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 39
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served on the petit and grand juries at Pontiac and is a Democrat in his political views. Mrs. Stark's father was here before any roads were laid out, and he was a man who was active in promoting every interest of the neighborhood. He used to go to Rochester for mill and go home and loan out all the flour to needy neighbors reserving only a small portion for his own family. He was Supervisor, Justice of the l'eace, and held most of the Town- ship offices a number of years before his death. Mr. Stark fills a large place in the neighborhood affairs and is worthy of the respect which he re- ceives from his neighbors.
R OBERT BRADFORD owns and occupies a farm in Pontiac Township, where a pleas- ant home and comfortable surroundings are found. The estate consists of eighty acres on section 26 and has been the home of our subject since 1855, at which time he bought the land and began tilling the soil on his own account. Mr. Bradford was born in West Killbride, Ayre- shire, Scotland, August 8, 1827. His father, John Bradford, was a native of Wigtun and was a stone- mason by trade; his mother was Elizabeth Gemmill and the family consisted of four children, three of whom are now living. The parents came to this country in 1842 and made their settlement in Pon- tiac Township, this county, on section 26. The father built three houses-one for himself, one in Troy Township and another near Orchard Lake, and gave some attention to his trade. He died in 1849 and his widow breathed her last in 1858. They were members of the Congregational Church.
Mr. Bradford of this sketch received a common- school education in his native land, conning his lessons in the parish school where the same teacher was generally employed year after year. He ac- companied his parents to America and remained with them until he was about twenty-six years old. He then started out in life for himself and a few years later bought the property on which he is now prosecuting his agricultural work. He was married in March 28, 1854 to Miss Maria Colby, who was
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born in this county in 1829, and whose parents, Ephraim and Melinda ( Allen) Colby, are num- bered among the pioneers. Mr. Colby died many years ago, but Mrs. Colby is still living. Mrs. Bradford was called from time to eternity in Angust, 1874. The surviving children are, Sarah ; Agnes, who is the wife of Murry Vancise, and resides in Huron County. Mich .; Mary, widow of Charles Springer; John, Hattie and Frank.
Mr. Bradford is quite a prominent member of the Republican party in this locality and has ad vanced its interest as a delegate to county and State conventions. He served as Supervisor of Pontiac Township one term, and filled the duties of the office in a creditable manner. The earnest- ness and thrift of the true Scotchiman are manifested in his life and he is held in such respect as his character merits.
R. ANDOLPH MANNING, of Pontiac, Mich., Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan, was born in Plainfield, N. J., May 19, 1804; and died in Pontiac, August 31, 1864. The chief events in the life of this able jurist are presented in the following ex- tracts from the eulogy pronounced by Hon. Jacob M. Howard before the Supreme Court, in October, 1864, and published in the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune:
" I had the pleasure of Mr. Manning's personal acquaintance and friendship from the time he landed at Detroit, in 1882, until his death. Ile studied his profession in New York City, whence he emigrated to Michigan while it was yet a Terri- tory. Ile settled in Pontiac and there practiced law. Under the act of January 26, 1835, passed by the Territorial Legislature, for the purpose of calling a convention for the formation of a State Constitution, he was elected one of the delegates from Oakland County. The convention met in May of that year, and he took a distinguished part in its transactions, being a member of the Com- mittee on Judiciary, and, as such, associated with Hon. Ross Wilkins, Hon. William Trowbridge,
Hon. I. E. Crary, Hon. Robert MeLelland, and others. Under the act of March 26, 1836, a sep- arate Court of Chancery was established, of which Mr. Manning was made Chancellor, in 1842, as the successor of Hon. Elon Farnsworth. This high office he held for about three years, and performed its important functions in a manner that reflected the highest credit upon him, both for integrity and professional learning. He was also Secretary of State during a gubernatorial term. Under the act of February 16, 1857, providing for the present 'independent Supreme Court,' he was elected a member of this Court, in which he took his seat in January, 1858; his term of office expiring in 1862, he was re-elected in April, 1861. Thus he was a member of this Court from the time of its organi- zation, and was the first of your number to answer the final summons of the great Judge of all living. I adopt the language of the resolutions I have pre- sented, in saying that in each position he occupied before the public, Judge Manning showed himself a man of spotless integrity, sound, discriminating judgment, and of a capacity that enabled him to fill every office with honor to himself and advan- tage to the State. I need not say that in all the relations of private life he was as faultless as it has pleased heaven to leave human nature. Gentle in manners without ostentation, true and constant in his principles, charitable and forbearing, benevolent and kindly, frugal without parsimony, beloved of old and young, rich and poor, taking an active in- terest in whatever concerned good neighborhood, in whatever affected the community-at-large, with- ont an enemy in the wide world, the good man has gone to his rest; only, we trust, to join the friends who have gone before him, and to wait for those who shall as worthily do their duty here." Eloquent and feeling remarks were also made by Chief Justice Martin, Associate-Justices Campbell and Christiancy, and Morgan L. Drake, G. V. A. Lothrop, and Theodore Romeyn.
Judge Manning in his political attachments was a Republican. He was a State Senator one term, and a member of the Board of Regents of the University. His religious sympathies were with the Baptist Church, of which he was a regular at- tendant, He was married in 1832, to Miss Eliza
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F. Randolph, by whom he bad two children, both still living. He was again married in 1848, to Miss Eliza W. Carley ; they had four children, of whom two are now living. In the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune of September 5, 1864, are given a few particulars of this noble man's demise, as follows : "On the night of August 31, while conversing with his daughter, Judge Manning died instantly. He had, for two years past, been troubled with occasional spasms of pain in the chest, whiel pre- vented him from walking rapidly, depriving him of the enjoyment of his favorite exercise. On the day of his death he was in consultation with one of his associates most of the time, and appeared quite as well as usual, walking some distance, and talking about the court business with his nsual clearness and interest. His death, coming so unexpectedly, was a dreadful shock to all his friends. Provi- dentially he was allowed to depart in his own be- loved home, enjoying to the last all the blessings of devoted filial piety and care."
LFRED HIGHFIELD, a farmer on section 3, Highland Township, Oakland County, is a son of John Highfield, a native of Ireland, who came to Canada at an early day. Ilis wife, Lydia Smith, was a danghter of Stephen Smith, a native of Canada. The children of Mr. Highfield and his wife were Edwin, Edger- ton, William, George, Julia and Sarah. In 1844 he came to Michigan and lived in Macomb County for a year. He then came to Rose Township, Oak- land County, where he spent the remainder of his days. He and his wife were adherents to the doc. trines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was Coroner of Oakland County and Justice of the Peace for a number of years. His death occurred in Rose Township in October 1884, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-years and makes her home with our subjeet.
Alfred Highfield was born May 1, 1836, in Canada and at the age of eleven years came to Michigan with his parents, When twenty-four
years old he commenced life for himself. He bought the farm he now owns in 1889 and worked it for two years before moving on to it. Ilis mar- raige took place March 10, 1861, in Rose Town- ship, his bride being Catherine, daughter of James and Matilda (Sloenm) Johnson, natives of Penn- sylvania and New York, respectively. Her father died in that township and her mother still lives there. She was one of four daughters and six sons. They were highly respected people and were connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. At one time the father and his five sons were in the army in the late Civil War and all returned home except John, who gave up his life for his country.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Highfiel 1 are Ro- salia, Ida, Lillian, Charles, and Adelbert. Rosalia is now Mrs. Doty and lives in Highland Township. The home of Charles is in South Dakota. Adel- bert is employed in the Novelty Works at Clyde and the two younger daughters are at home. Mr. Highfield how owns a farm of one hundred and five acres. He carries on mixed farming and makes a specialty of sheep raising. llis political convictions are strongly with the Republican party but he has never aspired to any public office. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clyde, where the two daughters also find their religious home. Mr. Highfield has done a great amount of pioneer work. He aided in clearing his father's old farm and has also cleared part of his own. He has made other improvements and has bis farm in excellent condition.
ILLIAM C. RICHARDSON, a farmer re- siding on section 19, township of Bloom- field, was born in the city of Detroit May 11, 1842. He is a son of John and James (Cum- mings) Richardson, natives respectively of Eng- land and Orange County, N. Y. They were mar- ried in the city of New York and came to Detroit in the old Territorial days. In 1854 they removed to where their son now lives, where they still make their home, The father came to America
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when a young man. He began life empty handed and has attained a handsome competency by his own unaided efforts. He has always been a Demo- erat in his political views, but has eschewed poli- ties except as duty called upon him to east his ballot.
John Richardson and wife were the parents of six children, Mary, Fannie, Catherine, William ( .. George and John. Our subject was reared in his native city, Detroit, until he reached the age of twelve years and received the benefits of the best schools of that city as they were at that early day. Since coming to Oarland County he has learned all the practical details of farming, and was early called upon to engage in independent work in this line. Ile has bought the old homestead, consist- ing of one hundred and forty aeres, which is well improved and which has unon it an excellent resi- denee and good farm buildings.
The marriage of Mr. Richardson took place May 20, 1879. He then took to wife Elizabeth Ilarri- son of New York City, where she was born and educated. To her twins were born, namely, Clara and Elizabeth. She was snatched away from her little ones May 24, 1880. The second marriage of our subject took place December 3, 1882. He was then united with Miss Susan B. Wright, of Bir- mingham, this county. She was born in Troy and is a daughter of Aaron and Flora Wright. Three sons have been granted to this happy couple. Ross, John and Stanley M. The home of this household is one of comfort and happiness, where neighbors are welcome and where true hospitality abounds.
ILLIAM G. WALLACE, a farmer resid- ing on section 2, Highland Township, Oak- land County, is a son of John, a son of Henry, who was born in Ireland and came to America at an early day. He settled in Canada, whence he removed to New York. After sojourn- ing there a number of years he returned to Can- ada and ended his days there. He was the father of four sons. John Wallace was born in Canada . and at the age of twenty removed to New York,
where he resided until the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1862 he enlisted in the army and served till the close of the war. He remained at home for two years and then joined the regular ariny where he served for ten years.
When Mr. Wallace came out of the army he bought a farm in Highland Township, Oakland County, where he lived for two years. Ile then sold out and going to Saginaw worked as foreman for two years in a mill. Next he embarked in the mercantile and bakery business, in which he is now engaged. Ile was married in Canada to Rebecca Robinson, and unto them were born four sons- David H., William G., our subject, James J. and Albert.
The subject of this sketch was born in 1858 on May 18, at. Brockport, N. Y., and at the age of eleven years he began supporting himself. Ile worked on a farm first at home, then in Iowa, and when nineteen years of age he came to Michigan. When he was twenty-three years old he went to work for the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. Hle was here for two years and then entered a stave mill in Saginaw, and after two years' work there returned to the railroad and served as brakeman for two years. At the age of twenty-nine years he was promoted to the position of conductor.
After serving as conductor for three years this young man drew a prize of $15,000 in the Louisi- ana State Lottery, and in 1890 he bought a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres, well improved and furnished with good buildings. Here he carries on mixed farming. His marriage took place July 4, 1879. He was then united to Ida J., a daughter of Timothy Mills of New York, who came to Michigan in 1866 and settled in Howell, Livingstone County, where he died. Mrs. Wal- laee's parents had eight children. Her father was a miller by trade and united with that business the work of a farmer. He was a Methodist in relig- ious belief. His death occurred in 1870. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Cynthia MeDoll, made a second marriage. She was united with Charles Butts and by that marriage had two children, a son and a daughter.
One daughter only has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs, Wallace. She was born
RESIDENCE OF W. G. WALLACE, SEC'S. 2& 3., HIGHLAND TP., OAKLAND CO.,MICH.
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RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM P. JOHNSON, SEC. 9., MILFORD TP., OAKLAND CO., MICH.
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March 25, 1885. Mr. Wallace is a Republican in his convictions and has been a consistent adherent to that party all his life. He was a member of the Trainmen's order when connected with the rail- road and he and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.
A view of the rural home of Mr. Wallace appears on another page.
ILLIAM P. JOHNSON, one of the native- born citizens of Milford Township, repre- sents a family that was one of the first to loeate here. He is engaged in farming on seetion 9, and has an estate of one hundred and eighty acres, with one hundred and forty-five under the plow. He has made a number of improvements upon the property since he took possession, and no unsightly stone piles or stumps disfigure it. In 1886 he put up a good farm residence and ex- pended quite a sum on additional barn buildings. Every necessary building will be seen here and it will be noticed that the affairs of the farm are car- ried on in a systematic manner. Mr. Johnson keeps good stock and among other animals has three fine colts, Napoleon bred.
The maternal grandparents of Mr. Johnson were William and Mary ( Williams) Inman, natives of New York, and the former born in 1778. They were married in 1805. Grandfather Inman con- tracted a second marriage with Levina Baird, who survived her husband and afterward married Eben- ezer West, April 10, 1850. The children born to William and Mary Inman were named as follows: Betsey, Naney, Ifuldah, Levina, and Mary. Of his second marriage nine children were born, viz .: Nelson, Sally, Stephen, Harriet, Emeline, Clarissa, Caroline, William and Emily.
l'hilip T. Johnson, father of our subject, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., June 20, 1807, and was the son of Israel Johnson. He learned the trade of a shoemaker, but in later years gave his attention to farming. In his native county he was married to Huldah Inman, who was born there July 25, 1809. They remained in the East until
1832, then settled in Livingston County, this State, upon a raw quarter section of land purchased from the Government. From Detroit they traveled through the woods with an ox-team, consuming a week in the trip. Mr. Johnson had enough money to buy his land, but little left for future use; how- ever he was energetie and was buoyed up by his hopes for the good of the family and cheered by a faithful wife. He built a log house, a frame barn, and gradually gathered around him some appear- anee of civilization and comfort. He remained on the farm only two years, but during that time did considerable elearing. He tben sold it and bought instead one hundred and twenty acres on section 7. Milford Township, this county. Ifere again he had to begin by removing trees and he placed seventy aeres under cultivation. He built a frame house and barn that are still standing, and after a few years removed to Kensington and resumed his trade. He died in 1843, leaving a widow with five small children.
Mrs. Johnson carried on the farm for a few years. She made a second marriage, wedding David G. Piekett, of Commerce Township, this county. Of this union there was born one son, John Pickett, now living in Milford Township on the old boine- stead. The mother died in 1887 at the advanced age of seventy-seven years; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children of her first marriage are Mary J., now Mrs. C. W. Bush, living in Fenton; Caroline, now deceased, who was the wife of Joseph V. Hagadorne; William P .; George W., who married Carrie Vromm, of Milford, and now lives in Fenton; Adelia M., wife of James Crawford, a grocer in Milford. George has two children and Adelia three.
Our subjeet was born August 29, 1837, in Mil- ford Township, and has always lived here. He is the second oldest native-born citizen who has always lived in the township. He received a distriet- school education and finished his studies in the Milford High School. He remained at home until he was twenty-three years old and during two years of that time worked for his stepfather for $10 per month. Ife then bought eighty acres of wild land Oh section 17, where a rude log house stood, and removing thereto be cleared off forty aeres and cul-
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tivated it three years. He tried farming alone one year, at the end of that time concluded to have a helpmate, and was married to Miss Nancy Phillips in 1862. He then sold the property and removed to an improved eighty on section 34. He lived in a log house which was built sixty-one years ago and is still fit for habitation. After twelve years spent on that place Mr. Johnson sold it and came to section 9 to take possession of an improved farm.
Mrs. Johnson is a daughter of Leonard and Ros- etta (Albright) Phillips, now deceased, who were early settlers here. Mrs. Johnson was born in this township August 13,1838,and has always lived here. She was a schoolmate of her husband and they were well acquainted with each other's character and disposition before they united their lives and fortunes. They have three living children and lost four in infaney. Philip L. was born August 6, 1863, and is living on a sixty-acre farm adjoining that of his father; he married Anna Belle Muir and has three sons. Flora B. was born April 6, 1867; she is the wife of Ilarry Glendenning and has one son. Hulda R., was born October 26, 1874. The parents and children are members of the United Presbyterian Church in Milford.
In 1873 Mr. Johnson entered into partnership with Wells Bros., in Milford, for the sale of agri- cultural implements, but after a year of business life returned to his farm work. For years he voted the Democratic ticket but he is now heartily in ac- cord with the Prohibition party, and so, too, are his son Philip and his son-in-law, Mr. Glendenning. He is a man having strong convictions and his life thoroughly in accords with his principles.
OIIN HIXSON. Among the native-born citizens of Oakland County who are still carrying on their work therein, is John Hix- son, who owns and operates a valuable farm in Avon Township. His property consists of one hundred and sixty acres, which is well stocked both with domestic animals and farm machinery, and is cultivated according to the most approved methods of modern husbandry. The buildings that have
been put upon it are substantial, well-arranged and sufficiently numerous to answer every purpose, the chief one being a pleasant and commodious dwell- ing. Even the most cursory observer would be led to believe upon looking over the Hixson farm that the owner makes of his calling both an art and a seience.
The parents of our subject were Richard and Mary ( Fanekboner) Hixson, natives of New Jer- sey. They came to this State in 1836, bringing with them one child, Elizabeth, who is now the wife of A. G. Dewey and lives in Bloomfield Town- ship, this county. After their arrival here their family was increased by the birth of three chil. dren-Jobn. Marshall and Leora Belle. The sec- ond son is now living in Van Buren County and is a dealer in furniture and undertaker's goods. The youngest child did not live beyond her infancy. Mr. Hixson established his home in Macomb County just geross the line from where his son John is now living and as he secured land on both sides the county line, he may be said to be still living on his original homestead, although he now makes his home with his son. For nine years he was a resident of Pontiac and was retired from active life, but after that period had elapsed he re- turned to the homestead. He was bereft of his wife November 24, 1870.
John Hixson was born November 14, 1840, and reared to farm life. He was a member of the par- ental family until he was twenty-two years old, then established a home of his own, being married December 17, 1862, to Miss Emma L. Clark. This lady was a daughter of Wheeler and Esther( Walker) Clark, who were natives of Vermont and Maine respectively. The father bought land in this State in 1825 and took possession of it in 1830. He died here in November, 1874. Mrs. Emma Hixson shared her husband's fortunes almost a score of years, then closed her eyes in death February 22, 1882. To them have been born three children: Ella, Clark W. and Clara E. The elder daughter has left her father's roof to become the wife of Charles Dusenbury, of Pontiac. Mr. Hixson made a second marriage, May 12, 1887, wedding Miss Sarah Crumey, daughter of Robert and Jane (Grove) Crumey, The parents of the present
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Mrs. Hixson came from Ireland to America in 1855 and located in Macomb County, this State. There they died, the mother June 30, 1869, and the father in August, 1870.
The political allegiance of Mr. Hixson is given to the Democratic party, with which he has voted since George B. MeClellan was its candidate for the Presidency. He has held various local offices and has capably discharged the duties that de- volved upon him and . honestly labored for the good of his constituents. His home is a pleasant one and is frequently sought by the friends of himself, wife and daughter, all of whom are active and efficient in society.
ON. DAVID HOBART of Holly, Mich. was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y. in 1840. He is the son of Lester and Mary A. (Preston) Hobart, natives of the Empire State. The father was a farmer by occupation, which he followed all his life until in advanced age he retired from active labor. ITis wife died in 1853 and he now resides in Chautauqua County, N. Y. Of the goodly family which they reared, only four are now living: David, Lester. Joseph and William. Both parents were earnest and de- voted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and brought up their children in that faith. . The father of Lester, Sr., was Marlan, a soldier of the War of 1812.
Our subject was brought up on the home farm and received his education in the common and graded schools at Jamestown, N. Y. He left his home at twenty years of age and started for the West, arriving at Detroit where he accepted a posi- tion as clerk in the bank of his unele, David Pres- ton. Here he remained six years. He came to Holly in 1865, and engaged in mercantile busi- ness, handling a general stock of goods. Ile re- ceived from President Grant his appointment as Postmaster at Holly, which position he held until 1886. In 1889 he was elected Representative of the Second District of Oakland County, and served his term of two years, He was Supervisor of the
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