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 99
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The political sympathies of our subject are with
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RESIDENCE OF DAVID BINGHAM, SEC.5., SOUTHFIELD TP., OAKLAND CO., MICH.
" HICKORY GROVE STOCK FARM" RESIDENCE OF JAMES H. ROCKWELL, SEC.9, BLOOMFIELD TP., OAKLAND CO., MICH.
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the Republican party and he has held some minor town offices. He and his good wife are both efficient and active members of the Baptist Church. Ile is identified with the order of the Free and Accepted Masons and with that of the Knights of the Maccabees.
Miss Emma E. Waterbury, of Huron, Wayne County, N. Y., became Mrs. James II. Rockwell December 24, 1874. She was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., November 22, 1848, and is a daughter of John D. and Emma (Adams) Water- bury. both natives of New York. Mrs. Rockwell died May 8, 1887, having been the mother of one child, Hial D., who is now twelve years of age.
AVID BINGHAM, one of the enterprising farmers of Southfield Township, is located on section 25, where he owns one hundred and six acres of land. He paid $8,200 for the place, and it is one of the best regulated in this section of the country. A complete line of farm buildings, including some not generally seen, even on good farms, will be found here, and all are first- class in construction and appointments. Mr. Bing- ham carries on general farming, and markets crops that are fully up to the average. IIe keeps some very fine sheep, now having fifty head, and other stock in proportion.
The parents of our subject were John and Ann (Patrick ) Bingham, natives of the mother country, in which they spent their lives. They had two daughters and four sons, and in their family David is the fifth child. He was born in Lincolnshire on a farm near Boston, March 19, 1839, and grew to the age of eighteen years at his native place. Be- lieving that better opportunities would lie before him in America, he turned his back on his native land and crossed to New York. Ile remained in the city three months, then came to Pontiac, and for seven months was employed in the hard- ware store of R. B. Morris. He remained in the county seat four years, then worked on the farm of M. E. Crowfoot one year. He next bought prop- erty in Bloomfield Township and established his
home there, remaining from 1862 to 1869. Thence he went to West Bloomfield Township, where be resided eight years, and at the expiration of that period came to his present home.
In 1860 Mr. Bingham was married to Miss Eliza Foreman, a native of England, and to them were born three sons and two daughters. The first-born, William J., died at the age of nineteen; Lorenzo, who is living on a farm in Southfield Township, is married and has three children; George is Assist- ant Postmaster in Franklin; Addie is the wife of Ezra Bristle, a farmer in Southfield Township; and Ida, her twin, married John Rainey of the same township.
Mr. Bingham took for his second wife Miss Mary E. Simpson, with whom he was united in marriage January 25, 1871. Two children were born to them : Charles A., who is at home, and Floy E., de- ceased. Mrs. Bingham is the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Patton) Simpson, who were mar- ried April 18, 1838, in New York City. Two years after their marriage they came to this county and settled in West Bloomfield, where they died. They were the parents of six children, all of whom grew to maturity, as follows: John P., George A .. Mary E., Margaret A., Sarah M. and Rebecca B. A most estimable lady, Mrs. Bingham is held in respect by her numerous acquaintances, and her refinement and culture fit her to grace any position in life.
Politically Mr. Bingham is a believer in and sup- porter of the principles of Democracy. Ile has been enterprising and energetic, and although he is sometimes called a lucky man, his success has not been won without effort on his part. He is well re- spected by his associates, and is a law-abiding and reliable citizen.
The view of the pleasant homestead of Mr. Bing- ham appears elsewhere in this volume.
$ PENCER B. GRAY. Few men in Pontiac Township have made a single tract of land their home for as many years as has the gentleman above named. IIc occupies the homestead on which his father, Daniel Gray, settled
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in 1830, and where he himself passed through the experiences of boyhood and youth. The early struggles endured by his parents, laid the founda- tion for the beautiful farm of to-day, and the present owner has capably continued the work that was already under way when the father died. The farm consists of two hundred acres of fine land which has made this county so prosperous an agri- cultural region, and it is well stocked in every respect. In 1880, an elegant farm house of mod- ern design and arrangement was built, and it has been furnished throughout with the best and most tasteful of household goods.
Mr. Gray was born in Steuben County, N. Y., October 13, 1828, and is the youngest and only surviving member of a family of seven. His father was born in the Empire State, and his mother, whose maiden name was Charity Reynolds, was also a native of New York. The parents after spending years of life together, were not long divided by death, as both passed away in 1865. They were honored members of the Baptist Church, and had been industrious, economical and useful members of society. When they came hither they had but limited means, and they sometimes had a hard struggle to " make both ends meet," but as the country became more populous, they attained to more and more of comfort, and were included among the successful families. Mr. Gray entered land in Pontiae Township, and bought a small traet on which stood a log house that was the family dwelling for a few years. Detroit was then the nearest market, and many a trip did he make to and fro with his ox-team.
The subject of this notice having been reared during the early settlement of this county, has a vivid remembrance of pioneer times. While con- ning his lessons he sat on a slab bench in a dingy log school-house, but he became practically well in- formed by his studies there and investigations at home. As soon as he was old enough to aid his father in clearing and improving the farm, he began to do so, and after having grown to manhood he, in 1852, bought the property. He is a quiet man who makes no display of his opinions, but has re- markably good judgment, both in agricultural and social matters. Ile harvests erops that will equal
in quality and quantity any in the neighborhood, and raises good stoek, the Durham being his favor- ite breed of cattle, He easts his vote with the Democratie party. Ilis personal character is such as to have given him high standing in the commun- ity, and he exerts a strong influence on the side of right and justice, and in favor of progress and thoroughness in one's vocation.
Mr. Gray was fortunate in his choice of a life companion, as the creature comforts and the home attractiveness in his dwelling testify. He was married in March, 1860, to Miss Harriet Babcock who was born in this county in 1840, and is the only living representative of the family of Curtis and Permelia (Swallow) Babcock. Her parents were early settlers in West Bloomfield Township, where they are still well remembered. Mr. Babcock died in 1882 and his wife in 1883, both full of years and honor. They were natives respectively of New York and New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are the happy parents of two daughters-Ettie and Minnie-the latter of whom still brightens the parental fireside by her presence. The older lives in the neighboring village of Au- burn, being the wife of Fred Durant.
LMON HOSMER. a farmer and breeder of Short-horn cattle, resides on one of the finest farms in the township of West Bloom- field. He is the son of Jacob and Asenath ( Wait) Hosmer, and was born on the place where he now lives, December 17, 1841. The Hosmers came to Michigan early in the '30s, and settled on this farm, which at that time was wild land. In 1869 they left the farm and removed to Pontiac, where the father died in 1871, at the age of sixty- nine years. Ilis wife still survives at the ripe age of eighty-four years. The father came to Michi- gan, poor, and on foot most of the way from New York. He died a man of large means, all of which he had acquired through his own efforts. Ile gave his children as good an education as the new coun- try afforded, and provided homes for all of them. He was very strong in his political views and was
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a Whig in his early life, and later a Republican. Ile and his wife were both possessed of sterling Christian characters. They were members of the Baptist Church at the time he died, but she is now connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pontiac. Seven children blessed their home, namely : Cyrus, Melissa, Ranson, Lovisa, Nelson, Almon and Lorinda.
The life occupation of our subject has been agri- culture. He has one of the finest farms in Oakland County, which consists of three hundred acres in one body. Ile has a large two-story residence, three excellent barns and other good farm buildings. His place is one of the best improved in the town- ship, and for a number of years he has been giving considerable attention to the breeding of Short- horn cattle and Clydesdale horses. Ile is a Re- publican in his political views, but takes no active part in politics.
Miss Sarah Hall of West Bloomfield Township, became the wife of Mr. Hosmer, December 21, 1864. She was born in England, and is the daughter of George and Jane Hall. She has be- come the mother of four children. Her eldest daughter, Mettie, is the wife of J. C. F. Hollister, of the Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake. The son, Lloyd, and the younger daughters Mollie and Margie are twins, all are single, and with their parents constitute a happy household upon the home farm.
HIERMAN WILLIAMS, a resident of Royal Oak Township, was born August 2, 1825. His father, David, was a Welsh far- mer, who was born in 1788 and came to America about 1795, settling with his parents in IIerkimer County, N. Y. Ile started in life for him- self when only twelve years old, and in 1823 came to Michigan and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Royal Oak Township and had his deed signed by John Q. Adams.
After locating his land the young man returned to New York to secure his bride and to bring her to the new home. This lady was Mrs. Betsey Me-
Farland, the widow of John McFarland, by whom she had one daughter, Esther, who became the wife of James J. Parshall and makes her home in Ann Arbor, Mich. Upon coming to Michigan with bis wife, David Williams located another one hundred and sixty acres. Ilis politics in early life were of of the Whig order. Ile cast his last Presidential vote for Grant and passed away September 8, 1870.
No daughters were granted to this worthy cou- ple, but five manly boys were theirs, of whom our subject is the eldest. They were as follows: Sher- man, born August 2, 1825; John R., born in Feb- ruary, 1827; George, in 1829; David, in May, 1834, and Addison in 1836. John is living near St. Louis and is in the railroad business; George resides near Pontiac, and David lives on a farm near our subject, in Royal Oak Township. Addi- son has been dead for some years.
Upon reaching his majority young Sherman be- came a fisherman and passed three summers on Lake Huron. lle then went to farming on the old place. llis marriage took place October 24, 1862, and his bride was Mary, daughter of Ira and Polly (Palmer) Smith. Mr. Smith was a farmer in Ver- mont, where he was born September 18, 1800. In 1823-24 he came to Michigan and located land in Troy Township. Ile then returned to New York, and after his marriage in 1825, returned to make his home on his new farm. Their six chil- dren were Cyrus, Emily L., Mary, Jane, Ann, Lewis G. Cyrus lives in Oregon and is a farmer; Jane is the widow of Michael Ebling, of Troy Township, and Lewis G. lives at Big Beaver. The parents of Mrs. Smith were David and Mary V. Palmer, and were natives of Canada, where their daughter was born May 9, 1876.
Sherman and Mary Williams became the parents of four children-one son and three daughters: Nellie, who was born August 10, 1863, was called away from carth January 13, 1879 : J. S., born De- cember 30, 1864; Emma, September 17,1867; Grace A., born October 10, 1873, died January 9, 1879; Emma is the wife of Frank Leach and resides near her father's farm, and the son makes his home with his parents.
This gentleman of whom we write had one hun- dred and sixty acres given him by his father.
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l'pon this he has placed excellent farm buildings, and in 1863 he built his house at a cost of $1,500. It is a beautiful and attractive home. He is mak- ing a specialty of Jersey cattle and Clydesdale horses. Ilis ten horses and twenty head of cattle are of excellent stock and are well housed in his good barns. He has two hundred and fifty acres of as good land as is in Oakland County. and it is finely situated for markets, being only fourteen miles from Detroit. Mr. Williams has been Treas- urer of Royal Oaks for five different terms. Ilis first vote for a President was for Zachary Taylor and his last for Benjamin Harrison. His long res- idence in the county and his agency for a farmer's insurance company give him a broad acquaintance throughout the county, and he is favorably re- garded by all who know him.
R ILEY C. SHAW. a prosperous farmer in Novi Township, is the son of Philip Shaw. a native of Brighton, Mass., who was born in 1781, and was a soldier of the War of 1812. being a member of an independent company. Ilis wife was Chloe Foster, and they were married in Bristol, Ontario County, N. Y., her native State, and made their home there until they came to Michi- gan in 1830, traveling by boat to Detroit, and then by ox-team to the farm upon which their son now resides.
The patent to this tract of one hundred and sixty acres was signed by Andrew Jackson. The Indians were peaceable and friendly, and deer. bears and wolves were often more neighborly than might be desired. Money, however, was very scarce, and they saw hard times especially the first year. After that there was plenty to cat. but hard labor continued their lot. The timber was very heavy on the farm, and they cleared off all the forest during the lifetime of the father. In this work he was ably aided by his four stalwart sons. Ile lived here about forty-six years. and died in 1877. at the very advanced age of ninety-six years. Hle was a rugged strong man, and had an iron consti- tution. Ilis beloved wife was taken from him by
death, in January, 1832, and he ever mourned her Joss with faithful devotion. The early history of this old pioneer was one of affliction and privation, as he lost his father when he was an infant of nine months. and when only nine years old he was bound out to a farmer until he reached his majority. Ile was a Democrat in politics. He took a great interest in the education of his chil- dren, and gave them all the schooling that he could. Of his eleven children, only three now survive. namely : William, our subject, and Nancy .Jane, all of whom live in Novi.
The subject of this sketch was born, April 12. 1817, in the township of Bristol, Ontario County, N. Y. He was thirteen years old when he became a resident of the Wolverine State. He began using the ax at once, and kept it going until the farm was cleared. Hle attended a rate bill school in one of the first log schoolhouses built in the town- ship. He remained at home until he was twenty- four years old. but in the meantime had worked out by the month for others occasionally. To obtain spending money, he made ax helves and ox yokes. He has made many an ox yoke for ex-Gov. Bingham, who was then an extensive farmer.
Miss Rebecca Rodgers, became, in 1841, the wife of Mr. Shaw. This lady was a daughter of James Rodgers, of Pennsylvania who came from New York State to Michigan early in the '30s. and settled in Novi Township, not long before bis deatlı. Ilis five sons, who made their home in the same vicinity have now all departed this life. Mrs. Shaw was born in December, 1816, in New York State. The first home of the young wedded couple was across the road from her father's house, in a new log house.
When Philip Shaw retired from active labor, our subject bought eighty acres of his farm, and after- ward purchased the other eighty, after which his father made his home with him. Ile now owns three hundred and forty acres of land, two hundred and fifteen of which is under good cultivation. IJe has remodeled and repaired the old residence and has made improvements to the barns, sheds etc. HIe has also built the house where his son, James now resides, and put up all the buildings on the farm on section 15, where his son Richmond lives.
Sincerely yours Mars Simon Stowell
yours Truly Sinon Stowell
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He has carried on this farin for nearly fifty years. At one time he made a specialty of graded sheep and Durham cattle. His faithful wife was called from his side by death, October 1, 1877. They were the parents of four children. The youngest child a girl, died at fifteen years of age.
The son, Richmond, lives on section 17, and has a wife, Julia Entrecon, and one child. James re- sides on the home farm with his wife, Lavina Clark. John married Edna Haver, and also resides on this farm. They are all highly respected in the community. Their father prepared them for life by giving them good practical training, and a good common-school education.
Mr. Shaw has been a member of the School Board in this district, and has been Highway Com- misioner. He was offered the position of Super- visor, but declined to accept it, but was for many years on the Board of Review. He has always voted the Democratic ticket. He had a severe illness two years ago, and has never recovered full strength, and has therefore retired from active work, which he can safely leave in the hands of his industrious and intelligent sons.
S IMON STOWELL, a retired farmer, resides in Pontiac, where his fine residence attracts the attention of strangers. He was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in the town of Gates, January 2. 1821. His father was Ira Stow- ell, a native of New Hampshire, where he was born August 22, 1785. Ile was a farmer most of his life. The mother of onr subject was Eunice Coburn. She was born in the town of Cornish, Sullivan County, N. H., April 23, 1790, and was the fourth daughter of Merrill aud Abigail Coburn. She was married to Ira Stowell, October 4, 1814, in the town of Cornish, Sullivan County, N. H. In 1815 they removed to Monroe County, N. Y., and made their home in the town of Gates near Roches- ter.
The western fever took hold seriously upon Ira Stowell, and in September, 1826, he and his wife removed to this State and located in Pontiac Town-
ship, Oakland County. They journeyed by canal to Buffalo, by boat to Detroit, and then across the country with a wagon. In 1835 they sold their farm and removed to White Lake Township, Oakland County, making their home in the woods. Mr. Stowell went to work with a good will to hew a farm out of the wilderness. Ile cleared the timber, put up good buildings, and here spent the remain- der of his days, which ended April 7, 1861. His wife survived him and made her home with her son Simon, until her death, November 4, 1879. Up to a short time before her decease she was as bright and active as ever, although she was almost ninety years old. Her religious belief was in accord with the doctrines of the Baptist Church. Her husband was a Justice of the Peace under the old territorial law. When Michigan was made a State all able- bodied men were required to join some military company, and Ira Stowell was Captain of a State Militia company. Of their three children, two lived to maturity-Ira J. and our subject.
Simon Stowell was the youngest of the family and attended school first in Pontiac and afterward in Commerce, completing his school days at White Lake. Ile continued under the parental roof until he was almost twenty-six years old. On May 1, 1844, he was united for life with Harriet Web- ster of Pontiac Township. This estimable lady was born October 6, 1824, and was reared to woman- hood in the place of her birth-Pontiac Town- ship. She is the eldest daughter of Chester and Polly M. ( Whitney ) Webster. Her father came to Oakland County in 1821 and bought land from the Government. Ile was a native of Washington County, N. Y., where he first saw the light in West- field, January 13, 1795. His wife, Polly Whitney. was a native of Granville, the same county, and was born January 8, 1798. Both families were of English descent. Chester Webster died August 28, 1884, and his venerable widow survived until No- vember 4, 1887, when she passed away in her ninetieth year. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity and estab- lished homes of their own. Four daughters and two sons are now living.
After marriage, Simon Stowell settled in White Lake Township, this county, on a new farm in the
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woods. Ile cleared and improved it and lived there for twenty years. He then sold and removed to Pontiac Township, buying two hundred and and twenty acres of well-improved land, having upon it good buildings and neat fences. There he carried on general farming and stock-raising, and also operated a flouring-mill on Clinton River. The mill was known by the name of the Legal Tender, but afterward he changed the name to Lower City Mills. This he operated for five years, and then soll it in 1882, devoting his attention en- tirely to farming. He resided on the farm until 1887, when he retired from business and purchased his present home on Clark Street, in the city of Pontiac. This residence is an ornament to the city and is the abode of comfort and hospitality.
Two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Stowell died in infancy and two have grown to woman's estate-Mary M., wife of John R. Taylor, of Pon- tiac, and Eunice I'., wife of E. J. Kelley, a printer, who lives on Saginaw Street. Politically Mr. Stowell is a Democrat, and he cast his first Presi- dential vote for Martin Van Buren and his last for Grover Cleveland.
The following with reference to the father of Mrs. Stowell is taken from a local paper: "On Thursday, August 28,1884.Chester Webster, one of the first settlers of Oakland County, died at his home in the township of Pontiac, in the ninetieth year of his age, after a lingering illness of several months, attributable rather to his extreme old age than to any other cause.
"Mr. Webster was born in Westfield, Washing- ton County, N. Y., January 13, 1795, and re- moved thence when five years old to Fabius, Onon- daga County, N. Y. He remained there until 1821, when he came to Michigan, arriving here October 12 of that year. He at first lived with his uncle Aaron Webster, Auburn, this county, and accompanied Capt. Parks on a surveying ex- pedition to Genesee Couuty in the fall of 1821. Two years later he went back to the State of New York, and returning to Michigan married Miss Polly Matilda Whitney December 7, 1823, in the township of Troy, this county, Johnson Niles, a Justice of the Peace, performing the marriage cere- mony. Mr. Webster at once purchased and im-
proved the farm which was to be bis homestead for the next sixty-one years, the remainder of his life. time."
One of the local papers of January 14, 1876, pub- lished the following with reference to the demise of the brother of Mrs. Stowell: "Mr. Alanson Weh- ster, formerly living nine miles west of Pontiac City, in the town of White Lake, died Friday, Jan- uary 14, 1876, after a protracted illness. Mr. Weh- ster was born August 21, 1827, in the town of Pon- tiac, Oakland County, Mich., and was forty-eight years, four months and twenty-five days old at the time of his death. Ile served upon the Board of Supervisors during the years 1871, 1872 and 1873, and was present during the October session. Hle was elected to the Legislature from the Second District in 1870, and served a term of two years with credit to himself and constituency. Ile was an earnest, straightforward Democrat of the Jack- son style and a gentleman of no mean ability. The funeral was held at the Webster schoolhouse in White Lake at 11 o'clock on Sabbath forenoon. He was a sou of Chester and Polly Matilda ( Whitney) Webster."
The attention of the reader is invited to litho- graphie portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Stowell, pre- sented in connection with this biographical notice.
ILLIAM SATTERLEE. Few men who have reached the age of William Satterlee can say, like him, that they have lived at their birthplace during the entire period. He is located on section 13, Bloomfield Township, where he was born November 25, 1826. Ile is one of the most prominent farmers in the county and by close application to his work he has become thor- oughly skilled in all that pertains thereto, so that his advice and opinions are valned by younger farmers and his example is followed by many. While giving his principal attention to his agricul- tural affairs Mr. Satterlee is serving his fellow-citi- zens as Supervisor, a capacity in which he is now acting for the third term. He is much interested in the work of the Grange, as he believes it a good
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