USA > Michigan > Oakland County > Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 102
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ARUE C. DYE, who was born October 13, 1829, in Middlesex County, N. J., and came with his parents to Michigan when only two years old, lived in this State till he was sixteen years old and then returned East. He went to New York City and learned the trade of a brick- mason, being an apprentice for three years under his uncle, Samuel Longstreet. After he had served his time he worked at his trade for a number of years, and then went into business for himself as a builder, in which occupation he was very success- ful. Ile spent the remainder of his life in the great Eastern metropolis.
This gentleman was married to Margaret II. VanSchoick of Trenton, N. J., upon May 12, 1852. They were closely united in domestic harmony and in Christian faith, being both members of the Pres- byterian Church, where he was one of the trustees for a number of years and Chairman of the Board for six years, continuing in that office up to the
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time of his death. In the erection of the new and elegant house of worship of the church with which he was connected he was very active and energetic, and being a builder by trade the entire direction and supervision of the stone and brick masonry was in- trusted to him. He carefully inspected and con- trolled the whole work from the deepest foundation to the topmost keystone, and those who saw the groundwork laid and the superstructure reared, were impressed with the thought that centuries to come will testify to his judgment, skill and faith- fulness. All his supervisory work was performed gratuitously, and he gave to the church no small
portion of his time for two years without any com- pensation. He died April 6, 1877, leaving one daughter, Martha R. Dye, and his loss will long be felt in the community where his example had ever been worthy to follow and full of inspiration to those who aspire to goodness and thoroughness in their life work.
of NDREW J. CROSBY, JR., a prominent farmer and honored veteran of the Civil War, was born in DeRuyter Township, Madison County, N. Y., and was four years old when he came to Michigan with his parents in 1844. His father, Andrew J. Crosby, Sr., was born June 13, 1815, in Columbia County, N. Y., and was a farmer by occupation. He was a son of Tertullus Crosby who was born February 2, 1775, and died September 14, 1874. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Lurania W. Miles. She was a native of llomer, Cortland County, N. Y., and was born June 24, 1817. Her father was Philo Miles, a native of New York.
The parents of our subject were married in New York April 19, 1838 and resided there until they came to Michigan, in 1844. Here they settled in Livonia, Wayne County, upon an unbroken tract of land in the heavily timbered region. In 1855 they sold out and removed to Farmington Town- ship, where they took an improved farm. In 1865
they removed to Troy Township and in 1881 re- tired from active life and made their home in Clarkston. Ile was bereaved of his wife by death June 19, 1863 and his second marriage, which was with Mary Jane Roberts, took place June 25, 1865. One child blessed this union but died when one year old. The two sons of the first marriage were Andrew J. Jr., our subject, born September 9, 1840, and Tertullus M. born May 4, 1847.
The parents were active workers in the church and the father was both Trustee and Treasurer for many years. Mr. Crosby took an active interest in local politics, and his political progression was first Whig, then Free Soiler, and lastly a Republi- can. He was at one time Township Clerk of Li- vonia, Wayne County and Supervisor in the same. He was Justice of the Peace in Farmington Town- ship and took an active part in temperance move- ments in the early days, being a prominent mem- ber of the Washingtonian Society of Wayne County.
The subject of this sketch attended the district school in Wayne County and afterwards in Far- mington Township and took a course at the State Normal at Ypsilanti. He was also graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Detroit in 1860 and at once took a position as assistant teacher in this school until the breaking out of the Civil War called him away from scenes of peace to the battlefield. He enlisted April 17, 1861, in Com- pany A, First Michigan Infantry and was the first private on the rolls in the State of Michigan. His regiment was organized at Detroit and was mus- tered into the United States service May 2, at Ft. Wayne, Detroit. It was sent on to Washington, D. C. May 13, and was the first regiment that passed through Baltimore after the riot, at the time the Massachusetts troops were fired upon. They were then sent to Alexandria and he saw the body of Col. Ellsworth after death. They received some drill and were put upon guard duty and had some light skirmishes at Falls Church and Clouds Mills. He served his term of three months and was mustered ont August 8. His brother Tertullus served in Company B, Tenth Michigan Cavalry all through the war and was with Gen. Sherman's army on its celebrated march to the sea. This
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brother married Cornelia Otto and makes his home in Richmond, Va., where he is a contractor and builder. Ile is the father of five children.
After our subject returned to the old homestead he put in his time helping upon the farm, but he was suffering from the effects of disease contracted in the army and was not able to do much that sea- son. He taught school more or less for twenty years. Ilis marriage in which he was united with Mary B. Smith took place December 31, 1862. This lady is a daughter of Calvin and Eleanor ( Durfee) Smith. Mr. Smith was a native of Vermont where he was born in 1809 and his wife was born in New York in 1812. He came to Novi Township in 1830 and was married here in 1832. After mar- riage they settled upon the farm now occupied by our subject. Ilis wife was taken from his side by death, April 27, 1863, and his second marriage was contracted with Mrs. Roxana Harvey, who now sur- vives him, Mr. Smith having died in March, 1884.
Mrs. Crosby was born September 20, 1842, on the farm which is still her home. She attended the district school in this neighborhood and was also a student of the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, after which she taught in this county. After mar- riage they lived for a year at the old Crosby home- stead. They then went to St. Johns, Clinton County, in the spring of 1864 and there Mr. Crosby engaged in teaching. After a residence of seven years there he taught two and one half years at Lyons, Ionia County. They then returned to this farm where they have remained ever since with the exception of two years at Pontiac where Mr. Crosby engaged in the mercantile business. Their children are Bertha I., born June 21, 1872, and Flora N., born January 18, 1879; an infant, Lena A., died when quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby are giving to their children a first class education and Miss Bertha is aheady a delightful performer upon the piano. The family attend and support the Universalist Church at Farmington. The home farm consists of eighty acres, most of which is well improved. Ile has built excellent additions to both residence and barn and with his general farming carries on a dairy and fruit business.
Mr. Crosby has been a member of the local School Board and has always taken an interest in
politics, affiliating with the Republican party. Ile is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Farmington Lodge, No. 151. He is a member of the Grange and has beld all the offices in that organization. He is now the lecturer of the State Grange of Michigan, and has always been an ar- dent advocate of temperance.
P ETER SCHMITZ. This active and enter- prising citizen began his career in Pontiac without means and by dint of industry economy and close application has risen to a position of financial solidity. He is engaged in the sale of drugs and groceries and is one of the most popular business men in the city. Ilis store is centrally located, contains a well selected and carefully assorted stock, including drugs, medi- cines, oil, paints and groceries. The visitors to this establishment will meet with courtesy and be given square dealing and honest treatment.
Mr. Schimitz is a native of Germany, born in the village of Kaltenborn, County Adenau, December 2, 1844, and is the eldest son and third child of John and Mary Ann (Schumacher) Schmitz. Ilis father was an hotel-keeper and tailor. He died when the son of whom we write was but eighteen months old and the mother subsequently married Joseph Ilermes, to whom she bore two children. She and her husband emigrated to the United States in 1872 and are now living in South Dakota. She has reached a good old age, having been born in 1814.
Peter Schmitz entered school when five and a half years old and carried on his studies until be was fourteen. lle then learned the trade of a baker, serving an apprenticeship lasting three years. In 1865 he entered the Prussian army and served three years, when he had his arm broken. On his recovery from the injury he was employed by the Government in the mail service eighteen months. He had made up his mind to leave bis native land and seek his fortune in America, and in the spring of 1869 he crossed the Atlantic to New York City, whence he came direct to this
Jours I ruly Rw . Jas. A. Hally
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State. He traveled from Detroit to Pontiae and here found employment in a brewery, gladly ac- cepting work, as his means were entirely exhausted.
Mr. Schmitz worked in the brewery a year, then engaged in draying, to which business he devoted his time faithfully until 1870, when he began work in the drug store of Dean & Hovey. He remained with the firm twelve years, then bought the entire stock and continued the business alone at the old stand. During his early years here Mr. Schmitz was careful in his expenditures and he has in all business affairs shown a degree of taet and enter- prise that has given him success. He now has a considerable amount of property, including a pleas- ant residence on Park Street. He takes no special part in political workings other than to deposit his ballot on election day and keep himself informed regarding the issues that are agitating the people. He is a staunch Democrat.
The marriage of Mr. Schmitz and Miss Caroline Borer was solemnized in Pontiac, January 21, 1873, and has been followed by mutual happiness. Mrs. Schmitz was born in Switzerland and their parents belonged to the German speaking population of that republic. She and her husband have four children, Frank C., Ada M., Lottie T. and Anna E. The son is now with his father in the store.
F6 ATHER JAMES A. HALLY, pastor of St. Mary's Church at Milford, and of St. Mary's at Northville and Wayne, is a faithful shepherd over the three flocks to which he was sent in the summer of 1889. Since he came to Milford he has bought the rectory and repaired it, and the financial affairs of the church are as satis- factory as the size of the congregation and sur- rounding circumstances warrant.
The grandfather of our subject was James Ilally, a native of Ireland, and a well-to-do farmer in County Tipperary. In later years he came to America and his last days were spent in Detroit. His son, Patrick, the direct progenitor of Father Hally, bade adieu to his native land when seven- teen years old, crossed the Atlantic and made his
way to Detroit. There he became a practical molder and for a few years was in the employ of Jackson, Wiley & Co., foundrymen. Removing to St. Clair County, he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wales Township, and began farming in pioneer style. He hewed out a home from the forest and still owns the property, which now bears valuable improvements. About 1870 he rented his farm and located in Detroit where he has a nice property. He is now on the city police force.
Patrick Hally married Maria Quirk, who was born in County Tipperary, but lived in this eoun- try from the age of four years. Her father, Michael Quirk, a County Tipperary man, was num- bered among the successful farmers of Monroe County, this State. During the Civil War he fought bravely in a Michigan regiment, and after the war he removed to St. Mary's, Pottawatomie County, Kan. Near that place he followed farm- ing a few years, but returned to this State and died at the home of his son-in-law, when seventy-seven years old. His daughter, Mrs. Hally, passed away in the fall of 1888, leaving four sons. Of the first- born further mention will be made below: Patrick J. belongs to the class of '91 in the department of law in the University of Michigan ; Maurice J., is attending a business college in Detroit; Thomas F. is studying in the Jesuit College in the same city.
Father Hally was born at Wales Center, St. Clair County, August 6, 1866, but his youth was principally spent in Detroit. He attended and was graduated from the parochial schools, then entered the Jesuit College, where he continued his studies three years. When that period had elapsed he be- came a student in the Assumption College at Sand- wich, Canada, being graduated in 1885, when not yet nineteen, after having taken the classical and philosophical course. He was the youngest gradu- ate there. He then began the study of theology in St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md., and after two years in that institution completed his course in St. Francis Seminary in Monroe, this State.
The ordination of Father Hally to the priest- hood occurred August 18, 1889, at his home parish St. Vincents, Detroit, and was condneted by Bishop
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Foley. Ile came at once to his present charge. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit As- sociation and the Ancient Order of Ilibernians. When the polls are open he casts a Democratic bal- lot. Amid the arduous duties that devolve upon him as a priest in charge of three bodies of com- municants, he still finds time for reading and study. and for social intercourse with his own peo- ple and other friends.
In connection with this biographical notice ap- pears a lithographie portrait of Father Ilally.
G EORGE F. HUNTER. M. D. It is the glory of our country that industrious and capable men should so abound ; not all equally distinguished, it is true. but all animated alike by the noble spirit of self-help. They furnish proofs, if proofs were needed, of the ability of the Amer- ican citizen to take advantage of the slightest op- portunity and attain the loftiest results in the way of advancing the arts and sciences. Attention, per- severance and moral character are the foundations of success in business and social life, and he who would be called, in the best sense of that word, a successful man, must possess these qualifications. Dr. Ilunter, by inheritance and self-culture, is the possessor of the noble character and stirring busi- ness nature which bring in their turn prosperity. As a prominent physician and a public-spirited eit- izen, his biography deserves the especial attention of the reader.
Dr. Hunter belongs to a notable family of phy- sieians and surgeons of English descent. In a di- rect line he is descended from Dr. John Hunter, of Scotch parentage, who had a professorship of anat- omy in a London Medical College. Ile lived du- ring the greater portion of the eighteenth century, having been born in 1728 and died in 1793, and is the English pathologist whose medical works were English authority for many years. His brother William was also a noted physician and surgeon. It will thus be seen that our subject comes of dis- tinguished ancestry ; he is the great-nephew of Dr. Jardine of former East India fame, and is closely
connected with many men whose influence has been world- wide.
In Perth County, the Province of Ontario, Can- ada, Dr. Ilunter, of this sketch, was born Septem- ber 13, 1849, and is therefore in the prime of life at present (1891), with fair prospects of many years of future usefulness and honor. His parents, Jolin and Susan ( Jardine) Hunter, were natives of Scotland, and arrived in St. Mary's, County Perth, Province of Ontario, Canada, in July, 1849. The father was inspector of masonry on the Grand Trunk Railroad during its construction, and after- ward held the same position on the Inter-Colonial Railroad while it was being constructed. llis life was throughout a striking illustration of the power of patient purpose, and he achieved considerable success, becoming the owner of extensive property in the county where he resided. He and his estim- able wife were stanch Presbyterians and continued in Canada during the remainder of their lives. They passed away,
"Leaving no memorial but a world Made better by their lives."
The children born to John and Susan Hunter are as follows : David J., a physician and mathematical and science master in Madoc, Ontario; William C., an engineer on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Rail- road; James, an artist in Detroit; our subject, Janet, now Mrs. A. Chatterton of Essex Center, Ontario, Canada, and John R., (deceased). The subject of this sketch spent his early school-days in the High School at St. Mary's, Ontario, which he left at the age of eighteen years to teach in the public schools, having passed the examination of the County Board of Examiners and received a teacher's certificate. For four years he taught in Ontario, being the principal of the Trowbridge Publie School and other schools.
While he was following the profession of a teacher, our subject studied medicine and was graduated in 1869. He immediately commenced the practice of his profession with his brother in Ontario. In 1877 he came to Clyde, Mich., where lie soon gained a practice extending to Holly. He became well ac- quainted in the latter place, which he liked so much that in the winter of 1878 be removed hither. In 1880 he attended the Medical College at Buffalo
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N. Y., of which institution he is a graduate. Ile belongs to the State Medieal Society, the Ameri- can Medical Association, the Alumni Association of the University of Buffalo, N. Y., the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Ontario, Canada, and is Medical Examiner of the Order of Chosen Friends in this village.
In 1876 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Mattie C., daughter of William Sanagan of London, Ontario, Canada. One child, Anna L., now (1891) thirteen years of age, has blest this happy home. Dr. Hunter is deeply interested in all matters of public interest, and has contributed largely to the prosperity of Holly. Socially he is an acceptable member of the order of Masonry. the Knights Templar and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically votes the Republican ticket, believing the principles of that party best adapted to the welfare of the people.
B ENJAMIN SMITH, a farmer of Commerce Township, is the son of Pierce Smith, a na- tive of Luzerne County, Pa., where he was born in 1794. Ilis wife was Ada Jenkins, a native of the same connty, where she was born in 1800. After marriage they continued to reside in Pennsylvania, until April, 1857, when they came to Michigan and settled in this township ou an im- proved farm. Mr. Smith cleared up the land and bnilt a house and barn. He was bereaved of his wife in 1866 and survived her until 1884. She was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ile was a Republican in poli- tics and a man of strictly temperate habits. Three of their five children are still living, our subject, Fannie (Mrs. A. A. Church), and John J. Smith,
Luzerne County, Pa., was the birthplace of our subject, who first saw the light April 2, 1820. He resided in his native county until he was forty years old. He began for himself at twenty-two years of age, renting a farm for two years and then purchasing one, which he carried on for sixteen years. In 1859 he came to Michigan and settled
on the land where he now resides. When he took it is was already partly improved. Ile fin- ished the work of clearing it and taking off the stumps, built a barn and repaired and improved the house. Most of his two hundred and eighty- seven acres are improved. Ile carries on general farming, but makes a specialty of blooded colts.
The marriage of our subject took place in Pennsyl- vania, February 10, 1842, when he was united with Minerva, daughter of Theophilus and Elizabeth (Smith) Larned. Mr. Larned was a native of Con- necticut and his wife of Pennsylvania. They were highly esteemed and respected in their home in Luzerne County, where they died. Mr. Larned departed this life in 1872 at the age of eighty-one years and his wife at the age of eighty-three died in 1887. Ile was a soldier in the War of 1812. She was long a member of the Christian Church and in his later years he also professed his faith in the re- ligion of Christ. Ten of their twelve children are still living.
Mrs. Smith was born January 26, 1820, and re- ceived a good common-school education. She be- came the mother of eight children and has had the happiness of seeing all but one live to the present time. They are named as follows: Ada E., wife of Hiram J. Hoyt of Muskegon, they have one child; Frances E., wife of Albert Cummings of Wixom, they are the parents of one child; John H. and Hyde J. are twins. The former married Delia Clutz and with his wife and one child lives in Detroit. The latter married Louisa Smith and lives on this section with his wife and six children; George P. married Agnes Hann and with his wife and one child resides at Bay City; Riter T. was married to Hattie Caster and they reside in Com- merce Townshin, they have four children ; Eudora L., the wife of Elmer J. Rice and mother of two children lives at New Hudson. All of the sons and daughters have received a good education and their mother has trained them in the faith of the Methodist Church.
Benjamin Smith is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity at Commerce. In this organization he has filled several chairs and has been Treasurer. In former days he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ile is always keenly inter-
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ested in the discussion of political questions and is frequently a delegate to Democratic conventions. While living in Pennsylvania he was Supervisor of his township. His temperate life has aided his naturally vigorous constitution and now having reached the age of seventy-two years he is hale, hearty and active.
LLEN CAMPBELL, a well known and highly respected citizen of Groveland Township, was born in Stockport, Colum- bia County, N. Y., November 25, 1837. llis father, Allen Campbell was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was married before coming to America. He was a machinist by trade and worked in a cotton mill in Paterson, N. J. Ile came here in 1835 and settled in this township, taking up Government land and building a log. cabin. He had one hundred and sixty acres which by hard work he converted from a wilderness to a flourishing farm. He drove an ox-team to Detroit to do his trading. He was an old school Presbyter- ian and a Whig in politics and lived to be sixty- five years old. llis wife, Mary Gray, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. She reared to maturity nine of her twelve children, and brought them up in the Presbyterian faith, dying after having reached three-score years of age.
The subject of this sketch was only eight months old when he came to Michigan with his parents. In 1843 he returned to New York and lived with his uncle, John Campbell, until 1853. There hc attended the district school and was reared on the farm. He returned in 1853 to the West, and after marrying he made his new home on the farm where he now resides. llis wedding was December 2, 1858, and his bride Ada Ritchey, born in Groveland Township, this county. Five children blessed their union, namely : Anna, married to William Buck- ley, a farmer in this township; Ada, the wife of John Joslin, who lives in Holly Township; Clarence who married Fannie Arnold and resides in this township; Lizzie, who resides at home; Frennie
is at home also. The mother of this family died March 6, 1888, her loss being mourned by many friends as well as by her family.
Our subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance, April 30, 1890, the bride being Mrs. Minnie (Narrin) Phipps. Mrs. Campbell bad by her former husbandjthree children as follows: Artemus, Alice and Eugene, all living in this town.
Mr. Campbell enlisted in the Civil War April 11, 1865, in Company E. Third Michigan Infantry. Ile was mustered in at Pontiac and sent to Nash- ville, Tenn. Ile encountered the enemy at Deca- tur, Ala., and then returned to Nashville. Ile was sent to New Orleans, and wintered at San Antonio, Tex. Ile was mustered out at Galveston, April 11, 1866, returned home and engaged in farming. lle has seventy acres of land here. sixty-two of which are under cultivation, upon which he raises all kinds of grain and is quite a stock-breeder. Mr. Campbell is a member of J. B. McPherson Post No. 183, G. A. R., at Holly.
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