Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 44

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 44

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George Welfare was born October 16, 1817, in Sussex, England, and was only a boy when he came to this country. He began to work out for others before he was ten years old, and continued to do so for many years. After coming to Michigan he attended school for a short season, but the educa- tional advantages were very poor heic. He worked for his father until he was twenty years old, and then entered the employ of Jesse Tuttle. He pur- chased a yoke of cattle and gave to his father to pay for this year of time which his father had granted him. He had thus just $15 left him from his year's wages with which to clothe himself. Ile started out for himself entirely empty handed.

The young man went to Farmington Township

and worked out upon farms, and in 1844 or 1845 he settled upon ninety-three acres in Novi Town- ship. About ten acres of this land was roughly cleared, and there was a small house there. He built a larger house and barn and cleared off all the tim- ber, also buying and clearing fifty-four acres in addition. He now has one hundred and fifty aeres of good land in an excellent state of cultivation. He is an exceedingly prosperous man, and pays as large a tax as any one here. He is a Republican in politics and keeps himself well informed on polit- ical issues. He has served on the School Board and has been Road Overseer. He rents his farm to his nephew and makes his home with his brother John, who married Nancy Reynolds and who has three children. His parents both lie buried in the Walled Lake Cemetery. The old original home- stead is still in the family. He is a citizen who is universally esteemed by his neighbors for his ex- cellent character, upright life and success in busi- ness.

ILLIAM H. BENEDICT, one of the prom- inent fruit raisers of Bloomfield Township, is a native of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where he first saw the light January 15, 1840. He is a son of Eri and Delia E. (Darrow) Benedict, who were born in New York State and were mar- ried in Saratoga Springs. It was about 1843 when they removed to Michigan and located in Detroit, where he followed the business of a car- penter and contractor. He remained there about ten years and then removed to Birmingham and turned his attention to farming. Both he and his good wife died in the village of Birmingham. He was a man of large means at one time but was

ruined financially by going security for others. He was a Whig, and later a Republican, but was not active in politics. Ile believed earnestly in the necessity for churches and religious services yet never connected himself with any denomination. His seven children were Amelia, Hannah M., Charles, John, Ann, Lois and William H. The two eldest and Ann are deceased.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Detroit

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and attended the public schools there until he was about thirteen years old, when he came to Birm- ingham, this county, with his parents and spent the remainder of his youth upon a farm. Hle remained with his father until he was twenty-five years of age and in 1870 took charge of the farm which he now owns, a tract of one hundred acres. He has done all the improving on this farm and has put up a fine two-story frame residence and extensive barns. Ile started in life poor, as his parents were in moderate circumstances, and be has gained all that he now possesses by unflagging industry. Ile has made farming his life occupation and is giving a great deal of attention to fruits, making a specialty of peaches, apples and grapes. His political con- victions are with the Republican party.

The lady who is now Mrs. Benedict was Miss Georgie Barnum of Birmingham, where she was born June 25, 1850. She was a daughter of Hor- ace and Mary (McCarty) Barnum, who were na- tives of Lenox, Madison County, N. Y. They were early pioneers in Birmingham and there ended their days. One child only has blessed the home of our subject and his wife, namely: Mary E., a little one of six and one-half years.

W ALTER KNOX, a prominent citizen of In- dependence Township, is the son of Walter and Jane (Todd) Knox. He was born in Independence Township March 26, 1842, and was reared on a farm where he lived with his father until 1861. When nineteen years of age he re sponded to the call of "Father Abraham" for sev enty-five thousand men and enlisted in the army, being one of the three first men to enlist from In dependence Township. But when the company was formed it was found that a sufficient number had already been mustered in to fill the requisition. But this youth was determined to enter the service, and joined Company F, Fifth Michigan Infantry, and was mustered into the United States service at Ft. Wayne, for the term of three years or doing the war. This was on the 28th of Angust, 1861, and the regiment was assigned to the Army of the

Potomac. It was attached to the Third Army Corps and reached its place of rendezvous Septem- ber 13, 1861.

The first general engagement in which our young hero took part was the battle of Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. He was wounded in the left arm and breast by a musket ball. The loss of his regiment in this engagement was eighty-three killed wounded and missing. After being in the hospital at Fortress Monroe for three weeks he was detailed for recruiting services, in company with Capt. Lafever, and sent to Michigan. There he remained until September 10, 1862, when he rejoined his reg- iment. On account of meritorions conduct he was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and had command of his company through the Freder- icksburg campaign. He also participated in the Chancellorsville fight in May, 1863. After Gen. Robert E. Lee crossed the Potomac and invaded Maryland and Pennsylvania, his regiment again joined in the march to Gettysburg, Pa. The regi- ment arrived on the field at 2 o'clock P. M. on July 2, 1863, and went directly into the engage- ment at 4 P. M. after marching ten miles in three hours. They lost in this charge one hundred and five men. Acting Capt. Knox had charge of a de- tail of one hundred men, who had in charge an am- unition train during the battle.

After Lee's retreat South, the regiment was called to New York City to suppress the famous riots there, which had risen on account of the draft. After peace was restored in that city they again joined the army of the Potomac where our hero participated in all the engagements of the Wilder- derness. Ile was again wounded at North Anna and after this he was detailed on the staff of Gen. Byron R. Pierce with rank of First Lieutenant, where he served until October 18, 1864. His horse was shot from under him the last day he was in the service.

August 11, 1864, was the wedding day of Lient. Knox. He was then united to Alice Bacon, who died in December, 1872, leaving two children to mourn her loss. Her daughter Emily, born July 24, 1866, is now Mrs. Benjamin F. Scott, and lives at Grass Lake, Mich. The son, Herbert, born June 11, 1869, still resides at home. On December 16,

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1873, Lieut. Knox was happily married to his pres- ent wife whose maiden name was Maria Kennedy. She was born in IIamilton, Ontario, September 11, 1849. Mrs. Knox is a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Knox is a Republican. Ile is also a member of Fairbanks Post, No. 17, G. A. R. and resides one and one-half miles north-west of Clarkston where he has one hundred and fifty-eight aeres of fine land which he devotes to mixed farm- ing.

R EV. CHARLES I. DEYO has been associ- ated with the religions life of this part of the State for many years. Beginning to preach before his majority and constantly cultivating his natural powers of oratory, he has excelled in pulpit eloquence and is held in high esteem for both character and ability throughout Southern Michigan. He resides in Oxford. He was born in Parma, Monroe County, N. Y., July 10, 1839, and is a son of James B. and Kezia ( Les- ter) Deyo, natives of Ulster County, N. Y. James B. was a mechanic in his early life and a farmer later. The Deyo family was originally from France, as the name indicates. The Lesters were of Puri- tan stock.

James B. Deyo and family came to Michigan in 1854 and located in Kalamazoo County on a farm. The last five years of his life he resided with his son, our subjeet, in St. Joseph County, where he died January 29, 1884. His wife preceded him to the deathless land June 9, 1878. His son, Charles was educated in the public schools of Kalamazoo. Just before the opening of the war he entered the Baptist College at that city but was taken ill and as at the same time his "chum" enlisted he became quite unsettled in his school plans and gave up further attendance at college.

This young man commenced preaching before he had attained his majority, his first charge of three years' duration being at Watson, Allegan County. Only half of his time was necessarily taken at Watson and he supplied various pulpits as he conld. From Watson he went to Battle Creek Township, Calhoun County, where he preached for

the LeRoy Congregation. From there he went to Linville, Ogle County, Ill., and remained in that State one year and then returned there one year later after spending a year in Michigan. He lo- cated first at Belvidere then went to Naples, N. Y. In the fall of 1869 he located in Nashville, Barry County, where he had a charge for three years and built a home of worship. He then preached for three years in Jackson, and went back to Nashville for another term of three years. From there he went to Mendon, St. Joseph County, where he preached for five years.

Mr. Deyo was appointed Chaplain of the House of Correction at Ionia in March, 1883, which posi- tion he filled for two years. In 1885 he came to Oxford and in 1887 he was elected to the State Senate on the Democratic ticket. During his at- tendance upon his duties as Senator he filled his pulpit every Sunday. Ile has always taken a great interest in politics, having been a speaker for his party through different campaigns.

Our subject was united in marriage with Lillian L. Gardner, February 11, 1891. This lady is a daughter of C. W. and Louise Gardner, of Lawton, Mich. Mr. Deyo is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, both Chapter and Commandery. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of the Maccabees. He has since 1860 been identi- fied with the Christian Church, in which he was ordained as a preacher April 13, 1862. Ile has un- usual power as an orator. By many he is claimed to be the orator of this part of the State. He is a fluent speaker, is possessed of an excellent voice and holds large audiences charmed by his sermons. Ile is a very popular preacher.

BRAM REED. The agricultural interests of this county have been made of practical value to many men who are operating farms of greater or less extent and enjoy- ing the independence and home comfort that ean be secured in rural districts if one so desires.

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Among this number is Mr. Reed who is carrying on his labors in Oxford Township. An enterpris- ing farmer and upright man, be has always lived on what is familiarly known as the old Reed home- stead. It comprises three hundred and sixty acres of fine land and is pleasantly located on section 6. By a life of industry Mr. Reed has won not only worldly gain but that which is better, the esteem and confidence of the entire community where his life has been passed.

The grandfather of our subject, Nathaniel Reed, was born in New Jersey, where he passed his entire life and died at a good old age. Among his chil- dren was Benjamin who was born in Sussex County, and there lived many years. In 1836 he came to this State which was then in the primitive condi- tion of nature, with few inhabitants beside the wandering Indians. Mr. Reed located on the land which he entered from the Government and imme- diately built a log house where a few months later, December 25, 1836, the eyes of Abram Reed first opened to the light. Ilis early recollections are of the scenes of pioneer life; the deer and wild game that were often seen and not infrequently furn- ished a valuable addition to the larder; the pathless forest which showed no sign of its present fruitful condition, and the old log cabin long since replaced by an elegant residence.

The father of our subjeet devoted his time to developing a farm from the forest and was re- markably successful in his undertaking, although he experienced many hardships during the carly years of his residence here. Hle hyed to see the county take rank as one of the best in the State and could justly feel that he was connected with its high development. In 1888 his death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. Ile enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of ae- quaintances and wherever he went was universally esteemed. Ile was very prominent in local affairs and often served his township in various capacities.

Our subject is the sixth of the eight children born to his parents, and all of his brothers and sis- ters are still living. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Coats, was born in New Jersey and died in 1872. Our subject received his elementary education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse,

but was able to attend but little after he was large enough to aid in farm work. In 1883 he brought to his home a bride, whose loving co-operation has proved of inestimable assistance to Mr. Reed in the years that have followed. Mrs. Reed bore the maiden name of Minnie Winkley and was born in 1858 in Flint, Mich. The three children who have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed are named Blanche, William and Mary C. Mr. Reed is a true type of the intelligent Democrats of the county and uses his influence for the benefit of his party. His hon - orable life has brought to him the confidence of his fellow men who are assured of his reliability and good citizenship.

ENRY MEAD. Among the men who have prospered in worldly affairs so that they are able in their deelining years to retire from active life, secure in the thought that they have a competence sufficient to supply their wants, is Henry Mead, who has for some time past been living in Pontiae. He was formerly engaged in farming and still owns ontlying property, but since 1871 he has lived in the city and contented himself with looking after his financial interests, while relieved from undue exertion. Ile occupies a pleasant residence on North Perry Street, in a good location, where he is supplied with all of the comforts heart could wish and whence he is able to attend such gatherings as he desires.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Ezra Mead, of Vermont, who was of English descent, and his maternal grandfather was Moses Cole, a native of New York. Michael Mead was born in Rutland County, Vt., iu 1770, and Abigail Cole opened her eyes to the light in Saratoga County, N. Y. in 1785. The marriage of this couple was solemized in Seneea County and they settled on a farm there. Mr. Mead died Mareh 4, 1834, and Mrs. Mead April 26, 1853. They reared a family of six children, named respectively, Ezra, Philinda, Lewis, Fanny, Henry and Stephen, but only Henry and Stephen are now living.

The birth of Henry Mead occurred in Seneca

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County, N. Y., May 28, 1811, and he spent his boyhood in Romulus Township, attending school during the winter months and working on the farm in the summer. He remained with his parents until he had attained to his majority, and the en- suing fall came to this State. He was accompanied by a bride of a few days-Miss Maria Rettan, daughter of John Rettan. The young couple took up their abode in Waterford Township, this county, and opened up a new farm of two hundred acres. Good buildings were erected on the tract, the nun- ber being added to from time to time as the cleared land grew in extent and more storage room was necessary. Mr. Mead bought three hundred and sixty acres more and after a few years made another purchase of one hundred and twenty acres. He carried on general farming and raised sheep and cattle until 1874, when he traded one hundred and sixty aeres of his land for city property and moved into Pontiac.

The bride of Mr. Mead's early manhood died in June, 1837, leaving one son, Delos, who is now a resident of Tuscola. Mich. In September, 1838, Mr. Mead made a second marriage, wedding Ennice C. Wilson, a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., who was at that time living in Niagara County. Her father was Alexander Wilson. This umon re- sulted in the birth of five children, but only one survives to this writing. This is Linda, wife of Ebb Voorheis, whose home is in Pontiac and whose family consists of six children. The mother of the sons and daughters above mentioned was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and · was connected with that religions body forty years. She breathed her last November 1, 1890, after a wedded life of fifty-two years.

Mr. Mead is politically a stanch Democrat and the list of Presidential candidates for whom he has voted was headed by the name of Gen. Jackson and closes with that of Grover Cleveland. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for for- ty-five years and has served as Deacon for a long time. In 1866, while living on the farm, he met with a serions accident. He had placed a ladder on a wagon and was standing on the rounds, pitch- ing shocks to a party who was topping out a stack when the ladder slipped and he was thrown vio-

lently to the ground, breaking both legs. He was kept in bed sixty-five days, during which time he suffered a good deal, besides being punished by the confinement to the house.

J. HAMMOND, of Pontiac, was born in Oakland Township, January 15, 1841, being one of the five surviving children of the seven born to David and Eleanor (Voorhies) Ham- mond. The mother was born in New Hampshire in 1804, and died in 1863. The father was a New Yorker, born near Anburn in 1796 and departed this life July 10, 1894, in his eighty-seventh year. He was the son of David Hammond, a New En- glander of English extraction.

In 1825 David Hammond came to Oakland County and took up land, and two years later moved his family to the West. He took up one hundred and sixty acres and cleared np eighty of it, and he and his sons put up buildings and car- ried on general farming until 1866, when he re- tired from farming and moved to Flint where he ended bis days. His children are named as follows: Sarah C., Mrs. Amasa Morse, now a widow; Newton and Newman, twins; the former lives in Flint and the latter is deceased; Susan A., now the widow of Alfred Howell ; Oscar, deceased ; Judson D., our sub- ject, and Irving J., a farmer near Flint.

Our subject spent his boyhood days on the farm and in the district school, starting out for himself at nineteen years of age. Ile spent two years at Walled Lake and four years at Rochester. Selling out his effects he enlisted in the service of his coun- try in Company K, Twenty-second Michigan In- fantry, Col. Moses Wisner, commanding. Later he was transferred to the Twenty-ninth Michigan which was assigned to the Army of the Cumber- land. He enlisted early in the spring of 1865, and was discharged the following fall.

Mr. Ilammond then returned to Oakland County, and bought a farm in Oakland Township, the old homestead of his father, comprising ninety-eight acres. Ilere he carried on general farming for five years, when he sold the farm. and moving to Pon-

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tiac, engaged in the produce business with James O. Hilton, under the firm name of Hammond & Hilton. Thuis business connection continued for eight years when he bought out his partner's inter- est and finally sold out to Peter Perry. Since then he has retired from active life and is looking after his varied interests.

Mr. Hammond was united in marriage in Oeto- ber 17, 1866, with Miss Josephine N. Harper, of Oakland County, a daughter of Mason D. and Nancy ( Ilopkins) Harper. Mr. and Mrs. Ilam- mond have two sons: Ward and Frank. The for- mer is in a mercantile establishment of this city, and the latter is still in school. Our subject is a member of the Oakland County Lodge No. 183, 1. O. O. F., and of the Dick Richardson Post No. 147 G. A. R., in which he bas held several offices. He has served as Alderman for the Third Ward. He is one of the stockholders and directors in the Sec- ond National Bank and helped to organize the Pontiac National Bank in which he is a stock- holder and director. He was elected a member of the Water Works Commission and was Clerk of that board. For the past fourteen years he has served as Trustee of the Baptist Church and is one of the Directors of the local board of the Capital Investment Building and Loan Association of Lans- ing. Mich. The confidence in which he is held by the community has been proven by his being ap- pointed administrator of several large estates. Ile settled the same satisfactorily to all parties con- cerned. Mr. Hammond began his career with lim- ited means and by industry and good judgment he has accumulated a handsome property. Ilis resi- dence is at 148 Perry Street.

BRAM W. LINDERMAN. A history of the development of Waterford Township would be incomplete without notice of this gentleman and what he has aecom- plished in connection with its immense agricultural interests. He has taken a leading part in improv- ing this section of the country and is today one of its most influential citizens. Its gives us pleasure

to place on these pages a record of the life of this worthy farmer and pioneer, who is respected for the persistent industry, good citizenship and up- rightness which characterize his life.

In Tompkins County, N. Y., Mr. Linderman was born March 1, 1817. Ilis father, John Linderman, a native of Orange County, N. Y., was married in 1814 to Martha Wood, and for some time after- ward operated as a miller and carpenter. In 1841, during the pioneer days of this county, he came thither and located in Waterford Township. The farm which he purchased was partly improved, and the work which had been begun he carried forward nobly until his estate was considered one of the best in the vicinity. While thus employed, he en- gaged at his trades, and was also prominent in the public affairs of the township. His life was a busy and useful one and his death was mourned by all who knew him. As a citizen lie was interested in every means of advancement and all movements to increase the true prosperity of the county.

U'pon attaining years of maturity our subject chose as his wife Miss Rebecca, daughter of Sam - nel and Elizabeth Green, natives of New York. Mr. Green and his good wife came to Michigan in 1841 and bought a tract of Government land in Holly Township. From this wild land they evolved a pleasant homestead, where their children grew to manhood and womanhood, and whence they went forth to homes of their own. They had fourteen children, all of whom attained to years of maturity and all married. The two youngest sons are now deceased; the remaining children reside in Michi- gan with the exception of the oldest son, who is a resident of New Jersey.

As soon as he was in a position to purchase a farm for himself Mr. Linderman bought two hun- dred acres of land and mill property on section 2, Waterford Township, and there he engaged for several years in milling. We next find him in Orion Township, where he purchased two hundred acres of land and resided twelve years. These years were busily devoted to the improvement of the estate, and at the expiration of the time he was able to sell at a fair advance. Ilis next purchase was a farm at Drayton Plains, where he kept a store for one and one-half years. In 1867 he bought

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Capt Mot Weatherhead

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the farm and mill property where he now lives. This property cost $11,000 and was bought in partnership with James Riker. In 1880 the land was divided between the partners, our subject tak- ing the portion on section 2, while Mr. Riker kept the mill and the land on section 11.

Mr. Linderman and his estimable wife have never had any children of their own, but they have taken into their home and reared to maturity three children, for whom they have done as much as though they were their own. Two are now married and very pleasantly situated. Mr. Linder- man has taken very little part in politics, prefer- ring the quiet of his home to the cares of public life; however, he uniformly casts his ballot for the candidates of the Republican party. He was formerly a member of the Methodist Church, but is now a communicant in the Presbyterian Church. Ile is financially independent, having besides his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Waterford Township, twenty-eight acres of timber in Pontiac Township. His home estate is embellished with a splendid set of farm buildings, sufficiently commo- dious to fulfill the purposes for which they were erected. Under their hospitable roof good cheer abounds and the affable manners of the host and the gracious courtesy of his wife combine to en- hance the charms of a visit there.

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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 44

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

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