History of Oakland County, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories, Part 73

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts & co.
Number of Pages: 553

USA > Michigan > Oakland County > History of Oakland County, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories > Part 73

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In 1842, Samuel Phelps opened the first store in the village. Money being scarce, most of the trading was done by a species of exchange called " dickering." About 1844, the Axford brothers started another store; and, in 1845, Joel P. Toms opened a good store in a building opposite Powell's hotel. The other firms had in the mean time retired from business.

Ambrose Lake was the shoemaker, and a capital workman.

About 1842, George Loucks built a small tannery near the village, but did not work it more than a few years.

In 1843, Benjamin Knight built the second hotel in Oxford. It was a frame house, just south of the log house built by Fite Rossman. It is still a tavern, and is now known as the "Oxford Exchange."

Until 1845 no plat had been made for the village of Oxford. What houses had been erected were built upon lots sold by the Rossmans along the section line ; and their number did not exceed fifteen. George Loucks having purchased Adam Rossman's land the year before, now platted four acres for a village, calling it Loucks' division of Oxford. What little growth the place had was in this quarter. But its increase was not remarkable, as will be seen from the list of business firmns given by Dr. Stanton as existing when he came to Oxford, in 1862: one store, two hotels, three blacksmith-shops, and one wagon-shop. The physicians were Doctors Burdick and Lawrence.

As soon as the railroad was projected through the village, improvements began to spring up on every hand; and since its completion the growth of Oxford has been steady and rapid, without being abnormal. It has now a population num- bering about eight hundred inhabitants. To accommodate this increase, additions were made to the original plat by Horatio V. Knapp in 1870, three blocks on section 22; Eber Denison, 1871, five blocks on section 27; J. Ensley, 1873, several blocks on section 27; Joseph Powell, 1874, six blocks on section 22; and Albert Lincoln, 1877, two blocks on section 27.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

Until January 13, 1876, the village of Oxford was unincorporated. At that time it adopted a charter, giving it corporate powers and the control over one square mile of territory.

The first election for village officers was held March 7, 1876, at which time one hundred and fourteen votes were cast. The officers elected were : President, John

T. Stanton ; Trustees, B. L. Waite, H. C. Glaspie, Eber Denison, W. J. Tun- stead, Alvin M. Titus, Harrison Baldwin ; Clerk, Jefferson M. Dunlap; Treas- urer, William Glaspie; Assessor, Frank Kennedy ; Marshal, Andrew Sutherland ; Street Commissioner, Linus E. Ober; Fire Wardens, Truman H. Rice, Silas T. Fenn.

At the second election, March 14, 1877, one hundred and eighty-six votes were polled, electing : President, J. Harvey Mcknight; Trustees, T. H. Rice, John Clemons, Frank Kennedy ; Clerk, Jefferson M. Dunlap.

MANUFACTURES.

Oxford Valley Mills .- In 1869, F. C. Barber erected a building twenty-four by forty-two feet, which he used for some years as a planing-mill. In 1871, he reconstructed the building for a grist-mill, and added twenty-four by twenty-four feet to its original dimensions. It now contains three sets of burrs, having a grinding capacity of five hundred bushels per day. Messrs. Mcknight & Seeley at present own and operate these mills.

Oxford Carriage Factory, John Clemons, proprietor, was established in 1865. The main building of the factory is fifty-five by sixty feet, two stories high, with a wing twenty-two by thirty feet. The manufactures consist of fine carriages, phaetons, and other light vehicles. Nine hands are employed.

Oxford Agricultural Works, Mitchell, Williams & Co .- Under the present management this has become an extensive factory. It absorbed a number of small foundries and shops in 1873, thus gaining control of this branch of busi- ness. The main shop has dimensions of thirty-four by forty feet, two stories high. The moulding-room is twenty-four by forty feet. Employment is given to a number of hands in the manufacture of the Wiard, Williams, and Welling plows, harrows, scrapers, and general farm machinery. A specialty is made of Manley's eveners, the firm controlling the patent.

Oxford Machine Works, established in 1876 by Nichols & Cushing. The firm does general job work.

Oxford Marble Works .- This industry was established in 1873. It is at present owned by Brown & Morton, who give employment to six workmen. The shop is thirty-eight by fifty feet, and the work produced is noted for its excellence.

The Carriage Manufactory of Mckenzie & Titus was established in October, 1876, in a shop thirty-five by one hundred feet. It is in a flourishing condition, and employs six hands. Platform-wagons are a special product of this factory.

The Oxford Vinegar Factory is a new enterprise, dating its establishment in August, 1876. The products are pure cider and wine vinegar, manufactured on scientific principles. A. A. Stanton is the proprietor ; Adam Keiser is the fore- man and the designer of nearly all the apparatus employed. The main factory is a two-story building thirty by forty-five feet; the store and press-room is three stories high. Its annual capacity is ten thousand barrels.

Oxford Brewery, William Findon, proprietor. Erected September, 1876.

Cooperage, established in 1872, by E. S. Marsh. Employs three hands in a shop thirty by forty feet.

Oxford Steam-Planing Mill, Alexander Johnson, proprietor. Dimensions of factory, forty by fifty-two feet; built in 1877. Mr. Johnson employs four men. Brown's Curriage-Shop, erected in 1865, by J. F. Brown; building twenty by sixty feet. Employs several hands in carriage-building and general work.

Blacksmiths .- G. Davison is the oldest in the place, having been here since 1850. Augustus Hartwick also conducts a shop. Each employs several hands.

Furniture and Cabinet-Shops .- G. J. Whitcomb and H. Baldwin manufac- ture furniture and cabinet-work. . The latter was established in 1859, and was the first cabinet-maker in the township. Both are also general dealers in furni- ture, and undertakers.

The general business of Oxford is transacted by the following firms : agricul- tural implement dealers, Morgan Axford, A. D. Delano, Tunstead & Crawford ; bakery and confectionery, Henry Morrison ; barber, Warner Robinson ; boots and shoes, B. W. Green, Hulick & Carpenter, G. Loeffler ; carpenter and joiner, George H. Crawford ; clothing, John Ryman, John Lenhoff, Max Lenhoff & Co .; dentists, P. R. Hovey, E. R. Jebb; dry goods, E. A. Bennett & Co., L. W. Sutherland, Charles Watson, George W. Alger, Larzelier & Hagerman; drugs and groceries, D. W. Bell, C. G. Parkhurst & Co., L. J. Price; dress-making, Mrs. Bull; harness, W. B. Green, W. H. May; hardware, F. C. Barber, W. J. Tunstead ; hotels, "Stanton House," H. C. Stanton, "Sherman House," R. Kile, " Oxford Exchange," R. Kile; jewelry, W. H. Brownell ; liquor dealer, E. R. Clark ; lawyers, S. T. Fenn, L. L. Treat, H. E. Dikeman ; livery, Joshua Losey, Z. Edson; meat-markets, Jefferson Dibble, Schooley & Porter ; millinery and fancy goods, Mrs. C. Ryman, Mrs. G. W. Alger, Mrs. E. C. Banker; milliners and dress-makers, Mrs. Minnie Miner, Mrs. G. W. Alger, Miss Fulkerson & Co .; merchant tailor, John Ryman ; newspaper, Weekly Journal, Stoddard & Wait;

JOHN MOYERS.

MRS. JOHN MOYERS.

RESIDENCE OF JNO. MOYERS , (SEC. 22 ) OXFORD TP, OAKLAND CO, MICH.

SAMUEL AXFORD.

MRS. SAMUEL AXFORD.

MRS. A. DECKER.

A DECKER.

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HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

notions, A. P. Glaspie; Oxford Exchange Bank, Parkhurst & Co .; physicians, E. Burdick, O. E. Bell, M. H. Bird, M. S. Bennett, J. T. Stanton, James Porter ; post-office, D. W. Bell ; real estate, E. E. Davis; warehouse and grain-elevator, Nelson H. Crawford.

Burdick Hall, Dr. E. Burdick, proprietor, is a fine three-story building, twenty-four by sixty-two feet. Can accommodate four hundred people.

There is a fine cornet band, of ten members, having William Johnston as leader. The organization is effective, and the music it discourses is of a high order.

Oxford Library, sustained by the Literary Union, has one hundred and seventy-five volumes of standard works. It is well patronized, and has created a healthy literary tone. The Literary Union was organized in 1875, and has now about seventy members. A. W. Tanner is the president, and Miss M. L. Bishop the secretary.

SECRET ORDERS.

Oxford Lodge, No. 44, F. A. M., was chartered January 11,. 1856, with the following members: Erastus Spalding, Samuel Axford, David Ketcham, Jesse Elwell, Lewis C. Davis, Philip M. Parker, Horace Hovey, and Warner Churchill. Erastus Spalding was elected the first W. M. In November, 1857, the hall of the lodge was burned, destroying all its records, and necessitating the granting of a new dispensation. A new charter was granted January 15, 1858. From this time the lodge has enjoyed a prosperous career, and numbers at present seventy-five members. T. L. Pierce is the W. M.

Oxford Chapter, No. 94, was granted a dispensation bearing date September 25, 1874. On the 21st of January, 1875, it was chartered, having then the following twelve members : William J. Tunstead, J. T. Stanton, Alvin H. Green, T. N. Reynolds, A. L. Van Wagoner, Jefferson M. Dunlap, Monroe G. Dunlap, O. W. Lawrence, T. H. Rice, Alfred Hagerman, Charles Tunstead, and L. W. Stanton. W. J. Tunstead was elected the first High Priest. The chapter has forty-five members enrolled at present. Harry Groff is the Secretary.

Anchor Lodge, No. 281, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 29, 1877, by P. G. Weir, D. D. G. M., and had as charter members J. F. Davidson, George C. Brown, A. M. Winslow, Almer Johnston, A. M. Titus, Max Lenhoff, R. W. Slayton, E. R. Jebb, J. D. Ford, M. H. Bird, Samuel Bradley. A. M. Titus was the first N. G. The lodge has now thirty-nine members, officered by G. C. Brown, N. G .; R. W. Slayton, V. G .; F. J. Jenkins, Secretary ; A. M. Winslow, As- sistant Secretary ; and J. McKinzie, Treasurer.

Oxford Division, Sons of Temperance, was organized February 26, 1875, with twenty-two charter members. The present membership is thirty-five. J. W. Phillips is Division Deputy ; Mrs. M. Dove, W. P .; and S. W. Heltiker, R. S.

OXFORD INSTITUTE.

Appreciating the advantage arising from good schools, the people of Oxford made provision for obtaining a higher education by establishing the above insti- tution in 1857. A stock company was formed, which elected the following officers : President, Rev. Wm. H. Fuller ; Vice-President, E. J. Bell; Trustees, John Moyers, Hoyt W. Hollister, Philo Van Wagoner, Alfred Allen, Loren L. Treat, William Glaspie, Elbridge G. Deming.

This board issued a circular in 1857, stating that the necessary funds had been secured, making it possible to open the first term in Hovey's hall, on the 9th day of September, 1857; that they had secured the services of Rev. S. A. Taft, of the Rochester (New York) University, as principal; and that a magnificent building, forty by fifty-two feet, Gothic style, two stories high, with four recitation- rooms, and other rooms for apparatus, with sittings for two hundred pupils, was being prepared for use the term following. It was further announced, in an elaborate double-sheet prospectus, that "we have spared no pains in the erection of our building, and we do not hesitate to say that our location is beautiful for situation, high and dry, and healthy. Send in your youth and we will educate them, or help them in educating themselves. Our object is not to make money, but to do good. For this we have expended our money." The public were assured that the terms of tuition would be liberal, and that approved methods of teaching would be adopted : "Our system of teaching will be, first, the syn- thetical, then the analytical, methods of instruction. Synthesis first, analysis second."

The institution proved to be a good school, but not a paying institution. A few years' experience convinced the trustees that it would be impolitic to attempt to maintain it as a private school, and when the district made a proposition to buy the property, with a view of starting a graded school, it was looked upon with favor. Accordingly, in 1860, the institute was closed, and soon after the district school was graded, and its sessions held in the institute building. There are at present four departments, classed as primary, intermediate, grammar, and high school; each of these has three grades. They are at present taught by C.

B. Hall, principal ; Miss Ada Crawford, grammar ; Miss Maria L. Bishop, inter- mediate; and Mary Wickham, primary.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Among the first preachers in the township were some professing this faith, whose tenets are, briefly : 1st, to have no name but Christian ; 2d, to labor for unity among members ; 3d, to have fellowship with all Christians; 4th, to recog- nize no creed but the Bible; 5th, to heartily allow individual interpretation of the Bible.

But there was no church organization until 1862. On the 31st day of May of that year Elder Fifield organized a society, at the Crawford school-house, consisting of Simeon and Eliza Crawford, Hannah Martin, Marvin S. Hutton, and James F. and Frances Bailey.

. Simeon Crawford was chosen deacon and James F. Bailey clerk. In 1865 the meetings were transferred to the village of Oxford, and the church reorganized, receiving as additional members John B. and Martha Young, Hiram and Mary Roberts, John and Eliza Moyers, B. R. and Electa Gass, George G. and Mahala Mills, Robert R. Youngs, Irena Youngs, Louisa M. Philbrick, and William Verden. Marvin Hutton was chosen deacon and J. F. Bailey clerk. Elder John Cannon was then pastor in charge, preaching semi-monthly. He was suc- ceeded April 28, 1866, by Elder C. Dearing, who remained one year. At the regular fellowship meeting, held in May, 1867, four members were received. Elder S. Snyder and wife, having become residents of Oxford, were also received at the same meeting. He was unanimously chosen pastor, and served them four years. The services during this period were held in the other churches of the village and the school-house. Fourteen members were added in this period. For the following five years the society was without a pastor, and had no regular place of worship. In 1875 work was commenced on the present church edifice, and on the 10th of April, 1876, it was dedicated. It is an imposing brick struc- ture (the only house of that material in the township), thirty-eight by seventy feet, with basement and a symmetrical spire. It has cost, completely furnished, six thousand dollars. The ladies of the society furnished the church as their part of the work, and have done it in a tasteful manner. The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. N. Summerbell, D.D., of Ohio, assisted by Elders De Geer, of Holly, Youngs, of Romeo, and other visiting brethren. Besides those men- tioned, the following have had ministerial connection : Elder Bartlett, four months, and Elder Mosher, eight months. Elder S. Snyder is the present pastor, and has sustained that relation since 1876, in which time fifty-two have united with the church.

Christian Sunday-School .- This school was organized in 1876, with twenty-five scholars. It has been very prosperous, and now has seventy-five members. D. McKnight is the superintendent.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH.

Although among the first to send the pioneer missionary to the town of Oxford, and sustaining preaching at irregular intervals in different localities, no effort was made to organize a society of those professing the Baptist faith until 1859. At that time the church at Oxford was organized. Its history is thus given by the Rev. Milo Smith. When organized, on the fourth day of September, 1859, the church was constituted of the following members : William Betteys, Isaac Brown, Griffin Green, Squire Tanner, Frederick Wicks, Sarah Tanner, Elizabeth Green, and Artemesia Brown. William Betteys and Griffin Green were elected deacons, and Squire Tanner clerk.

The church was formally recognized by a council, called for that purpose July 2, 1862, consisting of delegates from the churches at Pontiac, Rochester, Oakland, Brandon, and Hadley. In August, 1862, it was received into the fellowship of the Flint River Baptist association. Rev. S. A. Taft was called to the pastorate of the church November 12, 1859, and closed his labors April 27, 1861. Monthly covenant meetings were held, and some additions made to the church, without a pastor, until January 1, 1862, when the services of the Rev. Wm. W. Fuller were secured. Brother Fuller's labors were blessed of God and highly appreciated by the church and the community. His pastoral relation was dissolved January 2, 1864, and Rev. S. Hayden was called February 27 of the same year. He remained with the church until January 1, 1865, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. Gardiner, who remained pastor until March 1, 1869. The meetings were held in the Methodist church and the school-house until 1867, when, under the leadership of the Rev. S. Gardiner, the society "resolved to arise and build." The edifice was formally dedicated December 9, 1868. It was built at a cost of five thousand dollars, and has a seating capacity for four hundred. Rev. J. J. Gundy succeeded Rev. S. Gardiner in March, 1869, and served as pastor until May, 1871. Under his labors the church was blessed with a precious revival, and a goodly number were converted and added to the church by baptism. Rev.

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HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

D. Gostelow settled as pastor December 3, 1871, and resigned May 4, 1873. His labors were blessed in the strengthening of the church and the conversion of many souls. Rev. J. M. Titterington became pastor in February, 1874, and tendered his resignation in September, 1876. He came to the place in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Unsparingly he " cast his bread upon the waters," but did not wait for the complete fulfillment of the promise, "it shall return after many days." He garnered a few golden sheaves, and then sought another field, leaving the harvest here to those who should " enter into his labors." Then the veteran color-bearer, Rev. Gardiner, came again to the front, to take up the work where Rev. Titterington left it, and to carry it forward in the strength of the Master.

In June, 1877, the Baptists and Methodists united in a series of union meetings, which awakened such an interest that they were continued for many weeks. The churches were revived, and a deep religious sentiment pervaded the entire commu- nity. About this time a series of meetings were commenced in the Christian church by Rev. C. O. Brown, pastor of the Congregational church at Rochester. These the Baptists also attended, and, uniting their labors, such an interest was produced that hundreds cried for mercy, and many found peace by believing in Christ. Of this number thirty-five united with the Baptist church.

Rev. Milo Smith was called to the care of the church in April, 1877, and began his labors under encouraging auspices. The membership of the church is at present one hundred and twenty-five, united and harmonious, having every reason to " thank God and take courage."

A Sunday-school was organized by the church in May, 1859, with the follow- ing officers : Superintendent, R. Crandall ; Assistant Superintendent, G. G. Mills; Secretary. D. W. Bell; Treasurer, R. W. Sutherland. R. W. Sutherland is the present superintendent. There are one hundred and fifty members, and a library of two hundred volumes. The school is prosperous, and its work is producing a good influence upon the community.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The history of Methodism in this section dates from 1834, and, in the absence of church records, is based upon the recollection of some of the oldest members. The Rev. J. F. Davidson has gathered some of these accounts, and from them the history of the church at Oxford is compiled.

In the spring of 1834, Revs. J. F. Davidson and John Kensar were appointed to the Farmington circuit, which then extended north beyond the bounds of the county. They had a preaching place at Paint creek, where the former organized a class of seven Methodists. In 1837, Revs. Earl and Britton, then on this work, organized a class at Oxford, composed of William H. Powell and wife ; Peter Makely and wife; Daniel Haines and wife; Rufus Moore and wife; and Daniel Ingals and wife. Peter Makely was chosen class-leader.

Regular preaching was now maintained in the school-house, with such good effect that in 1843 the class had increased so much that it was decided to build a church. At this time Salmon Steele had charge of the work. Accordingly, a board of trustees, consisting of W. H. Powell, Joseph Tindall, Daniel Ingals, David Applegate, John Clemons, John Stone, and Peter Tubbs, was elected, and the work was begun.

A frame edifice, thirty-two by forty-two, with twelve-foot posts, was erected in the village of Oxford; and in this the society worshiped nearly thirty years. The increase of membership again obliged the society to build, and in 1867 a new board of trustees was elected to inaugurate and control the work. At this time Rev. William Taylor was the presiding elder. The trustees selected were Joseph C. Powell, John W. Phillips, Hiram Travis, Alfred Van Wagoner, David Applegate, Thomas W. Powell, and E. J. Boice. A fine location for the church was selected, and the work had so far progressed that the corner-stone was laid on the 24th of June, 1868. The present structure, an imposing frame building, forty feet wide by seventy in length, two stories in height, and surmounted by a well-proportioned spire, was erected and furnished at a cost of six thousand five hundred dollars. It has five hundred sittings, and is well adapted for the services of the church and the Sunday-school.

Impressive dedicatory services were held by Dr. George B. Joslyn, president of Albion college, in March, 1869. From this time the interest in the work has been steadfast and increasing. The present number of members in good standing is one hundred and fifty-one ; the number on probation is thirty-four ; making the entire membership of the church one hundred and eighty-five The following is the pastoral connection since the formation of the first class in 1837: 1838-39, Rev. John Cosart; 1840, Rev. William Mothersill; 1841, Hiram Law; 1842, Thomas B. Granger ; 1843-44, Salmon Steele ; 1845-46, John Gray ; 1847-48, C. C. Woodard ; 1849, F. Britton ; 1850, Andrew Bell and S. Hendrickson ; 1851-52, B. F. Pritchard ; 1853-54, L. P. Lee and John Gray ; 1855, T. Seeley ; 1856, William Moon ; 1857-58, Rufus C. Crane; 1859-60, Samuel Bessey ;

1861-62, Alfred Allen ; 1863-64, J. R. Noble; 1865-67, John A. McIlwaine; 1868, J. F. Dory ; 1869, W. H. Benton; 1870-71, N. Green ; 1872-74, J. O. Bancroft ; 1875-77, J. F. Davidson.

A Sunday-school is maintained by the society. The present membership of the school is one hundred and twenty. George C. Brown is the superintendent of the school, which is in a highly prosperous condition. One hundred and fifteen periodicals are taken, and a library of three hundred and sixty volumes is sustained.

Our thanks are due Hon. Samuel Axford, Alanson Decker, Hosea Campbell, John Thomas, Harry Frink, Doctors O. E. Bell, J. F. Stanton, and E. Burdick, Adam Rossman, David Applegate, Hoyt W. Hollister, Grandy Earl, Rev. Milo Smith, Rev. Solomon Snyder, and others, who have rendered us valuable assistance by the information they have given us concerning the history of Oxford township.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. SAMUEL AXFORD.

In Samuel Axford we see a self-made man. The oldest of a family of thirteen children, he was born August 6, 1809, in what was then known as the " Long Point" country, in the present province of Ontario. His parents were natives of New Jersey, and had removed to Canada to better their condition in life. His father's name was Samuel, and his mother's maiden name was Rachel Morgan, she being a niece of the General Morgan of Revolutionary fame. The reports of the fertility of the Peninsular Territory reaching them, they were induced to leave Canada in May, 1823, to seek a home in this new land. They settled in the town of Shelby, Macomb county, and there for ten years Samuel found a pioneer's home ; then, in 1833, he entered the present township of Oxford, being the third settler in the town. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of government land, and this he set about improving as fast as his limited means would permit, not neglecting to cultivate his mind, and to gain in a measure that education which was denied him by the privations of his youth. The education thus obtained is what fitted him for the public positions which he afterwards held.

In 1835 he was united in matrimony with Phoebe Summers, of Macomb county, Michigan, by whom he has had eight children, all but one living at the present time.

Mr. Axford has always taken a warm interest in public matters, being in his political predilections a Democrat, assisting in the organization of Oxford town- ship, and has held nearly every office in the gift of his fellow-townsmen. In 1841 he was elected to the Michigan legislature, where he served his constituents with such acceptance that they successfully demanded his nomination for State senator in 1851. He was the unanimous choice of the convention. Comment- ing on the result, the Jacksonian said, " Personally he is endeared to all by his honest inflexibility of purpose. . . . No better nomination could have been made." He was triumphantly elected, and discharged his senatorial duties with great credit to himself and his county. Among his colleagues were Senators Christiancy, Roberts, Le Roy, and others of equal eminence.

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History of Oakland County, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories, Part 73

Author: Durant, Samuel W Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts & co. Number of Pages: 553

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts & co.
Number of Pages: 553