Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 20

Author:
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman bros.
Number of Pages: 980

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 20

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In Pontiac, September 17, 1855, Mr. Skarritt was united in marriage with Miss Fanny M. Porter, the daughter of John Porter, to whose sketch the reader is referred for facts regard- ing her ancestors. To Mr. and Mrs. Skarritt there have been born the following-named children: John, Alfred, Mary, Richard, Jessie, Edward, An- drew and Charles. They also adopted a daughter, Annie. All are living but John and Mary. The wife and mother closed her eyes in death February 28, 1888.

Mr. Skarritt made a second marriage in Detroit January 9, 1890, the ceremony being performed at the home of the bride's parents, Philander and Frances (Smith) Philip. The father was born in Genesee County, N. Y., and upon coming to this State settled on one hundred and twenty acres of land in Springfield Township, this county. For a number of years he carried on farming and did some work at his trade-that of a carpenter. To him and his wife three children came, named re- spectively, Edgar, Maria and Fanny. The last- named married a Mr. Hilts, by whom she had one child-Edda. She was a second time married to Edgar Sanborn and this marriage also was blest by

the birth of one child-Lena, who is now with her mother, while the son is living at Pontiac. Her union with our subject has been followed by mu- tual happiness and home comfort.

In 1865 Mr. Skarritt enlisted in the Twenty- fourth Michigan Infantry and served three months. Politically he is a Prohibitionist and has been for several years. Socially he is a member of the Grange. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are held in excellent re- pute on account of their fine characters, their gen- eral intelligence, and their active, useful lives.

G EORGE GEDDIS is a retired farmer resid- ing on Washington street at Royal Oak, and one of the veteran sons of Michigan, who are her pride and boast. Ilis birth took place March 18, 1841. His father, Robert, was a weaver and farmer in County Down, Ireland, who was born early in this century, and was married about the year 1830 to Margaret Groves, a daughter of Arthur and Margaret ( Nixon) Groves. To these parents were born two daughters aud five sons. The mother died about 1886 in her native county, and the father is still living in the old country. The grandfather Daniel and his wife Sarah (Baker) Geddis, spent their lives in County Down.

The subject of this sketch made his home with his parents and remained with them until 1857, with the exception of a period when he was in the British Army. He was a volunteer in the Crimean War, and was a member of the Eleventh Ilussars "A" troop who were sent to reinforce the famous "Light Brigade" of Balaklava. In 1857 the young man came to America and making his way to Royal Oak Township, began for himself by working on a farm at $8 a month. In 1861 he volunteered for three years in Company B, of the Lancers of De- troit. This company was never sent to the front and after seven months of waiting Mr. Geddis joined the Third United States Cavalry and was sent on to Columbus, Ky. He was put npon scout and pieket duty until the spring of 1863.

The regiment was now sent to Memphis and

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thence to Vieksburg. Upon their return to Mem- phis Mr. Geddis was made Sergeant as reward of meritorious conduct the siege of Vicksburg. They then went to reinforce Grant at Lookout Moun- tain, and were with Sherman through that cam- paign. They were then sent to Knoxville, Tenn., to aid Gen. Burnside.

Sergeant Geddis was sent into Knoxville as a bearer of dispatches, and on the retreat of Long- street he with his cavalry followed as far as Mur- phy. N. C. Ile came back to Chattanooga and Huntsville, reaching there New Year's day 1861. In March of that year he was detailed for recruit- ing duty at St. Louis, Mo. After that his company was sent to reinforce Gen. Banks, who was defeated on the Red River expedition. Ile received his final discharge at Little Rock, Ark., March 18, 1865. He then came to Memphis and became dis- patch bearer for Gen. Washburn, who commanded the Sixteenth Army Corps. This gallant soldier had the inexpressibly sad duty of carrying to Gen. Washburn the dispatch which announced the death of Abraham Lincoln, the beloved War President.

At the close of the war this gallant hero returned to Michigan, and in 1865 he celebrated his return to civil life by contracting a matrimonial alliance with Margaret, daughter of Robert and Jane (Groves) Cromie. This lady is the youngest in a family of seven sons and two daughters, who were from County Down, Ireland. Her grandfather was William and her grandmother Sallie ( Baker) Cromie. Our subject and his wife made their first home near Pontiac on a farm which they took on shares. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Royal Oak, and the gentle- man belongs to Michigan Post No. 393, G. A. R., of Detroit. Ile is also identified with the Knights of Pythias. and a member of Clinton Valley Lodge No. 275, 1. O. O. F., of Clinton, Macomb County.

Mr. Geddis' first Presidential vote was cast for Grant, and his latest one for Harrison. He has often been sent to represent his neighbors at Re- publican conventions, and is always active in local circles for the good of the party. Ile has been tendered various offices, but owing to wounds re- ceived while in the army he has declined to serve. In 1867 he purchased forty acres in Royal Oak

Township, all timbered land. After four years he sold it and bought forty acres of cleared land in Sterling, Macomb County. Four years later he sold it and came to Royal Oak, and bought sixty acres on section 12. Here he made his permanent home for eighteen years, and after that spent two years in Warren, Macomb County, where he bought ten acres of farming land and two lots, a store and a dwelling in the village. Somewhat later he came to Royal Oak. Besides the ten acres at Warren he now owns fourteen acres and a house and four lots in Royal Oak. Ilis beautiful home is fre- quently a scene of sociability and hospitality, and it is known as a place where friends are warmly welcomed and kindly entertained. Hle receives $12 a month as a pension from the Government. which is a richly deserved, though inadequate, re- compense for his noble services and self-devotion to his country in her hour of need.

R ICHARD O. SMITHI, formerly "mine host" of the Sidney House in Rochester, was born in Wayne County, this State, November 1, 1827, and was a son of Samuel and Marcia B. Smith, who were natives of New Ilampshire and Connecticut, respectively. The father came to this State in 1821, and located in Detroit. He had previously worked at the carpenter's trade, but after coming West he devoted himself almost en- tirely to farming. He was of English ancestry, and his mother was a sister of John Rogers, who was burned at the stake for his religious belief.

Samuel Smith was first married to Hannah Holden who bore him two sons, Samuel and Joseph. Ilis second wife was Hopa Smith, who became the mother of six children. The third wife, Marcia B. Mahar, was the mother of eight children, but two only are now living: Mrs. Hopa A. Lemon, of Shiawassee County; and Richard O., the subject of this biographical sketch. Jonathan Hunt, a son of Samuel Smith's second wife, was reared by his step- father, and the latter's third wife. His stepfather gave him $100, as he was taking provisions to sol- diers on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. He

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laid out the money in crockery, for which his step- father upbraided him, but he soon returned home with twice the amount of money he had expended. Ile then invested in cotton and again doubled his capital. In spite of the expostulations of his step- father he continued this manner of trade and made a large fortune. Ile willed his estate in four equal parts to his stepfather, a sister and two brothers. One of the brothers was insane and was in an asy- lum forty-two years. The amount devised to him was well invested and reached the sum of $6,000,- 000, a part of which eventually came into the pos- session of our subject, as he was a half-brother.

Our subject lived under his father's roof until he was seventeen years old, then went to Birmingham and served an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of a finisher and moulder. Hle worked at his trade a few years, then married and settled down to farm life in Livingston County. A year later he removed to Wayne County, seven miles from Detroit, where he kept an hotel twelve years. At the expiration of that period he came to Avon Township, and for a time occupied and operated a farm bequeathed to him by his father. He next went to Union Corners, and for eighteen months was landlord, then returned to the farm, on which he resided from 1865 to 1887. That year he moved into Rochester, and at a cost of 88,000 put up the hotel of which he had charge until his death.

The date of the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Esther Anderson was April 11, 1850. Three chil- dren came to bless the union, but only the first- born, Ilenry R., is now living. He is a farmer who is prospering in his chosen work. Josephine E. died in early womanhood, March 29, 1875, when aged eighteen years, six months and three days. Emma V. breathed her last November 5, 1863, at the age of four years, three months and twenty-nine days.

Mr. Smith took considerable interest in political campaigns, and worked with and for the Demo- cratic party. By virtue of the three marriages of his father, he was the uncle of a nephew seventy- two years old, and another six years old. Ile was a successful farmer, and as an hotel-keeper he is kindly remembered by those who have found rest under his roof, as he had the geniality that made

them welcome, and he and his good wife supplied their table well and kept the house in order for passing guests. Mr. Smith died suddenly April 3, 1891, mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends.

JUDSON CLARK. Among the promi- nent citizens in Orion are a number who were born in that township and whose growth and progress through life have been closely identified with that of their native place. One of these is the subject of this sketelı, who was born in a log house on section 23, Orion Township, December 29, 1853. Ilis father, Elijah B. Clark, was a native of Connecticut, where he first saw the light November 23, 1792. He left home when a boy of thirteen and became an ap- prentice to a ship carpenter. He afterward went to Wayne County, Pa., where he followed farming and carpentering for several years. The year 1830 saw him an emigrant to Michigan, and in June of that year he located and entered land in Orion Township and received a deed signed by Gen. Jaekson. He returned home that fall but the fol- lowing spring he came on and erected a log cabin. He was thus one of the very first settlers in that part of what was then the Territory of Michigan. The Indians were his most numerous and frequent callers, and an ox-team was his fastest span. He was a Whig in politics and served in the Legisla- ture in 1846-47, the last session of Legislature that assembled in Detroit. He was well known throughout all that region and was highly re- spected. Ile served at one time as Supervisor and also as Treasurer of the township. He lived to a green old age and died in 1884 at the age of ninety- one years and seven months. His father, Josiah Clark, was a farmer in Connecticut.

The mother of our subject, Mary A. Yerkes, was born in Pennsylvania, January 23, 1798. Her death took place January 3, 1864. Of her ten children eight are still living. Our subject was reared on the farm and had a distriet school education. When he was nineteen years old he and his four brothers bought the old homestead, which com-

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prised three hundred and twenty acres and farmed in partnership for four years. Hle then sold his interest and farmed for himself.

The wife whom our subject chose was Ellen, daughter of William and Chloe ( Bugbee) Green, who came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1843, and were early settlers in Orion Township. The mar- riage took place in 1858, in Orion Township. Mrs. Green passed away from earth in October. 1870. Mr. Green.is still living in his eighty-fourth year. Mr. Clark has been a Republican from early man- hood and cast his first vote for President Abraham Lincoln. Ile is a member of the order of the Pa- trons of Husbandry. Ile owns a farm of one hun- dred and thirty-seven acres on sections 13 and 24, Orion Township, and a pleasant home situated on seven and a half acres just outside the corporation of Orion. Ile is connected with the Orion Park Association, of which he is a Director. Mr. Clark taught two terms of school in 1857-58 in this county.

R ICHARD D. STRONG owns and ocenpies a farm on section 28. Troy Township, that is now carried on by a son. Ile was born in Berkshire. England. December 18, 1835, and reared in his native place. Ilis parents, Rus- sell and Catherine ( May ) Stroug, were natives of the mother country and spent their entire lives there. They were classed among the farmers, and at his home their son served what might be called an apprenticeship at farming. He is the third of ten children. Ile left his native land in 1842, erossed the Atlantic and came direct to this State. Ile found occupation in a brickyard on the Gra- tiot road, four miles from Detroit, and finally started in business for himself. lle carried on the yard six years, then sold it and bought the land which he still occupies. There were some improve- ments on the property, and he has added to them since he took possession in 1868.

The wife of our subjeet was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1829, bore the maiden name of Diana Lamb and is a sister of F. B. Lamb, to whose

sketch the reader is referred for information re- garding her progenitors. She was married to our subject in 1850, and has borne him five sons. The first-born, William T., occupies the homestead; Isaac and Sidney have their homes in Troy Town- ship; Henry II. lives in the village of Big Beaver; John lives in Bay City and is a breakman on the railroad. The eldest son was born in Wayne County July 31, 1852, and in 1881 was married to Wealthy Millard.

Mr. Strong was a firm Republican until within the last two years, but he now holds a place with the Prohibitionists. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church forty years, and has been a faithful worker for the cause of Christian- ity. He has been a Class-Leader and Steward, and has taught in the Sunday-school thirty years. Not only has he given precepts of right and justice, but it has been his earnest aim to live a righteous life, and no one can justly accuse him of ever hav- ing had a quarrel since he became a citizen of this country. Ilis son William belongs to the same church as himself, was Superintendent of the Sun- day-school live years and is now Class- Leader and Exhorter at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ilis wife is also connected with that religious body. The farm of Mr. Strong consists of one hundred aeres of well-improved land, which under capable managemement produces abundantly.

ARRISON WALTER. The farm and home of this gentleman is certainly one of the most beautiful in Independence Township, if not in the county. The tract of land comprising the estate consists of one hundred and seventy-six acres on sections 16, 17 and 20, and has as fertile soil as could be desired. This prop- erty was bought by Mr. Walter in 1863, and an in- debtedness of $4,500 incurred. Ile has not only paid off the incumbrance but has put on at least $12,000 worth of improvements. The dwelling is a handsome brick, and the grounds around it are tastefully adorned and present an appearance that at once attracts the attention of a passer-by. The

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barn is 60x200 feet, with a basement, and there is a fruit-house 36x60 feet, with a cellar eighteen feet deep, that has a capacity of storing five thou- sand barrels. This valuable property is located within a mile of Clarkston.

The parents of our subject were Jacob and Sarah (Clark) Walter, and their family comprised eight children, seven of whom survive. The father was a native of England and came to this county many years ago, being one of the first that arrived here from the mother country, and being the means of drawing a number of settlers hither from his old home. He was a man who was much beloved by his neighbors. He died in 1862.

Our subject was born July 15, 1840, in the township that is still his home, and reared on a farm with the usnal school advantages belonging to a rural district. He worked for his father in the intervals of study until he was cighteen years old, and at the age of twenty years took up a higher course of instruction in an academy, pursuing his labors there one year. Returning to his native township he hired ont on a farm during two sum- mers, and in the winters tanght school very suc- cessfully. He then made arrangements for establishing a home of his own, and turned his attention with unusual ardor to the work of an agriculturist, stockman and fruit-grower. He gives mnuch attention to breeding cattle and sheep, and a flock of about one thousand is generally held over by him each winter, and a large herd of cattle. He buys and ships about an hundred thousand pounds of wool per year. He also has an orchard of thirty acres of apple trees in full bearing, and a cranberry marsh.

December 15, 1864, Mr. Walter was happily married to Miss Mary M. Howell, daughter of Samuel G. Howell, a citizen of this county and a native of Sussex County, N. J. Mrs. Walter is a granddaughter of the Rev. Joseph Edmondson. That she has refined taste as well as housewifely skill is abundantly proved by the arrangement and adornments of her home. She is the mother of five children whose record is as follows: Edith J., born October 6, 1865, died January 20, 1876, and was interred at Lake View cemetery; Agnes E., born May 22, 1870; Gertrude M., September 29, 1876;

Eva E., November 17, 1877; Samuel J., July 30. 1879. Miss Agnes spent two years in attendance at the State Normal School in Ypsilanti and has paid special attention to vocal and instrumental music, in which she is quite proficient. The younger children have enjoyed advantages suited to their years and talents, as the parents desire to fully equip them for the duties of life.

In politics Mr. Walter is a Republican. Ile does not belong to any religious organization, but is a man of strict morality, who .never uses profane language and never drank a glass of whisky ; in fact is opposed to stimulants of all kinds. The energy of his nature and the degree of enterprise he shows in taking hold of extensive interests, is a matter of general understanding in the section in which he lives, and his example is better than many precepts in pointing the moral that success will follow per- sistent and energetic efforts when conpled with good judgment and honest dealing.

IRAM ELWOOD, who has a fine farm in Royal Oak Township, is the son of Benja- min Elwood, a farmer and contractor of Otsego County. N. Y., who came to Mich- igan in July, 1832. He left his family in Detroit while locating his farm, and brought them on when he had made some preparation for them. The grandfather, also Benjamin Elwood, was a native of England, who came to America in boyhood and worked at blacksmithing. He made the first fanning mill which was used in Montgomery County, N. Y. Ile also took part in the Revolutionary War on the side of his adopted country.

The mother of our subject, Rachael (Sanders) Elwood, was born in New York being the daughter of Henry Sanders. She married Benjamin Elwood in New York, and became the mother of three sons and three daughters only one of whom, our subject, is still living. This son was born in New York, Oc- tober 28, 1814 and came to Michigan with his pa- rents in 1832. His few years of schooling were obtained in New York.

Phœbe (Hall) Elwood, the wife of our subject was born in Blenheim, Schoharie County, N. Y ..

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December 15, 1824. Her father, Daniel H. Hall. a farmer, was born in Catskill, N. Y., May 15, 1799, and came to Michigan in the Territorial days and located in Royal Oak Township. Her grandfather, Nathaniel Hall, was a native of Connecticut and a drum major during the Revolutionary War, and afterward a sea captain. He was a son of Nathan- iel Ilall of Puritan stock. The mother of Mrs. E !- wood, was Lettia ( Partridge) Hall who was born in Schoharie. N. Y., September 18. 1801. Her parents, Alanson and Eunice Partridge, had eight children. Daniel Hall and Lettia (Partridge) Hall were mar- ried in 1882. Of their nine children Phobe is the second child and oldest daughter.

Iliram Elwood and Phoebe (Hall) Elwood were married in 1847. Their children are: Rachel P' .. born April 26, 1848; Amanda J .. January 6. 1854: James II .. April 26. 1860; William Il., July 19, 1866. In addition to their own children they adopted two-George Stanley and J. R. Kinney. George went with the boys in blue and never ro- turned. Ilis loss was a great one to the parents who had adopted him as a strong bond of affection uni- ted them. J. R. Kinney is now in business at Royal Oak. The eldest daughter, Rachel, is the wife of Wright Bartlett of Sand Beach, Mich. Aman- da is Mrs. John Heath of Southfield, this county. James died at the age of nine years. William is living on the old farm and in December of 1886. he was united in marriage with Mary Lewless, by whom he has two children, Florence E. and Gracie M. The latter died March 15, 1891.

When Benjamin Elwood came to Michigan the country was in its wild state. The only roads were footpaths, marked by blazed trees. Many a time he was chased by wolves. His first house was of logs and its dimensions were 12x14 feet. It had a shake roof and a stick chimney, with floor of split logs. In this commodious abode a family of five made their home. Our subject and his brother slept on the floor but afterward they made bunks against the wall. This was more comfortable and pleasant, as snakes sometimes crept into the house. The name of Andrew Jackson is signed to the deeds which certified to Mr. Elwood's possession of his land.

The house in which our subject now lives was

erected in 1845. Of his one hundred and fifty- four acres about one hundred is in an improved condition. The first President for whom he voted was William Henry Harrison and the last was Ben- jamin Harrison. Ile played the drum during William Henry Harrison's campaign. Ile was a member of the Union League. Mr. and Mrs. El- wood are earnest and efficient members of the Congregational Church in which he has been a Deacon and Trustee for many years. Mr. Elwood began life with nothing but his muscles and grit and he has carved out for himself and family a handsome competence. As an illustration of the determination and perseverance which he showed during the early days, we will tell how he obtained his first harness. He caught coons at night and took the skins to Detroit and sold them for a har- ness. He also bought a saddle in the same way and an overcoat for his adopted son George Stan- ley. When a boy he was one day sent several miles from home and had to travel a long distance after dark and for miles he was followed by wolves. Ile killed many wild turkey's and deer and kept his father's family in meat many times in this way. Mr. Elwood's father died at the age of eighty-two and his mother when she had reached her eighty- fourth year. They lie side by side in their long sleep in the Royal Oak Cemetery. The brother and sister are also buried there.

HARLES GRAY ROBERTSON, M. D. Among the physicians of Oakland County, none have endeared themselves to their pat- rons more thoroughly than the subject of this sketch. He located in Clarkston in 1880, and has built up a large and remunerative practice. Study and experience combined to give him skill before he came to Clarkston, and his earnestness and sterl- ing quality of mind had added to the force of his instruction and made practical all that he learned. He is an excellent type of his nationality, and a worthy representative of a family, many members of which have been prominent in political and so- cial circles. In former times the Robertsons had

D. C. Pacotes, A. M. S.J.D.

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much influence in Scotland and the name is not unknown in the history of that country. The family was honored with a coat-of-arms and its members filled stations of influence and responsi- bility.

The father of our subject was George Robert- son, who was born in Sterling, Scotland, in 1783, his mother, Violet (Anderson) Robertson, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. They came to America in 1837. and established their home in this county. The trail from Pontiac northwest was at that time distinguished by blazed trees, there being no road and not even a path. Mr. Robertson was reared as a merchant and had been thus ocenpied in his native land, and when he engaged in farming here he suffered much from the unaccustomed labor and the privations of pioneer life. The climate also was different from that to which he was used, and it was not long ere he contracted pneumonia which proved a fatal illness.

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Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 20

Author: Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman bros. Number of Pages: 980

Author:
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman bros.
Number of Pages: 980