walter is interested in
financial enterprises, having been president of the E. Jossman State Bank

374

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

since its re-organization December i, I902, and also owns stock in the First
Commercial Bank of Pontiac.
On December 15, 1864, Mr. Walter was married to Mary N. Howell,
who was born in Newton, New Jersey, and is a daughter of Samuel G. and
Esther B. (Edinson) Howell. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have had five children:
Edith, who died aged 15 years; Agnes, who married J. W. Goodspeed of
Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has two children, âHarrison and Walter;
Gertrude, who died aged I6 years; Eva, a graduate of the Clarkston High
School, who has been a student both at Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor; and
Samuel J., a student of the State Agricultural College, who lives at home.
In politics Mr. Walter is a Republican. He is a pronounced temperance
man and a very fine example of the creed he preaches, for he has never used
liquor or tobacco in any form. As a man of sterling character, progressive
and public spirited, Mr. Walter is much esteemed by his fellow citizens.
RICHARD SANDS.
RICHARD SANDS, a prominent farmer of Milford township, Oakland
County, Michigan, and the largest land owner, possessing a magnificent
property of 345 acres situated in section 6, was born in Milford township,
November 25, I839, and may be justly termed one of the pioneers as he was
born in the year following the settlement of his parents in Milford township. They were Robert and Ann E. (Bamber) Sands, both of whom were
born in Lincolnshire, England.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sands same to Oakland County in 1838. In
England Mr. Sands had been engaged in farming and it was with the idea of
increasing his opportunities that he came to this then unclaimed portion of
the United States. He soon acquired a farm of 40 acres in section 6, Milford
township, the same that is now owned by Jacob Stephens, but disposed of it
and later purchased an 8o-acre tract from Alfred Crawford. To this he
made frequent additions, and at the time of his death owned 240 acres, as
the result of his frugality and industry. His death took place August 4, I892.
He left a family which is now prominent in many parts of the county.

LYMAN A. YERKES

OAKLAND COUNTY.

377

His children were as follows: Richard, Elizabeth, Robert A., Fannie
M. and William A. All were carefully reared by a good and pious mother
in the faith of the Church of England.
Our subject obtained his education in the early schools of Milford township, and assisted his father on the farm until I86I, when he made a trip to
California. Mr. Sands from childhood has shown great taste in gardening
and during his stay of five years in the Golden State devoted his time to
work of this kind in the vicinity of San Francisco. In I866 he returned to
Michigan and purchased his present fine property, probably the best farm, as
it is the largest, in Milford township. He has engaged in general farming
and stock raising, in both branches meeting with deserved success.
In I867 Mr. Sands was married to Ruth G. Weavers, and a family of
eight children have been born to them, namely: William R., Nellie F.,
Hattie A., Faxon D., Jennie E., Stephen J., Lena M. and Leigh R. Mr.
Sands suffered a great bereavement in the death of his most estimable wife,
on May 20, I896, at the age of 57 years, nine months and I8 days.
In politics Mr. Sands is a stanch Democrat and is a man of such responsibility and judgment that any of the local offices are at his command, but he
has steadily refused to accept any township position beyond that of school
director, preferring to devote his attention to his large agricultural interests.
LYMAN A. YERKES.
LYMAN A. YERKES, one of the prominent, substantial and representative
farmer citizens of Oakland County, residing on his fine farm of I60 acres in
section 30, Farmington township, belo;igs to one of the very early pioneer
families of Michigan. His birth took place, February 9, I838, in Northville
township, Wayne County, Michigan, and he is a son of John and Sarah
(Thornton) Yerkes, natives of Seneca County, New York.
Joseph Yerkes, tle grandfather of our subject, was married in 1793
to Mary Purdy, whose grandfather, John Purdy, a native of County Antrim,
Ireland, immigrated to this county in T7.42. Joseph Yerkes removed from

378

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Pennsylvania with his wife and two children to Seneca County, New York.
In 1825 his son William, in company with Thomas Pinkerton, came to Michigan and located land in the vicinity of Northville. The two prospectors and
investors came on foot from Niagara Falls to Detroit, and in the following
year brought their families, driving from Detroit with ox teams, cutting
the brush as they passed to make a road.
John Yerkes, the father of our subject, was born in I799 in Seneca
County, New York, and accompanied the other members of the family when
they removed to Michigan in I826. He took up I60 acres of government
land in Wayne County and lived there until his death which occurred in
February, I877. His widow survived until March I5, I896.
The children of John and Sarah (Thornton) Yerkes were six in number.
Ann, who was born in 1832, married S. Voorhees and they lived in White
Lake township, Oakland County, where both died leaving one son, Carl.
Fanny was born September 25, I833 and married Dexter White, who is now
deceased; she resides at Northville. \William was born December 20, 1835,
and now resides on the homestead farm. His first wife was Rebecca Rodgers,
and his second, Alice Dunlap. Lyman A., of this sketch, was the fourth
member of the family. Elizabeth,,now residing in Cleveland, Ohio, was born
February 14, I840, and is the widow of Newton Blackwood; they had three
children: Nellie, who married William H. Yerkes; Grace (Allen), deceased;
and John, who resides with his mother. Harmon was born August 29, I842,
and died at the age of I4 years, November 25, 1856.
Lyman A. Yerkes obtained his education in the district schools in Novi
township and then spent five years in farm work, purchasing then an interest
in the River and Lake Shore line of steamers. He entered upon his new
career with Capt. E. B. Ward, in 1.867, and followed steamboating until 1892.
In the following year he purchased his present fine farm which is located
in section 30, Farmington township, and consists of 160 acres, most beautifully situated. Here Mr. Yerkes has an ideal country home, handsome
modern buildings, beautiful lawn and most attractive surroundings.
In December, I859, Mr. Yerkes was married to Marie A. Gardner, who
is a daughter of Capt. Solomon and Catherine (McQueen) Gardner, the
former of whom was a native of Vermont and the latter of the State of New
York. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner reared two children: Mrs. Yerkes and Helen
C., who is the wife of C. C. Blodgett of Detroit. Two children were born to

OAKLAND COUNTY.

379

our subject and wife,-Harriet L,. and S. Gardner. The former was born in
I862 and is the widow of Dr. John M. Mackenzie, who died in I896 at Fall
River, Massachusetts, where he practiced, leaving one child, Marion Yerkes
Mackenzie, born in December, I894. S. Gardner was born in I868 and was
married to Helen Bainbridge, of Portland, Oregon. He received his education in the local schools and at the age of 2o years started out for himself,
entering into the steamboat business at Puget Sound, where he remained four
years as passenger and ticket agent for the Great Northern Railroad..
Recently he has accepted the position of general advertising agent for that
road, with headquarters at St. Paul, Minnesota. There are few better known
railroad men on the coast than Gardner Yerkes, because he was identified for
I4 years with the transportation lines out of Puget Sound and occupied various positions of trust and importance. His position as advertising agent
amounts to the same as assistant passenger agents, a position he is eminently
qualified to fill.
Capt. Solomon Gardner, the maternal grandfather of S. Gardner Yerkes,
was long concerned with transportation business. He came to Michigan in
I833 and located first at Port Huron, where he was employed two years and
then removed to Marine City and engaged in a tanning business, with only
moderate success. Between him and Samuel Ward and his nephew, the late
Eber B. Ward, sprung up a warm friendship which resulted in Captain
Gardner taking from them a contract for the building of a side-wheel steamer
which, when completed, was christened the "Ocean." Captain Gardner
owned an interest in the vessel and from that time for 20 years he was associated with the Wards in the steamboat business. With Capt. E. B. Ward he
owned the magnificent line of steamers which ran between Buffalo and Detroit,
in connection with the New York Central and Michigan Central railroads,
before there was any railroad connection between the two cities. In this
enterprise, both owners amassed fortunes.
Captain Gardner became interested in a large number of other boats and
at one time owned, independently, no less than seven fine steamboats, operat~ing all these until I872, when the weight of years caused him to close out
his interests and retire from active life. HIis death took place December 20,
I878, at his beautiful home at No. 396 Jefferson avenue, Detroit. This
property is a part of the inheritance of Mrs. Yerkes.
Mr. Yerkes has taken no very active part in politics, but is identified

380

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with the Republican party. Fraternaly lie is both a Mason and an
Odd Fellow. In religious views he is a Presbyterian. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
HON. THERON ANDREW FLOWER.
HON. THERON ANDREW FLOWER, deceased, was one of the stalwart
business men of Oakland County, Michigan, and for many years prior to his
*death resided in Pontiac. He was largely interested in this county and had
large real estate holdings in various States in the Union and in Lower California, Mexico. He was possessed of superior ability and the success he
attained in business was the result of his own energy and enterprise.
Mr. Flower's ancestry was Welsh. Of three brothers, named Flower,
who came from Wales to America, one brother settled in New York, one in
Massachusetts and the third in Pennsylvania or Ohio. Ex-Governor Roswell
P. Flower, of New York, was a descendant from the New York family, and
Theron Andrew Flower's great-great-grandfather, Theron Flower, was from
the Massachusetts branch. Theron Flower was married to the daughter of
Captain Reeves of the Colonial Army, who fought in the War of Independence
at Fort Ticonderoga, New York. Mr. Flower's grandfather, Theron A.
Flower, also served honorably as an officer during the American Revolution.
He married Jeanett Buchanan, daughter of Patrick Buchanan of Glasgow,
Scotland. The Buchanan Castle, in which they lived, still stands in Stirlingshire and is now in the possession of the Duke of Montrose. Lady Buchanan
still lives. Ex-President James Buchanan belonged to this family.
Mr. Flower's father, Andrew Flower, was a native of Massachusetts
and was married to Mary Hogle from Shoreham, Vermont. They lived in
Cornwall, Addison County, Vermont, where Theron Andrew Flower was
born October I7, I814. His parents nmoved to St. Lawrence County, New
York, and two years later moved to Ohio where they remained until I826.
They next returned to New York State, locating in Monroe County and subsequently resided in various other counties in the State. In 1835 they came
to Michigan from Albany Cointy, New York.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

38i

Theron Andrew Flower was educated in the public schools and at the
age of 19, having taught school for a shqrt period, became a surveyor. He
accompanied his parents to Michigan and on May 22, 1835, arrived in Detroit
where he was engaged as a surveyor with John Farmer, who was making a
map of Michigan during 1836-37. In 1842 he removed to Birmingham,
Oakland County, where he engaged in trade until the fall of I850, in which
year he was elected register of deeds for Oakland County and in February,
I852, took up his residence in Pontiac. He was engaged in business at
Detroit from I859 to I86I, but in February of the latter year he returned to
Pontiac. In I866 he became interested with others in the purchase of pine
land in Montcalm County, Michigan, and was identified with the lumbering
business for some years. In I868, his son-in-law, Hon. John Dudley Norton,
became associated with him in lumbering. In 1871 he was associated with
his son-in-law, Charles B. Pittman, in the mercantile business. He was also
one of the founders of both the First and Second National Banks of Pontiac
and for a time served as president of each. In 1873 he purchased a valuable
ranch of I8,ooo acres in Lower California, Mexico, called the "Guadalupe
Ranch," which is situated just beyond the United States boundary line. This
fine and valuable ranch is owned by the Flower estate. In addition to these
extensive holdings, he owned valuable tracts in Oakland County at various
times.
In politics, Mr. Flower was an enthusiastic Democrat and was frequently
called upon to serve in an official capacity. In 1844 he was appointed postmaster of Birmingham by President Tyler, filling that office until I849. He
was elected mayor of Pontiac three different times-in 1863, 1875 and I876.
Theron Andrew Flower was right eminent past grand commander in
Masonic circles, where he bore a conspicuous part and was the man to whomn.
the Pontiac Commandery is indebted for its organization and success during
the early years of its existence, as a dispensation was granted March 25,
I852, empowering him to form and open a commandery in Pontiac. In 1852,
he became eminent commander of Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, K. T., which
he held for many years. In I856 he was a delegate to the Conclave of Grand
Encampment of the United States at Hartford, Connecticut. He was elected
deputy grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Michigan in I868
and in I869 was elected right eminent grand commander. He was a delegate
from the Grand Commandery of Michigan to the Triennial Conclave of the

382

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

United States at St. Louis, Missouri, also, in 1883, he attended the encampment at San Francisco. Besides these he was master of Pontiac Council, No.
3, R. &amp; S. M.
Mr. Flower was married to Sylvia Carter Morris, who was born October
17, 1825, at Bloomfield, Oakland County, and is a daughter of William
Morris. She is a direct descendant of Capt. Edward Morris of Revolutionary
fame, also a connection of Commodore Charles Morris of the United States
Navy, whose daughter Louise married William Wilson Corcoran of Washington, D. C. It has been said that the last named was one of the greatest
benefactors to his race to which America has given birth. Another connection is Prof. Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor of the electric telegraph.
Five children were born to Mr. Flower and his wife. The three living
are: Elizabeth Conklin, widow of Hon. John Dudley Norton; Mary Louise,
wife of Charles B. Pittman; and Theron Morris, who resides on the ranch
in Lower California, Mexico. The Flower family have always attended the
Zion Protestant Episcopal Church, of which they are members.
Mr. Flower died March 21, I9go, at his home, Ex Mission Guadalupe
Rancho, Lower California, Mexico, at the age of 87 years.
MARTIN H. BLUNT.
MARTIN H. BLUNT, a prosperous farmer of Royal Oak township, Oakland County, is successfully engaged in the cultivation of I60 acres situated
in section I. He was born in Macomb County, Michigan, in 1848, and is a
son of Martin J. and Lomira {Hopkins) Blunt.
Martin J. Blunt, who was a native of New York State, conducted a mill
during the early years of his life and then engaged in farming. He was
frugal, industrious and a good manager, and made a success of everything
he undertook. He was married to Lomira Hopkins, who was born in the
State of New York, and they reared four children, namely; Laura, who is
now the wife of Beauclairce Bradley; Berinthia; Almeda; and Martin H.,
our-subject. Martin J. Blunt died in 1862 at the age of 50 years and the
death of his wife followed in I89I, when she was 84 years old.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

383

Martin H. Blunt received his educational training in the district schools
of Macomb County, and at the age of 15 years came to Royal Oak township,
Oakland County, locating on the farm which he now owns and operates,
and where he has been actively engaged in the cultivation of the soil for the
past forty years. He has one of the best improved and productive farms
in his township, and can from experience make the statement that farming
pays, when properly managed.
In 1884 Mr. Blunt was wedded to Katie Sanner, a daughter of Joseph
and Elizabeth Sanner; she was born near Strasburg, Ontario, Canada, in
I859. Joseph Sanner was a farmer and also a miller of Huron, Michigan,
having located there at an early date. Our subject and wife are the parents
of five children, namely; Waldo Emerson; Lorin Orville; Lomira E.; Milford
H., and Berinthia M. Mr. Blunt is a Republican and a man of considerable
political influence, having served one term as township treasurer, nine years
as school inspector and two years as drain commissioner. He is a member
of the Odd Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias.
JOHN S. PITTENGER.
JOIHN S. PITTENGER, who, with his brother, Charles H. Pittenger,
operates the farm formerly owned by their father, a valuable tract of I60
acres, so divided that one portion of 80 acres is in section 24 and the other
in section 25, Milford township, Oakland County, Michigan, was born in
Ontario County, New York, June 16, 1849. Charles H. Pittenger was born
on this property on July 6, I862. They are sons of J. J. and Emeline
(Parks) Pittenger, b1lth of whom were born in the State of New York.
The grandfatler, John Pittenger, was married to Edith Gordon, and
they had three sons,-Simeon, Samuel and Joseph J. The mother died
young but the father survived until I864, being then 76 years of age. He
was one of the leading members of the Methodist Church. He was also
a member of the Masonic fraternity, taking great risks of personal violence
as it was about this time that the public mind had been inflamed against the

384

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

order by the supposed revelations of one Morgan. Mr. Pittenger was giNen
his degrees in a secret meeting place over an old mill.
J. J. Pittenger, the father of John S. and Charles H. Pittenger, lived in
Saratoga County, New York, until he was 19 years old, moving then to
Ontario County, which then seemed to his friends in the former count), a
distant locality. He had learned the hatter's trade and followed the same for
some years, but later engaged in farming, purchasing land in Ontario County.
This he operated until, in the interests of his sons, he removed to Michigan
in I862. He selected the present farm in Milford township, which he cultivated until his death in I886, at the age of 69 years. He is still survived by
his widow, who has reached her 8oth year, and four children: John S. and
Charles H., of Milford township, Oakland County; George, of Delray, Michigan; and Edith, the wife of A. O. Bowen, of Wixom, Oakland County. Mr.
Pittenger was made a Mason in Milford Lodge, No. I65, F. &amp; A. M., under
more favorable conditions than was his father. In political belief he was a
Republican and served in a number! of local offices, being deeply interested in
the securing of good roads and educational advantages for his locality. He
also dispensed even justice as a justice of the peace and was a man of such
admirable characteristics that he enjoyed the respect of all who knew him.
Joseph J. Pittenger is ranked and should be remembered with the prominent men of Milford township, one who had much to do with making it what
it now is.
John S. Pittenger was 13 years old when he accompanied his parents
to Michigan, and he soon began to assist on the farm, in the meantime attending the local schools. WVith his younger brother he now successfully carries
on diversified farming and stock raising. During the present season they
have a fine flock of 65 sheep, 15 head of cattle and other stock in proportion.
They are ranked with the best farmers of Milford township and also with
the most respected citizens.
In December, I878, John S. Pittenger was married to Mary Crawford,
who is a daughter of William Crawford, of whom extensive mention will
be found in another part of this volume. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger are
members of the Methodist Church. He is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Milford Chapter No. 71, R. A. M. In politics he is
a Republican.
In I887 Charles H. Pittenger was married to Abbie Steele, who was born

OAKLAND COUNTY.

385

in Ontario County, New York, and they have four children: Edith, Joseph.
Roy, and Theda. He is also a Republican but no office seeker. Like his
brother he is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Milford Chapter, No. 7I.
G. HENRY HIGBY.
G. HENRY HIGBY, one of the substantial farmers and prominent citizens of Oakland County, located near Orchard Lake in West Bloomfield
township, was born in West Bloomfield township in 1853, within a mile of
his present farm. He is a son of Elmer and Mary Ann (Grinnell) Higby,
the former of whom was born in I825 in Orange county, New York, and the
latter in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, Michigan.
In 1848 Elmer Higby came to Michigan and located on a farm in
West Bloomfield township, Oakland county; he was married in the locality
and reared these children: G. Henry, of this sketch; Harvey, deceased;
Charles, a farmer in Bloomfield township, Oakland County; and Nathaniel,
a farmer of West Bloomfield township.
G. Henry Higby grew to manhood on the home farm and obtained
his education in the local schools. He was married (first) to Sarah Katherine Kyser, who was born in Canada, and who died in 1888, leaving four
children, viz: Edith, who died aged 19 years, in Southern Colorado; Harry
Garfield; Chauncy; and Elsie Mary, who is a resident of New Hudson,
Lyon township, Oakland County. On June 5, 1902, Mr. Higby was married
to Helena Haskins, a daughter of the late Haran and Susan (Hersey) Haskins, the former of whom wa shorn in i8o6 near Poughkeepsie, New York,
and was a son of Joseph Haskins, of Quaker descent. The family came
originally to America from France at the time of the Huguenot persecution,
and settled in the rich lands of Dutchess County, New York, where their
piety and thrift are still marked. In I834 Haran Haskins purchased a farm
in Wrest Bloomfield township, having come to Oakland County in I832 as
a teacher. In February, I836, at Stony Creek, Michigan, he was married
to Susan Hersey, who was a daughter of John and Lucy (Babcock) Hersey.
22

386

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The founder of the Hersey family came from England in I740 and settled
in Massachusetts. In 1802 a branch of the family settled in Herkimer
County, New York, and during the War of I812 located in Buffalo. Haran
Haskins became a man of wealth and influence in Michigan, and was twice
elected to the State Legislature. At the time of his death, in 1856, he was
serving as township clerk.. He was the father of a family of six children,
namely: Lucy Ann, who is the wife of Alfred Stoughton of Williamston,
Michigan; Mary, who is the wife of C. E. Owen, of Birmingham, Michigan;
DeWitt Clinton and Horace Greeley, both deceased: Helena (Mrs. Higby);
and Rush C., who is a resident of Birmingham, Michigan.
The farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Higby reside consists of 80 acres,
and is a part of the original I6o acres that her father purchased in 1834 and
was bequeathed by the latter to Mrs. Higby. Mr. Higby owns the adjoining Ioo acres, a fine property located on Walnut Lake in West Bloomfield
township. Mr. and Mrs. Higby are very highly esteemed residents of their
neighborhood, most worthy representatives of fine old families. In religious
belief they are Presbyterians. Mr. Higby is a Democrat and a member of
the Knights of the Maccabees.
A. J. WILDERS.
A. J. WILDERS, one of the proprietors of the Ortonville Flouring Mill
of Ortonville, Brandon township, and a prominent citizen of Oakland
County, was born in Brandon township, one mile from the village of Ortonville, in 1851, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Berington) Wilders,
both of whom were born in England, the former in Leicestershire, and the
latter in Nottinghamshire.
In 1848 Mr. Wilders' parents came to Oakland County, Michigan,
from their English home, and settled on the farm in Brandon township, a
half mile north and a half mile east of Ortonville, where the father died
April 9, I888. The mother died at our subject's home in Ortonville, January 13, I893, at the age of 79 years, I months and 23 days, surviving her
husband about four years. Thomas Wilders was an accomplished musician

OAKLAND COUNTY.

387

and traveled extensively, giving instruction in vocal music and conducting
singing schools at various points. In politics he was identified with the
Republican party. A family of four children was born to Thomas and
Elizabeth Wilders, namely: James F., Mrs. Sarah Ivory, Mrs. Mary C.
Shaver and A. J. James F., who is now living partially retired, owns a part
of the home farm and also a home in the village. He served in the Union
Army during the Civil War, enlisting first in the 5th Reg., Michigan Vol.
Inf. His second enlistment in January, I864, was in the 4th Reg., Michigan
Vol. Cav. He served, faithfully until he was overtaken by serious illness
which sent him to the hospital. His family consists of a wife and two
daughters. Mrs. Sarah Ivory, of Hadley, Lapeer County, is the wife of a
large farmer and land owner tlere; she has two children: William, supervisor of the township and a daughter who is living at home. Mrs. Mary C.
Shaver is the wife of a Brown township farmer; they have three children at
home and a married daughter in Canada.
Our subject was reared in Ortonville and remained at home until the
age of 22 years when he entered the telegraph business in which he continued
until November 13, 1874, when he purchased a (Irug store in Ortonville
which he successfully conducted for 26 years. On account of failing health
he disposed of this business and enjoyed leisure until he entered into his
present partnership.
The present mill was built in 1858 by Amos Orton, the founder of the
town, who operated it until I866, when it was taken by William Algoe and
W. K. Elliott, who conducted it until I872, when it went into the hands of
M. H. Filmore. Later Mr. Algoe took charge of it again, forming a partnership with his son and they conducted it until it was sold to Burt Brothers.
They operated it about two years when William Neely took the property for
a year, and then sold to the present proprietors, Sweers &amp; Wilders, himself
remaining as miller. Both partners are active in the business and have had
charge of the plant since September T, 1903. The business is rapidly growing under the new management and there is a very encouraging outlook.
The capacity of the plant is 24 barrels of flour, besides other products, the
feed department being one of importance. Flour is disposed of locally. The
firm buys and ships all kinds of produce.
Mr. Wilders is one of the leading Republicans of the county and served
as postmaster of Ortonville for Io'2 years prior to President Cleveland's

388

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

administration. He is chairman of the township committee, president of the
village and a member of the county auxiliary committee. In religious connection, he is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. WVilders is unmarried.
ORSON VALENTINE.
ORSON VALENTINE, who owns a fine farm of 82/2 acres of most excellent land in Oxford township, in the vicinity of the village of Oxford, Oakland County, is one of the prominent and substantial men of his locality. He
was born January 7, 1832, in Shelby, Macomb County, Michigan, and is a
son of John and Esther (Sheffield) Valentine, both now deceased.
John Valentine was born in the State of New York, whence he removed
to Oakland County, Michigan, where he died in 1844, aged 64 years. His
wife, Esther Sheffield, died in 1885, aged 80 years. Her father, Nathan
Sheffield, was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine had a family of I children born to them, our subject and two brothers
being the survivors. James lives in Oxford township and Henry L., a veteran
of the Civil War, lives in Oxford village.
Until he was II years of age, Orson Valentine resided near Rochester,
having come with his parents to Oakland County when five years old. His
life since the age of II years has been spent in Oxford township and has
mainly been devoted to farming. Since he was 12 years of age, he has cared
for himself, his success and his possessions being the results of his own
energy and industry. The farm he now occupies he purchased a half century
ago and some 30 years ago he bought a farm in Lapeer County for his children. The clearing of the land and the fine improvements on his home place,
as well as its excellent cultivation, are the results of his own well directed
efforts. In every sense of the word, Mr. Valentine is a self made man and
well deserves the high esteem in which he is universally held.
Mr. Valentine was married in Oxford to Clarissa L. Applegate, who was
born in Oxford township, Oakland County, in I835, and is a daughter
of David and Louisa (Potter) Applegate, who came to Oakland County 70

OAKLAND COUNTY.

389

years ago. Mr. Applegate died in 1887, and his wife survived until 1896.
Mrs. Valentine has one sister, Mrs. Mary E. Stark, a widow, who resides
near Oxford village. Four sons have been born to MIr. and Mrs. Valentine,
namely: C. M., a retired farmer who rents his land and lives in Lapeer,
Michigan, and has three children,-Clara E., Gillett W. and Milton A.;
David A., a retired farmer living at Deford, Tuscola County, who has two
children,-Louise and Orson; Arthur C., who resides two miles west of his
father on his grandfather's old farm, and has one daughter, Bessie May;
and Orrin D., who with his wife resides on the homestead with our subject.
Mr. Valentine owns valuable town property, but does not care to occupy
any of it, preferring to reside among the familiar old associations of the farm,
near enough to Oxford for all conveniences. His farm is on the Oxford
Rural Delivery Route, No. 2.
Politically Mr. Valentine is a Democrat and has served very efficiently
in the office of highway commissioner. For the past 40 years he has been a
member of the Oxford Masonic Lodge. He is liberal in his religious views,
but always supports all moral movements in his neighborhood, irrespective of
the churches from which they emanate. In every relation of life, he is a
most worthy citizen and honest man.
LEROY N. BROWN.
LEROY N. BROWN, the present supervisor of Independence township,
Oakland County, is a practicing attorney of the village of Clarkston, and is
one of the best known and most highly regarded citizens of the place, possessing in the fullest degree the respect and confidence of the community.
He was born in Clarkston, Oakland County, Michigan, May 29, 1852, and is
a son of Jeremiah and Emma (Walter) Brown.
Jeremiah Brown was born in Madison County, New York, and was a
cabinetmaker by trade. He came to Michigan at an early date, and was one
of the pioneer settlers of Independence township, Oakland County, where he
not only followed his trade, but also engaged in mercantile pursuits. His

390

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

death took place in Clarkston, at the age of 62. His wife, Emma Walter,
was born in Somersetshire, England, and was brought by her parents at the
age of three years to this country, where they located first in New York State.
When she was I6 years old, the Walter family moved to Clarkston, Oakland
County. Six children were born to Jeremiah Brown and wife, as follows:
Leroy N., whose name heads this sketch; WVallace, a hay dealer of Lapeer,
Michigan; Emma H., also a resident of Lapeer, Michigan; Lettie A., who is
a dressmaker of Clarkston; Lydia, who died at the age of seven; and Walter,
a twin of Wallace, who died when he was about one year old.
Leroy N. Brown was reared in Clarkston, and has always made that
place his home. After finishing in the public schools, he attended the Clarkstonl High School and then spent some six winters teaching district schools
in the vicinity from the time he was I7 years of age until he attained the age
of 23 years. In 1875 he began the study of the law in the office of Taft &amp;
Perry, of Pontiac, one of the leading law firms of the county. He was
admitted to the bar of Oakland County several years later and has practiced
ever since.
Mr. Brown has taken an active part in the affairs of his township, and
no one can be termed more public spirited than he. He is a Democrat in
politics. He was first elected supervisor in Tgoo, and has been twice re-elected
to that office. He was township clerk for I o years, treasurer for two terms, a
member of the County Board of School Examiners for five years, a member
of the Board of Education of Clarkston for 15 years, and president of the
village for three years. He was postmaster of Clarkston for four years during Cleveland's second term, and has frequently been a delegate to county
and State Democratic conventions. Last fall he was the Democratic candidate
for the State House of Representatives, but was defeated, although he ran
400 votes ahead of his ticket, receiving in his own township all but 35 votes.
He has recently received the nomination for the office of prosecuting attorney
of Oakland County.
On April 9, I879, Mr. Brown was married to Mary V. Selden, who was
born in Independence township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Guy
W;. and Nancy (Klitchen) Selden, natives of New York and New Jersey,
respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had five children, three of whom are
living, namely: Guy C., Leroy N., Jr., and E. Lucile. Lettie Adella died
when she was nearly three years old and Patul Selden died when he was about

OAKLAND COUNTY.

391

two years old. Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees
and has been record keeper of the local tent for I8 years. He is also a member
of Cedar Lodge; 1. &amp; A. M., and has been secretary of the lodge for three
years; he is also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a
mnember of the Grange of Independence township, No. 275, and of the Loyal
Guards. He has hosts of friends in every section of the county, who have
been attracted to him by his strong, fearless and resolute character and by the
unswerving integrity of his conduct.
AARON S. PALMER.
AARON S. PALMER, one of the prominent farmers and highly respected
citizens of Milford township, Oakland( County, residing on his fine farm of
67 acres in section 5, was born at Allentown, Monmouth County, New Jersey,
April I8, 1823. Ihe is a son of John G. and Margaret (Stewart) Palmer,
the former of whom was born in Connecticut and the latter in Monmouth
County, New Jersey.
About 800o John G. Palmer removed to New Jersey and there engaged
in business as a tanner and currier, becoming very prominent and wealthy.
Later in life he disposed of his tannery and invested in valuable farming lands.
He died in' 860, at the age of 88 years. His first wife, the mother of our
subject, died in 1833, and he married as his second wife, Mrs. Hannah
Taylor. The children of the first marriage were: Mary T., who married
Sterne Palmer; Charles S.; Lydia W., who married William S. Fish of
Pontiac; and Aaron S. John G. Palmer and wife were Quakers. In politics
he was a Whig.
Aaron S. Palmer came to Michigan in I840, locating at Saginaw, where
he learned the tanning business with his brother, who owned a plant at that
place. Some years later he gave up tanning and operated a livery for a time,
later selling boots and shoes, and still later engaging in a grocery business.
About I852 he bought a farm in Novi township, Oakland County, and oper

392

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ated it eight years, when he rented it and returned to New Jersey. One year
later he sold his farm and bought another in Lyon township, Oakland County,
which he sold after six years and moved to Pleasant Valley, Midland County.
There he bought another farm which he rented at a later date and bought the
property known as the "Old Foundry," in Novi township. This he also
disposed of a year after and then removed to Milford, where he bought a house
and three lots, also his present farming property in section 5. On his farm
Mr. Palmer erected a fine residence and substantial outbuildings and barns
in 1875. Since I890 he has not been actively engaged in agricultural labor,
renting his land and enjoying a large income.
In 1849 Mr. Palmer was married to Sarah Johnson, of Novi, Oakland
County, and six fine sons were born to them, namely: John G., Daniel J.,
Frank B., William E., Harry H. and George W. The mother of this family
died in I883. She was a worthy member of the Methodist Church. In I886
Mr. Palmer was married to Sarah Armstrong.
In political sentiments Mr. Palmer is liberal, voting more for the man
than the party. He has been village trustee and for many years has shown
his interest in the public schools by serving as a director.
JOHN B. AUTEN.
JOHN B. AUTEN, who has resided in a fine home at Ortonville, Michigan,
since I886, when he retired from active farming, also owns one of the well
improved farms of Groveland township, consisting of 170 acres. Mr. Auten
was born November 7, I832, in Somerset County, New Jersey, and was
brought to Michigan a babe in arms. He is a son of Ezra and Jane (Brokaw)
Auten.
Ezra Auten was born July 22, I799, in Somerset County, New Jersey,
where his father was engaged in the manufacture of axes, augers, etc., and
Ezra learned the trade and after he came to Michigan established a shop ini
Oakland County. his smithy long being the place for various neighborhood
gatherings. In I826 he was married to Jane Brokaw, who was born at

OAKLAND COUNTY.

393

Somerville, Somerset County, New Jersey, in I8o8 andl( died March 6, I885,
in Oakland County. In 1833 Ezra Auten, with his wife and family, hioved
to Western New York, and came to Michigan in 1834, settling in Orion township, Oakland County, where they lived io years. Tlhey then removed to Brandon township and took up I6o acres in the woods, near Brandon Centre, and
built thereon a log house which protected them not only from the elements
but also from the wild animals still roaming the forests. Ezra Auten probably
spent one-half of his time in his shop, often working industriously far into the
night and our subject, then a lad, remained with him to work the forge. He
died February 20, I889. A family of i children were born to Ezra Auten
and wife, namely: Isaac, who at the age of 77 years resides in Brandon township, with his wife (formerly Ann Bird) and six children; Esther, 75 years
old, who is the wife of Elisha Bird, has six children an(l resid(es near her
brother; John B.; Thomas, born in I834, who resides with his family in
Ortonville; Catherine (Truax), a widow, who resides in Brandon township
and has five children; Ezra, born in I836, who resides in St. Johns, Michigan,
and has three children; Nathan, born in Orion in I84I, who resides in Ortonville and has one son; Hannah, born in 1843, who is the wife of Albert Von
xWagoner of Oxford-their one child is deceased; Libbie, who married Ralph
Baldwin, a farmer of Hadley township, Lapeer County, and has two daughters; Richard B., familiarly known as "Doc. Auten," who is a farmer of
Brandon township and has three children; and Levi, whose home is in Oxford.
John B. Auten was reared in Brandon township, where at the time
educational oplortunities were very limited. He remained with his father
until the age of 22 years and then began for himself as a thrasher, owning
part of a thrashing outfit for some four years. He then began farming for
himself, buying his farm in Groveland township, which is now operated by
his son.
Mr. Auten was married in I856 to Zylpha Irish of Brandon township,
who died June 14, I870, aged 32 years, leaving three sons, viz: Newton J.,
born April 27, 1859, residing on a part of his grandfather's old farm ill
Brandon township, who married Mary Smith of Bay County, Michigan, and
has six children-Zylpha, Katie, Martha. Arthur, Deana and Carrie; James E.,
born January 28, 1863, who was married to Betsey Richmond, in October,
T885. has eight children-Ralph, John B.. Grover, Frank, Helen, Leslie,
Glenn and Jay, and resides on the farm in Groveland township; and Edgar N.,

394

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

born October I9, I868, who was married September I3, I893, to Nellie Funnell has four children, Ruth (deceased), Clyde, and Hazel and Hazen (twins),
and reside at Pontiac.
Mr. Auten was married February 22, 187I, to Martha Blodgett,
who was born February 14, I845, in the State of New York, and died in
Groveland township, Oakland county, January I, I894, leaving one child,
Lizzie E., born June 21, I879, who married Charles Kipp, April 23, I902.
For the past six seasons Mrs. Kipp has successfully conducted a millinery
store at Ortonville. She favors the Free Will Baptist Church, but her mother
was a consistent Methodist.
In politics Mr. Auten has always been a Democrat, this being the political
faith of the family. He has frequently refused office and when elected
drainage commissioner of Groveland township refused to qualify.
C. V. TAYLOR.
C. V. TAYLOR, a prominent manufacturer of vehicles at Pontiac, was
born in 1845 in Oakland County, Michigan, and is a son of William Taylor,
who was born in New Jersey and came to Oakland County as one of the early
pioneers.
William Taylor found Oakland County but a wilderness when he came
here to seek a home. This he carved out for himself and family, locating in
the vicinity of Oakland, in Oakland township. He met an accidental death in
I887, at the age of 70 years. He married a daughter of John Axford, who
located in Oakland County about the same time as did William Taylor. She
also passed away about I895. Several members of the family live in Oakland
County, but our subject is the only one located at Pontiac.
C. V. Taylor was educated in the common schools of Oakland township.
In 1870 he entered the employ of the late Green Freeman in the latter's flouring mills, later embarking in the dry goods business with Jarvis J. Green, of
Pontiac, with whom he continued six years. He was interested in several
other enterprises, but in I886 he established his present manufacturing busi

OAKLAND COUNTY.

395

ness, beginning in a small way. By careful industry, Mr. Taylor has increased
his business until now he occupies 80,ooo square feet of floor space and
employs, on an average, from 75 to Ioo men. He manufactures a general line
of buggies, wagons, surreys and carts of all kinds, his product meeting with
steady sales. He gives his business his personal attention and watches his
output so that the standard is kept up to the point which first attracted attention and caused continued growth. He is progressive, wide-awake and thoroughly modern in his ideas and puts upon the market goods which can not be
duplicated at a less price.
Mr. Taylor was married to a Miss Wilson, who was born in Scotland,
and they have three young children. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have a pleasant
and attractive home in Pontiac, where they are regarded with much esteem.
In religious views they are Episcopalians. Mr. Taylor votes with the Democratic party, but has rigidly refused to accept public office. He is one of the
representative business men of Pontiac as well as a descendant of two of the
oldest pioneer families.
HARVEY S. CHAPMAN, M. D.
HARVEY S. CHAPMAN, M. D., one of the successful physicians and
surgeons of Pontiac, Michigan, was born at New Baltimore, Macomb County,
Michigan, in I863, and is a son of Dr. Joseph M. Chapman and a grandson
of John Chapman.
Dr. Joseph M. Chapman was very prominent in medical circles for
many years. He graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor,
in 1854 and served as a military surgeon during the Civil War. For 30 years
he practiced his profession at New Baltimore. having formerly been professor
of mathematics at Oberlin College. He died at his home in 1884, at the age
of 57 years.
Dr. Harvey S. Chapman has been in continuous practice at Pontiac since
the fall of i886, having graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in I885. He has been one of the leading
citizens of Pontiac for a number of years, taking a deep and loyal interest in
the growth and development of the city and favoring all its public spirited

396

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

enterprises. He has served as city physician, county physician, and as health
officer, and in I894 was elected mayor; during his year at the head of municipal affairs, he made notable improvements in sanitary conditions. In 1896
he was appointed United States pension examiner, a position he still fills, and
in I898 was appointed by the late Governor Pingree a member of the board of
trustees of the Eastern Michigan Asylum for a term of six years. Recently
he was elected treasurer of the Pontiac Board of Education, and, to add to his
duties, in the spring of I903 he was appointed district surgeon of the Grand
Trunk Railway.
Dr. Chapman was married to Jessie Perkins, of New Baltimore, Michigan, and they have one child, John S., a bright lad of Io years. A crushing
bereavement was the death of a daughter, Pauline, in London, some I2 years
since. She had been a student at Paris. Dr. Chapman and family reside in
a handsome home at No. 121 Huron street, which is a center of hospitality
and cultured life.
The genial Doctor is professionally connected with all the leading city,
county and State medical organizations, including the American Medical
Association and the Northwestern District Medical Society, of which his
father was a charter member. During his term as mayor, he attended the
interesting conclave of the American Medical Association, then in session at
San Francisco. Fraternally he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk and a
Knight of Pythias. Dr. Chapman is one of Pontiac's honored and representative citizens, being a leader in its professional, civic and social life. He is
president of the American Savings Bank of Pontiac.
HENRY N. LAVERY.
HENRY N. LAVERY, one of the prominent citizens of the village of
Royal Oak, and a large land owner in Oakland County, was born February
I4, 1856, in Canada, and came to Michigan when about five years of age.
He is a son of Thomas and Julia (Franklin) Lavery, the former of whom
was born in Ireland, and the latter in Canada.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

397

Thomas Lavery accompanied his parents to America in boyhood, and
they settled in Canada, where he grew up in the business of handling timber.
Later he became a farmer, and in I86I removed to Michigan, settling first
at Detroit and later at Saginaw. He lived in Midland County for about io
years prior to his death, where he became a man of considerable prominence
and served some years as a justice of the peace. In politics he was a
Republican; in religious belief, an Episcopalian. He married Julia Franklin,
who died when our subject was six months old. Seven children were born
to them, five of whom survived infancy, nalnely: Margaret, whose first
husband was Daniel Donohue, of Detroit, and her second, Charles Frost;
Thomas, deceased; Frederick, of Canada; Julia, deceased; and Henry N.
Henry N. Lavery, on being left motherless at the tender age of six
months was placed in the Protestant Orphan Asylum at Detroit, and there
obtained his primary education, which was later continued in the public
schools of Royal Oak toxnship, while a member of the household of James
Levwless, with whoml he lived until 18 years old. IHe then went to Midland
County and for eight years worked in the timber, returning to Royal Oak
township in 1884. Renting the farm of Amos W\. Decker, he remained on
it three years; operated the Kaiser farm for six years, and the Greenfield
Park Hotel for two years and then entered the milk business as a producer.
In I896 he bought property in Royal Oak village and then went into the
milk business as a wholesaler, in which he continued for four years. In
i899 the Detroit Creamery Company was formed and Mr. Lavery has been
one of the stockholders and its agent ever since. In addition he farms 126
acres of land, owning 1og acres in Brandon township and 26 acres in section
i6, Royal Oak township, where he rents 80 acres. He also owns-his attractive home in the village and has paying property in Detroit. Mr. Lavery is
one of the self-made, successful men of the locality.
In 1877 Mr. Lavery was married to Catherine E. Langer, who was
born in 1858 at Pontiac and who is a daughter of Joseph and Catherine
(Glatseil) Langer. Two children have been born to theml,-Maud Belle,
and Thomas Norman. Mr. I.avery is a prominent Republican, and in
1896 was elected township treasurer, to which office he was subsequently
re-elected for a second term. In I898 he was elected supervisor, an office
he still holds. He is also assessor of the village. In I900 he was elected a
member of the village School Board and its moderator, and he was chairman of

398

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the building committee at the time of the construction of the new $I2,000
school building which is an ornament to Royal Oak. In securing this building Mr. Lavery worked hard against much opposition and his success justifies his position as a public spirited citizen. He is now a member of the
building committee which is considering proposals for the new Court
House at Pontiac for which an appropriation of $Ioo,ooo has been made.
Fraternally Mr. Lavery is a member of various Masonic bodies, and of the
National Masonic Protective Association; of the Odd Fellows and the
Loyal Protective Association of this order; of the Knights of the Maccabees
and the Forresters of America.
CHARLES M. WIGHT.
CHARLES M. WIGHT, a well-to-do retired merchant of Novi,, Oakland County, has attained success among the business men of this region by
his perseverance and shrewdness. He is one of the leading and most highly
respected citizens of his county and has proved his ability as a successful
business man. He was born in I840 in Westmoreland, Cheshire County,
New Hampshire, and is a son of Foster Wight and a grandson of Limuel
Wight, whose ancestors came from England to Massachusetts in 1632.
Foster Wight early in life engaged in the manufacture of boots and
shoes, after which he engaged in mercantile business and thus continued
until 1863, being situated at Westmoreland, New Hampshire. He died in
1864. His wife Polly Farr, died in I845, leaving eight children, namely;
Mary, who died in T873; Jane, deceased: Priscilla, who died in I899; Martha, who married Andrew A. Graves and is now living at Langdon, New
Hampshire; George, who died in 862; Caroline, who married Albert
Thompson, now residing at Westmoreland, New Hampshire; Charles M.;
and Helen A., who married Charles M. Scoville, who is living at Westmoreland, New Hampshire.
Charles M. Wight came to Michigan in 1871 and located at Novi, Oakland County, where he engaged in a mercantile business, which he conducted

OAKLAND COUNTY.

399

with much ability and at the same time acted as postmaster, having been
appointed two consecutive terms. He met with success in his business and
in I893 retired, living now in practical retirement. He married Catherine
Brewster, of Detroit, in 1864 and they lived a happy life until I866 when his
wife died, leaving two children, namely; Madge C. and Henry Brewster.
Madge C. Wight married George Hogle, a prominent lawyer and a member
of the Circuit Court Commission for several years and now employed in
the railway commissioners' office at Lansing, Michigan. She died in I897,
leaving four children, namely: Fred Wight, Catherine E., Marguerite and
Francis M. Henry Brewster Wight, our subject's son, is now living in San
Francisco, California, and is a member of the California State Board of
Trade.
Our subject in fraternal circles is a Mason, Knight Templar and a
'Mystic Shriner. He belongs to the Methodist Church. He is a Republican
and is deeply interested in his party's success.
ISAAC CRAWFORD.
ISAAC CRAWFORD, one of the old residents of Milford township, Oakland County, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm, which is
comprised by a tract of 80 acres in section 17, where he lives, and a tract of
60 acres in section I8, was born in the parish of Coningsby, Lincolnshire,
England, October 23, 1825. He is a son of Isaac and Mary (Blanchard)
Crawford, and a grandson of Robert Crawford.
In 1849 our subject's parents came to America and in the following
year settled in Michigan. They purchased So acres in Milford township,
the same on which our subject's residence now stands. The land was
originally purchased from the government by Norman Gladding, was sold
to Edgar Smith, and later passed into the possession of Mr. Crawford and
his son, our subject. But 50 acres of the tract had been roughly cleared and
a small house stood on the property and is still in use as a tool house. It
was once of considerable importance, being the first frame house in the

400

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

neighborhood. There the elder Isaac Crawford lived and there he died in
I891, in his 94th year. In the old country the family had lived for generations on the same land and our subject entertains a pride in his present farm
and would require a great inducement to cause him to part with any of it.
A great affection existed between Mr. Crawford and his father, being men
of similar tastes and character. They labored amicably together until the
death of the father broke the connection. The mother passed away at
Buffalo, in I850, aged 52 years, having been the mother of seven children,
the three growing to maturity being,-Robert, Joseph and Isaac. Both parents belonged to the Methodist Church.
Our subject was given instruction in private schools in his native country and worked on the farm that had been operated by his father and grandfather for many years. He has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits and is considered one of the progressive farmers of Oakland County.
His practical methods having been productive of excellent results.
In I86I Mr. Crawford was married to Louisa Cosart, who was born
in Castile, New York, and is a daughter of Rev. John and Louisa (Stowell)
Cosart. Their children are: Isaac H., who was married to Emma J. Crawford; Arthur J., who was married to Emma Farnsworth; Harry B.; and
Mary L., who married Elmer 0. Potter.
Politically Mr. Crawford is identified with the Republican party and he
has served in local offices and was for a considerable period the moderator
on the township school board. In religious belief and practice, the family
are Methodists. He enjoys an enviable reputation as a man of integrity
and reliability.
WILLIAM COATS.
WILLIAM COATS, one of the largest and most progressive young
farmers of Oxford township, Oakland County, has attained a high position
among the farmers and business men of his county and is now the owner of
a 320-acre farm situated in section 7. He was born June 24, I866, in
Oxford township and is a son of John and Catherine (Mann) Coats and a
grandson of William Coats.

ADDIS EMMETT GREEN

:~~~~~~~
MRS CORDLIAS. REE
~MRS. CORDELIA S. GREEN

ti i:I,'
I_

OAKLAND COUNTY.

405

\Villiam Coats, grandfather of our subject, came to Michigan in I834
with his family and located in Oxford township, where he took up a tract
of land from the government in section 5, Oxford township, and engaged in
clearing and putting it utnder cultivation. Politically he was a Democrat.
He died on his farm December 7, I86o.
John Coats was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, in 1822, and
was successfully engaged in farming throughout his life,-owning a 320 -acre farm at the time of his death, which occurred in 1891 on the farm now
owned by our subject, whose name heads these lines. He was married
in Michigan in I865 to Catherine Mann, who died on the holestead farm
37 years ago. Their only child was William, the subject of this article.
William Coats, our subject, received his educational training in the
schools of Oxford township. He has been engaged in general farming all
his life, and has done splendidly with the heritage of rich land left him by
his father. He ranks as one of the largest land owners of the county. At
present he rents his farm and resides in the village of Thomas, Oxford
township. Politically he is a Democrat. He was married to Margaret Hart,
daughter of Abram Hart of Orion township, and they are the parents of one
child, John R., who died in infancy.
ADDIS EMMETT GREEN.
ADDIS EMMETT GREEN, one of the old and representative citizens of
Oakland County, Michigan, residing in section 6, Farmington township, was
born October 17, 1827, at Livonia, Livingston County, New York, and is a
son of Zephaniah R. and Zarilla (Gould) (Green, extended mention of whom
will be found in the sketch of Horace A. Green, appearing elsewhere in this
volume.
In I856 Addis E. Green was united in marriage with Cordelia Adaline
Smith, who is a daughter of Calvin and E!enor (Durfee) Smith. This marriage connected him writh two old and very prominent families, early settlers
in Oakland County. As early as I831 Mrs. Green's grandfathers, Asaph
23

4o6

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Smith and Daniel Durfee, came to Michigan and both took up large tracts of
land in Novi township, Oakland County, Mr. Durfee's land being located in
sections 12, 13 and 14, and Mr. Smith's in section 15. Daniel Durfee was
descended in the fourth generation from Thomas Durfee, who was born in
England in I643 and ail at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 1712.
Calvin Smith, fat lof Mrs. Green, was born August 4, I809, at Hancock, Vermont, and was married to Eleanor Durfee, who was born at Manchester, New York, October 19, 1812. Calvin Smith and wife had six children. Cordelia Adaline, the eldest, was born October 25, 1833, and became
the wife of our subject. Daniel B., who was born December 26, 1835, died
September 30, I896, at Austin, Minnesota, leaving a widow and three children, namely: Clayton J., born September Io, 1862, at Novi, who was married to Florence K. Livermore and now lives at St. Paul, Minnesota,-they
have two children, Miriam and Harold; Frank M., born March 18, I870,
who died January 13, 1902, at Phoenix, Arizona, leaving two children,-.
Parry and Ernestine; and Judd, who was born in Minnesota, November 30,
I872, and reared two children,-Otto Caleb, born April 12, I896, and Mary
Josephine, born June 20, 1898. Daniel B. Smith married as his second wife,
Amanda Flick, and they had one child, Walter B., born May 22, I876, and
died May 25, I879. The third child of Calvin Smith was Rosella E., born
March 8, 1838, who married Edward P. Van V'alkenburgh, and died at Minneapolis, Minnesota, January I, I899,-they reared these children: Mary Gertrude, bom December 5, I866, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who married Frank
Barkee, of Lake Mills, Iowa, and has one child, Genevieve, born February 17,
I892; Robert Bruce, born August 26, I869, who died July 25, 1870; Florence,
born December 25, 1871, who died August I7, 1872; Edward Porter, born
April 8, 1875, who was drowned at Tallapoosa, Georgia, June 13, I895;
and George Rudd, born Augusa 17, 1877, who resides at Two Harbors, Minnesota. Gideon Warner, the fourth child of Calvin Smith, was born March
3, I840, and died at Austin, Minnesota, June 9, 1875. He married Frances
Brown of Walled Lake, Michigan, and they reared one child, Benjamin, now
residing at Seattle, Washington, who was married to Josephine L. Good of
Seattle, and they have one child, Gideon W., born at Seattle, January 12,
19oI. The fifth child of Calvin Smith is Mary B., born September 20, 1842.
She married Andrew J. Crosby, of Farmington, Oakland County, who was
born September 9, 1840, at DeRuyter, New York. They reside in Novi

OAKLAND COUNTY.

407

township on a portion of the land taken up by Mrs. Crosby's grandfather,
Daniel Durfee. They had three children born to them: Lena, born at St.
John's, Michigan, April Io, 187o, who died in infancy; Bertha Ina, born at
Novi, Michigan, June 21, 1872, who married Frank N. Steele, of Farmington; and Flora Nina, born at Pontiac, June 18, 1879, who married Dr. Albert
L. Brannock of Detroit. The sixth child of Calvin Smith and wife, Alta A.,
was born April 6, 1849, and married George W. Scullen, of Oakland,
Minnesota; they reared four children: George Arthur, born June 5, 1875;
John Calvin, born November 25, I878: Warner Smith, born February 24,
1882; and Frank Irwin, born December I, I888. Mr. Scullen died January
22, I899, and his widow and children now reside at Austin, Minnesota.
The children born to our subject and wife were as follows: Calvin R.,
born on the present farm, September 8, 1857, who was married to Mary
Annie McKay, of Detroit, and they have three children-Cordelia Eleanor,
born December TO, I889, Emmett Smith, born October 24, I89I, and Frank
Arthur, born November I3, I895; Eleanor Z., born September 20, I86r,
died July 23, 1873; Maud B., born May I, 1863, married Charles I. Shattuck
of Pontiac and they have one child, Marcus, born September 21, I888; and
Myra W. and Mary Shaw (twins) were born March 14, I869, of whom the
latter is a successful teacher,-the former married Caleb G. Jackson of
Southfield township, Oakland County, and they have these children: Lulu
Maud. born July 20, 1893; Lloyd Moore, born December io, I894; Mary
Alice, born May 3, I896; George Jackson, born June 13, I897; and Warren
Emmett, born May 7, I900.
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Green are presented on foregoing pages in
connection with this sketch.
STEPHEN M. GAGE.
STEPHEN M. GAGE, postmaster and general merchant at Walled Lake,
Commerce township. Oakland County, was born in Lyon township, this
county, July 7, I84I, and is a son of David and Malinda (Brown) Gage,
both of whom were born in Wayne County, New York.

408

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

After his marriage in New York, David Gage came to Michigan in
I835 and secured I60 acres of government land in Lyon township, Oakland
County, and on this farin our subject and the rest of the family were reared.
The names of the children are as follows: WVilliam, deceased; Cornelia, who
married James N. Wilson, lives at South Lyon and has four children,Elma, David William and Charles; Stephen M., our subject; Jane, Mary
and I)avid, deceased; Frances, who married Z. D. Scott, lives in Duluth,
Minnesota, and has two children,-Ruth and Alice; two who died in
infancy; William, who was married to Dora Hallenbeck of New Hudson,
Michigan, removed to Riverside, California, and has two children, Albert
and Vena; and an infant that (lied soon after birth.
Stephen M. Gage obtained his education in the district schools of Lyon
township and then took a course at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti.
In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil \Var, entering Company B,
20th Reg., M\ichigan Vol. Inf.; after participating in many of the most
serious and conclusive battles of the war, he was mustered out at Augusta,
Maine, July I2, I865, being granted an honorable discharge. He did a
brave soldier's part in the dreadful days at South Mountain, Antietam and
Fredericksburg, and on a thousand occasions was exposed to death while
on the line, while skirmishing on picket duty and during marches
through the enemy's country.
In April, I865, while at home on furlough, the brave soldier was united
in marriage with Jennie Wilson, who is a daughter of Washington Wilson,
of Salem, Michigan. After the close of the war, he bought a farm located
one mile east of New Hudson, lwhere he resided some five years, selling it to
purchase another one a mile west of Walled Lake, in Commerce township.
This he also sold five years later and in I877 embarked in a general mercantile business at Walled Lake where he was well established when a destructive fire burned him out in I899. With characteristic energy, he ilmmediately
looked about for a new building, and finally bought the old school house,
wliich he fitted for his purpose, and has since then conducted a first class
general store. He is an ardent Republican and was apnointed nostmaster
by the late President Harrison and was not disturbed dluring the administration of President Cleveland, a tribute to his personal popularity. Mr. and
Mrs. Gage have two daughters, both settled conveniently near: Minnie,
born in 1870, who married John B. Strong, a merchant of Laurium, Mich

OAKLAND COUNTY.

409

igan, and has four children,-Stephen, Harold, Jenette and Amy; and
Helen, who married Albert J. Church, of Walled Lake, Oakland County,
and has one son, Benjamin.
Mr. Gage is fraternally connected with the Knights of the Maccabees.
He and family belong to the Methodist Church. The family is one of both
business and social prominence in Commerce township.
JAMES B. SINCLAIR.
JAMES B. SINCLALR, deceased, was engaged in farming for many years
in Lyon township, Oakland County, where nearly the whole of his life was
spent. He was born in Seneca County, New York, November IO, I832,
and was a son of James and Nancy (Scott) Sinclair.
James Sinclair, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland, January
27, 1807, and came to Michigan about 1836, locating in Lyon township,
and purchasing a farm which is now owned by Mrs. William Carpenter.
By his first wife, Nancy Scott, he had two children, namely; James B., our
subject, and Daniel, who owns a farm in Lyon township, and lives with his
half-sister. By his third wife, James Sinclair had one son, George, who now
resides with his half-brother Daniel. James Sinclair died July 31, 1887, at
the age of 80 years.
James B. Sinclair accompanied his parents to Michigan and received
his education in the district schools of Lyon township. He worked on his
father's farm until 21 years of age, when he returned to Ovid, Seneca
County, New York, where lie engaged at work by the monlth with different
farmers. After remaining there three years, he returned to Michigan, having inherited a farm of I60 acres in Lyon township. He continued to cultivate this farm until I899, when he rented it and removed to the village of
New Hudson, Lyon township, Oakland County, where his wife purchased
the home in which she now lives. Our subject was among the leading business men of his township and is long to be remembered in the history of his
county as a true and honest citizen; he was a promoter of all enterprises of

41o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

public moment and calculated for the good of the community. He was a
member of the Republican party, but never took an active part in political
affairs.
In 1856 Mr. Sinclair was married to Sarah Barnum, daughter of Lewis
and Catherine (Huff) Barnum. Lewis Barnum was a prominent farmer of
Otsego County, New York, and died February 7, 1843, having reached the
age of 53 years. He left his widow and 12 children, five of whom are now
living. Our subject died January i, I902, at the age of 70 years. There
were four children in the family, namely: Lewis B., born December I9,
I858, who was married to Carrie Harding, and now resides on the old
homestead farm; Herbert S., born January 27, i86i, who was married to
Zadie Rundel and has three children,-Lulu, Hazel and Scott, who died in
infancy; Inez M., born February 13, 1877, who married Joseph Dickerson,
a farmer of Milford township, Oakland County, and has two children,Florence and Sinclair; and Rosabelle, who was born November 6, 1871, and
died October 28, I872.
Mrs. Sinclair, the widow of our subject, now resides in the village of
New Hudson in the home which she bought when our subject retired, and is
living a quiet and peaceful life. Her son, Lewis B., is now working and managing her farm, situated in section 13, Lyon township. She is a member of
the Baptist Church and is known throughout the township, having countless
friends who hold her in the highest esteem as a true neighbor.
CHARLES S. YOUNG
CHARLES S. YOUNG is a highly esteemed and respected citizen of
Brandon township, Oakland County, Michigan, and ranks high among the
representative agriculturists of his township. He is the owner of 184 acres
of highly cultivated land in section 28, and has followed the independent
calling of farming all his life. He was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio,
near the city of Cleveland in I847 and is a son of David and Margaret
(Hummer) Young.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

411

David and Margaret (Hummer) Young were residents of Cuyahoga
County, Ohio, for several years. They located on what is now our subject's
farm in I853, and there both died. They were the parents of a family of
children of whom four besides our subject are now living, namely: Homer,
who resides in Ortonville, Michigan: Sarah C., who resides with subject;
Arthur, of Tuscola, Michigan, who is now living in practical retirement,
and Owen, who resides on a farm in the neighborhood of our subject.
Charles S. Young was reared and educated in the district schools of
Oakland County. He has since reaching the years of manhood been actively
engaged in farming, which occupation he has carried on with the best
results and he may well be called a leading and public spirited citizen of his
community. Politically he is a stanch Republican and is prominent in all
political affairs, having served in various township offices. He has served
as county supervisor for seven years, having held that office at different
times. He is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, F. &amp; A. M., of Ortonville and the Chapter, R. A. M., of Oxford. The Young family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
FRED P. SIMMONS.
IRED P. SIMMONS, a member of one of the old pioneer families of
Novi township, Oakland County, owns 151 acres of land in section 21, which
is probably the best developed fruit farm in the State. Mr. Simmons was
born on this beautiful homestead in 1867, and is a son of Richmond C. and
Huldah L. (Power) Simmons. the former of whom was born in Livonia
Wayne County, Michigan, and the latter in Farmington, Ontario County,
New York.
Richmond C. Simmons was a son of Joshua Simmons, who became one
of the leading citizens of Oakland County, for years )eing prominently identified with the development of its industries. Joshua Simmons was born
April 12, 18oi, at Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, and in the same
year his parents removed to Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Joshua
attended the local schools and assisted his father until the age of 21 years

412

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

when he obtained employment at $13 a month. In three years he had
accumulated the sum of $225 and with this capital he came to Michigan. He
entered I6o acres of wild land in section 6, Livonia township, Wayne County,
after which he returned for two years to New York. On January 13, 1826,
he was married to Hannah Macomber of Bristol, New York, and in the
succeeding September they started to found their home in the wilderness
of Michigan. The probable hardships did not daunt them, although the way
was long and tiresome and privations were awaiting them at the end. They
crossed Lake Erie to Detroit on the old steamboat "Superior" and were then
19 miles from their destination. In order to reach the selected land, it was
necessary at that time to make a circuit of 30 miles, which took three days
to accomplish. Mr. Simmons had brought with him a few tools; although
no carpenter, he was a natural mechanic and these tools gave him the means
of supporting his family until he was able to realize from his farm. He
built the first frame barn in the town of Plymouth in 1827, and he also built
the first structure of this kind in Livonia township, which was on his own
farm. Ile hewed the timber for the first mill built in Plymouth and also for
the first one built in Farmington. In 1841 he demolished his first log house
and il its place erected a new residence which for many years was the finest
in this section of counltry. He was a man of great energy and enthusiasm, a
typical pioneer, honest and upright and the soul of hospitality. In his political faith he was a Jackson.Democrat. The seven children of Joshua and
Hannah (Macomber) Simmons were: Richmond C.; Lawrence \V., of
Pontiac; William '., deceased; Morell, of Northville, \Vayne County; Mary
E., widow of Caleb Sprague, now living in Farmington township, Oakland
County; Jennie E.. decease(l; and Helen M., of Delray, Michigan.
lThe mother of our subject also belonged to an honored old pioneer
family of this county. She was born in F:armington, Ontario County, New
York, and was a daughter of Ira and Amy (Lapham) Power. Her parents
came to Michigan when Mrs. Sinmmons was an infant, (luring the administration of President Jackson. In 1826 Mr. Power secured a section of government land in.ivonia township, Vayne County, and there the remainder
of his life was passed. l'he only surviving members of his large family are
the mother of our subject and her youngest brother, Abram, now a resident
of Kent City, Kent County, who married Orpha Smith, since deceased, and
has one son, Harry.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

413

The father of our subject received the homestead farm from his father
and lived upon it until his death, December 31, 1902. His widow survives
and two sons, William Ira and Fred P. The former married Harriet Shoesmith and they reside in Novi township, having three children,-Floy, Ethel
and Morell.
Fred P. Simmons secured his primary education in the schools of Novi
township, and later attended the Northville High School and took a commercial course at the Detroit Business College. Since taking entire charge of the
farm, Mr. Sinmmons has converted it into a fruit farm, and his apple orchards
are conceded to be among the best in the State as to quality and productiveness. The output for the current year will reach 1,50oo barrels of fine apples,
and with the foreign tdemand for American fruit constantly growing. this
represents a large amount of money. Through Mr. Simmnon's intelligent
care, his orchards are constantly kept up to a certain standard. The whole
farm is one of great attractiveness. The handsome brick residence and commodious barn are surrounded by beautiful shade trees and the air of thrift
and comfort which prevails everywhere gives the visiting stranger a great
desire to seek no further for an ideal rural home.
On June IT. 1889. Mr. Simmons was united in marriage with Belle
Sutton, who is the only child of George and Clarissa (Entrican) Sutton,
the former of whom was born in Canada and came to Michigan in I861,
purchasing a farm in Novi township, Oakland County. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have four interesting children, namely: Lucile, born August 23. 1890;
Arthur, born Apriil 3, 1892; George, born November 17, 1894; and Fred B.
born May 31, I898.. Mr. Simmons is affiliated with the Democratic party.
He is well known all through Oakland County and is a man who enjoys the
esteem of all with whoml he has business relations.
GEORGE WASHINGTON PORTER.
GEORGE \WASHINGTON PORTER, a prosperous farmer of Whlite Lake
township, Oakland County, was born on his fine farm of 18I acres in section
2I in 1847. and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Arthur) Porter.

414

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles Porter was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1812, and
died in February, I903, in White Lake township. He came to the United
States in 1830 and first located in the State of New York, but in the following year came to Bloomfield township, Oakland County, Michigan. After
a few years he removed to his present farm in White Lake township. In his
younger days he belonged to the militia body which was held in readiness
for trouble occasioned by the fixing of the Ohio boundary line, but was not
called to the front. He was one of the leading supporters of the Baptist
Church at Pontiac and contributed liberally to the building of the present
edifice. In politics he was a Democrat and served in many local offices. He
was highway commissioner and was unanimously nominated for supervisor
but refused the office. For 25 years he served as township clerk and for the
same period was a justice of the peace in White Lake township. He cast
his first ballot for Martin Van Buren for President, and through life was
consistent in his adherence to party principles. The mother of our subject
was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, December I, I819, and died in
December, I887.. Her parents were pioneers in White Lake township, Oakland County, where she married and (lied. She was reared in the Methodist
faith. The seven children of Charles Porter and wife were: Nancy Jane,
who married Sidney Bentley, and died July 6, I883, leaving four children;
Sarah, who married Lorenzo Walworth, died September 3, 1879; Esther
M., who married Henry Van Gorden, died in 1895; Matilda, who married
William Richardson, resides in Wiest Bloomfield township, Oakland County;
and George W., of this sketch. Two children had died in infancy.
Mr. Porter was educated in the local schools and since completing his
education has been farming on the home farm. On December 23, I869, he
was married to Eliza Fair, who was born in 1847 in White Lake township,
Oakland County, on the same day as Mr. Porter, and is a daughter of James
and Ann (Galloway) Fair. Her father was born in Scotland and died in
I88I in California, aged 79 years. He was a young man when he and his
wife located in White Lake township and there he followed his trade of
carpenter for a number of years. His wife was also born in Scotland and
died in 1855, at the age of 40 years. They had a family of eight children,
namely: James, Mary, Jane, Eliza and Elizabeth (twins),-the former
the wife of our subject,-Alice, Helena and Ann. In I860 Mr. Fair went
to California, where he contracted a second marriage and had two daugh

OAKLAND COUNTY.

415

ters,-Alice and Eva. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have had but one child, Ina,
born January 3, i88I, whose little life went out on February 23rd following.
Fraternally Mr. Porter is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees.
He is a Democrat and has been township treasurer for the past two terms.
HON. JOHN DUDLEY NORTON.
HON. JOHN DUDLEY NORTON, deceased, was one of the best known
and most influential of the citizens of Pontiac, Michigan, and to him as
much as to any other man is due the great progress and prosperity of the
city. He gave his financial support to all public improvements and was
always found in support of such measures and enterprises as would be of
benefit to the community.
Mr. Norton's father (Dudley Dorman Norton, Esq.), a native of
Hebron, Connecticut, was a descendant of Lucy Norton, sister of Gov. John
Winthrop. He removed to Onondaga County, New York, in 1822, where
in 1824 he was married to Margaret Fry Farrington, a descendant of General Putnam of Revolutionary fame.
Mr. Norton was born December I8, I844, at Van Buren, Onondaga
County, New York, and was the youngest of four children. He passed the
first I2 years of his life on his father's farm and in 1856 moved with his
parents to Baldwinsville, New York, where he attended the village school,
after which he received careful academic training in the academies at
Elbridge and Cortland, New York. He entered Hamilton College at Clinton, New York, in 1863 and possessing a talent for mathematics won prizes
in his class. He was also proficient in Greek and Latin and was an active
member of the College secret society known as Chi Psi. He graduated in
1867.
Having finished college, Mr. Norton started west, locating at St. Louis
where he engaged in the real estate business for three months after which
time he became interested in the pine lands of Western Michigan. He then
located at Pontiac where the remainder of his life was spent.

4 6

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In Pontiac he was one of the charter members of the First National
Bank, of which in 1877 he became cashier for a period of o1 years. To
him the stockholders are indebted for the successful re-organization of the
bank when, as president and one of its heaviest stockholders, the charter
having expired, he transferred it January j, I893, into the First Commercial Bank. He was an organizer and director of several other banks in the
State of Michigan.
Mr. Norton, besides being an active participant and investor in local
enterprises, had large and varied interests in Michigan (where he owned
considerable real estate) as well as in 12 other States. In 1883 he became
treasurer of the Eastern Michigan Asylum and was treasurer of the Michigan Military Academy from 1882 until his death. In the latter institution
he was deeply interested and was one of its financial supports. He was one
of the organizers and incorporators of the largest manufacturing plant in
Pontiac, namely, the Pontiac Knitting Works, and in I888 served as its
secretary and treasurer until his retirement in 189I. He was city treasurer
for many years and for some time treasurer of the Agricultural Society. He
was a member of the Oak Hill Cemetery board of control and treasurer of
the Water Works Board from its inception in 1887 until his death.
Politically, Mr. Norton was always a stanch supporter of Democratic
principles and became an active and influential force in the party management in the State. In 1874 he was elected to the Michigan Legislature from
the Third District and was re-elected in I876, serving upon the committees
of ways and means, railroads and education. He was a delegate to the
National Democratic Convention held in St. Louis in June, 1876. In I888
he was nominated for State Treasurer, but with the rest of the ticket went
down in defeat.
Fraternally, Mr. Norton was a member of all local Masonic bodies
including Pontiac Lodge No. I, F. &amp; A. M.; Oakland Chapter, No. 5, R. A.
M.; Council, R. &amp; S. M.; and Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, K. T. He was
also a member of the Knights of Pythias.
On June 9, I870, Mr. Norton was married to Elizabeth Conklin
Flower, daughter of Hon. Theron Andrew Flower (whose life's record may
be found elsewhere in this work), and five children were born to bless their
union. 'he three living are: Hattie Morris. wife of Gilbert Willson Lee,
of Detroit: John Dudley, Jr., and Mary Cornelia. Mr. Norton was an

OAKLAND COUNTY.

417

indulgent father, being sympathetic in disposition and of charitable impulses.
\Iany were his benefactions of which, the public never knew besides his
being liberal in his support of charitable organizations. In his deatlh the poor
lost a true friend. Mr. Norton (lied at his home in Pontiac, Michigan,
March I8, 1895.
HANNIBAL C. ENGLISH
iHANNIBAL C. ENGLISHi, one of the prominent citizens of South Lyon,
Lyon township, Oakland County, and an honored survivor of the Civil
War, was born in Tompkins (ounty, New York, April 1S, 1837. He is a
son of Jacob R. alld Jane ()(pdike) iEnglislh, both of whom were born in
New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob R. English removed to Stark County, Ohio, when
our subject was but two. years of age, remaining there for 14 years and
then coming to Jackson County, Michigan. They were the parents of these
children: Hannibal C., of this sketch; Sidney, residing near Jackson, Michigan, who was married to Elvira Bow\en; Caroline, who marriedl William
Miller, and resides at Jackson, Mr. Miller having died in the army during
the Civil WVar; Minerva, who married Merrill Putnam; Matilda, who married Daniel Updike; Hope, who married George Mills and lives in Kansas;
Betsey, wiho married George Ouick and resides near Jackson; and Sarah,
who died at the age of 1o years.
Hannibal C. English remained at home until about 24 years of age,
attending school, assisting his father and later entering upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. He was fast learning the details of carpenter
work, when the outbreak of the Civil War aroused in him a loyal feeling and
excited a military spirit which he perhaps inherited from both his grandfathers who faithfully served their country in the War of 1812. MIr. English
becanle one of that grand army of the very flower of the latd who with one
impulse arose in defense of their country's flag and what it means. At
Jackson, Michigan, on September 26, I86I, he enlisted in Company D,
First Battalion, I2th United States Infantry, First Brigade. Second Division,

4l8

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5ti Army Corps, entering as a private, and being later promoted to the rank
of corporal. On April I, 1863, near Bull Run, he was detailed as color
guard, a dangerous but most honorable position, which he filled until his
discharge, September 22, 1864. Mr. English participated in many fearful
battles, including Yorktown, Harrison Ianding, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Snicker's Gap, Middleburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Shady
Grove, North Ann River, South Ann River. Rapidan, Weldon Railroad and
Gettysburg. It could scarcely be possible that a soldier should pass through
so much imminent danger without injury, and Mr. English still bears the
marks and effects of wounds. At the battle of the Wilderness, not mentioned in the above list, he received a gunshot wound in the left arm which
sent him to the brigade hospital on the field for three weeks and he was
confined five weeks in a hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, with throat trouble.
He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and at present is serving as
quartermaster of Stanwell Post, No. 456. After the close of his army service, Mr. English returned to Michigan and resumed his interrupted trade.
This he still follows, having done much of the building in South Lyon.
On June io, I870, Mr. English was united in marriage with Harriet
Letts, who was born at South Lyon Michigan, August 24, 1847, and is a
daughter of Obediah and Mary (Ingersoll) Letts, both deceased. A family
of eight children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. English, namely: Millie,
Maud (deceased), Clarence, Jennie, Jay, Alice (deceased), Wesley (deceased) and Myra.
Politically Mr. English is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason. Both as business man and as citizen he is held in
high esteem and is considered one of the substantial, representative men of
South Lyon.'
EDMUND CUTHBERT.
EDMUND CUTHBERT, a representative and influential farmer of White
Lake township, Oakland County, and a man widely known throughout his
community, is held in high esteem by his acquaintances as a man of integrity
and sound principles. He is actively engaged in the cultivation of his beauti

OAKLAND COUNTY.

419

ful farm of 2IO acres in sections 1 and II. He was born on the farm where
he now lives in 1853, and is a son of John and Ellen (Connor) Cuthbert.
John Cuthbert, who was a native of Lincolnshire, England, came to the
United States at an early date, locating in Oakland County, Michigan, and
purchasing the farm where his son Edmund now lives. For many years he
was actively engaged in the cultivation of the property, and was successful
in his efforts to rise in the world. In politics he was a member of the Democratic party. He was married to Ellen Connor, a native of Ireland, and who
is now living with our subject on the old homestead farm, having reached the
age of 75 years. Her parents came to the United States at an early date and
settled in Detroit, Michigan, where her father 'followed his trade as a ship
carpenter,-he met his death through falling off the boat on which he was
working into the Detroit River, and there drowning. John Cuthbert ana
wife were the parents of seven children, three of whom are now, living,
namelv: Frank, who resides in Groveland township, Oakland County;
Edmund, our subject; and Kittie, who married George Harris, and resides
in Springfield township, Oakland County. The deceased were: Hattie,
John, William and Ella. Mrs. Cuthbert is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Our subject's father died in I863 at the age of 58 years.
Edmund Cuthbert received his education in the district schools of
White Lake township, in the Pontiac High School and in the State Normal
School at Valparaiso, Indiana; after completing the course prescribed in the
last named school, he engaged as a teacher and so continued for two years.
Our subject's political views make him a Democratic partisan. He has
efficiently filled several responsible positions, among them: town clerk for
three years, township superintendent of schools one year and justice of the
peace for two terms.
WILLIAM H. FOOTE.
WILLIAM H. FOOTE, a prosperous farmer residing on his fine farm of
I40 acres, located in section I6, Milford township, Oakland County, was born
January 4, 1833, in Conesus, Livingston County, New York. He is a son

420

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Dr. Henry K. and Minerva (Henderson) Foote, both natives of New
York.
William Foote, the grandfather of W. H. Foote, was a native of Connecticut, from which State he removed to New York, settled in Ontario
County and there operated a tinsmith shop. After removing. to Michigan,
he continued in the business until his decease. In his native State he was
married to Mary King and they had these children: William, a deep-sea
sailor who was lost sight of after starting on a trip to the West Indies;
Charles C., who died on one of the lakes, while making a trip to visit
relatives; Sarah (Mrs. Taylor), who died in New York City; Harriet (Mrs.
Wilson); and Henry K.
Dr. Henry K. Foote came to Michigan in I834. He was a physician and
surgeon of ability, and for years practiced his noble profession in the wilds
of Michigan. His figure was a familiar one, riding through unbroken
fields and great stretches of timber on horseback with his saddle-bags on
either side. Dr. Foote was probably the most valued and beloved citizen for
many miles around. In I863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming 2nd lieutenant in the 5th Reg., Mich. Vol. Cav., and his death occurred
soon after, at Poolesville, Maryland, of congestion of the lungs, on February
8, I863, at the age of nearly 60 years. He was deeply mourned and was
survived by a widow and these children: Mary J.; William H.; Charles C.
and James L. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.
William H. Foote was but one year old when his parents moved to
MIichigan. In boyhood he attended the common schools and then learned
the trade of blacksmith, which he followed six years. He then turned his
attention to farming and has most successfully followed the same ever since.
In 1862 he purchased his present fine farm, which was formerly the property
of his father. It then consisted of 120 acres of land, to which he has added
20 additional acres by purchase. He makes a specialty of dairying and was
the pioneer milkman in Milford, but now disposes of his milk to the Milford
Cheese Factory, whose products have a national reputation.
In 1853 Mr. Foote married Sarah E. Hastings, who was born in the
State of New Yotrk, and the children born to this marriage were: George,
deceased; Charles C.; Hattie M., wife of A. V. Austin; Kate, wife of J. L.
Smith; and W. K.
In politics Mr. Foote is one of the leading Republicans of the section

j:::,:::::-~
i:
i::::-.
Ip,
*-::
'-:~~:~~::i;:c::
~I
ir:
-"lc::::,
i:::ii:
1Z:
~::::_,j 1::::~
:i-::;?:;::::::i- i.:::~:-:
-'I:_-1:::::-::-_ 2 -~-;,~_.xi 4P1
iBlp~l:,l
i:;~: a: 1~j~:::;;
~::\ 'II
in I.

POWELL CARPENTER

OAKLAND COUNTY.

423

and has the honor of having been one of the first Republican voters in Oakland County. He has been a very useful man in his neighborhood, serving
most capably as school director and road commissioner, although he has
never sought office. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.
The figure "3" seems to have been the familiar one in Mr. Foote's life,
as he was born in 1833, married in 1853, and he and his wife celebrated their
golden wedding on September 20, 1903, when a large party of friends and
relatives gathered to do them honor. They were the recipients on this occasion of many handsome and valuable presents.
POWELL CARPENTER.
POWELL CARPENTER, a prominent resident of Orion township, Oakland County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in that township, February 8, 1837, and is a son of Thomas J. and Juliette (Clark) Carpenter. He is a member of one of the oldest families of Oakland County.
Powell Carpenter, the grandfather of our subject, whose name lhe
bears, was born in Massachusetts, February i, 1771. By occupation a farmer,
he came to Michigan in 1824 in search of fertile soil and an advantageous
location; finding what he sought, hie entered a half section of land in Oakland
township, Oakland County. He planned and caused to be built what is
known as Rudd's A/Mill, which for mnore than three score years has stood in
the northeast corner of section 13, Orion township. He never located in
Oakland County permnanently, but returned to Monroe County, New York,
where he died in 1853, aged 84 years. He wfas a man of considerable prominence and served as associate judge for some time in Monroe County and
also filled minor offices. Powell Carpenter's father was a Revolutionary
soldier, and his eldest brother served in the War of 1812. Lucy Killam, his
wife, was.born in 1779 in Pennsylvania. and died in 1863, the mother of ii
children.
Thomas J. Carpenter, the father of our subject, was born in the
State of New York in 1807, and came to Oakland County, Michigan,
in 1831, becoming one of the earliest settlers of Orion township. He made
24

424

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his home on the land that had been entered by his father and during those
pioneer days endured many hardships and privations. In I860 he removed
to Midland where he died February 25, 1892. Mr. Carpenter was twice
married, first to Juliette Clark, a daughter of Samuel Clark; she was born
in Saratoga County, New York, in I803, and died in September, 1854.
Samuel Clark spent his whole life in Saratoga County, New York, where he
was engaged in farming and in operating a store, his death occurring at the
age of 79 years. He was a son of Samuel Clark, who served in the Revolutionary War, a recruit from New York, and was advanced to the rank of
colonel and later was a general. The history of Saratoga County gives him
great credit as one of its valued citizens, a man of prominence and generosity.
He built a church and donated it to the Presbyterian body, of which he was a,member. He was married to Mary Wakeman, who was a daughter of Samuel
Wakeman and a granddaughter of Samuel Wakeman, Sr., the latter of whom:served from Connecticut in the Revolutionary War. The patriotic wife and
-family of Samuel Wakeman, Sr., assisted in the building of the signal fires
by which General Washington was able to communicate with his adherents.
Later he removed to New York, but returned to Connecticut to dispose of his
property, but never reached his destination, probably falling a victim to
robbers.
The children of the first marriage of Thomas J. Carpenter were as
follows: Delia, widow of Alfred J. Owen, and a resident of Brown County,
Kansas; Sylvia P., who is the wife of Benjamin F. Thorne, of Bay City,
Michigan; Powell, our subject; Samuel C., deceased, who spent most of his
life at Midland, Michigan; Juliette, who is the wife of James Van Kleeck,
of Bay City, Michigan; Stephenl, who (lied in childhood; and Thomas J.
Jr., who died at the age of four years.
In I856 Thomas J. Carpenter was married to Catherine Y. Casamer,
whose family belonged to the little band which founded the first Methodist,
Church organization in Orion township.
Powell Carpenter, of this sketch, was educated in the district schools
of his locality and in the fall of 1857 entered the State Agricultural College
at Lansing, where he spent three terms, being a classmate of some of Michigan's leading citizens of later day and forming life long friendships with
such men as Judge Morse, of the Michigan Supreme Court and Professor
Cooke of the college. After concluding his studies, Mr. Carpenter taught

OAKLAND COUNTY.

425

school for one term and then began farming, an occupation he has successfully followed ever since. He purchased for this purpose the old homestead,
but soon sold it advantageously and bought his present fine farm of 200
acres to which he has devoted his energies and where he has passed the
busiest and happiest years of a long and useful life. The estate is one of the
finest in the county, productive, well situated and attractive, a home fit for a
potentate or for his equal, a plain American citizen.
In I863 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage with Lucinda Welch,
who was born in Orion township, Oakland County, October 19, 1836, and
is the only daughter and child of Eli Welch. Three children have been born
to this union, namely: Altha J., who is the wife of Walter R. Hauxwell;
and Lucy L. and Florence P., who live at home.,
Mrs. Carpenter comes of an old and honored family of Long Island,
New York, which at an early date settled in Chenango County, New York,
where Eli Welch was born July 26, I803. He was married December 24,
I834, to Polly Owen, a native of Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Polly Owen
came to this state with her parents in I83I, settling in Orion township, Oakland County. In I812 Mrs. Carpenter's grandfather, Bildad Welch, lived at
Sodus Point, Wayne County, New York, but he and his family removed
westward on account of the threatened pillaging by the British in the War of
1812. In 1830 Eli Welch moved to Michigan, bringing with him the sum
of $I,500, which he invested in a mercantile business at Amy, Oakland
County, where he lived until about IS35, when he moved to Orion township,
and took up the 8o-acre tract where Mr. Chapman now resides.
In politics Mr. Carpenter is a Republican and on numerous occasions
has served as a delegate to county and State conventions. He cast his first
Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has zealously supported every
party candidate since. He is one of the most substantial men of the locality,
a director of the Orion State Bank and an influential molder of public
opinion in his township.
EDWARD C. SMITH.
EDWARD C. SMITH, steward of the Eastern Michigan Asylum, and a
most highly esteemed citizen of Pontiac, Michigan, whose portrait appears as
the frontispiece of this work, was born October I, I846, in Livingston

426

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

County, New York, and is the only son of Edward C. and Julia (Talbot)
Smith, the former of Hadley, Massachusetts, and the latter of Livingston
County, New York.
Mr. Smith comes of an old and honorable ancestral line whose record
is most interesting. From a history of the town of Hadley, Massachusetts,
it is learned that his line may be traced as far back as the I5th century,
when the earldom of Shrewsbury was bestowed upon his ancestor, John
Talbot, for his "prowess and skill in war." One of his ancestors was the
antagonist of the Maid of Orleans, and another was the custodian of the
unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots. An unbroken lineage may be traced
through many valiant knights of olden time to our subject, who has presided
over nearly 5,000 Templars of Michigan, one whose knighthood has lost
nothing of its dignity and true manhood because the Damascus blade has
been subjugated to the harmless weapons of moral force.
Sergeant Joseph Smith of Cromwell's army fled from England with
the regicides at the time of the Restoration, and settled at Hartford, Connecticut. Joseph, his eldest son, was one of the founders of Hadley, Massachusetts, in I660. There he and his descendants continued to reside through
six generations, honored and respected, filling many official positions, until
I844. In that year Edward C. Smith, father of our subject, removed to
Livingston County, New York, and on November 26, 1845, was there married to Julia Talbot. Our subject was the only child of this marriage, the
father dying when his son was but six months old. Soon after this event,
the mother removed to Pontiac, Michigan, where she resided until her
death. She was a granddaughter on both paternal and maternal sides of
naval celebrities,-Commodore Silas Talbot, and Commodore Thomas
Truxtun.
Edward C. Smith attended the public schools of Pontiac until he had
attained his I5th year, when, by appointment of Congressman R. E. Trowbridge, he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, where
he received his warrant of appointment as a midshipman, April 15, I862.
He remained in the service as a student at the Naval Academy, and took the
practice cruises along the American coast and into European waters until
June, I865, when he resigned from the service. He then entered upon the
study of civil engineering under Dr. Gillespie, at Union College, and was
graduated as a civil engineer in I867. In the same year he crossed the plains

OAKLAND COUNTY.

427

in a stage coach as far as Salt Lake City, where his uncle, Hon. Thomas J.
Drake, then presided with ability as associate judge of the Supreme
Court.
Mr. Smith secured employment as a civil engineer upon the Union
Pacific Railroad, from 1867 until its completion in 1869. He was then
occupied on other Western roads and was also engaged in government surveying until I87I, when he returned to his home and friends at Pontiac.
In September of the following year he went to Peru, South America, where
Henry Meiggs had stupendous contracts in 'the Andes Mountains. Mr.
Smith was engaged there in professional work on the Chimbote, Huaraz
and Requay Trans-Andean railways, work which kept him in South America until December, I874. While occupied in the far South, Mr. Smith
found time on various occasions to remember his friends in Pontiac with
letters of so interesting a nature that they were given to the press and
enjoyed by all who had the opportunity of reading them.
Mr. Smith is a man of varied interests and is one of the well known
members of the Oakland County bar, his knowledge of the law having been
acquired during4 his leisure moments. Of literary tastes and fine mental
equipment, many of Mr. Smith's happiest hours are spent in his fine private
library. His comfortable and attractive residence is located at No. 148
Lawrence street, which has been his home ever since he was four months old.
This house was erected in I839 and has been the family home of four
generations.
During the erection of the Eastern Michigan Asylum, Mr. Smith
assisted the superintendent of construction, and when the institution was
opened he became accountant, a position he filled for TI years. In December, I889, he was appointed steward, an office which involves the management of a business of about $200,000 per year.
in June, 1875, Mr. Smith was married to Ada L. Leggett, who is a
daughter of the late Dr. S. M. Leggett, of Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
have one daughter and four sons, whose ages run from 28 to 15 years; their
names are as follows: Edward C., the able editor of the Vassar (Michigan)
Timcs; Mrs. Louise Hildner, wife of Rev. E. G. Hildner, pastor of the
Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church, of Detroit: Tracy S., traveling representative of the Sales &amp; Broad Company, of Detroit, dealers in plumbing

428

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

supplies; Alfred L., who is engaged in preparing for the profession of mining engineer, being a student at the Michigan College of Mines at Houghton, Michigan; and Talbot T., a pupil of the Pontiac High School. Mr. and
Mrs. Smith have been blessed with a family of more than usual intellectual
vigor. The religious views of the family make them Episcopalians.
While Mr. Smith has been prominent professionally, he has also for
years been one of the most conspicuous Masons in the State. His record is
as follows: He was made a Master Mason July 29, 1872; exalted January
29, 1875; received the Order of Mechizedek, January 17, 1882; made a
Select Master, December 14, 1875; made a Knight Templar and a Knight
of Malta, July 6, I875; the degrees and grades of the A. A. Scottish Rite up
to and including the 32nd degree were conferred upon him in Michigan
Sovereign Consistory, S. P. R. S., in January, I884. He is also' a member
of the Moslem Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Detroit, and has held the following official positions: secretary of the corporate body (now Masonic
Temple Association) I880 and I895; worshipful master of Pontiac Lodge,
F. &amp; A. M., 1883; high priest of Pontiac Chapter, R. A. M., 1882-83;
illustrious master, Pontiac Chapter, R. A. M., 1885-86-87; eminent commander of the Pontiac Commandery, K. T., I882-83-84; and grand warden
in the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Michigan, 1884, filling
successively all the stations in the Grand Commandery up to and including
that of right eminent grand commander, which he held in I89I-92.
In summing up the character of this prominent citizen of Pontiac, we
use the fitting words of another: "His leading characteristics are fidelity,
candor, and a keen sense of justice. He is always dependable and loyal. His
sensibilities are lively, his devotion to the truth unvarying, his integrity and
honesty unswerving and constant. He is a discriminating reader, has literary tastes of a high order, and possesses an excellent fund of general information. While devoted to his work, he has never been so thoroughly
immersed in business and warped by it as to become estranged from his family. He is an unexceptional husband and an indulgent father. He is a good
neighbor, a good friend and a zealous public official. He possesses in high
degree the knightly attributes,-fairness, frankness, and faithfulness,-and
any meritorious cause in which he is interested will receive his hearty support and co-operation."

OAKLAND COUNTY.

429

Mr. Smith is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, tracing
lineage to three ancestors who served as officers in the Revolutionary War.
He is also a valued member of Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., of Pontiac.
WILLIAM M. CHAMBERS.
WILLIAM M. CHAMBERS, postmaster at Wixom, Commerce township,
Oakland County, and one of the members of the well known general hardware firm of Chambers Brothers, was born in Lyon township, Oakland
County, Michigan, in 1848, and is a son of Abram F. and Lucetta M.
(Parks) Chambers, the former of whom was born in Livingston County,
New York, in I822, the eighth member in his parents' family of nine children. In 1836 he accompanied his parents to Michigan, where they took
up land in Hartland township, Livingston County, later moving to Lyon
township, Oakland County, where he was married. He then spent one year
in Ohio, after which he married to Ionia, being all the time engaged in farming. Thence he moved back to Hartland, where he engaged in mercantile
pursuits. In 1857 he moved to a farm near Wixom and in I877 retired to
Wixom, where he died December 25, i90i, aged 79 years.
Our subject is the eldest of the family of three sons born to his parents,
the others being: John C., who was married to Mary Smith, who is a
daughter of Sidney Smith, of Clio, Michigan, and they have two children,Florence and Harry-and James B., who was married to Ada M. Chapman,
a daughter of George Chapman of Milford township,-she died in i886.
William MI. Chambers was reared on a farm and in I877, in association
with his brother James B., secured land of their father, which they jointly
farmed until i88o. They then embarked in a foundry business at Wixom,
their principal output being plows, in which business they continued for 15
years. In I895 they established their present large general hardware store,
where they carry a complete stock of stoves and all kinds of general hardware. The business is one of the features of commercial life in the village.
Mr. Chambers has taken a lively interest in public matters and in politics and has been one of the leading Republicans in Commerce township.

.430

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He was appointed postmaster at Wixom, November 25, 1887, and that he
has been continued in office until the present time speaks well for his efficiency
and popularity.
In 1871 Mr. Chambers was married to Alice A. Chapman, who is a
daughter of George Chapman. Three children were born to this marriage,
namely: Flora May, who married G. B. Proud of Commerce township, and
has two children, Frances M. and Lucetta; George, who died in I890, at the
age of 18 years; and John E., a telegraph operator, residing in South Lyon,
who was married to Florence Daniels. Fraternally Mr. Chambers belongs
to the Knights of the Maccabees.
JOSHUA HILL.
JOSHUA HILL, who is one of the most active and progressive business
men of Pontiac, Michigan, has attained a wide reputation in banking circles.
He is president of the Oakland County Savings Bank and other financial
institutions of Pontiac, and is largely interested in banks throughout the
West. Although a tireless worker and much of his time is taken up by his
extensive interests, he nevertheless devotes a great deal of attention to the
development of the city. Beautiful Forest Lake Park was established by
him and has proved one of the city's greatest attractions.
Mr. Hill was born October 18, I847, at Newton, New Jersey, and is a
son of Luther and Abigail (Dildine) Hill, and grandson of Joseph Hill,
coming of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Joseph Hill, who was a native of Connecticut, and a sailor by vocation, moved from that State to New Jersey;
although he lost two vessels off Cape Hatteras, he was a successful sea-faring
man. His wife came of the prominent Price family, being a cousin of
former Governor Price of New Jersey. They had two sons, Luther and
Joseph Price, the latter, who never married, being a great political stump
speaker.
Luther Hill was born in New Jersey, and lived there all his life, becoming a very successful business man and farmer. He was a stanch Demo

OAKLAND COUNTY.

43I

crat and at one time represented Sussex County in the State Legislature. He
died in 1873 at the age of 65 years. He was married to Abigail Dildine,
who was a native of New Jersey and of French descent, her father, Abram
Dildine, a miller and general business man, was a pioneer of Sussex County.
She died in 187I. Mr. and Mrs. Hill had one son and six daughters, all of
whom grew to maturity. Our subject and one sister survive.
Joshua Hill was reared in his native town and received a liberal education in Newton Collegiate Institute and Chester Institute. He took up the
profession of teaching at the age of 17 years and followed it until 1865, since
which time he has been engaged in the banking business. He has assisted in
organizing several banks, among them being the Oakland County Savings
Bank of Pontiac, being its president at the present time, the First Commercial Bank of Parsons, Kansas, a bank at Fredonia, Kansas, and a number of
others. He came to Pontiac in 189I and purchased his present fine home.
IHe is president of the Pontiac Investment &amp; Promotive Company, and is
interested in various enterprises here and elsewhere. In 1892 he purchased
300 acres of land surrounding Forest Lake and established a park of which
the city and State are justly proud. He stocked the lake with different kinds
of fish and the park is stocked with a large herd of Wyoming elk, and
American buffalo, and a number of varieties of duck and English pheasants.
Mr. Hill was vice-president of the Michigan Game Protective Association,
which has for its object the protection of game from the serious inroads
made by the inveterate pot-hunters. He is also a member of the Huron
Mountain Club, located in Marquette County, Michigan, near Marquette.
Mr. Hill was formerly a member of the executive committee of the National
Bankers' Association of the United States. He has traveled extensively and
served as general agent of the American Exchange in Europe and also established offices for Thomas Cook &amp; Sons. He has ever been among the foremost to advance the city's interests in the way of securing new enterprises.
He is now interested in the Thomas E. Clark Wireless Telegraph &amp; Telephone Manufacturing Company, whose laboratory and factory are established
at Pontiac. It is the only plant in the world manufacturing this class of
instruments for use in colleges. Mr. Hill has contributed many articles to
the press, among them being a meritorious volume entitled "Thought and
Thrift," which was published in I889.
In 1882, Joshua Hill was joined in marriage with Helen Prewitt, who

432

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born at Lexington, Kentucky, and is a daughter of Levi Prewitt, who
died in I893. To this union have been born three sons and three daughters,
as follows: Abigail, now in Washington, D. C., who was formerly in
charge of a department in the Census Bureau; Louise, who is at home;
Joseph Price, aged 20 years, a graduate of the Michigan Military Academy
at Orchard Lake, who is located at Kansas City, Missouri, where he looks
after his father's Western business interests; and Hunt and Mary (twins)
and Henry, who are attending school. In politics, our subject is a Democrat
but has steadfastly refused official preferment. After being nominated for
the office of State Treasurer, he refused to run as his time was too much taken
up with his private affairs and he could not give the attention which he considers essential to the proper fulfillment of the requirements of any office.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks;
Knights of Pythias; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was
reared in the Presbyterian faith, and his wife is a member of the Christian
Church.
GUY C. SELDEN.
GuY C. SELDEN, who is engaged in carrying on agricultural operations
on his farm of I40 acres in section 6, Independence township, Oakland
County, was born on the place that is still his home, June 26, I863. He is a
son of Guy W. and Nancy (Kitchen) Selden and a grandson of Elisha B.
and Sarah F. Selden.
Elisha B. Selden, who was a native of New York, came to Michigan
at an early date, about I849, secured a farm in Oakland County and engaged
in farming. He was the father of five children, namely: Augustus, Theodore, Guy W., Hannibal and Green.
Guy W. Selden was born in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York,
and camne to Michigan with his father when he was 25 years of age. He was
always engaged in farming, and with very satisfactory results, for he became
one of the large land owners of Oakland County. He started a poor boy
and reached success through his untiring work on the farm. Politically he

OAKLAND COUNTY.

433

was a Republican and held several local offices. He was a member of the
Grange and interested in movements intended for the good of the farming
community. He was held in high esteem as a man of good, sound judgment.
He was married, first, to Sarah M. Dake, a native of New York, and they
were blessed with one child, Sarah P., who lives in Clarkston, Oakland
County. His second marriage was to Nancy Kitchen, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Young) Kitchen, both natives
of New Jersey. This union resulted in the birth of three children, namely:
Mary V. (Brown), of Clarkson, Oakland County; Adella E., of Clarkston,
Oakland County, who is living with her half sister; and Guy C.
Guy C. Selden has always followed farming. He has an excellent farm
and makes stock raising a feature, having thoroughbred Durham cattle,
Hampshire sheep and Poland-China and Duroc-Jersey hogs. His farm
produces annually about 600 bushels of oats, 200 bushels of wheat, 1,700
bushels of corn, 800 bushels of potatoes and 25 tons of hay.
Mr. Selden was married February 19, I890, to Annie F. Cross, a native
of Independence township, Oakland County, and a daughter of Aaron H.
and Matilda (Jones) Cross, natives of Independence' township, Oakland
County, Michigan, and New Jersey, respectively. They were blessed with
two children, namely: Blanche A. and Guy H. Mr. Selden is a Republican,
but gives little attention to political matters. In social circles he is a member
of the K. O. T. M. and the Grange.
JOHN HARRIS FORSTER MULLETT, M. D.
JOHN HARRIS FORSTER MULLETT, M. I)., is a prominent physician and
surgeon, who has been located at Pontiac, Michigan, since I900, in which time
he has established a good practice. He was born in Ingham County, Michigan, December 14, I869, and is the son of John H. Mullett, and grandson of
John Mullett.
John Mullett, the grandfather of the Doctor, came to Michigan from
Buffalo, New York, February 9, I814. He was a charter member of Detroit

-434

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Iodge No. 2, F. &amp; A. M., whose charter was granted September 5, 1821. He
was prominent as a surveyor, helping to lay out the city of Detroit and assisting in many of the government's original surveys of Michigan, Wisconsin,
Illinois and Indiana. He did much of the surveying for the plank road
between Detroit and Grand Rapids, and in I849 moved with his family to a
farm near Williamson, Meridian township, Ingham County, which farm still
remains in the possession of the family. He died in 1862. His brother,
Harvey Mullett, built at Sylvan Lake more than 80 years ago, the first grist
mill in Oakland County. Mullett street in Detroit and Mullett Lake in the
northern part of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan, the largest lake in the
State, were named in honor of John Mullett. He and a Mr. Burt, who now
resides near Marquette, Michigan, worked together and completed the first
solar compass, but it did not come into general use until after the patent had
expired. One of the original instruments is now in the hands of the State
Engineering Society. John Mullett was father of a large family of children,
among them being Catherine Mullett, who was the wife of B. F. Hall, a
banker of Aurora, Illinois, who lost his life by drowning in the wreck of the
"Lady Elgin" on Lake Michigan. Their only child, Brig.-Gen. Robert H.
Hall, a graduate of West Point Military Academy in I860, was president of
-the committee selecting the Krag-Jorgensen rifle for use in the United States
Army. He was inspector for different departments in the West, was at
Tampa, Florida, during the Spanish-American War and in the Philippines,
and is now living in retirement at Buffalo. Martha Mullett married John H.
Forster, a pioneer of the Lake Superior country, where he acted as agent of
a mine for years, later residing on a farm in Ingham County, Michigan, until
his death. Charles F. Mullett and Marshall C. Mullett reside on their farms
in Ingham County, Michigan. Henry Mullett is deceased; his widow and
daughter live at Detroit, the daughter being an instructor in the Duffield
School.
John H. Mullett, the father of our subject, was born in 1825 and during
early life engaged in surveying, following this line of work in Michigan and
elsewhere for a number of vears. He later resided on a farm in Ingham
County, Michigan, until his death in August, 1902, aged 77 years. He was
married to Mary Elizabeth Brown, whose father was a drummer boy in the
War of II82. She came from New York State to Michigan and now resides
in Ingham County at the advanced age of 71 years. She has two brothers and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

43;

a sister living near Cooperstown, North Dakota. Our subject has two sisters:
Katherine, wife of Clay Call, an attorney of Petoskey, Michigan; and Martha,
who resides with her mother.
John H. F. Mullett, after attending High School, went to the Michigan
Agricultural College and was graduated in 1890. He was graduated from the
Chicago Veterinary College in 1893, and engaged in practice at Cassopolis, and
also carried on a drug business there. He then entered the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was graduated in
1900 with the degree of M. D. He has since been in successful practice at
Pontiac.
Dr. Mullett was united in marriage with Clare Pemberton, of Cassopolis,
Michigan, and they have three children: Victor, Faith and Eleanor. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias; Independent Order of Foresters; Blue Lodge, F. &amp; A. M.; Chapter, R. A. M.; Commandery, K. T.,
and of the Order of Eastern Star, to which Mrs. Mullett also belongs. He is
a member of the Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan State and American
medical societies. Dr. and Mrs. Mullett are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
MARTIN G. FISHER.
MARTIN G. FISHER, one of the leading and substantial farmers of
Independence township, Oakland County, living on a farm of 360 acres in
section 35, which can scarcely be excelled in this county, was born in Independence township, August 2, 1847. He is a son of John and Ruth A.
(Turner) Fisher, the latter of whom was born in the State of New York and
was a daughter of James Turner.
John Fisher was a son of Adam Fisher and was born in Warren County,
New Jersey, where he lived until he accompanied his parents to Michigan
in 1832, being then 18 years of age. Adam Fisher and family drove the
whole distance and upon reaching Independence township, Oakland County,
he took up 320 acres of government land, the present-farm being a part of
the original tract. Originally a Whig, Adam Fisher in his last days affiliated
with the Democrats. He was a generous, public spirited man and contributed the ground for the Sashabaw Church Cemetery. John Fisher, his

436

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

son, became a large land owner, possessing 90o acres at one time. He was
prominent in every way, one of the representative men who deserve to be
remembered. He did much of the necessary surveying in Independence
township and his accurate work prevented much trouble. Later he filled with
the greatest capacity many of the township offices and always stanchly supported Democratic principles. Some three years prior to his death in I867,
he retired to Pontiac. His children were: Edward, John, Martin G. and
Adam.
Martin G. Fisher was educated in Oakland County and attended the
Pontiac High School, but with no intention of following any other vocation
than that of farming. He has resided upon the old homestead all his life
with the exception of a few years. Mr. Fisher is accounted a good farmer
and raises upon his land annually about 1,500 bushels of potatoes, 6,ooo
bushels of corn, I,ooo bushels of rye; and 8o00 bushels of oats. He raises
much cattle and stock, Hambletonian horses and the best grades of all kinds.
He has also done considerable business in the buying of produce and hogs
and shipping them to Detroit.
Mr. Fisher was united in marriage with Josephine Turner, who was
born at Albany, New York, and is a daughter of George Turner. He is a
liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church as was his father before him.
In politics he is a Democrat and has been elected to a number of the township offices. Mr. Fisher is well known and enjoys the respect of the old residents of the county who have known the family so long. Its wealth and
sterling qualities have made the Fisher family very prominent throughout
Independence township.
FRANK YEAGER.
FRANK YEAGER, who for the past 23 years has been the "village blacksmith" of Clarkston, Michigan, was born in Ludlowville, Tompkins County,
New York, May 29, 1853, and is a son of Jedediah and Sarah (Brown)
Yeager, and a grandson of John and Cynthia Yeager, natives of Germany.
Jedediah Yeager was born in Milford, Onondaga County, New York,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

437

and at the age of I4 years left home, learned the blacksmith's trade and worked
at it throughout his native locality until I854, when he came to Michigan.
Here he became the owner of a shop at Clarkston and continued to follow the
trade until he enlisted for service in the Civil War, on September I7, I86I,
entering Battery D, First Michigan Light Artillery. For three years he
endured all the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life, participating in these
battles: Hoover's Gap, Tennessee, June 26, ]863; Chickamauga, September,
1863; Chattanooga, November, I863; Mission Ridge, November, I863; Murfreesboro, December, I864, and was mustered out of the service on August
3, I865. He was with his battery all this time and after the war and until his
death was remembered by the government with a richly deserved pension.
The death of this brave soldier occurred at the age of 78 years, October 6,
Igoo. As long as the star spangled banner floats, the country's defenders in
time of her peril will be recalled with gratitude. Mr. Yeager was married
thrice; there was no issue to his first two marriages. The children of his
union with Sarah Brown, who was born in Tompkins County, New York,
were the following: Frank; George, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mrs. Emma Petty,
of Clarkston, Oakland County; Mrs. Della Chamberlain, of Pontiac; and
Mrs. May McMahon, of Clarkston, Oakland County.
Frank Yeager was but one year old when his parents moved to Michigan
and settled in the village of Clarkston. His education was secured in the district and in Professor Cochran's private school. He can recall Indians, curious
but stolid spectators, sitting on the banks outside the old log school house.
His boyhood was passed in working in his father's shop, and in assisting the
neighbors in getting in their crops. On October 22, 1875, he dug with a hoe
Ioo bushels of potatoes in three hours, and during the day dug I50 bushels
and picked up 45 bushels. In I876 he ran an engine in a mill. The next year
he acted as cook on a wood train for the railroad, but left there to enter the
blacksmith shop of \Villiam H. Lewis, for whom he worked three years, and
then spent one year in his father's shop, opening then his own shop in the
south end of Clarkston, where le has been a feature ever since. Mr. Yeager
is a skilled workman as a case of handsomely made horseshoes, displayed on
his wall, bears testimony. One would not suppose it possible to pound out
wreaths of flowers on the anvil, but this he has done, with taste and skill.
Probably he inherited some of his deftness from his father and grandfather,
both skilled mechanics. Mr. Yeager started in life with nothing but his two

438

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

capable hands, and now owns a farm of 40 acres, a good home and convenient shop, and controls a fine trade.
On November 17, I880, Mr. Yeager was married to Smithy Howes,
who was born in Detroit, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Kidd)
Howes, natives of Scotland and England, respectively. One son has been
born to this union, Frederick F., who is attending the Clarkston High School.
Mr. Yeager is a prominent member of the Prohibition party, and has served
on the Village Council two terms. Religiously he is a Baptist. Fraternally
he belongs to the Gleaners, Loyal Guards and Knights of the Maccabees,
Allen Tent, No. 85.
Probably no smith in Oakland County excels Mr. Yeager, either in skill
or celerity, as he has a record behind him of having fitted and put on, on one
occasion, 80 horse-shoes in one day, and it was while shoeing horses that Mr.
Yeager lost the sight of his right eye, having put on 54 shoes for the day. He
holds a very high place in public esteem in Clarkston.
MATTHEW McCOY.
MATTHEW McCoY, whose death occurred in 1882, in his 95th year, on
his fine farm of 400 acres of land in section 29, Commerce township, was one
of the early pioneers of Oakland County. He was born in Londonderry,
Ireland, in 1787, two years prior to the time when George Washington
assumed the duties of the presidency of the United States. On August I6,
I819, he landed at the city of Philadelphia, 22 years later, and through a long
and useful life was a respected and valued citizen of his adopted country.
Mr. McCoy was married to Isabella Thompson, who was also born in
Londonderry, Ireland, and came to the city of New York, in 1827, where she
was united to Mr. McCoy, on October 10, I830. In the same year they came
to Michigan, and Matthew McCoy took up 80 acres of government land
in section 29, Commerce township, while his brother-in-law, James Morrison,
took up the opposite 8o-acre tract. Subsequently Mr. McCoy acquired 320
additional acres, where he engaged most successfully in general farming for

r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~............::~~~~~g?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......

ABRAM A. SNYDER

OAKLAND COUNTY.

441

many years. His IO children were as follows: Robert, born July 17, I83I,
who died Octoben 14, 1884, aged 64 years, who was the first white child born
in Commerce township; John, born January 26, 1833, who died in March,
I896; Samuel, born August I8, 1835, who died at four years of age; Mary
Ann, born in 1837, who died in infancy; Jennie, born April 2, 1838, who
resides on the homestead farm, which she owns; Isabella, born June 14, I841,
who died in infancy; Matthew, born March 30, 1843, who died in I899;.
Nancy, born March 28, 1845, who married John Gardner and died on their
farm in Oxford township, Oakland County; Mary, born February 23, 1847,
who is the widow of Joseph Vowels and lives in Milford; and Thomas H.,
born April 23, I848, who was married to Kitty Cuthbertson of Orchard
Lake, and has five children,-Isabella, wife of Mark H. Green (son of William
Green, of Farmington), Bessie, Gertrude, Ruth and Esther.
Mr. McCoy always supported the Democratic party. He could have been
elected to almost any township office, but he never accepted any but that of
pathmaster, always contending that he had no time, in his busy life, to fill'
public office. He was survived by his widow seven years. In religious faith
they were Presbyterians. Mr. McCoy is recalled by the older citizens, not only
as an example of longevity, but also as one of the grand old army of pioneers,
to whom this section owes so much, who are so fast passing away.
MRS. LAURA L. LAYTON.
MRS. LAURA L. LAYTON. Among the many old and interesting families
of Oakland County are the ones with which Mrs. Layton is connected, both by
birth and marriage. She owns her father's old homestead farm of 320 acres
in section 33, Addison township, where she was born December 15, I860. She
is a daughter of the late Abram A. and Mary A. (Hulick) Snyder, both
members of old pioneer families.
Abram A. Snyder was born in Warren County, New Jersey, and came
to Michigan with his father, Dennis Snyder, when a lad of nine years. Dennis
Snyder secured 320 acres of land in section 33, Addison township, Oakland
25

442

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

County, and there he made his home until his death, September 8, 1872, at the
age of 84 years. His first wife was Sallie Gulick, who died May 30, I829,
leaving seven children, all of whom are deceased, except Dennis, who resides
at Ovid, Clinton County, Michigan, aged 76 years.
Abram A. Snyder was a man of prominence in his neighborhood. He
was a Democrat, and served as a justice of the peace and in many of the local
offices. He was married first to Ann Maria Bowers, July 3, 1847; she died
April 2, I848. His second wife, Mary Ann Hulick was born in Sussex
County, New Jersey, and died in Addison township, Oakland County, August
2, 1882, aged 62 years. She was a daughter of Henry Hulick, who was one of
the earliest settlers of Addison township, and who died at the home of his
*son in Oxford in I876, aged 84 years. Abram A. Snyder was married to
*his third wife, Emma Tribe, May 20, i886; his death occurred on the 23rd of
the following October, at the age of 6i years. His widow is now Mrs. Nash,,of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four children were born to the first marriage,
viz: Ann Maria, born May 20, 1852, who died November 28, 1856; Mary
Olive, born July 31, I859, who married Lafayette Johnson, June 8, I88I, and
died March I2, 1883; Laura L. (Mrs. Layton); and Henry D., born May 12,
I862, who was married June 7, I883, to Julia E. Chapin, born in Macomb
County, near Mount Vernon, who died October 20, 1885, aged 23 years, â
Henry D. survived her but two years, dying at the old homestead, January
25, I887.
Mrs. Laura L. Layton was reared in Addison township and was educated
in the local schools. On February 8, I893, she married Bert C. Layton, who
was born June I8, 1867, in Addison township, Oakland County, and is a son
of William and Emily (Hoose) Layton, early residents of this county, who
-came here from New Jersey and New York, respectively. William Layton
resides at Lakeville and for many years has operated a fine threshing outfit.and is well and favorably known throughout the county.
For the past o1 years Mr. and Mrs. Layton have occupied Maple Leaf
Farm, as the old Snyder homestead is locally known. It is a beautiful place,
conveniently situated between Oxford, Orion and Lakeville. The handsome
residence was built by Mrs. Layton's father in I883.
Mrs. Layton is an active member of the Methodist Church at Lakeville.
Mr. Layton belongs to the tent of the Knights of the Maccabees of the same
village, and takes a lively interest in the public affairs of the township.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

443

Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. Layton is well known and is noted fon her
many amiable characteristics and for her generous hospitality.
On a preceding page, in connection with this sketch, will be found a
portrait of the late Abram A. Snyder, father of Mrs. Layton.
4 I 0
HARRY S. GARDNER.
HARRY S. GARDNER, the principal of the schools of Royal Oak, is building up an enviable reputation as an educator, and the indications are that he
will achieve considerable distinction in the field of pedagogy. He was born in
Oxford, Oxford township, Oakland County, February 26, 1875, and is a son
of Harper and Lorena (Osmun) Gardner and a grandson of Solomon
Gardner.
Solomon Gardner, who was a native of New York State, came to Michigan in I850 and settled in Oxford township, where he identified himself with
the farming interests of his community.
Harper Gardner was born in Oxford township, in I85I, and is still living
there at the age of 52 years. He followed the same occupation as his father.
and was very successful in his farming operations and as a breeder of fine
stock. A year ago he retired to Oxford village, where he intends to pass the
remainder of his life, having acquired a sufficient competence to enable him to
refrain from active labor the rest of his days. His wife was born in Elba,
Lapeer County, Michigan, January 3, 1855, and was a daughter of Zebediah
Osmun. She died in Oxford township at the age of 39 years, leaving one
child, Harry S., the subject of this sketch.
Harrv S. Gardner received his education in the schools of Oxford township, and at an early age began to teach district schools in the vicinity of his
home during the winters, the time not engaged in school teaching being
devoted to work on the farm. He remained at home thus engaged for two
years, and then taught a year in Commerce township. He removed to the
village of Royal Oak in I896, as principal of the schools, and lis still the
incumbent of that responsible position, having under him five teachers and 225

444

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pupils. When he first took up the work in Royal Oak, he had two assistant
teachers and I6o pupils. The citizens of Royal Oak give Mr. Gardner the
credit for arousing the necessary interest in the taxpayers to put up the fine
school building that is now such an ornament to the town; the structure cost
upwards of $I2,000. The school has 12 grades, including the primary, grammar and high school classes. The excellence of the school has attracted a
large clientage from outside districts, and there are now 35 pupils who are
paying tuition. Mr. Gardner is well known and highly regarded throughout
the township, and has countless friends.
Mr. Gardner was married in I895 to Mabel Jones, who was born in
Waterford township, Oakland County, in I868, and is a daughter of Edward
and Jennie (Walker) Jones. They have one child, Ferris, who was born
October 3, I902. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Our subject is a Mason and a member of the Independent.
Order of Foresters. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a member of the
Board of County Examiners. He is also a member of the Oakland County
Teachers' Association.
JAMES WELFARE.
JAMES WELFARE, deceased, was for many years one of the leading
farmers and esteemed citizens of Commerce township, Oakland County, owning a fine farm in section 35. He was born in Sussex, England, April 21,
1824, and died in Commerce township, Oakland County, June 25, I887, in
his 64th year. His parents were James and Elizabeth Welfare, who came to
America in 183I.
The parents of the late James Welfare lived for three years in the State
of New York, but in I834 removed to Oakland County, Michigan, where they
finally took up a farm in section 35, Commerce township. At that time they
moved into a building which was then used as an Indian trading post, which.
stood on the site of the present fine home of Mr. Welfare's widow, around,
which were camped 300 Indians.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

445

James Welfare was given the best education afforded in the district
schools of the time and place, and he continued to farm in Commerce township all his life.
On April 29, i868, Mr. Welfare was united in marriage with Sarah H.
Horton, who is a daughter of Lewis and Henrietta (Sagar) Horton. Mrs.
Welfare traces her genealogy back to one Barnabas Horton, who came to
America from England in 1640 and settled on Long Island. Her grandfather, Thomas Horton, was a soldier in the War of the American Revolution, while many members of the family have been distinguished. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Horton were born in the State of New York, and came to Michigan
in I832. They took up land in Washtenaw County, consisting of 80 acres,
on which they remained until the fall of 1843, when they returned to New
York. In 1848 Mr. and Mrs. Horton came back to Michigan and purchased
a farm in section 2, Commerce township, Oakland County, containing I60
acres, where Mr. Horton died in 1882, aged 75 years. His widow died in
the village in I898, aged 89 years. She belonged to a family noted for its
longevity, one sister, Mrs. Catherine Brundage, of California, celebrating her
o03rd birthday in 1902 by inviting the friends of her youth to her home.
The five surviving members of the family of eight children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Horton are: William, residing on the homestead farm; Mrs. WVelfare,
of this sketch; Catherine E., wife of Philander Ormsby, a carpenter in Commerce township, Oakland County; Clara, widow of Joseph Long, residing in
Commerce township, Oakland County; and Franklin M.
The one daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Welfare is the wife of Thomas Clutz,
who is a son of Charles C. and Eliza (Dukeland) Clutz, the latter of whom
was born in 1817 in Canada and died December 24, I893, in her 76th year,
not reaching the age of her father, who lived to the age of 93. Mr. Clutz
was a Baptist minister and died in Kansas in 1889 in his 86th year. Mr. and
Mrs. Clutz have a bright, intelligent little son, Leon W., who was born September I3, I895.
Mr. Welfare possessed the respect of all who knew him. He was honest
and upright as a citizen and was devoted to his family. For many years he
was a consistent member of the First Baptist Church of Walled Lake and
was unusually liberal in his support of all moral and religious movements.
H-e took a great interest in current events and voted the Republican ticket,
but never desired political honors. His last vote, however, was cast for the

446

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Prohibition ticket. He had always been strictly temperate in life and speech.
He was sadly missed in the community, but the influence of his good and
kindly life remains.
WILLIAM PALMER.
WILLIAM PALMER, whose untimely death brought sorrow to his devoted
family and deep regret to a wide circle of friends and business acquaintances
in Milford, Oakland County, was one of the substantial citizens and progressive business men of the town. Mr. Palmer was born near Montreal,
Canada, February I9, 1848, and was a son of Walter and Maria (Hunn)
Palmer, natives of England.
Walter Palmer migrated in young manhood to Canada and from the
Dominion came to Milford, Michigan, about I85o. By trade he was a tanner
and currier and for a time was employed here in the old Peters' tannery. His
death occurred in I86I, when the late William Palmer was 13 years of age.
The other children left fatherless were two daughters,-Maria and Mary Ann.
Mrs. Palmer contracted a second marriage, becoming the wife of Henry
Caruss, and the mother of a daughter, Henrietta. Mrs. Caruss still survives,
at the age of 78 years, and resides at Walled Lake, Commerce township.
William Palmer was educated in the common and high schools at Milford, and in young manhood learned the carpenter's trade with his uncle,
Edward Hunn. This he successfully followed until I899 and specimens of
his fine workmanship may be found in the village and all through the township of Milford. In the latter year he became associated with the Milford
Manufacturing Company, in the plant at Milford, continuing with it until its
suspension. In July, I903, in partnership with H. Nacker, he assisted in
the re-organization of the business and the plant was started into operation
under the firm name of Nacker &amp; Palmer. Prospects were most encouraging
and there seemed to be every promise of a bright future for the business
under the management of these two practical and reliable men, when the sad
accident happened to Mr. Palmer on September 3rd, seven weeks after the
starting of the machinery, which caused his death four days later, September
7, I903.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

447

Mr. Palmer was a man of the highest integrity and held the esteem of
all who knew him. He also possessed more than the average business
ability, and in every relation of life was a man whom it will be hard to
replace.
In 1871 Mr. Palmer was married to Anna L. Wallace, who is a daughter
of Thomas and Elizabeth (McKee) Wallace, who were natives of Ireland.
A family of nine children, with the bereaved widow, survives, namely: Walter;
Nellie and Roger, twins; Bertha: Delia; Judson; Clarence; Mamie and Mabel.
Roger is the only one married; he was united to Georgia Stewart, and they
have one child, Stewart.
Although Mr. Palmer had never united with any religious body, he was
a moral man, and in his views favored the Methodist Church. He contributed
liberally to both religious and educational movements. The family residence
on Huron street is one of the most comfortable and attractive in the village.
EDWARD GALLIGAN.
EDWARD GALLIGAN, one of the foremost agriculturists of Independence
township, Oakland County, resides on his well improved farm of 80 acres
situated in sections 17 and I8. He was born February 15, 1848, in Oakland
County and has resided here ever since. I-e is a son of Patrick and Julia
(Gaffing) Galligan.
Patrick Galligan, who was a native of Ireland, came to America in 1846,
and settled in Clarkston, Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan,
where he bought of the United States government a tract of timber land,
which he cleared and placed under cultivation after many years of hard work.
He walked to Clarkston from Detroit, and at once began to make his fortune;
his success was due to his hard and industrious work of many years. His
death occurred in I86I at the age of 54 years. He was a Catholic and a
Democrat. Before coming to this country he was married to Julia Gaffing,
a native of Ireland, and they were the parents of seven children, namely:
Margaret (Machoir); Rosa (Kearl), deceased; Sarah (Baldwin), of Inde

448

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pendence township, Oakland County; Mary Jane (Campbell), a resident of
Bay City, Michigan; Henry, a resident of Saginaw, Michigan; Edward, whose
name heads these lines; and James, of Brandon township, Oakland County.
Edward Galligan purchased his present farm in I876 and has been very
successful; starting at the date of his marriage, he has secured such excellent
results from his general farming operations that he has an exceptionally good
farm, provided with good, substantial buildings and well stocked. Politically,
he is a Republican, but takes only a good citizen's interest in political affairs.
Mr. Galligan was married October 28, I87I, to Emeline Cross, who was
born in September, I848, in Independence township, Oakland County, and is
a daughter of Moses and Esther Cross, natives of England and Ireland,
respectively. Our subject and wife are the parents of two children, namely:
Ada (Pierce), a resident of Independence township, Oakland County; and
Louis C., who was married to Alpha Stafford and has one daughter, Norma.
Our subject has provided a home for a boy, Harry S. Cross (now 2I years
of age), since he was six months old.
HENRY ANDREWS.
HENRY ANDREWS, one of the successful farmers and large land owners
of Oakland County, owning Ioo acres in Commerce township in section 23,
where his comfortable home is located, and also Ioo acres adjoining, is one
of the most highly respected German born citizens of this section. His birth
took place in I827, in Germany, where his parents died during his youth.
Mr. Andrews came to America in I857, his brother John having preceded
him in I848 and established himself on a good farm in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County. Later John Andrews removed to California, where
he now resides. The next member of the family to cross the ocean was
Elizabeth, who came in I852 and married Jacob Schriner, they now live at
Norwalk, Ohio, where they are engaged in farming.
In I857 our subject joined his brother in West Bloomfield township,
and in I86I purchased his farm of Ioo acres in section 23, Commerce town

OAKLAND COUNTY.

449

ship, and later the adjoining farm, which he has continued to improve to the
present time. His land is well located and under his excellent management
and practical methods has rewarded him largely. He has carried on general
farming and stock raising.
In 1851 Mr. Andrews was married to Mary Pinney, who is a daughter
of Samuel Pinney. The only members of her family to come to America
were her half-brother, John, and two half-sisters, Elizabeth and Catherine,
who reside in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have had five children,
namely: Otto, engaged in farming near Mason, Michigan, who was married
to Eva Keck and has five children,-Ethel, Mary, Kitty, Ora and Ira;
Elizabeth, who married William Hayes, a farmer of Commerce township,
Oakland County, and has two children,-Mabel, born March 20, I888, and
Claire, born June 21, I890; John, who resides with his father, assisting in
the management of the farm; Henry, a merchant at Commerce village, who
was married to Ella Wicks and has one child,-Harold; and William, who
died in March, I903.
Mr. Andrews for years has been a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian
Church. In politics he has always been a supporter of the Democratic party.
He has always been a man of industrious habits and the result of the same is
shown in his present sound financial condition. He is most highly respected
in Commerce township.
COLLIN WALLS.
COLLIN WALLS, a successful general farmer of Springfield township,
Oakland County, owning a fine farm of 260 acres in sections 17 and 18, was
born in Fifeshire, Scotland, October 21, 1834, and is a son of James and
Jessie (Cramm) Walls, both of Scotland.
The grandfather of our subject bore the name of Collin Walls and spent
his life in Scotland, although he was of French ancestry. He reared a family
of four children, namely: Andrew, William, Jane and James. James Walls
came across the Atlantic Ocean in the sailing vessel "Jean Haddy," the voyage
consuming six weeks. He landed in New York and in 1836 came to Michigan, securing 40 acres of government land in Springfield township, Oakland

450

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

County, and adding by purchase until he had I7o acres, II o of which he put
under cultivation through his own efforts. His first log house served as a
home for a number of years. He was married in Scotland and our subject was
the only child of his parents born there, the other two being: William, of
Springfield township, Oakland County; and Caroline, wife of William Walls
of Orchard Lake, Oakland County.
Collin Walls was married in I870 to Katherine Cordon, who was born
in Canada and died some 17 years ago, leaving a family of eight children,
as follows: Mrs. Jessie Tindall of Springfield township, Oakland County;
Mrs. Mary Crosby, of Springfield township, Oakland County; Caroline and
Nellie, who live at home; William, his father's assistant; Annie, a successful
teacher of Springfield township, Oakland County; and Collin and John, who
live at home.
Mr. Walls resided with his parents until I867 and then removed to
Durham County, Ontario, Canada, where he remained engaged in farming for
19 years. He then returned to Michigan and purchased his fine farm of
260 acres, of which he has sold off some io acres in village lots as an addition
to Davisburg. Mr. Walls has always been very successful in farming and
stock raising on account of his following out his own practical ideas. He
believes in first class stock and his fine farm is made very attractive by its
herds of Durham and Galloway cattle, his Shropshire sheep, Poland-China
swine and fine draught horses. Formerly he made wheat his main crop, but
now raises more corn, with all the other grains and vegetables permitted by
climatic conditions. He has four acres of fine apple trees and his thrift does.
not permit any of its produce to be lost. In fact Mr. Walls is a representative
farmer of Springfield township and he is also one of its most honest and
upright citizens. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENRY GULICK.
HENRY GULICK, one of the leading farmers of Independence township,
Oakland County, where he owns a fine farm of I9o acres in section 28, was
born June 4, I829, in Harbourton, New Jersey, and is a son of Henry J. and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

4:51

Martha (Pettty) Gulick, and a grandson of Henry Gulick, all of New
Jersey.
In 1834 news of the fertile lands and agricultural opportunities, to be
had in the then Territory of Michigan, found its way to the New Jersey town
where lived Henry J. Gulick and his rapidly growing family. In the hope of
bettering his condition and providing for his children, he decided to migrate
to the West and was joined by four other families. The whole trip was made
by team, and all possible household belongings were brought along. Mr.
Gulick's family then consisted of five children, the number being later increased
by nine more. Each man of the party took part in the building of a log house
and all four families lived together in its one room until other houses could
be built. Fortunately game was plentiful and there was no danger of starvation for the little colony, but times were very hard for a number of years.
With the aid of his boys Mr. Gulick cleared off his I90 acres of land
and put it under cultivation. He was a good manager and discovered that his
land was best adapted to raising grain and his son, now the owner, has continued to concentrate his efforts in getting the best results from his grain
crops. Mr. Gulick was one of the founders of the Methodist Church in the
locality. In politics he was a Democrat. He died in I86I. The three survivors of his large family are: Henry; Mrs. Louisa Miller, of Texas; and
Axford, a farmer of this State.
In 1854 Henry Gulick, our subject, was united in marriage with Almeda
Hammond, who was born November 28, 1835, in Sussex County, New Jersey,
and is a daughter of Joel and Eliza (McCann) Hammond, the former of
whom was of Dutch ancestry, while the latter was of Scotch and English.
Mrs. Gulick came to Michigan when four years of age with her parents, who
settled in Independence township, Oakland County, in I839.
Mr. and Mrs. Gulick have had six children born to them, all of whom are
still spared to comfort their declining years, with the exception of the second,
Mrs. Ada Lawler, who died in August, I894, leaving one daughter. The
others are as follows: Mrs. Nettie Crosby, of Owosso, Michigan, who has
two daughters,-Mrs. Nora Wetzell, with four children, and Allie; Jacob,
who is living on the old farm in Independence township, Oakland County, and
has one son, Fred H.; Joseph, who is living at home; William, who is also
living at home and has one son, Le Grand; and Lemon J., also living at home.
Mr. Gulick continued to superintend the operations of his farm until

452

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i889, when he removed to Clarkston, where he lives somewhat retired, in the
enjoyment of large means and a wide circle of friends. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He belongs to the Baptist Church.
EDGAR BROTHERS.
EDGAR BROTHERS. One of the finest farms of Springfield township,
Oakland County, is that owned and operated by George M. and Robert Edgar,
consisting of 280 acres, located in sections 25 and 36, a part of which was
taken up from the government by their father about I845. They are sons of
William and Ann (Kennedy) Edgar.
William Edgar was born in I88S in Berwickshire, Scotland, and came to
America about I840. He spent some time in New York and then removed to
Detroit, working at his trade of carpenter and joiner. About I845 he came to
Springfield township, Oakland County, and built a small log house on land
which he purchased from a man named Colwell, and lived a bachelor until
I850, in the meantime clearing his property and getting it under cultivation.
He married Ann Kennedy, who was born in Inverness, Scotland, in I824,
and came to Michigan with her parents, Andrew and Jean Kennedy, in 1835,
the latter of whom died in Detroit in I836. Andrew Kennedy was a farmer
and died at the home of his daughter, March I7, 1862, at the age of 73 years.
The little log home, 20 by 30 feet in dimensions, was the home of the family
a number of years and some of the children were born here. Mr. and Mrs.
Edgar endured many hardships, a leading one being the want of transportation. Horses were an expensive luxury and the greater part of the work was
done by the homegrown oxen, whose great strength and endurance were much
needed in those days. Mr. Edgar upon some occasions walked the distance
of 35 miles to Detroit to procure necessary comforts. Our subjects can recall
their mother telling of her coming to Pontiac on one of the first cars, which
was drawn by horses on a track of wooden poles.
George M. Edgar was born August 8, I852, in Springfield township.
Oakland County, and since the death of his parents has been associated in the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

453

ownership and management of the farm with his brother Robert, who was
born September 3, I854. The latter was married to Mary Miteen, who was.
born in Germany and is a daughter of Fred Miteen. They have one son, William. Robert Edgar and his wife belong to the Grange. In politics both
brothers are identified with the Democratic party.
The Edgar Brothers have carried on general farming and extensive
stock raising. They do much feeding of sheep and cattle, keeping 20 head of
the latter; 50 head of sheep of the Hampshire variety; 20 head of Chester
White hogs; and five work horses. A fair annual production of their farm is
about 2,0o00 bushels of potatoes; I,oo000 bushels of corn; 2,000 bushels of
wheat; and I,ooo bushels of oats. They have a fine producing orchard of IOO
trees and much small fruit. Their dairy business has also been considerable
and they are constructing a fine new, modern residence.
Both brothers are thrifty, industrious and self reliant men, who thoroughly understand the science of farming. They are also most highly
respected citizens and enjoy the good will of all who know them.
JOSEPH L. REESE.
JOSEPH L. REESE, one of the most prominent citizens and leading
farmers of Independence township, Oakland County, resides upon a beautifully situated farm of 2i6 acres in section 7, which he has occupied since
I865. Mr. Reese is a fine type of the progressive, industrious and successful Michigan agriculturist, a class that reflects honor upon the State. He
was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, December 8, 1836, and is a son of John
and Alice Reese, both of whom were also natives of Wales.
John Reese was born April 1, I797, and in his native land followed the
blacksmith's trade. In I848 he brought his family to America, locating first
in Ohio, but in the spring of S849 removing to Michigan and settling in
Springfield township, Oakland County. He engaged in farming and in
stock raising. He was married in his native land and a family of IO chil-:
dren was born to him, as follows: Mrs. Rebecca Orchard, of Chicago;

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

454

Illinois; James, deceased; William; Nathaniel, a ship carpenter; Alice,
deceased; Joseph L.; Mrs. Martha Knox, of Springfield township, Oakland
County; David, deceased; Mrs. 'Elizabeth Orchard, of Bedford, Ohio; and
John, a retired farmer living at Topeka, Kansas.
Joseph L. Reese grew to manhood as a farmer and it was with money
earned in agricultural work that he and his younger brother, David, came to
the present home of Mr. Reese and became the owners of it. They worked
amicably together, the association being broken by the death of David Reese
on December 24, 19oo. The land has been devoted to general farming, fruit
culture and stock raising, each branch under Mr. Reese's careful and intelligent
management being equally successful. Formerly he devoted much attention
to his crops of wheat and other grains but latterly he has given more care to
the breeding of stock and to the raising of potatoes, a crop which seldom fails,
one peculiarly adapted to the soil and one for which there is always the greatest demand.
Mr. Reese was married to Anna Daniels, who was born in Independence
township, Oakland County, and was a daughter of William and Amy Daniels.
Mr. Reese married for his second wife, Hettie Jefferson, who was born in
Genoa, Michigan, and is a daughter of Edwin and Amanda Jefferson, natives
of New York who now resides at Clarkston, Oakland County. The large and
beautiful home, surrounded by all necessary farm buildings, was built by our
subject and brother. It is one of the finest appearing farms in the township
and Mr. Reese, its fortunate owner, is credited with being one of the leading
capitalists of Independence township. He is a reliable man and upright citizen
and is held in very high esteem.
HON. ELLIOT R. WILLCOX.
HON. ELLIOT R. WILLCOX was born in Rochester, Oakland County,
Michigan, February 24, I838. He was the son of Lyman J. Willcox, an
early pioneer, who was an extensive farmer and manufacturer, and who was a
prominent factor in the history of the county.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

455

Mir. Willcox received his early training in the old Rochester Academy,
and later graduated from the literary department of the University of Michigan. He then became principal of the schools of Rochester and Almont
for a time, after which he took up the study of law in the office of Willcox
&amp; Gray in Detroit. He also studied in the law department of the University
of Michigan, and was admitted to the bar of Oakland County in I869; from
that time until his last sickness and death in April, I897, he was in active
practice continually-in the local, State and Federal courts. His reputation
was wide spread as a good pleader, a wise counselor, and an able exponent
of the principles and precedents on which the laws of the land are based.
-le was also recognized as a man of enterprise and much public spirit,
not only in the community where he made his home, but throughout the
State as well.
In I87I with a company of friends he organized the Detroit &amp; Bay City
Railroad Comipany, with a capital of $2,000,000, and besides this raised
$4o0,000 by local subscription. He also secured the right of way, and let
the contract for the building of the road, and the work was completed within
two years from the organization of the company. Mr. WVillcox was secretary, attorney and director of the road. In 1873 he built and equipped a
brick paper mill at Rochester at a cost of $25,000, and developed a new
water power for the same, one of the best in the county. In I868 he was
elected to the State House of Representatives and although one of the youngest, he was one of the most active members of that body. He introduced the
first resolution which led to the admission of women to the State University.
At the extra session, he resisted successfully any legislation or amendment
to the Constitution to allow municipalities to vote aid by taxes to railroads.
He was elected to the State Senate in 1876 by a large majority. He served
on five standing committees including the judiciary. One of his pet laws is
Chapter 8, Howell's Statutes. In the interest of election reform he prepared
this law and made it of general application, without a precedent to follow in
framing it. Its practical use has been fully demonstrated and it has lately
been engrafted into the election laws of this State without alteration or
amendment. He was four years a member of the State Democratic Central
Committee and was recognized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party
in the State. He was defeated for Congress in 1894 after making a good
run. In every campaign after he became a voter, he had been active in the

456

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ranks and on the rostrum, yet he was superior to party prejudice and allowed
it to have no weight in his social and business relations.
He was studious in his profession, a thorough and systematic reader,
both professional and miscellaneous. He was a man of high aims and lofty
standards, and will be remembered for his fine social and conversational
qualities, and as a lawyer of rare attainments.
ROBERT MUTTER.
ROBERT MUTTER, a successful farmer located on a well improved tract of
40 acres of fertile land in sections 27 and 34, Groveland township, Oakland
County, was born June 17, I829, in Devonshire, England, and is one of a
family of five children born to Robert Mutter, the others being: Mrs. Elizabeth Willie, a resident of England; John, also living in England; William,
a resident of London, England; and Mrs. Mary Kisslich, deceased.
Robert Mutter, our subject, came to America at the age of 2I years,
seeking better industrial conditions than were afforded in the congested
agricultural regions of his native land. After spending about three years
in Orleans County, New York, he came to Oakland County, Michigan. He
has been a farmer ever since locating here and since i871 has resided upon
his present farnm, where he has very successfully engaged in general farming
and stock raising. For some time he has been partially retired from active
labor, renting his farm to reliable tenants.
Mr. Mutter was married first to Louise Pavey, who was born in England and died in Oakland County in I871, leaving three children, namely:
Mrs. Maria Royce, of Roscommon, Michigan, who has six children; George
W., who for 23 years worked so faithfully for the great drug supply house
of Parke Davis &amp; Company, of Detroit, that he has been sent to manage
their laboratory in England,-he has two children; and Mrs. Hattie DeMund, of Clarkston, who has three children. Mr. Mutter was married,
second, to Elsie Poyer, who was born in New Jersey. They have one son,
Warren R., a foreman in the Detroit Iron Works, who is married and has
three children.

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM W. ADAMS

OAKLAND COUNTY.

459

Mr. Mutter is a stanch Democrat in his political belief. His parents
were members of the Church of England, but he and his wife belong to the
Methodist Church. Mr. Mutter has lived an upright, industrious life and
now, as its evening approaches, he can enjoy the fruits of his labor. He is.
well known and much respected.
WILLIAM W. ADAMS.
WILLIAM W. ADAMS, a farmer and capitalist of Southfield township,
Oakland County, was born on his present fine farm of 227 acres, located in
sections 4 and 5, in 1842, and is a son of Reuben and Emily 0. (Tyler)
Adams, the former of whom was born in New York and the latter in Connecticut. The Adams family is of Scotch-Irish extraction. William Adams,
the grandfather of our subject, was a participant in the War of 1812.
Reuben Adams, the father of William W. Adams, was born in the State
of New York in 1817, and died at Pontiac, Michigan, in 1893. He came to
Michigan in 1837 and located on the farm now owned by our subject. He
was a man of great business sagacity and at the time of his death, after having
served for a long.period as vice-president of the First National Bank oi
Pontiac, he was accounted to be worth $o200,000ooo. In religious belief he was a
Universalist, and a man who believed in practical charity. In politics he was
a Democrat. Reuben Adams married Emily 0. Tyler, who died in 1896, at
the age of 72 years. Her parents were natives of New England, who came to
Oakland County in 1856, her father having been a mechanic in a plow and
wire factory in Connecticut and was the inventor of a revolver which was later
patented. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams, namely: Charlotte A., wife of John Beattie, of Bloomfield township, Oakland County;
William WV.; John K., of Bloomfield township, Oakland County; Julia C.,
wife of Julius F. Rundell; and Arabella, wife of Edward Miller of Bloomfield
township, Oakland County.
WVilliam W. Adams obtained his education in the district schools of
Southfield township. He has always devoted his attention to farming to some
26

460
(

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

degree, but has other large and absorbing interests, and spends much time in
looking after his investments. Mr. Adams is one of the recognized capitalists
of the township. He is a man of enlarged views and much public spirit.
In I866 Mr. Adams was married to Matilda German, who was born in
Bloomfield, July I9, I845, and is a daughter of George and Henrietta German,
who were farming people. Six children have been born to them, as follows:
William, of Farmington township, Oakland County; Cora, wife of Clarence
V. Seeley, of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County; Frank W., of
Southfield township, Oakland County; Archie C., who is in a furniture
business at Pontiac; and George R. and Ross, who live at home. In politics
Mr. Adams is a Democrat. A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Adams, executed
from a photograph taken in October, I903, accompanies this sketch, being
shown on a foregoing page.
RASMUS CHRISTENSEN.
RASMUS CIIRSTENSEN. Our list of the leading farmers of Novi township, Oakland County, would be decidedly incomplete without the addition of
the name that heads this personal sketch. He resides on his handsome farm
of 239 acres situated in section 34. He was born in Denmark in 1855, and is
a son of Christian and Helena (Hansen) Christensen, who lived and died in
Denmark.
Rasmus Christensen received his education in Denmark and remained
there until I875, when, being drafted into the German Army, he came to
America to escape military service under a flag he did not love. He landed in
Philadelphia in the fall of that year and immediately came to Michigan, locating in Livonia township, Wayne County, where he remained some time and
then removed to Novi township, Oakland County, where he purchased his
present farm, which he has since been actively engaged in cultivating. He has
one of the most productive as well as one of the largest farms in his township,
where he is highly respected and honored by all who know him. He is a
Democrat and a member of the Danish Lutheran Church.
Mr. Christensen was married to Mary Milroy, daughter of Charles and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

46I

Eliza (Shaw) Milroy, and seven children were born to them, namely:
Charles, born March 17, 1878, who was married to Marie Rockwitch, of
Detroit; Alexander, born June 29,.1879, who lives with his parents on the
homestead farm; Frederick, born November 3, I880, who lives in the State
of Wyoming; Helena, born in November, I882, who died in October, I892;
and John W., born October 22, 1884, Elizabeth, born August 2I I886, and
Ruth born July 22, I892, who live at home with their parents. Our subject's
wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church and takes great interest in religious work.
Charles Milroy, the father of Mrs. Christensen, was born in Scotland in
I821, came to Michigan the year before it became a State and took up government land in Livonia township, Wayne County, where he engaged in dlearing and cultivating his property. At the time of his death, which occurred in
I889, he had one of the best tilled farms in Michigan. He and his wife were
the parents of four children, namely: Mary (Mrs. Christensen); Ann Eliza,
who married Hans Christensen, brother of our subject, and is now deceased,
-they were the parents of one child, Ann, born June 24, I897; Ina, who now
resides in Germany and is attending the Berlin University; and Charles Frederick, who lives in Livonia township, Wayne County, engaged in the lumber
business, having rented his farm,-he was married to Lizzie Johnson and has
one child, an infant. Mrs. Christensen's mother was born in Nottinghamshire, England, and came, in 1837, to America with her parents, who settled
in Livonia township, Wayne County, Michigan, where they purchased a tract
of timber land that has since been developed into a fine farm. Both the Milroy and Shaw families are numbered among the pioneer settlers of this region.
EDMUND ELY.
EDMUND ELY, one of the most prominent citizens and leading business
men of Davisburg, Oakland County, engaged in a mercantile business which
amounts to something like $30,000 a year, has been a resident of the State
since I876. Mr. Ely was born in I836 in Gainesville, Wyoming County,

462

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

New York, and is a son of Jabez and Cornelia (Patterson) Ely, the former
of whom was born at Lyme, Connecticut, and the latter in Onondaga
County, New York, a daughter of William Patterson.
The grandfather of Mr. Ely, also named Jabez, was a Revolutionary
soldier. HIe died at Gainesville, New York, in I840. He was a native of
Connecticut, where he was married and where he reared his family. Thefather of our subject served in the W\ar of I8I2. His vocation was farming
and the whole of his active life was spent in the State of New York. In
his early political life he was a Whig, but became identified with the Republican party after 1852. The nine children born to Jabez and Cornelia
(Patterson) Ely were the following: Denison J., who died at Central City,
Colorado; Mrs. Laura Fisher, of Tuscola, Michigan; William P., who died
at Gainesville, New York; Mrs. Mary E. Brown, of South Bend, Indiana;
James, who died at Gainesville, New York; Edmund, of this sketch; Ralph,
a locomotive engineer of Chicago; Mrs. Martha C. Green, of Chicago; and
Elizabeth, who died at Gainesville, New York.
Edmund Ely was reared on a farm and remained at home until I860,
when he went to Elmira, New York, and there entered into the nursery
business with the firm of R. H. Close, with which he continued for three
years and then changed to the nursery firm of W. E. &amp; T. Smith of Geneva,
New York. The death of his wife then changed his plans, and in I864 he
enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering the I8th New York Light
Artillery, later being transferred to the 25th New York Light Artillery, and
served under Captain Southworth until the close of the war, being stationed
a great part of the time at Brasher City, now known as Morgan City. He
returned then to Gainesville, married and settled down to farming, remaining there until he came to Michigan, reaching Davisburg, January 7, I876,
accompanied by his wife and three children. For I o years he served as
State agent for the well known nursery firm of W. E. &amp; T. Smith, and then
embarked in his present enterprise. After three years alone, he admitted his
son Francis G. as partner, under the firm name of Ely &amp; Son, and together
they have built up the largest general mercantile business in their vicinity.
Their full and complete stock covers dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes,
drugs, etc., and they also handle coal, salt and brick. The success of this
business has depended upon the energy and industry of Mr. Ely, supplemented by the efforts of his son and partner, who was appointed postmaster

OAKLAND COUNTY.

463

in July, 1898. The business methods of the firm have won the confidence
of the public and both Mr. Ely and son are held in the highest esteem in the
neighborhood.
Mr. Ely was married first to Marie E. Quigley, a native of New York,
and one son, Alton A., was born to this marriage, who died in Denver. Mr.
Ely's second marriage was to Helen F. Granger, who was born in Oneida
County, New York, a daughter of Gideon Granger. The two children of
this marriage are: Francis G., and Mrs. Eva M. Brownell, the latter of
whom lives in Detroit and has two daughters,-Helen E. and Ruth. In
politics Mr. Ely is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. He is one of the town's capitalists, owning his
large double brick store building and a very attractive home. He attributes
much of his success in life to never going into debt.
THOMAS SMITH.
THOMAS SMITH, who is a most highly esteemed resident of Holly, Michigan, where he owns 27 acres of land within the corporate limits, and also 60
acres, well improved, in section 27, Holly township, is a survivor of the
Mexican War. He was born in Allegany County, New York, December 25,
1825, and is one of the family of II children born to Curtin and Orilla (Gillett) Smith, both of whom were born in New York. Five of these children
still survive, one of whom resides at Saginaw, Michigan. Curtin Smith was
a drummer in the War of 1812, although his business through life was the
peaceful one of farming.
When our subject was 14 years old, his parents removed to what is now
Wyoming County, New York, and settled in the vicinity of Gainesville, where
he remained until he was 21 years of age, when he came to Michigan. The
year 1845 found him in Holly township, Oakland County, and in the fall of
that year he went into a lumber camp in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, and on the spring drive of logs came down to Saginaw, which was
then but a village. There he assisted in a sawmill for a time and then went

464

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

back to Holly township where he worked on the farm of James K. Patterson,
and in the following fall went to Pontiac and hired out to drive a team for
Amasa Green during the winter, in the employ of a distillery. Early in the
following spring he went to work at the sawmill at Pontiac, but in April of
that year, with a companion, enlisted for service in the Mexican War, being
under that old hero, Gen. Winfield Scott. By the time the regiment reached
Vera Cruz, our subject was obliged to enter a hospital where he remained
four months, when he attempted to rejoin his regiment, then at the City
of Mexico. Illness made him again give up and after two more months he
went to Pueblo, and finally to the City of Mexico, not reaching there, however, until after the place had been taken. He rejoined his regiment and a
month later was sent with it some 75 miles farther west, where it was stationed
until the signing of the treaty of peace. Returning to Vera Cruz, he took a
steamer at New Orleans, sailed up the Mississippi River and was finally discharged at Cincinnati, Ohio, in August, 1848.
After this adventure, Mr. Smith returned to Holly township for a short
time and then started back to Gainesville, New York, to see his parents, and
also visited at Scio, Allegany County, New York, and worked there for a
time in the timber and in a sawmill.
On December 31, I849, Mr. Smith was married to Rozetta Hazard, who
was born and reared in Allegany County; she died June 13, I899, of paralysis,
aged 71 years. Their four children were: Arthur D., born September 13,
I850, who was married and then removed to Muncie, Indiana, where he is a
fine mechanic, engaged in. the railroad shops; Eugene, born August 2, I855,
was killed at Flint, Michigan, February 23, 1884, aged 28 years, when performing his duty as brakeman on the Pere Marquette Railroad, leaving a
widow and daughter who reside in Chicago; William H., born September i,
I858, who resides near his father, being engaged in farming; and Agnes,
born September I, I868, who married Ambrose Shields, and they reside with
our subject on the farm in Holly township,-they have two children, Eugene,
born April 9, I888, and Forrest, born January 22, I898. William H. Smith,
our subject's second son, has followed railroading for 22 years, spending fouir
years at Chicago in the yards of the Lake Shore &amp; Eastern, nine years on the
Pere Marquette and four months on the Northern Pacific, four years at Battle
Creek with the Grand Trunk and then back to Chicago, where his first wife,
Isabel Fisher, died, leaving four children: Madge, born November 2, 1883;

OAKLAND COUNTY.

465

Frank, born December I, 1885; Bessie, born August I, I892; and Donald,
born May 14, I894. As his second wife, he was married to Mrs. George Garfield, formerly Addie Seldon, of Omaha, Nebraska; she had one child by her
first marriage,-Gussie, now deceased.
After their marriage in 1848, Mr. Smith and wife located on the farm
in New York, which Mr. Smith operated four years, but in 1855 with his wife
and son he came to Holly township, Oakland County, Michigan, having in
the previous year purchased a farm here, trading his land warrant and paying
the balance. He located in section 27, since which time he has disposed of
some of the land to the cement company, but still retains 60 acres. This he
cleared and has carried on general farming, in the meantime improving it with
fine buildings, drainage and fencing.
Mr. Smith has always been a Democrat. Fraternally he has been a member of the Masonic lodge at Holly for 38 years. In religious views he is
liberal. He enjoys the advantages of the Rural Free Delivery, Route No. 2,
from Holy, and was one of the prime movers in securing it and other advantages. He has lived a long life and has been permitted to see the wonderful
changes which have come to this section, since his first advent here, and takes
a great interest in them.
ALVIN F. CRAWFORD.
ALVIN F. CRAWFORD, a prominent farmer of Milford township, living
on' his fine farm of 95 acres in section 22, was born in the old Crawford homestead on the farm which he now owns, of which it forms a part, October 30,
I854. His parents were William and Lucy (Sayles) Crawford, and his
grandparents were Robert and Hannah Crawford, natives of New York of
Irish extraction.
Robert and Hannah Crawford came to Michigan in I830 and settled in
Oakland County. They had these children: Jacob, Robert, Ezra, Alanson,
William, Elthea and Matilda. In religious faith they were Methodists. Both
died in Oakland County, Mrs. Crawford's death occurring in I870.
William Crawford came to Michigan in I830 with his parents; upon

.466

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

engaging in farming pursuits, he settled on the property, part: of which now
belongs to our subject. He was considered a good farmer and was held in
high esteem as a neighbor and citizen. His death took place in I88o, at the
age of 59 years. He was the father of seven children, viz: Emily; Mary E.,
wife of John S. Pittenger; Levi S.; Wesley and William, both deceased; and
Albert and Alvin, twins. WVilliam Crawford and wife were both active in
the affairs of the first Methodist Church of Milford township, in which he held
official positions. In politics, he was identified with the Republican party. He
was survived by his widow 12 years, her death occurring at the age of 80
years.
Our subject was reared on the farm and was educated in the district
schools and at the Milford High School. His life has been mainly passed on
his own property, his interests centering in general farming and stock raising
and in dairying which he makes a specialty, finding ready sale for all his
dairy products.
In I879 Mr. Crawford married Anna Jackson, who is a daughter of
Isaac P. and Ann G. (Simpson) Jackson. Isaac P. Jackson, who was the
founder of the Milford Tinmes, was born April 25, 1824, on a farm near Rochester, Monroe County, New York. HIis father, who was a pioneer of Western
New York, died when Isaac P. was a lad, leaving the mother with five small
children to rear and educate. Mr. Jackson's boyhood was spent in the vicinity
of Walworth, New York, where he worked upon a farm and attended the district schools for short periods during the winter months of each year. In 1846
he went to Geneva, New York, to live with an uncle, Luther Kelly, and there
he pursued his studies still farther, finally entering Hobart College. He was
compelled to give up the hope of a full collegiate course after two years spent
in that institution, on account of a severe spell of sickness that seriously
affected his lungs. He then entered into the drug business at Painted Post,
New York, and later removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he carried on a
drug business until I867. In that year he located in Milford, Oakland
County, and opened a drug store. Soon after this he established the Milford
Times, which soon became one of the substantial publications of the county
and which has now been issued for 33 years by the Jackson family. He made
the paper a success financially and a power in the affairs of this section of
Michigan. It has well sustained to the present day the reputation established
for it by its founder. Mr. Jackson was a Mason, and an active member and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

467

worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married June 19, 1851,
to Ann G. Simpson, who was born in Spauldington, Yorkshire, England,
January 25, I830, and came to America with her parents in 1836. Mr.
Jackson died August 22, I886, and his wife, October 30, I888. Their union
resulted in the birth of five children, as follows: Amelia, who married S. L.
Rowe; Anna, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Carrie M., the wife of
G. S. Rowe; Bert W., deceased; and M\abel M. No man in the county was
better known for sterling qualities of character than was Mr. Jackson.
Mr. Crawford affiliates with the Republican party. In religious belief
both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Church. He is not only a representative of one of the county's oldest pioneer families, but is also a leading
citizen of Milford township, where through a long life of industry, integrity
and good citizenship, he has won the esteem of all who know him.
ABRAM D. PERRY.
ABRAM D. PERRY, a prominent farmer and successful business man of
Groveland township, Oakland County, owning a well improved farm of 40
acres in section 18, and engaged in other business enterprises, was born in
Groveland township, December 6, 1856. He is a son of John W. and Sarah
(Downey) Perry, the former of whom was born at Watertown, New York,
and the latter in Groveland township, Oakland County, Michigan, a daughter of Alexander Downey.
Abraham Perry, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts.
He was a millwright by trade and in his native State assisted in the erection
of many of the great cotton mills. He brought his family to Groveland township, Oakland County, in 1836, his four children being: Mrs. Mary Narrin;
Mrs. Frances Miller; Abram D., who died in the army; and John W.
John W. Perry came to Michigan with his parents in 1836, being then
two years old. He grew upon his father's farm, and later purchased the farm
of Ioo acres in Groveland township where he still resides. He has been a
successful farmer and stock raiser and one of the most interested men of his
section in the promotion of the Grange movement. In politics he is a stanch

468

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Republican. In religious belief he is a Methodist. His three children are:
Abram D., of this sketch; John W., who died in Groveland township, Oakland County, at the age of 38 years, a farmer and blacksmith by occupation;
and Martha J., who has been a highly valued teacher in this county for 25
years and is now her father's capable housekeeper.
Abraham D. Perry resided in Groveland township until December, I878,
and then went to Hazelton township, Shiawassee County, where he cleared
up a farm from timber land and put it under cultivation, living there until
I892, when he moved to Fenton, Genesee County, where he worked at the
blacksmith business for a short time and later, in Groveland township, a year
and a half for his brother. In 1893 he bought his present farm of 40 acres
and in the fall of the year erected a sawmill and feed and gristmill. He sawed
all the lumber for a very comfortable house in which he still resides, and has
so much custom work from the neighborhood that he needs the assistance of
five men. The milling is carried on under the firm name of A. D. Perry &amp;
Son. He is also a very successful farmer and stock raiser and is generally
considered one of the most practical and progressive business men of the
community.
On February 28, I878, Mr. Perry was married to Laura E. Horton, who
is a daughter of Elston and Caroline E. (Phipps) Horton, and two children
have been born to them, namely: Mrs. Sarah E. Pearsall, who resides at.home; and Frederick H., his father's partner, who is also living at home.
Mr. Perry is an independent in politics. He is serving as a justice of the
peace and for nine years has been a school director. He like his father has
been concerned in the agricultural development of this county and an active
member of the society known as the Gleaners. He is noted for his industry
and honesty and is one who deserves the name of a first class citizen.
JOHN ESLER
JOHN ESLER, one of the prosperous farmers of Rose township, Oakland County, Michigan, residing on his fine, well improved farm of 120
acres in section 17, was born in the city of New York, September 17, I853,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

469

and is a son of John and Margaret (Gordon) Esler, both of whom were born
in County Antrim, Ireland.
John Esler, father of our subject, learned the trade of carpenter in his
native land. He migrated to New York in I846 and followed his trade
there for eight years. In March, 1854, he removed to Michigan and located
in Oakland County, in section I6, Rose township, where he took up 80 acres
of school land and so determined was he to have his claim recorded, that he
walked the whole distance to Lansing for the purpose. He did considerable
building in the township, one of the structures still standing being a house
owned by John Bush. A hotel and store building at Holly which he built
about this time were burned some years ago. Mr. Esler worked hard at the
clearing of his land, but death came at the comparatively early age of 43
years, on August 9, I863. On Long Island he was married to Margaret
Gordon, who came to this country from Ireland with her parents, who
located on Long Island. She survived her husband many years, dying at
the home of our subject, December 28, I896, within a few months of her
72nd birthday. Our subject has a brother and two sisters, viz: James A.,
who died in I86I, aged two and a half years; Eliza Jane, born in I856, who
married Smith M. Baits, of Dowagiac, Michigan, in May, I88o, has one son,
Stuart G., aged I2 years; and Margaret A., born in April, I861, who has
been a teacher in the Lansing Industrial School for the past 15 years, and is
a lady of education' and great mental ability.
John Esler, our subject, was one year old when his parents came to Oakland County, a stage lbringing the little party from Pontiac to the neighborhood of their future home. Mr. Esler has added to his father's original farm
and now owns I20 acres of very valuable and productive land. He has
erected all the fine buildings which immediately attract favorable comment
and which entitle him to be regarded as the possessor of one of the most
desirable properties in his section. He has engaged in general farming and
does some stock feeding, and also pays attention to fruit growing.
On October 20, I886, Mr. Esler was married to Fannie Williams, who
was born in I855 in Steuben County, New York, and is a daughter of Seabury and Nancy (March) Williams, the former of whom gave up his life
for his country on the field at Antietam; Mrs. Williams passed away some
20 years ago. Mrs. Esler has two brothers and three sisters, viz: Oscar
F., and Benton, farmers of Steuben County, New York; Eliza (Mrs. Theo

~470

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dore Clement), of Detroit; Annette (Mrs. Allen Walrod), of Sac County,
Iowa; and Mary Ellen (Mrs. Thomas Aulls), of Steuben county, New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Esler have two charming daughters, viz: Grace Ml., born May
26, 1889; and Mildred W., born August 22, 1891. The members of the
Fsler family have been upholders of the Presbyterian faith for generations,
but Mrs. Esler was reared a Methodist and is a valued member of the church
at Rose Center. In politics, Mr. Esler is a Democrat and has served in
local offices, having been the very efficient township treasurer in I895 and
I896.
WILLIS SWARTHOUT.
WILLIS SWARTIHOUT, an educator known all over Oakland County, and
a prosperous farmer of Holly township, where he owns a farm of IOO acres
in section 30, was born at Barrington, Yates County, New York, August 28,
1828, and is a son of George F. and Rowena (Russell) Swarthout. Both
these families are old and honorable ones in New York, where their founders
settled prior to the Revolutionary War, coming to that State from Holland
and England. General Swarthout, who is mentioned in the early military
records, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and on account of disability
incurred in the service drew a pension from the United States government.
Anthony Swarthout, the grandfather of our subject, reared his family at
Wayne, Steuben County, New York.
George F. Swarthout was born October 28, I796, and died at Milo,
Yates County, New York, July 13, 1853. He belonged to the active wing
of the Whig party. His widow was born May 25, 1799, and died at Milo,
March 29, I876. They were parents of Io children, of whom William R.,
Willis, Anthony, John, George, Nancy Ann and Heman are living, all having their homes in New York except our subject, who has been the only
member of the family to come to Michigan.
Willis Swarthout located in Oakland County in 1855, living in Holly
township from April 30 until the autumn, when he removed to Grand
Blanc, Genesee County, and took charge of the school there, continuing to
teach the following summer and the two following winters. In the fall of

OAKLAND COUNTY.

47f

1857 he moved to Fenton, Michigan, where he taught one season and then
returned to Grand Blanc. There he continued to follow his profession until
he settled on his farm in the northern part of Holly township. This property
he later sold to Ira D. Parker, and on October 21, 1864, bought 80 acres of
his present farm in section 30, adding 20 acres at a later date. Mr. Swarthout has one of the finest homes in the tonship, complete in every particular,
and still engages in general farming.
Mr. Swarthout was married, first, in New York, to Esther McCoy,
September I4, I854, and then taught school in Wayne, Tyrone and Milo.
One son was born to them, Gauin E., who is a resident of Union City, where
he is engaged in the musical instrument business. He is a man of superior
education, spent seven years in the schools of Albion and is a graduate of
the University of Michigan, in the class of I880, receiving the degree of A.
M. He taught school at the folloing places: Monroe, one year; Peoria,
Illinois, two years; Muskegon; Flint, one year. He later started a Normal
School in Flint, which he conducted for four years. He also taught in Virginia two years. On September I2, I858, Mr. Swarthout was married to his
second wife, Julia McCoy, who died September 13, 1867, in Holly township. In I868 Mr. Swarthout was married to his third wife, Mrs. Melinda
(Butts) Parker, who was born in Genesee County, October 20, 1836, and is
a daughter of David and Paulina Butts. In i86I she married Ira D. Parker,
who died in I866, leaving one daughter, born in I862, who is now Mrs.
Frank Plum, of Fenton, Michigan. Mrs. Swarthout is a valued member
of the Fenton Methodist Church. In former years Mr. Swarthout was
identified with the Republicann party, but has changed his political faith and
now supports Democratic doctrines and candidates. He is a man of high
standing in his locality, both personally and financially.
N. T. ELLIOTT.
N. T. ELLIOTT, one of the successful farmers and self made men of
Holly township, Oakland County, owning a very superior farm of I8o acres in
sections i6 and 2I, was born in Montgomery County, New York, May 2I,
bVI~IJ VVAI-J rC~Y VL) *Cy I

472

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

I821, and is a son of Alexis and Elizabeth (Tripp) Elliott, who came to
Michigan in 1844, and died in Holly township, Oakland County, the father
about I847, aged 48 years, and the mother in I852, aged 53 years. The
two survivors of their family of seven children are our subject and his distinguished brother, Capt. M. 'D. Elliott, of the village of Holly, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this volume. During the Civil War, Captain Elliott
commanded in DeGolier's battery of artillery and was placed in charge of
the battery after the death of Captain DeGolier, and served for three years in
General Logan's division. Since the close of his army service he has been
engaged in farming in Rose township, but now at the age of 76 years is living
somewhat retired.
Until he was 17 years old, our subject lived in Otsego County, and from
I7 to 23 years made his home in Herkimer County, New York, where he
was given excellent educational advantages. He learned the trade of broommaking in a factory on the Mohawk River and followed the same for some
years until he had come to the decision of finding a wider career for himself
in the West. In I844, with no means except what he earned for himself, he
left the home of his uncle, in Herkimer County, and finally reached Buffalo,
on his way to Michigan. There was then no steam transportation any farther west, and he reached Detroit by making a round-about way through
Canada. Finally he reached the home of his cousin, Chester Elliott, in Holly
township, Oakland County, and remained a member of the latter's household
for six years, teaching school for three winters and resuming his business
of broom-making. He raised the broom corn and sold great numbers of the
completed household necessity, traveling as far as Saginaw. In I852 he moved
to his present farm, located in sections I6 and 2I, his residence being in section
2I. But 40 acres of the farm showed any attempt at improvement, when Mr.
Elliott took charge; he has done the rest, including the erection of the excellent buildings. He reached Detroit with a watch and $5 in money, and has
earned all that he now possesses by industry, frugality and good habits, the
latter being considered by him to be a very necessary factor. At one time
he lost his home and a large amount of completed brooms by fire. He
has lived in Holly township long enough to note the great improvements
and contributed materially to the success of the Holly and Detroit railroad
line and also of the Pere Marquette, by furnishing timber and providing
temporary homes for the workmen.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

473

On January 2i, i8-o, Mr. Elliott was married to Wilhelmina Broas,
who was then a visitor in Holly township. She was born at Union, Broome
County, New York, and was a daughter of William and Sally (Howard)
Broas, the former of whom died when Mrs. Elliott was I5 months old, the
latter dying in i884, aged 87 years. Mrs. Elliott has two surviving sisters:
Mrs. Phebe Dunham, of Mecklenburg, New York, and Mrs. Josephine Ford,
also of New York. Two sons and two daughters have been born to this
marriage: Charles B., of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a traveling salesman in
the line of oil, glass and paint, who has three children, Myrtle, Virgil and
Howard; D. Carter, a dentist of California, a graduate of the San Jose and
San Francisco dental colleges, who has three children, Lucile, Harold and
Lloyd; Ella Grace, who married Rev. Herbert Gould, pastor of the Baptist
Church at Eastport, Michigan; and Bertha J., who resides at home. For
many years Mr. Elliott was identified with the old Democratic party, but
the agitation concerning slavery caused him to change his views, and he voted
with the Republicans until i900, when he joined the Prohibition party,
believing its principles should be established in the government of the country.
For several years he has served as a school examiner, his early academic
education making his selection for this position especially suitable. Formerly
he belonged to the Grange, but now retains membership in no fraternal body.
Ile is a leading member of the Methodist Church at Holly, and he is one of
the best citizens of the township.
FRAN CIS L. HADLEY.
FRANCIS L. HADLEY, a representative and substantial farmer of Holly
township, Oakland County, owns the northeast quarter of section i, which
is located on the old Detroit &amp; Saginaw turnpike road, probably the oldest
general highway in this part of Michigan. Mr. Hadley was born in section
I2, Holly township, in I847, and is a son of Joseph and Emily (Owen)
Hadley, the former of whom was born in England and the latter in the
State of New York.

474

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

After immigrating to the United States, Joseph Hadley resided for
some time in the vicinity of Clyde, New York, but in I833 he accompanied
his father and family to Oakland County, Michigan. The father took up
land in Groveland township, but Joseph and his brother Thomas secured a
farm in sections II and I2, Holly township, the former buying his brother's
interest at a later date. In I853 he purchased the farm upon which our
subject now resides and still later acquired another farm, in Grand Blanc
township, Genesee County, operating all three at the same time, owning
some 650 acres of land. He was a mall with practical ideas, and during the
Civil War paid much attention to the raising of sheep. He was one of the
prime movers in all the pioneer enterprises in his locality and most efficiently
filled a number of the local offices in the gift of the Republican party, which
organization always had his hearty support. He was married tol Emily
Owen, who was born near Medina, New York, of Welsh ancestry, and they
reared these children: Edward, of Holly township, Oakland County; Adeline, wife of Alexander Campbell, of Groveland township, Oakland County,
and our subject, Francis L., being the survivors; John O., Mrs. Mary A.
Lyon and two infants, being those deceased.
Our subject was reared in Holly township and obtained the best education afforded at the time in his locality. He has devoted his life to farming and took care of his parents in their declining years, the death of his
father occurring June 2, I896, at the age of 83 years, two months and 15
days, and that of his mother, on June 22, i890, aged 7I years, i i months and
24 days. Mr. Hadley has passed his whole life on his present farm, with
the exception of eight years in CrawArford County, where better educational
opportunities were offered for his daughter. He has been very successful
in his agricultural efforts and owns one of the well cultivated and finely
improved farms of the township, but has partially retired from active farm
work.
Mr. Hadley was married first to Iouzetta L. Smith, of Genesee County,
Michigan, who died in I894, leaving one daughter, Alberta Z., who is now
the wife of Claude Gould of Holly, Michigan. She is a graduate of the
Grayling (Michigan) High School, and also enjoyed advantages at Olivet.
Mr. and Mrs. Gould have one daughter, Hazel, aged 6 years. Mr. Hadley's
second wife, Mrs. Nettie L. (Vanderpoel) Lyon, was born in I852, at
Canaan, Columbia County, New York, and is a daughter of Cornelius and

MR. AND MRS. ALONZO KINGSBURY

OAKLAND COUNTY.

477

Lucinda (Clark) Vanderpoel. She was reared in her native State and lived
there until I891, when she came to Oakland County. Her one son, Newman
E. Lyon, died in I902, at the age of i8 years.
In politics Mr. Hadley is an active Republican, and he has most acceptably filled a number of local offices, notably that of drainage commissioner.
It was mainly through his influence that the rural mail delivery from Holly
is in operation. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Blue Lodge at Holly.
ALONZO KINGSBURY.
ALONZO KINGSBURY, a prominent citizen and successful farmer of Addison township, Oakland County, where he owns a finely improved farm of I23.
acres, was born at Clarkston, Monroe County, New York, in 1823. He is a
son of Leonard and Esther (Williams) Kingsbury, natives of New York,
who came to Michigan in I833.
Leonard Kingsbury was a farmer and came west to secure larger
agricultural opportunities. He first located one-half mile west of Clifton
Mills, in Macomlb County, but in 1836 removed to Oakland County and settled
in section 5, Addison township, on the farm now owned by our subject, who
purchased it in I866. There our subject's grandfather died, at the age of 87
years; his father, at the age of 85 years, four months and four days; his
mother, at the age of 57 years. The brothers and sisters of our subject
are: Valentine, who died at New Orleans, Louisiana; Elias, who probably
die(l while serving in the Mexican WAar; Lorinda, who married Lewis Lockwood, and is now deceased; Lucina, wife of Cyrus Watkins, also deceased;
and Fannie, wife of R. W. Sage, who resides at Linden, Genesee County,
Michigan.
Alonzo Kingsbury was reared and has resided on this farm ever since
1836 and since I865 has followed farming. In addition, he conducted a
blacksmith business for 30 years. He has engaged in general farming and
stock raising and has been successful in his efforts and now possesses one
of the finest estates in the county. For the past three years, he has been
27

478

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the agent for the United States cream separators, through Addison and
Dryden townships. They have been proved to be machines of inestimable
value and through Mr. Kingsbury's intelligent enterprise are in general use
in his locality.
In 1847, in New York State, Mr. Kingsbury was married to Martha
Bennett, who was born in I828 in Tyre, Seneca County, New York, and is
a daughter of Richard and Mary (Anderson) Bennett, who never came
to Michigan. One daughter born to this marriage is now living: Mary
Celesta, who is the widow of the late Elijah Ielley; she resides with her son
Mark, near her father's home.
Politically Mr. Kingsbury is a Republican. He is serving his third term
as a justice of the peace, his administration of the office meeting with general
satisfaction. In former years he was identified actively with the Masonic
fraternity. He is a leading member of the Methodist Church of Dryden, in
which he has been prominent for a number of years. His farm is served by
the Rural Free Delivery Route, No. T. A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury
accompanies this sketch, being presented on a foregoing page.
MICHAEL McCANN.
MICHAEL MCCANN, the subject of this memoir, is a leading farmer and
business man of Independence township, Oakland County, owning and operating a well cultivated farm of 80 acres situated in section 28. He was born
October 13, 1846, at Clashmore, near Waterford, Ireland, and is a son of
Maurice McCann.
Maurice McCann, who was born in Ireland, conducted a hotel in his
native country prior to immigrating to America in 1850 with his wife and
family. He was engaged in railroading and farming after he became a resi(lent of the United States. He died in Detroit in 1872, at the age of 60 years.
He and his wife Catherine had three children: John; Michael, our subject;
and Bridget (Sheridan), who now resides in Pontiac and is the mother of
seven children,-Maurice, Mary (Sewey), Charles, Sadie, Gertie, Nellie and
Grace.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

479

John McCann, our subject's older brother, who early engaged in farming
in Independence township, was one of the best known agriculturists of Oakland County. When a young man he engaged in the lumbering business for
the late David Ward, being employed by the month. He worked for Mr.
WVard I I years, and during this time carefully husbanded his savings so that
he was able to buy a fine farm and engage in agricultural pursuits. What
he had at the time of his death was obtained through his own untiring efforts
and through the help of a most faithful wife, who helped to accumulate the
means necessary to secure the home and property which she and her children
are now enjoying. Mr. McCann was never beholden to any one for any financial help. He was married to Jennie Muirhead, a native of Pontiac, Michigan,
and they were blesed with three children: Frank, Ralph M. and Mabel. He
died in i900, and left his farm of Ii3 acres, located in section 33, Independence township, to his widow and children.
Maurice McCann was four years of age when he came to America with
his parents, who first settled in Waterford, New York, where they remained
two years. and then removed to Waterford, Oakland County, Michigan.
When a young man Maurice McCann engaged in the lumbering business on
the Chippewa River for the late David Ward, and so continued for nine years.
He then located 26 years ago on his farm of 8o acres in section 28; Independence township. He lives with Mrs. John McCann, his widowed sister-in-law,
who owns an adjoining farm of II 3 acres in section 33. The farms are well
kept up and each have a number of substantial buildings. Mr. McCann and
his sister-in-law are interested in general farming and raise grain extensively,
besides growing about 6oo bushels of potatoes annually. Politically, our subject is a Republican, but takes little interest in politics.
FRANCIS G. ELY.
FRANCIS G. ElY. postmaster of Davisburg, Michigan, and junior
member of the well known mercantile firm of Ely &amp; Son, was born at Gainesville, New York, May I3, i868, and is a son of Edmund and Helen F.
(Granger) Ely, both of whom were born in the State of New York. Mr.

480

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ely comes of a family which for three generations has taken part in the military affairs of the country, his great-grandfather, Jabez Ely, serving in the
Revolutionary War, his grandfather, also Jabez Ely, in the War of I812,
and his father, in the Civil War. All have been loyal patriots and respected,
representative citizens.
Our subject was eight years of age when his parents came to Michigan
and located at Davisburg. He obtained his education in the common schools
and then entered the local railroad office, in I884, to learn telegraphy, in
October of that year entering the employ of the Grand Trunk Railway Company, with which he remained three years as operator and ticket agent. At
the tine of his resignation, in September, I887, he was stationed at Owosso.
Mr. Ely then entered into partnership with his father in a general mercantile business, under the firm style of Ely &amp; Son, an association which has
continued until the present time. This firm is one of the largest in its line
in its part of the county, the varied and carefully selected stock covering
every demand of the public in the line of dry goods, groceries, boots and
shoes, fresh drugs, and also coal, salt, lime and brick, endeavoring to supply
all the necessities and many of the luxuries found in neighboring cities.
Prior to Mr. Ely entering the firm, his father had built up a large and
expanding business, which he has served to increase.
On October 27, I890, Mr. Ely was united in marriage with Hattie E.
Reed, who was born in Rose township, Oakland County, and is a daughter
of Joseph W. and Mary J. Reed. One daughter was born to this marriage,
October 17, 1900, who bears the name of Marjorie. Mr. Ely has one sister,
Mrs. Eva M. Brownell, of Detroit, who has two daughters, Helen E. and
Ruth.
For a considerable time Mr. Ely has been active i' State politics and
has served as a delegate to county and State conventions which he atttended
with interest before he became a voter. He has always zealously supported
the Republican party and has held a number of the township offices, serving
most efficiently as township treasurer for four years and very usefully on the
Board of Education. Fraternally he is prominent in Masonry, belonging to
Austin Lodge, No. 48, F. &amp; A. M.; Holly Chapter, No. 8o, R. A. M.; and
also to the Davisburg Tent, No. 367, K. O. T. M.; and to the Modern
WAoodmen of America, Clarkston Lodge, No. 74II.
Mr. Ely is a young man possessing every requisite for success in both

OAKLAND COUNTY.

481I

business and political life, and it was with great satisfaction to his friends
that he received the appointment of postmaster of Davisburg, on May 27,
I898. He has made a very popular official and counts his friends by the
score.
WILLIAM S. WALLS.
WILLIAM S. WALLS, a well known produce, grain and live stock dealer
of Davisburg, and the owner of a fine farm of 244 acres in section 18, Springfield township, Oakland County, was born in this township, June 24, 1836.
He is a son of James and Jessie (Cramm) Walls, natives of Scotland, and a
grandson of Colin Walls, who was the father of four children: Andrew,
William, Jane and James.
James Walls was born in 1798 and came to Michigan, a poor man, in
I836. He acquired 170 acres of land which he put under fine cultivation,
lived frugally and accumulated large means. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a man of the highest integrity. During a long life which
closed at the age of 92 years he made two trips to visit his native land, for
which he always retained the greatest of patriotic affection. In politics he
supported the Democratic party. James Walls and his wife were the parents
of three children, namely: Colin, a farmer of Springfield township, Oakland
County; William S., of this sketch; and Caroline, who is the wife of William
Walls, of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, who bore the same
name but was no relative.
William S. Walls was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools until the age of I5 years, when he made a trip to the far West
in I852, and worked at gold mining in California, mainly in Nevada County,
remaining seven years, during this time sending his father a present of
$I,900. For three years he worked over the State for the California Stage
Company as a driver, but returned to Michigan in August, 1859. Until 1863
he remained on the farm, working for his father and then removed to Durham
County, Canada, and operated a farm at New Castle for his father for six

482

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. He then moved to Clarkston, Oakland County, and went into the grain
business and has been interested in grain and live stock ever since. He is now
located at Davisburg, where he handles all kinds of produce and deals very
extensively in hay. Mr. Walls owns two farms, consisting of 244 acres in
section I8, the same being operated by his son, Fred W., who is president of
the Holly Milling Company.
Mr. Walls is one of the leading Democrats of the township and was its
first Democratic supervisor, being elected in I89I and re-elected in I892. He
has served three terms as highway commissioner and has given great satisfaction to the taxpayers. Fraternally Mr. Walls is a Mason and for 20 years
has been a member of Austin Lodge, No. 48, F. &amp; A. M.
Mr. Walls was married to Sarah Smedley, who was born in the State
of New York, and a family of seven children were born to them, as follows:
Mrs. Anna Davis, of Detroit, who has one child, Arthur; Mrs. Carrie Young,
of Dell Roy, Ohio, who has two children; Frederick W., of Davisburg, Oakland County; Edward, of Detroit; Mrs. Maggie Johnson, of Detroit; Mrs.
Mabel Austin of Tuscola County, Michigan; and Willard, who lives at home.
MELVILLE S. PRATT.
MELVILLE S. PRATT, a member of one of the old pioneer families of
Michigan, and the owner of a fine farm of I49 acres, located in section 32,
Commerce township, Oakland County, was born in I868, in Wayne County,
Michigan, and is a son of James and Mary Jane (Sibley) Pratt, both of whom
were born in the State of Michigan.
The founder of the Pratt family in Michigan was our subject's grandfather, who was born in I8o6 and came to Michigan in 1825, covering the distance to Detroit on foot. He was in search of a favorable location and selected
the site of the present City Hall in Detroit, which was at that time but a small
Indian trading post. Later he gave up the selected land on account of its
being too swampy, and permanently located in Plymouth township, Wayne
County, where his son James was born. He had three other children, namely:

OAKLAND COUNTY.

481

Valentine and Daniel, lboth deceased; and Mrs. Jennie Youker, who resides at
Traverse City, Michigan.
James Pratt was married to Mary Jane Sibley, who is a daughter of
Alonzo Sibley, whose sketch will be found in this volume. She now resides
at Lansing, Michigan, her husband having died in April, I903, in his 68th
year. Our subject is the eldest of their three children, the others being:
Maude E., who married E. A. Holden, an insurance agent of Lansing, Michigan, and has one son, Harold Pratt, born in 1894; and Judson E., who
resides with his mother in Lansing.
Melville S. Pratt had excellent educational advantages at Northville and
at Traverse City and is one of the most intelligent and wide awake young
farmers of Commerce township. After his marriage, he located first on an
8o-acre tract in Traverse City, which he later sold and came to the present
fine property, known as the Alonzo Sibley farm. In I893 he was married
to Ellen N. Price, who is a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Williams)
Price, the former of whom was born at Flintshire, England, and came to
America in I870. He took up land in Commerce township and two years
later sent to the old home for the lady he desired to marry, and Miss Williams
reached Commerce township so that the marriage took place October 5, I872.
Mrs. Pratt is the eldest of their children, the others being: Charles, who
was married to Minnie Major, and has one child, born in 1903; William G.,
married to Etta Burch; and Lottie, who married Perry Johnson, of Commerce
township. Mrs. Price died October i-l, I903.
Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have three bright, intelligent children, Howard
Francis, Florence Evelyn and Bertha Maude. In political sympathy Mr.
Pratt is a Prohibitionist. Religiously, he is connected with the Free Will
Baptists.
GEORGE A. WELFARE.
GEORGE A. WELFARE, one of the most enterprising and influential
farmers of Novi township, Oakland County, residing on his beautiful farm of
I40 acres in sections I and 2, was born in Commerce township, Oakland
County, Michigan, September 2I, I852, and is a son of John Welfare.

484

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John Welfare, our subject's father, was one of a family of eight children, namely: George, John, Rebecca, Harriet, Jane, Clarissa, Charlotte and
Samuel, all of whom are now deceased. He was born in England, and came
to America with his parents, who settled in Commerce township, where they
took up 40 acres of government land and entered upon the task of clearing
and cultivating the property. Our subject's uncle, George Welfare, bought
a tract of 140 acres of Novi township, Oakland County, which is the present
farm of George A. Welfare, having been given to the latter by his uncle.
Our subject's parents reared four children, namely: Thomas, a resident of
Novi township, who was married to Sarah Lambert of.Southfield township,
Oakland County, and has one child, Jay; Phebe Ann, deceased; George A.;
and Herbert J., engaged in farming in Novi township, Oakland County,
who was married to Mary Smitherman of Southfield township, Oakland
County, and has reared four children,-Clarence, Bert, Perry and Harvey.
George A. Welfare received his education in the schools of Commerce
and Novi townships, and at an early age engaged in the pursuits of general
farming and stock raising on the farm which his uncle, George Welfare, had
left him. The farm consists of 140 acres of finely tilled soil and the buildings
are all first class in appearance and appointments.
Mr. Welfare was married November 20, 1877, to Eliza Abbey, daughter
of Walter and Lucinda (Austin) Abbey. Walter Abbey, who died
in I898, was born in New York State and when 17 years of age came
to the State of Michigan with his parents, who purchased a farm of 97
acres in section 2, Novi township, Oakland County. Eight children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Abbey, namely: Alice Jane, who died in infancy; John,
who died at the age of 46 years; Norman J., a resident of the State of Washington, who was married to Lilly Ingersoll, and has one child, Edna; Orson
J., living in Midland, Michigan, who was married to Mary Simmons, and
has two children,-Orson and George; Eliza, our subject's wife; Moses D.,
a resident of Midland, Michigan, who was married to Ida Bennett; Dwana,
who resides in Detroit, and is married to Frank Pratt; and Elizabeth Ann,
who married Adelbert Martin,-by a former marriage she had one child,
Fred McCrumb.
Our subject and wife are the parents of three children, namely: Gertrude, born October 29, 188o; Grace L., born in February, 1883, who married Clyde Angell of Farmington township, who is now erecting a fine dwell

OAKLAND COUNTY.

485

ing opposite our subject's residence; and George Albert, born August 30,
1898, who died in infancy. Mr. XVelfare is a member of the Republican
party.
4*.
I. H. BUTTERFIELD.
I. IH. BUTTERFIELD, secretary of the Michigan State Agricultural Society,
has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the State
for many years. He was born in Macomb County, where his father was a
pioneer, and Mr. Butterfield was reared on his father's farm there and later
in Lapeer County. He was educated in the district and academic schools.
Few men have had more practical preparation for responsible positions
like that held at present by Mr. Butterfield and few by nature and inclination are more eminently qualified. His long residence at the Lansing Agricultural College gave him such thorough knowledge of scientific farming, that
his continued selection for important agricultural positions in the State seems
but the fortunate placing of the right man in the right place. He was member of the State Board of Agriculture frontm 18I89 to 1893 and secretary of
the board and college from 1893 to 1899, and postmaster at the college from
1898 to 1902. In the fall of 1902 he came to Oakland County, since which
time his home has been at Pontiac. HIe wvas first elected on the board of
the State Agricultural Society in i88i and has been a member continuously
since that time. In 1892 Mr. Butterfield was elected secretary, an arduous
position he still holds satisfactorily, having served seven years. The officers
of the State Agricultural Society are the following: E. Howland, president;
Stephen Baldwin, of Detroit, vice-president; C. W. Young, of Paw Paw,
treasurer; I. H. Butterfield of Pontiac, secretary. The executive committee
is made up of these prominent men: E. WV. Harley, of Howell; Frank Maynard, of Jackson; H. R. Dewey, of Grand Blanc; H. H. Hinds, of Stanton;
F. E. Skeels, of Harriette; F. G. Jacobs, of Pontiac; W. W. Collier, of
Detroit; B. E. Hall, of Port Huron; John Marshall, of Cass City; George H.
German, of Franklin; Eugene Fifield, of Bay City; L. W. Barnes, of Byron;
W. P. Custard, of Mendon; E. N. BalI, of Hamburg; W. E. Boyden, of
West Bay City; M. L. Dean, of Ingham County; J. E. Rice, of Grand Rapids;

486

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C. A. Waldon, of Tecumseh; John McKay, of Romeo; and John A. Hoffman, of Kalamazoo.
The successful exhibition which took place September 7th to September
II, 1903, was the 54th Annual State Fair and was the third fair held
at Pontiac. Much of its satisfactory success must be attributed to the unceasing labors of Mr. Butterfield, who devotes all his time and attention to furthering it and kindred interests.
KARL BORCHART.
KARL BORCHART, a veteran of the Franco-Prussian War, and a representative of the thrifty and industrious German-American citizens of Oakland County, is engaged in general farming and stock raising on his farm
of I00 acres situated in section i6. Farmington township. He was born at
Barkow, Germany, October 4, I850, and is a son of Karl and Fred'ericka
(Zeam) Borchart, the former of whom died in Germany in I897.
Karl Borchart, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Germany and
there received his schooling. In 1870, upon the outbreak of the FrancoPrussian War, he entered the German Army, being a member of the 92nd
Infantry Regiment, 3oth Division, I5th Army Corps. He took an active
and interesting part in the following battles: Woerth, Vionville, Gravelotte, Beaumont, Strasburg and Metz and received his honorable discharge
from the army on July I, 1872.
On the 14th of September, 1884, Mr. Borchart set out for America and
located first in Livonia township, W7ayne County, Michigan, where he rented
a farm and there followed farming until I902. In that year our subject
purchased his present farm of ioo acres of good farming land in Farmington
township; the property is well improved. It is a fine location and does credit
to Mr. Borchart's industry and careful business methods that gave him the
means with which to make the purchase. He grows all the standard crops
of this section, and raises considerable live stock, in which branch he has
possibly met with the larger success.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

487

On September 30, I874, Mr. Borchart was married in Germany to
Wilhelmina Sommer. They have reared four children, three of whom were
born in Germany; the record is as follows: Bertha, who accompanied her
parents to America and here was united in marriage with Charles Gow, who
is engaged in farming in Farmington township, Oakland County,-three
children have been born to them, Mono, Earl and Helen, who died in infancy;
William, born October 3, I877, who is now working in a rolling mill in
Detroit; Frank, born February 28, i88o, who is residing with his parents
on the homestead farm; and Elizabeth, born November 27, I884, in Livonia
township, Wayne County, Michigan, who is also living with her parents.
Religiously, our subject and family are members of the German Evangelical
Church. Mr. Borchart is a Republican.
GILBERT J. WHITCOMB.
GILBERT J. WHITCOMB, senior member of the undertaking and furniture firm of Whitcomb &amp; Son, of Oxford, Michigan, was born in I827 in
Greene County, New York, and is a son of Azael Vhitcomb, who came to
Macomb County, Michigan, in 1836, where he engaged in farming until
his death in I86i, at the age of 69 years. His widow survived until the
age of 86.
Our subject is one of the six survivors of a family of nine children,
namely: Seymour A., a resident of Ithaca, New York, aged 8i years; Rev.
John G., a superannuated clergyman of the Methodist Church, of Downington, Michigan, aged 79 years; W'illiam W., still living on the home farm in
Macomb County; Sidney M., who is in the furniture and undertaking business, formerly with our subject at Oxford,n w at Davis, Macomb County;
and Mrs. Almira R. Springstein, of Pontiac.
Gilbert J. Whitcomb was io years of age when the family came to
Michigan. After completing his education in the common schools, he went
to Romeo, Michigan, where he remained three years, learning the trade and
in 1854 opened a furniture and undertaking establishment at Oakwood.
He continued in business there until 1876, when he removed to Oxford and

-488

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for 27 years has been one of the most highly respected business citizens of
the village.
In 1854 Mr. Whitcomb was united in marriage with Dorcas E. Throop,
who was born in Romeo, Michigan and married at Oakwood. A family
of two sons and one daughter has been born to them, namely: Elvira L.,
wife of Andrew Sutherland 2d; Burton J., a resident of Oxford, who is a
traveling salesman, handling school supplies for Haney, of Grand Rapids,
has one son, Harold, aged six years; and Charles 0.. who manages the busi-ness of the firm of Whitcomb &amp; Son at Oxford,-he has two daughters,
Helen L. and Margaret E.
About 12 years ago Mr. Whitcomb and son erected the commodious
brick block which is the largest in the village, with two stories and basement,
a fine, substantial structure. Mr. Whitcomb has always supported the Democratic party, but has never cared to accept the duties of office, preferring
to pay close attention to his business. He and his famjily are members
of the Methodist Church. He is one of the surviving pioneers and is able
to recall many of the circumstances of the early days. He has been identifiedl
with many of the changes which have taken place for the better in this part
of the State and deserves honorable mention with other contemporaries.
WASHINGTON WEST.
WASHINGTON WEST is well known among the leading agriculturists of
Novi township, Oaklond County, where he owns and operates a farm of
I80 acres situated in section 24. He was born in Fleming, Cayuga County,
New York, in 1827, and is a son of Lyman and Ruth (White) West.
Lyman West came to Michigan about I864 and located at Bellevue,
Eaton County, where he died. He and his wife were the parents of Io children, of whom our subject was the sixth.
Washington West received his education in the schools of New York
State and in I866 came to Michigan. He has followed farming the greater
part of his life. He purchased his present farm, which is located in the heart

OAKLAND COUNTY.

489,

of the richest agricultural district of Michigan, in I866 and has since been
actively engaged in its cultivation and improvement. He has at present one
of the finest and best improved farms in his township; the farm buildings are
very substantial and his dwelling is attractive and home like. He has skillfully surrounded his house with shrubbery and lawns so as to make an
extremely pleasing appearance. His home is situated one mile and a quarter
east of the village of Novi. Politically our subject is a Democrat.
Mr. West was married in I860 to Mary C. Coonley, daughter of Samuel S. and Harriet (Clark) Coonley. They are the parents of three children, namely: Ella, who married W. Wallace DeLand, of Detroit, Michigan,
died in I888, leaving her husband and one child, Mary L.; Lee L., who was
married to Ruby, daughter of George and Ann Smith, residents of Novi
township, Oakland County, has three children,-Myra L., Howard E. and
Margaret; and Jessie W., who married Fred W. Durfee, of Plymouth township, Wayne County, Michigan, and has two children, Genevieve and Donald W.
Samuel S. Coonley, Mrs. West's father, has reared four children,
namely: James P., Araminta B., Mary C. and John C. James P. Coonley is living in Chicago, Illinois, was married to Eleanor Helliker, of Farmington township, Oakland County, and they have reared one child, Harriet,
who married William Packard, of Salem, Michigan. Araminta B. Coonley
married J. L. Howe, of Levanna, Cayuga County, New York, and they have
reared nine children, namely: Minnie Fredrica, who married Frank T. Spencer, of Novi, township, Oakland County, and has two children,-Angie
and Julia; Eugene, Glenn G., Clara A., Lawrence B., Louis C., Harriet E.
John and Helen. John C. Coonley was married to Lydia Avery and at
his decease left his widow and the six children named herewith: Mary L.,
Avery, John Stuart, Sarah O., Howard and Prentiss. His widow is now
the wife of Prof. H. A. Ward, of Rochester, New York. She is a lady of
cultured literary taste and ability and has written several volumes of poetry,
besides having been a correspondent for many leading journals and magazines. Samuel S. Coonley, Mrs. West's father, was a: man of prominence
in his State, having held many township offices and having served for several
years as a colonel of the New York State Militia. Harriet (Clark) Coonley,
mother of Mrs. West, was born in Essex County, New Jersey, in I806, and
died in 1882, at the age of 76 years. She was a daughter of Rev. John

490

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Clark, a native of Virginia and a slaveholder. When Mr. Clark came north
to live in New Jersey, he brought slaves with him for house servants and
afterwards moved to New York; at the time of the emancipation of slaves
in New York State, his slaves were given their freedom. He reared six
children, all of whom are now deceased. The grandfather of our subject's
wife on her mother's side was Richard Jaques, a surgeon in the Continental
Army during the Revolution, whose wife was a first cousin to President
Zachary Taylor.
FRED SCHROEDER.
FRED SCHROEDER, who is successfully engaged in the cultivation of his
farm of 82 acres in section 8, Farmington township, Oakland County, was
born in Germany in 1840, and is one of the most highly esteemed agriculturists of the county, where he has lived nearly 30 years.
John Schroeder, father of our subject, spent his life in Germany and
died there in I85I at the age of 40 years. His widow came to America with
her daughter, who is now the wife of John Westfall of Farmington township,
Oakland County. Mrs. Schroeder died in I886.
Fred Schroeder came to America in the fall of 1872, and after spending
one day in Detroit located in Farmington township, Oakland County, Michigan, where he has since lived, except one year each in Livonia and Greenfield townships, Wayne County, Michigan. In i888 our sAbject purchased a
farm of I72 acres in section 8, Farmington township; later he presented 40
acres of the homestead farm to his son August and subsequently sold him 50
acres more, which left Mr. Schroeder a farm of 82 acres, which he takes
pride in cultivating and beautifying; by his industrious and intelligent efforts
he has developed one of the most beautiful and productive farms in the
county.
Mr. Schroeder was married in Germany to Rachael Schmelter, whose
mother came to America in 1872 with our subject and wife, and lived with
them until her death in 19oo. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have had nine children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Charles, who is married and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

491

resides in Detroit; Louise, who is also a resident of Detroit; August, who
was married to Lucy Minhardt and has four children,-Elrene, Fred and
twins, deceased; Minnie, who married William Elliott, a broom maker of
Detroit, and has five children,-Edith, Clara, William, Harold and Clarence;
Mary, who is living at Jackson, Michigan; Herman, who is engaged in
farming on our subject's farm; and Edith, who married William Spaller,
a farmer located in Farmington township, and has one child, Lucile May.
Herman Schroeder was married in I90o to Bessie Shults, a daughter of
Albert and Permilla (Lewis) Shults, who are engaged in farming at Mason,
Tngham County, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Shults have had five children,
of whom four are now living, namely: Bessie, the wife of Herman
Schroeder; Eva, George and Irene. Our subject and family are members of
the German Lutheran Church and take much interest in all church work.
Mr. Schroeder is a Republican in politics.
THOMAS H. FAGAN.
THOMAS H. FAGAN, justice of the peace in Holly township, Oakland
County, and a large general farmer, owning a fine property of 240 acres in
section 16, was born in January, 1844, in Holly township, Oakland County,
Michigan. His parents'were Peter and Eliza L. (Dains) Fagan, the latter
of whom still resides in Holly township, at the age of 8i years.
Peter Fagan was born in August, 80o8, in Drogheda, Ireland, and died
in I893 in Holly township, Oakland County, aged almost 85 years. He
came to America with his parents, when about 15 years of age, and lived
with them in the State of New York until 1833, when he and his brother
John came prospecting to Michigan. A few months later the parents took
the advice of their sons and removed to this State, locating in Holly township, Oakland County, where the father of Peter died in January, 1852,
and the mother in December, 1857. All their three sons, John, Thomas and
Peter, purchased land in Holly township, and all are now deceased. Peter
Fagan located first in section 2, Holly township, but later sold that farm and
bought other tracts located in sections 14, 15, 21 and 22, and at one time
owned a farm one mile in length, and three-quarters of a mile in width.

492

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

While he was a practical farmer, he was also a man of such excellent business qualifications and sound judgment, that he was called upon to serve-in
many official positions, such as highway commissioner, township clerk and
others. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife, who was a daughter of
Stephen Dains, was born in Yates County, near Penn Yan, New York, and
accompanied her parents to Holly township about 1835. Two of her sisters
still survive, Mrs. Catherine McHenry, of Lapeer, Michigan, and Mrs. David
Handy, of Munda, Genesee County, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Dains have
been numbered with the dead for 50 years. A family of 13 children were
born to the parents of our subject, of which he was the second in order of
birth, the others being: Mrs. Mary E. Forsyth of Rose township, Oakland
County; Edwin A., of Holly township, Oakland County; Mrs. Eliza J.
Spaulding, deceased; Mrs. Nancy A. Ryan, deceased; Mrs. Francelia Dains,
of Isabel, Michigan; John S., who is living' on the homestead farm in Holly
township, Oakland County; Mrs. Rohama G. Wortman, of Fenton, Genesee
County; Mrs. Imogene Spaulding, who is living on the old farm; W. H.,
also living on the home farm; Sabra, deceased, and two who died in infancy.
Our subject was reared in Holly township and was educated in the
common schools. He continued on the home farm until the age of 26 years
and then started out for himself, purchasing his present fine property some
o0 years ago. Mr. Fagan has successfully engaged in a general line of farming and has given considerable attention to politics in his section. He is one
of the leading Democrats and has been selected at various times for official
positions, serving as commissioner and supervisor, and also as a justice of
the peace, being elected to the latter office in the spring of I903.
Mr. Fagan was united in marriage with Emma J. Andrews, who was
born near Fabius, New York, who is a daughter of James M. Andrews, who
came to Michigan in I850, and died in 1893, at the age of 84 years, his wife
surviving a few years. Mrs. Fagan has these brothers and sisters: James D.,
of Montrose, Michigan; Mrs. Daphne Hall, of Davison station, Genesee
County; Mrs. S. J. Clough, of Minnesota; Mrs. Helen Newman, of Holly,
Oakland County; John J., of Holly township, Oakland County, deceased;
and Hosea and Ezra, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fagan have one daughter,
Emma J., who is the wife of Henry Harvey. They make their home with
our' subject.
Mr. Fagan is a Mason and both he and his wife are members of the

JEROME HOWE

OAKLAND COUNTY.

495

Order of the Eastern Star. They are among the most highly regarded citizens of their locality, and are representatives of some of the leading pioneer
families of the county.
JEROME HOWE
JEROME HOWE, one of the large farmers and substantial citizens of Oakland County, whose farm of 240 acres lies in section 6, Springfield township,
and sections 30 and 31, Groveland township, was born at Bethany, Genesee
County, New York, December 24, 1836, and has been a resident of Michigan
since the age of nine months. He is a son of Orison N. and Susan (Fillmore)
Howe, the former of whom was born in the State of New York, and the latter
on Long Island.
The parents of our subject came as pioneers to Michigan in 1836. They
made the journey as far as Buffalo, with ox teams; there they loaded a boat
with household effects and went by water to Detroit, where the journey was
resumed with an ox team, and the selected home in Springfield township, Oakland County, was thus reached. The first purchase was 80 acres of land from
Thurman Curtis, who had secured it from the government. Mr. Howe built
a log house in which the family lived for five years. Through his efforts
about 50 acres of this land were cleared and put under cultivation, obtaining
some assistance from his neighbors, as he was a carpenter and joiner by trade,
and all were willing to exchange work in a friendly manner. His death took
place on this farm in 1842, at the age of 39 years. His wife, Susan Fillmore,
was a daughter of John Fillmore, who came to Macomb County, Michigan,
at a later date and died there. A family of seven children were born to our
sulject's parents, namely: Marvin L.; Maliza E. (Springsteen); Mary E.
(Springsteen); Lyman, of Springfield township, Oakland County; Jerome;
Malvina R., who died at the age of 17 years; and Charles E., of Lansing,
Michigan.
Jerome Howe has spent his life in the same locality and has always
engaged in farming, beginning in boyhood and still continuing to overlook
the operations of his large body of land. The only removal he has made
28

496

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was from Springfield township, across the highway to Groveland
township, his land being located, as noted above, in both townships. A general line of farming has been carried on and considerable stock raising, all
the active work being now in the hands of Mr. Howe's nephew. A preference
has been given to Durham cattle and formerly to Merino sheep, but latterly
only Rambouillet sheep are bred. Some horses are also raised and some very
fine colts have been disposed of during the last few years. The farm is
fertile and under the excellent management given it is very productive, the
average crops being: 60 tons of hay; 300 bushels of rye; 300 bushels of
potatoes; and 300 bushels of beans. In former years Mr. Howe has raised
as much as I,Ioo bushels of wheat. His apple and peach orchards have proved
a large source of income, nine acres being devoted to fruit.
Mr. Howe was married first, in 1872, to Nancy Sherman, who was born
in Montgomery County, New York. His second marriage took place May 24,
I899, to Mary C. Yungkind, who was born at Wittenberg, Germany, and
is a daughter of Ludwig and Caroline (Lang) Yungkind, who came to America when Mrs. Howe was but five years old.
In politics Mr. Howe is a stanch Republican and has actively supported
Republican principles and candidates since casting his first presidential vote,
in I86o, for Abraham Lincoln. A portrait of Mr. Howe accompanies this
sketch.
JAMES H. DAVIS.
JAMES H. DAVIS, a prominent general farmer and stock raiser of
Springfield township, Oakland County, who owns I73 acres in section I7,
is a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of the locality, one which,
on account of the substantial and reliable character of its members, gave a
name to what is now the prosperous town of Davisburg. The birth of
James H. Davis took place November 23, I827, in Ulster County, New
York. He is a son of Cornelius and Agnes (Winfield) Davis, both of whom
were born in the State of New York.
On both paternal and maternal sides, Mr. Davis comes of Revolutionary
stock, both grandfathers having been officers in the American Army and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

497

both were pensioners. Andrews Davis, his paternal grandfather, was born
in Holland, and died at Olive, Ulster County, New York, the father of
these children: Mrs. Sally Dowd; Cornelius; Henrickson; Charles and
John.
Cornelius Davis was born in I703 in Ulster County, New York, and in
young manhood served as a soldier in the War of I812, having the rank of
sergeant and being stationed at Staten Island. For his services his widow
drew a widow's pension. In 1836 Cornelius Davis, with his family, including that of his son-in-law, Isaac Losee, started by way of the Erie Canal on
what was then a very long journey, the objective point being Springfield
township, Oakland county, Michigan. On account of the difficult transportation facilities beyond Detroit, the family brought only the bare necessities and on many occasions the good mother lamented the absence of useful
household utensils, and the father felt the need of a tool or a bit of farm
machinery left behind in the old home and not replaced in the new one for a
long period. Mr. Davis was a man of excellent business ability and it was
shown when he secured the whole of section T7, Springfield township, for
himself as the first settler, knowing full well that suclh well situated land
wculd soon attract other settlers, and in this view he was right. The second
family to come to the neighborhood was that of Philip Frisby, who located
on the west, and the second one was that of Timothy Jones. The first year
the Davis and Losee families spent together in the log cabin, 26 by 30 feet
in dimensions, which they soon erected. The land was cleared with the use
of from three to five yoke of oxen and was put under cultivation by Mr.
Davis and his family, although for some years many hardships had to be
endured. Game was plentiful at first, but our subject recalls one time when
the family bill of fare was reduce(l to potatoes and salt. He can recall the
tinie when the Indians passed by their home on their way to Detroit to petition Governor Cass for rations. He also remembers an occasion when his
mother was badly frightened with fear of wolves which could be heard
howling in the timber and darkness had fallen before he could bring home
the cows. The second year of pioneer life was the hardest, prior to the harvesting of any crops or the raising of any hogs or cattle. When potatoes
were harvested, Mr. Davis hauled them to Detroit and there received 13
cents a bushel. Mr. Davis also can recall the visits of good Elder George
Cornell, who made his pastoral visits to the pioneer neighborhood on horse

498

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

back and held services in the log school house. Those were days when men
and women were not judged by the clothes they wore and lads like our subject were eager listeners, in overalls and bare feet.
Cornelius Davis was married to Agnes Winfield, who was born in
Orange County, New York, and was a daughter of Abram Winfield, and
they reared this family: Andrews; Mrs. Mary Losee; John C., of Pontiac;
Thaddeus C.; Jerome Z.; James H., of this sketch; MVrs. Sarah Burnham;
and Isaac L. During the second year of his life in Michigan, Cornelius Davis
erected a sawmill and during the year erected a comfortable plank house, a
building which is still standing and in Davisburg used as a barn, the village
covering a part of the 620 acres originally taken up by Mr. Davis. He was
a man of much endurance and great industry, one of the representative
pioneers of the township.
James H. Davis was nine years of age when he accompanied his parents
to Oakland County. He was reared among pioneer surroundings, his education being obtained as occasion offered. He now owns 173 acres of the
original tract of land taken up by his father, and farming is now carried on
there by his son, Le Verne. The land is well situated for general farming
and stock raising, and it has been the custom of Mr. Davis to devote much
attention to high grade Galloway cattle which he exhibits at the various
county and State fairs and which have won many premiums. He also raises
fine sheep and hogs and his yield of potatoes and the various grains is far
above the average. For many years he was very prominent as a farmer but
has lately retired somewhat from activity.
Mr. Davis was married first to Maria Simpson, who died four years
later. She was born at Cambridge, New York. At death she left three
children, viz: William T., deceased: /lMyron H., a merchant of Pine River,
Minnesota; and John M., of Baker City, Oregon, who has three children,
Maude I., Ethel and Elmer. The second marriage of Mr. Davis was to
Ann Irwin, of Canada, a daughter of David and Ellen (Arnett) Irwin, to
which union five children were born, namely: Mrs. Lydia Reynolds, of
Gladwin, Michigan, who has three children, Nina V., Davis and Marcella;
Leroy of Independence township, Oakland County, who has three children,
-James, Henry and Marjorie: Le Verne, who operates our subject's farm,
and for the past five years has been supervisor of Springfield township; Mrs.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

499

Hephzibah Dowd, who died leaving one child, Kathleen: and Martha, of
Buffalo, New York.
Mr. Davis has been identified with the Democratic party all his life
and is an active supporter of its principles. Never desiring office, he has
always refused to qualify even when elected to the same by his fellow citizens
who on many occasions have chosen him as a candidate. He has been an
active member of the Methodist Church for many years, serving officially
and as superintendent of the Sunday-school. Fraternally he is a Master
Mason and belongs to Austin Iodge, No. 48, of Davisburg, and belongs also
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Few citizens of the township
are better or more favorably known than Mr. Davis, whose long and upright
life and many sterling traits of character have given him prominence entirely
aside from the fact of his being one of the capitalists of the section.
W. DuBOIS PULVER.
W. DuBois PULVER, one of the rising young attorneys of Oakland
County, has been established at Holly since M1arch, I903, and has already
commanded the attention of a large clientele. He was born in Warren County, New York, in i871, and is a son of Nathan Pulver, who is a large lumber
dealer in Warren County, New York. The family is a very old one in that
locality, having been settled there for generations. Our subject's father and
grandfather have been connected for years with the lumbering interests of
Warren, Essex and Franklin counties, and the third generation is also associated with them, in the person of Frank Pulver, our subject's brother.
Another brother, Le Roy, is an attorney in general practice as Schenectady,
New York, while the youngest, Frederick, is still attending school.
Mr. Pulver has been very liberally educated, primarily at Glens Falls,
New York, near his home, where he completed an academic course, and
then at the University of Maryland, in Baltimore, where he was graduated
in law in the class of I898. The following year was spent in special work
at Yale College, and he began practice at Baltimore, subsequently removing

500

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Michigan. After spending a few months at the "Soo," he came to Holly,
succeeding to the extensive practice of Charles F. Collier, who for years was
a successful attorney and a prominent man of the village.
Mr. Pulver was married to a Miss Remington, of Fenton, Genesee
County, Michigan. He has purchased a fine residence in a pleasant part of
Holly. Politically he is identified with the Republicaan party. He is very
prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter in
New York; the council in Ohio; commandery in New York; and shrine
at Grand Rapids, and has received the York rite. Mrs. Pulver is a member
of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Pulver is well located professionally, having well appointed offices
in the First State &amp; Savings Bank building.
WILLIAM MAAS.
WILLIAM MAAS, a representative and leading farmer and stock raiser
of Farmington township. Oakland County, whose farm of I16 acres is situated in section I6, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 12, I849, and
is a son of John and Sophia (Bict) Maas.
John and Sophia (Bict) Maas were engaged in farming in Germany
until I867, when they came to America with one child, W\illian, the subject
of this sketch, then 18 years of age, who was the youngest of their children,
who were as follows: Fred, who was married in Germany and came to
the United States later than did his parents and younger brother, and is
now living in Livonia township, Wayne County, Michigan,-he has reared
seven children, and his wife is now deceased; Caroline, deceased; one who
died in infancy; and William, whose name heads this sketch.
Wrilliam Maas received his school training in Prussia. Since coming to
this county, he has very industriously followed agricultural pursuits and to
good purpose, for he holds a prominent place among his fellow citizens as
a successful man. In I88 Mr. Maas purchased his present farm of II6

OAKLAND COUNTY.

50I

acres in section I6, Farmington township, and has since been industriously
engaged in general and diversified farming and in raising stock. He has
made many improvements on the farm, and has, it is agreed by many, one
of the best tracts of farming land in the county.
Mr. Maas was united in marriage with Louisa Westfall, whose family
history will be found on other pages of this work in the sketch of her brother,
Fred Westfall. Our subject and wife are the parents of nine children,
namely: Caroline, born in 1877; John, born in 1878; Ida, born in I880;
William, born in I882; Herman, born in 1884; Albert, born in I886; Paul,
born in I888; Fred, born in I890, and Minnie, born in I893. Mr. Maas is
a member of the German Salem Church and a supporter of Republican
political principles.
GEORGE C. GARTER.
GEORGE C. GARTER, located on a fine farm of 200 acres in sections 24
and I3, Springfield township, and section 19, Independence township, belongs
to a family which located on his present place in 1854. He was born at
Shelby, Orleans County, New York, May 8, 1843, and is a son of Moses
and Clarissa (Bentley) Garter, the former of whom was born in Herkimer
County, New York, May 9, TSII, and the latter, in Orleans County, New
York, being a daughter of John Bentley, of New England ancestry.
Moses Garter followed farming in his native State until he removed to
Michigan in I854, where he died at the age of 75 years. While in the State
of New York, he took a prominent part in the affairs of his own town and
was a captain of the local militia. He was a man of great industry, of
exemplary life and was known for his honesty and integrity. In business
he was very successful and left a comfortable property to our subject, his
only child.
George C. Garter was educated in the local schools and after completing his education engaged in farming, at which he has continued ever since
with much success. The fine buildings which give such an air of thrift to
his farm were erected by his father. Mr. Garter carries on general farming

502

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and stock raising and also operates a dairy, keeping for the latter purpose
Io high grade Jersey cows. He has also o5 head of Chester White hogs,
registered stock. His land is as fertile as any in the township, and in some
years he has produced as many as 250 bushels of potatoes to the acre. He
raises annually about 2,coo bushels of potatoes, I,ooo bushels of corn, 400
bushels of rye and 3o tons of hay. His orchards also are very prolific, his
I50 apple trees and his peach trees alone producing a comfortable income.
Doubtless this prosperity is caused in great measure by the care and attention given his business by Mr. Garter, who is regarded as one of the representative farmers of his section. An old mill still stands on his farm which
was built before Michigan became a State, and after many years of use as
a saw mill is now put to use as a feed mill. Its days of usefulness are not
yet past.
On December lo, I868, Mr. Garter was married to Tamson G. Swayze,
who was born at Belvidere, Warren County, New Jersey, and was brought
by her parents and grandparents to Michigan, about I849, a babe of IO
months. The family drove the whole distance from their Eastern home and
settled on the farm in Springfield township, Oakland County, where the
parents died. The three children of this marriage were: Kittie, who died
in I870, aged two years; Henry Lee, who lives at home and is his father's
able assistant; and Felix, a graduate of the Clarkston High School, who was
a teacher for two years at the Sashabaw Plains School and is now a student
at Ferris Institute, Big Rapids, Michigan.
Mr. Garter, like his father, is identified with the Democratic party,
taking an active interest in local policies. Mrs. Garter and her son Felix
belong to the Methodist Church. The Garters are representative people of
Springfield township and Mr. Garter is held in high esteem.
JAMES LOWRIE.
JAMES LOWRIE, one of the good, practical farmers of Springfield township, Oakland County, and a veteran of the Civil War, resides on a fine farm
of 130 acres, located in sections 24, 25 and 26. Mr. Lowrie was born in

OAKLAND COUNTY.

503

Groveland township, Oakland County, May 20, 1840, and is a son of William
and Katherine (Stevens) Lowrie, and a grandson of Maj. John Lowrie,
who removed from Scotland to Canada in the British Army, and thereafter
lived in the Dominion until his death. He left five children, namely:
William, James, John, Mrs. Mary W. Powell, and Mrs. Sarah Fraser.
William Lowrie, the father of our subject, was born at Glasgow, Scotland, and when he came to Michigan, brought with him his wife and two
children. He settled first in Groveland township, Oakland County. but later
removed to Clarkston as he was a cabinetmaker and desired to be in a town
where he could follow his trade to the best advantage. There he died in
I878, aged 68 years, after 12 years of retirement from active work. He
came into the State poor, as he lost all he possessed on the way; but at the
time of his death owned a farm and was in comfortable circumstances. In
politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith, a Presbyterian. His wife
was born in Devonshire, England, and was a daughter of John Stevens. A
family of io children were born to them, namely: Mrs. Mary A. Ainsley, of
Charlevoix, Michigan; John, who died in I856, aged 21 years; William, of
Pontiac; Katherine, of Clarkston, Oakland County; Mrs. Sarah Anderson,
of Fenton, Michigan; Mrs. Elizabeth Millard, of Belden, Michigan; Salina,
of Ann Arbor, Michigan; George and Andrew, deceased; and James, our
subject, who was the sixth in order of birth.
James Iowrie has always been a resident of Oakland County, with the
exception of three years spent in Lapeer County, and he has always been a
farmer, with the exception of the time given to the service of his country in
her day of need. On December 8, I86I, he enlisted in Company I, I4th
Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., under Captain Powell and served one year and
13 days in the Army of the Cumberland, during which time he participated
in the battles of Corinth, Farmington, Tuka and many others of lesser note,
being then discharged on account of disability. Not discouraged, Mr.
Lowrie re-enlisted in I864 in Company L. ioth Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav.,
under Capt. James Cummings, and was engaged in the battle of Strawberry
Plains, Tennessee, and for a period had skirmishes nearly every day. He
received his honorable discharge November T, I865.
Mr. Lowrie then returned to his farm work and in 1876 settled on his
present property. He is engaged in general farming and fruit growing and
also raises stock. Mr. Lowrie is identified with the Republican party. For

304

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his services and on account of disability, he receives a pension which he
justly deserves.
Mr. Lowrie was married to Mary J. Knox, who was born in Independence township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Walter and Jane
Knox. Their children are three in number: Mrs. Belle Utter, of Warren,
Pennsylvania, who has one child,-James L., named for his grandfather;
Homer D., who lives in Dakota, unmarried; and Ettie, who is her father's
capable housekeeper, the beloved mother of the family having died in I88I.
Mr. Lowrie is a valued member of the local Grand Army of the Republic
Post. He has an excellent war record and is justly held in esteem by those
who recall with gratitude those who so willingly offered their lives to their
country in the perilous times of I86I.
C. H. BAIRD.
C. H. BAIRD, postmaster at Holly, Michigan, and also secretary and
manager of the Citizens' Mutual Fire Insurance Conmpany of Michigan,
which has headquarters at Holly, was born at Holly, Oakland County, in
1865. He is a son of John M. and Euphrasia (Humphrey) Baird, both of
whom were born in New York.
John M. Baird came from the vicinity of Rochester, New York, to
Holly, Michigan, in 1857. He erected a large brick block and other buildings and at one time owned a large part of the village, which he had platted.
His business was mainly in the line of insurance, real estate and banking,
but he was a man of so much business ability that success awaited him on
every side. In I87o he organized the Monitor Fire Insurance Company of
Oakland County, making Holly the home office, and, it was managed from
there for a number of years, but is now conducted from Pontiac, W. E.
Carpenter of that city being its secretary. It has met with great -prosperity,
carrying now about $9,000,000 of risks in force. It operates exclusively in
Oakland County. In April, T874, John M. Baird organized the Citizens'
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Michigan and was its active manager

OAKLAND COUNTY.

505

up to the time of his death in 1895, at the age of 68 years. The charter
of this company was secured for 30 years, extending until I904. This enterprise has increased steadily and rapidly until it is now regarded as the most
successful and the strongest of any company operating throughout the
State. It has agents in various towns, and it has now about $4,800,000
insurance in force, its business being confined to city and village property.
Since its organization it has paid about $400,000 in losses. Our subject
was associated with his father for some eight years before the latter's death
and succeeded him as secretary and manager. The other officers are:
Hon. Thomas L. Patterson, of Holly, president; H. A. Wycoff, of Pontiac,
vice-president. The following are the directors: George E. Newall, postmaster at Flint; H. W. Parker, of Owosso; P. T. Butler, of Orion; Lewis
Grant, of Bancroft; A. D. Rundlet, of Clio; H. A. Wyckoff, of Pontiac;
E. Patterson, of Holly; and C. H. Baird, our subject.
John M. Baird was a stanch Republican and proved himself a loyal
and self sacrificing citizen. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he entered
the ist Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., and in I862 by personal effort raised Company K, 8th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., and served as regimental quartermaster for four years, receiving at the end of his service the brevet of captain. For a short period after the war he was postmaster at Holly, was a
member of the School Board, and serve(l at the time of the building of the
present commodious school house.
John M. Baird was married to Euphrasia Humphrey, who accompanied
him to Oakland County from her home in Livingston County, New York,
in I858, and died at Holly in 1901, at the age of 70 years. Our subject
has one brother and one sister, namely: John E., of Lincoln, Nebraska,
who is an engineer, on the Burlington Railroad; and Anna Belle, who
married Rev. H. A. Leeson, a Methodist clergyman, who is stationed at
Caro, Michigan,-formerly he was at Laurium, where he is still recalled
for his earnest efforts by which he set in motion the movement which has
resulted in the building there of a $20,000 church.
C. H. Baird was reared at Holly, attended the Holly schools and then
took a business course at Detroit. He has been interested in the insurance
business the greater part of his life, and has also served in various village
positions, being clerk of the village for five years. In I899 he was appointed
postmaster of Holly by the late President McKinley, and has served ever

506

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

since, giving excellent satisfaction. He has been very active in the procuring of mail facilities for his section and much is due his efforts for the
present four free rural mail delivery routes now going out from Holly,
which have been in operation for two years.
Mr. Baird was married to Delphine Voorheis, of White Lake township,
Oakland County, who was the preceptress of the Holly schools for five years.
She is a refined, educated lady, a graduate of the Ypsilanti State Normal
School and a member of one of the old and prominent families of Oakland
County. She is an active church worker and is president of the Flint District Woman's Home Missionary Society. One daughter and one son were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Baird, the latter of whom died in infancy, the former,
Lucy Josephine, still surviving. The beautiful family home is located on
Maple street, and Mr. Baird 'also built and owns the substantial Post Office
block and other property in the village.
Mr. Baird's fraternal associations include the Masonic blue lodge at
Holly; the chapter and commandery at I]enton; Moslem Temple of the
Mystic Shrine at Detroit, and both he and his wife belong to the Order of
the Eastern Star. He also belongs to the various branches of the order of
Odd Fellows, including the Encampment, and also to the Modern Woodmen of America, Loyal Guards, Independent Order of Foresters and K. O.
T. M. He is one of the prominent members and liberal supporters of the
Methodist Church and has served as one of the trustees.
JOHN KURZ.
JOHN KURZ, who may well be named as one of the most prosperous
and most widely known farmers of this county, resides on his beautiful and
finely cultivated farm of I95 acres in Farmington township, Oakland County,
Michigan. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1837, and is a son of
Henry Kurz and wlife, who both died in Germany.
John Kurz came to America in 1857 and located in West Bloomfield
township. Oakland County, Michigan, engaging to work for, farmers in that

OAKLAND COUNTY.

507

and Commerce townships. Carefully savings his earnings lie was finally
enabled to purchase in Commerce township a farm of 240 acres which he sold
in I889 and then purchased a farm of 9634 acres in section 7, Farmington
township; to this nucleus of his present farm, he has since a(lde(l 8o acres in
the same section and i8 acres in section i8. On this farm Mr. Kurz is
engaged in general farming and fruit culture. He is enterprising and full
of energy, and his success in life has been brought about wholly through his
own efforts.
Mr. Kurz was married in Ohio in 1870 to Harriet Lepley. They have
five children, namely: Henry, born in 187I; John, born in 1873; William,
born in 1876, who was married to Emma Rinous, July 2I, 1903: Frederick,
and Martha, all residing at home. Mr. Kurz is a Presbyterian in his religious
connections, and uniformly votes the Republican ticket.
SAMUEL DAVIS.
SAMUEL DAVIS. Among the leading farmers of Oakland County, none
is more deserving of mention in this Biographical Record than the subject
of this sketch, who resides on his beautiful farm of 299 acres, which is
located in sections io and 15, Farmington township. He was born in the
State of Louisiana in I83I and is a son of James Baker Davis and Susan
Slocum, his wife.
James Baker Davis, the father of our subject, met death by drowning
while crossing a river in Louisiana, his son Samuel being 'then but three
months old. He left another son, Miller, who has not been heard from in o5
years, and it is not known whether he is alive or dead. Shortly after her
husband's death, Mrs. James Baker Davis removed with her sons to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and there the subject of this sketch received his
education, and lived from I834 to I855.
Samuel Davis came to Michigan with his mother in 1855, and located
on his present farm of 299 acres in Farmington township, Oakland
County, 200 acres being located in section 10 and 99 acres across the road in
section 15. Our subject's mother died on this farm in 1857. Mr. Davis

508 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has been very successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, and
has one of the finest and best improved farms in Oakland County. The farm
has large and well appointed buildings, in which the owner takes great pride.
In I886 he erected one of the most beautiful homes in the county, which is
tastefully surrounded with lovely lawns and shrubbery of many kinds.
Mr. Davis was united in marriage in I858 with Susan Graft, daughter
of Michael and Martha (Wade) Graft, farmers of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, whose parents were pioneers of that county. Mrs. Davis' father
died in 1847 and her mother, in 1898, both on the homestead farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They reared five children, of whom Mrs.
Davis is the only one now living. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of
four children, as follows: Mercer, born December 13, 1859, who is living
with his parents on the homestead farm; Winter, born October 3I, 1862, who
is married to Jane Roach, daughter of Michael Roach of Farmington township, Oakland County, and has five children,-Lucile, born October 31,
i8Qi, Miller, born in 1893, Samuel, born in 1894, Marshall, born in 1895,
and Gladys, born in 1896; Martha, who married Hon. Fred M. Warner, the
present Secretary of State of Michigan, whose sketch will be found elsewhere
in this work; and Susan, who was born January 8, I869, and died October
8, 1870. Mr. Davis is a Mason. He devotes little time to political affairs,
being independent and not affiliated with any party. Being a home lover, he
spends his leisure time with his family.
H. LEE WRIGHT.
H. LEE WRIGHT, a prosperous farmer of Groveland township, was
born on his present farm of I54 acres in section 34, on September 12, I854,
and has always been one of the practical farmers of Oakland County. He is
a son of Horatio and Sarah M. (Campbell) Wright, the former of whom
was born February 20, 1i88, in Washington County, New York, and the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

509

latter in Monroe County, New York, December I4, I823, and who is still
living with her son H. Lee.
Horatio Wright came to Michigan from Genesee County, New York,
with his brother David A. in 1842, and located on our subject's present farm
when it was but partially cleared. They drove nearly all the way in a wagon,
wagonmaking being their trade and one which Horatio followed to some
extent after coming to Michigan, while David A. continued in the business
much longer. One of the specimens of Horatio Wright's excellent workmanship is now in the possession of our subject, having been fashioned in
1848. They were among the early pioneers of Groveland township, and
were obliged to haul all their produce many miles, Pontiac, I6 miles distant,
being the principal market in those days. They endured many of the hardships inseparable from pioneer life. That Mr. Wright was a man above the
average in ability, was shown by his selection for offices of responsibility,a number of terms as supervisor, frequently as a justice of the peace and on
one occasion as a member of the State leegislature. He approved of the
Grange movement, and he also belonged to the Masonic fraternity, being a
Knight Templar. He was married to Sarah M. Campbell, a daughter of
William and Sarah Campbell, and they reared six children, namely: Austin
W., of Chicago; Irving C., of Detroit; Mrs. Mary C. Fulton, of Denver,
Colorado; Mrs. J. Ettie Evans, of Chicago; H. Lee, of this sketch; and Mrs.
Rose E. Sprague, of Michigan.
H. Lee Wright was educated in the local schools and has devoted his
subsequent life to agriculture. He has engaged in general farming and
stock raising, his leading crops being corn, oats, potatoes, hay and beans.
His sheep are of the Shropshire variety, his swine are Poland-China and
Berkshire, and he raises a small number of draft and driving horses. He
belongs to the good and capable farmers of Groveland township and the
superior condition of his land is a sufficient proof of the claim.
Tn 1883 Mr. Wrright was married to Mary D. Eddy, who was born in
Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and is a daughter of John and Sarah
Eddy. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, of whom J.
Stanley and Harold L., both representative young American youths, survive.
The daughter, Marie E., and her mother, both recently died.
In politics Mr. Wright is identified with the Democratic party and is
one of its leading exponents in his community. He has been township super

5 10

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

visor for the past two years and is one of the useful and public spirited citizens. Ile belongs to the local Grange, is a Master Mason, and is also a
member of the Knights of the Maccabees.
EDWIN S. WATERBURY.
EDWIN S. WATERBURY., one of the prominent and substantial farmers of
Springfield township, Oakland County, owning a fine, well improved farm
of 280 acres in sections I4 and 15, was born August 4, I862, in Rensselaer
County, New York, and is a son of Orville B. and Sarah A. (Casey) Waterbury, both natives of Rensselaer County, the latter a daughter of Colonel
Casey.
The parents of our subject spent their whole lives in their native locality.
They were farming people, prominent and substantial, respected by all who
knew them. Orville B. Waterbury was a Democrat in politics. In religious
belief he was a Baptist and a man of strict integrity, one whom his neighbors
always mentioned as one whose word was ever as good as his bond. Our
subject had one sister, Hattie M., who died at the age of 23 years.
Edwin S. Waterbury was reared on his father's farm and attended the
common schools in his locality. At the age of 20 years he came to Michigan
and settled at Tonia,.where he later engaged in the business of manufacturing
concrete sidewalks. Three years later he was made an attendant and still
later general supervisor at the State Asylum, where he was settled for five
yars. Prior to locating in Springfield township and engaging in farming,
he spent seven years as keeper of the county farm at Ionia. Mr. 'Waterbury
has for the past four years, occupied his present property, where he engages
in general farming, stock raising and dairying, his dairy being conducted
with I5 high grade Jersey cows. His sheep and hogs are of the best standard
stock, and the horses raised on his farm are the equal of any produced in the
township. Mr. Waterbury has been fortunate in the choice of his farm, the
land proving to be well watered and also well drained and productive to the
highest degree. He makes his leading crop potatoes, producing also corn,

MRS. CLARISSA B. BEARDSLEE

ORSAMUS BEARDSLEE

OAKLAND COUNTY.

5 5

oats and clover, his crops last season being I,000 bushels of grain; I,000
bushels of corn; 2,000 bushels of potatoes and 60 tons of hay. With 500
peach and 250 apple trees, Mr. Waterbury has done much to swell the vast
export trade in Michigan fruit.
Mr. Waterbury was married, first, to Madge Wheaton, who was born
in Montcalm County, Michigan, and at her death left one child, Roscoe. In
I89I Mr. Waterbury was married to Cora B. Gardiner, who was born in
Steuben County, New York, and is a descendant of Lyon Gardiner, who first
settled Gardiner's Island, New York. The three children of this marriage
are: Clifford G., George Maurice and J. Ronald.
In politics Mr. Waterbury is identified with the Republican party and
he has been called upon by his fellow citizens to fill a number of township
offices, serving as township treasurer at present. Fraternally he belongs to
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Grange. In religious belief and
attendance he is a Baptist. The members of the family are well known and
are held in very high esteem in Springfield township.
ORSAMUS BEARDSLEE.
ORSAMUS BEARDSLEE, one of the leading citizens of Oakland
County, has the distinction of being the largest land owner in Independence
township, possessing 560 acres, situated as follows: The southeast quarter
(I60 acres), the east half of the northeast quarter (80) acres, and the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter (40 acres), of section 13; the northeast
quarter of section 35 (I60 acres); the northwest quarter of the northeast
quarter of section 25 (40 acres); the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 24 (40) acres; and the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section i (40 acres). In addition to this land, Mr. Beardslee owns
Ioo acres in Orion township,-the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter
of section 8 (40 acres), and the west half of the southwest fractional quarter
of section I8 (60 acres). One hundred acres of this land was obtained from
the government in 1835, but all the rest has been added by purchase from
different parties.
29

5 I6

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Orsamus Beardslee was born October 24, 1825, in Sussex County, New
Jersey, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah (Fairchild) Beardslee, all of New
Jersey. His grandfather, Beverley Beardslee, and his great-grandfather,
Colonel Beardslee, who was an officer in the Revolutionary war, were also
born in Sussex County, where the old stone home in which they lived, still
stands. The family came originally from England.
Aaron Beardslee was one of a large family of children. He married Sarah
Fairchild and they had four children born to them,-Orsamus, John (deceased) and Barton, born in New Jersey, and Phoebe Ann (Lanning), now
deceased, born in Michigan. In 1832 Aaron Beardslee, accompanied by his
wife and three children, started to find a new home in the forests of Michigan.
The journey was long and tiresome and in our day of rapid transit would
seem appalling, but the completion of the Erie Canal had made travel comparatively easy when that waterway was reached. Our travelers went first
to Albany, thence by the canal to Buffalo and by steamboat to Detroit. The
remainder of the journey was completed by team. They joined a cousin, John
W. Beardslee, who since 1825 had been located at Sashabaw Plains, and had
taken up the first land in Independence township. They shared his home the
first summer and in the fall built a cabin in section 27 on land belonging to
Ieander Taylor, and in the following fall removed to section 13. Aaron
Beardslee built a cabin on United States land which two years later was
entered by his brother. There Mr. Beardslee died in 1837, when but 35 years
of age.
Orsamus Beardslee was six and a half years old when the family came
to Michigan, and his home has been in section 13, Independence township
since the fall of I833. When his father died, he was only 12 years old and
the eldest of the family, and responsibilities fell upon him that prevented much
school attendance. At first he worked by the month for neighboring farmers;
soon he became able to acquire land, which, added to the original tract, has
resulted in his present large holdings. Mr. Beardslee has always engaged
in general farming and his fertile land produces large crops, annually, something like 2,000 bushels of wheat; I,000 bushels of barley; 400 bushels of
buckwheat; and 3,000 bushels of potatoes. His 75 acres of oats will produce
from 50 to 70 bushels to the acre, and his 40 acres devoted to corn will average 75 bushels to the acre. His orchards are in a very flourishing condition,
and he has some 600 apple trees and 300 peach trees. He has engaged largely

OAKLAND COUNTY.

5 17

in the raising of high grade stock, keeping about 30 head of hogs, I2 head
of horses and 200 sheep. His operations are all carried on with improved
machinery and the excellent methods which insure success.
Mr. Beardslee was first married to Jane Hibbler, of New Jersey. Both
she and their son John are deceased. His second marriage was to Clarissa
Beardslee, a distant relative, and five children have been born to this union,
namely: Estella, who married Isaac I. Voorheis, and died in I886, leaving
two children,-Arthur and Homer; Aaron, who lives on a farm one mile
distant and has six children,-Nettie, Orsamus, H-azel, Charles, Julia and
Avery; Elmer, who resides on the Sashabaw Plains farm, and has these children,-C. Laverne, Irwin, Mary Josephine and Clarissa; Mrs. Susan Sherwood, of Oxford, who has three children, âAddie and Ada (twins) and
Glenn; and William, who remains at home, unmarried. Our subject's capable sons are managing their father's large estate, guided by his counsel and
experience. This large property has all been purchased by Mr. Beardslee, and
he paid the heirs $I,4oo for the original tract of Ioo acres that his father
left, which was appraised at $I,ooo.
Mr. Beardslee is a stanch Democrat and has been called upon to serve in
many of the local offices, holding all of them except that of township clerk,
although he has not sought any. For eight terms he was supervisor, declining to serve longer. He has frequently been a delegate to the county and
State conventions and had the satisfaction of materially assisting in the nomination of the last Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Mrs. Beardslee is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs.
Beardslee are shown on a preceding page, in connection with this sketch.
BENJAMIN F. MILLER.
BENJAMIN F. MILLER, one of the most prominent and most highly
esteemed citizens of the town of Ortonville, Brandon township, Oakland
County, is one of the township's four justices of the peace and has shown by

5X8

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his equitable decisions in the past to be well fitted for the position. He was
born in Amherst, Erie County, New York, in I838 and is a son of J. D. and
Catherine (Campbell) Miller.
J. D. Miller, who was a native of New York, came to Michigan with his
wife and family in I848, and settled in Groveland township, Oakland County,
where he became identified with the farming interests. His death took place
in I856, at the age of 44 years, after he had been in his new home only eight
years. His wife, who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, died in Oakland County
in I872, having reached the age of 58 years. They were the parents of three
children, namely: Oliver C., who when the Civil War broke out enlisted in
the 2oth Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Virginia,
and died in the Confederate prison at Danville; Campbell P., who enlisted in
the 27th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., as musician, and was killed in front of
Petersburg by a shell; and Benjamin F., our subject. Our subject's father was
a Whig in politics; he joined in the movement that resulted in the organization
of the Republican party.
Benjamin F. Miller was reared in Groveland township, Oakland County,
and educated in the district schools. He was trained for agricultural work and
remained on the homestead farm of 40 acres for many years after his father's
decease, for he became his mother's mainstay and support, when his two
brothers died for their country. He met with good success in his farming
operations and showed a spirit of progress and hustling ability when he also
engaged for several years in selling farm machinery, agricultural implements,
etc. Later he purchased property in the village of Ortonville, where he has
made his home for the past I2'years, being very comfortably situated.
Mr. Miller's first marriage was to Frances E. Perry of Groveland township, Oakland County, who died in 1876, leaving two children, namnely:
John F., now deceased and Ida E., who married Ellsworth Narrin, and lives
in Groveland township, Oakland County. His second marriage was to Mrs.
Lois E. Irish (nee Woodruff), who was the widow of George Irish. In his
religious views, Mr. Miller is liberal. He is a Republican and has for many
years been prominently identified with that party in his section of the county.
He is at present serving as a justice of the peace. For three years he served
as treasurer of Groveland township and also was highway commissioner.
He is a member of Lodge No. 339, F. &amp; A. M., of Ortonville, of which lodge
he is secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both members of Lodge No. 286,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

519

Order of the Eastern Star. By a former marriage Mrs. Miller was the
mother of two children: Ida, who died at the age of 20 years; and an infant,
not named.
CHARLES SMITH, JR.
CHARLES SMITH, JR., is a prominent and successful farmer and highly
esteemed citizen of Farmington township, Oakland County, where he owns
one of the finest farms in his community, which consists of 80 acres in section
I8. He was born in Germany in I840 and is a son of Charles and Mary
(Budca) Smith.
Charles Smith, the father of our subject, came to America with his wife
and family in I865 and located in Farmington township one mile east of the
village of Farmington and there engaged in farming and raising stock. Their
three children, all born in Germany, are as follows: Charles, Jr., whose name
heads this sketch; Fredericka, who married Fred Salon, resides on a farm
near Farmington village and has seven children,-Henry, Fred, Ann, Fredericka, Andrew, Lena and Ida; Lena, who married William Pauline, a farmer
of Wayne County, Michigan, and has five children,-William, Henry, Fred,
Minnie and Emma.
Charles Smith, Jr., received his education in Germany and engaged in
farm work there up to the time of coming to America with his parents, whom
he helped for a number of years after they located in Oakland County. In
I878 he purchased a farm of 50 acres in section I8, Farmington township,
a part of his present property, to which he later added 30 acres. He has been
actively engaged in general farming and has certainly made a success of his
vocation.
Mr. Smith was married to Rachel Tamm, a daughter of Carl Tamm, who
died in Germany. She immigrated to America with our subject's people and
the young folks were married on their arrival. They have reared five children
namely: Minnie, who was born in I867 and now resides at home; Etta
(deceased), born in I869, who married Louis Van Valkenburg,-they were
the parents of one child who died in infancy; Carl, born in I875, who was

520

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married August 5, I902, to Mary Blanchard, daughter of Volney Blanchard,
of Farmington township, Oakland County; Leona, born in 1878, who married
Don Conroy, resides east of Farmington, and has one child, Ione; and Lizzie,
born in I88I, who is teaching school at Walled Lake, Commerce township,
Oakland County. Mr. Smith is a member of the German Lutheran Church.
In the matter of politics, he is a Democrat.
JOSEPH E. CROSBY.
JOSEPH E. CROSBY, a prominent farmer of Oakland County, owning a
fine property of 95 acres, located on Crosby Lake, in sections 35 and 36,
Springfield township, and 80 acres in section I, White Lake township, was
born December 27, I860, near Chatham, Ontario, Canada, and is a son of
Enoch and Eliza (McDermott) Crosby, both of whom were born in Nova
Scotia. The grandfather was also born in Nova Scotia and bore also the name
of Enoch. He had a family of eight children, the third member being the
father of our subject.
Enoch Crosby, Jr., was born in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, and
died on his son's present farm, in I890, at the age of 68 years. He devoted
his whole life to agriculture and make his own way in the world, beginning
with no capital except health and industry and accumulating large means.
In I865 he removed from his home in Canada to Danvers, Essex County,
Massachusetts, within I6 miles of Boston, selling a farm of 200 acres prior to
leaving Canada. In 1875 he came with his family to Michigan and settled on
the present farm of his son, Joseph E. He was a man of Christian faith and a
great student of the Bible, having real it through many times. His seven children were: David G., deceased; Hannah A., who died at Orion, Oakland
County; Benjamin, deceased; Mrs. Susan M. Leach and Mrs. Elizabeth J.
Halk, of Orion, Oakland County: Joseph E.; and Mrs. Margaret M. J. Burwell, of Bear Lake, Manistee County, Michigan.
Joseph E. Crosby being but five years old when his parents removed to
Massachusetts, where they lived To years, received his education mainly in

OAKLAND COUNTY.

521

the Bay State. After coming to Michigan, he assisted his father in the cultivation of the present farm, which has been developed into one of the finest in
the township. It is beautifully situated on the border of Crosby Lake, a fine
sheet of water that may in time become very valuable in many ways. Successful farming and stock and cattle raising are carried on by Mr. Crosby, his
annual crops usually running 500 bushels of potatoes, 500 bushels of corn
and 500 bushels of other grain.
On September 14, I893, Mr. Crosby was married to Alice Burwell, who
was born in Manistee County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Peter Burwell.
Five children have been born to this marriage, namely: Maggie M., Irene
M,., William D., Thelma (deceased) and L. Ward. Mr. Crosby takes an
intelligent citizen's interest in politics, casting his vote uniformly for Republican candidates, but not seeking office himself. Fraternally he is a member of
Knights of the Maccabees.
EDMUND FOSTER.
EDMUND FOSTER, one of the most prominent citizens and largest farmers of Springfield township, Oakland County, located on a well cultivated
and finely improved farm of 305 acres in sections 25, 27 and 36, belongs
to one of the old pioneer families of the county. His parents were Frederick and Ann (Parker) Foster, natives of Kent, England, who came to
Michigan in I837.
Horatio Foster, the grandfather, was also born in Kent, England, and
settled in Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, in I837. He
was a carpenter and joiner and followed his trade in connection with farming and officiated in numerous local offices to which, as a man of probity
and good judgment, he was elected by his neighbors. He died in Springfield township at the age of 65 years, leaving five children, namely: Mrs.
Mary A. Harris; Horatio; Samuel; Frederick and John P.
Frederick Foster was born April I0, 1822, and at the age of six years
accompanied his parents to America, living with them for nine years at
Utica, New York. In I837 the family came to Oakland County by way

522

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of boat to Detroit and by team to Clarkston station, where the father took
up 40 acres of government land and built a cabin. After trying to make
there a good farm, and not succeeding very well, as the land was poor, in
1852 he removed to Springfield township. He bought and occupied four
farms, which now belong to our subject. Although he made a few financial
mistakes, he became in the estimation of most of his fellow citizens the
wealthiest man in the township. HIe was a man of the highest principles,honest, reliable and straightforward-one whose judgment was consulted
and advice taken in all important public matters. In politics he was independent, and voted for the man whom he thought best qualified for
the duties of the office. His death took place at his beautiful home
in Clarkston, which he had occupied for 12 years, in April, I800,
and he was buried on his 77th birthday anniversary. He was a man
whose memory should be preserved in the annals of Springfield township. He married Ann Parker, who was born in England and was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Parker. Five children were born to them,
the four who grew to maturity being: Edmund; Frederick H., who died at
23 years of age; Mrs. Adelaide L. Beardslee, of Michigan; and Clara S.,
a lady of culture and travel, who resides in the beautiful family home in
Clarkston, where the mother died July 5, I902.
Edmund Foster was born in Springfield township, Oakland County,
August 20, 1846, and has always made his home in that locality. He is a
very extensive farmer and cattle raiser and is known through the county as
one of the largest and most reliable breeders of Red Polled cattle, Shropshire sheep and Duroc-Jersey hogs. Formerly he was an extensive wheat
grower, but lately has given more attention to other products, raising
annually I,000 bushels of oats, 1,200 bushels of corn and 400 to 600 bushels
of potatoes. His seven acres of apple orchard help by 400 barrels to swell
the great apple yield of the State, while his small fruit brings in an extremely
large income. He has fine accommodations on his farm for his live stock
and the great yields of his land, while his home is one of comfort and
attractiveness. Mr. Foster, like his father, is a man of affairs and is frequently called upon to settle up estates and to take charge of the interests
of minors, and much of his time is devoted to Probate Court work.
On December 22, 1871, Mr. Foster was married to Alice Anderson,
who was born in Springfield township, Oakland County, and is a daugh

OAKLAND COUNTY.

523

ter of John W. and Ann (Moore) Anderson, the former of whom was born
in New York of Scotch ancestry, and the latter in New Jersey. Three children have been born to them, namely: Anna G., now a trained nurse, who
was formerly a successful teacher, being a graduate of the State Normal
School at Ypsilanti; Fred H., now interested in work in some copper mines
in Arizona, who attended the State Agricultural College at Lansing for
three years and is a very good business man; and Edith A., who is a student
in a college at Lansing. The members of the Foster family are prominent
in all social and agricultural movements in the locality and are most highly
esteemed on every side.
FRED WESTFALL.
FRED WESTFALL, a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser, of Farmington
township, Oakland County, whose farm consists of I07 acres in section 22,
was born in Germany in 1870 and is a son of John Westfall.
John WVestfall immigrated from Germany and located in Oakland County
in 1873. He purchased a farm in Farmington township of i88 acres, of
which our subject's farm is a part, and spent many years of hard labor in
the cultivation of the property. which is now owned by his two sons, Fred
and Charles. He is the father of nine children, six of whom are now living,
namely: Charles, who now owns 8I acres of the homestead farm on which
he lives,-he married Sophia Stammon and they are the parents of two
children, Harry and Edna; I-ouise, who married William Moss, of Farmington township, Oakland County, and has reared nine children,-John,
William, Herman, Paul, Elbert, Frederick, Lena, Ida and Minnie; Lena,
who married William Crumb, of Livonia township, Wayne County, and
has reared four children, ---Albert, Ida, Emma and Elsie; Sophia, who married Henry Schroeder, of Farmington township, Oakland County, and has
reared four children,- Touis, Lillian, Emma and Harley: Annie, who married John Landon; and Fred, our subject. John Westfall is now 8I years
of age and resides with his son Fred: he bids fair to round out a full century of life, as did his father before him.

524

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Fred Westfall came to America in 1873 in company with his parents.
He was educated in the schools of Farmington township, and early in life
took up the duties of a farmer. He conducts his farm, which was turned
over to him by his father, with creditable energy and wise expenditure of
effort. He is engaged in farming and also keeps quite a good deal of live
stock. From time to time he makes improvements on his place, and the
farm is consequently rapidly increasing in value.
Mr. W\estfall was married to Kate Landon, daughter of Christian Landon, of Livonia township, Wayne County, who came from Germany when
21 years of age and located in Wayne County, where he now lives on the
homestead farm at the age of 65 years. Our subject and wife are the parents of four children, namely: Herman, born May 17, 1896; Ida, born
April 21, I888; Edwin, born August 17, 1899, and Ella, born August 31,
I90I. Mr. Westfall is a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran
Church. As a citizen and neighbor he stands high in the estimation of the
people of Farmington township.
COOL BROTHERS.
COOL BROTHERS. The fine farm of I93 acres belonging to Eli W. and
David Cool, which is very favorably located in section 36, Springfield township, Oakland County, is one which excites favorable notice on account of
its evident fertility, its fine state of cultivation and its excellent improvements.
The parents of these brothers were Charles P. and Susan (Thatcher) Cool,
both of whom were born in New Jersey. Peter Cool, the grandfather, was
born in New Jersey and died in Pennsylvania, aged 77 years. The greatgrandfather came from Germany.
Charles P. Cool was the second son of his parents and was reared in
New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He came with his family to Michigan in
I855. He was always engaged in farming and by his industry accumulated
a large property, and became a prominent and influential citizen and a leading member of the local Democracy, holding a number of the offices. For

OAKLAND COUNTY.

525

40 years he was active in the Methodist church, being a class leader for a
a long period. He belonged to the Grange, and did much to encourage
that order in its early days. He enjoyed all kinds of outdoor entertainments
and was fond of hunting, his rugged frame making him able to stand much
exposure. He served in the State Militia, where his finte physique made him
a conspicuous figure. Mr. Cool lived to be 77 years of age and at his death
was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He was a man of high character and was much respected all through his neighborhood. He was married to Susan Thatcher, and a family of io children were born to them, as
follows: Mrs. Ann M. Beardslee, of Cedar Springs, Kent County, Michigan; Mrs. Jerusha Gale, of White Lake township, Oakland County; Mrs.
Rebecca Morgan, of Waterford township, Oakland County; Mrs. Loetta
Starkweather, of Springfield township, Oakland County; Peter, of Kalamazoo, Michigan: Mirs. Mary Smith, of Kent County, Michigan; Eli W., of
this sketch; Eleanor Margaret, deceased; David, of this sketch; and Mrs.
Orrilla Enright, of Toledo, Ohio.
Eli W. Cool was born at Hebron, Potter County, Pennsylvania, July
29, 1852, and hence was but three years old when his parents removed to
Mlichigan and settled on the family homestead in Springfield township. David
Cool was born on this farm January 17, 1855. In mentioning these two
attached brothers, it would be difficult to separate their interests as they are
so closely united. They own the farm equally, married sisters, are of the
same political belief and present an example of brotherly affection that is
remarkable. They engage in general farming, making a feature of the feeding of stock, and keep 25 head of cattle, I(o head of fine Shropshire sheep,
and 20 head of Chester White hogs. Annually they raise I,ooo bushels of
potatoes; 800 bushels of corn; 30 to 50 tons of hay; and 600 bushels of oats.
They are men noted for their industry, their integrity and for their practical and successful methods of farming. Both brothers are identified with
the Democratic party. Eli WV. Cool is fraternally connected with the Knights
of the Maccabees.
On November IT, 1879, Eli W. Cool was united in marriage with
Ellen Warren, who was born in Oakland County, and is a daughter of William F. Warren. On April 8. i885, David Cool was married to Flora Warren, also a daughter of Willian F. Warren, and two children have been
born to this union, âEdna M. and Raymond F.

526

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The families occupy different dwellings, both comfortable and attractive. They have built three large barns and have a first class sheep shed
and other shelter for the stock.
JACOB L. LOMIS.
JACOB L. LOMIIS, one of the representative farmers of Brandon township,
Oakland County, who owns a fine, well improved farm of 200 acres, was
born in the town of Chili, New York, in I828. IHe is a son of Thomas N. and
Julia (Deland) Lomis, who settled in Oakland County, December I, 1836.
Thomas N. Lomis was born in I807 in Hamilton, Madison County, New
York, and was a son of Jacob L. and Nancy (Noble) Lomis, who were pioneer settlers in New York from Massachusetts. At the age of 20 years
Thomas N. Lomis was married and he resided in his native State until he
removed to Michigan. He was a progressive man and fine farmer and became
also a valued township official. Upon retiring from active work, he removed
to the village of Oakwood, Oakland County, where he resided until his death
which occurred February 22, r879. At one time Mr. Lomis owned 400 acres
of land in Brandon township and was always reckoned with the leading and
substantial men. The mother of our subject, who was also a native of New
York, died at the age of 46 years, in I855. Our subject was the eldest born
in his parents' family, the others being: Mary C., who is the wife of Almon
Frost, of Orion township, Oakland County; Franklin L., who resides with his
brother Oscar in Brandon township, Oakland County; Nancy, who is the wife
of Porter Butler of Orion township, Oakland County, these four being among
the first children born in the township; Emily, who is the wife of Marshall
Frost of Orion township, Oakland County; Oscar D., who is a farmer on the
old homestead farm in Brandon township, Oakland County; Agnes, who is the
wife of Gleason Perry, of Pontiac; and Josephine, who is deceased.
Our subject was eight years old when his parents settled in Michigan,
and he was given what school advantages the time and locality afforded. His
present fine farm is a part of the land formerly owned by his father. It is

OAKLAND COUNTY.

5 27

finely improved and ranks with the most productive and valuable in his part of
the county. Like his father, Mr. Lomis has taken an active part in township
affairs, and, as a man of substance and reputation, has been entrusted with a
number of the local offices.
On March 24, I853, Mr. Lomis was married to Esther E. Cole, who was
born in 1825 in New York, and is a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Hillman)
Cole, the latter of whom died when Mrs. Lomis was an infant. The Cole
family moved to Michigan in I849. Mr. Cole was a blacksmith and followed
his trade at Ortonville, Brandon township, Oakland County, dying some 47
years ago. Volney Cole, a son, died in Springfield township, Oakland County,
in January, I893, leaving a widow.
Mr. and Mrs. Lomis have three children, viz: Frank L., a farmer, whose
first wife, Mary Abeal, died in I885, leaving two children, Louis, of Oregon,
and Carrie, of Andersonville, Oakland County, by his second wife, Lena Matteen, he has had two children, Lizzie, deceased, and May; Delos P., residing
on a part of the home farm, who married Carrie Jones and has one son, Jay
0., one child having died in infancy; and Florence, who married James Van
Wagoner of Pontiac, who is in the insurance business, and has three children,
-Jacob, Esther and Murray. Mr. Lomis has been a Mason since the age of
25 years and is affiliated with Oakwood Lodge. He is one of the directors of
the Oakwood Cemetery Board. Religiously, the family is connected with the
Congregational Church.
LOUIS GILDEMEISTER.
Louis GILDEMEISTER, who owns and conducts the Farmington Roller
Flouring Mills, is one of the representative business men of the town of
Farmington, Oakland County. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in I857
and is a son of Frederick Gildemeister, who was a miller in Germany and
taught his son the trade. Our subject's mother died in I868 and his father,
in I881.
Louis Gildemeister, after the death of his father, set out for America
to make his fortune. Upon his arrival he started upon a most successful
career, first locating in Wisconsin, where he followed his trade for six weeks,

528.

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and then removing to Plymouth, Michigan, where he found employment in
the Wilcox Flouring Mills. Later he removed to Northville and worked for
ii years in the Northville Flouring Mills. In 1895 he located in Farmington, Oakland County, and built the Farmington Roller Flouring Mills, with
a capacity of 50 barrels of flour every 24 hours, which he still owns and
conducts, running it at present at full capacity, and employing three hands.
Mr. Gildemeister was married at Northville, Michigan, to Emily Paselk,
a native of Germany. They are the parents of five children, namely;
Leopold, born in I888; Emma, born in I80o; Edwin, born in I893; Lillian,
born in I896; and George, born in I900.
Socially, our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is a
worker in the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Politically he is a
Republican and is always ready to assist in furthering any project likely to
be of service in building up the community.
GEORGE S. FITCH.
GEORGE S. FITCH, a wealthy land owner and representative farmer of
Independence township, Oakland County, residing on his handsome farm
of 20o acres situated in section 34, was born December 19, 1867, and is a
son of Henry and Hannah (Cowdin) Fitch and a grandson of Stephen
Fitch.
Stephen Fitch, who was a native of New York, came to Michigan at
an early date, and here began the clearing and the cultivation of the land
with the rest of the pioneer farmers who came here when he did. After
several years of hard work he succeeded in raising crops that made things
easier for him thereafter. When he retired from active work, he removed
to the village of Romeo, Michigan, and invested in considerable land in
the vicinity of Elba. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
He had a family of four children, namely: Henry; Stephen, who resides
at Bridgeport, Alabama, where he is postmaster; Martha, who died while

OAKLAND COUNTY.

529

in the years of girlhood; and George, a resident of Detroit, Michigan, interested in the Egger wholesale sugar house, of which he is bookkeeper.
Henry Fitch, our subject's father, was born in Maconlb County, Michigan, February 28, 1838, and lived there until he was 21 years of age and
then removed to Independence township, Oakland County, where he farmed
for many years and was among the most prosperous farmers of his community. He died on the old homestead March II, 1899. Politically he was
a Republican. In fraternal circles he was a member of the K. O. T. M. He
was an elder in the Presbyterian Church for many years and always took
an active part in the work of that church. He was married to Hannah
Cowdin, a native of Brandon township, Oakland County, Michigan, and a
daughter of Adam Cowdin. They were blessed with three children, namely:
Ada (Starring), who now resides in Rochester, Oakland County; George
S.; and Maude (Miller), who resides in Pontiac.
George S. Fitch was reared and educated in Independence township,
and has always lived on his present farm of 120 acres, which is situated
in section 34, on Woodhull Lake and the Clinton River. He has been very
successful in his farming career. The homestead is well kept and is supplied
with several large and substantial farm buildings. He is engaged in general
farming and keeps abreast of the progress in agriculture in practicing a
rotation of crops. He raises annually about I,ooo bushels of potatoes and
800 bushels of corn, besides a very large hay crop. He is a Republican but
takes little interest in any political affairs. In fraternal circles he is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Gleaners and of the Grange. He
is a member of the Presbvterian Church at Sashabaw Plains.
CAPT. M. D. ELLIOTT.
CAPT. M. D. ELLIOTT, one of the prominent citizens of Rose township,
Oakland County, owning a fine farm of I60 acres, located in section 5, is
also one of the honored survivors of the Civil War. He was born in Montgomery County, New York, in 1847, and is a son of Alexis and Elizabeth
(Tripp) Elliott, both of the State of New York.

53o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Captain Elliott was reared in New York, where he remained until he
was I9 years old and then joined his parents in Holly township, Oakland
County, Michigan, where they had been located some two years, and where
they died. Our subject remained with them only for a visit, as he had taken
care of himself since he was nine years old. Prior to coming to Michigan,
he had been working on farms in Otsego County, New York, and he continued to be thus employed in Oakland County until the opening of the Civil
War. Among the first to offer his services, he enlisted in the 2nd Reg.,
Michigan Vol. Cav., but was transferred to Battery H, First Michigan Light
Artillery, with which he served three years. He was commissioned 2nd lieutenant during the siege of Vicksburg, his gallantry through this time of
danger giving him the commission. After the siege he received a commission as ISt lieutenant. In the spring of I864 he won his rank as captain and
wvas mustered out as such at Louisville, Kentucky, December 27, I864.
Although he participated in all the maneuvers of serious import in the Army
of the Tennessee for three and a half years, he was never seriously injured,
coming the nearest to it when he was struck by a piece of shell at the siege
of Vicksburg.
After the close of the war, Captain Elliott returned home and figuratively turned his trusty sword into a pruning hook, resuming his agricultural
life and operating his farm in Rose township until within the past 12 years,
during which time he has resided in the village of Holly, in a comfortable
home on Maple street. He has leased his farm and since I89I has been retired
from agricultural activity.
Captain Elliott was married to Arvilla E. Seeley, of Michigan, who
passed away in I895, leaving besides one adopted daughter, Cora Belle, the
following four children: Herbert M., a prominent attorney of Marion, Indiana, educated at Detroit and the University of Michigan, who practiced
before the Michigan bar prior to moving to Indiana, and has a family of two
children; George M., also an attorney of Marion, Indiana, in partnership
with his brother, being the junior member of the firm of Elliott &amp; Elliott;
John D., who is a lumber merchant of Duluth, Minnesota, and has one child;
and Adelaide E., who married William Zelner, who is in: business at Fenton,
Genesee County, Michigan, and has two children. Captain Elliott was married, second, to Laura Pratt, who was born in Otsego County, New York.
One little daughter, Marion H., has been born to them, now aged five years.

MR. AND MRS. HORACE A. GREEN

OAKLAND COUNTY.

533

In his early manhood, Captain Elliott was a Whig, but later became
identified with the Republican party and for a long period has been a leading
Republican in his locality, having been elected representative to the State
Legislature from Oakland County in I876. Fraternally he is a Mason,
belonging to blue lodge, chapter and council. He was one of the prime
movers in the organization of McPherson Post. G. A. R., of Holly, was a
charter member and has served as commander. Three is no braver survivor
of the days the Grand Army recalls, nor more whole souled gentleman and
patriotic citizen of Oakland County than is the Oibject of this sketch.
HORACE A. GREEN.
HORACE A. GREEN. We have the pleasure to present to our readers in
the following brief article the biography of one of Farmington township's
most prominent agriculturists, whose name heads these lines. He resides on
his well cultivated farm in section 6, Farmington township, Oakland County.
He was born May 17, I835, on the homestead farm in section 31, West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, and he is a son of Zephaniah R. and Zarilla
(Gould) Green, and grandson of Levi Green.
Levi Green was one of those brave patriots who fought with heart and
soul in the War of Independence that their country might be free. He took
part in the battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington, distinguishing himself for
bravery and zeal in the cause. Our subject has in his possession a powder horn
which was carried by his grandfather in those battles. On this powder horn
was engraved by Levi Green's father (our subject's great-grandfather), Timothy Green, the following inscription: "Levi Green, His Horn, Who Enlisted in
the Continental Service to Range in the County of Albany in the Year 1776
Under Leftenant Jackson During the Congress." Our subject has also in
his possession a pension claim signed by the War Department, giving his
grandfather Levi Green a yearly pension of $23.32 as a Revolutionary soldier.
On his mother's side, Horace A. Green is a grandson of Nathan Gould,
30

534

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who was born February 2I, 1767, and lived in Hopkinton, Massachusetts,
where he farmed on the old Cornish Turnpike. He was married to Betsy
Goodwin, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and they had nine children, of whom
our subject's mother was the seventh. She was born December 14, 1803,
and married Zephaniah R. Green, December 3, I826, at Livonia, Livingston
County, New York. Zephaniah R. Green was born August 6, I801, and died
February 6, I879. Our subject's parents had the following children: Addis
Emmett, born October 17, I827; Nancy Almeda, born October 9, I829; Adeliza Lutheria, born April 7, e83I, and died June 9, I892; Emma Maria, born
May 25, 1833, who is the widow of George H. Heliker-she resides at Pontiac,
Michigan, and has reared five children, Ida, George, Kate, Samuel and Mildred; Horace Alphonso, our subject; Saphronia, born May 17, 1837, and died
October 6, I840; Lucy Ordelia, born March I8, 1839, who married Charles
E. Seeley, resides at Garden City, South Dakota, and has seven children,
Grant, Harry, Clare E., Mary, Eugene, Frank and Alice; and Betsy Louisa,
born October 8, 1841, and died June 17, I886, who was the wife of Byron C.
Phelps of Novi township, Oakland County,-they were the parents of two
children: Gertrude, who married Delmar Morrell of Allegan, Michigan, and
has three children, Pearl, Ruby and Vina Opal; and Byron, who died in
infancy.
Horace A. Green received a good education in the schools of Oakland
County, and from boyhood days has always been engaged in the pursuits of
agriculture. He is a man of great business activity, and has accumulated
considerable property, being one of the largest land owners in the county.
His father left him 80 acres of the homestead farm that the former had
taken up as government land in the early days and which is located in section
3T, West Bloomfield township. This property Mr. Green still owns and it is
now being farmed by his son, Arthur Ray Green. Later Mr. Green purchased
70 acres in section 6, Farmington township, where his home is located, 30
acres of which, however, he let his brother, Addis Emmett Green, have. Subsequently our subject purchased 80 acres in section 5, Farmington township, and in I895, at the sale of the old homestead farm to make a final settlement with the heirs, our subject's son, William L., bid in 80 acres of the
same, which after the latter's death came into the possession of our subject,
who is now the owner of the original quarter section taken up by his father.
Mr. Green is still actively engaged in superintending his business interests,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

535

although approaching an age when most men desire to retire from active
labor.
Mr. Green was married November 22, 1865, to Mary E. Seeley, who is
a daughter of Edward H. and Calista (Walker) Seeley, who spent the
greater portion of their lives in the occupation of farming and stock raising
in Novi township, Oakland County, later removing to Wayne County, where
Mr. Seeley died in May, I882, at the age of 70 years; his wife's death followed
in February, I902, on our subject's farm, having reached the age of 80
years. Mr. and Mrs. Seeley were the parents of eight children, namely:
Charles E., Major H., Mary E. (Mrs. Green), William P., Emma M.
(deceased), Frank (deceased), Isabella and Herbert A. Mr. and Mrs. Green
have been blessed with five children, namely: Emma May, born May 20, I869,
and died September Io, I870, in infancy; William L., born August 28, 187 t,
and died December 7, 1897; Arthur Ray, born August 19, 1875, who was
married to Nellie W. McCracken, and lives on the grandfather's old homestead;
Addie Bell, born August 5, I877, and died October 23, 1877; and Grace
Calista, born April 6, I88I, who married Charles H. Halsted, son of Harvey
Halsted, whose history will be found elsewhere in this volume,-Mr. and
Mrs. Halsted had one child, Helen M., born February 7, I903, who died when
a few weeks old. In fraternal circles Mr. Green is a Mason and Knight
Templar. Politically he is a Republican. A portrait of Mn. and Mrs. Horace
Green accompanies this sketch, being presented on a preceding page.
WILLIAM A. BREWSTER.
WILLIAM A. BREWSTER, who is serving his second term as sheriff of
Oakland County, was born in Oakland township, Oakland County, Michigan, in 1853, and is a son of Peter and Amelia W. (Swayze) Brewster, the
former of whom was born in New York and the latter, in New Jersey.
The late Peter Brewster was a lineal descendant of one of two brothers
who came to America in the "Mayflower" and landed on Plymouth Rock.
His grandfather was Eliphas Brewster, and his father was.Ezra Brewster.

5.36

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The latter was born in Vermont, was a soldier in the War of I812, and followed farming as a vocation. He later settled near Rochester, Monroe
County, New York, having previously married Hannah Shetler, a native of
the Green Mountain State, who was left an orphan at an early age. In the
spring of 1825, Ezra Brewster visited the West and spent some time in
looking over the country in what was then the Territory of Michigan. In
the following spring he returned, accompanied by his son Peter, and they
mlde a considerable sojourn in Oakland County, but returned east a second
time and shortly after removed to Mahopac, Putnam County, New York.
Ezra Brewster remained there three years, engaged in the manufacture of
shingles. At that time there were 50 per cent. more Indians in that locality
than white people, but the red men were peaceable and caused no disturbances. Mr. Brewster accumulated enough in the timber region where lie had
his home to enable him to pay for 80 acres of government land and he
removed to Oakland township, Oakland County, Michigan. He purchased
an ox team to assist in carrying on his work, his first efforts being directed to
the building of a log house and barn. He made a good farm out of his wild
land and lived to enjoy a good home many years, dying on his homestead in
1878, aged 78 years. In political convictions he was a Democrat. He was
one of the well known and honored pioneers and his wrife was equally well
thought of. Her cheerful endurance and earnest effort to assist her husband
and care for her family under hard conditions enlisted esteem and admiration. She died in 1870, in her 74th year. They were the parents of six
children, namely: Caroline, Peter, Owen, Deborah, Stephen G., and Allen.
Peter Brewster, father of our.subject, was born in Rutland County,
Vermont, October 27, I809, but his early school (lays were passed in Monroe County, New York. He was 15 years old when he accompanied his
father to Michigan, and his strong frame and robust strength made it possible for him to wield the ax to good effect on the heavy timber which then
covered the farm. He was always his father's willing helper, in the meantime taking advantage of such school privileges as were offered, although
they were limited in number. He-remained with his father until his majority
and then began working by the month, and for a year and a half was
employed by a man who paid him at the rate of $12 a month. He saved all
he could from his stipend and was finally able to buy 80 acres of land upon
which to establish a home. He as rapidly as possible removed the forest

OAKLAND COUNTY.

537

growth, brought the land under subjection, established agricultural conditions, put up good buildings and started on a very successful career. The
attention he gave to stock raising was well rewarded, and he lived on his
property until I877, when he moved into Pontiac. Here he remained until
1882 when he went to Dakota, took up a claim and later added to it, making
the estate I20 acres. This he sold to a railroad company for $3,000 and then
bought another tract of I60 acres which was situated in what is now South
Dakota. It became Mr. Brewster's habit to spend the winters in Michigan
and the summers in Dakota, which he continued until the last few years of
his life, which he passed in Pontiac, where he (lied in 1898. lie had ample
provision made for his declining years, provided by former industry and good
management.
Mr. Brewster passed through every phase of pioneer life. He lixed
to see the once wild country changed into a highly cultivated region, peopled
by a happy and contented people. One of his chief delights during the time
of his early residence here was (leer stalking, and more than 3co of these
animals fell before his trusty rifle. He became the most noted deer hunter
in his neighborhood and the first barn he built was known to the early settlers as "Hunters' Deposit." When past four-score years, he enjoyed taking
his shot-gun and going for a hunt, and nearly every year he took a trip into
the Northern woods for that purpose. Bears were numerous when he first
came to this country and exciting sport was found in the bear hunts of that
period.
On March I8, 1833, Peter Brewster was united in marriage with Amelia
W. Swayze, who shared his fortunes for about 60 years. She was born in
Warren County, New Jersey, April 20, I812, and was the youngest of 12
children comprising the family of Christopher and Sarah (Davis) Swayze.
On the maternal line she was descended from a passenger on the "Mayflower" and her Grandfather Davis was a Revolutionary soldier. Her
mother was born in Orange County, New Jersey and died in Oakland
County, at the age of 93 years. The family came West in I832 and the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brewster was solemnized in Oakland County. They
reared six children, namely: De Witt A., who died in June, I89I; Martin S.
who is a farmer in Troy township, Oakland County; Sarah, who is a widow
living at Pontiac; Clark A., a member of the 22ind Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav.,
during the Civil War. later a farmer in the State of Washington, who died

538

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

February 27, 900o, at Grand Rapids, Michigan; William A., who is the
present sheriff of Oakland County; and Mary E., who is the wife of Silas
Hillman of Pontiac.
Peter Brewster bore his part in carrying on the affairs of the community in which he lived, having been township collector, assessor and constable,
holding office for a number of years. Politically he was a Democrat, and his
first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson. Both he and his wife were identified with the Methodist Church for over six decades, and for a number of
years he was a class leader. Temperate to an extreme degree, never using
either intoxicants or tobacco, Mr. Brewster retained his health and activity
to old age. He enjoyed his reputation of being the best thresher in this portion of Michigan and he was one of the first to make use of the steam
thresher, following the business for 40 years without a vacation. His
upright life won many friends, not only in Oakland County, but in many
districts, where he was as, well known.
William A. Brewster was educated in the schools of Oakland County
and attended the Pontiac High School. He started into business in a clerical position with P. A. Hitchcock, and was associated with the clothing
business at Pontiac for 24 years. From early manhood Mr. Brewster has
been prominent in civic affairs. serving in official positions for io years prior
to being elected the first time to his present responsible position in the fall of
1900. He served four terms as alderman, and two consecutive terms as mayor
of Pontiac, his personal qualifications and his display of administrative ability
proving his eminent fitness for his present office. He is acknowledged to be
the most efficient sheriff that Oakland County has had in a long period.
Mr. Brewster was united in marriage with Kittie E. Windiate, who was
born in Pontiac township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Walter
Windiate. A family of four children have been born to this marriage, viz:
Jay W., born in Oakland township in 1881, who is a graduate of the Pontiac High School: Ethel Grace, who graduated in the class of 1903 from
the Pontiac High School; and Jennie lone and Demarus, who are attending
school. The pleasant family home is located at No. 279 Perry street, Pontiac, and is known to many family friends as a center of hospitality and good
feeling. In religious views the family are Congregationalists.
Mr. Brewster has been connected with Masonry since 1875 and belongs
to Pontiac Lodge, No. 2I, F. &amp; A. M.; Pontiac Chapter, R. A. M.; and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

539

Pontiac Commandery, K. T., and has served in the various offices of the
same. He holds membership also in the Knights of Pythias, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while both he and Mrs.
Brewster belong to the order of Eastern Star.
GEORGE NARRIN.
GEORGE NARRIN,'assistant postmaster at Ortonville, Brandon township,
and a well known citizen, was born in 1843 in Groveland township, Oakland
County, and is a son of William and Sallie (Moore) Narrin, both of whom
were born in New York.
William Narrin came first to Oakland County in 1836 from Walworth
County, New York, but did not settle here until I838, when he bought a
farm in section 14, Groveland township, that is now owned by our subject.
He was accompanied here by two brothers, Clinton and John S., both of
whom became farmers in Groveland township, but are long since deceased.
Some of their descendants still reside there. William Narrin removed to
Ortonville in I875, but died at Flint, Michigan, at the age of 69 years. He
was prominent in politics, first as a Whig, later as a Republican, and served
many years as a justice of the peace in Groveland township. The mother of
our subject died in I900 at the age of 86 years. and her children-five sons
and one daughter-have all passed away except George Narrin, our subject.
Lewis died in New York; John was an Indian trader located near Denver,
Colorado, where he died; Jeremiah who was a farmer, died near Goodrich,
Michigan; William died young; and Helen, born after the family came to
Michigan, who died young.
George Narrin was reared in Groveland township and until the death of
his father engaged in farming, removing then to Ortonville. He still conducts the farm of 240 acres in Groveland township, through tenants, and also
owns another farm of Ioo acres in Brandon township.
Mr. Narrin was married to Abbie Moore, who was born in I850 in the

540

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

State of New York. Three sons have been born to them,-John, William
and Joseph. The last named, who was a young man of great promise, was
born in Brandon township and died at the age of 22 years, in February, I903.
John Narrin, whose wife is Mary Wolfe, a daughter of F. H. Wolfe of this
county, conducts the large farm in Groveland township. William Narrin
has been postmaster of Ortonville for the past five years and our subject
acts in the capacity of deputy or assistant. For a number of years William
Narrin has been engaged in mercantile pursuits at Ortonville; he was married
to Estella Addis, who is a daughter of William Addis of Ortonville, and they
have one son, George Addis.
George Narrin has always been a Republican, but he has not been an
office seeker, supporting the party from principle. He belongs to no fraternal
societies, but his son William is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, while his son John belongs to both the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees. Mrs. Narrin is a member of the
Methodist Church, which Mr. Narrin also favors and to which he generously
contributes. The family is one of standing in the town and all of its members are held in the highest esteem.
HON. JOSEPH EDWARD SAWYER.
HON. JOSEPH EDWARD SAWYER, a member of the legal profession, is
the most prominent real estate dealer of Oakland County and is keenly alive
to the value of enterprises calculated to further the development of the city of
Pontiac. He was born in Piermont, Grafton County, New Hampshire, January I, 1847, and is the seventh child and only son of Hon. Joseph and Mary
(Dole) Sawyer. He is a lineal descendant of Thomas Sawyer, who was born
in England about the year i615, and died at Lancaster, Massachusetts. His
ancestors for generations past have lived to attain advanced ages, notable
among them being Rev. John Sawyer, of Bangor, Maine, who reached the
great age of 103 years and five days; at the time of his death, October 14,
1858, he was possibly the oldest minister in the United States.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

541

Hon. Joseph Sawyer, father of our subject, was born in Grafton County,
New Hampshire, and for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
served several terms as the Representative of his district in the State Legislature, and filled numerous other public offices with honor and ability. He
died July 4, I858, in the 73rd year of his age. He was united in marriage with
Mrs. Mary (Dole) Plastridge, a daughter of Capt. Moses Dole. Her father,
shortly after his marriage to Lucy Poor of Charlestown, New Hampshire,
moved to Canaan, New Hampshire, in 1802. He bought the tavern and farm of
Dudley Gilman, and hung out a sign on which was painted "Mr. Dole's Inn,
1802." The sign swung there for more than a quarter of a century. He was
a member of the "New Hampshire Rangers" during the Revolutionary War.
He was elected to various offices of trust, the duties of which he discharged
with fidelity. He was a courteous gentleman and Mrs. Dole was distinguished
for her refinement and intelligence. She died in October, 1826. Captain
Dole died in I828, and was buried with Masonic honors by his brothers of
Mount Moriah Lodge. They had two children,-Joseph who died in I8I7,
aged I6 years, and Mary, who was born October 28, 1803. Mary Dole was
married to Dr. Charles Plastridge, who died October 16, 1824, at the age of
29 years. In 1829 she was married to Hon. Joseph Sawyer. She was a member
of the Congregational Ch lrch from I8r6 until her death, and was beloved by
everyone who knew her. She died February T, 1885, in her 82nd year, at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. C; F. Kimball, at Pontiac, Michigan. All the
children were at her bedside when she died, namely: Mrs. C. F. Kimball
(Catherine Lucy Sawyer); Mrs. John Calloway (Mary Dole Sawyer), who
died September 4, I888, at Cambridge City, Indiana; Mrs. Evan Hughes
(Eleanor Sawyer) and Miss Lizzie Sawyer, of Cambridge City, Indiana: Mrs.
James Newby (Zelender Poor Sawyer), of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and
Joseph E. Sawyer.
Joseph E. Sawyer attended the public schools of Piermont and later the
academy at Bradford, Vermont, and when I6 years of age went to Michigan
City, Indiana, then to Cambridge City. He studied in private schools and in
the academy at Dublin, Indiana, and then entered the literary department of
the University of Michigan. He was a member of the class of I869 but left
before graduation. He went to Boscobel, Wisconsin, and entered the law
office of Hon. George Hazelton. In I867 he formed a co-partnership with
Benjamin Shearer, under the firm name of Shearer &amp; Sawyer, for the practice

542

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of law, being then 20 years of age. They continued one year and Mr. Sawyer
then removed to Pontiac and entered the law office of Hon. M. E. Crofoot.
He was admitted to the Oakland County bar September 29, I869. He was
elected Circuit Court commissioner for Oakland County in 1872 and in 1875
was appointed United States commissioner for the Eastern District of Michigan. In 1878 he associated himself with J. D. and F. D. Standish of Detroit
under the firm name of Sawyer, Standish &amp; Company, with office in Detroit,
proprietors of the Tappan, McKillop &amp; Company Commercial Agency, Mr.
Sawyer being manager of the legal department. In 189I he associated himself
with others in organizing the Pontiac Iand &amp; Improvement Company, of
which he was secretary and general manager, Hon. J. D. Norton being president. This corporation is entitled to much credit for the prosperity which the
city of Pontiac has enjoyed since its organization. Mr. Sawyer gave himself
to the work with so much energy that he was compelled to practically abandon
almost everything else, and since the organization of the Pontiac Land &amp;
Improvement Company he has platted and sold lo additions to the city, the
latest being the Ferry Addition, to handle which he organized the Pontiac
Investment &amp; Promotive Company, of which he is secretary and manager.
Mr. Sawyer was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Eastern
Michigan Asylum by Governor Alger in 1855, to fill a vacancy caused by the
death of Hon. W. M. McConnell, was re-appointed by Governor Luce, and
again by Governor Rich, serving 14 years consecutively, during which time
he was present at every meeting of the joint board of trustees of Michigan,
every monthly and special meeting of his own board save one, every meeting
of the executive committee and all meetings of other committees of which he
was a member. H:-e is a Republican in politics and was a delegate to the
Republican National Convention of I884, which nominated James G. Blaine,
and has been chairman of the Republican County Committee. He is a man of
untiring energy and great ambition, making a success of every venture with
which he is connected.
On October 17, 1877, Mr. Sawyer was joined in marriage with Lizzie V.
Satterlee, who was born in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, July 31,
I856, and was a daughter of George H. and Jane (Flower) Satterlee. She
was three years old when she moved with her parents to Central Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan, where she remained until her father's death in I875;
then with her mother and sisters she came to Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer

OAKLAND COUNTY.

543

have the following children: Lizzie Belle, born August 8, 1878, who is the,
wife of A. R. Stockwell of Pontiac; Mary Lucile, born April 12, I880; Kate
Eleanor, born November i8, I884; Joseph Satterlee, born July 25, I890, and
Thomas.Dole, born January 27, I901.
The Sawyer family has long been prominent in Masonry. Col. Edward
Sawyer, uncle of our, subject, joined the fraternity at the age of 21 years and
was the second oldest Mason in the United States at his death, February 2,
I885, aged 97 years. Joseph E. Sawyer was initiated May 27, I870, in Pontiac
Lodge, No. 21, F. &amp; A. M., of which he afterwards was master. He was
exalted in Oakland Chapter, R. A. M., January 29, 1875, of which he became
high priest. June 28, I875, he became a member of Pontiac Council, No. 3,
R. &amp; S. M., of which he was elected thrice illustrious master; was knighted
in Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, K. T., March 7, I876; elected prelate March
6, 1877, captain-general in I88o, and eminent commander in I885. He is
also past chancellor of Pontiac Lodge, No. I9, K. of P., and has served as
district deputy grand chancellor and chairman of the committee on foreign
correspondence. The foreign correspondence reports of Michigan for I89o
and I89I written by Mr. Sawyer received much favorable notice from the
reviewers of other grand domains, of which the following from the able pen
of Hon. M. L. Stevens, who had written the report for Maine for many years
and was universally acknowledged the ablest writer of such reviews in the
United States, is a fair sample. In reviewing the Journal of Michigan for
I89T, he says, "The Correspondence Report (oo00 pp.) is without exception
the very best, from any juridsiction, which we have ever read. Bro. Sawyer
has reached, almost at a bound, a degree of excellence as a Reporter which we
have vainly striven for almost a score of years to attain. As furnishing an
accurate and thoroughly interesting bird's-eye-view of what is going on
throughout the Order, he has no peer. The nearest approach to his excellence
was made by the lamented Dayton of Connecticut in 1884."
In the military branch of the Knights of Pythias, Mr. Sawyer has held
the rank of colonel since 1892 and served upon the staff of the major general
in the bi-ennial encampments at Kansas City, Cleveland, Washington, Indianapolis and Detroit. He is venerable sheik of Mecca Temple, No. 56, D. O.
K. K., and has filled that position since the institution of the Temple May 5,
I896, with the exception of one year when that office was held by Rev. Edward
Collins, of Detroit.

544

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Sawyer is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church and was for
many years a vestryman of Zion Church of Pontiac. He was a lay reader
under Bishop Harris and held services at various places in Oakland County,
notably at Clintonville, where he established a flourishing mission in 1887.
FREDERICK STEINBAUGH.
FREDERICK STEINBAUGH, who is the owner of a fine home and 107 acres
of some of the best land in Springfield township, located in sections 30 and 3I,
was born in Hesse, Germany, November I8, 1830, and is a son of
Michael and Elizabeth (Banhardt) Steinbaugh, grandson of Henry Steinbaugh, and a great-grandson of Frederick Steinbaugh, who took part in the
Revolutionary War, as one of the Hessian contingent of the British Army.
After thoroughly understanding the cause of the war, he joined the American
forces and after the discomfiture of Great Britain returned to Germany where
he received a pension from the United States government.
Michael Steinbaugh, our subject's father, learned the blacksmith's trade
in his native land and came to Michigan about io years before his death at
Detroit at the age of 79 years. He was the father of seven children, viz:
Mary, John, Marie E., Amelia, Frederick, Leonard and Anna; four of these
came to America.
Frederick Steinbaugh was 20 years old when he crossed the Atlantic,
dependent entirely upon his own resources in the strange land. Being honest
and willing, he secured work at Albany and at Troy, New York, in a chair
factory and in a paper mill, and five years later decided to seek a tract of farming land in the west. However, it required five years of hard work at Detroit
before he had accumulated enough capital to buy such land as he desired, but
he finally located on a farm in White Lake township, Oakland County. Three
years later, in I87I, he removed to his present fine farm in Springfield township. This he has highly improved and carries on general farming and stock
raising, his crops including all the products of the section,-rye, corn, wheat,
potatoes, oats, beans and hay. He raises fine specimens of Durham cattle and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

Poland-China hogs and some fine colts. Mr. Steinbaugh has an orchard of
three acres of bearing trees. I-le is what his neighbors denominate "well
fixed."
In i858 Mr. Steinbaugh was married to Elizabeth Snyder, who was also
born in Hesse, Germany, and eight children have been born to them, namely.'
Mrs. Emma Garner, of Tuscola County, Michigan, who has four sons;
Charles, of Pontiac, who has one son, Carl; Frank, of Clyde, Michigan, who
has three sons; Edward, of White Lake township, Oakland County, who has
one son; Frederick, of Pontiac; Albert, unmarried, who assists his father in
operating the home farm; Mrs. Alice Hicks of Holly, who has one daughter;
and Mrs. Amelia Blaylock of Pontiac, who has two sons.
Mr. Steinbaugh is a member of the Democratic party and takes a lively
interest in its success. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. He is one of the
first class citizens of Springfield township, honest and upright and always
ready to do his part in promoting public improvements and in advancing the
influence of the school and church.
JACOB HASKELL SMITH.
JACOB HASKELL SMITH, a prominent and prosperous farmer of White
Lake township, Oakland County, owning a fine farm of 220 acres in section
7, was born in Wayne County, Michigan, in I850, and is a son of Benjamin
and Abigail Smith, both of whom were born in the State of New York.
Benjamin Smith at one time kept a hotel at Plymouth, Michigan. To
him and his wife Abigail were born the following children: Arasina, Mary
Jane, John and James, all deceased; Frederick, of Wayne County, Michigan,
and Jacob Haskell, our subject.
His death occurred in 1853. while on his way to California. His widow
married John Miller, and one daughter was born to them, Libbie Ann, whose
first husband was William Hulbert and her second William Neal, of Springfield township, Oakland County. Mrs. Miller died in I864.
Jacob Haskell Smith was educated in the district schools and has always
led an agricultural life, being considered in White Lake township as a first

546

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

class farmer. He has given atttention to general farming, stock raising and
fruit growing.
In 1883 he was married to Phoebe A. Bush, who was born in Highland
township, Oakland County, in I860, and is a daughter of John and Lena
Bush. No children having been born to them, in I900 they took an attractive
little lad from the Orphans' Home at Coldwater, Michigan, by the name of
George Fonger, and, while not formally adopted, has been reared as a son,
being now a bright, intelligent youth of 13 years.
In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the
Knights of the Maccabees. In religious belief he and his wife are Presbyterians and liberally contribute to the church at White Lake. They are held in
much respect throughout White Lake township.
STUART D. PATTERSON.
STUART D. PATTERSON, one of the prosperous farmers of Holly township, Oakland County, residing on his well improved farm of I60 acres,
located in sections 2 and 3, was born at Holly village, August 4, I869, and
is a son of Judge Thomas L. Patterson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in
this volume.
Mr. Patterson was reared in Holly township, of which lie has always
been a resident, with the exception of one year at Ann Arbor, when he was
attending the University of Michigan. It had been his intention to prepare
for the practice of law, but an accident caused him to return home and was
the means of his giving up the idea of a professional life. He soon became
interested in farming and operated the old homestead farm for some IO
years. In I896 he purchased what is locally known as the old John Fagan
farm, which was taken from the government by Torrence Fagan, the parchment deed for which, with the signature of President Jackson, is in the possession of Mr. Patterson. This is a well located tract of I60 acres of very
fertile farmnig and good grazing land and Mr. Patterson has been very
successful on this property, both in farming and stock raising, feeding many

OAKLAND COUNTY.

547

sheep and cattle. It is also one of the most attractive places in the township
and Mr. Patterson has made the greater number of the fine improvements.
This farm is a well known one in the locality, as it was long owned by two
brothers, John and Thomas Fagan, who were supposed to be worth $40,000,
although they lived as misers. As they were without families, the property
went to a brother and finally passed into the hands of its present competent
manager. It presents a very different appearance at the present clay from
what it did when it was the home of the Fagan bachelors.
Mr. Patterson was married in Holly to Esther Addis, who was born
in Holly township, and is a daughter of Ephraim and Jane (Petty) Addis,
residents of Holly village, and three children have been born to them: Gladys
E., a school girl of 12 years; Thomas L., Jr., who (lied aged 12 months;
and Margaret J., a little maid of two years.
In political sentiment, Mr. Patterson is a Democrat, believing in and
actively supporting the principles of that party, but is not an aspirant for
political honors. He has always taken a public spirited interest in the welfare of the township and is a man in whom great reliance is placed. Fraternally he is a Mason and belongs to Lodge No. 134, F. &amp; A. M., at Holly.
He was reared in the Presbyterian faith by a pious and careful mother, but
has never united with any religious body.
Ephraim Addis, father of Mrs. Patterson, is a retired farmer of Holly
township, the owner of a fine farm located in sections 7 and i8; for the past
seven years he has been a resident of the village, residing in a comfortable
home on First street. Mr. Addis was born M/ay 19, I836, in Warren County,
New Jersey, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Bates) Addis, natives of that
State, who removed to Oakland County, Michigan, in I837, settling on a
farm one-half mile east of Clarkston, where they lived until their deaths.
Mr. Addis was the eldest of his parents' family of six children, namely:
Ephraim; William, who is farming in Brandon township, Oakland County,
near Ortonville; Daniel, a merchant of Clarkston, Oakland County; Nelson, a farmer of Tngham County, Michigan; Arvilla (Mrs. Petty), of White
Lake township, Oakland County; and George, who is living on the homestead farm in Independence township, Oakland County.
Mr. Addis remained with his parents until the age of 21, assisting on
the farm and attending the district schools. He began his own career in the
timber lands west of Bay City and operated a farm there for two years,

548

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

removing then to Holly township, where he bought 80 acres of timber land,
cleared it up and resided upon it for three years and then sold it and bought
a farm near Clarkston. Upon that property he lived for 13 years and then
traded it for his present farm in sections 7 and 18. It formerly consisted
of 200 acres, but Mr. Addis later sold 80 acres to his son Peter, who now
owns like himself a farm of 120 acres.
Mr. Addis was married August Io, I858, in Oakland township, Oakland County, to Jane Petty, who was born in New Jersey and is a daughter
of Joseph and Esther (Steele) Petty. Mrs. Addis has three sisters, viz:
Mrs. Mary Petty, of Tyrone township, Livingston County, Michigan; Mrs.
Sarah Wass, also a resident of the same locality; and Mrs. Effie Judevine,
of Fenton, Michigan, all farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Addis have reared
these children: Peter, born April I6, I864, was married to Julia Haddon,
has two children and resides on his farm in section 17, Holly township,
Oakland County; Mary Esther, born May 2I, I866, who married Stuart
D. Patterson; and Frederick, born April 2, 1873, who is a produce dealer of
Fenton, Michigan; Frank, born August 14, I859, died at the age of one
and a half years; and Arthur, born April 9, I862, died in August, I882,
aged 20 years. Mrs. Addis is a member of the Methodist Church, while in
religious views Mr. Addis is quite liberal, supporting all moral movements.
GEORGE W. KING.
GEORGE W. KING was born May II, 1835, at Port Byron, Cayuga
County, New York. He removed with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William
King, to Michigan in I844 and settled on a farm in Independence township,
Oakland County, where he resided until his death, April 2, I892.
He studied law for a time but finally took up the avocation of teaching
school and taught for 31 years. He also carried on his farm and held the
position of postmaster at Clarkston during the administration of James A.
Garfield and also one term under Benjamin Harrison's administration.
Mr. King was married in 1859 to Henrietta E. Stout, of White Lake,

:ICj 1
i::~;::^::::: â:::::i':I:
j
a
~i
~i::::~
I
i

x:i:
i:i__
i
"
i:

K::fi!

REV. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY GREEN

OAKLAND COUNTY.

551

Oakland County. He is survived by his wife and four children,-three sons
and one daughter,-William Henry, John M., Spencer S. and Maude A.
(now Mrs. K. P. Rockwell).
In politics Mr. King was a Republican and an earnest advocate of the
principles enunciated by that party. He always took a keen interest in public
matters and in the public schools and was director of the School Board of his
district for 19 years. He was a man of honesty and integrity and was honored and respected by all who knew him.
REV. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY GREEN.
REV. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY GREEN., one of the most prominent citizens
and large farmers and stock raisers of Independence township, Oakland
County, whose portrait is herewith shown, is located on his fine farm of Io5
acres in sections 5 and 9. Mr. Green was born May 20, 1825, at Lansing,
Tompkins County, New York, and is a son of Samuel Green, who was born
in Warren County, near Greenpoint, New York.
The Green family is a very old and numerous one in the United States
and has numbered many distinguished members, one of these being Gen.
Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame, who was a Quaker in religious
belief. Three brothers of the name of Green came from England and one
settled in New Jersey, one in Vermont, and the third crossed the line and
settled in Canada. Our subject is a descendant of the New Jersey settler, and
in that State his grandfather, Maurice Green, was born on the banks of what
is known as Green's Pond. There he became a man of means and importance
and died at an advanced age. He was a menber of the Methodist Church,
a religious body with which the family has always been identified. The children born to Maurice Green were: Samuel, Richard. John, Reuben, Mrs.
Betsey Chattle, Mrs. Kate Van Sickle, Mrs. Susie Weitzel, Mrs. Mayberry
and Mrs. Cummings.
Samuel Green, the father of our subject, took a prominent' part in the
War of 1812. When hostilities were declared, he happened to be in Canada,
but he soon made his way to American soil and served under Colonel Mallory.
31

552

1 IOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1837 he came to Pontiac, Oakland County, having walked the whole
distance from Cleveland, where he had been landed from the last boat of the
season from Buffalo. Later he bought I20 acres of 'land in Independence
township, and I20 acres in Holly township, Oakland County. The latter
tract he cleared and put under cultivation, and built a log house on his property, which he occupied two years. His death took place at Clintonville in
I84I, at the age of 55 years. He was married to Betsey Osmun, who was
born in Tompkins County, New York, and was a daughter of John and Polly
Osmun. Fourteen children were born to them, all of whom lived beyond
the age of 33 years. They were as follows: John, deceased; Mrs. Rebecca
Linderman, of Clintonville, Waterford township, Oakland County; Jacob,
deceased; Maurice, who died in Waterford township, Oakland County, aged
82 years; Reuben, who died at Holly, Oakland County, aged 72 years; Abram,
who is a resident of Clayton, Michigan, aged So years; Oliver Hazard Perry,
our subject; Mrs. Mary Lott, who died at Lansing, Michigan, in I895;
Mrs. Sarah (Hunt) Fleetham, of Detroit; Jackson, a resident of Hazelton,
Shiawassee County; Mrs. Ruth J. Riker, of Clintonville, Oakland County;
Joshua \V., who died at Green's Pinery, aged 33 years; Mrs. Katherine Lester,
of Pontiac; and Israel H., deceased, who lived at Portland, Michigan.
Our subject was 12 years old when he removed with his parents to
Pontiac township, Oakland County, Michigan, and he remained at home
until he was 22 years of age, eagerly taking advantage of every educational
opportunity afforded. He was admitted to the ministry of the Methodist
Protestant Church, after proper preparation, and began his work in La Grange
County. Indiana. During his 11 years of itinerancy, he became widely known
and much beloved. His circuit covered many points. From the work in
Indiana he came to White Lake Circuit and was stationed for four years
at Davisburg and Holly, going then to Pontiac, Richfield Center, Owosso
and Corunna, then back to Richfield and afterwards returning to Pontiac.
He joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference of Detroit, then went to
Iinden for one year. He spent the following four years at Hartland, and
then retired to his farm, where he remained several years, then accepting a
charge in New Jersey. After remaining there two years at Townsburg, he
returned to Michigan and retired from regular work, in the hope of regaining his health in farming.
Rev. Mr. Green since that time has devoted his energies to agricultural

OAKLAND COUNTY.

553

affairs with great success. He has engaged in general farming, and has made
a feature of his business the raising of fine stock, being particularly successful with high grade Shorthorn and Durham cattle. He has been connected
with a number of business enterprises, and at one time owned one-half of
the woolen mills at Commerce, the Waterford grist mills and a part of the
Clintonville grist mills. He has also done much in the line of buying and
shipping stock, having carried on these operations for three years at Ionia,
Michigan. For a short period he also owned a store at Holly.
Rev. Mr. Green has entered actively into politics, endeavoring to secure
public spirited and honest citizens for official life. He is a man of broad
intellect with an excellent judgment of men and affairs and spares no personal effort in assisting to bring about reformatory measures which he can
see will be beneficial to the locality. Mr. Green testifies to his interest in
agricultural matters in every way possible and is an active member of the
Grange at Clarkston and the Independence Farmer's Club. Fraternally he is
a Royal Arch Mason, and also an Odd Fellow.
Mr. Green was married first to Louisa J. Thomas, who was born in
Ohio, and was a daughter of Abel and Ruth Thomas. Four children were
born to this union, namely: Ruth J., who died at the age of five years;
Manning E., an attorney of Detroit, who has one daughter, Anna; Thomas
P., a farmer of Holly township, Oakland County, who has one son, Arthur
W.; and Mrs. Rebecca J. Pool, of Independence township, Oakland County,
who has four children,-Eugene and Irene (twins), Edwin and Anna. Mr.
Green was married second to Mrs. Mary E. Gibbins, widow of John B. Gib â
bins, a veteran of the Civil \Wrar, and a daughter of John and Martha Foote,
the former a native of England, and the latter of Ireland.
WILLIAM IRISH.
WIILLIAM IRISh. a well-to-do agriculturist and extensive stock raiser
of Independence township, resides on a well improved farm of Ioo acres
situated in sections 9 and i6. He was born January 28,. I845, at Chedder,

554

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Somersetshire, England, and is a son of John and Flower (Evans) Irish,
and a grandson of William Irish, a native of England.
John Irish followed the trade of a stone mason and plasterer in England until 1848, when he removed with his family to America, and located
in Onondaga County, New York, where he remained a short time and then
removed to Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan. In 1849
he took up our subject's present farm and there followed the pursuits of a
general farmer and stock raiser with good results for over 50 years. He died
on the homestead farm in October, I899. Politically he was a Democrat. He
was the father of six children, namely: Fannie E. (Millard), deceased;
William, whose name heads these lines; and Forrest, Thomas, John and
Washington, all residents of Independence township, Oakland County.
Three of the above named were born in England and three in America.
All the sons have followed farming except John, who is a dealer in cattle.
William Irish was educated in Oakland County, and was trained to the
business of farming on the farm which he now operates. He is engaged
in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of the latter. The
buildings on the property are commodious and well kept, and in every way
suitable. Mr. Irish has never married. He is a quiet, industrious and unassuming gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to meet. He is highly thought of
by his neighbors and is well spoken of by his acquaintances.
GEORGE 0. KINSMAN.
GEORGE O. KINSMAN, a well known attorney-at-law of Oxford, with
convenient offices located in the McKinsey Building, is one of the leading
citizens of the village, of which he has been a resident since 1883. Mr. Kinsman was born at Thetford, Orange County, Vermont, in 1854, and is a son
of John Kinsman, who was a farmer in Vermont. The family is an old and
honorable one in New England, of English extraction, and has had many
distinguished members.
Mr. Kinsman -was reared in his native place and was prepared in his

OAKLAND COUNTY.

555

native town for Oberlin College. After completing his collegiate course, he
entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor,
where he was graduated in 1882. He then moved to Lorain, Ohio, and
there entered the car shops, where he was engaged for a year in physical
work, hardening his muscles and building up his physique. He then came
to Oxford, Oakland County, and began the practice of his profession, which
is of a general nature, and has become well and widely known in the community.
Mr. Kinsman has taken a leading part in the councils of the Republican
party in Oakland County and has served in numerous official positions. He
is always active during campaigns and is in demand as a public speaker.
Fraternally he is a Mason of high degree, being high priest of the Oxford
Chapter, R. A. M. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and was formerly a nemnber of the
Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Congregational
Church.
ISAAC H. TURNER.
ISAAC H. TURNER, deceased, was for many years one of the substantial
farmers of Milford township, Oakland County, and owned at the time of his
death i6o acres of land, located in sections 19 and 20. He was born in the
village of Pleshey, Essex County, England, July 29, 1836, and was a son of
James and Eliza (Hornsby) Turner. who lived in England all their lives.
James Turner was a farm laborer, no opportunities being offered humble
British subjects to acquire land of their own. He married and reared a
family of IO children, namely: Charlotte, Harriet, Susan, Mary, Eliza,
Daniel, Thomas, William and George, deceased, and Isaac H. Mr. and Mrs.
Turner were members of the Church of England.
In I869 Isaac H. Turner came to America, and in I870 his wife and
four children followed. But prior to this they had resided for nine years in
London, where Mr. Turner was engaged in an oil and color business, which
included the selling of oils, paints and brushes. After immigrating to this

556

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

country, the family came to Oakland County, Michigan, and settled on 40
acres in section 19, Milford township. This tract Mr. Turner cultivated for
a time and added other tracts as his means permitted, until he owned I60
acres of good farming land. His industry placed this land under excellent
cultivation and it is now of considerable value.
In I86I Mr. Turner was married to Sarah Parr, who was born in England, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Reeves) Parr, who were
residents of Berkshire. The five children born to this marriage are: George
T., who resides at home; Elizabeth who married Frank Palmer, and has
three children,-Mae A., Llovd and John; Arthur, who was married to Ella
Kellogg and has one child,-Mae; Harriet, who married Wirt Kimberly
and resides in Nebraska, having four children,-Clarence, Irene, Homer and
Lesley a;nd Henry, who died in infancy.
Mr. Turner's death took place September 12, I903. He was a man who
was universally respected, honest in word and deed, one who filled honorably
every demand life made upon him. He was a kind friend, a loving father
and a considerate husband. In his political preferences he was a Democrat
until the silver question disrupted the party, after that voting with the
Republicans.
GEORGE W. BAKER.
GEORGE W. BAKER, one of the prosperous and prominent farmers of
Rose township, Oakland County, residing on a well cultivated farm of i60
acres, situated in sections 5 and 6, was born in 1847 in Hamilton, Canada,
and was brought by his parents to Oakland County when less than a year
old. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hardriker) Baker, both of
whom are deceased.
Thomas Baker was born in Vermont and died in Detroit in I865, aged
60 years. His wife was born in Utica, New York, and died in Chicago
in I893, aged 84 years. They were married in the State of New York and
then removed to Canada. There Mr. Baker engaged in the jewelry business,
at Hamilton, Ontario, following the same line of business later at Detroit
and at Albion, Michigan. The surviving members of their family are:

OAKLAND COUNTY.

557

George W., of this sketch; Richard H., a jeweler of Topeka, Kansas; Mrs.
Elbert Crofoot, of Detroit, a niece-in-law of Judge Crofoot, of Pontiac; and
Mrs. Frances Gray, of Cripple Creek, Colorado.
George W. Baker secured a good education in his early boyhood in
the various towns where his father was engaged in business, and was about
I8 years of age when he came to the present farm which had been secured
by his father from the government. He had been associated with his father
in the jewelry business prior to that time, but since then has given his attention mainly to farming. Few farms in Rose township are bettter located as
to natural attractions and(l advantages, one portion lying along the shores
of Baker Lake, which is noted for its beautiful scenery and fine fish. Mr.
Baker has put fine improvements on his farm and it is not only a delightful
home but a very productive piece of realty.
Mr. Baker was married to Frances A. Carpenter, who was born in
Rochester, New York, and came to Michigan when IS years old. She is
a daughter of Robert Carpenter, who followed a tailoring business at Fenton, Michigan, but died at Brooklyn, New York, where Mrs. Baker's two
half brothers, Clifford and Randolph, and her sister, Mrs. Horace Baldwin, reside. Her other sister, Mrs. Ely, lives at Rochester, New York. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Baker are: Elizabeth, who is the wife of Burton
Seeley, of Rose township, Oakland County; George T., who is engaged in
the jewelry business at Belding, Michigan; Louie, who is teaching near
Davisburg, Oakland County; and Mary Grace and Charles Robert, who are
students in the local schools. One child died in infancy. Mrs. Baker and
two daughters are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Mr. Baker votes independently, preferring not to be bound by any
party ties. He is well known and much respected in his locality and was
continued on the board of school directors by his neighbors for io years,
when he resigned, considering that he had done his full (duty in that direction.
DANIEL SEELEY.
DANIEL SEELEY, a prominent farmer and leading capitalist of Springfield township, resides on one of the best improved farms in his part of the
county. Mr. Seeley's farm is located in sections io and 15, contains 120

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

acres and is adorned by a handsome brick residence and three commodious
barns. Mr. Seeley was born October 3, 1871, in Rose township, Oakland
Countyr, Michigan, and is a son of Daniel and Mary A. (Terbush) Seeley.
The Seeley family is of New England ancestry. Our subject's grandfather was Daniel Seeley, who came from the Eastern coast of New York at
an early day. There his children were born, namely: Charles; Mrs. Jane
Wagner; Gilbert and Daniel.
Daniel Seeley, our subject's father was born in New York December
9, I82T, and came to Michigan about 1840, engaged in farming and in
writing insurance, and died September 5, I9OO, aged 78 years. He was a
man of remarkable business success: beginning life as a poor boy, by industry
and frugality he acquired a large fortune which, at his death, was valued at
about $Ioo,ooo. He was prominent in Rose township, Oakland County,
where, on account of his sterling character, he was on many occasions made
administrator of estates and guardian of minor children. In politics he was
always identified with the Democratic party. Fraternally he was a Mason
and a Knight Templar in the order. He was married first to Hannah Brown,
of Wilson, Niagara County, New York, who at death in I856 left three
children, viz: Mrs. Helen Montgomery, now deceased; Mrs. Mary Taylor,
of Holly, Oakland County; and Wallace, who died in 1858 at the age of
19 months. His second marriage, in 1857, was to Mary A. Terbush, who
was born at Flushing, Genesee County, Michigan, in I838. and is a daughter
of Alexander Terbush. The seven children born to this marriage are:
Andrew, of Rose township, Oakland County; Mrs. Sarah Patterson, of Holly,
Oakland County; Clyde C., of Holly, Oakland County; Mrs. Grace Wilson,
of Port Huron, Michigan: Mrs. Lillian Mosher, of Holly; Burton, of Rose
township, Oakland County; and Daniel, our subject.
Daniel Seeley, our subject, was reared and educated in Rose township,
acquiring there both a knowledge of books and of practical farming. He
came to his present valuable farm in I9oo and made it one of the best
and most productive in the township. His Shropshire sheep and Durham
cattle equal any in Springfield township; he feeds Ioo head of the former
and I5 head of the latter and also raises some horses. His land is very productiVe, some of the returns being 35 tons of hay, 700 bushels of grain and
I, oo bushels of potatoes in a season. His place is very attractive on
account of its fine improvements and general air of good management.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

559

In March, I895, Mr. Seeley was married to Hattie Van Dusen, who
was born in Davisburg, and is a daughter of Myron and Frances (Hickey)
Van Dusen. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Seeley are: D. Myron,
Marion F. and Daniel, Jr.
Politically Mr. Seeley is liberal. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr.
Seeley stands high in public esteem and his views are given consideration in
all public matters.
WILLIAM P. WRIGHT.
WILLIAM P. WRIGHT, owner and proprietor of the comfortable hostelry known as the "Davisburg House" at Davisburg, Michigan, is a well
known resident of Springfield townslhip, where he was born in a log house,
July 2, I860, and is a son of Hon. David Austin Wright, and a grandson of
Derrick J. Wright, both natives of New York.
Derrick J. Wright came to Michigan in 1843, a wagonmaker by trade,
and soon established a good business which prospered until his death in
I850 at Austin, Oakland County. He left the following family: David
Austin, who became a distinguished citizen of Oakland County; Horatio,
deceased; William P., deceased; MIrs. Tane Bond, deceased: Mrs. Marietta
E. Maxon, of Attica, New York; James D., of Churchville, New York, and a
daughter who married a Mr. Palmer, and is now deceased.
Hon. David Austin Wright was born at Granville, Washington County,
New 'York, June 16, 1813, in 1824 moved to Oneida County, and in I843
came to Michigan, locating in Springfield township, Oakland County, where
ie died January 19, I877. He learned his father's trade and worked for
some years at wagonmaking at Austin, serving also as undertaker, and later
built and operated a foundry, making castings, etc. -His public spirit and
ability made him soon one of the leading men of the place and when the
postoffice was established the village was given his middle name of Austin,
and he was made postmaster, an office he held for 25 years. A stanch Democrat, in 1849 he was sent from Oakland County to the lower house in the

560

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Legislature and in 1852 he was chosen State Senator. He was one of the
organizers and a leading member of Austin Lodge, No. 48, F. &amp; A. M., was
very prominent in Austin Chapter, No. 44, R. A. M., and was a Knight
Templar for years. He was three times elected coroner of Oakland County
and so great was his personal popularity that he could have secured any
township or county office he desired. With all his weight of public office, concern for the development of public sentiment and desire of political prominence for his section, Mr. WVright continued for years to be the model farmer of
his locality. He owned 600 acres of land in Springfield and Groveland townships and was one of the most successful wheat and wool growers of the
northwestern portion of the county. He was well known and enjoyed the
largest measure of public esteem given to any one man of his times in Oakland county.
David Austin Wright was married September 13, 1834, to Mary D.
Campbell, and two children were born to them, namely: Mrs. Susan S.
Phillips of Pontiac; and Mrs. Sarah N. Murgittroyd, deceased. His second
marriage took place March 7, 1853, Harriet E. Gross, who was born April
27, 183I, in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and who is a daughter of
Jonah and Harriet (Harwood) Gross, of Enfield, Massachusetts, becoming
his wife. Jonah Gross came to Michigan in 1832 and located on the northeast quarter of section io, Springfield township, Oakland County, being the
second settler in the township. Five children were born to our subject's
parents, namely: Porter A., a hardware merchant of Holly, Michigan; Alice
A., who died in infancy; Theodore G.. deceased; William P., of this sketch;
and Mrs. Lucy J. Mathews, of Lansing, Michigan.
William P. Wright was reared and educated in Springfield township,
which has always been his home. He remained on the farm until the age of
30 years and then embarked in a hardware business at Davisburg, with his
brother Porter A., under the firm name of Wright Brothers, which was managed with great success for eight years, when our subject purchased the
"Davisburg House," the only hotel in the village. Since December, I898,
Mr. Wright has been its popular host. He has engaged in other business
enterprises, operating a cider and feed mill with his brother for 12 years,
and a threshing machine for some eight years.
Mr. Wright was united in marriage March 7, 1883, to Nettie Jane
Campbell, who was born in Groveland township, Oakiand County, Michigan,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

and was one of the three children of Capt. Alien and Elizabeth (Downey)
Campbell, the other two being Alexander J. Campbell and Mrs. Fannie J.
Eden, both of whom reside in Groveland township. The one child of this
marriage is a son, David Allen, born July 19, i886, who is now living with
his parents in Davisburg.
Capt. Allen Campbell was born at Grandholm, Scotland, November II,
I817, and when IO years of age he immigrated to this country with his grandmother, who located at Paterson, New Jersey. At 17 years of age he went
to sea, shipping from New Bedford, Massachusetts. He continued in that
vocation, sailing the high seas, until 1847 and during the Mexican War
commanded the United States transport (schooner) "Heroine," running
between the United States and Mexico. At the close of the war, in 1847, he
came to Groveland township, Oakland County, and bought I20 acres of land
in section I6. which is still in the possession of the family. He filled many
town offices and positions of responsibility and trust. In 1875-76 he represented the first district of Oakland County in the State Legislature. On
May 30, 1854, he was married to Elizabeth Downey, daughter of Alexander
and Jane (Hamilton) Downey, who still survives him and resides on the
farm he purchased in 1847. He died June 22, 1883.
Politically Mlr. Wright is an active member of the Democratic party.
Fraternally he is a member of Austin Lodge, No. 48, F. &amp; A. M., and Tent
No. 367, Knights of the Maccabees, of Davisburg. Mr. Wright has many
friends in his locality, being a man of frank and genial nature, kind and
neighborly, honorable and charitable.
LYMAN WALLACE SOWLE.
LYMAN WALLACE SOWLE, a prosperous merchant of Farmington, Oakland County, who has been a resident of this county for the greater part of
his life, was born in Saratoga County, New York, May 9, I836, and is a son
of Rev. A. M. and Thankful W. (Allen) Sowle.
Rev. A. M. Sowle was born in Fulton County, New York, May 8,

562

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

I8Io, and was a minister of the Universalist Church for many years. He
was located at many places and for a period of eight years had charge of the
Universalist Church at Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan. He enlisted
as chaplain in the 74th Reg., Indiana Vol. Inf., at Angola, Steuben County,
Indiana, in which regiment he served for about two years, taking part in the
battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, and giving
great assistance to the hospital corps in aiding the wounded. During the
later years of his life he resided on a farm in Farmington township, Oakland County. He was married January Io, I835, to Thankful W. Allen,
who was born in Saratoga County, New York, July 4, I807, and they had
four children, namely: Lyman Wallace, our subject; Susannah Ann, who
is the widow of Edward Philbeam, and has two children,-Nellie T., born
June 28, I86I, and Sarah E., born November io, 1862; Joseph Marsh, born
August 5, I84.2, who was married to Loretta Reynolds; and Marcus A.,
born December 15, 1844. and deceased December I8, I870, who was married
March 12, I867, to Jedida Ballou, who was born January I9, 1851, and died
April Io, 1870,-their son, Perry Ballou, was born November 12, I869, and
died August 7, 1870.
Lyman W. Sowle enlisted on November 9, 1863, in Ridgeway township,
Lenawee County, Michigan, in the 1st Regiment of Engineers and Mechanics. Their first army work was the construction of a bridge at Bridgeport,
Alabama, and for a considerable period they engaged in building block
houses, one of the principal ones being the one on Mount Lookout, where
they also built a hospital. Mr. Sowle while in the service was taken sick
with typhoid-pneumonia, and while convalescing was visited by his father
who failed to recognize him because of the great change. Our subject
entered the hospital about January I, 1864, and was unable to leave until
April, 1865, when he rejoined his regiment and served until the close of the
war. He was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tennessee, then returned
to Lenawee County, Michigan, where he remained until I888, farming and
operating a sawmill. In that year he purchased his father's farm in Farmington township, Oakland County, and there resided until I891, when he
established the dry goods and general store business which he now conducts
-.t Farmington. He rented the farm for some years after establishing the
store, and then sold it. He is one of the most substantial business men of
the township, and has a wide acquaintance throughout the county.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

563

In I858, Mr. Sowle was married to Lany A. Kniffen, a daughter of
Isaac L. Kniffen, a farmer of Ridgeway township, Lenawee County, Michigan, now deceased. Her mother is living at the age of 82 years, and recently
paid an enjoyable visit at the home of Mr. Sowle. Our subject and wife are
the parents of nine children, as follows: I\Mary Elizabeth, who died in 1862,
aged three years and six months: Antoinette G., born April 1, I862, who
married Ezra Sink, and has two children,-Lawrence and Perry; Elizabeth
M., born June 20, 1864, who married George Graves, a farmer and railroad
engineer of Ridgeway township, Lenawee County, and has two children,Albert and Lucile; Leander L., born in March, I868, who died on his father's
farm at the age of 24 years; Mark, born June 26, 187I, who was married to
Nona Drake, and has three children; Myrtle, born August I5, 1874, who
married Walter Overholt and lives in Detroit; Mary, born June I5, I877,
who married Eugene Hines, a painter and decorator of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Lelia M., born December i6, I88o, who married Marshall Vincle, a
railroad conductor living at Abbottsford, Wisconsin; and Jessie B., born
November 21, 1883, who is living at home and clerking in her father's store.
The family attend the Universalist Church.
SAMUEL MILLER.
SAMUEL MILLER. Among the large, well cultivated and finely improved
farms of Oakland County, that owned by Samuel Miller, consisting of 650
acres in sections II, 12, 13 and I4, Springfield township, well illustrates the
capabilities of this section as an agricultural locality. Mr. Miller has been
a resident of the county since he was io years of age. He was born October
12, 1826, on a farm, near Chili, Monroe County, New York, and is a son of
George and Polly (Smith) Miller, the former of whom was born October
26, I801, in Sussex County, New Jersey, and the latter, on a farm located in
New York, between Cayuga and Seneca lakes.
George Miller lost his father at the age of four years and was reared
by strangers. Later he engaged to work for a farmer by the name of Noah

564

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Tyler, with whom he remained until he was 21 years old, when Mr. Tyler
bought him 66 acres of land in New York State to reward him for his
services. That was the beginning of what must be considered a remarkable
career, for Mr. Miller had never enjoyed any schooling, in fact was taught to
write by his own children, and had had no chance to save money or establish himself in business. He was a striking example of the term "self made
man.' At the time of his death he owned 300 acres of land and was worth
some $20,000. Six children were born to his union with Polly Smith, as
follows: Mrs. Hannah Sherwood; Samuel, our subject; Mrs. Ann Gunigal;
Mary, who died aged I6 years; George, who died aged three years; and
David, who was born in Independence township, Oakland County, where he
is now one of the leading farmers.
Samuel-Miller came to Michigan in June, I835, with his mother and
uncle, his father having located here in the previous April. He can easily
recall the long journey to Detroit and especially the conditions which met
the family on the way from Pontiac to their projected home in Independence
township. The mother paid $12 for transportation of her family of five,
from Detroit to Bloomfield Center, although on account of the mud being
hub deep, our subject and his uncle made the most of the trip on foot. It was
not an encouraging outlook, but it was the condition which met the greater
number of the pioneers of that time. A farm of I20 acres in Independence
township had been secured by our subject's father from the party who first
settled it, and the first home was a litttle log house, I6 by 20 feet in dimensions, with no windows or floor. It sufficed for the summer and a new log
house was built which served for 20 years.
In I863 our subject came to his present farm which then consisted of I20
acres, to which he subsequently added by purchase until he at one time owned
607 acres. The farm on which is his residence, consists of 27I acres; there
he has the finest brick house in the township and three immense barns. The
rest of the land has been divided among his sons. Mr. Miller started on 120
acres in section 12, Springfield township, where his home was burned in
1865. The present handsome home was built in 1877 at a cost of $6,500.
Our subject has cleared a considerable part of his land himself. Formerly he
raised large crops of wheat, realizing as much as 1,450 bushels one year. He
later became interested in stock raising, owning as many as 40 head of cattle
and feeding as many as I,ooo sheep and Ioo hogs in a season, selling mainly

OAKLAND COUNTY.

565

in the home market. As to grades, he prefers Durham cattle, Poland-China
hogs and Shropshire sheep. At present he makes stock and potato raising a
feature of his operations. The yield of the latter this year will be 2,500
bushels, and he has raised as many as 6,ooo bushels in one season. Other
products are in proportion and his orchards are equally productive.
Samuel Miller was married first, to Katherine Howser, who was born
in Brandon township, Oakland County, Michigan. His second marriage
was in I862 to Elsie L. Mesurall, who was born in Independence township,
Oakland County, 63 years ago. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller
are the following: Sidney I., operating the home farm, who was married
first to Lillian Friday, by whom he has one son,-Galbraith,-his second
marriage was with Marguerite Brady; Charles G., a farmer of Springfield
township, Oakland County, who was married to Nora Taylor and has one
child, Josephine; Benjamin F., also a farmer of Springfield township, Oakland (County, who was married to Leda Bradley and has two children,Barbara and Bradley; and David, a farmer of Springfield township, Oakland
County, who was married to Myrtle Noyes and has one child, Lottie.
Mr. Miller's whole life has been an agricultural one. In politics he is
identified with the Republican party and has supported its principles ever
since he cast his first vote, in 1848, for President Taylor.
JOHN J. GALLAGHER.
JOHN J. GALLAGHER, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Milford
township, Oakland County, owning a fine farm of I25 acres, in sections I and
2, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, June 24, 18)30, and is a son of Hugh
and Catherine (McCallin) Gallagher, both of whom were born in Ireland,
where the father died. The mother came to America with these children:
James, Fannie, John J., Dennis, Michael. Charles and Mary, and died in
1887, aged 83 years.
John J. Gallagher came to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1855 and
began working by the month on different farms, and during the succeeding
six years accumulated quite a little capital. After renting land for three

566

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years, he bought his present farm, which in appearance and fertility is equal
to any in the township. Mr. Gallagher has given his whole attention to
farming and stock raising and has been very successful in both branches. He
raises many hogs and sheep, finding a ready market and commanding good
prices. He has honestly made his own way in the world and through his
industry has become thoroughly independent and enjoys the respect of all
who know him.
In I866 Mr. Gallagher was married to Margaret Mehan, who was also
born in Ireland, and a family of nine children have been born to them,
namely: Hugh, John, Charles, Ella, William, Catherine, and three who died
in infancy. Mr. Gallagher was carefully reared by pious parents in the faith
of the Catholic Church and this religious body he still belongs to. While
not a politician, he always casts his vote at elections, reserving the right to
support the man instead of the party. He is a good farmer, a kind husband,
a careful father and an excellent citizen of Milford township.
ANDREW A. GARNER.
ANDREW A. GARNER, whose fine farm of 246 acres, situated in section
5, White Lake township, Oakland County, has been his home all his life, was
lorn in White Lake township in I843 and is a son of Robert and Mary E.
(Armstrong) Garner, both of whom were born in the State of New Jersey.
Robert Garner was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, and died in
White Lake township, Oakland County, August I3, I903, at the age of
93 years. He was one of the earliest pioneers of Oakland County, in 1822
entering not only the farm on which our subject lives, but also five others of
So acres. He was for years one of the very prominent men of his section and
well deserves to have his memory preserved with that of others who were
identified with the development of the western part of the county. As a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, he early took measures looking
to the establishment of a religious meeting in the community, finally building
a suitable edifice and paying a preacher's salary himself. He was largely

i
-~:a

1
i
~_,

i
I
I
I
i
I
i
I
m
i
i

JAMES TAYLOR

OAKLAND COUNTY.

569

instrumental in making the Sunday-school a notable feature of this church,
and served as its superintendent up to his 8oth year. In political sentiment
he was originally a Whig, changing with the party when it was merged into
the Republican organization, but in his later years gave his influence in support of the Prohibition party. He was a man of great force of character and
at one time was within three votes of being elected a Representative to the
Legislature. The mother of our subject was also a noble example of the
pioneer woman, bravely sharing her husband's hardships and rearing her
family of II children. She died in I892, aged 78 years. Our subject is
one of the four surviving members of the family, namely: Mary J., wife of
Lyman Matthews of Clyde, Michigan; Lavina, wife of Isaac Mills, of Bancroft, Michigan; Andrew A., our subject; and Martha, wife of James Pepper.
Mr. Garner first attended the local district schools and then the State
Agricultural College, at Lansing, and completed a very liberal education at
the Detroit Commercial College. He has intelligently devoted himself to
farming and is probably one of the most successful farmers in the township.
In i869 he was married to Clarinda P. Kelly, who was born in White Lake
township, Oakland County, in I849, and is a daughter of Asa and Louisa
(Austin) Kelly. Five children have been born to this marriage, as follows:
Minnie, who married George J. Kennedy of Detroit; Mattie, who married
Augustus Brandt of California; Lizzie, who married James Perry, and is
now deceased; Robert, who married Edna Richardson, and is a farmer in
Bay County, Michigan; and Andrew, who is a student in the State Agricultural College at Lansing. In politics, Mr. Garner is identified with the
Republican party. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees.
MRS. OLIVE B. TAYLOR.
MRS. OLINV1 B. TAYL.OR, widow of the late James Taylor, is one of the
well known and highly esteemed residents of Springfield township, Oakland
County, where her fine farm of I20 acres is located in section 5. There she
has one of the comfortable, attractive and hospitable homes of this section,
32

YS'7ZP

BI OGRAPHLCAL. ' RECORD..urrounded by well kept grounds and accompanied by the huge barns which
tell so forcibly of the enormous yields of the encircling fertile fields.
-James Taylor, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was!born
-in Lancashire, England, in 1846, and died on his farm in Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, in I899. He was a son of Thomas and.Grace (Clowes) Taylor, the former of whom was born in England, and
the latter in Scotland. They had three children born to them, namely: James;
Margaret, of Ontario, Canada; and John. The family came to America and
settled in Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, when James
was i years of age; three years later the parents changed their home to
Coburg, Ontario, Canada, where they died. After an absence of nine years,
James Taylor returned to Oakland County and settled for two years in Holly
township, removing then to Springfield township. Five years later he was
married to the subject of this sketch and settled on Mrs. Taylor's present
farm, where he spent the remainder of his life, successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He always took a deep interest in agricultural matters and was a constant attendant on the meetings of the Grange and the
Farmers' Club. In politics he was a Republican and fraternally he belonged
to the Knights of the Maccabees.
In character, Mr. Taylor was honorable and upright, and was beloved
by his family and a large circle of friends. By honest worth he won and
held the respect of all who knew him, and left his family the legacy of an
honorable name.
On February II, 1875, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Olive
Brownell, the subject of this sketch. She was born in the present home on
the farm, February i, 1847, and has always resided there. She is a daughter of Chauncy H. and Lydia (Bigelow) Brownell, both of whom came from
the State of New York to Michigan. Chauncy H. Brownell was the eldest
of the five children born to William Brownell, the others being: Mrs. Lydia
Ethridge, Mrs. Harriet Fuller, Nelson and Charles. The two children of
Chauncy H. and Lydia Brownell were: Olive (Mrs. Taylor) and her elder
brother Spencer, who was born in 1842 and died in i865.
Chauncy H. Brownell was born November 30, 1803, in Oneida County,
New York, and remained at home until he came to Michigan in 1838, with
his family. When he reached Detroit, his worldly possessions amounted to
a trusty ax and a shilling in his pocket. They were conveyed to Pontiac

OAKLAND COUNTY. 57
by stage and were met by a brother-in-law. The family were later conveyed to Springfield township by ox team. Mr. Brownell made his home
with his brother-in-law for a time, but in 1843 purchased what is now the
homestead farm of Mrs. Taylor. Mr. Brownell cleared and cultivated 40
acres of this farm, and Mr. Taylor completed the task. Mr. Brownell died
in I879. During his residence in New York, he was a factory worker, but -
was always engaged in farming during the period of his residence in Michigan. In politics he was a Whig, and later a Republican. In religious faith
he was a Swedenborgian.
Since the death of Mr. Taylor, his estimable wife has shown great capacity in the management of the estate. The land is very productive and she
raises corn, oats, beans and wheat. Her cattle are of Durham breed, anJ
during her husband's life a large flock of Shropshire sheep was kept. She
resides on the beautiful old place which is endeared to her by so many associations, and has as companions two adopted children, Jessie and Joseph,
brother and sister. Mrs. Taylor is very highly respected and is a worthy
representative of those old pioneer families who bear such honorable names
in Springfield township.
JOHN W. DAVISON.
JOHIN W. DAVISON, who is engaged in a blacksmith business at Oxford,
Oakland County, has been a resident of the village since I85o and has been
identified with its growth. He was born in Detroit, July 21, I836, and is a
son of George and Mary Ann (Balfour) Davison, both of whom were born
in Yorkshire, England.
The parents came to Oakland County in I83o. The father was a
blacksmith by trade, a vocation he followed all his life, being a very reliable
and competent workman. His death took place August il, 1891, at the age
of 88 years. His wife died in January, 1884, aged 76 years. In politics he
was a Democrat. They reared a family of eight children, namely: Betsey,
Mrs. W. J. Tunstead and Mrs. Charles F. Tunstead, all of Oxford, Oakland
County; Mrs. Mary J. Wilson, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; George, a

572

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

member of Broadhead's regiment (ist Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav.), who died
in prison at Salisbury, North Carolina; Mrs. Ann Hosmer, who died in
Macomb County, Michigan, in I888; John, who died in childhood; and
John W., our subject.
John W. Davison was reared in Macomb County, Michigan, and learned
his trade with his father, who conducted a shop at Oxford for a number of
years and up to 1 years before his death. Mr. Davison has worked steadily
in the same shop for more than a half century. It formerly stood on the
opposite side of the street, but has been on its present site for 50 years. In
1897 Mr. Davison formed a partnership with Samuel Bradley and they control a large business.
Mr. Davison was married to Helen Cole, who was born in New Jersey,
and came to Oakland County with her parents in 1864. She is a daughter of
Jacob G. Cole, who operated a hotel for one year at Orion, and for several
years at Oxford, dying at the latter place December I6, I897, at the age of
80 years.
Mr. Davison is a Democrat in his political views. Formerly he was
actively connected with the Masonic fraternity. He is one of the familiar
figures in Oxford. In early days the forge in his father's shop was the
general meeting place of the neighbors and in its glow many a tale of adventure was told, many a social happening was discussed and many a friendly,
neighborly act was performed.
MRS. ELIZABETH DOWNEY CAMPBELL.
MRS. ELIZABETH DOWNEY CAMPBELL, who owns a fine farm of I20
acres in section 16, Groveland township, Oakland County, belongs to one of
the honorable old pioneer families of Groveland township. Mrs. Campbell
was born September 17, I829, in the parish of Kilinski, County Down, Ireland, is a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Hamilton) Downey, and was
brought by them to Michigan when she was seven years of age.
The parents of Mrs. Campbell crossed the Atlantic Ocean when she
was three years of age; they settled for four years at Elba, Genesee County,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

573

New York, and came to this State in I836. This long overland journey was
made by the pioneers withe their own conveyances, and they brought with
them one team of horses, one yoke of cattle, three cows, two wagons and as
many of their household goods as the wagons would hold. Two weeks were
consumed on the trip as the way led around through Canada. Upon reaching Groveland township, Mr. Downey took up I6o acres of government land
and they lived in a log house until T844. Mr. Downey and his sons put the
greater part of the land under cultivation. His death took place on this
farm. His Io children were: Elizabeth (Mrs. Campbell); Mrs. Jane Scott,
who died in I89I; Alexander, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Perry, deceased; Mrs.
Nancy Arthur, of Clinton County, Michigan; William, deceased; Francis
and Silas, of Groveland township, Oakland County; Mrs. Clara Scott; and
Edwin, deceased.
On May 30, I854, Elizabeth Downey was married to Allen Campbell,
who was born November I, 1817, in Scotland, and on coming to this country
settled first in New Jersey, then removed to New York and in I847 came to
Michigan, where he died, in Groveland township, Oakland County, June 22,
1883, aged 65 years. His life was one filled with many adventures and he
was one of the most prominent citizens of Groveland township for many
years, one whose memory should be preserved among the leading men of
Oakland County. His grandmother brought him with her from Aberdeen,
Scotland, at the age of TO years, and he was given excellent educational
advantages both in New Jersey and New York. At the age of 17 years he
went to sea and followed a life upon the water until I847 when he came to
Groveland township, this county. He took up I2o acres of school land and
converted it from its wild state into one of the finest and most productive
farms in the township. He was a Democrat in political life and held many
public offices. During 1875 and 1876 he was the Representative from the
First District of Oakland County in the Legislature and was always recognized as a man of great ability. He was a loyal American citizen and during
the Mexican War commanded the United States armed express transport
(schooner) "Heroine," running between the United States and Mexico. He
was buried with the impressive ceremony of the Masonic fraternity, of which
he had long been a member, and was interred at the Hadley Cemetery. The
three children of Captain and Mrs. Campbell were: Alexander J., a prominent farmer of Groveland township, Oakland County, who was married to

574

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Adeline H. Hadley; Nettie Jane, who is the wife of William P. Wright of
Davisburg, whose sketch will be found in this work; and Fannie Janet, who
married George Eden, who farms Mrs. Campbell's land. Mr. Eden cultivates 90 adres, 30 acres of the estate being in fine timber. A comfortable
residence and two large barns were built by Mr. Campbell. Mrs. Campbell
is well known in her locality and is very highly regarded. She is one of the
surviving members of that pioneer band which the present generation regards
with the greatest measure of respect and esteem.
EDWARD J. ROCKWELL.
EDWARD J. ROCKWELL was born August 15, 1844, in the township of
Bloomfield, Oakland County, Michigan, and died in the township of West
Bloomfield, November 15, 1898.
He was of Puritan stock, his first,-\merican ancestor, William Rockwell,
coming to this country from England on the ship "Mary and John," May
30, 1630, "Deacon William Rockwell," as he was called, was one of the
founders of Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he resided until 1636, when
he removed to Windsor, Connecticut, living there until his death in I640.
Subsequently his widow married Matthew Grant, and one of the descendants
of this union was Ulysses S. Grant.
John Rockwell, grandfather of Edward J. Rockwell, was one of the
earliest settlers of Oakland County, Michigan, coming here in 1831 and
settling on the farm where Edward J. was born.
Edward J. Rockwell's education was obtained in the public schools, supplemented by a course in Bryant &amp; Stratton's Commercial College, at Detroit.
He was married July 4, 1867, to Abbey Pearsall, daughter of Samuel Pearsall,
one of the early settlers of Oakland County. To them were born three sons,
IKleber P. and Samuel P., of Pontiac, and Desiax, of Detroit. Mr. Rockwell's
home was always in Oakland County, except about three years spent in
Nebraska.
Although his education and ability would have fitted him for a business

OAKLAND COUNTY.

or professional life, his chosen occupation was farming. His disposition
was genial, he was fond of good company and always took pleasure in entertaining his friends, and young men especially were always his welcome guests,
and for a number of years prior to his death his house was a home for many
young men who credit him with nmuch of their success in life.
Mr. Rockwell held many local positions of trust tendered him without
solicitation, which were filled by him with care and honor. He was one of
the trustees of the Methodist Protestant Church, at Franklin, of which he was
a member. He was a man of honesty and integrity and was honored and
respected by all who knew him.
ANDREW SUTHERLAND (2D).
ANDREW SUTHERLAND (2D), who has been postmaster at Oxford since
1898, was appointed by President McKinley and later by President Roosevelt
and is no doubt one of the most prominent business and political leaders of his
county. He is also the senior member of the large mercantile firm of A. &amp;
J. G. Sutherland, which company has been prominently known for the past
eight years, and is at present one of the most honorable business houses of the
region. He was born in Ray township, Macomb County, Michigan, in 1853,
and is a son of Robert and Polly (Goodell) Sutherland, who were born in
New York and Vermont, respectively.
Robert Sutherland spent the greater part of his life in the pursuits of a
general farmer and was very successful. He died in I860, when our subject
was but seven years of age. In 1865 our subject's mother removed to Oxford,
Oakland County, and died there in 1900, at the age of 83 years. Robert
Sutherland and wife were the parents of eight children, namely: Andrew
(2d); J. G., who is a partner in the store of A. &amp; J. G. Sutherland; L. W.,
now a farmer located in Oxford township, but formerly for 25 years engaged
in the mercantile business, who began as a clerk for David W. Bell, and later
bought out F. C. Barber &amp; Company; D. J., a resident of Saginaw, who was a
member of the Ninth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry; Gilbert M.,

576

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who died in a hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, in I864; and Roswell G.,
Joseph and Sally L., who died of an epidemic in the fall of I865. Roswell
G. Goodell, a brother, of our subject's mother, is now residing at Ann Arbor,
Michigan, at the age of go years.
Our subject received his preliminary educational training in the public
schools of Oxford and later entered an academy at Oxford and completed
his education. He began business life as a clerk for his brother, L. W.
Sutherland, in I872. He has at present a half interest in the largest store in
Oxford, measuring 40 feet wide and go feet deep on the first floor and full
basement. The firm of A. &amp; J. G. Sutherland conducts a complete department
store (except that no hardware is handled), and does an enormous business
which is due to the well selected stock and reasonable prices. Seven clerks
are employed and the two partners take an active part in waiting on customers. Shrewd business methods and a thorough knowledge of all the
requirements of the trade have brought about the splendid results as set forth
in the flourishing store.
Mr. Sutherland was married at Oxford to Elvira Whitcomb, a daughter
of Gilbert J. Whitcomb, who has been a leading merchant of Oxford for many
years. Our subject is a stanch Republican and always takes an active part in
political matters. He has served as township and village clerk and also four
years as councilman. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
the Uniform Rank, K. of P., and the Foresters. He is a member of the
Baptist Church and has sung in the choir for the past 35 years and acted as
leader for I5 years; he is also an officer of the Sunday-school.
Andrew Sutherland, our subject's uncle, was born January i, I828, at
Seneca, Ontario County, New York, and is a son of Andrew and Dorothy
(Thompson) Sutherland.
Andrew Sutherland and wife were both natives of New York, where
they followed general farming. Removing to Michigan, they landed June
28, I831, from the boat that carried them from Buffalo to Detroit. Andrew
Sutherland took up a tract of I6o acres in Ray township, Macomb County, and
at once began to clear and cultivate it. The land then being but a wilderness
was abundantly supplied with game which afforded food for many years
both winter and summer. He died or was killed while crossing the Clinton
River, April 26, I86I, having reached the age of 77 years; his wife's death
followed three years later, in I864, at Oxford, Michigan. They were the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

577

parents of eight children, namely: Lucretia, David, Robert, Elizabeth,
Joseph, Emily and Moses, who are deceased, and Andrew, our subject's uncle.
Andrew Sutherland, our subject's uncle, spent his boyhood days and until
32 years of age on the farm in Macomb County, where he followed farming
and also served as justice of the peace for several years. Fraternally he is
a member of the Masonic lodge in Oxford, and a member of the K'. O. T. M.
Religiously he is a member of the Baptist Church of Oxford.
Andrew Sutherland was married to his first wife, Jane Boylan, in Macomb
County, Michigan, January I, 1849. She died December 22, 1857, leaving
one child that died in infancy. He was married to his second wife, Abbie
Clark, January I2, I859, and she is now living at the age of 64 years. She is
a splendid woman and is highly respected by all who know her. They were
the parents of six children, two of whom are deceased, namely: M. (Fuller)
and Andrew P. Those living are: Jane, who married Charles G. De Shon,
a clothing merchant of Oxford, Michigan; Margaret, wife of Desmond P. Lee,
of Toledo, Ohio; C. J., a physician of Clarkston, Michigan; and Frank, of
Oxford, Michigan, who is traveling for a Cincinnati firm, manufacturers of
neckwear.
PHILO PRIOR.
PHILO PRIOR, a representative farmer of Milford township, Oakland
County, owning a fine farm of i60 acres in section 6, was born at Pittsfield,
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, December 27, I829, and is a son of Frederick and Priscilla (Cawkins) Prior, both of whom were born in Massachusetts.
Frederick Prior came with his family to Michigan in 1835 and settled
in Milford township, Oakland County, purchasing a farm which is now the
property of the Walsh estate. He lived on this land until his death in I840,
at the age of 39 years, being survived by his widow until 1883, when she
died at the age of 83 years. Those members of their large family who grew
to maturity were: Elizabeth, Philo, Mary Ann, Dorothy, Asa and Frederic.

578

BIOGRAPHICAL' RECORD.

Both Mr. Prior and his wife were good and pious people, prominent
in the Baptist Church. Politically Mr. Prior affiliated with the Republican
party.
Philo Prior was educated in the best schools that Milford township then
afforded, and remained on the farm assisting his father until his majority,
when he went out to work for neighboring farmers, receiving his board and
lodging and $4 a month. That he was able, with such meager wages, to purchase his first tract of 40 acres, in i86I, speaks well for his industry and
frugality. To this he has since added and now owns I60 acres of as good
farming land 'as there is in the township. He has carried on general farming
and stock raising and for the past 52 years has also operated a threshing
outfit.
In I857 Mr. Prior was married to Josephine Hand, who is a daughter of
Eben Hand, a native of the State of New York, and two children have been
born to them: Frederick; and Julia, who married Michael Guinian and has
two children, Vera and Gerald.
Mr. Prior is a member of the Republican party, but he has never consented to hold any office except that of school director. He has lived a long,
honorable and busy life and has seen and taken part in much of the wonderful
development of his section of Oakland County.
FRED L. FISHER.
FRED L. FISHER, chief engineer of the Flint Division of the Detroit
United Electric Railway, stationed at the Rochester power house at
Rochester, Michigan, was born at Ligonier, Noble County, Indiana, December 7, I858, and is a son of Josiah and Louisa (Tracy) Fisher.
The Fisher family is of English extraction and the founders of the
American branch came here prior to the Revolutionary War. Many distinguished members reside in New England, where in the family of an uncle
is still preserved the uniform that one patriot wore in the Continental Army.
Josiah Fisher, the father of cur subject, was born in New England and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

579

there learned the trade of machinist. In young manhood he migrated to
Michigan, settling at Constantine, St. Joseph County, where he married and
remained until he purchased a saw and grist mill at Ligonier, Indiana.
There he met with the accident, which caused his death, September 30, i86i,
at the age of 43 years, leaving a family of five children, as follows: Eliza,
wife of L. H. Bassett, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Frank W., of Chicago;
Albert, of Denver, Colorado; Fred L., and A. J., of Chicago. After the
death of Mr. Fisher, his widow married John C. Richmond, and they had
born to them one childl,-Minnie V. (Keene). They removed to Kansas
where Mr. Richmond built the first frame house at Ottawa. After living
there one year, they returned to Michigan, settling at Three Rivers, and there
Mr. Richmond died. Her third husband, John Huffman, died in I9oo; she
is still a resident of Constantine, She was born in Cayuga County, New
York, and is a daughter of Erastus and Louise (Arnold) Tracy, who came
to Michigan in I833, traveling to Detroit by boat, and to St. Joseph County
by ox team. Mr. Tracy secured I60 acres of land at $I.25 an acre and made
a good farm. He reared nine children to maturity, and died at the age of 77
years, being survived two years by his wife, who was 75 years old. Mrs.
Huffman is one of the oldest pioneers of this State and still enjoys both
physical and mental health. She is a cousin of former Governor Blair of
Michigan.
Fred L. Fisher spent his boyhood at Three Rivers, Michigan, and there
obtained his education. At the age of I6 he began an apprenticeship to the
machinist's trade and worked at it one year as journeyman after completing
his three years of apprenticeship. He then became an engineer on the lake
boats and thus passed two seasons, after which he returned to shop work at
Three Rivers. Removing to Lansing, lie found plenty of work and remained
there 13 years, sometimes in the shops and sometimes in power houses. On
July 27, I901, he accepted his present very responsible position at Rochester,
and his capacity and efficiency have been fully tested, resulting in complete
confidence being established between himself, his employers and the traveling
public.
On Christmas Day, I880, Mr. Fisher was married to Eva Catherman,
who is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Seigler) Catherman, who
removed as early settlers from Pennsylvania to Three Rivers, Michigan.
Our subject and wife have one child, Mabel. Mr. Fisher is a member of

580

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lodge No. 33, F. &amp; A. M., of Lansing. HIe is a highly respected citizen of
Rochester and during his residence in the town has gained a reputation for
his engineering skill and in the meantime has made many personal friends.
JAMES CUTHBERT.
TAMES CUTHBERT, who is well known among the citizens of White Lake
township, is 'at present serving his fourth term as supervisor, and is actively
engaged in the cultivation of his farm of 104 acres in section 4. He was
born in i854, on the farm where he now lives, and is a son of Joseph and Jane
(Bell) Cuthbert.
Joseph Cuthbert was born in Lincolnshire, England, 83 years ago, and
came to the United States in 1852, locating on what is noVWr our subject's
farm in i853 and remaining there, engaged in farming until i89i, when he
retired and removed to Pontiac to spend his remaining days in ease at the
county seat. Farming and stock raising have been the only occupations that
he has followed, in the latter line giving his attention to Shorthorn cattle
and Shropshire stheep.' He was uniformly successful in his agricultural
operations, and during the period of his activity on the farm accumulated
considerable property, owning at the present time a farm of 200 acres in
Springfield township, Oakland County. He was married in England to
Jane Bell, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1825, and died in Oakland County in i88i. Her parents never came to this country. Mr. and
Mrs. Cuthbert were blessed with three children, namely: James, the subject
of this sketch; Annie, who married William T. Matthews, of Pontiac, who
was formerly register of deeds of Oakland County; and William, deceased.
Mrs. Cuthbert was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Joseph Cuthbert
is highly respected wherever he is known, and has always been loyal to the
best interests of Oakland County. In politics he is a Democrat.
James Cuthbert was educated in the district schools of White Lake
township, and was reared a farmer. He has shown that he understands his
work thoroughly, for his farm is carried on in excellent fashion and the ap

OAKLAND COUNTY.

5 8 I

pearance of the property is all that could be desired, the buildings being well
kept up and the general surroundings being carefully attended to. He is
one of the most prominent residents of his township, whether in business,
social or political life, and at present is a leading member of the Democratic
organization of White Lake township. He was elected supervisor of the
township in I9oo, and is now serving his fourth term. In fraternal life he is
a member of the Masons and the Knights of the Maccabees.
James Cuthbert was married in I879 to Rebecca Ogden, who was born
in New Jersey in i85i and is a daughter of Lewis C. and Phoebe Ogden,
who came to White Lake township, Oakland County, from New Jersey in
1853, and are now deceased. Mrs. Cuthbert's father was a stone mason by
trade, and also followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Cuthbert have
three children: Inez; Jennie; and Friend J., who is now deceased. The
family are attendants of the Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES W. KNOX.
CHARLES W. KNOX, a successful farmer and prominent citizen of Groveland township, located on his fine farm of 141 acres in sections 27 and 34, was
born at Plattsburg, New York, March 30, i865, and was but a babe of six
weeks when he became a resident of Michigan. He is a son of Maj. John
J. and Emily M. (Davis) Knox, and a grandson of Walter and Jane (Todd)
Knox.
Walter Knox was born at Harwich, near Glasgow, Scotland, and was
one of the first of the hardy pioneers of Independence township, Oakland
County. He died here in i856 at the age of 57 years. He was married in
Scotland to Jane Todd, who died at the home of her son, William W. Knox,
in Springfield township, this county, in i89i, at the age of go years. They
were the parents of these children: James, of Pennsylvania; Maj. John J.;
William W., of Springfield township, Oakland County; Walter, of Pontiac;
Mrs. Jeannette Funston, deceased; Mrs. Isabella Sherman, of Ludington,

582

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Michigan; Mrs. Almina La Doo, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Husted, deceased;
Mrs. Mary Lowrie, deceased; and David and John, who died in infancy.
Maj. John J. Knox was born February 8, 1835, near Syracuse, New
York, and came to Michigan with his parents in 1836. He was reared on
the home farm in Independence township and was educated in the local
schools. For a number of years he engaged in teaching, following the profession in Michigan and Mississippi. When the Civil War broke out, he was
one of the first from Clarkston to respond to the call for soldiers, in May,
I86i, enlisting as sergeant in Company D, 5th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf.,
under Colonel Beach, in Kearney's corps. He was in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Fair Oaks, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville,
Spottsylvania, and innumerable skirmishes, giving loyal service during the
whole war. He was dangerously wounded in the neck at the battle of Fair
Oaks in I862, and was left for dead on the field; he was finally picked up with
little more than a spark of life left in him, but after a long struggle in the
hospital finally got out again and back into the service. Enlisting as a
private, he was discharged in I865 with the well earned rank of brevet major.
He served some time as provost marshal of the Plattsburg (New York)
district and under Gen. O. O.. Howard performed important service in
Georgia and Alabama, in I866 and I867, in tranquilizing those sections and
in giving the freedmen their rights. W~hen the country no longer needed his
sword, he was given an important position in the Indian Office at Washington, D. C., where he did good service, and was often sent on important missions to Indian tribes in the fulfillment of treaties. During this time he
studied law and would doubtless have become a prominent jurist had not
death called him away, at his Washington home, in I877. Two years previous to his death, in the fall of 1875, Secretary Chandler had assigned the
Major to an important position in the Pension Department, which position
he held up to the time of his death. He was an ardent Republican and was
in the confidence of the leaders of the party. Fraternallly he was a Mason.
In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. On August 8, 1861, he was married to Emily M. Davis, daughter of John Davis, of Independence township,
Oakland County. To this union twin sons were born on March 30, I865:
Chlarles W., our subject, and his brother, John J., of Springfield township,
Oakland County. Mrs. Knox died July 5, 1865, and the Major was married
in I869 to his second wife, Belle Boss, of Albany, New York.

. OAKLAND.COUNTY..583

Our subject was deprived of his mother when but three months old, and
he then became a member of the family of his aunt, Mrs. Mary Lowrie, then
of Oakland County, but later of Lapeer County, Michigan. When he was
about six years old, his aunt moved back to Oakland County. Thus our subject has been a continuous resident of this county since he was six years old. At
the age of 12 years he transferred his home to that of his uncle, William W.
Knox, in Springfield township. On January 5, I893, he was married to
Isabel Rees, who was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and is a daughter of
John Rees. After his marriage, Mr. Khox settled on his present farm of
41.I/2 acres, which is improved by a good farm dwelling and commodious
barns. There he has carried on extensive farming operations, being also
interested in the breeding of cattle, sheep and hogs. His six acres of apple
trees are kept in fine producing condition, and his dairy interests are large.
In politics Mr. Knox is a Republican, has been a justice of the peace, a
member of the School Board and has had opportunities to hold other local
offices. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, the Grange and the
Gleaners. In religious views he is a Presbyterian.
BURTON SEELEY.
BURTON SEELEY, a successful general farmer and stock raiser of Oakland County, who owns and operates a fine farm of 134 acres in section 13,
Rose township, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this section
which had much to do with the development of the western section of the
county. Mr. Seeley was born in Rose township, October 6, I869, and is a
son of Daniel and Mary A. (Terbush) Seeley.
Daniel Seeley was born in New York, December 9, 182I, and was the
third son of Daniel Seeley, who was also born in New York, but died in Rose
township, Oakland County, while on a visit. The father of our subject came
to Oakland County, Michigan, in I830 and located in Rose township, being
one of the township's pioneer settlers. He was a man of robust frame, great
industry, upright character and a leader among the early settlers. He cleared
a large farm, engaged extensively in stock raising and also held various
local offices. He was a Democrat of the old Jacksonian stamp, and also

584

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

belonged to the Masonic lodge in Holly, becoming a Knight Templar. He
died September 5, I900, at Holly, at the age of 78 years. His first wife
was Hannah Brown, of Niagara County, New York. She died in 1856,
leaving three children: Mrs. Helen Montgomery, deceased; Mrs. Mary
Taylor, of Holly, Oakland County; and Wallace, who died in 1858, at the
age of 19 months. He was married in 1857 to his second wife, Mary A.
Terbush, who was born at Flushing, Genesee County, Michigan, in 1838,
and is a daughter of Alexander Terbush. They reared seven children,
namely: Andrew, of Rose township, Oakland County; Mrs. Sarah Patterson,
of Holly, Oakland County; Clyde C., of Holly, Oakland County; Mrs. Grace
Wilson, of Port Huron, Michigan; Mrs. Lillian Mosher, of Holly, Oakland
County; Burton, of this sketch; and Daniel, of Springfield township, Oakland
County.
Burton Seeley was reared and educated in Rose township and has
engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. He has one of the most productive farms of the township, and raises wheat, oats, corn, rye, barley and potatoes. His herds of cattle include fine specimens of Jersey, Durham and Galloway, his sheep are of Shropshire breed and his hogs are Chester-Whites
and Berkshires. Mr. Seeley has also engaged largely in raising fine draft
horses,-French draft, Hambletonian and Clydesdale stock,-and also, as a
director in the Oakland County Blooded Horse Association, is interested in
putting on the market fine stud horses. The association mentioned is a leading feature of agricultural interest in his vicinity, the membership including
20 men of large means and progressive ideas.
On May 4, 1892, Mr. Seeley was married to Elizabeth Baker, who is a
daughter of George W. and Fannie (Carpenter) Baker. Politically he supports the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a member of Austin Lodge,
No. 48, F. &amp; A. M., of Davisburg, and of the K. O. T. M.
E. LEVERNE DAVIS.
E. LEVERNE DAVIS, the present efficient supervisor of Springfield township, was born in the house which he now occupies, in section I7, Springfield
township, Oakland County, April 28, I870. He is also manager of the Mich

MR. AND MRS. LYMAN BARKMAN

OAKLAND COUNTY.

587

igan Premium Stock Farm Company, Limited, a company which owns a
farm of 400 acres in sections 7 and 8, Springfield township, and in addition
operates the farm of 273 acres belonging to his father. Mr. Davis is the
third son of James IH. and Isabella (Irwin) Davis, pioneers of Springfield
township. A sketch of James H. Davis appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Davis has always resided in Springfield township and has always
been interested in farming and stock raising. The Michigan Premium Stock
Farm Company, Limited, was organized some six months ago and have
done well to secure the services of so experienced and enthusiastic a stockman as Mr. Davis. The stock, which is all registered, includes Galloway and
Red Polled cattle, Rambouillet, Oxfordslhire Down and Dorset Horn sheep,
Poland-China hogs and 75 breeds of poultry. During a six weeks trip,
exhibiting at the county and State fairs in Michigan and the State of New
York, Mr. Davis has had the satisfaction of securing 450 premiums. A fine
line of cattle and stock is also raised on the home farm and many cattle and
sheep are shipped to various Western States for breeding purposes.
In politics Mr. Davis, like his esteemed father, is a stanch Democrat.
Although he lives in a strong Republican district, he is serving his fifth consecutive term as supervisor, a pretty good testimonial to his ability and personal popularity.
On January i0, 1900, Mr. Davis was married to Gertrude Newman,
who was born in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, and is a
daughter of William E. Newman. One little dlaughter has been born to this
marriage who bears the beautiful name of Alene.
Fraternally Mr. Davis is a Master Mason, affiliating with Austin Lodge,
No. 48, F. &amp; A. M., and belongs also to Tent No. 367, Knights of the Maccabees, of Davisburg. He is a valued member of the Methodist Church at
Davisburg.
LYMAN BARKMAN.
LYMAN BARKMAN, an esteemed resident of Rose township, Oakland
County, is engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm, which is located
in the northeast quarter of section 19 of that township. He was born inl,
33

588

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Tyrone township, Iivingston County, Michigan, in 1866, and is a son of
Levi and Catherine (Davis) Barkman.
Levi Barkman, who was born in Ohio 67 years ago, is engaged in farming in Tyrone township, Livingston County, having located there at an early
date. His wife, who died six years ago, was a native of New York. Mr.
Barkman is a Democrat.
Lyman Barkman has three brothers living,-George, Stewart and Floyd,
-all of Tyrone township, Livingston County, Michigan. His brother Fred
died at the age of 2I. Lyman Barkman was reared in Tyrone township,
Livingston County, and has been engaged in farming all his life. He removed
to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1893, and settled on his present farm in
Rose township. He has made a success of his vocation, and is esteemed
and respected as a leading citizen of the township.
Mr. Barkman was married in Tyrone township, Livingston County, to
Ada Leland, who was born in Oakland County and is a daughter of Judson
Armina (Pitts) Leland, who were early residents of this county. Mr.
Barkman is a Democrat and has for several years past been serving as a
justice of the peace. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Tent
of Fenton, Michigan. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Barkman appear on a foregoing page.
DAVID GAGE.
DAVID GAGE, one of the representative men. of Novi township, Oakland
County, and a worthy member of one of the old pioneer families of this section, was born in I839 on his present farm in section 7, where he owns 13
acres and has his residence, owning also 80 acres in section I8, the
two adjoining tracts making a fine farm of 93 acres. He is a son of Stephen
L. and Mary (Aldrich) Gage, both of whom were born in the State of New
York.
Both Stephen L. Gage and his father-in-law, Mr. Aldrich, came to
Novi township, Oakland County, in 1830. Mr. Aldrich took up I60 acres
of government land and Mr. Gage secured a fine tract of 13 acres adjoining,
â 80 acres of Mr. Aldrich's I60 and Stephen L. Gage's 13 acres comprise

OAKLAND COUNTY.

589

the present farm of our subject. Stephen L. Gage was a man adapted to
several lines. During his younger years he took up the practice of law, and
had many cases of importance entrusted to him. He was a mechanic of a
high order and built one of the first school houses in this section, which is
still standing in a good state of preservation. In this school lie taught for
several terms; in turn, our subject taught the school for several terms, and he
was followed by a daughter who has also taught there. Mr. Gage was a Whig
and was called upon to fill many positions of trust in his township. He died in
I846, being survived by his widow, whose life continued for 40 years more.
They were the parents of four children, namely: Isaac Newton, who resides
near Hubbardston, Michigan; David, the subject of this sketch; Cornelia;
and Stephen L., who married Lucretia Burlingame, has one son, Harold, and
resides near Chelsea, Michigan.
Although our subject is one of the practical and successful farmers of
Novi township, the greater part of his life has been devoted to the profession of teaching, and few elucators in Oakland County are better or more
favorably known. He began to teach in 856 and was not permitted to lay
aside his duties of an educational nature until 1896. During his 40 years of
service in the profession he has had the satisfaction of seeing young men
and women go from his care and instruction and capably assume great
responsibilities and take prominent parts in the world's great activities. Mr.
Gage. has served in a number of township offices and probably was the most
efficient school superintendent that Novi has ever, had. He also dispensed
justice as a justice of the peace for two terms, during which time his education and good judgment assisted materially in the amicable settlement of
many local differences. Mr. Gage's position in the community has long
made him very prominent and he is held in, the highest esteem by those who
have known him from boyhood. His hospitable home is one often visited by
those who have found in him a wise teacher, a willing counselor and a good
neighbor.
In I86I Mr. Gage was united in marriage with Emeline Clark, who was
born in the State of New York, and is a daughter of James and Nancy
(Patten) Clark. The Clarks came to Michigan in 1843 and located in Ncvi
township, where James Clark died in I871, leaving a widow and these
children: Emeline (Mrs. Gage); Margaret who married James Ellis and
died in the State of Washington, in IoiT, leaving three children,-Dora,

590

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Claud and Ivy; Julia, who married Nathan Shores, resides in Kansas and
has five children,-Burt, Dorr, Florence, Katie and Edward; Philo, who is
a resident of Novi township, Oakland County; Alvina, who married James
Shawv and lives in Northville, Wayne County; Mary, who married Mortimer
Phelps of West Bloomfield township, Oakland County, and has four children,
-Earl, Vina, James and Charles; Libby, who married Theodore Moore and
lives at Wailed Lake, Oakland County, their one daughter, Blanche, being
the wife of Park Barrett of Novi township, Oakland County; Silas, who
resides in Novi township, Oakland County; and Stephen, who lives on the
homestead farm. All are people of established character in their sections.
Mr. and Mrs. Cage have had a family of four children born to them, as follows: Clement, born in 1862, who was married to Mamie Hughes, and is now
a prominent citizen of Saginaw, Michigan, the superintendent of the Postal
Telegraph Cable Company's office of that city; Clayton, born in 1865, residing at Marlette, Michigan, where he is agent for the Flint &amp; Pere Marquette
Railroad, who married Alma Winsor and has two children,-Kathleen and
Gladys; Agnes, born in 1871, who married Frank Thompson, resides in the
village of Farmington and has one daughter, Ailene; and Stephen, born in
1875, who is connected with the Saginawz Evcning News,-he married Mina
Putnam of that city.
In politics, Mr. Gage is a Prohibitionist. He is one of the most progressive and public spirited citizens of Novi township and is active in all movements looking to the advancement of his section.
DARWIN D. HADLEY.
DARWIN D. HADLEY, who is one of the best known residents of Rose
township, Oakland County, is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on
his farm of 120 acres located in section io. He was born in Groveland
township, Oakland County, Michigan, February 23, 1848, and is a son of
Thomas and Martha A. (Stone) Hadley, and grandson of John Hadley.
John Hadley, who was a native of Northumberland, England, came

OAKLAND COUNTY. 59
to America with his family about I818, and first settled in the State of New
'York. He afterward removed to Groveland township, Oakland County,
Michigan, where he was engaged in farming for many years, finally retiring and moving to Holly village, where he died. He had I children, all of
whom are now deceased, with the exception of the two daughters; the names
are as follows: John; Joseph, Thomas; James; William; Charles; Mary
Jane (Stone), of Chase, Michigan; Marjorie (McFarlane), of Grand Blanc,
Genesee County, Michigan; David: and two sons that died when infants.
Thomas Hadley was born in Northumberland, England, March I2,
1815, and accompanied his parents to this country when a boy of three years.
He lived with his parents in New York State until they removed to Michigan, and after he came here he was married to Martha A. Stone, who was
born in Massachusetts, later removed to New York, and then settled in
Michigan. Thomas Hadley owned the farm in Groveland township where
the subject of this sketch was born. In I857 he moved to Holly village and
there engaged in mercantile business for several years. Later, he was president for several years of the Merchant's National Bank of Holly, which is
now known as the First State &amp; Savings Bank. He had one son, Darwin D.,
the subject of this sketch, and two daughters: Celia M., deceased, who, was
the wife of James B. Starker, of Holly; and Jessie M. (Dickinson), who
formerly lived in Detroit but is now a resident of San Diego, California.
Thomas Hadley died December 7, I89I, in Greeley, Colorado, and was
interred in Lakeside Cemetery, Holly. His wife resides at San Diego, California, with her daughter, Mrs. Dickinson.
Darwin D. Hadley was reared in Groveland and Holly townships, where
he secured the groundwork of an education in the district schools, later pursuing a business course in a college that was then located at Flint, Michigan.
From the time he was I5 years of age for some Io or 12 years he assisted
his father in the latter's store in I-olly. Our subject then turned his attention to farming, and purchased his present farm in Rose township in March,
1877. He has made all the fine improvements on the farm, has a large
house, commodious barns, and numerous well planned outbuildings. In the
pursuit of his calling he has made a decided success, and is looked upon as a
shrewd and careful business man.
Mr. Hadley was married to Sara Elizabeth Joslin, who was born in
Holly township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Americ

592

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and Margaret Jane (Van Allen) Joslin. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley have three
children: Clyde Erie; Zaidee Madge; and Thomas Roy. Clyde Erle, who
was born February 28, 1872, is a railway mail clerk and now resides in Pontiac. He was married to Emma Honor Lamb, and has two children: Darwin
Lambert and Thomas Erle. Zaidee Madge, who was born October 25, I875,
in Holly village, lives in Flint, Michigan, where she is employed as a stenographer. Thomas Roy, who was born in Rose township, Oakland County,
September 7, I878, is in the jewelry business and lives in Clinton, Indiana.
Mr. Hadley has always uniformly voted and acted with the Republican party,
although not a seeker for nor a holder of office. The family are members
of the Presbyterian Church. In Masonic circles, Mr. Hadley stands very
high. He is a member of Holly Lodge, F. &amp; A. M.; Chapter, R. A. M.;
Council, R. &amp; S. M.: Genesee Valley Commandery, No. 15, K. T.; AMoslem
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Detroit; and is a 32nd degree Mason of
Michigan Sovereign Consistory of Detroit. He is also a member of the
Order of the Eastern Star, as are Mrs. Hadley and all the children. Both
Mr. and M]rs. Hadley are members of the Grange and the \Washington Club.
WILLIAM W. KNOX.
W\ILLIAMl \. KNox. whlose fine farm of 120 acres is located in section
I, Springfield township, Oakland County, is one of the leading agriculturists
as well as capitalists of his section. He was born February 28, 1837, in
Independence township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a son of Walter
and Jane (Todd) Knox, and a grandson of Walter Knox, who reared this
family of children: Robert, Jennie, James, Adain, David, William and
Walter.
The father of our subject was born at Harwich, near Glasgow, Scot â
land, and died in Oakland County in I856, at the age of 57 years. He married Jane Todd in Scotland, who died at the home of our subject at the age of
90 years, having been born in 18o0. They had a family of i children,
namely: Mrs. Jeanette Funston, deceased; Mrs. Isabella Sherman, of Lud

OAKLAND COUNTY.

593

ington, Michigan; Mrs. Almina La Doo, deceased; David, who died in
infancy; John, who died in infancy; James, of Pennsylvania; John J., who
died at Vashington, D. C., holding at that time an important position in the
Pension Department; William W\., of this sketch; Mrs. Elizabeth Husted,
deceased; Mrs. Mary Lowrie, deceased; and Walter, of Pontiac. When the
pa-rents of our subject came to America, they brought the four children then
born and settled at Syracuse, New York, for four years, coming to Oakland
County, Michigan, in I836. The long journey was made under the difficulties which met the pioneers of that city. They settled on uncleared land, far
from any depot of supplies, while the only cattle that could be used to advantage were the strong obut slow-movinlg oxen. On many occasions Mr. Knox
w-alked many miles to get his grist of meal ground. However, he cleared up
a fine farml witlh the assistance of his sons, and put it under cultivation, his
death preventing his long enjoyment of the fruit of his labors.
\Viiliam W. Knox has spent his life in Oakland County and the whole
of it has been most successfully directed along the lines of farming and stock
raising. In November, I86, le moved to his present farm, which at that
time was not properly valued on account of it being stony. Mr. Knox has
proved that this formation of the soil makes the very best wheat land in the
world, for after thoroughly preparing it for cultivation he has raised 35
busheis of fine wheat to the acre. He cultivates 30 acres in wheat, but
devotes more attention than formerly to corn, oats, beans, potatoes and hay.
He has a productive orchard of I 5 fruit trees. Much careful attention has
been given to high grade hogs and sheep, and Mr. Knox gives preference to
Chester White and Poland-China hogs and Shropshire and Rambouillet
sheep. In I885 a disastrous fire destroyed three barns filled wvith produce and
30 tons of hay. Since then he has erected two commodious barns of a
most substantial character.
In January, 1862, Mr. Knox was married to Martha Rees, who was
born in \Vales, and is a daughter of John and Alice Rees. Mr. and Mrs.
Knox have reared Charles W. and John J. Knox (twins), sons of our subject's brother, tle late Maj. John J. Knox. They were born at Plattsburg,
New York, March 30, I365, the former is a prosperous farmer of Groveland township, Oakland County, and the latter lives with his uncle, the subject of this sketch. Maj. John J. Knox enlisted in May, I86i, in Company
D, 5th Reg., MIichigan Vol. Inf., as a sergeant, and was later promoted to be

594

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ist lieutenant, finally being brevetted major. He served in the Army of the
Potomac and participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Fair
Oaks, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania and innumerable skirmishes. At the battle of Fair Oaks he was seriously wounded, and
his death several years later was undoubtedly caused from the effects of the
wound. He was a brave soldier and was held in honor by his fellow citizens.
Politically, Mr. Knox is a Republican, and fraternally is a member of
the Knights of the Maccabees. He is generally considered one of the best
farmers in his neighborhood and the appearance of his fine farm upholds
the statement. He is also a man of integrity and enjoys the esteem of his
fellow citizens.
HARVEY TOWNSEND.
HARVEY TOWNSEND, whO owns a fine farm of I20 acres in Oxford
township, Oakland County, was born in Wayne County, New York, May 7,
1836, and is a son of Nathan and Nancy Townsend, both of whom were
natives of New York.
When Harvey Townsend was 1o years old, his parents came to Michigan, locating 57 years ago in Lapeer County, where the father took up land.
Nathan Townsend died in Marathon township, Lapeer County, in I863, aged
64 years, and the mother died in Hadley township, Lapeer County, a few
years later, aged 6o years. The survivors of their children are our subject
and his younger brother, Octavius, who is a farmer in Lapeer County.
Harvey Townsend was reared and educated in Lapeer County, although
he had but few educational advantages. He learned the trade of stone mason
and followed that in connection with well digging for some years. He
became the owner of a farm in Lapeer County which he sold prior to coming
to Oakland County. He has lived on his present farm in Oxford township
for the past 26 years. The farm is owned by Mrs. Townsend, and is the
one that was first settled by her parents, Isaac and Artimisia Brown, and on
this farm her father and mother died, the former in 1888 and the latter in
I868. Mr. Townsend devotes his attention to general farming and has been
very successful in all its branches.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

595

Mr. Townsend was married in I858 in Oxford township to Lois H.
Brown, a daughter of Isaac and Artimisia Brown. She was born in the
State of New York, April 27, I836, and was brought in the fall of that year
to Oakland township, Oakland County. Mrs. Townsend's parents had nine
children, of whom one died of smallpox in Oakland township, in 1839. The
remaining six sons and two daughters lived to maturity, but at present there
is only one survivor,-Mrs. Townsend.
Our subject and wife have had four children, namely: Nathan, a seaman on the lakes; Olin, who is working in the mines at Bay City; Elnora
(Mrs. John Pillon), who resides on a farm near Columbiavillle, Michigan,
and has four children,-Harvey, Vane, Lois and Elsie; and Seraphine (Mrs.
Martin Spencer), who resides near Millington, Michigan, and has four
children,-Howard, Willis, Lynn and Daisy.
In politics Mr. Townsend is an active Republican and a man who takes
a great interest in local improvements. He has served most acceptably as
roadmaster of the township. In religious connections, the family incline to
the Baptist faith, Mr. Townsend being a liberal supporter of all moral movements in his locality.
8r ANDREW SEELEY.
ANDREW SE1EIEY, one of the prominent farmers and substantial citizens of Rose township, Oakland County, residing upon his well improved
farm of 174 acres, situated in section 4, belongs to one of the leading pioneer
families of the county. He was born February I9, I859, on the homestead
farm in Rose township, and is a son of the late Daniel and Mary A. (Terbush) Seeley.
Oakland County is indebted to New York for a large number of her
best and most thoroughly representative citizens, and among the sons of
the Empire State none were more valued in Oakland County than was the
late Daniel Seeley. He was born in Ulster County, New York, December
9, 1821, and was a son of Daniel and Sallie (Green) Seeley, the former of
whom came with his family to Michigan in I840 and settled on a farm in
section 4, Rose township, Oakland County, which came into the possession

596

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of his son Daniel in 1843. The latter came to the farm in 1843 and remained
upon it until 1854, when he returned to New York, where he was engaged
for three years in a mercantile business with his brother-in-law, at Wilson,
Niagara County. He returned to Michigan at the time of his second marriage, in 1857, and lived on the farm until 1893, when, on account of failing
health, he botght a home in the village of Holly, where his last years were
passed. He (lied September 5, I9oo.
Daniel Seeley was married first to Hannah Brown of \Vilson, Niagara
County, New York, who (lied in July, 1856, leaving three children, viz.:
Mrs. Helen Montgomery of Rose township, Oakland County, nowx deceased;
Mrs. Mary Taylor of Holly township, Oakland County; an(l Vallace, who
died in I858, at the age of 19 months. In 1857 Mr. Seeley wvas married to
his second wife, Mary A. Terbush, who was born at lFlushing, Genesee
County, Michigan, in I838, and is a daughter of Alexander and Eliza
(Davis) Terbush, who came to Michigan in 1835 and resided some years in
Genesee County, later removing to Springfield township, Oakland County,
in the vicinity of Davisburg, where Mrs. Terbush (lied in 1869, and her
husband in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Terbulsh had a family of I children,
namely: Sylvan, a merchant of Pontiac, who lost all his property in the great
Chicago fire of 187I; Davis, of Rose township, Oakland County; Mrs. Mary
A. Seeley; Mrs. Sarah A. Burch, of West Bay City, Michigan; Pliny, of
Chicago; Homer, of Pontiac; Lina J., of Jackson, Michligan; Harvey, of
Akron, Ohio; and Solon, Ovander and Myron, who are deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Seeley reared a family of seven children, as follows: Andrew, our subject: Sarah, who married J. \V. Patterson of Holly,
Oakland County, and has one daughter, WAillah E.; Clyde C., who resides in
Holly village; Grace, the wife of W. T. \Wilson, a contractor and builder of
Port Huron, Michigan; Lillian, who married C. W. Mosher, a jeweler of
Holly, and has one son, Seeley; Burton, a farmer of Rose township, Oakland County, who was married to Elizabeth Baker; and Daniel, a farmer of
Springfield township, Oakland County, who was married to Hattie Van
Dusen and has three children. Daniel Seeley was from principle a stanch
Democrat, but never permitted the use of his name in connection with public
office. For years he was active in the Masonic bodies and was long a member
of Fenton Commandery, Knights Templar. He attended religious services
at the Methodist Church. For a long period he served on the directing

OAKLAND COUNTY.

597

hoard of the \Monitor Insurance Company of Oakland County, but some
years prior to his death sent in his resignation. He was a man who deserved
the high esteem in which he was held by all who knew him, and he left a
family which has inherited many of his sterling traits of character.
Andrew Seeley was educated in the schools at Holly and was reared on
the farm which has been his home all his life, with the exception of seven
years which he spent on the farm in section 13, Rose township, which is
now owned by Burton Seeley. Mr. Seeley is one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of his section of the county and in the successful operation
of his farm uses modern methods and machinery which he has found best
calculated to bring satisfactory results. He has given time and means to the
improvement of his land and owns one of the most attractive homes in the
western part of the county.
Mr. Seeley was married in I886 to A\ddie E. Fillingham, who was born
in Rose township, Oakland County. M:lichigan, and is a daughter of William
Fillilgham.
Politically Mr. Seeley is identified with the Democratic party; he has
served as township treasurer with great satisfaction to the tax payers.
Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees Tent at Holly.
Both he and his estimable wife are prominent members of the Methodist
Church at Holly.
DAVID R. TEGGERDINE.
DAVID R. TEGGERDINE is a substantial citizen of Springfield township,
Oakland County, where le is engaged in general' farming on his estate of
So acres in section 36. He has attained a high position among the leading
citizens of his township and his name is known and respected throughout the
township in all circles, whether business, social or political. He was born
in White Lake township, Oakland County, Michigan, April 21, I865, and is
a son of Richard and Hannah (Bird) Teggerdine.
Richard Teggerdine was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 12, I8I9,
ancd came to this country in 1853, when he engaged in farming, starting out

598

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with nothing. After years of industrious work, he succeeded in his efforts
to become well-to-do, and was counted among the leading land owners of his
vicinity. His wife, Hannah Bird, was born in England and is a daughter of
Joshua Bird, who is now living with our subject and has reached the age of
82 years. They were the parents of I8 children, nine of whom are still living, namely; Mary A. (Vincent), now residing in Lapeer County; William,
who now resides in White Lake township, Oakland County; John; Charles,
who resides in Springfield township, Oakland County; Eliza (Ingamells) of
White Lake township, Oakland County:. Henry; Anna (Friday), of Lapeer
County; David R., our subject; and Susan (Bachman), a resident of White
Lake township, Oakland County. Richard Teggerdine died October 26,
I895.
David R. Teggerdine received his education in Oakland County, where
he has always lived. After attaining the years of manhood, he engaged in
farming and has at present one of the best cultivated farms in the county.
General farming and stock raising absorb his attention. He raises annually
700 bushels of corn, 800 bushels of other grain, o00 bushels of beans and 500
bushels of potatoes. He keeps about 15 head of cattle and 25 head of hogs.
Mr. Teggerdine was married February 25, I89I, to Edith R. Grant, a
native of Springfield township, Oakland County, and a daughter of George
and Elizabeth Grant. They have been blessed with one child,-Gladys. Mr.
Teggerdine is a Republican.
Mr. Teggerdine also owns the old homestead property consisting of I50
acres situated in White Lake and Springfield townships.
DELEVAN J. PIERCE.
DELEVAN J. PIERCE is prominently identified with the cultivation of the
soil in Oakland County, and is the owner of a handsome farm of 80 acres
in section 6, Independence township. He was born in Columbia township,
Herkimer County, New York, April 9, I833, and is a son of Ezra and Luna
(Cole) Pierce, and a grandson of Dean Pierce.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

599

Dean Pierce was born in V;ermont and followed farming in that State
and in Herkimer County, New York. He was a soldier in the War of I812
and was at Sacket's Harbor. He was the father of nine children, namely:
Nathan; Reuben; Ezra, our subject's father; James; Hannah (Fosket);
Robey (Fosket); Elizabeth (Jones); Sally (Corkins); and Lydia, who
resides in New York.
Ezra Pierce was born in Columbia township, Herkilner County, New
York, and spent his entire life in the pursuits of a general farmer and stock
raiser. He was a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. He
was married to Luna Cole, a native of New, York, and a daughter of \illiam Cole, and they were the parents of three children, namely: Delevan J.,
whose name heads this sketch; Larkin, who resides in New York; and
Romanda (McCreddy), a widow now residing at Colulnbia, New York.
Delevan J. Pierce lived in Herkimer and Oswego counties, New York.
before coming in 1867 to this region, where he has since followed farming.
On his arrival he bought his present farm and has been actively engaged
in cultivation and management of the place. He has at present one of the
handsomest and most productive farms in his county, and raises grain, vegetables and stock. Having been very successful in his business career, he
lately retired from active work, and his son, who has the adjacent farm,
has taken charge of our subject's farm and conducts both. Mr. Pierce built
a large fine farm dwelling not long ago.
Mr. Pierce was married in Herkimer County, New York, and he and
his wife have three children, namely: William, who was married to Ada
Gulligan, and lives on a farm adjoining that of our subject; and twins,Ada (Mills), of Independence township, Oakland County, and Ida, who
lives at home. Mr. Pierce is a Republican and has served as school treasurer
for several years.
HARVEY HALSTED.
HARVEY HALSTED, one of the best known fruit growers of the State
of Michigan, residing on his farm of 8o acres in section 7, Farmington
township, Oakland County, was born in Farmington township, December

6oo

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

23, I840, and is a son of William and Hannah (Boom) Halsted, and a
grandson of David Halsted.
David Halsted, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in
AWestern New York in 1791 and lived to the age of 76 years, dying in 1867.
William Halsted was born in Western New York in 18I5 and at an early
age came to Michigan. He lived in Farmington township, Oakland County,
and in Plymouth township, \Vayne County. He was engaged in farming'
and in the buying and selling of live stock. He was successful in his. business ventures, and was most highly regarded by his neighbors and fellow
citizens. His wife, Hannah Boom, was born in Farmington township, Oakland Cotnty, Michigan, and was a. daughter of James Boom, an early pioneer of Michigan, who was born in Vermont, June I8, 1792, moved thence
to \Vestern Ne-w York at an early age and( came to Oakland County. Michigan, in 1828, locating on government land in Farmington township, lwhere
lie died in I869. William Halsted (lied in 1899 at the age of 84 years; Ilis
wife died in I887.
Harvey Halsted received his schooling in Plymouth township, W\ayne
County, -where his father was engaged in buying and selling stock. In I869
he purchased his present farm, consisting of 80 acres in the heart of the most
fertile agricultural district of the State, 35 acres of which he has devoteld to
the culture of Steele's Red Winter, or Red Canada, apples, as they are sometimes called. By skilled methods and painstaking endeavors he has produced
some of the largest and finest fruit ever grown in Michigan. He is considered
by all apple shippers the best fruit grower in the United States. His fruit
commands the highest prices in the market, Mr. Halsted often getting $4
per barrel for his apples right from the trees in' the orchard. He has one
of the finest improved orchards in the State, one that is not inferior to any
other in point of skilled management. He has erected a fine brick fruit
house, for the storing of his choice fruit, and has a fine farm house, barns and
out-buildings. In addition to his fruit business, Mr. Halsted engages in
farming to some extent.
Mr. Halsted was married in I870 to Mary Mathews, who was born
November 3, 1838, in Novi township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a
daughter of Daniel Mathews, of Plymouth, Michigan, who was there engaged
in the milling business until his death in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Halsted are
the parents of two children, namely: James, born April 17, 1873; and

OAKLAND COUNTY.

6oi

Charles H., born July 27, 1875, who w-as married to Grace Calista Green,
a daughter of Horace A. Green, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in
this work. M'r. Halsted is a Republican in politics.
SPENCER B. GRAY.
SPENCER B.;R\Y, who1 is now spending his declining years in the peace
and comfort of retired life at Pontiac, was formerly engaged( in agricultural
pursuits on his fine farm in section 36, Pontiac township, where he has spent
most of his life. He was born near Bath, in Steuben County, New York,
October 13, 1828, and is a son of Daniel and Charity (Reynolds) Gray.
Daniel Gray was one of two sons, having a brother Lessie. He was
born in New York, and followed farming there until I830, when he came
to Detroit, Michigan, by boat. He shortly afterward purchased So acres
in section 10, Pontiac townshlip, Oakland County, of Solomon Matthew\s,
who had obtained a patent for the same from the government. Mr. Grayx
subsequently acquired by purclase two tracts of 80 acres eacl and secured
90 acres from the government. The country was a wilderness at the time,
and the land had to be cleared before it could be cultivated. He had brought
considerable money to this country and was better fixed financially than most
of the pioneers. He worked hard and with good results, his farm becoming
one of the best in the township. He built a large frame house which stood?
for mlany years, and lived there until his death at the age of 77 years. He'
was married to Charity Reynolds, like him a native of New York, and they
had six children: Esther (Postle), who died in Wisconsin; George \VW. who
(lied in Troy township, Oakland County, at the age of 56 years; Eliza (Postle), who died in M\acomb County,. Miichigan; Lyman, who died in Grand
Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 67 years; Allen Walton, who died in Pontiac; and Spencer B.
Spencer B. Gray was two years of age when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and was reared on the home farm in Pontiac township.
He lived on the farm and cultivated it from early manhood until July 17,

602

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

I902, when he retired and moved to Pontiac to enjoy the rewards of a well
spent life. He was very successful as a farmer and made a great deal of
money in raising sheep. He now owns the home farm of Ioo acres, as well
as his city property. In 1880 he built the beautiful residence which now
adorns the farm and is the best home in the community. He is a man off
the strictest integrity and a high sense of honor, and gained the confidence
and respect of all with whom he had business dealings.
Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Hattie Babcock, a native of Oakland County, and a daughter of Curtis and Pamelia Babcock, by whom he
has two children: Esther, widow of Fred Durrant, of Amy, now living in
Detroit; and Marion, who lives at home. In politics, Mr. Gray has alwrays
been a stanch Democrat and is interested in his party's success. Ils wife
is a member of the Baptist Church.
HENRY M. BELFORD.
HENRY M. BELFORD. Among the representative farmers of Oakland
County, Michigan, our subject stands prominently as a good citizen, enterprising business man, and a farmer of the first class. He resides on his 142 -acre farm in Holly township, situated in sections 3, 4 and Io. He was born
in 1857 on the farm where he now lives, and is a son of Hugh and Flora
(Maxwell) Belford.
Hugh Belford was born in Ireland, and came to Michigan at an early
day and took up from the government the farm on which our subject now
lives, and began what proved to be a most successful career. Hopeful of the
future and endowed with keen business sense, he purchased from time to time
other farms in the neighborhood, and at his death was the owner of 400
acres. In political belief he was a Republican, but never sought a public
office. He was married to Flora Maxwell, who was born in Belfast, Ireland,
and they were the parents of eight children, namely: James, who resides near
Holly, Michigan; George, deceased, who until his death, resided on our subject's present farm,-his family now resides at Grand Blanc, Michigan;

KLEBER P. ROCKWELL

OAKLAND COUNTY.

605

Albert, who resides near our subject, being a merchant at Belford station;
Joseph W., a farmer, who lives near our subject; Henry M., our subject;
Susan (Ormiston), a resident of Genesee County, Michigan; Elizabeth, who
married H. A. Hodges, and resides at Grand Blanc, Michigan; and Mary
(Andrews), deceased, who was a resident of Rose township, Oakland
County. Hugh Belford died in I876 at the age of 62 years and his wife
died in 1897 at the age of 83 years.
Henry M. Belford was reared and educated in Holly township, and
farming has been his chief occupation since he was able to do a man's work.
For the past five years he has been with the D. M. Osborne Machine Company and has traveled for this company through Michigan during the past
four years as an expert. His farm of 142 acres is well located and on it he
is engaged in general farming, raising the usual crops of his section.
Mr. Belford was married to Fida Tiffany, who was born in Ontario
County, New York, and came to Michigan when about 16 years of age;
she has three brothers residing in Holly township, and also one sister. They
have been blessed with one child, Iulu, who will be 12 years of age in December, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Belford are members of the Congregational Church.
In political matters, our subject is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member
of the Holly lodge, F. &amp; A. M.. and of Holly tent, Knights of the Maccabees.
KLEBER P. ROCKWELL.
KLEBER P. ROCKWELL, prosecuting attorney of Oakland County, whose
portrait is herewith shown, was born November 8, I868, in the township of
Bloomfield, Oakland County, and is a son of the late Edward J. Rockwell,
of West Bloomfield, his ancestors being among the earliest settlers of Oakland County, and being descendants of William Rockwell, who settled at
Dorchester, Massachusetts, in I630.
Mr. Rockwell was reared to young manhood upon a farm. He received
his education in the public schools and began teaching school at the age of
20 and later supplemented his education with a three-years' course at the
34

606

BIOGRAiPHICAL RECORD.

Fenton Normal School. He began the study of law with Judge George
W. Smith in 1893, subsequently entering the office of Taft &amp; Smith in I894
and has been an office associate with Congressman S. W. Smith ever since.
After passing a very creditable examination, he was admitted to the
bar January 8, I895, since which time he has enjoyed an extensive practice.
He was also admitted to practice in the United States courts March 22, I899.
Politically, he is a Republican and was nominated by that party in I898
for the office of prosecuting attorney and was elected by a majority of over
I,IOO; he was also unanimously re-nominated to succeed himself in 900o
and 1902 and was re-elected each time by a majority of nearly I,600, running
several hundred ahead of his ticket each time.
In the discharge of the duties of his office and in prosecuting criminals
he was very successful. During his incumbency he was identified with many
important criminal trials and has secured convictions of some of the most
-noted criminals of Michigan, prominent among whom was Henry WXiseman,
convicted of murder in the first degree for the murder of Mrs. Ellen Huss.
Mr. Rockwell was married September o, 1896, to Maude A. King,
daughter of the late George W. King, of Clarkston, and to them were born
three children,-two daughters and a son,-Alice, Helen and Edward J.
In 1902 he formed a co-partnership with Henry M. Zimmermann, under
the firm name of Rockwell &amp;, Zimmermreanl, which firm is enjoying an exten-:sive law practice.
EDWIN PHELPS.
EDWIN PHELPS, who has been prominent in all matters pertaining to
agriculture in Oakland County, Michigan, has a fine farm in section 23, Pontiac township, but for some years past has been living in Pontiac. He was
born in the village of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, April 7,
1828, and is a son of Elnathan and Clarissa (Colt) Phelps.
William Phelps. grandfather of our subject, was a native of Vermont.and a Revolutionary soldier. He married Sarah Smelage, a native of Vermont, and they had the following children: Benjamin; Betsey (Smith);

OAKLAND COUNTY.

607 '

Maria (Rigley); Eleanor (Smith); Rhoda (Niles), who settled in Troy
township, Oakland County, at an early day; Elnathan; Alfred; William;
Bethena (Robins); and Polly (Everett), whose grandson, John Everett, is
now principal of the Pontiac High School.
Elnathan Phelps, our subject's father, engaged in woolen manufacturing while a resident of Massachusetts, but after coming to Oakland County
in I833 followed farming. Hie was a Democrat in politics, and took an
earnest interest in his party's success. He died in 1871, aged 72 years.
I-e was married to Clarissa Colt, a native of Pittsfield and a daughter of
Jabez and Sarah Colt, and they had two children,-Edwin and Helen
(Reeves), twins.
Edwin Phelps was four years old when his mother died and he was
brought by his father to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1833, the father
buying 18o acres in section 23, Pontiac township, which has continued to be
our subject's home ever since. He was reared on this farm and attended the
old log school house in the district. Upon reaching the age of I8 years, he
returned to Pittsfield and attended the grammar school for six months, then
entered the High School at Rochester, Michigan, which he attended under
Professor Kedzie for two years. He then worked the home farm and on
March 19, I850, with a party of five left for the gold fields of California.
They had seven horses and one wagon, and upon arriving at St. Joseph,
Missouri, bought another wagon. They left the Missouri River at St.
Joseph, Missouri, and on their way to the coast passed two forts,-Fort
Kearney on the Platte River, and Fort Laramie. The trip was a hard
one and hazardous and consumed four and a half months. Mr. Phelps continued in California for two years, making considerable money in the diggings, then returned home and purchased the home farm of his father. He
continued to work the farm with great success until i88o when his rheumatism became too bad for him to continue the hard work and undergo
exposure to all kinds of weather. He has dealt extensively in blooded cattle,
and has also fed as high as I50 head. He first bred Herefords, and then
imported 70 head of Holsteins which he bred for several years. He has
been a director and president of the Oakland County Agricultural Society
almost since its inception, and for many years was a director of the State
Agricultural Society. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote
for Franklin Pierce. He was a justice of the peace for a period of 25 years,

608

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and school director many years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias;
and has been a member of the Grange since its organization, serving as
master for a long time. He helped in the organization of the Universalist
Society, and assisted in building all the churches in the vicinity, although a
member of none.
In 1858 Mr. Phelps was united in marriage to Mary Irish, a native of
Oakland County, and a daughter of Joseph M/ierwin and Sarah Irish, by
whom he has had two children, namely: iMVary, a teacher, who is a graduate
of Kalamazoo Seminary, Albion College and Cornell University; whileJessie is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with the degree of B. S.
and M. S., and has taught for a number of years at the State Normal School
at Ypsilanti, Michigan, being at present engaged there. Mrs. Phelps died in
July, I870. In November, I875, Mr. Phelps was married to Delia J. Kimball, also a native of Oakland County. To this union three children were
born: Clara, who married VWalter Smith, a mechanic and bookkeeper for the
Beaudett Body Works of Pontiac; Ella, wife of Birdsey Madison, a grocer
of Pontiac; and Edwin, Jr., who conducts the home farm. Edwin Phelps,
Jr., attended the State Agricultural College at Lansing for two years and
then took charge of the farm.
JAMES S. MITCHELL.
JAMES S. MITCHELL, the present supervisor of Holly township, Oakland County, has won wide recognition as one of the county's most enterprising citizens. He is a leading representative of the farming element of
this district, and has always taken an active part in all public movements and
enterprises. He was born on the farm on which he now lives, situated in
section 9, Holly township, and is a son of David and Adeline (Marsh)
Mitchell, and a grandson of George Mitchell.
George Mitchell, who was a native of the north of Ireland, came to
America in I822, first locating in New York City, where he conducted a
small store for a few years, and then removing to a place situated about 5(&gt;

OAKLAND COUNTY.

609

miles north of New York City, where he remained until 1835. In that year
he came to Michigan, locating in Independence township, Oakland County,
and later taking land in Holly township from speculators, paying about
$4. per acre. He entered zealously into the work of clearing and farming his
land, and at his death in i857 left a well improved farm to his heirs.
David Mitchell was born in Independence township, Oakland County,
in 1836, and at the age of one year moved with the family to Holly township, and has continued to be a resident of Holly township ever since,
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a Democrat in politics and has
-served as commissioner. He was married to Adeline Marsh, who was born
in Groveland township, Oakland County, in 1842, and is a daughter of
Elisha Marsh, who came to Michigan at an early date from New York.
They have reared three children besides our subject, namely: Lewis J., who
is a resident of Holly township; Margaret, who is the wife of John Haas, a
prominent farmer of Holly township; and David W., who is married and
lives on the homestead farm.
James S. Mitchell received a good education in his youth, stands in a
high position among the capable and enterprising business men of his county
and is a farmer of the first class. He was graduated from the State Agricultural College at Lansing, Michigan, in T895, after a four years' course.
Our subject adheres to Democratic views in politics, and has for several
years been prominently identified with the party locally; after serving for
two years as commissioner, he was elected supervisor and is now serving in
his third term. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of the Maccabees and the Grange. His religious views are
liberal. Mr. Mitchell has never married.
JOHN ALLEN BIGELOW.
JOHN ALLrEN BTGELOW. Few citizens of Oakland County are more
entitled to the esteem of their fellow citizens, than is John Allen BigeTow,
of Birmingham, whose intimate relations with the mercantile and political

,61o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

interests of the county, and whose gallant services to his country during the
Civil War, have made his name a familiar one in this part of the State. Mr.
Bigelow was born in I839 in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County,
Michigan, and is a son of the late Jotham and Esther S. (Montague) Bigelow.
Jotham Bigelow was born in New York, February 7, I807, and wlas
a son of Abel and Sarah (Clark) Bigelow, the former of whom was a Revolutionary soldier. Jotham accompanied his parents to Michigan, where they
settled in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County. He married Esther
S. Montague, who was born in 1817, and was a daughter of Elijah and
Esther (McElwain) Montague, of New York. After this marriage in 1835,
Jotham Bigelow and wife established themselves in the following year in
Wrest Bloomfield township and resided there 34 years, when they removed
to Williamston, Ingham County, where both died, thoroughly respected in
all the relations of life, kind neighbors and consistent members of the church.
By trade Jotham Bigelow was a carpenter and builder. In politics he was
a Whig in early life, and later became a Republican. The six children born
to Jotham Bigelow and wife were: Mary, deceased; John Allen of this
sketch; Augusta D.; Hamilton M.; Judson 0.; and Amanda, deceased.
John Allen Bigelow had few educational advantages in his youth, the
main part of his education having been secured after he was 17 years old,
an accident at that time to his left hand making it impossible for him to
either do carpenter work or till the land. After sufficiently fitting himself
for the profession, he became a school teacher and continued as s'uch until
1860, when he moved to Birmingham and accepted a clerkship with 0. Poppleton, with whom he remained until April, 186I, going then to Franklin,
where he embarked in a mercantile business for himself. In the following
August, the martial spirit of his Revolutionary grandfather, and his own
loyalty and patriotism, induced him to dis'pose of his store and to enlist in
Company G, Ist Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., then forming, going out as
bugler. Mr. Bigelow remained with his regiment until the retreat of General Banks down the Shenandoah Valley. On May 23, 1862, he was made
prisoner, at Winchester, Virginia; after iT days, however, he managed to.escape and with 72 companions captured a train and ran it from Martinsburg to Harper's Ferry. This action caused their arrest by order of Gen-;eral Crawford, and they. were sent to Washington. There discipline was

OAKLAND COUNTY.

6,t

somewhat relaxed and the party was detailed to go to work on fort building. This, however, did not appeal to Mr. Bigelow's sense of right, and he
protested, successfully, that he had entered the army as a cavalryman, and
was sustained in his contention by Secretary of W\ar Stanton, being honorably discharged June I6, I862.
On the I3th of the following August, Mir. Bigelow re-enlisted, entering
the 5th Michigan Reg., Vol. Cav.. under the nlame of John Allen, and in
the following November was made chief bugler. In the spring of I863
the famous Michigan cavalry brigade was formed, and in June, General
Copeland was relieved and General Custer placed in command. From this
time on until his final discharge, Mr. Bigelow participated in all the hazardous campaigns in which his regiment won glory, and he was the first manl
to use a sabre, the incident taking place June 30th at Littlestown, Pennsylvania. On August 8, 1863, his gallantry was rewarded by promotion to
the rank of 2d lieutenant and until April I, 1864, he was engaged in recruiting. On May 4, I864, he crossed the Rapidan in advance of his brigade,
and this event inaugurated the Wilderness campaign. General Sheridan vwas
in charge of the cavalry at Petersburg. In August, I864, it will be recalled,
the cavalry corps was sent to the Shenandoah Valley against General Early;
in the charge at Opequan, a bullet struck Lieut. John Allen (Bigelow),
which shattered his left elbow bone, necessitating a field amputation, an
operation of such anguish that we, of these days of merciful anaesthetics,
shudder to recall. This injury kept the brave soldier at Winchester until
Christmas, I864, and then he came home, only to endure a second and,
later, a third operation on the remains of his once strong left arm. Indeed,
during the never-to-be-forgotten winter of I864-65, the poor lacerated stump
was in such a condition that the artery would not grow together, and for
50 agonizing days and nights, the artery was held by faithful friends, to
prevent the suffering patient from bleeding to death. However, Nature
finally came to his relief, and the arm, although it still does and always will
trouble him, has not interfered with his successfully holding many offices
of trust and responsibility and his filling them with the same fidelity with
which he served his country on the battle-field. He was wounded five different times but never consented to leave his regiment until the injury just
mentioned. Among the many adventures in which he displayed.-personal
bravery was one night when, in company with Lieut. Percy Leggett, he

612

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

crossed the Rappahannock River and brought some prisoners from General
Hood's army. Lieut. John Allen (Bigelow) was discharged April I5, 1865,
having taken part in 84 battles and skirmishes with the Michigan Cavalry
Brigade.
After his return from the army, Mr. Bigelow resumed school teaching
in his native township until I886, in the spring of that year removing to
Birmingham, where he was appointed postmaster, an office he held for 18
consecutive years. While holding this government position, he also conducted a general store, was made a notary public and also was an insurance
and express agent.
Mr. Bigelow has always been noted for his public spirit and his excellent business judgment, and much credit is due him for the early and excellent telephone system which Birmingham has enjoyed since its inception.
In 1884 he resigned his position as postmaster, sold out his mercantile business, and in that year entered upon the duties of county treasurer, to, which
he had been elected by a large majority, and to which he was re-elected for
a second term. He has on various occasions filled many offices, always with
the greatest efficiency, giving the same faithful services to the affairs of the
public as he did in the army, when he rose from the ranks to the position of
captain of his company.
In politics, Mr. Bigelow is an ardent Republican, and is a valued member of Dick Richardson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Pontiac. Fraternally, he is a Royal Arch Mason.
On May 24, 1864, Mr. Bigelow was united in marriage with Isabel
Whitehead, who was born in Waterford township, Oakland County, in June,
1844, and is a daughter of Almeron and Ann (Mais) Whitehead. Three
children were born to this marriage, nanely: Capt. Mortimer O., U. S. A.;
Bertha Alliene, who was married September 25, 1902, to Mr. I. H. Neff,
who is a member of the medical staff of the Eastern Michigan Asylum at
Pontiac; and Bessie E.
Capt. Mortimer O. Bigelow was born in Birmingham, and entered the
United States Military Academy at West Point as a cadet June 17, I891,
and was graduated June 12, I895. He entered the cavalry branch of the
service, and was appointed additional 2d lieutenant, Ioth U. S. Cavalry,
June 12, 1895, and made 2d lieutenant, Ioth U. S. Cavalry, June 13, I895.
He was transferred to the 8th U. S. Cavalry June 22, 1895, became ist

OAKLAND COUNTY.

613

lieutenant in that regiment March 2, I899, and was made captain in tile
9th U. S. Cavalry June 30, I901. On April 25, 1903, he was transferred
to the 8th U. S. Cavalry, to which he is still assigned.
From June 12, I895, to April I, 1898, Captain Bigelow was engaged
in troop duty at Fort Meade, South Dakota, with detached service in Wyoming and Montana. He was aid-de-camp to Gen. J. M. Bacon from April I,
I898, to September Io, I898; troop duty at Huntsville, Alabama, September Io to November Io, I898; troop duty, commanding Troop G, 8th U. S.
Cavalry, in Province of Puerto Principe, Cuba, from November 13, 1898,
to June 28, I900; in command of District of Guantanamo, Province of
Santiago, Cuba, from June 28, oo00, to July Io, I90o. On July Io, I90I,
he was detailed as instructor in mathematics in the United States Military
Academy at West Point, where he is still on duty and where he will probably be until August 28, I905.
CLARK J. SUTHERLAND, M. D.
CLARK J. SUTHERLAND, M. D., a well known physician of Clarkston,
Independence township, where he has been very successfully engaged in the
duties that pertain to his profession since I892, is one of the leading and most
public spirited citizens of the town. He was born May 6, I867, in the village
of Oxford, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a son of Andrew and Abigail
(Clark) Sutherland.
The grandfather of our subject, who was of Highland Scotch descent,
was a native of New York, and a farmer by vocation. He came to Michigan
in I828, locating in Ray township, Macomb County, and there took up government land. He suffered many hardships during the period when he was
clearing and getting it under cultivation. He was a hard worker, thrifty and
temperate, and made a success of his business. He had five boys and three
girls.
Andrew Sutherland, who was born in Ontario County, New York, came
to Michigan with his parents in 1828, and has been chiefly engaged in farm

-64 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing, although he is a wagon-maker by trade. He now lives in Oxford. He
was married to Abigail Clark, a native of 1lichigan and daughter of Rowland E. Clark. They are the parents of five children, namely: Jennie
(De Shon), a resident of Oxford; Thankful M. (Fuller), deceased; Margaret (Lee), who resides in Oxford; Frank C., of Oxford; and Clark J.,
whose name heads this sketch.
Dr. Clark J. Sutherland commenced his education in the village schools
of Oxford, and was graduated from the Oxford High School in 1887. He
entered the University of Michigan in i888, received his degree of M. D.
in June, 1891, and began his practice in Clarkson in January, 1892, where
he has practiced ever since. He is a member of the Michigan State and
Oakland County Medical societies. He is a member of Cedar Lodge, No. 60,
F. &amp; A. M.; Oakland Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.: Benevolent &amp; Protective
Order of Elks, Knights of the Maccabees (of which he has been medical
examiner for several years), Tribe of Ben Hur and the Independence
Grange. Politically he is a Republican and in 1900 was elected coroner but
did not qualify.
Dr. Sutherland was married September TI, 1892, to Maude J. Rose, a
native of Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan. She is a daughter of
Martin Rose, a native of New York.,
WILLIAM B. GRANT.
WILLIAM B. GRANT, an enterprising and well-to-do resident of Springfield township, Oakland County, is engaged in general farming and stock
raising on his farm of 170 acres in section 35. Hie was born in Bloomfield
township, Oakland County, August I, 1863, and is a son of George and
Elizabeth (Bontoft) Grant and a grandson of William Grant.
William Grant was a native of England, where he was engaged in farming all his life. He was the father of seven children, namely: Mary (Shaw),
who resides in Clio, Genesee County, Michigan: Fannie; George, the father
of.our subject; Joseph; Robert.; William; and Eliza.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

George Grant, the father of our subject, was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 23, 1833, and came to America when 20 years of age, locating
at Birmingham, Oakland County, Michigan. For io years after his arrival,
he worked as a farm hand by the month, and then secured employment on a
railroad. Later he purchased a farm and entered upon general agricultural
operations with very good results, at the time of his death being the owner
of a well stocked farm. When on a visit to England in 1862, he was married, on July Ioth of that year, to Elizabeth Bontoft, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, and is a daughter of William Bontoft. They had four
children: William B.; Sarah (Ogden), of Pontiac; Edith R., wife of David
R. Teggerdine, of Springfield township, Oakland County; and Grace B.
George Grant was a Democrat in politics, and fraternally, a Mason.
William B. Grant has always been a resident of Oakland County and
has cultivated his present farm for the past 20 years; he has reached a prominent place among the farmers and stock raisers of his community. He has
always been engaged in general farming, and has made stock raising a feature
of his operations. He has at present about 60 head of Hampshire sheep,
25 Chester White hogs and five work horses. He raises about I,000 bushels
of corn, 800 bushels of other grain and 60o bushels of potatoes, annually.
The farm is well kept up and improved with several fine and substantial
buildings, such as a large barn and a commodious and homelike dwelling,
which was erected by the father of our subject. Mr. Grant is a single man
and resides with his mother and sister, Grace B. Grant, who assist him iln
the duties pertaining to farm work.
HON. I. ROY WATERBURY.
HON. I. ROY WATERBURY, a member of the State Senate of Michigan
from the Twelfth Senatorial District, is a prominent farmer and stock
breeder of Highland township, Oakland County, where he owns a well improved, I3o-acre farm located in sections 15 and 22. He was born October
2, 1869, in Highland township,:Oakland County, Michigan, and is a son, of
Richard H. and Loxey L. (Sutton) Waterbury, and a grandson of William
Waterbury, and a great-grandson of David Waterbury.

616

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

David Waterbury was born in the State of New York and lived there.all his life, being, engaged principally in agricultural pursuits. William
Waterbury, our subject's grandfather, was born in New York State and
was for many years engaged in farming there. About I840 he removed
from Rensselaer County, New York, to Michigan, and first located in Troy
township, Oakland County, later moving to Highland township, where with.his younger sons, he purchased land which he was successfully engaged in
operating throughout the remainder of his life until he retired from active
work. He is remembered by some of the oldest inhabitants of this county as
a sturdy, honest, hard-working and thrifty farmer. He married his wife in
New York, she also being a native of that State, and they had the following
children; Archibald; Isaac; Ezra (deceased in childhood); David; William;
Martha; Richard II.; Lydia L.; Ezra (the second of that name); and
Betsey. Mr. Waterbury died in I845. He and his wife were prominent in
the Baptist Church.
Richard H-t. Waterbury, who was born in New York State, came to
'Oakland County, Michigan, in the same year with his father, and settled
first in Troy township, and later upon land in Highland township. He
became one of Oakland County's substantial and leading farmers and stock
raisers. In his agricultural operations he was very successful; he wisely
invested his surplus earnings in land, and at the time of his death had accumulated a comfortable estate. His wife, Loxey L. Sutton, was a native of
Michigan. Four children were born to them, of whom the subject of this
sketch, I. Roy, is the only one living. The others were: Archibald, deceased;
an infant, not named, deceased; and I-arry S., who was married to his
cousin, Ida B. Waterbury, and died at the age of 29 years. Richard H.
Waterbury was a Democrat and took a great; deal of interest in local politics;
it is not known, however, that he ever consented to fill any office. He was
a Mason, being a member of Pettibone Lodge, F. &amp; A. M., of Milford,
Michigan. Mr. Waterbury died May I8, I883, aged 64 years, his death
being caused by an accident; his wife lived 20 years longer, dying October 9,
1903, at the age of 63 years.
I. Roy Waterbury, the subject of this sketch, received but a common
school education, but to this he has added through his contact with the business world, so that he is now a man of extended information. He has spent
all of his life on the farm, and has met with much success in his agricultural

OAKLAND COUNTY.

operations. In addition to farming, he also devotes much of his time to the
breeding of high class, registered Oxford Down sheep, which he has exhibited in county and State fairs, having been awarded first premiums upon
several occasions.
Mr. Waterbury has evinced a decided interest in politics ever since
he attained his majority, at which time he affiliated himself with the Republican party, and is considered as one of the leaders in the politics of Oakland
County. He first held several of the township offices, such as clerk, treasurer
and supervisor, and in I899 was elected from the Second District of Oakland
County to the Lower House of the Michigan State Legislature. After holding this position for two terms and giving universal satisfaction to his constituents, he was elected to the Upper House of the State Legislature from
the Twelfth Senatorial District. He is held in the highest esteem by all who
have had dealings with him, whether along business, social or political lines.
There are few men in the county of such wide acquaintance as Mr. Waterbury,
for he possesses the art of making friends with all whom he meets. In his
official capacities, he has always given excellent satisfaction.
Mr. Waterbury was married in I892 to Emma Hagadorn, who was
born in Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Joseph V. Hagadorn, of Highland township, this county. Our subject is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of the Maccabees.
He has taken an active interest in the welfare of the farmers of his native
State, and at the present time is president of the Michigan State Association
of Farmers' Clubs.
GEORGE M. RICHMOND.
GEORGE M. RICTIMOND, one of the prominent general farmers of W\aterford township, Oakland County, was born in that township, September 23.
I840, and has always resided there, with the exception of the three years
he devoted to the service of his country during the Civil War. He is a son
of Edward and Caroline (Westcott) Richmond, and a grandson of Edward
Richmond, Sr., who was a very large farmer and dairyman of Vermont.

6i8

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Edward Richmond, our subject's father, was born near North Orwell,
Addison County, Vermont, in I8I6, and came to Michigan in the spring of
I840, settling in section 14, Waterford township, Oakland County, where
he took up 80 acres of land. This property he cleared and in later years he
traded it for I20 acres, on which he built the Richmond Hotel, on the Clinton River. The first family home on the property in section 14 was a log
cabin, which was later replaced by a frame house. The country was unsettled
at that time and it was no unusual thing to see bears and wild game of all
kinds near their dwelling. Edward Richmond died in 1854, at the age of
38 years. Before coming to this State, he followed the trade of a cooper
to some extent, in Vermont and in Monroe County, New York, where he
lived for a time. He was a Democrat and an adherent of the Universalist
Church. He was married to Caroline Westcott, who was born in Maine,
and they reared a family of 12 children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Lorain L.; Aaron B., of Waterford township, Oakland County;
George M., our subject; Marion, of Saginaw County, Michigan; and Edward
and Edgar (twins), both managers for large lumber estates in Saginaw
County.
George M. Richmond was reared in Waterford township and was 22
years of age when in August of the second year of the Civil War he enlisted
in Company A, 5th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., under Capt. W. W. Gordy and
Colonel Copeland, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac.
Mr. Richmond saw much hard service and participated in these decisive battles: Hagerstown; Vermilion Station; Yellow Tavern; Gettysburg; Boonesboro; first battle of Bull Run; Todd's Tavern; Monterey; Falling Waters;
Snicker's Gap; Hastings; Manassas; Germania Ford, and many minor
skirmishes where his life and liberty were endangered. He was seriously
wounded at the battle of Yellow Tavern and was sent for six weeks to the
Point Lookout Hospital. He received a furlough of 30 days and was then
transferred to St. Mary's Hospital at Detroit, and then to the Harper Hospital. He was honorably discharged after his three years of service.
After the close of the war, Mr. Richmond resumed farming and has
always operated with success. He has been particularly successful in the
raising of thoroughbred cattle, always having about a dozen head on hand,
and has exhibited a number-of times at the county fair, where he has also
made a good showing of fine horses.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

619

Mr. Richmond is independent politically. Fraternally he belongs to
Dick Richardson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Pontiac.
Lorain L. Richmond, our subject's brother, who is one of the leading
farmers of Waterford township, was born in Riga, Monroe County, New
York, December 3I, 1837. He has lived on the farm his father took up in
Waterford township ever since the age of two years, and has always followed
farming. He has also done an extensive business in the buying, feeding and
selling of stock. He has raised many Jersey cattle and has a fine herd at
present; in 1892 he took $43 in premiums at the Pontiac Fair. His farm
consists of I95 acres in section I6, Waterford township. He was married
to Elizabeth Bentley, who was born in Calhoun County, Michigan, and was
a daughter of James Bentley. Their one child, Charles H., is under sheriff
of Oakland County, and resides at Pontiac; he was married to Jennie Bailey,
and they have four children: Daisy, Minnie, Helen and Lorain. Mr. Richmond is a Democrat and has actively given support to the men and measures
of his party. He has been a justice of the peace, township treasurer, and
also highway commissioner. His son, Charles H., has held every township
office except those of treasurer and constable, belongs to the Grange, and
is president of the Farmers' Cluib.
HON. THOMAS L. PATTERSON.
HON. THOMAS L. PATTERSON, a prominent citizen of Oakland County,
an esteemed resident of Holly, and a worthy representative of an old pioneer
family, was born at Clarkston, Monroe County, New York, in I836. He is a
son of Janes and Elizabeth (Patton) Patterson, both of whom were born in
the Peach Bottom Valley, near Gettysburg, York County, Pennsylvania.
James Patterson was a blacksmith by trade but followed his calling but
a short time, taking more interest in farming. He removed from York
County to Canandaigua, New York, some years later moving to Monroe
County, where he located on a farm and also engaged in a mercantile and
lumber business. In 1836 he joined the great exodus from the Empire State

620

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to Michigan, located a home in Holly township, Oakland County, to which
he moved his family in 1845, our subject coming two years later in I847.
This home was the property now owned by Judge Patterson in section 28,
and there James Patterson lived until his last days, which were spent in the
village. He was a man of unusual force of character and mental strength,
and naturally took a prominent part in the early progressive movements. He
was a member of the first legislative body which met at Lansing, in 1849,
filled all the township offices and for years served as a justice of the peace,
holding that office at the time of his death, which occurred in I865, at the
age of 69 years; his wife had passed away two years previously, aged 63
years. Both came of Scotch-Irish ancestry, a combination that has produced some of the most brilliant minds this country has ever known. Mr.
Patterson received a land warrant for his services in the War of I812. He
was a Jacksonian Democrat and firm in his adherence to party principles.
He had five sons: James C., who resides at Holly, aged 85 years; Andrew J.,
who is a farmer at Romeo, Michigan; Thomas L.; Simeon B., who served in
the Civil War in Company C., 8th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., and died at Holly
in I898, aged 66 years; and William F., who died at Caro, Michigan, in
February, I903, aged 64 years. Our subject's sisters were: Sarah L., wife
of William G. Sherwood, now residing at the age of 83 years in Rose township, near Holly; Eliza J., wife of Harrison Smith, aged 75 years, residing at
Saginaw, Michigan; Theresa, wife of Oscar Holmes, residing at Holly, aged
62 years; and Mrs. Siloma Keath, who died at Holly about 25 years ago.
Judge Patterson was o1 years old when he joined his father in Holly
township, and he recalls his first teacher, David A. Elliott, the school being
located in what was known as the Patterson school district. He attended
school at Holly during I847-48-49, but in I851 he went to Brockport, New
York, where he was graduated at the Collegiate Institute in I855, this
school now being in the State Normal class. Judge Patterson is one of three
survivors of his class there. In I858 he returned to Michigan and for three
years was engaged in the study of law; he was admitted to the bar at Pontiac in 1863, and has the distinction of being the oldest but one of the members of the Oakland County bar. In addition to practicing law, Judge Patterson served for 17 years as supervisor from Holly township and for nine
years was chairman of the board. In 1884 he was elected Judge of the Probate Court, an honorable position he filled for I6 years. In I866 the law firm

. SETH...ARNOLD......
SETH ARNOLD

MRS. NANCY W. ARNOLD

OAKLAND COUNTY.

623,

of Patterson &amp; Patterson was formed, consisting of our subject and his
nephew, James K. Patterson, the latter serving as prosecuting attorney of
Oakland County, from 1874 to 1879, and dying soon thereafter. The name
of the firm is still retained and the firm is located at Pontiac, although Judge
Patterson has made his home mainly at Holly. It was during Judge Patterson's term as supervisor of Holly township that so large a contingent was
sent to swell the Union ranks, having the record for the largest number in
the county. His patriotic father assisted also in every way and made himself
liable for the bounties of the soldiers, and it is a mattetr of history that Michigan paid the first bounties of any State.
In 1865 Judge Patterson was married to Eunice A. Hadley, a member
of one of the oldest families of the county. She was born in I840 in Rose
township, Oakland County, and died at Holly, August 5, I902. Her parents
were John and Eunice Hadley. Three sons were born to this marriage,
namely: John H., attorney of Pontiac, member of the firm of Patterson
&amp; Patterson; Stuart D., a prominent farmer of Holly township; and William
F., who resides on the home farm adjacent to' Holly village. The one
daughter of the family, Marion E., a beautiful and talented girl, a graduate
of the Holly schools and a favorite in the family and society, died in October,
I896, in the 20th year of her age.
Fraternally Judge Patterson is a Mason of high degree, belonging to
the Commandery, Knights Templar. He attends the Presbyterian Church.
He is one of the most popular and public spirited citizens of Holly, is identified with many local improvements and all through his public career has
wielded a wide influence.
SETH ARNOLD.
SETH ARNOLD, one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of Groveland township, Oakland County, where he owns a fine farm of 250 acres in
sections 15 and 23, was born in that township, January 24, I838, and is a
son of Storm and Rowena (Hall) Arnold, the former of whom was born
fi New York and the latter in Massachusetts.
35

624

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The Arnold family was founded in Michigan by Albert Arnold, the
grandfather of our subject, in 1834, when a great part of Oakland County
was still a wilderness. He was a native of New York and followed a farming life both there and in Michigan, dying in the latter State at the age of
go years. He left three children: Storm, Jacob and Mrs. Hannah M.
Northrup.
Storm Arnold lived in Onondaga County, New York, until he accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1834. Like many more of the prominent
and substantial citizens who now own acres and acres of fine land in Oakland
County, the Arnolds journeyed here from Detroit behind a yoke of oxen,
accepting bravely with this primitive mode of transportation the other hardships of pioneer life. Storm Arnold took up I60 acres of government land
in section 36, Groveland township, and built the log house in which our subject was born. It is almost impossible for the residents of these comfortable
farm houses and the owners of these well cultivated lands, if of a younger
generation, to realize the discomforts which attended their pioneer forefathers
when all the wheat had to be shelled by hand and one of the great problems
of the large families was to secure enough cornbread and game to support
life until the ground could be cleared, cultivated and crops harvested. Mr.
Arnold was robust, temperate and industrious, and for years was a very
successful man, but in later life misfortunes fell upon him which deprived
him of the labor of years. He (ied at the age of 84 years. His children
were: Mrs. Lanny Bingham; James J., of Tuscola County, Michigan; Seth,
of this sketch; Albert and Harrison, of Tuscola County, Michigan: and
Jacob, of Hillsdale County, Michigan. After the death of lhis first wife,
Rowena Hall, Storm Arnold was married to Maria Gardner.
Seth Arnold has spent 43 years on his present farm, owning 215 acres
or arable land in section 15, and 35 acres of valuable woodland in section
23, Groveland township. He has carried on extensive farming and stock
raising, making a feature of Shorthorn and Durham cattle, high grade Merino
sheep, Poland-China hogs and Percheron and Clydesdale horses. His leading
crops are potatoes and hay, and he has a producing orchard of six acres, from
which are obtained some of the finest apples that reach the city markets.
In October, I862, Mr. Arnold was married to Nancy Wilkins, who was
born in New York and accompanied her parents to Michigan. Three children have been born to them, namely: Mrs. Estelle Wells, who died leaving

OAKLAND COUNTY.

625

three children,-Edith, Claude and Clifford; Mrs. Jennie Mann, of Ortonville, Oakland County, who has four children,-Ross, Edla, Arnold and
Russell; and Mrs. Fanny Campbell, who resides at home and has two chiIdren, Launce and Allen H.
In politics Mr. Arnold is a Democrat. For 40 years he has been a Mason
and is a Knight Templar in the order. He was one of the early supporters
of the Grange movement and has been an active member. He is held in
much esteem for his honorable, upright character. Portraits of Mr. and
Mrs. Arnold accompany this sketch, being presented on a preceding page.
RALPH BUNO.
RALPH BUNO, a prosperous farmer of Milford township, owning a farm
of 126 acres in sections 26 and 27, was born in Oneida County, New York,
August 16, 1834. He is a son of Morris and Dema (Bentley) Buno.
Morris Buno was of French extraction. For many years he was extensively engaged in the boot and shoe trade, accumulated large means and finally settled upon a fine farm of IOO acres in Oneida County. The seven
children born to him were: Belinda, Eri, Orson, Ralph, Elizabeth, Perry and
Mary. Both of our subject's parents passed away in the State of New York,
where they were held in the highest esteem.
Ralph Buno came to Michigan in I86o, locating for a short time at
Owosso, and then pushed farther west, visiting several other States but finally returning to Michigan, and settling in Milford township, Oakland
County, where he purchased his present farm of Alanson Crawford.
Although he has not continuously occupied the property, he has always retained its ownership. He has traveled considerably, visiting many parts of
the United States, and has spent a number of seasons in Ohio, Pennsylvania
and Virginia.
Mr. Buno was married to Matilda Parker, who was born in the State
of New York, and two children have been born to them,-Wilbur and

626

BIOGRAPHICAL- RECORD.

Iaverne. The family belong to the Methodist Church. In politics, Mr..
Buno has always been identified with the Democratic party and on various
occasions he has most capably filled township offices.
ISAIAH HALL.
ISAIAI, HALL, one of the pioneers of Michigan, and the owner of
a finely developed farm of 200 acres in sections 19 and 20, Springfield township, was born March 17, I836, in County Cavan, Ireland. He is a son of
David and Mary (Nugent) Hall, the former of whom was born in Ireland,
and the latter in Scotland.
The parents of our subject died when he was but a year and a half old,
leaving seven children: James, who came to America in 1847, locating in
New York, but soon after removing to Michigan and settling in Genesee
County, where he died in 900o, aged 82 years; Samuel, who is a farmer and
stock raiser of Genesee County, Michigan; Mrs. Jane Dailey, who lives in
Oswego County, New York; Mrs. Elizabeth Tower, of Genesee County,
Michigan; George, a retired farmer of Genesee County, Michigan; Robert,
a farmer and stock raiser of Genesee County, Michigan; and Isaiah, our
subject.
Isaiah Hall was about I2 years of age when he accompanied his brothers and two sisters to America. Until he was I8 years old, he lived at
Albany, New York, removing then to Genesee County, Michigan, and finding it a great and lonely wilderness. It would be a long but very interesting
story to tell of the hard work, the discouragements and the successes of our
subject and his brothers, in the clearing and later cultivating of their 240
acres of land. They built a log house and a shanty and Mr. Hall lived there
until removing to his present farm in I86I, having married two years prior
to that. On his farm in Springfield township he has been very successfully
engaged ever since in general farming and stock raising, making specialties
of high grade cattle and stock, preferring cattle of Durham, Jersey and Galloway breeds, Rambouillet sheep, Poland-China swine and Clydesdale horses..'

OAKLAND COUNTY.

He raises wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, peas and beans, and has a fine peach
-and apple orchard of six acres.
In 1859 Mr. Hall was married to Martha Irwin, who was born in Can~ada and is a daughter of David Irwin. Four children were born to them,
namely: Mrs. Belle Hadley, of Holly, Oakland County, who has four chil-.dren,-Bertha, Charles, Irwin and Arthur; Irwin, who died August I8, I9OI,
at the age of 38 years, leaving a wife and child; Mrs. Ella Kidd, of Fenton,
Michigan, who has three children,-James, Helen and Martha; and Mrs.
Ordell Beardslee, of Independence township, Oakland County, who has four
*children,-Laverne, Irwin, Josephine and Clara. The mother of this family
died October I8, 1894.
For many years Mr. Hall has been more or less active in the ranks of
the Republican party, attending nearly all the local conventions and taking
part in their deliberations. He has served as highway commissioner to the
-satisfaction of the public, and his public spirited efforts have always been
directed to the improvement of agricultural conditions and to the upbuilding of the common schools. He is well known and most highly considered
in Springfield township.
THOMAS STEPHENS.
THOMAS STEPHENS, deceased, was for many years one of Milford
township's most prominent citizens and substantial farmers. His fine farm
of I02 acres, located in section I, was one of the best in the locality. There
he was born July 15, I845, and was a son of Willis and Fannie (Taylor)
Stephens, both of whom were natives of Ireland.
Willis Stephens came to America a poor young man, seeking the means
of honestly earning a livelihood. He found his way to Oakland County,
'Michigan, and being very industrious soon secured plenty of employment. In
the course of time he was able to purchase the farm which he later deeded to
his son Thomas. His children were: Nellie, Thomas, Mary, Winnie, Celia,and Delia. He died in I887, and his widow o1 years later, at the age of 77
years.

628

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Thomas Stephens was educated in the common schools of Milford
township and also attended the Milford High School. After completing his
education, he setttled down to farming on the home place and continued there
all his life, being, like his father, a very successful agriculturist and also an
honorable and upright man.
In I886 Mr. Stephens was married to Jane Beatty, who was born in
Michigan and is a daughter of Robert and Eliza (Gordon) Beatty, both of
whom were born in Ireland. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Stephens, namely: Ora, Earl, Lee and Harry. Mr. Stephens died April 9,
I903, and is survived by the above named family and by three children of a
former marriage, viz: Mrs. Lura Sherwood; Mrs. Mabel Bunn; and Fannie.
Mr. Stephens is much missed, for he was a man of genial disposition,
generous and kindly of heart and was always ready and willing to assist
those less fortunate than himself. He was devoted to his home and family,
was a kind neighbor and a good citizen. For many years he was a member
of the Presbyterian Church, to which he always gave liberal support.
JOHN N. PICKETT.
JOHN N. PICKETT, the owner of a fine farm of I60 acres, situated in
section 8, Milford township, Oakland County, was born on this farm in May,
I846. He is a son of David and Huldah (Inman) (Johnson) Pickett, the
former of whom was born in Connecticut, and the latter in the State of New
York.
David Pickett came to Michigan in the pioneer days, and purchased the
property now belonging to his son and there spent his life, also working at
his trade of shoemaker. During a period of 40 years he was one of the most
highly respected residents of Milford township. He was married November
29, 1843, to Mrs. Huldah (Inman) Johnson, widow of Philip Johnson, the
one child of this union being John N., our subject. Mrs. Pickett had five
children by her previous marriage, namely: Mary, Caroline, William P.,
George W. and Adelia. Our subject's parents were members of the Meth

OAKLAND COUNTY.

629

odist Church. The father died in 1877, aged 78 years, and was survived lo
years by his widow, her age at death being also 78 years.
John N. Pickett was educated in the common schools of Milford township. He early commenced to work the farm, relieving his father so that
the latter could follow his trade. Thus Mr. Pickett has had much experience
and there is little about farming with which he is not thoroughly acquainted.
In addition to very capably managing his property, he has at various times
served as school inspector and also as a justice of the peace. He is so well
and favorably known in his neighborhood that any local office is at his command, but he has always refused to accept any position outside of the ones
above mentioned.
On October 29, 1878, Mr. Pickett was married to Emma Lanning, who
was born at Lansing, Michigan. They have an adopted daughter, Kittie,
who is a bright student at one of the leading schools at Chelsea, Michigan.
In politics Mr. Pickett, like his father, is identified with the Democratic
party. Fraternally he affiliates with the Knights of the Maccabees. In religious association, both he and his wife are Methodists. They are people
of sterling character and enjoy the esteem of all who know them.
BENJAMIN F. SCOTT.
BENJAMIN F. SCOTT, a most highly respected retired farmer, who has
resided at Ortonville, Brandon township, Oakland County, for some years, is
one of the large land owners of this part of the State. His farms in Oakland and Lapeer counties cover more than 617 acres of some of the best
land in Michigan. Mr. Scott was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, April
9, 1828, and is a son of Mathias and Catherine (Kimball) Scott, natives of
New Jersey and of Irish and Holland Dutch descent.
The father of our subject followed farming all his life. He died in
I830 and was survived by his widow until about I863. They reared a family
of 12 children, of whom our subject was the youngest. The only other survivor is his brother, Erin, who resides in New Jersey. One of his sisters,

630 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. '
(., ';. /. *;
Mrs. Rebecca F. Allen, was at one time a resident of Pontiac, and one brother,,
Stephen, died years ago in Brandon township, Oakland County, his farm now
being owned and occupied by his son Mathias.
Benjamin F. Scott came to Michigan in i849, and first took up 8o acres
of land in Hadley township, just over the line in Lapeer County, and has
-continued to add to it until, as mentioned above, his possessions reach over
600o acres, located in both counties. Since Mr. Scott has retired from activity,
the upper farm is most capably managed by his son-in-law, Myron Giles, and
the lower one just as efficiently by his son, Benjamin F. Scott, Jr.
Mr. Scott was married at Pontiac to Betsey Reddin, who was born January 23, 1833, in the town of Cobourg, Northumberland County, Ontario,
Canada, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Diamond) Reddin, natives
*of Canada, of Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Reddin moved to Michigan
when Mrs. Scott was four years old and located in St. Clair County. Two
children, a daughter and son, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, viz: Nancy,
who is the wife of Myron Giles, of Oregon, Lapeer County; and Benjamin.
F., Jr. The latter married Viola Williams and they have four children,
namely: Nancy, Benjamin, David and Grover, with ages ranging from 19I
to nine years.
Mr. Scott has always been identified with the Democratic party. He
has taken an active part in the development of his section of the county and
has served as highway commissioner in former days. He also joined the
Grange and while in active life was one of its leading members.
JAMES MOORE.
JAMES MOORE, deceased, was for many years one of the representative
citizens and good farmers of Milford township, Oakland County, residing on
his fine farm of 258 acres, situated in sections 2 and 3. He was born March
14, 1826, in Herkimer County, New York, and was a son of Henry and
Sarah (Wilson) Moore, and a grandson of Henry and Elizabeth Moore.
Henry Moore, the father of our subject, was born December 6, I796,

OAKLAND COUNTY.

63i

-and followed farming all his life. On August 10, 1819, he was married to
Sarah Wilson, and they reared the following children: John, born October
28, 1820; Esther, born January 21, 1822; Henry, born April 28, I824;
Hannah, born February 23, I825; James, born March 14, I826; Richard,
born January 21, 1827; Elizabeth, born December 26, 1828; and Sarah, born
May 5, I838. In religious belief they were Methodists. In 1833 they moved.
to Michigan and settled south of Milford, where they passed the remainder
of their lives. They were most estimable people and through industry and
frugality accumulated a comfortable competency.
The late James Moore remained at home with his parents and after the
death of his father operated the farm for his mother until her decease, some
years later. He then purchased the interests of the other heirs and continued
-to till the farm until I86I, when he moved to a farm which belonged to his
wife, situated in Lyon township. The family resided there until 1872 when
Mr. Moore purchased the Captain Thompson farm to which he moved, and
there lived three years. Mr. Moore then became the owner of the valuable
property that now belongs to his estimable widow, a fine tract of 258 acres,
lying in sections 2 and 3, Milford township. There Mr. Moore very successfully carried on extensive farming and stock raising until the time of his
-death in I887, in his 62nd year.
In I860 Mr. Moore was married to MWartha Maria Everitt, who is a
daughter of John and Polly (Harvey) Everitt, the former of whom was born
in Sussex County, New Jersey, and the latter in Monroe County, New York.
Three children were born to this marriage, namely: Catherine L., who married Dr. Augustus Lodge, and to whom five children have been born,Eulalia M., Everett, Edwin, Lindsay and Luther IH.; Martha E., who was
born July 9, I865, married George Erwin and has one son, Edward; and John
E., who married Alice Atkin and has a family of four children,-Edna, John
A., James W. and Willard C. The family has always been associated with
-the Methodist Church.
Mr. Moore was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and was
'buried with the honors and ceremonies of the order. He was an upright,
honest, industrious man, well esteemed in his community and one who was'
-sadly missed by family and friends.
Mrs. Moore has two sisters, namely: Alice F. and Catherine, wife of
-Samuel Dolph. Her father was a pioneer in Michigan, coming to the State

632

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in young manhood and purchasing property. He lived in the town of
Livonia until Mrs. Moore was seven years of age, when he removed to Lyon
township and settled on the farm that he occupied until his death in I869,
at the age of 60 years. His wife died in I867, aged 53 years. They belonged
to the Presbyterian Church.
JACOB BACHMAN.
JACOB BACHMAN, whose fine farm of I60 acres is located in section 4,
White Lake township, Oakland County, is a worthy representative of one of
the old pioneer families of this section. He was born in I833 in the State of
New York, and is a son of John and Jane (Garner) Bachman, the former of
whom was born in New York and the latter in New Jersey.
The Bachman family is of German extraction, the grandfather of our
subject having been a native of Germany. John Bachman, known as Capt.
John Bachman in his native locality on account of being a captain in the
State Militia, came to Michigan in I836 and located in White Lake township,
Oakland County, on the farm that is now the property of our subject. His
death occurred in 1847. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian
Church and a man of marked integrity. In politics he was a Whig. He
married Jane Garner, whose death occurred in I864, at the age of 60 years.
She also was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, a good, Christian woman. The children born to these parents were: Nancy, Sarah and
Mary, all deceased; Jacob, of this sketch; Ann, deceased; Susan, wife of
John Parkinson, a retired resident of Pontiac; Harriette, wife of Ephraim
Howland, of E. Howland &amp; Sons, of Pontiac; Robert, a sergeant of Company B, ist Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., in the Civil War, who died at the age
of 23 years from a gunshot wound received at Appomattox Court House,
and was interred at White Lake; William, a merchant of Grand Rapids,
Michigan; and Edmund, a physician of Fenton, Michigan.
Jacob Bachman received his education in the common schools and has
devoted his life mainly to farming, having also for IO years engaged in the
sale of buggies. In 1854 he was married to Louisa Bennett, who was born in

OAKLAND COUNTY.

633

1843 in Rose township, Oakland County, and died in I864, leaving two children, âEugene, who is located on the home farm,-and Clarence, who is
engaged in railroad work at Council Bluffs, Iowa. In I866, Mr. Bachman
was married to Ellen Fairbanks, who was born in Genesee County, Michigan,
in I846, and was a daughter of Lafayette Fairbanks. She died in I895,
having had four children, namely: Lorin, deceased; Almeda, wife of John
Travers of Plymouth, Michigan; and Elizabeth and Emma, both deceased.
Mrs. Bachman was a consistent and valued member of the Presbyterian
Church.
In politics Mr. Bachman is a Republican. He is one of the leading
farmers of the section and one of the reliable and public spirited citizens of
the township.
JAMES PEPPER.
JAMES PEPPER, one of the substantial farmers of White Lake township,
Oakland County, residing on his fine farm of I84 acres, situated in section
5, was born in Springfield township, Oakland County in I844. He is a son
of John and Mary (Elliott) Pepper, the former of whom was born in Ireland, and the latter in Canada.
John Pepper came to the United States in I830 and settled in Oakland
County, Michigan, locating a farm in section 24, Springfield township, on
which he lived for 40 years, his death occurring in 1873, at the age of 69
years. By trade he was a weaver and at odd seasons worked at weaving,
together with farming, at all times being a most worthy, industrious man.
He was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, a class leader and
superintendent of the Sunday-school. In politics he supported the Republican party. He married Mary Elliott, who was of Irish extraction. She
died in I88o aged 66 years. They had a family of o1 children born to them,
the three survivors being: James, of this sketch; Sarah Jane, who married
Christopher Weatherson, who is engaged with the firm of Rust, Coolidge &amp;
Company, at Chicago; and Mary C., who is the wife of John Aurand, of
Springfield township, Oakland County.

6i34

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

James Pepper attended the district schools in his youth and later Albion
Commercial College. His interests have always been centered in farming,
every branch of which he is familiar with. His fine farm bears evidence of
the care and attention it receives and stands among the best in the township.
In I872 Mr. Pepper was married to Mattie Garner, who was born in
'White Lake township in I850, and is a daughter of Robert Garner. Two,children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pepper; James E. and Mattie.Lillian, the latter of whom is the wife of Malcolm Dickie, of New Haven.
Mrs. Pepper is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Pepper is identified with the Republican party, and served' as town
clerk while living in Springfield township. For years he has been a notary
public and a justice of the peace. He is one of the upright and reliable, citizens of the township in whom much trust is placed and is held in general
-esteem.
*,:.:...
CHARLES ERASTUS COLE.
CHARLES ERASTUS COLE, one of the successful farmers and well known
*citizens of Royal Oak township, Oakland County, who owns a well improved
farm of 117 acres in section 4, is a descendant of one of the pioneer settlers
of Oakland County. His grandfather, Benjamin Cole, was one of the earliest
settlers, taking up land near Cass Lake. Mr. Cole is a son of Chester and
Delia (Durgie) Cole, the former of whom was born in New Jersey and the
'latter in West Bloomfield township, Oakland County.
Chester Cole accompanied his father to Michigan among the early set-tlers from New Jersey, that State contributing many excellent citizens to this
locality. Chester Cole was a farmer all his life and died in I902, at the age
-of 70 years, having spent his last days in the village of Clarkston. His wife
died in I875. They had three children: Charles E., of this sketch; and
Edwin Adelbert and Benjamin Eugene, who are Oakland County farmers,
'living near Davisburg.
Charles Erastus Cole was educated in the district schools of Royal Oak
-township, where he was born in I86I. He was reared on a farm and his

OAKLAND COUNTY.

63.5

interests have mainly centered in agriculture ever since. He carries on general farming and stock raising on his fine property to which he came in I892,
and is considered one of the substantial men of the township.
In 1883 Mr. Cole was married to Lizzie Todd, who was born in I86I
on our subject's present farm, and is a daughter of James and Jane Todd, the
former of whom came from Ireland to America, when 12 years of age. Her
mother belonged to the Geddes family of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Todd
belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Two children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cole: Chester James, born in I887; and Dora May, an attractivelittle lady of six years. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are valued members of the Presbyterian Church, to the support of which Mr. Cole liberally contributes.
Politically he is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he belongs
to the Knights of the Maccabees.
JOHN ATK1N.
JOHN ATKIN, deceased, was long one of the prominent farmers of Milford township, Oakland County, and might be called a pioneer in the State,
coming to Michigan in I835, at the age of seven years. He was born in
Lincolnshire, England, June 2, 1828, and was three years old when his parents, John and Rebecca (Lee) Atkin, emigrated to New York from their
native land. At the time of his death, he left a fine property of I60 acres,
located in sections 20, 29 and 30, Milford township. He is survived by his
one sister, Mrs. McKernan, of Walled Lake.
John Atkin was educated in the schools of Milford township and was
reared to the life of a farmer. His father accumulated Ioo acres of land
which our subject assisted in clearing and cultivating, which property is
now owned by C. B. Atkin, and is located one mile west of the farm occupied
by Mrs. John Atkin. He lived on the farm several years prior to marriage,
and after marriage settled upon it with his wife and passed the remainder
of his life in its cultivation.
In I860 John Atkin was married to Hannah Bennett, who is a daughter

636

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Charles P. and Polly B. (Childs) Bennett, the former of whom was born
in England, and the latter at Saratoga, New York. The four children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Atkin are: Mary B., wife of R. H. Phillips, of Detroit;
Charles B.; Alice, who married J. A. Moore, of Northville, Michigan: and
Grace, who is attending the State Normal School at Ypsilanti.
The death of Mr. Atkin took place May 7, I892. He was a man of
religious frame of mind, although not connected with any particular church,
giving liberally to all movements which he believed would be for the goodof the community. He was favorably known as a good neighbor and excellent citizen, and was deeply mourned, not only by his family, but by a wide
circle of friends.
ANSON E. WELCH.
ANSON E. WELCH, owning a fine farm of 80 acres in section 30, Springfield township, Oakland County, came to Michigan in I88o. He was born
in Wyoming, Wyoming County, New York, January 9, I839, and is a son
of George and Harriet J. (Wright) Welch, the former of whom was born
in Vermont, as was also his father, of Scotch extraction, and the latter in
the State of New York. George Wright died in Oakland County in January,
1903, aged 87 years. His five children were: Anson E., named for his
paternal grandfather; Enam and Elam, twins, the former of Georgia, and
the latter of New York; and Mrs. Olive Head and George, both deceased.
When Anson E. Welch came to Oakland County, he located on his present farm where he has followed farming and stock raising very successfully.
He raises only high grade cattle, keeping 15 head, and a number of Percheron
and Clydesdale horses, while his sheep and swine are of Shropshire and
Poland-China breeds, respectively. He makes a leading feature of hay, realizing a large amount from 30 acres, while the other products of his land are
wheat, corn, beans and potatoes.
On November 24, T86I. Mr. W~elch was married to Clara Irwin, who
was born at Bethany, Genesee County, New York, and is a daughter of
John and Lydia Irwin, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of

OAKLAND COUNTY.

637

New York. Seven children have been born to them, as follows: Irwin,
a manufacturer of Chicago; Arthur S., an attorney of Chicago; Mrs. Claribel Daffer, of Chicago, who has two children, Helen and Gordon; Mrs. Ora
Traphagen, of Armada, Michigan; H. Eugene, who lives with his father;
Richard A., who is studying electrical engineering in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor; and James A., who is a law student in the same
institution.
In political sentiment Mr. Welch is a Democrat. He belongs to the
Knights of the Maccabees, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and to the
Farmers' Club of White Lake.
WILLIAM H. EVERETT.
WILLIAM H. EVERETT whose fine farm of I6I acres is located in section
I9, Southfield township, Oakland County, is one of the successful farmers
and well known citizens of his locality. He was born in Pennsylvania, January I, I835, and has been a resident of Michigan since he was 12 years of
age. He is a son of George V. and Rosanna (Eldredge) Everett.
The parents of Mr. Everett were both born in Pennsylvania. His
mother, who was a daughter of Henry Eldredge, was left an orphan in childhood. She died in I90o, aged 85 years. She was a consistent member of the
Baptist Church and a woman much beloved by all who knew her. George
V. Everett brought his family to Michigan and settled at Livonia in I847.
His death took place in I883, at the age of 73 years. He led the quiet,
orderly life of a farmer, and was a strong advocate of temperance, belonging
to the Sons of Temperance. In politics he was a Democrat. The ten children born to George V. Everett and wife, were the following: William H., of
this sketch: Mary J., wife of Dille Bolt; Seneca; Isaac; Rachel, wife of Orsin
Westfall; John; Lindley; Edward; and two that died in infancy.
William H. Everett is one of the well informed and responsible citizens
of Southfield township and takes an active part in the support of movements
for the benefit of the community. He is a practical farmer who understands

638

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his business and the methods he practices in the fertilization and rotation of
crops, drainage and other means of improvement, have brought him continued prosperity. He is well located and is in the enjoyment of all the adva-ttages attendant upon the owner of so valuable a portion of Michigan soil.
In 1860 Mr. Everett was married to Ann Jennett Lapham, who was born.
in Livonia, Michigan, and died in I898, aged 56 years. She was a daughter
of Aldridge and Hannah (Norton) Lapham. Two children were born to
them, namely: Orrin L., who was accidentally drowned at the age of two and
a half years; and Orrin H., who is at home with his father. Mr. Everett is
a Republican in his political views.
JULIAN A. BUELL, M. D.
JULIAN A. BUELL, M. D., of Franklin, Southfield township, whose
prominence as a physician and citizen of Oakland County is only second to
that of his eminent father, was born in I840 in Milford, Oakland County,
Michigan, and is a son of Dr. Henry S. and Electa M. (Frost) Buell.
Dr. Henry S. Buell was born in I825 in Castleton, Vermont, and located
in Southfield township, Oakland County, in the village of Franklin, in 1842.
From that date until his death in I89I, he practiced his profession and with
such success that his reputation extended all over the county. He was
trusted, respected and beloved. He was married to Electa M. Frost, who was
born in I825 in the State of New York, but from early childhood her home
was at Pontiac. Three children were born to them, our subject being the
only son.
Dr. Julian A. Buell was reared at Franklin and secured a common
school education there and pursued the higher branches at Pontiac. Subsequently he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan at
Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with great credit. Since i866 Dr.
Buell has been engaged in practice at Franklin, following closely in the footsteps of his able father and retaining the trust and affection inspired by the
older physician. Both in the profession and in social life, Dr. Buell stands
very high.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

639,

In i864 Dr. Buell was married to Malintha Durkee, who was born in
Bloomfield township, Oakland County, in 1843, and is a daughter of Stephen
F. Durkee, who came to Michigan in 1825. The one daughter born to this
marriage is now the wife of Samuel 1. Slade, who is a prominent attorney of
Detroit. Fraternally Dr. Buell is a Mason.
JOHN W. CRAWFORD.
JOHN W. CRAWFORD, whose 90 acres of fine farming land are located
in section 2, Southfield township, Oakland County, was born on this valuable
farm in i857, and is a son of a pioneer of i82I.
Edward A. Crawford, the father of John WV. Crawford, was born in
New Jersey and was a son of John and Rhoda Crawford, who were among
the earliest settlers of Oakland County. They located on the present farm
of our subject and there passed the remainder of their lives, succeeded by
their son and later by their grandson, our subject. Edward A. Crawford
accompanied his parents to Michigan and devoted a long life to the clearing
and cultivation of the farm. His death occurred at the age of 78 years in
1899. He was married to Cornelia B~eardsley, who was born in Connecticut
and is now a highly esteemed resident of Birmingham, Oakland County. She
is a worthy member of the Methodist Church in which her late husband was
also prominent. Six children were born to them, namely: Martha, deceased;
George, of lonia, Michigan; Harrison, of California; Margaret, wife of
Briggs Grow of North Dakota; Sarah, wife of Henry Stiff of Birmingham,
Oakland County; and our subject, the youngest of the family.
John WV. Crawford obtained a district school education and subsequently
attended the Birmingham High School. He has always been engaged in
farming and has been very successful. His land is very productive and under
his management has brought him large returns. His reputation in his neighborhood is that of one of the good farmers as well as reliable citizens of
Southfield township.
In I893 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage with Lillie McArthur,
36

640

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who was born in Tuscola County, Michigan, in I866, and is a daughter of
Levi 0. and Elsie McArthur. The two children of this union are: Florence
and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the Methodist Church.
Although never a politician or office seeker, Mr. Crawford is an active member of the Republican party and a citizen who has the best interests of his section at heart.
ALBERT BRADWAY.
ALBERT BRADWAY, a prominent and successful farmer of Royal Oak
township, Oakland County, who owns a fine farm of I20 acres in section 7,
-was born January 13, I850, m Salem County, New Jersey, and is a son of
Jonathan B. and Dorcas (Griscom) Bradway, both of whom were also:natives of New Jersey.
Jonathan B. Bradway came with his family to Michigan in I868, but
later returned to New Jersey, where his death took place in I891, at the age
'of 82 years. He came of English ancestors and by occupation he was a
farmer. In his early political preference he was a Whig, but later became a
Republican. The mother of our subject was born in Salem County, New
Jersey, and died there in 1894, at the age of 70 years. She was of Scotch
extraction. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends and
belonged to the most estimable class of residents of Salem County, where
they were highly esteemed. A family of 12 children were born to them, the
survivors being: Anna, George, Richard, Charles, Rebecca, Ruth, Jonathan
and Albert.
Albert Bradway came with his parents to Michigan in I868 and
remained in the vicinity of Birmingham, Oakland County, when they
returned to the old home. He was educated in the common schools of
Salem County, New Jersey, and has made farming his life business. In 1876
he located in Royal Oak township, and since 1889 has been located on his
present farm. Under Mr. Bradway's excellent management this farm has
proved very productive and is included among the choice properties of Royal
Oak township.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

641

In I876 Mr. Bradway was married to Mary Reuder, who was born in
I853 at Redford, Michigan, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Reuder.
Two children have been born to them, Minnie, who is the wife of Edward L.
Benedict, a designer engaged in business at Detroit; and Ira J., who is also
a resident of Detroit, engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Bradway, like
his father, has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He is a
man of reliability and influence in his neighborhood and enjoys the esteem
of all who know him.
CLARENCE H. CRAWFORD.
CLARENCE H. CRAWFORD, senior member of the manufacturing firm
of Crawford Brothers, at Oxford, is one of the prominent and substantial
citizens of the village and is also an honored survivor of the Civil War.
Mr. Crawford was born in 1847 in Oxford township, Oakland County,
and is a son of Calvin and Clarissa (Morris) Crawford, both of whom
are most highly esteemed residents of the village of Oxford, the former
aged 85 years and the latter 79 years.
Calvin Crawford was born in Orange County, New York, and is a
son of John B. Crawford, who later removed to the western part of the
State, where Calvin was reared and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1845
he came to Oakland County, Michigan, and purchased a farm in Oxford
township. He has been a good and useful citizen ever since. He has always
been interested in local and national affairs and still keeps well informed.
Although never an aspirant for office, he has taken an active part in canlpaign work, consistently supporting the candidates of the Republican party
ever since its formation. His wife is a daughter of James D. Morris, of
Orange County, New York, who came with his family to Oxford township, where he and his wife passed their declining years.
Clarence H. Crawford is the eldest of seven children and one of four
survivors, the others being: Mrs. Lizzie Taylor, of Michigan City, Indiana;
G. E.; and Mrs. Ada Delano, of Nebraska. Our subject was educated in
the best schools Oxford township supplied, and has passed his whole life

642

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in that township, with the exception of two years of army service duringthe Civil War. In I864 he enlisted in Company G, 3d Reg., Michigan
Vol. Inf., and saw hard service in the Army of the Cumberland, being
honorably discharged in i866.
After the war, Mr. Crawford returned to his peaceful life on the farm,
doubly dear to him after his hardships and dangers of war. He followed
farming very successfully for some 15 years and still owns a half-section near
Oxford, which he leases. He then removed to Oxford and engaged in a
produce business, mainly poultry and eggs, for some time, forming his present partnership with G. E. Crawford in I899. The firm of Crawford
Brothers is engaged in the manufacture of vehicles, having a fine plant with
capacity of I,200 jobs annually. Employment is given to some 30 people,
and two traveling men, as well as members of the firm, visit the trade. It
is a leading industry at Oxford, and sales are made mainly in Michigan
and New York.
Mr. Crawford was married to a daughter of the late Burgoyne Jones,
who came to Oakland township, Oakland County, a pioneer about I8A3
and died I2 years ago. Mrs. Crawford was born in Oakland township.
One daughter has been born -to this marriage, Edith, an accomplished young
lady. Mr. Crawford built a very handsome, modern residence on Main
street, Oxford. The family belong to the Congregational Church.
Politically Mr. Crawford is a Republican and one of the influential
members of the party in his section. He has served three years as supervisor of the township and has done his part in all public movements. Fraternally he is a valued member of Frank Powell Post, Grand Army of the
Republic, and has served a number of years as its commander.
JAMES SHARP.
JAMES SHARP, who owns a fine farm of I56 acres of well improved
land in section 6, Royal Oak township, Oakland County, was born in Lancashire, England, in I832, and is a son of Edward and Sarah Sharp, both

OAKLAND COUNTY.

643

of whom were born in England and died there. The father was a farmer
by occupation, a good, reliable man. The mother is recalled by our subject
with the greatest affection; she was a most worthy member of the Metho-dist Church. The only surviving members of their family of eight children.are: James, our subject, and his brother John, a farmer in Genesee County,
Michigan, with whom he came to America in 1853.
James Sharp had but few educational advantages, and when he came
to Michigan possessed no capital except a vast amount of energy, good
health and the good principles which his mother had instilled. He went
to work as a farm hand, receiving but $i2 a month, and it is to his great
-credit that he now owns one of the fine farms of Royal Oak township and
is a highly respected citizen.
In 1858 Mr. Sharp was married to Harriet Lawson, who was born
in Southfield township, Oakland County, in I841, and died in I898. She
was a daughter of John and Maria Lawson, well known residents of Southfield township. Two children were born to them: John, who is a farmer
in Royal Oak township, Oakland County; and Mary, who is her father's
~capable housekeeper.
H. S. ELLIOTT.
H. S. ELLIOTT, who for the past four years has been the efficient county
-commissioner of the schools of Oakland County, was born at Cleveland,
Ohio, in I858, but was reared at his present home in Oxford, to which he
was brought at the age of four years by his parents, James and Lucy (Burroughs) Elliott. The father was a tinner by trade and worked in a number
*of large cities, and both he and wife died in Oxford township.
Our subject was educated in the Davisburg schools and in the Pontiac
High School. After completing his education he entered upon the profession of teaching,-in Clyde, Waterford and Oxford townships,-continuing in the county schools for 23 successive years. In I899 he was elected
-county commissioner, was re-elected in i90o and again in I903, there being
no opposing candidate at the last election.

644

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Elliott has devoted his whole life to school interests and few citizens are better or more favorably known throughout Oakland County. His
work requires a great amount of energy and executive ability and the possession of many qualities for which Mr. Elliott is noted. He has under his
care, management and supervision, 207 schools, which is the largest number
of any county in the State, and the average attendance, outside of Pontiac,
is something like 4,000 pupils. He has an office at Oxford, where he has a
graded school in charge of a superintendent, with eight teachers, and this
village has been his permanent home for the past 13 years. His residence
on East Burdick street is one of the most attractive modern homes in the
place, as well as one of the centers of the town's intellectual and refined life.
Mr. Elliott was married in Livington County, Michigan, to a daughter
of Charles Stevens, and one daughter, Josephine, aged io years, has been
born to this marriage.
Politically, Mr. Elliott is identified with the Republican party and has
served in official capacities, usually of an educational character. He is one
of the leading members of the Michigan Teachers' Reading Circle, of which
John C. Ketcham is secretary, a literary organization of 'State reputation.
Fraternally, Mr. Elliott is a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge
and chapter at Oxford. He is also a member of the Loyal Guard, of Foresters of America and of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, being
keeper of the records and seals in the latter body. In religious views he is
a Cohgregationalist.
CASPER J. WALTER.
CASPER J. WALTER, one of the pioneers of Michigan, who has the distinction of being the oldest citizen of Independence township, has not only
passed through many hardships and adventures, but has lived to a good old
age and is now in the enjoyment of a fine property accumulated by his own
industry. Mr. Walter was born in Morris County, New Jersey, July 4, I8I I
and is a son of Jacob Walter and a grandson of Henry Walter.. Henry Walter, who was born in Germany, served in the Revolutionary

OAKLAND COUNTY.

645

War and was a pensioner until his death at the age of I07 years. His third
son, Jacob Walter, was married twice and died in New Jersey at the age of
56 years. Our subject is the son of the second marriage, with Elizabeth Ike
Young, his one sister being Mrs. Abby Price Shriber, who lives;in New
Jersey, aged 94 years.
When our subject was quite small, his father removed to Warren
County, New Jersey, and until the death of his father, when he was 14
years old, he assisted him on the farm. Thrown at this time entirely upon
his own resources, Casper worked on farms for some years by the month,
marrying at the age of 20 years. About this time he concluded to seek his
fortune in the west and as he had little means, he started for Michigan on
foot, stopping at points on the way and working at anything that presented
itself and sometimes in his journey of three months covering 40 miles a day.
Thus he reached Detroit, and with a companion proceeded to Oakland
County, reaching his destination in April, I835. He had no difficulty in
finding work on farms at which he continued for 20 years. He was soon able
to purchase 40 acres of government land and has continued to add to this and
now owns I8o acres and he has the unusual distinction of being the only man
in the county who owns land which has never changed hands. The first 40
acres is located in section I4, Independence township, and the remainder in
section 13. For a number of years Mr. Walter lived in a log house of one
room, without a nail in its construction, which was built by himself and a
neighbor. Those were times of kind, neighborly feeling, when the settlers
seemed to belong to one big family and each one was ready and anxious to do
a good turn for the others. There were plenty of Indians in the neighborhood, but he never had serious trouble with them. Game was plentiful and
so tame that he once killed a deer with a pitchfork. Being io miles from
Pontiac. the nearest market, he was obliged to carry his purchases home on
his back, but soon roads were built and every year saw conditions improve.
Mr. Walker has raised large crops on his land, in one year 700 bushels of
wheat, which in those days he sold for 40 or 50 cents a bushel.
Mr. Walker was married to Amy Warden, a native of New Jersey, who
died here in I88I, aged 67 years, the mother of four children, viz: Mrs.
Elizabeth Beardsley, who at death left three cliildren,-Mills, John and
Lavina; Mrs. Mary Perry, of Orion, who has one son, Bert; George, who
operates the home farm and has two children, Kate (Green) and Cass; and

646

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Archibald, of Pontiac, who has one daughter, Margaret. Mr. Walker has
always been a Democrat. A lack of early education has made him backward
about accepting public office, but in all practical affairs of life he has proved
himself the equal of any one. He has seen many changes and has done his
full share in the development of the agricultural resources of Independence
township.
AUGUSTINE T. HOLCOMB, M. D.
AUGUSTINE T. HOLCOMB, M. D., a prominent physician of Oakland
County, who is established in a lucrative practice at Novi, was born in
Welland County, Ontario, Canada, July I, I86I, and is a son of Andrew T.
and Lydia (Horton) Holcomb, the former of whom was born in North Pelham, Ontario, Canada, and died in I9oo at the age of 70 years.
Dr. Holcomb received a liberal education in his early years which prepared him to enter the St. Catherine Collegiate Institute, from which institution he went to the Detroit Medical College. After two years there, he
entered the medical department of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio, and was graduated there.
In I884 Dr. Holcomb located for practice at the village of Judd's Corners, Shiawassee County, Michigan, where he continued until November 7,
I892, when he removed to Novi, Oakland County, with the prospect of
making that bustling town his permanent residence. He is building a handsome home on Main street, which promises to be an ornament to the village
as well as a most comfortable and convenient house. T'his is in line with
Dr. Holcomb's general attitude ever since he has located here. at all times
having been an advocate of the upbuilding of local enterprises.
Dr. Holcomb was married in i886 to May E. Hartshorn, who is a
daughter of Elijah Hartshorn, formerly a resident of Ontario, but at present
a citizen of Durand, Michigan. Two children have been born to this marriage: August A., born August 20, I894, and May, born April 19, I896.
Dr. Holcomb has a large and constantly increasing practice in Oakland

:1 I
N

HENRY MARTIN ZIMMERMANN

OAKLAND COUNTY.

649

County and is 'popular both with the profession and the public. He is a valued member of the Royal Arch Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and the Knights of the Maccabees.
HENRY MARTIN ZIMMERMANN.
HENRY MARTIN ZIMMERMANN is a Michigan man, born in one of Oakland's neighboring counties, at Marine City, St. Clair County, July 7, I867.
His education was acquired in the city schools after which he pursued a
course of study in the Detroit Business University, returning to Marine City
in the winter of I886-87 and entering the hardware store of his brother as
bookkeeper; shortly afterward he was instrumental in organizing and establishing the hardware firm of Zimmermann Brothers at that place, of which firm
he still is a member. In I887 he was elected city clerk of Marine City, and
served two terms. Three years later he accepted a position as bookkeeper in
the Marine Savings Bank, of Marine City, becoming assistant cashier.
After about three years' connection with that institution, Mr. Zimmermann resigned his position with the bank and took up the study of law, attending the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he was
graduated in June, IS95, with the degree of LL. B. Before completing his
studies at the University of Michigan, he was, in I895, on examination
before the Supreme Court of Ohio, at Columbus, admitted to practice law in
that State; upon graduating, he was admitted to practice in Michigan. Then
entering Yale University, he pursued a graduate course of study in law,
graduating in June, I896, with the degree of M. L.
Mr. Zimmermann then returned to Marine City, and entering into partnership with one of the prominent lawyers at that place began the practice
of his profession. In politics he is a Republican. In I896 he was elected
Representative from the Second L.egislature District of St. Clair County and
served during the regular and first special sessions of the Legislature convened by Governor Hazen S. Pingree. While in the Legislature he advocated
shorter sessions, less legislation, "home rule" for municipalities and "equal

650

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

taxation" in the State. It was during the latter session that his fellow members discovered that he also favored the theory that all good citizens should
take upon themselves the duties and obligations of matrimony, through the
fact that when granted a short leave of absence he returned accompanied by a
school day friend, Miss Carrie Luceil Carver, as his bride, to whom he was
married on March 30, I898.
In the same year, immediately after the adjournment of the Legislature,
Mr. and Mrs. Zimmermann came to Pontiac, choosing this as their permanent
abiding place; here Mr. Zimmermann has since been engaged in the practice of
law as a member of the Oakland County bar. In January, I90I, Governor
Bliss appointed him executive clerk to the Governor and secretary to the
advisory board in the matter of pardons; in February, I902, he resigned,
having entered into a co-partnership with Kleber P. Rockwell, at Pontiac,
where now both Mr. Rockwell and Mr. Zimmermann are engaged in the
practice of law under the firm name of Rockwell &amp; Zimmermann. These
gentlemen have their offices with Congressman Samuel W. Smith.
In May, I902, Mr. Zimmermann was appointed city attorney of Pontiac,
by Mayor Harry C. Guillot. He was re-appointed by the same mayor in
May, I903. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
EDGAR S. BABCOCK.
EDGAR S. BABCOCK, who owns a fine farm of I40 acres in sections 26
and 22, Springfield township, Oakland County, and occupies a handsome residence erected by himself, was born in Hartwick township, Otsego County,
New York, and was brought to Michigan when an infant of three years. He
is a son of Sylvester and Lavina (Houghteling) Babcock, and a grandson of
Sylvester Babcock.
The grandfather of our subject was born in Vermont, and was a son of
a Revolutionary soldier. He died in Chautauqua County, New York, at the
age of 54 years. The father of our subject was also born in Vermont and
followed the trade of carpenter and joiner. In I836 he brought his family to
Michigan and in the spring of 1837 settled in Springfield township, Oakland

OAKLAND COUNTY.

651

County. He became a substantial, prominent and useful citizen, and served
as township treasurer for 20 years. His wife, Lavina Houghteling, was A
native of Delaware County, New York, of German ancestry. They reared
these children: Edgar S., of this sketch; John, deceased; Harriet, of Detroit;
Eunice, of Dakota; and Mary M.
Mr. Babcock learned the carpenter and joiner trade with his father and
is a very excellent workman, having been engaged on various occasions on
important building contracts. He has traveled considerably through both
the South and West, doing much railroad construction work with one of the
leading firms of the country. He was also master mechanic for the Singer
Sewing Machine Company at South Bend, Indiana, removing then to Springfield township, Oakland County, in I88o. He purchased first a farm of 80
acres, adding to it until it attained its present proportions. Mr. Babcock has
proved himself a model farmer, his land bringing him large returns. He
has taken more than a passing interest in politics, always actively supporting
the Republican party. He has served as a justice of the peace for 12 years
and for two years has been highway commissioner. He has been for 2I
years a trustee of the Presbyterian Church of Springfield, and is a man in
whom everyone places utmost confidence and regards with esteem. He
became a Mason in 1854, and for nine years was master of Austin Lodge,
No. 48, F. &amp; A. M., of Davisburg, Oakland County. He has been a member
of the Grange for the past 23 years, taking a deep interest in agricultural
matters as well as public affairs.
In 1875 Mr. Babcock was married to Sarah A. Lewis, who was born at
South Bend, Indiana, and is a daughter of Lemming and Sophronia Lewis.
The two children of this marriage are: Mrs. Cora S. Cross, of Springfield
township, Oakland County, who has one child, Arthur E.; and Burton. In
I902, Mr. Babcock was married to his second wife, Celia C. Smith.
JOHN E. TOWNSEND.
JOHN E. TOWNSEND, whose fine farm of I60 acres is located in sections
27 and 28, Addison township, Oakland County, belongs to one of the prominent early families of this section. He was born in Oakland township, Oak

'652

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

land County, Michigan, September 2, 1835, and is a son of Peter and Sarah
(Huyck) Townsend, the family being of English and Dutch extraction.
Peter Townsend was born in I805 in the State of New York and came
to Oakland County, Michigan, from Greene County, New York, in I832.
He located first in Oakland township and when it was first organized was
-elected justice of the peace. He was a man of sound judgment and
exemplary life and had much to do with public matters in the early days. He
secured a fine farm in Oakland township and then removed to Addison town-ship, where he improved another farm of I60 acres, lying partly in sections
26 and 35. There his death took place in I86o. In politics he was an active
Whig. He married Sarah Huyck, who was born in New York State, in
18To, and died at the home of our subject in I880. They reared three children, viz: Ann, who married Ransom Odell, and died in Lakeville, Oakland
-County, in I895, leaving two children,-George, of Addison township, Oakland County, and Maria, who married Henry Huyck, of Oxford township,
Oakland County, and has two children, Howard and Hattie; John E., of
this sketch; and Charles W., who is farming near Sibley, Osceola County,
Iowa, and has four children,-Frank, Julia, Clara and William.
John E. Townsend was but i8 months old when he was brought by his
parents to Addison township, and there his home has been ever since. Until
his marriage he remained with his father, removing then to his present fine
farm of I60 acres which he has been continually improving ever since. He
has made of it one of the finest farms of a township noted for its valuable
property, and carries on general farming.
In I86o Mr. Townsend was married to Matilda Bates, who was born in
Addison township, Oakland County, in 1836, and is a daughter of the late
Stillman and Juliette (Babcock) Bates, early pioneers from New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Bates reared these children: Gilbert, deceased; Albion, a
farmer of Addison township, Oakland County; Dennis, deceased; Matilda
(Mrs. Townsend); Lucy, wife of Orson Sutphen of Lakeville, Oakville
County; and William, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend have one son and
one daughter, namely: John C., born in I86I, residing with his father and
assisting in the operation of the farm, who was married to Alvira Albertson;
and Orpha, born in I874. Mrs. Townsend attends religious services at the
Baptist Church.
Mr. Townsend belongs to that wing of the Republican party which is

OAKLAND COUNTY.

653

known to its detractors as "Black Republicans;" he has never consented to.
accept official position. He is one of the good citizens and reliable men of
Addison township, belonging to that class which gives a section its honorable
standing before the world.
AMZI DENNIS.
AMZI. DENNIS is one of the prominent men of Independence and Orion
townships, Oakland County, being identified with the agricultural interests.
and with political affairs to a very large degree. Mr. Dennis resides on a
farm of 29!3 acres which is located in section I2, Independence township, and
sections 7 and I8, Orion township. He was born in Sparta, Sussex County,
New Jersey, September II, I849, and is a son of Ezekiel Dennis, who was
born July I9, I82I, in Sussex County, New Jersey.
Nathaniel Dennis, the grandfather of our subject, was also a native of
New Jersey, where the family was established by Irish and Dutch ancestors.
Ezekiel Dennis was the seventh son of Nathaniel Dennis; he was married to
Mary Desher, who was born at Sparta, New Jersey, a daughter of James L.
and Mary Desher, of the same State. Our subject was the eldest of their
three children, the others being: Gabriel P. and John H., of Oxford, Oakland County. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade, which he
followed until his marriage, when he engaged in a grocery business for three
years, coming then to the present home farm where he now lives retired,
spending a part of his time with his sons in Oxford. During his active life
he was well known for his fine blooded stock which he exhibited for years at
the county fairs. He was a justice of the peace for 20 years and for four
years was township supervisor. In politics he is a Democrat.
Amzi Dennis has lived in Michigan ever since he was three years old,
and upon the farm where he is now located, with the exception of Io years
spent on a neighboring one. Since March 20, I892, he has owned the homestead, his father having given it to the children, and he bought the interests
of the other heirs. He retains it all except 77 acres, which he sold to his
son-in-law, Casper Warden. The farm is well adapted to the raising of

654

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

all kinds of grain, vegetables and fruit and has always been very productive.
Mr. Dennis has taken a very active part in politics in his section and is
considered a leader in the Democratic ranks. He has served as delegate to
many conventions, and was a member of the committee which entertained
Hon. William Jennings BrJyan at Pontiac in i896. He is now serving his
third term as a justice of the peace, his judicial decisions meeting with general satisfaction.
On January 28, I874, Mr. Dennis was married to Augusta A. Hammond, who was born in Independence township, Oakland County, and is a
daughter of Nathan and Sally Ann (Baldwin) Hammond, the former of
New Jersey and the latter of New York. The one daughter of this marriage,
Marie Irene, married Casper Warden, and they have one child, Winnifred.
Mr. Dennis is a Royal Arch Mason, belongs to the local Grange and is
also a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur and Knights of the Maccabees. He
keeps well abreast of the times, and may be justly regarded a very important
citizen of his part of the county, being honorable and trustworthy, intelligent
and public spirited.
AUSTIN J. TAYLOR.
AUSTIN J. TAYLOR, one of the wealthy, retired farmers of Independence
township, Oakland County, resides in one of the beautiful homes of Clarkston, but still retains his fine farm of I8o acres in section 4. He was born in
Oxford township, Oakland County, October 7, I844, and has always lived
in this county. IHe is a son of John J. and Mary (Axford) Taylor, the latter
of whom was born in New Jersey.
John J. Taylor was born in Pennsylvania, where he lived until the age
of 22 years, and came to Michigan about I830. He settled in Oxford township near Oakwood and first bought 80 acres of land which he later traded
for I6o acres and held the latter tract until his death. He was one of the
hardy pioneers, one of a band which is fast passing away, and, while he
suffered many hardships, by his industry and sterling traits of character
assisted in the development of his locality and in the founding there of schools

OAKLAND COUNTY.

655

and churches. He was obliged to go all the way to Detroit to have his wheat
ground and contended with all the discouraging conditions which met the
early settlers. He was a man of quiet, even temper and never had any trouble
even with the Indians who frequently visited him in the early days. He was
a consistent member of the Congregational Church at Oakwood. His parents had 14 children, four of whom still survive. His own children were
seven in number, as follows: Mrs. Ruth Bennett, a widow, living in Detroit;
Mrs. Jane Copeland, a widow, living in Oxford; Austin J., of this sketch;
Duane, a farmer of Oxford township, Oakland County; Mrs. Viola Smith, a
widow, living in Detroit; Mrs. Ellen Crawford, deceased; and Axford.
Austin J. Taylor, our subject, was for many years engaged extensively
in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep and cattle,
the former of Shropshire breed. Four years ago he retired from the active
management of the farm and removed to the village, where he has been
president of the Village Board ever since. He has filled many of the local
offices, for 12 years serving on the School Board. He is a justice of the
peace in whom the citizens repose full confidence and his decisions have met
with the greatest satisfaction.
On September 26, I866, Mr. Taylor was married to Josephine Omans
who is a daughter of Jonathan Omans of Oakland County, and three children were born to them, viz: Mrs. Nora Miller, of Clarkston, who has one
daughter, Josephine; Clara and Alta G. The family is connected with the
Methodist Church. Fraternally, Mr. Taylor belongs to the Knights of the
Maccabees and to Clarkston Grange, No. 275.
CAPT. CORNELIUS LOSEY.
CAPT. CORNELIUS LOSEY.* justice of the peace and clerk of the village
of Oxford, Oakland County, is no doubt one of the most prominent and
energetic citizens of the county. He was born in Orion township, Oakland
County, near Oxford, February 4, I840, and is a son of Philip and Mahala
(Predmore) Losey.

656

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Philip Losey came with his wife and family to Oakland County from
New Jersey in I836, and took up a farm and followed farming as a business
until middle life was passed, when he sold his farm and spent his declining
years in Oxford village; his death took place some 15 years ago. His wife
died when her son Cornelius was about T8 years of age. Mr. and Mrs.
Philip Losey were the parents of six children, as follows: Mrs. Mary Cole,
deceased; Israel, who is farming in Oxford township; A. P., deceased, who
was a resident of Oxford township; Cornelius, the subject of this sketch;
Joshua P., who is conducting a livery business at Yale, Michigan; and
George B., a musician, who travels a great deal in the East and about the
world.
Capt. Cornelius Losey, our subject, received his education in the common schools of Oakland County and from an early date has led an industrious life, having farmed until I887 in Oxford and Brandon townships, his
farm lying in two townships. In I887 he removed to the village of Oxford
and in I896 sold his farm. In 1938 he was appointed justice of the peace,
and has served ever since. He is also engaged in the insurance business and
is a notary and conveyancer. He has been clerk of the village for several
years, which is a position that demands most of his time. He has never
resided outside of the county except in the period of nearly four years when
he was in the army during the Civil War, and for one year when he served
as clerk at the Michigan State Prison at Jackson, Michigan.
Early in the conflict between the North and the South, Mr. Losey was
one of the first to join the Northern Army, enlisting from Oxford in Company I, I4th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., as a private soldier. He served three
years and nine months, being promoted several times for meritorious conduct, and was captain of his company when discharged, having filled that
position for a year and a half. He was with General Thomas at Shiloh and
other battles, and later was with Rosecrans and Sherman. At the last he
was in the I4th Army Corps, of which the commander was Gen. Jefferson
C. Davis. After the war, Captain Losey returned home and bought a farm.
Captain Losey was married to Marietta Howser, who was born in
Brandon township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Henry Howser,
who came to this region at an early day from New York State. Captain and
Mrs. Losey are the parents of three children, namely: Henry, who resides
near Otter Lake, Tuscola County, Michigan, and is engaged in farming;

OAKLAND COUNTY.

"Danny," as he is familiarly known, who resides at Cass City, Tuscola
County, Michigan, where he is engaged in farming and dealing in real
estate: and Willard, who died at Oxford when nine years of age. Captain
Losey is a Republican and has always acted loyally in behalf of that party.
In fraternal circles he is a Mason, being a member of the Oxford blue lodge
and Oxford chapter; he was made a Mason at Oakwood and filled all offices
in that lodge except that of master. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Captain Losey is a member of Frank Powell Post, No. 187,
G. A. R., and has been colmmander of the post for several years. His office
is in the Oxford Savings Bank building.
WILLIAM J. PEARCE.
VILLIAM J. PEARCE,* proprietor of extensive greenhouses at Pontiac
and owner of one of the best gravel pits in Oakland County, is one of the
leading business men of the city. Mr. Pearce was born in the city of New
York, but was taken by his parents to Port Hope, Canada, in infancy, where
he resided until the age of 19 years, returning then to his native city. Some
years were spent in Troy, New York and the city of New York, during which
time he became thoroughly acquainted with the cultivation of plants and
seeds.
Mr. Pearce has spent some 30 years as a florist, 13 of which have been
passed in Pontiac. He is well established here at present, although he started
in 1890 in a small way. The business has continually prospered and he has
now greenhouses which outrank any other in the State, having 45,000 square
feet of glass, growing mainly roses and carnations for the wholesale trade.
The outside business is looked after by Mr. Pearce himself, his son, Hubert
V., attending to home affairs during the former's frequent visits over the
territory from New York to St. Paul, which visits occupy his time from
September Ist to June ist. Some idea of the immense business done may be
estimated from the fact that during the past year $12,000 worth of flowers
were sold.
37

658

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Another source of large income to Mr. Pearce is a valuable gravel pit
on his place, consisting of I8 acres, and as it is of the finest quality he has
difficulty in filling the orders fast enough, having usually demands for I,ooo
cars ahead of possible delivery. Mr. Pearce was the first one to ship washed
sand to Detroit. He is also ably assisted in this enterprise by his son, Hubert
V., who in I902 patented a washer, which promises to be adopted into general uses all over the country. These two lines fully occupy both Mr. Pearce
and his son, with eight employees in the green houses and 15 at the gravel
pit.
Mr. Pearce was married to Mariam K. Martin, a Canadian lady, and
they have two sons, Hubert V. and Harry S., the latter being the engineer
and foreman at the gravel pit. The beautiful family home is located on
Orchard Lake avenue, Pontiac.
Although Mr. Pearce has been a very busy man ever since locating in
Pontiac, he has taken a lively interest in public matters and is now serving
his second term as a member of the Board of Public Works. In politics he
is a Republican. His reputation as a successful florist is known all over the
State and he belongs to various organizations devoted to the interests of
Lhorticulture. Mr. Pearce is ranked with the substantial men of Pontiac.
FRED KING.
FRED KING,* a prominent farmer and dairyman located on his fine farm
of So acres in section 15, Bloomfield township, Oakland county, Michigan,
was born in I846 in London, England. He is a son of Henry and Susannah
(Smith) King.
Henry King was born in London, England, and died in Canada in I89I,
aged 86 years. He was a mason by trade, but after settling in Canada engaged in farming. The mother of our subject was born in the West Indies
and died in 1884, aged 82 years. Her father owned a large plantation in
Jamaica, and at one time owned many slaves. The parents were worthy
members of the Methodist Church. The io children born to them were the

OAKLAND COUNTY.

659

following: Emma, who is the widow of Isaac Thornton and resides in Canada; Henry, who died in 1902; George, who was killed at the age of 21
years; Susan, who married John Bickford and resides in Kingsville, Essex
County, Ontario, Canada; Mary, who died in I898; Eliza, who married
George Pearce, a produce merchant of Detroit; Elizabeth, who married Samuel King, a resident of Canada; James, who died in I903; Fred; and Ellen,
deceased.
Fred King was but three years old when his parents settled in Canada.
His education was obtained in the Dominion. He has been actively engaged
in farming ever since locating on his present fine farm, and has devoted his
whole attention to its operation. He has become one of the best known agriculturists and dairymen of his section. He has taken an active interest in
public matters, and has served as a member of the School Board and as highway commissioner.
In I868 Mr. King was married to Ellen Patchette, who was born in
Bloomfield township, Oakland County, in 1848, and is a daughter of David
and Elizabeth Patchette. Mr. and Mrs. King have five children, namely:
Grace; Mary, wife of Thomas Gibson of Bloomfield township, Oakland
County; Arthur; Mabel and Bertha. The family belong to the Methodist
Church. Mr. King is fraternally connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Home Protection Insurance Society of Port Huron. In politics
he is a Republican.
CORYDON C. RANDALL, M. D.
CORYDON C. RANDALL, M. D.,* a well known and highly esteemed resident of Drayton Plains, Waterford township. Oakland County, and also
of Detroit, was born July 30, 184I, at Hamilton, Canada, and is a son of
James J. Randall, a native of the State of New York, of English parentage.
James J. Randall resided in Canada for a number of years and was
at one time associated with Dr. Carnot in a patent medicine business, but
when his son Corydon C. was 14 years old he removed to Detroit and for
a number of years was engaged there in a photograph business.
Dr. Randall was educated very thoroughly, being a son of cultured,
literary parents. He became associated with his father in the photograph

66o

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

business at Detroit, where he built up a reputation in that line second tonone in the State. About I884 he purchased at Drayton Plains his present beautiful home, consisting of a handsome residence, fitted up with all
the appurtenances dear to a man of education and culture, with two acres
of surrounding land, and for some years the family spent their summers
on this spot. During late years, however, it has been the home throughout
the year. Dr. Randall is an excellent physician, but from choice is something of a recluse, delighting in the pleasure of his own fireside and the
treasures of his fine library. Retiring as he is, he is known far and
wide for his charity and benevolence and is most sincerely esteemed by
all who are permitted to enjoy a close acquaintance. He has ever been
ready to assist public spirited movements in Waterford township, but his
generosity has been mainly extended, in a quiet and unassuming way, to
those who have been unfortunate in the battle of life.
Dr. Randall was married first to Ella Rose, who was a daughter of Dr.
Rose, of Detroit; she died without issue. On May 9, I874, he was united in
marriage with Mrs. Anna S. Christian Leggett, who was born at Roslyn,,onIg
Jsland, and is a daughter of the late Augustus W. and Elsie S. (Seaman)
Christian, the former of whom was a local poet and literary character of
some celebrity and so intimate a friend of his neighbor, William Cullen
Bryant, that they were denominated brothers. Mrs. Randall, with her
culture and accomplishments, has been a most congenial companion for one
of Dr. Randall's temperament and their home is pervaded by an atmosphere of intellectual refinement. By her first marriage, Mrs. Randall has
one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Hitchcock, a literary woman of Detroit. The
five children born to her second marriage are: Huntley, B. S., is a mining
engineer, located at Monterey, Mexico; Ferris Seaman, who is also located
in Mexico: Chandler C., a traveling man who is married and settled in
Detroit; and Mortimer and Eloise, who remain at home.
GEORGE W. DICKINSON.
GEORGE W. DICKINSON,* chief train dispatcher and train master of the
Pontiac, Oxford &amp; Northern Railroad, has been a prominent resident of
Pontiac, Oakland County, for the past 14 years. He has taken a very active

OAKLAND COUNTY.

661

part in political affairs and for a number of years has been a member of the
City Council. He was born at Port Huron, Sanilac County, Michigan, and
is a son of Hiram Dickinson, and a grandson of Hiram Dickinson, Sr.
Hiram Dickinson, Sr., a veteran of the Mexican War, was born in New
York State and was of Scotch descent. He was a millwright by trade and
as an expert miller traveled extensively, making a trip overland to California.
His later years were devoted to bee raising and at one time he had the largest
aviary in the State. He is accredited with importing the Italian bee and was
the first manufacturer of the boxes in use to-day, and also among the first to
strain honey without damage to the comb. He had a family of eight children.
Hiram Dickinson, Jr., father of our subject, served as a corporal in the
Mexican War. He taught school in Sanilac County, Michigan, and attained
some prominence as a writer. His death occurred in I862. His widow, who
now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, is a (laughter of George Blakeley, who
war a resident of Canada and a brother of Colonel Blakeley who was a military man in Canada and died at the age of 89 years. Our subject has a
brother, Andrew, who is an engineer running between Battle Creek and Port
Huron on the Grand Trunk Railway; a half brother at Michigan City, Indiana; a sister in Canada, and another sister in Kansas City, Missouri, with
whom his mother lives.
George W\. Dickinson was young at the time of his father's death and
was reared in Canada. He remained on a farm until 14 years old, then
attended school in the town of Dresden until he reached the age of 17 years.
After completing a course in business college, during which time he worked
mornings and evenings to support himself, he entered upon his business
career, although he has practically taken care of himself since the age of II
years. He became identified with railroad work, serving as foreman of the
Lake Huron Iron Works for a time, then as agent at North Branch for five
years. He was made foreman of the construction gang on the Pontiac, Oxford &amp; Northern Railroad in October, 1882, the work on that road having
been begun the previous year, and he has since been identified with this
company. As chief train dispatcher and train master he has charge of all
the train service and the operators of the road, in addition to which he is
assistant superintendent. He has very efficiently discharged the duties of his
positions, and is to-day the oldest official connected with the road.
Mr. Dickinson has always been an enthusiastic Republican. He was

662

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

elected to the City Council from the Fourth Ward in I894 and I896, and in
I898 was candidate for mayor, but was defeated by a small majority. He
was elected to the Council in J899 and in I903, in the latter year receiving the
largest majority ever received in the ward. He was chairman of the finance
committee for three years, and has been active as a member of the paving
committee since it was organized, always working for the best interests of
the city. In I902, he was elected chairman of the Republican City Committee.
Mr. Dickinson was married to Catherine Caves, a daughter of Thomas
Caves, of St. Clair County, Michigan, a prominent retired farmer who died
in I902. They have two children: Andrew W., who for I8 months was
teller of the Pontiac Savings Bank and is now assistant cashier of the American Savings Bank, of which his father is a director; and Eulalia, who taught
school last year, and entered the Ypsilanti State Normal School in the fall
of 1903.
The fraternal connections of Mr. Dickinson are many and of high
standing. He has been a Mason since January 3, 1882, when he took his
first degrees in Cass Lodge, No. 219, F. &amp; A. M., of Port Austin, Michigan. His Royal Arch degrees were taken in Cairo Chapter, No. 96, February 15, I883. He took the degrees in Pontiac Council, R. &amp; S. M., March
30, 1892; in Pontiac Commandery, K. T., July 12, 1892, and in Moslem
Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., Detroit, Michigan, March 17, I893. He became
a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. &amp; A. M., by transfer, on June Io,
1892, since which time he has served three years as worshipful master. He
has been high priest of Oakland Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., of which he has
been a member since I892; has been illustrious master of Pontiac Council,
No. 3, R. S. &amp; M., for three terms, and has been recorder of Pontiac Commandery, K. T., for 10 years. It is, perhaps, needless to. state that he has
actively promoted in every way in his power the interests of the order. The
ability with which he has filled the various stations and official positions in
connection with Pontiac Lodge and the Masonic Temple Association of
Pontiac has secured to the lodge many flattering notices from outside
brethren. The same year that he was first elected worshipful master of the
lodge, he was also chosen president of the Masonic Temple Association, and
during the seven years he held the latter office the grounds were purchased
and the Temple successfully completed. In I898 he conferred over 50.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

663

degrees. A thorough knowledge of the work, combined with personal qualities of a nature that command the respect and attention of all, was largely
the cause of the success attendant upon his three years' administration of
affairs as master of the lodge. He was originator and first president of the
Masonic Temple Club.
In addition to his Masonic connections, Mr. Dickinson is first exalted
ruler of Lodge No. 80o, B. P. 0. E., which he represented at the Grand
Lodge at Baltimore; is a member of the A. O. U. W., of which he has been
trustee three years; the K. 0. T. M.; the M. W. A.; and the Improved Order
of Foresters.
L. W. NICHOLS.
L. W. NIclIoLs,* secretary of the Standard Vehicle Company, of
Pontiac, Michigan, was born in 1875 at Antwerp, Jefferson County, New
York, and is a son of E. C. Nichols, a resident of Flint, Michigan, who is
a mechanic by trade and located in Michigan in I88o. Our subject has two
brothers, both of whom are residents of Pontiac.
Mr. Nichols attended school but a few years, his business ability securing him a lucrative position before he was 13 years of age, when he was
engaged as buyer for the Dunlap Vehicle Company with whicl corporation
he was connected for 12 years. He has resided at Pontiac for the past four
years as secretary of the Standard Vehicle Company. This business was
incorporated August 12, 190o. and was organized by Mr. Nichols in connection with such prominent business men as the following: Henry C.
Kudner, Joseph A. Linabury, J. B. Draper, James L. Hogle, Harry E.
Peirce, George A. Brown, Frank L. Perry and J. A. Tillson. The officers
of the company are: William H. Morgans, president; H. E. Peirce, vicepresident; L. W. Nichols, secretary; and Cramer Smith, treasurer. The
present board of directors include the officers and in addition: J. B. Draper,
J. A. Grady and Chauncy Brace. The plant is located on the south side of
Osmun street, near Saginaw, where it was erected by the company for the
manufacture of all kinds of vehicles, and covers about 80,000 square feet

664

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of floor space. The management of this great business falls most heavily
on Messrs. Nichols and Peirce and that it is well managed is proved by the
great prosperity which has attended it. The capacity of the plant is about
7,000 jobs annually and about 10O workmen are employed. From Pontiac
as the distributing point six traveling men cover the United States in the
interests of the company. The plant has been fitted with all modern machinery and appliances regardless of expense, the cost approaching $30,000. The
company is capitalized at $50,000 common and $33,ooo preferred, the stock
being kept in Pontiac, where the investment is eagerly sought.
Mr. Nichols met the estimable lady who is his wife, during a trip
through the West, her home being in South Dakota. They have one son,
Roger E., who was born at Flint, Michigan, seven years ago. The family
residence is located on Park street, Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols belong
to the pleasant social life of the city and are most highly regarded. They
belong to the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Nichols is a Republican, but
is too much taken up with business to accept political preferment. Fraternally he is associated with the Knights of Pythias, A. I. U. and the
Modern Woodmen of America.
WILLIAM HUNT.
WILLIAMN HUNT,* one of the well-to-do farmers and p-ogressive citizens of Royal Oak township, Oakland County, residing on his farm of
103 acres in section 6, was born in Groveland township, Oakland County,
Michigan, in I850.
Henry Hunt, his father, was born in Orange County, New York, and
died in I879, at the age of 87 years. He lies buried in Mount Bethel Cemetery. Coming to Michigan in 1827 among the early settlers, he located his
homestead of i60 acres in Groveland township, and there improved and
cultivated a fine farm which continued to be his home for the remainder of
his life. In young manhood, he learned the trades of a blacksmith and
wagonmaker and followed them for some years until he took up farming.

OAKLAND COUNTY.

665

He was a leading citizen of his locality, honored and respected by all who
knew him. He was originally a Whig, and became a Republican at the
time that party was organized. He was a justice of the peace in Grover
township for 28 years, and as a member of the School Board for a long
term was much interested in the schools and educational systems of his
time. By his first marriage, he had three children, as follows: Perry,
Corneille and Sarah. By his second marriage, with Hannah Stevens, daughter of John Stevens, he had four children, as follows: Calista, who married Christian Kist; Eliza, deceased; M\ary Jane, who married Harvey
Stevens; and William. Our subject's mother, who was a native of Orange
County, New York, (lied in I888 at the age of 70 years. She was for the
greater portion of her life a consistent and thorough-going member of the
Presbyterian Church.
William Hunt was educated in the district schools of Gro%'eland township and naturally took to farming operations. For the last seven years
he has owned and(l operated his present farm of 103 acres in section 6, Royal
Oak township. He is an agent for the Deering Harvester Company for his
locality.
Mr. Hunt was married, in 1871, to Jennie Farrand, who was born in
852;and is a daughter of Bethnel and Sarah (King) Farrand, the former
of Irish and the latter of English stock. They have one child, Jay. Mrs.
Hunt is a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject is a Republican
in politics, and has filled a number of the township offices. In fraternal
relations he is a Mason.
RICHARD L. KING.
RICHARD L. KING,* the owner of a fine farm of I20 acres in sections 4
and 9, Waterford township, Oakland County, was born at Ardsley, Westchester County, New York, November I, 1844, and is a son of John and
Eliza (Dobbs) King.
John King was 17 years old when he left his home in Lincolnshire,
England, for America, seeking his fortune. When he became prosperous, he
sent for his parents whom he had left behind and with filial care watched their

666

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

declining years. He spent three years with Captain Wilsey on a Hudson
River boat and later owned and commanded a boat of his own. He bought a
small farm on the river and carried produce to the city of New York. Finding the raising of cucumbers profitable, he devoted his acreage mainly to that
vegetable and supplied pickle factories in the metropolis. The growth of this
industry induced him to continue the culture, where the soil had been found
particularly suitable to the growth of cucumbers, and the result was that he
accumulated large means from this source alone. He was a man of public
spirit and exemplary character and died respected and esteemed at his home
in Westchester County at the age of 54 years. The mother of our subject
was born in Westchester County, New York, and was a daughter of Nathaniel Dobbs, a family name well known in the State of New York.
The following six children survive of the lo children born to John and
Eliza (Dobbs) King: John, who is a prominent citizen of Ardsley, New
York, a justice of the peace and for 20 years a Sunday-school superintendent; Elizabeth, a resident of historic Dobbs' Ferry, on the Hudson; Mrs.
Sarah Cole, of Ardsley, New York; James T., now of Ardsley, New York,.
formerly for 40 years a police court officer in New York City, with a salary
of $I6oo per year; George WX., who is a master mechanic at Ardsley; and
Richard L.
Mr. King's boyhood was spent on a farm and in a neighboring factory,
and he obtained his education in the common schools. At the age of I8, with
the assistance of his father, he engaged in a grocery business at Ardsley and
continued some Io years, during this time being interested with his father and
brothers in growing cucumbers for the manufacture of pickles. At that
time Westchester County was the commercial center of the trade. It was
in the extension of this business that Mr. King came to Michigan in 1872,
buying his farm of I20 acres, starting into the growing of cucumbers, and
other garden produce, and his example was profitably followed by other
farmers. He continued actively in this business for I5 years and then entered
into general farming, now making the raising of small fruits a specialty,
berries in particular. He is a large dealer in apples, buying the bulk of the
fruit raised between Holly and Detroit, and his customers include private
parties all over the country and in Austria, Germany, Ireland, England and
France. During the past year he shipped over 200 cars of bulk apples and
many barrels, and bought 20,000 bushels for evaporating and 40,000 for

OAKLAND COUNTY.

667

vinegar. He has so arranged his various lines that he can produce his own
evaporated apples and his own vinegar, as he owns a cider mill at Waterford. He handles only reliable fruit and raises such choice varieties as the
"Warefield," Haviland" and "Jessie" strawberries; the "Cuthbert" red raspberries and the "Iawton" blackberries. While Mr. King is one of the leading fruit men of Michigan, he is also so reliable that his name carries with it
proof of the excellence of the commodity. His energy and enterprise have
made it possible for the dwellers in other less fortunate parts of the world to
enjoy the choicest products of the Michigan fruit belt and in even far-off
China the home-sick visitor has been regaled with a Michigan apple.
Mr. King married Maggie L. Lefurgy, who is a daughter of John J.
Lefurgy, a large pickle manufacturer of Ardsley, New York. The six children born to this union consist of four sons, all married and successful
farmers in Waterford township, namely: Irving, Frank C., William R.,
George and Percy, and one daughter,-May Louise, who lives at home.
In addition to his other interests, Mr. King has engaged in the breeding
of Holstein cattle and now owns a very valuable herd of 10 head of thorough-breds, three of these being registered. His cream he converts into
ice cream, manufacturing some 800 gallons a season, which, like his other
products, receives a ready welcome wherever it is introduced.
Mr. King is a liberal, public-spirited citizen and, while he has devoted
close attention to the upbuilding of his own enterprises, has always been interested in the development of all other industries in this section. His progressive methods have encouraged others and the result has been very beneficial
to all concerned.
MISS N. JANE SHAW.
Miss N. JANE STHAW,* a most highly esteemed resident of the village
of Novi, Oakland County, belongs to a family which has taken a prominent
part in the county's history. Miss Shaw was born at Canandaigua, Ontario
County, New York, in April, 1830, and is the youngest child of the late

668

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Philip and Chloe (Foster) Shaw, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts and the latter in the State of New York.
Philip Shaw, the father of our subject, was prepared in early life by
hard discipline for many of the hardships that attended his later career.
Deprived of his parents at the tender age of seven years, he was bound
out to a hard taskmaster, who, up to the time of his majority, gave him less
than $Ioo. We are not familiar with all the movements of his young manhood, but for his useful services in the War of I812 he was entitled to a
tract of I80 acres of government land. He settled down to farming and
was married in Ontario County, New York, whence he came as a pioneer,
with his wife and nine children, to Michigan in I830.
Looking over the well cultivated farms and thriving villages of Oakland County of the present day, it is difficult to recall the conditions of the
country at that time, not long- as measured by years, but remote in the light
of achievements. \Vhen Mr. Shaw and his family reached Detroit, they
secured a strong ox-team to transport them to their new home in Novi township, where Mr. Shaw had secured a tract of I6o acres of government land,
located one and a half miles from the present village of Novi. This property still remains in the family, being owned by John Shaw, a grandson
of the early pioneer. The journey was attended with hardships, no roads
at that time having been constructed, and, our subject, who cannot remember the events of the journey from her own experience, being then but a
babe, recalls the stories told her by her father in later years, of the neces-.
sary cutting of the underbrush and the fording of streams and the final
settlement in the pioneer, log house. The years that followed were with
this family, like those of their neighbors, years of hard work, and the
dear and devoted mother succumbed to hardships to which she had never
been accustomed, and died in 1832, two years after locating on the homestead. Philip Shaw had been inured to hard work in his youth and faced
the deprivations and dangers of the wilderness with a brave and courageous
spirit. With the assistance of his sons he cleared the land, put it under
cultivation and was rewarded for his industry by long years of competency.
He took a deep interest in not only the development of the agricultural
resources of his section, but assisted in the establishment of what are now
some of the best highways in the county, and in the building of schools and
churches. Mr. Shaw lived to the age of 96, passing away in I866.

t |OAKLAND COUNTY. 669
Miss N. Jane Shaw is the only survivor of the family of nine children,
all of whom were born in the State of New York. The other members of
the family were as follows: William; Riley, who left four orphan children,
-Richmond, James, John and Betsey, deceased; Constant, who left three
orphan children,-Hortensia, Lovina and Harriet; Gardner P.; Cebra; Seymour; Lovina; and James.
William Shaw, the eldest brother of our subject, purchased the well
improved farm of 20 acres in the village of Novi, which is the home of our
subject. William died at this home and left the property to his devoted
sister.
Miss Shaw is well known all through Novi township and is held in high
esteem. From intimate knowledge she has always held the achievements and
character of the pioneers in reverence and endorses the sentiments expressed
in the tender and appreciative little poem, with which we take the liberty
of closing this all too inadequate a sketch:
TO OUR PIONEERS.
Oh, let them still remembered be
Thro' all the coming years,
The germ of this, our Nation's worth,
Our grand old pioneers.
What tho' the arm that swung the ax
Through many a by-gone year
Is palsied now, we'll not forget
You, grand old pioneer.
Here stands to-day the busy town
Whose site you helped to clear,
We walk the streets you underbrushed,
Our grand old pioneer.
See now the smoke from factories rise
Where oft in former years
The pale blue clouds from log heaps curled,
Lit by our pioneer.
Sons then of sires who lit the fires
That shone thro' hopes and fears,
Walk in the light reflected by
Our grand old pioneers.

670

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Revere their faith, trust thou in God,
To honor still adhere,
Transfer the "blaze" from tree to time,
Marked by our pioneers.
DANIEL B. HENRY, M. D.
DANIEL B. HENRY, M. D.,* a well known physician and surgeon of
South Lyon, Oakland County, was born near Barrie, Ontario, Canada, in
1873, and is a son of James and Mary (Dunn) Henry, both of whom were
born in Ireland.
James Henry migrated to Canada with his parents in I832, and assisted
in the clearing of his father's farm, and well recalls the hard work of driving
an ox team through the unbroken forests when but a lad of I years. The
mother of Dr. Henry came with her parents to the TUnited States when but
five years old and was educated at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There she
learned the millinery business and later conducted a store of her own on
Chestnut street, Philadelphia, for a period of nine years. She was 22 years
old when she visited Canada and met and married James Henry. Both she
and Mr. Henry still reside at Barrie, Canada. The following children were
born to this worthy couple: William C., residing at Barrie, engaged in
farming on a portion of the 500 acres of land owned by his father, was
graduated with the degree of Master of Arts from a Canadian college, was
married in I891 to Nellie Highland, who is a daughter of James Highland,
also of Barrie, and they have four chiidren,-Mattie, born in I888, Sallie,
born in I889, Jennie, born in I892, and Maggie, born in 1894; James, Jr.,
also engaged in farming near Barrie, a graduate of the Agricultural College
at Guelph, Ontario, was married to Lizzie Thompson, a daughter of Andrew
Thompson, and they have two children,-Gertie, born in I889, and Charles,
born in I892; Mary, who resides with her parents; F. N., a practicing
physician at Detroit, a graduate of Toronto University, was married to
Sophia Sheffler, of Detroit, and they have three children,-Freddie, born in
I896, Hoyt, born in I899, and Mildred; Daniel B., of this sketch; T. B., who

OAKLAND COUNTY.

67I

is a practicing physician at Northville, Wayne County, who was graduated in
I897 from the Detroit College of Medicine, and was married to May Huntington, of Detroit.
Dr. Daniel B. Henry received his primary education in his fiative town
and his medical degree in I896 at the Detroit Medical College, immediately
thereafter locating at South Lyon, Oakland County, where his professional
skill has brought him a large and lucrative practice and his sterling traits
of character have won him a wide circle of personal friends.
Dr. Henry was married to Minnie Ball, who was born at Barrie,
Ontario, Canada, and is a daughter of Ienry Ball, formerly a merchant and
now engaged there in the 'insurance business. Two children have been
born to Dr. and Mrs. Henry: Isla Victoria, born in April, I90o; and Daniel,
born September I, I903.
In politics Dr. Henry is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees.
JOHN HAGELSTEIN.
JOHN HA(GEL.STEIN,* who is actively engaged in the cultivation of the
soil in Royal Oak township, Oakland County, where he owns and operates a
handsome farm of I20 acres in section 1o, was born in Germany in 1842 and
is a son of John and Dora Hagelstein, who were natives of Germany and
never left the Fatherland.
John Hagelstein received his education in the common schools of Germany and in 1865 came to America, locating in Michigan in the Waldenburg
settlement near Mount Clemens, where he remained one year. He then
removed to the city of Detroit, where he engaged in general work, continuing
to be thus employed for eight years. In 1875 he engaged in farming in Wayne
County, which occupation he continued for two years, and then in 1877
located on his present farm where he has since followed agricultural pursuits
with good results. Politically our subject is a Republican, but takes no
active interest in any political affair other than to vote as a true citizen.

672

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Hagelstein's first marriage was to Dora Wittenburg, who was born
in Germany in 1842, and was a daughter of John Wittenburg, being six
months younger than our subject. She died in S883, being survived by her
husband, and five children, whose names are given herewith: John, who
resides in Tuscola, Michigan; Lewis, who resides in Detroit; William, also a
resident of Tuscola, Michigan; Mary, who married William Hamilton of
Southfield township, Oakland County; and Elizabeth, who married Earl
Simonson, and lives in Royal Oak township, Oakland County. In 1884 our
subject was married to Eva Sulkofski, who was born in West Prussia in
I852. She was the widow of Charles Klon, by which union she had two
children, namely: Gust and Rheingold, both of whom accompanied her to
this country. Mr. Hagelstein by his second union has four children, namely:
Fred, Bertha, Rosa and Rudolph. Our subject and family are members of
the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hagelstein is a Republican.
FREDERICK G. BRENDEL.
FREDERICK G. BRENDEL,* one of the substantial farmers and self made
men of White Iake township, Oakland County, who owns a fine farm of I85
acres in sections 16, 17 and 2T, with his residence in section 17, was born in
Saxony, Germany, in I845.
The father of our subject came to America in I855 and after spending
two months in Detroit, settled in WVhite Lake township, Oakland County,
where he lived 25 years engaged in farming. He passed his last years at
Pontiac, where he died in 1893. His wife died in Germany in 1848, having
been the mother of seven children, namely: Harriet, now deceased, who was
the wife of Jacob Sick; Rickie, wife of Herman Edy; Christina, wife of
Charles Lose; John, of White Lake township, Oakland County; Henrietta,
who married John Bachman, and died in I902; Ernestine, wife of John
Drolman, of Tyrone, Michigan; and Frederick G. Both parents were consistent members of the Lutheran Church.
Frederick G. Brendel was but a lad of tender years when he was deprived by death of the loving care of his mother. In I855 he accompanied

OAKLAND COUNTY.

673

his father to America, and his boyhood and youth were mainly spent in
endeavors to care for his material wants. He had no educational chances,
but through association with the world he has become fairly well educated
and on more than one occasion has been selected, on account of his reliable
character, to perform the duties in township offices. He worked industriously and honestly at anything that he was able to secure, at a livery
stable, in a butcher's shop and on farms, gaining a reputation for integrity
which his after life has well sustained. Since 1873 he has resided in section
17, White Lake township, and has become one of the leading citizens of the
neighborhood.
In 1874 Mr. Brendel was married to Jennie Harford, who was born in
1850 in the city of New York, and is a daughter of Henry and Margaret
(Roach) Harford, the former of whom was born in England, and the latter
in Ireland. A family of children has been born to this marriage, as
follows: Elma; Millie, wife of Alfred Howland of White Lake township,
Oakland County; Charles; Henrietta, wife of John Ingomar; Frederick;
Mary, deceased; Chester; Christopher and Forrest.
In politics Mr. Brendel is identified with the Republican party. He
has been a hard worker, a provident saver and a good manager and is worthy
of the respect and esteem in which he is held in White Lake township. His
successful career very clearly shows what may be accomplished by energy,
industry and thrift.
DELBERT H. POWER.
DELBERT H. POWER,* one of the leading financiers of Oakland County
and one of the largest capitalists, largely interested in private banks both
in and outside of the county, was born in Clinton County, Michigan, in
1863, and is a son of John E. and Mahala (Brown) Power, both of whom
came to Michigan in 1845. They were prosperous farmers in Clinton County, where the father died in the fall of 1884, aged 58 years, and the mother
in 1891.
Delbert H. Power is the youngest of a family of eight children, two
of whom, Sarah and Clayton, are deceased, the survivors being: J. E.,
38

674

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Pontiac; Mrs. Elmer Richmond, whose husband is engaged in the produce business at Pontiac; Mrs. Hildreth, who resides in Missouri; Mrs.
Seavy, who lives in Kansas; William, who is a farmer in Dakota; and
Delbert H.
Mr. Power attended the common schools and assisted on his father's
farm until he attained the age of I7. He graduated at the Ovid High Schdol
and then went to the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he was
graduated in I884. Immediately after, he entered into the banking business
and has been interested in the same line ever since. His beginning was as
a collection clerk in the State Bank of St. Johns, Michigan, where he served
for five years as cashier. He then came to Pontiac and here organized the
Oakland County Savings Bank, of which he was cashier for six years, and
later organized the Pontiac Savings Bank, in which he served as cashier
four years and during the last two years was its president. Since then he:has organized his private banks, giving his entire attention to this busi-ness, at present being interested in three banks in the county and one outside:and also connected with the Citizens' Savings Bank at tIolly, the Pontiac
Savings Bank and the Bank of Birmingham. His close and careful methods
and conservative management have made all the institutions with which
he has been connected very prosperous, all of them being regarded as safe
and sound organizations.
Mr. Power was married to Clara B. La Montaine, who was born in
Ohio, and they have four children, viz: Ernest, Harold, Robert and
Dorothy. Mrs. Power is a member of the Congregational Church.
Politically, Mr. Power is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason, a Knight Templar and Mystic Shriner. He is also
a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias and the Foresters of. America.
Mr. and Mrs. Power have one of the beautiful homes of Pontiac, located
on the corner of Perry and Mount Clemens streets.
CLARENCE P. VAN ZANDT.
CLARENCE P. VAN ZANDT,* a prominent and representative farmer of
Oakland County, owning a valuable farm! of I6o acres in section 9, "Waterford township, comes from an old Holland family, which was founded in

OAKLAND COUNTY.

675

New Jersey by his grandfather. He is a son of Beekman and Frances S.
(Van Buren) Van Zandt.
Beekman Van Zandt was one of three sons born to his parents, the
others bearing the names of Isaac and Henry. Beekman Van Zandt was
born in Essex County, New Jersey, and for some years prior to I835, when
he came to Michigan, was engaged in farming and dairying. MWhen he came
to Michigan, this whole country was but little settled and Indians and
wild animals still roamed the forests. With pluck and perseverance he
cleared off the land he had secured from the government, and lived co:ntentedly in a primitive log house until prepared to build a better one. He
reared a most creditable family and at the time of his death owned a valuable property and was one of the representative men of the township. He
was married to Frances S. Van Buren, cousin of President Martin Van
Buren, and a daughter of Egbert and Susan (Formerdyn) Van Buren, the
former a native of New York and the latter of Maryland. Mr. Van Zandt
made a trip to California in 185I and, although he was shipwrecked on the
way, reached the Golden State and remained two years, prospecting and
lumbering. He was an active member of the Methodist Church, serving
as a steward. His death took place at the present home of our subject
November I5, I88i, at the age of 73 years.
Clarence P. Van Zandt is one of a family of five children, viz: Mrs.
Frances F. Church, of Geneva, New 'York; Elizabeth S., of Chicago;
Eugene, deceased; Mrs. Louisa Beardslee, deceased; and Clarence P. Mr.
Van Zandt has always lived on his present farm, where he was born November Io, I846. His life has been devoted to the agricultural pursuits of
farming and stock raising, being an extensive breeder of Durham cattle.
His farming has included the raising of grain, hay and potatoes, sotne
tobacco, and cucumbers on a large scale for pickling purposes. For the
past three years he has done a large business in baling and shipping hay.
Mr. Van Zandt is well prepared for his extensive operations, having
erected large and substantial buildings of all kinds, which are the equal of
any in the township. By years of orderly and constant industry, he has
acquired wealth, while an exemplary life has given him the confidence of his
fellow men and made him their choice for public office. For nine years he
has served as a member of the School Board of Waterford township and
has been township treasurer for the past two years.

*676

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Van Zandt was married to Lucy Capron, who was born in Connecticut, and is a daughter of William Capron, and three children have
been born to this union, namely: Williamn B., Nellie C. and Mary M., all
at home. In politics Mr. Van Zandt, like his father, is a Democrat.

INDEX.

PAGE
Adams, James B.................1... I
Adams, William W..................459
Aitcheson, William..................277
Allison, Edwin V................. 63
Anderson, Charles.................. 75
Anderson, Howard C.............. 212
Andrews, Henry............... 448
Angell, Alpheus R...................352
Arnold, Mrs. Nancy W............... 622
Arnold, Seth..................... 623
Atkin, John................. 635
Auten, John B.......................392

PAGE
Borchart, Karl............... 486
Boughner, Charles B................ 210
Brace, Chauncy...................... 315
Bradway, Albert............... 640
Brendel, Frederick C................ 672
Brewster, William A................ 535
Bromley, Peter B..................... 35r
Brondige, George F............... 203
Brooks, John........................ 357
Brown, Leroy N...................... 389
Buchanan, Samuel.................... 89
Buell, Julian A............... 638
Buno, Ralph.................... 625
Burr, Charles A.,.................... 65
Butterfield, I. H...................... 485

Babcock, Edgar S................... 650
Bachman, Jacob....................632
Baird, C. H...................504
Baker, George W....................556
Baldwin, Augustus C............... 21
Bancraft, Claudius B.................112
Banks, Leander 0................... 312
Barkman, Lyman....................587
Bartlett, Richard.................... 79
Barwise, Isaac.......................49
Bassett, John W..................... I8
Beardslee, Mrs. Clarissa B............ 514
Beardslee, Orsamus.................. 515
Becker, Fred........................206
Beebe, Justus........................16
Belford, Henry M...................602
Benjamin, John...................... 292
Berridge, Charles S................... 130
Bigelow, John A................... 609
Bingham, George....................95
Birge, Henry...................... 02
Blount, Frank 0..................... 42
Blumberg, Albert C...................297
Blunt, Martin H................... 382

Calkins, Cholett......................
Campbell, David L....................
Campbell, Mrs. Elizabeth D...........
Campbell, Joseph.....................
Carroll, Frank H.....................
Case, C. W..........................
Carpenter, Powell...................
Chambers, William NI...............
Chapman, Erwin A...................
Chapman, George W.................
Chapman, Harvey S..................
Christensen, Rasmus.................
City of Pontiac, The..................
Clark, Edwin G......................
Clark, James........................
Coats, William.....................
Coe, Edward........................
Cole, Charles E......................
Cole, Christopher....................
Cole, Phillip M......................
Collier, Theodore A................

339
214
572
260
32
159
423
429
308
208
395
460
132
i87
263
400
239
634
135
104
76

678

INDEX.

PAGE
Cool Brothers................... 524
Cooley, Merrick D................... 367
Cowdin, George D................... 365
Crawford, Alvin F................... 465
Crawford, Cassius J.................. 29
'Crawford, Clarence H................ 641
Crawford, Isaac................... 399
Crawford, John W................... 639
Crosby, Joseph E.................... 520
Crout, E. C.................... 20
Crout, T. H.......................... 67
Cuthbert, Edmund................... 418
Cuthbert, James..................... 58
Dandison, William.................. 228
Davis, Horace W................... 20
Davis, James H.................... 496
Davis, E. Leverne................... 584
Davis, Samuel................... 507
Davison, John W................... 571
Dawson, William H.................. 226
De Cou, C. A................... 138
Denison, Frank F................... 9
Denison, Henry C................... 52
Dennis, Amzi.................... 653
Dickinson, George W................. 66
Dingman, Ezekiel.................. 274
Dohany, William................... 154
Donaldson, John................... 256
Donelson, Arza B................... 73
Dumay, Joseph, Jr................... 225
Durrant, Frederick................... 232
Earl, Oliver C.................... 178
Eastern Michigan Asylum............. 52
Eaton, Alexander.................... 325
Eaton, Mrs. Mary................... 324
Edgar, Andrew K................... 346
Edgar Brothers................... 452
Elliott, Capt. M. D................... 529
Elliott, H. S....................... 643
Elliott, N. T.......................... 471
Elwood, Solomon C................... 207
Ely, Edmund................... 461
Ely, Francis G................... 479
England, Henry................... 66
English, Hannibal C.................. 417
Erb, Jacob................... 231
Erity, William................... 8

PAGE
Esler, John.......................... 468
Everett, William H.................. 637
Ewell, Herbert P..................... 60
Fagan, Thomas H.................... 491
First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac.... 26
Fisher, Fred L........................ 578
Fisher, Martin G..................... 435
Fitch, George S...................... 528
Flower, Theron A.................... 380
Foote, William H.................... 419
Foster, Edmund..................... 521
Fox, John W........................ 217
Gage, David........................ 588
Gage, Stephen M..................... 407
Galbraith, Franklin B................. I8
Galbraith, Stuart E...................
Gallagher, John J..................... 565
Galligan, Edward.................... 447
Gardner, Harry S.................... 443
Garner, Andrew A.................... 566
Garter, George C...................... 50
Gibbs, Adrian A................... 280.
Gildemeister, Louis............... 527
Goodenough, Josephus.............. 275
Grace, Edward C..................... 371
Grant, W illiam B..................... 614
Gray, Mason W...................... 4
Gray, Spencer B...................... 6o
Green, Addis E...................... 405
Green, Mrs. Cordelia............... 404
Green, Daniel....................... 283
Green, Horace A..................... 533
Green, Jarvis J....................... 293
Green, Oliver H. P................... 236
Green, Rev. Oliver H. P.............. 551
Guillot, Harry C...................... 75
Gulick, Henry...................... 450
Hadley, Darwin D.................... 590
Hadley, Francis L.................... 473
Hagelstein, John................... 67I
Hagle, Mrs. Chastina................. 82
Haines, Levi C....................... 363
Hall, William M......................1 39
Hall, Isaiah......................... 626
Halsted, Harvey..................... 599
Hamilton, George D.................. 318
Harff, Frank........................ 240

INDEX.

679

PAGE
Harger, Douglas.................... 60
Harris, James H................... 298
Harris, Wilborn B.................... 230
Hartung, Charles H.................. 167
Hathaway, J........................ 21
Hawthorne, Robert.................. 137
Hendryx, James W.................. 245
Henry, Daniel B.................. 670
Hess, Marvin..................... 86
Heth, John N..................... 220
Hickmott, Mrs. Cecilia M.............. 68
Higby, G. Henry.................. 385
Hill, Joshua.................. 430
Hoffman, Conrad A.................. 85
Holcomb Augustine T................ 646
Howe, Jerome.................. 495
Hunt, William.................. 664
Irish, William.................. 553
Jacobs, Frank G................... 90
Jacobs, Goodman.................. 17
Jacobus, John H.................. 305
Jacokes, Daniel C.................. 5
Jacokes, James A.................. 57
Johnson, Platt W................. 258
Jones, I-amilton H.................. 83
Jones, Thomas J.................. 92
Jossman, Ralph E.................. 265
Kelly, Elbert J.................. 343
Kemp, Obediah...................... 72
Kimble, Daniel.................. 99
Kimble, Mrs. Lucinda................. 98
King, Fred.................. 658
King, George W.................. 548
King, Richard L.................. 665
Kingsbury, Alonzo.................. 477
Kinsman, George.................. 554
Knapp, Seth H.................. 257
Knox, Charles W.................. 58I
Knox, William W.................. 592
Kurz, John.................... 5o6
Kyle, David.......................... 87
Kyle, Joseph......... 235
Lambertson, E. J............... 313
Lasenby, Orlo J............... I53
Lavery, Henry N..................... 396
Layton, Mrs. Laura L............... 44

PAGE
LeBaron, Robert..................... 50
Linabury, C. H...................... 306
Lomis, Jacob L...................... 526
Losey, Cornelius..................... 655
Lounsbury, R. J...................... 317
Lowrie, James...................... 502
Lull, Albe........................ 302
Lull, Augustus A.................... 13

Maas, William....................... 500
Malkim, William..................... I77
Marsh, George H..................... 222
Matthews, Salmon S.................. 251
McCann, Michael.................... 478
McCotter, J. H....................... 77
McCoy, Matthew..................... 438
Miller, Benjamin F................... 517
Miller, David........................ 349
Miller, Samuel...................... 563
Millis, Frank L...................... 113
Mitchell, James S.................... 608
Monroe, H. G........................ 123
Monroe, R. F......................... 97
Moon, Melvin C...................... 30
Moore, James........................ 630
Morgan, Mrs. Rebecca................ 24
Morgans, William H................. 287
Muirhead, John...................... II
Mullett, John H. F.................... 433
Murphy, Edward.............1....... 57
Mutter, Robert...................... 456
Nacker, Harmon..................... 311
Narrin, George...................... 539
Newman, Emilius L.................. 122
Newman, Mrs. Hannah A............. 243
Newberry, George.................... 82
Nichols, L. W....................... 663
North, William F..................... 86
Norton, John D...................... 415
Norton, John M...................... 163
Oakland County..................... 99
Oakland Light Infantry Band.......... 2g9
Pallister, William................... I66
Palmer, Aaron S..................... 391
Palmer, Charles H.................... 48
Palmer, William..................... 446
Parker, Abiram.................... 127

680

INDEX.

PAGE
Parks, James S....................... 69
Parmenter, Fred A................... 296
Patterson, John H.................... 320
Patterson, Stuart D................. 546
Patterson, Thomas L................. 619
Perry, Aaron................ 39
Perry, Abram D................. 467
Perry, Frank L..................... 54
Pearce, William J.................... 657
Pearsall, James H.................. 96
Peirce, H. E...................... 33
Pepper, James....................... 633
Phelps, Edwin................. 606
Pickering, John F................... I85
Pickett, John N...................... 628
Pierce, Delevan J.................... 598
Pittenger, John S................... 383
Porter, George W.................... 413
Power, Delbert H.................... 673
Pratt, Melville S...................... 482
Prince, John W..................... 289
Prior, Philo........................ 577
Pulver, W. DuBois.................. 499

Quatermass, Robert A................ 140
Randall, Corydon C.................. 659
Reese, Joseph L.................. 453
Reeves, George................ 6I
Rice, A. T............................ 362
Richmond, George M................ 617
Robertson, Robert D............... 223
Robinson, Sanhuel S................. 269
Rockwell, Edward J................. 574
Rockwell, Kleber P................... 605
Roe, Joseph B................ 358
Ross, A. L......................... 48
Sanford, W. C....................... I93
Sands, Richard................. 374
Sawyer, Jeseph E............. 540
Schroeder, Fred..................... 490
Schultze, Charles L................. 221
Scott, Arthur H............... 218
Scott, Benjamin F................... 629
Scott, R. D.......................... 246
Scrace, Frank....................... 355
Seeley, Andrew...................... 595
Seeley, Burton,....................... 583
Seeley, Daniel................... 557

PAGE
Seeley, Thaddeus D................... 44
Selden, Guy C........................ 432
Sharp, James........................ 642
Shaw, Miss N. Jane.................. 667
Sherman, Charles................... 248
Shimmons, George C.................. 72
Sibley, Alonzo.............. 42
Sibley, Judson L..................... 93
Simmons, Fred P................... 4
Sinclair, James B..................... 409
Simpson, James...................... 234
Skene, George, Jr................. 336
Smith, Ansley..................... 227
Smith, Charles Jr.................... 519
Smith, Cramer....................... 338
Smith, Edward..................... 425
Smith, Mrs. Emeline W............... 369
Smith, George W..................... 332
Smith, Jacob H....................... 545
Smith, Samuel W................... 58
Smith, Theron B..................... o6
Smith, Thomas...................... 463
Snowdon, Harry N................. 301
Snyder, Abram A.................... 44o
Sowle, Lyman W..................... 56
Steinbaugh, Frederick............. 544
Stephens, Thomas.................. 627
Stockwell, Joseph S.................. 9
Stone, Henry F...................... 332
Stout, Byron G............... I 5
Strain, Charles S..................... 36
Strong, Jeremiah.................. I50
Sutherland, Andrew (2d)............. 575
Sutherland, Clark J................... 613
Swarthout, Willis................. 470
Swearingen, J. F..................... 69
Taylor, Austin J...................... 654
Taylor, C. V......................... 394
Taylor, H. J........................ I9I
Taylor, James...................... 568
Taylor, Mrs. Olive B................ 569
Taylor, Philemon J................. 170
Teggerdine, David R................ 597
Ten Eyck, Junius................... 34
Terry, Joseph Preston................ 70
Tienken, William................. I55
Tiffany, William N................ 360
Tindall, George W................... 272
Townsend, Harvey................ 594

INDEX.

68i

PAGE
Townsend, John E.................. 65I
Turner, Clark B...................... 80
Turner, Isaac H...................... 555

Valentine, Orson..................... 388
Van Zandt, Clarence P................ 674
Vincent, John........................ 368
Voorheis, Isaac I..................... 347
Vorhes, J. C.......................... 278
W aldo, Charles E..................... 146
Walls, Collin................ 449
W alls, W illiam S..................... 48r
W alter, Casper J..................... 644
Walter, Guy A....................... 337
W alter, Harrison..................... 372
Walter, Nelson................ 354
Ward, David................ 242
W ard, I enry C....................... 261
Warner, Fred M..................... 20
W arner, Henry....................... 117
Waterbury, Edwin S................. 510
Waterbury, Roy I.................. 615
Welch, Anson E..................... 636
W elfare, George A.................... 483
Welfare, James................ 444
West, Washington.................... 488

PAGE
Westfall, Fred....................... 523
Whipple, Oscar M.................... 334
Whipple,. A........................ 345
Whitcomb, Gilbert J.................. 487
Whitehead, Almeron................. 46
Whitfield, Walter W., Sr.............. 9I
Wight, Charles M..................... 398
Wilders, A. J........................ 386
Williams, Julien..................... 327
Williamson, William H................ 194
W illcox, Elliot R.................... 454
Wilson, John P...................... 238
W indiate, John...................... 83
Winslow, Spencer.................... I51
Winter, William..................... 264
W olfe, N. A.......................... 281
Wright, H. Lee...................... 508
Wright, William P................... 559
Wyckoff, Herman A.................. 156
Wyckoff, Thomas.................... 253
Wyman, Judson T.................... I65
Yeager, Irank....................... 436
Yerkes, Lyman A.................... 377
Young, Charles S.................... 410

Zimniermann, Henry M.............. 649

I
I

X701~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LIJ ~ ~ ~ (

I I 11111M
I
i
%,4M,
";i,,
I m MINE&amp;