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 53
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in Oakland Township. He bought land on which there was a small log house into which his family moved. He cleared and improved considerable land and managed his financial affairs so well that he had about $16,000 when he retired from active life. He had come to this State a poor man and attained a competence by dint of energy and pru- dence. He was a man of deep religious feeling, although not identified with any church, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him; he died in 1886 at the age of fourscore.
Ogdon S. Axford was born in Warren County, N. J., August 2, 1829, and was eighteen months old when his parents made their removal to this State. Amid the surroundings of pioneer life he passed his boyhood days and in the pioneer log schoolhouse he obtained a preliminary education. He attended a select school at Rochester a short time, and in the intervals of study, from his boy- hood up, he was engaged in such home duties as pertain to the experience of a farmer's son, partic- ularly in a new country. When he was of age his father assisted him some in obtaining a farm on sections 11 and 12, Oakland Township, which he still owns. He followed threshing about twelve years, and beginning life modestly and proceeding slowly and carefully, calculating every move before deciding upon it, he progressed in his affairs. He was a hard worker as well as a good manager, and from time to time, as his means would permit, he added to his possessions. Ile retired from farm life in 1884 with a handsome fortune and removed to Orion where he has a pleasant home. Ile still owns three hundred and eight acres of land, mostly in Oakland Township. Hle always took an interest in fruit-growing and raised good sheep and horses.
In January, 1853, Mr. Axford was married to Miss Diana Sisson, who was born in Erie County. N. Y., in 1831, and brought to this county when about one year old. Iler father was Isaac Sisson, a native of New York, who died here in 1879. Her education was obtained in the common school and her knowledge of domestic arts was acquired under the guidance of a careful mother. She is a mem- her of the Methodist Episcopal Church and it has always been her endeavor to live in accordance with her profession, Mr. and Mrs. Axford have
THOMAS COOPER.
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five children, of whom we note the following: Julia E. is now the wife of Ezra Chamberlain, a prosper- ous farmer in Oakland Township; Ellen J. married Judson King and lives in Orion; Grant M. is clerk in a large dry-goods establish ment in Chattanooga, Tenn .; Bert A. is a carpenter and living with his parents; Oda J. is the wife of Fred Miller, of Orion. The sons have taken a special course of study in the Agricultural College at Lansing and the daughters have enjoyed the privileges of the high schools in Pontiac and Romeo.
For some years Mr. Axford has been an active member of the Orion Grange. He was a Republican in former years, but is now a member of the Pro- hibition party. The cause of temperance has always had an ardent advocate in him and he became con- vineed that the regulation of the liquor traffic was of the utmost importance and called for the united efforts of the lovers of their country. Although not anxious to fill public office Mr. Axford has allowed his name to be placed on the local ticket, but as he was always one of the minority in poli- ties, he was not cleeted. He has been a delegate to conventions and has helped his fellow-citizens by showing his interest in matters which promised to advance this section. Few men can show a better record as financiers than Mr. Axford and his exam- ple is worthy of study and emulation.
6 HOMAS COOPER, one of the earliest set- tlers in Southfield Township, makes his home on section 35. He was born on Long Island, N. Y., April 26, 1816, and his early home was on the sea-coast. His father, John Cooper was born at South Hampton, Long Island, in 1788. He was a farmer and fisherman and took part in the War of 1812. He came to Michigan in 1832 and took up four hundred acres of land in Wayne County. The next year he brought on his family and made his home here until his death at the age of eighty-three years. His father, John Cooper, made his home also on Long Island, being a farmer
and a fisherman. Ile at one time helped kill a whale.
The mother of our subjeet, Hannah Jager, was born in 1791, at South Hampton. She was the sec- ond daughter of Enoch and Jennie (Fanning) Jager. Her grandfather, Mr. Fanning, was a native of Ireland and a Colonel in the British army. IIe was sent by the British Government while this country was under the English crown, as a Gover- nor of one of the islands. He spent his last days in the village of Quogue, N. Y., on Long Island, where his farm adjoined that of Mr. Cooper. The wife of Col. Fanning was named Mehitable nick- named "lit."
The parents of our subject were married on Long Island in 1813. Eight children were granted unto them, namely : Mehitable, born in 1814; Thomas, 1816; Solon, 1818; Stephen, 1820; Jane, 1822; John, 1824; Caroline, 1826; Amanda, 1829. Our subject was reared in his native place and remained there until he was about twenty years old and re- ceived his schooling on Long Island. He came West with his parents in 1833, and on May 1, 1844, was joined in marriage to Mary Perry, who was born December, 1819, in County Donegal, Ireland. She was in her teens when she came to America and spent six years in Indiana on the Ohio River. She went there with her unele Jolin Shanklin, and coming to Michigan on a visit to her unele, James Shanklin, in 1843, met the gentleman who was to be her husband.
After marriage, our subject and his wife settled on a farm where he now resides. Their first home was in a log house 18x22 feet, and here they lived for four years, when they erected their present residence. Six children have been born to them, only two of whom remain to cheer the hearts of their parents, namely: Stephen S .. born January 28, 1845, resides in Troy Township, and Anna Amanda, born March 1, 1859, the wife of William Purdy, resides in Southfield Township. The chil- dren who died were Elizabeth M., George T., one who died in infancy and John P.
The farm upon which our subject resides com . prises one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Cooper had forty acres more but deeded it to his son, The first President for whom he voted was Taylor. He
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is an elder in the Presbyterian Church of which Mrs. Cooper is also a member. There are none living in the county who were members of that church previous to Mr. Cooper's joining it in 1835, and he is also the oldest surviving settler of Southfield Township. He has gained a handsome competency by industry, enterprise and straight- forward honesty, and uses his money for the good of others, being a liberal contributor to all good canses. He rents out his farm with its stock and tools, and is living a retired lite.
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A lithographie portrait of Mr. Cooper is pre- sented in connection with this biographical review.
G EORGE H. SIBLEY owns and ocenpies a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in In- dependence Township, and is pursuing the affairs of life with a satisfactory degree of success. Ile was born in Monroe County. N. Y., August 25, 1845, and was reared on a farm to the age of seventeen years. He then enlisted in Company H, Twenty-first New York Light Cavalry (Gris- wold's). and was mustered into the service at Ro- chester, December 23, 1863, for three years or during the war. Ile was assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah and joined the forces at Har- per's Ferry. Under the leadership of the gallant Phil HI. Sheridan he went through the Valley cam- paign, participating in the numerous battles that have made that section famous. After the sur- render of Gen. Lee the regiment was sent to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and remained there eight months, after which it was sent back to Washing- ton, D. C .. where the boys were discharged and mustered out, December 23, 1866.
When his army life was over Mr. Sibley returned to the home of his parents. Samuel and Elmira (Dixon) Sibley, and remained in their neighbor- hood about eighteen months. He then decided to go West, and making his way to Leavenworth. Kan., he spent a summer there, visiting with an old comrade. In the fall of 1868 he joined an overland expedition and freighted across the plains to Denver, Col., carrying United States stores. Ile
made two trips, and then, in 1869, entered the employ of Sanderson & Barlow, who ran a stage line. He drove from Trinidad, Colo., to Twin Springs, N. M., and then went on other lines, holding the reins about twelve months. He then went to the Cimarron River gold diggings, where for about five months he had charge of the sluice boxes.
Mr. Sibley and his partner about this time de- cided to return to the States, and our subject bought a pony and they crossed the plains unac- companied. Making a pause at Ft. Scott, Kan., Mr. Sibley again secured employment as a stage- driver and remained there about five months. He next went on the Texas cattle drive, and after making two trips quit the business and secured an appointment as Road Agent, having charge of two hundred and ten miles of road. In 1870 he returned to his native State and was married to Miss Theo- docia Townsend. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children-Hattie A., October 11, 1871; Frony. born in August, 1881 ; and Hiram G., September 2, 1882.
In 1875 Mr. Sibley came to this State, and having turned his attention to agricultural affairs, he is reaping a due reward for his efforts. Po- litically speaking he is a Democrat. He belongs to Sherman Post, No. 63, G. A. R., and Tent No. 35, K. O. T. M. He is a reliable citizen, and with his wife is held in due respect throughout their circle of acquaintances.
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LIVER II. P. OSMUN, a retired farmer who resides in Pontiac, was born January 29, 1826, in the township of Lansing, Tompkins County, N. Y. His father, Israel, was a native of the same county and a farmer by occupation. He was born April 11, 1803. He was the son of John Osman, who was born December 13, 1774. Ilis wife. Polly Osmun, was born February 21, 1773.
The mother of our subject, Fannie Staple, was a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of John Staple, of Irish and Dutch extraction. She was born in Pennsylvania July 6, 1803. Israel Osmun
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was married to her in Tompkins County, N. Y., January 17, 1822. They settled on a farm in that county until the fall of 1835. when they came to Oakland County and bought the Clinton Mills, known as Munson Mills, in the town of Water- ford. The journey was made from their home to Buffalo by team, and after coming by boat to De. troit, they crossed the country by team and wagon. They continued to operate the farm and mills for a number of years. In 1845 he sold out his mill- ing interests, having, however, built a new mill in the meantime on the same site. He then removed to section 16, and bought a tract of four hundred and forty acres which consisted of oak openings. llere he engaged in general farming and stock- raising. He was bereft of his wife March 18, 1869, she dying in the sixty-fifth year of her age.
In 1870 Israel Osmun sold his farm to his son Abijah and removed to the city of Pontiac. Here he was married the second time and died Febru- ary 4, 1878, his wife surviving him by one year. Eight children survive of the ten which crowned his first marriage. They are by name: John, Will iam, Oliver II. P .; Catherine, Mrs. Church; Ade- line, Mrs. DeWill; Abijah; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Green; and Israel, Jr. The two who died were Mary and George.
Our subject received his early education in the common schools and on the farm, and re- mained with his parents until he reached his ma- jority. In April, 1847, he united his fortunes for life with Rebecca, daughter of John and Ellen (Addis) Green, natives of Warren County, N.Y., of English and Dutch descent, who came to Mich- igan in 1834, and settled in Independence Town- ship. Mrs. Osmun was born in Warren County, N. J., October 27. 1826. Her mother died in 1881, and her father had been called away many years before. dying in 1854. They were the par- ents of ten children.
After marriage Mr. Osmun and his wife made their home on the old homestead in Waterford Township. Here they remained for three years and then bought one hundred and sixty acres and went to raising sheep and eattle and cultivating wheat. This he continued up to the time of his removal from the farm to the city of Pontiac.
Ile has rented out his farm, which is a fine tract of two hundred and seventy acres in a high state of cultivation and well supplied with excellent buildings and fences.
Mr. and Mrs. Osmun have one daughter, Mary Ellen, wife of George M. Richmond, who lives on a part of Mr. Osmun's farm. Mr. Osmun has acted as guardian for five children. They have two daughters, Olive and Grace, lle has always been a Democrat. Hle and his wife find their religious home with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have a good residence at No. 81, Oakland Avenue. Mr. Osmun commenced his career on limited means but has prospered in all his ways and has been successful in every enterprise in which he has en- gaged. He has thus accumulated a good compe- teney for his old age.
AVID W. MORRISON, although not an old settler in Commerce Township, pos- sesses a fine property here and is consid . ered one of its prominent citizens. His father, Joseph, who was horn near Belfast, County Derry, Ireland, and his mother, Nancy Wark, of the same locality came to America ahout 1821, and made their home in New York City in a house still standing near the corner of Bleecker and Mor- ton Streets. They afterward removed to Nine- teenth Street. then to Pike and Monroe, and later to Forty-second Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. The father was by trade a stone-cutter and flagger. He lived until 1887, but was bereaved of his wife in 1852. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are now living, one daughter and two sons. Both of the latter served in the army during the Civil War.
The father of our subject came West in 1837 and took his farms from the United States Govern- ment, but did not live on it as he returned to New York City. In that metropolis his son David was born, March 2, 1843, and there he grew to man- hood. He was a salesman in the shoe business and afterward in the finding business. He was given an excellent common-school education and began work
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when about fourteen years of age. Ilis marriage took place July 25, 1872. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of John J. Wright. a native of Germany, who lived in New York City over fifty years. Mrs. Morrison was one of a large family of children five of whom grew to maturity. She was born thirty- nine years ago in New York City and attended the Forty-seventh Street school.
After marriage Mr. Morrison lived on Fifty- third Street, afterward on Fortieth Street and fin- ally on Forty-second Street. He came to Michi- gan in 1878 and settled on bis present farm, No children have blessed this home and this worthy couple have taken two children to bring up. When they took their farm it was in a poor condition. Mr. Morrison has built a fine residence at a eost of $1,800. He has sixty- eight acres under cultiva- tion, and has cleared off a great quantity of timber, stones and stumps. He now bis land in a splendid state of cultivation. He carries on mixed farming, grain and stock, and has some fine specimens of horses. Ile was in the shoe findings business for himself in New York City before coming to Mich- igan. He now gives his entire attention to his farm and if he remains he will here improve it greatly.
Mr. Morrison is a man of patriotie impulses and during the Civil War he enlisted in defence of his country, joining Company B, Eighty-fourth New York Infantry. It was a militia regiment and was sworn into the United States service on board a transport, on the way to Baltimore. The Colonel commanding was Fred A. Conklin, a brother of the famous Senator Roscoe Conklin. From Balti- more the regiment was sent on to Washington and was assigned to the Ninth Army Corps. It saw service at Muddy Branch and Harper's Ferry. They did much picket duty and were in the service one hundred and ten days, being discharged at New York City.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is an earnest and consistent Republican, voting that ticket regularly. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 181, at Milford, also a member of the Masonie order at that town. Since his benevolent action in taking a boy and a girl to rear and educate, he has felt an increased
interest in schools and is one of the active promot- ers of every movement for their improvement, He has a fine property acquired by his own efforts and has recently received a considerable amount from his father's estate.
UBERT HEITSCH, contractor and builder, and manufacturer of doors, sash and house- finishing Inmber, has been numbered among the industrions and honorable citizens of Pontiac for nearly forty years. He began his life work without means, and by energy, industry and economy has accumulated a competence sufficient to insure him against want in his old age and ena- ble him to gratify every reasonable desire. He owns and occupies a neat and comfortable residence on South Saginaw Street, where good cheer abounds and true hospitality is dispensed. Mr. Heitsch has been able to give his children such privileges as prepared them to act well their part in life and take a position of honor in society.
Our subject was the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Mary (Bongo) Ileitsch. Ilis natal day was October 18, 1825, and his birth-place the village of Roggenburg, Switzerland, He at- tended school in his native place until he was four- teen years old, when he learned the trade of a mill- wright with his father, who was a practical work- man and followed the trade during most of his active life. The lad acquainted himself with all the departments of the wood work and busied him- self at bis chosen employment until 1853, when he embarked for America, led hither by the hope of better opportunities for personal advancement than were to be found in his own land.
Mr. Ileitsch landed at New York and came di- rect to this State, via Detroit to Pontiac. Upon reaching this place his means were exhausted and he sought work, finding employment with a car- peuter and joiner. He worked industriously for seven years, living frugally and saving what he could, and he then started a planing mill on a small seale. As business began to increase he en- larged the capacity of his establishment and while
Carlos Glazen M. D
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finishing lumber he took contracts to furnish build ing stone and other kinds of material. He put in the latest and best machinery as fast as his means would allow, and now runs a thirty-five horse power engine and is able to make everything in the way of building material that is produced from lumber. He built the school building on Florence Avenue.
Mr. Heitsch was married in February, 1851, to Miss Caroline Martie, who was born and reared in Switzerland and accompanied her husband to Amer- ica during the first years of their wedded life. She has borne her share of the cares and anxieties which their former circumstances entailed upon them, and now rejoices with her companion in their greater ease and the opportunities they have been able to give their children. The living members of their family are Dominick, Angust, Emma and Eddie. The eldest son is a practical workman and a good business man, and as a partner with his father looks after the business of the planing mill and lumber yard.
Mr. Heitsehi belongs to l'ontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., and Pontiae Chapter, R. A. M. He has sat in the City Council several terms, repre- senting the first ward. Politically he is a Demo- erat. In his official capacity he was zealous for the interests of his constituents and anxious to see the city improved and built up, yet opposed to undue expenditure and extravagance. Ile is in fact a pub- lic-spirited citizen and is held in good repute by the community.
℮ ARLOS GLAZIER, M. D., a prosperous physician residing in Royal Oak, Oakland County, is a native of Chenango, N. Y., where he was born August 14, 1820. His father Silas was a farmer in Connecticut and was born not far from Hartford in 1796. Ilis marriage in 1818 united him with Electa Whitney, who was one of a family of five sons and five daughters. The parents of our subject had six children of whom our sub- ject was the eldest When he was seven months old the family came to Troy Township and bought
eighty acres here. They remained for twelve years and then sold out and moved back to New York, where they bought property at Allen's Creek. some five miles east of Rochester, Silas Glazier died there in 1839 and his wife Electa passed away in 1842. They lie side by side at Brighton's Corners, N. Y., in their last sleep.
The subject of this sketch began work for him- self when fifteen years old, earning then $9 a month with which he helped to support the family. At the death of his mother the little property was divided and he began work in a powder mill. Here he remained for three years, receiving in the sum- mers about 860 a month. After leaving school he taught some and when he came to Michigan in 1843 he began to study for the medical profession. Ile spent three years with Drs. Bagg & Johnson of Pontiac and one year with Dr. Hudson of Farm- ington, after which he attended lectures in Cleve- land, Ohio.
The marriage of the young Doctor took place in September, 1849. ITis bride was Adeline, a daugh- ter of John and Polly (Myers) Smith of Newfanc, Niagara County, N. Y. The first home was at Warren, Macomb County, where the young Doctor built up a good practice. Three years later he went to Otsego, Allegan County, and spent a year. Ile next spent four years in Niagara County, N. Y., at Charlotteville. After this he returned to Mieli- igan and has made his home in the village of Royal Oak for some thirty- four years.
Dr. and Mrs. Glazier became the parents of three children: Rosetta, born August 30, 1850, died April 3, 1852; James, born June 14, 1853, died August 9, 1858; Edna, born March 16, 1860, is the only surviving child. On June 8, 1882 she was married to Melvin W. Marshall, of Royal Oak, the son of C. N. and Mary Marshall. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have had two children, Ethel who was born May 22, 1884. died June 17, 1885 ; and Carlos who was born November 30, 1886.
During the Civil War Dr. Glazier went to Columbus, Ohio, as Surgeon and from there to Louisville, Ky., where he was placed in charge of the health of the confederate prisoners. He then went to the front at Chattanooga, and afterwards to Marietta, Ga., and Altoona Mountains. During
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the battle of Peach Run he was ordered four miles to the front and on his return was put under Gen. Schofield where he was placed in the Twenty-third Corps. Third Brigade and Third Division After the capture of Atlanta he went to Cedar Bluff, Ala .. Kingston, Chattanooga, Louisville and Detroit. During the five months when he was in the service he amputated two hundred and seven- teen limbs. Ile now draws a pension.
Dr. Glazier has been a Free Mason for thirty- five years and belongs to Lodge No. 44, in Birm- ingham. He has been Clerk of the township several times, and has more than once been made a delegate to Democratic conventions. Ilis first Presidential vote was cast for Buchanan and his last for Cleveland. Mrs. Glazier died September 14, 1888, and lies in her last sleep at Royal Oak Cemetery. The Doctor, his daughter and her hus- band make their home together. Ile has a large and lucrative practice and enjoys excellent health. lle is fond of a gun, has an eye like a hawk, and bears a splendid reputation as a marksman. Ilis many friends will be pleased to notice his portrait on another page of this volume.
ESSE G. LINDSLEY, M. D. This gentle- man is one of the well-known citizens of Highland Township, in which he has made his home for well-nigh forty years. During the greater part of that time he was engaged in the practice of his profession, but in 1875 lie discon- tinned it and devoted himself exclusively to the pursuit of agriculture. He still occupies a farm and adds to the marketable products of the county, grain of high grade and fat stock. He was born in Seneca County, N. Y., December 2, 1821, but has lived in this State from his eleventh year. llis home was in Washtenaw County, until 1853, when he identified himself with the citizens of the town- ship in which he is now living.
The father of our subject was Elihu Lindsley who was born in New Jersey, but early in life went to New York State. After spending some years in Sencca County he removed to Livingston
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