Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 54

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 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

County and thence came to Michigan in 1832. He breathed his last in Washtenaw County in 1868. Ile was a lifelong farmer and owned one hundred and twenty aeres of land in Washtenaw County. Ile was a member of the Presbyterian Church and so too was his wife, who was removed from him by death in 1831, during the prevalence of cholera in the United States. Their marriage had taken place in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1815, and had been blest by the birth of eight children, named respec- tively, Caroline, Henry, Jesse G., Cornelia, Cather- ine, Charles, Louisa and Sophronia. Charles en- listed in the Sixth Michigan Infantry and after- ward in the Heavy Artillery and served through the entire war. He was wounded in the forearm at Baton Rouge.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gardner and her parents were Henry and IJannab ( Allen) Gardner, natives of New Jer- sey. They removed to Seneca County, N. Y., where Mr. Gardner lived until death. Ile was killed by a runaway team. His widow made a sec- ond marriage, wedding Jonathan Thayer, but fin- ally came to this State and made her home with her danghter. Mrs. Lindsley, and later with a daughter in Albion, Calhoun County, where she died.

Dr. Lindsley received a common school educa- tion and pursued the usual course in life of a farm- er's son until he was of age. He studied medicine with Dr. Isaac S. Smith at Detroit and at the age of twenty-seven years entered the University at Arbor and took medical lectures during two terms of six months each. After he became a resident of Highland Township be divided his time between his farm and his practice for some years, but event- ually turned his attention to one occupation alone. lle was married in November, 1852, to Miss Mary S. Coburn. the ceremony taking place at the bride's home in Washtenaw County. She was the daugh- ter of Jephtha and Mercy Coburn, who were natives of Massachusetts. Mr. Coburn came to this State in 1830 and settled at Ann Arbor, and later went to Wisconsin. Ile returned to this State in 1840 and sojourned in Washtenaw County until 1854. A score of years prior to that time he had bought Government land in Highland Township, this

489

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

county, the tract consisting of one hundred and sixteen and one-half acres. To this he eame and here he lived with his son-in-law, Dr. Lindsley, until death. Ilis demise took place in 1879. Mrs. Coburn died in 1847 at the age of fifty-one years. They had but two children-Mary S. and Elmira E.

The marriage of Doctor and Mrs. Lindsley was blest by the birth of five children named respect- ively-Celia Y., Frank L., Jesse C., Charles F. and Henry B. The devoted wife and mother was re- moved from her sorrowing household by death, September 18, 1889. Dr. Lindsley has been a Re- publican since the organization of the party. He was elected Township Supervisor in 1875, and again elected in 1877 and continued to act in the official capacity nine years. This long continuance in office speaks for itself regarding the reputation he bears among his fellow-citizens.

P ORTER T. BUTLER. For almost a decade this gentleman has been a resident of the town of Orion, where he owns and occupies a pleasant dwelling. He is engaged in business connected with the Citizens Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Oakland, Genesee & Shiawassee Counties, a corporation in which he has been a director and for which he is acting as agent. Prior to his removal to his present resi- dence, he was engaged in farming, and he still owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land on sections 10 and 15, Oakland Township. Finanei- ally speaking he is a selfmade man, and it was only by persevering industry, wise economy and good management that he acquired a competence.

The paternal ancestors of our subject first estab- lished their home in America in the early part of the seventeenth century, emigrating from Ireland. Grandfather Butler was born in Massachusetts, but spent a number of years in Genesce County, N. Y., and died there. Justin II. Butler, father of Porter T., was born near Boston, Mass., in 1803, and ac- companied his parents to New York when but a lad. His home was upon a farm and he acquired a

good knowledge of agriculture, but learned the trade of a shoemaker and worked at the bench six- teen years. He came to this State in the fall of 1827, located in Macomb County and carried on quite an extensive business, employing several men in his shop. In 1843 he went to Lapeer County, but the next year bought farm land in Oxford Township, this county, and removing hither oper- ated it four years. He then spent a few years in Brandon Township, but in 1863 retired from active life and made his home with his eldest son, in La- peer County. Ile died in 1884 at the ripe age of eighty-one years. He had filled various responsi- ble local offices and was a member of the Christian Church.

The gentleman whose name introduces these par- agraphs was born in Macomb County, this State, October 22, 1831. Ilis early years were passed upon a farm and in attendance at the log school- house, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the more practical branches. At the age of twenty years he began working by the month as a farm hand, and spent several winters in the lumber dis- tricts. In the spring of 1854 he bought a farm in Brandon Township, this county, which he lived upon and cultivated fourteen years. In 1869 he took up his residence in Oakland Township and re- mained on his farm there until his removal to the town of Orion.

At the bride's home in Brandon Township, in 1855, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Nancy Lomis, daughter of Thomas N. and Julia ( Miller) Lomis. This estimable lady was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1834, and her parents also were natives of the Empire State. They came West in 1836 and settled in this county, where they were well and favorably known, Mr. Lomis holding various town- ship offices and being a prominent man in business and social circles. He was a member of the last State legislature that met in Detroit. Ile died in 1879 at the age of seventy-one years. The mother of Mrs. Butler had breathed her last in 1854. She had borne nine children, seven of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Butler there have been born three daughters, of whom we note the following : Han- nah is the wife of IIomer Taylor, a farmer in Oak land Township; Olive E. married Henry Hopkins,

190

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

who is also a farmoredulia is the wife of Albert Ilammond, who fill a responsible position with a Detroit firm.

As the country in which Mr. Butler passed his early life was sparsely settled and was still the haunt of the red men, he formed many acquaintan- ces among the Indians and acquired considerable knowledge of their form of speech. Ile is an earn- est member of the Republican party and has been a delegate to county and State conventions. Dur- ing past years he has held various positions of public responsibility and he is now a member of the Common Council of Orion. He and his wife stand well in society and have many true friends wherever they are known.

ACOB TAYLOR, one of the oldest pioneers of Commerce Township, Oakland County, and a man of more than ordinary ability and good judgment, is the son of George Taylor, who was born in New Jersey, September 1, 1782. The grandfather William Taylor, a native of Ireland, came to America before the Revolu- tionary War and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He made his home in Pennsylvania and was a prominent man in his locality. The mother of our subject, Sarah (Shoe- maker) Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania of Duteb descent, was born December 16, 1787. This couple were married in Pennsylvania and resided there until they came to Michigan in 1823. upon one of the first boats that came to Detroit. They traveled from Detroit on foot to Peetz Hill, now known as Birmingham. They spent one year in Troy and one in East Bloomfield. He constructed the first frame barn ever erected in East Bloomfield Town- ship, and helped to raise the first sawmill at Mil- ford. He followed the business of carpentering for many years, although on account of cutting bis knee during the second year of his residence in Michigan he was afterward crippled throughout life. He came to Commerce Township in 1831 and settled where Walled Lake now stands. He died July 30, 1841 and his wife passed away July 30,

1849. She was a devout member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. George Taylor was a Cap- tain in the War of 1812 and kept tavern in Pennsylvania in Luzerne County, after the war. He was Justice of the Peace for many years and was the first one appointed in Commerce Township. He was Constable in Troy and Road Commissioner in this township, which he helped to organize. He always lived on friendly terms with the Indians who were near neighbors in those days. He was a hard-working man, and a strong Jacksonian Dem- ocrat.

The subject of this sketch was one of eleven children, five of whom are now living. He was born November 16, 1820, while his parents were traveling from Pennsylvania to Michigan. He at- tended a rate bill school, and grew up to be a farmer. He began for himself when about twenty- five years old, and took care of his mother after his father died. He used to work out for others at fifty cents a day, furnishing his own scythe in hay- ing time. He has seen the Indians here in thou- sands and wild animals were in abundance.

The marriage of our subject took place Septem- ber 11, 1846. Ilis wife was Melinda a daughter of Philemon L. and Matilda (Seeley) Austin, both natives of Yates County, N. Y .. and early pioneers. Mr. Austin was a pump maker and served in the War of 1812. Four of their nine children are now living. Melinda, was born February 4, 1823, and died July 5, 1855. She was the mother of three children : Matilda born October 10, 1847 and now wife of Jerome Barrett, living in Midland County. Marinda born July 30, 1850, wife of Maj. Charles R. Miller of the War Department at Washington, and Philemon J., born September 17. 1851, and married to Sarah Trumper, living in Novi Town- ship. Both sons in-law served in the Civil War and both daughters are the mothers of two chil- dren. The second marriage of Mr. Taylor occurred July 4. 1858. His wife is Marinda Austin, a sister of his former wife. She was born August 7, 1827. One child crowned this union, Justis born June 9, 1859, married to Jennie IIill, and making his home on the homestead. Justis is the father of three children.

Mr. Taylor settled on section 33 on an unim-

James Q: Bradford

493

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

proved farm immediately after marriage. A log house formed the first home. He now has one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, one hundred and fifty of it under cultivation, besides one hundred and sixty acres in Novi Township which he gave to his eldest son. He did all the clearing himself and put in all the improvements. The apple trees in his orchard were brought by him twenty-five miles on horseback and placed in the ground by his own hand. He used to go to Pontiac to mill and when he was called, as he often was, to serve on the jury, went on foot, as oxen were the only teams used and he could not always spare them from the farm. When he first settled here he used to walk sixteen miles at night to get plow points. Ile started out empty handed and has never re- ceived a dollar's help from any one. He has been a Director for twenty-five years and Assessor for a number of years. He has always taken an active interest in politics and votes the Democratic ticket. He has been a Deputy Sheriff under Hodges and Stanton and was Road Commissioner. He has been a frequent delegate to both State and county conventions and attended the inauguration at Wash- ington of Grover Cleveland. His life of strict temperance is one of the characteristics which commend him as an example to all young men. Both he and his good wife are citizens who com- mand the respect of the community.

AMES S. BRADFORD, This county lost a representative citizen and Pontiac Town- ship one of its most efficient farmers and public officials when the late Mr. Bradford laid aside this earthly tabernacle. Ile came to Pon- tiac with his father, John Bradford, in the spring of 1842, and lived continuously in the neighbor- hood where he died. Ile was born in West Kill- bride, Scotland, November 11, 1831, and died March 1, 1890. He leaves two brothers and one sister. together with other relatives, to mourn for one whose life was the embodiment of noble man-

hood. To the biographical sketch of his brother Robert, the reader is referred for items regarding his parents.

Mr. Bradford received a common-school educa- tion, beginning his studies in his native parish and continuing them in this county. He remained at home until after his father's death and assisted in the management of the homestead. About the time he became of age he went to Chicago and accepted a position of considerable responsibility, and so faithfully discharged his duties as to win the esteem of his employers. After an absence of about a year he returned to Pontiac Township and bought land on section 26. which he at once began to improve. At the time of his death he was in possession of two hundred acres of fine land, equipped with all modern conveniences and well stocked both with domestic animals and use- ful machinery. He had but limited means when he began the battle of life, but he made steady and sure progress in the accumulation of this world's goods.

June 17, 1855, Mr. Bradford was married to Miss Rebecca A. Bulman, a lady of rare qualities of mind and heart, who was his able second and ardent sympathizer in all that was good. She was born in Pontiac Township in 1835, and is a daughter of Christopher and Jane E. (Van Dyke) Bulman, natives of New York, who came to this State early in the '30s. The Bulman family com- prised five sons and daughters, all still living. Mr. Bulman breathed his last in 1872, and Mrs. Bulman in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Bradford there came three children, named respectively : John C., Jane and Nettie M. The son, who is a prosper- ous young farmer. lives on a part of the home- stead; Jane is the wife of Samuel Gaston and lives on the old place; Nettie is pursuing her studies in Pontiac.

As a man and a citizen Mr. Bradford was good and true in every relation of life. "ITis deeds of love and words of kindness" will oft be recalled by sorrowing friends, and the void left by his death will long be unfilled. As a hus- band and father he was tender and devoted, and around his home his thought and interest centered. Not only those nearest and dearest to him, but all

494

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

who knew nim will regard his portrait a valuable addition to this volume. Ile was for several years Secretary of the Oakland County Horticultural Society and for many seasons had been efficient at the county fair. He possessed first-class clerical ability and kept well posted in matters applicable to township affairs, and as a consequence was a very useful officer, a fact the people showed their appreciation of by continuing him in the office of Township Clerk for many years. lle may well be spoken of as a representative man and it needs but a mention of his name to demonstrate the fact that he was highly esteemed. Politically he was a Democrat. He was also a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M.

-S

E LEAZOR S. CHIASE, one of the leading farmers of Rose Township, was born in the town of Farmington, Oakland County, Mich., July 10, 1831, and is the son of Edward and Lucyntha (Shurtliff) Chase. The grandfather, Jerry Chase, was born in Western New York and followed the calling of a farmer. IIc came to Oakland County about 1825, and made his home in Troy Township, where he kept hotel at what was called the "Eight Mile House," west of De- troit. Ile continued to reside here until the day of his death, and here he reared his children, two sons and four daughters. They are named Jasper, Edward, Zada, Polly and Harriet. He and his wife were active and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she pre- ceded him some years to the better world.

The father of our subject was born in the town of Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y., and came to Troy, Mich., with team and wagou, being ten days on the way. That was in the year 1823. He worked by the month for one season and returned to New York at the end of the summer. The next spring he returned with his family and began to keep open house in a tavern at Troy.

In 1840 this sturdy pioneer came to Rose Cor- ners, where he bought twenty aeres of land and an hotel, which he managed for six years. After

this he rented out the hotel and followed farming, adding sixty acres to his previous tract. In 1849 he traded this land for eighty acres on sec- tion 20, Rose Township, where he continued to reside until called hence by death August 21, 1887, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a man of sterling Christian character and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served his town as Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and in other offiees. IIis children are Betsey J., Polly A., Sarah and Eleazor. They are all living and have homes and children of their own. At the time of his death he had a fine farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres.

The mother of our subject was born in New York December 29, 1806, and lived to a good old age, passing away May 27, 1891. She gave to her only son the best educational advantages she could obtain for him in the district schools. IIe was twenty-two years old when he began life for himself by taking an interest with his father. He now owns the homestead. Like his father, he is an advocate of Democratic principles in politics and he takes an active part in every campaign. His marriage took place November 18, 1865, when he was united to Maria Bowman, a daugh- ter of John and Emily (Steward) Bowman. This lady was born near Utica, Macomb County. She is the mother of seven children, five of whom are now living, namely : John, William II., Edward D., Jennie M. aud Eva. To all of these their parents have given an excellent education. The family is an intelligent and progressive one and they are highly respected in the community.

LBERT J. WILDERS, a very successful young druggist of Ortonville, was born in Brandon Township, Oakland County, December 2, 1851. His father, Thomas, was a native of Northamptonshire, England, where he was born April 11, 1812. He was there a stocking and glove manufacturer, and came to America in 1848, being five weeks and four days crossing the ocean. He spent a few months in

495

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Brooklyn and came to Michigan in the fall of the same year, locating in Brandon Township. He purchased land on section 8. At his death, April 19, 1887, he left his estate to his widow during her lifetime, at her death to be divided among his heirs.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Berrington. She was born Feb- ruary 5, 1813, in Leicestershire, England. She now resides with her son Albert, and in ber sev- enty-ninth year preserves her faculties. She is an earnest member of the Baptist Church, to which she has belonged for more than fifty-five years. Her husband's father, the Rev. William Wilders, was a Baptist minister, who came to America in 1848, and followed the ministry here until his death, in 1854. He organized the First Baptist Church of Ortonville. His son, Thomas, joined the church when he was sixteen years old in England, and was for many years a Deacon in Michigan.

The subject of this sketch is the youngest of four children, all of whom are now living. After taking his schooling in the district schools and his practical training on the farm, he remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age. In the fall of 1872 he took a course in telegraphy at Ober- lin College. He returned home and began line practice, spending four months at Oxford, but, as his health failed him, he returned home for awhile. In the fall he purchased the drug-store which he now manages from Dr. C. P. Felshaw, who now resides at Holly. He has enlarged his store room until it now comprises a floor 18x48 feet. He is an excellent manager and has one of the neatest and most attractive storerooms in the State.

Mr. Wilders is a Republican in politics and served as Postmaster from 1875 to 1885. For four years he was Justice of the Peace. He owns a nice town property in Ortonville and is Treas- urer in the Baptist Church, where he has been a member for nearly twenty-five years. He carries an excellent stock of goods in his line. Ile began business with no capital and went in debt 8800, but he has made a success and stands away above par both in regard to business and in his char- acter as a man. His father was a music teacher

and taught singing schools all over this section of the country. Ile was a chorister in his church in England and continued to sing in the choir here np to a short time previous to his death. He had an excellent voice and was well and favorably known all through this country.

ANIEL W. MITCHELL, an old resident of section 10, Ilolly Township, has been all his life long identified with the farming interests of Oakland County, being born in Holly Township. February 10, 1843. He is an inteligent and progressive man, whose efforts have been wisely employed for the benefit of his neigh- bors. His father George, was born in Belfast, Ire- land. Ilere he was married and had one child horn to him. That same year he crossed the ocean and the baby died on the passage, and was buried on an island where the ship stopped. Ile settled in New York City and lived there and in the State for four or five years. He then traveled about from one place to another for some time, and in 1834 came to Oakland County, Mich., near Independence. He bought forty acres of the Government on sec- tion 9, Holly Township, built a log house and im- proved the place. Indians frequently called upon him and stayed with him all night. Ile bought other land from the Government and by pri- vate purchase and at one time owned two bun- dred and eighty aeres of land. Ile helped to put in mill dams at Independence, Waterford and other places in the county. He came here a poor man but acquired a large property before his death. Ile used ox-teams altogether in the early days and did an immense amount of clearing and breaking, being a hard working man. Pontiac and Detroit were his trading points. lle was unusually tall and stood six feet two inches in his stockings. He was a Democrat and took a lively interest in politics. He died in August, 1852.

The mother of our subject was Elder S. Carlyle. She was born at Belfast, Ireland. Of her nine children, seven grew to maturity, namely: Marga- ret, William, Hannah, John, David, Sarah and

496

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Daniel. Their mother died in 1862. She was a remarkable woman and a hard worker, spinning and weaving cloth from which she made clothes for the family.

Young Daniel was reared on the farm and at- tended school in the old log schoolhouses of the early days. The system of rate bills was then in use. He can remember seeing from ten to fifteen deer in a drove and Indians were frequent eallers at his father's home. He began working for himself when he reached his majority but has always lived on the homestead. He spent four winters in the pineries in the northern part of the State north of Bay City. He has one hundred and thirty-nine and a half acres in his farm. He built his neat frame house in 1886 and refitted his present large frame barn in 1890. He is an extensive stock- breeder and has raised some very fine horses, one of which brought him $1,500. He raises grain of all kinds.

Mr. Mitchell was married April 12, 1882, to Anna Reasner, who was born in Atlas, Genesee County, Mich., July 24, 1856. Her father, now a retired farmer in Fenton, is Peter Reasner and her mother bore the maiden name of Eliza Blackmore. Two children have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell: J. Frank and Jennie S. Mr. Mitchell's political affiliations are with the Demo- cratic party. He has never aspired to office but filled the position of Constable one year.

Le EWIS D. OWEN, proprietor of the Owen House at Farmington, was born in Macomb County, Mich., January 19, 1841. His father, who also bore the name of Lewis D. Owen, was born August 16, 1815, in Covington, N. Y. He came with his father, Abijah Owen, to Shelby, this county, in 1825. When sixteen years of age he engaged as a clerk with P. & G. Leach, of Utica, and in May, 1834, he opened a store in Romeo, hut after one year removed his business to Troy. After that he went into business at Utica with Messrs. Leach & Sheldon, under the firm name

of Sheldon & Owen. In 1837 he was married to Jane E., daughter of Lucy Ann and Gideon Gates, and in 1838 removed to Romeo. He was Deputy Sheriff of the county some years and was Collector and Constable up to 1842. In 1852 he removed to the vicinity of Romco, where he remained up to the time of his death which occurred April 15, 1891.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 54

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

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