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 16
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When Mr. Francis had sufficiently recovered his health he engaged for two years in lumbering in Lapeer County and in 1867 purchased his present farm on section 6. This tract of land he improved with substantial buildings and proper cultivation until it took rank among the finest farms of Oxford
Township. In 1874 he removed to Thomas Sta- tion in the same township and together with his brother built a large grain elevator, bought prop- erty, and carried on business as a lumber merchant for five years. The firm handled a large amount of grain and lumber, and did an extensive business until our subject sold out his interest and returned to his farm,
In 1866 Mr. Francis was united in marriage with Miss Lucina A. Campbell, a native of this town- ship, and their happy union has been blest to them by the birth of four children-Arthur, Milton, Mabel and Porter, Mrs. Francis is a lady of cult- ure, and her unremitting care for the welfare of her husband and children entitles her to consideration, while her neighbors speak well of her social and kindly qualities. Mr. Francis is quite influential in local politics and is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Order of Maccabees and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Francis is a consistent member of the Congregational Church, to the support of which Mr. Francis contributes liberally. lle is a typical self-made man, having had no one to start him in life, but having been obliged to make his way in the world the best he could. That he has succeeded in his worthy enterprises is shown by a glance at his fine estate, and by an interview with the owner thereof it will be readily perceived by what means he has reached his present substan- tial standing.
G EORGE RENWICK is one of those men who have achieved success in the vocation of a farmer. His home is in Lyon Town- ship, and he has a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 8, one and a half miles west of New Hudson. It is amply supplied with build- ings, including barns, sheds, ice house, and shop, and a dwelling both handsome and convenient. For a few years past Mr. Renwick has been making his home with his son Albert and wife, and his daughter Ada, who occupy the homestead with him. While giving his first attention to his personal af- fairs, Mr. Renwick has always shown an interest in
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public improvements and those matters which tend to advance the prosperity of the people with whom he has cast his lot.
The father of George Renwick was John, who was born at Gorham, N. Y., May 2, 1803. In 1823 that gentleman married Eliza Pratt, who was born in Burlington, Vt., in 1804, and was the second daughter and child of Isaac Pratt. Four years af- ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Renwick came to Salem, this State, and settled upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres bought by them. Two years later they sold it and went to Northfield, Washtenaw County, where they purchased two hun- dred acres. There the father died. September 2.1, 1866. Hle held the office of Supervisor and Town- ship Clerk several years, and represented Washte- naw County in the Legislature for two terms, from 1850 to 1853. He was a Whig and was a great ad- mirer of Henry Clay. He was elected Captain of the first company organized in Northfield Town- ship at the time of the Toledo War, and went with it to Ann Arbor to await orders.
The family of John and Eliza ( Pratt) Renwick included one daughter and three sons, and our sub- jeet was the first-born. Ilis natal day was June 4. 1825, and his birthplace Greece, Monroe County, N. Y. He was scarcely more than an infant when he came to this State, and he grew to manhood amid circumstances and surroundings very differ- ent from those of the present time. He remained with his father until 1819, then married and estab- lished his own home, settling in Ada, Kent County, soon afterward. He built a log house in the wild- erness, a mile from the public road and the nearest neighbor, and there he remained thirteen years, clearing and improving a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres. In 1863 he sold the property and bought part of the homestead in Northfield Town- ship, Washtenaw County. His fine residence there was destroyed by a tornado in 1865. Hle sold the farm in 1880, came to Lyon and bought the place on which he has since made his home. Upon this he has made improvements, so that it is now one of the most attractive pieces of property in the township.
The lady to whom Mr. Renwick was married in 1849, was Emily Walker, of Salem, this State. She
bore her part in bringing about their prosperity and making their home attractive, until 1873, when she died of consumption. Of the union there have been born seven children: George W., a professor of music, living in Muskegon; Eliza J., who died in infancy; Abby, who died in 1879, at the age of twenty-four years; Jane, who died in 1863, when seventeen months old; Allen, who died in infancy ; Albert, who occupies the homestead; and Ada May, who is with her father. Both George and Albert are married, and each has two children. In 1871 Mr. Renwick made a second marriage, his bride being Mrs. Lucy Busenbark. This lady died in 1886.
The first political affiliation of Mr. Renwick was with the Whig element, and his first vote was east for Zachary Taylor. He was afterward a Republi- can, and finally joined the Democratic party. He has been a delegate to county and State conven- tions, and was always considered one of the work- ing members of the political organization. He has served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Town- ship supervisor. He is an ardent lover of the pis- catorial art, and is the champion fisherman of his neighborhood, and the chief authority on subjects connected with that sport.
ENNIS GLASPIE is one of the enterpris- ing farmers of Oxford Township, occupy- ing a valuable property on sections 25 and 36. The estate consists of one hundred and forty-two acres. most of which is under culti- vation, and considerable attention is paid to breed- ing horses. The farm borders on Hansom Lake, and is a fertile tract, whose natural productiveness has been retained by skillful management. The residence now occupied by Mr. Glaspie was built by himself, and it is accompanied by necessary and convenient farm buildings.
William Glaspie, the father of our subject, was born near Syracuse, N. Y., May 26, 1816, and came to this State when about twenty years old. He set- led a mile north of Oxford, removed thenee to Washington Township, Macomb County, but re-
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turning to Oxford, bought another Government farm, built a Jog house and cleared the land. Ile lived to see great changes in the country. passing away May 22, 1888. He was Treasurer of Oxford three years. He voted with the Republican party and was a member of the Baptist Church. His wife bore the maiden name of Deborah Dennison and she too was born near Syracuse, N. Y. She died November 14, 1881. The parental family con- sists of Myra, wife of W. G. Hinman; Lucy A., wife of Lewis L. Parker; Elizabeth, wife of S. P. Hovey ; Elva, wife of Norman Goodridge; Dennis ; Charles H., who married Minnie Snyder; and Eber, whose wife was formerly Alpha Mills.
The subject of this notice was born in Macomb County, July 31, 1848, and reared in Oxford Town- ship, this county. His education was obtained in the district school. Hle was married March 28, 1872, to Sarah E. Gordon, and has three children, named respectively, Cora D., Freddie D. and Lewis L. He is a believer in the principles laid down in the Republican platform and votes with that party. The only public position he has held is that of Highway Commissioner, in which capacity he served one year.
G EORGE GREER. One of the citizens of West Bloomfield Township, who has grown to manhood and usefulness within its bounds, and who has devoted his life to the cultivation of its soil and the best interests of its people, is George Greer, the Supervisor of West Bloomfield Town ship. Ile was born in Burton, Genesee County, Mich., August 30, 1851. Ile is the son of James and Mary M. (Mosier) Greer. His father was born in England, and came with his parents to America when a young child. They made their home at first in Canada, but when he was sixteen years old they removed to the Empire State. While yet a young man, our subject's father came to the Wolverine State and bought a small tract of land in Genesee County. In 1854 he came to Oakland County and settled in West Bloomfield Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He started in life empty-handed, and left an estate worth $15,000.
Ilis political views were in accordance with the principles of the Republican party. He and his good wife who still survives him, were the parents of eight children, namely: Achsa, Robert, George, Mary J., Ida C., C'lara C., James M. and Lillian.
George Greer has made his home in West Bloom- field Township since he was a two-year-old boy. Ile received a common-school education and de- voted himself to farming, remaining at home and working for his father until he was nineteen years of age. After this he began working the home farm on shares. He now owns one hundred and seventy-eight acres which is part of the old home- stead. He is interested in the advancement of the Republican party, and in 1889 he was elected Su- pervisor of West Bloomfield Township, to which position he has been re-elected each succeeding year. He is an active member of the Patrons of Industry.
Miss Lucy Cantrell became the wife of George Greer, November 17, 1880. This lady was a resi- dent of White Lake Township, but Waterford Township was her native home. Iler parents, Isaac and Betsey (Cheals) Cantrell, were natives of Great Britian, her father having been born in Ireland, and her mother in England. One child only has bright- ened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Greer, a son, Leon J., about whose future cluster the dearest hopes of the admirable couple.
ULIUS F. RUNDEL, who was formerly en- gaged in farming and stock-raising, is now located in Birmingham and dealing in real estate. Ile owns some of the most desir- able property in the town and handles other lands. Ile lived on his farm until the spring of 1890, when he moved into Birmingham and built the fine res- idence he now occupies. Ile still owns outlying property two miles west of Bloomfield, where two hundred aeres are devoted to stock-raising. Blooded sheep and horses are the most conspicnous animals there and Mr. Rundel derives a good in-
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come from their sale. Ile also buys wool. Hle imports Shropshire sheep from England.
Warren and Emily E. (Button) Rundel, natives of Massachusetts, removed to Connecticut, thence to Pennsylvania and thence to this State, making their final home in West Bloomfield, this county. The husband took up a tract of wild land, from which he removed the forest growth, and on which he tilled the soil until his death. Ile was a hard- working man and gave all his attention to agri- cultural pursuits and the care of his large family. lle was liberal toward his family, and as his chil- dren grew up and married, he helped them to start in life, and so was in but moderate circumstances when he died. He owned eighty acres of land.
The gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs was born on the homestead in West Bloomfield Township, January 26, 1814, and is the youngest of the seven surviving children in a fam- ily of nine. The others are-Myron. Cynthia, Levi, Chester, Halsie and Louisa. Ile was reared on the farm and received a common-school education and acquired a thorough knowledge of agricultural af- fairs. in which he assisted his father during the in- tervals of study and after his course was finished. Ile did not start out for himself until he was of age, but he then entered into the stock business, which he followed about twenty years. He had a small capital but he has exercised good judg- ment and been a careful manager and thus gained a competency. In the stock business and in specu- lating he has made his money. Like his father be- fore him he votes the Republican ticket. Ile does not care for public honors and the only official station he has held was that of Supervisor, in which capacity he served one term. His shrewdness and foresight are acknowledged by those with whom he has dealings, and his faith in the future of this section is thoroughly well understood.
The lady who presides over the beautiful home of Mr. Rundel, became his wife December 27, 1865, prior to which time she was known as Miss Julia C. Adams. She was born in Southfield, to Reuben and Emily (Miller) Adams, who are natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Rundel have two children, a son and daughter. Morgan W. is living in Bloomfield
Township on his father's homestead, being happily married to Miss Matilda Thurlby. Estella E., a well-bred and educated young lady, is a graduate of the Birmingham High School, and is still at home with her parents.
ILLIAM STURMAN. In the death of this gentleman the county lost one who had been a familiar figure here for about a quarter of a century. His life affords an example of what may be accomplished mentally, financially and morally, by one who is determined to build np . his character and his fortune, and is worthy the consideration of all who, like him, begin life with little means. He was born in Crick, Northampton- shire, England, May 7, 1822, being a son of Sam- uel Sturman. In 1844 he married Mary Ann Baker, and in 1850 they emigrated to America. They made their home in Detroit until 1856, and there Mr. Sturman learned the plasterer's trade, at which he worked more or less during the remain- der of his life.
Mr. Sturman was poor when he landed on Amer- ican shores, but he and his wife were prudent and anxious to have a home of their own, and they managed to save, so that within a few years they owned some property. In 1856 it was exchanged for a farm in Southfield Township, this county, and after three moves they settled on a farm where they resided until October, 1889. Owing to ill health Mr. Sturman then sold out and removed to Birmingham, where his death took place December 29, 1890. So well had he managed and so indus- triously had he worked that he was able to leave an estate of considerable value. He was a well- educated man and was regarded as one of the most intellectual persons in the community. He was a Republican bnt took no active part in political af- fairs. He was much interested in the canse of Christianity and worked for the Church, giving time and money to advance its interests. He and his wife were reared under the teachings of the Church of England but in 1865 both united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Southfield.
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Mrs. Sturman was born in Warwickshire, Eng- land, on the 4th of January, 1819, and is now liv- ing in Birmingham, this county. She is a daughter of Willliam and Mary (Warick) Baker, and traces her ancestry through generations of honorable English men and women. She and her husband had four children, only one now living-Mary A. William died when six years old and Georgiana when twenty-seven. Mary is now the wife of Al- fred Adams, of Detroit, and their family consists of four children, viz: Ella B., Mamie S., Alfred Willie and Anna Gracic. Mrs. Sturman has been faithful in the discharge of the dutics she owed to her family and to society, and has many friends and well-wishers.
AMES T. HADDRILL is a native of Orion Township, in which he resides, having been born September 21, 1846, in a log honse, which was built by his father on the farm where he now lives. He is a son of Isaac Haddrill. who was born in England in 1812, and about 1840 he came to America and made his home in Orion Township. He was a drover in England. He bad se- rious misadventures in crossing the ocean, being shipwrecked, and undergoing great hardships. He bonght forty acres of Government land on section 21, and here made his home. He was very fond of hunting and fishing, and frequently killed bears and shot scores of deer. He probably caught as many fish as any man in Oakland County. The Indians were all around his early home, and they camped on the shores of the beautiful lakes near which he lived. He found an Indian burying ground on his farm, and has plowed np quite a collection of flint arrows, skull bones and all sorts of Indian relics. He served as Treasurer of Orion Township at two different times. Ile now lives in Lapeer County in the enjoyment of good health. Ilis wife, Elizabeth Turk, was born in England in 1812, and died in 1880. Of their seven children, five still survive.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on the farm which he helped his father to clear.
Many a day he drove three yokes of cattle in the breaking plow. At the age of twenty-one years he rented a portion of the old homestead, and began farming for himself. In 1875 he purchased one hundred acres on section 21, and he has also bought forty acres adjoining the old homestead, which he has acquired from his father by purchase.
New Year's day, 1874, was a date of great im - port in the life of our subject, as he was then mar- ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Eliza Ann (Berkman) Peacock. Mrs. Haddrill was born in Pontiac in the year 1847. Her parents came here at a very early day and settled on a farm in Pontiac Township. The father died in June, 1890, and the mother passed away some years previously, having died in 1881. They were both consistent members of the Baptist Church.
The four children of our subject are Roy, born October 14, 1875; Maud, May 26, 1877; Blanehe, November 1, 1878; and Stewart, August 7, 1884. Mr. Haddrill is a Demoerat in his political views. Ile is the happy possessor of three hundred and forty acres of fine land, and raises all kinds of stock, but takes pride in breeding standard horses, and has sold several fine steppers at fancy prices. He began life with very limited means, and by in- dustry and energy. combined with frugality and enterprise, has gained for himself and family a fine property.
E LI II. HOUSE. One of the finest farms in Milford Township is that on section 7, which has been the home of Mr. House for more than half a century. The property bears a sub- stantial residence. ample barns, granaries and sheds, and is well-regulated in every respect, and well stocked both with domestic animals and machinery. There are one hundred and seventy-one acres in the farm and ninety under the plow. Notwithstand. ing the fact that Mr. House is somewhat advanced in years, he is still actively carryimg on the work of a general farmer, and is a fine specimen of ro- bustness and vigor. Hle and his faithful wife worked hard to make a good home and are now situated so that they can enjoy all the comforts
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of life and many of its luxuries. They are among the number from whom much information regard- ing the upbuilding of this section can be gleaned, and their reminiscences are both entertaining and instructive.
The parents of our subject were Allen and Editha (Bigelow) House, each of whom was born in Con- necticut in 1791. They were married in their na- tive State and removed thence to Yates County, N. Y., where they sojourned a few years, then went to Seneca County. Thence they came to this State in 1835, and Mr. House worked during one season in a mill on the site of Fosterville. He then settled in this county, taking up Government land on section 7, Milford Township. His claim was ninety-one acres in extent, and when it was se- cured he had just fourteen shillings left, which he expended in the purchase of a large kettle. Hav- ing a knowledge of the trade of a miller and wool- carder, he secured work in a mill at $20 per month, housing his family in an old schoolhouse until he could build a log cabin. The family subsisted upon potatoes, butter and milk, almost entirely, for some time. In those early days Mr. House sold eggs at six cents per dozen, and paid ten cents per pound for brown sugar. lle cleared fifty acres of his land and had built a good barn before he departed this life September 1, 1845. His widow survived a score of years, dying October 20, 1865. Three of their children are now living, namely: Florus A., whose home is in Ohio; Eli Il., and Abigail, wife of Il. Leland, living in Genesee County. Both par- ents belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father was a strong Jacksonian Democrat. Hle was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a member of the Light Infantry Militia of New York.
The subject of this notice was born in Hamilton Township, Yates County, N. Y., February 16, 1824, and was nearly eleven years old when he came to Michigan. He attended the pioneer schools of this section, continuing the studies that had been be- gun in the East. After the death of his father he took charge of the farm which he has now lived upon fifty-four years. He was married April 25, 1847, to Miranda Conklin, a native of New York, but at that time residing in Tyrone, Livingston
County, this State. Her parents were early settlers in this State. She was born January 25, 1824, and died on the 25th of October, 1876, at the age of fifty-two years and nine months. She belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a good friend, devoted mother and efficient companion.
The children of this marriage were eight in num- ber and seven still survive. William A. and Eliza- beth were born January 31, 1848. William mar- ried Mary Judson, by whom he has three children. and he has one by a former marriage; Elizabeth is the wife of Alonzo Dean, lias five children and lives in Highland Township. Emily E. and Eliza were born March 8, 1850. Emily is the wife of John Grierson, has four children, and her home is in Brighton Township. Eliza married Ira Lyon, has one child and lives in Clyde. Albert B. was born December 18, 1852; he married Cora llop- kins and lives in lhighland Township; they have no children. Charles E. was born May 19, 1857, and married Polly House; they have four children and their home is in Gray County, Kan. Alfred II. was born November 11, 1870, and is still sin- gle
A second marriage was made by Mr. House .Jan- mary 29, 1878, his bride on this occasion being Mrs. Caroline Dean, nee Hunnewell. Her parents were Joseph and Sarah O. (Mann) Hunnewell, na- tives of New Jersey and New York respectively, who came hither in 1847, and located in Milford Township. Her father improved the old Mann farm which had been located on section 5, early in the '30s, by John Mann, his father-in-law. Mr. Hunnewell died about thirty-two years ago and his wife breathed her last in 1888, aged eighty-three years. Their sons, three in number, went into the Union army and George R. died in Anderson- ville. John M. served in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry and Lemnel D. in the Twentieth Infan- try. The Hunnewell family comprised six sons and daughters, four of whom are living. The mother was a Christian, belonging to the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Caroline House was born June 21, 1830, in Luzerne County, Pa., and attended the district schools and acquired as good an education as the privileges of the day gave op- portunity for. She was first married to Iliram
yours land S. S. Matthews
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Dean, who was killed by being run over by a team. She is a woman of good mental capacity and much general information and she has a kind heart and pleasant ways.
Mr. House has always taken an intelligent inter- est in political affairs and exercised the right of suffrage as a Democrat until 1865, since which he has been a Republican. He is a strong temperance man but does not advocate the third party meas- ures, but Mrs. House, were she able to vote, would east a ballot for them. Both belong to the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and take an interest in Sun- day-school work as well as in other projects which aid the cause of Christianity. Mr. House is widely known and his many good qualities are ap- preciated by his acquaintances.
G EN. SALMON S. MATTHEWS. The re- cord of the life of this gentleman, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, af- fords a striking illustration of the results of force and decision of purpose in a man, as well as of the power which an energetic and honorable character exercises upon the lives of others. From boyhood he has unceasingly applied himself to the develop- ment of the nobler qualities of heart and mind, and as a consequence, wields a large influence. Well dowered with stability and firmness, these attri- butes, together with forethought and persistent labor, have been instrumental in bringing about his present prosperous circumstances. Chief among his characteristics is his patriotism, which led him to offer his services to his loved country in her hour of need, and made him deem no sacrifice too great when in her behalf.
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