Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 82

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 82

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Mr. Murray's marriage with Miss Cetella Spencer resulted in a domestic life of more than usual hap- piness. This lady was born in Farmington Town- ship, January 2, 1854, and was the third child of Lyman and Rachael (Dunham) Spencer, who are natives of New York and were early settlers in Oakland County, Mich. To this worthy couple were born a daughter and a son. Carrie and Marlin, who reside at home to comfort their mother in her widowhood.

Before the death of Mr. Murray he appointed his intelligent and capable wife to take entire charge of his estate. She has a fine farm of eighty acres and a nice property in the village of Far- mington, where she resides and carries on a milli-

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nery establishment. Here she is doing a fine busi- ness, in which she is patronized by the best class of citizens. She is a lady of agreeable manners and is respected and honored by all who know her.

R EUBEN LONG, one of the old settlers of Milford Township, and a gennine Yankee, having all the bright qualities and energy which are supposed to be inherent in that character, has acquired a handsome property. His farm is in splendid condition and the buildings are first-class. He has the respect of the community, and is considered as among the best financiers in the township.

David Long, the father of Reuben, was a native of Long Island. His wife, Hannah Stoddard, was a native of Groton, Conn., where they were mar- ried, and made their permanent home. They both passed from earth many years ago, and of their seven children, two only survive. Their son Reu- ben was born January 30, 1810, in Windham, Conn. There he received a good common-school " education, and grew to manhood. When eighteen years old he bargained with his father for his time for the next two years. He then began for himself on a farm, working by the month and following teaching. Ile was in New York State for a year, but in 1836 he came to Highland Township, Mich., and bought eighty acres at Highland Corners, in company with Benjamin Ilewitt, now deceased. It was land which had been partly improved. Ile had accumulated a little money, which he loaned out in small portions and got it all back except $70. He had a breaking team, and broke land for others, working in this way four or five yoke of oxen at once. Before Mr. Hewitt came to the West Mr. Long had already put in a crop on the eighty acres. lle used to take jobs of digging wells. llis efforts and his mode of life were not conducive to good health, and he was taken seri- ously ill with no one to care for him. Ile had never been sick before in his life. Ile acquired a deed to a farm of one hundred acres on section 34, Milford Township. Ile continued to do jobs for

others and for several years put in crops with Wal- ter Bowers, now deceased.

The marriage of Mr. Long took place in 1848. He was then united with Sarah Jane, a daughter of Martin and Lorena (Hodges) Morley, a New York couple, who came to Michigan and settled in the township of Lyon in Territorial days. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Long was one of seven children, and was born October 2, 1830, in New York, and was therefore still a child when brought to Michigan.

Our subject and his worthy wife became the par- ents of thirteen children, namely: Alonzo W., lost in the wild West years ago; Albert (deceased ) ; Pauline, wife of Crawford Fuller, of Shiawassee County, and the mother of two children; Reuben S., who married Lucia Sherman, who has borne him two children, and who lives in this township; Eva D., the wife of Henry Brooks, who lives in Novi Township, and has five children ; Ethel S., and Dudley II., both living at home; Lorena, wife of Elliott Grimes, living in Shiawassee County ; Kirby L., and Cora, Mrs. Almon Fielding (deceased ). She was the mother of one child, Vivas A., who lives with his grandparents.

After marriage our subject settled upon what is now his home farm. His log house was one of the best in the township. He bought a farm where A. Soulby now lives, and moved onto it for a short time, and then went back to his old log house. He then erected the handsome and commodious farm- house which he now occupies, at a cost of $4,000. Ile owns two hundred and twenty three and one- half acres, one hundred and eighty of which is under cultivation. He actively carries on general farming and has with his own hand cleared some fifty acres of heavy timber.

Although be has been in the main a successful man, Mr. Long was unfortunate in some of his in- vestments. Ile lost money in the oil wells of Ohio, and lost the means which he furnished for the woolen factory at Milford, but he has made money in buying and selling sheep, and in the general transaction of his business. lle has always taken an active interest in politics, his first vote having been cast for Andrew Jackson. He voted the Dem- ocratic ticket for many years but at the time of the

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Civil War he changed to the Republican party. Ile is now an independent to polities, and has been a member of the local School Board. He has given his children a good schooling, and some of them have been sent away to school. One daughter. Ethel, has been a teacher. He has done an immense amount of hard work during hislife and he and his wife have gained all they have by their unaided efforts. Ile is a strict moralist and temperate in his habits. His manner of life has greatly reinforced his naturally strong constitution, and be bas thus been enabled to accomplish more thigh mest men.

ILLIAM II. SMITHI, a farmer and mill- man of Bloomfield Township, first saw the light in Knowlton Township. Warren County, N. J., September 23, 1833. His parents, Andrew and Sydney ( Hagerman) Smith, lived and died in their native place, Warren County. Mr. Smith was a distiller in early life but devoted his later years to farming. Ile was only fifty-two years old when he died, and had acquired a fortune of 860,000. He was a Democrat and held some official positions in his town and county. being quite influential in the community. His wife was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject's mother was the second wife of Mr. Smith. Ilis first wife was Mary Lomason ol Warren County. N. J., by whom he had seven chil - dren : Hannah M., John L., George, Thomas, Jabez G., Charles and Elizabeth. By the second marriage he had also seven children: William II., Amelia, Sarah A .. Andrew, Emeline, JJacob and Silas.

The subject of this sketch was but twelve years old when his father died. In his youth he received instruction in the district schools and active train- ing on the farm. He remained on the homestead and farmed it until his mother died. When he was about twenty-five years of age he bought a farm in Northampton County, Pa., and operated it until 1865, when he sold out and came West. He bought his present farm of ninety-nine acres, which he has put in a splendid condition and upon

which he has placed all its improvements. He has a fine two-story frame residence, a view of which is shown on another page, while large and convenient barns and other outbuildings embellish the estate. He also has a sawmill on his farm, and a cider mill and press. He is giving all his attention to mill- ing and farming, and success has crowned his efforts. He is a Mason of the Knight Templar degree, and politically is attached to the Demo- cratie party.

The marriage of our subject took place Decem- ber 29, 1859, and he was then united with Rachel Ilagerman of Northampton County, Pa. She is a daughter of John and Adeline (Angle) Hagerman. For a fuller history of the Hagerman family the reader will consult the sketch of Frank Hager- man in this work. Our subject and his wife have had three children: Anna Bell, Edward R., and William Eugene. The oldest sou is elerking in Bir- mingham, this county, and the others reside at home, and with their parents form an unusually happy household.

INES D. FINN, a farmer and undertaker residing in Royal Oak, was born in St. Clair, Mich., March 29,-1861. His father, the Rev. Silas Finn, was born in Dundaff, Susque- hanna County, Pa., December 23, 1811. Ile be- gan life for himself at sixteen as a carpenter and helped to support his mother and the other children. He began to preach in 1841.and as a pioneer preacher traveled over Eastern Pennsylvania, doing a great deal of missionary work. In 1854 he came to St. Clair, Mich., and made extensive trips through- out this part of the State, making a wide acquain- tanee and being highly esteemed by all to whom he ministered. Ile came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1869. The grandfather, James Finn, was a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer. The grandmother, Polly ( Wells) Finn, was the danghi- ter of James Wells, a Welshman. Her mother came from Germany, and to them were born two

RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM H. SMITH , SEC. 23., BLOOMFIELD TP., OAKLAND CO., MICH.

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MILLS , CARP = POND & LAKE.

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daughters and seven sons, their son Silas being the oldest of the family.

The father of our subject was married Feb- ruary 2, 1834, to Emily Sampson, daughter of the Rev. Ezekiel Sampson, of the Baptist Church, and a native of Pennsylvania. To Silas and Emily Finn were granted four children. Their mother was called away by death March 29, 1855. The second marriage of Silas Finn took place Septem- · ber 11, 1855, when he took to wife Cynthia Eaton, who was born March 21, 1820, and is the daughter of James Eaton, of New York. Her mother was Fannie Richards. To Silas and Cynthia Finn were born three sons, namely: J. Morris, born January 10, 1857; Albert II., June 15, 1862; and Linus D., March 29, 1864. The oldest son is located at Ishpeming, Mich., where he is the editor of the Lake Superior Democrat, and Albert II. is con- nected with the Detroit Evening Journal. After the father made his home in Royal Oak in 1871, he put between $2,000 and $3,000 into the building of a Baptist Church at this place, and was its pastor for seven or eight years, after which he retired from active life. ITe has been a Demo- erat from first to last, his first Presidential vote having been for Andrew Jackson and his last for Cleveland.

Linus D. Finn has a farm of seventy-two aeres in the village of Royal Oak. October 1, 1883, he took to wife Ella E. Starr, of Royal Oak, a daugli- ter of David Starr. This young man's Presiden- tial vote was cast for Cleveland in 1884, and he again supported him for the Chief Magistraey in 1888. He is now a member of the Farmers' Alli- ance. Ile is a member of Lodge No. 377, I. U. of A .. at Royal Oak. He was the leader in its organization and is the Lecturer of the lodge. Ile is a member of Court "Pride of Oakland," No. 2800, A. O. O. F.

In 1890 Mr. Finn began the business of an undertaker, in Royal Oak, and has already ob- tained a good trade. He carries a complete line of burial cases, robes and all accessories of this line of business. He prepares bodies for burial by a new process without the use of ice, and all his work is done according to the most approved modern methods. In 1888 he spent some time at Ishpeming,

where he held the office of Captain of the Grayling Gold and Silver Mining Company, of Ishpeming. After being there one year he returned to Royal Oak and at present fills the office of Village Assessor. He has a pleasant home, at which friends are wel- come, and where domestie happiness reigns.

P ERRY STIMSON. A large and handsome farm-house greets the eye of the traveler who is passing through sections 4 and 5 of Oxford Township. It is the beautifully lo- cated home of the prosperous farmer and stock raiser whose name heads this sketeli. He was born in Monroe County, N. Y., March 27, 1834. Ilis father, Joel S., was a Vermont mechanie who removed to the State of New York and re- sided there for a number of years. Early in the '[Os he was taken with the Western fever, and in [846 came to Michigan and located in Brandon Township. He did not live to make the most of his new home, as he died in 1848, when only fifty-six years old. His wife, Elizabeth Perry, a Connecticut woman, died in 1872. Of their five children, three still survive.

Ile whose name initiates this sketch attended the district school until he was twelve years old, at which time his parents removed to the West, after which his frontier life gave him no school privi- leges. At his father's death he was left penniless, for although Joel Stimson was a man of unusual intelligence and a mechanic and inventor of merit, yet his confidence in others deprived him of his property. He was the inventor of the Foreythe Seale, which he manufactured heavily, but giving large credits, he was forced to the wall in the panie of 1837, leaving to his children only the record of a worthy life.

The subject of this sketchi worked out for others and earned money by which he managed to pur- chase forty acres of land in Metamora Township, Lapeer County. How he saved enough to effect this purchase while working at 84 a month must ever be a puzzler to the modern young man. Ile continued this manner of work for five years after

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he came of age, giving his younger brothers the use of the land he had bought. He purchased fifty acres more the fall he was twenty-one, and rented this out on shares. Subsequently he sold it and bought a farm in Saginaw County. He finally purchased land in Elba Township, Lapeer County, where he lived and farmed for twenty years. Ile still owns two hundred and seventy-six acres in that county.

In 1883 this gentleman decided to remove to Oakland County and came to Oxford Township on New Year's day and purchased a fine farm which had been known as the Thomas place. His mar- riage to Ellen I. Brownell, of Metamora Township. Lapeer County, led to a life of more than usual domestic happiness. This lady is a daughter of E. A. Brownell. a native of New York, who came to Michigan many years ago and who died in La- peer County in 1888. The eldest child of Perry and Ellen Stimson-Elroy by name-was carly called away from this world, but four others make home happy for their parents. They are named: Findley, Emma, Mary and Carrie. He has been a Republican since the inception of the party, casting his first vote for the first Republican ticket. Ile has been a Justice of the Peace and has held other local otlices.

One hundred and thirty acres of finely improved land forms Mr. Stimson's home farm, and he owns in all four hundred and six acres. He has been a breeder of Short-horn cattle for several years. In his early days he hunted a good deal and was friendly with the red men. being personally on friendly terms with many prominent Indians, in- cluding the chief, Tapsico.

Jeremy Stimson, the grandfather of our subject, served all through the Revolutionary War, during which time of conflict he was taken prisoner and confined in an old sugar warehouse in New York City. Ile had a serious attack of smallpox and was given up to die, but with the stubbornness which was a prominent characteristic of Revolu- tionary heroes, he declined to expire. After his recovery he re-enlisted under Commodore Paul Jones, and took part in several noted naval engage- ments, serving as Captain of one of the ships. Ile was a man of distinction all through that period,

and survived to complete his ninety years of hon- orable existence. His brave and noble wife out- lived him and died in her one hundredth year. This family is descended from one of three brothers of the Stimson name who came from England in the early Colonial days. Our subject was an own cousin to O. II. Perry.

OHN LESSITER. Among the very promi- nent and influential farmers of Orion Town- ship, and indeed of the County of Oakland, we may mention the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. His elegant new home attracts the attention and claims the admiration of every one who passes through that region. llis farm shows every mark of the management of a thor- ough farmer. and his splendid stock is the pride of the township. Short-horn cattle are his specialty, and in this line he is the pioneer breeder in the State, having been a practical student of this branch of farming for over thirty years.

Our subject was born in Wiltshire, England, July 19, 1827. llis father came to America in 1843, and settled near the village of Orion in Oak- land County. He subsequently removed to Kent County, where he died in 1858. He was a devout member of the Church of England. His wife, Elizabeth, died in England, and he married a second time. lle is the father of four sons, all of whom are living.

John Lessiter was reared on the farm, and was sent to school summer and winter until about twelve years of age. Ilis father kept him in a boarding school at one time, where he made great advancement. as he was very apt in learning. He did not come to America with his father, but, with an older brother, followed the father in 1847. They were six weeks in crossing the ocean. He went to work by the month in Orion Township. In a short time he bought his employer's stock and proceeded to rent his farm for a term of years. lle next rented a farm in the western part of the township, in partnership with another man. This was to be rented for three years, but in the meantime he pur-

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chased his partner's interest and managed it himself. Hle then re-rented it for another three years. Ile pur- chased one hundred and twenty acres on section 7 in 1853. Only thirty acres of this had been broken; the remainder of it was all wild land. Ile built a farm house and began clearing and improving it. Mr. Lessiter now found himself prepared to estab- lisb a home, and on New Year's day of 1852 he took to wife Naney Beardslee, who was born in In- dependence Township, this county, in 1836. IIer parents were from New Jersey, and were William and Lavina ( Munson) Beardslee. They came to Michigan and settled in Oakland County at an early day. They are both now deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Lessiter became the parents of six children : Libbie, the wife of Albert Hammond, re- siding on a farm in Independence Township; Edna, wife of Charles Walton, a farmer in Pontiac Town- ship; Ida May, Mrs. William Anderson, wife of a farmer in Oakland Township; Frank II. and Floyd .J., both at home, and Maggie, who died at the age of two years and four months. To all these chil - dren the parents gave excellent school advantages.

Our subjeet has been a Democrat all his life, and is a leader among his fellowmen. He is a delegate frequently to eounty and distriet conventions, and has taken quite an active part in politics. He has been Justice of the Peace for eighteen years, and was Postmaster of Jersey for thirty years. which posi- tion he resigned in 1884. For eighteen years he has been an efficient member of the School Board. He is now an honored member of the State Agri- cultural Society, and has been placed upon the Ex- ecutive Committee of that organization. The Oak- land County Agricultural Society has felt his forming and helping hand for nearly twenty years. The confidence which his neighbors have in his character and ability has made him administrator of a number of estates. le is identified with the Grange, and has been a Mason for over thirty years.

The splendid farm of Mr. Lessiter is known far and wide. It comprises four hundred and thirty- six acres of fine land all in an excellent state of im- provement. Its three large red barns and its elegant frame residence erected in 1884, attract the eye of the traveler. In stock-breeding he is nota- ble throughout the State, having begun raising

and breeding registered Short-horn cattle in 1858. He has bred several fine prize winners, and sells every year many fine cattle. For some time past he has paid considerable attention to the breeding of Shropshire sheep. Ile started with nothing, and is now one of the wealthiest men in the township. and at the same time one of the most truly respected and influential citizens. Mrs. Lessiter deserves no small share of credit for her husband's success. She is a woman of ability and character, and one who willingly promotes the good of all in the com- munity.

OSEPII GIBSON, a resident of Farmington Township and an active and enterprising farmer, was born in the North of Ireland, County Derry, in March, 1806. His father, John, and mother, Jane ( Erwin) Gibson, were born, married and died in the old country. When twenty-three years old, young Joseph came to America, landing in Philadelphia in 1830. Ile engaged himself in work upon a farm in Pennsyl- vania until 1853, when he removed to Michigan and bought land in Farmington Township, this county. This land was partially improved at the time of the purchase. Our subject's elder brother, James, came to this country at the same time with him, and they lived together until the death of the brother in September last. James was a good citizen and neighbor, and is missed by his many friends as well as his relatives.

In 1865 our subject took to himself a wife. The lady was Martha Morrison by name, a native of Michigan, who was born in Commerce Township. this county. lle brought his young wife to the place where he had made his new home and where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson were granted three children, two daughters and one son. The eldest daughter, Anna Jane, is the wife of John Y. Ely, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mamie E. and Thomas J. both reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Gibson bas one hundred and eighty-two acres of well-improved land, in an excellent con-

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(lition and most of it under cultivation. Ipon this he is carrying on a general farming busi- ness. His political views are embodied in the principles of the Democratic party, but in local matters he governs his vote by a conscientious re- gard for the necessities of the office and the qualifi- eations of the man who would fill it. Like thousands of North of Ireland people who have come to this country, he is a Presbyterian in his religious belief.

The subject of this brief notice was a poor man when be landed in America, and all he has he has gained by his own hard labor and undaunted en- terprise. He is a liberal contributor to all good and worthy objects and is ever a promoter of good will and justice toward all his neighbors and charity toward the distressed.

G EORGE A. MCDONALD, an industrious and prudent farmer, owns and occupies a traet of one hundred aeres in Pontiac Town- ship, that was acquired through the zeal and econ- omy of himself and wife. Mr. MeDonald was a poor boy and worked hard to obtain the education that would qualify him to transact business well, and continued his efforts in order to get a good home. From the day of his marriage he was ably assisted by Mrs. McDonald and they now have a pleasant home and a valuable property. Mr. Mc- Donald is a native of the township in which he lives and was born May 24, 1833.

Ilenry W. MeDonald, father of our subject, was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, N. Y., in 1795, and came to this county in 1825. He bought a tract of land and took up eighty acres on section 14, Pontiac Township, then returned East after his family and arrived with them July 8, 1827. From Detroit they had traveled with a wagon through the mud and around the multitude of stumps that then stood in the newly-made roads. Mr. McDonald built a log house and cut the first stick of timber on the land he had bought, the deed for which was signed by John (2. Adams. Ile was a blacksmith, and a few months after his family was established here he opened a shop. He brought

his parents with him, and father and son hired out in the harvest field, thus earning their bread, as they were poor. The son got two bushels of wheat for a day's work and the father half as much.

During the War of 1812 Henry W. MeDonald was a substitute and was present at Lundy's Lane. He began life by working for $5 per month, and by earnest and frugal living acquired a comfort- able property. When a young man he had charge of a blacksmith shop in Amsterdam, N. Y., and he also taught vocal music in that State and in Michigan. Ile worked hard to clear his land and place it under cultivation, and did what he could find to do at his trade as well. Ile became well and favorably known as an honest, God-fearing man. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a splendid shot and enjoyed hunting, and once killed seven deer in the same number of shots with his old flint-lock. Ile ched June 23, 1883.

The grandfather of our subject was Nicholas McDonald, who was the first white child born in Amsterdam. N. Y., the year of his birth being 1762; he died August 5. 1810. His wife, formerly Margaret Weaver, died in 1846. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Electa Howell, was born in New York, September 12, 1799, and became the wife of Henry MeDonald in 1819. She died August 3, 1884. strong in the faith of the Congregational Church. She had five children, four of whom are living. The son of whom we write was born May 24, 1833, and during his early school days went one mile to the district school. The winter before he was eighteen he attended school in Lyons, Ionia County, doing chores for his board and walking two miles. The following spring he worked in a sawmill, tending the saw, and hauling logs and lumber with three yoke of oxen, and during the ensuing season be worked on a farm near Rochester.

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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 82

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

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