Portrait and biographical album of Oakland County, Michigan, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 94

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 94

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The marriage of Capt. Elliott took place on New Year's Day, 1852. He was then united with Emily A. Seeley, who was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., July 16, 1832. She is a daughter of Isaac and Emily P. (Darling) Seeley, who were natives of New York. Mr. Seeley was a tanner and shoemaker. In the fall of 1837 he came to Pontiac, Mich., where he remained until the spring of 1838. Ile then entered one hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared and improved and lived upon until his death, in 1844. He had served in numerous township offices and was well known throughout that region as an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a strong and prominent Whig. He

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left at his death a wife and two children-Me- lissa M. and Emily A. His widow married a Mr. Daniel Fuller for her second husband.

The subject of this sketch and his excellent and lovely wife have reared to usefulness five children, namely : Herbert M., an attorney in De- troit; Addie E., wife of William Zelener; George M., Cora B. and John D. Mrs. Elliott is an earn- est and efficient member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Capt. Elliott is a leading and prominent member of the Masonic order and also of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a very popular man and respected by all who know him.

ON. MICHAEL E. CROFOOT, of Pon tiac, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., thic 14th of March, 1822, the son of Charles and Louisa Crofoot, and died in Pontiac, May 11, 1884. When he was seven years of age his father with his family removed to Constableville, Lewis County. N. Y. Mr. Crofoot's educa- tional advantages were confined to the public schools. He was ambitious to study law, and al- though unable to procure a college education, by close application to his studies in the common schools, and afterwards by teaching school, he ed- ucated himself.

In 1836 he went to Rome, N. Y., to live in the family of B. B.Hyde, a canal collector. Here he remained two years and attended the public school. He then returned home, engaged in farm work, and attended school a portion of the time, until 1838, when he began teaching to earn the means to en- able him to finish his education. As soon as he was able he entered the Temple Hill Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y., and took a two years' conrse. In 1841 he undertook the study of medicine, that be- ing the only profession open to his limited means. IJe continued his studies for about a year, wlien he engaged to teach at the town of Gates, near Roches- ter, N. Y.

In the spring of 1843, acting under the advice of Mr. Monroe, an officer of the school district and a warm personal friend, Mr. Crofoot entered as a

student the law office of General II. L. Stevens, then one of the most prominent lawyers of Roches- ter. Ile continued his law studies there for a pe- riod of three years, teaching school during the win- ter seasons, and also attended to various suits in the justices' courts, and some matters in the pub- lic courts. In the spring of 1845, Gen. Stevens had business which called him to Michigan, and and soon after removed his family to Pontiac, en- gaging in the practice of law at that place.

Mr.Crofoot continued at Rochester in earnest pur- suit of his studies. Seven years of preparation were then required to gain admission to the bar, yet four years might be allowed for the study of the clas- sies. During the fall of 1845 he was persuaded by Gen. Stevens to remove to Pontiac. In the winter of 1846 he was admitted to the bar, and con- tinued in the regular practice of his profession up to 1879, when he retired from active practice owing to ill-health. In 1848 he was elected Probate Judge for Oakland County, and re-elected in 1852, serv- ing eight years. In 1862 he became Prosecuting Attorney, aud in 1864 was re-elected to that office. He was connected with most of the public enter- prises in Pontiac, and gave much encouragement and attention to the public schools. He was also interested in the Oakland County Agricultural So- ciety, of which he was an officer for some years. He was one of the Building Commissioners for the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, at Pontiac, and was one of the Board of Trustees for the administration of the asylum for a number of years. HIe, with Col. J. Sumner Rogers, projected the Orchard Lake Military Academy, which was opened in September, 1877, and has since taken rank as one of the best educational institutions of the country for boys and young men. He believed in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and in the Biblical doctrines, with no sectarian connection or preju- dice, but was an attendant of the Episcopal Church.

He married on the 29th of October, 1849, Miss Annie E. Fitch, daughter of Lodowick Fitch, Esq., of Bloomfield. N. Y. They had seven children -four sons and three daughters. Six of the children are living, as follows: Charles M., born at Pontiac, now in mercantile business at that place ;

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Margaret S., the wife of Mr. William J. Evans, re- siding in London, England, died in December. 1890, in New York City ; Lewis W., now practicing law in Dakota; Mary F., residing at home; Lo- dowick F .. Omaba, Neb., who was admitted to the Oakland County bar in 1887; and Sarah E., who resides at the family homestead at Pontiac. Mr. C'rofoot gained a distinguished place in his profes- sion, and early showed special power as a jurist. He was admitted to practice at Rochester. N. Y. in 1846, and in the Oakland County courts on February 12, 1848.

His first great ease was the trial of the Bismuth murder case (so-called), wherein he gained much celebrity in the defense of the accused and pro- cured the acquittal of his client. In addition to his practice at Pontiac, he opened an office in De- troit, and continued his practice in both places. spending much of his time, however, at Detroit. Hle was one of the leading members of the Oak- land County bar, meeting with markel success. Ile was a member of the Democratic party, and in former years took an active and leading part in po- litical matters, but during the latter ten years of his life was not an active politician.

C ORNELIUS BROOKS. who is a Brit- ish- American citizen and the head of an influential family in Southfield Township, was born in Berkshire, England, near Reading, Oc- tober 24. 1823. Ilis father was Charles Brooks, a shoemaker by trade and a great singer and musi- cian, being a member of a choir in England, where he died when this son was but three years old. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Jane Perkins. sur- vived him for many years, and died in Reading when about seventy years old.

The subject of this sketch is the third in a fam- ily of four sons and the only one now living. Ile left home when sixteen years old to learn the trade of a carpenter in London. After serving there for two years he came to America in 1841. He worked at his trade in JJersey City. N. J., and then a little later learned the weaver's trade. In 1842

he came to Michigan and lived in Lapeer County for two years. He then came to Southfield Town- ship, and located on section 11, in September, 1841. llere he worked out by the month, the first year at 85 per month, the second year at $6 and the third year at $9. The young men of to- day probably think they could not live on such wages. But this enterprising and frugal young man, not only lived, but laid up money.

Mr. Brooks bought the farm where he now re- sides in 1816. There was then a log house on the place. The lady who became Mrs. Brooks in No- vember. 1847, was Mary A., a daughter of James and Mary (Stewart) Robb. She was born in Orange County. N. Y., April 11, 1829. She was bereaved of her mother when about two years old, and was reared by David and Ann (Porter) Stew- art, an unele and aunt. She spent most of her life in Oakland County, being only ten years old when she came to Michigan. She attended school in the first log schoolhouse that was ever built on section 11, and here she received her only schooling. She remained with her uncle and aunt until she was mar- ried.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brooks settled on section 16, in a little log house, 18x24 feet in di- mensions. This first home was destroyed by fire in the following June, and the young couple set up their home in a little log shanty on the place which had been used for cattle. In the fall they built a new log house which they occupied until 1873. Mr. Brooks then built a frame house where he re- mained until he erected the home in which he now resides. This was built in 1885.

Six children were granted to this worthy couple. Two of them, William and John, died years ago. Those who survive are: David, who resides on section 17, Southfield Township, on a farm of sixty aeres, where he farms and carries on the car- penter's trade; Sarah Jane, a graduate of Birming- ham, has been teaching for eighteen years; James R., the Supervisor of Southfield Township, and School Director, who is a member of the Protest- ant Methodist Church, and Joseph who is an excel- lent musician, who resides with his brother James. James was Treasurer of the township during 1889-90. Ile and his good wife, whose maiden

yours truly John W. Craig.

yours tonly Mary Al. Craig

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name was Augusta Pickering, are the parents of two sons.

Mr. Brooks is a Republican. Both he and his good wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. They are active workers in the Sunday- school and Mr. Brooks is an Elder in the church. This prosperous farmer has one hundred and eighty acres of good land still in his possession, besides having given each of his sons a farm. He had no money when he came into Michigan, and had only $2 when he first made his home in Southfield Township. All his property has been the result of his own industry, frugality and enterprise.

OHN W. CRAIG. Among the bright in- ventive minds which have made America known throughout the world as the land of inventions and the source of labor-sav- ing machinery, may be counted that of our sub- ject, whose portrait, with that of his estimable wife, appears in this connection. The inventions which he has already produced are coining money for him and for others, and he is still at work upon plans which he believes will rival those he has already produced. He makes his home in Oxford, Oakland County, Mich.

The subject of this sketch was born in Ann Arbor February 11, 1844, and is the son of Rob- ert S. and Ann H. (Grenville) Craig, natives of Scotland and England respectively. Mrs. Craig crossed the Atlantic in 1826, coming here with her parents, and Mr. Craig arrived about the same time. He was a merchant who located and pur- sued that business at Ann Arbor. IIe died at Ilowell, Mich., in 1872, but his widow still sur- vives. To them were born eight children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth.

Jolin W. Craig was given excellent school ad- vantages and pursued a medical course with Dr. Huntingdon, but the opening of the Civil War broke up his calculations in the line of a profes- sional career. In lieu thereof he took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Chi- cago, and afterward clerked in a store in the Gar-

den City two years. He took a pleasure trip to Washington, D. C., and not only found employ- ployment in a store but also there found a wife in the person of Mary M. Malloy, to whom he was married October 15, 1865. In Washington he was engaged in cigar manufacturing and the tobacco trade. In 1869 he left the National Capital and went into business at Saginaw, Mich., but after two years returned to Washington.

The milling business next attracted the atten- tion of this enterprising young man, and com- ing to Pontiac in 1872, he bought what was called the White Rose Mill. After three years he returned to Washington, D. C., and engaged in mill machinery business, having become inter- ested in a wheat cleaning machine of which he seeured the patent. In 1879 he went to Canada and engaged in milling at Listowell. In 1881 he built a mill at Port Elgin, Canada, which he sold in 1884 and went to Hamilton, Canada, to work a patent he had taken ont himself. Ile sold out his Canada interest and came to Michigan, engag- ing in business at . Detroit in 1883. Four years later he came to Oxford.

While in Detroit Mr. Craig invented an auto- matie feeder for roller mills, which has come into quite general use in such mills. His sales on this patent have amounted to over $100,000, and he still enjoys a royalty on the invention. The idea of this automatic feeder came just in the nick of time, not only to enhance the fortunes of our subject, but also to forward the milling interests. He built the Craig Automatic Roller Mills at Oxford at an expense of 845,000, and having a capacity of three hundred barrels per day. Mr. A. M. Varney went into business with Mr. Craig in 1886, and together they owned the mill and also the electric plant of Oxford, a five hundred-light plant, which was started last December at a cost of $7,000.

Mr. and Mrs. Craig have been blessed by the birth of four interesting children: Mildred II., Iola, Louise I. and John W., Jr. Iola died at the age of four years. To the surviving children have been given excellent opportunities for education. The son has taken a business course at Detroit and is now book-keeper and cashier for his father.

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Mr. Craig's pohtiest convictions are with the Democratic party. Ile is an earnest and active member of the Christian Church, and he and his household are influential in the social circles of Oxford.

The attention of the reader is invited to a view of the fine mill which Mr. Craig owns and oper- ates, and which represents one of the most im- portant industries of Oakland County.

ENRY BIRGE. Fortunate is the boy who, thrown upon his own resources at an early age, has the skill to do and the strength to endure until he acquires a footing among men; more fortunate he who combines with his man- ual skill and bodily strength the moral principles and self-respect that bring with his financial success the esteem of those who know him. Such were the fortunate qualifications of Mr, Birge in youth and they assisted him in gaining his present enviable position as an influential and well-to-do citizen of Waterford Township. Through dint of unremit- ting industry he has acquired a competency and is well known as the owner and operator of a line farmi of one hundred and eighty acres on section 3.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Birge was born October 21, 1816, and when four years old was taken to New York by his parents. William and Minerva (Fox) Birge. The father was born in Connecticut and came of patriotic stock, his ances- tors taking part in the Revolutionary War and his brothers in the War of 1812. He was reared on a farm and in manhood followed the trade of a clothier. In company with his wife. also a native of Connecticut, he removed to Pennsyl- vania, where they remained until 1820. Their family included nine children, of whom five sur- vive. One brother died in the Mexican War and another in the Civil War.

At the age of twelve years Henry Birge went from the parental roof to live with his uncle, Dana Fox, and in his home he remained two years. lle then worked for a MIr. Strong four years, and

afterward for eight years worked from place to place, wherever he could find employment. In 1836 he came to Michigan and worked by the month in Waterford Township until 1838, being for a time on a farm and also finding employment in a saw-mill. In July, 1837, accompanied by his two older brothers, he went to Wisconsin and there each pre-empted a quarter section of land at Whitewater. The country then was in the prime- val state of nature, untouched as yet by the refin- ing influences of civilization, and Mr. Birge and four others, including his two brothers, were com- pelled to cut roads through the woods from Mil- waukee to Whitewater. Hle plowed the first fur- row and sowed the first wheat in the county of Walworth.

In October, 1838, Mr. Birge returned to this State and worked land on shares until 1814, when his carefully hoarded earnings enabled him to buy a farm in Pontiac Township. Ilis father, whom he had left in New York, came West in 1845 and found a home in Wisconsin, whither his two oldest sons before mentioned had gone. Ile remained with them about ten years, then came to Michigan and resided with his son, our subject, until his death in 1874. The mother had accompanied her husband to Wisconsin, but remained only a short time, returning thence to her former home in New York, and making her home with her eldest daughter until her death in 1857.

Mr. Birge continued to manage his farm in Pon- tiac Township until 1848, when he sold out and removed to Lansing. There he was for two years engaged as the proprietor of a livery stable, but not finding the occupation congenial be sold out the business and bought a farin on section 16, Wa- terford Township, where he made his home about two years. We next find him the owner and oper- ator of a farm in West Bloomfield Township, whence, after a sojourn of ten months, he removed to Waterford Township and here he has continued to reside. The intervening years have been busily employed in the diligent pursuit of the duties de- volving upon him, and he now has substantial outbuildings. good machinery and everything con- venient for carrying on farming.

In 1819 Miss Sarah Staples was born in Tomp-

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kins County. N. Y., and at the early age of twelve years was deprived of a mother's loving eare. In 1836 she accompanied her father to Michigan, where he located in Waterford Township and fol- lowed his trade of a cooper. He died in 1853. Prior to that, Miss Sarah was united in marriage, in December, 1838, with Henry Birge, whose intel- ligent co-laborer and loving helpmate she has since remained. Six children were born to them, viz: Fannie, born in 1839, married William Coffron, a lumber dealer in North Branch, Lapeer County, and also an extensive farmer; Minerva, born in 1842, died in 1859; John W., born in 1845, mar- ried Eliza Van Campen, and they are living with our subject; George S., born in 1847, is married and a farmer in Kansas; Jennie, born in 1849, married Jolin Swift, present Surveyor of Emmet County; Minnie, born in 1851, married William R Drewatt. a farmer living in White Lake Township. The children all received good common school educa- tions ; John had in addition two years tuition in Pontiac High School and one and one-half years in Horicon, Wis .; Jennie attended the Clarkston graded school four terms. Mr. Birge has held several township offices, has served as Treasurer two years and has been elected Justice of the Peace but has never qualitied. Hle casts his vote with the Demo- eratie party and is ever to be relied upon to assist any movement for the benefit of the community, Ilis first vote was east for Martin Van Buren and he has never failed on any account to east his vote for every Democratic candidate for President since.

ITTTTITIR

UMPHREY HICKEY. One of the well- known residents of the village of Royal Oak is Mr. Ilickey, who was for eleven years engaged in business here, conducting a livery stable and having the contract for carry- ing the mail. Prior to his coming to the village he was engaged in farming for some time. He also became known for his labors in behalf of order and good government, as he filled the position of Deputy Sheriff for eleven years. Hle has a good property. including eight lots in the village, and is

able to enjoy the rest which is so proper for those who are advancing in years and who have worked hard and well.

The father of Mr. Hickey bore the name of James and was born in New York in 1788. He came to this State about 1837 and located in De- troit, where he remained two years. Thence he came to this county and spent three years in Troy Township, and thence he came to Royal Oak. About 1840 he bought eighty acres of land in Waterford Township. He divided his time and attention between preaching the Gospel and carry- ing on agricultural work. He was first married in 1818 to Rboda Thompson, who died in New York in 1826. The union resulted in the birth of two sons and two daughters. In 1827 Mr. Hickey was again married, his bride being Juliette Babcock, elder child of George Babcock and a native of New York, born December 25, 1809. She bore him six children. of whom our subject is the see- ond. Having been bereft of his former compan- ion, Mr. Ilickey was married in 1844 to Mrs. Be- thiah Dean, widow of Alanson Dean. of New York. Mr. Hickey died December 15, 1851, and lis widow survived until August. 1890. and reached her ninety-first year.

The subject of this notice was born June 15, 1830, and came to this State in his boyhood. Ilis youth was spent in the customary manner. the hours being devoted to study, work and play, so that he grew to a vigorous manhood and had practical knowledge with which to begin his work in the world. He started out for himself when twenty years old, working on a farm at $13 per month, and about two years later he bought & forty-acre farm in Southfield Township. He oeeu- pied the place two years, then removed to Pontiac and spent about the same length of time in mason's work. Then returning to Southfield he resumed farming and remained there seven years, after which he spent a twelvemonth in operating a forty-acre farm that he had purchased in Wayne County. Ile next came to the village of Royal Oak and engaged in the business before mien- tioned.

During the year 1850 Mr. Hickey was married to Ilarriet A. Hutchins, daughter of John and

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Asenath (Gregory ) Hutchins. The bride was born November 13, 1833, and was the third daughter and child in a family of seven. She has looked well to the ways of her household, and has done all that she could to prepare her children for the doties which would lie before them when they had grown to maturity. She has had five sons and two daughters, but two sons have been taken away by death. George, who was the second born, died when one year and two months old; Charles li., whose death occurred December 27. 1868, was the seventh son on the family roll. The surviving children are James. Harriet A. John C., George H1. and Ella N. Harriet is the wife of ( lark Fay and Ella married Charles Ruttle. The devoted wife and mother was called hence August 11, 1886.

Mr. Hickey is a Democrat and has been a work- ing member of the local party, which he has rep- resented as a delegate in county conventions many times. He was Collector of Taxes in Southtiekl Township two terms and his duties were dis- charged during the war. In 1866 he joined the Masonic Lodge in Redford. Wayne County, and was sent as a delegate to the Grand Lodge, but in 1868 he took a demit and has now identified him- self with Birmingham lodge. No. 44. For eighteen years he was connected with the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and he still holds the letter of com- mendation that was given him at that time.

6 HOMAS W. MORRISON, a one-armed sol- dier of the Civil War, and the owner of one of the neatest forty-acre farms in Oakland County, resides in a new and cozy home of modern style and construction in Oxford Township. On another page appears a view of this residence and the pleasant rural surroundings. The grounds sur- rounding this house are laid out with taste and are adorned with shrubbery and flowers.

Mr. Morrison was born in Rochester. N. Y .. Feb- ruary 20, 1842. His father was a native of the Isle-of-Man. where he was born in 1810. and came to America in 1825. He was a shoemaker by trade, and made his home in Rochester, where he died in

1852, having led a life of industry and integrity, and having been an earnest and conscientious mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife's maiden name was Mary Kneal, and she was also a native of the Isle-of-Man.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Rochester until he was about twelve years old when he began work in Bennett's Furnace in Rochester, where he staid three years. He learned the trade of a moulder here. But the Civil War now broke out and the youth enlisted in April, 1861, in the Twenty-seventh New York In- fantry, under Gen. Slocum, and in August, 1862, he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighth New York. Ile was in the first battle of Bull Run and lost his right arm at Antietam through a wound received from a minie ball. lle lay for more than a year in the hospitals at Washington and in New York City, and finally received his discharge in 186.1.

After returning from the army Mr. Morrison spent some time in Rochester and held the office of Health Officer for one year, Constable for one year, and was Coroner of the County for twelve years. He was also engaged in the shoe business for three years. In 1880 he came to Michigan and locating at Oxford, made his home on a farm on section 29. llis marriage took place in 1867, when he took to wife Viola Sharp, who was born in Monroe County, N. Y. No children have blessed this home. Mrs. Morrison is an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Morrison is independent in politics. The order and splendid condition of his farm speak loudly for the energy and system of this farmer who is able to do with one hand more than many who have more hands and less brains and determination.

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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 94

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

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