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 69
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This worthy couple had only two children; our subject was the younger; his sister, Rosamond, was born May 3, 1841, and became the wife of John Walls, now deceased, of Orchard Lake, this county. By him she became the mother of eight children. She is now the wife of Benjamin Johnson, of Santa Rosa, Cal. Our subject was reared on his father's farm in White Lake, this county, and received a common-school education. Farming has been his principal occupation, although for about a year he engaged in the mercantile business at Waterford. He remained on the old home until the death of his parents, when the place was sold. He then removed to Pontiac in 1888 and a few months later bought his present farm of ninety-nine acres, and moved onto it in October the same year. He was educated in the Pontiac schools, and Bryant & Stratton's Com-
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Robert garner
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mercial College at Detroit. He is keeping blooded stock and is gradually turning his attention in that way, and will probably make it his specialty.
Mr. Robinson was united in marriage, June 22, 1876, with Miss Abigail Windiate, who was born in Bloomfield Township, this county, and is a daugh- ter of David and Betsey (German) Windiate. This worthy couple are devoted and worthy members of the Episcopal Church. Three children have blessed their home, namely: Olive O., Lutie and Ross. Mr. Robinson is a Democrat in his political views, and is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, and the Royal Arch Masons. Also with the Knights of the Maccabees.
R OBERT GARNER. Among the leading Residents of White Lake Township is the subject of this sketch, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page. Ile has now passed the limit of four-score years, and in & hale and hearty old age still continues his interest in the welfare of the world. He has in many ways aided in improving the community in which he lives, but has never limited himself to local mat- ters. He was an Abolitionist, and is now an earnest Prohibitionist, and hopes to live to see the day when strong drink will be banished from our country.
Robert Garner is a son of Thomas, who in turn was a son of Thomas, a native of Ireland, of Scotch descent, his father having come from that country during the time of persecution. The father of our subject was born in 1756, and came to America in 1801, settling in Sussex County, N. J. During his twenty-four years' residence in that State the following children were born: Eliza- beth, John, Nancy, George, Robert and Jane (twins). Ann and Thomas. When quite advanced in years he went to Steuben County, N. Y., and lived in Putney for eight years. Ile then came to Michigan and made his home in White Lake Township.
While in Ireland Mr. Garner was a manufacturer
of fine linens, but after coming to this country he followed mostly milling and farming. When he came to Michigan he took from the Government, in the name of his children, some six hundred and forty acres of fine land. Ile never owned any land in Michigan in his own name, but made his home with his son Thomas. He was engaged in the Irish Rebellion, and for three years carried with him a document inciting the people against the British Government and urging them to set up one for themselves. He died September 2, 1838, and was the first old person to be buried in White Lake Township. Ilis wife, Ann Crawford, was also descended from the Scotch who fled their country during a period of persecution. She was born in Ireland in 1770, and died in May, 1861, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
Robert Garner was born September 2, 1810, in Hardiston, Sussex County, N. J. He removed with his parents, as before stated, to New York and Michigan, and upon coming to this State pur- chased two hundred and forty acres of land, but before settling upon it, returned to Steuben County, N. Y., and secured his wife. She was Mary E., daughter of Andrew and Mary (Ackin- son) Armstrong. The father was of Scotch de- scent and the mother of German blood. The mar- riage of our subject took place May 21, 1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Garner have been born two sons and nine daughters-Jane B., Margaret and Mary (twins), Mary J., Levina, Andrew, Ann, Mattie, Charles C., Ada M. and Clarissa B. Four only of these children now survive.
Our subject has added to his acreage from time to time, and at one period owned four hundred acres in White Lake, and owned altogether more than nine hundred acres. Ile is actively inter- ested in the breeding of Guernsey cattle. In early life he was a Democrat and voted for Presi- dent Jackson, but he became a Whig, and when the question of Abolition was agitated he went heart and soul into its merits, and voted that ticket until 1848. Later he voted for the Free Soil party, and joined himself to the Republican party when it was formed. He is always wide- awake to the interests of humanity, is an earnest promoter of temperance movements, and for fifteen
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years he has been a Prohibitionist. He has never aspired to office, but has often been named for positions of trust. He was a candidate for Sen- ator, and was also at one time named for the Legis- lature by the Republican party. He is a Granger and a Patron of Industry. In his early life lie was in the communion of the Presbyterian Church, but at present, although not adhering to any church, still eherishes his Christian faith, and is in favor of the union of all Christains. At one time he joined with Erastus Hopkins and his brothers Thomas and John Garner to build a union church, which was known as the White Lake Church. Since it has not been needed for religions meetings. it is used for Prohibition meetings.
The subject of this sketch has always been an enterprising man. He subscribed $1.000 to the Milwaukee Railroad, and was one of the Directors of the plank road to be built from White Lake to Novi, but this was never completed. He also had stock in the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. Ile now has two hundred and forty five acres of land, and has lately invested in the Tennessee Land Company at Harryman. He also owns two and one-half lots in Harvey. two miles south of Chi- cago, Il., and owns forty shares in the Demorest Land Company in Georgia.
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About five years ago Mr. Garner erected to himself a monument of white bronze in the White Lake Cemetery. It stands sixteen feet in height, and cost something over $500. Ile has been a liberal giver to Church eauses, and especially to Missionary enterprises. He gave at one time $1,000 to the American Missionary Association, and has donated liberally to it for for forty-five years. He was Superintendent of the first Sunday- sehool west of Pontiac in this county.
P HILO C. DAVIS. The late Mr. Davis was a potent factor in the development of Pon- tiac Township for thirty years and attained to one of the most influential standings in the community. In 1854 he bought a farm on section 36, and there he lived until his sudden
removal from the earth life November 23, 1886. Ilis estate consisted of two hundred acres of choice land, and there had been built upon it good barns and other outhouses and an attractive residence.
Mr. Davis was born in Sweden. Oneida County, N. Y., August $0, 1825. His father. Jehiel Davis, was born in Wilbraham, Mass., July 12, 1787, and his mother, Lydia (Bentley) Davis, in New York November 30, 1792. The father served for a short time during the War of 1812. Hle re- moved to this county in 1831, and located in Troy Township, where he entered and cleared up a farm. He was bereft of the wife of his youth September 12, 1842, and his own demise occurred in 1875.
The son was six years old when the removal to this county took place and his recollections are chiefly of scenes and incidents in this State. Ile attended the district school and gained a fair share of knowledge, and upon reaching his major- ity began to improve an eighty-acre tract in May- field Township, Lapeer County, which was given him by his father. He built a house and barn and had cleared thirty acres when he decided to sell. During the seven years he spent there, he taught a distriet school during the winter sea- sons. Thence he returned to this county and es- tablished himself on the farm before mentioned, which he brought to a high state of development.
In 1854 Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Mahala Vosburg. daughter of Richard and Aurilla (Thompson) Vosburg. She was born in Columbia County. N. Y .. in 1831. and accompanied her parents to this State when eight years old. Mr. Vosburg settled in Lapeer County and died there about 1874. some five years after his wife had passed away. Mrs. Davis is the only one of their five children now living. She has borne her husband six sons and daughters, named respec- tively: Aurilla, Florence, Arthur, Ward, Eliza and Richard. The eldest married Marion Short, a traveling salesman, and their home is in Pontiac; Florence became the wife of Judson Wyman and lives in Auburn; the others are still at home.
Mr. Davis gave his allegiance to the principles of Democracy and was a prominent Mason. For
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more than twenty years he acted in the capacity of Township Supervisor and for a considerable length of time he was Justice of the Peace. IIe exerted much influence on the side of law and order and was a promoter of cordial feeling and liberality. He was, in fact, a representative eiti- zen, honest, elever and open-handed.
DAM REID, one of the influential and highly respected citizens of Southfield Township, is known far and wide as a man of excellent judgment and many attractive traits of character. His influence in the com- munity is always for harmony and friendship and he has been named "the Peacemaker" by liis neigh- bors. Ile was born in Ballymoney Parish, Ireland, September 22, 1823. Ilis father, Peter, was a large farmer in County Antrim. He also operated a gristmill on his farm and lived to the extreme age of ninety years. Ile was twice married and reared a large family. Ilis second wife Jennie Neal, the mother of our subject, had four children, three of whom came to America in 1847, namely: Peter, Adam and Samuel.
Adam Reid, received his schooling in . the old country and was twenty-three years old when he came to America. He landed in New York City and thence went to West Bloomfield, Essex County, N. J., where he began work by the month at $5 per month. He remained there one year, and then re- turned to New York City, where he found employ- ment in a sugar refining business. Five years later in 1853 he came to Michigan. He had saved $450 of his earnings and was now ready to buy a farm. Ile bought twenty acres of land on section 25, Southfield Township, paying $335 for it. There was a small house on the place. He worked his farm and worked out for others by the day at fifty cents a day, doing anything which came to his hand. Two years later he purchased forty acres on section 36 of his brother Peter, only about three or four aeres were cleared. In 1861 he bought forty acres which he also cleared and improved. In 1865 he added sixty acres more to his already
large farm and in 1881 he added one hundred and sixty acres more. This last purchase was in Sagi- naw County and somewhat later he sold eighty acres of that, and in 1883 he purchased forty aeres on section 36, Southfield Township, which he has sold at a profit. He also owns eighty acres in Royal Oak Township. His cow barn 75x30 feet in dimensions is one of the finest in the county. He is now preparing to put up another barn 40x80 feet.
The marriage of Mr. Reid took place in 1852. lle was then happily united with Sarah Mckinley, a native of the same place as himself. This worthy couple are the happy parents of eight children, thice of whom are now living, namely: David N., Peter, and Adam S. The first named son is serving as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Reid sells the milk from twenty-five cows. He is a Republi- ean in politics and his religions home is with the United Presbyterian Church
OSEPH J. BIRD is the son of one of the early pioneers who came to Michigan in the early days when blankets were made to do service for doors, and when Indians, deer and wolves were the most numerous and attentive neighbors. Our subject is a son of Gardner Bird whose father lived in Massachusetts. Gardner was born in Massachusetts in 1802. At an early age he went to New York and lived a short time in Ontario County, where he was married to Eliza Johnson. Eight children blessed this union, namely : Alvira, Darwin, Albert, Melvina, Joseph, Eliza- beth, Mareus and Mary, who are all living except three. The four elder children were born in New York.
Gardner Bird came to Michigan in 1831, and took up a farm of one hundred and twenty acres from the Government in Webster Township, Washtenaw County. After a few years be removed to Pleasant Valley, Brighton Township, Livingston County, where he took two hundred and forty aeres from the Government, which now belongs to his son Albert. On this farm, Mr. and Mrs. Bird re-
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mained until their decease. She was called from earth iu 1854, and he died in 1883. He was a Whig and finally a Republican but never aspired to pub- lic offices. He was always a farmer and saw many hard times after he came to Michigan. He plowed the first furrow that was turned in Brighton Town- ship and put up the second log house there. In one season he killed forty deer and often shot wild turkeys. He was a great huntsman and at one time with one shot killed two wild turkeys as he stood with his gun at the window. lle was a hard work- ing man and broke many acres of land. At his death he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land.
The subject of this sketch was the first white child born in Brighton Township, Livingston County, Mich. The date of his advent is October, 22, 1834. He worked for his father and went to school until he was twelve years old. After that he had no schooling in the summer. He was mar- ried in his native township, November 24, 1850. His bride was Elizabeth, daughter of Job C'ranson, and Mary L. (Hyde) Lenox a native of Madison County, N. Y. The parents of Mrs. Bird had five children, namely-Jane, Elizabeth, Celestia, Linus, and Lester, only two, Elizabeth and Celestia lived to mature years; the latter is deceased. Elizabeth the wife of our subject was born June 30, 1838, in Brighton, Livingston County, Mich. IIer father had a fine farm there and in Milford Township. He finally sold his land and went to Fenton, in 1867, and engaged in the banking business in 1870. This he followed until his death in 1882. He was a Democrat in early life but became a Republican after the organization of that party.
Joseph J. Bird after marriage worked on the farm by the year but soon decided to buy a farm from Mr. Cranson. At the end of the second year he came to Highland Township, Oakland County, and in 1861 purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres; this is the farm referred to above. Here he made his home for about five years when he went to Wisconsin and purchased one hundred and eighty-eight acres. But he remained there only nine months when he sold out and returned to Brighton, Mich. He worked his father's farm for three years and then returned to the farm
which he had purchased in Highland Township, Onkland County. Here he now resides, having two hundred and forty acres, a large part of it well improved and having placed upon it a beautiful house, excellent barns and all necessary outbuild- ings. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and he and his three sons are sturdy Republicans.
The three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bird are bright, enterprising young men, a credit to their parents and to the community in which they live. Clayton J., born October 10, 1859, is a farmer in Highland Township, as is also Arthur C., who was born May 22, 1864. This second son graduated at the age of nineteen years at the Lansing Agricultural Col- lege and he is a teacher as well as a farmer. Harry L., was born September 23, 1869. He is still pur- suing his studies at Ann Arbor where he will grad- uate in pharmacy in the Class of '91.
ILLIAM R. NOTT, who was formerly en- gaged in farming in Pontiac Township, was born in Cornwall, England, October 23, 1823, and died in this county, July 14, 1871. Ile was reared as a farmer near the city of Corn- wall and received a fair education by walking four miles to a select school. He firmly believed that in America he could better his condition and when of age he embarked for the New World. He landed in Canada, where he remained about two years working out. He then crossed into New York and found employment, and finally engaged in farming there. He was married in 1854 and soon after removed to this State and ere long became the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land on section 23, Pontiac Township. He went in debt for the land, but worked hard, lived economically and prospered.
The wife to whom Mr. Nott owed the comfort of his home and much good counsel, as well as the assistance secured by her prudent management, bore the maiden name of Electa Cook. She was born in New York in 1836 and is a daughter of Hosea B. and Jerusha (Hosmer) Cook. Her mother died years ago. She received ber primary educa-
Wm. Beaty.
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tion in the district school in Chautauqua County and for two years pursued more advanced studies in an academy for young ladies. She is a woman of superior intelligence and since the death of her husband has demonstrated the fact that business ability is not confined to the stronger sex. She has energy and the plueky spirit that does not give up to discouragement, combined with the faculty of making a true home, pleasant and attractive.
The marriage of Mr. Nott and Miss Cook was solemnized at the bride's home on October 3, 1853 and to them there came six children, two of whom died in infancy and one in later years. The surviv- ors are Plymouth R., a prosperous farmer in Oak- land Township; Olive, wife of Emanuel German, a farmer in Bloomfield Township; Stephen W., who is married and owns a farm adjoining the home- stead. Edna, wife of Elmer Williamson died Decen- ber, 1884. Until within the last few years Mrs. Nott managed the farm left by her husband. Dur- ing his life she shared with him in good works and sympathized in his undertakings and religions con- victions; since she has been left a widow she has gone on her way in the same path of well-doing.
W ILLIAM BEATY. This venerable man is widely and favorably known, as he has been identified with the interests of this county since 1836 and has been a potent factor in bringing its agricultural affairs to their present point. He has not devoted his time entirely to farm work but that has been his chief occupation, and he is the more deserving of representation in a biographical album on account of the success, finan- cial and moral, that has attended him. Ile began the battle of life without other equipment than his natural strength of mind and body and the limited education obtained in a village school. Ile is now one of the wealthiest men in Waterford Township, and, better than all else, he can look back over a life that has been passed in usefulness and well doing, as he has never been a slave to a single vice and has always dealt fairly with his fellowmen. A
portrait of this respected pioneer accompanies this brief record of his life.
Mr. Beaty was born in Bucks County, Pa., March 5, 1808, and is one of the six children that made up the family of Isaiah and Mary (Coder) Beaty. Four of the family circle are still living. The father was born in New Jersey but went to the Keystone State when quite young and made that his home many years. He subsequently lived with our subject in New York several years, and still later came to this State, where he died. His widow survived him a few years and each was more than fourseore years old when called hence. Mrs. Beaty was born in Germany and came to America with her parents. The son of whom we write was reared on a farm, and attended school in the village of Quakertown. When he was eighteen years of age he went to Cayuga County, N. Y., and became a weaver.
After several years of residence in New York Mr. Beaty set out for Michigan in 1835. He lived in Adrian a year, then came to this county and bought land near Strait's Lake. There he built a log house and cleared and improved a farm. Dur- ing early years he did his marketing in Detroit, making the trip to and fro with ox teams. He was quite fond of hunting and also fished a good deal. About 1860 he removed to Pontiac, where he lived ten years engaged in various occupations. During his residence there he held the important office of Street Commissioner. In 1870 he bought a fine farm on section 36, Waterford Township, and lo- cated thereon. The property borders on Otter and Timber Lakes, among the most beautiful sheets of water in the State, and the elegant modern resi- dence built by Mr. Beaty in 1881 occupies a spot of ground from which the blue waters may plainly be seen. Many marked improvements have been made upon the farm since Mr. Beaty took posses- sion of it, and the evidences of refined taste are manifest.
In 1833 Mr. Beaty and Miss Furna Wheeler were joined in wedlock, and for more than fifty years they shared life's blessings. Mrs. Beaty exchanged time for eternity in 1884. The only child of the union died in infancy. In 1886 Mr. Beaty made a second marriage, wedding Mrs. Eliza Mack, an
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estimable lady, who presides with gracious dignity and cordial hospitality in the beautiful home. By her former marriage she has one daughter: Carrie M., who has been legally adopted by our subject. In an early day Mr. Beaty became the owner of eight hundred acres of fine land in Montcalm County, which he held several years and sold at a large advance on its original cost. For over twenty years he was Postmaster at Strait's Lake. He has been a stanch Republican since the party was or- ganized, and he has a broad knowledge of party policy and public affairs on which to base his polit- ical faith. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pontiac for many years, and he has an excellent reputation far and wide. IIe built the gravel road running from Pontiac to Orchard Lake, and has in every way possible aided the development of this section of the country.
HADDEUS A. SMITH is senior member of the firm of Smith & Roe, proprietors of the Hotel Hodges in Pontiac. The house is an old established one, known for many years as the Hodges House. and has been managed by Mr. Smith but a comparatively short time. He bought the property in 1888, repaired and refitted the hotel, and made it in appearance as it is in patronage, the principal hotel in the place. He put in a steam- heater and electric lights and other first-class ap- pointments. The rooms are large and well fur- nished, the table first class, and the service efficient. Mr. Smith enjoys an extensive patronage and is well known to the traveling public. He has had an experience in hotel-keeping of a score of years and combines with his knowledge of the business the cordial manners and intelligent mind of a well- bred gentleman.
Mr. Smith is of English descent in the paternal line and his maternal ancestors came from Holland. His father, Ira D. Smith, was born in Connecticut, and his mother, Sarah (Snyder) Smith, in New York. Grandfather Snyder emigrated from Hol- land and Grandmother Snyder was born on the island of Nantucket. Ira Smith was married in
Columbia County, N. Y., and in 1844 removed to this State and located on a farm near Pontiac. He lived in that vicinity until his death in 1863. His wife survived him twenty years. Of the nine chil- dren born to them five are living, Thaddeus A. being the second in order of birth. He was born in Columbia County, N. Y., October 25, 1823, and when about six years of age moved with his par- ents to Livingston County, Western New York. In 1844 he followed his parents to this State and be- came connected with the hotel business. lIe kept an inn at Commerce, this county, until 1877, after which he was variously engaged for some five years. Ile then resumed his former business in Pontiac.
In 1851 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Maria Shattuck, a native of New York and a daughter of Lyman Shattuck. They have had three children, the second of whom, Marion, died when five years old. The first-born, Alice L., is the wife of De- Witt W. Grow and lives in Bay City. Kittie B married Charles Roc. Jr., who is a partner in the hotel and also is partner in a jewelry business in Detroit, living in Pontiac. however.
Mr. Smith held the office of Township Clerk some twelve years, was Supervisor two years and Register of Deeds four years. He was elected on the Democratic ticket and always cast his influence with that party. lle belongs to Commerce Lodge, No. 121. F. &. A. M., Milford Chapter. R. A. M., and Pontiac Commandery. No. 2, K. T.
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