USA > Michigan > Oakland County > History of Oakland County Michigan a narrative account of its historic progress, its people, its principal interests Volume II > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
When Auburn W. Dewey was twenty-one years old he bought an eighty acre farm in Macomb county, which he worked for three years. He then sold it and bought one hundred and twenty acres near Leonard, which place he held for about twenty-seven years. In 1888 he went to South Dakota and bought one hundred and sixty acres, remaining there for two years, after which he returned to Leonard and there conducted a market for about two years. He next moved to Detroit and engaged in business, where he continued for a short time, moving thence to Rochester, there conducting a hotel for two years. His next move took him to Oxford, where he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of farm land. He later moved to Romeo and bought a hotel, conducting that place for a matter of three and a half years, at the end of that time selling the hotel and moving to the present farm, which he had purchased. The farm is in section 33, Oxford township, Oakland county. He has since been engaged in general farming, and is enjoying a pleasing measure of success.
On Christmas day, 1877, Mr. Dewey married Miss Elizabeth McCaf- ferty, a daughter of Henry and Betsey (Eldred) McCafferty. Henry McCafferty was of Irish parentage, and was born aboard ship when his parents were coming from Ireland. The mother of Mrs. Dewey was born in New York state. When they came to Michigan they settled in Ma- comb county, and there the family lived henceforth, Mr. McCafferty be- ing engaged in farming there during his lifetime. He died in 1908, when he had reached the patriarchal age of eighty-four years. The mother passed away one year later. They were the parents of ten children, named as follows: Van, living in South Dakota; Marcellies, a resident of Lapeer county ; James, deceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Dewey; Sabra, deceased; Henry, living in Macomb county ; Frank, a resident of Lapeer county ; Eldred, in Macomb county ; Burt, living in Rochester, Michigan ; and Nellie, deceased. By an earlier marriage Henry McCafferty was the father of three children, all of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey became the parents of two children,-Vern, born October 19, 1879, and who died October 5, 1898, and Iza, the wife of C. L. Craw- ford, of Detroit, stockman with the Packard Automobile Company.
Mr. Dewey is a Democrat in his political convictions, but beyond the duties of good citizenship he takes no active interest in political matters. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the family is affiliated with the Congregational church of Oxford.
562
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
WILLIAM H. HUBBLE, born in Canada on February 10, 1849, has been a resident of the state of Michigan since 1851, the year in which his par- ents came to the States and settled here. He is the son of Reddick and Hannah (Gould) Hubble, natives of Canada, whose forefathers were Connecticut people who settled in Canada. In 1851 Reddick Hubble and his family removed to Michigan from the old Canadian home and located at Smith's Creek, St. Clare county, eleven miles from Port Huron, and there the family lived for many years. The father lived to be ninety years old, his death taking place on April 2, 1912, while the wife and mother died on February 9, 1872. They were the parents of five chil- dren : George B., a resident of St. Clair ; William H., of Oxford; Elias C., a resident of Emporia, Kansas; Isah, of Oak Grove; and Malitta A., who is deceased.
When William H. Hubble was twenty-three years old he bought fifty- three acres of wild land in St. Clare county, which he sold shortly after- ward and purchased another fifty acres of a more improved condition. For four years he worked this land, then sold it and bought a place at Smith's Creek, where he remained for six years. In 1886 he came to Oakland county and rented a piece of land, to which he gave his close attention for six years, then rented a three hundred acre farm, which he retained for a period of eleven years. In 1903 he decided to buy a farm and he selected a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in section twenty-eight, Oxford township, and he has devoted the intervening years to the improvement and development of this farm. He now has one of the finest pieces of land in the township, and it is well kept and con- ducted in a thoroughly modern fashion. He is engaged in diversified farming and stock raising and is especially successful in both enterprises.
Mr. Hubble married Miss Eliza J. Patterson on April 10, 1872. She is a daughter of Samuel and Ann (Jago) Patterson. Both were natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1847 and located in Rochester, New York. Samuel Patterson was a farmer in Ireland, but he took up the mercantile business in his New York home, and was thus engaged for many years. He is now living in St. Clare county. The mother died February 2, 1906. They were the parents of seven children: Joseph, deceased; Eliza, now Mrs. Hubble; Rebecca A., the wife of George Hayel, of Buffalo, New York; Isabella and Mary O., twins, are deceased ; Isabella, the wife of Wililam Pierce, of St. Clare county ; and John W., also of St. Clair county.
Mr. and Mrs. Hubble became the parents of five children. Hannah is the wife of O. B. Perry, of Livingston county. Mary Olive is married to Robert Lathers, of Detroit. William P. lives in Thomas, Oakland county. Walter W. lives in the parental home. William P. has been twice married. His first wife was Fannie Vanto, who died leaving him one daughter, Mable, born March 29, 1901. He later married Hortense Youngs, and she has borne one son, W. J., whose natal day is February 3, IQII.
Mr. Hubble is a Methodist in his church relations, while his wife is a Baptist. With regard to his political faith Mr. Hubble is an adherent of the Republican cause, and gives such aid as is in his power to the activities of that party. He is a faithful and conscientious citizen, takes a wholesome pride and interest in the civic welfare, and is known for one of the progressive and solid men of the community.
W.8, nash
563
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
CHARLES W. COPEMAN. Noteworthy among the industrious, prac- tical and enterprising agriculturists of Oakland county is Charles W. Copeman, who is successfully engaged in his independent calling in Bran- don township, where he has a finely cultivated and highly productive farm. Born October 11, 1867, in Brandon township, he may well be classed as one who has contributed his full share toward its growth and improvement.
Nelson Copeman, his father, was born, reared and married in Canada. In 1858 he crossed the line into Michigan, being then an energetic, sturdy young man of twenty-four years. Locating in Oxford township, he lived there for awhile and finally purchased a farm, and until his death, in 1886, was employed as a tiller of the soil. He met with most gratifying success in his labors, becoming owner of two hundred and eighty acres of choice land, which he placed under an excellent state of tillage. He married, in Canada, Mary Jane Taylor, who survived him many years, passing away July 23, 1908. Of their union six children were born, namely : John, a resident of Washington; Charles W., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; Fred, living in Detroit; Ebert, also of De- troit ; Grace, living in Pontiac ; and William, a resident of Detroit.
Eighteen years old when his father died, Charles W. Copeman imme- diately assumed charge of the home farm, which he managed ably and well for three years. He then purchased eighty acres of land in section two, Brandon township, where he has since been profitably engaged in general farming, each year adding improvements to his property and increasing his material wealth, in spite of the fact that when a few years ago a cyclone passed through his section of the country it demolished his barns, fences and buildings, the damages to his place amounting to $3,000.
On August 27, 1889, Mr. Copeman was united in marriage with Lucy Rohm, a daughter of Daniel Rohm. Mr. Rohm immigrated from Ger- many to America in 1859, and shortly after his arrival settled in Oak- land county, Michigan. During the progress of the Civil war, he enlisted as a soldier in the Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until honorably discharged in 1865. Mr. Rohm subsequently continued his residence in Oakland county until his death, January 10, 1910. He married Eliza Yetter, who is still living, her home being in Ortonville, and she is the mother of four children, as follows : Lucy, now the wife of Mr. Copeman; Charles and Herbert, residents of Oakland county ; and Anna, wife of Russell Young, of Lapeer county. Mr. and Mrs. Copeman have two children, namely : Nelson D., born October 22, 1890, and Daniel N., born February 28, 1895. Politically Mr. Copeman is an earnest supporter of the principles promulgated by the Democratic party. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
WILLIAM I. NASH, one of the more prominent agricultural men of Ox- ford township, Oakland county, is a native of the Wolverine state, born in Macomb county on May 7, 1847. He has lived his life in the state of his birth, and is one of the many loyal and valuable citizens of his community. He is the son of James and Mary (Stripp) Nash, both natives of England, who in 1845 located in Genesee county. New York. Three years later they came to Michigan, settling first in Oakland county, moving thence to Macomb county, where they made their home for about five years. after which they returned to Oakland county. In later years they passed some time in Addison township, Genesee county, in which latter place the
.
564
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
mother passed away. After the death of the wife and mother James Nash came back to Oakland county, where his son William had settled, and made his home in the family of his son until he died, at the age of eighty- six years. Eight children were born to James Nash and his wife. The eldest, Elenore, is deceased; George is a resident of Addison township; Mary Ann is deceased ; William I., of this review; Frank, living in Cass City ; Charles, of Lapeer county ; and Andrew and May are deceased.
When William I. Nash was thirteen years old he began working on the farm by the month, thus continuing until twenty-three, when he pur- chased a livery business in Oxford and conducted it for four years. He then bought a farm of eighty acres, located in Genesee county, which he worked for two years, then buying a tract of eighty acres in section I of Oxford township, to which he added from time to time until he is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-two and one half acres, all in Ox- ford township with the exception of twenty acres in Lapeer county. He carries on general farming and is interested in stock raising, to which he gives a generous portion of his time and attention. His farm is a well kept and prosperous place, with fine buildings and all modern equipments, and is one of the finest places in the township.
Mr. Nash is a man of considerable popularity in his community, and has served his township in numerous official positions, among them being the office of highway commissioner and director of the school board. He has also settled several estates, and successfully managed farms for others. He is a member of the Gleaners.
On October 28, 1874, Mr. Nash married Dora Delano, daughter of Oscar and Sarah (Earl) Delano, both natives of New York, but residents of Michigan for many years. Mrs. Nash is one of their five children, the others being Daniel L., who is deceased, Edward, living in Oxford, and two who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Nash there were born two children,-Nettie M., the wife of Thomas Smith, of Oxford, and Lyle D., who lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three bright children, named Carrie, Carl and Margery.
WILLIAM MCCAULEY. An extensive and well-to-do agriculturist, William McCauley is prosperously engaged in farming and stock-raising on one of the most desirable estates of Brandon township, owning and occupying the handsome property known as "Eagle Lake Stock Farm." He was born March 13, 1858, in Canada, which was likewise the birth- place of his father, John McCauley.
Leaving Canada in 1862, John McCauley came with his family to Michigan, wishing to take advantage of the cheap prices then asked for good land. Locating in Oakland county, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Groveland township, and on the farm which he improved spent the remainder of his life, dying when sixty-three years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Fannie Pincomb, is now liv- ing, making her home in Ortonville. To them seven children were born, as follows: A child that died in infancy; William, the subject of this brief sketch; Susanna, wife of J. C. Owen, of Clinton county ; John W., of Kentucky ; and Mary Jane, Ada and Richard, all deceased.
But four years old when he came with his parents to Oakland county, William McCauley obtained his early education in the rural schools of Groveland township, and subsequently assisted his father in the manage- ment of the home farm until twenty-six years of age. When ready to make a permanent location, he settled in Brandon township, and having
565
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
wisely invested his money now owns two hundred and ten acres of val- uable land in section thirty, on which he has made excellent improve- ments. In addition to tilling the soil, which each year yields him large crops, he makes a specialty of raising pedigreed stock, his specialty being registered Durham cattle and his herds being far-famed. Since coming to Oakland county as a boy Mr. McCauley has witnessed many won- derful transformations in this part of the state, his first years having been spent in a log cabin, few of which are now in evidence. The country roundabout was in its primitive wildness, and his father, who contrib- uted his full share in developing its resources, did much of the pioneer work of breaking up the prairie, using oxen in his labors. Farming was then carried on in a primitive manner, but little machinery being used, while the many labor-saving devices now in use both in doors and out were not then even dreamed of.
On January 18, 1884, Mr. McCauley was united in marriage with Truery A. Arnold, a most estimable and highly esteemed woman. She passed to the life beyond April 29, 1903. Four children were born of their union, namely : Cora, wife of Charles Kier, of Groveland township; a child that died in infancy; Harvey J., living with his father; and Storms A. Mr. McCauley married for his second wife Mrs. Margaret (Herriman) Croop, widow of David Croop. Her father, Orris Herri- man, a Scotchman by birth, came to America when a boy, locating in Michigan, where he resided until his death, July 1, 1897. He married Mary McBratney, who was born and bred in Ireland, and died in Michi- gan, May 1, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Herriman were the parents of seven children, as follows: James W., of Oakland county; Mrs. McCauley ; Esther J., wife of Charles Merriam, of Groveland; Annie, wife of Har- vey Lawrence, of Huron county ; Elmer D., deceased; Westley, of Trav- erse City ; and Dell, wife of Walter Green, of Oakland county.
Politically Mr. McCauley is identified with the Republican party, and has served two terms as township treasurer. He belongs to the local Grange, in which he takes an active interest. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America; of Ortonville Lodge No. 339, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; and both he and Mrs. McCauley are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. They attend the Baptist church.
DELOS P. LOOMIS. Actively and profitably employed in tilling the soil, coaxing therefrom abundant crops each year, Delos P. Loomis ranks well among the successful agriculturists of Oakland county, his home farm being located in Brandon township. A son of Jacob L. Loomis, and grandson of Thomas N. Loomis, the pioneer ancestor, he was born May 3, 1858, in Brandon township.
A native of Madison county, New York, his birth having occurred in Hamilton in 1808, Thomas N. Loomis was one of the pioneer settlers of Brandon township, where he located in the spring of 1836. He built a house and moved here with his family in the spring of 1837, ere Michi- gan had donned the garb of statehood. He married Julia Miller, and of their nine children, Jacob L., the first-born, was the next in line of descent.
Born in Hamilton, New York, Jacob L. Loomis was but a boy when, in 1837, he came with his parents to Oakland county, Michigan, being then eight years old. As soon as strong enough to wield either axe or hoe, he began to assist his father in his strenuous labor of clearing and im-
..
566
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
proving a farm, passing through all the privations and hardships inci- dental to frontier life. Beginning the battle of life on his own account as a young man, he purchased land in Brandon township, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1884. He then rented his farm to his son, but continued to reside thereon until his death, April 13, 1907. He married Esther E. Cole, who was born in New York state eighty-nine years ago, and is still living, making her home with her son Delos. She is the mother of three children, as follows: Frank L., of Oakland; Delos P., the subject of this brief sketch; and Florence, wife of James Van Wagner, of Pontiac.
Delos P. Loomis assisted his father in the management of the home- stead until about twenty-five years old. In 1884 he rented the entire farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which he still has control and of which one half belongs to him, he having bought a half interest in the estate in 1887. As an agriculturist Mr. Loomis displays much skill and ability, and as a general farmer and stock raiser has met with pro- nounced success, the soil readily responding to his magic touch.
Mr. Loomis married, February 7, 1883, Carrie L. Jones, a daughter of E. Oscar and Hannah ( Richards) Jones, who came from New York to Michigan in 1859, locating in Oakwood, where they lived for a time, then went to Lapeer county and farmed for a few years. They then moved to Lapeer and retired, the father dying there at the age of seventy- seven and the mother when seventy-five years of age. Mrs. Thomas was one of a family of eight children, born of her father's second marriage, while by his first marriage Mr. Jones had one son, Albert D. Jones, of Brandon township. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Loomis, a child that died in infancy, and Jay O., living at home. Mr. Loomis invariably supports the principles of the Democratic party in poli- tics.
L. D. CHUBB has long been one of the most prominent citizens of South Lyons, Michigan. Not only has he been personally popular, but his general efficiency and capability have always been recognized by his fellow townsmen. The many offices to which they have elected him are a substantial proof of this. He was a councilman of the village for nine years and president for four years. He served on the school board for six years and was school treasurer for three. He was also a member of the board of reviews for two years. Outside of his political prestige he is also a much loved and respected member of the Presbyterian church, where he has been an active member for twenty-five years, and an elder for seventeen years. He has not only given his time and thought to the church, but contributed liberally toward it in a financial way when a new building was being erected.
Mr. Chubb was born in Putnam township, Chubbs Corners, Michigan, December 25, 1844, upon the farm of three hundred acres which his father had received from the government in 1820. His parents were Major Sherwood and Achsa ( Bennett ) Chubb, both natives of New York, who moved to Michigan shortly after their marriage. L. D. Chubb had three brothers and three sisters, but he was the youngest and when he was three years old his mother died. His father kept him with him until he was nine, when one of his sisters, who had been married in the meantime, took him with her to Calhoun county. He remained with her until he was twenty-one years old.
When the Civil war broke out L. D. Chubb's father and all of his
567
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
three brothers enlisted in the army. His father entered the service in 1861, as a mechanic, but at the seige of Knoxville, although not a regu- larly enlisted man, he was ordered to take a gun. His brother Philo en- listed in Company I, Fifth Michigan Infantry, in 1861, and served nearly five years. At the time of his discharge he was one of five of the first enlistment of the company living. His brother Ephriam B. enlisted in Company K, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, in 1861, and was honorably dis- charged after serving his full time. His brother L. L. enlisted in the Thirteenth Michigan Battery, in 1862, and was discharged at the close of the war.
L. D. Chubb received his education in the district school, attending for the three months in the winter whenever he had the chance. These opportunities were few, however, for his brother-in-law had purchased a farm and L. D. had to help make the payments. At the age of twenty- one he went back to Putnam and rented his father's farm, which had not been improved to any great extent. He remained there for three years, and March II, 1874, was married to Miss Lucia Drake, of Northfield, Washtenaw county, Michigan. She was born in 1852, the daughter of Charles and Caroline (Claroson) Drake, farmers and natives of New Jersey. For a year after his marriage Mr. Chubb rented a farm opposite that of his father's and worked both places. He then moved to Argen- tine, Michigan, and rented a farm for the next two years. In 1877 he went to Northfield, Michigan, and purchased an interest in his father- in-law's farm there, which extends over one hundred acres. He later bought the sixty acres adjoining, which he still owns and works, although now living in South Lyons.
Mr. and Mrs. Chubb had two children, Etta, who was educated at South Lyons, and is now the wife of Irving Johnson, a farmer of Salem, Iowa, and Lucerne L., who attended the South Lyons schools and is now a student at the State Normal in Ypsilanti, expecting to graduate in 1912. Their daughter Mrs. Johnson has had one child, Maxwell, born in 1901.
Mr. Chubb has always been much interested in the political affairs of his country, and has watched with zest the application of the underlying principles which have governed the happenings in the whole country to his own community. He belongs to the Republican party.
FLOYD J. LESSITER. Well qualified by training and experience for the noteworthy position which he holds among the more industrious, enterprising and successful farmers of Oakland county, Floyd J. Lessiter is a fine representative of the native-born citizens of Orion township, where his birth occurred November 28, 1863. He is a son of the late John and Nancy ( Beardsley ) Lessiter and a brother of Frank H. Lessiter.
Brought up on the home farm, Floyd J. Lessiter attended the district schools regularly while young, in the meantime becoming familiar with the many branches of agriculture. At the age of twenty-one years he and his brother, Frank H. Lessiter, managed the farm with their father, until his death in 1901, and then, buying out the interests of the remaining heirs in the property, became owners of the old farm. Since then these brothers have labored judiciously, and in their undertakings have been exceedingly fortunate, winning success not only in tilling the soil, but as extensive stock growers and dealers, their specialty being the breeding of Short Horn cattle, an industry in which they have acquired far more than local fame, their magnificent herd being widely known. Mr. Lessiter now owns two hundred and sixty acres of as good land as can be found
568
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
in the township, and in its management displays much practical knowl- edge and skill. He is also connected with other industries and enter- prises, being a director of the Citizens State Bank of Orion, and a director of the State Agricultural Society.
In his political relations Mr. Lessiter is a straightforward Democrat, and has served as school director and in many minor public offices. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, of the Order of the Eastern Star, of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, of the Knights of the Maccabees and of the Ancient Order of Gleaners. In his religious views he is a Methodist.
On June 14, 1894, Mr. Lessiter was united in marriage with Lillian Walter, who was born and educated in Clarkston. After her graduation in 1887 she was a teacher in the same school for a period of three years. Her father, William Walter, was born in England, and came to America as a boy. He subsequently located in Clarkston, and was there a resident until his death in 1882. He married Mary Brownfield and they became the parents of a large family of children, as follows: Albert, of Clark- ston; Eliza, deceased; Herbert, who died in infancy; Isabel, wife of Samuel Sherwood, of Clarkston; Wallace, also of Clarkston; Edwin, of Pontiac; George, of Clarkston; Violet, wife of John Windiate, of Flint; Lillian, now Mrs. Lessiter; and Charles, of Sand Point, Idaho. Two children have made their appearance in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lessi- ter, namely : Marion Rose, born July 20, 1899, and Bruce Floyd, born April 1, 19II.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.