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 87
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108
759
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
same year. They took possession of land now oc- enpied by their son Moses, in a forest where wild animals abounded and no improvements were to be seen. They had to go through the forest to a market, and so small was their capital in begin- ning life together, that their rude log house had but little furniture and they ate from the same bowl for some time. They had, however, two spoons and some other necessary articles for table use. They used splint bottom chairs, had a little square table and a cross-legged stand, and a rude bedstead. Oxen were used to develop the place, for which the Government price of $1.25 per acre was paid. Husband and wife lived to see their own place in good condition and the country around them well settled. Mr. Goodale died February 22, 1874, and his widow October 23, 1887.
Our subject's father was a Republican in polities and a Presbyterian in religion. He was a Deacon in the church many years and was an active worker for the cause of religion. He acted as Sunday- school Superintendent for a long time. During the later years of his life he was identified with the Congregational Church, whose form of Govern- ment he liked better than the Presbyterian. Ile served as Road Commissioner and in School offices and was a liberal contributor to all good causes. He and his wife had six children, but the first-born died in infancy and others in following years, and only Jemina W., Permelia and Moses are now liv- ing.
Our subject was born on the homestead in this county January 10. 1839. He is the youngest of the family and always remained with his parents. He obtained his .schooling in the home township and learned well how to carry on the farm. Ile was married September 10, 1867, and brought his bride to the old home, where he is now occupying a dwelling built by his father some years ago. IIe has two daughters, one dead and one living. Lucy M. was born July 1, 1868, and died March 17, 1872; Eda I. was born January 8, 1871, married Arthur Groves, and lives on the maternal home- stead on section 27.
Mrs. Goodale bore the maiden name of Martha E. Fall, and is a daughter of John and Mary A. (Colvin) Fall, natives of New York and Maine
respectively. She is the fifth in a family of ten children, and was born in Southfield Township, November 27. 1847. From her fifth year she was reared in Troy Township by her great-aunt in the maternal line, Ruth . Ilowland. Mr. Goodale is a Republican. He belongs to the Congregational Church at Royal Oak and Mrs. Goodale is identified with the same society. He is Deacon, Trustee Clerk and Sunday-school Superintendent, and is one of the most active and liberal members of the congregation.
ARRISON SMITHI, now in his seventy-first year settled in Oakland County, Mich., in the fall of 1844. fle now resides on a finely improved farm of two hundred and thirty acres, lying one mile north of the pretty village of Ilolly on section 27, Holly Township. No man has done more to develop the country than he. Few, if any, have contributed more liberally of their means to the support of religion, and few men in- deed have lived so pure and noble a life as he.
Our subject was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., November 27, 1820. His father, Curtin Smith, was born in Delaware County, N. Y., Jan- uary 1, 1787. The grandfather of our subject was of English descent, a very religious man and an ex- horter in the Methodist Church. He reared five children, and died June 8, 1828. Curtin Smith was a farmer and doctor. When a young man he settled, in 1811,on the Holland Purchase in Genesee County, now Wyoming County, and at that time well on the frontier. Having cleared up a farm in the woods he sold and bought another in Allegany County. N. Y., and lived there twenty years. Ile then returned to Wyoming County, N. Y., and made a new home near his old one, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was called from earth September 13, 1867, in his eighty-first year. He was a great reader and was above the average in intelligence. In religion be inclined to the faith of the Universalists. Hfe was a Democrat and took an active interest in politics. He was a vol- unteer soldier in the War of 1812 and fought at Lundy's Lane. His wife, Orillie Jillette, the
760
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
mother of our subject, was born in Delaware County, N. Y. She was of a kind motherly dispo- sition and was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She reared a family of eleven children and died October 27, 1866, at seventy- seven years of age.
Harrison Smith was born and reared in a pioneer country. lle sat upon slab benches in the log schoolhouse and manufactured bis own ink and goose- quill pens. When twenty-two years old he rented his father's place for one year. In 1841 be made the journey with team and wagon to Michi- gan, and settled in Pontiac. Hle soon after traded his team for some land in Holly Township. For three years he spent his summers in cultivating his land and his winters in Pontiac, working at wagon- making and teaming. Two houses and a mill were the only buildings on the present site of the town of Holly and Indian trails alone led into what is now that village. The Indians camped near his log cabin where he kept bachelor's hall. He finally sold his land and bought forty aeres on section 27. Ilolly Township. This land had a house on it and was partially improved. Here he brought his bride and began housekeeping in earnest. Their house was the most capacious and commodious in that vicinity and they kept tavern and fed and lodged immigrants on their way to the far West. Many a night their house was crowded full. All township business was transacted there. In 1861, they left this house and removed to Holly, and in 1865 removed to the present farm of eighty acres on the same section. Ile cleared up this new farm and added to it until it now comprises two hundred and thirty acres and boasts a neat and commodious frame house and a large frame barn.
Mr. Smith has farmed extensively and has raised and sold a good many horses as well as much other stock. lle now lives to a great extent retired from active work. llis marriage took place October 1. 1848, with Eliza J. Patterson who was born in Mon- roe County, N. Y .. September 7, 1827. She is the daughter of James and Eliza (Paten) Patterson, who settled bere in 1847, and a sister of Pro- bate .Judge Patterson, of Oakland County. Mrs. smith is of a kind motherly disposition. She is a woman of no little literary note, and has written
and read before the Western Pioneer Association. of Oakland County, a number of interesting arti- eles and poems on pioneer life. The following poem was composed by her and appeared in the announcement of the annual Christmas gathering of the Patterson family at her residence on Christ- mas day :
"We will greet them with friendship, those kindred of ours,
And in sympathy's garden find beautiful flowers, Not only where roses and lilies do bloom,
But where soul-stirring thoughts ripen ere noon.
"There are buds on each branch of this beautiful tree,
Softly they're whispering, 'Speak kindly to me.' Those buds that are human should not be effaced, But in sympathy's garden reserve them a place.
"Those buds that are blooming in youth's happy pride
Need a shepherd to guide them and walk by their side.
Even down to old age this guide will be true,
And crown them with friendship so bright to their view.
"Some branches are broken and gone far to- day ; Who knows but they're saying. . Look over this way.'
Those branches so cherished by his loving hand Will all soon be gathered to that beautiful land.
"Remember the loved ones that have gone far away,
Sleeping where loved ones cannot greet them to- day.
The untarnished marble marks their repose.
Oh! how we wept when we saw their eyes closed !
"We will greet them with friendship, those kindred of ours.
And in sympathy's garden find beautiful flowers."
Mr. and Mrs. Smith were present and sang in the choir at the first celebration of the Fourth of July ever held in Holly Township. It was held at Ilolly Center, then called Younges Corners, in this township, and Mrs. Smith's father was President of the day and Michael E. Crofoot, then a leading lawyer of Pontiac, was the orator. Our subject and his wife have had two children, both of whom have been spared to them. William J. has married Laura E. Pierson, and has seven children, namely
761
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Clayton H., Worth, George II .. Ehza Grace, Glenn, Zeliff and Effie M. The daughter of our subject, Melina A., married Henry Smith, of Bay City, Mich., and has one child, Fred Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith experienced con- version in the fall of 1832, and was baptized by a minister of the Christian Church in 1841. Ile joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1815, and has been an active worker and a liberal giver to the cause of religion. Like fragrance from a flower, his Christian influence has gone forth con- tinually for good. Mrs. Smith united with the Free Will Baptist Church when fifteen years of age and after coming to Michigan joined the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In this connection she has been an active worker and is a grand good Christian women. Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He has held the office of Constable one year, Township Treasurer six years, Supervisor five years and Road Commissioner one year. Besides this has held various school offices in which he has proven himself faithful and efficient. He is a member of the Masonic order at Holly and also of the Grange in which he has served as Master one term. Mrs. Smith was at one time Lecturer to the Grange, and prepared and read many essays before that body.
1
IRAM ANDREWS. an intelligent and highly respected citizen, carries on one of the best kept farms in Orion Township. He is and has been all his life a hard worker, and now in his later years he is still robust and vigor- ous. Ile was born in Rutland County, Vt., October 6, 1819. His father, Eber Andrews. a New Ilamp- shire man, settled in Vermont when quite young and went thence to Steuben County, N. Y., where he died about 1825. Ilis wife, Abbie Bryant, of New Hampshire, was a devout and earnest member of the Baptist Church, and the mother of six chil- dren, two of whom are still living. She died in 1847 in New York.
The subject of this sketch was but six years old when he was bereaved by the death of his father,
and was at the time bound out to a neighbor. His mother, however, remarried when he was twelve years old and then took him home. Ile received his education in the log schoolhouses, and when eighteen years old began to teach, carrying on this business for five years in the winters and farming in the summers. In 1812, being then twenty-three years old, he married Catherine Haines of New York.
The Western fever struek our young man in 1845. He then removed to Dodge County, Wis., and entered Government land in heavy timber, building a log house and clearing up his farm. Ile also built a sawmill, which he operated for twenty- two years. His elosest and most numerous neigh- bors in those days were Indians, deer and wolves. He bought many a ham of venison from the red men. Ile sold his farm in 1867 and worked at lumbering for some eighteen months and then went into Southern Iowa to spend the winter of 1868.
In the spring of 1869 this gentleman removed to Oakland County, Mich., and purchased a farm on seetious 22 and 23 of Orion Township, this county, where he now resides. Ilis first wife died in 1854, leaving six children, namely, Mary M., Joseph D. (dleceased), Orlando J., Hinman F., Hiram, Jr., and Emma (deceased). Ilis second marriage took place in 1855. He was then united with Susan Wright, of Wisconsin, who died in 1863, leaving two children-Ella and Sarah. The present Mrs. Andrews bore the maiden name of Julia C. Crawford ; she was born in Orange County, N. Y., February 22, 1823. Iler parents, John B. and Elizabethi (Thompson) Crawford, removed to Southwestern New York about 1833. Mr. Craw- ford died in Schuyler County, N. Y., in 1861, hav- ing lost his wife in 1858. They were Presbyterians of Scotch descent, and his father was one of the Revolutionary heroes.
In his early days Mr. Andrews was a Whig, and afterward became a Republican, casting his first vote for William Henry Ilarrison. He has held various township offices and is identified with the Grange. Ile helped to organize the township of Rubicon, Dodge County, Wis .. and was made its first School Commissioner. He afterward filled the offices of Justice of the Peace and Assessor for sev-
762
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
eral years. Ile began life with nothing but his sturdy resolution. good health and strong museles. At eighteen years of age he hardly had a suit of clothes, and at twenty-five he had accumulated $500 and moved West. Ile now possesses two hundred and twenty-five acres of land in a fine. well cultivated farm. His specialty is raising grain. Ile built his fine, large house in 1878.
ILLIAM HI. FOOTE. Among the well- improved farms of Milford Township is one on section 16. consisting of one hun- dred and forty acres, owned and operated by Mr. Foote. It deserves the title of an elegant farm, having been placed in fine condition as regards til- lage, orderly arrangement, beauty and adequateness of buildings and value of stock. One hundred acres are under the plow and large crops of different grains are harvested. The stock is of high grades, the sheep being Shropshires. A view of the pleas- ant homestead with the principal buildings is pre- sented on another page.
Our subject is the son of Dr. Henry K. Foote, whose name is familiar to many of our readers. That gentleman was born in East Haddam, Conn .. February 22, 1803, and when eighteen years okl went to New York. Ila was a graduate of a med- ical college in Albany, but a part of his profes- sional course was taken in Vermont. Ile began practice in Conesns. N. Y., and remained there until 1831, when he came to this State. Ile was accompanied by his wife, formerly Minerva Hen- derson, who was born in New York in 1804. They settled on a farm in Commerce Township, this county. sojourned there three years. then removed to the village of Milford and made that their per- manent home. Dr. Foote built the large brick now the Presbyterian parsonage. Ile continued in act- ive practice until the war, and he and Dr. Morey were the leading physicians of this locality.
Dr. Foote was intensely loya! and attended meet- ings, raised a company of men for the Lancers Regimemt and was commissioned a Lieutenant. The company was attached to the Fifth Michigan
Cavalry and Dr. Foote still held his rank. The first winter the boys were in camp at Detroit and in the spring they were ordered South. Old as he was Dr. Foote started with them, and on the way, when at Poolesville. Md., he died from pneumonia and congestion of the lungs. The date of his death was February 8, 1863, and he was then sixty years old.
It was not only as a physician and patriot that Dr. Foote acquired celebrity, but he also has an honored name in connection with legislative affairs. Ile was first sent as a Representative from this dis- trict in 1844, and he served altogether three terms. Ile took a leading part in the discussions, and his name is inscribed on the pages of history as one of the most prominent law-makers of that period in Michigan. Politically, he was first a Whig and then a Republican. and always an ardent anti-sla- very man. He united with the Presbyterian Church when eighteen years of age and was a consistent member until death; he officiated as Deacon. Mrs. Foote was likewise an earnest Christian, belonging to the same church as her husband. She died Jan- uary 17, 1881. They had five children, those now living being Mary J., William II., Charles C. and James L. The daughter is the wife of T. D. Nutting.
Our subject was born in New York January 4, 1833, and was an infant when brought hither. He attended school in Milford and also studied in the academy at Lodi. He began life for himself when seventeen years old and learned the trade of a blacksmith, at which he worked for some years. In the spring of 1858 he settled upon his present farm, which had been purchased by his father. But little improvement had been made and he has done much work on the farm. He removed stumps, stones, and girdled timber, made an addition to the residence and built all the other buildings now standing. Following in the footsteps of his re- spected father, he has been industrious and ener- getie in his personal affairs and has shown the true publie spirit by joining with his associates in that which would be for the good of the people.
In 1853 Mr. Foote was married to Sarah Eme- line Hastings, who was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1834, and came West with her parents many years
RESIDENCE OF JOHN WINDIATE, SEC. 12., WATERFORD TP., OAKLAND CO.,MICH.
IN HURON VALLEY.
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM H. FOOTE, SEC. 16. , MILFORD TP., OAKLAND CO., MICH.
765
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ago. Iler progenitors, George and Electa ( Reed) Ilastings, are numbered among the old settlers here and for some years Mr. IJastings was the vil- lage blacksmith at Milford. Ile died in 1873 .. llis widow still survives and her home is in Holly. Mrs. Foot is the only one of their children now living. Her own family consists of George H., who married Anna Scott, has two children and lives in Kalkaskia; Charles, whose home is in Gra- tiot County, and his wife Flora Curtis; Hattie M., wife of Andrew Austin, residing in Milford ; Katie R., wife of John Smith and mother of a son, Sin- clair, and living in Gratiot County ; William K., who is unmarried. All have good common-school educations and Hattie was for a time engaged in teaching. She is a good musician, and Katie sings very pleasantly. Mr. and Mrs. Foote were good singers in their earlier years, and several of the children inherit their ability.
Mr. Foote has been a member of the School Board and has served acceptably as Highway Com- missioner. From the time he could vote until recently, he was a Republican, but his heart is now in the Prohibition cause. He signed the pledge when a boy and has always been a temperance man. lle and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been Trustee, Sunday-school teacher and a member of the standing committees. lle is an unusually intelligent, capable man, with a fine character which entitles him to respect.
OHN WINDIATE. Too much credit can scarcely be given those who formed the vanguard of civilization, bore the brunt of privation and arduous toil necessary in opening up a new country, and who, having scen the fruition of their hopes, are in their declining years enjoying the worldly prosperity they so well deserve and the esteem of all for their recognized worth of character. Among such men an honored rank is held by the gentleman above named, who is a native of this county and born in Waterford Township March 7, 1838. IIe is now conceded to be one of the most successful agriculturalists of
the township, where he is extensively engaged in bis calling and where he has a beautiful home on the banks of Silver Lake. Ilis landed estate com- prises two hundred and seventy-five acres on sec- tion 12, Waterford Township, and one hundred and sixty acres in Livingston County, the greater por- tion of which is under cultivation.
John Windiate, Sr., was born in England in 1808, and in the land of his birth he married in 1833 Miss Harriet Elliott, also a native of that country. Together the young couple came to America in 1836, and after landing at New York, proceeded directly to Oakland County, where they located on section 12, Waterford Township. The farm which they purchased was partially improved and the log house served as a dwelling place for the family several years. In the meantime the fa- ther devoted his entire attention to clearing the land of the thick growth of timber and planting grain, for which labor he received ample recom- pense when the bountiful harvests were gathered. Soon a good house took the place of the log cabin, a substantial barn was erected, and other evidenees of prosperity became noticeable.
There were eight children in the parental family and seven of these are now living, six in Michigan and one in California. All are prosperous and in comfortable circumstances. Our subject began life for himself at the age of twenty-three, and in 1861 went to California, where he was reasonably sue- cessful in his operations as a miner. After work- ing in California for two years he went to Nevada and engaged in buying and selling wood and mining. Later he returned to California and spent three years. He came back to his native State in 1868 and settled on his father's farm, which he worked one year.
Soon after his return from California Mr. Windiate was married to Miss Elma, daughter of Elijah and Catherine D. Clough, natives of Massa- chusetts and New York respectively. Mr. Clough, who was a shoemaker by trade, came to Livingston Connty, Mich., in 1839, and spent the remainder of his life in farming pursuits. By this marriage there was but one child, Mrs. Windiate. By a former wife her father had four children, all of whom are deceased. She received good advan-
766
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tages when young, having an excellent common- school education and afterward spending one year a! an academy. A lady of rare intelligence, broad culture and most charming manners. she wins the respect of all her acquamtances.
After working his father's farm one year, Mr. Windiate located in Livingston County. buying one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land. of which he cleared about seventy acres. Here he built a comfortable residence. and made such other improvements as were necessary. This farm he now rents. for after a residence upon it of six years he returned to Oakland County and settled on the old homestead. where he still resides. Ilis father died in 1880, while the mother passed from earth some five years prior to the decease of her husband. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Windiate the following is noted: Lora May, a graduate of the Pontiac High School, has chosen the profession of a teacher, and is at home; Alta Elma has been a student in the High School at Pontiac two years: William Alfred, aged fifteen years, Harriet Bird, thirteen years old. and Pruda Fae, aged one year and eight months, complete the pleasant family circle.
The attention of the reader is invited to a view of Mr. Windiate's pleasant residence, which ap- pears on another page.
NDREW COULTER. one of the old set- tlers and best citizens of Commerce Town- ship, is the son of John Coulter, a marble cutter and farmer who was born in County Donegal. Ireland, in 1805. and came to America when a boy, making his home in New York City. His good wife was Elizabeth (Carson) Coulter, a native of County Tyrone. Ireland. She also came to this country in her early days. They were mar- ried February 8. 1831, in New York City, and in 1837 came to Michigan, making their new home on section 8. Commerce Township, this county. They took their farm of wild land from the Government, the deed being signed by President Jackson. Mr. Coulter built a log house, and worked hard clear-
ing the farm. He suffered severely from fever and ague. lle cleared about sixty acres of his one hun- dred and sixty and died March 11, 1847. His wife survived bim until October 12, 1886, when she departed this life at the good old age of seventy- nine years.
Both parents of our subject were members of the Presbyterian Church, although Mrs. Coulter joined the Methodist after coming to this county. Her husband was a Whig and later a Republican. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living and bear the names of Andrew. Mary Ann (now Mrs. Thomas Sleeth), William T .. Margaret and James W. Our subject was born December 5, 1832, in New York City, and was but a little child when brought to this State. Hle was fifteen years of age when his father died, and being the eldest of the family, took charge of the farm and has managed it from that day to this. He still has the original homestead and has himself cleared fifty acres of it of trees, stumps and stones. Ile built the present home and has improved the farm.
The marriage of our subject took place Novem- ber 9. 1865. Ilis wife was Mary Ann, daughter of James and Elizabeth ( MeGce) Wardlow, both natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who came to America when quite young and married in New York City. They came to Michigan at the same time as did Mr. Coulter's parents and settled in Highland Township, where their son now resides Three of their four children are living, namely : Elizabeth, Mrs. Leonard. Joseph and Mrs. Coulter. The wife of our subject was born June 3, 1841, in Highland Township, where Joseph Wardlow now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have no children. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Milford. Mr. Coulter takes a lively in- terest in polities and votes the Republican ticket. Ile has been Road Overseer in the township and is a man universally respected for his temperate habits and excellent character. He carries on general farming.
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.